Medicina molecular y genética

Polymorphism of Glutathione S‑Transferase M1 and T1 Genes and Susceptibility to Childhood Asthma: A Study from North India

Abstract

Srivastava DSL, Mittal K, Jindal P and Kumar A

Objectives: Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) enzymes play an important role in the xenobiotic biotransformation of endogenous or exogenous toxicants and thought to protect the airways from oxidative stress, inflammation, and genotoxicity. Polymorphisms in the GST genes may lead to an increased imbalance in antioxidant systems and may influence the pathogenesis of asthma. We examined the association of the GST gene polymorphism to ascertain whether high-risk genotypes of GSTM1/GSTT1 could influence the susceptibility to childhood asthma in the N orth Indian population.

Methods: The study constituted of 100 childhood asthmatic cases and 180 age-matched controls. The GSTT1 and GSTM1 null genotypes were identified by multiplex PCR in peripheral blood DNA samples. Statistical analysis was done by using SPSS 20.0 soft ware.

Results: No association was seen either the null genotype of the GSTM1 or GSTTT1 (P > 0.05); however, in atopy patients significant association were observed with null genotype of GSTT1 (OR=2.67; P<0.05) for risk of child hood asthma. In combined analysis of GSTM1/GSTT1, presence of null genotypes of GSTM1 &GSTT1 further append the risk of childhood asthma (OR=3.92; P<0.05) compared to positive genotypes of GSTM1 and GSTT1. When compared among gender, GSTT1 null genotype was found to be statistically significant in male (OR=2.71; P<0.005) as compared to female childhood asthmatic patients.

Conclusion: In conclusion, null genotype of GSTT1 exhibits significant association for the risk of childhood asthma, especially in disease predisposition and initiation.