[Monooxigenase activity in liver diseases (study based on data of antipyrine metabolism)].

Hydroxylase and demethylase activity of cytochrome P450-dependent liver monooxygenases was estimated in healthy persons and patients with chronic diseases of the hepatobiliary system. Metabolite urine content and 4-hydroxyantipyrine and norantipyrine clearance were measured within 24 h after oral antipyrine administration (10 mg/kg). It was shown that progressive antipyrine metabolic derangements depended on the form and stage of chronic diffuse liver lesion, which was especially marked in patients with chronic active viral hepatitis, liver cirrhosis with or without ascites and with signs of encephalopathy. More considerable inhibition of N-demethylase monooxygenase activity as compared to hydroxylase activity in patients with chronic active viral hepatitis showed different sensitivity of some cytochrome P450 forms to pathogenetic factors. It could be of diagnostic value. The authors put forward the idea of interaction between the oxygenase and immune systems in drug detoxication in liver diseases.