The interrelationship between genetic susceptibility and carcinogenic exposure is important in the development of haematopoietic malignancies. Both factors need to be considered to enable assessment of disease risk associated with a given individual under certain environmental conditions. GSTT1 and GSTM1 are two genes whose proteins are involved in the detoxification of potential carcinogens. We have studied the prevalence of GSTT1 and GSTM1 null polymorphisms using a novel PCR multiplex protocol in a group of 158 patients with B-cell lymphoma (BCL, 138 with non-Hodgkin lymphoma and 20 with Hodgkin lymphoma) and 214 healthy controls. A questionnaire regarding occupational exposure and lifestyle factors was also completed by both groups. GSTM1 null genotype showed no significant differences between patients and controls (46.9% and 55.6%, respectively). In contrast, GSTT1 null genotype was observed in 25.3% of patients and 15.4% of controls (P=0.013; OR=1.85; CI (95%):1.11-3.09), suggesting a role for the GSTT1 null genotype in the development of BCL. This effect was even more evident in females (27.5% vs. 14%: P=0.014). No significant association was observed between GST genotypes and disease risk in relation to smoking or occupational exposure.
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