Polymorphic glutathione S-transferase M1 is a risk factor of primary open-angle glaucoma among Estonians.

Primary open-angle glaucoma, the most common form of glaucoma is a slowly progressive atrophy of the optic nerve, characterized by loss of peripheral visual function and is usually associated with elevated intraocular pressure. The etiology and genetic risk factors of primary open-angle glaucoma are mostly unknown. The aim of this study was to find out whether the polymorphism at GSTM1, GSTM3, GSTT1 and GSTP1 loci is associated with increased susceptibility to glaucoma, because these polymorphic enzymes are susceptibility candidates for several diseases, including such eye disease as cataract.

Polymorphic glutathione S-transferases as genetic risk factors for senile cortical cataract in Estonians.

Purpose: To investigate the possible association between glutathione S-transferase GSTM1, GSTM3, GSTT1, and GSTP1 polymorphism and the occurrence of age-related cataracts in Estonian patients.

Methods: Patients with cortical (155), nuclear (77), posterior subcapsular (120), mixed type (151) of senile cataract and control individuals (202) were phenotyped for GSTM1 and GSTT1 by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and genotyped for GSTM3 and GSTP1 by polymerase chain reaction.

Results: The frequency of the GSTM1-positive phenotype was significantly higher in the cortical cataract group (60.