detoxenzymer

Detoxenzymer is a term used in some contexts to refer to enzymes that participate in cellular and systemic detoxification of xenobiotics and endogenous metabolites. In humans, detoxification largely occurs in the liver but also takes place in other tissues. The process converts lipophilic compounds into more water-soluble forms that can be excreted by urine or bile.

Detoxification is commonly described as consisting of two phases: Phase I and Phase II. Phase I enzymes introduce or expose polar groups; the cytochrome P450 family is the largest group, with subfamilies such as CYP1, CYP2, CYP3. Other Phase I enzymes include flavin-containing monooxygenases and various dehydrogenases. Phase II enzymes conjugate the compounds with endogenous molecules to increase solubility; major families include UDP-glucuronosyltransferases, sulfotransferases, glutathione-S-transferases, N-acetyltransferases, and methyltransferases.

Activity varies by genetics, age, nutrition, disease, and exposure to inducers like certain drugs or dietary components. Genetic polymorphisms can lead to slow or fast metabolizer phenotypes; enzyme induction can affect drug efficacy and toxicity.

Detox enzymes have important implications in pharmacology (drug interactions), toxicology (response to pollutants), and liver disease. The term detoxenzymer is not universally standardized; in scientific literature, it is usually discussed in terms of specific enzymes or pathways rather than as a single class. Public claims that supplements can enrich detox enzymes are not supported by robust evidence.