Biotransformation reactions, phase

Biotransformation reactions can be classified as phase 1 and phase 11. In phase 1 reactions, dmgs are converted to product by processes of functionalization, including oxidation, reduction, dealkylation, and hydrolysis. Phase 11 or synthetic reactions involve coupling the dmg or its polar metaboHte to endogenous substrates and include methylation, acetylation, and glucuronidation (Table 1). 

The metabolism of foreign compounds (xenobiotics) often takes place in two consecutive reactions, classically referred to as phases one and two. Phase I is a functionalization of the lipophilic compound that can be used to attach a conjugate in Phase II. The conjugated product is usually sufficiently water-soluble to be excretable into the urine. The most important biotransformations of Phase I are aromatic and aliphatic hydroxylations catalyzed by cytochromes P450. Other Phase I enzymes are for example epoxide hydrolases or carboxylesterases. Typical Phase II enzymes are UDP-glucuronosyltrans-ferases, sulfotransferases, N-acetyltransferases and methyltransferases e.g. thiopurin S-methyltransferase. 

The concept of microbial models of mammalian metabolism was elaborated by Smith and Rosazza for just such a purpose (27-32). In principle, this concept recognizes the fact that microorganisms catalyze the same types of metabolic reactions as do mammals (32), and they accomplish these by using essentially the same type of enzymes (29). Useful biotransformation reactions common to microbial and mammalian systems include all of the known Phase I and Phase II metabolic reactions implied, including aromatic hydroxylation (accompanied by the NIH shift), N- and O-dealkylations, and glucuronide and sulfate conjugations of phenol to name but a few (27-34). All of these reactions have value in studies with the alkaloids. 

TABLE 18.5. Summary of Prominent Phase I Biotransformation Reactions... 

Figure 3.1. Relationship between the phase 1 and 2 biotransformation reactions.

The answer is b. (Hardman, p 906.) Cimetidine reversibly inhibits cytochrome P450. This is important in phase I biotransformation reactions and inhibits the metabolism of such drugs as warfarin, phenytoin, propranolol, metoprolol, quinidine, and theophylline. None of the other enzymes are significantly affected. 

Phase 1 reactions Oxidative reactions involving N- and O-dealkylation, aliphatic and aromatic hydroxylation, N- and S-oxidation, deamination. Phase 2 reactions Biotransformation reactions involving glucuronization, sulphation, acetylation. 

In general, all biotransformation reactions can be assigned to one of two major categories called phase I and phase II reactions (Table 3.1). Phase I reactions are... 

Xenobiotics are biotransformed by phase I enzymes and phase II conjugation reactions to form a variety of metabolites that are generally more water-soluble and less toxic than the parent compound. Occasionally, the enzymic action of phase I or II systems leads to the formation of unstable intermediates or reactive metabolites that are toxic or carcinogenic. Many physiological factors influence the rate of xenobiotic metabolism and the relative importance of different pathways of metabolic activation or detoxication. 

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