Null genotype of glutathione S-transferase M1 is associated with senile cataract susceptibility in non-smoker females.

In the present study, we investigated whether the polymorphisms of glutathione S-transferase M1 (GSTM1) and T1 (GSTT1) genes are risk factors of cataract among Iranian population in a molecular epidemiological way. Blood samples from 150 subjects with cataract (72 male; 78 female) and 150 age- and sex-matched healthy persons were collected. Both patient and control groups were unrelated Iranian Muslims. Using PCR-based method, the genotypes were determined. The null GSTM1 genotype was associated with a 2.38-fold increase in the risk of developing cataract (OR=2.38; 95% CI=1.46-3.89; P = 0.0003). After stratification by sex of subjects, the association was apparent only among women (OR=3.20; 95% CI=1.58-6.52; P = 0.0007). The GSTT1 null genotype was associated with a 1.10-fold increased risk of developing cataract, but this association was not statistically significant. After stratification by sex of subjects, same results were obtained. Female patients with null genotype for GSTM1 and no history of smoking had a 3.45-fold increased cataract risk (P < 0.05), whereas females who were null for GSTM1 and having history of smoking were not at increased risk of cataract.