Wednesday 10 August 2005
GST polymorphism modulates endometriosis risk
Source: Human Reproduction 2005; 20: 2157-61
Study findings provide a clue to the role of GST polymorphisms in the modulation of endometriosis risk.
The risk of endometriosis may be modulated by a specific polymorphism in the gene for glutathione-S-transferase (GST), which is part of the phase II detoxifying enzyme system, indicates Turkish research findings.
Previous studies have looked at the role of the GSTM1 and GSTT1 polymorphisms in endometriosis. While GSTP1 was found to be abundant in genital systems, there is a lack of data on the role of GSTP1 in endometriosis.
D Ertunc and colleagues from Mersin University School of Medicine studied blood samples from 150 patients with confirmed endometriosis and 150 regularly menstruating women. Polymerase chain reaction was used to identify the frequency of the GSTP1 polymorphism.
Patients with endometriosis were more likely to have the GSTP1 ile/ile form of the polymorphism than controls, at an odds ratio of 1.53, although the difference was not significant. However, GSTP1 val/val was significantly more common in healthy individuals, at an odds ratio of 0.10, and appeared to be protective.
The team writes: "Regarding the importance of [GST] compounds in the pathogenesis of endometriosis, the changes in expression of GST may modulate the risk of this disease."
Posted: 4 August 2005
http://www.obgynworld.com/international/news/2005/Week_31/Day_5/GST_polymorphism_mod.asp 
GST polymorphism modulates endometriosis risk 
