Gstm1, glutathione S-transferase M1, is a gene encoding an enzyme responsible for the detoxification of substances harmful to the human body, such as air pollution, drugs, pesticides, and tobacco [1]. As part of the glutathione S-transferase family, it protects cells from oxidative stress and may also be involved in negatively regulating apoptosis-related signalling cascades through protein-protein interactions [3].

Regarding its association with diseases, some studies suggest that Gstm1 null genotype may not be associated with pre-eclampsia risk [2], renal cell carcinoma [4], basal and squamous cell carcinomas [5], or hypertension [6]. However, in Chinese populations, the Gstm1 null genotype is associated with an increased risk of lung cancer [7]. In Asians, the Gstm1 null genotype may be associated with a higher risk of oral cancer, and this effect may be modified by smoking status [8]. In Chinese and Indian populations, the Gstm1 null genotype is associated with the development of cervical cancer, and smoking modifies this association [9].

In conclusion, Gstm1 plays a crucial role in detoxification and potentially in apoptosis regulation. Studies on its null genotype across various ethnic groups have revealed associations with different diseases, such as lung, oral, and cervical cancers. Understanding Gstm1's function through genetic models like gene knockout could further clarify its role in disease mechanisms, offering potential insights for disease prevention and treatment.

References:

1. Nakanishi, Giovana, Bertagnolli, Laísa S, Pita-Oliveira, Murilo, Cirino, Heithor S, Rodrigues-Soares, Fernanda. 2022. GSTM1 and GSTT1 polymorphisms in healthy volunteers - a worldwide systematic review. In Drug metabolism reviews, 54, 37-45. doi:10.1080/03602532.2022.2036996. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35103568/

2. Li, Lin, Wang, Ao, Ke, Yi. . GSTM1 and GSTT1 polymorphisms and risk of preeclampsia: a system review and meta-analysis. In The journal of maternal-fetal & neonatal medicine : the official journal of the European Association of Perinatal Medicine, the Federation of Asia and Oceania Perinatal Societies, the International Society of Perinatal Obstetricians, 36, 2237623. doi:10.1080/14767058.2023.2237623. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37469043/

3. Zhao, Jian, Wang, Lixian, Li, Yan, Zhao, Wei, Kang, Shan. . Hypomethylation of the GSTM1 promoter is associated with ovarian endometriosis. In Human reproduction (Oxford, England), 34, 804-812. doi:10.1093/humrep/dez039. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30989213/

4. Liu, Rui, Wang, Xiao-Hua, Liu, Li, Zhou, Qiang. . No association between the GSTM1 null genotype and risk of renal cell carcinoma: a meta-analysis. In Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention : APJCP, 13, 3109-12. doi:. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22994718/

5. Peng, Hao, He, Quanyong, Zhu, Jie, Peng, Cheng. 2012. Effect of GSTM1 polymorphism on risks of basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma: a meta-analysis. In Tumour biology : the journal of the International Society for Oncodevelopmental Biology and Medicine, 34, 675-81. doi:10.1007/s13277-012-0595-9. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23184764/

6. Ge, Beihai, Song, Yadong, Zhang, Yi, Wen, Yuxiang, Guo, Xiaomei. 2015. Glutathione S-transferase M1 (GSTM1) and T1 (GSTT1) null polymorphisms and the risk of hypertension: a meta-analysis. In PloS one, 10, e0118897. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0118897. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25742618/

7. Shi, Xiuquan, Zhou, Suhua, Wang, Zhongxu, Zhou, Zongcan, Wang, Zengzhen. 2007. CYP1A1 and GSTM1 polymorphisms and lung cancer risk in Chinese populations: a meta-analysis. In Lung cancer (Amsterdam, Netherlands), 59, 155-63. doi:. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17900751/

8. Zhang, Zhi-Jiang, Hao, Ke, Shi, Rong, Xu, Xiaohui, Ma, Jin. 2011. Glutathione S-transferase M1 (GSTM1) and glutathione S-transferase T1 (GSTT1) null polymorphisms, smoking, and their interaction in oral cancer: a HuGE review and meta-analysis. In American journal of epidemiology, 173, 847-57. doi:10.1093/aje/kwq480. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21436184/

9. Liu, Ying, Xu, Liang-Zhi. . Meta-analysis of association between GSTM1 gene polymorphism and cervical cancer. In Asian Pacific journal of tropical medicine, 5, 480-4. doi:10.1016/S1995-7645(12)60083-2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22575983/