[Human drug metabolizing enzymes III. Epoxide hydrolases, esterases, and amidases]

In this review we focus on human hydrolytic enzymes that participate in the metabolism of xenobiotics. Although hydrolysis in most of the cases result in detoxication, in some cases hydrolysis may lead to activated molecules that may attack macromolecules (proteins, RNAs, DNAs), resulting in toxicity. We have summarised the data available on these enzymes concerning their catalytic profile and specificity, inhibition, induction properties, their possible role in the generation of toxic compounds, their importance in clinical practice and drug development.