Bilirubin and uroporphyrinogen oxidation by induced cytochrome P4501A and cytochrome P4502B. Role of polyhalogenated biphenyls of different configuration

Significant metabolic alterations in mouse dams exposed to an environmental mixture of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) during gestation and lactation: Insights into PCB and metabolite profiles

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and their metabolites are linked to developmental neurotoxicity, but their levels in the gestational and lactational environment remain unexplored. This study investigated the effects of dietary exposure to the Fox River Mixture (FRM) on serum levels of PCBs and their metabolites in female C57BL/6 J mice. Mice were exposed to 0.1, 1.0, or 6.0 mg/kg body weight/day of FRM beginning two weeks before mating and throughout gestation and lactation. Serum samples collected from the dams at weaning were analyzed using gas chromatograph-tandem mass spectrometry and nontarget liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry. Results showed complex and dose-dependent differences in PCB and metabolite profiles. Untargeted metabolomics revealed alterations in metabolites involved in glucuronidation. Network analysis suggested disturbances in heme and amino acid metabolism associated with higher chlorinated PCBs. These findings suggested that PCBs and metabolites present in the gestational and lactation environment of mice may contribute to developmental neurotoxicity in rodents.

Analysis of Factors Affecting 5-ALA Fluorescence Intensity in Visualizing Glial Tumor Cells-Literature Review

Glial tumors are one of the most common lesions of the central nervous system. Despite the implementation of appropriate treatment, the prognosis is not successful. As shown in the literature, maximal tumor resection is a key element in improving therapeutic outcome. One of the methods to achieve it is the use of fluorescent intraoperative navigation with 5-aminolevulinic acid. Unfortunately, often the level of fluorescence emitted is not satisfactory, resulting in difficulties in the course of surgery. This article summarizes currently available knowledge regarding differences in the level of emitted fluorescence. It may depend on both the histological type and the genetic profile of the tumor, which is reflected in the activity and expression of enzymes involved in the intracellular metabolism of fluorescent dyes, such as PBGD, FECH, UROS, and ALAS. The transport of 5-aminolevulinic acid and its metabolites across the blood–brain barrier and cell membranes mediated by transporters, such as ABCB6 and ABCG2, is also important. Accompanying therapies, such as antiepileptic drugs or steroids, also have an impact on light emission by tumor cells. Accurate determination of the factors influencing the fluorescence of 5-aminolevulinic acid-treated cells may contribute to the improvement of fluorescence navigation in patients with highly malignant gliomas.

Electron flow through biological molecules: does hole hopping protect proteins from oxidative damage?

Biological electron transfers often occur between metal-containing cofactors that are separated by very large molecular distances. Employing photosensitizer-modified iron and copper proteins, we have shown that single-step electron tunneling can occur on nanosecond to microsecond timescales at distances between 15 and 20 Å. We also have shown that charge transport can occur over even longer distances by hole hopping (multistep tunneling) through intervening tyrosines and tryptophans. In this perspective, we advance the hypothesis that such hole hopping through Tyr/Trp chains could protect oxygenase, dioxygenase, and peroxidase enzymes from oxidative damage. In support of this view, by examining the structures of P450 (CYP102A) and 2OG-Fe (TauD) enzymes, we have identified candidate Tyr/Trp chains that could transfer holes from uncoupled high-potential intermediates to reductants in contact with protein surface sites.

Could tyrosine and tryptophan serve multiple roles in biological redox processes?

Single-step electron tunnelling reactions can transport charges over distances of 15-20 Åin proteins. Longer-range transfer requires multi-step tunnelling processes along redox chains, often referred to as hopping. Long-range hopping via oxidized radicals of tryptophan and tyrosine, which has been identified in several natural enzymes, has been demonstrated in artificial constructs of the blue copper protein azurin. Tryptophan and tyrosine serve as hopping way stations in high-potential charge transport processes. It may be no coincidence that these two residues occur with greater-than-average frequency in O(2)- and H(2)O(2)-reactive enzymes. We suggest that appropriately placed tyrosine and/or tryptophan residues prevent damage from high-potential reactive intermediates by reduction followed by transfer of the oxidizing equivalent to less harmful sites or out of the protein altogether.

Nuclear localization of heme oxygenase-1 is associated with tumor progression of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas

The expression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) was shown to be increased in multiple tumors compared with their surrounding healthy tissues and was also observed to be up-regulated in oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC). However, conflicting results were obtained and little information is available regarding HO-1 significance in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Therefore, the aim of the present study was to perform a wide screening of HO-1 expression in a large collection of human primary HNSCCs and to correlate the results with clinical and pathological parameters. For this purpose, we investigated the expression of this protein by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in tissue microarrays (TMAs) of HNSCC and in an independent cohort of paraffin-embedded tumor specimens. HO-1 expression was further validated by real-time qPCR performed on selected laser capture-microdissected (LCM) oral tissue samples. Both the number of HO-1-positive samples and HO-1 immunoreactivity in the cancerous tissues were significantly higher than those in the non-tumor tissues. These results were confirmed at the mRNA level. Interestingly, HO-1 localization was observed in the nucleus, and the rate of nuclear HO-1 in HNSCC was higher than that in non-malignant tissues. Nuclear HO-1 was observed in HNSCC cell lines and increased even further following hemin treatment. Analysis of HO-1 expression and sub-cellular localization in a mouse model of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and in human HNSCC revealed that nuclear HO-1 increases with tumor progression. Taken together, these results demonstrate that HO-1 is up-regulated in HNSCC and that nuclear localization of HO-1 is associated with malignant progression in this tumor type.

Peroxidase-like activity of uncoupled cytochrome P450: studies with bilirubin and toxicological implications of uncoupling

The NADPH-dependent consumption of O(2) by cytochrome P450 BM3 was stimulated by either laurate or perfluorolaurate, but the NADPH/O(2) molar consumption ratios were approximately 1 and 2, respectively, indicating that perfluorolaurate does not become oxygenated by BM3 and oxygen undergoes full reduction to water. The nature of this catalytic cycle uncoupled to hydroxylation was explored using bilirubin as a molecular probe. During uncoupling with perfluorolaurate bilirubin was degraded and stimulated O(2) uptake by an approximately equimolar amount. No stimulation of oxygen uptake was caused by bilirubin in presence of NADPH alone or in presence of laurate together with NADPH; under these conditions little degradation of bilirubin was observed. Mesobilirubin was also degraded during uncoupling with perfluorolaurate, whereas biliverdin (which lacks the central methene bridge present in rubins) was unaffected. It is suggested that the CYP ferryl oxygen species abstracts a hydrogen atom from the central methene bridge of bilirubin to generate a radical, which is further dehydrogenated to biliverdin or else binds O(2) and undergoes fragmentation. We conclude that the uncoupled catalytic cycle of cytochrome P450 has properties resembling those of a peroxidase and that bilirubin is rapidly oxidized as a peroxidase substrate. The potential toxicological significance of cytochrome P450 uncoupling is considered.

Cytochrome P450-endogenous substrates metabolism is reduced in patients with a multiple organ dysfunction after coronary artery bypass grafting

Aim: To evaluate endogenous toxic substrates and liver monooxygenase function in cardiosurgical patients with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS). Methods: 45 patients with MODS and 34 patients with an uneventful postoperative period were studied. The endogenous substrates were quantified with blood middle molecules (MM). Liver monooxygenase function was evaluated with antipyrine (AP) pharmacokinetics. Results: On the first postoperative day, MODS patients were characterized by high concentration of toxic substrates (MM: +43.8%) and a significant decrease in liver monooxygenase function (AP clearance: −44%), while controls patients had a mild increase in endogenous substrates and a slight depression in monooxygenase function. On the 3rd–4th postoperative day, in the main group, endogenous substrates increased (MM: +53.1%), while in the control group toxic substrates decreased (MM: +6.9%). In both groups, an increase in liver monooxygenase function was noticed. Major differences were observed on the 10th–12th postoperative day. In the main group, toxic substrates remained elevated (MM: +37.5%) and monooxygenase function was depressed (AP clearance: −45.4%), while in the control group endogenous substrates and monooxygenase function were equal to the baseline. The correlation analysis showed a negative relationship between AP pharmacokinetics and endogenous substrates. Conclusion: Slowdown in liver microsomal oxidation is one of the main reasons for the accumulation of endogenous toxic substrates in MODS cardiac patients.

Inducible bilirubin oxidase: a novel function for the mouse cytochrome P450 2A5

We have previously shown that bilirubin (BR), a breakdown product of haem, is a strong inhibitor and a high affinity substrate of the mouse cytochrome P450 2A5 (CYP2A5). The antioxidant BR, which is cytotoxic at high concentrations, is potentially useful in cellular protection against oxygen radicals if its intracellular levels can be strictly controlled. The mechanisms that regulate cellular BR levels are still obscure. In this paper we provide preliminary evidence for a novel function of CYP2A5 as hepatic "BR oxidase". A high-performance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry screening showed that recombinant yeast microsomes expressing the CYP2A5 oxidise BR to biliverdin, as the main metabolite, and to three other smaller products with m/z values of 301, 315 and 333. The metabolic profile is significantly different from that of chemical oxidation of BR. In chemical oxidation the smaller products were the main metabolites. This suggests that the enzymatic reaction is selective, towards biliverdin production. Bilirubin treatment of primary hepatocytes increased the CYP2A5 protein and activity levels with no effect on the corresponding mRNA. Co-treatment with cycloheximide (CHX), a protein synthesis inhibitor, resulted in increased half-life of the CYP2A5 compared to cells treated only with CHX. Collectively, the observations suggest that the CYP2A5 is potentially an inducible "BR oxidase" where BR may accelerate its own metabolism through stabilization of the CYP2A5 protein. It is possible that this metabolic pathway is potentially part of the machinery controlling intracellular BR levels in transient oxidative stress situations, in which high amounts of BR are produced.

Heme oxygenase-1 in tumors: is it a false friend?

Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) catalyzes the oxidation of heme to biologically active products: carbon monoxide (CO), biliverdin, and ferrous iron. It participates in maintaining cellular homeostasis and plays an important protective role in the tissues by reducing oxidative injury, attenuating the inflammatory response, inhibiting cell apoptosis, and regulating cell proliferation. HO-1 is also an important proangiogenic mediator. Most studies have focused on the role of HO-1 in cardiovascular diseases, in which its significant, beneficial activity is well recognized. A growing body of evidence indicates, however, that HO-1 activation may play a role in carcinogenesis and can potently influence the growth and metastasis of tumors. HO-1 is very often upregulated in tumor tissues, and its expression is further increased in response to therapies. Although the exact effect can be tissue specific, HO-1 can be regarded as an enzyme facilitating tumor progression. Accordingly, inhibition of HO-1 can be suggested as a potential therapeutic approach sensitizing tumors to radiation, chemotherapy, or photodynamic therapy.

Hexachlorobenzene stimulates uroporphyria in low affinity AHR mice without increasing CYP1A2

Hexachlorobenzene (HCB), a weak ligand of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), causes hepatic uroporphyrin (URO) accumulation (uroporphyria) in humans and animals. CYP1A2 has been shown to be necessary in the development of uroporphyria in mice. Using mice expressing the low affinity form of the AH receptor (AHRd), we investigated whether the enhancement of uroporphyria by HCB involves an obligatory increase in CYP1A2 as measured by specific enzyme assays and immunoblotting. We compared the ability of HCB, in combination with iron dextran and the porphyrin precursor, 5-aminolevulinate (ALA), to cause uroporphyria in a strain of mice (C57BL/6) which expresses the high affinity form of the receptor (AHRb(1)), with three strains of mice (SWR and two 129 sublines) expressing the low affinity AHRd. In C57BL/6 mice, HCB-enhanced uroporphyria was associated with a doubling of CYP1A2. HCB treatment produced uroporphyria in iron-loaded mice expressing AHRd, even though there was little or no increase in CYP1A2. Cyp1a2(-/-) mice in a 129 background were completely resistant to HCB-induced uroporphyria, and female Hfe(-/-) 129 mice, in which the levels of hepatic CYP1A2 were half of those of the male levels, responded poorly. The effect of exogenous iron, administered in the form of iron dextran, on HCB enhancement of uroporphryia could be replicated utilizing the endogenous hepatic iron accumulated in 129 Hfe(-/-) mice. In conclusion, some minimal basal expression of CYP1A2 is essential for HCB-mediated enhancement of uroporphyria, but increases in CYP1A2 above that level are not essential.

CYP1A in TCDD toxicity and in physiology-with particular reference to CYP dependent arachidonic acid metabolism and other endogenous substrates

Toxicologic and physiologic roles of CYP1A enzyme induction, the major biochemical effect of aryl hydrocarbon receptor activation by TCDD and other receptor ligands, are unknown. Evidence is presented that CYP1A exerts biologic effects via metabolism of endogenous substrates (i.e., arachidonic acid, other eicosanoids, estrogens, bilirubin, and melatonin), production of reactive oxygen, and effects on K(+) and Ca(2+) channels. These interrelated pathways may connect CYP1A induction to TCDD toxicities, including cardiotoxicity, vascular dysfunction, and wasting. They may also underlie homeostatic roles for CYP1A, especially when transiently induced by common chemical exposures and environmental conditions (i.e., tryptophan photoproducts, dietary indoles, and changes in oxygen tension).

Pathological reactions and recovery of hepatopancreatic digestive cells from the marine snail Littorina littorea following exposure to a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon

The aim of this study was to investigate the cellular pathological responses of hepatopancreatic digestive cells from the periwinkle Littorina littorea exposed to the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) fluoranthene and to ascertain whether any injurious effects were reversible within the experimental time scale. A secondary objective was to establish the relationship of the various reactions to animal health status, using lysosomal stability as an index of well-being. Exposure of snails to a concentration of 335 microgl(-1) (1.7 microM) fluoranthene (seawater renewed and spiked daily with fluoranthene) for 5 days resulted in a reduction in lysosomal stability (neutral red retention) and endocytosis; and an increase in smooth endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and 7-ethoxycoumarin-o-deethylase (ECOD; measured as cyano-ECOD) activity measured in isolated live digestive cells. Exposed snails treated with clean seawater for a further 8 days resulted in a return to control levels of lysosomal stability, ECOD and ER; endocytosis showed only a partial recovery. Multi-variate and uni-variate analysis showed that there were strong correlations between the various cellular biomarker responses. These findings are interpretable within the current framework of molluscan biomarker responses to PAHs. Principal component analysis was used to derive the first principal component for endocytosis, ER and ECOD reactions and these were plotted against lysosomal stability as a measure of cellular well-being. The resulting significant regression represents the mapping of the individual biomarkers within health status space for a gradient of fluoranthene toxicity. From this analysis, we concluded that endocytosis is an indicator of healthy snails while proliferation of ER and to a lesser extent induced ECOD are indicative of dysfunction and reduced health. Finally, the results indicate that stress induced by chronic exposure to a PAH is reversible.

Bilirubin degradation by uncoupled cytochrome P450. Comparison with a chemical oxidation system and characterization of the products by high-performance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization mass spectrometry

Bilirubin is a protective antioxidant; however, when its conjugation and excretion are impaired, as in neonatal and hereditary jaundice, bilirubin accumulates and may cause severe neurotoxicity. Degradation of bilirubin takes place (a) on interaction with oxidative free radicals and (b) when cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes are uncoupled by polyhalogenated substrate analogues. The products of pathways (a) and (b) above have now been characterized by high-performance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HPLC/ESI-MS) and the mechanisms of fragmentation in part clarified. Oxidation of bilirubin by uncoupled CYP1A5 and by a Fe-EDTA/H2O2 system produced both biliverdin and an identical profile of dipyrrolic fragments, as detected by positive ESI-MS. A similar profile of oxidation products was found from mesobilirubin, all showing the expected increase in mass, thus providing direct evidence for fragmentation at the central methene bridge of the tetrapyrroles. Two degradation products, also detected by negative ESI-MS, were characterized as dipyrroles retaining the central bridge carbon, with one or two oxygen atom(s) bound (probably as the aldehyde and hydroperoxide derivatives). Ions compatible with propentdyopents and bilifuscins were also detected, but here the assignment was less certain. It is concluded that the first step in the oxidation of bilirubin may be hydrogen abstraction at the central methene bridge. This is followed either by loss of another hydrogen to give biliverdin, or by oxygen binding and fragmentation. Fe-EDTA/H2O2 and uncoupled CYP(Fe=O) may both initiate the reaction, the latter in an attempt to reduce the ferryl oxygen to water. These studies shed light on the CYP uncoupling mechanism and are of potential significance for the therapy of severe jaundice.

Evidence for induced microsomal bilirubin degradation by cytochrome P450 2A5

Oxidative metabolism of bilirubin (BR) -- a breakdown product of haem with cytoprotective and toxic properties -- is an important route of detoxification in addition to glucuronidation. The major enzyme(s) involved in this oxidative degradation are not known. In this paper, we present evidence for a major role of the hepatic cytochrome P450 2A5 (Cyp2a5) in BR degradation during cadmium intoxication, where the BR levels are elevated following induction of haem oxygenase-1 (HO-1). Treatment of DBA/2J mice with CdCl(2) induced both the Cyp2a5 and HO-1, and increased the microsomal BR degradation activity. By contrast, the total cytochrome P450 (CYP) content and the expression of Cyp1a2 were down-regulated by the treatment. The induction of the HO-1 and Cyp2a5 was substantial at the mRNA, protein and enzyme activity levels. In each case, the up-regulation of HO-1 preceded that of Cyp2a5 with a 5-10h interval. BR totally inhibited the microsomal Cyp2a5-dependent coumarin hydroxylase activity, with an IC(50) approximately equal to the substrate concentration. The 7-methoxyresorufin 7-O-demethylase (MROD) activity, catalyzed mainly by the Cyp1a2, was inhibited up to 36% by BR. The microsomal BR degradation was inhibited by coumarin and a monoclonal antibody against the Cyp2a5 by about 90%. Furthermore, 7-methoxyresorufin, a substrate for the Cyp1a2, inhibited BR degradation activity by approximately 20%. In sum, the results strongly suggest a major role for Cyp2a5 in the oxidative degradation of BR. Secondly, the coordinated up-regulation of the HO-1 and Cyp2a5 during Cd-mediated injury implicates a network of enzyme systems in the maintenance of balancing BR production and elimination.

Inducing coproporphyria in rat hepatocyte cultures using cyclic AMP and cyclic AMP-releasing agents

Cyclic AMP (c-AMP), added on its own to rat hepatocyte cultures, caused a marked accumulation of coproporphyrin III. The results obtained by comparing the effect of c-AMP to that of exogenous 5-aminolevulinate (ALA), and from adding c-AMP and ALA together, indicated that the coproporphyrinogen III metabolism was blocked, even though no inhibition of the relevant enzyme, coproporphyrinogen oxidase, could be demonstrated. Preferential accumulation of coproporphyrin could also be produced in cultures of rat hepatocytes by agents that raise the cellular levels of cyclic AMP, such as glucagon. The effect of supplementing the culture medium with triiodothyronine (T3) on the response of rat hepatocytes to c-AMP was also investigated. T3, which is known to stimulate mitochondrial respiration, uncoupling O2 consumption from ATP synthesis, produced a c-AMP-like effect when given on its own and potentiated the effect of c-AMP, with an apparent increase in the severity of the metabolic block. It is suggested that an oxidative mechanism may be activated in c-AMP and T3-induced coproporphyria, preferentially involving the mitochondrial compartment, leading to oxidation of porphyrinogen intermediates of haem biosynthesis, especially coproporphyrinogen. Coproporphyin, the fully oxidized aromatic derivative produced, cannot be metabolized and will therefore accumulate.

Uncoupling-mediated generation of reactive oxygen by halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons in mouse liver microsomes

Studying liver microsomes from 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD)-induced or vehicle-treated (noninduced) mice, we evaluated the in vitro effects of added chemicals on the production of reactive oxygen due to substrate/P450-mediated uncoupling. The catalase-inhibited NADPH-dependent H(2)O(2) production (luminol assay) was lower in induced than noninduced microsomes. The effects of adding chemicals (2.5 microM) in vitro could be divided into three categories: Group 1, highly halogenated and coplanar compounds that increased H(2)O(2) production at least 5-fold in induced, but not in noninduced, microsomes; Group 2, non-coplanar halogenated biphenyls that did not affect H(2)O(2) production; Group 3, minimally halogenated biphenyls and benzo[a]pyrene that decreased H(2)O(2) production. Molar consumption of NADPH and O(2) and molar H(2)O(2) production (o-dianisidine oxidation) revealed that Group 1 compounds mostly increased, Group 2 had no effect, and Group 3 decreased the H(2)O(2)/O(2) and H(2)O(2)/NADPH ratios. Microsomal lipid peroxidation (thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances) was proportional to H(2)O(2) production. Although TCDD induction decreased microsomal production of H(2)O(2), addition of Group 1 compounds to TCDD-induced microsomes in vitro stimulated the second-electron reduction of cytochrome P450 and subsequent release of H(2)O(2) production. This pathway is likely to contribute to the oxidative stress response and associated toxicity produced by many of these environmental chemicals.

Interaction of polyhalogenated compounds of appropriate configuration with mammalian or bacterial CYP enzymes. Increased bilirubin and uroporphyrinogen oxidation in vitro

Polyhalogenated compounds, such as 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin, are associated with toxic Uroporphyria and cause alleviation of jaundice in the Gunn rat. These effects have been attributed to a microsomal oxidation of uroporphyrinogen and bilirubin for which supportive evidence has been obtained in vitro. CYP1A1 required planar polyhalogenated biphenyls for these oxidative reactions, while CYP1A2 was capable of oxidation in their absence. We have now used rat CYP1A1 and confirmed with the pure enzyme that increased bilirubin oxidation was caused by the addition of 3,4,3',4'-tetrachlorobiphenyl. CYP1A2 was more active than CYP1A1 at oxidizing bilirubin in presence of NADPH alone and reacted to addition of 3,4,3',4'-tetrachlorobiphenyl with a depression rather than a stimulation of bilirubin oxidation. We have also tested a bacterial enzyme, CYP102. Dodecanoic acid and its polyhalogenated analogue (perfluorododecanoic acid) both stimulated NADPH oxidation by CYP102, but only the perfluoro analogue stimulated markedly bilirubin oxidation. The analogue exhibited much greater potency than the normal substrate in stimulating NADPH and bilirubin oxidation and also showed greater affinity for CYP102, as measured by the binding constant, Ks. The molar stoichiometry ratio between NADPH and O(2) consumption was 1 in the case of the substrate, but approximated 2 with the perfluoro analogue. We conclude that halogenated substrate analogues can interact with different CYPs to increase production of oxidative species, probably by an uncoupling mechanism. A role of the ferryl-oxygen intermediate is suggested in the oxidation of biologically important molecules, with possible implications for the therapy of jaundice and for toxic oxidative reactions, such as uroporphyria and cancer.