Enzyme induction by drugs. Its relevance to clinical biochemistry.

The properties of the hepatic microsomal, drug detoxicating, enzyme system are reviewed with particular reference to its inducibility. Induction is modified by various factors of which the diet is particularly important. A theoretical model system for induction has been proposed and this is discussed. There are a number of methods for assessing microsomal enzyme induction in man, none of which is ideal. Nevertheless, induction is a well recognized phenomenon in man and has a bearing on the metabolism of a number of endogenous substances. The effect of induction on steroid metabolism and the relationship between inducers, vitamin D, and metabolic bone disease is discussed. Bilirubin metabolism is affected by changes in microsomal enzyme activity and inducers have been used therapeutically in some cases of hyperbilirubinaemia. The relationship between drugs and the hepatic porphyrias is reviewed. The hepatic microsomal enzyme system is but one of many inducible enzymes and the role of induction in general in metabolic regulation is emphasised.