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Glutathione S-transferase polymorphisms may be associated with risk of oedematous severe childhood malnutrition

Kwesi G Marshall1, Sharon Howell, Marvin Reid

  • 1Tropical Metabolism Research Unit, University of the West Indies, Mona, Jamaica.

The British Journal of Nutrition
|August 23, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Genetic variations in glutathione S-transferase (GST) genes may increase the risk of severe childhood malnutrition, specifically the oedematous form (OSCM). This study suggests GSTP1 Val(105) homozygotes are more common in children with OSCM.

Area of Science:

  • Genetics
  • Nutritional Science
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Undernutrition causes over 50% of deaths in children under five.
  • Severe childhood malnutrition presents as oedematous and non-oedematous forms.
  • The reasons for developing oedematous severe childhood malnutrition (OSCM) are not fully understood, suggesting potential genetic susceptibility.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between variants in glutathione S-transferase (GST) genes and the risk of developing OSCM.
  • To explore genetic factors contributing to the heterogeneity of severe childhood malnutrition.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective study of 136 children treated for severe malnutrition.
  • Cases: children with OSCM; Controls: children with non-oedematous severe malnutrition.
  • Genotyping of four GST genes (GSTP1, GSTT1, and two others).

Main Results:

  • GSTP1 Val(105) homozygotes were significantly more frequent in OSCM cases (OR 3.5).
  • A borderline significant association was found between non-deletion GSTT1 genotypes and OSCM (OR 2.4).
  • No significant associations were observed for other GST variants studied.

Conclusions:

  • Genetic variations within the GST superfamily may play a role in the risk of developing OSCM.
  • Preliminary findings suggest genetic susceptibility contributes to OSCM.
  • Further research with larger datasets and other candidate genes is needed to confirm these findings and understand malnutrition heterogeneity.

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