Evaluation of the association between glutathione S-transferase polymorphisms and susceptibility to cutaneous melanoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Introduction:
Glutathione S-transferase (GST) enzymes play a crucial role in detoxification by catalysing the conjugation of many hydrophobic and electrophilic compounds with reduced glutathione. Polymorphisms in GST genes may influence the susceptibility to various cancers, including melanoma.

Aim:
We reported a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the association between GST polymorphisms and susceptibility to cutaneous melanoma.

Material and methods:
A comprehensive search of four databases, namely PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science, was conducted to gather pertinent studies up until 24 August 2023. No restrictions were imposed during the search. The analysis included 32 studies and was broken down into subgroups based on ethnicity, control source, control matching, quality score, and sample size.

Results:
The forest plot analyses on GSTM1, GSTT1, combined GSTM1/GSTT1, and GSTP1 polymorphisms in relation to melanoma risk showed no statistically significant differences between the case and control groups, except for the recessive model of GSTP1 polymorphism. The analysis revealed significant associations between GSTM1 polymorphisms and melanoma risk in Asians and in studies with a sample size of less than 200. For the combined GSTM1/GSTT1 polymorphisms, a significant association was found in hospital-based controls.

Conclusions:
While this study enhances our understanding of the genetic factors influencing melanoma risk, it also highlights the need for further research. The current evidence is not sufficient to confirm or reject the intervention effect. Future research should consider gene-gene and gene-environment interactions, which could offer a more comprehensive understanding of the complex biology of melanoma.