Abstract
The activity of drug-metabolizing enzymes (DMEs) in extrahepatic organs is highest in the kidneys. Generally, the kidneys contain most, if not all, of the DMEs found in the liver. Surprisingly, some of these DMEs show higher activity in the kidneys than in the liver.
Most of the renal DMEs are localized in the cortex of the kidneys, especially in the proximal tubules. DMEs are also found in the distal tubules and collecting ducts.
Renal diseases such as acute and chronic renal failure and renal cell carcinoma alter the regulation of both hepatic and extrahepatic phase I and II DMEs. Changes in the expression of these DMEs seem to be tissue and species specific.
Generally, there is significant down-regulation of most of the phase I and a few of phase II DMEs at the protein, mRNA and activity levels. Unfortunately, the mechanisms leading to the alteration in DMEs in renal diseases remain unclear, although many theories have been made.
The presence of some circulating factors such as cytokines, nitric oxide, parathyroid hormones and increased intracellular calcium play a role in the regulation of DMEs in renal diseases.
This article was downloaded by: [Collard, Jonathan][informa internal users]
On: 30 Ju148180_755239199_713767701ne 2010
Access details: Access Details: [subscription number 755239602]
Publisher Informa Healthcare
Informa Ltd Registered in England and Wales Registered Number: 1072954 Registered office: Mortimer House, 37-41 Mortimer Street, London WlT 3JH, UK
This article was downloaded by: [Collard, Jonathan][informa internal users]
On: 30 Ju148180_755239199_713767701ne 2010
Access details: Access Details: [subscription number 755239602]
Publisher Informa Healthcare
Informa Ltd Registered in England and Wales Registered Number: 1072954 Registered office: Mortimer House, 37-41 Mortimer Street, London WlT 3JH, UK