The aim of this study is to investigate GSTM1, GSTT1 and MTHFR genetic polymorphisms and its relation with total plasma glutathione (tGSH) levels in hypertension. Genotype distributions of GSTM1 and GSTT1 deletion polymorphisms and C677T variant of MTHFR were examined in a sample of 94 hypertensive patients with congestive heart failure and 207 healthy unrelated Portuguese individuals using PCR techniques. Plasma GST activity was determined spectrophotometrically. The antioxidant status was evaluated by fluorometric assays of tGSH. Genotype distributions of GSTT1 (chi(2) test; p < 0.01) and MTHFR (chi(2) test; p < 0.01) differ significantly between control and hypertensive patients with a greater prevalence of "non-null GSTT1/M1" and CT (heterozygous) genotypes. Moreover, GST activity and tGSH were markedly decreased in hypertension but there is no correlation with the studied polymorphisms. GSH depletion confirmed the possible involvement of oxidative stress in this pathology. Deletion of GSTT1 gene might be considered as protective factor for hypertension. (c) 2006 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.