Human cytochrome P450's are pro-oxidants in iron/ascorbate-initiated microsomal lipid peroxidation.

We have examined the effect of human cytochrome P450's (1A1,1A2,3A4,2A6,2B6,2D6,2E1) on ascorbate/iron-induced lipid peroxidation. Using microsomes prepared from human lymphoblastic cells enriched in recombinant cytochrome P450 isoenzymes, we have shown that the degree of peroxidation is a function of the amount of P450 present rather than the presence of any specific isoenzyme. Incorporated P450 increased the amount of peroxidation products by up to 2.1-fold compared to the control microsomes with no P450. It is therefore concluded that cytochrome P450's play a significant role in ascorbate/iron peroxidation.