Cytochromes P450 et glutathion S-transférases pulmonaires : des liens possibles avec l’inflammation et l’asthme ?

Abstract

Cytochromes P450 and glutathione S-transferases are enzymes involved in the metabolism of xenobiotics. In the lung, they are expressed all throughout the airways, and participate in the metabolism and clearance of numerous toxic xenobiotics. Cytochromes P450 and glutathione S-transferases play thus an important role in detoxication. However, their activity can also lead to the formation of pharmacologically active metabolites or be associated with toxic or inflammatory processes. These properties are in favour of a role of cytochromes P450 and glutathione S-transferases in asthma. This role may be decreased or increased by environmental pollutants or inflammatory processes that modify cytochrome P450 and glutathione S-transferase expression. Cytochromes P450 and glutathione S-transferases exhibit a genetic polymorphism. In some instances, this polymorphism explains individual susceptibility to the toxic effect of chemicals in the lung. It could also be associated with two characteristics of asthma, inflammation and bronchial hyperresponsiveness.