Study of the deletion mutation of glutathione transferase M1 gene and its role in susceptibility to hepatocellular carcinoma

Abstract

Objection: To investigate the glutathione S transferase Ml (GSTM1) gene inherent deletion and its relation to prevalence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in Guangxi, China. Methods: The GSTM1 gene polymorphism of 120 HCC patients and 100 healthy subjects both from the same high aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) contaminated area were detected using PCR technique with special primers. Another 40 patients from AFB1 low risk area were also tested. Results: In HCC high risk area, it was found that the frequencies of GSTM1 null genotype in HCC patients and healthy subjects were 59% and 51% respectively, with no significant difference. However, the frequency of GSTMl-null genotype in control group from AFB1 low risk area was lower than those from high risk area (P<0.01). Conclusion: Populations in this HCC endemic region show a higher rate of GSTMl-null genotype, which may be partially responsible for the susceptibility to AFB1 induced HCC. But the detoxification effect of GSTM1 alone is not sufficient to resist the genetic toxicity of AFB1, especially in those people who expose to excess AFB1. The GSTM1 gene deletion would not be suitable as an independent predictor of susceptibility to HCC.