TLDR Human enzymes can detoxify harmful substances but might also increase their cancer risk.
The document from 1996 examines the functions of human cytosolic sulphotransferases (STs), which are involved in detoxifying xenobiotics and metabolizing endogenous compounds. It explains that STs can convert toxic substances into less harmful forms for excretion, but they can also increase the toxicity and carcinogenic potential of certain compounds. The paper discusses the enzymology of STs, their substrate specificities, and the influence of genetic and environmental factors on their activity. It notes the role of oestrogen sulphotransferase in the endometrium and its regulation by the menstrual cycle and progesterone, as well as the necessity of sulphation for the activation of minoxidil, a hair growth medication. The review emphasizes the need for further research to fully understand the complex roles of STs in health and disease, including their contribution to chemical carcinogenesis and the variability in individual responses due to genetic differences in ST expression.
32 citations,
January 1994 in “Skin Pharmacology and Physiology” Minoxidil helps hair growth by activating enzymes in hair follicles.
53 citations,
January 1993 in “Biochemical Pharmacology” Minoxidil needs activation to work, and minoxidil sulfate helps with hair growth and blood pressure.
46 citations,
January 1991 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology” Minoxidil works in liver and outer hair root sheath for hair growth.
68 citations,
September 1990 in “Biochemical Pharmacology” Minoxidil activates hair growth by being sulfated by P-PST in the human liver.
59 citations,
February 1998 in “Chemico-Biological Interactions” Minoxidil breakdown varies by enzymes, affecting hair loss treatment effectiveness.
29 citations,
September 1990 in “Biochemical Journal” Enzyme purified and characterized for minoxidil sulphation in rat liver.
131 citations,
September 2017 in “Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology” The document concludes that blocking the internal pathways that create androgens might help treat cancers that depend on sex hormones.
87 citations,
March 2014 in “Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Molecular and Cell Biology of Lipids” Cholesterol sulfate buildup due to a genetic mutation disrupts the skin barrier, leading to the scaling skin seen in X-linked ichthyosis.
47 citations,
November 2012 in “Expert Opinion on Therapeutic Patents” The document concludes that research on sulfatase inhibitors should continue due to their potential in treating various diseases, despite some clinical trial failures.
