Background: Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. A number of studies have examined the role of genetic polymorphisms in the risk of DLBCL, and several variants have been identified as potential susceptibility genes, of those glutathione-S-transferases T1 and M1 (GSTT1 and GSTM1).
Aim of the work: The aim of the current study was to investigate the influence of inherited genetic polymorphisms of GSTM1 and GSTT1 genes on the susceptibility to DLBCL in Egypt.
Methods: Genotyping of the candidate genes was performed for 71 Egyptian DLBCL patients and 100 age- and gender-matched healthy controls by multiplex polymerase chain reaction technique.
Results: The frequencies of GSTT1 null, GSTM1 null, and dual null genotypes among DLBCL patients were 47.9, 52.1, and 23.9 % respectively.
Conclusion: GSTT1 null genotype conferred almost fourfold increased risk of DLBCL (OR = 3.9, 95 % CI = 1.97-7.75), and the risk increased when confined to male patients (OR = 4.4, 95 % CI = 1.57-12.63), while GSTM1 null genotype was not associated with DLBCL risk. Further studies on the functional consequences of GSTT1 and GSTM1 genetic polymorphisms would pave the way to declare their role in the pathogenesis of DLBCL or as possible predictors for response to therapy.