Genetic Polymorphisms of GSTM1 and GSTT1 Genes and Susceptibility to Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in the Yemeni Population

Background: GSTs (glutathione S-transferases) are enzymes that are well known for their capacity to detoxify hazardous substances. Previous research has found a link between GST polymorphisms and acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). The outcomes differed depending on the study and population.

Objectives: To analyze the relation between polymorphisms of glutathione s-transferase Mu (GSM1) and glutathione s-transferase theta (GSTT1) genes and susceptibility to acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).

Methods: A total of 115 patients with ALL who attended oncology centers in Yemen and 140 unrelated apparently healthy individuals as the control group were recruited in this case-control study. DNA was extracted from EDTA venous blood samples and analyzed by Multiplex PCR for detection of the polymorphic deletion of the GSTT1 and GSTM1 genes.

Results: The GSTT1 null genotype were found to increase the risk of acute lymphoblastic leukemia, (OR=2.649, 95%CI=1.589-4.416, p=0.000). The GSTM1 null genotype was not significant (p=0.076), however is risk for ALL (OR=1.481, 0.902-2.431). The combination effects of GSTT1null and GSTM1null were associated with the susceptibility to acute lymphoblastic leukemia (OR 3.396, 95% CI 1.832-6.297) (p =0.000).

Conclusion: Susceptibility to ALL appears to be significantly related to GSTT1 null polymorphism but not to GSTM1 polymorphism in Yemeni population.