GSTM1 and GSTT1 polymorphisms, tobacco and risk of lung cancer: a case-control study from Galicia, Spain.
BACKGROUND
Only 15% of heavy smokers go on to develop lung cancer, indicating the existence of individual predisposition.


METHODS
Using a case-control study, we ascertained whether there were differences between cases and controls in the frequency of GSTM1 and GSTT1 gene polymorphisms, and whether their effect might be linked to smoking habit.


RESULTS
While a risk of lung cancer of 1.7 (1.0-3.0) was observed for GSTM1 gene deficiency, there appeared to be no such association for absence of the GSTT1 gene. The interaction observed with tobacco use indicated an excess risk of 24.5% (IC 95%-59.8-109.0) for the GSTM1 gene, with no such interaction in evidence for the GSTT1 gene. The highest risk for a combination of the different haplotypes was for subjects with the GSTT1 gene present and the GSTM1 gene deleted, with an Odds Ratio of 2.19 (1.18-4.07).


CONCLUSIONS
The absence of the GSTM1 gene is, while that of the GSTT1 gene is seemingly not, implicated in susceptibility to lung cancer.
Ruano-Ravina
A
A
Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15705 Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
Figueiras
A
A
Loidi
L
L
Barros-Dios
J M
JM
D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005260:Female; D005982:Glutathione Transferase / Q000235:genetics*; D006239:Haplotypes; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000201:enzymology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000235:genetics; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000235:genetics
D005982:Glutathione Transferase; C413545:glutathione S-transferase T1