Paraoxonase 1, or PON1, is a well-known genetic pathway for detoxification and cellular protection. A large amount of research has already been done to understand PON1’s role in helping the body remove harmful chemicals like pesticides and herbicides.

Beyond detoxifying organophosphates, though, PON1 serves many other important functions:

The complete list goes far beyond this abbreviated sampling…

Suffice it to say that the integrity of the PON1 pathway holds huge implications for living a healthy, less toxic life.

Many members who come to work with Conners Clinic {CC} opt for having their genetics addressed; and it’s not surprising that a high percentage of our cancer patients have significant PON1 defects. One population which has captured my attention, in particular, are our members with breast cancer.

At CC, we carry a supplement called Phase 2 (formerly known as PHP‘s PON1-Assist).  This supplement uses a blend of quercetin, pomegranite and astaxanthin to help support PON1 pathway function. It’s very common to see Phase 2/PON1-Assist test well for patients dealing with chemical toxicities or autoimmune disorders, but I was surprised to see it also testing for people with hormonal/endocrine imbalances.

Seeing this, I became curious whether PON1 variants play any role in the development or metastasis of hormone-driven cancers and if supporting the PON1 pathway could be a crucial step in reducing hormonal causes/drivers.

I logged-in to our DNA database and began examining the PON1 pathways of all breast cancer patients we’ve worked with over the last 3 years {both with hormonal ties and those diagnosed triple-negative}. I wanted to see whether there were any commonalities between certain PON1 defects and the patients’ diagnosis.

The results catalogued were as follows:

  • 74% of the patients surveyed had 15 or more PON1 variants
  • 79% of the patients surveyed had 3 or more double-allele variants
  • 68% of the patients surveyed had defects at PON1 rs854566
  • 56% of the patients surveyed had defects at PON1 rs854569
  • 50% of the patients surveyed had defects at PON1 rs2057681
  • 47% of the patients surveyed had defects at PON1 rs854555 *
  • 44% of the patients surveyed had defects at PON1 Q192R rs662 *

The significance of these findings:

Almost 80% of our surveyed breast cancer patients showed 3 or more double-allele defects. A double-allele defect means that both of the genetic traits for that particular gene are dysfunctional.

For the PON1 pathway, double-allele defects indicate a lowered functional capacity, so the pathway cannot effectively contribute to the list of benefits I laid out earlier in the post {Side note: some of the surveyed patients had as many as 7, 8 or even 9 double-allele defects !!! which is a huge red flag}.

Go-forward recommendations for those with breast cancer:

  1. Find someone who can read your genetic report. This will provide wonderful insight into which genes have concerning variants and what you can do to support those pathways through lifestyle and dietary changes.
  2. Start taking Phase 2, at least 2 capsules/day.
    phase 2 60 caps conners clinic conners clinic
  3. Add in any of the following nutrients, which are known for supporting the PON1 pathway: Pomegranite, Vitamin E, Quercetin and Chokeberries
  4. Consider adding the following lifestyle changes: regular exercise and fasting or Time Restricted Eating {TRE}

As our genetics database continues to grow. I anticipate discovering more and more ways that both patients and non-patients can wisely facilitate their healing journies.

 

Genetic supplementation is complex and requires a deep understanding of the entire genetic picture.  Our Genetics Membership includes the kit, a full workup, review, report, summary, Dr. Conners’ personalized recommendations – and MORE.  Click HERE for details.