Glutathione-S-Transferase Polymorphisms (GSTM1, GSTT1 and GSTP1) and Acute Leukemia Risk in Asians: a Meta-analysis

The association between glutathione-S-transferase polymorphisms (GSTM1, GSTT1 and GSTP1) and riskof acute leukemia in Asians remains controversial. This study was therefore designed to evaluate the preciseassociation in 23 studies identified by a search of PubMed and several other databases, up to December 2013.Using random or fixed effects models odds ratios (ORs) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) werecalculated. Heterogeneity across studies was assessed, and funnel plots were constructed to test for publicationbias. The meta-analysis showed positive associations between GST polymorphisms (GSTM1 and GSTT1 butnot GSTP1) and acute leukemia risk [(OR=1.47, 95% CI 1.18-1.83); (OR=1.32, 95% CI 1.07-1.62); (OR=1.01,95% CI 0.84-1.23), respectively] and heterogeneity between the studies. The results suggested that the GSTM1null genotype and GSTT1null genotype, but not the GSTP1 polymorphism, might be a potential risk factors foracute leukemia. Further well-designed studies are needed to confirm our findings.