As CYP2E1 is involved with the metabolism of many carcinogenic compounds, it is not surprising that variants in the gene have been implicated in a number of different types of cancer. The generation of ROS as a result of CYP2E1 oxidation will lead to the creation of lipid peroxidation products such as 4-hydroxynonenal which reacts with DNA to form DNA adducts leading to highly mutagenic cells resistant to apoptosis (Carr et al., 1996). The metabolism of procarcinogens by CYP2E1 commonly found in alcohol, tobacco, and industrial chemicals can be enhanced through chronic ethanol (Bailey and Cunningham, 2002).
