Involvement of cytochrome P450 enzymes in inflammation and cancer: a review

Cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes are responsible for the biotransformation of drugs, xenobiotics, and endogenous substances. This enzymatic activity can be modulated by intrinsic and extrinsic factors, modifying the organism's response to medications. Among the factors that are responsible for enzyme inhibition or induction is the release of proinflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-1 (IL-1), IL-6, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), from macrophages, lymphocytes, and neutrophils. These cells are also present in the tumor microenvironment, participating in the development of cancer, a disease that is characterized by cellular mutations that favor cell survival and proliferation. Mutations also occur in CYP enzymes, resulting in enzymatic polymorphisms and modulation of their activity. Therefore, the inhibition or induction of CYP enzymes by proinflammatory cytokines in the tumor microenvironment can promote carcinogenesis and affect chemotherapy, resulting in adverse effects, toxicity, or therapeutic failure. This review discusses the relevance of CYPs in hepatocarcinoma, breast cancer, lung cancer, and chemotherapy by reviewing in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies. We also discuss the importance of elucidating the relationships between inflammation, CYPs, and cancer to predict drug interactions and therapeutic efficacy.

Automated summary

Cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes are involved in the biotransformation of drugs and cellular mutations that promote cell survival and proliferation, and their activity can be modulated by proinflammatory cytokines. In the tumor microenvironment, release of proinflammatory cytokines may affect the activity of CYP enzymes, promoting carcinogenesis and impacting chemotherapy. Understanding the relationships between inflammation, CYP enzymes, and cancer is crucial for predicting drug interactions and therapeutic efficacy.