This definitive reference work describes in detail the enzyme systems that participate in the metabolism of xenobiotics, particularly medicinal drugs. Each chapter focuses on a specific enzyme system, emphasising its role in the activation and detoxication of chemicals. Aspects discussed critically include:

• enzyme function in the metabolism and bioactivation of xenobiotics

• substrate specificity

• tissue distribution

• species distribution (to include laboratory animals and humans)

• hormonal regulation

• sex differences

• modulation by prior exposure to other chemicals

• age-dependent expression

• pharmacogenetics and modulation by disease.

An enormous amount of research is currently devoted to evaluating the role of nutrition in the aetiology of major human diseases and to clarifying the underlying mechanisms. This resurgent interest reflects the realisation that carcinogens may be generated during the normal cooking of food and that they may play a role in human carcinogenesis. Moreover, during the last decade it has become apparent that naturally occurring chemicals in food, primarily of plant origin, can afford effective protection against human cancer and heart disease. As a result, the need for up-to-date information in this subject area has never been greater. Nutrition and Chemical Toxicity deals in depth with the various toxicants found in food including naturally occurring chemicals, fungal contaminants, products of the cooking process and allergens. Other chapters focus on nutritional modulation of cytochromes P450; interactions between drugs and diet; glutathione, sulphur aminoacids and chemical detoxication; modulation of the carcinogenic response by caloric restriction; and lipotropes and chemical carcinogenesis. Further contributions discuss the expression of chemical toxicity in vitamin deficiency and supplementation; safety evaluation of vitamins and minerals; naturally occurring organosulphur compounds as potential anticarcinogens; cancer chemoprevention by tea polyphenols; and animal diets in safety evaluation studies. This timely book is essential reading for professionals involved in cancer research and the safety evaluation of chemicals, food scientists and toxicologists, nutritionists and those involved with food regulation.