Glutathione-S-transferase M1 null genotype in autoimmune hepatitis

Autoimmune hepatitis is associated with genes located in the major histocom patibility complex. The search for genes at other loci that may play a role in disease susceptibility and/or severity is an area of active investigati on in autoimmune liver diseases. Genes for glutathione-S-transferases, enzy mes that are widely distributed and collectively metabolize carcinogens, po llutants, drugs, and a broad spectrum of harmful, foreign compounds have be en associated with liver disease. The objective of this study was to search for a relationship between the glutathione-S-transferase M1 null genotype and autoimmune hepatitis using polymerase chain reaction analysis. The find ings indicate that the frequency of the null genotype is not increased in p atients with autoimmune hepatitis when compared to control subjects. These results coupled with similar ones in primary biliary cirrhosis do not suppo rt a role for this mutation in autoimmune liver disease.