Molybdenum hydroxylases: biological distribution and substrate-inhibitor specificity

Xanthine oxidase and aldehyde oxidase contribute to allopurinol metabolism in rats

BACKGROUND

Allopurinol is used to treat hyperuricemia and gout. It is metabolized to oxypurinol by xanthine oxidase (XO), and aldehyde oxidase (AO). Allopurinol and oxypurinol are potent XO inhibitors that reduce the plasma uric acid levels. Although oxypurinol levels show large inter-individual variations, high concentrations of oxypurinol can cause various adverse effects. Therefore, it is important to understand allopurinol metabolism by XO and AO. In this study we aimed to estimate the role of AO and XO in allopurinol metabolism by pre-administering Crl:CD and Jcl:SD rats, which have known strain differences in AO activity, with XO inhibitor febuxostat.

METHODS

Allopurinol (30 or 100 mg/kg) was administered to Crl:CD and Jcl:SD rats with low and high AO activity, respectively, after pretreatment with or without febuxostat. The serum concentrations of allopurinol and oxypurinol were measured, and the area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) was calculated from the 48 h serum concentration-time profile. In vivo metabolic activity was measured as the ratio AUC_oxypurinol /AUC_allopurinol.

RESULTS

Although no strain-specific differences were observed in the AUC_oxypurinol/AUC_allopurinol ratio in the allopurinol (30 mg/kg)-treated group, the ratio in Jcl:SD rats was higher than that in Crl:CD rats after febuxostat pretreatment. Contrastingly, the AUC ratio of allopurinol (100 mg/kg) was approximately 2-fold higher in Jcl:SD rats than that in Crl:CD rats. These findings showed that Jcl:SD rats had higher intrinsic AO activity than Crl:CD rats did. However, febuxostat pretreatment substantially decreased the activity, as measured by the AUC ratio using allopurinol (100 mg/kg), to 46 and 63% in Crl:CD rats and Jcl:SD rats, respectively, compared to the control group without febuxostat pretreatment.

CONCLUSIONS

We elucidated the role of XO and AO in allopurinol metabolism in Crl:CD and Jcl:SD rats. Notably, AO can exert a proportionately greater impact on allopurinol metabolism at high allopurinol concentrations. AO's impact on allopurinol metabolism is meaningful enough that individual differences in AO may explain allopurinol toxicity events. Considering the inter-individual differences in AO activity, these findings can aid to dose adjustment of allopurinol to avoid potential adverse effects.

Non-cytochrome P450 enzymes involved in the oxidative metabolism of xenobiotics: Focus on the regulation of gene expression and enzyme activity

Oxidative metabolism is one of the major biotransformation reactions that regulates the exposure of xenobiotics and their metabolites in the circulatory system and local tissues and organs, and influences their efficacy and toxicity. Although cytochrome (CY)P450s play critical roles in the oxidative reaction, extensive CYP450-independent oxidative metabolism also occurs in some xenobiotics, such as aldehyde oxidase, xanthine oxidoreductase, flavin-containing monooxygenase, monoamine oxidase, alcohol dehydrogenase, or aldehyde dehydrogenase-dependent oxidative metabolism. Drugs form a large portion of xenobiotics and are the primary target of this review. The common reaction mechanisms and roles of non-CYP450 enzymes in metabolism, factors affecting the expression and activity of non-CYP450 enzymes in terms of inhibition, induction, regulation, and species differences in pharmaceutical research and development have been summarized. These non-CYP450 enzymes are detoxifying enzymes, although sometimes they mediate severe toxicity. Synthetic or natural chemicals serve as inhibitors for these non-CYP450 enzymes. However, pharmacokinetic-based drug interactions through these inhibitors have rarely been reported in vivo. Although multiple mechanisms participate in the basal expression and regulation of non-CYP450 enzymes, only a limited number of inducers upregulate their expression. Therefore, these enzymes are considered non-inducible or less inducible. Overall, this review focuses on the potential xenobiotic factors that contribute to variations in gene expression levels and the activities of non-CYP450 enzymes.

Metabolism by Aldehyde Oxidase: Drug Design and Complementary Approaches to Challenges in Drug Discovery

Aldehyde oxidase (AO) catalyzes oxidations of azaheterocycles and aldehydes, amide hydrolysis, and diverse reductions. AO substrates are rare among marketed drugs, and many candidates failed due to poor pharmacokinetics, interspecies differences, and adverse effects. As most issues arise from complex and poorly understood AO biology, an effective solution is to stop or decrease AO metabolism. This perspective focuses on rational drug design approaches to modulate AO-mediated metabolism in drug discovery. AO biological aspects are also covered, as they are complementary to chemical design and important when selecting the experimental system for risk assessment. The authors' recommendation is an early consideration of AO-mediated metabolism supported by computational and in vitro experimental methods but not an automatic avoidance of AO structural flags, many of which are versatile and valuable building blocks. Preferably, consideration of AO-mediated metabolism should be part of the multiparametric drug optimization process, with the goal to improve overall drug-like properties.

Role of Molybdenum-Containing Enzymes in the Biotransformation of the Novel Ghrelin Receptor Inverse Agonist PF-5190457: A Reverse Translational Bed-to-Bench Approach

(R)-2-(2-methylimidazo[2,1-b]thiazol-6-yl)-1-(2-(5-(6-methylpyrimidin-4-yl)-2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-1-yl)-2,7-diazaspiro[3.5]nonan-7-yl)ethan-1-one (PF-5190457) was identified as a potent and selective inverse agonist of the ghrelin receptor [growth hormone secretagogue receptor 1a (GHS-R1a)]. The present translational bed-to-bench work characterizes the biotransformation of this compound in vivo and then further explores in vitro metabolism in fractions of human liver and primary hepatocytes. Following oral administration of PF-5190457 in a phase 1b clinical study, hydroxyl metabolites of the compound were observed, including one that had not been observed in previously performed human liver microsomal incubations. PF-6870961 was biosynthesized using liver cytosol, and the site of hydroxylation was shown to be on the pyrimidine using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The aldehyde oxidase (AO) inhibitor raloxifene and the xanthine oxidase inhibitor febuxostat inhibited the formation of PF-6870961 in human liver cytosol, suggesting both enzymes were involved in the metabolism of the drug. However, greater inhibition was observed with raloxifene, indicating AO is a dominant enzyme in the biotransformation. The intrinsic clearance of the drug in human liver cytosol was estimated to be 0.002 ml/min per milligram protein. This study provides important novel information at three levels: 1) it provides additional new information on the recently developed novel compound PF-5190457, the first GHS-R1a blocker that has moved to development in humans; 2) it provides an example of a reverse translational approach where a discovery in humans was brought back, validated, and further investigated at the bench level; and 3) it demonstrates the importance of considering the molybdenum-containing oxidases during the development of new drug entities. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: PF-5190457 is a novel ghrelin receptor inverse agonist that is currently undergoing clinical development for treatment of alcohol use disorder. PF-6870961, a major hydroxyl metabolite of the compound, was observed in human plasma, but was absent in human liver microsomal incubations. PF-6870961 was biosynthesized using liver cytosol, and the site of hydroxylation on the pyrimidine ring was characterized. Inhibitors of aldehyde oxidase and xanthine oxidase inhibited the formation of PF-6870961 in human liver cytosol, suggesting both enzymes were involved in the metabolism of the drug. This information is important for patient selection in subsequent clinical studies.

ecoAO: A Simple System for the Study of Human Aldehyde Oxidases Role in Drug Metabolism

Although aldehyde oxidase (AO) is an important hepatic drug-metabolizing enzyme, it remains understudied and is consequently often overlooked in preclinical studies, an oversight that has resulted in the failure of multiple clinical trials. AO's preclusion to investigation stems from the following: (1) difficulties synthesizing metabolic standards due to the chemospecificity and regiospecificity of the enzyme and (2) significant inherent variability across existing in vitro systems including liver cytosol, S9 fractions, and primary hepatocytes, which lack specificity and generate discordant expression and activity profiles. Here, we describe a practical bacterial biotransformation system, ecoAO, addressing both issues simultaneously. ecoAO is a cell paste of MoCo-producing Escherichia coli strain TP1017 expressing human AO. It exhibits specific activity toward known substrates, zoniporide, 4-trans-(N,N-dimethylamino)cinnamaldehyde, O6-benzylguanine, and zaleplon; it also has utility as a biocatalyst, yielding milligram quantities of synthetically challenging metabolite standards such as 2-oxo-zoniporide. Moreover, ecoAO enables routine determination of kcat and V/K, which are essential parameters for accurate in vivo clearance predictions. Furthermore, ecoAO has potential as a preclinical in vitro screening tool for AO activity, as demonstrated by its metabolism of 3-aminoquinoline, a previously uncharacterized substrate. ecoAO promises to provide easy access to metabolites with the potential to improve pharmacokinetic clearance predictions and guide drug development.

Phenylacetaldehyde Oxidation by Freshly Prepared and Cryopreserved Guinea Pig Liver Slices: The Role of Aldehyde Oxidase

Phenylacetaldehyde is formed when the xenobiotic and biogenic amine 2-phenylethylamine is inactivated by a monoamine oxidase–catalyzed oxidative deamination. Exogenous phenylacetaldehyde is found in certain foodstuffs such as honey, cheese, tomatoes, and wines. 2-Phenylethylamine can trigger migraine attacks in susceptible individuals and can become fairly toxic at high intakes from foods. It may also function as a potentiator that enhances the toxicity of histamine and tyramine. The present investigation examines the metabolism of phenylacetaldehyde to phenylacetic acid in freshly prepared and in cryopreserved guinea pig liver slices. In addition, it compares the relative contribution of aldehyde oxidase, xanthine oxidase, and aldehyde dehydrogenase in the oxidation of phenylacetaldehyde using specific inhibitors for each oxidizing enzyme. The inhibitors used were isovanillin for aldehyde oxidase, allopurinol for xanthine oxidase, and disulfiram for aldehyde dehydrogenase. In freshly prepared liver slices, phenylacetaldehyde was converted mainly to phenylacetic acid, with traces of 2-phenylethanol being present. Disulfiram inhibited phenylacetic acid formation by 80% to 85%, whereas isovanillin inhibited acid formation to a lesser extent (50% to 55%) and allopurinol had little or no effect. In cryopreserved liver slices, phenylacetic acid was also the main metabolite, whereas the 2-phenylethanol production was more pronounced than that in freshly prepared liver slices. Isovanillin inhibited phenylacetic acid formation by 85%, whereas disulfiram inhibited acid formation to a lesser extent (55% to 60%) and allopurinol had no effect. The results in this study have shown that, in freshly prepared and cryopreserved liver slices, phenylacetaldehyde is converted to phenylacetic acid by both aldehyde dehydrogenase and aldehyde oxidase, with no contribution from xanthine oxidase. Therefore, aldehyde dehydrogenase is not the only enzyme responsible in the metabolism of phenylacetaldehyde, but aldehyde oxidase may also be important and thus its role should not be ignored.

Challenges and Opportunities with Non-CYP Enzymes Aldehyde Oxidase, Carboxylesterase, and UDP-Glucuronosyltransferase: Focus on Reaction Phenotyping and Prediction of Human Clearance

Over the years, significant progress has been made in reducing metabolic instability due to cytochrome P450-mediated oxidation. High-throughput metabolic stability screening has enabled the advancement of compounds with little to no oxidative metabolism. Furthermore, high lipophilicity and low aqueous solubility of presently pursued chemotypes reduces the probability of renal excretion. As such, these low microsomal turnover compounds are often substrates for non-CYP-mediated metabolism. UGTs, esterases, and aldehyde oxidase are major enzymes involved in catalyzing such metabolism. Hepatocytes provide an excellent tool to identify such pathways including elucidation of major metabolites. To predict human PK parameters for P450-mediated metabolism, in vitro-in vivo extrapolation using hepatic microsomes, hepatocytes, and intestinal microsomes has been actively investigated. However, such methods have not been sufficiently evaluated for non-P450 enzymes. In addition to the involvement of the liver, extrahepatic enzymes (intestine, kidney, lung) are also likely to contribute to these pathways. While there has been considerable progress in predicting metabolic pathways and clearance primarily mediated by the liver, progress in characterizing extrahepatic metabolism and prediction of clearance has been slow. Well-characterized in vitro systems or in vivo animal models to assess drug-drug interaction potential and intersubject variability due to polymorphism are not available. Here we focus on the utility of appropriate in vitro studies to characterize non-CYP-mediated metabolism and to understand the enzymes involved followed by pharmacokinetic studies in the appropriately characterized surrogate species. The review will highlight progress made in establishing in vitro-in vivo correlation, predicting human clearance and avoiding costly clinical failures when non-CYP-mediated metabolic pathways are predominant.

Nitrite and nitrite reductases: from molecular mechanisms to significance in human health and disease

Nitrite, previously considered physiologically irrelevant and a simple end product of endogenous nitric oxide (NO) metabolism, is now envisaged as a reservoir of NO to be activated in response to oxygen (O(2)) depletion. In the first part of this review, we summarize and compare the mechanisms of nitrite-dependent production of NO in selected bacteria and in eukaryotes. Bacterial nitrite reductases, which are copper or heme-containing enzymes, play an important role in the adaptation of pathogens to O(2) limitation and enable microrganisms to survive in the human body. In mammals, reduction of nitrite to NO under hypoxic conditions is carried out in tissues and blood by an array of metalloproteins, including heme-containing proteins and molybdenum enzymes. In humans, tissues play a more important role in nitrite reduction, not only because most tissues produce more NO than blood, but also because deoxyhemoglobin efficiently scavenges NO in blood. In the second part of the review, we outline the significance of nitrite in human health and disease and describe the recent advances and pitfalls of nitrite-based therapy, with special attention to its application in cardiovascular disorders, inflammation, and anti-bacterial defence. It can be concluded that nitrite (as well as nitrate-rich diet for long-term applications) may hold promise as therapeutic agent in vascular dysfunction and ischemic injury, as well as an effective compound able to promote angiogenesis.

Characterization of aldehyde oxidase enzyme activity in cryopreserved human hepatocytes

Substrates of aldehyde oxidase (AO), for which human clinical pharmacokinetics are reported, were selected and evaluated in pooled mixed-gender cryopreserved human hepatocytes in an effort to quantitatively characterize AO activity. Estimated hepatic clearance (Cl(h)) for BIBX1382, carbazeran, O⁶-benzylguanine, zaleplon, and XK-469 using cryopreserved hepatocytes was 18, 17, 12, <4.3, and <4.3 ml · min⁻¹ · kg⁻¹, respectively. The observed metabolic clearance in cryopreserved hepatocytes was confirmed to be a result of AO-mediated metabolism via two approaches. Metabolite identification after incubations in the presence of H₂¹⁸O confirmed that the predominant oxidative metabolite was generated by AO, as expected isotope patterns in mass spectra were observed after analysis by high-resolution mass spectrometry. Second, clearance values were efficiently attenuated upon coincubation with hydralazine, an inhibitor of AO. The low exposure after oral doses of BIBX1382 and carbazeran (∼5% F) would have been fairly well predicted using simple hepatic extraction (f(h)) values derived from cryopreserved hepatocytes. In addition, the estimated hepatic clearance value for O⁶-benzylguanine was within ∼80% of the observed total clearance in humans after intravenous administration (15 ml · min⁻¹ · kg⁻¹), indicating a reasonable level of quantitative activity from this in vitro system. However, a 3.5-fold underprediction of total clearance was observed for zaleplon, despite the 5-oxo metabolite being clearly observed. These data taken together suggest that the use of cryopreserved hepatocytes may be a practical approach for assessing AO-mediated metabolism in discovery and potentially useful for predicting hepatic clearance of AO substrates.

4-Pyridone-3-carboxamide-1-β-D-ribonucleoside triphosphate (4PyTP), a novel NAD metabolite accumulating in erythrocytes of uremic children: a biomarker for a toxic NAD analogue in other tissues?

We have identified a novel nucleotide, 4-pyridone 3/5-carboxamide ribonucleoside triphosphate (4PyTP), which accumulates in human erythrocytes during renal failure. Using plasma and erythrocyte extracts obtained from children with chronic renal failure we show that the concentration of 4PyTP is increased, as well as other soluble NAD⁺ metabolites (nicotinamide, N¹-methylnicotinamide and 4Py-riboside) and the major nicotinamide metabolite N¹-methyl-2-pyridone-5-carboxamide (2PY), with increasing degrees of renal failure. We noted that 2PY concentration was highest in the plasma of haemodialysis patients, while 4PyTP was highest in erythrocytes of children undergoing peritoneal dialysis: its concentration correlated closely with 4Py-riboside, an authentic precursor of 4PyTP, in the plasma. In the dialysis patients, GTP concentration was elevated: similar accumulation was noted previously, as a paradoxical effect in erythrocytes during treatment with immunosuppressants such as ribavirin and mycophenolate mofetil, which deplete GTP through inhibition of IMP dehydrogenase in nucleated cells such as lymphocytes. We predict that 4Py-riboside and 4Py-nucleotides bind to this enzyme and alter its activity. The enzymes that regenerate NAD⁺ from nicotinamide riboside also convert the drugs tiazofurin and benzamide riboside into NAD⁺ analogues that inhibit IMP dehydrogenase more effectively than the related ribosides: we therefore propose that the accumulation of 4PyTP in erythrocytes during renal failure is a marker for the accumulation of a related toxic NAD⁺ analogue that inhibits IMP dehydrogenase in other cells.

[Individual and strain differences of aldehyde oxidase in the rat]

Together with xanthine oxidase, aldehyde oxidase (AO) is a major member of a relatively small family of molybdenum hydroxylases. Both enzymes are homodimers with a subunit molecular weight of about 150 kDa and exhibit catalytic activity only as a dimer. An AO subunit contains a molybdopterin cofactor, an FAD and two different 2Fe-2S redox centers. The enzyme catalyzes oxidation of a wide range of endogenous and exogenous aldehydes and N-heterocyclic aromatic compounds. N-heterocycle-containing drugs such as methotrexate, 6-mercaptopurine, cinchona alkaloids and famciclovir are oxidized by this enzyme. Marked species differences have been well documented for the AO-catalyzed metabolism of drugs including methotrexate and famciclovir. In addition, a large rat strain variation has also been demonstrated in the oxidation activity of benzaldehyde and methotrexate. Marked differences in species, large differences in rat strains and individual differences in AO activities in some rat strains have been reported. However, little has been elucidated about any related molecular biological mechanisms. We examined the mechanism of individual variations and strain difference of rat AO using the technology of molecular biology. Our recent studies regarding the inter- and intra-difference of AO activities in rats are described.

The mammalian aldehyde oxidase gene family

Aldehyde oxidases (EC 1.2.3.1) are a small group of structurally conserved cytosolic proteins represented in both the animal and plant kingdoms. In vertebrates, aldehyde oxidases constitute the small sub-family of molybdo-flavoenzymes, along with the evolutionarily and structurally related protein, xanthine oxidoreductase. These enzymes require a molybdo-pterin cofactor (molybdenum cofactor, MoCo) and flavin adenine dinucleotide for their catalytic activity. Aldehyde oxidases have broad substrate specificity and catalyse the hydroxylation of N-heterocycles and the oxidation of aldehydes to the corresponding acid. In humans, a single aldehyde oxidase gene (AOX1) and two pseudogenes clustering on a short stretch of chromosome 2q are known. In other mammals, a variable number of structurally conserved aldehyde oxidase genes has been described. Four genes (Aox1, Aox3, Aox4 and Aox3l1), coding for an equivalent number of catalytically active enzymes, are present in the mouse and rat genomes. Although human AOX1 and its homologous proteins are best known as drug metabolising enzymes, the physiological substrate(s) and function(s) are as yet unknown. The present paper provides an update of the available information on the evolutionary history, tissue- and cell-specific distribution and function of mammalian aldehyde oxidases.

Mechanisms of nitrite reduction to nitric oxide in the heart and vessel wall

Nitric oxide (NO) is an important regulator of a variety of biological functions, and also has a role in the pathogenesis of cellular injury. It had been generally accepted that NO is solely generated in biological tissues by specific nitric oxide synthases (NOS) which metabolize arginine to citrulline with the formation of NO. However, over the last 15 years, nitrite-mediated NO production has been shown to be an important mechanism of NO formation in the heart and cardiovascular system. Now numerous studies have demonstrated that nitrite can be an important source rather than simply a product of NO in mammalian cells and tissues and can be a potential vasodilator drug for cardiovascular diseases. There are a variety of mechanisms of nitrite reduction to NO and it is now appreciated that this process, while enhanced under hypoxic conditions, also occurs under normoxia. Several methods, including electron paramagnetic resonance, chemiluminescence NO analyzer, and NO electrode have been utilized to measure, quantitate, and image nitrite-mediated NO formation. Results reveal that nitrite-dependent NO generation plays critical physiological and pathological roles, and is controlled by oxygen tension, pH, reducing substrates and nitrite levels. In this manuscript, we review the mechanisms of nitrite-mediated NO formation and the effects of oxygen on this process with a focus on how this occurs in the heart and vessels.

Role of CYP2A5 in the clearance of nicotine and cotinine: insights from studies on a Cyp2a5-null mouse model

CYP2A5, a mouse cytochrome P450 monooxygenase that shows high similarities to human CYP2A6 and CYP2A13 in protein sequence and substrate specificity, is expressed in multiple tissues, including the liver, kidney, lung, and nasal mucosa. Heterologously expressed CYP2A5 is active in the metabolism of both endogenous substrates, such as testosterone, and xenobiotic compounds, such as nicotine and cotinine. To determine the biological and pharmacological functions of CYP2A5 in vivo, we have generated a Cyp2a5-null mouse. Homozygous Cyp2a5-null mice are viable and fertile; they show no evidence of embryonic lethality or developmental deficits; and they have normal circulating levels of testosterone and progesterone. The Cyp2a5-null mouse and wild-type mouse were then used for determination of the roles of CYP2A5 in the metabolism of nicotine and its major circulating metabolite, cotinine. The results indicated that the Cyp2a5-null mouse has lower hepatic nicotine 5'-hydroxylation activity in vitro, and slower systemic clearance of both nicotine and cotinine in vivo. For both compounds, a substantially longer plasma half-life and a greater area under the concentration-time curve were observed for the Cyp2a5-null mice, compared with wild-type mice. Further pharmacokinetics analysis confirmed that the brain levels of nicotine and cotinine are also influenced by the Cyp2a5 deletion. These findings provide direct evidence that CYP2A5 is the major nicotine and cotinine oxidase in mouse liver. The Cyp2a5-null mouse will be valuable for in vivo studies on the role of CYP2A5 in drug metabolism and chemical toxicity, and for future production of CYP2A6- and CYP2A13-humanized mouse models.

Characterization of the magnitude and mechanism of aldehyde oxidase-mediated nitric oxide production from nitrite

Aldehyde oxidase (AO) is a cytosolic enzyme with an important role in drug and xenobiotic metabolism. Although AO has structural similarity to bacterial nitrite reductases, it is unknown whether AO-catalyzed nitrite reduction can be an important source of NO. The mechanism, magnitude, and quantitative importance of AO-mediated nitrite reduction in tissues have not been reported. To investigate this pathway and its quantitative importance, EPR spectroscopy, chemiluminescence NO analyzer, and immunoassays of cGMP formation were performed. The kinetics and magnitude of AO-dependent NO formation were characterized. In the presence of typical aldehyde substrates or NADH, AO reduced nitrite to NO. Kinetics of AO-catalyzed nitrite reduction followed Michaelis-Menten kinetics under anaerobic conditions. Under physiological conditions, nitrite levels are far below its measured K(m) value in the presence of either the flavin site electron donor NADH or molybdenum site aldehyde electron donors. Under aerobic conditions with the FAD site-binding substrate, NADH, AO-mediated NO production was largely maintained, although with aldehyde substrates oxygen-dependent inhibition was seen. Oxygen tension, substrate, and pH levels were important regulators of AO-catalyzed NO generation. From kinetic data, it was determined that during ischemia hepatic, pulmonary, or myocardial AO and nitrite levels were sufficient to result in NO generation comparable to or exceeding maximal production by constitutive NO synthases. Thus, AO-catalyzed nitrite reduction can be an important source of NO generation, and its NO production will be further increased by therapeutic administration of nitrite.

Functional analysis of aldehyde oxidase using expressed chimeric enzyme between monkey and rat

Aldehyde oxidase (AO) is a homodimer with a subunit molecular mass of approximately 150 kDa. Each subunit consists of about 20 kDa 2Fe-2S cluster domain storing reducing equivalents, about 40 kDa flavine adenine dinucleotide (FAD) domain and about 85 kDa molybdenum cofactor (MoCo) domain containing a substrate binding site. In order to clarify the properties of each domain, especially substrate binding domain, chimeric cDNAs were constructed by mutual exchange of 2Fe-2S/FAD and MoCo domains between monkey and rat. Chimeric monkey/rat AO was referred to one with monkey type 2Fe-2S/FAD domains and a rat type MoCo domain. Rat/monkey AO was vice versa. AO-catalyzed 2-oxidation activities of (S)-RS-8359 were measured using the expressed enzyme in Escherichia coli. Substrate inhibition was seen in rat AO and chimeric monkey/rat AO, but not in monkey AO and chimeric rat/monkey AO, suggesting that the phenomenon might be dependent on the natures of MoCo domain of rat. A biphasic Eadie-Hofstee profile was observed in monkey AO and chimeric rat/monkey AO, but not rat AO and chimeric monkey/rat AO, indicating that the biphasic profile might be related to the properties of MoCo domain of monkey. Two-fold greater V(max) values were observed in monkey AO than in chimeric rat/monkey AO, and in chimeric monkey/rat AO than in rat AO, suggesting that monkey has the more effective electron transfer system than rat. Thus, the use of chimeric enzymes revealed that 2Fe-2S/FAD and MoCo domains affect the velocity and the quantitative profiles of AO-catalyzed (S)-RS-8359 2-oxidation, respectively.

Oxidation and glycolytic cleavage of etheno and propano DNA base adducts

Non-invasive strategies for the analysis of endogenous DNA damage are of interest for the purpose of monitoring genomic exposure to biologically produced chemicals. We have focused our research on the biological processing of DNA adducts and how this may impact the observed products in biological matrixes. Preliminary research has revealed that pyrimidopurinone DNA adducts are subject to enzymatic oxidation in vitro and in vivo and that base adducts are better substrates for oxidation than the corresponding 2′-deoxynucleosides. We tested the possibility that structurally similar exocyclic base adducts may be good candidates for enzymatic oxidation in vitro. We investigated the in vitro oxidation of several endogenously occurring etheno adducts [1,N²-ε-guanine (1,N²-ε-Gua), N²,3-ε-Gua, heptanone-1,N²-ε-Gua, 1,N⁶-ε-adenine (1,N⁶-ε-Ade), and 3,N⁴-ε-cytosine (3,N⁴-ε-Cyt)] and their corresponding 2′-deoxynucleosides. Both 1,N²-ε-Gua and heptanone-1,N²-ε-Gua were substrates for enzymatic oxidation in rat liver cytosol; heteronuclear NMR experiments revealed that oxidation occurred on the imidazole ring of each substrate. In contrast, the partially or fully saturated pyrimidopurinone analogues [i.e., 5,6-dihydro-M₁G and 1,N²-propanoguanine (PGua)] and their 2′-deoxynucleoside derivatives were not oxidized. The 2′-deoxynucleoside adducts, 1,N²-ε-dG and 1,N⁶-ε-dA, underwent glycolytic cleavage in rat liver cytosol. Together, these data suggest that multiple exocyclic adducts undergo oxidation and glycolytic cleavage in vitro in rat liver cytosol, in some instances in succession. These multiple pathways of biotransformation produce an array of products. Thus, the biotransformation of exocyclic adducts may lead to an additional class of biomarkers suitable for use in animal and human studies.

Role of the molybdoflavoenzyme aldehyde oxidase homolog 2 in the biosynthesis of retinoic acid: generation and characterization of a knockout mouse

The mouse aldehyde oxidase AOH2 (aldehyde oxidase homolog 2) is a molybdoflavoenzyme. Harderian glands are the richest source of AOH2, although the protein is detectable also in sebaceous glands, epidermis, and other keratinized epithelia. The levels of AOH2 in the Harderian gland and skin are controlled by genetic background, being maximal in CD1 and C57BL/6 and minimal in DBA/2, CBA, and 129/Sv strains. Testosterone is a negative regulator of AOH2 in Harderian glands. Purified AOH2 oxidizes retinaldehyde into retinoic acid, while it is devoid of pyridoxal-oxidizing activity. Aoh2(-/-) mice, the first aldehyde oxidase knockout animals ever generated, are viable and fertile. The data obtained for this knockout model indicate a significant role of AOH2 in the local synthesis and biodisposition of endogenous retinoids in the Harderian gland and skin. The Harderian gland's transcriptome of knockout mice demonstrates overall downregulation of direct retinoid-dependent genes as well as perturbations in pathways controlling lipid homeostasis and cellular secretion, particularly in sexually immature animals. The skin of knockout mice is characterized by thickening of the epidermis in basal conditions and after UV light exposure. This has correlates in the corresponding transcriptome, which shows enrichment and overall upregulation of genes involved in hypertrophic responses.

Aldehyde oxidase and its contribution to the metabolism of a structurally novel, functionally selective GABAAα5-subtype inverse agonist

(3-Tert-butyl-7-(5-methylisoxazol-3-yl)-2-(1-methyl-1H-1,2,4-triazol-5-ylmethoxy)pyrazolo[1,5-d] [1,2,4]triazine was recently identified as a functionally selective, inverse agonist at the benzodiazepine site of GABA(A) alpha5-containing receptors, which enhances performance in animal models of cognition. The routes of metabolism of this compound in rat, dog, rhesus monkey and human in vitro systems, and in vivo in rat, dog and rhesus monkey have been characterized. The current study demonstrates that both a cytosolic oxidative reaction and cytochrome P450 play important roles in the metabolism of the compound. Chemical inhibition studies showed the oxidation in human cytosol to be catalysed predominantly by aldehyde oxidase rather than the related enzyme, xanthine oxidase. The aldehyde oxidase-mediated metabolites were present in vitro and in vivo in both rat and rhesus monkey, and also in vitro in man. They were absent both in vitro and in vivo in dog.

Stereospecific oxidation of the (S)-enantiomer of RS-8359, a selective and reversible monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A) inhibitor, by aldehyde oxidase

In a previous paper by the authors on RS-8359, a new selective and reversible monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A) inhibitor, it was reported that the (S)-enantiomer of RS-8359 is rapidly eliminated from rats, monkeys and humans as a result of the formation of a 2-oxidative metabolite. The present study investigates the properties of the enzyme responsible for the 2-oxidation of RS-8359. Subcellular localization, cofactor requirement and the inhibitory effects of typical compounds were studied using rat liver preparations. In addition, the enzyme was purified from rat liver cytosol for further characterization. The enzyme activity was localized in the cytosolic fraction without the need for any cofactor and was extensively inhibited by menadione, chlorpromazine and quinacrine. The purified enzyme was also a homodimer with a monomeric molecular weight of 140 kDa and it had an A280/A450 ratio of 5.1 in the absorption spectrum. The results suggest that the enzyme responsible for the biotransformation of RS-8359 to give the 2-keto derivative is aldehyde oxidase (EC 1.2.3.1). The reaction of aldehyde oxidase is highly stereoselective for the (S)-configuration of RS-8359 and the (9R)-configuration of cinchona alkaloids.

Lack of dimer formation ability in rat strains with low aldehyde oxidase activity

Aldehyde oxidase (AO) is a homodimer with a molecular weight of 300 kDa. To clarify the reasons for the well-known differences in rat strains, we set out to study the relationship between AO activity and the expression levels of its dimer. AO-catalyzed 2-oxidation activity of (S)-RS-8359 was measured in liver cytosols from ten rat strains. The expression levels of AO dimeric protein were evaluated by the native-PAGE/Western blot. Rat strains with low AO activity showed only a monomer, whereas strains with high activity overwhelmingly exhibited a dimer. Exceptionally, one strain in the high AO activity group displayed complex mixed expression patterns of low and high AO activity groups. However, there was a good relationship between AO activity and the expression levels of a dimer, but not of a monomer. The results suggest that rat strains with low AO activity lack the ability to produce a dimer necessary for catalytic activity, and AO differences in rat strains should be discussed in terms of the expression levels of the dimer itself.

Nitric oxide production from nitrite occurs primarily in tissues not in the blood: critical role of xanthine oxidase and aldehyde oxidase

Recent studies have shown that nitrite is an important storage form and source of NO in biological systems. Controversy remains, however, regarding whether NO formation from nitrite occurs primarily in tissues or in blood. Questions also remain regarding the mechanism, magnitude, and contributions of several alternative pathways of nitrite-dependent NO generation in biological systems. To characterize the mechanism and magnitude of NO generation from nitrite, electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy, chemiluminescence NO analyzer, and immunoassays of cGMP formation were performed. The addition of nitrite triggered a large amount of NO generation in tissues such as heart and liver, but only trace NO production in blood. Carbon monoxide increased NO release from blood, suggesting that hemoglobin acts to scavenge NO not to generate it. Administration of the xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibitor oxypurinol or aldehyde oxidase (AO) inhibitor raloxifene significantly decreased NO generation from nitrite in heart or liver. NO formation rates increased dramatically with decreasing pH or with decreased oxygen tension. Isolated enzyme studies further confirm that XO and AO, but not hemoglobin, are critical nitrite reductases. Overall, NO generation from nitrite mainly occurs in tissues not in the blood, with XO and AO playing critical roles in nitrite reduction, and this process is regulated by pH, oxygen tension, nitrite, and reducing substrate concentrations.

Construction and expression of mutant cDNAs responsible for genetic polymorphism in aldehyde oxidase in Donryu strain rats

We demonstrated the genetic polymorphism of aldehyde oxidase (AO) in Donryu strain rats: the ultrarapid metabolizer (UM) with nucleotide mutation of (377G, 2604C) coding for amino acid substitution of (110Gly, 852Val), extensive metabolizer (EM) with (377G/A, 2604C/T) coding for (110Gly/Ser, 852Val/Ala), and poor metabolizer (PM) with (377A, 2604T) coding for (110Ser, 852Ala), respectively. The results suggested that 377G > A and/or 2604C > T should be responsible for the genetic polymorphism. In this study, we constructed an E. coli expression system of four types of AO cDNA including Mut-1 with (377G, 2604T) and Mut-2 with (377A, 2604C) as well as naturally existing nucleotide sequences of UM and PM in order to clarify which one is responsible for the polymorphism. Mut-1 and Mut-2 showed almost the same high and low activity as that of the UM and PM groups, respectively. Thus, the expression study of mutant AO cDNA directly revealed that the nucleotide substitution of 377G > A, but not that of 2604C > T, will play a critical role in the genetic polymorphism of AO in Donryu strain rats. The reason amino acid substitution will cause genetic polymorphism in AO activity was discussed.