Regulation of cytochrome p450 by inflammatory mediators: why and how?

Expression and activities of cytochrome P450 enzymes are down-regulated in the liver during the host response to inflammation or infection, leading to alterations in drug clearance and toxin activation. This review focuses on recent studies on the mechanisms of this down-regulation, as well as the cytokines and cell types involved. Possible reasons for cytochrome P450 down-regulation are discussed.