Meta-analysis of association between GSTM1 gene polymorphism and cervical cancer

Abstract

Objective: To investigate association between glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) and cervical cancer.

Methods: Published literature from PubMed, EMBASE, and other databases were retrieved. All studies evaluating the association between GSTM1/GSTT1 polymorphisms and cervical were included. Pooled odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using fixed- or random-effects model.

Results: A total of 15 case-control studies were included in the meta-analysis of GSTM1 genotypes (1,825 cases and 2,104 controls). The overall result showed that the association between GSTM1 null genotype and risk for cervical cancer was statistically significant (OR=1.53, 95%CI=1.18-2.00). Great heterogeneity was found between studies. Subgroup analysises were performed based on smoking and ethnicity. Our results showed that smokers with null GSTM1 genotype had higher risk of cervical cancer (OR=1.56, 95%CI=1.01-2.41). For the ethnicity stratification, significant increased risk of null GSTM1 genotype was found in Chinese and Indian population, but no increased risk in other population.

Conclusions: This meta-analysis provides strong evidence that the GSTM1 null genotype is associated with the development of cervical cancer, and especially in Chinese and Indian population, and smoking shows a modification on the association between GSTM1 null genotype and cervical cancer.