GSTM1 and GSTT1 Polymorphisms and Susceptibility to Prostate Cancer: A Case-Control Study of the Algerian Population

Abstract

Objective: Prostate cancer (PCa) is a major public health problem worldwide, with high morbidity and mortality<br /> levels. Advanced age, androgen stimulation, and ethnicity have been reported to be possible risk factors. It has been<br /> suggested that particular genetic polymorphisms in glutathione S-transferases (GST), xenobiotic-metabolising enzymes,<br /> could predispose to prostate cancer through heritable deficiency in detoxification of environmental carcinogens.<br /> Conflicts in the published results and the absence of similar in depth studies in Algeria prompted us to perform the<br /> present case-control study of GSTM1 and GSTT1 polymorphisms and their possible association with PCa in an Algerian<br /> population. Methods: We determined GSTM1 and GSTT1 genotypes for 49 histologically verified prostate cancer<br /> patients and in 41 age-matched healthy controls by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using peripheral blood<br /> DNA samples. Result: While an association between the GSTM1 null genotype and PCa risk (OR= 3.69, 95% CI=<br /> 1.30-10.44; P = 0.01) was evident, the GSTT1 null genotype (OR= 0.92, 95% IC= 0.32-2.62; P = 0.49) appeared without influence. Furthermore, no statistically significant differences between the double null genotype and PCa is detected, also no statistically significant differences between smoking status and PCa is detected. Conclusion: The GSTM1 null genotype may increase individual susceptibility to prostate cancer. On the other hand, the null-activity genotype of<br /> GSTT1 did not appear to contribute to the risk of prostate cancer in our population.