CYP1A1 and CYP3A4 polymorphic variations in Delhi population of Northern India

CYP1A1 gene polymorphism and heavy metal analyses in benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer: An explorative case-control study

INTRODUCTION

The prostatic disorder is associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer (CaP). Evidently, prevalent transcription factors and signaling pathways define their relationship. The etiology of the prostatic disorder is multifactorial including heavy metal toxicity like lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), and genetic factors. This study elucidates the association between heavy metal toxicity Pb, Cd, and CYP1A1 gene polymorphism with BPH and CaP.

METHODS

a case-control study with (BPH, n = 104), (CaP, n = 58) and (controls, n =107) patients. Heavy metal Pb and Cd estimation by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The polymorphism of the CYP1A1 T>C (rs4646903) gene was analyzed byPCR-RFLP.

RESULT

Higher levels of Pb and Cd were found in BPH and CaP followed by the control group (P-value: < 0.05). Pb and Cd show a significant correlation among prostate volume in CaP. Additionally, PSA, IPSS score, and pre void volume were positively co-related with Pb in BPH patients. The posthoc test defines the level of Pb and Cd as significantly elevated in the mutant genotype, highest among homozygous mutant genotype of CYP1A1gene among BPH. In CaP, Pb is significantly higher among the homozygous mutant type of CYP1A1 gene. The risk is also influenced by smoking, tobacco, and alcohol.

CONCLUSION

The heavy metal toxicity Pb and Cd were reported to raise the risk of BPH and CaP. However, a person with heavy metal toxicity especially in BPH has a high-risk genetic susceptibility to the CYP1A1 gene in the north Indian population.

The Relationship of ABCB1/MDR1 and CYP1A1 Variants with the Risk of Disease Development and Shortening of Overall Survival in Patients with Multiple Myeloma

(1) Background: The aim of our study was to analyze the possible relationship of ABCB1 and CYP1A1 gene variants with susceptibility and outcome of multiple myeloma (MM); (2) Methods: Genomic DNA samples from 110 newly-diagnosed MM patients and 100 healthy blood donors were analyzed by methods-PCR-RFLP (for ABCB1 3435C > T, CYP1A1 6235T > C-m1), automated DNA sequencing (for ABCB1 1236C > T, 2677G > T/A) and allele-specific PCR (for CYP1A1 4889A > G-m2); (3) Results: The genotypic frequencies of CYP1A1 4889A > G variant were not in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium for MM patients. The presence of m1 and m2 CYP1A1 alleles decreased the risk of MM-OR = 0.49 (p = 0.011) and OR = 0.27 (p = 0.0003), respectively. In turn, TT genotype (ABCB1 2677G > T/A) increased the risk of this disease (p = 0.007). In the multivariate Cox analysis CT + TT genotypes (ABCB1 3435C > T) were associated with decreased risk of death (HR = 0.29, p = 0.04). In log-rank test in patients with CT genotype (ABCB1 3435C > T) was observed association of overall survival with the type of treatment; (4) Conclusions: Our findings suggest that T-alleles of ABCB1 2677G > T/A and m1/m2 alleles of CYP1A1 affected the susceptibility of MM. Moreover, T-allele of ABCB1 3435C > T might be independent positive prognostic factor in MM.

Elevated exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) may trigger cancers in Pakistan: an environmental, occupational, and genetic perspective

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are carcinogenic compounds which are emitted through incomplete combustion of organic materials, fossil fuels, consumption of processed meat, smoked food, and from various industrial activities. High molecular mass and mobility make PAHs widespread and lethal for human health. A cellular system in human detoxifies these toxicants through specialized enzymatic machinery called xenobiotic-metabolizing (CYP450) and phase-II (GSTs) enzymes (XMEs). These metabolizing enzymes include cytochromes P450 family (CYP1, CYP2), glutathione s-transferases, and ALDHs. Gene polymorphisms in XMEs encoding genes can compromise their metabolizing capacity to detoxify ingested carcinogens (PAHs etc.) that may lead to prolong and elevated exposure to ingested toxicants and may consequently lead to cancer. Moreover, PAHs can induce cancer through reprograming XMEs' gene functions by altering their epigenetic markers. This review article discusses possible interplay between individual's gene polymorphism in XMEs' genes, their altered epigenetic markers, and exposure to PAHs in cancer susceptibility in Pakistan.

Untangling the association between environmental endocrine disruptive chemicals and the etiology of male genitourinary cancers

Endocrine disrupting chemicals disrupt normal physiological function of endogenous hormones, their receptors, and signaling pathways of the endocrine system. Most endocrine disrupting chemicals exhibit estrogen/androgen agonistic and antagonistic activities that impinge upon hormone receptors and related pathways. Humans are exposed to endocrine disrupting chemicals through food, water and air, affecting the synthesis, release, transport, metabolism, binding, function and elimination of naturally occurring hormones. The urogenital organs function as sources of steroid hormones, are targeted end organs, and participate within systemic feedback loops within the endocrine system. The effects of endocrine disruptors can ultimately alter cellular homeostasis leading to a broad range of health effects, including malignancy. Human cancer is characterized by uncontrolled cell proliferation, mechanisms opposing cell-death, development of immortality, induction of angiogenesis, and promotion of invasion/metastasis. While hormonal malignancies of the male genitourinary organs are the second most common types of cancer, the molecular effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals in hormone-driven cancers has yet to be fully explored. In this commentary, we examine the molecular evidence for the involvement of endocrine disrupting chemicals in the genesis and progression of hormone-driven cancers in the prostate, testes, and bladder. We also report on challenges that have to be overcome to drive our understanding of these chemicals and explore the potential avenues of discovery that could ultimately allow the development of tools to prevent cancer in populations where exposure is inevitable.

Polymorphism of xenobiotic metabolizing gene and susceptibility of epithelial ovarian cancer with reference to organochlorine pesticides exposure

The transformation of ovarian surface epithelial cells, stromal cells, sex cord, or germ cells initiates ovarian malignancy. Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is clinically silent with vague, non-specific symptomatology and is generally diagnosed at an advanced stage, resulting in a high mortality rate. The known main etiological factors are: age at menarche and menopause (early menarche or late menopause), use of oral contraception (estrogen and/or progesterone), family history, genetic factors, inflammation, occupational and environmental exposure. The study is intended to assess the association between blood organochlorine pesticide (OCP) levels and polymorphic status of phase I and phase II metabolizing enzymes (CYP1A1, GSTM1, and GSTT1) in the pathogenesis of epithelial ovarian cancer. The study included 200 subjects in total, of which 100 were epithelial ovarian cancer cases and 100 were controls. Estimation of blood organochlorine pesticide levels was carried out using gas chromatography and significantly high levels of beta-hexachlorocyclohexane (β-HCH), endosulfan-I, endosulfan-II, dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (pʹpʹ-DDT), dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (pʹpʹ-DDE) were observed in cases as compared to controls ( P-value = 0.029, 0.042, 0.044, 0.039 and 0.037 respectively). For studying the polymorphism of CYP1A1, GSTM1/T1, PCR-RFLP, AS-PCR and multiplexing were performed and the frequency of null deletion of GSTM1/T1 was significantly higher in epithelial ovarian cancer cases. Regression model testing was also performed to check the interactive effect of organochlorine pesticide levels and polymorphic variant of genes keeping CA-125 as the dependent variable and observed a statistically significant role of genotypic/environmental interaction in epithelial ovarian cancer cases in the North Indian population.

Impact statement

Among pervasive environmental toxins, OCPs are one of the largest and most hazardous classes of contaminants in use around the world. Because these compounds possess the estrogen mimicking properties, the accumulation of these compounds in the human body may be a risk for several hormone-dependent diseases. EOC is hormonally dependent cancer and the mortality rate due to this disease is increasingly prevalent, and it has become imperative to explore the role of OCPs in the disease pathogenesis. The present study highlights the significant association of high OCPs level in the disease pathogenesis. It is also observed that the polymorphism in xenobiotic metabolism enzymes alters the predisposition of OCPs. The synergistic effect of gene polymorphism (CYP1A1, GSTM1, and GSTT1) and non-occupational exposure to OCPs was also assessed considering CA125 level as dependent variable with the risk of EOC and concluded that there exist a potential role of genotypic/environmental interaction in the etiology of EOC.

Associations of CYP1 polymorphisms with risk of prostate cancer: an updated meta-analysis

Background. The results of previous studies on the association between polymorphisms of CYP1A1 and CYP1B1 and prostate cancer (PCa) susceptibility are inconsistent. The aim of the present study was to conduct a meta-analysis in order to better estimate this association. Methods. A systematic search was carried out on PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases for relevant articles published up to 15 August 2018. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals were obtained using fixed-effect or random-effect models. Results. A significant association was found between the CYP1A1 rs1048943 polymorphism and PCa in the overall population (B [the minor allele] vs. A [the major allele]: OR = 1.20, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.04–1.39, P=0.014; AB vs. AA: OR = 1.24, 95% CI = 1.02–1.51, P=0.029; BB + AB vs. AA: OR = 1.25, 95% CI = 1.04–1.50, P=0.018) and Asian population (B vs. A: OR = 1.32, 95% CI = 1.11–1.56, P=0.001; BB vs. AA: OR = 1.81, 95% CI = 1.20–2.72, P=0.005; AB vs. AA: OR = 1.30, 95% CI = 1.03–1.64, P=0.029; BB + AB vs. AA: OR = 1.38, 95% CI = 1.11–1.73, P=0.004; BB vs. AA + AB: OR = 1.58, 95% CI = 1.08–2.01, P=0.019), but not in the Caucasian population. Moreover, we found that the rs4646903 polymorphism was associated with a significant increase in the risk of PCa in the Asian population (AB vs. AA: OR = 1.43, 95% CI = 1.13–1.80, P=0.003) and Caucasian population (BB vs. AA: OR = 2.12, 95% CI = 1.29–3.49, P=0.003). Conclusion. This meta-analysis revealed a clear association between rs1048943 and rs4646903 polymorphisms of the CYP1A1 gene but not between CYP1B1 rs10012, rs162549, rs1800440, and rs2551188 polymorphisms and the risk of PCa.

Synergistic Association of CYP1A1 Polymorphisms with Increased Susceptibility to Squamous Cell Lung Cancer in North Indian Smokers

Objectives

Studies in different populations have shown that polymorphisms within the CYP1A1 gene play an important role in determining individual susceptibility to lung cancer. However, the data obtained so far have been contradictory within the same or different populations. Few studies have focused on the synergistic effect of CYP1A1 polymorphisms on the susceptibility to lung cancer overall and to different histological subtypes along with the impact of smoking.

Methods

A total of 704 individuals (353 lung cancer patients and 351 controls) were evaluated for CYP1A1 polymorphisms. CYP1A1 genotyping was done by means of PCR-RFLP.

Results

A CYP1A1 mutant genotype was found to be significantly associated with lung cancer (OR = 3.15; 95% CI = 1.75-5.71; p = 0.0001) and this risk was 4-fold higher in case of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). The CYP1A1 m2 allelic variant was found to be strongly associated with the risk of SCC and adenocarcinoma. The combined “at risk” genotypes of the CYP1A1 m1 and m2 allelic variants were associated with lung cancer risk and this risk was higher in case of SCC (OR = 2.0; 95% CI = 1.97-3.81; p = 0.028). Furthermore, the lung cancer risk was associated with smoking, especially in heavy smokers carrying CYP1A1 variant genotypes. We also observed that heavy smokers with the mutant m1 genotype were at increased risk of SCC (OR = 5.4; 95% CI = 2.4-11.9; p<0.0001). Furthermore, when stratified for smoking dose and histology, the effect was compounded in heavy smokers and SCC (OR = 7.5; 95% CI = 1.8-30.9; p = 0.004).

Conclusions

Polymorphism in the CYP1A1 gene is an important risk modifier for lung cancer.

Role of CYP2C19 gene polymorphism in acute alcohol withdrawal treatment with loading dose of diazepam in a South Indian population

PURPOSE

Alcohol dependence is a public health problem worldwide, commonly associated with withdrawal symptoms for which diazepam is a frequently used drug. We studied the effect of CYP2C19 gene polymorphisms on diazepam loading dose requirement and time to reversal of acute alcohol withdrawal symptoms. We also studied the influence of the polymorphism in this gene on the persistent symptoms after loading dose of diazepam.

METHODS

Sixty-nine patients who reported to the psychiatry department with symptoms of alcohol withdrawal diagnosed by DSM-IV criteria were included for the study. A 10-mg loading dose of diazepam was administered iv after baseline assessment of withdrawal severity using CIWA-Ar scoring. The patients were assessed for improvement of the symptoms every two hourly and 20 mg oral diazepam was given based on improvement of symptoms. Genotyping for CYP2C19*2, CYP2C19*3 and CYP2C19*17 was done by PCR-RFLP and RT-PCR methods.

RESULTS

The diazepam dose requirement as well as the time required for reversal of acute symptoms was not statistically different among the different genotype groups. Similarly, the frequency of patients with persistent symptoms after successful treatment of the acute episode was not different among the groups. However, the total diazepam dose requirement was influenced by baseline CIWA-Ar scores (adjusted OR 0.21, p = 0.026). In addition, the odds of treatment with a lower dose (10 mg) of diazepam were higher in smokers (adjusted OR 5.22, p = 0.025) and patients with other addiction (adjusted OR 9.26, p = 0.026).

CONCLUSION

We found that CYP2C19 polymorphism did not have any significant effect on the diazepam dose requirement, time duration needed for successful treatment or on the persistent symptoms after loading dose of diazepam in South Indian population. However, diazepam dose requirement was influenced by baseline CIWA-Ar score, smoking status and other comorbid addictions.

Single nucleotide polymorphism of CYP3A5*3 contributes to clopidogrel resistance in coronary artery disease patients among Tamilian population

Clopidogrel is an antiplatelet drug. It is used for the treatment as well as for the prophylaxis of coronary artery disease. Clopidogrel resistance is an emerging problem in clinical settings. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of CYP3A5*3 genetic polymorphism on clopidogrel resistance. One hundred and forty-seven patients from outpatient Department of Cardiology on 75 mg/day of clopidogrel as maintenance dose were recruited from April 2010 to July 2011. All subjects gave written informed consent to participate in the study. DNA extraction was performed using phenol chloroform extraction procedure and genotyping by standard Taqman based RT-PCR method. Platelet aggregation was done at the end of 7th and 14th day by using chronolog lumi Aggregometer which is expressed as impedance in ohms. Impedance values of >5 ohms at the end of 6 min were considered as clopidogrel resistance. Subjects (N = 147) were analysed for CYP3A5*3 polymorphism, of which 49 (33%) were found to be clopidogrel resistant. Homomutants of CYP3A5*3 gene had 2.78 (0.97-7.98; p < 0.05) fold risk and heteromutants had 2.4 (0.93-6.46; p < 0.05) fold risk of developing clopidogrel resistance. Carriers of defective allele G of CYP3A5*3 had higher propensity to cause clopidogrel resistance with an odds ratio of 1.63. Variant alleles and genotypes of CYP3A5*3 polymorphism contributed significantly to clopidogrel resistance with a higher odds ratio. Thus, pharmacogenomics paves way for the emergence of stratified medicine in clopidogrel therapy and personalised pharmacotherapy in ischaemic heart disease.

Frequency distribution of high risk alleles of CYP2C19, CYP2E1, CYP3A4 genes in Haryana population

The genotype of an individual can significantly influence the disposition of a chemical, and determine their susceptibility to its toxicity. Many enzymes involved in either activation or detoxification of chemical carcinogen metabolism are polymorphically expressed, with the alleles presenting different enzymatic activities and some of them having been associated with susceptibility to cancer. Cytochrome P450 (P450 or CYP) constitutes the most important phase I enzyme group responsible for the metabolism of endogenous and exogenous (xenobiotics) substances. The present study was aimed to analyze the frequencies of commonly known polymorphisms of human xenobiotic metabolizing genes (XMG) in the Haryana State population of North India. The study was conducted in 308 healthy Haryana volunteers. DNA was extracted from leucocytes and the genetic polymorphisms in CYP2C19*2, CYP2C19*3, CYP2E1*5B and CYP3A4*1B were determined by digesting the PCR Product with restriction enzymes BamHI, SmaI, PstI and PstI respectively. The genotype frequencies of CYP2C19*2, CYP2C19*3, CYP2E1*5B, and CYP3A4*1B were found to be 22.0%, 0.0%, 2.11% and 2.0% respectively. The North Indian population which is known to be Caucasoid Aryans is ethnically different from South Indians known as Caucasoid Dravidians but no significant difference in genetic polymorphism was found.

Polymorphic variation of CYP1A1 and CYP1B1 genes in a Haryana population

Cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A1 and CYP1B1 are important phase I xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes involved in the metabolism of numbers of toxins, endogenous hormones, and pharmaceutical drugs. Polymorphisms in these phase I genes can alter enzyme activity and are known to be associated with cancer susceptibility related to environmental toxins and hormone exposure. Their genotypes may also display ethnicity-dependent population frequencies. The present study was aimed to determine the frequencies of commonly known functional polymorphisms of CYP1A1 and CYP1B1 genes in a Haryana state population of North India. The allelic frequency of CYP1A1 polymorphism m1 (MspI) was 29.65% and m2 (Ile(462)Val) was 24.85%. The frequency of CYP1B1 polymorphism m1 (Val(432)Leu) was 45.85% and m2 (Asn(453)Ser) was 16.2%. We observed inter- and intra-ethnic variation in the frequency distribution of these polymorphisms. Analysis of polymorphisms in these genes might help in predicting the risk of cancer. Our results emphasize the need for more such studies in high-risk populations.

Association of CYP1A1 gene polymorphism with chronic kidney disease: a case control study

CYP1A1 is an important xenobiotic metabolizing enzyme, present in liver and kidney. Expression of CYP1A1 enzyme increases manifold when kidney cells are exposed to nephrotoxins/chemicals leading to oxidative stress-induced cell damage. To study the association of CYP1A1 gene polymorphism in patients of chronic kidney disease with unknown etiology (CKDU), we recruited 334 CKDU patients and 334 age and sex matched healthy controls. CYP1A1*2A and *2C polymorphisms were studied by PCR-RFLP and allele specific-PCR respectively. Subjects carrying at least one mutant allele of CYP1A1*2A (TC, CC) and *2C (AG, GG) were shown to be associated with 1.4-2-fold increased risk of CKDU. Also, genotypic combinations of hetero-/homozygous mutants of CYP1A1*2A (TC, CC) with hetero-/homozygous mutant genotypes of CYP1A1*2C (AG, GG) i.e. TC/AG (p<0.01), TC/GG (p<0.05), CC/AG (p<0.05) and CC/GG (p<0.01) were associated with CKDU with an odd ratio ranging 1.8-3.3 times approximately. This study demonstrates association of CYP1A1 polymorphisms with CKDU.

CYP1A1 MspI polymorphism is associated with prostate cancer susceptibility: evidence from a meta-analysis

Cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1), an important phase I xenobiotic metabolizing enzyme, is responsible for metabolizing numerous carcinogens, particularly polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. The genetic polymorphism of CYP1A1 at the site of MspI (CYP1A1 MspI) has been implicated in prostate cancer risk, but the results of individual studies remain conflicting and inconclusive. The aim of this meta-analysis was to investigate the association of CYP1A1 MspI polymorphism with prostate cancer risk more precisely. We performed a comprehensive search of the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases from their inception up to September 20, 2012 for relevant publications. The pooled odds ratios with the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated to assess the association of CYP1A1 MspI polymorphism with prostate cancer risk. In addition, stratified analyses by ethnicity and sensitivity analyses were conducted for further estimation. Sixteen eligible publications with 6,411 subjects were finally included into the meta-analysis after checking the retrieved papers. Overall, meta-analysis of total studies suggested that individuals carrying the TC genotype and a combined C genotype (CC + TC) were more susceptible to prostate cancer (OR(TC vs. TT) = 1.33, 95% CI 1.10-1.61, P(OR) = 0.004; OR(CC+TC vs. TT) = 1.27, 95% CI 1.05-1.55, P(OR) = 0.016). Stratified analysis of high quality studies also confirmed the significant association (OR(TC vs. TT) = 1.32, 95% CI 1.04-1.67, P(OR) = 0.024; OR(CC+TC vs. TT) = 1.30, 95% CI 1.02-1.66, P(OR) = 0.035). In subgroup analyses by ethnicity, a significant association between the CYP1A1 MspI polymorphism and risk of prostate cancer was found among Asians (OR(TC vs. TT) = 1.44, 95% CI 1.20-1.72, P(OR) < 0.001; OR(CC+TC vs. TT) = 1.33, 95% CI 1.12-1.58, P(OR) = 0.001), but not in Caucasians or mixed populations. The meta-analysis suggests an important role of the CYP1A1 MspI polymorphism in the risk of developing prostate cancer, especially in Asians.

Prevalence of poor and rapid metabolizers of drugs metabolized by CYP2B6 in North Indian population residing in Indian national capital territory

Identification of poor and rapid metabolizers for the category of drugs metabolized by cytochrome P450 2B6 (CYP2B6) is important for understanding the differences in clinical responses of drugs metabolized by this enzyme. This study reports the prevalence of poor and rapid metabolizers in North Indian population residing in the National Capital Territory. The prevalence of poor and rapid metabolizers was determined in the target population for the category of drugs metabolized by CYP2B6 by measuring plasma bupropion, a drug metabolized by CYP2B6, and its metabolite. Bupropion (75 mg) was administered to 107 volunteers, and the drug (bupropion) and its metabolite (hydroxybupropion) were determined simultaneously by LCMS/MS in the plasma. CYP2B6 activity was measured as hydroxybupropion/bupropion ratio, and volunteers were categorized as rapid or poor metabolizers on the basis of cutoff value of log (hydroxybupropion/bupropion). Significant differences were observed between the mean metabolite/drug ratio of rapid metabolizers (Mean = 0.59) and poor metabolizers (Mean = 0.26) with p<0.0001. Results indicate that 20.56% individuals in the target population were poor metabolizers for the category of drugs metabolized by CYP2B6. Cutoff value defined in this study can be used as a tool for evaluating the status of CYP2B6 using bupropion as a probe drug. The baseline information would be clinically useful before administering the drugs metabolized by this isoform.

Association of CYP1A1, GSTM1, and GSTT1 gene polymorphism with risk of oral submucous fibrosis in a section of North Indian population

Genetic alterations in the genes expressing drug metabolizing enzymes can make an individual susceptible to various cancers. This study detects the polymorphisms at CYP1A1, GSTM1, and GSTT1 genes in a section of North Indian population and determines the susceptibility to oral submucous fibrosis (OSF). In this case-control study one hundred and two OSF patients were genotyped to detect the GSTM1, GSTT1, CYP1A1 polymorphism. Two hundred healthy controls were also included. Genotypes were determined using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) approach. The frequency of GSTM1 and GSTT1 genotype was higher in OSF patients, as compared to controls. A trend risk analysis showed 7.6 fold increase in risk, when both the genes were absent. The frequency of CYP1A1 (m1) and CYP1A1 (m2) genotypes was higher in controls. No polymorphic alleles were detected in the m4 site. CYP1A1 (m1) wild genotype in the absence of GSTM1 null genotype, falls under the highest risk group (OR 3.74). Our findings suggest that CYP1A1 (m1) genotype and (m2) genotype singly acts as a protective factor but in the absence of GSTM1 and/or GSTT1 gene significantly alters risk towards OSF.

Polymorphism in CYP1A1, GSTMI,GSTT1 genes and organochlorine pesticides in the etiology of hypospadias

Exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and maternal endogenous estrogen may cause hypospadias, common congenital anomaly. Several organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) have been reported to possess an endocrine-disrupting potential. Cytochrome P4501A1 (CYP1A1) and glutathione S-transferases (GSTM1 and GSTT1) of xenobiotic metabolizing enzyme family are involved in the metabolism of various environmental toxicants and steroidal hormones. Hence, the present study was designed to evaluate the role of CYP1A1, GSTM1, GSTT1 genes polymorphism, OCPs levels and risk of hypospadias. A total of 80 hypospadiac and 120 age-matched control boys were included. OCP levels in blood were determined using Gas Chromatograph equipped with electron capture detector (GC-ECD) and polymorphism in CYP1A1, GSTM1 and GSTT1 genes was evaluated by RFLP and multiplex PCR method. We observed significant high levels of β-hexachlorohexane (HCH), γ-HCH, and p, p′-dichlorodiphenyl-dichloroethylene ( p,p’-DDE) in the cases. CYP1A1 polymorphisms were not significantly different among cases and controls, whereas concomitant deletion of GSTM1 and GSTT1 genotypes was significantly higher in cases as compared to controls. However, after adjusting for low birth weight and maternal occupational exposure, the results did not remain significant but odds of risk was higher (OR = 1.72, p = 0.14) among cases. In conclusion, our study suggests irrespective of genetic predisposition, higher level of some OCPs may be associated with increased risk of hypospadias.

CYP 1A1 polymorphism and organochlorine pesticides levels in the etiology of prostate cancer

Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polymorphisms of xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes are reported to be associated with the possible risk of prostate cancer. OCPs are endocrine disruptors (EDs) which may act by disrupting the physiologic function of endogenous hormones and therefore possibly increase prostate cancer risk. CYP1A1 metabolizes several carcinogens and estrogens, etc. and hence polymorphism of this gene has been reported to be associated with prostate cancer risk. We studied 70 newly diagnosed prostate cancer patients and 61 age-matched healthy male controls. OCP levels in blood were determined by using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and CYP1A1 polymorphisms were analyzed by allele-specific PCR and RFLP-PCR methods. Significantly higher levels of β-HCH, γ-HCH and p,p'-DDE were found in cases as compared to controls (p-values=0.04, 0.008, and 0.01, respectively). Higher levels of γ-HCH were observed in advanced stages of prostate cancer cases (<or=T(2) vs. >or=T(3)), (p-value=0.04). Dieldrin was found significantly higher in cases with initial stages (p-value=0.03). We did not observe any correlation between prostate cancer and CYP1A1 polymorphisms. Hence, higher level of OCPs, especially β-HCH, γ-HCH and p,p'-DDE might be associated with prostate cancer risk.