What is the Role of Glycosidases in Drug Metabolism?
In drug metabolism, glycosidases can modulate the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of medications. Some drugs are administered as glycosides, which are inactive until cleaved by glycosidases. This cleavage can occur in the gut or other tissues, releasing the active drug. Conversely, the action of glycosidases can also deactivate drugs or enhance their elimination. Understanding these interactions is vital for drug development and the prediction of drug interactions.