Glutathione S-transferase polymorphisms (GSTM1, GSTT1 and GSTP1) and their susceptibility to renal cell carcinoma: an evidence-based meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The association of the three Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) polymorphisms (GSTM1, GSTT1 and GSTP1) genotypes with their individual susceptibilities to renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has not been well established. We performed a quantitative meta-analysis to assess the possible associations between the GSTM1, GSTT1 and GSTP1 genotypes and their individual susceptibilities to renal cell carcinoma. METHODS: We systematically searched the PubMed, CNKI and Embase databases to identify the relevant studies. Finally, 11 eligible studies were selected. The pooled odds ratios (ORs) with their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to assess the association between the GSTs polymorphisms and the risk of RCC. Multiple subgroup analyses and quality assessment of the included studies were performed based on the available information. RESULTS: None of the GSTs polymorphisms had a significant association with the RCC risk. Similar results were found in the subgroup analyses, except for the GSTs polymorphisms in the situations described below. The GSTM1 and GSTT1 active genotypes in subjects exposed to pesticides (GSTM1: OR = 3.44; 95% CI, 2.04-5.80; GSTT1: OR = 2.84; 95% CI, 1.75-4.60), most of the GSTs genotypes in Asian populations (GSTT1: OR = 2.39, 95% CI = 1.63-3.51; GSTP1: Dominant model: OR = 1.50, 95% CI = 1.14-1.99; Additive model: OR = 1.39, 95% CI = 1.12-1.73; AG vs. AA: OR = 1.47, 95% CI = 1.10-1.97; GG vs. AA: OR = 1.82, 95% CI = 1.07-3.09) and the dual null genotype of GSTT1-GSTP1 (OR = 2.84, 95% CI = 1.75-4.60) showed positive associations with the RCC risk. CONCLUSION: Our present study provides evidence that the GSTM1, GSTT1 and GSTP1 polymorphisms are not associated with the development of RCC. However, more case-control studies are needed for further confirmation.