Enzyme induction in the cytochrome P-450 system

Mutagenicity of organic extracts from Santiago (Chile) airborne particulate matter

The Ames test has been used to detect the mutagenic activity of organic extracts from Santiago (Chile) airborne particles collected in 1990 and 1991 in one of the monitoring net system stations (MACAM). The samples were assayed with the strains TA98, TA98-NR, and TA98/1,8-DNP6 of Salmonella typhimurium, in the presence and in the absence of liver S9 fraction obtained from rats treated with Aroclor 1254. With the strain TA98 all the samples showed a very high mutagenic response either in the presence or in the absence of S9 fraction, suggesting that Santiago airborne particles contain both indirect-acting (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) and direct-acting mutagenic agents. The mutagenicity of Santiago airborne particles was much higher than that reported in studies performed in other countries. Results obtained with the strains TA98-NR and TA98/1,8-DNP6 suggest that the extracts also contain mononitro and dinitroarenes. These nitroarenes have been described as very potent mutagenic agents, that can be generated by photochemical reactions under certain atmospheric conditions, or in the combustion of fuel, especially of diesel motors. The presence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and nitroarenes in Santiago airborne particles, as well as the high levels of mutagenicity detected, suggest that the inhabitants permanent exposure to these kinds of compounds represents a high risk for human health.

Down regulation of CYP 1A1 by glucocorticoids in trout hepatocytes in vitro

Short-term culture of rainbow trout (Onchorhynchus mykiss) hepatocytes was used to examine the effect of dexamethasone (DEX) on microsomal CYP 1A1 protein content and 7-ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) activity in vitro. Hepatocytes prepared by controlled collagenase digestion and plated at a density of 0.25 x 10(6) cells/cm2 in plastic culture dishes precoated with trout skin extract (7.6 micrograms skin protein/cm2) to facilitate cell attachment were maintained at 16 degrees C. Cells were treated with DEX (10(-9) to 10(-7) M) or vehicle (dimethyl sulfoxide, DMSO) at 24 h. Microsomal CYP 1A1 protein content and EROD activities were measured at 72 h. Both CYP 1A1 protein as measured by Western blots using CYP 1A1 specific anti-sera and EROD activity were significantly lower in DEX (10(-8) to 10(-7) M)-treated hepatocytes compared to untreated (control) or DMSO-treated cells. The effect was dose dependent in that a gradual decrease of CYP 1A1 protein and EROD activities were seen with increasing doses of DEX (10(-8) to 10(-7) M). DEX at 10(-9) M was ineffective. Concomitant addition of 10(-6) M RU486, a type II specific glucocorticoid receptor antagonist, to hepatocytes treated with 10(-7) M DEX abolished the DEX effect. RU486 at 10(-8) M was ineffective. Spironolactone (10(-8) to 10(-6) M), a type I specific glucocorticoid receptor antagonist, did not counteract the DEX effect. RU486 or spironolactone (10(-6) M) alone had no effect on CYP 1A1 under similar conditions. DEX thus down regulates CYP 1A1 in fish cultured hepatocytes and this regulation is mediated through the type II glucocorticoid receptor(s).

Effects of ciprofloxacin and enrofloxacin on zoxazolamine kinetics, plasma concentration and sleeping times in mice

The treatment of CD1 male mice with either ciprofloxacin (CP) or enrofloxacin (EF) prior to zoxazolamine (ZX) administration increased the mean ZX sleeping times to, respectively, 162 and 156% of the control (ZX alone). At the end of the sleeping time, the mean ZX plasma concentration in controls was 27.2 micrograms/ml and was not different in EF- or CP-treated groups (87% and 95% of controls, respectively). The animals coadministered with CP or EF and ZX eliminated the latter more slowly than the controls. The estimated zero-time drug concentration of the disposition curves of both the CP- and EF-treated groups as well as the apparent half-life of elimination and apparent overall rate of elimination of the CP-treated group were different from the control values.

Effects of phenobarbital and 3-methylcholanthrene pretreatment on the pharmacokinetics of praziquantel in rats

The effects of phenobarbital (PB) and 3-methylcholanthrene (MC) pretreatment on the pharmacokinetics of praziquantel (PZQ), a schistosomicide were studied in Sprague-Dawley rats. Blood samples at different time intervals were obtained by severing the tail vein and were analyzed for unchanged PZQ by HPLC. The PB-pretreated rats showed a 6-fold decrease in AUC, a 5-fold decrease in Cmax and an 8-fold increase in CLtot compared to the saline treated controls. The MC-pretreated rats and their olive-oil treated controls did not show any statistically significant differences in the above parameters. These results suggest that PZQ is extensively metabolised by PB-inducible cytochrome P-450 isoforms and not by MC-inducible isoforms. These findings also suggest that the bioavailability of praziquantel could be altered to a significant extent in humans taking drugs that are phenobarbital type inducers.

Regulation of CYP1A induction in hepatoma 27 depending on the site of transplantation

1. Rat hepatoma 27 after intrahepatic transplantation shows a low but detectable level of cytochrome P450 and P450-dependent activities. The same hepatoma transplanted intramuscularly does not show a detectable amount of cytochrome P450 and P450-dependent activities. 2. Different types of cytochrome P4501A inducers were able to induce 1A isoforms in the intrahepatic hepatoma 27 transplants but not in the intramuscular transplants. 3. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrates that not all cells in hepatoma 27 transplanted into the liver could be induced with 1A-inducer. The cells of the adenomatous structures of hepatoma 27 are not reactive with 1A antibodies.

Starvation effect on rat kidney peroxisomal and microsomal fatty acid oxidation. A comparative study between liver and kidney

Microsomal lauric acid 12-hydroxy lauric acid (omega)-hydroxylation and fatty acid peroxisomal beta-oxidation were studied in kidney tissue from starved rats. Starvation increased the microsomal omega-hydroxylation and peroxisomal beta-oxidation of fatty acids with a high correlation between both processes. Earlier, we reported similar results in liver. Our results support the hypothesis that the role of microsomal fatty acids omega-hydroxylation is the generation of substrate for peroxisomal beta-oxidation, with the final purpose of contributing to a catabolic or gluconeogenic pathway from fatty acids.

Inhibition by paroxetine of desipramine metabolism in extensive but not in poor metabolizers of sparteine

Nine extensive metabolizers (EMs) and eight poor metabolizers (PMs) of sparteine took a single oral dose of 100 mg of desipramine HCI before and while taking paroxetine 20 mg per day. Before paroxetine, the median of the total desipramine clearance was 7 times higher in EMs than in PMs (102 and 15 l.h-1 respectively). This confirms that desipramine is extensively metabolized via the sparteine/debrisoquine oxidation polymorphism i.e. by CYP2D6. During paroxetine, the median clearances were 22 l.h-1 and 18 l.h-1 in EMs and PMs respectively. The 5-fold decrease in clearance in EMs when desipramine was co-administered with paroxetine confirms that paroxetine is a potent inhibitor of CYP2D6. The lack of effect on clearance in PMs shows that paroxetine is a selective inhibitor of CYP2D6, which is absent from the livers of PMs. Before paroxetine, the median of desipramine clearance via 2-hydroxylation was 40-times higher in EMs than in PMs (56 and 1.4 l.h-1 respectively), but during paroxetine, it was only 2-times higher (6 and 2.9 l.h-1 respectively). The increase in this clearance in PMs suggests that paroxetine is an inducer of the alternative, unidentified P450(s) which catalyze(s) the formation of 2-OH-desipramine in this phenotype. Before paroxetine, the median amounts of 2-OH-desipramine glucuronide recovered in urine were 69% and 68% of the total recovery of 2-OH-desipramine in urine in EMs and PMs respectively. During paroxetine, the corresponding values were 77% and 84%.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Induction of cytochrome P-450-dependent enzyme activities in cultured rat liver slices

Precision-cut liver slices were prepared from male Sprague-Dawley rats with a Krumdieck tissue slicer and cultured in RPMI 1640 medium for up to 72 hr. After 48 hr, cytochrome P-450 content in the slices declined to 36% of levels present in freshly cut rat liver slices. The addition of either beta-naphthoflavone (BNF) or Aroclor 1254 (ARO) partially prevented the loss of cytochrome P-450. Culture of liver slices with phenobarbitone (PB), BNF and ARO resulted in the induction of 7-ethoxycoumarin O-deethylase, 7-benzoxyresorufin O-debenzylase and 7-ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase activities. Generally, the induction of mixed-function oxidase enzymes was greater in 72- than in 48-hr cultured slices, and at the concentrations examined ARO produced a greater stimulation of enzyme activities than did either PB or BNF. These results demonstrate that rat liver slices may be maintained in culture for up to 72 hr, and that they respond in a similar manner to rat primary hepatocyte cultures to some inducers of xenobiotic metabolism. Precision-cut liver slices may therefore be a useful alternative in vitro system to hepatocyte cultures for screening compounds for effects on mixed-function oxidases and for assessing species differences in response.

Purification and characterization of hepatic P-450IIE1 from acetone-treated mice

A new cytochrome P-450 isozyme (Mr = 52,000) was purified to apparent electrophoretic homogeneity from hepatic microsomes of mice treated with acetone and its biochemical, spectral, and immunological properties characterized. Several criteria indicated that the purified cytochrome was distinct from the known mouse P-450 isozymes. The absolute spectrum of its oxidized form indicated that it was in the high spin state. In a reconstituted system, it showed low catalytic activities towards 7-ethoxycoumarin, aminopyrine, and coumarin, whereas it catalyzed the oxidation of aniline, acetone, dimethylnitrosamine with high turnover number. The mouse enzyme was immunoreactive with polyclonal antibodies against rat P-450IIE1 and exhibited an NH2-terminal aminoacid sequence with a high homology to that of rat-P-450IIE1. Based upon the above catalytic, spectral, immunological and structural properties, the purified mouse P-450 appears to be the ortholog of previously described P-450IIE1(s) of other species.

Non-induction of extrahepatic antipyrine and metronidazole metabolism evaluated from partially hepatectomized rats

1. The effect of beta-naphthoflavone (BNF), given i.p. (n = 9) and orally (n = 9), on the metabolism of antipyrine and metronidazole was investigated in rats. 2. The clearances of antipyrine and metronidazole were determined on a single saliva sample. The rates of formation of antipyrine and metronidazole metabolites were determined from a 20 h urine sample and saliva clearance. 3. Administration of beta-naphthoflavone i.p. was significantly more effective than oral dosage on the induction of antipyrine and metronidazole metabolism (p < 0.05). 4. The capacity of extrahepatic tissues to metabolize antipyrine and metronidazole was quantitatively assessed in rats with and without pretreatment with beta-naphthoflavone immediately after sham operation or 70% partial hepatectomy (n = 40). 5. Antipyrine and metronidazole clearances correlated with liver weight in induced and non-induced rats. Linear regression of antipyrine and metronidazole clearances did show a non-significant Y-intercept (p > 0.05), indicating a negligible extrahepatic metabolism in both induced and in non-induced rats. 6. From a quantitative point of view this study indicates that induction of extrahepatic cytochrome P450 metabolism of antipyrine and metronidazole is negligible.

Phenobarbital induction of AP-1 binding activity mediates activation of glutathione S-transferase and quinone reductase gene expression

Phenobarbital is an inducer of xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes, such as cytochrome P-450, glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) and NAD(P)H:quinone reductase, as well as being a promoter of hepatocarcinogenesis. The molecular mechanisms regulating these biological activities are, however, unknown. In this paper we show that induction by phenobarbital of GST Ya and quinone reductase gene expression is mediated by regulatory elements, EpRE and ARE respectively, which are composed of two adjacent AP-1-like binding sites. EpRE was recently found to be activated by a Fos/Jun heterodimeric complex (AP-1). Here we show that phenobarbital induces an increase in AP-1 binding activity in nuclear extracts of cultured hepatoma cells. Furthermore, we observe that the induction of chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) activity from an EpRE Ya-cat gene construct and of AP-1 binding activity by phenobarbital is inhibited by the thiol compounds N-acetyl-L-cysteine and glutathione. These results suggest that the phenobarbital induction of AP-1 activity, leading to the AP-1-mediated transcriptional activation of the GST Ya and quinone reductase genes, may involve production of reactive oxygen species and an increase in intracellular oxidant levels, which is prevented by thiol compounds. In view of the involvement of AP-1 in the control of cell proliferation and transformation, the induction by phenobarbital of AP-1 binding activity observed here provides a possible molecular mechanism for the tumour-promoting activity of this drug.

Ah receptor binding properties of indole carbinols and induction of hepatic estradiol hydroxylation

The effect of route of administration on the ability of indole-3-carbinol (13C), an anticarcinogen present in cruciferous vegetables, to induce estradiol 2-hydroxylase (EH) in female rat liver microsomes was investigated and compared to that of its main gastric conversion product, 3,3'-diindolylmethane (DIM). This dimer was more potent than 13C after either oral or intraperitoneal administration and was also a better in vitro inhibitor of EH in control and 13C-induced hepatic microsomes. The induction of both CYP1A1 and 1A2 in about equal amounts by 13C and DIM as well as of CYP2B1/2 was demonstrated using monoclonal antibodies. DIM, isosafrole, beta-naphthoflavone, 3-methylcholanthrene and naringenin added in vitro inhibited EH strongly in induced microsomes but gestodene was a better inhibitor of estrogen 2-hydroxylation in liver microsomes from untreated female rats. The binding affinities of 13C and DIM to the Ah receptor were compared to that of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) by competition studies, and the IC50 values were shown to be 2.0 x 10(-9) M, 5.0 x 10(-5) M and 2.3 x 10(-3) M for TCDD, DIM and 13C, respectively. The ability of 13C or DIM to cause in vitro transformation of the Ah receptor to a form able to bind to the dioxin-responsive element-3 (DRE3) was compared to that of TCDD and shown to parallel their abilities to compete for binding of [3H]TCDD to the Ah receptor. These experiments confirm and extend the proposals that dietary indoles induce specific cytochrome P450s in rat liver by a mechanism possibly involving the Ah receptor. The induced monooxygenases, in turn, increase the synthesis of 2-hydroxylated estrogens in the competing pathways of 2- and 16 alpha-hydroxylation which decreases the levels of 16 alpha-hydroxyestrone able to form stable covalent adducts with proteins including the estrogen receptor. Such steroid-protein interaction has been correlated with mammary carcinogenesis.

Potentiation of carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity and pneumotoxicity by pyridine

Induction of P450IIE1 by pyridine was compared with that by ethanol, and the resulting potentiation of the pneumotoxicity and hepatotoxicity following carbon tetrachloride inhalation by pyridine was examined. Rats were treated with ethanol as either a 10% solution in the drinking water or as a daily bolus (3 ml/kg, ip) dose for 7 days or one bolus dose of pyridine (200 mg/kg, ip) and compared for P450IIE1 apoprotein content by immunoblot analysis. Ethanol in the drinking water and pyridine elevated both hepatic and pulmonary P450IIE1 apoprotein content, but bolus dose ethanol did not. The induction was greatest in the pyridine group. In the interaction study, rats were treated with pyridine (200 mg/kg, ip) and 12 hours later were exposed to CCl4 (8000 ppm for 3 hours). Pulmonary injury and hepatic damage were assessed 24 hours later by bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) analysis [gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and total protein] and serum sorbitol dehydrogenase (SDH) activity, respectively. Pyridine alone had no effect on BALF or SDH but enhanced GGT and LDH release into the BALF and SDH release into the serum when compared with CCl4 exposure alone. Evaluation of the liver at the light microscopic level revealed characteristic CCl4-induced centrilobular necrosis which was potentiated by pyridine. No changes were observed in the lung by light microscopic evaluation. Pyridine induced pulmonary and hepatic microsomal apoprotein levels of cytochrome P450IIE1 two- and 2- to sixfold, respectively. Exposure to CCl4 decreased hepatic but not pulmonary P450IIE1 levels. Induction of cytochrome P450IIE1 by pyridine increases the bioactivation of CCl4 in both the liver and lung, leading to enhanced toxicity.

Negative control of cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1) by glucocorticoids in rainbow trout liver

1. In rainbow trout liver, dexamethasone caused a reduction in cytochrome P450 1A1 proteins but no change in P450 3A proteins as measured by Western blots using specific anti P450 1A1 and P450 3A sera. 2. After dexamethasone administration, the level of P450 1A1 was down to 14% and 8% of the control values at 24 and 48 hr, respectively. 3. There was no change in P450 1A1 mRNA abundance at 24 hr but a decrease to 45% of the control value was observed at 48 hr after dexamethasone. 4. There is, therefore, a differential response between P450 1A1 and P450 3A to dexamethasone in the trout liver. 5. The initial decrease in P450 1A1 protein probably occurs at the translational level while both translational and transcriptional levels are involved 48 hr after dexamethasone administration.

Effect of treatment with pyrazine and some derivatives on cytochrome P450 and some enzyme activities in rat liver

1. The effect of pyrazine and three pyrazine derivatives, namely (methylthio) methylpyrazine (MTMP), 5, 6, 7, 8-tetrahydroquinoxaline (CHP) and 5-methyl-6, 7-dihydro-5'-cyclopentapyrazine (CPP), on hepatic peroxisomal and microsomal enzyme activities have been studied in male Sprague-Dawley rats. MTMP (0.25-2 mmol/kg per day) and the other compounds (1 mmol/kg/day) were administered by i.p. injections for 3 days. 2. None of the test compounds appeared to be peroxisome proliferators as there was no marked effect on hepatic palmitoyl-CoA oxidation, and neither pyrazine nor MTMP induced microsomal lauric acid 12-hydroxylase. 3. In contrast, all four compounds induced hepatic microsomal cytochrome P450-dependent enzyme activities. MTMP induced the metabolism of several mixed-function oxidase substrates including, 7-pentoxyresorufin, 7-benzoxyresorufin, benzphetamine, 4-nitrophenol and aniline, whereas pyrazine induced the metabolism of fewer substrates but including 4-nitrophenol and aniline. 4. By Western immunoblotting MTMP was found to increase levels of CYP2B1 and CYP3A isoenzymes, whereas pyrazine increased CYP2E1. 5. Thus, while pyrazine appears to be mainly a CYP2E inducer, MTMP is a mixed inducer of cytochrome P450 isoenzymes in the CYP2B, CYP3A and CYP2E subfamilies. CPP is probably a CYP2E inducer in rat liver, whereas CHP appears to be a mixed inducer of cytochrome P450 isoenzymes in the CYP2B, CYP3A and CYP2E subfamilies.

P450 enzymes of estrogen metabolism

Endogenous and exogenous estrogens undergo extensive oxidative metabolism by specific cytochrome P450 enzymes. Certain drugs and xenobiotics have been found to be potent inducers of estrogen hydroxylating enzymes with C-2 hydroxylase induction being greater than that of C-16 hydroxylase. Oxygenated estrogen metabolites have different biological activities, with C-2 metabolites having limited or no activity and C-4 and C-16 metabolites having similar potency to estradiol. Pathophysiological roles for some of the oxygenated estrogen metabolites have been proposed, e.g. 16 alpha-hydroxyestrone and 4-hydroxyestrone. These reactive estrogens are capable of damaging cellular proteins and DNA and may be carcinogenic in specific cells.

Modulation of cytochrome P-450IA1-mediated mutagenicity, DNA binding and metabolism of benzo[a]pyrene by Chinese medicinal herbs

Oldenlandia diffusa (OD) and Scutellaria barbata (SB) have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for treating liver, lung and rectal tumors. We previously showed that they inhibited mutagenesis, DNA binding and metabolism of benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) and aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) bioactivated by Aroclor 1254-induced rat hepatic S9. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of OD and SB on the cytochrome P-450IA1-mediated mutagenicity of BaP in Salmonella typhimurium TA100 using beta-naphthoflavone (beta NF)-induced rat hepatic S9. We also determined the effects of OD and SB on cytochrome P-450IA1-linked ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase (EROD) activity in beta NF-induced hepatic microsomes. In addition, we studied the effects of these two herbs on BaP metabolite binding to calf thymus DNA and using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) we investigated the effects of OD and SB on the metabolism of BaP by beta NF-induced S9. Our experimental results showed that OD and SB inhibited the mutagenicity of BaP in the presence of either non-induced or beta NF-induced S9. SB significantly inhibited BaP binding to DNA. These effects correlated with the inhibition of cytochrome P-450IA1-linked EROD activity in beta NF-induced microsomes and with an inhibition of beta NF-induced S9 mediated metabolism of [3H]BaP as determined by HPLC. These results suggest that OD and SB may possess antimutagenic activity by inhibiting P-450IA-mediated metabolism of BaP.

Aryl hydrocarbon or dioxin receptor: biologic and toxic responses

1. The AhR represents a ligand-activated transcription factor. Receptor agonists include planar aromatic compounds, a variety of heterocyclic plant constituents, and PCDD/PCDF. The latter lead to persistent activation of the receptor due to their strong binding affinity and long biologic half-life of over 10 years in human blood and fat. Practically every person on earth is exposed to these compounds via the diet (> 90%) and by high concentrations in mother's milk. PCDD/PCDF produced toxic responses in exposed people (primarily chloracne and immunosuppression) in the past. However, the present PCDD/PCDF levels (basal levels) in the general population are below those warranting toxicologic concern. 2. The AhR has been characterized as a helix-loop-helix transcription factor related to the Drosophila developmental genes sim and per. The cytosolic form of the receptor is present as an inactive complex with two subunits of HSP90. After ligand binding HSP90 is released and the receptor enters the nucleus as a heterodimer together with a related protein ARNT. It binds with high affinity to certain enhancer elements in the upstream region of several genes such as cytochrome P4501A1 (CYP1A1). The AhR transcriptionally activates several drug-metabolizing enzymes and proteins involved in growth/differentiation, such as the plasminogen activator inhibitor PAI-2 and IL-1 beta. In addition, it modulates the action of a number of other nuclear transcription factors such as receptors of the steroid hormone receptor superfamily and of cell surface receptors such as EGF. With the exception of CYP1A1 induction, little is known about the mechanism of transcriptional activation of the AhR-controlled genes. Many AhR-modulated biologic responses (such as modulation of the estrogen and EGF receptor) appear to be indirect. 3. Persistent activation of the AhR is probably responsible for toxic responses in experimental animals and humans. They are markedly tissue and species specific. In rodents a wasting syndrome, immunosuppression, teratogenicity, chloracne, and carcinogenicity/tumor promotion have been well studied. There is good evidence for an involvement for the AhR in these responses. However, the chain of events from receptor activation to the diverse toxic endpoints is largely unknown. Alteration of growth and differentiation of epithelial tissues may underlie most of the toxic responses. A lot has already been achieved, mostly by characterizing the AhR and transcriptional activation of CYP1A1. Still more work lies ahead of us, for example, elucidation of the physiologic roles of the AhR and of the chains of events from receptor activation to the various biologic and toxic endpoints.

The effect of propylene glycol on the P450-dependent metabolism of acetaminophen and other chemicals in subcellular fractions of mouse liver

Propylene glycol (PG) decreases the hepatotoxicity of acetaminophen (APAP). To elucidate the mechanism for this response, we measured the effect of PG on the in vitro metabolism of APAP by subcellular liver fractions from 6-10 week-old male B6C3F1 mice. The fractions were assayed for their ability to bioactivate APAP to N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine, which was trapped as APAP-glutathione conjugates or APAP-protein adducts, and for dimethyl-nitrosamine-N-demethylase (DMN), 4-nitrophenol hydroxylase (4-NPOH), and phenacetin-O-deethylase (PAD) activities. Activity in the crude mitochondrial-rich (10,000 x g pellet) fraction was low and PG had no effect. PG inhibited DMN and 4-NPOH, indicators of IIE1-dependent activity, and the formation of APAP-glutathione conjugates and APAP-protein adducts in both heavy (15,000 x g pellet) and light (100,000 x g pellet) microsomes. PAD, a measure of IA2-dependent activity, was not inhibited. These data demonstrate that PG selectively inhibits IIE1 activity, including the bioactivation of APAP, and implicates this as the mechanism for PG-mediated protection of APAP hepatotoxicity in mice.

Transient induction of cytochrome P450 1A1 mRNA by culture medium component in primary cultures of adult rat hepatocytes

Because the metabolic environment can alter gene expression in cultured cells, we examined the effects of change of medium on the levels of several cytochrome P450 mRNAs in primary cultures of rat hepatocytes maintained on Matrigel. The amounts of P450 1A2, 2B1/2, or 3A1 mRNA were unaffected by changing the medium. In contrast, P450 1A1 mRNA levels were increased 1 to 2 h after media change, reached maximum levels by 6 h, and declined to baseline by 24 h. Supplementing day-old media with components of the medium revealed that only addition of amino acids resulted in 1A1 mRNA induction. From the results of direct additions and omissions, we showed that tryptophan, but not histidine, was largely responsible for the 1A1 mRNA induction. Moreover, mild photoactivation of the tryptophan resulted in a substantially increased magnitude of 1A1 mRNA induction. The time course for 1A1 mRNA induction by treatment with photoactivated tryptophan was identical to that observed after medium change. Treatment of hepatocyte cultures with beta-naphthoflavone, which is metabolized by 1A1, also resulted in a transient 1A1 mRNA induction time-course profile over a 24-h period, whereas treatment with 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin, which is relatively stable to metabolic transformation, produced sustained elevations of 1A1 mRNA, suggesting that the transient response to tryptophan also may involve metabolism of the inducer. Our results extend previous data showing that oxidized products of tryptophan induce 1A1, and suggest that the transient nature of the induction may be due to elimination of the activated tryptophan molecule.

The effect of enzyme induction on the cytochrome P450-mediated bioactivation of carbamazepine by mouse liver microsomes

Predisposition to idiosyncratic toxicity with carbamazepine is thought to be due to a deficiency of the detoxication enzyme, microsomal epoxide hydrolase, although in some cases, concurrent administration of enzyme inducers might be a contributory risk factor, by altering the critical balance between bioactivation and detoxication. In this study, a mouse model has been used to determine the factors affecting carbamazepine bioactivation, using covalent binding and cytotoxicity as markers of bioactivation in vitro. Microsomes prepared from mice pre-treated with phenobarbitone increased (relative to the control microsomes) the formation of cytotoxic (12.3% vs 3.2%), protein-reactive (3.0% vs 2.0%) and stable (33.8% vs 18.1%) metabolites of carbamazepine. Similarly, pre-treatment with dexamethasone also increased the formation of the cytotoxic (24.8% vs 6.7%), protein-reactive (2.8% vs 1.5%) and stable (38% vs 19.8%) metabolites of carbamazepine, while beta-naphthoflavone pretreatment did not increase the formation of either the toxic or stable metabolites of carbamazepine when compared with its control microsomes. Co-incubation with gestodene (10-250 microM) resulted in a dose-dependent inhibition of both the bioactivation of carbamazepine and the formation of its stable 10,11-epoxide. SDS-PAGE and immunoblotting of the microsomes with anti-CYP3A antibody revealed the presence of a 52 kDa protein band in each preparation of microsomes, but the relative intensities of the bands, as measured by laser densitometry, were highest with the phenobarbitone and dexamethasone microsomes. The microsomal oxidation of cortisol to 6 beta-hydroxycortisol was also enhanced by pretreatment of mice with phenobarbitone (6.5% vs 2.7%) and dexamethasone (8.2% vs 4.3%), but not beta-naphthoflavone (2.2% vs 1.6%), when compared with their respective control microsomes, and was inhibited (range 25-68% inhibition), with all the microsomes by gestodene (50 microM). Taken collectively, the data in this study demonstrate that in the mouse, induction of the CYP3A subfamily significantly increases carbamazepine bioactivation. It is likely that in humans inducers of the orthologous form of this enzyme, most notably anticonvulsants, may increase the bioactivation of carbamazepine.

Characterization of the 4 S polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon-binding protein in human liver and cells

The 4 S polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH)-binding protein (PBP) is a soluble protein that binds PAHs with high affinity in mouse, rat, and rabbit. Until now, this protein had not been detected in human placenta or human cells in culture by cytosol labeling and gradient centrifugation assay. Thanks to a preliminary fractionation of cytosol by sedimentation on sucrose gradient or/and gel permeation chromatography, we found that PBP was present in liver, MCF-7 cell line, and hepatocytes of human. To accurately quantitate PBP binding and determine specific binding parameters, a reduction in the amount of charcoal used to adsorb nonspecifically bound benzo[a]pyrene was required. By saturation analysis, the concentration of specific binding sites for [3H]BP in PBP fraction from human liver was 4.6 pmol/mg of protein compared with 14.7 +/- 1.4 pmol/mg in the same fraction from DBA/2J mouse liver. Kinetic studies analyzed by Scatchard and Woolf plots indicate that human liver and MCF-7 cells contain a low-affinity PBP form: the Kd derived from Woolf plot analysis were 14.2 +/- 1.4 and 26.2 +/- 1.8 nM, respectively. DBA/2J mouse possesses a higher-affinity PBP form, the same analysis indicating a Kd of 6.1 +/- 0.3 nM. These data demonstrate that, by comparison to the mouse liver, a lower-affinity form of PBP is present in reduced concentration in human liver, explaining the impossibility of detecting this protein by sedimentation of human cytosol in sucrose gradient.

Mechanism of antimutagenicity of wheat sprout extracts

In this paper we have demonstrated that wheat sprout extract, which has been shown to be antimutagenic towards benzo[a]pyrene (BP), reduced formation of BP metabolites by hepatic microsomes of either benzo[a]pyrene- or phenobarbital-treated rats as analyzed in high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). Comparing the time dependence of profiles and values of BP metabolites, formed in experiments in which the same dose of wheat sprout extract was added to the incubation medium, it has been observed that the later this extract was added the higher the percent of BP that was metabolized. In a bacterial test (cytochrome P450 induction assay) high inhibition of mutagenic activity of cyclophosphamide and ethidium bromide, in the presence of wheat sprout extract, reflected decreased levels of cytochromes P4502B1 and P4501A1 respectively. Decreased levels of both cytochromes P4501A1 and P4502B1 were also observed in either wheat sprout extract- or wheat sprout extract plus benzo[a]pyrene-treated rats. In all of these studies it has been observed that wheat sprout extract displays much more affinity for cytochrome P4501A1 than for the P4502B1 form. On the other hand the wheat sprout extract had higher affinity for carcinogen binding protein (4S protein) than for the aryl hydrocarbon receptor. The strong inhibition of BP mutagenicity and BP metabolism with non-chlorophyllic wheat sprout extract suggests that chlorophyll is not the main compound responsible for the antimutagenic activity of wheat sprout extract. The similar chromatographic behavior of both the main inhibitory fraction, obtained from wheat sprout extract, and two pure glycosides of apigenin--shaftoside, purified from wheat sprout extract and synthetic swertisine--suggests that antimutagenic compound(s) contained in the wheat sprout extract belong(s) to this family of flavonoids.

Inhibition of protein synthesis increases the transcription of the phenobarbital-inducible CYP2H1 and CYP2H2 genes in chick embryo hepatocytes

The mechanism by which phenobarbital and similar compounds regulate gene expression has remained elusive for many years despite intense investigation. We had previously reported that the mRNA expression for the phenobarbital-inducible CYP2H1 gene was increased by cycloheximide treatment as rapidly and to a similar extent as by the phenobarbital-type drugs glutethimide and 2-propyl-2-isopropylacetamide (PIA), in primary cultures of chick embryo hepatocytes or in chick embryo liver in vivo (J. W. Hamilton, W. J. Bement, P. R. Sinclair, J. F. Sinclair, and K. E. Wetterhahn, 1988, Biochem. J. 255, 267-275). To examine the mechanism of this induction further, we determined the effects of various structurally related and unrelated inhibitors of protein synthesis on CYP2H1 expression in cultured chick embryo hepatocytes. Cycloheximide increased the transcription rate of the CYP2H1/2 genes to a similar extent as did PIA, and had little or no effect on CYP2H1 mRNA half-life. A number of other protein synthesis inhibitors, including streptovitacin, acetoxycycloheximide, pactamycin, and ricin, all increased CYP2H1 mRNA expression to a similar extent. The dose responses for induction of CYP2H1 mRNA and inhibition of protein synthesis by these agents were closely correlated. There was no relationship between the effectiveness of these agents to induce CYP2H1 mRNA expression and their structures or lipophilicity. Cycloheximide acetate required deesterification to cycloheximide for both inhibition of protein synthesis and induction of CYP2H1 mRNA. These results suggest that a labile negative regulatory protein is involved in CYP2H1/2 gene expression. It is also possible that this factor is involved in regulating the phenobarbital response of CYP2H1/2.

Species difference among experimental rodents in induction of P450IA family enzymes by 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine

Rats, mice, hamsters and guinea pigs were given an i.p. injection of 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenyl-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (PhIP), a protein-derived pyrolysate component present in cooked foods, and inductions of cytochrome P450 (P450) in the liver and kidney of these animals were examined. The activity and amount of P450s corresponding to the rat P450IA1 and P450IA2 were assessed by means of a bacterial mutation test using 3 carcinogenic heterocyclic aromatic amines including PhIP as substrates and by Western blotting with a monoclonal antibody reactive with both P450IA1 and P450IA2. In rats, PhIP induced P450IA1, P450IA2 and a new but unspecified P450 isozyme in the liver, and induced P450IA1 in the kidney. However, PhIP induced none of these P450 isozymes in mice, hamsters and guinea pigs.

Recombinant DNA approaches for the development of metabolic systems used in in vitro toxicology

In the past few years there has been considerable progress in the development of mammalian cell systems for use in genetic toxicology by the stable transfer of genes/cDNAs coding for drug metabolizing enzymes directly into the target cell. Alternative approaches have also been developed in which mammalian cells are transiently transfected with cDNAs coding for drug-metabolizing enzymes and S9 preparations expressing a single metabolizing enzyme isolated and used for metabolic activation. Progress in these areas is reviewed here and the relative merits of the different approaches are discussed. Work to date has focused primarily on the cytochrome P450 family of enzymes, although other enzyme systems involved in xenobiotic metabolism have been used. The central theme of this review is the transfer of genetic information to improve the metabolic capability of cell systems used in genetic toxicology. However, a basic philosophy of the review is that genetic manipulation of cultured mammalian cells has the potential for developing systems to be used to better understand chemically induced toxicological effects.

Effect of pyrazole, cobalt and phenobarbital on mouse liver cytochrome P-450 2a-4/5 (Cyp2a-4/5) expression

Pyrazole, cobalt and phenobarbital increase the activity of coumarin 7-hydroxylase (COH) in mouse liver. To study the mechanism of this increase, we measured the expression of the cytochrome P-450 2a-4/5 (Cyp2a-4/5) complex, which mediates testosterone 15 alpha-hydroxylase and COH activities, as a function of dose and time after the treatment of C57BL/6 (B6) and DBA/2 (D2) male mice with the inducers. COH activity and Cyp2a-4/5 steady-state mRNA levels were increased in both strains in response to the inducers. No marked effect occurred with testosterone 15 alpha-hydroxylase or activities associated with Cyp1a-1 or Cyp2e-1. A 2-7-fold increase in response to the inducers was seen in the amount of P-450Coh (cytochrome P-450 isoenzyme catalysing coumarin 7-hydroxylation) protein in Western immunoblots. PCR amplification of a 1 kb region in Cyp2a-4/5-mRNA-derived cDNA, followed by cutting at the diagnostic PstI site, showed that most of the steady-state mRNA consisted of Cyp2a-5, which is also the form most affected by pyrazole. Nuclear run-off analysis revealed no increase in the transcription rate of Cyp2a-4/5 after pyrazole or cobalt treatment, whereas a 2-3-fold increase occurred after phenobarbital pretreatment in B6 mice. Together with previous reports [Aida & Negishi (1991) Biochemistry 30, 8041-8045], the current data suggest that both pyrazole and cobalt increase COH catalytic activity by affecting Cyp2a-5 by post-transcriptional mechanisms in mice.

Exposure to bleached kraft pulp mill effluent disrupts the pituitary-gonadal axis of white sucker at multiple sites

Our recent studies have demonstrated reproductive problems in white sucker (Catostomus commersoni) exposed to bleached kraft pulp mill effluent (BKME) at Jackfish Bay on Lake Superior. These fish exhibit delayed sexual maturity, reduced gonadal size, reduced secondary sexual characteristics, and circulating steroid levels depressed relative to those of reference populations. The present studies were designed to evaluate sites in the pituitary-gonadal axis of prespawning white sucker affected by BKME exposure. At the time of entry to the spawning stream, plasma levels of immunoreactive gonadotropin (GtH)-II (LH-type GtH) in male and female white sucker were 30- and 50-fold lower, respectively, than the levels in fish from a reference site. A single intraperitoneal injection of D-Arg6, Pro9N-Et sGnRH (sGnRH-A, 0.1 mg/kg) increased plasma GtH levels in male and female fish at both sites, although the magnitude of the response was greatly reduced in BKME-exposed fish. Fish at the BKME site did not ovulate in response to sGnRH-A, while 10 of 10 fish from the reference site ovulated within 6 hr. Plasma 17 alpha,20 beta-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (17,20 beta-P) levels were depressed in BKME-exposed fish and unlike fish at the reference site, failed to increase in response to sGnRH-A. Testosterone levels in both sexes and 11-ketostestosterone levels in males were elevated in fish from the reference site but were not further increased by GnRH treatment. In contrast, BKME-exposed fish exhibit a transitory increase in testosterone levels in response to the GnRH analog. In vitro incubations of ovarian follicles obtained from fish at the BKME site revealed depressed basal secretion of testosterone and 17,20 beta-P and reduced responsiveness to the GtH analog human chorionic gonadotropin and to forskolin, a direct activator of adenylate cyclase. By comparison, ovarian follicles from fish collected at BKME and reference sites produced similar levels of prostaglandin E basally and in response to a phorbol ester and calcium ionophore A23187, suggesting that BKME effects on ovarian function are selective and do not reflect a general impairment of ovarian function. BKME-exposed fish had plasma levels of testosterone glucuronide proportionately lower than those of reference fish, suggesting that there are site differences in the peripheral metabolism of steroids. These studies demonstrate that BKME exposure affects reproduction by acting at multiple sites in the pituitary-gonadal axis.

Time course characterization of the induction of cytochrome P-450 2E1 by pyrazole and 4-methylpyrazole

Cytochrome P-450 (P-450) 2E1 is under transcriptional and post-transcriptional control. Well-defined time courses were carried out to compare the effect of pyrazole and 4-methylpyrazole on catalytic activities, apo-P-450 2E1 levels and mRNA levels to evaluate whether induction of P-450 2E1 is preceded by altered mRNA levels. Two days of treatment with pyrazole or three days of treatment with 4-methylpyrazole resulted in significant induction of P-450 2E1, as assessed by Western blots and by oxidation of dimethylnitrosamine or p-nitrophenol. No changes in mRNA levels were detected with either inducer. Within 2 h of the second treatment with pyrazole, maximal induction of P-450 2E1 was observed, however, a 8-12 h time-dependent period was required after the third treatment with 4-methylpyrazole for maximal induction. Irrespective of the time period, increased catalytic activity and P-450 2E1 appears to reflect a post-transcriptional mechanism. A single treatment with 4-methylpyrazole increased P-450 2B1/B2 levels and oxidation of pentoxyresorufin about 2- to 3-fold. No change in mRNA levels for 2B1/B2 was observed. Although significant, the induction of 2B1/B2 by 4-methylpyrazole is more than an order of magnitude less than that by phenobarbital. Pyrazole did not induce 2B1/B2. It appears that, similar to acetone and ethanol, 4-methylpyrazole may increase several P-450 isozymes, whereas pyrazole is more specific for induction of P-450 2E1.

Induction of cytochrome P-450 by dimethyl sulfoxide in primary cultures of adult rat hepatocytes

Treatment of hepatocyte cultures with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) induced P-450IIE1-specific aniline 4-hydroxylase activity and P-450IA1-specific ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase activity at a concentration of 0.1% (v/v). The P-450IIB-specific pentoxyresorufin O-deethylase activity was induced only at the 2% (v/v) level. Dot blot analysis of the total cellular RNA and cycloheximide treatment of the culture suggested that induction of ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase activity by DMSO may be due to the increase of de novo synthesis of the P-450IA1 protein, not to accumulation of mRNA in the hepatocyte culture.

Two- and four-day rifampin chemoprophylaxis regimens induce oxidative metabolism

The effects of two short-term chemoprophylaxis regimens of rifampin (2 or 4 days) on oxidative metabolism were investigated in 14 healthy subjects. Seven subjects received 600 mg of rifampin twice daily on study days 6 and 7 (group A), and seven subjects received 600 mg of rifampin once daily on days 4, 5, 6, and 7 (group B). Antipyrine (18 mg/kg of body weight) was administered orally on days 1, 8, and 15. Short-term rifampin regimens increased oral clearance of antipyrine in both groups compared with the baseline value (P less than 0.05), and group B displayed a larger percent increase over the baseline value than group A did (70.5 +/- 14.3 versus 33.1 +/- 18.1; P less than 0.05). The partial metabolic clearance (CLM) of antipyrine to 3-hydroxymethylantipyrine (HMA) on day 8 increased 71 and 108% for regimens A and B, respectively (P less than 0.05 for both). The corresponding increases in CLM to norantipyrine (NORA) were 57 and 98% (P less than 0.05 for both). CLM to 4-hydroxyantipyrine (OHA) on day 8 increased 64% for regimen A (P = 0.08) and 97% for regimen B (P less than 0.05) compared with the baseline. Although CLM to HMA and OHA on day 15 remained greater than 50% over the baseline with both regimens, CLM to NORA on day 15 was less than 25% over the baseline with both regimens. Thus, both short-term rifampin chemoprophylaxis regimens increased antipyrine clearance for at least 1 week. The increase tended to be higher with the 4-day regimen. The pattern observed for the CLMS suggests that more than one P-450 enzyme is affected.

Crystallization and preliminary x-ray diffraction analysis of P450terp and the hemoprotein domain of P450BM-3, enzymes belonging to two distinct classes of the cytochrome P450 superfamily

Cytochromes P450 are members of a superfamily of hemoproteins that are involved in the metabolism of various physiologic and xenobiotic organic compounds. This superfamily of proteins can be divided into two classes based on the electron donor proximal to the P450: an iron-sulfur protein for class I P450s or a flavoprotein for class II. The only known tertiary structure of any of the cytochromes P450 is that of P450cam, a class I soluble enzyme isolated from Pseudomonas putida (product of the CYP101 gene). To understand the details of the structure-function relationships within and between the two classes, structural studies on additional cytochromes P450 are crucial. We report here characterization of the crystal forms of two soluble, bacterial enzymes: cytochrome P450terp [class I enzyme from a Pseudomonas species (product of CYP108 gene)] and the hemoprotein domain of cytochrome P450BM-3 [class II enzyme from Bacillus megaterium (product of the CYP102 gene)]. The crystals of cytochrome P450terp are hexagonal and belong to the space group P6(1)22 (or its enantiomorph, P6(5)22) with unit cell dimensions a = b = 68.9 A and c = 458.7 A. The crystals of the hemoprotein domain of cytochrome P450BM-3 are monoclinic and belong to the space group P2(1) with unit cell dimensions a = 59.4 A, b = 154.0 A, c = 62.2 A, and beta = 94.7 degrees. Diffraction data for the crystals of these two proteins were obtained to a resolution better than 2.2 A. Assuming the presence of two molecules in the asymmetric unit for the hemoprotein domain of P450BM-3 and one molecule for P450terp, the calculated values of Vm are 2.6 and 3.3 A3/Da, respectively.

Paradoxical transcriptional activation of rat liver cytochrome P-450 3A1 by dexamethasone and the antiglucocorticoid pregnenolone 16 alpha-carbonitrile: analysis by transient transfection into primary monolayer cultures of adult rat hepatocytes

The family 3A cytochromes P-450, among the most abundant members of this supergene family of microsomal hemoproteins expressed in animal and human liver, are inducible by glucocorticoids but also by such antiglucocorticoids as pregnenolone 16 alpha-carbonitrile (PCN). To investigate the mechanism for this nonclassical glucocorticoid effect, we analyzed the ability of 1.5 kilobases of DNA or of its successive subsegments isolated from the 5' flanking region of the rat CYP3A1 structural gene to modulate transcription of a reporter gene consisting of a viral promoter coupled to the chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) structural gene (expression vector pBLCAT2) and transiently expressed in a homologous cell system consisting of primary monolayer cultures of adult rat hepatocytes in which CYP3A1 mRNA and protein are inducible. The CAT activity measured after chimeric gene constructions were transferred into the cultured rat hepatocytes by lipofection increased as much as 7.2-fold if the cells were treated with dexamethasone (DEX). One CYP3A1 fragment (positions -220 to -56; 164 base pairs), which does not contain a traditional glucocorticoid responsive element, conferred dose-dependent DEX responsiveness independent of its orientation but not its position in pBLCAT2. This construction was activated by addition of PCN to the cultures and was synergistically induced by PCN plus DEX. In contrast, induction of CAT activity in cultures containing MMTVCAT, a plasmid containing the CAT gene controlled by the mouse mammary tumor virus long terminal repeat, was unaffected by PCN treatment, required lower concentrations of DEX for a maximal response, and was inhibited by treatment with DEX plus PCN. We conclude that a primary mechanism for induction of CYP3A1 is stimulated transcription through a pathway activated by steroid hormones.

Hepatic xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes in two species of benthic fish showing different prevalences of contaminant-associated liver neoplasms

English sole (Parophrys vetulus) and starry flounder (Platichthys stellatus) are closely related benthic fish which show substantial differences in prevalences of contaminant-associated hepatic neoplasms and putatively preneoplastic foci of cellular alteration when captured from estuaries containing a variety of organic chemical contaminants, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and chlorinated hydrocarbons. Because PAH are strongly implicated as causative agents in the etiology of these lesions, several of the hepatic enzymes involved in activation and detoxication of PAH were studied in these two species. Hepatic aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase (AHH), epoxide hydrolase (EH), and glutathione S-transferase (GST) activities were measured in animals sampled from both contaminated and reference areas. English sole, the species showing higher prevalences of contaminant-associated hepatic lesions, had higher (1- to 2-fold) hepatic activities of AHH and lower activities of EH (0.8-fold) and GST (1.8-fold) than those of starry flounder, regardless of site of capture. These results are largely consistent with increased activation and decreased detoxication of PAH by English sole in comparison to starry flounder. Both laboratory and field data suggested that the observed species differences in enzyme activities were constitutive and not related to differential exposure to contaminants. There were also substantial differences between these species with respect to expression of GST isoenzymes, in that starry flounder expressed two highly anionic GST isoenzymes which did not correspond to any GST isoenzymes expressed in English sole liver; a previous study in an elasmobranch fish showed that an anionic GST was most active toward PAH oxides. These differences in enzyme activities and isoenzyme profiles suggest a toxicological basis which may help to explain, at least in part, the differences in prevalences of contaminant-associated liver neoplasms between these two species.

Polychlorinated biphenyls in the environment

This review surveys the problems arising from the release of PCBs into the environment from the point of view of the analytical chemist. These problems are very complex and interdependent and so it is essential to recognize their mutual links rather than to separate one problem from another (sources of contamination, fate in the environment, toxic properties and particular capabilities, limitations and purposes of analytical methods). Prominent attention should be paid in the future to congener-specific analyses of "toxic" congeners using high-resolution gas chromatography and to toxicity-assessing biological methods.

Phenobarbital induction of cytochrome P-450 gene expression

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Glucocorticoid-mediated potentiation of P450 induction in primary culture of rainbow trout hepatocytes

Induction of 7-ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase activity (a cytochrome P450IA-dependent activity) by beta-naphthoflavone (0.36 microM) is increased 2-3-fold by dexamethasone or cortisol (10(-9)-10(-7) M) in rainbow trout hepatocyte cultures. This potentiation does not seem to be a time-dependent process and could be a classical glucocorticoid receptor-mediated event resulting in enhanced transcriptional activation of the CYP1A, as previously shown in mammals. Since glucocorticoid levels can increase in fish exposed to pollutants, such steroids may interfere with the induction response to xenobiotics.

cDNA sequence, deduced amino acid sequence, predicted gene structure and chemical regulation of mouse Cyp2e1

The cDNA encoding the mouse Cyp2e1 protein has been isolated and sequenced, and shown to share 92%, 79%, 80% and 79% sequence similarity over the coding region with rat, human, rabbit 1 and rabbit 2 CYP2E1 cDNA sequences respectively. The predicted Cyp2e1 protein contains 493 amino acids, with a molecular mass of 56781 Da. The protein contains many features common to other cytochrome P450s, including a potentially phosphorylatable serine residue at position 129 within a canonical cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase site. Southern blot analysis of genomic DNA prepared from C57BL/6 and DBA/2N mice suggests the presence of only a single Cyp2e1 gene. The Cyp2e1 gene was isolated and its organization was established by PCR using oligonucleotides to its predicted intron/exon boundaries. These results showed that the mouse Cyp2e1 gene is approx. 11,000 bp in length and has a similar structure to the human and rat CYP2E1 genes. Cyp2e1 protein expression was studied in a variety of tissues and a sexual dimorphism in its levels in some tissues was noted. Acetone treatment induced the Cyp2e1 protein in all of the tissues studied in both sexes, but this Cyp2e1 protein induction was not accompanied by an increase in Cyp2e1 mRNA levels. Indeed, mRNA levels were seen to be decreased on treatment, suggesting that acetone administration affects either mRNA translation efficiency or protein stability. Of a wide range of drugs known to modify other cytochrome P450 levels only diethylnitrosamine had a significant effect on Cyp2e1, causing a decrease in protein levels.

Differentiation of cytochrome P-450 inducers on the basis of 7-alkoxycoumarin O-dealkylase activities

1. The high-affinity and total activities of 7-methoxycoumarin O-demethylase and of 7-ethoxycoumarin O-deethylase were measured in liver microsomes isolated from rats treated with prototypic inducers belonging to the main classes of microsomal enzyme inducers currently recognized. 2. Each inducer (with the exception of clofibrate which was ineffective) produced a unique induction profile, indicating the possibility of using these two enzymes, each measured at two substrate concentrations, for characterization of the inducing potential of novel xenobiotics. 3. Differences between p,p'-DDT and phenobarbitone in the induction profiles indicate that DDT may not be a pure 'phenobarbitone-type' inducer as has been proposed hitherto.

Relative expression of cytochrome P450 isoenzymes in human liver and association with the metabolism of drugs and xenobiotics

Cytochrome P450s play a central role in the metabolism and disposition of an extremely wide range of drugs and chemical carcinogens. Individual differences in the expression of these enzymes may be an important determinant in susceptibility to adverse drug reactions, chemical toxins and mutagens. In this paper, we have measured the relative levels of expression of cytochrome P450 isoenzymes from eight gene families or subfamilies in a panel of twelve human liver samples in order to determine the individuality in their expression and whether any forms are co-regulated. Isoenzymes were identified in most cases on Western blots based on the mobility of authentic recombinant human cytochrome P450 standards. The levels of the following P450 proteins correlated with each other: CYP2A6, CYP2B6 and a protein from the CYP2C gene subfamily, CYP2E1 and a member of the CYP2A gene subfamily, CYP2C8, CYP3A3/A4 and total cytochrome P450 content. Also, the levels of two proteins in the CYP4A gene subfamily were highly correlated. These correlations are consistent with the relative regulation of members of these gene families in rats or mice. In addition, the level of expression of specific isoenzymes has also been compared with the rate of metabolism of a panel of drugs, carcinogens and model P450 substrates. These latter studies demonstrate and confirm that the correlations obtained in this manner represent a powerful approach towards the assignment of the metabolism of substrates by specific human P450 isoenzymes.

Influence of single and concurrent clofibrate and phenobarbital administration on cytochrome P450-dependent mixed function oxidase activities and peroxisome proliferation in male rat liver

The influence of both single and concurrent administration of phenobarbital and clofibrate on hepatomegaly, cytochrome P450-dependent mixed function oxidase activities, and peroxisome proliferation in male rat liver have been studied. Both xenobiotics separately increase the liver: body weight ratio and their combined administration results in greater hepatomegaly than either compound alone. Both compounds induce NADPH-cytochrome c(P450) reductase activity and laurate omega- and omega-1-hydroxylase activities, but only phenobarbital induces pentoxyresorufin-O-dealkylase. None of the drug treatments induced microsomal cytochrome b5. Phenobarbital did not cause peroxisome proliferation and inhibited the corresponding clofibrate-dependent proliferation. Taken collectively, our studies have demonstrated that concomitant treatment with phenobarbital and clofibrate are largely permissive with respect to the hepatic mixed function oxidase system but have opposing effects on the phenomenon of peroxisome proliferation in the same tissue.

Induction of CYP1A1 gene expression in H4-II-E rat hepatoma cells by benzo[e]pyrene

In the rat, expression of the CYP1A1 gene is closely associated with arylhydrocarbon hydroxylase (AHH) enzyme activity. AHH is an inducile enzyme activity known to play an important role in the bioactivation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) to mutagenic and carcinogenic metabolites. PAH-induced expression of the CYP1A1 gene appears to be regulated by several trans-acting factors, including the Ah receptor and the 4S PAH-binding protein. In this study, we used the PAH isomers benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) and benzo[e]pyrene (BeP) to further evaluate the role of the 4S PAH-binding protein in induction of the CYP1A1 gene in H4-II-E rat hepatoma cells. Although BaP is believed to bind to both the Ah receptor and the 4S protein, BeP has been reported to bind exclusively to the 4S protein. The results of the study presented here indicate that BaP and BeP induce the expression of the CYP1A1 gene, as measured by ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase (EROD) activity, in a concentration-dependent manner. However, BaP is about 25 times as potent as BeP in inducing EROD activity in these cells. Slot-blot analysis of total RNA isolated from these cells indicated that BeP, BaP, and 3-methylcholanthrene increased the level of CYP1A1 mRNA expression. Sucrose-gradient analysis of BeP binding activity indicated that BeP bound with high affinity to the 4S PAH-binding protein, but not to the Ah receptor. These results suggest that the 4S protein may play a role in the PAH-induced expression of the CYP1A1 gene in rat H4-II-E cells.

Mechanism of benzo[a]pyrene-induced Cyp1a-1 gene expression in mouse Hepa 1c1c7 cells: role of the nuclear 6 s and 4 s proteins

Treatment of wild-type (wt) aryl hydrocarbon (Ah)-responsive mouse Hepa 1c1c7 cells with benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) caused a concentration-dependent induction of ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase (EROD) activity. In contrast, B[a]P was inactive as an inducer in Ah nonresponsive class 1 and class 2 mutant cell lines. In parallel experiments, the nuclear fractions from wt cells treated with 10(-7) M [3H]B[a]P contained both the 4 s carcinogen binding protein and the 6 s (Ah receptor) complexes, whereas only the 4 s complex was present in the nuclear fraction of the class 2 mutant cells. The results obtained from cotreatment of wt Hepa 1c1c7 cells with 10(-6) or 10(-7) M B[a]P and 5 x 10(-7) or 10(-7) M 6-methyl-1,3,8-trichlorodibenzofuran (MCDF) showed that MCDF inhibited the induction of EROD activity and Cyp1a-1 mRNA levels by B[a]P. Moreover, using 10(-7) M [3H]B[a]P and unlabeled MCDF, it was shown that MCDF not only inhibited the induction response but also caused a concentration-dependent decrease in levels of the nuclear 6 s complex but not the 4 s complex. In contrast, in situ competition studies with unlabeled 10(-6) M benzo[ghi]-perylene (B[ghi]P) resulted in the elimination of the nuclear [3H]B[a]P 4 s complex (but not the 6 s complex); however, the EROD activity and Cyp1a-1 mRNA levels in cells treated with 10(-7) M B[a]P in the presence or absence of 10(-6) M B[ghi]P were not significantly different. These results indicate that the 4 s binding protein is not required for the induction of Cyp1a-1 gene expression in Hepa 1c1c7 cells and suggest that B[a]P and 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin induce Cyp1a-1 gene expression via a common mechanism which involves binding to the Ah receptor.

Oral contraceptive steroids--pharmacological issues of interest to the prescribing physician

Oral contraceptive steroids (OCS) are well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract in humans. However, while the progestogens are almost completely bioavailable, ethinylestradiol (EE2) is subject to extensive first pass metabolism consisting chiefly of conjugation with sulfate in the gut wall. Both EE2 and progestogens are well absorbed in patients with an ileostomy or with diseases such as cystic fibrosis or Crohn's disease. However in patients with celiac disease (gluten-sensitive enteropathy) the gut wall is less able to conjugate EE2 and thus its bioavailability is increased. The bioavailability returns to control values as the disease is improved following gluten withdrawal. Other drugs that are conjugated with sulfate, such as vitamin C and paracetamol, compete for available sulfate when coadministered with OCS leading to high plasma levels of EE2. Enzyme-inducing agents such as rifampicin, phenobarbitone, phenytoin and carbamazepine reduce blood levels of the OCS leading to contraceptive failure. In the case of anticonvulsants (but not rifampicin) this can be easily overcome by increasing the dose of OCS used. Broad-spectrum antibiotics are reported to cause failure of contraception by interfering with the enterohepatic circulation of EE2 but limited systematic studies show no evidence of such an interaction. Nevertheless practitioners are advised to recommend the use of alternative contraceptive precautions for women receiving broad-spectrum antibiotics concurrently with their OCS preparation.