Increased susceptibility for OPMD risk with SNPs in GSTM1 (null), CCND1 (G870A), XPD (codon 751) and MMP3 (-1171; promotor region) was common to majority of populations (Asians, Caucasians, Brazilians and others). The gene discussed is ERCC2; the disease is oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy.