Association of GSTM1 and GSTT1 gene polymorphisms and in-vitro fertilisation outcome in a population in northern Iran.

Implantation failure is a major limiting step for in-vitro fertilisation (IVF). Embryo implantation is the result of the interaction of the embryo with the endometrium. Oxidative stress (OS) can cause defective embryo development and retardation. Genetic polymorphisms of detoxicating enzymes, such as glutathione S-transferases (GSTs), may play an important role in the outcome of embryo implantation. GSTM1 and GSTT1 are known to be highly polymorphic. The aim of this study was to examine the association of GSTM1 and GSTT1 gene polymorphisms with IVF-ET outcome in a population in northern Iran. Blood samples were collected from 120 infertile women who underwent an IVF cycle, and 108 healthy volunteers. Genomic DNA was prepared from peripheral blood leucocytes. Genotype frequencies were determined in patients and healthy controls using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). It was found that 25.8% of the infertile women and 0% of the controls had the GSTM1 null genotype (odds ratio (OR) = 76.37; 95% CI = 4.6-1,265.7; p = 0.0025). On the other hand, 5% of the cases and 0% of the controls had the GSTT1 null genotype (OR = 12.3, 95% CI = 0.68-221/3, p = 0.088). These results suggest that GSTM1 null type might be associated with IVF outcome in a population in northern Iran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]