Investigation of the Relationship between Genetic Polymorphisms in GSTM۱ and GSTT۱ Genes and Susceptibility to Lung Functional Abnormalities in Workers Exposed to Air Pollutants at Isfahan Steel Plant

Introduction: Gaseous air pollutants can cause oxidative stress, which can lead to lung damage by inducing inflammation. Polymorphisms in the glutathione S-transferase (GST) gene are involved in the pathogenesis of many diseases, including lung disease. Two glutathione S-transferase Mu ۱ (GSTM۱) and glutathione S-transferase theta ۱ (GSTT۱) genes belong to this family, in which deletions occur and the resulting alleles are unable to produce active enzymes. Materials and Methods: In this study, ۴۱ steel plant workers with impaired lung function were selected. Multiplex PCR technique was used to identify the genotyping of GST M۱ and T۱. Results: The results of the frequency of gene deletion among ۴۱ patients showed that there were ۱۰ individuals (۱۷.۲%) with deletion of GSTM۱ gene, ۴ individuals (۱۱.۸%) with deletion of GSTT۱ gene. The results of the frequency of gene deletion among ۵۰ healthy individuals (control group) also showed that there were ۸ individuals (۸.۵%) with deletion of GSTM۱ gene, and ۱۲ individuals (۸.۳%) with deletion of GSTT۱ gene. There were ۷ individuals (۱۴%) without deletion of GSTM۱ and GSTT۱ removal. The results of Chi-square test between healthy and sick groups showed no significance at the level of p < ۰.۰۵. Conclusion: According to the results, it can be concluded that the sensitivity to lung function abnormalities in steel workers is directly related to the duration of employment.

Keywords:

Total Lung Capacity , Glutathione S-transferase M۱ , Air Pollutants , Isfahan City.