Polymorphism of UDP-glucuronosyltransferase 1A7 gene:: A possible new risk factor for lung cancer

UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) 1A7 detoxifies hydroxylated benzo-(alpha)-pyrenes and 2-hydroxyamino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo (4,5-beta) pyridine. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether UGTIA7 polymorphisms are risk factors for lung cancer. A total of 113 Japanese patients with lung cancer and 178 healthy individuals were enrolled in this study. Genomic DNA was isolated from leukocytes. Exon I of UGTIA7 was sequenced. Homozygous UGTIA7*3/3 was observed in 17 (15%) of patients with lung cancer, and this incidence was significantly increased compared with the control group (4.5%, P = 0.0036). Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated a significant association of lung cancer with Brinkmann index (odds ratio = 4.577, P = 0.0004) and homozygous UGT1A7*3 (odds ratio = 4.020, P = 0.0037). The presence of UGTIA7 polymorphisms was associated with lung cancer. Homozygous UGT1A7*3 is a possible risk factor for lung cancer, at least in the Japanese population. Thus, determination of UGTIA7 polymorphisms may provide an important clue to preventive measures against lung cancer. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.