Functions:

• Detoxifies polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) produced from the combustion of organic materials (exhaust fumes, charbroiled meats, etc.).
• Responsible for
  • 2-hydroxylation of estrogen and certain medications,
  • activation of numerous environmental toxins such as
    • polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
      (e.g., cigarette smoke, car exhaust, charbroiled meats)
    • chlorinated benzenes (solvents).

Substrates - compounds metabolized by that enzyme. The metabolism of some of these compounds is shared by other P450 enzymes (see other P450 lists).

Inhibitors - may or may not be substrates of that enzyme, but will reliably reduce that enzyme's activity if they're present.

Inducers - also may or may not be substrates, but will tend to increase the enzyme's activity.

Health Implications of CYP1A1 Polymorphism:

• Enzyme activation increases with toxin exposure:
  • creates greater potential toxicity
  • can generate mutagenic metabolites and oxidative stress, increasing the risk of cancers of the lung, breast, ovary (in smokers), prostate, esophagus, and colon.
• Female smokers with the polymorphism show higher levels of DNA damage than either non-smokers or women without a CYP1A1 polymorphism.
• Moderately increased risk of systemic lupus erythematosus, endometriosis (if also GSTMI null), and delivery of low birth weight babies.

Minimizing Risk from CYP1A1 Polymorphism:

• Do not smoke.
• Minimize exposure to charbroiled and well-done meats, tobacco smoke, car and diesel exhaust, and industrial solvents. (Excess exposure to these compounds can generate free radicals and increase your long-term risk of developing some cancers.)
• Increase consumption of dietary anti-oxidants (colorful fruits and vegetables) and cruciferous vegetables (e.g., broccoli and cauliflower).
• Regular consumption of green and white tea, and vitamin E supplementation is helpful, particularly in smokers
• Other protective compounds include mixed anti-oxidants, rosemary, resveratrol (in red wine), epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), curcumin, genestein and DHEA

For more information:

• CYPs 1A1 and 1B1 share some characteristics: see the Wikipedia stub for CYP1B1.