Genotype and phenotype of glutathione-s-transferase in patients with head and neck carcinoma

Abstract

Objective Association of glutathione-S-transferase M1 (GSTM1) polymorphisms and cancer has been demonstrated. Possible underlying mechanisms and genotype-phenotype correlations are not adequately investigated. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of the GSTM1-null-genotype on the level of GSTM enzyme concentration and on the enzyme activity of GST in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC). Methods We investigated in 83 patients and 91 healthy controls the GSTM1 polymorphisms, GSTM1 protein concentration, GSTM1 protein in tumor tissues, and total GST enzyme activity. Results Total GST enzyme activity was significantly lower in patients with HNC (208 ± 9 μmol/min*l) than in controls (264 ± 11 μmol/min*l, P< 0.0001) but did not depend on GSTM1-genotype ( P = 0.1). GSTM protein concentration in null-genotype patients (3.6 ± 2.5 μg/mL, mean ± SE) was significantly lower than in GSTM1 allele carriers (26.7 ± 9.6 μg/ml, P< 0.0001); GSTM protein expression did not depend on GSTM1-genotype ( P> 0.5). Conclusion GST enzyme activity in patients with HNC is suppressed, indicating impaired detoxification capacity of tobacco-smoke-related carcinogens. This suppression is not correlated with the GSTM1-genotype.