Karboxilészterázok

Karboxilészterázok, often abbreviated as CES, are a group of enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of ester bonds. This means they break down molecules containing ester functional groups into their constituent carboxylic acids and alcohols. This enzymatic activity is crucial in a variety of biological processes, including the metabolism of drugs, xenobiotics, and endogenous compounds.

Carboxylesterases are found in many organisms, with high concentrations typically observed in the liver, plasma, and intestines of mammals. They play a significant role in detoxification by hydrolyzing potentially harmful foreign substances, making them easier to excrete from the body. Additionally, they are involved in the activation or inactivation of prodrugs, which are inactive forms of medications that are converted into their active forms within the body by enzymatic action.

The human genome encodes several carboxylesterase genes, with CES1 and CES2 being the most extensively studied. CES1 is primarily found in the liver, while CES2 is predominantly expressed in the small intestine. These enzymes exhibit varying substrate specificities, meaning they can hydrolyze different types of ester bonds. This diversity in function allows them to participate in a wide range of metabolic pathways. Understanding the role of carboxylesterases is vital for drug development, as their activity can significantly influence the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of many therapeutic agents.