Gene PON1
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Also known as
ESA, PON, MVCD5, paraoxonase 1Overview
PON1 (Paraoxonase 1) encodes an enzyme associated with HDL cholesterol that protects against oxidative damage to lipoproteins. PON1 has both lactonase and organophosphate hydrolase activities, making it important for both cardiovascular protection and detoxification of certain pesticides and nerve agents.The Q192R polymorphism (rs662) significantly affects enzyme activity toward different substrates. The 192R allele is more efficient at hydrolyzing paraoxon (an organophosphate) but less effective at protecting LDL from oxidation. Low PON1 activity has been associated with increased cardiovascular disease risk, diabetes complications, and neurological conditions.
Understanding your PON1 genetic status provides insights into cardiovascular risk and pesticide detoxification capacity. Individuals with low-activity PON1 variants may benefit from enhanced cardiovascular protection strategies and should be particularly cautious about organophosphate pesticide exposure. PON1 activity can be increased by dietary factors including pomegranate juice.