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Kaplan biochem says that barbiturates should not be given to patients with porphyrias since barbiturate induces cytochrome P450 synthesis which reduces heme level. As a result, enzymes in heme synthesis are turned on and increase the accumulation of porphyrin precursors exacerbating symptoms in porphyria such as in acute intermittent porphyria.
Can anyone explain the connection between cytochrome P450 and heme level? Is it the iron? Or is heme being consumed to make cytochrome P450?
Many thanks in advance.
Can anyone explain the connection between cytochrome P450 and heme level? Is it the iron? Or is heme being consumed to make cytochrome P450?
Many thanks in advance.