Relevance of GSTM1, GSTT1 and GSTP1 Gene Polymorphism to Breast Cancer Susceptibility in Mizoram Population, Northeast India

The enzymes encoded by glutathione S-transferase mu 1 (GSTM1) and theta 1 (GSTT1) genes are involved in the metabolism of wide range of carcinogens that are ubiquitous in the environment. Homozygous deletions of the GSTM1 and GSTT1 genes are commonly found and result in lack of enzyme activity. This study was undertaken to evaluate the association between GSTM1, GSTT1 and GSTP1 gene polymorphism and breast cancer risk in Mizoram population. Odd ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) from conditional logistic regression model were used to estimate the association between genetic polymorphism and breast cancer risk. The GSTM1 and GSTT1 null genotypes were associated with an increased risk of breast cancer [OR = 10.80 (95% CI 1.16-100.43)]. The risk of breast cancer associated with the GSTT1 null genotype was observed to be low among postmenopausal women. When considered together, GSTM1 and GSTT1 genotypes were found to be associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. The relationship between GSTM1 and GSTT1 gene deletions and breast cancer risk was substantially altered by consumption of Smoked Meat/Vegetable. In the present study, GSTP1Ile105Val (rs1695) polymorphism was related to breast cancer susceptibility or phenotype. Our data provides evidence for substantially increased risk of breast cancer associated with GSTM1 and/or GSTT1 homozygous gene deletions in Mizoram population.