Distribution of Genetic Polymorphisms of Glutathione S transferase M1 and T1 in Cantonese Speaking Area of Southern China

BACKGROUND AIM: To investigate the distribution of glutathione -S-transferase M1 and T1 (GSTM1, GSTT1)genetic polymorphisms in Cantonese people of Guangdong Province,and tentative analysis on the relationship between gene polymorphisms and the family history of some diseases. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The healthy population of 606 people in Xinxing county and Guangzhou city in Guangdong province were selected based on the intension of the study. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-2% agarose gel electrophoresis was applied to distinguish the genotype of the GSTM1 and GSTT1. RESULTS: The frequencies of homozygote for GSTM1(-/-) (n=597)and GSTT1(-/-)(n=579)were 56.8% and 42.1%, respectively. The frequency of homozygotes for both GSTM1(-/-) and GSTT1(-/-) was 22.8%(n=570). CONCLUSION: There was no linkage between the GSTM1 and GSTT1 genes. The difference of GSTM1 gene distribution in populations from two different areas was significant. The results of chi-square test showed that there was significant correlation between the distribution of GSTT1 genotype and the family history of coronary artery disease among the study population. GSTT1 null genotype was significantly increased in those who had a history of CHD family.