Individual and combined effects of GSTM1 and GSTT1 polymorphisms on colorectal cancer risk: an updated meta-analysis

Background. The presence or absence of glutathione S-transferase M1 gene (GSTM1) and glutathione S-transferase T1 gene (GSTT1) polymorphisms, and their combined effects have been suggested as a risk factor for colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the results are inconsistent. Objectives. An updated meta-analysis was performed to solve the controversy. Methods. Meta-analyses of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) guidelines were used. Results. Overall, the GSTM1 null genotype was associated with an increased CRC risk in Caucasians (odds ratio (OR) = 1.14, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.05–1.23), Asians (OR = 1.19, 95% CI: 1.08–1.32), high-quality studies (OR = 1.12, 95% CI: 1.06–1.18). Moreover, the GSTM1 null genotype was also associated with an increased colon cancer risk (OR = 1.32, 95% CI: 1.16–1.51). The GSTT1 null genotype was also associated with an increased CRC risk in Asians (OR = 1.08, 95% CI: 1.02–1.15) and Caucasians (OR = 1.24, 95% CI: 1.09–1.41). Moreover, The GSTT1 null genotype was associated with an increased rectal cancer risk (OR = 1.13, 95% CI: 1.01–1.27, I2 = 8.3%) in subgroup analysis by tumor location. Last, the GSTM1 null/GSTT1 null genotype was associated with an increased CRC risk in Asians. Conclusion. This meta-analysis indicates that the GSTM1 and GSTT1 null genotypes are associated with increased CRC risk in Asians and Caucasians, and the GSTM1 null/GSTT1 null genotype was associated with increased CRC risk in Asians.