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Cytochrome P450 3a4

Meaning

Cytochrome P450 3A4, commonly abbreviated as CYP3A4, is the most abundant and clinically significant enzyme within the Cytochrome P450 superfamily, predominantly expressed in the liver and small intestine. This monooxygenase enzyme is responsible for the Phase I oxidative metabolism of approximately 50% of all clinically used drugs, including a substantial number of steroid hormones and their synthetic analogs. Its activity is highly variable among individuals due to genetic factors and is susceptible to induction or inhibition by various medications and dietary compounds. Understanding a patient’s CYP3A4 status is vital for predicting drug-hormone interactions and optimizing therapeutic dosing.