Genetic Polymorphisms of GSTM1 and GSTT1 Genes in Delhi and Comparison with other Indian and Global Populations

The glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are involved in the metabolism of many xenobiotics, including an arrayof environmental carcinogens, pollutants, and drugs. Genetic polymorphisms in these genes may lead to interindividualvariation in susceptibility to various diseases. In the present study, GSTM1 and GSTT1 polymorphismswere analysed using a multiplex polymerase chain reaction in 500 normal individuals from Delhi. The frequencyof individuals with GSTM1 and GSTT1 null genotypes were 168 (33.6%) and 62 (12.4%) respectively, and54(10.8%) were having homozygous null genotype for both the genes GSTM1 and GSTT1simultaneously. Thestudied population was compared with reported frequencies from other neighbouring state populations, aswell as with those from other ethnic groups; Europeans, Blacks, and Asians. The prevalence of homozygousnull GSTM1 genotype is significantly higher in Caucasians and Asians as compared to Indian population. Thefrequency of GSTT1 homozygous null genotypes is also significantly higher in blacks and Asians. We believethat due to large number of individuals in this study, our results are reliable estimates of the frequencies of theGSTM1, GSTT1 in Delhi. It would provide a basic database for future clinical and genetic studies pertaining tosusceptibility and inconsistency in the response and/or toxicity to drugs known to be the substrates for GSTs.