Cross specificity in some vertebrate and insect glutathione-transferases with methyl parathion (dimethyl p-nitrophenyl phosphorothionate), 1-chloro-2,4-dinitro-benzene and s-crotonyl-N-acetylcysteamine as substrates

Safety pharmacology of acute LSD administration in healthy subjects

RATIONALE

Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) is used in psychiatric and psychological research and investigated as a potential treatment for medical and psychiatric disorders, including depression, anxiety, and cluster headache.

OBJECTIVES

Safety data on clinical safety are available from small studies but not from larger samples. We report safety pharmacology data from a large pooled study sample on acute effects of LSD in healthy subjects.

METHODS

We conducted a pooled analysis of four double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover studies that included a total of 83 healthy subjects and 131 single-dose administrations of LSD. LSD administrations were matched to dose groups according to measured LSD peak plasma concentrations to adjust for uncertainties in the correct LSD dose in some studies. Single doses were 25, 50, 100, and 200 µg of LSD base. We investigated subjective effects (self-rated any drug effect, good drug effect, bad drug effect, and anxiety), blood pressure, heart rate, body temperature, duration of the acute LSD response, acute (12 h) and subacute (24 h) adverse effects, reports of flashbacks, and liver and kidney function before and after the studies.

RESULTS

LSD dose-dependently increased subjective, physiologic, and adverse effects. The dose-response curves for the proportions of subjects with a certain amount of a subjective effect were steeper and reached a higher maximum for positive acute subjective effects compared with negative acute subjective effects. Maximal ratings of > 50% good drug effects were reached in 37%, 91%, 96%, and 91% of the LSD administrations at 25, 50, 100, and 200 µg. Maximal ratings of > 50% bad drug effects were reached in 0%, 9%, 27%, 31% at 25, 50, 100, and 200 µg, respectively. Mean ratings of Oceanic Boundlessness were 10%, 25%, 41%, and 44%, and mean ratings of Anxious Ego-Dissolution were 3.4%, 13%, 20%, and 22% at 25, 50, 100, and 200 µg, respectively. The physiologic effects of LSD were moderate. None of the subjects had systolic blood pressure > 180 mmHg at any time. Peak heart rate > 100 beats/min was observed in 0%, 6%, 20%, and 25% of the subjects at 25, 50, 100, and 200 µg, respectively. Maximal heart rates of 129 and 121 beats/min were observed in one subject at the 50 and 200 µg doses, respectively. Peak body temperature > 38° was observed in 0%, 11%, 7%, and 34% at 25, 50, 100, and 200 µg, respectively. Mean acute adverse effect scores on the List of Complaints were 5.6, 9.2, 12, and 13 at 25, 50, 100, and 200 µg, respectively. Kidney and liver function parameters were unaltered. Six subjects reported transient flashback phenomena.

CONCLUSIONS

The single-dose administration of LSD is safe in regard to acute psychological and physical harm in healthy subjects in a controlled research setting.

Glutathione Transferases as Efficient Ketosteroid Isomerases

In addition to their well-established role in detoxication, glutathione transferases (GSTs) have other biological functions. We are focusing on the ketosteroid isomerase activity, which appears to contribute to steroid hormone biosynthesis in mammalian tissues. A highly efficient GST A3-3 is present in some, but not all, mammals. The alpha class enzyme GST A3-3 in humans and the horse shows the highest catalytic efficiency with kcat/Km values of approximately 107 M-1s-1, ranking close to the most active enzymes known. The expression of GST A3-3 in steroidogenic tissues suggests that the enzyme has evolved to support the activity of 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, which catalyzes the formation of 5-androsten-3,17-dione and 5-pregnen-3,20-dione that are substrates for the double-bond isomerization catalyzed by GST A3-3. The dehydrogenase also catalyzes the isomerization, but its kcat of approximately 1 s-1 is 200-fold lower than the kcat values of human and equine GST A3-3. Inhibition of GST A3-3 in progesterone-producing human cells suppress the formation of the hormone. Glutathione serves as a coenzyme contributing a thiolate as a base in the isomerase mechanism, which also involves the active-site Tyr9 and Arg15. These conserved residues are necessary but not sufficient for the ketosteroid isomerase activity. A proper assortment of H-site residues is crucial to efficient catalysis by forming the cavity binding the hydrophobic substrate. It remains to elucidate why some mammals, such as rats and mice, lack GSTs with the prominent ketosteroid isomerase activity found in certain other species. Remarkably, the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster, expresses a GSTE14 with notable steroid isomerase activity, even though Ser14 has evolved as the active-site residue corresponding to Tyr9 in the mammalian alpha class.

Sensitivity of glutathione S-transferases to high doses of acrylamide in albino wistar rats: Affinity purification, biochemical characterization and expression analysis

The main objectives of this study were to purify the glutathione S-transfereses (GSTs) and assess the effect of high doses of acrylamide (ACR) on male albino Wistar rat liver, kidney, testis and bran GST activities, and expression analysis of GST. ACR (50 mg/300 ml) was ingested for 40 days (20 doses) in drinking water on alternative days, on 40 day post ingestion the control and treated tissues were collected for GST purification by affinity column and biochemical characterization of GSTs by substrate specificities, and GST expression by immuno dot blots. In the analysis of the purified GSTs, we observed that liver GSTs were resolved in to three bands known as Yc, Yb and Ya; kidney GSTs were resolved in to two bands known as Yc and Ya; testis and brain GSTs were resolved as four bands known as Yc, Yb, Yβ and Yδ on 12.5% sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel (SDS PAGE). In the analysis of biochemical characterization, we observed a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in the specific activities of liver GST isoforms with the substrates 1-chloro 2,4-dinitrobenzene (CDNB), bromosulfophthalein (BSP), p-nitrophenyl acetate (pNPA), p-nitrobenzyl chloride (pNBC) and cumene hydroperoxide (CHP), but showed no activity with ethacrynic acid (ECA) and significant decrease (p < 0.05) in the specific activities of kidney GST isoforms with the substrates CDNB, pNPA, pNBC and CHP, but showed no activity with BSP and ECA, and a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in the specific activities of testis and brain GST isoforms with the substrates CDNB, BSP, pNPA, pNBC, ECA and CHP. In the analysis of immuno dot blots, we observed a decreased expression of liver, kidney, testis and brain GSTs. Through the affinity purification and biochemical characterization, we observed a tissue specific distribution of GSTs that is liver GSTs possess Yc, Yb and Ya sub units known as alpha (α) and mu (μ) class GSTs; kidney GSTs possess Yc and Ya sub units known as (α) alpha class GST; testis and brain GSTs possess Yc, Yb, Yβ and Yδ sub units known as alpha (α), mu (μ) and pi (π) class GSTs. Purification studies, biochemical characterization and immuno dot blot analysis were revealed the GSTs were sensitive to high doses of ACR and the high level exposure to ACR cause the damage of detoxification function of GST due to decreased expression and hence lead to cellular dysfunction of vital organs.

Characterization of rat glutathione transferases in olfactory epithelium and mucus

The olfactory epithelium is continuously exposed to exogenous chemicals, including odorants. During the past decade, the enzymes surrounding the olfactory receptors have been shown to make an important contribution to the process of olfaction. Mammalian xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes, such as cytochrome P450, esterases and glutathione transferases (GSTs), have been shown to participate in odorant clearance from the olfactory receptor environment, consequently contributing to the maintenance of sensitivity toward odorants. GSTs have previously been shown to be involved in numerous physiological processes, including detoxification, steroid hormone biosynthesis, and amino acid catabolism. These enzymes ensure either the capture or the glutathione conjugation of a large number of ligands. Using a multi-technique approach (proteomic, immunocytochemistry and activity assays), our results indicate that GSTs play an important role in the rat olfactory process. First, proteomic analysis demonstrated the presence of different putative odorant metabolizing enzymes, including different GSTs, in the rat nasal mucus. Second, GST expression was investigated in situ in rat olfactory tissues using immunohistochemical methods. Third, the activity of the main GST (GSTM2) odorant was studied with in vitro experiments. Recombinant GSTM2 was used to screen a set of odorants and characterize the nature of its interaction with the odorants. Our results support a significant role of GSTs in the modulation of odorant availability for receptors in the peripheral olfactory process.

Drosophila GSTs display outstanding catalytic efficiencies with the environmental pollutants 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene and 2,4-dinitrotoluene

The nitroaromatic explosive 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) and the related 2,4-dinitrotoluene (DNT) are toxic environmental pollutants. The biotransformation and detoxication of these persistent compounds in higher organisms are of great significance from a health perspective as well as for the biotechnological challenge of bioremediation of contaminated soil. We demonstrate that different human glutathione transferases (GSTs) and GSTs from the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster are catalysts of the biotransformation of TNT and DNT. The human GSTs had significant but modest catalytic activities with both DNT and TNT. However, D. melanogaster GSTE6 and GSTE7 displayed outstanding high activities with both substrates.

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The explosive TNT is a carcinogenic environmental pollutant spread world-wide.

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TNT and the related DNT can be detoxified by conjugation with cellular glutathione.

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Previously studied plant glutathione transferases display modest activity with TNT.

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We found that human GSTs from four classes have low activity with TNT and DNT.

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By contrast Drosophila GSTE6 and GSTE7 displayed outstanding TNT and DNT activities.

Glutathione analogs in prokaryotes

BACKGROUND

Oxygen is both essential and toxic to all forms of aerobic life and the chemical versatility and reactivity of thiols play a key role in both aspects. Cysteine thiol groups have key catalytic functions in enzymes but are readily damaged by reactive oxygen species (ROS). Low-molecular-weight thiols provide protective buffers against the hazards of ROS toxicity. Glutathione is the small protective thiol in nearly all eukaryotes but in prokaryotes the situation is far more complex.

SCOPE OF REVIEW

This review provides an introduction to the diversity of low-molecular-weight thiol protective systems in bacteria. The topics covered include the limitations of cysteine as a protector, the multiple origins and distribution of glutathione biosynthesis, mycothiol biosynthesis and function in Actinobacteria, recent discoveries involving bacillithiol found in Firmicutes, new insights on the biosynthesis and distribution of ergothioneine, and the potential protective roles played by coenzyme A and other thiols.

MAJOR CONCLUSIONS

Bacteria have evolved a diverse collection of low-molecular-weight protective thiols to deal with oxygen toxicity and environmental challenges. Our understanding of how many of these thiols are produced and utilized is still at an early stage.

GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE

Extensive diversity existed among prokaryotes prior to evolution of the cyanobacteria and the development of an oxidizing atmosphere. Bacteria that managed to adapt to life under oxygen evolved, or acquired, the ability to produce a variety of small thiols for protection against the hazards of aerobic metabolism. Many pathogenic prokaryotes depend upon novel thiol protection systems that may provide targets for new antibacterial agents. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Cellular functions of glutathione.

Development of pyrethroid-like fluorescent substrates for glutathione S-transferase

The availability of highly sensitive substrates is critical for the development of precise and rapid assays for detecting changes in glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity that are associated with GST-mediated metabolism of insecticides. In this study, six pyrethroid-like compounds were synthesized and characterized as substrates for insect and mammalian GSTs. All of the substrates were esters composed of the same alcohol moiety, 7-hydroxy-4-methylcoumarin, and acid moieties that structurally mimic some commonly used pyrethroid insecticides, including cypermethrin and cyhalothrin. CpGSTD1, a recombinant Delta class GST from the mosquito Culex pipiens pipiens, metabolized our pyrethroid-like substrates with both chemical and geometric preference (i.e., the cis-isomers were metabolized at 2- to 5-fold higher rates than the corresponding trans-isomers). A GST preparation from mouse liver also metabolized most of our pyrethroid-like substrates with both chemical and geometric preference but at 10- to 170-fold lower rates. CpGSTD1 and mouse GSTs metabolized 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenezene (CDNB), a general GST substrate, at more than 200-fold higher rates than our novel pyrethroid-like substrates. There was a 10-fold difference in the specificity constant (k(cat)/K(M) ratio) of CpGSTD1 for CDNB and those of CpGSTD1 for cis-DCVC and cis-TFMCVC, suggesting that cis-DCVC and cis-TFMCVC may be useful for the detection of GST-based metabolism of pyrethroids in mosquitoes.

The DinB superfamily includes novel mycothiol, bacillithiol, and glutathione S-transferases

The superfamily of glutathione S-transferases has been the subject of extensive study; however, Actinobacteria produce mycothiol (MSH) in place of glutathione, and no mycothiol S-transferase (MST) has been identified. Using mycothiol and monochlorobimane as substrates, an MST activity was detected in extracts of Mycobacterium smegmatis and purified sufficiently to allow identification of MSMEG_0887, a member the DUF664 family of the DinB superfamily, as the MST. The identity of the M. smegmatis and homologous Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Rv0443) enzymes was confirmed by cloning, and the expressed proteins were found to be active with MSH but not bacillithiol (BSH) or glutathione (GSH). Bacillus subtilis YfiT is another member of the DinB superfamily, but this bacterium produces BSH. The YfiT protein was shown to have S-transferase activity with monochlorobimane when assayed with BSH but not with MSH or GSH. Enterococcus faecalis EF_3021 shares some homology with MSMEG_0887, but En. faecalis produces GSH but not MSH or BSH. Cloned and expressed EF_0321 was active with monochlorobimane and GSH but not with MSH or BSH. MDMPI_2 is another member of the DinB superfamily and has been previously shown to have mycothiol-dependent maleylpyruvate isomerase activity. Three of the eight families of the DinB superfamily include proteins shown to catalyze thiol-dependent metabolic or detoxification activities. Because more than two-thirds of the sequences assigned to the DinB superfamily are members of these families, it seems likely that such activity is dominant in the DinB superfamily.

Mechanisms of induction of cytosolic and microsomal glutathione transferase (GST) genes by xenobiotics and pro-inflammatory agents

Glutathione transferase (GST) isoezymes are encoded by three separate families of genes (designated cytosolic, microsomal and mitochondrial transferases), with distinct evolutionary origins, that provide mammalian species with protection against electrophiles and oxidative stressors in the environment. Members of the cytosolic class Alpha, Mu, Pi and Theta GST, and also certain microsomal transferases (MGST2 and MGST3), are up-regulated by a diverse spectrum of foreign compounds typified by phenobarbital, 1,4-bis[2-(3,5-dichloropyridyloxy)]benzene, pregnenolone-16α-carbonitrile, 3-methylcholanthrene, 2,3,7,8-tetrachloro-dibenzo-p-dioxin, β-naphthoflavone, butylated hydroxyanisole, ethoxyquin, oltipraz, fumaric acid, sulforaphane, coumarin, 1-[2-cyano-3,12-dioxooleana-1,9(11)-dien-28-oyl]imidazole, 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate, dexamethasone and thiazolidinediones. Collectively, these compounds induce gene expression through the constitutive androstane receptor (CAR), the pregnane X receptor (PXR), the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) and CAATT/enhancer binding protein (C/EBP) β. The microsomal T family includes 5-lipoxygenase activating protein (FLAP), leukotriene C(4) synthase (LTC4S) and prostaglandin E(2) synthase (PGES-1), and these are up-regulated by tumour necrosis factor-α, lipopolysaccharide and transforming growth factor-β. Induction of genes encoding FLAP, LTC4S and PGES-1 is mediated by the transcription factors C/EBPα, C/EBPδ, C/EBPϵ, nuclear factor-κB and early growth response-1. In this article we have reviewed the literature describing the mechanisms by which cytosolic and microsomal GST are up-regulated by xenobiotics, drugs, cytokines and endotoxin. We discuss cross-talk between the different induction mechanisms, and have employed bioinformatics to identify cis-elements in the upstream regions of GST genes to which the various transcription factors mentioned above may be recruited.

Chemical self-defense by termite workers: prevention of autotoxication in two rhinotermitids

Soldiers of the lower termites Prorhinotermes simplex and Schedorhinotermes lamanianus (Isoptera, Rhinotermitidae) have electrophilic contact poisons used in colony defense. Workers of these termites die when exposed to the defense secretion of the other species, but survive when exposed to chemicals from conspecific soldiers. Detoxication occurs by an initial substrate-specific reduction of the electron-deficient double bond of the nitroalkene (Prorhinotermes simplex) or vinyl ketone (Schedorhinotermes lamanianus) followed by complete catabolism to acetate.

Toxicity of abamectin to the terrestrial isopod Porcellio scaber (Isopoda, Crustacea)

To determine effects of the antiparasitic veterinary drug abamectin on the isopod Porcellio scaber, animals were exposed for 21 days to Lufa 2.2 soil spiked at concentrations of 3-300 mg/kg dry soil. After exposure, abamectin residues in the isopods were analysed using a novel analytical method. Toxicity was evaluated on different levels of biological organisation: biochemical, cellular and the individual organism. Measurements included glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity and stability of cell membranes in the digestive gland, animal mass gain or loss, food consumption, behaviour and mortality. LC50 for the effect of abamectin on survival of P. scaber was 71 mg/kg dry soil. The most obvious sublethal effects were reduced food consumption and decreased body mass (NOEC 3 mg/kg dry soil). Additionally, loss of digging activity and reduced GST activity (NOEC 30 mg/kg dry soil) and cell membrane destabilization (NOEC 10 mg/kg dry soil) were recorded. Abamectin only slightly accumulated in the isopods, with bioaccumulation factors always being <0.1. Based on these results and current information on environmental levels of abamectin, it is not likely that isopods will be affected by abamectin, but further studies with exposure through faeces are recommended.

The glutathione S-transferases: a group of multifunctional detoxification proteins

The physiological roles of the glutathione S-transferases, by whatever name, seem to result in detoxification. As is true of albumin, members of this group of proteins bind an enormous number of compounds that appear to have in common only hydrophobic topography; the binding of bilirubin is an example of a major function common to all higher species. If the ligand bears a sufficiently electrophilic center, it will be attacked by the nucleophile GSH; such compounds would be the substrates of the enzyme. And should such a ligand be extraordinarily reactive--as, for example, some of the epoxide carcinogens generated by the cytochrome P450-linked, mixed-function oxidases, or even 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene--then reaction may occur either with GSH or irreversibly with the transferase itself. By reason of the wide distribution and high intracellular concentration of these proteins, there appears to be sufficient enzyme for all three roles in detoxification.

Nomenclature for mammalian soluble glutathione transferases

The nomenclature for human soluble glutathione transferases (GSTs) is extended to include new members of the GST superfamily that have been discovered, sequenced, and shown to be expressed. The GST nomenclature is based on primary structure similarities and the division of GSTs into classes of more closely related sequences. The classes are designated by the names of the Greek letters: Alpha, Mu, Pi, etc., abbreviated in Roman capitals: A, M, P, and so on. (The Greek characters should not be used.) Class members are distinguished by Arabic numerals and the native dimeric protein structures are named according to their subunit composition (e.g., GST A1-2 is the enzyme composed of subunits 1 and 2 in the Alpha class). Soluble GSTs from other mammalian species can be classified in the same manner as the human enzymes, and this chapter presents the application of the nomenclature to the rat and mouse GSTs.

Does glutathione S-transferase Pi (GST-Pi) a marker protein for cancer?

Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs, EC 2.5.1.18) are multifunctional and multigene products. They are versatile enzymes and participate in the nucleophilic attack of the sulphur atom of glutathione on the electrophilic centers of various endogenous and xenobiotic compounds. Out of the five, alpha, micro, pi, sigma and theta, major classes of GSTs, GST-pi has significance in the diagnosis of cancers as it is expressed abundantly in tumor cells. This protein is a single gene product, coded by seven exons, that is having 24 kDa mass and pI value of 7.0. Four upstream elements such as two enhancers, and one of each of AP-1 site and GC box regulate pi gene. During chemical carcinogenesis because of jun/fos oncogenes (AP-1) regulatory elements, specifically GST-pi is expressed in liver. Therefore this gene product could be used as marker protein for the detection of chemical toxicity and carcinogenesis.

Relationship between biomarker activity and developmental endpoints in Chironomus riparius Meigen exposed to an organophosphate insecticide

The biomarkers acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) were measured in fourth-instar Chironomus riparius Meigen larvae exposed to the organophosphate insecticide pirimiphos methyl (0, 5, 10, and 50ng/g) for 48 or 96h, and at high or low food ration. Larvae exposed to 50ng/g pirimiphos methyl died within 48h. The weight of larvae exposed to 10ng/g pirimiphos methyl was significantly lower than those exposed to 0 and 5ng/g. AChE activity was significantly reduced in larvae exposed to 10ng/g, but GST activity remained unaffected. Lower food ration reduced larval weights across all treatments but did not affect biomarker measurements. Insecticide exposure was associated with a longer time to adult emergence and oviposition, fewer egg masses, a greater proportion of deformed egg masses, and fewer eggs.

Effect of temperature and pirimiphos methyl on biochemical biomarkers in Chironomus riparius Meigen

Fourth-instar Chironomus riparius Meigen larvae were exposed to the organophosphate (OP) insecticide pirimiphos methyl (0, 0.1, 1.0, and 10 microg/L) for 48, 72, or 96 h at three temperatures (3, 12, or 22 degrees C). Two biochemical biomarkers, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and glutathione S-transferase (GST), were measured in individual larvae from each treatment. AChE activity was inhibited by the OP in a dose-responsive fashion. This response remained similar at all three temperatures, demonstrating that AChE is a robust and specific biomarker. Exposure duration had little effect on AChE activity. In contrast, GST activity was induced at the highest OP insecticide concentration, but induction was also evident at 3 degrees C. There was a significant effect of exposure duration, with an overall decline in GST activity over time. This result agrees with previous work suggesting that GSTs are not particularly suitable for use as a biomarker of pesticide exposure or effect in Chironomus.

Glutathione S-transferase activity in aquatic macrophytes with emphasis on habitat dependence

Glutathione S-transferase activity of both the microsomal and soluble fractions was determined in a variety of aquatic macrophytes. The examined enzyme extract was prepared from a combination of leaves and shoots. Four different model substrates were used. The highest conjugation rate was obtained for 1-iodo-2,4-dinitrobenzene, followed by 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene, p-nitrobenzoyl chloride, and 1,2-dichloro-4-nitrobenzene. Comparison of several samples of Nuphar lutea L. from two different lake areas revealed increased glutathione S-transferase activity in plants from the site contaminated with polyaromatic hydrocarbons.

Chromatographic separation of fluorescent thiol adducts of 4-chloro-7-sulphobenzofurazan. Use as substrates for enzymes of the mercapturic acid xenobiotic pathway

Fluorescent adducts of 4-chloro-7-sulphobenzofurazan with cysteine, cysteinylglycine, reduced glutathione and N-acetylcysteine were prepared. Adducts were separated by HPLC on a 3-mm Nova-Pak C18 reversed-phase column using isocratic elution with a solvent of acetonitrile-0.15 M phosphoric acid (5:95) buffered at pH 2.5. The adducts were detected using a fluorescence detector set at an excitation wavelength of 365 nm and an emission wavelength of 510 nm and an ultraviolet detector at 254 nm. The adduct of reduced glutathione was also formed by the action of the enzyme glutathione-S-transferase. This adduct acted as a substrate for the enzyme gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase and the product of this reaction, the 4-chloro-7-sulphobenzofurazanyl derivative of cysteinylglycine, acted as a substrate for either dipeptidase or aminopeptidase M. The sequential enzymic effects could be detected by changes in the relative fluorescence intensity of the solutions to which the respective enzymes had been added but were more appropriately followed by changes in the HPLC elution profiles after enzymic treatment of solutions.

Effects of quercetin on drug metabolizing enzymes and oxidation of 2',7-dichlorofluorescin in HepG2 cells

1. The effects of quercetin on drug metabolising enzymes and oxygen radicals were studied in human HepG2 cells. 2. Cytotoxicity of quercetin in HepG2 cells was seen at 50 microM and above as evaluated by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage, neutral red (NR) uptake, and 3-(4,5-dimethyl-thiazol-2yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) reduction. 3. Quercetin inhibited activity of human cytochrome P-450 towards ethoxycoumarin and ethylresorufin at relatively low substrate concentrations (0.1 microM and above). 4. In comparison to induction by the positive control (beta-naphthoflavone; 1.0 microM), quercetin did not significantly induce the metabolism of ethoxycoumarin or glutathione-S-transferase (GST) protein or activity. 5. Response elements for human CYP1A1, GST lambda a, xenobiotic response element (XRE), fos, HSP70, CRE, p53, NF kappa B and DNA damage (GADD) in HepG2 cells were not activated by quercetin. 6. Quercetin exhibited antioxidant activity in HepG2 cells as evidenced by its ability to inhibit the oxidation of the fluorochrome dichlorofluorescin. 7. The results indicate a range of potential beneficial effects of quercetin with respect to the influence on carcinogen-metabolising enzymes, scavenging of reactive oxygen species and a lack of stress response in HepG2 cells.

The glutathione S-transferase supergene family: regulation of GST and the contribution of the isoenzymes to cancer chemoprotection and drug resistance

The glutathione S-transferases (GST) represent a major group of detoxification enzymes. All eukaryotic species possess multiple cytosolic and membrane-bound GST isoenzymes, each of which displays distinct catalytic as well as noncatalytic binding properties: the cytosolic enzymes are encoded by at least five distantly related gene families (designated class alpha, mu, pi, sigma, and theta GST), whereas the membrane-bound enzymes, microsomal GST and leukotriene C4 synthetase, are encoded by single genes and both have arisen separately from the soluble GST. Evidence suggests that the level of expression of GST is a crucial factor in determining the sensitivity of cells to a broad spectrum of toxic chemicals. In this article the biochemical functions of GST are described to show how individual isoenzymes contribute to resistance to carcinogens, antitumor drugs, environmental pollutants, and products of oxidative stress. A description of the mechanisms of transcriptional and posttranscriptional regulation of GST isoenzymes is provided to allow identification of factors that may modulate resistance to specific noxious chemicals. The most abundant mammalian GST are the class alpha, mu, and pi enzymes and their regulation has been studied in detail. The biological control of these families is complex as they exhibit sex-, age-, tissue-, species-, and tumor-specific patterns of expression. In addition, GST are regulated by a structurally diverse range of xenobiotics and, to date, at least 100 chemicals have been identified that induce GST; a significant number of these chemical inducers occur naturally and, as they are found as nonnutrient components in vegetables and citrus fruits, it is apparent that humans are likely to be exposed regularly to such compounds. Many inducers, but not all, effect transcriptional activation of GST genes through either the antioxidant-responsive element (ARE), the xenobiotic-responsive element (XRE), the GST P enhancer 1(GPE), or the glucocorticoid-responsive element (GRE). Barbiturates may transcriptionally activate GST through a Barbie box element. The involvement of the Ah-receptor, Maf, Nrl, Jun, Fos, and NF-kappa B in GST induction is discussed. Many of the compounds that induce GST are themselves substrates for these enzymes, or are metabolized (by cytochrome P-450 monooxygenases) to compounds that can serve as GST substrates, suggesting that GST induction represents part of an adaptive response mechanism to chemical stress caused by electrophiles. It also appears probable that GST are regulated in vivo by reactive oxygen species (ROS), because not only are some of the most potent inducers capable of generating free radicals by redox-cycling, but H2O2 has been shown to induce GST in plant and mammalian cells: induction of GST by ROS would appear to represent an adaptive response as these enzymes detoxify some of the toxic carbonyl-, peroxide-, and epoxide-containing metabolites produced within the cell by oxidative stress. Class alpha, mu, and pi GST isoenzymes are overexpressed in rat hepatic preneoplastic nodules and the increased levels of these enzymes are believed to contribute to the multidrug-resistant phenotype observed in these lesions. The majority of human tumors and human tumor cell lines express significant amounts of class pi GST. Cell lines selected in vitro for resistance to anticancer drugs frequently overexpress class pi GST, although overexpression of class alpha and mu isoenzymes is also often observed. The mechanisms responsible for overexpression of GST include transcriptional activation, stabilization of either mRNA or protein, and gene amplification. In humans, marked interindividual differences exist in the expression of class alpha, mu, and theta GST. The molecular basis for the variation in class alpha GST is not known. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED)

Characterization of a human class-Theta glutathione S-transferase with activity towards 1-menaphthyl sulphate

A purification scheme is described for a glutathione S-transferase (GST) from human liver that catalyses the conjugation of 1-menaphthyl sulphate (MS) with GSH; the method devised results in an approx. 500-fold increase in specific activity towards MS. The human enzyme which metabolizes MS is a homodimer comprising subunits of M(r) 25,100, and immunochemical experiments have shown it to be a member of the class-Theta GSTs. Automated Edman degradation of this enzyme has confirmed that it is a Theta-class GST bu the amino acid sequence obtained differs from that of GST theta described previously [Meyer, Coles, Pemble, Gilmore, Fraser & Ketterer (1991) Biochem. J. 274, 409-414]. We have therefore designated the enzyme that catalyses the conjugation of MS with GSH GST T2-2* (in the absence of complete amino acid sequence data, the T1 and T2 subunits are provisionally designated T1* and T2*); the evidence which indicates that GST theta (which should possibly now be called GST T1-1*) and GST T2-2* represent distinct isoenzymes is discussed.

Purification and characterisation of glutathione transferase from the giant African snail, Archachatina marginata

1. Glutathione-S-transferase has been purified from the hepatopancreas of Archachatina marginata to homogeneity. 2. The enzyme was found to be a dimer with a molecular weight of 44,000. The subunits sizes were 22,500 and 23,500 respectively. The isoelectric points of the enzyme were 8.35, 7.95 and 4. The enzyme was most stable at temperature below 40 degrees C. Upon denaturation by 4 M urea, only 56% of the activity could be recovered. 3. The Kms for glutathione and 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenze (CDNB) were 0.23 mM and 0.4 mM respectively. The specific activity of the enzyme with CDNB and p-nitrophylacetate as substrates were 47 mumol/mg and 38 mumol/mg respectively. 4. Inhibition studies showed that S-hexylglutathione, Rose Bengal, iodoacetamide, sodium azide and Procion Blue H-B were good inhibitors with I50 values ranging from 18.5 microM to 299 mM. 5. The amino acid composition showed that the enzyme had a relatively high content of hydrophobic and acidic amino acid residues. The peptide maps of the tryptic digests of the native and performic acid-oxidised enzyme indicated that there might be about two disulphide bridges per molecule of the enzyme.

Molecular cloning of a glutathione S-transferase overproduced in an insecticide-resistant strain of the housefly (Musca domestica)

We report the cloning and sequencing of a glutathione S-transferase (GST) gene from the housefly Musca domestica. A cDNA lambda gt11 library was prepared from the organophosphate insecticide-resistant housefly strain Cornell-R--a variant that has elevated GST activity. The lambda phage GST clone was identified on the basis of its ability to cross-hybridize to a GST DNA probe from Drosophila melanogaster. Based on amino acid homology to other GSTs and expression of GST activity in Escherichia coli, the Musca GST gene (MdGST-1) belongs to the GST gene family. Although organophosphate resistance in Cornell-R is largely due to one of the GSTs, MdGST-1 is probably not the enzyme responsible for resistance. The mutation that controls resistance to organophosphate insecticides in Cornell-R is highly unstable and we isolated spontaneous variants to both insecticide sensitivity and to even higher levels of resistance. This provided us with an isogenic set of three strains. We found that MdGST-1 transcript levels as measured by Northern assays are higher in all three Cornell-R strains relative to the sensitive wild type, but that the sensitive Cornell-R strain has more MdGST-1 transcript than does the highly resistant Cornell-R strain. These data as well as Southern analysis of genomic DNA allow us to conclude: (1) there are multiple GST genes in M. domestica; (2) the natural variant Cornell-R overproduces excess transcript from two and probably more of these genes; and (3) the unstable mutation in Cornell-R influences the levels of multiple GSTs.

Partial purification and isoelectric focusing patterns of the buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) and the Kedah-Kelantan cattle (Bos indicus) glutathione transferases

1. Glutathione transferases from the liver, lung and kidney tissues of the buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) and the Kedah-Kelantan cattle (Bos indicus) were partially purified by ammonium sulphate precipitation and Sephadex G-75 gel filtration. 2. Liver tissue contains the highest enzyme activity when compared to the lung and kidney tissues. 3. The activity in cattle is higher than that in the buffalo. 4. Isoelectric focusing separates the activities into the acidic, near neutral and basic fractions. 5. The focused patterns are different for each of the tissues and in each of the species investigated.

Glutathione transferases--structure and catalytic activity

The glutathione transferases are recognized as important catalysts in the biotransformation of xenobiotics, including drugs as well as environmental pollutants. Multiple forms exist, and numerous transferases from mammalian tissues, insects, and plants have been isolated and characterized. Enzymatic properties, reactions with antibodies, and structural characteristics have been used for classification of the glutathione transferases. The cytosolic mammalian enzymes could be grouped into three distinct classes--Alpha, Mu, and Pi; the microsomal glutathione transferase differs greatly from all the cytosolic enzymes. Members of each enzyme class have been identified in human, rat, and mouse tissues. Comparison of known primary structures of representatives of each class suggests a divergent evolution of the enzyme proteins from a common precursor. Products of oxidative metabolism such as organic hydroperoxides, epoxides, quinones, and activated alkenes are possible "natural" substrates for the glutathione transferases. Particularly noteworthy are 4-hydroxyalkenals, which are among the best substrates found. Homologous series of substrates give information about the properties of the corresponding binding site. The catalytic mechanism and the active-site topology have been probed also by use of chiral substrates. Steady-state kinetics have provided evidence for a "sequential" mechanism.

Glutathione transferase activity during Bufo bufo development

High levels of glutathione transferase activity were measured during the development of the embryos of Bufo bufo including unfertilized eggs. After stage 4 glutathione transferase activity gradually decreased until stage 25 when the minimum was reached. No change in the number of isozymes was noted during development according to isoelectric focusing analysis performed on the cytosolic fractions of selected stages.

Distribution and properties of glutathione S-transferase from T. infestans

The glutathione transferase from T. infestans is able to render aqueous metabolites when incubated in vitro with malathion, parathion and fenitrothion. It is a soluble enzyme present in every developmental stage and widely distributed in all insect organs. The purification procedure applied, consisting of fractionation with ammonium sulfate and Bio-Gel P-60 chromatography, gives an unique molecular form catalytically active using methyl iodide as substrate in polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE). One of the most active substrates is the 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (CDNB), with an activity maximum at pH 7.5 and at 45 degrees C temperature. Its activation energy calculated from an Arrhenius plot is 14,846 cal mol-1. The enzyme susceptibility to inhibition by thiol reagents shows three degrees of responses; slight, moderate or high, depending on the compounds used. The kinetics of the enzyme catalysed reaction with the purified fraction is complex, and resembles that reported for glutathione S-transferase A from rat liver, showing a biphasic kinetic mechanism in which the reaction pathway depends on the concentration of GSH. In general, the properties of this insect enzyme are similar to those enzymes isolated from vertebrate organisms.

Isoelectric focusing of brain cortex GSH S-transferase activity in mammals: evidence that polymorphism is absent in man

Specific activities of GSH S-transferase toward different model substrates were determined in the cytosol prepared from rat, guinea pig, rabbit, mouse, sheep, beef, pig and human brain cortex. The GSH S-transferase composition of the eight mammalian brain cortices was studied by using density gradient isoelectric focusing technique. Human brain cortex GSH S-transferase was resolved into a single peak of activity centered at pH 4.6, whereas the supernatants of all other mammals consisted of more than one enzymatic form. The kinetic properties of all forms isolated were compared.

Purification and properties of glutathione S-transferases from larvae of Wiseana cervinata

The glutathione S-transferases from the porina moth, Wiseanna cervinata, were purified by affinity chromatography, cation-exchange chromatography and preparative isoelectrofocusing. The major transferase (IV) was purified to homogeneity by a factor of 530-fold with a yield of 83%. Other transferases present were purified to a smaller degree (approx. 50-fold) to a stage of near-homogeneity. The transferases examined all had Mr values about 45 000-50 000. They appeared to be homodimers of either of two types of subunit, of Mr 22 800 and 24 600. Enzymes consisting of the different types of subunit were not immunologically cross-reactive. The major enzyme fractions separated by cation-exchange chromatography were both active with 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene, 1,2-dichloro-4-nitrobenzene, ethacrynic acid and iodomethane, but were inactive with 4-nitropyridine N-oxide, 1,2-epoxy-3-(p-nitrophenoxy)propane, bromosulphophthalein and p-nitrobenzyl chloride. The kinetics of the enzyme-catalysed reaction with enzyme IV were non-Michaelean with respect to both substrates. Both products were inhibitory. The results appear to be compatible with a random steady-state mechanism. It is concluded that these enzymes are very similar, in their physical and chemical constitution, in their catalytic properties and in their relationships with each other, to those enzymes that have been isolated from vertebrate organisms.

Kinetic studies on a glutathione S-transferase from the larvae of Costelytra zealandica

Of the glutathione S-transferases from the New Zealand grass grub (Costelytra zealandica) active in conjugating the model substrate 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene, the most active was isolated in a functionally homogeneous form. This had an isoelectric point of 8.7. Preliminary evidence suggests that it is a homodimer with subunits of Mr 23 500. The dependence of the enzyme-catalysed reaction on substrate concentration was analysed in terms of the rate equation characteristic of Ordered Bi Bi or Rapid-Equilibrium Random mechanisms. Evidence was found for a critical ionizing event at pH 9.3 at 37 degrees C. This event appears to involve a twofold change in charge on the enzyme, which may be the result of co-operative ionizations rather than independent ionizations. This appears to affect neither the binding of the aromatic substrate to the enzyme, nor the maximum catalytic velocity of the enzyme-catalysed reaction. The variation of the kinetics with temperature was studied. Apparent thermodynamic parameters characteristic of the reaction were derived. The possible relevance of the temperature-dependence of the enzyme-catalysed reaction in vivo is discussed.

Glutathione-dependent reductive dehalogenation of 2,2',4'-trichloroacetophenone to 2',4'-dichloroacetophenone

alpha-Haloketones are highly reactive compounds, which are known to undergo enzymatic reduction to methyl ketones. The objective of this research was to characterize the enzymes involved in this reaction and to investigate the mechanism of the reaction. 2,2',4'-Trichloroacetophenone was reduced to 2',4'-dichloroacetophenone by glutathione-dependent cytosolic enzymes present in the liver, kidney, and brain. The actual substrate for the enzyme was S-(2,4-dichlorophenacyl)glutathione, which is formed by the nonenzymic reaction of 2,2',4'-trichloroacetophenone and glutathione. The reaction mechanism may involve an enzyme-catalyzed nucleophilic attack of glutathione on the sulfur atom of S-(2,4-dichlorophenacyl)glutathione to yield a carbanion and glutathione disulfide; protonation of the carbanion would yield 2',4'-dichloroacetophenone. Stoichiometry studies showed that the glutathione disulfide/2',4'-dichloroacetophenone ratio was 1.25 +/- 0.13.

Biotransformation of xenobiotics in Drosophila melanogaster and its relevance for mutagenicity testing

Biotransformation of lipophilic xenobiotics may lead to formation of reactive intermediates which can give rise to irreversible toxic events such as carcinogenesis, mutagenesis, teratogenesis, and tissue necrosis. In recent years considerable attention has been paid to the problem of testing for these effects. Short-term mutagenicity tests have been shown to have value for predicting the occurrence of delayed toxic effects in mammals following administration of indirectly acting harmful xenobiotics. In any test system the capacity to bioactivate the compound under test is a necessary prerequisite, and in most short-term test assays this is provided for by adding a metabolic activation system generally consisting of the 9,000 g supernatant fraction of a rat liver homogenate supplied with cofactors. The fruitfly Drosophila melanogaster constitutes an organism well-suited for mutagenicity testing, and it was shown that a number of precarcinogens evoke mutagenic effects in this species. Thus Drosophila is apparently able to metabolize xenobiotics to reactive intermediates, which in turn induce mutagenicity. However, knowledge about the presence and characteristics of the xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes involved is lacking. Since knowledge of these enzymes contributes to the evaluation and interpretation of observed mutagenic events, this paper described studies concerning some important xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes of Drosophila. Files were homogenized and subcellular fractions were investigated with respect to enzymatic activities. It was possible to demonstrate cytochrome P-450 and some related mixed-function oxidase activities. Cytochrome b5, epoxide hydrolase, and glutathione S-transferase are also present, while preliminary experiments suggest the presence of UDP-glucosyltransferase and phosphotransferase activities. The enzymes which have been found are discussed with respect to their similarities with rat liver enzymes and their relevance for mutagenicity testing with Drosophila melanogaster.

Xenobiotica-metabolizing enzymes in Drosophila melanogaster: activities of epoxide hydratase and glutathione S-transferase compared with similar activities in rat liver

Activities of epoxide hydratase and glutathione (GSH) S-transferase were investigated in subcellular fractions of Drosophila melanogaster, and these activities were compared with analogous enzymic activities in extracts from rat liver. Microsomes of Drosophila were active in the hydratation of styrene oxide catalyzed by epoxide hydratase. The post-microsomal supernatant of Drosophila catalyzed the conjugation of GSH with 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene. However, GSH S-transferase activity with styrene oxide as the electrophilic substrate was not measurable. The respective specific activities of epoxide hydratase (per mg microsomal protein) and GSH S-transferase (per mg cytosolic protein) were factors of 5- and 10-fold lower than the corresponding activities in rat liver. However, when expressed per gram body weight, activities of both epoxide hydratase and GSH S-transferase were 3 times higher for Drosophila enzymes. The apparent Km values for the two Drosophila enzymes were higher, whereas the apparent Km values were lower, than the values found for the rat-liver enzymes. Among 3 different Drosophila strains (a wild-type, a white eye-color carrying mutant strain and a DDT-resistant strain), preliminary experiments showed no differences as far as these two enzymic activities were concerned. It is concluded that the results obtained in genetic toxicology testing with Drosophila are probably relevant to effects to be expected in mammalian systems with compounds requiring metabolic processes involving the enzymes investigated here.

Glutathione S-transferases in earthworms (Lumbricidae)

Glutathione S-transferase activity (EC 2.5.1.18) was demonstrated in six species of earthworms of the family Lumbricidae: Eisenia foetida, Lumbricus terrestris, Lumbricus rebellus, Allolobophora longa, Allolobophora caliginosa and Allolobophora chlorotica. Considerable activity was obtained with 1-chlorl-2,4-dinitrobenzene and low activity with 3,4-dichloro-1-nitrobenzene, but no enzymic reaction was detectable with sulphobromophthalein 1,2-epoxy-3-(p-nitrophenoxy)propane of trans-4-phenylbut-3-en-2-one as substrates. Enzyme prepartations from L. rubellus and A. longa were the most active, whereas A. chlorotica gave the lowest activity. The ratio of the activities obtained with 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene and 3,4-cichloro-1-nitrobenzene was very different in the various species, but no phylogenetic pattern was evident. Isoelectric focusing gave rise to various activity peaks as measured with 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene as a substrate, and the activity profiles of the species examined appeared to follow a taxonomic pattern. The activity of Allolobophora had the highest peak in the alkaline region, whereas that of Lumbricus had the highest peak in the acid region. Eisenia showed a very complex activity profile, with the highest peak ne pH 7. As determined by an enzymic assay, all the species contained glutathione, on an average about 0.5 mumol/g wet wt. Conjugation with glutathione catalysed by glutathione S-transferases may consequently be an important detoxification mechanism in earthworms.

Isoelectric focusing of glutathione S-transferases from rat liver and kidney

The glutathione S-transferases that were purified to homogeneity from liver cytosol have overlapping but distinct substrate specificities and different isoelectric points. This report explores the possibility of using preparative electrofocusing to compare the composition of the transferases in liver and kidney cytosol. Hepatic cytosol from adult male Sprague-Dawley rats was resolved by isoelectric focusing on Sephadex columns into five peaks of transferase activity, each with characteristic substrate specificity. The first four peaks of transferase activity (in order of decreasing basicity) are identified as transferases AA, B, A and C respectively, on the basis of substrate specificity, but the fifth peak (pI6.6) does not correspond to a previously described transferase. Isoelectric focusing of renal cytosol resolves only three major peaks of transferase activity, each with narrow substrate specificity. In the kidney, peak 1 (pI9.0) has most of the activity toward 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene, peak 2 (pI8.5) toward p-nitrobenzyl chloride, and peak 3 (pI7.0) toward trans-4-phenylbut-3-en-2-one. Renal transferase peak 1 (pI9.0) appears to correspond to transferase B on the basis of pI, substrate specificity and antigenicity. Kidney transferase peaks 2 (pI8.5) and 3 (pI7.0) do not correspond to previously described glutathione S-transferases, although kidney transferase peak 3 is similar to the transferase peak 5 from focused hepatic cytosol. Transferases A and C were not found in kidney cytosol, and transferase AA was detected in only one out of six replicates. Thus it is important to recognize the contribution of individual transferases to total transferase activity in that each transferase may be regulated independently.