Ethnic Differences in Distributions of GSTM1 and GSTT1 Homozygous "Null" Genotypes in India

• Published in: Human biology Vol. 73; no. 3; pp. 443 - 450
• Main Authors: ROY, BIDYUT, MAJUMDER, PARTHA P., DEY, BADAL, CHAKRABORTY, MADAN, BANERJEE, SANAT, ROY, MONAMI, MUKHERJEE, NAMITA, SIL, SAMIR K.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Wayne State University Press 01.06.2001
• Subjects: Cluster Analysis; Enzymes; Ethnic groups; Ethnic Groups - genetics; Gene Frequency; Genetic aspects; Genetic loci; Genetic mutation; Genetics; Genotypes; Geodetic position; Glutathione Transferase - genetics; Hindus; Homozygotes; Human biology; Humans; India; Indians; Indians (Asian people); Muslims; Polymerase chain reaction; Polymorphism, Genetic; Population; Race; Regression Analysis; Social Class; Toxins; Zygote; Zygotes; India
• ISSN: 0018-7143; 1534-6617; 1534-6617
• DOI: 10.1353/hub.2001.0040

We estimated the frequencies of GSTM1 and GSTT1 "null" homozygotes in 10 different ethnic populations of India by a genotyping method based on polymerase chain reaction. These populations, inhabiting diverse geographical locations and occupying various positions in the sociocultural hierarchy, were represented by a sample of 299 unrelated individuals. Frequencies of GSTM1 and GSTT1 "null" homozygotes varied from 20% to 79% and 3% to 39%, respectively, across the study populations. Maximum frequencies of GSTM1 and GSTT1 "null" homozygotes (79% and 39%, respectively) have been observed in the same population (Jamatia). Frequencies of homozygous "null" genotypes at the GSTM1 and GSTT1 loci show a significant positive correlation in these populations, which is contrary to expectations. A possible implication is that the two enzymes are working in tandem, instead of working in a complementary way.