Glutathione S-transferase genetic polymorphisms as possible risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma in Egyptian population

ABSTRACT

High rates of hepatocellular carcinoma [HCC] are primarily due to high prevalence of chronic hepatitis C or B virus infection which causes chronic necroinflammatory hepatic disease. Egypt has one of the world's highest prevalences of hepatitis C virus [HCV] infection. Glutathione S-transferases [GSTs] constitute a superfamily of enzymes that catalyse the metabolism of a wide range of carcinogens. Of the different isoforms of GSTs, GSTM1 and GSTT1 which have deletion polymorphisms. The aim of the present study was to investigate the possible association between GSTM1 and GSTT1 deletion polymorphisms and the risk of HCC in Egyptian patients with hepatitis C virus [HCV] infection. Subjects and The genotypes of GSTM1 and GSTT1 were analyzed in 24 HCV carriers with HCC, and 25 healthy controls using polymerase chain reaction [PCR] technique. The null genotypes of GSTM1 and GSTT1were significantly frequent in patients with HCC compared with controls. These results suggest that both The GSTM1 and GSTT1 null genotypes are associated with an increased risk of HCC in Egyptian population