cytochrome p450

CROET Faculty: Dennis R. Koop, PhD: "The cytochrome P450 system is essential in most organisms for the biosynthesis of endogenous compounds such as steroids, fatty acids, prostaglandins and pheromones. However, the largest number of P450 substrates are foreign chemicals that include drugs, plant metabolites, environmental pollutants and food additives. In general, the role of P450 is to detoxify chemicals and increase elimination from the body. However, in some cases the oxidized products can initiate cell toxicity, including chemical carcinogenesis, mutagenesis and teratogenesis. "