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Glutathione S-transferase polymorphisms and their biological consequences
1Biomedical Research Centre, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, UK. hayes@icrf.icnet.uk
Pharmacology
|September 6, 2000
Summary
Glutathione S-transferases (GST) are crucial for cellular protection against toxins and oxidative stress. Genetic variations (polymorphisms) in GST genes can influence disease susceptibility and response to toxic compounds.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Toxicology
- Genetics
Background:
- Glutathione S-transferases (GST) are key enzymes involved in cellular detoxification.
- Two main families exist: soluble and microsomal GSTs, with at least 16 and 6 genes respectively.
- GSTs protect cells from oxidative stress and toxic foreign chemicals by detoxifying electrophilic compounds.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of GSTs in cellular protection.
- To highlight the significance of GST gene polymorphisms.
- To explore the association between GST polymorphisms and disease susceptibility.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of GST gene families and their functions.
- Analysis of studies investigating GST polymorphisms.
- Examination of disease association data for specific GST alleles.
Main Results:
- GSTs detoxify reactive oxygen species-induced damage products like oxidized lipids and DNA.
- A growing number of GST genes are recognized as polymorphic.
- Certain GST polymorphisms, like GSTM1(*)0 and GSTT1(*)0, are linked to increased sensitivity to toxins.
- GST polymorphisms can modify disease risk, impacting conditions such as basal cell carcinoma and bronchial hyper-responsiveness.
Conclusions:
- GSTs play a vital role in protecting cells from endogenous and exogenous toxins.
- GST gene polymorphisms represent important genetic factors influencing individual susceptibility to diseases.
- Understanding GST polymorphisms is crucial for personalized medicine and risk assessment.