Description
Cytochrome P450 2E1, a member of the cytochrome P450 mixed-function oxidase system, is involved in the metabolism of xenobiotics in the body. In humans, the enzyme is encoded by the CYP2E1 gene. It is mapped to 10q26.3. While it is involved in the oxidative metabolism of a small range of substrates (mostly small polar molecules), there are many important drug interactions mediated by the enzyme. Most drugs undergo deactivation by CYP2E1, either directly or by facilitated excretion from the body. Also, many substances are bioactivated by CYP2E1 to form their active compounds. In addition, it is an important enzyme for the conversion of ethanol to acetaldehyde and to acetate in humans. In the conversion sequence of acetyl-CoA to glucose, CYP2E1 transforms acetone via acetol into propylene glycol and methylglyoxal, the precursors of pyruvate, acetate and lactate