Enzymes GSTT1 and GSTM1 are important in protection of the cells against oxidative stress. The role of these enzymes in the risk of developing chronic hepatitis C (CHC) was not studied in Odessa region. We analyzed GSTM1 and GSTT1 null polymorphisms in 81 patients with HCC and 64 normal individuals. Our investigation showed that the frequency of GSTM1+ genotype was significantly higher in patients with CHC than in control group. We suggest that the genotype GSTM1+ is associated with increased risk of developing CHC.
