Abstract

Association of the GSTT1 polymorphism in upper aerodigestive tract cancer with tobacco smoking

Author(s): T.M. Silva, C.R. Marques, M.F. Marques Filho, A.B. Marques, G. Di Pietro and F. Rios-Santos

Polymorphisms in genes encoding xenobiotic-metaboli- zing enzymes might explain differences in the susceptibility to upper aerodigestive tract (UADT) cancers in individuals exposed to tobacco or other carcinogens. The present study aimed to evaluate the association of polymorphisms in the glutathione S-transferase (GST) candidate genes GSTM1, GSTT1, and GSTP1 with the risk of UADT cancers. GST gene polymorphisms were determined in 116 individuals with UADT cancer and 224 healthy controls using polymerase chain reaction-based methods. The GSTT1-null polymorphism was found to be a protective factor for UADT cancer [(odds ratio (OR) = 0.5, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.27-0.93)], although this association was not confirmed when adjusted for gender, age, smoking, alcoholism, and self-reported skin color in the multivariate logistic regression model (OR = 0.61, 95%CI = 0.29-1.28). The combined effect of GSTT1-positive genotypes with either the GSTP1 wild-type genotype (Ile/Ile) or the GSTP1 variantgenotypes (Ile/Val or Val/Val) increased the risk for UADT cancer (OR = 4.34, 95%CI = 1.06-17.78 and OR = 4.55, 95%CI = 1.12-18.42, respectively). A significant interaction was observed among moderate smokers carrying the GSTT1-positive genotype. In this population, the significant gene-gene and gene-environment interactions of GST polymorphisms may confer a substantial risk to UADT cancers.

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