OBJECTIVE: We examined the genetic polymorphisms of glutathione S-transferase M1 (GSTM1), T1 (GSTT1), and P1 (GSTP1) in Korean patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and studied to determine whether GSTs influence susceptibility or outcome in RA. METHODS: RA patients with disease duration above 2 years (n=267) and healthy control (n=400) were enrolled. Genetic polymorphism were determined using polymerase chain reaction-based assays. We assumed stage I (Steinbroker's radiologic stage by the ACR criteria) regarded as mild RA and stage II, III, IV as severe RA. Data were analysed using multiple regression analysis with correction for age, sex, disease duration, and rheumatoid factor positivity. RESULTS: The frequency of GSTM1 null genotype in Korean RA patients was significantly higher than that of control (61.7% vs 53.5%, p=0.04). No significant differences in the frequency of the GSTT1 null genotype and GSTP1 genotypes between RA patients and normal controls were identified. The GSTM1 null genotype significantly influence the disease progression and bony erosive change in severe RA groups (p=0.03) compared with in mild RA groups. CONCLUSION: The GSTM1 null genotype increases the risk of rheumatoid arthritis in Korean patients. More severe erosive damage was associated with GSTM1 null genotype. Our study suggests that GSTM1 null genotype may be an independent marker for development of more erosive disease in RA.
Arthritis, Rheumatoid* ; Disease Progression ; Genotype ; Glutathione Transferase* ; Glutathione* ; Humans ; Polymorphism, Genetic ; Rheumatoid Factor

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether GSTM1, GSTT1 and GSTP1 polymorphisms are associated with susceptibility or disease manifestations in patients with SLE. METHODS: Two hundred eighty-six SLE patients who fulfilled the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria were compared with 271 cases of age and sex matched controls to examine association between GST genotypes and susceptibility to SLE. The effect of genotype on SLE manifestations was assessed using the comparison of ACR diagnostic criteria. GST gene polymorphisms were determined by a multiplex polymerase chain reaction and antibodies to SS-A and SS-B were determined by double immunodiffusion. RESULTS: No association was found in the comparison of GSTM1 null, GSTT1 null, GSTP1 Ile105-- Antibodies ; Exanthema ; Genotype ; Glutathione Transferase* ; Glutathione* ; Heterozygote ; Humans ; Immunodiffusion ; Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic* ; Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Nephritis ; Psychotic Disorders ; Rheumatology