Association between GSTM1 polymorphism and DNA adduct concentration in the occupational workers exposed to PAHs: a meta-analysis

Increasing investigations have been conducted on the association between DNA adducts and glutathione S-transferase Mu 1 (GSTM1) null genotype in occupationally exposed population. However, the results were controversial. The objective of the present study was to perform a meta-analysis to better understand the possible association between DNA adduct levels and GSTM1 genotype in occupational exposure population. Among a total of 167 literature searched from frequently-used databases, 7 articles corresponding to the specific criteria were enrolled into the meta-analysis. There was a significant increase of DNA adduct levels in occupationally exposed workers compared with control groups (p=0.003). Additionally, DNA adduct levels among the carriers of null GSTM1 were significantly higher than those of active GSTM1 carriers in exposure workers (p=0.017). Egger's test (p=0.056) and Begg's test (p=0.368) indicated that there was no evidence of publication bias. In conclusion, workers exposed to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were at high risk to form DNA adducts, and the occupationally exposed workers who carried null GSTM1 were more susceptible to damage from PAHs.