Cytochrome P450 3A subfamily (CYP3A)

Cytochrome P450 3A subfamily enzymes, collectively referred to as CYP3A, are the most abundant cytochrome P450 enzymes in humans, especially in liver and intestines. CYP3A enzymes (mainly CYP3A4, but also CYP3A5, CYP3A7, and CYP3A43) are responsible for metabolizing more than half of all clinically used drugs, as well as multiple endogenous substrates including steroid hormones, bile acids, cholesterol, and vitamin D. CYP3A-mediated metabolism can significantly affect drug efficacy and safety, leading to numerous clinically significant drug-drug interactions. Both genetic and environmental factors (including diet and co-administered medications) contribute to interindividual variability in CYP3A activity. Pharmacological modulation or dysfunction of CYP3A enzymes is implicated in disease risk, drug toxicity, and therapeutic outcome, especially when CYP3A inhibition or induction alters drug or hormone levels.

Other names

CYP3ACytochrome P450, family 3, subfamily ACytochrome P-450 3A subfamily

Drug metabolism via oxidation (increases drug polarity for excretion) Activation or inactivation of drugs and xenobiotics Many drug interactions occur due to enzyme inhibition or induction, influencing drug plasma levels and effects