Objective: To study the glutathione-S-tranterase M1 (GSTM1) genotype in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with aflatoxin B1(AFB1) in a high risk region in Guangxi.
Methods: Specific GSTM1 primers and PCR technique were used for the detection of GSTM1 genotype using the peripheral leukocytes. A total of 379 samples was examined including 162 HCC patients whose lesions had been confirmed by pathology, 177 adults of local residents without cancer and 40 young men coming from other places with incidence of HCC.
Results: The frequency of GSTM1-null genotype in HCC patients was 102/162(63%), in local residents it was 92/177(52%) and in young men from outside it was 13/40(33%), which were significantly different.
Conclusion: GSTM1 is one of the pivotal phase II detoxicated enzymes for AFB1. GSTM1 genetic deletion predisposes the individuals to HCC. However, the development of a HCC not only requires a genetic susceptibility, but also a AFB1 highly contaminated environment. The synergism of carcinogenic viruses such as HBV and HCV is also needed. These, when happen to be present together in an area in Guangxi, would lead to a high incidence of HCC.