Both are exposed equally to the same toxic substance, yet have very different responses. One of the answers may be in their genes. Variations, or differences, in genetic make-up can affect how people react to toxic substances and pollutants in the environment. The CEEH's basic research eventually may lead to diagnostic tests and prevention measures for a variety of health problems, including liver cancer, pesticide-induced illness, and Parkinson's disease. Much of this research focuses on human enzymes.
Enzymes break large molecules into smaller, simpler forms that our cells can use or discard.
However, some enzymes, named biotransformation enzymes, specialize in protecting our bodies from chemicals in the environment. Biotransformation enzymes are of special interest to researchers. Each of us is born with a slightly different set of biotransformation enzymes, so the way we react to chemicals in the environment varies, resulting in different reactions to the same toxic substances. Biotransformation CEEH scientists study enzymes that biotransform chemicals foreign to the human body, such as prescription drugs and environmental pollutants. These foreign chemicals may be human-made substances, like pesticides, or natural toxic products, such as poisons produced by plants and molds.