Objective To investigate whether any of the three functional glutathione S-transferase (GSTT1, GSTM1, GSTP1) polymorphisms are associated with the susceptibility to occupational noise-induced deafness in Chinese Han population.
Methods A case-control study was conducted:161 cases whose average hearing threshold were no less than 40 dB in high frequency, and 161 controls in the same working position with the cases which were matched with age and gender. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) was used as genotyping.
Results GSTM1 null genotype was a risk factor for occupational noise-induced deafness (adjusted OR=1.85, 95%CI=1.18-2.89). When combined with noise exposure years (>20 years), noise exposure levels86-91dB(A)and smoking, the risk became much higher (OR increased).
Conclusion GSTM1 null genotype may be a risk factor for occupational noise-induced deafness in Chinese Han population. It may have interactions with exposure level and smoking status.
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