What is the Origin of Genetic Metabolism?

The concept is rooted in the fields of pharmacogenetics and pharmacogenomics, which study how genetic variation influences drug response and disposition. The term combines "genetic," referring to the inherited blueprint, with "metabolism," the sum of all biochemical transformations. The discovery that genetic variations in Cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzymes dramatically affect hormone clearance brought this concept into clinical endocrinology.

What is the Mechanism of Genetic Metabolism?

Genetic polymorphisms in metabolic enzyme genes, such as the CYP450 family, can lead to phenotypes classified as poor, intermediate, extensive, or ultrarapid metabolizers. These genetic variations directly influence the rate at which hormones, like testosterone or estrogen, are inactivated or converted into various metabolites, thereby affecting their systemic exposure and duration of action. Clinical assessment of genetic metabolism allows practitioners to predict and adjust for inter-individual variability in therapeutic response.

Genetic Metabolism

Meaning

Genetic Metabolism refers to the inherited variations in the biochemical pathways that govern the synthesis, breakdown, and clearance of endogenous hormones, nutrients, and exogenous pharmaceutical agents within an individual. These differences are encoded by single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes that regulate key metabolic enzymes and transport proteins, resulting in a unique metabolic profile for every person. Understanding an individual’s genetic metabolism is essential for the precision dosing and selection of hormone therapies in personalized medicine.