Is the GSTM1 null polymorphism a risk factor for primary angle-closure glaucoma among Iranian population?

Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are members of multigenic family which have the essential functionin cells as an antioxidant. In the present study we studied the polymorphism of GSTT1 and GSTM1 deletion genotypes in Iranian patients with primary closed angle glaucoma (PCAG) compared to healthy subjects. We conducted a study of 41 PCAG patients (24 women, 17 men) and 100 healthy participants (57 women, 43 men) to determine the prevalence of GSTT1 and GSTM1 deletion genotypes and the risk of PCAG, which were determined by multiplex polymerase chain reaction. Genotypes of GSTM1 and GSTT1 null deletions were determined in 22 (53.7%) and 7 (17.1%) patients with PCAG and 34 (34%) and 15 (15%) in healthy participants. Comparison of patients and healthy ones regarding GSTM1 and GSTT1 genotypes revealed increase of GSTM1 null deletions genotypes’ in patients with PCAG (P=0.03). It was concluded that the increased frequencies of GSTM1 null in patients with PCAG could be associated with a risk factor for incidence of PCAG in the Iranian population.