aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase
Also found in: Acronyms.
aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase (AHH)
an enzyme that converts carcinogenic chemicals in tobacco smoke and in polluted air into active carcinogens within the lungs. Aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase is the subject of numerous studies to determine why cancer develops in some smokers but not in others. Experimental blood tests indicate that the level of aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase may be a factor in hereditary predisposition of a cigarette smoker to cancer.