Glutathione-S-transferase M1 (GSTM1) is involved in antioxidant protection and play important role in the removal of reactive oxygen species. Therefore, the aim was to investigate GSTM1 gene polymorphism in young well-trained wrestlers and their relationship with oxidative stress markers following incremental aerobic exercise to exhaustion. Thirty one young wrestler (age 19.52±2.75 years, body weight 79.24±16.13 kg, height 173±6.49 cm, and body fat 16.37±5.92 %) performed an incremental aerobic exercise to exhaustion. Genomic DNA was isolated from whole blood for analyzing GSTM1 gene polymorphism by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Urine samples were collected before (Pre), after (Post) and 24 h after (24h post) aerobic exercise to exhaustion for analyzing 8-isoprostane and 8-hydroxy-2’-deoxyguanosine, markers of lipid and DNA oxidation. The results demonstrated that the frequency of GSTM1 null and wild-type genotype were % 19.35 and % 80.65, respectively. Wrestlers with GSTM1 null genotype have significantly higher 8-iso PGF2α (Post) and 8-OHdG (24h post) level compared to wild-type GSTM1 genotype (p=0.039 and 0.002, respectively). Furthermore, 8-iso PGF2α and 8-OHdG level significantly increased in GSTM1 null genotype after exercise compared to pre exercise (p=0.039, 0.045); however, there were no significant changes in 8-iso PGF2α and 8-OHdG level in wrestlers with GSTM1 wild-type genotype. In conclusion, GSTM1 null genotype was found to be associated with higher oxidative DNA damage and lipid peroxidation following strenuous exercise in young well-trained wrestlers.
