CYP2E1 is crucial in toxicology due to its involvement in the metabolic activation of several procarcinogens and toxicants. It can convert substances into reactive intermediates, leading to cellular damage and toxicity. For example, CYP2E1 metabolizes acetaminophen into a toxic metabolite, N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine (NAPQI), which can cause liver injury if detoxification pathways are overwhelmed.
