Cytochrome P450 2E1 antibodies are used in lipid and metabolism studies. Encoded by the CYP2E1 gene, the protein is a member of the cytochrome P450 family of oxidase enzymes, catalysing lipid, steroid and cholesterol synthesis. It is also involved in alcohol and drug metabolism. Now, a new antibody study has revealed that CYP2E1 may play another role in alcohol consumption – that of determining inclination towards alcoholism.
The CYP2E1 enzyme is located in the endoplasmic reticulum. It is activated by starvation, diabetic hypoglycaemia and the presence of ethanol. Its main function is the oxidative metabolism of endogenous substrates, including ethanol, acetone, and acetal. However, it also acts on toxic exogenous sustrates such as benzene, carbon tetrachloride and premutagens from cigarette smoke. CYP2E1expression is a factor in many diseases including gluconeogenesis, diabetes, cirrhosis and cancer.
Many studies have been performed into the interaction of alcohol in the brain, which is an extremely complex area. Antibody assays have shown that CYP2E1, in combination with alcohol dehydrogenase and aldehyde dehydrogenase, plays an important role in the conversion of ethanol to acetaldehyde and acetate.
Recent research has shown a link between variations in the gene and low alcohol sensitivity, suggesting it may be a risk marker for alcoholism. The study, conducted by researchers from the Department of Genetics and Neurology at the University of North Carolina, used data drawn from a group of college students and their siblings, who were not alcohol-dependent but had one parent who was. It was noticed that linkage and association between family groups occurred at the terminal end of chromosome 10, where CYP2E1 is located. It was significant that the association was much stronger than that generally noted between behavioural traits and variations in DNA.
The findings produced evidence that those who are more sensitive to alcohol produce more free radicals in the brain, which could be linked to CYP2E1 variations. Three haplotypes of CYP2E1were identified, each linked to a specific behavioural response. However, more research is needed.
We at Novus Biologicals have eleven CYP2E1 antibodies, proteins and peptides in our antibody catalog.