ABSTRACT
Introduction:
Endometriosis is a common gynecologic disorder influenced by genetic and environmental factors. The glutathione S-transferase family is associated with endometriosis because its main function is cellular detoxification, so the absence of those enzymes may be a factor for the development of the disorder.
Objective:
Investigate the relationship between polymorphisms of GSTM1 and GSTT1 genes and endometriosis, in order to gain a better understanding of the association between detoxification genes and the susceptibility to endometriosis.
Material and methods:
Case-control study in 132 women (49 with endometriosis and 83 of the control group). The genotype was determined using multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR), observed in 10% polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis stained with silver nitrate, and statistical analysis was performed.
Results:
There was not a significant difference between the GSTM1 and GSTT1 null genotype in the endometriosis group and the control group (p = 0.9956). The same result was observed with the combined genotype (p = 0.8129).
Conclusion:
In the present study, the GSTM1 and GSTT1 polymorphisms are not associated with a higher risk of endometriosis.
Key words:
endometriosis; polymorphism; genetic; multiplex polymerase chain reaction.
