Topic: Metabolizing Enzymes-Mediated Organ Injury: Novel Therapeutic Approaches and Mechanistic Insights

Drug-metabolizing enzymes (DMEs) are pivotal in biotransforming xenobiotics (e.g., drugs and toxicants) into more excretable forms or reactive intermediates, regulating their exposure levels and pharmacological/toxicological effects in the body. Under specific conditions, DMEs catalyze biochemical conversions of some xenobiotics to chemically reactive intermediates that could cause cellular injury and organ damage. For example, P450-mediated metabolism can sometimes produce reactive oxygen species or electrophilic species that react in situ with intracellular biomolecules, disrupting cell structure and function. Uncovering the key roles of DMEs in xenobiotic bioactivation and related molecular mechanisms is very helpful for developing novel therapeutic strategies to mitigate DME-mediated organ injuries and improve the safety of marketed drugs.

This Special Issue, "Metabolizing Enzymes-Mediated Organ Injury: Novel Therapeutic Approaches and Mechanistic Insights," aims to explore the multifaceted roles of drug-metabolizing enzymes in mediating organ injuries across various biological systems. In particular, this issue is not limited to the liver and kidney but extends to other systems, including the heart, lungs, gastrointestinal tract, and central nervous system.

We welcome submissions that bridge basic science and clinical practice, fostering a translational perspective that could lead to novel therapeutic strategies. It seeks contributions including but not limited to reviews, original research articles, and clinical studies that focus on metabolizing enzyme-mediated damages, potential therapeutic interventions, and innovative approaches for mitigating adverse effects. It is hoped that the compilation of these studies will not only enhance our knowledge of the pathophysiological mechanisms involved but also pave the way for developing targeted therapies aimed at reducing organ injury and improving patient outcomes.