ABSTRACT
The microsomal mixed-function oxidase system is the major oxidative pathway used for the metabolism of most xenobiotics and many endogenous compounds. It responsible for the activation of environmental toxicants and carcinogens. The terminal oxidase of this system is called cytochrome P450 (P450). While most research efforts have focused on the role of inflammatory and antiviral cytokines in modulating P450, a few reports that examine the effects of other cytokines. If cytokines induce changes in drug metabolism in domestic animals to the same extent as that noted in rodent and human studies, then drug efficacy would be altered. Observations from rodent studies and in humans provide strong support for the contention that disease states such as bacterial and viral infection, inflammation, and deliberate administration of cytokines result in altered levels of P450. A key aspect governing whether P450 activities are affected is the level and duration of exposure to the cytokines.
