Genetic Polymorphism of Glutathione S Transferase and Lung Cancer Risk in Northern Romania

Abstract

Background. Polymorphisms for genes encoding glutathione S-transferase (GSTM1/GSTT1) might contribute to the variability in individual susceptibility to lung cancer. The role of GSTM1, and GSTT1 in lung carcinogenesis might be very important in exposure to carcinogens.

Objectives. This is a cross-sectional, randomized, case control study for the evaluation of the frequency of GST (GSTM1/GSTT1 null) alleles among patients with lung cancer.

Subjects. The study included 56 patients diagnosed with lung cancer. (histopathological examination), recruted from the Pneumology Hospital Leon Daniello Cluj and 125 healthy unrelated controls, selected among patients observed in the Internal Medicine Department.

Methods. GSTM1 and GSTT1 allele genotyping was carried out using Multiplex PCR amplification of relevant segment, followed by gel electrophoresis analysis.

Results. The molecular analysis identified GSTM null genotype in lung cancer patients was 53.9% compared to 47.6% of controls (φ=0.060, p=0.413). The prevalence of GSTT null genotype in lung cancer patients was 23.1% compared to 18.5% of controls. (φ=0.054, p=0.461).

Conclusions. The results of our study show no correlation between GSTM1 and GSTT1 null genotypes and lung cancer risk in Northern population of Romania.