Gstm1 and Gstt1 Genotypes and Chromosomal Damage in Subjects Exposed to Low Level of Formaldehyde

Abstract

During the course of evolution, the living organisms have developed a set of enzymes able to eliminate the harmful xenobiotics present in food and in the environment (1). Among the several detoxification mechanisms (phase II) used for protection, the reduced glutathione and the glutathione-S-transferases (GSTs) is one of the most efficient systems. At least five gene families are present in humans (GSTM,GSTT,GSTP,GSTA and microsomal GST). In humans at least twenty GST enzymes with different isoenzymatic forms are present. Both GSTM1 and GSTT1, in particular, are polymorphic and there is now a considerable volume of data supporting the opinion that these polymorphisms can influence the susceptibility to cancer. [...]