Association of glutathione s-transferase gene methylation with risk of schizophrenia in an Iranian population

Pharmacology. 2014;94(3-4):179-82. doi: 10.1159/000368083. Epub 2014 Oct 24.

Abstract

Background/aim: It has been believed that epigenetic changes play a critical role in schizophrenia through improper interaction between genome and environmental risk factors. The aim of this case-control study was to investigate the association of the promoter hypermethylation status of glutathione S-transferase T1 (GSTT1) and glutathione S-transferase P1 (GSTP1) genes with the risk of schizophrenia.

Materials and methods: Methylation-specific PCR was used to estimate DNA methylation in the blood of 80 patients with schizophrenia and 71 healthy controls.

Results: Promoter hypermethylation analysis of GSTT and GSTP indicated a significant difference between individuals with methylated and unmethylated status [odds ratio (OR) = 0.339, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) = 0.14-0.8, p = 0.012 and OR = 0.308, 95% CI = 0.135-0.7, p = 0.005, respectively].

Conclusion: The present study supports the hypothesis that impairment in the promoter region of GSTT and GSTP genes by hypermethylation may increase the risk of schizophrenia.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Case-Control Studies
  • DNA Methylation
  • Glutathione S-Transferase pi / genetics*
  • Glutathione Transferase / genetics*
  • Humans
  • Iran / epidemiology
  • Odds Ratio
  • Risk Factors
  • Schizophrenia / epidemiology
  • Schizophrenia / genetics*

Substances

  • glutathione S-transferase T1
  • GSTP1 protein, human
  • Glutathione S-Transferase pi
  • Glutathione Transferase