Association of genetic polymorphisms in glutathione S-transferases M1 with hepatitis beta-related hepatocellular carcinoma

Abstract

To investigate the association of genetic polymorphisms in glutathione S-transferases(GST) M1 with hepatitis beta-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Genomic DNA was isolated from peripheral blood of HBsAg carriers, including 91 cases of HCC, 58 liver cirrhosis(LC), 63 chronic hepatitis B(CHB), and 134 normal controls. GSTM1 genotypes were detected by multiplex PCR. The null genotype of GSTM1 was significantly frequent in patients with HCC compared with controls (P<0.05), but there were no significant differences in frequency of GSTM1 null genotype among patients with liver cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis B and normal controls. Subjects carrying null genotypes of GSTM1 had higher risk of developing HCC compared with those carrying positive genotype (OR=1.81.95% CI=1.05 approximately equals 3.12). The GSTM1-null genotype may be associated with an increased risk of HCC, but not of CHB and LC.