Genetic polymorphisms of drug-metabolizing enzymes and susceptibility to lung cancer--relevance to smoking
Uematsu, F.
Nihon Rinsho. Japanese Journal of Clinical Medicine 54(2): 513-517
1996
ISSN/ISBN: 0047-1852 PMID: 8838107 Document Number: 463271
Lung cancer has been associated with smoking and many carcinogenic compounds are thought to contribute to the origin of lung cancer. Most of these carcinogens exert their carcinogenicity after conversion to more potent forms through reactions mediated by drug-metabolizing enzymes, such as cytochrome P450s (CYPs). Carcinogens in the human body are then detoxified by enzymes such as glutathione S-transferase (GST) and excreted. The genetic differences, or polymorphisms, of these enzymes may affect genetically-determined susceptibility to lung cancer. Recently, a variety of polymorphisms have been found for drug-metabolizing enzymes in humans, such as CYP2E1, CYP1A1, CYP2D6, and GST. These polymorphisms have been related to susceptibility to lung cancer by some researchers. Their relevance with the dose of tobacco smoke has also been investigated.