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Cytochrome P450 Enzymes

Meaning

Cytochrome P450 enzymes, commonly referred to as CYP enzymes, constitute a large and diverse superfamily of heme-containing monooxygenases localized primarily in the liver and adrenal glands. These enzymes are indispensable catalysts in the Phase I metabolism of an extensive array of both endogenous compounds and exogenous substances, including drugs and toxins. Their collective function is crucial for systemic detoxification, the clearance of xenobiotics, and the essential biosynthesis of vital steroid hormones.