Volatile Organic Compound–Drug Receptor Interactions: A Potential Tool for Drug Design in the Search for Remedies for Increasing Toxic Occupational Exposure

Abstract

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can impact the actions of drugs due to their effects on drug receptors and the activities of enzymes involved in various metabolic processes, especially those relating to gene regulation. They can disrupt cellular functions and potentially affect human drug metabolism and utilization receptors. They mimic or inhibit the actions of endogenous ligands, leading to carcinogenesis, neurotoxicity, endocrine disruption, and respiratory disorders. Chronic exposure to VOCs due to human occupation can lead to an increased generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which could lead to oxidative stress and damage to lipids, affecting the formation and proper functioning of gene regulation, enzyme activity, and cell membranes. The presence of oxidative stress could interfere with drug activity and potentially impact the body’s ability to process and utilize drugs effectively. This is because drugs such as antioxidant drugs play an essential role in cell protection against oxidative damage. Therefore, disruptions in their metabolism could distort the overall health condition through the breakdown of antioxidant defense mechanisms. In this study, the aim is to assess the effect of VOC exposure on drug receptors and the way forward in designing and maintaining optimal drug activity for workers’ overall well-being.