Genomic Pattern of GSTM1 and T1 Gene Null polymorphism of Head and Neck Cancer Patients in Eastern India.

OBJECTIVE

Homozygous deletion i.e., null polymorphism of the Glutathione S transferases genes hinders detoxification reactions by altering the sensitization of glutathione s transferases enzymes. Hence, we analysed the association between the GSTM1 and GSTT1 gene polymorphisms and head and neck cancer (HNC).

METHODS

The study consists of 238 healthy controls and 160 diagnosed cases of HNC, who attended the Regional Cancer Centre, Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (a tertiary care hospital). DNA was extracted from whole blood of patients and control using Qiagen DNA extraction kit. GSTM1 and GSTT1 gene polymorphisms were examined using PCR and agarose gel electrophoresis.

RESULTS

GSTM0 null polymorphism was 26.25% and 15.13% in cases and control respectively. GSTT0 null polymorphism was observed in 18.13% cases and 8.82% in control groups. The GSTM0 null polymorphism was present significantly in case group as compared to control group (OR = 1.997, p = 0.006). There was also significant association of GSTT0 null polymorphism with case group as compared to control group (OR = 2.288, p = 0.006). The combined genotypes were also analysed. GSTM0T1 genotype (n = 27) was found to be most common among HNC group followed next by GSTM0T0 double deletion (n =15).

CONCLUSION

The result indicated that there was strong association of GSTM0 and GSTT0 null polymorphism in those patients. The combined genotypes i.e., GSTM0T1 and GSTM0T0 null polymorphism also showed significant association in HNC patients.