Putative EPHX1 Enzyme Activity Is Related with Risk of Lung and Upper Aerodigestive Tract Cancers: A Comprehensive Meta-Analysis
2011

EPHX1 Enzyme Activity and Cancer Risk

Sample size: 73683 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Li Xiang, Hu Zheng, Qu Xinshun, Zhu Jiadong, Li Lin, Ring Brian Z., Su Li

Primary Institution: Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China

Hypothesis

The study investigates the relationship between EPHX1 enzyme activity, influenced by specific genetic polymorphisms, and the risk of lung and upper aerodigestive tract cancers.

Conclusion

Low EPHX1 enzyme activity may protect against tobacco-related lung and UADT cancers, while high activity may increase risk.

Supporting Evidence

  • Low EPHX1 enzyme activity is associated with decreased risk of lung cancer.
  • High EPHX1 activity is linked to increased risk of lung cancer.
  • Modest differences in cancer risk were observed between smokers and nonsmokers.
  • EPHX1 polymorphisms were evaluated in a comprehensive meta-analysis of 91 studies.
  • Significant publication bias was detected in the analysis.

Takeaway

Some genes help our body break down harmful substances from smoking. This study found that certain gene changes can make it less likely to get lung cancer if they lower the activity of these genes.

Methodology

A systematic review and meta-analysis of 91 case-control studies evaluating EPHX1 polymorphisms and cancer risk.

Potential Biases

Potential publication bias was detected, particularly in the analysis of certain polymorphisms.

Limitations

Publication bias and heterogeneity among studies may affect the results.

Participant Demographics

The studies included various populations, primarily Caucasian, Asian, and African.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p=0.0002 for low EPHX1 activity and lung/UADT cancers.

Confidence Interval

95% CI for low activity allele H: 0.81–0.94; for high activity allele R: 1.03–1.22.

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0014749

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