Expression of the CYP1A1 and CYP2D6 genes responsible for xenobiotic metabolism in women with endometrial cancer

Objectives: The aetiology of endometrial cancer is not fully understood. A range of factors may influence its development. One potential factor is the abnormal functioning of proteins involved in the metabolism of xenobiotics. This may lead to the accumulation of harmful substances and potentially trigger the development of cancer. This study assessed the expression levels of the CYP1A1 and CYP2D6 genes in cancer tissue samples collected post-surgery and its correlations with factors such as age, obesity, hypertension and tumour stage. Material and methods: The CYP1A1 and CYP2D6 genes were analysed in tumour samples taken from 190 patients diagnosed with endometrial cancer. The control group comprised 102 patients who had undergone surgery for non-cancerous reasons and had no history of cancer. Genotyping of the CYP1A1 rs1799814 and CYP2D6 rs3892097 polymorphisms was performed and the expression levels of these genes were measured. GAPDH was used as the reference gene due to its constant and stable expression. Results: No associations were found between the expression levels of the CYP1A1 and CYP2D6 genes and the patients’ age, the presence of diabetes or hypertension, nor the stage of the tumour according to the FIGO classification, lymph node involvement, or the degree of myometrial invasion. Conclusions: However, CYP1A1 expression was significantly higher in the examined group, whereas CYP2D6 expression was lower in patients with endometrial cancer compared to the control group. In patients with diabetes, CYP1A1 expression was significantly higher compared with non-diabetic women. CYP2D6 levels were reduced in obese patients. GAPDH expression varied significantly depending on the histopathological grade of the tumour.