Do glutathione-S-transferase polymorphisms influence response to intravenous cyclophosphamide therapy in idiopathic nephrotic syndrome?

The response to cyclophosphamide (CP) is variable and difficult to predict in children with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS). The polymorphic expression of glutathione-S-transferase (GST) may affect the remission rate after CP therapy. In this study, we evaluated the correlation of GST polymorphism and response to CP in INS. We studied GST polymorphism in 74 children with steroid-sensitive (44) and steroid-resistant (30) INS receiving intravenous cyclophosphamide (IVCP) therapy. We correlated GSTM1, GSTT1, and GSTP1 genotypes with response to IVCP. Thirty-seven (50%) out of 74 children responded to CP therapy. A synergistic effect of three genotypic combinations showed significant correlation with remission in the steroid-sensitive group. These combinations were GSTP1 and GSTM1 null genotype (p = 0.013) and GSTP1 together with GSTM1 and GSTT1 null genotypes (p = 0.026). Further, a significant difference was observed with a combination of GSTM1 and GSTT1 null genotypes and Val105 polymorphism. No association was observed among steroid-resistant patients. Our results indicate that among children with steroid-sensitive NS, there is an association with response to IVCP therapy and combination of GSTP1 Val105 polymorphism and the null genotypes of GSTT1 and GSTM1. GST polymorphism may be of significance in the management of children with INS receiving CP therapy.