pregnane X receptor

The pregnane X receptor (PXR) is a protein found in your body's cells, mainly in the liver and intestines, that helps regulate how your body processes medicines and toxins. When activated by certain drugs or chemicals, PXR switches on genes that produce specific enzymes responsible for breaking down and removing these substances. This process helps protect your body from harmful compounds, but it can also influence how different medications work, possibly making them less effective if they are broken down too quickly. Overall, PXR plays a crucial role in maintaining chemical balance and drug metabolism.