Evaluation of GST-T1 Gene Polymorphism in Chronic Hepatitis B Infection

Background and Infection caused by hepatitis B virus is a major health problem and the most common known chronic infection. It has an important role in developing cirrhosis and hepatic cancer. Glutathione-s-transferase enzyme is one of the most important metabolic enzymes in cellular protection mechanisms such as: xenobiotic detoxification and metabolism and cells protection against harms caused by oxidative stress which prevents different diseases. This study aimed at determining the frequencies of GSTT1 polymorphisms in chronic hepatitis B infection. In this case-control study, 100 chronic hepatitis B patients and 100 normal subjects from Mazandaran province were evaluated for GST T1 polymorphism. Both patient’s and control’s Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral white blood cells according to Salting out method. Multiplex-PCR was done for detection of GST T1 gene polymorphism in both groups. Data was analyzed using SPSS V.18 and P<0.05 was considered significant. In present study, 200 people including 94 men and 106 women were examined. All subjects were from the same race and geographic area. Results showed an increase in the number of null GST T1 allele in patient group (0.95% CL: 1.724 - 5.974, OR: 3.209, P≤0.001). GST T1 null allele was a factor leading to chronic hepatitis B and hepatic injuries in studied population in Mazandaran province.