Background: Genetic factors and oxidative damage have been shown to have a role in the development of primary open angle glaucoma (POAG).
Aim: To determine the effects of genetic polymorphisms of glutathione S transferase (GST)M1 and GSTT1 on the risk of POAG in a Turkish population.
Methods: Using a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR), GSTM1 and GSTT1 gene polymorphisms were analysed in 144 patients with POAG and in 121 otherwise healthy controls of similar age.
Results: The GSTM1 positive genotype and the GSTT1 null genotype had an increased risk of developing POAG (p<0.001, OR 2.93, 95% CI 1.66 to 5.20 and OR 4.25, 95% CI 2.30 to 7.80, respectively). The risk of glaucoma also increased significantly in subjects with a combination of GSTM1 positive and GSTT1 null genotypes (p<0.001, OR 3.46, 95% CI 1.64 to 7.38).
Conclusion: The GSTM1 positive genotype and GSTT1 null genotype or the combination of both may be associated with the increased risk of development of POAG in the Turkish population.