title: Genetic polymorphisms by deletion in genes that encode for glutathione S-transferases are associated with nicotine dependence and tobacco use-related medical disorders.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We examine the relationship between nicotine dependence (ND) and ND-related medical disease and polymorphisms by deletion in genes that encode glutathione S-transferases (GSTs), e.g. GSTM1 and GSTT1. Individuals with homozygous gene deletions show deficiencies in GSTs enzyme activities impairing detoxification.
  
  
  METHODS
  This study comprised 182 tobacco users and 182 controls (neversmokers). GSTM1 and GSTT1 polymorphisms were assessed using a Multiplex- PCR based protocol.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Logistic regression analyses showed a significant association between ND and the GSTM1 and GSTT1 null genotypes. There were no significant associations between GSTT1, GSTM1 and GSTT1/M1 genetic variants and the Fagerström test for ND, age at onset, smoking cessation or a family history of ND. Patients with ND had increased rates of a family ND history and an increased prevalence of cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and lung disease. The null genotypes were associated with hypertension (i.e. GSTT1 × ND interaction), diabetes type 2 (i.e. GSTM1 × GSTT1 interaction), lung disease (i.e. GSTM1 × ND interaction) and cancer (i.e. GSTT1). The results show that GST null genotypes may confer protection against ND while they increase risk towards ND-related medical disorders.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Medicine, Psychiatry Unit, Health Sciences Center, Londrina State University, University Hospital, Brazil.
authors.forename: Luiz Gustavo Piccoli
authors.initials: LG
authors.lastname: de Melo
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Medicine, Psychiatry Unit, Health Sciences Center, Londrina State University, University Hospital, Brazil.
authors.forename: Heber Odebrecht
authors.initials: HO
authors.lastname: Vargas
authors.affiliation: Center of Approach and Treatment for Smokers, University Hospital, Londrina State University, University Campus, Brazil.
authors.forename: Márcia Regina
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Pizzo de Castro
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathological Sciences, Biological Sciences Center, State University of Londrina, Paraná, Brazil.
authors.forename: Maria Angelica Ehara
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Watanabe
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathological Sciences, Biological Sciences Center, State University of Londrina, Paraná, Brazil.
authors.forename: Roberta Losi
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Guembarovski
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia.
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Maes
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Medicine, Psychiatry Unit, Health Sciences Center, Londrina State University, University Hospital, Brazil.
authors.forename: Sandra Odebrecht Vargas
authors.initials: SO
authors.lastname: Nunes