(S)-Mephenytoin (CAS 70989-04-7)

(S)-Mephenytoin, a hydantoin small molecule recognized for its anticonvulsant properties, plays a critical role in research focused on genetic polymorphisms affecting metabolic pathways. The variability in hydroxylation of (S)-Mephenytoin at the 4′ position highlights the polymorphic nature of CYP2C19, a pivotal enzyme in the cytochrome P-450 system responsible for the oxidation of various substances. This variability delineates a spectrum of metabolic capabilities, distinguishing between phenotypes that efficiently metabolize (S)-Mephenytoin and those classified as poor metabolizers. Poor metabolizers lack the ability to effectively undergo 4′-hydroxylation of (S)-Mephenytoin, which correlates with a broader inefficiency in clearing other substances. This distinction has propelled the use of (S)-Mephenytoin metabolism as a model to investigate the genetic underpinnings of metabolic diversity. Such research aids in understanding the implications of metabolic phenotypes in the context of substance design and toxicity predictions, offering valuable insights into the development of strategies for managing variable metabolic responses. Acting as a substrate for both CYP2B6 and CYP2C19, (S)-Mephenytoin serves as a key tool in elucidating the complexities of the cytochrome P-450 system′s role in metabolic processes.