Role of GSTM1 (Present/Null) and GSTP1 (Ile105Val) Polymorphisms in Susceptibility to Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia among the South Indian Population

Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) is the most common pediatric malignancy worldwide. The origin ofthis disease may be explained by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Glutathione-s-transferasesare a multi-gene family of enzymes involved in the detoxification of a wide variety of environmental carcinogens.A total of 92 immunophenotyped cases (below 25 years of age) and 150 cord blood controls were here analysedby PCR for GSTM1(Present/Null) and RQ-PCR allelic discrimination assay for GSTP1(Ile105Val). We found asignificant increased risk for ALL with the GSTM1 null genotype (OR: 1.96, 95%CI=1.08-3.57), but no significantrisk was found with the GSTP1 (Ile/Val) genotype (OR: 1.32, 95%CI = 0.74-2.37) and the GSTP1 Val/Val genotype(OR: 1.41, 95%CI=0.5-3.96) alone. Combined analysis of GSTM1 and GSTP1 showed significant higher riskassociated with the GSTM1 (null/null) and GSTP1 [(Ile/Val)/ (Val/Val)] genotype (OR=2.78: 95%CI=1.16-6.69).