American journal of industrial medicine
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Several genes are associated with an increased susceptibility to asthma, which may be exacerbated by ambient air pollution. These genes include GSTM1 (glutathione-S-transferase M1 gene) and GSTP1 (glutathione-S-transferase P1 gene), which may modulate the response to epithelial oxidative changes caused by air pollutant exposure. This study evaluated fluctuations in the forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV(1)) in relation to lagged daily averages of ambient air pollutants (SO(2), NO(2), NO, and PM(10)) while considering genotype as an effect modifier. ⋯ Among this indigenous South African children cohort, the GSTP1 genotype modified the effects of ambient exposures to PM(10) and SO(2) and lung function. A plausible mechanism for these observed effects is decreased capacity to mount an effective response to oxidative stress associated with the GSTP1 AG + GG genotype.