The role of CYP1A1 Msp1 gene polymorphisms on lung cancer development in Turkey.

Polymorphisms for genes encoding the metabolic enzymes cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1) might contribute to the variability in individual susceptibility to lung cancer. The role of CYP1A1 in lung carcinogenesis might be more important at low levels of exposure to carcinogens. In our study, CYP1A1 gene polymorphisms were investigated in healthy subjects and lung cancer patients in Turkish population. This case-control study encompassed 31 lung cancer patients and randomly selected 37 healthy individuals in control group. DNA samples, extracted from the whole blood were amplified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. The prevalence of CYP1A1 Msp1 (-/+ or +/+) polymorphism in the lung cancer patients was 19.4%, compared to 16.2% in control group but the result was not statistically significant (OR= 1.24, 95% CI= 0.36-4.32, p= 0.74). Another important result obtained in this study is that 16.2% of Turkish population carries a CYP1A1 Msp1 polymorphism. The analysis of patients by histological type of lung cancer showed no association between histopathologic type of lung cancer and CYP1A1 Msp1 polymorphism (p= 0.6). Genetic researches using specific biomarkers are expected to be helpful in monitorizing the risk of lung cancer. Multicenter cohort studies are necessary to be able to obtain reliable and correct statistical information.