A study of the association of glutathione S-transferase M1/T1 polymorphisms with susceptibility to vitiligo in Egyptian patients

An Bras Dermatol. 2018 Jan-Feb;93(1):54-58. doi: 10.1590/abd1806-4841.20185796.

Abstract

Background: The association of glutathione S-transferases M1/T1 (GSTM1/T1) null polymorphisms with vitiligo was proposed in several studies including two Egyptian studies with contradictory results.

Objective: The aim here was to assess the association between GSTM1/T1 null polymorphisms and the susceptibility to vitiligo in a larger sample of Egyptian patients with generalized vitiligo.

Methods: This study included 122 vitiligo patients and 200 healthy controls that were age, and gender matched. Assessment of GSTM1/T1 gene polymorphisms was done using a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Results: Increased odds of generalized vitiligo was observed with the null genotypes of GSTM1 and GSTT1 polymorphisms (P<0.05). Controls with GSTM1 null/GSTT1+ heterozygosis presented with a 2.97 odds protection from having generalized vitiligo (OR=2.97, 95%CI=1.1-7.7) (P=0.02) compared with patients.

Study limitations: Small sample size of patients.

Conclusions: This study showed a significant trend towards an association with the combination of the GSTM1/GSTT1 double null polymorphism and generalized vitiligo. Individuals with GSTM1 null/GSTT1+ heterozygosis have a 2.97 odds protection from having generalized vitiligo compared with patients. It was is the first time, to our knowledge, that such an association has been reported.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Child
  • Egypt
  • Female
  • Gene Frequency
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease / genetics*
  • Genotype
  • Glutathione Transferase / genetics*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Polymorphism, Genetic / genetics*
  • Vitiligo / genetics*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • glutathione S-transferase T1
  • Glutathione Transferase
  • glutathione S-transferase M1