title: Role of intestinal microflora in xenobiotic-induced toxicity.
abstract: In addition to its role in digestion of food in the gastrointestinal tract, the intestinal microflora is also capable of biotransforming numerous drugs. Likewise, the intestinal microflora may significantly modulate xenobiotic-induced toxicity by either activating or inactivating xenobiotics via metabolism. To date, most investigations of xenobiotic metabolism have focused not only on metabolism in host tissues, but the modulation of the pharmacological activity of drugs by the intestinal microflora. Despite its importance, the presumed role of intestinal microflora metabolism in xenobiotic-induced toxicity has been understudied. Therefore, it is appropriate to briefly review our current situation, and state which research in xenobiotic metabolism by intestinal microflora, particularly in the field of toxicology, is needed.
authors.affiliation: College of Pharmacy, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, South Korea.
authors.forename: Hye Gwang
authors.initials: HG
authors.lastname: Jeong
authors.forename: Mi Jeong
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Kang
authors.forename: Hyung Gyun
authors.initials: HG
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Do Gyeong
authors.initials: DG
authors.lastname: Oh
authors.forename: Jin Sung
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Sang Kyu
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Tae Cheon
authors.initials: TC
authors.lastname: Jeong
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D008658:Inactivation, Metabolic; D007413:Intestinal Mucosa / Q000378:metabolism; D007422:Intestines / Q000382:microbiology*; D023421:Models, Animal; D015262:Xenobiotics / Q000633:toxicity*
chemical_list: D015262:Xenobiotics