Association of GSTO2 (N142D) Genetic Polymorphism and Acute Rejection of Liver

BACKGROUND Acute rejection is the main problem in liver transplantation that occurs in the first days or months of transplantation. It includes histological and cellular rejection. Acute histological rejection is confirmed by biopsy. Glutathione S-transferase family is the most important genes in phase II detoxification working in xenobiotic and drug metabolism. GSTO2 is one of the members of this family. GSTO2 (N142D) polymorphism may influence metabolism of immunosuppressive drugs. OBJECTIVE To determine if GSTO2 polymorphism has association with acute liver rejection. METHODS The present study included 120 patients with histological-proven acute liver rejection and 182 patients without acute rejection. Both groups were matched for sex and age. To determine variants of GSTO2, we used polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). RESULTS There was a significant association between the GSTO2 genotype and acute liver rejection (NN: OR: 3.642, 95% CI: 1.179-5.444) and (ND: OR: 2.533, 95% CI: 1.672-8.149) compared to those with DD geneotype. CONCLUSION Recipients with either NN or ND genotype for GSTO2 are more likely to develop acute liver rejection compared to those with DD genotype.