CYP1A1: Detoxifying Cigarette Smoke and Estrogen

This is part of a series on the genes involved in phase I and phase II detoxification.

CYP1A1 is a gene that codes for an enzyme that breaks down (metabolizes) a few different substances.  It is involved in the metabolism of poly-aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in the intestines, thus playing a role in smoking-related cancers from the activation of the aromatic hydrocarbons. Aromatic hydrocarbons are also found in wood smoke, vehicle exhausts, asphalt, and charred meats.

In addition to toxins we may breathe in or eat, CYP1A1 is also involved in the metabolism of estrogen – specifically 17β-estradiol – as well as arachidonic acid and DHA (fatty acids).

There are several genetic variants of CYP1A1 that can change the speed at which your body will metabolize substances. Increased CYP1A1 metabolism can cause the buildup of the intermediate metabolites if your body can’t get rid of them fast enough through phase II metabolism.

CYP1A1*2:

There are several studies showing a relationship between the CYP1A1*2 (C allele) and estrogen-related cancers, but the results vary according to population and possibly diet:

• A Chinese study showed that the CYP1A1*2 polymorphism had a lower risk of breast cancer.
•  Another study showed that those with CYP1A1*2 have more of an inhibition with natural polyphenols than those without the polymorphism.
• A study showed that CYP1A1*2 has a significantly higher activity level of estrogen metabolism.   “Taken together, from a biochemical point of view, the extraordinary high estrogen-2-hydroxylase activity of the CYP1A1.2 (Ile⁵⁶²Val) variant may either increase or reduce the susceptibility to cancer depending on its combination with other genetic and environmental risk factors…”

Diet plays a role here as well.  A study found that those with the CYP1A1*2  variant had a greater reduction in colon cancer risk with a diet high in polyphenols (found in veggies and fruit) than those without the variant.

Other genes, such as COMT, also come into play when looking at estrogen-related cancer risk. One speculation is that: “Considering the metabolic fate of the 2-hydroxyestrogens produced by CYP1A1, a particular risk may arise if CYP1A1*2 (Ile⁴⁶²Val) occurs simultaneously with both (a) a “low-activity” COMT allele (COMT-L, 108/158Met substitution), and/or (b) a defect in one of the glutathione-S-transferase (GST) genes required to detoxify the quinones by conjugation with glutathione (e.g., in carriers of the GSTM1 and/or GSTT1 null genotypes). In theory, this combination would cause an accumulation of 2-hydroxylated” [study]
You can check your COMT genetic variants here: COMT – Genetic Connection to Neurotransmitter Levels

CYP1A1*4:
The CYP1A1*4 variant has a somewhat increased enzyme activity.  Some studies show it to be protective against certain cancers, and other show it to slightly increase risk depending on the population.[study] [study]  One reason for the conflicting studies may be because it is fairly rare to have a homozygous (TT) mutation, and the percentage of heterozygotes (GT) in Caucasian populations is less than 10%.

Some studies show that the CYP1A1*4 allele is protective against lung cancer.[study] A meta-analysis found it to be a risk factor for thyroid cancer.[study]

Diet and Lifestyle:

Those who have a CYP1A1*2 allele are likely at a higher risk for lung cancer and really, really should not smoke. So if you need yet another reason to stop smoking, this would be a big one.

CYP1A1 is inhibited by several natural polyphenols including St. John’s Wort, I3C, and resveratrol.[study] Foods containing I3C include broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables.  Resveratrol is found in grapes and red wine as well as in supplement form.

Grapefruit juice also inhibits CYP1A1.[ref]

Camel milk inhibits CYP1A1.  Interestingly, camel milk has traditionally been thought to be protective against cancer in the Middle East.  Looks like for smoker’s with CYP1A1*2 variants, it could actually reduce the high risk of lung cancer.[ref]