Ethnic variation in the prevalence of a common NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase polymorphism and its implications for anti-cancer chemotherapy

Br J Cancer. 1997;76(7):852-4. doi: 10.1038/bjc.1997.474.

Abstract

The NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase (NQO1:EC 1.6.99.2) is an important biotransformation enzyme system that is also known to metabolize important novel chemotherapeutic compounds. The gene that codes for this enzyme has recently been found to be polymorphic in humans. Here, we describe the ethnic distribution of the polymorphism and note that this may have implications for anti-tumour drug development and use.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / metabolism*
  • Ethnicity*
  • Genetic Variation
  • Genotype
  • Humans
  • Polymorphism, Genetic / genetics*
  • Quinone Reductases / genetics*
  • Quinone Reductases / metabolism

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • NADH dehydrogenase (quinone)
  • Quinone Reductases