GSTM1 and GSTT1 Polymorphisms, Cigarette Smoking, and Risk of Colon Cancer: A Population-based Case-control Study in North Carolina (United States)

Abstract

Cigarette smoke is a risk factor for colon cancer, but the importance of dose and interaction with genetic susceptibility remain poorly understood. We used data from a population-based case control study, to examine the association between cigarette smoking and colon cancer in African Americans and whites, and colon cancer and polymorphisms in GSTM1 and GSTT1. A total of 554 cases of primary colon cancer and 874 controls were included in this analysis. We found no association between cigarette smoking (ever versus never) and colon cancer in African Americans (odds ratio (OR)=0.93, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.65-1.33). In contrast, there was an increased risk of cigarette smoking in whites (OR=1.43, CI=1.05-1.94). There was a small increased risk of colon cancer for individuals with GSTM1 null (African Americans, OR=1.43, CI, 0.98-2.09; whites, OR=1.19, CI, 0.90-1.58) and a decreased risk of colon cancer for individuals with GSTT1 null (African Americans, OR=0.59, CI: 0.40-0.86; whites, OR=0.72, CI: 0.53-1.00). There were weak interactions between GSTT1 null and cigarette smoking in whites, and GSTM1 null genotype and cigarette smoking in African Americans. GSTT1 and GSTM1 polymorphisms may be weakly related to colon cancer risk and there may be racial differences in gene-smoking interactions.

GSTM1 gene polymorphism and the risk of colorectal cancer in a Saudi Arabian population

“…Furthermore, GSTM1 null genotype carriers are at a greater risk of developing colorectal malignancies. The results of this study are in agreement with those of numerous studies that have reported a significant effect of the GSTM1 null genotype on susceptibility to colorectal cancer (Sachse et al, 2002;Huang et al, 2006;Csejtei et al, 2008;Hlavata et al, 2010;Cai et al, 2014;Teng et al, 2014). The incidence of the null genotype in the current study was higher than that in similar studies that reported significant results (Table 3).…”

Disparities in colorectal cancer in African-Americans vs Whites: Before and after diagnosis

“…Cigarette smoking was found to be positively associated with colorectal cancer risk in the white but not in the black population [59] . This study also examined the possible association between GSTM1 and GSTT1 polymorphisms with colon cancer.…”

Role of Nigella sativa and a number of its antioxidant constituents towards azoxymethane‐induced genotoxic effects and colon cancer in rats

“…Environmental risk factors may be related to the formation of carcinogenic compounds such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), heterocyclic amines and other mutagens during the preparation of food at high temperatures (Sinha et al, 1999;Schut and Snyderwine, 1999). Tobacco smoke is another risk factor (Huang et al, 2006).…”