GENETIC-POLYMORPHISM FOR GLUTATHIONE-S-TRANSFERASE-MU IN ASBESTOS-CEMENT WORKERS

Objective-To investigate whether a lack of glutathione-S-transferase m u (GSTM1) activity was related to an increased risk for adverse outcom e after asbestos exposure. Methods-A Study was made of 78 male former asbestos cement workers, with retrospective cohort data on exposure, r adiographical findings, and lung function. Venous blood samples were o btained for the analysis of GSTM1 polymorphism by the polymerase chain reaction technique. Chest x ray films were classified according to th e International Labour Organisation (ILO) 1980 classification. Vital c apacity (VC) and forced expiratory volume during 1 s (FEV(1)) were det ermined. Individual estimates of asbestos exposure were calculated, an d expressed as duration of exposure, average exposure intensity, and c umulative dose. Data on smoking were obtained from interviews. Results -The lung function in the study group was reduced, compared with refer ence equations. 23% of the workers had small opacities greater than or equal to 1/0, 29% circumscribed pleural thickenings, 14% diffuse thic kenings, and 12% obliterated costophrenic angles. 54% of the workers w ere GSTM1 deficient; They were comparable with the other workers in ag e, follow up time (median 30 years), and duration of exposure (median 18 years), but had a slightly higher cumulated dose (median 18 v 10 fi bre-years) than the others. Neither in radiographical changes nor lung function variables were there any differences between the different G STM1 groups. The findings were similar when smoking habits and estimat ed asbestos exposure were taken into account. Conclusions-We could not show that lack of GSTM1 activity was related to an increased risk for radiographical or lung function changes in a group of asbestos cement workers, followed up for a long period after the end of exposure.