Glutathione S-transferase gene polymorphisms in presbycusis

Area of Science:

• Genetics
• Audiology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Glutathione S-transferase (GST) enzymes are crucial for detoxifying harmful compounds and reactive oxygen species.
• Aging is associated with increased reactive oxygen species, potentially contributing to age-related hearing loss (presbycusis).
• The genetic factors influencing presbycusis risk are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the potential association between glutathione S-transferase (GST) gene polymorphisms (GSTM1, GSTT1, GSTP1) and the risk of developing age-related hearing loss.
• To determine if specific GST genotypes or combinations thereof increase susceptibility to presbycusis.

Main Methods:

• A case-control study involving 68 adults with presbycusis and 69 healthy controls.
• DNA extraction from whole blood samples.
• Real-time polymerase chain reaction and fluorescence resonance energy transfer were used to genotype GSTM1, GSTT1, and GSTP1 polymorphisms.
• Logistic regression analysis was employed to assess associations and calculate odds ratios.

Main Results:

• No significant differences in the frequencies of GSTM1, GSTT1, and GSTP1 gene polymorphisms were observed between individuals with presbycusis and healthy controls (p > 0.05).
• Combinations of different GST genotypes did not show an increased risk for presbycusis (p > 0.05).

Conclusions:

• This study did not find a significant association between GSTM1, GSTT1, and GSTP1 polymorphisms and age-related hearing loss in the studied population.
• The lack of significant findings may be attributed to the study's sample size.
• Further research with larger cohorts is warranted to elucidate the precise role of GST gene polymorphisms in the etiopathogenesis of presbycusis.