Cytochrome P450: its role in the metabolism of foreign compounds: a review

Abstract

Cytochrome P450 is the key enzyme of the microsomal enzyme system responsible for the metabolism of foreign molecules including drugs. The rates of these biotransformations, which occur primarily in the liver, are the major determinants of the pharmacological or toxic response obtained when foreign molecules enter the body. Major developments of this work have centred on the type of enzymic transformations catalysed; the organization of the electron transport system and the functions of cytochrome P450 in hepatic endoplasmic reticular membranes. Normal levels of metabolic activity are found to be significantly influenced by various factors. These fluctuations are due to different genetic, physiological and environmental factors. In particular, the topic of drug mediated enzyme induction demonstrates how this phenomenon can alter the metabolism of other drugs and normal body constituents. Cytochrome P450 is the key enzyme of the microsomal enzyme system responsible for the metabolism of foreign molecules including drugs. The rates of these biotransformations, which occur primarily in the liver, are the major determinants of the pharmacological or toxic response obtained when foreign molecules enter the body. Major developments of this work have centred on the type of enzymic transformations catalysed; the organization of the electron transport system and the functions of cytochrome P450 in hepatic endoplasmic reticular membranes. Normal levels of metabolic activity are found to be significantly influenced by various factors. These fluctuations are due to different genetic, physiological and environmental factors. In particular, the topic of drug mediated enzyme induction demonstrates how this phenomenon can alter the metabolism of other drugs and normal body constituents.