Dealkylation cytochrome P450 biotransformations

The numerous biotransformations catalyzed by cytochrome P450 enzymes include aromatic and aliphatic hydroxylations, epoxidations of olefinic and aromatic structures, oxidations and oxidative dealkylations of heteroatoms and as well as some reductive reactions. Cytochromes P450 of higher animals may be classified into two broad categories depending on whether their substrates are primarily endogenous or xenobiotic substances. Thus, CYP enzymes of families 1-3 catalyze... 

Cytochrome P450 enzymes are the most widespread, active, and most versatile in their xenobiotic Phase I transformation activity. These enzymes are composed of heme-containing enzymes in the ferric ion state. In transformations the ferric ion is reduced to the ferrous ion that can bind Oj and CO. These enzymes basically add oxygen or remove hydrogen in a step-wise process to generate Phase I biotransformation products. Most cytochrome P450 transformations require an additional enzyme (co-enzyme) to assist in the transfer of electrons. Cytochrome P-450 enzymes carry out many kinds of oxidations - hydroxylations, epoxidations, heteroatom oxidations, N-hydroxylations, dealkylations, ester hydrolysis, and dehydrogenation. 

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