The Glutathione S-Transferases (GSTS) gene polymorphisms in hepatocellular, pancreatic and gallbladder cancers

Polymorphisms of the glutathione-S-transferase (GST) genes are known risk factors for some environmentally-related diseases and cancer. The super family of GSTs is composed of multiple isozymes with significant evidence of functional polymorphic variation. GSTs are a superfamily of enzymes that are and is subdivided into 7 classes (a, p, со, n, a, 6, Ç) and are known to protect cells by catalyzing the detoxification of electrophilic compounds, including exogenous products (carcinogens, therapeutic drugs, environmental toxins) and endogenous oxidative products, through conjugation with glutathione. The patients with a dual null genotype of GSTM1 and GSTT1 genes have a complete absence of the corresponding enzymes activity; in the case of other GSTs enzyme activity may decrease and this may lead to malignant alteration. Our objective was to review data concerning the involvement of GST polymorphisms associated with the development of liver, gallbladder and pancreatic cancers. Although there have been many conflicting reports regarding this relationship, the current evidence indicates that some GST genotypes are associated with an increased risk to develop an hepatocellular, gallbladder or pancreatic cancer.