Pesticide-metabolizing enzymes

Concentration-dependent effects of the nerve agents cyclosarin and VX on cytochrome P450 in a HepaRG cell-based liver model

The exposure to highly toxic organophosphorus (OP) compounds, including pesticides and nerve agents, is an ongoing medical challenge. OP can induce the uncontrolled overstimulation of the cholinergic system through inhibition of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE). The cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes in the liver play a predominant role in the metabolism of xenobiotics and are involved in the oxidative biotransformation of most clinical drugs. Previous research concerning the interactions between OP and CYP has usually focused on organothiophosphate pesticides that require CYP-mediated bioactivation to their active oxon metabolites to act as inhibitors of AChE. Since there has been little data available concerning the effect of nerve agents on CYP, we performed a study with cyclosarin (GF) and O-ethyl-S-[2-(diisopropylamino)-ethyl]-methylphosphonothioate (VX) by using a well-established, metabolically competent in vitro liver model (HepaRG cells). The inhibitory effect of the nerve agents GF and VX on the CYP3A4 enzyme was investigated showing a low CYP3A4 inhibitory potency. Changes on the transcription level of CYP and associated oxygenases were evaluated by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) using the two nerve agent concentrations 250 nM and 250 μM. In conclusion, the results demonstrated various effects on oxygenase-associated genes in dependence of the concentration and the structure of the nerve agent. Such information might be of relevance for potential interactions between nerve agents, antidotes or other clinically administered drugs, which are metabolized by the affected CYP, for example, for the therapy with benzodiazepines, that are used for the symptomatic treatment of OP poisoning and that require CYP-mediated biotransformation.

The influence of the model pesticides parathion and paraoxon on human cytochrome P450 and associated oxygenases in HepaRG cells

INTRODUCTION

Intentional and unintentional organophosphorus pesticide exposure is a public health concern. Organothiophosphate compounds require metabolic bioactivation by the cytochrome P450 system to their corresponding oxon analogues to act as potent inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase. It is known that interactions between cytochrome P450 and pesticides include the inhibition of major xenobiotic metabolizing cytochrome P450 enzymes and changes on the genetic level.

METHODS

In this in vitro study, the influence of the pesticides parathion and paraoxon on human cytochrome P450 and associated oxygenases was investigated with a metabolically competent cell line (HepaRG cells). First, the viability of the cells after exposure to parathion and paraoxon was evaluated. The inhibitory effect of both pesticides on cytochrome P450 3A4, which is a pivotal enzyme in the metabolism of xenobiotics, was examined by determining the dose-response curve. Changes on the transcription level of 92 oxygenase associated genes, including those for important cytochrome P450 enzymes, were evaluated.

RESULTS

The exposure of HepaRG cells to parathion and paraoxon at concentrations up to 100 µM resulted in a viability of 100 per cent. After exposure for 24 hours, pronounced inhibition of cytochrome P450 3A4 enzyme activity was shown, indicating 50 per cent effective concentrations of 1.2 µM (parathion) and 2.1 µM (paraoxon). The results revealed that cytochrome P450 involved in parathion metabolism were significantly upregulated.

DISCUSSION

Relevant changes of the cytochrome P450 3A4 enzyme activity and significant alteration of genes associated with cytochrome P450 suggest an interference of pesticide exposure with numerous metabolic processes. The major limitations of the work involve the use of a single pesticide and the in vitro model as surrogate to human hepatocytes.

CONCLUSION

The data of this study might be of relevance after survival of acute, life-threatening intoxications with organophosphorus compounds, particularly for the co-administration of drugs, which are metabolized by the affected cytochrome P450.

Bioelectrochemical platform with human monooxygenases: FMO1 and CYP3A4 tandem reactions with phorate

It is highly advantageous to devise an in vitro platform that can predict the complexity of an in vivo system. The first step of this process is the identification of a xenobiotic whose monooxygenation is carried out by two sequential enzymatic reactions. Pesticides are a good model for this type of tandem reactions since in specific cases they are initially metabolised by human flavin-containing monooxygenase 1 (hFMO1), followed by cytochrome P450 (CYP). To assess the feasibility of such an in vitro platform, hFMO1 is immobilised on glassy carbon electrodes modified with graphene oxide (GO) and cationic surfactant didecyldimethylammonium bromide (DDAB). UV-vis, contact angle and AFM measurements support the effective decoration of the GO sheets by DDAB which appear as 3 nm thick structures. hFMO1 activity on the bioelectrode versus three pesticides; fenthion, methiocarb and phorate, lead to the expected sulfoxide products with K_M values of 29.5 ± 5.1, 38.4 ± 7.5, 29.6 ± 4.1 µM, respectively. Moreover, phorate is subsequently tested in a tandem system with hFMO1 and CYP3A4 resulting in both phorate sulfoxide as well as phoratoxon sulfoxide. The data demonstrate the feasibility of using bioelectrochemical platforms to mimic the complex metabolic reactions of xenobiotics within the human body.

Investigation of Pesticide Penetration and Persistence on Harvested and Live Basil Leaves Using Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering Mapping

Understanding pesticide behavior in plants is important for effectively applying pesticides and in reducing pesticide exposures from ingestion. This study aimed to investigate the penetration and persistence of pesticides applied on harvested and live basil leaves. Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) mapping was applied for in situ and real-time tracking of pesticides over time using gold nanoparticles as probes. The results showed that, after surface exposure of 30 min to 48 h, pesticides (10 mg/L) penetrated more rapidly and deeply into the live leaves than the harvested leaves. The systemic pesticide thiabendazole and the nonsystemic pesticide ferbam can penetrate into the live leaves with depths of 225 and 130 μm, respectively, and the harvested leaves with depths of 180 and 18 μm, respectively, after 48 h of exposure. The effects of leaf integrity and age on thiabendazole penetration were also evaluated on live basil leaves after 24 h of exposure. Thiabendazole (10 mg/L) when applied onto intact leaves penetrated deeper (170 μm) than when applied onto damaged leaves (80 μm) prepared with 20 scrapes on the top surface of the leaves. Older leaves with a wet mass of 0.204 ± 0.019 g per leaf (45 days after leaf out) allowed more rapid and deeper penetration of pesticides (depth of 165 μm) than younger leaves with a wet mass of 0.053 ± 0.007 g per leaf (15 days after leaf out, depth of 95 μm). The degradation of thiabendazole on live leaves was detected after 1 week, whereas the apparent degradation of ferbam was detected after 2 weeks. In addition, the removal of pesticides from basil was more efficient when compared with other fresh produce possibly due to the specific gland structure of basil leaves. The information obtained here provides a better understanding of the behavior and biological fate of pesticides on plants.

The effects of methidathion on liver: role of vitamins E and C

Methidathion (MD) is one of the most widely used organophosphate insecticides (OPIs) for public health programmes and agricultural purposes. However it causes side effects such as liver disorders. We examined the ameliorating effects of a combination of vitamins E and C against MD induced liver toxicity in rats. MD was given orally with a single dose of 8 mg/kg body weight at 0 h. Vitamin E and vitamin C were injected 30 min after the treatment of MD at doses of 150 mg/kg body weight i.m. and 200 mg/kg body weight i.p., respectively. Liver tissue samples were taken 24 h after the MD administration. In MD treated group, some histopathological changes like infiltration with mono-nuclear cells at parenchymal tissue, sinusoidal dilatation, focal necrotic areas, granular degeneration and picnotic nuclei in the hepatocytes were observed. The severity of these lesions was reduced by administration of vitamins. It is concluded that MD caused liver damage and single-dose treatment with a combination therapy of vitamins E and C after the administration of MD can reduce the toxic effects of MD on liver tissue of rats.

Silencing of CYP6 and APN Genes Affects the Growth and Development of Rice Yellow Stem Borer, Scirpophaga incertulas

RNAi is a powerful tool to target the insect genes involved in host-pest interactions. Key insect genes are the choice for silencing to achieve pest derived resistance where resistance genes are not available in gene pool of host plant. In this study, an attempt was made to determine the effect of dsRNA designed from two genes Cytochrome P450 derivative (CYP6) and Aminopeptidase N (APN) of rice yellow stem borer (YSB) on growth and development of insect. The bioassays involved injection of chemically synthesized 5' FAM labeled 21-nt dsRNA into rice cut stems and allowing the larvae to feed on these stems which resulted in increased mortality and observed growth and development changes in larval length and weight compared with its untreated control at 12-15 days after treatment. These results were further supported by observing the reduction in transcripts expression of these genes in treated larvae. Fluorescence detection in treated larvae also proved that dsRNA was readily taken by larvae when fed on dsRNA treated stems. These results from the present study clearly show that YSB larvae fed on dsRNA designed from Cytochrome P450 and Aminopeptidase N has detrimental effect on larval growth and development. These genes can be deployed to develop YSB resistance in rice using RNAi approach.

Transmembrane proteins--Mining the cattle tick transcriptome

Managing the spread and load of pathogen-transmitting ticks is an important task worldwide. The cattle tick, Rhipicephalus microplus, not only impacts the economy through losses in dairy and meat production, but also raises concerns for human health in regards to the potential of certain transmitted pathogens becoming zoonotic. However, novel strategies to control R. microplus are hindered by lack of understanding tick biology and the discovery of suitable vaccine or acaricide targets. The importance of transmembrane proteins as vaccine targets are well known, as is the case in tick vaccines with Bm86 as antigen. In this study, we describe the localization and functional annotation of 878 putative transmembrane proteins. Thirty proteins could be confirmed in the R. microplus gut using LC-MS/MS analysis and their roles in tick biology are discussed. To the best of our knowledge, 19 targets have not been reported before in any proteomics study in various tick species and the possibility of using the identified proteins as targets for tick control are discussed. Although tissue expression of identified putative proteins through expansive proteomics is necessary, this study demonstrates the possibility of using bioinformatics for the identification of targets for further evaluation in tick control strategies.

Engineered chloroplast dsRNA silences cytochrome p450 monooxygenase, V-ATPase and chitin synthase genes in the insect gut and disrupts Helicoverpa zea larval development and pupation

In the past two decades, chloroplast genetic engineering has been advanced to achieve high-level protein accumulation but not for down-regulation of targeted genes. Therefore, in this report, lepidopteran chitin synthase (Chi), cytochrome P450 monooxygenase (P450) and V-ATPase dsRNAs were expressed via the chloroplast genome to study RNA interference (RNAi) of target genes in intended hosts. PCR and Southern blot analysis confirmed homoplasmy and site-specific integration of transgene cassettes into the chloroplast genomes. Northern blots and real-time qRT-PCR confirmed abundant processed and unprocessed dsRNA transcripts (up to 3.45 million copies of P450 dsRNAs/μg total RNA); the abundance of cleaved dsRNA was greater than the endogenous psbA transcript. Feeding of leaves expressing P450, Chi and V-ATPase dsRNA decreased transcription of the targeted gene to almost undetectable levels in the insect midgut, likely after further processing of dsRNA in their gut. Consequently, the net weight of larvae, growth and pupation rates were significantly reduced by chloroplast-derived dsRNAs. Taken together, successful expression of dsRNAs via the chloroplast genome for the first time opens the door to study RNA interference/processing within plastids. Most importantly, dsRNA expressed in chloroplasts can be utilized for gene inactivation to confer desired agronomic traits or for various biomedical applications, including down-regulation of dysfunctional genes in cancer or autoimmune disorders, after oral delivery of dsRNA bioencapsulated within plant cells.

The utilisation of structural descriptors to predict metabolic constants of xenobiotics in mammals

Quantitative structure-activity relationships (QSARs) were developed to predict the Michaelis-Menten constant (Km) and the maximum reaction rate (Vmax) of xenobiotics metabolised by four enzyme classes in mammalian livers: alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), flavin-containing monooxygenase (FMO), and cytochrome P450 (CYP). Metabolic constants were gathered from the literature and a genetic algorithm was employed to select at most six predictors from a pool of over 2000 potential molecular descriptors using two-thirds of the xenobiotics in each enzyme class. The resulting multiple linear models were cross-validated using the remaining one-third of the compounds. The explained variances (R(2)adj) of the QSARs were between 50% and 80% and the predictive abilities (R(2)ext) between 50% and 60%, except for the Vmax QSAR of FMO with both R(2)adj and R(2)ext less than 30%. The Vmax values of FMO were independent of substrate chemical structure because the rate-limiting step of its catalytic cycle occurs before compound oxidation. For the other enzymes, Vmax was predominantly determined by functional groups or fragments and electronic properties because of the strong and chemical-specific interactions involved in the metabolic reactions. The most relevant predictors for Km were functional groups or fragments for the enzymes metabolising specific compounds (ADH, ALDH and FMO) and size and shape properties for CYP, likely because of the broad substrate specificity of CYP enzymes. The present study can be helpful to predict the Km and Vmax of four important oxidising enzymes in mammals and better understand the underlying principles of chemical transformation by liver enzymes.

Effects of Sublethal Exposure to a Glyphosate-Based Herbicide Formulation on Metabolic Activities of Different Xenobiotic-Metabolizing Enzymes in Rats

The activities of different xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes in liver subcellular fractions from Wistar rats exposed to a glyphosate (GLP)-based herbicide (Roundup full II) were evaluated in this work. Exposure to the herbicide triggered protective mechanisms against oxidative stress (increased glutathione peroxidase activity and total glutathione levels). Liver microsomes from both male and female rats exposed to the herbicide had lower (45%-54%, P < 0.01) hepatic cytochrome P450 (CYP) levels compared to their respective control animals. In female rats, the hepatic 7-ethoxycoumarin O-deethylase (a general CYP-dependent enzyme activity) was 57% higher (P < 0.05) in herbicide-exposed compared to control animals. Conversely, this enzyme activity was 58% lower (P < 0.05) in male rats receiving the herbicide. Lower (P < 0.05) 7-ethoxyresorufin O-deethlyase (EROD, CYP1A1/2 dependent) and oleandomycin triacetate (TAO) N-demethylase (CYP3A dependent) enzyme activities were observed in liver microsomes from exposed male rats. Conversely, in females receiving the herbicide, EROD increased (123%-168%, P < 0.05), whereas TAO N-demethylase did not change. A higher (158%-179%, P < 0.01) benzyloxyresorufin O-debenzylase (a CYP2B-dependent enzyme activity) activity was only observed in herbicide-exposed female rats. In herbicide-exposed rats, the hepatic S-oxidation of methimazole (flavin monooxygenase dependent) was 49% to 62% lower (P < 0.001), whereas the carbonyl reduction of menadione (a cytosolic carbonyl reductase-dependent activity) was higher (P < 0.05). Exposure to the herbicide had no effects on enzymatic activities dependent on carboxylesterases, glutathione transferases, and uridinediphospho-glucuronosyltransferases. This research demonstrated certain biochemical modifications after exposure to a GLP-based herbicide. Such modifications may affect the metabolic fate of different endobiotic and xenobiotic substances. The pharmacotoxicological significance of these findings remains to be clarified.

Quail FMO3 gene cloning, tissue expression profiling, polymorphism detection and association analysis with fishy taint in eggs

Quail eggs comprise a significant and favourable part of table eggs in certain countries. Some quail eggs, however, present fishy off-flavor which directly influences their quality. It is reported that flavin-containing monooxygenase 3 (FMO3) is associated with fish-odour trait in human and animal products. FMO3 is responsible for the degradation of trimethylamine (TMA) in vivo. Loss-of-function mutations in FMO3 gene can result in defective TMA N-oxygenation, giving rise to disorder known as “fish-odour syndrome” in human, as well as the fishy off-flavor in cow milk and chicken eggs. In order to reveal the genetic factor of fishy taint in quail eggs, we cloned the cDNA sequence of quail FMO3 gene, investigated FMO3 mRNA expression level in various tissues, detected SNPs in the coding region of the gene and conducted association analysis between a mutation and the TMA content in quail egg yolks. The 1888 bp cDNA sequence of quail FMO3 gene encoding 532 amino acids was obtained and characterized. The phylogenetic analysis revealed quail FMO3 had a closer relationship with chicken FMO3. The FMO3 mRNA was highly expressed in liver and kidney of quail. Nine SNPs were detected in the coding sequence of quail FMO3 gene, including a nonsense mutation (Q319X) which was significantly associated with the elevated TMA content in quail egg yolks. Genotype TT at Q319X mutation loci was sensitive to choline. With addition of choline in the feed, the quails with homozygote TT at the Q319X mutation loci laid fish-odour eggs, indicating an interaction between genotype and diet. The results indicated that Q319X mutation was associated with the fishy off-flavor in quail eggs. Identification of the unfavorable allele T of quail FMO3 gene can be applied in future quail breeding to eliminate fishy off-flavor trait in quail eggs.

FMO3 allelic variants in Sicilian and Sardinian populations: trimethylaminuria and absence of fish-like body odor

The N-oxygenation of amines by the human flavin-containing monooxygenase (form 3) (FMO3) represents an important means for the conversion of lipophilic nucleophilic heteroatom-containing compounds into more polar and readily excreted products. In healthy individuals, virtually all Trimethylamine (TMA) are metabolized to Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO). Several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the FMO3 gene have been described and result in an enzyme with decreased or abolished functional activity for TMA N-oxygenation thus leading to TMAU, or fish-like odor syndrome. Three coding region variants, c. G472A (p.E158K) in exon 4, c. G769A (p.V257M) in exon 6, and c.A923G (p.E308G) in exon 7, are common polymorphisms identified in all population examined so far and are associated with normal or slightly reduced TMA N-oxygenation activity. However, simultaneous occurrence of 158K and 308G variants results in a more pronounced decrease in FMO3 activity. A fourth polymorphism, c. G1424A (p.G475D) in exon 9, less common in the general population, was observed in individuals suffering severe or moderate trimethylaminuria. The aim of this study was to determine the allelic and genotypic distributions of these four FMO3 variants in 528 healthy individuals collected from the Sicilian and Sardinian populations together with haplotype and linkage analyses. Finally, we present data on the genotype-phenotype correlation by ESI-MS/MS TMA/TMAO urinary determination in 158KK/308EG individuals. Variant 158K shows the same frequency in Sicilian and Sardinian populations while variant 257M was not observed in the Sardinian sampling. No significant differences were found for 308G and 475D variants among two populations. Cis-linkage between 158K and 308G was confirmed with the compound variant (158K-308G) being found in a proportion of 0.9% and 0.3% of Sicilian subjects, and 0.01% and 0.5% in Sardinian population. Urinary determination of TMA/TMAO ratio in 158KK/308EG individuals showed a considerable reduction in FMO3 activity although they do not show the classical features of trimethylaminuria as a strong body odor and breath. Our data support the conclusion that trimethylaminuria is not always accompanied by a fish-like odor, despite the coexistence in the same individual of the two variants 158K and 308G, and other factors account for the expression of that phenotype.

The effect of varying alkaloid concentrations on the feeding behavior of gypsy moth larvae, Lymantria dispar (L.) (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae)

Nine alkaloids (acridine, aristolochic acid, atropine, berberine, caffeine, nicotine, scopolamine, sparteine, and strychnine) were evaluated as feeding deterrents for gypsy moth larvae (Lymantria dispar (L.); Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae). Our aim was to determine and compare the taste threshold concentrations, as well as the ED(50) values, of the nine alkaloids to determine their potency as feeding deterrents. The alkaloids were applied to disks cut from red oak leaves (Quercus rubra) (L.), a plant species highly favored by larvae of this polyphagous insect species. We used two-choice feeding bioassays to test a broad range of biologically relevant alkaloid concentrations spanning five logarithmetic steps. We observed increasing feeding deterrent responses for all the alkaloids tested and found that the alkaloids tested exhibited different deterrency threshold concentrations ranging from 0.1 mM to 10 mM. In conclusion, it appears that this generalist insect species bears a relatively high sensitivity to these alkaloids, which confirms behavioral observations that it avoids foliage containing alkaloids. Berberine and aristolochic acid were found to have the lowest ED(50) values and were the most potent antifeedants.

Silencing a cotton bollworm P450 monooxygenase gene by plant-mediated RNAi impairs larval tolerance of gossypol

We identify a cytochrome P450 gene (CYP6AE14) from cotton bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera), which permits this herbivore to tolerate otherwise inhibitory concentrations of the cotton metabolite, gossypol. CYP6AE14 is highly expressed in the midgut and its expression correlates with larval growth when gossypol is included in the diet. When larvae are fed plant material expressing double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) specific to CYP6AE14, levels of this transcript in the midgut decrease and larval growth is retarded. Both effects are more dramatic in the presence of gossypol. As a glutathione-S-transferase gene (GST1) is silenced in GST1 dsRNA-expressing plants, feeding insects plant material expressing dsRNA may be a general strategy to trigger RNA interference and could find applications in entomological research and field control of insect pests.

Mutation, polymorphism and perspectives for the future of human flavin-containing monooxygenase 3

Flavin-containing monooxygenases (FMOs) catalyze NADPH-dependent monooxygenation of soft-nucleophilic nitrogen, sulfur, and phosphorous atoms contained within various drugs, pesticides, and xenobiotics. Flavin-containing monooxygenase 3 (FMO3) is responsible for the majority of FMO-mediated xenobiotic metabolism in the adult human liver. Mutations in the FMO3 gene can result in defective trimethylamine (TMA) N-oxygenation, which gives rise to the disorder known as trimethylaminuria (TMAU) or "fish-odour syndrome". To date 18 mutations of FMO3 gene have been reported that cause TMAU, and polymorphic variants of the gene have also been identified. Interindividual variability in the expression of FMO3 may affect drug and foreign chemical metabolism in the liver and other tissues. It is important therefore to study how base sequence variation of the FMO3 gene might affect the ability of individuals and different ethnic population groups to deal with the variety of environmental chemicals and pharmaceutical products that are substrates for FMO3.

Flavin-containing monooxygenase activity in camel tissues: comparison with rat and human liver enzymes

We previously reported the occurrence of multiple forms of drug metabolizing enzymes in camel tissues. In this study, we demonstrated for the first time, flavin-containing monooxygenase (FMO)-dependent metabolism of two model substrates methimazole (MEM) and N,N'-dimethylaniline (DMA) by camel liver, kidney, brain and intestine. FMO-catalyzed metabolism in the microsomes of camel tissues was independent of cytochrome P450 (CYP) activity and exhibited a pH and temperature dependence characteristic of FMO enzymes. Use of inhibitors of CYP activities, SKF525A, octylamine or antibody against NADPH-P450 reductase, did not significantly alter the FMO-dependent substrate metabolism. Using MEM as a model substrate for FMO activity, we show that camel liver has an activity similar to that in rat and human livers. MEM metabolism in extrahepatic tissues in camels was significantly lower (60%-80%) than that in liver. Our results suggest occurrence of FMO in camel tissues, with catalytic properties similar to those in rat and human livers. These results may help in better understanding the effects of pharmacologically and toxicologically active compounds administered to camels.

The effect of inducing agents on the metabolism of trypanocidal diamidines by isolated rat hepatocytes

This study has investigated the effect of phenobarbitone (PB), 3-methylcholanthrene (3-MC), and deltamethrin (DM) on the metabolism of two trypanocidal diamidines; pentamidine isethionate and diminazene aceturate in freshly isolated Sprague-Dawley rat hepatocytes. There were significant increases in the total cytochrome p450 content of hepatocytes obtained from rats pre-treated with PB and 3-MC, whereas pre-treatment with DM did not produce any significant induction of cytochrome p450. However, pre-treatment of rats with each of the three agents led to inhibition of pentamidine metabolism following a 3h incubation of pentamidine (100 microM) with freshly isolated rat hepatocytes (5 x 10(6) cells ml(-1)). Pre-treatment with 3-MC caused the highest inhibitory effect on pentamidine metabolism (8-fold inhibition), compared with PB (4.8-fold) and DM (2.2-fold). Six previously reported phase I metabolites of pentamidine were identified in cells from all the pre-treated animals as well as controls. When compared to the control group, there were significant differences between the profiles of the three major metabolites of pentamidine, 1,5-di(4'-amidinophenoxy)-2-pentanol, 1,5-di(4'-amidinophenoxy)-3-pentanol and 5-(4'-amidinophenoxy) pentanoic acid, in hepatocytes from the DM and 3-MC pre-treated rats, whereas no significant differences were observed in the cells from the PB pre-treated group. In contrast, diminazene was not metabolised with the same experimental conditions. Differences in the metabolic profiles of pentamidine and its metabolites as a result of concomitant exposure to environmental xenobiotics could have important toxicological and pharmacological implications for patients that receive the drug.

Role of piperonyl butoxide in the toxicity of chlorpyrifos to Ceriodaphnia dubia and Xenopus laevis

The use of chemical inhibitors/inducers is one of the strategies employed to determine whether a particular metabolic pathway is involved in the metabolism of a xenobiotic. The objective of this study was to assess the role of piperonyl butoxide (PBO) on the toxicity of an organophosphorus insecticide, chlorpyrifos (CPF) to two species, Ceriodaphnia dubia (waterflea) and Xenopus laevis (South African clawed frog). Chlorpyrifos was highly toxic to C. dubia (48-h LC50: 0.05 microg/L) in comparison with X. laevis (96-h LC50: 2410 microg/L). Piperonyl butoxide at 200 microg/L reduced the toxicity of chlorpyrifos to C. dubia by a factor of 6. Piperonyl butoxide at 3000 microg/L also reduced the toxicity of CPF to X. laevis with respect to mortality and malformations. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity was used as a biomarker to further assess the role of PBO in chlorpyrifos toxicity. X. laevis exposed to CPF and PBO exhibited a biphasic response in terms of AChE activity with an initial increase in the AChE activity followed by a drastic decrease. The results from the present study indicate that C. dubia and X. laevis have the capability to metabolize chlorpyrifos via cytochromes P450 mediated reactions. The results also indicate that the use of the biomarker AChE is useful in determining metabolic processes of organophosphorus insecticides, which require metabolic activation.

Liver-specific deletion of the NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase gene: impact on plasma cholesterol homeostasis and the function and regulation of microsomal cytochrome P450 and heme oxygenase

A mouse model with liver-specific deletion of the NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase (Cpr) gene (designated Alb-Cre/Cprlox mice) was generated and characterized in this study. Hepatic microsomal CPR expression was significantly reduced at 3 weeks and was barely detectable at 2 months of age in the Alb-Cre+/-/Cprlox+/+ (homozygous) mice, with corresponding decreases in liver microsomal cytochrome P450 (CYP) and heme oxygenase (HO) activities, in pentobarbital clearance, and in total plasma cholesterol level. Nevertheless, the homozygous mice are fertile and are normal in gross appearance and growth rate. However, at 2 months, although not at 3 weeks, the homozygotes had significant increases in liver weight, accompanied by hepatic lipidosis and other pathologic changes. Intriguingly, total microsomal CYP content was increased in the homozygotes about 2-fold at 3 weeks and about 3-fold at 2 months of age; at 2 months, there were varying degrees of induction in protein (1-5-fold) and mRNA expression (0-67-fold) for all CYPs examined. There was also an induction of HO-1 protein (nearly 9-fold) but no induction of HO-2. These data indicate the absence of significant alternative redox partners for liver microsomal CYP and HO, provide in vivo evidence for the significance of hepatic CPR-dependent enzymes in cholesterol homeostasis and systemic drug clearance, and reveal novel regulatory pathways of CYP expression associated with altered cellular homeostasis. The Alb-Cre/Cprlox mouse represents a unique model for studying the in vivo function of hepatic HO and microsomal CYP-dependent pathways in the biotransformation of endogenous and xenobiotic compounds.

Prospects and limitations of phytoremediation for the removal of persistent pesticides in the environment

The environmental problems that have arisen from the use of persistent pesticides in the past, and potential sources of further contamination have been discussed. The potential and limitations of phytoremediation for removal of pesticides in the environment have been reviewed. The enzymatic processes in plants that are known to be involved in phytodegradation of pesticides, and possibilities for enhancing them have also been discussed.

Factors affecting the storage and excretion of toxic lipophilic xenobiotics

Lipophilic toxins have been introduced into the environment both as functional compounds, such as pesticides, and as industrial waste from incineration or the manufacture of electrical transformer components. Among these substances are compounds that are carcinogenic and that affect the endocrine system. Accidental high exposures of humans to some lipophilic toxins have produced overt disease symptoms including chloracne and altered liver function. These toxic materials have been the recent focus of international effort to reduce or eliminate classes of halogenated hydrocarbons from the environment. Evidence of the widespread distribution of lipophilic toxins in the biosphere has been obtained by analyses of human tissues and human milk. The principal route of entry of lipophilic toxins into humans is through the food chain, and most of them are stored in adipose tissue. A common route of excretion is in bile, but there is also evidence of nonbiliary excretion into the intestine. Enterohepatic circulation of many of these compounds slows their removal from the body. Substances that interrupt the enterohepatic circulation of compounds that enter the intestine by the biliary and nonbiliary routes increase the rate of their removal from the body and reduce their storage half-lives. Reduction in body fat, along with these dietary substances that interrupt enterohepatic circulation, further enhances the excretion rate. Areas for further research include optimizing regimens for body burden reductions, understanding the nature of nonbiliary excretion, and following the effects of tissue redistribution during loss of body fat.

Quantification and cellular localization of expression in human skin of genes encoding flavin-containing monooxygenases and cytochromes P450

The expression, in adult human skin, of genes encoding flavin-containing monooxygenases (FMOs) 1, 3, 4, and 5 and cytochromes P450 (CYPs) 2A6, 2B6, and 3A4 was determined by RNase protection. Each FMO and CYP exhibits inter-individual variation in expression in this organ. Of the individuals analysed, all contained CYP2B6 mRNA in their skin, 90% contained FMO5 mRNA and about half contained mRNAs encoding FMOs 1, 3, and 4, and CYPs 2A6 and 3A4. The amount of each of the FMO and CYP mRNAs in skin is much lower than in the organ in which it is most highly expressed, namely the kidney (for FMO1) and the liver (for the others). In contrast to the latter organs, in the skin FMO mRNAs are present in amounts similar to, or greater than, CYP mRNAs. Only the mRNA encoding CYP2B6 decreased in abundance in skin with increasing age of the individual. All of the mRNAs were substantially less abundant in cultures of keratinocytes than in samples of skin from which the cells were derived. In contrast, an immortalized human keratinocyte cell line, HaCaT, expressed FMO3, FMO5, and CYP2B6 mRNAs in amounts that fall within the range detected in the whole skin samples analysed. FMO1, CYP2A6, and CYP3A4 mRNAs were not detected in HaCaT cells, whereas FMO4 expression was markedly increased in this cell line compared to whole skin. In situ hybridization showed that the expression of each of the FMOs and CYPs analysed was localized to the epidermis, sebaceous glands and hair follicles.

Metabolism of phenanthrene by house fly CYP6D1 and dog liver cytochrome P450

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a ubiquitous class of environmental contaminants. The compound phenanthrene is a model PAH. A novel fluorometric method for measuring phenanthrene metabolism in vitro was developed and verified with direct measurement of [14C]phenanthrene using dog liver microsomes. The fluorometric assay and direct measurement of [14C]phenanthrene metabolism were used to show that CYP6D1, a house fly cytochrome P450, is the major house fly P450 involved in phenanthrene metabolism. Phenanthrene was metabolized by microsomes from the LPR strain of house fly that overexpresses CYP6D1, but metabolism was not observed in the CS strain that has a lower level of CYP6D1. Furthermore, the majority of phenanthrene metabolism was inhibited by a CYP6D1-specific antibody. This study increases the number of known substrates of CYP6D1 and identifies polyaromatic hydrocarbons as potential substrates of CYP6D1. The utility of CYP6D1 as an agent in bioremediation and the utility of the new fluorometric assay for understanding PAH metabolism in insects and mammals are discussed.

Dermal exposure to pesticides modifies antioxidant enzymes in tissues of rats

Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activities were determined in rat tissues after dermal exposure to pesticides. Two experiments were conducted in male SD rats, 190-210 g body weight. Acephate (ACP), methamidophos (MAP) and nicotine (NIC) were dissolved either individually or together in 0.25 mL of 50% ethanol, which contained: AP = 12.6 or MAP 1.3 or NIC = 9.6 mg; EXP 1--individual pesticide exposure; 64 rats, 16/group; EXP 2--mixture of AP + MAP + NIC at levels of 1X, 2X, 3X; 48 rats, 12/group; 0.25 mL of solution or ethanol (Controls) was applied to 25 mm2 area of shaved skin 3 times a week. Half the rats were terminated after 4 weeks and the rest after 4 weeks of stopping exposure. Single pesticides decreased erythrocyte (RBC) SOD by 17% after exposure and in the NIC group after post exposure (P#0.05). Increasing concentrations of AP + MAP + NIC mixture elevated RBC SOD by 22% in the 2X and 3X groups and CAT by 13% in the 3X group (P#0.05); post exposure increased RBC SOD by 2-3 fold and CAT activity by 13% in all 3 groups. Liver GPX increased by 30-40% and CAT decreased by 12% in all exposed and post exposed groups (P#0.05). The results suggest that dermal exposure to mixtures of pesticides can selectively induce SOD, CAT and GPX activities in RBC and liver.

Blood cholinesterases as human biomarkers of organophosphorus pesticide exposure

The organophosphorus pesticides of this review were discovered in 1936 during the search for a replacement for nicotine for cockroach control. The basic biochemical characteristics of RBC AChE and BChE were determined in the 1940s. The mechanism of inhibition of both enzymes and other serine esterases was known in the 1940s and, in general, defined in the 1950s. In 1949, the death of a parathion mixer-loader dictated blood enzyme monitoring to prevent acute illness from organophosphorus pesticide intoxication. However, many of the chemical and biochemical steps for serine enzyme inhibition by OP compounds remain unknown today. The possible mechanisms of this inhibition are presented kinetically beginning with simple (by comparison) Michaelis-Menten substrate enzyme interaction kinetics. As complicated as the inhibition kinetics appear here, PBPK model kinetics will be more complex. The determination of inter- and intraindividual variation in RBC ChE and BChE was recognized early as critical knowledge for a blood esterase monitoring program. Because of the relatively constant production of RBCs, variation in RBC AChE was determined by about 1970. The source of plasma (or serum) BChE was shown to be the liver in the 1960s with the change in BChE phenotype to the donor in liver transplant patients. BChE activity was more variable than RBC AChE, and only in the 1990s have BChE individual variation questions been answered. We have reviewed the chemistry, metabolism, and toxicity of organophosphorus insecticides along with their inhibitory action toward tissue acetyl- and butyrylcholinesterases. On the basis of the review, a monitoring program for individuals mixing-loading and applying OP pesticides for commercial applicators was recommended. Approximately 41 OPs are currently registered for use by USEPA in the United States. Under agricultural working conditions, OPs primarily are absorbed through the skin. Liver P-450 isozymes catalyze the desulfurization of phosphorothioates and phosphorodithioates (e.g., parathion and azinphosmethyl, respectively) to the more toxic oxons (P = O(S to O)). In some cases, P-450 isozymes catalyze the oxidative cleavage of P-O-aryl bonds (e.g., parathion, methyl parathion, fenitrothion, and diazinon) to form inactive water-soluble alkyl phosphates and aryl leaving groups that are readily conjugated with glucuronic or sulfuric acids and excreted. In addition to the P-450 isozymes, mammalian tissues contain ('A' and 'B') esterases capable of reacting with OPs to produce hydrolysis products or phosphorylated enzymes. 'A'-esterases hydrolyze OPs (i.e., oxons), while 'B'-esterases with serine at the active center are inhibited by OPs. OPs possessing carboxylesters, such as malathion and isofenphos, are hydrolyzed by the direct action of 'B'-esterases (i.e., carboxylesterase, CaE). Metabolic pathways shown for isofenphos, parathion, and malathion define the order in which these reactions occur, while Michaelis-Menten kinetics define reaction parameters (Vmax, K(m)) for the enzymes and substrates involved, and rates of inhibition of 'B'-esterases (kis, bimolecular rate constants) by OPs and their oxons. OPs exert their insecticidal action by their ability to inhibit AChE at the cholinergic synapse, resulting in the accumulation of acetylcholine. The extent to which AChE or other 'B'-esterases are inhibited in workers is dependent upon the rate the OP pesticide is activated (i.e., oxon formation), metabolized to nontoxic products by tissue enzymes, its affinity for AChE and other 'B'-esterases, and esterase concentrations in tissues. Rapid recovery of OP BChE inhibition may be related to reactivation of inhibited forms. AChE, BChE, and CaE appear to function in vivo as scavengers, protecting workers against the inhibition of AChE at synapses. Species sensitivity to OPs varies widely and results in part from binding affinities (Ka) and rates of phosphorylation (kp) rather than rates of activation and detoxif

Induction and suppression of murine CYP-mediated biotransformation by dithianon: organ- and sex-related differences

With the aim of evaluating the co-carcinogenic properties of dithianon, the regio- and stereo-selective hydroxylation of testosterone was used as a multibiomarker of effect for cytochrome P450 (CYP) changes. CYP-catalysed reactions have been studied in liver, kidney and lung microsomes from male and female Swiss albino CD1 mice treated i.p. with single (3 or 6 mg/kg body wt.) or repeated (3 mg/kg body wt. daily for 3 days) doses of this fungicide. Induction or suppression was recorded under various situations in different organs and sexes. In liver, all testosterone hydroxylase (TH) activities were increased in the single treatment from 2.8- (6beta-, 16alpha- and 16beta-TH activities) to 16-fold (2beta-TH activity) in males at the lower dose. In contrast, activities were reduced from 33.3% (16beta- and 17-TH activities, lower dose) to 66.4% (16beta-TH activity, higher dose) in females. In kidney, a similar pattern of modulation was achieved: induction from 2.9- to 5-fold (6beta- and 2alpha-TH activities, higher and lower doses, respectively) in males; suppression from 47.4 to 50.2% (2alpha- and 2beta-TH activities, either at lower or higher doses) in females. In lung, a significant induction ranging from 7.1- to 29.3-fold (16alpha- and 2alpha-TH activities, respectively, lower dose) in males, and up to a 7-fold increase (2beta-TH activity, higher dose) in females was obtained. After repeated treatment, hepatic 6beta-, 16beta-, 2alpha- and 2beta-TH activities were reduced up to approximately 60% in males, whereas no effect was seen in females. In extrahepatic tissues, a generalized increase of different THs was observed. The increase of 6beta-TH activity (CYP3A-linked), one of the most representative isoforms in humans, was sustained in liver and kidney by means of Western immunoblotting, using rabbit polyclonal antibodies anti CYP3A1/2. On the whole, a complex pattern of induction/suppression of CYP-dependent reactions was achieved depending on sex and tissue. The data are consistent with co-toxic, co-carcinogenic and promoting potentials of this fungicide and provide information of interest in evaluating the risk associated with human exposure.

Stereoselectivity in S- and N-oxygenation by the mammalian flavin-containing and cytochrome P-450 monooxygenases

In general, the use of stereoselectivity studies in examining the contribution of monooxygenases or other catalysts to the N- and S-oxidation of drugs, xenobiotics and endogenous substrates provides a useful method to distinguish enzymatic from nonenzymatic processes. Recent developments in this active area of research have been rapid, presumably due to advances in bioanalytical chemistry, chiral stationary-phase HPLC, and attendant breakthroughs in the instruments to measure centers of chirality. This research area has also been aided by the availability of enzymes and other catalysts. In light of the ever-increasing necessity for new single-isomer drugs, metabolites, and other chiral drug market materials, the demand for stereoselectivity information in the drug development business should continue to expand. In the future, demand for enantiomeric intermediates and metabolites to be studied in their own right for pharmacological activity will undoubtedly increase. Finally, technologies related to the creation or characterization of enantiomerically pure drugs or their metabolites presumably will grow because of the increased number of compounds entering the drug development pipeline due to combinatorial chemistry.

Isolation and characterization of two cytochrome P450 cDNA clones for CYP6B6 and CYP6B7 from Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner): possible involvement of CYP6B7 in pyrethroid resistance

Two new cDNA clones specific for members of the CYP6B gene family, CYP6B6 and CYP6B7 have been isolated from Helicoverpa armigera. The sequences correspond to mRNAs of an estimated 1962 and 2411 nucleotides in length respectively excluding the poly A tails. The two mRNAs have open reading frames encoding proteins of 504 amino acid residues with molecular weights of 57,564 and 58,181 Daltons. Both putative proteins contain the conserved cysteine and surrounding regions characteristics of all cytochrome P450s. The encoded protein sequences show 84-88% protein sequence identity between them and with the previously published cytochrome P450 sequence of H. armigera. CYP6B2. The sequences of cDNA clones of CYP6B6 and CYP6B2 show a very high degree of identity within the first 340 nucleotides which may be the result of a gene conversion event. Two major bands are visible after northern analysis of larval RNA using cDNA clones for CYP6B6, CYP6B7, or the previously published CYP6B2 as probes, due to strong cross-hybridization. Analysis with specific oligonucleotide probes and 3' non-coding regions indicated that the cDNAs for CYP6B6 and CYP6B7 correspond to the smaller and large mRNA bands respectively. The previously identified sequence of CYP6B2, contrary to the previous suggestion, corresponds to a rare mRNA of similar size to that for CYP6B6. The mRNA for CYP6B7 was found to be induced by treatment with the monoterpene, alpha-pinene, and to be over-expressed in some individuals of pyrethroid resistant population of H. armigera. We suggest that CYP6B7 is the form responsible for pyrethroid metabolism in H. armigera.

Molecular cloning, sequencing, and expression in Escherichia coli of mouse flavin-containing monooxygenase 3 (FMO3): comparison with the human isoform

The sequence of mouse flavin-containing monooxygenase 3 (FMO3) was obtained from several clones isolated from a mouse liver cDNA library. The nucleotide sequence of mouse FMO3 was 2020 bases in length containing 37 bases in the 5' flanking region, 1602 in the coding region, and 381 in the 3' flanking region. The derived protein sequence consisted of 534 amino acids including the putative flavin adenine dinucleotide and NADP+ pyrophosphate binding sites (characteristic of mammalian FMOs) starting at positions 9 and 191, respectively. The mouse FMO3 protein sequence was 79 and 82% identical to the human and rabbit FMO3 sequences, respectively. Mouse FMO3 was expressed in Escherichia coli and compared to E. coli expressed human FMO3. The FMO3 proteins migrated with the same mobility ( approximately 58 kDa) as determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and immunoblotting. The expressed FMO3 enzymes (mouse and human forms) were sensitive to heat and reacted in a similar manner toward metal ions and detergent. Catalytic activities of mouse and human FMO3 were high toward the substrate methimazole; however, in the presence of trimethylamine and thioacetamide, FMO-dependent methimazole oxidation by both enzymes was reduced by greater than 85%. Other substrates which inhibited methimazole oxidation were thiourea and thiobenzamide and to a lesser degree N,N-dimethylaniline. When probed with mouse FMO3 cDNA, FMO3 transcripts were detected in hepatic mRNA samples from female mice, but not in samples from males. FMO3 was detected in mRNA samples from male and female mouse lung, but FMO3 message was not detected in mouse kidney sample from either gender. Results of immunoblotting confirmed the tissue- and gender-dependent expression of mouse FMO3.

Regulation of mouse liver flavin-containing monooxygenases 1 and 3 by sex steroids

Based on enzyme activity, protein levels, and mRNA levels, we have previously demonstrated the female-predominant, female-specific, and gender-independent expression in mouse liver of FMO forms 1, 3, and 5, respectively. This study investigated the roles of testosterone, 17 beta-estradiol, and progesterone in the regulation of hepatic FMOs. FMO expression was examined in gonadectomized CD-1 mice, normal CD-1 mice receiving hormonal implants, and gonadectomized mice receiving various hormonal treatments. Following castration of males, hepatic FMO activity levels were significantly increased and serum testosterone levels significantly decreased; however, administration of physiological levels of testosterone to castrated animals returned FMO activity and testosterone concentrations to control levels. When sexually intact and ovariectomized female mice were treated with testosterone, their hepatic FMO activity levels were reduced to those of their male counterparts, concomitant with high serum testosterone levels. In males, castration dramatically increased FMO3 and FMO1 expression, and testosterone replacement to castrated males resulted in ablation of FMO3 expression. In addition, testosterone administration to females (sexually intact and gonadectomized animals) reduced FMO1 expression and obviated FMO3 expression. In females, ovariectomy alone slightly reduced FMO activity, indicative of a possible stimulatory role of female sex steroids; however, female FMO isozyme expression was relatively unchanged, and hormone replacement therapy to ovariectomized females had no discernible effect. In males and females, FMO5 levels were unaffected by gonadectomy or hormone administration, thus indicating a sex hormone-independent mechanism of regulation for this isoform. Interestingly, FMO1 protein levels were increased in sexually intact males following treatment with 17 beta-estradiol; however, only a slight increase in FMO3 protein level was observed. No positive hormone effectors of female FMO expression were identified.