P450 enzymes constitute a family of monooxygenase enzymes that are involved in the metabolism of a wide array of endogenous and xenobiotic compounds. P450 enzymes can be classified, based on their sequence similarities, into distinct subfamilies, which include CYP1A and CYP2A. Other P450 family members include CYP19, also designated aromatase (P450arom), which catalyzes the conversion of C19 steroids to estrogens in various tissues, including placenta, gonads, adipose tissue, skin and brain. CYP19 expression is controlled by hormonally regulated promoters in different tissues and increased aromatase activity is associated with familial gynecomastia. Also, a polymorphic allele of CYP19 (repeat (TTTA)12) is present in a majority of breast cancer patients.