Superoxide dismutase 2 Val16Ala polymorphism is a risk factor for the valproic acid-related elevation of serum aminotransferases

The association between the superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) Val16Ala polymorphism and the serum aminotransferase levels was retrospectively investigated in 207 valproic acid-treated patients with epilepsy. The Val/Val genotype tended to show elevated alanine aminotransferase levels (odds ratio = 3.5; P=0.056). In addition, an elevated gamma-glutamyltransferase level was associated with the Val/Val genotype (odds ratio = 3.1; P=0.022). The SOD2 Val/Val genotype may therefore contribute to a valproic acid-induced elevation in the serum aminotransferase levels. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.