The in situ spectral methods for examining redox status of c-type cytochromes in metal-reducing/oxidizing bacteria

The membrane-associated c-type cytochromes(c-Cyts) have been well known as the key enzymes mediating extracellular electron transfer to terminal electron acceptors, resulting in biogeochemical elemental transformation, contaminant degradation, and nutrient cycling. Although c-Cyts-mediated metal reduction or oxidation have been mainly investigated with the purified proteins of metal reducing/oxidizing bacteria, the in vivo behavior of c-Cyts is still unclear, given the difficulty in measuring the proteins of intact cells. Fortunately, the in situ spectroscopy would be ideal for measuring the reaction kinetics of c-Cyts in intact cells under noninvasive physiological conditions. It can also help the establishment of kinetic/thermodynamic models of extracellular electron transfer processes, which are essential to understand the electron transfer mechanisms at the molecular scale. This review briefly summarizes the current advances in spectral methods for examining the c-Cyts in intact cells of dissimilatory metal reducing bacteria and Fe(Ⅱ)-oxidizing bacteria.

Natural variation in the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 5B OsCOX5B regulates seed vigor by altering energy production in rice

Seed vigor is a crucial trait for the direct seeding of rice.Here we examined the genetic regulation of seed vigor traits in rice,including germination index(GI)and germination potential(GP),using a genome-wide association study approach.One major quantitative trait locus,qGI6/qGP6,was identified simultaneously for both GI and GP.The candidate gene encoding the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 5B(OsCOX5B)was validated for qGI6/qGP6.The disruption of OsCOX5B caused the vigor traits to be significantly lower in Oscox5b mutants than in the japonica Nipponbare wild type(WT).Gene co-expression analysis revealed that OsCOX5B influences seed vigor mainly by modulating the tricarboxylic acid cycle process.The glucose levels were significantly higher while the pyruvic acid and adenosine triphosphate levels were significantly lower in Oscox5b mutants than in WT during seed germination.The elite haplotype of OsCOX5B facilitates seed vigor by increasing its expression during seed germination.Thus,we propose that OsCOX5B is a potential target for the breeding of rice varieties with enhanced seed vigor for direct seeding.

The role of polymorphic cytochrome P450 gene(CYP2B6)in B-chronic lymphocytic leukemia(B-CLL)incidence and outcome among Egyptian patients

Cytochromes P450(CYPs)play a prominent role in catalyzing phase I xenobiotic biotransformation and account for about 75%of the total metabolism of commercially available drugs,including chemotherapeutics.The gene expression and enzyme activity of CYPs are variable between individuals,which subsequently leads to different patterns of susceptibility to carcinogenesis by genotoxic xenobiotics,as well as differences in the efficacy and toxicity of clinically used drugs.This research aimed to examine the presence of the CYP2B6*9 polymorphism and its possible association with the incidence of B-CLL in Egyptian patients,as well as the clinical outcome after receiving cyclophosphamide chemotherapy.DNA was isolated from whole blood samples of 100 de novo B-CLL cases and also from 100 sex-and age-matched healthy individuals.The presence of the CYP2B6*9(G516T)polymorphism was examined by PCR-based allele specific amplification(ASA).Patients were further indicated for receiving chemotherapy,and then they were followed up.The CYP2B6*9 variant indicated a statistically significant higher risk of B-CLL under different genetic models,comprising allelic(T-allele vs.G-allele,OR=4.8,p<0.001)and dominant(GT+TT vs.GG,OR=5.4,p<0.001)models.Following cyclophosphamide chemotherapy,we found that the patients with variant genotypes(GT+TT)were less likely to achieve remission compared to those with the wild-type genotype(GG),with a response percentage of(37.5%vs.83%,respectively).In conclusion,our findings showed that the CYP2B6*9(G516T)polymorphism is associated with B-CLL susceptibility among Egyptian patients.This variant greatly affected the clinical outcome and can serve as a good therapeutic marker in predicting response to cyclophosphamide treatment.

Phylogenetic Relationships and Status Quo of Colonies for Gayal Based on Analysis of Cytochrome b Gene Partial Sequences

Thirty-three mutations and four different haplotypes were found when cytochrome b（Cytb） gene partial sequences of 12 gayals were analyzed. Together with sequences of Bos indicus, Bos taurus, Bos grunniens, and Bos gaurus with Bubalus bubalis as the out group, the partial sequences of Cytb gene of gayals were aligned and base composition and nucleotide variation of Cytb gene were analyzed. The phylogenetic trees were constructed by the NJ method and the MP method respectively, both supporting almost the same topology. Gayal is an independent species of Bos from Bos indicus, Bos taurus, and Bos gaurus. The results also indicate that a great proportion of gayal bloodline was invaded by other species, and the protection of gayal is facing a formidable situation.

Phylogeny of Apaturinae Butterflies (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) Based on Mitochondrial Cytochrome OxidaseⅠ Gene

The phylogenetic relationships of genera in the subfamily Apaturinae were examined using mtDNA sequence data from 1,471 bp of cytochrome oxidase subunit Ⅰ （COI）. The mitochondrial COI gene from a total of 16 species in 11 genera were sequenced to obtain mtDNA data, along with those of 4 species obtained from GenBank, to construct the MP and the NJ trees using Athyma jina, Penthema adelma, Polyura nepenthes, and Charaxes bernardus as outgroups. The transitions at the third codon positions of the COI data set were found saturated, but they were retained for analysis, because they contain the majority of the phylogenetic information. The impacts of equal weight assumptions for all characters in the parsimonious analysis were assessed by potential alternations in clades in response to different transition/transversion weighting schemes. The results indicated four distinct major groups in Apaturinae. Moreover, several well supported and stable clades were found in the Apaturinae. The study also identified undetermined taxon groups whose positions were weakly supported and were subject to changes under different weighting schemes. Within the Apaturinae, the clustering results are approximately identical to the classical morphological classification. The mtDNA data suggest the genus Mimathyma as a monophyletic group. Lelecella limenitoides and Dilipa fenestra have close relationship with very strong support in all phylogenetic trees. It also supports the taxonomic revision of removing several species from Apatura to other genera, namely Mimathyma schrenckii, M. chevana, M. nycteis, Chitoria subcaerulea, C. fasciola, C. pallas, and Helcyra subalba.

The Phylogenetic Relationships among Four Subspecies of the Genus Locusta Based on Sequences of Three Subunit of Cytochrome Oxidase

[Objective] The aim was to explore the phylogenetic relationships among four subspecies of the genus Locusta.[Method] The sequences of three subunits of cytochrome oxidase of Locusta migratoria tibetensis and Locusta migratoria manilensis were amplified and sequenced（COⅠ 1 539 bp,COⅡ 684 bp,CO Ⅲ 792 bp,with the total of 3 015 bp）.The corresponding sequenses of Locusta migratoria migratoria and Locusta migratoria migratorioides were obtained from GenBank and constructed a multiple alignment.Phylogenic trees of four subspecies of L.migratoria were constructed by Neighbor-Joining,Maximum-parsimony and Bayesian,respectively.[Result] The average content of A ＋ T in three subunits of four subspecies was 69.57%;the third site of codon showed the highest A ＋ T content,and the COⅠ had the highest A ＋ T content（87.6%）;The nucleotide substitution mainly occurred at the third site of codon,and the nucleotide replacement rate of CO Ⅱ was the highest.The second site of codon was conservative,so the replacement rate was in the range of 5.9%-15%.The start codon of COⅠ was CCG or ACG.Genetic distances among four subspecies were ranged from 0.001 to 0.076.The relationship between L.m.tibetensis and Locusta migratoria manilensis was the closest,followed by L.m.migratorioides and L.m.migratorioides,while the genetic distance between L.m.tibetensis and L.m.migratorioides was the largest.[Conclusion] The phylogenetic relationships among four subspecies of Locusta migratoria is L.m.tibetensis,L.m.manilensis,L.m.migratoria,L.m.migratorioides.

Identification of sika deer and red deer using partial cytochrome b and 12s ribosomal RNA genes

A study was conducted on the identifications of the degraded samples of sika deer （Cervus nippon） and red deer （Cervus elaphus） by phylogenetic and nucleotide distance analysis of partial Cytb and 12s rRNA genes sequences. 402 bp Cytb genes were achieved by PCR-sequencing using DNA extracted from 8 case samples, and contrasted with 27 sequences of Cytb gene downloaded from GenBank database. The values of three nucleotide distance between three suspected samples and sika deer were identical （0.026±0.006）, which was smaller than the smallest nucleotide distance between eastern red deer and sika deer （0.036）. Furthermore, phylogenetic analysis of sika deer and red deer indicated that the evidences located within the same cluster as sika deer. The evidences were sika deer materials. As the same way, other three suspected samples were derived from red deer. The results were further confirmed by phylogenetic and nucleotide distance analysis of 387 bp 12s rRNA gene. The method was powerful and less time-consuming and helpful to reduce the related cases with wildlife.

Effects of Membrane Lipids on the Electron Transfer Activity of Cytochrome b_6f Complex from Spinach

A lipid_depleted cytochrome b 6f (Cyt b 6f) preparation was obtained from spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) chloroplasts. Upon reconstitution of this preparation with the membrane lipids purified from spinach thylakoid, the effects of different membrane lipids on the electron transfer activity were studied. The results show that the electron transfer activity of Cyt b 6f is obviously stimulated to different extents, respectively, by monogalactosyldiacylglycerol (MGDG), digalactosyldiacylglycerol (DGDG), phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylglycerol (PG) and sulfoquinovosyldiacylglycerol (SQDG), and that the extents of stimulation may be closely related to the charge of the membrane lipids. The stimulation of non_charged lipids (MGDG, DGDG) and neutrally_charged lipid (PC) was high with a maximum enhancement of 89%, 75% and 77%, respectively; but the stimulation of two kinds of negatively_charged lipid (PG and SQDG) was relatively low with a maximum enhancement of 43% and 26%, respectively.

Bioinformatics Analysis of Cytochrome P450 Monooxygenase Family from Artemisia

Artemisinin, a sesquiterpene lactone endoperoxide derived from Artemisia annua L, forms the basis of the most important medicines for treating malaria in use today. In the study, a total of 41 full genes coded cytochrome P450 monooxygenases were identified from NCBI. These genes were classified into 11 families in 3 gene clans according to sequence similarity. One of the first interesting features in sequence alignment was that the CYP82, CYP83 and CYP716 families specific in Arabidopsis genome were present in Artemisia, and the CYP92 specific in rice was also present in Artemisia. The physical and chemical properties and structure characteristics of the identified P450s were studied. The results showed their secondary structures were very similar and their senior structures mainly contained α-helix.

Purification and Spectral Characteristics of Cytochrome b-559 from Oxygen-evolving Photosystem Ⅱ Core Complexes of Spinach and Rice

Cytochrome b_559 in photosystem Ⅱ reaction center was purified from spinach ( Spinacia oleracea L.) and rice ( Oryza sativa L.) by a rapid and simple procedure. Their low temperature fluorescence emission and excitation spectra, ultraviolet fluorescence spectra and absolute absorption spectra were presented. The author's purification methods, which enhanced the yield of pure protein and shorted the time for isolation, have several advantages: 1. use of oxygen_evolving PSⅡ core complexes as the starting material in order to avoid disturbing from other cytochromes; 2. isocratic elution of cytochrome b_559 from a DEAE_Sephacel column for eliminating the impurity and yielding the protein in pure state; 3. a simple column procedure for removal of excess Triton X_100. Purified cytochromes b_559 from these species have similar optical spectra and mobility during gel electrophoresis under native conditions. From the results of novel electrophoresis (Tricine_SDS_PAGE), cytochrome b_559 from both spinach and rice reveal two polypeptide bands (apparent molecular weight 9 kD and 4 kD, respectively). By measuring of 77 K fluorescence spectra, it was shown that for the purified cytochrome b_559 there were two excitation peaks at 439 nm and 413 nm, and two emission peaks at 563 nm and 668 nm. This is the first indication that Cyt b_559 is able to emit fluorescence and also transfer excited electrons to chlorophyll. By the use of ultraviolet fluorescence spectra, it was demonstrated for the first time that the location of Trp residue could be in the hydrophobic transmembrane region of cytochrome b_559.

Cytochrome P450 Directed Prodrug Activation Therapy in Research of Cancer Enzymology

Cancer enzymology is a promising filiation of bio-medical sciences. In thepast decades, enzymes, such as GST(glutathione S-transferase) , PKC(protein kinase C) , Topo(DNAtopoisomerases), TK(tyrosine kinase), CD (bacterial cytosine deaminase), CPG2(carboxypeptidase G2) ,and PNP (purine nucleoside phosphorylase), have been known to bear close relations to cancer. Theirspecific expression and influence on the process of tumor initiation, promotion and progressionattract scientists to apply them as a biochemical marker of certain malignant tumor, a predictor ofresponse in cancer chemotherapy; to apply them to drug design, tumor prevention and as adjuvant toradiotherapy or surgery.

Phylogenetic Relationships of 11 Bumblebee Species (Hymenoptera:Apidae) Based on Mitochondrial Cytochrome b Gene Sequences

Phylogenetic relationships of 11 bumblebee species,including 5 subgenera:Bombus (5 species),Thoracobombus (3 species),Mendacibombus (1 species),Fervidobombus (1 species) and Pyrobombus (1 species),were analyzed based on the 357?bp mitochondrial cytochrome b gene sequences.There are 65 singleton polymorphic sites and 71 parsimony informative polymorphic sites in this DNA segment,and 45 polymorphic sites within the total 119 translated amino acids segment.Both NJ tree and MP tree show that Mendacibombus (B.avinovielllus) is basal to others,followed by Fervidobombus (B.pensylvanicus);Pyrobombus (B.impatiens) and Bombus are sister subgenera;the subgenus of Bombus is monophyletic,in which B.ignitus diverged first.

Down-regulated Expression of Cytochrome P450 Related Genes Involved in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Objective： To analyze the differentially expressed genes （DEGs） among hepatocellular carcinoma （HCC）, para-cancerous tissue （PCT） and normal liver tissue （NLT） by using hgilent microarray and explore the target genes related to the development and progression of HCC. Methods： Total RNA of matched HCC, PCT and NLT of HCC patients was isolated using one step Trizol method and qualified using Lab-onchip method, cRNAs were synthesized, fluoresce labeled and purified after total RNAs purified. The RNAs of HCC and NLT, HCC and PCT were hybridized to Agilent microarray （21 074 probes） respectively. The fluorescence intensities were detected by Agilent scanner and quantified by Feature Extraction software. The DEGs which both differentially expressed in HCC vs NLT and HCC vs PCT were selected as candidate genes and confirmed by SYBR Green I stained real time RT-PCR. Results： （1） The total RNAs, reverse transcription products and fluoresce labeled cRNAs were of high quality; （2） There were 420 up-regulated genes and 552 down-regulated genes in 2-fold DEGs, including 23 genes related to cytochrome P450; （3） CYP2C8 was selected as a candidate gene of 10-fold down-regulated genes. The results of real time RTPCR, using β-actin as an internal control, revealed that the 2^-ΔCt values of CYP2C8 in HCC, PCT and NLT were 0.009383, 0.316812 and 0.607182, respectively. Conclusion： （1） The high throughput and effective Agilent oligomicroarray can screen novel therapy target genes by analyzing the DGEs in development and progression of HCC; （2） The development and progression of HCC is a complicated process involving multigenes and multiprocedures; （3） Down-regulated expression of cytochrome P450 related genes maybe involved in the development and progression of HCC due to the increased activity of certain carcinogens and maybe the exact mechanism need further study.

Hepatoprotective effects of S-adenosyl-L-methionine against alcohol-and cytochrome P450 2E1-induced liver injury

S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM) acts as a methyl donor for methylation reactions and participates in the synthesis of glutathione. SAM is also a key metabolite that regulates hepatocyte growth, differentiation and death. Hepatic SAM levels are decreased in animal models of alcohol liver injury and in patients with alcohol liver disease or viral cirrhosis. This review describes the protection by SAM against alcohol and cytochrome P450 2E1-dependent cytotoxicity both in vitro and in vivo and evaluates mechanisms for this protection.

Cardioprotection of Shenfu preparata on cardiac myocytes through cytochrome P450 2J3

To evaluate whether Shenfu injection （SFI） protects against cardiac myocyte injury induced by Fupian injection （FPI） in vitro. METHODS： H9c2 cells were separately treated with FPI, Renshen injection （RSI） and SFI. Cell viability, lactate dehydrogenase （LDH） release, spontaneous beating rate of primative cardical cells, caspase-3/7 activity, cell apoptosis, and cytochrome P450 2J3 （CYP2J3） mRNA expression were analyzed. RESULTS： The viability of H9c2 cells treated with SFI （37 and 75 mg/mL） was significantly higher than that of H9c2 cells treated with FPI （25 and 50 mg/mL） （P〈0.05, P〈0.01, respectively）. LDH activity of H9c2 cells treated with SFI （75 mg/mL） was significantly decreased （P〈0.01） compared with that of H9c2 cells treated with FPI （50 mg/mL）. SFI （150 mg/mL） significantly attenuated FPI （100 mg/mL）-induced spontaneous beating rate decrease in primary myocardial cells after 4-hour treatment. Compared with FPI （12 and 25 mg/mL）, SFI （18 and 37 mg/mL） treatment could effectively reverse the change of caspase-3/7 activity （P〈0.01 and P〈0.01, respectively）. Compared with FPI （6 and 25 mg/mL）, apoptotic cells decreased significantly （P〈0.05, P〈0.01, respectively） when H9c2 cells were incubated with SFI （9 and 37 mg/mL）. The expression of CYP2J3 mRNA was down-regulated by FPI, while RSI and SFI could up-regulate the expression of CYP2J3 （P〈0.01）, which suggested the potential mechanism of protection of RSI against cardiac myocyte damage induced by FPI treatment. CONCLUSION： These observations indicate that SFI has the potential to exert cardioprotective effects against FPI toxicity. The effect was possibly correlated with the activation of CYP2J3.

The cytochrome P450 superfamily: Key players in plant development and defense

The cytochrome P450 （CYP） superfamily is the largest enzymatic protein family in plants, and it also widely exists in mammals, fungi, bacteria, insects and so on. Members of this superfamily are involved in multiple metabolic pathways with distinct and complex functions, playing important roles in a vast array of reactions. As a result, numerous secondary metabolites are synthesized that function as growth and developmental signals or protect plants from various biotic and abiotic stresses. Here, we summarize the characterization of CYPs, as well as their phylogenetic classification. We also focus on recent advances in elucidating the roles of CYPs in mediating plant growth and development as well as biotic and abiotic stresses responses, providing insights into their potential utilization in plant breeding.

Role of cytochrome P450 polymorphisms and functions in development of ulcerative colitis

Cytochromes P450 s(CYPs) are terminal enzymes in CYP dependent monooxygenases, which constitute a superfamily of enzymes catalysing the metabolism of both endogenous and exogenous substances. One of their main tasks is to facilitate the excretion of these substances and eliminate their toxicities in most phase 1 reactions. Endogenous substrates of CYPs include steroids, bile acids, eicosanoids, cholesterol, vitamin D and neurotransmitters. About 80% of currently used drugs and environmental chemicals comprise exogenous substrates for CYPs. Genetic polymorphisms of CYPs may affect the enzyme functions and have been reported to be associated with various diseases and adverse drug reactions among different populations. In this review, we discuss the role of some critical CYP isoforms(CYP1 A1, CYP2 D6, CYP2 J2, CYP2 R1,CYP3 A5, CYP3 A7, CYP4 F3, CYP24 A1, CYP26 B1 and CYP27 B1) in the pathogenesis or aetiology of ulcerative colitis concerning gene polymorphisms. In addition, their significance in metabolism concerning ulcerative colitis in patients is also discussed showing a clear underestimation in genetic studies performed so far.

Cancer and age related colonic crypt deficiencies in cytochrome c oxidase Ⅰ

AIM: To investigate whether defi ciency of expressionof cytochrome c oxidase I (CcOI) in colonic crypts is associated with colon cancer.METHODS: The pattern and level of expression of CcOI in non-neoplastic colonic crypts,and in dysplastic tissues,was assessed using standard immunohis-tochemical methods.Biopsies were obtained from individuals undergoing colonoscopies for screening purposes or for a medically indicated reason.Tissue samples were also obtained from surgical colonic resections.Samples from resections were taken from colonic mucosa 1 and 10 cm from tumors and from the tumors themselves.Samples were evaluated for frequency of crypts with reduced or absent expression of CcOI.In most crypts the loss was apparent throughout the entire crypt,while in a small minority the loss was segmental.The strong immunoreactivity using this monoclonal antibody makes the scoring unambiguous.The percent of crypts with reduced or absent expression of CcOI or (infrequent) segmented loss of expression was then calculated.Data analyses were performed using SPSS statistical package 17.0.RESULTS: The average frequency of CcOI deficient crypts (CcOI-DC) is low in individuals between 20 and 39 years of age,with 0.48% ± 0.40% CcOI-DC for women and 1.80% ± 0.35% for men.CcOI-DC increases after age 40 years,so that between the ages of 40 and 44 years the average frequency of CcOI- DC goes up to 5.89% ± 0.84% in women and 2.15% ± 1.27% in men.By 80-84 years of age,the average frequency of CcOI-DC goes up in women to 15.77% ± 0.97% and in men to 22.6% ± 0.65%.The increases in CcOI-DC from ages 40-44 years compared to 80-84 years in women and men are significantly different with P < 0.01.For women over age 60 years,deficiency of CcOI expression is greater in those women who have had a cancer in their colon.The frequency of CcOI-DC,measured in men,increased in tissues adjacent to colon cancer,being 4.03% ± 0.27% in individuals free of neoplasia in the age range 55-64 yearsand 14.13% ± 0.35% in resected histologically normal tissue of men with cancer in the same age range,P < 0.001.Similar signifi cant differences were noted in older age ranges.The frequency of CcOI-DC crypts in the cecum and sigmoid colon of an individual are signifi cantly correlated,with an R2 = 0.414 for women and R2 = 0.528 for men,P < 0.001.This suggests that the factors determining the level of CcOI deficiency act throughout the colon.Most defective crypts are in clusters of two or more,a likely consequence of crypt fission.In the non-neoplastic margins of cancers,crypts are frequently defi cient for CcOI,and such crypts may appear in large clusters,some containing more than 100 defi cient crypts.CcOI defi ciency is also apparent in colon cancers and sometimes involves a large section of the tumor.Overall,CcOI deficient cells can be visualized in segments of crypts,in whole crypts that increase in frequency with age,in crypts undergoing f ission,in clusters of crypts where the clusters increase in size with age,in increased frequency near tumors,in large clusters in the intimate margins of tumors,and in the tumors themselves.There is no clear dividing line between early stages that can be considered aspects of aging and later stages that can be considered aspects of the progression to cancer.This ambiguity may re ect a rather general situation leading to adult cancer where the early stages of cellular change appear to be relatively innocuous features of the aging process but over decades may evolve into malignancy.CONCLUSION: CcOI defi cient crypts increase in frequency with age,and clusters of defi cient crypts are associated with,and may give rise to,colon cancer.

An in-vitro cocktail assay for assessing compound-mediated inhibition of six major cytochrome P450 enzymes

An efficient screening assay was developed and validated for simultaneous assessment of compound-mediated inhibition of six major human cytochrome P450 （CYP） enzymes. This method employed a cocktail of six probe substrates （i.e., phenacetin, amodiaquine, diclofenac, S-mephenytoin, dextromethorphan and midazolam for CYPIA2, 2C8, 2C9, 2C19, 2D6 and 3A4, respectively） as well as individual prototypical inhibitors of the six CYP enzymes in human liver microsomes under optimized incubation conditions. The corresponding marker metabolites （i.e., acetaminophen, N-desethylamodiaquine, 4-OH-diclofenac, 4-OH-S- mephenytoin, dextrorphan and 1-OH-midazolam） in the incubates were quantified using LC-MS/MS methods either by an internal standard （IS） calibration curve or a simpfified analyte-to-IS peak area ratio approach. The results showed that the IC5o values determined by the cocktail approach were in good agreement with those obtained by the individual substrate approach as well as those reported in the literature. Besides, no remarkable difference was observed between the two quantification approaches. In conclusion, this new cocktail assay can be used for reliable screening of compound-mediated CYP inhibition.

Cytochrome P450 2E1 genetic polymorphism and gastric cancer in Changle,Fujian Province

AIM: Genetic polymorphism in enzymes of carcinogen metabolism has been found to have the influence on the susceptibility to cancer. Cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) is considered to play an important role in the metabolic activation of procarcinogens such as N-nitrosoamines and low molecular weight organic compounds. The purpose of this study is to determine whether CYP450 2E1 polymorphisms are associated with risks of gastric cancer. METHODS: We conducted a population based case-control study in Changle county, Fujian Province, a high-risk region of gastric cancer in China. Ninety-one incident gastric cancer patients and ninety-four healthy controls were included in our study. Datas including demographic characteristics, diet intake, and alcohol and tobacco consumption of individuals in our study were completed by a standardized questionnaire.PCR-RFLP revealed three genotypes:heterozygote (C1/C2) and two homozygotes (C1/C1 and C2/C2) in CYP2E1. RESULTS: The frequency of variant genotypes (C1/C2 and C2/C2) in gastric cancer cases and controls was 36.3% and 24.5%, respectively. The rare homozygous C2/C2 genotype was found in 6 individuals in gastric cancer group(6.6%), whereas there was only one in the control group (1.1%). However, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups (two-tailed Fisher's exact test P=0.066). Individuals in gastric cancer group were more likely to carry genotype C1/C2 (odds ratio, OR=1.50) and C2/C2 (OR=7.34) than individuals in control group (chi(2) =4.597, for trend P=0.032). The frequencies of genotypes with the C2 allele (C1/C2 and C2/C2 genotypes) were compared with those of genotypes without C2 allele (C1/C1 genotype) among individuals in gastric cancer group and control group according to the pattern of gastric cancer risk factors. The results show that individuals who exposed to these gastric cancer risk factors and carry the C2 allele seemed to have a higher risk of developing gastric cancer. CONCLUSION: Polymorphism of CYP2E1 gene may have some effect in the development of gastric cancer in Changle county, Fujian Province.