GSTM1, GSTT1, GSTP1, and GSTA1 genetic variants are not associated with coronary artery disease in Taiwan.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The genetic variants of xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes, such as those encoded by glutathione-S-transferase (GST) genes, may be associated with the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). To investigate the genetic factors for CAD, we examined the GSTM1, GSTT1, GSTP1, and GSTA1 genotypes in a CAD cohort in Taiwan.

METHODS: Our study included 458 CAD participants and 209 control participants who received coronary angiography to assess CAD. The severity of CAD was defined as the number of coronary vessels with 50% or greater stenosis. Sequence variation of the GSTM1 and GSTT1 genes was determined using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The GSTP1 (Ile105Val), and GSTA1 (-69C>T) genetic variants were identified using a combination of PCR and restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. Logistic regression analysis was used to calculate the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals.

RESULTS: Among the GST genetic variants examined, the GSTT1 null genotype was more prevalent in CAD participants with 3 stenosed vessels than in control participants (OR=1.64, P=.02). This association was no longer observed after adjusting for age, sex, smoking, alcohol use, diabetes mellitus, and serum levels of total cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (OR=1.28, P=.40). Both univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses found no significant associations between CAD and the other genetic variants, either separately or in combination. In addition, no effects of interactions between the genotypes and environmental factors, such as cigarette smoking, were significantly associated with the risk of CAD.

CONCLUSION: The GST genetic variants examined were not associated with susceptibility to CAD in our Taiwanese cohort. This null association requires further confirmation with larger samples.