Distribution of UGT1A1 (TA) polymorphisms in Caucasian and Asian subjects
2063 Background: The hepatic isoform 1A1 of uridine diphosphate glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) is responsible for glucuronidation and detoxification of SN-38, the active metabolite of irinotecan. The presence of an additional TA repeat in the TATA sequence of the UGT1A1 gene is a common polymorphism, leading to a significant decrease in SN-38 glucuronidation. Patients with the UGT1A1 (TA)7 allele (either [TA]6/7 or [TA]7/7 ) are more likely to experience severe neutropenia and diarrhea following irinotecan chemotherapy. We assessed the distribution of the UGT1A1 (TA) polymorphism in Caucasian and Asian subjects. Methods: We used a fluorescent PCR-based assay to detect UGT1A1 (TA) polymorphisms in 129 healthy subjects (52 Caucasian, 34 Chinese, 36 Filipino, and 7 Japanese). The chi-square test was used to assess between-group differences in the distribution of UGT1A1 (TA) genotypes. Results: UGT1A1 (TA) genotype distribution differed significantly between Caucasian and Asian subjects (P = 0.003). The UGT1A1 (TA)6/7 and (TA)7/7 genotypes were more common in Caucasians than Asians. Genotype distributions did not differ significantly between men and women in either group ( Table ). Conclusions: The frequency of the deleterious UGT1A1 (TA)7 polymorphism was greater in Caucasians than in Asians; genotype frequencies were consistent with previous reports. In both groups, UGT1A1 (TA) genotype distributions were similar in men and women. [Table: see text] No significant financial relationships to disclose.