Susceptibility to Lung Cancer with CYP1A1, GSTM1, GSTM3, GSTT1 and GSTP1 SNPs in Inner Mongolia

Epidemiological studies have shown that lung cancer is associated with tobacco and alcohol use, and is common in regions where these products are often consumed. Similar to other environmental toxins, tobacco requires metabolic activation and subsequent detoxification by a series of enzymes such as phase I enzymes i-e the cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYP) and phase II xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes i-e the glutathione S-transferases (GSTs). An association between CYP1A1 polymorphisms and lung cancer was first reported by Kawajri and co-workers in 1990 in an asian population study (Kawajiri et al., 1990). Cytochrome P4501A1 (CYP1A1) metabolizes a number of suspected procarcinogens, especially, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) into highly reactive intermediates. These compounds are capable to bind with DNA to form adducts, which, if not repaired, may initiate or propagate carcinogenesis. Although PAHs are