OBJECTIVETo explore the relationship of GSTT1, GSTM1 gene polymorphisms and PAH-DNA adduct with pathogenesis of multiple myeloma.

METHODSThe bone marrow samples from 37 newly-diagnosed MM patients and 52 healthy peoples as controls were collected; the PCR-based restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method was used to detecte the polymorphism of GSTT1 and GSTM1, and to analysis their relationship with clinical characters of MM patients; the engyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to detect the concentration of PAH-DNA adducts.

RESULTSGSTT1 null and GSTM1 null genotypes increased the risk of multiple myeloma with OR 2.57 (P=0.035) and 1.37 (P>0.05) respectively. In MM patients group, GSTT1 null genotype in stage III was significantly higher than that in stages I, II (P=0.038). However, no statistically significant association was found between GSTT1 gene polymorphism and clinical characters, such as age, type, hemoglobin, β2-MG, albumin. Compared with Hb≥85 g/L of the newly-diagnosed MM patients, MM patients with Hb<85 g/L had significantly higher incidence of GSTM1 null genetype (P<0.05). The level of PAH-DNA adducts in MM patients was higher than that in controls (2358±1182 pg/ml vs 1853±996 pg/ml) (P<0.05). GSTT1 null genotype with PAH-DNA level≥2100 pg/ml showed a risk index of MM (OR=4.500, P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONGSTT1 gene may have a critical function in the development of MM, and correlates with staging of MM. GSTM1 gene polymorphism correlates with hemoglobin levels of patients with MM. The content of PAH-DNA adducts may play an important role in the pathogenesis of multiple myeloma.