Cytochrome and sulfotransferase gene variation in north African populations

Aim: To describe the diversity of four cytochrome and four sulfotransferase polymorphisms in six north African samples. Scarce data have been compiled for these samples despite the rich genetic background of north African populations. Materials & methods: CYP3A4*1B, CYP3A4*17, CYP3A4*3, CYP3A5*3, SULT1A1*2, SULT1A2*2, SULT1A2*3 and SULT1E1*2 polymorphisms were explored in 556 individuals from Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and Libya. Results: Allele frequencies in our samples largely exceeded the variation ranges described for European populations, especially for CYP3A4*1B, SULT1A1*2 and SULT1A2*3. Conclusion: North African populations are heterogeneous, genetically diverse and show a considerable sub-Saharan African contribution for markers associated with increased risk of prostate cancer and with differential drug metabolism.