The influence of genetic polymorphisms of GSTP1 on the development of asbestosis.

Abstract

Genetic factors play an important role in the development of asbestosis. The aim of this study was to investigate whether genetic polymorphisms of glutathione S-transferase (GST) P1 represent a risk factor for this disease. The study population included 262 workers with asbestosis and 265 matched controls. Information on cumulative asbestos exposure was available. A real-time PCR based on the 5' nuclease assay was designed for the analysis of GSTP1 Ile105Val and Ala114Val polymorphisms. Asbestosis was associated with GSTP1 genotype coding for an enzyme with high conjugation capacity versus genotypes resulting in intermediate and low enzyme activity (odds ratio = 1.49, confidence interval = 1.06-2.10). The key finding of the study was that GSTP1 genotype coding for an enzyme with high conjugation capacity significantly increases the risk of developing asbestosis.