Abstract B110: Polymorphisms in xenobiotic metabolizing genes, intakes of heterocyclic amines and red meat, and postmenopausal breast cancer

Abstract

Abstract Background: Heterocyclic amines (HCAs) are mutagenic compounds generated when meats are cooked at high temperature and for long duration. Evidence from animal studies has pointed towards a possible role of HCAs in breast carcinogenesis. However, findings from previous studies on HCAs and breast cancer are inconsistent, possibly due to genetic variations in the enzymes metabolizing HCAs. Methods: To evaluate whether the associations of intakes of estimated HCAs, meat-derived mutagenicity (MDM), and red meat with risk of postmenopausal breast cancer were modified by N-acetyltransferase 2 (NAT 2) acetylator genotype or cytochrome P450 1A2 −164 A/C (CYP1A2) polymorphism, we conducted a nested case-control study with 579 cases and 981 controls within a prospective cohort, the Nurses' Health Study (NHS). HCAs and MDM intakes were derived using a cooking method questionnaire administered in 1996. Results: NAT2 acetylator genotype, the CYP1A2 polymorphism, and intakes of HCAs, MDM, and red meat were not associated with risk of postmenopausal breast cancer. There was also no interaction between NAT2 acetylator genotype and HCAs and MDM and red meat intake in relation to breast cancer. There was no interaction between the CYP1A2 genotype and HCAs and MDM and red meat intake in relation to breast cancer. Conclusion: These results do not support the hypothesis that genetic polymorphisms of xenobiotic enzymes involved in the metabolism of HCAs may modify the associations between intakes of red meat or meat-related mutagens and risk of breast cancer. Citation Information: Cancer Prev Res 2011;4(10 Suppl):B110.