GSTM1 null polymorphism – a possible key for oral carcinogenesis

Resumo

Carcinogenesis is a multistep process and individual
risk to development of cancer depends not only on environmental
factors or extrinsic exposure to carcinogens but also on genetic
susceptibility of an individual. In head and neck cancer, tobacco
exposure and alcohol consumption are predominantly the most
significant external factors for tumor formation. Individual’s
susceptibility to cancer may be partly explained by variability
in enzymatic activities of metabolic genes. Mutations in genes
concerned with production of enzymes for metabolism of tobacco
products may lead to increased risk of carcinogenesis with respect
to oral mucosa. Therefore variations in the expression of these
genes due to heritable genetic polymorphisms might modulate
the process of carcinogenesis by altering the exposure levels of
tobacco derived carcinogens. Objective: This non systematic review
summarizes current data available on the role of environment
gene interaction in form of GSTM1 null polymorphism and oral
carcinogenesis. Literature review: Relevant data was selected
in order to summarize the studies conducted on GSTM1 null
polymorphism and oral cancer. Conclusion: Relationship between
GSTM1 null polymorphism in oral cancer needs to be established
to confirm the role of environment gene interaction in oral
carcinogenesis.