Polymorphism of the CYP1A1 and glutathione-S-transferase genes in Korean lung cancer patients

The levels of expressions and catalytic activities of cytochrome P450 (CYP1A1) and glutathione-S-transferase class μ (GSTM1) enzymes in lungs and their metabolic balance may be an important determinant host factor underlying lung cancer. Genetic differences in metabolism, Mspl restriction sites, Ile-Val polymorphism of CYP1A1 gene, and the null genotype of GSTM1 have been reported to be associated with susceptibility to lung cancer. The present studies were undertaken to establish frequencies of the polymorphic genotypes of CYP1A1 and GSTM1 in Koreans, and to evaluate linkage disequilibrium of the genotypes associated with higher lung cancer risks among Koreans. GSTM1(-) genotype was found in 52% of control subjects, whereas it was found in 55% of lung cancer patients. The allelic variants in CYP1A1 were distributed differently in lung cancer patients and controls. The heterozygous genotype frequency of the Mspl site in lung cancer patients (53%) was higher than in controls (49%). The frequency of Ile/Val genotype of CYP1A1 was low in lung cancer patients, which are mostly squamous cell carcinoma.