A multiplex-PCR/RFLP procedure for simultaneous CYP2E1, mEH and GSTM1 genotyping

Inter-individual variation in metabolism of environmental toxicants, which is attributed to genetic polymorphism, may be a major risk factor in determ ining who will develop adverse health effects. This priority research area is the focus of many laboratories, and new techniques need to be developed to enhance the efficiency in generating data. We have developed and validat ed a new multiplex-polymerase chain reaction (PCR), restriction fragment le ngth polymorphism (RFLP) procedure for simultaneous genotyping of cytochrom e P450 II El (CYP2E1), microsomal epoxide hydrolase (mEH), and glutathione S-transferase mu (GSTM1). Enzymes from these three polymorphic genes are in volved with the phase I and II metabolism of a variety of environmental tox icants. Therefore, simultaneous characterization of these genes will not on ly reduce costs but will increase the efficiency of data collection, thereb y contributing to health risk assessment efforts. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. Ail rights reserved.