BACKGROUND:
DNA damage has been found to
play an important
role in
atherosclerosis and
coronary artery disease.
Genetic polymorphisms of the
genes coding for
enzymes involved in the
metabolism of
genotoxins result in different
phenotypes with
respect to their
ability to detoxify these agents. In the present study the contribution of the polymorphism in the
glutathione S-transferase gene to the development of
coronary artery disease has been investigated.
METHODS:
One hundred and ninety seven angiographically proven
patients with
coronary artery disease and one hundred and ninety eight age-matched controls were genotyped for
glutathione S-
transferase polymorphism by
polymerase chain reaction.
Genotype frequencies were compared in
patients and controls by
Chi-square test. Binary
logistic regression was used to examine the relationship between
genotype and
disease, incorporating other variables into the model.
RESULTS:
GSTT1 null
genotype was significantly decreased in
patients with
coronary artery disease. No significant
association was found with GSTM1
genotypes. No such
association was seen with
smokers.
CONCLUSION:
Null
genotype of GSTT1 is protective against
coronary artery disease in our
population.