Significant associations between GSTM1/GSTT1 polymorphisms and nasopharyngeal cancer risk

Glutathione S-transferase theta 1 (GSTT1) deletion polymorphism and susceptibility to head and neck carcinoma: a systematic review with five analyses

Glutathione S-transferase theta 1 (GSTT1) enzyme plays a key role in the neutralization of electrophilic compounds such as carcinogens. Herein, we aimed to evaluate GSTT1 deletion polymorphism and susceptibility to head and neck carcinoma (HNC) according to 107 articles in a systematic review with five analyses. The databases of PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane Library from the beginning of each database until June 21, 2023, with no restrictions to identify pertinent articles. The RevMan 5.3 software was used to calculate the effect sizes, which were displayed as the odds ratio (OR) along with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Both the publication bias and sensitivity analyses were performed using the CMA 3.0 software. A trial sequential analysis (TSA) was conducted. Of the 1966 records retrieved from four databases, 107 articles were included in the analysis. The combined analysis revealed that the pooled OR was 1.28 (95% CI: 1.14 to 1.44; p-value < 0.0001). The pooled OR was highest in mixed ethnicity. Nasopharyngeal cancer had the highest OR (1.84), followed by oral cancer (OR = 1.20), and laryngeal cancer (OR = 1.17). Studies with less than 200 samples had a higher OR compared to those with 200 or more samples. The studies with a quality score of 7 or more had a higher OR compared to those with a score of less than 7. When both age and sex are considered, while the OR of 1.42 is significant, the high heterogeneity suggests caution in interpreting these results. There is no evidence of publication bias. TSA reported that the study does not have sufficient statistical power. This comprehensive meta-analysis revealed a significant association between the GSTT1 null genotype and an increased risk of HNC, with variations based on factors such as ethnicity, cancer type, sample size, control source, and quality score.

Impact of GSTT1 and GSTM1 Polymorphisms in the Susceptibility to Philadelphia Negative Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia

BACKGROUND

Our research aimed to clarify the role of genetic polymorphisms in GST (T1 and M1) in the development of Ph-ve CML.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We report on a case-control study with 126 participants, divided into 26 patients with Ph-ve CML (57.7% male, 42.3% female) and 100 healthy volunteers (51% male, 49% female) with no medical history of cancer as a control population. All Ph-ve CML patients were diagnosed according to standard hematologic and cytogenetic criteria based on CBC, confirmed by Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) to determine the presence or absence of the BCRABL gene, followed by bone marrow (BM) examination.

RESULTS

Of the 26 studied cases, 50% had the GSTT1 null genotype against 21% of the control group, a statistically significant difference (CI= 1.519 - 9.317; p-value= 0.004). The GSTM1 null genotype was detected in 23.1% of cases and 35% of controls, a difference not statistically significant (OR= 0.557; CI= 0.205-1.515; p-value= 0.252). The distribution of GSTT1 and GSTM1 polymorphisms was also examined according to gender, age and ethnic grouping; these findings revealed no statistically significant differences.

CONCLUSION

Our study reveals a strong correlation between GSTT1 polymorphism and Ph-ve CML, whereas the data for GSTM1 polymorphisms indicates no role in the initial development of the disease. More studies are required to further clarify these and other genes' roles in disease development.

Relationship between GSTM1 and GSTT1 polymorphisms and HPV infection: a systematic review

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the most important risk factor for cervical cancer, although not the only one. The allelic polymorphism of enzymes acting on carcinogen metabolism has shown to influence the risk of both intraepithelial lesions and cervical carcinogenesis. Several studies found an association between GSTM1/GSTT1 null genotypes and risk of cancer. This research aimed to review studies addressing the relationship between GSTT1 and GSTM1 and HPV infection in women, with or without cervical pathologies. A database search was conducted in four databases - PubMed, LILACS, SciELO, and Virtual Health Library - using the following descriptors: Glutathione transferase, HPV, and Genetic polymorphism. In total, we found 319 studies. After screening titles and abstracts, 27 articles were selected for full-text read, among which 20 were excluded and 7 were included in the review. No study has exclusively approached the relationship between the virus and GSTM1/GSTT1 variants. However, studies investigating the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and cervical lesions or cancer found a probable relationship between them and infections with high-risk oncogenic subtypes. Although inconclusive, GSTT1 null alleles were more common in women with more aggressive HPV than GSTM1.

Risk factors for Epstein Barr virus-associated cancers: a systematic review, critical appraisal, and mapping of the epidemiological evidence

BACKGROUND

Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) infects 90%-95% of all adults globally and causes ~ 1% of all cancers. Differing proportions of Burkitt's lymphoma (BL), gastric carcinoma (GC), Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) and nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) are associated with EBV. We sought to systematically review the global epidemiological evidence for risk factors that (in addition to EBV) contribute to the development of the EBV-associated forms of these cancers, assess the quality of the evidence, and compare and contrast the cancers.

METHODS

MEDLINE, Embase and Web of Science were searched for studies of risk factors for EBV-associated BL, GC, HL and NPC without language or temporal restrictions. Studies were excluded if there was no cancer-free comparator group or where analyses of risk factors were inadequately documented. After screening and reference list searching, data were extracted into standardised spreadsheets and quality assessed. Due to heterogeneity, a narrative synthesis was undertaken.

RESULTS

9916 hits were retrieved. 271 papers were retained: two BL, 24 HL, one GC and 244 NPC. The majority of studies were from China, North America and Western Europe. Risk factors were categorised as dietary, environmental/non-dietary, human genetic, and infection and clinical. Anti-EBV antibody load was associated with EBV-associated GC and BL. Although the evidence could be inconsistent, HLA-A alleles, smoking, infectious mononucleosis and potentially other infections were risk factors for EBV-associated HL. Rancid dairy products; anti-EBV antibody and EBV DNA load; history of chronic ear, nose and/or throat conditions; herbal medicine use; family history; and human genetics were risk factors for NPC. Fresh fruit and vegetable and tea consumption may be protective against NPC.

CONCLUSIONS

Many epidemiological studies of risk factors in addition to EBV for the EBV-associated forms of BL, GC, HL and NPC have been undertaken, but there is a dearth of evidence for GC and BL. Available evidence is of variable quality. The aetiology of EBV-associated cancers likely results from a complex intersection of genetic, clinical, environmental and dietary factors, which is difficult to assess with observational studies. Large, carefully designed, studies need to be strategically undertaken to harmonise and clarify the evidence.

REGISTRATION

PROSPERO CRD42017059806.

Correlation of GSTM1 gene deletion in joint synovial fluid with the recovery of patients undergoing artificial hip replacement

The present study was designed to investigate the correlation between glutathione S-transferase M1 (GSTM1) gene polymorphism and the recovery of patients undergoing artificial hip replacement. A total of 241 patients including 149 males (61.8%) and 92 females (38.9%) who received artificial hip replacement in People's Hospital of Rizhao between December 2010 and October 2016 were enrolled to serve as the observation group. Patients were divided into two subgroups according to the loss of GSTM1. A total of 80 healthy subjects who udenrwent a physical examination in our hospital at the same period were selected to serve as the control group. The control group included 41 males (51.25%) and 39 females (48.75%). GSTM1 gene genotyping was performed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). All patients were followed up for 12 months. Clinical data were compared between the deletion and non-deletion groups and the hospitalization time and the length of the use of antibiotics were compared. Deletion rate of GSTM1 gene in the observation group was 67.63%, which was significantly different from that in the healthy control group [odds ratio (OR)=1.51, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.075–2.023, P<0.05]. Notably, a significant difference was indicated in the recovery between patients with and without GSTM1 gene deletion after a year discharged from hospital (P<0.05). There was no significant difference according to sex, age, hypertension, smoking history, leukocyte, hemoglobin, platelet and BMI index between patients in deletion and non-deletion groups (P>0.05). However, there was a significant difference in the number of patients with diabetes between the two groups (P<0.05). Hospitalization time and the length of antibiotics use were significantly longer in deletion group compared with non-deletion group (P<0.05). Infection rate in the deletion group was significantly higher than that in the non-deletion group. Results suggested that GSTM1 gene polymorphism may be correlated with recovery of patients undergoing artificial hip replacement, and GSTM1 gene deletion may correlated with poor recovery.

Metabolic Phase I (CYPs) and Phase II (GSTs) Gene Polymorphisms and Their Interaction with Environmental Factors in Nasopharyngeal Cancer from the Ethnic Population of Northeast India

Multiple genetic and environmental factors and their interaction are believed to contribute in the pathogenesis of Nasopharyngeal Cancer (NPC). We investigate the role of Metabolic Phase I (CYPs) and Phase II (GSTs) gene polymorphisms, gene-gene and gene-environmental interaction in modulating the susceptibility to NPC in Northeast India. To determine the association of metabolic gene polymorphisms and environmental habits, 123 cases and 189 controls blood/swab samples were used for PCR and confirmed by Sanger sequencing. Analysis for GSTM1 and GSTT1 gene polymorphism was done by multiplex PCR. The T3801C in the 3'- flanking region of CYP1A1 gene was detected by PCR-RFLP method. The Logistic regression analysis was used to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). The GSTM1 null genotype alone (OR = 2.76) was significantly associated with NPC risk (P < 0.0001). The combinations of GSTM1 null and GSTT1 null genotypes also higher, 3.77 fold (P < 0.0001), risk of NPC, while GSTM1 null genotype along with CYP1A1 T3801C TC + CC genotype had 3.22 (P = 0.001) fold risk. The most remarkable risk was seen among individual carrying GSTM1 null, GSTT1 null genotypes and CYP1A1 T3801C TC + CC genotypes (OR = 5.71, P = 0.001). Further; analyses demonstrate an enhanced risk of NPC in smoked meat (OR = 5.56, P < 0.0001) and fermented fish consumers (OR = 5.73, P < 0.0001) carrying GSTM1 null genotype. An elevated risk of NPC was noted in smokers (OR = 12.67, P < 0.0001) and chewers (OR = 5.68, P < 0.0001) with GSTM1 null genotype. However, smokers had the highest risk of NPC among individuals carrying GSTT1 null genotype (OR = 4.46, P = 0.001) or CYP1A1 T3801C TC + CC genotype (OR = 7.13, P < 0.0001). The association of null genotypes and mutations of metabolic neutralizing genes along with the environmental habits (tobacco smokers and chewers, smoke meat, fermented fishes) can be used as a possible biomarker for early detection and preventive measure of NPC.

Association of p53 codon72 Arg>Pro polymorphism with susceptibility to nasopharyngeal carcinoma: evidence from a case-control study and meta-analysis

Tumor suppressor p53 is a critical player in the fight against cancer as it controls the cell cycle check point, apoptotic pathways and genomic stability. It is known to be the most frequently mutated gene in a wide variety of human cancers. Single-nucleotide polymorphism of p53 at codon72 leading to substitution of proline (Pro) in place of arginine (Arg) has been identified as a risk factor for development of many cancers, including nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). However, the association of this polymorphism with NPC across the published literature has shown conflicting results. We aimed to conduct a case–control study for a possible relation of p53 codon72 Arg>Pro polymorphism with NPC risk in underdeveloped states of India, combine the result with previously available records from different databases and perform a meta-analysis to draw a more definitive conclusion. A total of 70 NPC patients and 70 healthy controls were enrolled from different hospitals of north-eastern India. The p53 codon72 Arg>Pro polymorphism was typed by polymerase chain reaction, which showed an association with NPC risk. In the meta-analysis consisting of 1842 cases and 2330 controls, it was found that individuals carrying the Pro allele and the ProPro genotype were at a significantly higher risk for NPC as compared with those with the Arg allele and the ArgArg genotype, respectively. Individuals with a ProPro genotype and a combined Pro genotype (ProPro+ArgPro) also showed a significantly higher risk for NPC over a wild homozygote ArgArg genotype. Additionally, the strength of each study was tested by power analysis and genotype distribution by Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. The outcome of the study indicated that both allele frequency and genotype distribution of p53 codon72 Arg>Pro polymorphism were significantly associated with NPC risk. Stratified analyses based on ethnicity and source of samples supported the above result.

Evaluation of Risk Factors for Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma in a High-risk Area of India, the Northeastern Region

Northeastern India is a major nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) high risk-area although the rest of the country has very low incidence. A case-control study of 105 NPC cases and 115 controls was conducted to identify the potential risk factors for NPC development in this region. Information was collected by interviewer about socio-demographic characteristics, cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, dietary history, occupational history, and a family history of cancer. Epstein-Barr viral load was assayed from the blood DNA by real time PCR. Associations between GSTs genotypes, cytochrome P450 family including CYP1A1, CYP2E1 and CYP2A6 polymorphisms and susceptibility to relationship between the diseases were studied using PCR-RFLP assay. Results indicate that Epstein-Barr virus load was significantly higher in patients compared to controls (p<0.0001). Furthermore, concentration of blood EBV-DNA was significantly higher in advanced stage disease (Stage III and IV) than in early stage disease (Stage I and II) (p<0.05). Presence of CYP2A6 variants that reduced the enzyme activity was significantly less frequent in cases than controls. Smoked meat consumption, exposure to smoke, living in poorly ventilated house and alcohol consumption were associated with NPC development among the population of Northeastern India. Thus, overall our study revealed that EBV viral load and genetic polymorphism of CYP2A6 along with living practices which include smoked meat consumption, exposure to smoke, living in poorly ventilated houses and alcohol consumption are the potential risk factors of NPC in north eastern region of India. Understanding of the risk factors and their role in the etiology of NPC are helpful forpreventive measures and screening.

Association of the p53 or GSTM1 polymorphism with the risk of nasopharyngeal carcinoma: A meta-analysis

p53 and glutathione S-transferase M1 (GSTM1) are the most popular suppressor genes. Several previous studies demonstrated positive associations of these gene polymorphisms with numerous cancer types, including hepatocellular cancer, while the association between p53/GSTM1 polymorphisms and the nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) risk was inconsistent and underpowered. However, no studies investigating the combinational effect of these two genes on NPC risk were performed. To confirm the effects of p53 and GSTM1 polymorphisms on the risk of NPC, a meta-analysis of all the available previous studies associating p53 and GSTM1 with the risk of NPC was performed. A comprehensive search of PubMed, Web of Science and SD database until November 2014 was performed to identify the relevant studies. The data were extracted by two independent authors and pooled odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated. Meta-regression and subgroup analyses were performed to identify the source of heterogeneity. Finally, five studies with 1,419 cases and 1,707 controls were included for the p53 polymorphism and three studies with 837 cases and 1,299 controls were included for the GSTM1 polymorphism. Regarding p53, a significantly increased NPC risk was observed in the overall population (C vs. G, OR, 1.245; 95% CI, 1.045-1.483; P=0.014; additive models: CC vs. GG, OR, 1.579; 95% CI, 1.100-2.265; P=0.013 and CG vs. GG, OR, 1.230; 95% CI, 1.039-1.456; P=0.016; dominant model, OR, 1.321; 95% CI, 1.127-1.549; P=0.001; recessive model, OR, 1.429; 95% CI, 1.017-2.009; P=0.040). Concerning GSTM1, a significantly increased NPC risk was observed in the overall population (null versus non-null, OR, 1.282; 95% CI, 1.075-1.530; P=0.006). In the subgroup analyses stratified by the source of controls, a significant association of p53 with NPC risk was also demonstrated, while no association with GSTM1 was observed. Therefore, the p53 G72C polymorphism may have a susceptible role in the carcinogenesis of NPC, while genetic deletion of GSTM1 may contribute to increased susceptibility to NPC. Further large and well-designed studies are required to confirm this association.

GSTM1 null genotype may be associated with an increased nasopharyngeal cancer risk in South China: an updated meta-analysis and review

Although many epidemiologic studies investigated the GSTM1 gene polymorphism and its association with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) in Chinese, definite conclusions cannot be drawn. To assess the impact of of GSTM1 polymorphism on the risk of NPC, an updated meta-analysis was performed in a Chinese population. A total of nine studies including 1,291 cases and 2,135 controls were involved in this meta-analysis. Meta-analysis of those nine studies showed that GSTM1 null genotype was associated with an increased risk of NPC in South China (odds ratio [OR] =1.47, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.27–1.70). In subgroup analyses stratified by source of controls, it revealed significant results in population-based studies (OR =1.40, 95% CI: 1.19–1.64). Additionally, a significant association was found in smokers (OR =3.16, 95% CI: 1.76–5.67). This meta-analysis indicated a marked association of GSTM1 with NPC risk in South China, and there might be an interaction between the polymorphism and smoking on NPC. However, further studies with gene–gene and gene–environment interactions are required for definite conclusions.

Tobacco carcinogen-metabolizing genes CYP1A1, GSTM1, and GSTT1 polymorphisms and their interaction with tobacco exposure influence the risk of head and neck cancer in Northeast Indian population

Genetic polymorphisms in tobacco-metabolizing genes may modulate the risk of head and neck cancer (HNC). In Northeast India, head and neck cancers and tobacco consumption remains most prevalent. The aim of the study was to investigate the combined effect of cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1) T3801C, glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) genes polymorphisms and smoking and tobacco-betel quid chewing in the risk of HNC. The study included 420 subjects (180 cases and 240 controls) from Northeast Indian population. Polymorphisms of CYP1A1 T3801C and GST (M1 & T1) were studied by polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) and multiplex PCR, respectively. Logistic regression (LR) and multifactor dimensionality reduction (MDR) approach were applied for statistical analysis. LR analysis revealed that subjects carrying CYP1A1 TC/CC + GSTM1 null genotypes had 3.52-fold (P < 0.001) increase the risk of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Smokers carrying CYP1A1 TC/CC + GSTM1 null and CYP1A1 TC/CC + GSTT1 null genotypes showed significant association with HNC risk (odds ratio [OR] = 6.42; P < 0.001 and 3.86; P = 0.005, respectively). Similarly, tobacco-betel quid chewers carrying CYP1A1 TC/CC + GSTM1 null genotypes also had several fold increased risk of HNC (P < 0.001). In MDR analysis, the best model for HNSCC risk was the four-factor model of tobacco-betel quid chewing, smoking, CYP1A1 TC/CC, and GSTM1 null genotypes (testing balance accuracy [TBA] = 0.6292; cross-validation consistency [CVC] = 9/10 and P < 0.0001). These findings suggest that interaction of combined genotypes of carcinogen-metabolizing genes with environmental factors might modulate susceptibility of HNC in Northeast Indian population.

GSTM1 polymorphism contribute to colorectal cancer in Asian populations: a prospective meta-analysis

Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are enzymes which expressed in many tissues and play important roles in neutralization of toxic compounds, and protecting hosts against cancer. Among several GSTs, Glutathione S-transferases mu (GSTM) has been drawn attention upon the association with the genetic risk for many types of cancers. But whether the GSTM1 polymorphisms confer the susceptibility to colorectal cancer in Asians has not been well established. We searched the PubMed database with GSTM1, polymorphism and colorectal cancer, attempting to identify the eligible studies. In total, 33 case-control studies in Asian populations with 8502 colorectal cancer patients and 13699 controls were included in the current meta-analysis. The association between the polymorphism and susceptibility to colorectal cancer was evaluated by the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). The pooled meta-analysis suggested that GSTM1 null variant was correlated to the colorectal cancer risk in Asians. There was a marginal heterogeneity among these eligible studies. Nevertheless, cumulative meta-analysis observed a trend of an obvious association between the GSTM1 null genotype and colorectal cancer risk in Asians. In summary, the meta-analysis suggested that GSTM1 null polymorphism confer the susceptibility to colorectal cancer in Asians, especially in Chinese populations.

Effect of GSTM1 null genotype on risk of childhood acute leukemia: a meta-analysis

Glutathione S-transferases are important enzymes in the detoxification of a wide range of reactive oxygen species. Recently, there have been a number of studies on the association between Glutathione S-transferase M1 (GSTM1) null genotype and childhood acute leukemia in Chinese, but the results of previous reports are inconsistent. Thus, we performed a meta-analysis to clarify the effect of GSTM1 null genotype on childhood acute leukemia risk. PubMed, Embase, and Wanfang databases were searched to identify case–control studies investigating the association between GSTM1 null genotype and risk of childhood acute leukemia. Between-study heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 statistic method. Odds ratios (OR) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were pooled to assess the association. Seven case–control studies were finally included in the meta-analysis. There was no between-study heterogeneity among those seven studies (I2 = 0%). Overall, the GSTM1 null genotype was significantly associated with increased risk of childhood acute leukemia in Chinese (fixed effect OR = 2.49; 95% CI, 1.84–3.37; P < 0.001). The cumulative meta-analyses showed a trend of more obvious association between GSTM1 null genotype and risk of childhood acute leukemia in Chinese as data accumulated by year. Sensitivity analysis by omitting single study in turns also did not materially alter the pooled ORs. Therefore, the GSTM1 null genotype is significantly associated with increased risk of childhood acute leukemia in Chinese.

Risk genes in head and neck cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis of last 5 years

The aim of this work was to identify risk genes related to the development and progression of squamous cell carcinoma head and neck (SCCHN) and do a meta-analysis of available estimates. Eligible gene/polymorphism studies were identified by electronic searches. Individual participant data of 8540 patients with HNC and 9844 controls from 19 genetic studies were analyzed, yielding adjusted (tobacco, gender, age and alcohol) odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) comparing cases with controls. A meta-analysis was done on the studies that applied fixed and random models. People have an increase of polymorphism expression related to inflammation (NFKB1-294-ATTG, TNFα308-A2A2/A2A1, and TNFβ252- B2B2/B2B1) or carcinogenic metabolism (GSTM1 null, and CYP1A1 m1/m1), representative of malignancy development. Furthermore, the increased expression of genes associated with the stabilization and repair of the cellular (OGG1-Asp267Asn, Ser279Gly Ile253Phe, 1578A>T, 1582C>T Ala399Glu (1542C>A) 1582insG 1543_1544delCT), and genes associated with the regulation of proliferation, apoptosis or tumor survival (miRNA499-CT/CC, CRYABC802G-CG/GG) are considered as risk factors. In this scheme, only the polymorphisms of ADH7A92G-GG and DEC1606-T/C genes are protective against malignancy transformation. The TP53, GSTM1 and CYPA1genes have been evaluated in more than one study and analyzed for homogeneity in each genotype. The meta-analysis showed no significant association between different allelic variants of Arg72Pro rs1042522 and SCCHN risk. In a model of tumorigenesis, an increased risk of SCCHN is associated with DNA repair and DNA stabilization genes. In addition, the polymorphisms involved in inflammation and carcinogenic metabolism processes represent an increased risk of SCCHN.

GSTT1 genetic polymorphism and susceptibility to childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia: a meta-analysis

Glutathione S-transferase T1 (GSTT1) genetic polymorphism has been considered as a risk factor for developing malignant diseases including acute lymphoblastic leukemia; however, the results from previous studies are inconsistent. We performed a meta-analysis of 16 published studies to investigate the association between GSTT1 null variant and risk of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in childhood. Between-study heterogeneity was assessed using the I (2) statistic method. Odds ratios (ORs) with corresponding 95 % confidence intervals (95 %CI) were pooled to assess the association. Those 16 studies were from 14 publications and included a total of 2,424 cases and 3,447 controls. Meta-analysis of a total of 16 studies showed that GSTT1 null variant was significantly associated with risk of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (fixed-effect OR = 1.22, 95 %CI 1.07-1.39, P = 0.003, I (2) = 35 %). Subgroup analysis showed that GSTT1 null variant was significantly associated with risk of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia in Asians (fixed-effect OR = 1.47, 95 %CI 1.16-1.85, P = 0.001, I (2) = 0 %). However, there was no obvious association in both Caucasians (random-effect OR = 1.07, 95 %CI 0.83-1.38, P = 0.59, I (2) = 53 %) and Africans (random-effect OR = 0.99, 95 %CI 0.31-3.10, P = 0.98, I (2) = 72 %). Therefore, the GSTT1 null variant is significantly associated with susceptibility to childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia in Asians.

Glutathione S-transferase M1 polymorphism and colorectal cancer risk in Chinese population

Glutathione S-transferase M1 (GSTM1) polymorphism has been proven to be associated with risks of several cancers. However, previous studies on the association between GSTM1 polymorphism and colorectal cancer risk in Chinese population reported controversial results. We performed a meta-analysis of 13 studies which were identified through the literature search in PubMed and Wanfang databases. The strength of the association between GSTM1 polymorphism and colorectal cancer risk was measured by odds ratio (OR) with corresponding 95% confidence interval (95% CI). Overall, GSTM1 null mutation was significantly associated with a risk of colorectal cancer in Chinese population (OR = 1.37, 95% CI 1.12 to 1.68, P = 0.002). Sensitivity analyses by omitting those studies in turns did not materially alter the overall pooled ORs. The cumulative meta-analyses further showed a trend of an obvious association between GSTM1 null mutation and risk of colorectal cancer in Chinese population as information accumulated by year. The findings from our meta-analysis suggest that GSTM1 null mutation is significantly associated with a risk of colorectal cancer in Chinese population.

Association between the P53 codon 72 polymorphism and nasopharyngeal cancer risk

The P53 codon 72 polymorphism has been identified as a critical biomarker in modifying the risk of nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC). Many studies have investigated the association between the polymorphism of P53 codon 72 and NPC risk; however, the findings across the published studies are inconsistent and inconclusive. To acquire a more precise assessment for this association, we conducted an updated meta-analysis. The PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Wanfang databases were searched for relevant case-control studies. Totally, seven independent publications with 1,133 cases and 1,678 controls were retrieved. The pooled odds ratio (OR) with corresponding 95% confidence interval (95% CI) was calculated. Increased risk of NPC was observed among individuals carrying the variant allele and genotypes of P53 codon 72 (OR Pro vs. Arg = 1.32, 95% CI 1.18-1.47, P OR < 0.001; OR ProPro vs. ArgArg = 1.90, 95% CI 1.51-2.39, P OR < 0.001; OR ProArg + ProPro vs. ArgArg = 1.33, 95% CI 1.13-1.57, P OR = 0.001; OR ProPro vs. ArgArg + ProArg = 1.65, 95% CI 1.35-2.01, P OR < 0.001). Stratified analyses by ethnicity and source of controls also identified this significant relationship in Asians, Caucasians, and hospital-based case-control studies. There was no publication bias risk in our study. The updated meta-analysis supports the evidence that the polymorphism of P53 codon 72 is a risk factor for the development of NPC among the populations of both Asian and Caucasian.

Association between glutathione S-transferase T1 null genotype and risk of myelodysplastic syndromes: a comprehensive meta-analysis

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are a heterogeneous group of clonal hematologic neoplasms, and the pathophysiology of these disorders is still unclear. Previous studies investigating the association between glutathione S-transferase Tl (GSTT1) null genotype and risk of MDS reported controversial results. We performed a comprehensive meta-analysis to clarify the effect of GSTT1 null genotype on risk of MDS. The strength of the association was measured by odds ratio (OR) with 95 % confidence interval (CI). Fifteen studies were finally included, involving a total of 1,796 cases and 2,502 controls. Subgroup analysis was performed by race. Meta-analysis of all 15 studies showed that the GSTT1 null genotype was significantly associated with an increased risk of MDS (OR = 1.47, 95 % CI 1.16-1.88, P OR = 0.002; I (2) = 54.4 %). Besides, an obvious association was also observed after adjusting the heterogeneity (OR = 1.32, 95 % CI 1.13-1.54, P OR = 0.001; I (2) = 9.0 %). Subgroup analysis by race suggested that this association existed in both Caucasians (OR = 1.40, 95 % CI 1.04-1.89, P OR = 0.027) and Asians (OR = 1.68, 95 % CI 1.00-2.81, P OR = 0.049). This meta-analysis suggests the GSTT1 null genotype is significantly associated with an increased risk of MDS in both Caucasians and Asians.