Polymorphisms of GSTT1 and related genes in head and neck cancer risk

Head Neck. 2004 Jan;26(1):63-70. doi: 10.1002/hed.10342.

Abstract

Background: Glutathione S-transferase T1 detoxifies some environmental carcinogens while activating others and is deleted in 15% to 38% of humans. We sought to determine whether GSTT1 genotype and genotypes of several related genes are associated with risk of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (HNSCC).

Methods: Somatic genotypes for GSTT1, GSTM1, GSTP1, and CYP1A1 were determined in 283 individuals with HNSCC and 208 population-based controls.

Results: The OR for presence of GSTT1 was 1.6 (CI, 1.1-2.5, p = 0.03). HNSCC risk was not associated with GSTM1 null genotype, the presence of the GSTP1 Val/Val genotype, or the Val/Val homozygous genotype for CYP1A1. Stratified analysis revealed disparate ORs for women (OR, 3.0; CI, 1.5-6.3) and men (OR, 1.2; CI, 0.7-2.1) for the presence of GSTT1.

Conclusions: In this population, the presence of GSTT1 gene was associated with a significant increase in the risk of HNSCC. This association was particularly robust in women.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / epidemiology
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / genetics*
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Female
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease*
  • Genotype
  • Glutathione Transferase / genetics*
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / epidemiology
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Polymorphism, Genetic*
  • Risk Factors
  • Sex Factors
  • Smoking / epidemiology
  • White People / genetics

Substances

  • glutathione S-transferase T1
  • Glutathione Transferase