Polymorphism of glutathione S-transferases M1 and T1: susceptibility to solar keratoses in an Italian population.

BACKGROUND Polymorphisms of glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are linked to skin cancer, but data on their association with solar keratosis (SK) are few and conflicting. AIM To verify the possible association between the development of SK and the 'null' GSTM1 and/or T1 genotype. METHODS Analysis of the GSTM1 and T1 genotype of 33 subjects with ≥3 solar keratoses and of 150 controls, before and after stratification based on smoking habits, sun exposure and immunosuppression. RESULTS The GST T1 null allele is significantly (P < 0.03) associated with increased prevalence of SK in our population. CONCLUSIONS Our study, the first on a Mediterranean population, shows the existence of a correlation between SK and the GST T1 null genotype. This result points out significant differences between subjects of different ethnic and geographical origin and warrants further investigation on a larger population, and ethnically different populations.