The role of glutathione<i>S</i>-transferase M1 and T1 gene polymorphisms and fruit and vegetable consumption in antioxidant parameters in healthy subjects

<jats:p>The correlation of glutathione<jats:italic>S</jats:italic>-transferase (GST) M1/T1 genetic polymorphisms with oxidative stress-related chronic diseases was proved recently. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association of GSTM1/T1 genetic polymorphisms with antioxidant biomarkers and consumption of fruits and vegetables (F&V) in healthy subjects. In this study, for conducting a 3 d dietary survey, 190 healthy adults were recruited. After DNA extraction, a multiple PCR method was used for GSTM1/T1 genotyping. A spectrophotometer method was applied for the determination of plasma total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), vitamin C level and erythrocyte GST enzyme activity. A general linear model was used to compare the mean values of antioxidant parameters for different GSTM1/T1 genotypes and consumption of F&V. Polymorphisms of GSTM1/T1 had no effects on plasma T-AOC and vitamin C levels. Deletion of the GSTM1 gene decreased the erythrocyte GST activity. There was correlation between plasma T-AOC and consumption of F&V in the GSTM1<jats:sup>−</jats:sup>or GSTT1<jats:sup>+</jats:sup>subjects. A similar pattern was evident for erythrocyte GST activity in the GSTM1<jats:sup>−</jats:sup>subjects. No association was found among consumption of F&V and GSTM1/T1 genotypes and plasma vitamin C level. Different consumption of F&V had no impact on plasma T-AOC and vitamin C levels in the GSTM1<jats:sup>−</jats:sup>/GSTT1<jats:sup>+</jats:sup>or GSTM1<jats:sup>−</jats:sup>/GSTT1<jats:sup>−</jats:sup>subjects. The erythrocyte GST activity was more sensitive to consumption of F&V in the individuals with the GSTM1<jats:sup>−</jats:sup>/GSTT1<jats:sup>+</jats:sup>genotype. Association was found among GSTM1/T1 genotypes, antioxidant parameters and consumption of F&V. Large-scale and multiple ethnic studies are needed to further evaluate the relationship.</jats:p>