The CYP2B6 enzyme is part of the body’s first line of defense in detoxifying and breaking down certain substances. It is one in the family of CYP450 enzymes, and CYP2B6 is important for metabolizing several medications.
CYP2B6, genetics, and medication interactions:
Genetic variants in the CYP2B6 gene cause large variations in how the enzyme works. For some people, genetic variants cause significant decreases in enzyme function, while others may have faster enzyme function.[ref]
Drugs metabolized by CYP2B6 include:[ref][ref]
- methadone
- bupropion
- ketamine
- cyclophosphamide
- artemisinin
- efavirenz – HIV medication
- nicotine (along with CYP2A6)[ref]
- sertraline – (along with other CYP enzymes)[ref]
- estrone and 17beta-estradiol (along with other CYP enzymes)[ref]
In general, CYP2B6 enzyme function is a little higher in women than in men.[ref]
What does CYP2B6 do besides break down medications?
An animal study in mice shows that reduced CYP2B6 function causes problems with metabolizing corn oil.
Mice with reduced CYP2B6 function ended up becoming more obese and having higher triglycerides and cholesterol (compared to normal mice) when fed a bunch of corn oil.[ref] Keep in mind that this is an animal study… I’m unable to find any research on humans with lower CYP2B6 and dietary interactions.
CYP2B6 Genotype Report:
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The CYP2B6 enzyme metabolizes organophosphates at lower concentrations, such as from normal exposure to pesticide residue.[ref]
Check your genetic variants for rs3745274 G516T (23andMe v.4; AncestryDNA):
- T/T: CYP2B6*6, decreased activity[ref][ref]; may need a lower dose of efavirenz (HIV medication)[ref][ref]; slower clearance of ketamine[ref]
- G/T: somewhat decreased activity
- G/G: typical
Members: Your genotype for rs3745274 is —.
Check your genetic data for rs2279343 K262R (23andMe v5):
- G/G CYP2B6*6, decreased activity[ref][ref]; may need a lower dose of efavirenz (HIV medication)[ref][ref]; slower clearance of ketamine[ref]
- A/G: somewhat decreased activity
- A/A: typical; better response to quitting smoking[ref]
Members: Your genotype for rs2279343 is —.
Check your genetic data for rs28399499 C983T (23andMe v4, v5; AncestryDNA):
- C/C: significantly reduced enzyme activity; 3x increased risk of adverse drug reactions with efavirenz (may need a lower dose)[ref][ref]
- C/T: reduced enzyme activity
- T/T: typical
Members: Your genotype for rs28399499 is —.
Check your genetic data for rs3211371 T1459C (23andMe v4):
- T/T: reduced function, especially in women[ref]
- C/T: reduced function, especially in women
- C/C: typical
Members: Your genotype for rs3211371 is —.
Check your genetic data for rs12721655 K139E (23andMe i3000130 v4):
- G/G: reduced function, altered metabolism of bupropion, efavirenz and other drugs[ref]
- A/G: reduced function,
- A/A: typical
Members: Your genotype for rs12721655 is — or for 23andMe i3000130 is —.
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