Cytochrome P4502C9: an enzyme of major importance in human drug metabolism

Abstract

Accumulating evidence indicates that CYP2C9 ranks amongst the most important drug metabolizing enzymes in humans. Substrates for CYP2C9 include fluoxetine, losartan, phenytoin, tolbutamide, torsemide, S-warfarin, and numerous NSAIDs. CYP2C9 activity in vivo is inducible by rifampicin. Evidence suggests that CYP2C9 substrates may also be induced variably by carbamazepine, ethanol and phenobarbitone. Apart from the mutual competitive inhibition which may occur between alternate substrates, numerous other drugs have been shown to inhibit CYP2C9 activity in vivo and/or in vitro. Clinically significant inhibition may occur with coadministration of amiodarone, fluconazole, phenylbutazone, sulphinpyrazone, sulphaphenazole and certain other sulphonamides. Polymorphisms in the coding region of the CYP2C9 gene produce variants at amino acid residues 144 (Arg144Cys) and 359 (Ile359Leu) of the CYP2C9 protein. Individuals homozygous for Leu359 have markedly diminished metabolic capacities for most CYP2C9 substrates, although the frequency of this allele is relatively low. Consistent with the modulation of enzyme activity by genetic and other factors, wide interindividual variability occurs in the elimination and/or dosage requirements of prototypic CYP2C9 substrates. Individualisation of dose is essential for those CYP2C9 substrates with a narrow therapeutic index.

Figure 1

Selected CYP2C9 substrates. The site(s) of oxidation of each substrate is indicated by an arrow(s).

Figure 2

Sulphaphenazole inhibition of phenytoin and tolbutamide hydroxylation in human liver microsomes (HLM) and COS cells transfected with a CYP2C9 (wild type) cDNA. □—□ phenytoin, HLM; ▪—▪ phenytoin, CYP2C9; ▵—▵ tolbutamide, CYP2C9; ▴—▴ tolbutamide, HLM. The concentrations of phenytoin and tolbutamide were 150 μm and 1000 μm, respectively. Data from references 15 and 30.

Figure 3

Sites of polymorphism in the CYP2C9 protein.