Human extrahepatic cytochromes P450: function in xenobiotic metabolism and tissue-selective chemical toxicity in the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts

Generation of human hepatocytes by stem cell technology: definition of the hepatocyte

Since 1999, numerous articles have reported the generation of hepatocytes from different types of extrahepatic stem or precursor cells. This opens exciting new possibilities for pharmacology and toxicology, as well as for cell therapy. Hepatocyte marker expression, including albumin, cytokeratin 18, c-met, alpha-fetoprotein and cytochrome P450 3A4 and -2B6, has been observed after transplantation of different types of human stem cells into the liver of laboratory animals or in vitro after incubation with cytokines. These intriguing observations have prompted scientists to classify stem cell-derived cell populations as hepatocytes. However, this conclusion may be premature. It has been shown that factors of the liver microenvironment can induce expression of a limited number of hepatocyte marker genes in nonhepatic cell types. To conclude on the grounds of a limited number of markers that these cells are true hepatocytes is not indicated. In this case one should carefully evaluate crucial hepatocyte-defining enzymatic properties. The present article: i) reviews studies describing the fate of extrahepatic human stem and precursor cells in livers of laboratory animals, including the possibility of cell fusion; and ii) critically discusses the phenotype of stem cells after application of various differentiation protocols aimed at generating human hepatocytes. In addition, the necessary criteria needed for defining a true hepatocyte are suggested. Establishing the necessary properties for stem cell-derived hepatocytes is timely and reasonable, and thus avoids further misleading semantic confusion. Finally, it is essential to understand that the definition of a bona fide hepatocyte should not be limited to qualitative assays, such as reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry, but has to include a quantitative analysis of enzymatic activities, which allows direct comparison with primary hepatocytes. Although the stem cell-derived-hepatocyte does not yet exist there is a good chance that this aim may be achieved in the future.

Xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes involved in activation and detoxification of carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are ubiquitous environmental carcinogens and metabolized by a variety of xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes such as cytochrome P450 (P450 or CYP), epoxide hydrolase, glutathione transferase, UDP-glucuronosyltransferase, sulfotransferase, NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1, and aldo-keto reductase. These enzymes mainly participate in the conversion of PAHs to more polar and water-soluble metabolites, and the resultant metabolites are readily excreted from the body. However, during the course of metabolism, a variety of unstable and reactive intermediates of PAHs are formed, and these metabolites attack DNA, causing cell toxicity and transformation. P450s and epoxide hydrolase convert PAHs to proximate carcinogenic metabolites, PAH-diols, and these products are further metabolized by P450s to ultimate carcinogenic metabolites, PAH diol-epoxides, or by aldo-keto reductase to reactive PAH o-quinones. PAHs are also activated by P450 and peroxidases to reactive radical cations that bind covalently to DNA. The oxygenated and reactive metabolites of PAHs are usually converted to more polar and detoxified products by phase II enzymes. Inter-individual differences exist in levels of expression and catalytic activities of a variety of enzymes that activate and/or detoxify PAHs in various organs of humans and these phenomena are thought to be critical in understanding the basis of individual differences in response to PAHs. Factors affecting such variations include induction and inhibition of enzymes by diverse chemicals and, more importantly, genetic polymorphisms of enzymes in humans.

Cytochrome P450 4F subfamily: at the crossroads of eicosanoid and drug metabolism

The cytochrome P450 4F (CYP4F) subfamily has over the last few years come to be recognized for its dual role in modulating the concentrations of eicosanoids during inflammation as well as in the metabolism of clinically significant drugs. The first CYP4F was identified because it catalyzed the hydroxylation of leukotriene B(4) (LTB(4)) and since then many additional members of this subfamily have been documented for their distinct catalytic roles and functional significance. Recent evidence emerging in relation to the temporal change of CYP4F expression in response to injury and infection supports an important function for these isozymes in curtailing inflammation. Their tissue-dependent expression, isoform-based catalytic competence and unique response to the external stimuli imply a critical role for them to regulate organ-specific functions. From this standpoint variations in relative CYP4F levels in humans may have direct influence on the metabolic outcome through their ability to generate and/or degrade bioactive eicosanoids or therapeutic agents. This review covers the enzymatic characteristics and regulatory properties of human and rodent CYP4F isoforms and their physiological relevance to major pathways in eicosanoid and drug metabolism.

Identification of a novel specific CYP2B6 allele in Africans causing impaired metabolism of the HIV drug efavirenz

The non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor efavirenz is mainly metabolised by the polymorphic cytochrome P450 enzyme CYP2B6. Genomic DNA from four subjects in a group of 51 patients being treated with efavirenz and having surprisingly high plasma concentrations were screened by direct sequencing for mutations in the CYP2B6 gene. Four exonic single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), 516G > T, 714G > A, 785A > G and 983T > C, and eight intronic SNPs were identified. Haplotype analysis revealed that 983T > C was linked with 785A > G defining a novel allele, CYP2B6*16. This allele was present in totally five of the patients. The CYP2B6.16 cDNA was expressed in yeast and HEK293 cells and significantly less protein was formed compared to the wild-type cDNA, in both heterologous systems. By contrast, the catalytic activity of the enzyme variant was not different from the CYP2B6.1 enzyme, using bupropion as a probe substrate. The CYP2B6*16 allele was not found in Swedes, was present at 4% frequency among Turks, but was common among Africans. The steady-state level of efavirenz was significantly higher in the five carriers of CYP2B6*16, being of African origin, compared to the other patients. Higher efavirenz concentrations were also seen in carriers of 516G>T (CYP2B6*6 and CYP2B6*9). In conclusion, a novel CYP2B6*16 allele causing less expression of the corresponding enzyme was identified and found to influence the metabolism of efavirenz in vivo, a finding that is of potential impact for anti-HIV therapy in black populations.

Garlic allyl sulfides display differential modulation of rat cytochrome P450 2B1 and the placental form glutathione S-transferase in various organs

To investigate whether the regulation of garlic allyl sulfides on biotransformation enzyme expression is tissue-specific, the expression of cytochrome P450 2B1 (CYP 2B1) and the placental form of glutathione S-transferase (PGST) in liver, lung, and intestine, which are the three major organs responsible for drug metabolism, was examined. Rats were orally administrated 0.5 or 2 mmol/kg BW diallyl sulfide (DAS) or 0.5 mmol/kg BW diallyl disulfide (DADS) or diallyl trisulfide (DATS) three times per week for 6 weeks. The final body weights and the body weight ratio of liver and lung were not changed by any of these three allyl sulfide treatments as compared to the control rats. An 11- and 12-fold increase of 7-pentoxyresorufin O-dealkylase (PROD) activities was noted in rats treated with 0.5 or 2 mmol/mg BW DAS, respectively, as compared with the controls (P < 0.05). In contrast, DADS and DATS significantly increased hepatic PGST activity toward ethacrynic acid by 30 and 40%, respectively, as compared with the control rats (P < 0.05). An increase in PGST activity was only noted at 2 mmol/kg BW DAS group (P < 0.05). In addition, similar increases in PGST activity due to DADS and DATS were also noted in lung and jejunum tissue (P < 0.05). Immunoblot assay shows that the changes in CYP 2B1 and PGST proteins due to the three garlic allyl sulfide treatments on liver, lung, and jejunum were consistent with those observed for PROD and PGST activities. Northern blot further revealed that the DADS and DATS increased PGST mRNA levels in both liver (2.9- and 3.0-fold, respectively) and lung (4.1- and 2.6-fold, respectively) and DAS dose-dependently increased CYP 2B1 mRNA levels in the liver. Garlic allyl sulfides differentially induced CYP 2B1 and PGST expression, and this up-regulation of these two biotransformation enzymes is tissue-specific.

Age-specific pulmonary cytochrome P-450 3A1 expression in postnatal and adult rats

A major cause of death and illness in children under the age of five, most living in polluted cities, is respiratory disease. Previous studies have shown that neonatal animals are more susceptible to bioactivated pulmonary cytotoxicants than adults, despite lower expression of the pulmonary cytochrome P-450s (CYP450s) thought to be involved in bioactivation. One CYP450 that is well documented in the bioactivation of many drugs and environmental toxicants in adult lung, but whose expression has not been evaluated during postnatal pulmonary development, is CYP450 3A (CYP3A). We compared age-specific expression of CYP3A1 in 7-day-old and adult male Sprague-Dawley rats. Unlike those shown for previously studied pulmonary CYP450s, expression levels for CYP3A1 mRNA in differentiating airway cells of postnatal rats are the same as in fully differentiated airway cells of adults. CYP3A1 protein expression (28%) and enzymatic activity (23%) were lower in postnatal airways compared with adults. Although other CYP450 immunoreactive proteins are primarily expressed in nonciliated cells, immunoreactive CYP3A1 protein was expressed in both ciliated and nonciliated cells in postnatal and adult rat proximal airways. CYP3A1 protein is detected diffusely throughout ciliated and nonciliated cells in 7-day-old rats, whereas it is only detected in the apex of these cells in adult rats. This study demonstrates that the lungs of postnatal rats have detectable levels of CYP3A1 and that CYP3A1 mRNA expression appears not to be age dependent, whereas steady-state CYP3A1 protein levels and enzyme activity show an age-dependent pattern.

Metabolism of Bergamottin by Cytochromes P450 2B6 and 3A5

Cytochromes P450 (P450) 2B6 and 3A5 are inactivated by bergamottin (BG). P450 2B6 metabolized BG primarily to M3 and M4 and one minor metabolite (M1). The metabolites were analyzed, and the data indicated that M1 was bergaptol, M3 was 5'-OH-BG, and M4 was a mixture of 6'- and 7'-OH-BG. Because 6'- and 7'-OH-BG were the primary metabolites, it suggested that P450 2B6 preferentially oxidized the geranyloxy chain of BG. Metabolism of BG by P450 3A5 resulted in three major metabolites: [bergaptol, M3 (5'-OH-BG), and M5 (2'-OH-BG)], and two minor metabolites [M2 (6',7'-dihydroxy-BG) and M4 (6'- and 7'-OH-BG)]. Because bergaptol was the most abundant metabolite formed, it suggested that P450 3A5 metabolized BG mainly by cleaving the geranyl-oxy chain. Molecular modeling studies confirmed that docking of BG in the P450 2B6 active site favors oxidation in the terminal region of the geranyl-oxy chain, whereas positioning the 2'-carbon of BG nearest the heme iron is preferred by P450 3A5. Glutathione (GSH)-BG conjugates were formed by both P450. Each enzyme predominantly formed conjugates with m/z values of 662. Tandem mass spectrometry analysis of the GSH conjugates indicated that the oxidation forming a reactive intermediate occurred on the furan moiety of BG, presumably through the initial formation of an epoxide at the furan double bond. The data indicate that oxidation of the geranyl-oxy chain resulted in the formation of stable metabolites of BG, whereas oxidation of the furan ring produced reactive intermediates that may be responsible for binding to and inactivating P450 2B6 and 3A4.

Effects of the differentiated keratinocyte phenotype on expression levels of CYP1–4 family genes in human skin cells

Epoxyeicosatrienoic acids produced by mouse CYP2B19 have been implicated in mechanisms regulating epidermal cornification (Ladd, P.A., Du, L., Capdevila, J.H., Mernaugh, R., Keeney, D.S., 2003. Epoxyeicosatrienoic acids activate transglutaminases in situ and induce cornification of epidermal keratinocytes. J. Biol. Chem. 278, 35184-35192). In this study, we aimed to identify CYPs that are up-regulated during keratinocyte differentiation and potentially responsible for epoxyeicosatrienoic acid formation in human skin. The cellular differentiation state of human epidermal cell cultures was manipulated to resemble the basal, spinous, and granular cell phenotypes in vivo. Changes in CYP mRNA levels were measured as a function of differentiation state for a panel of 15 CYPs that included known and putative arachidonate monooxygenases. Quantitative real-time PCR analyses showed that all of the CYPs were expressed in differentiating epidermal cell cultures and in human epidermis, with the exception of CYP2B6, which was poorly expressed in vitro. Six CYPs were strongly up-regulated at Day 6 and Day 8 of in vitro differentiation (CYP4B1, 2W1, 2C18, 3A4, 2C19, 2C9); the increase in mRNA levels ranged from 27- to 356-fold. Only CYP2U1 mRNA levels decreased (6-fold change) during cellular differentiation. Six CYPs showed little variation (<2-fold change) in mRNA levels during in vitro differentiation (CYP2S1, 2J2, 1B1, 1A1, 2E1, 2D6). No single CYP was identifiable as being a functional counterpart to CYP2B19 in mouse skin since none qualified as being mainly responsible for epidermal epoxyeicosatrienoic acid formation. Rather, the data suggest that epoxyeicosatrienoic acids in human skin are formed by several CYPs expressed in different cell layers of the epidermis. This would predict that CYP-derived eicosanoids have different functions in different epidermal cell layers.

Induction of CYP1A and cyp2-mediated arachidonic acid epoxygenation and suppression of 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid by imidazole derivatives including the aromatase inhibitor vorozole

Cytochrome P450 (P450) enzymes metabolize the membrane lipid arachidonic acid to stable biologically active epoxides [eicosatrienoic acids (EETs)] and 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (20-HETE). These products have cardiovascular activity, primarily acting as vasodilators and vasoconstrictors, respectively. EET formation can be increased by the prototype CYP1A or CYP2 inducers, 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) or phenobarbital (PB), respectively. We report here that imidazole derivative drugs: the anthelminthics, albendazole and thiabendazole; the proton pump inhibitor, omeprazole; the thromboxane synthase inhibitor, benzylimidazole; and the aromatase (CYP19) inhibitor vorozole (R76713, racemate; and R83842, (+) enantiomer) increased hepatic microsomal EET formation in a chick embryo model. Albendazole increased EETs by transcriptional induction of CYP1A5 and the others by combined induction of CYP1A5 and CYP2H, the avian orthologs of mammalian CYP1A2 and CYP2B, respectively. All inducers increased formation of the four EET regioisomers, but TCDD and albendazole had preference for 5,6-EET and PB and omeprazole for 14,15-EET. Vorozole, benzylimidazole, and TCDD also suppressed 20-HETE formation. Vorozole was a remarkably effective and potent inducer of multiple hepatic P450s at a dose range which overlapped its inhibition of ovarian aromatase. Increased CYP1A activity in mouse Hepa 1-6 and human HepG2 cells by vorozole and other imidazole derivatives demonstrated applicability of the findings to mammalian cells. The findings suggest that changes in P450-dependent arachidonic acid metabolism may be a new source of side effects for drugs that induce CYP1A or CYP2. They demonstrate further that in vivo induction of multiple hepatic P450s produces additive increases in arachidonic acid epoxygenase activity and can occur concurrently with inhibition of ovarian aromatase activity.

Evaluation of hydroxyimine as cytochrome P450-selective prodrug structure

Hydroxyimine derivatives of ketoprofen (1) and nabumetone (2) were synthesized and evaluated in vitro and in vivo as cytochrome P450-selective intermediate prodrug structures of ketones. 2 released nabumetone in vitro in the presence of isolated rat and human liver microsomes and in different recombinant human CYP isoforms. Bioconversion of 2 to both nabumetone and its active metabolite, 6-methoxy-2-naphthylacetic acid (6-MNA), was further confirmed in rats in vivo. Results indicate that hydroxyimine is a useful intermediate prodrug structure for ketone drugs.

Metabolism of a liver-selective nitric oxide-releasing agent, V-PYRRO/NO, by human microsomal cytochromes P450

Endogenously generated nitric oxide (NO) mediates a host of important physiological functions, playing roles in the vascular, immunological, and neurological systems. As a result, exogenous agents that release NO have become important therapeutic interventions and research tools. O(2)-Vinyl 1-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)diazen-1-ium-1,2-diolate (V-PYRRO/NO) is a prodrug designed with the hypothesis that it might release nitric oxide via epoxidation of the vinyl group by cytochrome P450, followed by enzymatic and/or spontaneous epoxide hydration to release the ultimate NO-donating moiety, 1-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)diazen-1-ium-1,2-diolate (PYRRO/NO) ion. In this study, we investigated this hypothetical activation mechanism quantitatively for V-PYRRO/NO using cDNA-expressed human cytochrome P450 (CYP)2E1. Incubation with CYP2E1 and an NADPH-regenerating system resulted in a time-dependent decomposition of V-PYRRO/NO, with a turnover rate of 2.0 nmol/min/pmol CYP2E1. Nitrate and nitrite were detected in high yield as metabolites of NO. The predicted organic metabolites pyrrolidine and glycolaldehyde were also detected in near-quantitative yields. The enzymatic decomposition of V-PYRRO/NO was also catalyzed, albeit at lower rates, by CYP2A6 and CYP2B6. We conclude that the initial step in the metabolism of V-PYRRO/NO to NO in the liver is catalyzed efficiently but not exclusively by the alcohol-inducible form of cytochrome P450 (CYP2E1). The results confirm the proposed activation mechanism involving enzymatic oxidation of the vinyl group in V-PYRRO/NO followed by epoxide hydration and hydrolytic decomposition of the resulting PYRRO/NO ion to generate nitric oxide.

Tumor-specific expression of the novel cytochrome P450 enzyme, CYP2W1

A novel human cytochrome P450, CYP2W1, was cloned and expressed heterologously. No or very low CYP2W1 mRNA levels were detected in fetal and adult human tissues, expression was however seen in 54% of human tumor samples investigated (n=37), in particular colon and adrenal tumors. Western blotting also revealed high expression of CYP2W1 in some human colon tumors. In rat tissues, CYP2W1 mRNA was expressed preferentially in fetal but also in adult colon. The CYP2W1 gene was shown to encompass one functional CpG island in the exon 1-intron 1 region which was methylated in cell lines lacking CYP2W1 expression, but unmethylated in cells expressing CYP2W1. Re-expression of CYP2W1 was seen following demethylation by 5-Aza-2'-deoxycytidine. Transfection of HEK293 cells with CYP2W1 caused the formation of a properly folded enzyme, which was catalytically active with arachidonic acid as a substrate. It is concluded that CYP2W1 represents a tumor-specific P450 isoform with potential importance as a drug target in cancer therapy.

Characterization of the cytochrome P450 enzymes and enzyme kinetic parameters for metabolism of BVT.2938 using different in vitro systems

An important step in the drug development process is identification of enzymes responsible for metabolism of drug candidates and determination of enzyme kinetic parameters. These data are used to increase understanding of the pharmacokinetics and possible metabolic-based drug interactions of drug candidates. The aim of the present study was to characterize the cytochrome P450 enzymes and enzyme kinetic parameters for metabolism of BVT.2938 [1-(3-{2-[(2-ethoxy-3-pyridinyl)oxy]ethoxy}-2-pyrazinyl)-2(R)-methylpiperazine], a potent and selective 5HT2c-receptor agonist. The enzyme kinetic parameters were determined for formation of three main metabolites of BVT.2938 using human liver microsomes and expressed cytochrome P450 (CYP) isoforms. The major metabolite was formed by hydroxylation of the pyridine ring (CL(int)=27 microl/mgmin), and was catalysed by both CYP2D6*1 and CYP1A1, with K(m) values corresponding to 1.4 and 2.7 microM, respectively. The results from enzyme kinetic studies were confirmed by incubation of BVT.2938 in the presence of the chemical inhibitor of CYP2D6*1, quinidine. Quinidine inhibited the formation of the major metabolite by approximately 90%. Additionally, studies with recombinant expressed CYP isoforms from rat indicated that formation of the major metabolite of BVT.2938 was catalysed by CYP2D2. This result was further confirmed by experiments with liver slices from different rat strains, where the formation of the metabolite correlated with phenotype of CYP2D2 isoform (Sprague-Dawley male, extensive; Dark Agouti male, intermediate; Dark Agouti female, poor metabolizer). The present study showed that the major metabolite of BVT.2938 is formed by hydroxylation of the pyridine ring and catalysed by CYP2D6*1. CYP1A1 is also involved in this reaction and its role in extra-hepatic metabolism of BVT.2938 might be significant.

OXIDATIVE METABOLISM OF THE ALKALOID RUTAECARPINE BY HUMAN CYTOCHROME P450

Rutaecarpine is the main active alkaloid of the herbal medicine, Evodia rutaecarpa. To identify the major human cytochrome P450 (P450) participating in rutaecarpine oxidative metabolism, human liver microsomes and bacteria-expressed recombinant human P450 were studied. In liver microsomes, rutaecarpine was oxidized to 10-, 11-, 12-, and 3-hydroxyrutaecarpine. Microsomal 10- and 3-hydroxylation activities were strongly inhibited by ketoconazole. The 11- and 12-hydroxylation activities were inhibited by alpha-naphthoflavone, quinidine, and ketoconazole. These results indicated that multiple hepatic P450s including CYP1A2, CYP2D6, and CYP3A4 participate in rutaecarpine hydroxylations. Among recombinant P450s, CYP1A1 had the highest rutaecarpine hydroxylation activity. Decreased metabolite formation at high substrate concentration indicated that there was substrate inhibition of CYP1A1- and CYP1A2-catalyzed hydroxylations. CYP1A1-catalyzed rutaecarpine hydroxylations had V(max) values of 1,388 to approximately 1,893 pmol/min/nmol P450, K(m) values of 4.1 to approximately 9.5 microM, and K(i) values of 45 to approximately 103 microM. These results indicated that more than one molecule of rutaecarpine is accessible to the CYP1A active site. The major metabolite 10-hydroxyrutaecarpine decreased CYP1A1, CYP1A2, and CYP1B1 activities with respective IC(50) values of 2.56 +/- 0.04, 2.57 +/- 0.11, and 0.09 +/- 0.01 microM, suggesting that product inhibition might occur during rutaecarpine hydroxylation. The metabolite profile and kinetic properties of rutaecarpine hydroxylation by human P450s provide important information relevant to the clinical application of rutaecarpine and E. rutaecarpa.

Characterisation of the xenobiotic-metabolizing Cytochrome P450 expression pattern in human lung tissue by immunochemical and activity determination

The lung represents an important target for the toxic effects of chemicals. Many of the chemicals require enzymatic activation to exert their adverse effects, which is mostly catalysed by Cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes. Although there is considerable evidence that individual members of the xenobiotic-metabolizing P450 family are expressed in human lung tissue at the mRNA level, there is conflicting evidence concerning the following issues: (I) the qualitative expression pattern of CYP isoenzymes; (II) CYP expression at the protein and/or activity level; and (III) interindividual variability of CYP enzymes in human lung. The latter can be the basis for individual susceptibility towards the adverse effects of lung toxicants. In preparing for studying factors to explain interindividual variability of CYP expression in lung tissue, we investigated the qualitative pulmonary expression pattern of xenobiotic-metabolizing CYP enzymes and elaborated the optimal conditions for quantification at the protein and activity level. By using either individual human lung samples or pooled microsomes from different individuals, immunoreactive bands specific for the following CYP enzymes could be determined by Western blotting: CYP1A1, CYP1A2, CYP2E1 and CYP3A5. Western blotting experiments were also supportive of the presence of CYP2A, CYP2B6, CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 in human lung. By using antibodies specific for CYP2C enzymes and CYP1B1, respectively, immunoreactive bands, which differed slightly in mobility from corresponding standards, were detectable. In addition, we measured methoxy- and ethoxyresorufin dealkylase activities and chlorzoxazone (CLX)-hydroxylase activity in human lung and confirmed the specifities of the latter two activities by inhibition experiments. In summary, we have established methodologies to quantify a panel of CYP enzymes in human lung samples among which there are CYP enzymes whose expression at the protein and activity level has not been evidenced so far.

Profiling cytochrome P450 expression in ovarian cancer: identification of prognostic markers

PURPOSE

The cytochromes P450 are a multigene family of enzymes with a central role in the oxidative metabolism of a wide range of xenobiotics, including anticancer drugs and biologically active endogenous compounds. The purpose of this study was to define the cytochrome P450 profile of ovarian cancer and identify novel therapeutic targets and establish the prognostic significance of expression of individual cytochrome P450s in this type of cancer.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

Immunohistochemistry for a panel of 23 cytochrome P450s and cytochrome P450 reductase was done on an ovarian cancer tissue microarray consisting of 99 primary epithelial ovarian cancers, 22 peritoneal metastasis, and 13 normal ovarian samples. The intensity of immunoreactivity in each sample was established by light microscopy.

RESULTS

In primary ovarian cancer, several P450s (CYP1B1, CYP2A/2B, CYP2F1, CYP2R1, CYP2U1, CYP3A5, CYP3A7, CYP3A43, CYP4Z1, CYP26A1, and CYP51) were present at a significantly higher level of intensity compared with normal ovary. P450 expression was also detected in ovarian cancer metastasis and CYP2S1 and P450 reductase both showed significantly increased expression in metastasis compared with primary ovarian cancer. The presence of low/negative CYP2A/2B (log rank = 7.06, P = 0.008) or positive CYP4Z1 (log rank = 6.19, P = 0.01) immunoreactivity in primary ovarian cancer were each associated with poor prognosis. Both CYP2A/2B and CYP4Z1 were also independent markers of prognosis.

CONCLUSIONS

The expression profile of individual P450s has been established in ovarian cancer. Several P450s show increased expression in ovarian cancer and this provides the basis for developing P450-based therapeutics in ovarian cancer. Expression of CYP2A/2B or CYP4Z1 in primary ovarian cancer were independent markers of prognosis.

Comparativecytochrome P450 -1A1, -2A6, -2B6, -2C, -2D6, -2E1, -3A5 and -4B1 expressions in human larynx tissue analysed at mRNA level

The metabolic activation of numerous exogenous and endogenous chemicals is catalysed by cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYPs). The aim of this study was to analyse the expression of the individual forms of CYP at the mRNA level in human larynx and quantitatively to compare their expressions in human liver, the main organ of CYP expression. Individual forms of CYP mRNAs were detected by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) using specific primers for the CYPs -1A1, -1A2, -2A6, -2B6, -2C, -2D6, -2E1, -3A3/4, -3A5, -3A7 and -4B1. An RNA competitor of known copy number, covering the primer sequences necessary to amplify the entire object CYPs within a single molecule, was used as reference. This study reports a consistent detection of mRNAs for the CYPs -1A1, -2A6, -2B6, -2C, -2D6, -2E1, -3A5 and -4B1 in the human larynx tissue. The data indicate that the human larynx highly resembles the lung tissue in CYP content, as a comparable subset of CYP mRNAs was detected in the larynx previously reported for human lung with the exception of CYP1A2. The results are discussed in quantitative ratios of the detected CYP mRNAs in relation to the hepatic CYP expression.

Role of efflux pumps and metabolising enzymes in drug delivery

The impact of efflux pumps and metabolic enzymes on the therapeutic activity of various drugs has been well established. The presence of efflux pumps on various tissues and tumours has been shown to regulate the intracellular concentration needed to achieve therapeutic activity. The notable members of efflux proteins include P-glycoprotein, multi-drug resistance protein and breast cancer resistance protein. These efflux pumps play a pivotal role not only in extruding xenobiotics but also in maintaining the body's homeostasis by their ubiquitous presence and ability to coordinate among themselves. In this review, the role of efflux pumps in drug delivery and the importance of their tissue distribution is discussed in detail. To improve pharmacokinetic parameters of substrates, various strategies that modulate the activity of efflux proteins are also described. Drug metabolising enzymes mainly include the cytochrome P450 family of enzymes. Extensive drug metabolism due to the this family of enzymes is the leading cause of therapeutic inactivity. Therefore, the role of metabolising enzymes in drug delivery and disposition is extensively discussed in this review. The synergistic relationship between metabolising enzymes and efflux proteins is also described in detail. In summary, this review emphasises the urgent need to make changes in drug discovery and drug delivery as efflux pumps and metabolising enzymes play an important role in drug delivery and disposition.

Decreased expression of cytochrome P450 protein in non-malignant colonic tissue of patients with colonic adenoma

BACKGROUND

Cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes in epithelial cells lining the alimentary tract play an important role in both the elimination and activation of (pro-)carcinogens. To estimate the role of cytochrome P450 in carcinogenesis of the colon, expression patterns and protein levels of four representative CYPs (CYP2C, CYP2E1, CYP3A4 and CYP3A5) were determined in colon mucosa of normal and adenomatous colonic tissue of patients with adenomas and disease-free controls.

METHODS

Expression of CYP2C, CYP2E1, CYP3A4, and CYP3A5 in colon mucosa of normal and adenomatous colonic tissue of patients with adenoma and disease-free controls was determined by RT-PCR. Protein concentration of CYPs was determined using Western blot.

RESULTS

With the exception of CYP3A5, expression of CYP mRNA was similar among groups and tissues (e.g. normal colon mucosa and adenoma). CYP3A5 mRNA expression was significantly higher in adenoma in comparison to normal tissue of patients with adenoma (approximately 48%). When comparing protein concentrations of CYPs measured in adenomas with neighboring normal colonic mucosa no differences were found. However, in normal tissue of patients with adenomas, protein levels of CYP2C8, CYP3A4 and CYP3A5, but not that of CYP2E1, were significantly lower than in biopsies obtained from disease-free controls. Specifically, in normal colonic mucosa of patients protein concentrations of CYP2C8, CYP3A4, and CYP3A5 were approximately 86%, approximately 69%, and approximately 54%, respectively, lower than in disease-free controls.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, among other factors, the altered protein levels of certain CYPs (e.g. CYP2C8, CYP3A4 and CYP3A5) in colon mucosa might contribute to the development of neoplasia in the colon.

Toremifene: an evaluation of its safety profile

Toremifene has been in clinical use for 8 years for the treatment of advanced hormone-sensitive breast cancer and the adjuvant treatment of early breast cancer. More than 350,000 patient treatment years have accumulated, sufficient to allow evaluation of its longer-term safety profile in comparison with tamoxifen and, where possible, with raloxifene and aromatase inhibitors. We reviewed all preclinical and clinical safety data from 1978 to 2004 and comparative clinical safety data between October 1995 and the end of 2004. Secondary endometrial cancer incidence was lower with toremifene than with tamoxifen and was similar to that with raloxifene. It is speculated that toremifene may unmask existing endometrial tumors rather than induce new events. The risk of stroke, pulmonary embolism, and cataract may be lower with toremifene than with tamoxifen and the risk of pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis lower than with raloxifene. Beneficial estrogen agonistic effects were equivalent to those of tamoxifen regarding bone mineral density and superior regarding lipid profiles.

Gene-environment interaction: the role of SULT1A1 and CYP3A5 polymorphisms as risk modifiers for squamous cell carcinoma of the oesophagus

An imbalance in the activities of enzymes involved in the metabolism, conjugation and transport of xenobiotics may account for the variability in susceptibility to the development of complex diseases such as cancer between different population groups. In this study we investigated a functional polymorphism in the SULT1A1 gene in 245 patients and 288 controls. Previous studies have shown that the 638G-->A polymorphism that results in the substitution of arginine by histidine at codon 213 (SULT1A1*2) results in decreased SULT1A1 activity. The same group of samples used in this study had been previously genotyped for CYP3A5 genetic polymorphisms. Among Black subjects the burning of wood or charcoal for cooking and keeping warm was significantly associated with increased risk for oesophageal cancer (OC) (AOR, 15.2; P=0.001) as was the consumption of home-brewed beer (AOR, 6.97; P=0.0001). Among the Mixed Ancestry group, tobacco smoking combined with alcohol consumption were significantly associated with higher risk for OC (AOR, 5.18; P=0.0005). In both Blacks and Mixed Ancestry subjects, starting to smoke below the age of 20 years was associated with significantly increased risk for OC (AOR, 3.5 among the Blacks and AOR, 12 among the Mixed Ancestry). The homozygous SULT1A1*2/*2 genotype was associated with increased risk for OC among smokers. The SULT1A1*2/*2 genotype in combination with the CYP3A5 heterozygous genotypes was associated with significantly increased risk for OC (AOR, 3.60; P=0.001) with the risk being even higher among smokers compared with non-smokers. The above findings confirm the association between alcohol consumption and tobacco smoking with increased risk for OC. The genotype results show that SULT1A1*2/*2 genotype is associated with increased risk for OC among subjects exposed to tobacco-smoke-related carcinogens.

Distribution of cytochrome P450 2C, 2E1, 3A4, and 3A5 in human colon mucosa

Background

Despite the fact that the alimentary tract is part of the body's first line of defense against orally ingested xenobiotica, little is known about the distribution and expression of cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes in human colon. Therefore, expression and protein levels of four representative CYPs (CYP2C(8), CYP2E1, CYP3A4, and CYP3A5) were determined in human colon mucosa biopsies obtained from ascending, descending and sigmoid colon.

Methods

Expression of CYP2C, CYP2E1, CYP3A4, and CYP3A5 mRNA in colon mucosa was determined by RT-PCR. Protein concentration of CYPs was determined using Western blot methods.

Results

Extensive interindividual variability was found for the expression of most of the genes. However, expression of CYP2C mRNA levels were significantly higher in the ascending colon than in the sigmoid colon. In contrast, mRNA levels of CYP2E1 and CYP3A5 were significantly lower in the ascending colon in comparison to the descending and sigmoid colon. In sigmoid colon protein levels of CYP2C8 were significantly higher by ~73% than in the descending colon. In contrast, protein concentration of CYP2E1 was significantly lower by ~81% in the sigmoid colon in comparison to the descending colon.

Conclusion

The current data suggest that the expression of CYP2C, CYP2E1, and CYP3A5 varies in different parts of the colon.

CYP2A5-mediated activation and early ultrastructural changes in the olfactory mucosa: studies on 2,6-dichlorophenyl methylsulfone

2,6-Dichlorophenyl methylsulfone (2,6-diClPh-MeSO2) is a potent olfactory toxicant reported to induce endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, caspase activation, and extensive cell death in mice. The aim of the present study was to examine cytochrome P450 (P450)-dependent bioactivation, nonprotein sulfhydryl (NP-SH) levels, and early ultrastructural changes in mouse olfactory mucosa following an i.p. injection of 2,6-diClPh-MeSO2 (32 mg/kg). A high covalent binding of 2,6-diClPh-14C-MeSO2 in olfactory mucosa S9 fraction was observed, and the CYP2A5/CYP2G1 substrates coumarin and dichlobenil significantly decreased the binding, whereas the CYP2E1 substrate chlorzoxazone had no effects. An increased bioactivation was detected in liver microsomes of mice pretreated with pyrazole, known to induce CYP2A4, 2A5, 2E1, and 2J, and addition of chlorzoxazone reduced this binding. 2,6-DiClPh-14C-MeSO2 showed a marked covalent binding to microsomes of recombinant yeast cells expressing mouse CYP2A5 or human CYP2A6 compared with wild type. One and 4 h after a single injection of 2,6-diClPh-MeSO2, the NP-SH levels in the olfactory mucosa were significantly reduced compared with control, whereas there was no change in the liver. Ultrastructural studies revealed that ER, mitochondria, and secretory granules in nonneuronal cells were early targets 1 h after injection. We propose that lesions induced by 2,6-diClPh-MeSO2 in the mouse olfactory mucosa were initiated by a P450-mediated bioactivation in the Bowman's glands and depletion of NP-SH levels, leading to disruption of ion homeostasis, organelle swelling, and cell death. The high expression of CYP2A5 in the olfactory mucosa is suggested to play a key role for the tissue-specific toxicity induced by 2,6-diClPh-MeSO2.

Human CYP1A1 variants lead to differential eicosapentaenoic acid metabolite patterns

To answer the question whether the most common allelic variants of human CYP1A1, namely CYP1A1.1 (wild type), CYP1A1.2 (Ile462Val), and CYP1A1.4 (Thr461Asn), differ in their catalytic activity towards eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), in vitro enzymatic assays were performed in reconstituted CYP1A1 systems. All CYP1A1 variants catalyzed EPA epoxygenation and hydroxylation to 17(R),18(S)-epoxyeicosatetraenoic acid (17(R),18(S)-EETeTr) and 19-OH-EPA, yet with varying catalytic efficiency and distinct regiospecificity. CYP1A1.1 and CYP1A1.4 formed 17(R),18(S)-EETeTr as main product (K(m)=53 and 50 microM; V(max)=0.60 and 0.50 pmol/min/pmol; V(max)/K(m)=0.11 and 0.10 microM(-1)min(-1), respectively), followed by 19-OH-EPA (K(m)=76 and 93 microM; V(max)=0.37 and 0.37 pmol/min/pmol; V(max)/K(m)=0.005 and 0.004 microM(-1)min(-1), respectively). The variant CYP1A1.2 produced almost equal amounts of both metabolites, but its catalytic efficiency for hydroxylation was five times higher (K(m)=66 microM; V(max)=1.7 pmol/min/pmol; V(max)/K(m)=0.026 microM(-1)min(-1)) and that for epoxygenation was twice higher (K(m)=66 microM; V(max)=1.5 pmol/min/pmol; V(max)/K(m)=0.023 microM(-1)min(-1)) than those of the wild-type enzyme. Thus, the Ile462Val polymorphism in human CYP1A1 affects EPA metabolism and may contribute to interindividual variance in the local production of physiologically active fatty acid metabolites in the cardiovascular system and other extrahepatic tissues, where CYP1A1 is expressed or induced by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and other xenobiotics.

Monitoring drug-protein interaction

A variety of therapeutic drugs can undergo biotransformation via Phase I and Phase II enzymes to reactive metabolites that have intrinsic chemical reactivity toward proteins and cause potential organ toxicity. A drug-protein adduct is a protein complex that forms when electrophilic drugs or their reactive metabolite(s) covalently bind to a protein molecule. Formation of such drug-protein adducts eliciting cellular damages and immune responses has been a major hypothesis for the mechanism of toxicity caused by numerous drugs. The monitoring of protein-drug adducts is important in the kinetic and mechanistic studies of drug-protein adducts and establishment of dose-toxicity relationships. The determination of drug-protein adducts can also provide supportive evidence for diagnosis of drug-induced diseases associated with protein-drug adduct formation in patients. The plasma is the most commonly used matrix for monitoring drug-protein adducts due to its convenience and safety. Measurement of circulating antibodies against drug-protein adducts may be used as a useful surrogate marker in the monitoring of drug-protein adducts. The determination of plasma protein adducts and/or relevant antibodies following administration of several drugs including acetaminophen, dapsone, diclofenac and halothane has been conducted in clinical settings for characterizing drug toxicity associated with drug-protein adduct formation. The monitoring of drug-protein adducts often involves multi-step laboratory procedure including sample collection and preliminary preparation, separation to isolate or extract the target compound from a mixture, identification and determination. However, the monitoring of drug-protein adducts is often difficult because of short half-lives of the protein adducts, sampling problem and lack of sensitive analytical techniques for the protein adducts. Currently, chromatographic (e.g. high performance liquid chromatography) and immunological methods (e.g. enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) are two major techniques used to determine protein adducts of drugs in patients. The present review highlights the importance for clinical monitoring of drug-protein adducts, with an emphasis on methodology and with a further discussion of the application of these techniques to individual drugs and their target proteins.

Inter-species comparison of liver and small intestinal microsomal metabolism of fluoranthene

The magnitude of susceptibility to toxicant exposure may depend on the ability of animals to metabolize the chemicals. The present study has been undertaken to see whether any differences exist among mammals in the metabolism of fluoranthene (FLA), a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) compound. Microsomes were isolated from the small intestine and liver of rat, mouse, hamster, goat, sheep, pig, dog, cow, monkey, and humans (commercially procured), and incubated with FLA. Post-incubation, samples were extracted with ethyl acetate and analyzed for FLA/metabolites by reverse-phase HPLC with fluorescence detection. The metabolism of FLA in both liver and small intestine was in the order: human > monkey > cow > goat > sheep > dog > pig > hamster > rat > mouse under conditions of the test system used. The rate of metabolism (pmol of metabolite/min/mg protein) was found to be more in liver than in intestine in all the species studied. The FLA metabolites identified were FLA 2,3-diol, trans-2,3-dihydroxy-1,10b-epoxy-1,2,3,10beta tetrahydro FLA (2,3D FLA), 3-hydroxy FLA, and 8-hydroxy FLA. The rodent microsomes produced considerably higher proportion of FLA 2,3-diol, and 2,3D FLA than did pig, dog, and humans. On the other hand, microsomes from higher mammals converted a greater proportion of FLA to 3-hydroxy FLA, the detoxification product of FLA. Overall, our results revealed a great variation among species to metabolize FLA.

CYTOCHROME P450: Nature's Most Versatile Biological Catalyst

The author describes studies that led to the resolution and reconstitution of the cytochrome P450 enzyme system in microsomal membranes. The review indicates how purification and characterization of the cytochromes led to rigorous evidence for multiple isoforms of the oxygenases with distinct chemical and physical properties and different but somewhat overlapping substrate specificities. Present knowledge of the individual steps in the P450 and reductase reaction cycles is summarized, including evidence for the generation of multiple functional oxidants that may contribute to the exceptional diversity of the reactions catalyzed.

CYP2S1: A short review

A new member of the cytochrome P450 superfamily, CYP2S1, has recently been identified in human and mouse. In this paper, we review the data currently available for CYP2S1. The human CYP2S1 gene is located in chromosome 19q13.2 within a cluster including CYP2 family members CYP2A6, CYP2A13, CYP2B6, and CYP2F1. These genes also show the highest homology to the human CYP2S1. The gene has recently been found to harbor genetic polymorphism. CYP2S1 is inducible by dioxin, the induction being mediated by the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AHR) and Aryl Hydrocarbon Nuclear Translocator (ARNT) in a manner typical for CYP1 family members. In line with this, CYP2S1 has been shown to be inducible by coal tar, an abundant source of PAHs, and it was recently reported to metabolize naphthalene. This points to the involvement of CYP2S1 in the metabolism of toxic and carcinogenic compounds, similar to other dioxin-inducible CYPs. CYP2S1 is expressed in epithelial cells of a wide variety of extrahepatic tissues. The highest expression levels have been observed in the epithelial tissues frequently exposed to xenobiotics, e.g., the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and urinary tracts, and in the skin. The observed ubiquitous tissue distribution, as well as the expression of CYP2S1 throughout embryogenesis suggest that CYP2S1 is likely to metabolize important endogenous substrates; thus far, retinoic acid has been identified. In conclusion, CYP2S1 exhibits many features of interest for human health and thus warrants further investigation.

Malignant transformation of human colon epithelial cells by benzo[c]phenanthrene dihydrodiolepoxides as well as 2-hydroxyamino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heterocyclic aromatic amines (HCAs) ingested with food have repeatedly been suggested to be involved in the malignant transformation of colon epithelial cells. In order to test this hypothesis, HCEC cells (SV40 large T antigen-immortalized human colon epithelial cells) were incubated with a racemic mixture of benzo[c]phenanthrene dihydrodiol epoxides (B[c]PhDE), extremely potent carcinogenic PAH metabolites in vivo, or with 2-hydroxyamino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (N-OH-PhIP), the N-hydroxylated metabolite of the most abundant HCA in cooked meat. First, it was shown that HCEC cells express sulfotransferase 1A1, which is needed to metabolize N-OH-PhIP to the corresponding N-sulfonyloxy derivative, the direct precursor molecule of genotoxic nitrenium ions. Thereafter, exponentially growing HCEC cells were exposed five times to 0.1 microg (0.37 nmol) B[c]PhDE/ml for 30 min or 0.72 microg (3 nmol) N-OH-PhIP/ml for 24 h. Chemically treated HCEC cells showed an enhanced saturation density and grew faster than the corresponding solvent-treated cell cultures. After five treatment cycles, HCEC(B[c]PhDE) as well as HCEC(N-OH-PhIP) cells lost cell-cell contact inhibition and started piling up and forming foci in the culture flasks. Furthermore, HCEC(B[c]PhDE) and HCEC(N-OH-PhIP) cells were injected i.m. into SCID mice. Within 6 weeks after injection, eight animals out of eight injected with HCEC(B[c]PhDE) or HCEC(N-OH-PhIP) cells developed tumors at the site of injection, thus demonstrating the high tumorigenic potential of the HCEC(B[c]PhDE) and HCEC(N-OH-PhIP) cell cultures. Taken together, we show for the first time that the abovementioned active PAH metabolites as well as N-OH-PhIP are indeed able to malignantly transform human colon epithelial cells in vitro.

Cytochrome p450 profile of colorectal cancer: identification of markers of prognosis

PURPOSE

The cytochromes P450 (P450) are a multigene family of enzymes with a central role in the oxidative metabolism of a wide range of xenobiotics, including anticancer drugs, carcinogens, and endogenous compounds. The purpose of this study was to define the P450 profile of colorectal cancer and establish the prognostic significance of expression of individual P450s in colorectal cancer.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

Immunohistochemistry for a panel of 23 P450s was done on a colorectal cancer tissue microarray consisting of 264 primary colorectal cancers, 91 lymph node metastasis, and 10 normal colorectal samples. The intensity of immunoreactivity in each sample was established by light microscopy.

RESULTS

The most frequently expressed form of P450 in normal colon was CYP3A4. In primary colorectal cancer, several P450s (CYP1B1, CYP2S1, CYP2U1, CYP3A5, and CYP51) were present at a significantly higher level of intensity compared with normal colon. P450 expression was also detected in lymph node metastasis and the presence of several P450s (CYP1B1, CYP2A/2B, CYP2F1, CYP4V2, and CYP39) in the lymph node metastasis strongly correlated with their presence in corresponding primary tumors. The presence of strong CYP51 (log-rank = 12.11, P = 0.0005) or strong CYP2S1 (log-rank = 6.72, P = 0.0095) immunoreactivity were associated with poor prognosis. CYP51 was also an independent marker of prognosis (P = 0.009).

CONCLUSIONS

The expression of individual P450s has been established in colorectal cancer. Several P450s show increased expression in colorectal cancer. High expression of CYP51 or CYP2S1 were associated with poor prognosis and CYP51 is an independent marker of prognosis.

Cytochrome p450 enzymes and cardiovascular disease

The cytochrome p450 (CYP) superfamily is responsible for the oxidation, peroxidation, and (or) reduction of vitamins, steroids, xenobiotics, and the majority of cardiovascular drugs in an oxygen- and NADPH-dependent manner. Although hepatic CYP have been studied extensively, the role of CYP in cardiovascular physiology and disease is poorly understood. Increasing evidence suggests that these enzymes play an important role in the pathogenesis of a number of cardiovascular diseases. The current review summarizes the understanding as to the role that dysregulated CYP expression and (or) activity may play in the onset and progression of cardiovascular disease.

Mitochondria in homeostasis of reactive oxygen species in cell, tissues, and organism

The recent knowledge on mitochondria as the substantial source of reactive oxygen species, namely superoxide and hydrogen peroxide efflux from mitochondria, is reviewed, as well as nitric oxide and subsequent peroxynitrite generation in mitochondria and their effects. The reactive oxygen species formation in extramitochondrial locations, in peroxisomes, by cytochrome P450, and NADPH oxidase reaction, is also briefly discussed. Conditions are pointed out under which mitochondria represent the major ROS source for the cell: higher percentage of non-phosphorylating and coupled mitochondria, in vivo oxygen levels leading to increased intensity of the reverse electron transport in the respiratory chain, and nitric oxide effects on the redox state of cytochromes. We formulate hypotheses on the crucial role of ROS generated in mitochondria for the whole cell and organism, in concert with extramitochondrial ROS and antioxidant defense. We hypothesize that a sudden decline of mitochondrial ROS production converts cells or their microenvironment into a "ROS sink" represented by the instantly released excessive capacity of ROS-detoxification mechanisms. A partial but immediate decline of mitochondrial ROS production may be triggered by activation of mitochondrial uncoupling, specifically by activation of recruited or constitutively present uncoupling proteins such as UCP2, which may counterbalance the mild oxidative stress.

CHARACTERIZATION OF RAT SMALL INTESTINAL AND COLON PRECISION-CUT SLICES AS AN IN VITRO SYSTEM FOR DRUG METABOLISM AND INDUCTION STUDIES

The aim of this study was to characterize rat small intestinal and colon tissue slices as a tool to study intestinal metabolism and to investigate gradients of drug metabolism along the intestinal tract as well as drug-induced inhibition and induction of biotransformation. Tissue morphology and the intestinal mucus layer remained intact in small intestinal and colon slices during 3 h of incubation, while alkaline phosphatase was retained and the rate of metabolism of three model compounds (7-hydroxycoumarin, 7-ethoxycoumarin, and testosterone) appeared constant. Phase I and phase II metabolic gradients, decreasing from stomach toward colon were shown to be clearly different for the model compounds used. Furthermore, the observed slice activities were similar or even higher compared with the literature data concerning metabolism of in vitro intestinal systems. Preincubation with beta-naphthoflavone for 24 h induced the O-deethylation of 7-ethoxycoumarin from nearly undetectable to 140 pmol/min/mg protein in small intestine (fresh slices, 43 pmol/min/mg protein) and to 100 pmol/min/mg protein in colon slices (fresh slices, undetectable). Ketoconazole inhibited metabolism of testosterone by 40% and that of 7-ethoxycoumarin by 100%. In conclusion, we showed that the intestinal slice model is an excellent model to study drug metabolism in the intestine in vitro, since we found that the viability parameters remain constant and the measured enzyme activities are relevant, sensitive to inhibitors, and inducible. Therefore, it is a promising tool to study intestinal drug metabolism in human intestine in vitro in the future.

HUMAN CYP2D6 AND MOUSE CYP2DS: ORGAN DISTRIBUTION IN A HUMANIZED MOUSE MODEL

Polymorphic cytochrome P450 (P450) 2D6 (CYP2D6) metabolizes several classes of therapeutic drugs, endogenous neurochemicals, and toxins. A CYP2D6-humanized transgenic mouse line was previously developed to model CYP2D6-poor and -extensive metabolizer phenotypes. Human CYP2D6 was detected in the liver, kidney, and intestine of these animals. In this study, we investigated further the cellular expression and relative tissue levels of human CYP2D6 in these transgenic mice in liver, intestine, kidney, and brain. In addition, we compared this with the expression of mouse CYP2D enzymes in these organs. In humans, these organs are of interest with respect to P450-mediated drug metabolism, toxicity, and disease. The expression of human CYP2D6 and mouse CYP2D enzymes in humanized and wild-type mice was quantified by immunoblotting and detected at the cellular level by immunocytochemistry. The cell-specific expression of human CYP2D6 in liver, kidney, and intestine in humanized mice was similar to that reported in humans. The expression patterns of mouse CYP2D proteins were similar to those in humans in liver and kidney but substantially different in intestine. Human CYP2D6 was not detected in brain of transgenic mice. Mouse CYP2D proteins were detected in brain, allowing, for the first time, a direct comparison of CYP2D expression among mouse, rat, and human brain. This transgenic mouse model is useful for investigating CYP2D6-mediated metabolism in liver, kidney, and especially the intestine, where expression patterns demonstrated substantial species differences.

Expression of cytochrome p450 and other biotransformation genes in fetal and adult human nasal mucosa

Despite recent progress in the identification and characterization of numerous nasal biotransformation enzymes in laboratory animals, the expression of biotransformation genes in human nasal mucosa remains difficult to study. Given the potential role of nasal biotransformation enzymes in the metabolism of airborne chemicals, including fragrance compounds and therapeutic agents, as well as the potential interspecies differences between laboratory animals and humans, it would be highly desirable to identify those biotransformation genes that are expressed in human nasal mucosa. In this study, a global gene expression analysis was performed to compare biotransformation enzymes expressed in human fetal and adult nasal mucosa to those expressed in liver. The identities of a list of biotransformation genes with apparently nasal mucosa-selective expression were subsequently confirmed by RNA-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA sequencing of the PCR products. Further quantitative RNA-PCR experiments indicated that, in the fetus, aldehyde dehydrogenase 6 (ALDH6), CYP1B1, CYP2F1, CYP4B1, and UDP glucuronosyltransferase 2A1 are expressed preferentially in the nasal mucosa and that ALDH7, flavin-containing monooxygenase 1, and glutathione S-transferase P1 are at least as abundant in the nasal mucosa as in the liver. The nasal mucosal expression of CYP2E1 was also detected. These findings provide a basis for further explorations of the metabolic capacity of the human nasal mucosa for xenobiotic compounds.

CYP3A5 genotypes and risk of oesophageal cancer in two South African populations

CYP3A5 is the major cytochrome P450 enzyme in the oesophagus and metabolises many potentially carcinogenic compounds. The frequencies of CYP3A5 allelic variants, CYP3A5*2, *3, *6 and *7 which code for enzymes with severely decreased activities were compared between 241 oesophageal cancer patients and 272 controls in Black and Mixed Ancestry South Africans. A significantly higher frequency of CYP3A5*3 was observed in the controls compared to patients amongst the Mixed Ancestry group (P=0.025). Individuals homozygous for defective CYP3A5 had reduced risk of developing oesophageal cancer (P=0.032).

Metabolism and bioactivation of toxicants in the lung. The in vitro cellular approach

Lung is a target organ for the toxicity of inhalated compounds. The respiratory tract is frequently exposed to elevated concentrations of these compounds and become the primary target site for toxicity. Occupational, accidental or prolonged exposure to a great variety of chemicals may result in acute or delayed injury to cells of the respiratory tract. Nevertheless, lung has a significant capability of biotransforming such compounds with the aim of reducing its potential toxicity. In some instances, the biotransformation of a given compound can result in the generation of more reactive, and frequently more toxic, metabolites. Indeed, lung tissue is known to activate pro-carcinogens (i.e. polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons or N-nitrosamines) into more reactive intermediates that easily form DNA adducts. Lungs express several enzymes involved in the metabolising of xenobiotics. Among them, cytochrome P450 enzymes are major players in the oxidative metabolism as well metabolic bioactivation of many organic toxicants, including pro-carcinogens. Xenobiotic-metabolising P450 enzymes are expressed in bronchial and bronchiolar epithelium, Clara cells, type II pneumocytes, and alveolar macrophages Individual CYP isoforms have different patterns of localisation within pulmonary tissue. With the aid of sensitive techniques (i.e. reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, RT-PCR) it has become possible to detect CYP1A1, CYP1B1, CYP2A6, CYP2B6, CYP2E1 and CYP3A5 mRNAs in lung cells. Less conclusive results have been obtained concerning CYP2Cs, CYP2D6 and CYP3A4. CYP3A5 protein appears to be widely present in all lung samples and is localised in the ciliated and mucous cells of the bronchial wall, bronchial glands, bronchiolar ciliated epithelium and in type I and type II alveolar epithelium. Lung cells also express Phase II enzymes such as epoxide hydrolase, UGT1A (glucuronyl transferase) and GST-P1 (glutathione S-transferase), which largely act as detoxifying enzymes. A key question concerning organ-specific chemical toxicity is whether the actual target has the capacity to activate (or efficiently inactivate) chemicals. Results of several studies indicate that the different xenobiotic-metabolising CYPs, present in the human lung and lung-derived cell lines, likely contribute to in situ activation of pulmonary toxins, among them, pro-carcinogens. Some CYPs, in particular CYP1A, are polymorphic and inducible. Interindividual differences in the expression of these CYPs may explain the different risk of developing lung toxicity (possibly cancer), by agents that require metabolic activation. Few cell lines, principally A549, have been used with variable success as an experimental model for investigating the mechanisms of toxicity. Although RT-PCR analysis has evidenced the presence of the major human pulmonary CYP mRNAs, the measurable P450 specific activities are, however, far below those present in human lungs. Detection of the toxicity elicited by reactive metabolites requires the use of metabolically competent cells; consequently, better performing cells are needed to ensure realistic in vitro prediction of toxicity. Genetic manipulation of lung-derived cells allowing them to re-express key biotransformation enzymes appear to be a promising strategy to improve their functionality and metabolic performance.

Localization of cytochrome P450 CYP2S1 expression in human tissues by in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry

CYP2S1 is a recently discovered dioxin-inducible member of the cytochrome P450 superfamily. It has been shown to be involved in the metabolism of some aromatic hydrocarbons as well as retinoic acid, suggesting a role in biotransformation of both exogenous and endogenous compounds. In this study, we used mRNA in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry to investigate the cellular localization of CYP2S1 in various human tissues using tissue microarrays. High expression levels were observed mainly in epithelial cell types, especially in the epithelia frequently exposed to xenobiotics. In the respiratory tract, the expression was strong in nasal cavity, bronchi, and bronchioli, whereas it was low in the alveolar lining cells. Similarly, CYP2S1 was highly expressed in the epithelial cells throughout the gastrointestinal tract. Strong epithelial expression was also observed in uterine cervix, urinary bladder, and skin. In many exocrine glands (e.g., adrenal gland and pancreas), secretory epithelial cells showed moderate to strong expression levels. In the liver, the expression was low. CYP2S1 was highly expressed in epithelial cells that are major targets for carcinogen exposure and common progenitor cells to tumor development. Indeed, we found strong CYP2S1 expression in many tumors of epithelial origin.

Drug bioactivation, covalent binding to target proteins and toxicity relevance

A number of therapeutic drugs with different structures and mechanisms of action have been reported to undergo metabolic activation by Phase I or Phase II drug-metabolizing enzymes. The bioactivation gives rise to reactive metabolites/intermediates, which readily confer covalent binding to various target proteins by nucleophilic substitution and/or Schiff's base mechanism. These drugs include analgesics (e.g., acetaminophen), antibacterial agents (e.g., sulfonamides and macrolide antibiotics), anticancer drugs (e.g., irinotecan), antiepileptic drugs (e.g., carbamazepine), anti-HIV agents (e.g., ritonavir), antipsychotics (e.g., clozapine), cardiovascular drugs (e.g., procainamide and hydralazine), immunosupressants (e.g., cyclosporine A), inhalational anesthetics (e.g., halothane), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDSs) (e.g., diclofenac), and steroids and their receptor modulators (e.g., estrogens and tamoxifen). Some herbal and dietary constituents are also bioactivated to reactive metabolites capable of binding covalently and inactivating cytochrome P450s (CYPs). A number of important target proteins of drugs have been identified by mass spectrometric techniques and proteomic approaches. The covalent binding and formation of drug-protein adducts are generally considered to be related to drug toxicity, and selective protein covalent binding by drug metabolites may lead to selective organ toxicity. However, the mechanisms involved in the protein adduct-induced toxicity are largely undefined, although it has been suggested that drug-protein adducts may cause toxicity either through impairing physiological functions of the modified proteins or through immune-mediated mechanisms. In addition, mechanism-based inhibition of CYPs may result in toxic drug-drug interactions. The clinical consequences of drug bioactivation and covalent binding to proteins are unpredictable, depending on many factors that are associated with the administered drugs and patients. Further studies using proteomic and genomic approaches with high throughput capacity are needed to identify the protein targets of reactive drug metabolites, and to elucidate the structure-activity relationships of drug's covalent binding to proteins and their clinical outcomes.

Human CYP2C8 Is Transcriptionally Regulated by the Nuclear Receptors Constitutive Androstane Receptor, Pregnane X Receptor, Glucocorticoid Receptor, and Hepatic Nuclear Factor 4α

Cytochrome P450 (P450) enzymes play important roles in the metabolism of endogenous and xenobiotic substrates in humans. CYP2C8 is an important member of the CYP2C subfamily, which metabolizes both endogenous compounds (i.e., arachidonic acids and retinoic acid) and xenobiotics (e.g., paclitaxel). Induction of P450 enzymes by drugs can result in tolerance as well as drug-drug interactions. CYP2C8 is the most strongly inducible member of the CYP2C subfamily in human hepatocytes, but the mechanism of induction by xenobiotics has not been delineated. To determine the mechanisms controlling the regulation of this important P450, we cloned the 5'-flanking region of CYP2C8 and investigated its transcriptional regulation by nuclear factors such as the pregnane X receptor (PXR), constitutive androstane receptor (CAR), glucocorticoid receptor (GR), and hepatic nuclear factor 4 (HNF4alpha) that are known to be involved in the induction of other P450 enzymes using both cell lines and primary hepatocyte models. We initially identified a distal PXR/CAR-binding site in the CYP2C8 promoter that confers inducibility of CYP2C8 via the PXR agonist/ligand rifampicin and the CAR agonist/ligand CITCO [6-(4-chlorophenyl)imidazo[2,1-b][1,3]thiazole-5-carbaldehyde O-(3,4-dichlorobenzyl)oxime]. A glucocorticoid-responsive element was identified that mediates dexamethasone induction via the GR. We finally identified an HNF4alpha-binding site within the CYP2C8 basal promoter region that is cis-activated by cotransfected HNF4alpha. In summary, the present studies show that CAR, PXR, GR, and HNF4alpha can regulate CYP2C8 expression and identify specific cis-elements within the promoter that control these regulatory pathways.

Influence of rifampicin on the expression and function of human intestinal cytochrome P450 enzymes

AIMS

To investigate the potential induction by rifampicin of intestinal CYP2C8, CYP2C9, CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 using preparations of human enterocytes.

METHODS

Using a multilumen perfusion catheter shed human enterocytes were collected from 6 healthy subjects before and after 10 days of 600 mg day(-1) oral rifampicin administration. The protein expression of CYP2C8, CYP2C9, CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 as well as that of CYP3A4 mRNA was determined using Western blotting and RT-PCR, respectively.

RESULTS

CYP3A4 mRNA expression in shed enterocytes increased from 74.6 +/- 44.2 to 143.2 +/- 68.4 a.u. (P < 0.05, 95% CI: 21.8-115.3). Expression of CYP2C8 and CYP2C9 increased from 5.1 +/- 0.9 to 10.4 +/- 2.3 pmol mg(-1) protein (P < 0.01, 95% CI: 2.8-7.7) and from 4.2 +/- 1.4 to 5.7 +/- 1.1 pmol mg(-1) protein (P < 0.01, 95% CI: 0.6-2.4), respectively. No significant difference in CYP2D6 expression before and during rifampicin intake was observed. Rifampicin administration also resulted in a significant induction of CYP3A4 protein (34.1 +/- 10.7 vs. 113.9 +/- 31.1 pmol mg(-1) protein (P < 0.001, 95% CI: 51.8-107.6)). Ex vivo incubation of enterocyte homogenates with verapamil resulted in a significantly increased production of the metabolites formed via CYP3A4 (D-617: 125.9 +/- 118.8 vs. 277.2 +/- 145.5 pmol min(-1) mg(-1) protein (P < 0.05, 95% CI: 30.1-272.5); norverapamil: 113.0 +/- 57.9 vs. 398.4 +/- 148.2 pmol min(-1) mg(-1) protein (P < 0.05, 95% CI: 47.2-523.6)).

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicate that shed enterocytes are a useful tool to study the expression, regulation and function of drug metabolizing enzymes. Induction of intestinal CYP2C8 and CYP2C9 might contribute in part to rifampicin - mediated drug interactions, in addition to their hepatic counterparts and intestinal and hepatic CYP3A4.

Toxicant-induced ER-stress and caspase activation in the olfactory mucosa

The potent olfactory toxicant 2,6-dichlorophenyl methylsulphone (2,6-diClPh-MeSO(2)) induces rapid cell death and long-term metaplastic changes in the olfactory regions of rodents. The damage is related to a tissue-specific and extensive cytochrome P450 (CYP)-mediated metabolic activation of the compound to reactive intermediates. The aim of the present study was to examine the early, cell-specific changes leading to cell death in the olfactory mucosa of mice exposed to 2,6-diClPh-MeSO(2). We have examined the expression of the ER-specific stress protein GRP78, the presence of secretory glycoproteins, and the cellular activation of the initiator caspase 12 and the downstream effector caspase 3. 2,6-DiClPh-MeSO(2) induced rapid and cell-specific expression of GRP78, and activation of caspases 12 and 3 in the Bowman's glands. No similar early onset changes in the neuroepithelium were observed. Based on these results, we propose that extensive lesions are initiated in the Bowman's glands and that the metabolic activation of 2,6-diClPh-MeSO(2) elicits ER-stress response and subsequent apoptotic signaling at this site. Since most of the Bowman's glands had oncotic morphology, the results suggest that the terminal phase of apoptosis was blocked and that these glands finally succumb to other routes of cell death.

Expression patterns of mouse and human CYP orthologs (families 1-4) during development and in different adult tissues

The present study compared the relative expression pattern of 10 orthologous CYP forms from families 1-4 in cDNA panels of human and mouse fetal and adult tissues. Except for CYP1A2, all of these CYPs exhibited specific patterns of expression during mouse ontogeny, suggesting possible involvement in development. Cyp1a1 and Cyp2r1 were the only two of the orthologs to be expressed only in the E7 mouse; Cyp2s1 was expressed in all stages, including E7, while Cyp2e1 appeared only at E17. Highest expression of the individual CYPs in the different late term human fetal tissues was: thymus, CYP1B1 and CYP2U1; liver, CYP2E1; brain, CYP2R1, CYP1A1 and CYP4X1; and lung, CYP4B1 and CYP2W1. In general, the level of individual human CYP transcripts was lower in the fetal than the corresponding adult tissues. The pattern of expression in adult mouse and human tissues was fairly similar for CYP1A1, CYP1A2, CYP1B1, CYP2S1, and CYP2U1 orthologs.

Molecular mechanisms regulating human CYP4B1 lung-selective expression

Lung-selective cytochrome P450 expression is well recognized; however, little is known regarding regulatory mechanisms. To address this knowledge gap, transient expression of CYP4B1/luciferase constructs was used to identify a proximal, positively acting regulatory element, position -139 to -45, that functioned in all cells examined; a negatively acting element, position -457 to -216, that only functioned in HepG2 hepatoblastoma cells; and a distal, positively acting element, position -1087 to -1008, that functioned in A549 or BEAS-2B lung-derived cells but not HepG2 cells or 293 kidney-derived cells. Competitive electrophoretic mobility shift assays further localized specific A549, but not HepG2, nuclear protein binding to two sites within the distal element, CYP4B1 position -1052 to -1042 and -1026 to -1008. Several potential lung-selective transcription factor recognition sequences were identified within these elements. However, attempts to identify specific factor(s) were unsuccessful. In contrast, in vitro DNA/protein binding assays combined with transient expression and mutagenesis studies identified two functional Sephadex protein/Krüppel-like factor families of transcription factor sites within the proximal element (position -118 to -114 and position -77 to -73) that bound both Sephadex protein 1 (Sp1) and Sephadex protein 3 (Sp3) in vitro. Furthermore, Sp1-dependent synergistic regulation was observed in A549 cells involving the proximal and distal regulatory elements. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays demonstrated binding of neither Sp1 nor Sp3 to the CYP4B1 proximal element in human liver tissue, whereas selective Sp1 binding was observed in human lung tissue. Thus, the composite findings are consistent with both the proximal Sp1 elements and the distal regulatory element acting to synergistically control CYP4B1 lung-selective expression.

P450 and P450 reductase cDNAs from the moth Mamestra brassicae: cloning and expression patterns in male antennae

The involvement of cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes in olfaction has been demonstrated in vertebrates over the past decade. In insects, these enzymes are well known for their role in biosynthesis of endogenous compounds as well as xenobiotic metabolism, but the presence of olfactory cytochrome P450s was poorly investigated. Using a PCR-based strategy, we have isolated cDNAs of two new microsomal P450s from the antennae of the cabbage armyworm Mamestra brassicae, CYP9A13 and CYP4G20 of two new microsomal P450s, as well as their red-ox partner, the cytochrome P450 reductase (CPR). Their distribution through the body and their cellular localization within the antennae were studied by RT-PCR and in situ hybridization. The three genes are strongly expressed in some sensory units of the antennae, the sensilla trichodea, which are tuned to odorants detection. The putative functions of the corresponding enzymes are discussed in regard to their respective expression patterns and to our knowledge on olfactory P450 metabolism in mammals.

CHARACTERIZATION OF MICROSOMAL CYTOCHROME P450-DEPENDENT MONOOXYGENASES IN THE RAT OLFACTORY MUCOSA

Nasal administration of a drug ensures therapeutic action by rapid systemic absorption and/or the entry of some molecules into the brain through different routes. Many recent studies have pointed out the presence of xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes in rat olfactory mucosa (OM). Nevertheless, very little is known about the precise identity of isoforms of cytochrome P450 (P450)-dependent monooxygenases (P450) and their metabolic function in this tissue. Therefore, we evaluated mRNA expression of 19 P450 isoforms by semiquantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and measured their microsomal activity toward six model substrates. For purposes of comparison, studies were conducted on OM and the liver. Specific activities toward phenacetin, chlorzoxazone, and dextromethorphan are higher in OM than in the liver; those toward lauric acid and testosterone are similar in both tissues, and that toward tolbutamide is much lower in OM. There are considerable differences between the two tissues with regard to mRNA expression of P450 isoforms. Some isoforms are expressed in OM but not in the liver (CYP1A1, 2G1, 2B21, and 4B1), whereas mRNA of others (CYP2C6, 2C11, 2D2, 3A1, 3A2, and 4A1) is present only in hepatic tissue. Although expression of CYP1A2, 2A1, 2A3, 2B2, 2D1, 2D4, 2E1, 2J4, and 3A9 is noticed in both tissues, there are a number of quantitative differences. On the whole, our results strongly suggest that CYP1A1, 1A2, 2A3, 2E1, 2G1, and 3A9 are among the main functional isoforms present in OM, at least regarding activities toward the six tested substrates. The implication of olfactory P450-dependent monooxygenases in toxicology, pharmacology, and physiology should be further investigated.

CAR and PXR expression and inducibility of CYP2B and CYP3A activities in rat and rabbit lungs

Several CYP enzymes are expressed in the lung of mammals but studies on their regulation have been rather neglected. In this study, the CAR and PXR expression and the inducibility of CYP 2B and CYP 3A isoforms in the lung rats and rabbits were investigated. Rats were treated with phenobarbital, clotrimazole or a mixture of dexametasone plus pregnenolone 16alpha-carbonitrile, whereas rabbits were treated with phenobarbital or rifampicin. A low constitutive expression of CAR mRNA was demonstrated by RT-PCR analysis in the lung of rat but not in rabbit. Phenobarbital treatment did not change the CAR expression profiles and did not induce in either rats and rabbits the pulmonary CYP 2B isoforms, as judged by western blot analysis and the marker pentoxyresorufin O-dealkylase and 7-ethoxy-4-trifluoroethylcoumarin O-deethylase activities. On the contrary, these marker activities were strongly induced by phenobarbital in the liver of both species. A low constitutive level of PXR mRNA was also detected by RT-PCR in the lung of rabbit but not in rat. However, also in this case, their expressions were not altered by the administration of strong CYP 3A inducers such as clotrimazole or a mixture of dexametasone plus pregnenolone 16alpha-carbonitrile for the rat and rifampicin or phenobarbital for the rabbit. For the first time, it was demonstrated by RT-PCR that rat lung expresses CYP 3A2, 3A9, 3A18 and 3A23 whereas the rabbit lung expresses the CYP 3A6, the only CYP 3A isoform identified in the rabbit so far. However, notwithstanding the differences observed in the constitutive presence of PXR and CYP 3A transcripts in both species, the above mentioned treatments did not affect in their lungs, unlike their livers, neither the anti-rat 3A immunoreactive proteins nor the CYP 3A marker 7-benzyloxyquinoline O-debenzylase and the 6beta-testosterone hydroxylase activities. The results obtained indicate that the role of CAR and PXR in the lung of rat and rabbit is different from that observed in the liver or other extrahepatic tissues where the induction of the CYP 2B and CYP 3A isoforms is regulated by these receptors.

Sp1 and Sp3 regulate basal transcription of the human CYP2F1 gene

Selective transcription of the human CYP2F1 gene in lung tissues may control the susceptibilities of this organ to diverse pneumotoxicants and lung carcinogens. However, the mechanisms responsible for CYP2F1 organ-selective transcription have not been elucidated. The objectives of the current studies were to identify and characterize basal transcription elements within the TATA-less promoter region of CYP2F1. Four putative Sp1-like sites were identified in the CYP2F1 promoter. Competitive electrophoretic mobility shift assay analysis with mutated oligonucleotide probes and lung A549 cell nuclear extract, along with supershift studies using antibodies to either Sp1 or Sp3 proteins, demonstrated that all four sites formed three specific protein-DNA complexes. Mutations in any of the four core Sp1-like motifs abolished protein-DNA binding. Western blot analysis of both human tissues and cells showed that Sp1 was considerably higher in lung than liver and that Sp3 was much higher in liver than lung. Promoter activation of a luciferase reporter construct was sequentially increased by addition of each of the four Sp1-like motifs in lung A549 cells but not in liver HepG2 cells. Cotransfection of a Sp1 expression vector with the reporter construct dramatically increased luciferase activity in either A549 cells or Sp1-deficient Drosophila Schneider line 2 (SL-2) cells. However, similar cotransfections with an Sp3 expression vector failed to increase activity. Cotransfection of both the Sp1 and Sp3 expression vectors considerably decreased Sp1-mediated activity in A549 cells and abolished activity in SL-2 cells. Thus, these studies demonstrated that four Sp1-dependent proximal promoter elements drive organ-selective CYP2F1 gene transcription, and that Sp1 and Sp3 factors interact to modulate constitutive CYP2F1 transcription in lung cells.