Determinants of Paraoxonase 1 Status: Genes, Drugs and Nutrition

Paraoxonase 1 (PON1) is an enzyme which is mainly synthesized in the liver. PON1 circulates in the blood bound to HDL and delays or prevents the oxidation of LDL. Single nucleotide polymorphisms significantly determine PON1 status in humans. A high PON1 status may be associated with a reduced cardiovascular disease risk. By using in silico databases we suggest various transcription factors and micro RNA as putative regulators of PON1. Furthermore we predict functional partners of PON1 by using a text mining tool. Beside genetic and life style factors PON1 status may be determined by drugs (e.g., statins, fibrates) and dietary factors. Dietary modulators of PON1 status include fat and fatty acids, antioxidant vitamins (e.g. ascorbic acid, tocopherol), polyphenols and polyphenol-rich foods.