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Lack of glutathione transferase activity in intermittent claudication
H Pessah-Rasmussen1, L Stavenow, J Seidegard
1Department of Medicine, University of Lund, Malmö General Hospital, Sweden.
Abstract:
Glutathione transferase activity towards trans-stilbene oxide (GT-tSBO), an enzyme involved in the detoxification of many substances such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, was studied in 77 consecutive patients operated with coronary bypass, 73 patients with intermittent claudication, 78 healthy smokers and in 38 healthy non-smokers. The mean ages of these groups were similar. Lack of GT-tSBO was recorded in 45% of coronary bypass patients, in 39% of smoking coronary bypass patients, in 61% of patients with intermittent claudication, in 41% of healthy smokers and in 31% of healthy non-smokers. The lack of GT-tSBO was significantly more frequent among patients with intermittent claudication compared to healthy non-smokers (p less than 0.01) and healthy smokers (p less than 0.025) and to smoking coronary bypass. It is concluded that the lack of GT-tSBO is found more frequently among patients with intermittent claudication and this might contribute to explain the sensitivity to smoking among these subjects.
Insights
The lack of glutathione transferase activity towards trans-stilbene oxide (GT-tSBO) was more common in patients with intermittent claudication. This deficiency may explain their increased sensitivity to smoking.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Toxicology
- Cardiovascular Science
Background:
- Glutathione transferase activity towards trans-stilbene oxide (GT-tSBO) is crucial for detoxifying environmental toxins like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
- Impaired detoxification pathways may increase susceptibility to diseases, particularly in smokers and individuals with cardiovascular conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of GT-tSBO deficiency in patients undergoing coronary bypass surgery and those with intermittent claudication.
- To compare GT-tSBO activity in these patient groups with healthy smokers and non-smokers.
- To explore the potential link between GT-tSBO deficiency and smoking-related health issues, especially in intermittent claudication patients.
Main Methods:
- Enzyme activity assay for GT-tSBO was performed on 77 coronary bypass patients, 73 intermittent claudication patients, 78 healthy smokers, and 38 healthy non-smokers.
- Patient groups were age-matched to ensure comparability.
- Statistical analysis was used to compare the frequency of GT-tSBO deficiency across the studied cohorts.
Main Results:
- A significant lack of GT-tSBO was observed in 61% of intermittent claudication patients, a higher rate compared to healthy non-smokers (31%) and healthy smokers (41%).
- Deficiency was also noted in 45% of coronary bypass patients and 39% of smoking coronary bypass patients.
- The lack of GT-tSBO was significantly more frequent in intermittent claudication patients compared to healthy non-smokers (p<0.01) and healthy smokers (p<0.025).
Conclusions:
- The deficiency of GT-tSBO is notably more prevalent in individuals suffering from intermittent claudication.
- This enzyme deficiency may be a contributing factor to the heightened sensitivity to smoking observed in patients with intermittent claudication.
- Further research into detoxification enzyme function could offer insights into personalized risk assessment and therapeutic strategies for cardiovascular and smoking-related diseases.