No evidence for a correlation of Glutathione S-Transferase polymorphisms and chronic rhinosinusitis

Objective: Cellular detoxification mechanisms are mandatory for cellular protection against oxidative stress and reactive oxygen species. One major group of antioxidative active enzymes involved in cellular detoxification are the Glutathione S-Transferases (GST). Multiple subtypes like GSTM1, GSTP1, and GSTT1 and variants of them are known, arising from allelic variations of the GST loci. Moreover, functional variants occur in high percentages and have been associated with diseases like bronchial asthma and bronchial hyperresponsiveness. The interplay of oxidative stress, detoxifying genes like GSTs and the genesis of respiratory tract illness is under contradictory debate. In this study, we analysed the potential association of GST-polymorphisms and chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Methods: In total 170 nasal tissue samples, 49 tissue samples from patients with CRS without nasal polyps, 69 tissue samples from CRS with nasal polyps and 52 healthy tissue controls of the inferior turbinate were analysed for their individual GST-status. Genotypes for GSTM1 (null versus present), GSTT1 (null versus present), and GSTP1 (Ile 105 Val) were determined by Polymerase Chain Reaction. The respective genotypes were correlated to the incidence of CRS with and without nasal polyps in aspirin-tolerant and intolerant patients and to the individual health status concerning asthma and allergies. Results: No correlation between any GST-polymorphism and CRS with and without nasal polyps or allergies or asthma or aspirin-intolerance was observed. Conclusion: Our results do not suggest that there is a relevant genetic predisposition considering the individual GST-status for the susceptibility of nasal respiratory epithelia leading to CRS.