Klin Onkol 2002; 15(5): 161-165.
Abstract: Genotyping is used for assessment of hereditary genetic changes in DNA isolated from white blood cells. Biotransformation enzymes take part in metabolism of endogenous substrates and xenobiotics (drugs). As a result of genetic polymorphisms in biotransformation enzymes, individual metabolic profiles and mainly ratios between detoxification and bioactivation of procarcinogens may be changed. Therefore, genotyping of biotransformation enzymes may be important for early detection of increased individual susceptibility towards chemical carcinogenesis. In the last decade, increasing number of associations between polymorphisms in biotransformation enzymes and individual susceptibility to various diseases and mainly malignant ones was published. Our study was focused to assessment of polymorphisms in cytochromes P450 1A1, 2E1, epoxide hydrase, and three isoenzymes of glutathione S-transferases in several groups of Czech population: healthy control population, case-control study of lymphomas, and workers exposed to styrene in comparison with unexposed individuals. Results suggest that, polymorphisms in biotransformation enzymes: 1/ assessed in healthy Czech subjects show similar frequencies and distribution as data on the majority of European Caucasians, 2/ may play a significant role in etiology of lymphomas, 3/ most probably contribute to genotoxic effects of styrene found in exposed individuals.
