Null genotypes of GSTM1 and GSTT1 and endometriosis risk: a meta-analysis of 25 case-control studies

PLoS One. 2014 Sep 10;9(9):e106761. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0106761. eCollection 2014.

Abstract

Endometriosis is one of the most frequent benign gynecological disorders. Numerous studies have shown an association between GSTM1 and/or GSTT1 polymorphisms and endometriosis susceptibility. However, these associations remain inconclusive. To derive a more precise estimation, we conducted a comprehensive search to identify all existing studies and then performed a meta-analysis. Electronic literature searches of the PubMed, Chinese Biomedical, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases were performed up to December 2013. GSTM1-, GSTT1-, and dual-null genotypes were analyzed independently, and pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated by comparing the null genotype with other genotypes using the random-effects or fixed-effects model. Twenty-five and 16 independent studies on GSTM1 and GSTT1 polymorphisms, respectively, and five GSTM1-GSTT1 interaction analyses were identified and included in this meta-analysis. Both GSTM1- and GSTT1-null genotypes increased risk of endometriosis (OR = 1.54, 95% CI: 1.30-1.83, P<0.001; OR = 1.41, 95% CI: 1.10-1.82, P = 0.007; respectively). Moreover, we found a significant positive association between the dual null genotype GSTM1-GSTT1 and endometriosis susceptibility (OR = 1.33, 95% CI: 1.03-1.72, P = 0.027). This meta-analysis provides evidence that null genotypes of GSTM1 and/or GSTT1 contribute to risk of endometriosis. Further investigations are required to confirm these findings.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Case-Control Studies
  • Endometriosis / enzymology*
  • Endometriosis / genetics*
  • Female
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease*
  • Glutathione Transferase / genetics*
  • Humans

Substances

  • glutathione S-transferase T1
  • Glutathione Transferase
  • glutathione S-transferase M1

Grants and funding

This study was supported by a grant from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 81271729). The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.