Sex-dependent differences in cytochrome P450 3A activity as assessed by midazolam disposition in humans: a meta-analysis

Drug Metab Dispos. 2010 May;38(5):817-23. doi: 10.1124/dmd.109.031328. Epub 2010 Feb 17.

Abstract

Controversy exists concerning the sex-dependent differences in cytochrome P450 3A activity in humans. Meta-analysis of selected studies may address this question. Meta-analysis was performed on published or unpublished data in terms of sex-dependent differences in midazolam (MDZ) disposition in humans. The following pharmacokinetic parameters were included for the analysis: MDZ oral and systemic clearance, area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) of oral and intravenous MDZ, MDZ oral bioavailability (F), and MDZ gastrointestinal extraction (E(G)). Ten studies including 409 healthy volunteers were identified. Women exhibited 16% higher weight-corrected MDZ oral clearance (P < 0.001) and 20% higher systemic clearance (P = 0.002) than men. No significant difference in the AUC after oral dosing of MDZ was noted between sexes. Women showed lower AUC of intravenous MDZ than men (P = 0.02). No sex-dependent differences were observed in F and E(G). In conclusion, women showed significantly greater hepatic CYP3A activity than men, whereas no sex-dependent difference in intestinal CYP3A activity was observed.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Oral
  • Area Under Curve
  • Biological Availability
  • Cytochrome P-450 CYP3A / genetics
  • Cytochrome P-450 CYP3A / metabolism*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Injections, Intravenous
  • Intestinal Absorption / physiology
  • Male
  • Metabolic Clearance Rate / physiology
  • Midazolam / administration & dosage
  • Midazolam / analogs & derivatives
  • Midazolam / blood
  • Midazolam / metabolism*
  • Midazolam / pharmacokinetics*
  • Sex Characteristics*

Substances

  • 1-hydroxymethylmidazolam
  • CYP3A protein, human
  • Cytochrome P-450 CYP3A
  • Midazolam