Gamma-glutamyl transferase 5 overexpression in cerebrovascular endothelial cells improves brain pathology,cognition,and behavior in APP/PS1 mice

In patients with Alzheimer’s disease,gamma-glutamyl transferase 5(GGT5)expression has been observed to be downregulated in cerebrovascular endothelial cells.However,the functional role of GGT5 in the development of Alzheimer’s disease remains unclear.This study aimed to explore the effect of GGT5 on cognitive function and brain pathology in an APP/PS1 mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease,as well as the underlying mechanism.We observed a significant reduction in GGT5 expression in two in vitro models of Alzheimer’s disease(Aβ_(1-42)-treated hCMEC/D3 and bEnd.3 cells),as well as in the APP/PS1 mouse model.Additionally,injection of APP/PS1 mice with an adeno-associated virus encoding GGT5 enhanced hippocampal synaptic plasticity and mitigated cognitive deficits.Interestingly,increasing GGT5 expression in cerebrovascular endothelial cells reduced levels of both soluble and insoluble amyloid-βin the brains of APP/PS1 mice.This effect may be attributable to inhibition of the expression ofβ-site APP cleaving enzyme 1,which is mediated by nuclear factor-kappa B.Our findings demonstrate that GGT5 expression in cerebrovascular endothelial cells is inversely associated with Alzheimer’s disease pathogenesis,and that GGT5 upregulation mitigates cognitive deficits in APP/PS1 mice.These findings suggest that GGT5 expression in cerebrovascular endothelial cells is a potential therapeutic target and biomarker for Alzheimer’s disease.

Glutathione S-transferases M1,T1 genotypes and the risk of gastric cancer:A case-control study

AIM: Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are involved in the detoxification of many potential carcinogens and appear to play a critical role in the protection from the effects of carcinogens. The contribution of glutathione S-transferases M1 and T1 genotypes to susceptibility to the risk of gastric cancer and their interaction with cigarette smoking are still unclear. The aim of this study was to determine whether there was any relationship between genetic polymorphisms of GSTT1 and GSTT1 and gastric cancer. METHODS: A population based case-control study was carried out in a high-risk area, Changle County, Fujian Province, China. The epidemiological data were collected by a standard questionnaire and blood samples were obtained from 95 incidence gastric cancer cases and 94 healthy controls. A polymerase chain reaction method was used to detect the presence or absence of the GSTT1 and GSTT1 genes in genomic DNA. Logistic regression model was employed in the data analysis. RESULTS: An increase in risk for gastric cancer was found among carriers of GSTT1 null genotype. The adjusted odds ratio (OR) was 2.63 95% Confidence Interval (95% CI) 1.17-5.88, after controlling for age, gender, cigarette smoking, alcohol drinking, and fish sauce intake. The frequency of GSTT1 null genotype in cancer cases (43.16%) was not significantly different from that in controls (50.00%). However, the risk for gastric cancer in those with GSTT1 null and GSTT1 non-null genotype was significantly higher than in those with both GSTT1 and GSTT1 non-null genotype (OR = 2.77, 95% CI 1.15-6.77). Compared with those subjects who never smoked and had normal GSTT1 genotype, ORs were 1.60 (95% CI:0.62-4.19) for never smokers with GSTT1 null type, 2.33 (95% CI 0.88-6.28) for smokers with normal GSTT1, and 8.06 (95% CI 2.83-23.67) for smokers with GSTT1 null type. CONCLUSIONS: GSTT1 gene polymorphisms may be associated with genetic susceptibility of stomach cancer and may modulate tobacco-related carcinogenesis of gastric cancer.

Increased oxidative damage of sperm and seminal plasma in men with idiopathic infertility is higher in patients with glutathione S-transferase Mu-1 null genotype

Aim： To examine whether a relationship exists between glutathione S-transferase Mu-1 （GSTM1） gene polymorphism and the susceptibility of sperm and seminal plasma from patients with idiopathic infertility to oxidative stress. Methods： Fifty-two men with idiopathic infertility and 60 healthy fertile men were recruited to this study. GSTM1 gene polymorphism was determined by polymerase chain reaction （PCR） and both the infertile and control individuals were divided into GSTM1 null and GSTM1 positive groups according to their GSTM1 gene structure. We compared reactive oxygen species （ROS） generation, malondialdehyde （MDA）, protein carbonyls and glutathione （GSH） concentrations, and glutathione S-transferase （GST） activity in seminal plasma and spermatozoa from infertile patients and controls with respect to GSTM1 genotype. Results： Significantly higher levels of oxidative stress and damage markers were found in idiopathic infertile men with the GSTM1 null genotype compared with those with the GSTM1 positive genotype. There was no significant difference in genotype distribution for theGSTM1 variant between the idiopathic infertile subjects and fertile subjects. Patients with the GSTM1 null genotype also had lower sperm concentrations than those with GSTM1 positive genotype. Conclusion： Our results suggest that the susceptibility of sperm and seminal plasma to oxidative stress is significantly greater in idiopathic infertile men with the GSTM1 null genotype compared with those possessing the gene. Therefore, in patients with idiopathic infertility, GSTM1 polymorphism might be an important source of variation in susceptibility of spermatozoa to oxidative damage.

STUDY OF THE DELETION MUTATION OF GLUTATHIONE S TRANSFERASE M1 GENE AND ITS ROLE IN SUSCEPTIBILITYTO HEPATOCELLULAR CARCINOMA

Objection: To investigate the glutathione S transferase M1 (GSTM1) gene inherent deletion and its relation to prevalence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in Guangxi, China. Methods: The GSTM1 gene polymorphism of 120 HCC patients and 100 healthy subjects both from the same high aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) contaminated area were detected using PCR technique with special primers. Another 40 patients from AFB1 low risk area were also tested. Results: In HCC high risk area, it was found that the frequencies of GSTM1 null genotype in HCC patients and healthy subjects were 59% and 51% respectively, with no significant difference. However, the frequency of GSTM1-null genotype in control group from AFB1 low risk area was lower than those from high risk area (P<0.01). Conclusion: Populations in this HCC endemic region show a higher rate of GSTM1-null genotype, which may be partially responsible for the susceptibility to AFB1 induced HCC. But the detoxification effect of GSTM1 alone is not sufficient to resist the genetic toxicity of AFB1, especially in those people who expose to excess AFB1. The GSTM1 gene deletion would not be suitable as an independent predictor of susceptibility to HCC.

Glutathione S-transferase M1 polymorphism and esophagealcancer risk:An updated meta-analysis based on 37 studies

AIM: To evaluate the relationship between glutathione S-transferase M1(GSTM1) polymorphism and susceptibility to esophageal cancer(EC).METHODS: A comprehensive search of the United States National Library of Medicine Pub Med database and the Elsevier, Springer, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases for all relevant studies was conducted using combinations of the following terms: "glutathione S-transferase M1", "GSTM1", "polymorphism", and "EC"(until November 1, 2014). The statistical analysis was performed using the SAS software(v.9.1.3; SAS Institute, Cary, NC, United States) and the Review Manager software(v.5.0; Oxford, England); crude odds ratios(ORs) with 95% confidence intervals(CIs) were used to assess the association between the GSTM1 null genotype and the risk of EC.RESULTS: A total of 37 studies involving 2236 EC cases and 3243 controls were included in this metaanalysis. We observed that the GSTM1 null genotype was a significant risk factor for EC in most populations(OR = 1.33, 95%CI: 1.12-1.57, P_(heterogeneity) < 0.000001, and I2 = 77.0%), particularly in the Asian population(OR = 1.53, 95%CI: 1.26-1.86, P_(heterogeneity)< 0.000001, and I2 = 77.0%), but not in the Caucasian population(OR = 1.02, 95%CI: 0.87-1.19, P_(heterogeneity) = 0.97, and I2 = 0%).CONCLUSION: The GSTM1 null polymorphism may be associated with an increased risk for EC in Asian but not Caucasian populations.

Genetic polymorphism of glutathione S-transferase T1 gene and susceptibility to idiopathic azoospermia or oligospermia in northwestern China

Aim： To investigate the association of glutathione S-transferase T1 （GSTT1） gene polymorphism in patients with idiopathic azoospermia or oligospermia in the northwestern China population. Methods： In the case-control study, GSTT1 genotypes were identified by multiplex polymerase chain reaction （PCR） with peripheral blood DNA samples from 78 patients with idiopathic azoospermia, 103 patients with idiopathic oligospermia and 156 age-matched controls with normal sperm concentration and motility, according to the criteria adapted from World Health Organization guidelines. All of the patients and controls were from northwestern China. Results： There is a significant association between GSTT1 null genotype with idiopathic azoospermia risk （odds ratio [OR]： 2.36, 95% confidence interval [CI]： 1.33-4.20, P = 0.003） or idiopathic oligospermia risk （OR： 2.00, 95% CI： 1.17-3.27, P = 0.010）. Conclusion： GSTT1 null genotype is a predisposing risk factor for sporadic idiopathic azoospermia or oligospermia in northwestern China. （Asian J Androl 2008 Mar; 10： 266-270）

Polymorphism of Glutathione S-transferase T1,M1 and P1 Genes in a Shanghai Population: Patients With Occupational or Non-occupational Bladder Cancer

Objective Glutathione S-transferases are involved in the conjugation of xenobiotics. To explore whether GSTs polymorphisms are involved in the development of occupational or non-occupational bladder cancer, polymorphism frequencies of GSTT1, M1 and P1 were investigated in a normal population, which had been settled in a rural area in Shanghai suburb for at least 5 generations as well as in a group of patients with benzidine exposure related occupational bladder cancer in Shanghai dyestuff industry and a group of patients with non-occupational bladder cancer. Methods PCR based procedures were performed in the study populations to confirm the genotypes of GSTT1, M1 and P1. Results The polymorphisms at locus of GSTP1- A1578G in the normal population differed significantly from those in Caucasians or African Americans. All the subjects genotyped so far (n =118) bore only homogenous wild genotype (C2293/ C2293) at GSTP1 - C2293T locus. This locus seemed to be a monomorphic in Shanghai population. No significant difference in GSTT1 and GSTM1 polymorphic form frequencies could be confirmed among three groups of subjects. An overrepresentation of GSTP1 AG or GG genotype corresponding a less stable and less effective isozyme protein was detected in patients with benzidine related occupational bladder cancer, compared with that in the normal population though a statistical significance was not yet reached (P=0.09, OR=1.96, 95% CI 0.89-4.32,). Conclusion This study suggests that GSTM1 or GSTT1 homozygous deficiency genotypes and their combination do not have a clear impact on bladder cancer incidence in a Shanghai population. It seems that GSTP1 polymorphism is not associated with non-occupational bladder cancer. GSTP1 AG or GG genotype has a higher frequency in the patients with benzidine related occupational bladder cancer, and further work is needed to confirm if GSTP1 AG or GG genotype plays a role in the development of occupational bladder cancer.

A systemic review of glutathione S-transferase P1 Ile105Val polymorphism and colorectal cancer risk

Objectives： To investigate the correlation between glutathione S-transferase P1 （GSTP1） Ilel05Val polymorphism and colorectal cancer （CRC） risk. Methods： Studies were identified to investigate the association between GSTP1 Ilel05Val polymorphism and CRC risk. Systematic computerized searches of the PubMed, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, WANFANG and SinoMed were performed. Summary odds ratios （OR） and 95% confidence intervals （95 % CI） were used to measure GSTP 1 Ile 105Val polymorphisms and CRC risk. Results： A total of 23 retrospective studies were included in the meta-analysis. During all studies including 6,981 cases and 8,977 controls, sample sizes ranged from 146 to 2,144. Overall, the pooled results revealed that lie 105Val polymorphism was not associated with CRC risk and confused results were found in subgroup analyses. Further meta-analyses were conducted after excluding low-quality studies. GSTP1 Ilel05Val is associated with increased risk of CRC limited in studies with matched control. There was no significant heterogeneity in all genetic comparisons, but heterogeneity existed in subgroup analyses of heterozygous and dominant comparisons. The meta-regression analyses indicated that matched controls were the significant factor influencing between-study heterogeneity in all possible influential factors including published year, ethnicity, source of control, sample size, Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium （HWE） in control and matched controls. Sensitivity analysis revealed the pooled ORs were not changed before and after removal of each single study in all genetic comparisons, indicating the robustness of the results. Conclusions： GSTP1 Ilel05Val might be associated with increased risk of CRC. However, more high- quality case-control studies should be performed to confirm the authenticity of our conclusion.

Genetic Polymorphisms Analysis of Glutathione S-transferase M1 and T1 in Children with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Summary: The relationship between glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) M1, T1 genotype and childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) was investigated. GSTM1 and GSTT1 genotypes in genomic DNA from 67 children with ALL and 146 healthy controls were analyzed by using the multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The frequencies of GSTM1, M1-T1 null genotypes in ALL children were significantly higher than in the healthy controls (76.12 % versus 52.74 %, OR=2.856, P<0.001; 50.74 % versus 24.66 %, OR=3.148, P<0.001, respectively). However, there was no significant relationship between GSTT1 null genotype and ALL of children (61.19 % versus 49.32 %, OR=1.621, P>0.05). It was suggested that GSTM1 null genotype might be a risk genotype of childhood ALL, while there as no correlation between GSTT1 null genotype and childhood ALL.

Association of glutathione S-transferase T1 and M1 gene polymorphisms with ischemic stroke risk in the Chinese Han population

Atherosclerosis plays an important role in ischemic stroke, and oxidative stress participates in the entire process of atherosclerosis. Glutathione S-transferase （GST） acting with other antioxidant enzymes can eliminate reactive oxygen species and protect cells against oxidative damage. To assess the association of glutathione S-transferase （GSTT1 and GSTM1） gene polymorphisms with ischemic stroke in the Chinese Han population, the present study selected 315 patients with ischemic stroke and 210 healthy controls for comparison. GSTT1 and GSTM1 genotypes were determined using polymerase chain reactions, electrophoresis and imaging analysis. No obvious evidence of GSTTI-nulI, GSTMI-null and GSTTI/GSTMI-double null genotype distribution differences was found between case and control groups or between genders. Subgroup analysis showed that the risk of stroke was increased when hypertension was accompanied by GSTTl-null （odds ratio （OR） = 2.996, P 〈 0.001） and GSTMl-null （OR = 3.680, P 〈 0.001 ） genotypes; diabetes mellitus was accompanied by GSTTI-null （OR = 1.860, P = 0.031） and GSTMI-null （OR = 2.444, P = 0.002） genotypes, and smokers showed a GSTTl-null genotype （OR = 2.276, P = 0.003）. GSTT1- and GSTMl-null genotypes may interact synergistically with hypertension, diabetes mellitus and smoking to increase the incidence risk of ischemic stroke.

Rethinking de novo immune hepatitis,an old concept for liver allograft rejection:relevance of glutathione S-transferase T1 mismatch

Antibody-mediated rejection(AMR) in liver transplantation has long been underestimated. The concept of the liver as an organ susceptible to AMR has emerged in recent years, not only in the context of the major histocompatibility complex with the presence of HLA donor-specific antibodies, but also with antigens regarded as "minor", whose role in AMR has been demonstrated. Among them, antibodies against glutathione S-transferase T1 have been found in 100% of patients with de novo autoimmune hepatitis(dn AIH) when studied. In its latest update, the Banff Working Group for liver allograft pathology proposed replacing the term dn AIH with plasma cell(PC)-rich rejection. Antibodies to glutathione S-transferase T1(GSTT1) in null recipients of GSTT1 positive donors have been included as a contributory but nonessential feature of the diagnosis of PC-rich rejection. Also in this update, non-organ-specific anti-nuclear or smooth muscle autoantibodies are no longer included as diagnostic criteria. Although initially found in a proportion of patients with PC-rich rejection, the presence of autoantibodies is misleading since they are not diseasespecific and appear in many different contexts as bystanders. The cellular types and proportions of the inflammatory infiltrates in diagnostic biopsies have been studied in detail very recently. PC-rich rejection biopsies present a characteristic cellular profile with a predominance of T lymphocytes and a high proportion of PCs, close to 30%, of which 16.48% are Ig G4+. New data on the relevance of GSTT1-specific T lymphocytes to PC-rich rejection will be discussed in this review.

Oxidative stress regulated heme-oxygenase-1 and glutathione S-transferase-m1 gene expression changes in cell lines exposed to melanins

To investigate the effects of oxidative stress on substantia nigra neuronal degeneration and death in patients with Parkinson＇s disease, we treated neuroblastoma cells （SK-N-SH） and glioma cells with Fenton＇s reagent, iron chelating agent, neuromelanin and dopamine melanin. We investigated the changes in expression of nine oxidative stress-related genes and proteins. The levels of mRNAs for heme-oxygenase-1 and glutathione S-transferase-ml were significantly reduced in SK-N-SH cells exposed to oxidative stress, and increased in glial cells treated with deferoxamine. These results revealed that SK-N-SH neurons react sensitively to oxidative stress, which implies different outcomes between these two types of cells in the substantia nigra. Moreover, the influences of neuromelanin and dopamine melanin on cell function are varied, and dopamine melanin is not a good model for neuromelanin.

T-cell allorecognition of donor glutathione S-transferase T1 in plasma cell-rich rejection

AIM To investigate the role of glutathione S-transferase T1 donor-specific T lymphocytes in plasma cell-rich rejection of liver allografts.METHODS The study group included 22 liver transplant patients. Among them, 18 patients were mismatched for the glutathione S-transferase T1(GSTT1) alleles(don+/rec-), and 4 were matched(don+/rec+). Seven of the mismatched patients produced anti-GSTT1 antibodies and developed plasma cell-rich rejection(former de novo immune hepatitis). For the detection of specific Tlymphocytes, peripheral blood mononuclear cells were collected and stored in liquid nitrogen. The memory T cell response was studied by adding to the cell cultures to a mix of 39 custom-made, 15-mer overlapping peptides, which covered the entire GSTT1 amino acid sequence. The specific cellular response to peptides was analyzed by flow cytometry using the markers CD8, CD4, IL-4 and IFNγ.RESULTS Activation of CD8^+ T cells with different peptides was observed exclusively in the group of patients with plasma-cell rich rejection(3 out of 7), with production of IL-4 and/or IFNγ at a rate of 1%-4.92% depending on the peptides. The CD4^+ response was most common and not exclusive for patients with the disease, where 5 out of 7 showed percentages of activated cells from 1.24% to 31.34%. Additionally, two patients without the disease but with the mismatch had cells that became stimulated with some peptides(1.45%-5.18%). Highly unexpected was the finding of a double positive CD4^+CD8^(low) T cell population that showed the highest degree of activation with some of the peptides in 7 patients with the mismatch, in 4 patients with plasma cell-rich rejection and in 3 patients without the disease. Unfortunately, CD4^+CD8^(low) cells represent 1% of the total number of lymphocytes, and stimulation could not be analyzed in 9 patients due to the low number of gated cells. Cells from the 4 patients included as controls did not show activation with any of the peptides. CONCLUSION Patients with GSTT1 mismatch can develop a specific T-cell response, but the potential role of this response in the pathogenesis of plasma cell-rich rejection is unknown.

Modification of the Genetic Polymorphism of Glutathione-S-Transferase (GSTM1 and GSTT1) in Motorcycle Drivers Exposed to BTEX in Cotonou

The glutathione-S-transferase genes mainly the GSTM1 and GSTT1 alleles are responsible for the synthesis of detoxication enzymes that can remove toxic substances. The objective of this study is to seek changes in the genetic polymorphism of glutathione-S-transferase GSTM1 and GSTT1 in motorcycle drivers exposed to BTEX. Our study group consists of 60 motorcycle drivers including 30 professional and 30 non-professional. Blood samples were preleveled from the study population in the EDTA tubes and DNA was extracted by the phenol/chloroform method. The PCR technique was used to determine the presence or absence of genes. Our results showed that the percentage of GSTM1 null genotype has a statistically significant difference (P = 0.02), while the percentage of GSTT1 null genotype was non-significant (P = 0.76) between the two groups. The percentage of deletion of both genes is higher in professional than non-professional motorcycle drivers. Air pollution in Cotonou by BTEX seems to influence the deletion of the GSTM1 and GSTT1 genes at a higher percentage among professional than non-professional motorcycle drivers.

Expression of Presenilin-2 and Glutathione S Transferase π and Their Clinical Significance in Breast Infiltrating Ductal Carcinoma

To investigate the expressions of presenilin-2 (PS2) and glutathione Stransferase π (GSTπ) and their roles in prognosis and therapy of breast infiltrating ductalcarcinoma. Methods: The paraffin-embedded specimens of 210 patients with breast infiltrating ductalcarcinoma were examined by using LSAB immunohistochemistry for the expression of PS2 and GSTπ.Results: The expression rate of PS2 and GSTπ was 49.5% (104/210) and 48.1% (101/210) respectively.The 5-year and 10-year postoperative survival rates in 4 groups, from high to low, were group 1 (PS2positive expression/GSTπ negative expression), group 2 (PS2 positive expression/GSTπ positiveexpression), group 3 (PS2 negative expression/GSTπ negative expression) and group 4 (PS2 negativeexpression/GSTπ positive expression) in turn. Conclusion: The prognosis of the group 1 was thebest, followed by the group 2, group 3 and group 4 in turn. These results suggested that thereasonable use of endocrinotherapy and chemotherapy for patients with breast infiltrating ductalcarcinoma is necessary.

Association among Serum Organochlorine Pesticide Residues, Glutathione S-Transferase M1 Genetic Polymorphism and Female Breast Cancer

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association among serum organochlorine pesticide residues, glutathione S-transferase M1 genetic polymorphism and female breast cancer. Methods: A 1:1 matched case-control study of 140 newly diagnosed breast cancer patients and 140 non-cancer female patients who consulted the five largest hospitals in the Tangshan city from September 2006 to October 2007. Results: The result showed higher risk of breast cancer among subjects with higher levels of serum DDT and HCH residue, the OR was 3.18 (95%CI, 1.11 - 9.07) and 5.02 (95%CI, 1.64 - 16.56).The value of ORe associated with single environmental factor DDT high residues, and ORg associated with single GSTM1 deletion genotype were respectively 3.86 (1.20 - 12.47) and 1.34 (0.36 - 5.08). The OReg associated with combined action of two factors was 5.59 (1.63 - 18.90), and the value of interaction parameters (γ) equaled 1.24. The value of ORe associated with single environmental factor HCH higher residue and ORg associated with single GSTM1 deletion genotype were respectively 2.73 (0.84 - 8.87) and 1.48 (0.49 - 4.60). The value of OReg associated with combined action of two factors was 3.87 (1.18 - 12.68), and γ equaled 1.38. Conclusion: The results indicated that breast cancer occurrence was the combined result of environmental and genetic factors. The concurrent action of GSTM1 deletion genotype and DDT/HCH enhanced the risk of breast cancer.

Frequency of Null Phenotypes of Glutathione S-Transferase M1 and T1 among the Populations of Tabuk (Northwestern Part of Saudi Arabia)

Background: The variability in the distribution of the null phenotypes of GSTM1 and GSTT1, due to total or partial gene deletion resulting in the lack of the active enzyme, has been reported in different populations, especially in ethnically well-defined groups but not in Tabuk. This study investigated the variability in the distribution of the null phenotypes of GSTM1 and GSTT1 in the population of Tabuk (northwestern part of Saudi Arabia). Method: This study was conducted on 200 subjects of Tabuk—northwestern part of Saudi Arabia among which 100 were chronic smokers and 100 were nonsmokers. The subjects were reporting to hospital for routine checkup. All were without past history of any chronic disease and no significant abnormality. GST genotyping was done by multiplex PCR-based methods. The smoker and control groups were compared using a chi-square test with P GSTM1 deletion homozygosity of 14% and 1% was reported among non smokers and smokers, respectively whereas GSTT1 deletion homozygosity of 28% and 6% was reported among non smokers and smokers, respectively. Our results indicate that there are major differences in allelic distribution of GSTM1 and GSTT1 genes between the two groups investigated. Combined analysis of both genes revealed that 15% of smokers and non smokers harbor the deleted genotype of GSTM1 and 34% of smokers and non smokers harbor the deleted genotype of GSTT1 with significant differences. Conclusion: This study enables selecting subgroups among the general population who are more susceptible to DNA damage and will help genetic studies on the association of GST polymorphisms with disease risks and drug effects in Arab population. Studies with a larger sample size are needed to evaluate and confirm the validity of our results.

Response of Glutathione and Glutathione S-transferase in Rice Seedlings Exposed to Cadmium Stress

A hydroponic culture experiment was done to investigate the effect of Cd stress on glutathione content （GSH） and glutathione S-transferase （GST, EC 2.5.1,18） activity in rice seedlings. The rice growth was severely inhibited when Cd level in the solution was higher than 10 mg/L. In rice shoots, GSH content and GST activity increased with the increasing Cd level, while in roots, GST was obviously inhibited by Cd treatments, Compared with shoots, the rice roots had higher GSH content and GST activity, indicating the ability of Cd detoxification was much higher in roots than in shoots. There was a significant correlation between Cd level and GSH content or GST activity, suggesting that both parameters may be used as biomarkers of Cd stress in rice.

Polymorphisms of the oxidant enzymes glutathione S-transferase and glutathione reductase and their association with resistance of Plasmodium falciparum isolates to antimalarial drugs

Objective:To investigate the association between amplification of the two regulatory genes controlling glutathione(GSH) levels,glutathione reductase(PfGR) and glutathione S-transferase (PfGST) genes and sensitivity of Plasmodium falciparum(P.falciparum) isolates collected from different malaria endemic areas of Thailand to standard antimalarial drugs.Methods:A total of 70 P.falciparum isolates were collected from endemic areas of multi-drug resistance (Tak,Chantaburi and Ranong Provinces) during the year 2008-2009.The in vitro assessment of antimalarial activity of P.falciparum clones(K1- and Dd2 chloroquine resistant and 3D7- chloroquine sensitive) and isolates to chloroquine,quinine,mefloquine and arteusnate was performed based on SYBR Green modified assay.Results:68(97.14%),11(15.71%) and 28(40%) isolates respectively were classified as chloroquine-,quinine- and mefloquine-resistant isolates. With this limited number of P.falciparum isolates included in the analysis,no significant association between amplification of PfGST gene and sensitivity of the parasite to chloroquine, quinine,mefloquine and quinine was found.Based on PCR analysis,Dd2,Kl and 3D7 clones all contained only one copy of the PfGST gene.All isolates(70) also carried only one copy number of PfGST gene.There appears to be an association between amplification of PfGR gene and chloroquine resistance.The 3D7 and Dd2 clones were found to carry only one PfGR gene copy, whereas the K1 clone carried two gene copies.Conclusions:Chloroquine resistance is likely to be a consequence of multi-factors and enzymes in the GSH system may be partly involved. Larger number of parasite isolates are required to increase power of the hypothesis testing in order to confirm the involvement of both genes as well as other genes implicated in glutathione metabolism in conferring chloroquine resistance.

Induction of Glutathione and Glutathione S-transferase in Several Crops with the Treatment of Acetochlor

The response of glutathione(GSH) content and glutathione S-transferease(GST) activity to the acetochlor in roots and shoots of the maize 'Dongnong248',the sorghum 'Aoza No.2' and millet'Yugu' was evaluated.The concentrations of pre-emergence acetochlor causing a 50% inhibition of plant shoot height were 25 μmol·L^(-1) for the tolerant 'Dongnong248' maize,5 μmol·L^(-1) for the sensitive 'Aoza No.2' sorghum and 0.5 μmol·L^(-1) for the very sensitive 'Yugu'millet.Pre-treatment with 10 μmol·L^(-1) of acetochlor induced the root GST activities and nonprotein thiol content of all three cultivars.The induction of root GST activities and nonprotein thiol content compared to controls are observed on the fourth day after acetochlor treatment,The extents of activity and content increase from the higher to the lower were:tolerant maize cultivar 'Dongnong248'>sorghum cultivar'Aoza No.2'>millet cultivar 'Yugu'.The activities and contents induced in shoots were similar to that in roots,but the degrees of increase were less.Under different concentration treatment,the thiol content and GST activities increased with the herbicide concentration rising,then reached their peaks and began to decrease in all tested crop seedlings.The extent of induced GST activities and thiol content correlated well with differential cultivar resistance to acetochlor,so their protective mechanism appears to be strongly dependent on the endogenous levels of GSH and activities of GST.