The causes of acquired aplastic anemia (AAA) include immunologic mechanisms and oxidative DNA damage. Glutathione S-transferase (GST) plays an important role in detoxification. In humans, GST genes encode four main clones: alpha (A), mu (M), pi (P) and theta (T). Among GST genes, GST M1 and T1 have null genotypes that result in a lack of activity. The aim of this study was to investigate polymorphisms of the GSTM1 and GSTT1 enzyme in Brazilian patients with AAA. The null allele of GSTM1 was observed in 3 (16.6%) patients and the GSTT1 null genotype was observed in only one (5.5%) patient. This study did not find any association between genetic polymorphisms of the GSTM1/GSTT1 detoxifying enzymes and the pathogenesis of AAA.
Acquired aplastic anemia; gluthatione; genetic polymorphisms
