Polymorphisms in the CYP2E1 and GSTM1 genes as possible protection factors for leprosy patients

PLoS One. 2012;7(10):e47498. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0047498. Epub 2012 Oct 15.

Abstract

Background: The CYP2E1 and GSTM1 genes encode metabolic enzymes that have key functions in drug modification and elimination.

Methodology/principal findings: We investigated the possible effects of CYP2E1 and GSTM1 polymorphisms in 71 leprosy patients and in 110 individuals from the general population. The GSTM1*0 null allele and INDEL CYP2E1*1D mutant genotypes were analyzed by conventional PCR, while CYP2E1 SNPs (1053C>T, 1293G>C and 7632T>A) were determined by RT-PCR. In leprosy patients, the GSTM1*0 and CYP2E1*5 alleles and the combined alleles GSTM1*0/CYP2E1*6 and GSTM1*0/CYP2E1*5 were significantly related to a baciloscopic index (BI) (BI<3), while the CYP2E1*6 allele was related to a better clinical evolution in the leprosy spectrum.

Conclusions/significance: Therefore, GSTM1*0, CYP2E1*5 and CYP2E1*6 may be possible protection factors for leprosy patients.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Alleles
  • Cytochrome P-450 CYP2E1 / genetics*
  • Female
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease
  • Genotype
  • Glutathione Transferase / genetics*
  • Humans
  • Leprosy* / genetics
  • Leprosy* / pathology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
  • Risk Factors

Substances

  • Cytochrome P-450 CYP2E1
  • Glutathione Transferase
  • glutathione S-transferase M1

Grants and funding

This study was supported by FINEP (Financiadora de Estudos e Projetos), CNPq/Casadinho (Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico), CAPES (Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento Pessoal de Nível Superior) and PROPES/UFPA (Universidade Federal do Pará), FADESP (Fundação de Amparo a Pesquisa). The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.