Year : 2018

Volume : Volume 9

Issue : Issue 3

Address for correspondence :
Dr. Waghmare Mandavi.
mandavi.waghmare@dypatil.edu

Abstract

Background:  Oral cancer in Asian population is commonly attributed to tobacco usage and the nitroso compounds within. Certain host and environmental factors play an active role in development of carcinoma. One such host factor is genetic constitution of the individual. The xenobiotic compounds which enter our body, undergo various metabolic reactions before they become active carcinogens. These reactions are mediated by the phase I and phase II enzymes. Glutathione S Transferase (GST) is one of the phase II enzyme or the detoxifying enzyme. Absence of synthesis of GST can be one of the etiologic factor in development of malignancy.  Objective: To study GSTM1 null genotype and its role in genetic susceptibility to carcinogenesis in patients with leukoplakia and OSMF comparing with healthy controls.  Materials and Method: 50 patients with precancerous lesions and 50 controls were included in the study. Tissue biopsy and peripheral venous blood was withdrawn for DNA extraction. These samples were then exposed to PCR to check for GSTM1 gene deletion. Result:  Higher frequency of GSTM1 null genotype was noted in patients with OSMF i.e. 37.5%. However no difference was found in the frequency of GSTM1 null genotype when patients with precancerous lesions were compared with healthy controls having tobacco related habits. Conclusion: GSTM1 Null genotype may be a high penetrance risk factor in patients with premalignant lesions and conditions and should be evaluated for the potential cause in malignant transformation of such lesions.

Keywords: GSTM1 gene, leukoplakia, oral submucous fibrosis, polymorphism, potentially malignant disorders.