Frequencies of CYP2B6(∗)4,(∗)5, and (∗)6 Alleles within an Iranian Population (Mazandaran)

BACKGROUND: The human CYP2B subfamily consists of one functional gene (CYP2B6) and one pseudogene (CYP2B7P). Cytochrome P450 2B6 (CYP2B6) is a highly polymorphic enzyme that shows marked interindividual and interethnic variations. Currently, 38 alleles have been described, and some of the allelic variants have been associated with low enzyme activity. The aim of this study was to investigate the frequencies of CYP2B6(∗)4, CYP2B6(∗)5, and CYP2B6(∗)6 alleles in the Mazani ethnic group among Iranian Population. METHODS: The study was conducted in 289 unrelated healthy volunteers. DNA was extracted from peripheral blood and analyzed by the PCR-RFLP protocol. The PCR product was digested with restriction enzymes and then separated using agarose gel electrophoresis. RESULTS: The frequency of CYP2B6(∗)4, CYP2B6(∗)5, and CYP2B6(∗)6 in this study was 34.60%, 7.26%, and 34.54%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The frequency of the CYP2B6(∗)4 allele in the Mazani ethnic group was much higher (34.60%) than other population. The frequency of CYP2B6(∗)6 (34.54%) also was higher than its frequency in other previously reported population. But the frequency of CYP2B6(∗)5 in this study was lower than expected. These results will be useful in understanding the ethnic diversity in Iranian population and offer a preliminary basis for more rational use of drugs that are substrates for CYP2B6 in this population.