Gene deficiency of glutathione S-transferase μ isoform associated with susceptibility to lung cancer in a Chinese population

Increased lung cancer risk associated with genetic polymorphism of glutathione S-transferase (GST, EC 2.5.1.18) isozyme μ was examined in a Chinese population. A significantly higher proportion in lung cancer patients showed GST μ deficiency compared with control group (71.0% vs. 51.1%, P < 0.005). Although the susceptibility to lung cancer showing gene deletion for GST μ isoform in non-smoking group is not significantly different from that in smoking group, a great number of individuals with gene deletion was found among cancer patients who are less than 50 years old. The pathology of lung tumors related to that lack of class μ isoform which occurred most frequently in patients with small cell carcinomas. Thus, present data further support that sensitivity to chemical toxins and pulmonary carcinogens may be affected by GST μ isoform polymorphism.