Glutathione S-transferase M1, T1 and P1 polymorphisms and bladder cancer risk in Egyptians

Previous studies suggest that bladder cancer risk may vary with GST genotype but these results are inconsistent. The aim of this study was to explore whether GSTM1, GSTT1 and GSTP polymorphisms were associated with increased bladder cancer risk in an Egyptian population. GSTM1, GSTT1 and GSTP1 genotype frequencies were determined in bladder cancer cases (n=72) and healthy controls with no history of malignancies (n=82) using PCR-based techniques. The GSTT1*2 genotype was particularly associated with increased risk (OR 2.71, 95%CI 1.27-5.73) and the GSTM1*2 genotype to a lesser extent (OR 1.63, 95%CI 0.85-3.10). 18.1% of cases but only 7.3% of controls were GSTP1*B*B homozygotes (OR 2.38, 95%CI 0.83-6.87). The presence of two or more a priori at-risk genotypes was associated with increased bladder cancer risk (OR 2.42; 95%CI 1.47-3.97). These results suggest that polymorphisms in the GST genes are associated with increased risk of bladder cancer among Egyptians.

Changing age incidence and pathological types of schistosoma-associated bladder carcinoma

PURPOSE

The changes in certain characteristic features of schistosoma-associated bladder carcinoma are determined.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective study was done of patients with schistosoma-associated bladder carcinoma treated between 1962 and 1967, and between 1987 and 1992.

RESULTS

Mean patient age increased from 47 +/- 13.6 to 53 +/- 12.2 years and the male-to-female ratio changed from 7.8:1 to 4.9:1. Tumors showed a decreased incidence of nodular (58.7% versus 83.4%) and squamous (54% versus 65.8%) cell types, and an increased incidence of papillary (34.8% versus 4.3%) and transitional (42% versus 31%) cell types. All changes were statistically significant (p < 0.05) and paralleled by an increased incidence of low degree schistosomal infestation from 18.6 to 47.8% (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The shift in age incidence and pathological findings towards those of nonschistosomal cases could conceivably be attributed to the increased incidence of low infestation in recent years. The change in male-to-female ratio is probably due to more exposure of women to schistosomal infestation than has occurred previously.