Investigation of the Relationship between Genetic Polymorphisms in GSTM1 and GSTT1 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 Stransferase (GST) gene are involved in the pathogenesis of many diseases, including lung disease. Two glutathione Stransferase Mu 1 (GSTM1) and glutathione Stransferase theta 1 (GSTT1) 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, 41 steel plant workers with impaired lung function were selected. Multiplex PCR technique was used to identify the genotyping of GST M1 and T1. Results: The results of the frequency of gene deletion among 41 patients showed that there were 10 individuals (17.2%) with deletion of GSTM1 gene, 4 individuals (11.8%) with deletion of GSTT1 gene. The results of the frequency of gene deletion among 50 healthy individuals (control group) also showed that there were 8 individuals (8.5%) with deletion of GSTM1 gene, and 12 individuals (8.3%) with deletion of GSTT1 gene. There were 7 individuals (14%) without deletion of GSTM1 and GSTT1 removal. The results of Chisquare test between healthy and sick groups showed no significance at the level of p 0.05. 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.