Abstract: Objective To explore the relationship of polymorphism of O⁶-methylguanine-DNA-methyltransferase (MGMT)and the susceptibility of esophageal cancer(EC),and the interaction with environmental factors-gene in Changzhi area.Methods The 1:1 matching case-control study included 201 EC cases and 201 controls.MGMT polymorphisms were determined with polymerase chain2restriction on fragment length polymorphism(PCR2RFL P).Results The risk of EC significantly increased in individuals with MGMT mutation genotype and heterozygote compared to those with wild genotype (χ²=9.80,P<0.01).ORs(95%CI)were 1.33(1.01～2.07)and 1.47(1.03～2.54),respectively.There was interaction between MGMT mutation genotype and pickled food(S=1.77,A PI=0.25).Conclusion A genetic polymorphism in the MGMT gene may be associated with esophageal cancer in Changzhi area,and there is synergistic action between MGMT predisposing genotype and pickled food.