Interaction between and allele variants as a risk modulating-factor for autism spectrum disorders.

We investigated the role of glutathione S-transferase () genes in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). We used data from 111 pairs of age- and sex-matched ASD cases and typically developing (TD) controls between 2-8 years of age from Jamaica to investigate the role of pi 1 (), theta 1 (), and mu 1 () polymorphisms in susceptibility to ASD. In univariable conditional logistic regression models we did not observe significant associations between ASD status and , , or genotype (all > 0.15). However, in multivariable conditional logistic regression models, we identified a significant interaction between and in relation to ASD. Specifically, in children heterozygous for the Ile105Val polymorphism, the odds of ASD was significantly higher in those with the null genotype than those with the other genotypes [Matched Odds Ratio (MOR) = 2.97, 95% CI (1.09, 8.01), = 0.03]. Replication in other populations is warranted.