POLYMORPHISMS OF GLUTATHIONE S-TRANSFERASE M1 AND T1 IN MALE PARTNER OF COUPLES HAVING RECURRENT PREGNANCY LOSS

Recurrent Pregnancy Loss (RPL) is defined as two or more consecutive
spontaneous abortions. Glutathione S-transferase genes produce isoenzymes that protect embryo against
oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to determine the removal of the two genes, GSTT1 and
GSTM1 in male partners of couples having RPL.
Materials & Methods: A case-control study of 102 cases was conducted including male partner of the
patients with RPL, and 104 controls, male partner of the normal couples. The semen samples of the
cases and controls were collected and analyzed. Peripheral blood from the cases and controls were
collected. DNA was extracted and subsequently multiplex PCR based genotyping assays were used. Chi
square-analysis, Fisher's exact test and correlation test were used for statistical evaluation.
Results: We found that 26.47% and 42.16% of the cases with RPL and 8.56% and14.42% of the controls
had the GSTM1 and GSTT1 null genotype (asynchronously). The GSTM1 null genotype was found
significantly more often in cases than in controls (26.47% versus8.56%, P < 0.05), the GSTT1 null
genotype was found significantly more often in cases than in controls (42.16% versus 14.42%,P < 0.05).
Also significant positive correlation (Corr=0.6; P<5%) between combined null genotype (simultaneous
removal of GSTM1 and GSTT1) abnormal sperm morphology was seen.
Conclusion: The GSTM1 and GSTT1 null genotype in cases with RPL was found to be a risk factor in
male partners of couples having RPL.