Research ArticleNull genotypes of GSTM1 and GSTT1 contribute to hepatocellular carcinoma risk: Evidence from an updated meta-analysis

Background & AimsStudies investigating the associations between glutathione S-transferase (GST) genetic polymorphisms and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) risk have reported controversial results. Thus, a meta-analysis was performed to clarify the effects of GSTM1 and GSTT1 polymorphisms on HCC risk.MethodsWe identified 132 relevant records through a literature search up to November 22, 2009, and 24 individual case-control studies from 23 publications were finally included, involving a total of 3349 HCC cases and 5609 controls. Subgroup analyses were performed by ethnicity, or by area according to the incidence rate and hepatitis virus status.ResultsAnalyses of total relevant studies showed an increased HCC risk was significantly associated with null genotypes of GSTM1 (OR = 1.26, 95% CI 1.03-1.54, pOR = 0.027) and GSTT1 (OR = 1.28, 95% CI 1.09-1.51, pOR = 0.002). In addition, the GSTM1-GSTT1 interaction analysis showed that the dual null genotype of GSTM1/GSTT1 was significantly associated with increased HCC risk (OR = 1.89, 95% CI 1.38-2.60, pOR < 0.001). Subgroup analyses showed that the associations above were still statistically significant in Asians (pGSTM1 = 0.017, pGSTT1 = 0.001, pDual null genotype < 0.001), high-rate areas (pGSTM1 = 0.012, pGSTT1 = 0.006, pDual null genotype < 0.001), and HBV-dominant areas (pGSTM1 = 0.003, pGSTT 1 = 0.003, pDual null genotype < 0.001).ConclusionsThis meta-analysis suggests null genotypes of GSTM1 and GSTT1 are both associated with increased HCC risk in Asians, and individuals with the dual null genotype of GSTM1/GSTT1 are particularly susceptible to developing HCC.