GLUTATHIONE-S-TRANSFERASE-MU (GST-MU) DEFICIENCY AND DNA-ADDUCTS IN LYMPHOCYTES OF SMOKERS

The effect of smoking on DNA adduct formation in lymphocytes was analy sed in individuals with low (deficient) and high (non-deficient) gluta thione S-transferase (class Mu) activity. DNA adduct levels in lymphoc ytes were determined by the highly sensitive nuclease Pl-enhanced P-32 -postlabeling assay. The lymphocyte DNA adducts/10(8) nucleotides of s mokers deficient in glutathione S-transferase Mu activity (n = 12) wer e significantly higher than those of smokers non-deficient (n = 9) in glutathione S-transferase Mu activity. The DNA adduct levels of the ly mphocytes inversely correlated with glutathione S-transferase Mu activ ity. A correlation was found between DNA adduct levels and daily cigar ette consumption. Results of the present study suggest that individual s deficient in glutathione S-transferase Mu activity may be at greater risk of DNA damage. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.