Molecular Assessment of Glutathion S-Transferases (GSTT1 & GSTM1) Genotypes in HCV Infection

Glutathione S-Transferases (GSTs) are super family phase II detoxification enzymes, which regulate oxidative stress. GST Mu-1 (GSTM1) and GST Theta-1 (GSTT1) are expressed frequently in liver cell and have been observed to have prominent role in neutralizing reactive oxygen species producing as results of normal metabolism, stress or infection. Oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathogenesis of HCV-induced damage because GSTs directly involved in the detoxification of reactive oxygen species. Total 76 blood samples were collected. Various risk factors regarding HCV & GSTs were evaluated. Human genomic DNA was extracted through phenol/chloroform method and GSTs genotype was analyzed observed. Among 56 patient’s samples, GSTT1 (-), GSTM1 (-) and null genotype were 21.05%, 28.95%, 23.69% respectively while 26.3% of individuals showed normal GST pattern. Similarly among the male (63.16%) the ratios of GSTT1(-), GSTM1(-) and null genotype were 11.84%, 17.11% and 18.42% respectively, while among total female (36.84%) the ratios for GSTT1(-), GSTM1(-) and Null genotypes were 9.21%, 11.84 % and 5.26 % respectively. The individuals younger than 31 years showed GSTT1(-) 2.63 %, GSTM1(-) 6.58 % and null genotype 3.95 %. While individuals elder than 31 years GSTT1(-) were 18.42% GSTM1(-), 22.37% and null genotypes were 19.74%. It has been concluded that increase in age, increases the chances of both GSTT1 & GSTM1 deletion(-), irrespective of null genotypes, however chronic HCV infection produce frequent GST’s null genotypes. Among various risk factors tobacco addiction and unhygienic life standard seems to be the risk factors