Genetic polymorphisms of GSTT1, GSTM1, and NQO1 genes and diabetes mellitus risk in Chinese population

Objective: The aims of the present study were to assess whether the glutathione S-transferase T1 (GSTT1), M1 (GSTM1), and NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) genotypes are associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2 DM) and to ascertain whether the levels of blood lipids given exposure to diabetes are modified by the specific genetic polymorphisms of GSTT1, GSTM1, and NQO1. Methods: This case-control study was conducted on 200 subjects. The genotypes were determined using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism. Results: The GSTT1-present genotype conferred a statistically significant 0.49-fold reduction in risk of T2 DM relative to the null genotype. Individuals with GSTT1-null or GSTM1-null genotype had higher levels of low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol, apolipoprotein B, and lipoprotein(a), respectively. There was no association between either GSTM1 or NQO1 polymorphism and risk of T2 DM. Conclusion: The present results suggest that the GSTT1 gene may contribute to the development of T2 DM and may be one of the candidate genes of T2 DM in Chinese population.