Association of glutathione s-transferase pi (GSTP1) gene polymorphism in unexplained infertile women

15–20 million people in India are affected by infertility.Among them, 34% of the couples are shown to have unexplained infertility (UEI). Both genetic and environmental factors influence UEI. Data from various studies show that oxidative stress plays an important role in unexplained infertility. The genes of the phase II detoxification enzyme, Glutathione s-transferase family are upregulated in humans as a defense mechanism opposing the adverse effects of oxidative stress and play important role during pregnancy. Since all investigations for infertility work-up are normal evaluating the causes for UEI will have impact on the treatment protocol. In this study the association between GSTP1 variations and unexplained infertility are discussed. To compare the association of GSTP1 polymorphism in women with unexplained infertility and a control group.: This is a case control study with 70 normal ovulatory women who conceived within 12 months of contraceptive free intercourse, and with no history of miscarriage were recruited in the control group and 70 women with unexplained infertility were recruited as study group. All participants included in the study were between 28 and 38 years of age. The association of GSTP1 polymorphism were studied using real-time PCR with the Light Cycler instrument (Roche Applied Science).: GSTP1 variant allele frequencies were 0.39 and 0.41for control and cases respectively. The results of this study indicate GSTP1 genetic polymorphisms did not show a significant association with unexplained infertile group.