Frequency of Glutathione S-Transferees M1 and T1 Null Genotypes in Coronary Artery Patients Compared to the Control Group

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common type of heart disease and so it is important to identify risk factors of CAD. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) contribute to the genesis and the progression of CAD by affecting different pathways. The glutathione S-transferase is an enzyme that reduces ROS in the body. Therefore, polymorphisms that affect the activity of these enzymes must be recognized.

After collecting samples from 191 CAD patients and 191 healthy individuals identified by a cardiologist, the multiplexpolymerase chain reaction (multiplex-PCR) technique was used to diagnose null genotypes of glutathione S transferase T1(GSTT1) and M1(GSTM1). The lipid profile was assessed by the conventional colorimetric method.

The results indicated that the frequency of null genotypes of GSTM1 and GSTT1 in patients was 49.7% and 21.5%, respectively. However, in the control group, it was 37.7% and 16.8%, respectively. Only the null genotype of GSTM1 was associated with CAD (P=0.018, OR=1.46). Further analysis confirmed that the GSTM1 null genotype was not a significant risk factor for early-onset CAD (P=0.169).

In conclusion, the GSTM1 null genotype is involved in the susceptivity to CAD in the study population.