Glutathione S-Transferase Gene Polymorphism and the Susceptibility to Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Aim: Glutathione S-transferase play an important role in protecting cells against cytotoxic and carcinogenic agents. GST gene polymorphism was linked to a variety of solid tumors including hepatocellular carcinoma. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the association between GSTM1 and GSTT1 gene polymorphisms and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods: A total number of 59 subjects (32 patients with proved HCC, 15 patients with chronic HCV infection and 12 healthy control subjects) were enrolled in this study. Serum total aflatoxin level was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Plasma total GST activity was measured by ELISA. PCR technique was used to determine GSTM1 and GSTT1 gene polymorphism. Results: The frequencies of GSTM1 and GSTT1 null genotypes in the HCC were 75% and 53.1% repectively. There was no correlation between the GST with aflatoxin or the hepatitis marker status of the HCC patients. Conclusion: The GSTM1 and GSTT1 null genotypes are associated with an increased risk of HCC in Egyptian patients.