The role of intestinal mucosa in the metabolism of xenobiotics with particular regard to the cytochrome P450 enzyme system - Literature review

SUMMARY The aim of the present review is to summarize the recent knowledge about the role of intestinal mucosa in the biotransformation of xenobiotics. Liver is the most important organ of biotransformation; however, the small intestinal mucosa could have an important role in the bioavailability of xenobiotics, as well. As most of the xenobiotics are absorbed from the small intestine, it could have a function as a primary barrier, determining the proportion and form of derivates transported from the gut into the portal circulation, thus it could facilitate the biotransformation function of the liver. Several factors can have impact on the efficiency of intestinal mucosal biotransformation. Cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes play central role in the metabolism of molecules in the intestinal epithelial cells; the expression and activity of them can be highly influenced by the interaction with dietary factors or other xenobiotics. Therefore, their significance in the bioavailability of certain drugs and feed additives cannot be neglected