Biotransformation of xenobiotics by amine oxidases

Real-time fluorescent monitoring of phase I xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes

This article explores the intricate landscape of advanced fluorescent probes crafted for the detection and real-time monitoring of phase I xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes. Employing state-of-the-art technologies, such as fluorescence resonance energy transfer, intramolecular charge transfer, and solid-state luminescence enhancement, this article unfolds a multifaceted approach to unraveling the dynamics of enzymatic processes within living systems. This encompassing study involves the development and application of a diverse range of fluorescent probes, each intricately designed with tailored mechanisms to heighten sensitivity, providing dynamic insights into phase I xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes. Understanding the role of phase I xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes in these pathophysiological processes, is essential for both medical research and clinical practice. This knowledge can guide the development of approaches to prevent, diagnose, and treat a broad spectrum of diseases and conditions. This adaptability underscores their potential clinical applications in cancer diagnosis and personalized medicine. Noteworthy are the trifunctional fluorogenic probes, uniquely designed not only for fluorescence-based cellular imaging but also for the isolation of cellular glycosidases. This innovative feature opens novel avenues for comprehensive studies in enzyme biology, paving the way for potential therapeutic interventions. The research accentuates the selectivity and specificity of the probes, showcasing their proficiency in distinguishing various enzymes and their isoforms. The sophisticated design and successful deployment of these fluorescent probes mark significant advancements in enzymology, providing powerful tools for both researchers and clinicians. Beyond their immediate applications, these probes offer illuminating insights into disease mechanisms, facilitating early detection, and catalyzing the development of targeted therapeutic interventions. This work represents a substantial leap forward in the field, promising transformative implications for understanding and addressing complex biological processes. In essence, this research heralds a new era in the development of fluorescent probes, presenting a comprehensive and innovative approach that not only expands the understanding of cellular enzyme activities but also holds great promise for practical applications in clinical settings and therapeutic endeavors.

ω-(5-Phenyl-2H-tetrazol-2-yl)alkyl-substituted glycine amides and related compounds as inhibitors of the amine oxidase vascular adhesion protein-1 (VAP-1)

Vascular adhesion protein-1 (VAP-1), also known as plasma amine oxidase or semicarbazide-sensitive amine oxidase, is an enzyme that degrades primary amines to aldehydes with the formation of hydrogen peroxide and ammonia. Among others, it plays a role in inflammatory processes as it can mediate the migration of leukocytes from the blood to the inflamed tissue. We prepared a series of ω-(5-phenyl-2H-tetrazol-2-yl)alkyl-substituted glycine amides and related compounds and tested them for inhibition of purified bovine plasma VAP-1. Compounds with submicromolar activity were obtained. Studies on the mechanism of action revealed that the glycine amides are substrate inhibitors, i.e., they are also converted to an aldehyde derivative. However, the reaction proceeds much more slowly than that of the substrate used in the assay, whose conversion is thus blocked. Examination of the selectivity of the synthesized glycine amides with respect to other amine oxidases showed that they inhibited diamine oxidase, which is structurally related to VAP-1, but only to a much lesser extent. In contrast, the activity of monoamine oxidase A and B was not affected. Selected compounds also inhibited VAP-1 in human plasma. The IC50 values measured were higher than those determined with the bovine enzyme. However, the structure-activity relationships obtained with the glycine amides were similar for both enzymes.

Tuning the Metabolic Stability of Visual Cycle Modulators through Modification of an RPE65 Recognition Motif

In the eye, the isomerization of all-trans-retinal to 11-cis-retinal is accomplished by a metabolic pathway termed the visual cycle that is critical for vision. RPE65 is the essential trans-cis isomerase of this pathway. Emixustat, a retinoid-mimetic RPE65 inhibitor, was developed as a therapeutic visual cycle modulator and used for the treatment of retinopathies. However, pharmacokinetic liabilities limit its further development including: (1) metabolic deamination of the γ-amino-α-aryl alcohol, which mediates targeted RPE65 inhibition, and (2) unwanted long-lasting RPE65 inhibition. We sought to address these issues by more broadly defining the structure-activity relationships of the RPE65 recognition motif via the synthesis of a family of novel derivatives, which were tested in vitro and in vivo for RPE65 inhibition. We identified a potent secondary amine derivative with resistance to deamination and preserved RPE65 inhibitory activity. Our data provide insights into activity-preserving modifications of the emixustat molecule that can be employed to tune its pharmacological properties.

Development of Isopropyl-Tailed Chalcones as a New Class of Selective MAO-B Inhibitors for the Treatment of Parkinson's Disorder

Thirteen isopropyl chalcones (CA1-CA13) were synthesized and evaluated for their inhibitory activity against monoamine oxidase (MAO). All compounds inhibited MAO-B more effectively than MAO-A. Compound CA4 most potently inhibited MAO-B with an IC₅₀ value of 0.032 μM, similar to that of CA3 (IC₅₀ = 0.035 μM) and with high selectivity index (SI) values for MAO-B over MAO-A (SI = 49.75 and 353.23, respectively). The -OH (CA4) or -F (CA3) group at the para position on the A ring provided higher MAO-B inhibition than that of the other substituents (-OH ≥ -F > -Cl > -Br > -OCH₂CH₃ > -CF₃). On the other hand, compound CA10 most potently inhibited MAO-A with an IC₅₀ value of 0.310 μM and effectively MAO-B (IC₅₀ = 0.074 μM). The Br-containing thiophene substituent (CA10) instead of the A ring showed the highest MAO-A inhibition. In a kinetic study, K _i values of compounds CA3 and CA4 for MAO-B were 0.076 ± 0.001 and 0.027 ± 0.002 μM, respectively, and that of CA10 for MAO-A was 0.016 ± 0.005 μM. A reversibility study showed that CA3 and CA4 were reversible inhibitors of MAO-B and CA10 was a reversible inhibitor of MAO-A. In docking and molecular dynamics, the hydroxyl group of CA4 and two hydrogen bonds contributed to the stability of the protein-ligand complex. These results suggest that CA3 and CA4 are potent reversible selective MAO-B inhibitors and can be used for the treatment of Parkinson's disease.

Metabolism of sumatriptan revisited

Scientific literature describes that sumatriptan is metabolized by oxidative deamination of its dimethylaminoethyl residue by monoamine oxidase A (MAO A) and not by cytochrome P450 (CYP)-mediated demethylation, as is usual for such structural elements. Using recombinant human enzymes and HPLC-MS analysis, we found that CYP enzymes may also be involved in the metabolism of sumatriptan. The CYP1A2, CYP2C19, and CYP2D6 isoforms converted this drug into N-desmethyl sumatriptan, which was further demethylated to N,N-didesmethyl sumatriptan by CYP1A2 and CYP2D6. Otherwise, sumatriptan and its two desmethyl metabolites were metabolized by recombinant MAO A but not by MAO B to the corresponding acetaldehyde, with sumatriptan being only a poor substrate for MAO A compared to the N-demethylated and the N,N-didemethylated derivatives.

Placing human gene families into their evolutionary context

Following the draft sequence of the first human genome over 20 years ago, we have achieved unprecedented insights into the rules governing its evolution, often with direct translational relevance to specific diseases. However, staggering sequence complexity has also challenged the development of a more comprehensive understanding of human genome biology. In this context, interspecific genomic studies between humans and other animals have played a critical role in our efforts to decode human gene families. In this review, we focus on how the rapid surge of genome sequencing of both model and non-model organisms now provides a broader comparative framework poised to empower novel discoveries. We begin with a general overview of how comparative approaches are essential for understanding gene family evolution in the human genome, followed by a discussion of analyses of gene expression. We show how homology can provide insights into the genes and gene families associated with immune response, cancer biology, vision, chemosensation, and metabolism, by revealing similarity in processes among distant species. We then explain methodological tools that provide critical advances and show the limitations of common approaches. We conclude with a discussion of how these investigations position us to gain fundamental insights into the evolution of gene families among living organisms in general. We hope that our review catalyzes additional excitement and research on the emerging field of comparative genomics, while aiding the placement of the human genome into its existentially evolutionary context.

Roles of selected non-P450 human oxidoreductase enzymes in protective and toxic effects of chemicals: review and compilation of reactions

This is an overview of the metabolic reactions of drugs, natural products, physiological compounds, and other (general) chemicals catalyzed by flavin monooxygenase (FMO), monoamine oxidase (MAO), NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase (NQO), and molybdenum hydroxylase enzymes (aldehyde oxidase (AOX) and xanthine oxidoreductase (XOR)), including roles as substrates, inducers, and inhibitors of the enzymes. The metabolism and bioactivation of selected examples of each group (i.e., drugs, “general chemicals,” natural products, and physiological compounds) are discussed. We identified a higher fraction of bioactivation reactions for FMO enzymes compared to other enzymes, predominately involving drugs and general chemicals. With MAO enzymes, physiological compounds predominate as substrates, and some products lead to unwanted side effects or illness. AOX and XOR enzymes are molybdenum hydroxylases that catalyze the oxidation of various heteroaromatic rings and aldehydes and the reduction of a number of different functional groups. While neither of these two enzymes contributes substantially to the metabolism of currently marketed drugs, AOX has become a frequently encountered route of metabolism among drug discovery programs in the past 10–15 years. XOR has even less of a role in the metabolism of clinical drugs and preclinical drug candidates than AOX, likely due to narrower substrate specificity.

Xenobiotic transport and metabolism in the human brain

Organisms have metabolic pathways responsible for eliminating endogenous and exogenous toxicants. Generally, we associate the liver par excellence as the organ in charge of detoxifying the body; however, this process occurs in all tissues, including the brain. Due to the presence of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier (BCSFB), the Central Nervous System (CNS) is considered a partially isolated organ, but similar to other organs, the CNS possess xenobiotic transporters and metabolic pathways associated with the elimination of xenobiotic agents. In this review, we describe the different systems related to the detoxification of xenobiotics in the CNS, providing examples in which their association with neurodegenerative processes is suspected. The CNS detoxifying systems include carrier-mediated, active efflux and receptor-mediated transport, and detoxifying systems that include phase I and phase II enzymes, as well as those enzymes in charge of neutralizing compounds such as electrophilic agents, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and free radicals, which are products of the bioactivation of xenobiotics. Moreover, we discuss the differential expression of these systems in different regions of the CNS, showing the different detoxifying needs and the composition of each region in terms of the cell type, neurotransmitter content, and the accumulation of xenobiotics and/or reactive compounds.

Rational Alteration of Pharmacokinetics of Chiral Fluorinated and Deuterated Derivatives of Emixustat for Retinal Therapy

Recycling of all-trans-retinal to 11-cis-retinal through the visual cycle is a fundamental metabolic pathway in the eye. A potent retinoid isomerase (RPE65) inhibitor, (R)-emixustat, has been developed and tested in several clinical trials; however, it has not received regulatory approval for use in any specific retinopathy. Rapid clearance of this drug presents challenges to maintaining concentrations in eyes within a therapeutic window. To address this pharmacokinetic inadequacy, we rationally designed and synthesized a series of emixustat derivatives with strategically placed fluorine and deuterium atoms to slow down the key metabolic transformations known for emixustat. Crystal structures and quantum chemical analysis of RPE65 in complex with the most potent emixustat derivatives revealed the structural and electronic bases for how fluoro substituents can be favorably accommodated within the active site pocket of RPE65. We found a close (∼3.0 Å) F-π interaction that is predicted to contribute ∼2.4 kcal/mol to the overall binding energy.

Enantioselective Interactions of Anti-Infective 8-Aminoquinoline Therapeutics with Human Monoamine Oxidases A and B

8-Aminoquinolines (8-AQs) are an important class of anti-infective therapeutics. The monoamine oxidases (MAOs) play a key role in metabolism of 8-AQs. A major role for MAO-A in metabolism of primaquine (PQ), the prototypical 8-AQ antimalarial, has been demonstrated. These investigations were further extended to characterize the enantioselective interactions of PQ and NPC1161 (8-[(4-amino-1-methylbutyl) amino]-5-[3, 4-dichlorophenoxy]-6-methoxy-4-methylquinoline) with human MAO-A and -B. NPC1161B, the (R)-(−) enantiomer with outstanding potential for malaria radical cure, treatment of visceral leishmaniasis and pneumocystis pneumonia infections is poised for clinical development. PQ showed moderate inhibition of human MAO-A and -B. Racemic PQ and (R)-(−)-PQ both showed marginally greater (1.2- and 1.6-fold, respectively) inhibition of MAO-A as compared to MAO-B. However, (S)-(+)-PQ showed a reverse selectivity with greater inhibition of MAO-B than MAO-A. Racemic NPC1161 was a strong inhibitor of MAOs with 3.7-fold selectivity against MAO-B compared to MAO-A. The (S)-(+) enantiomer (NPC1161A) was a better inhibitor of MAO-A and -B compared to the (R)-(−) enantiomer (NPC1161B), with more than 10-fold selectivity for inhibition of MAO-B over MAO-A. The enantioselective interaction of NPC1161 and strong binding of NPC1161A with MAO-B was further confirmed by enzyme-inhibitor binding and computational docking analyses. Differential interactions of PQ and NPC1161 enantiomers with human MAOs may contribute to the enantioselective pharmacodynamics and toxicity of anti-infective 8-AQs therapeutics.

Monoamine Oxidase B Expression Correlates with a Poor Prognosis in Colorectal Cancer Patients and Is Significantly Associated with Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition-Related Gene Signatures

Monoamine oxidases (MAOs) including MAOA and MAOB are enzymes located on the outer membranes of mitochondria, which are responsible for catalyzing monoamine oxidation. Recently, increased level of MAOs were shown in several cancer types. However, possible roles of MAOs have not yet been elucidated in the progression and prognosis of colorectal carcinoma (CRC). We therefore analyzed the importance of MAOs in CRC by an in silico analysis and tissue microarrays. Several independent cohorts indicated that high expression of MAOB, but not MAOA, was correlated with a worse disease stage and poorer survival. In total, 203 colorectal adenocarcinoma cases underwent immunohistochemical staining of MAOs, and associations with clinicopathological parameters and patient outcomes were evaluated. We found that MAOB is highly expressed in CRC tissues compared to normal colorectal tissues, and its expression was significantly correlated with a higher recurrence rate and a poor prognosis. Moreover, according to the univariate and multivariate analyses, we found that MAOB could be an independent prognostic factor for overall survival and disease-free survival, and its prognostic value was better than T and N stage. Furthermore, significant positive and negative correlations of MAOB with mesenchymal-type and epithelial-type gene expressions were observed in CRC tissues. According to the highlighted characteristics of MAOB in CRC, MAOB can be used as a novel indicator to predict the progression and prognosis of CRC patients.

SAR and molecular mechanism studies of monoamine oxidase inhibition by selected chalcone analogs

The present study describes the synthesis of a series of 22 chalcone analogs. These compounds were evaluated as potential human MAO-A and MAO-B inhibitors. The compounds showed varied selectivity against the two isoforms. The IC₅₀ values were found to be in the micromolar to submicromolar range. The K_i values of compound 16 were determined to be 0.047 and 0.020 μM for the inhibition of MAO-A and MAO-B, respectively. Dialysis of enzyme-inhibitor mixtures indicated a reversible competitive mode of inhibition. Most of the synthesized chalcone analogs showed a better selectivity toward MAO-B. However, introducing of 2,4,6-trimethoxy substituents on ring B shifted the selectivity toward MAO-A. In addition, we investigated the molecular mechanism of MAO-B inhibition by selected chalcone analogs. Our results revealed that these selected chalcone analogs increased dopamine levels in the rat hepatoma (H4IIE) cells and decreased the relative mRNA expression of the MAO-B enzyme.

An amine oxidase gene from mud crab, Scylla paramamosain, regulates the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine in vitro

Amine oxidase, which participates in the metabolic processing of biogenic amines, is widely found in organisms, including higher organisms and various microorganisms. In this study, the full-length cDNA of a novel amine oxidase gene was cloned from the mud crab, Scylla paramamosain, and termed SpAMO. The cDNA sequence was 2,599 bp in length, including an open reading frame of 1,521 bp encoding 506 amino acids. Two amino acid sequence motifs, a flavin adenine dinucleotide-binding domain and a flavin-containing amine oxidoreductase, were highly conserved in SpAMO. A quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis showed that the expression level of SpAMO after quercetin treatment was time- and concentration-dependent. The expression of SpAMO tended to decrease and then increase in the brain and haemolymph after treatment with 5 mg/kg/d quercetin; after treatment with 50 mg/kg/d quercetin, the expression of SpAMO declined rapidly and remained low in the brain and haemolymph. These results indicated that quercetin could inhibit the transcription of SpAMO, and the high dose (50 mg/kg/d) had a relatively significant inhibitory effect. SpAMO showed the highest catalytic activity on serotonin, followed by dopamine, β-phenylethylamine, and spermine, suggesting that the specific substrates of SpAMO are serotonin and dopamine. A bioinformatics analysis of SpAMO showed that it has molecular characteristics of spermine oxidase, but a quercetin test and enzyme activity study indicated that it also functions like monoamine oxidase. It is speculated that SpAMO might be a novel amine oxidase in S. paramamosain that has the functions of both spermine oxidase and monoamine oxidase.

N-demethylation of N-methyl-4-aminoantipyrine, the main metabolite of metamizole

Metamizole is an old analgesic used frequently in some countries. Active metabolites of metamizole are the non-enzymatically generated N-methyl-4-aminoantipyrine (4-MAA) and its demethylation product 4-aminoantipyrine (4-AA). Previous studies suggested that 4-MAA demethylation can be performed by hepatic cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4, but the possible contribution of other CYPs remains unclear. Using human liver microsomes (HLM), liver homogenate and HepaRG cells, we could confirm 4-MAA demethylation by CYPs. Based on CYP induction (HepaRG cells) and CYP inhibition (HLM) we could identify CYP2B6, 2C8, 2C9 and 3A4 as major contributors to 4-MAA demethylation. The 4-MAA demethylation rate by HLM was 280 pmol/mg protein/h, too low to account for in vivo 4-MAA demethylation in humans. Since peroxidases can perform N-demethylation, we investigated horseradish peroxidase and human myeloperoxidase (MPO). Horse radish peroxidase efficiently demethylated 4-MAA, depending on the hydrogen peroxide concentration. This was also true for MPO; this reaction was saturable with a K_m of 22.5 μM and a maximal velocity of 14 nmol/min/mg protein. Calculation of the entire body MPO capacity revealed that the demethylation capacity by granulocyte/granulocyte precursors was approximately 600 times higher than the liver capacity and could account for 4-MAA demethylation in humans. 4-MAA demethylation could also be demonstrated in MPO-expressing granulocyte precursor cells (HL-60). In conclusion, 4-MAA can be demethylated in the liver by several CYPs, but hepatic metabolism cannot fully explain 4-MAA demethylation in humans. The current study suggests that the major part of 4-MAA is demethylated by circulating granulocytes and granulocyte precursors in bone marrow.

Brain region-specific perfluoroalkylated sulfonate (PFSA) and carboxylic acid (PFCA) accumulation and neurochemical biomarker responses in east Greenland polar bears (Ursus maritimus)

Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) is a growing class of contaminants in the Arctic environment, and include the established perfluorinated sulfonates (PFSAs; especially perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS)) and carboxylic acids (PFCAs). PFSAs and PFCAs of varying chain length have been reported to bioaccumulate in lipid rich tissues of the brain among other tissues such as liver, and can reach high concentrations in top predators including the polar bear. PFCA and PFSA bioaccummulation in the brain has the potential to pose neurotoxic effects and therefore we conducted a study to investigate if variations in neurochemical transmitter systems i.e. the cholinergic, glutaminergic, dopaminergic and GABAergic, could be related to brain-specific bioaccumulation of PFASs in East Greenland polar bears. Nine brain regions from nine polar bears were analyzed for enzyme activity (monoamine oxidase (MAO), acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and glutamine synthetase (GS)) and receptor density (dopamine-2 (D2), muscarinic cholinergic (mAChR) and gamma-butyric acid type A (GABA-A)) along with PFSA and PFCA concentrations. Average brain ∑PFSA concentration was 25ng/g ww where PFOS accounted for 91%. Average ∑PFCA concentration was 88ng/g ww where PFUnDA, PFDoDA and PFTrDA combined accounted for 79%. The highest concentrations of PFASs were measured in brain stem, cerebellum and hippocampus. Correlative analyses were performed both across and within brain regions. Significant positive correlations were found between PFASs and MAO activity in occipital lobe (e.g. ∑PFCA; rp=0.83, p=0.041, n=6) and across brain regions (e.g. ∑PFCA; rp=0.47, p=0.001, ∑PFSA; rp=0.44, p>0.001; n=50). GABA-A receptor density was positively correlated with two PFASs across brain regions (PFOS; rp=0.33, p=0.02 and PFDoDA; rp=0.34, p=0.014; n=52). Significant negative correlations were found between mAChR density and PFASs in cerebellum (e.g. ∑PFCA; rp=-0.95, p=0.013, n=5) and across brain regions (e.g. ∑PFCA; rp=-0.40, p=0.003, ∑PFSA; rp=-0.37, p=0.007; n=52). AChE activity and D2 density were negatively correlated with single PFCAs in several brain regions, whereas GS activity was positively correlated with PFASs primarily in occipital lobe. Results from the present study support the hypothesis that PFAS concentrations in polar bears from East Greenland have exceeded the threshold limits for neurochemical alterations. It is not known whether the observed alterations in neurochemical signaling are currently having negative effects on neurochemistry in East Greenland polar bears. However given the importance of these systems in cognitive processes and motor function, the present results indicate an urgent need for a better understanding of neurochemical effects of PFAS exposure to wildlife.

Measurement of Cytochrome P450 Enzyme Induction and Inhibition in Human Hepatoma Cells

Cytochrome P450 enzymes are a diverse group of catalytic enzymes in the liver that are mainly responsible for the biotransformation of organic substances. Cytochrome P450 activity as well as both its induction and inhibition are key factors in drug biotransformation and can be involved in deactivation, activation, detoxification and toxification processes. Thus, the modulation of cytochrome P450 activity is an important parameter when evaluating the potential toxicity of chemical compounds using an in vitro system. The cytochrome P450 3A subfamily proteins are among the most important drug-metabolizing enzymes in human liver and are responsible for about half of all cytochrome P450-dependent drug oxidations. In vitro, these enzymes are active not only in primary human hepatocyte cultures, but also in differentiated human hepatoma HepaRG cells. The present protocol describes the culture of cryopreserved differentiated HepaRG cells and the evaluation of its cytochrome P450 activity upon exposure to a chemical compound using a commercially available luminogenic cytochrome P450 assay. This in vitro model can be used to monitor the induction and inhibition of cytochrome P450 3A following exposure to a particular test compound.

Efficient, chemoenzymatic process for manufacture of the Boceprevir bicyclic [3.1.0]proline intermediate based on amine oxidase-catalyzed desymmetrization

The key structural feature in Boceprevir, Merck's new drug treatment for hepatitis C, is the bicyclic [3.1.0]proline moiety "P2". During the discovery and development stages, the P2 fragment was produced by a classical resolution approach. As the drug candidate advanced through clinical trials and approached regulatory approval and commercialization, Codexis and Schering-Plough (now Merck) jointly developed a chemoenzymatic asymmetric synthesis of P2 where the net reaction was an oxidative Strecker reaction. The key part of this reaction sequence is an enzymatic oxidative desymmetrization of the prochiral amine substrate.

FAD-dependent enzymes involved in the metabolic oxidation of xenobiotics

Although the majority of oxidative metabolic reactions are mediated by the CYP superfamily of enzymes, non-CYP-mediated oxidative reactions can play an important role in the metabolism of xenobiotics. Among the major oxidative enzymes, other than CYPs, involved in the oxidative metabolism of drugs and other xenobiotics, the flavin-containing monooxygenases (FMOs), the molybdenum hydroxylases [aldehyde oxidase (AO) and xanthine oxidase (XO)] and the FAD-dependent amine oxidases [monoamine oxidases (MAOs) and polyamine oxidases (PAOs)] are discussed in this minireview. In a similar manner to CYPs, these oxidative enzymes can also produce therapeutically active metabolites and reactive/toxic metabolites, modulate the efficacy of therapeutically active drugs or contribute to detoxification. Many of them have been shown to be important in endobiotic metabolism (e.g. XO, MAOs), and, consequently, interactions between drugs and endogenous compounds might occur when they are involved in drug metabolism. In general, most non-CYP oxidative enzymes (e.g. FMOs, MAOs) appear to be noninducible or much less inducible than the CYP system. Some of these oxidative enzymes exhibit polymorphic expression, as do some CYPs (e.g. FMO3). It is possible that the contribution of non-CYP oxidative enzymes to the overall metabolism of xenobiotics is underestimated, as most investigations of drug metabolism have been performed using experimental conditions optimised for CYP activity, although in some cases the involvement of non-CYP oxidative enzymes in xenobiotic metabolism has been inferred from not sufficient experimental evidence.

The biochemistry of drug metabolism--an introduction: Part 2. Redox reactions and their enzymes

This review continues a general presentation of the metabolism of drugs and other xenobiotics started in a recent issue of Chemistry & Biodiversity. This Part 2 presents the numerous oxidoreductases involved, their nomenclature, relevant biochemical properties, catalytic mechanisms, and the very diverse reactions they catalyze. Many medicinally, environmentally, and toxicologically relevant examples are presented and discussed. Cytochromes P450 occupy a majority of the pages of Part 2, but a large number of relevant oxidoreductases are also considered, e.g., flavin-containing monooxygenases, amine oxidases, molybdenum hydroxylases, peroxidases, and the innumerable dehydrogenases/reductases.

Inhibition of diamine oxidases and polyamine oxidases by diamine-based compounds

This review reports on inhibitors of copper-containing amine oxidases and flavoprotein polyamine oxidases, which are structurally based on diamines. In the introduction, basic characteristics and classification of amine oxidases are described together with the significance of their synthetic inhibitors. The following text is divided into several chapters, which deal with diaminoketones, aza-diamines, unsaturated diamine analogs and diamines with heterocyclic substituents. Then it continues with diamine- and agmatine-based inhibitors of polyamine oxidases. Each chapter gives detailed information on the inhibition mode, potency and structural relationships. The conclusion points out possible roles of mechanism-based inhibitors of amine oxidases in physiological and medicinal research.

Involvement of enzymes other than CYPs in the oxidative metabolism of xenobiotics

Although the majority of oxidative metabolic reactions are mediated by the CYP superfamily of enzymes, non-CYP-mediated oxidative reactions can play an important role in the metabolism of xenobiotics. The (major) oxidative enzymes, other than CYPs, involved in the metabolism of drugs and other xenobiotics are: the flavin-containing monooxygenases, the molybdenum hydroxylases (aldehyde oxidase and xanthine oxidase), the prostaglandin H synthase, the lipoxygenases, the amine oxidases (monoamine, polyamine, diamine and semicarbazide-sensitive amine oxidases) and the alcohol and aldehyde dehydrogenases. In a similar manner to CYPs, these oxidative enzymes can also produce therapeutically active metabolites and reactive/toxic metabolites, modulate the efficacy of therapeutically active drugs or contribute to detoxification. Many of them have been shown to be important in endobiotic metabolism, and, consequently, interactions between drugs and endogenous compounds might occur when they are involved in drug metabolism. In general, most non-CYP oxidative enzymes appear to be noninducible or much less inducible than the CYP system, although some of them may be as inducible as some CYPs. Some of these oxidative enzymes exhibit polymorphic expression, as do some CYPs. It is possible that the contribution of non-CYP oxidative enzymes to the overall metabolism of xenobiotics is underestimated, as most investigations of drug metabolism in discovery and lead optimisation are performed using in vitro test systems optimised for CYP activity.

A bioluminescent assay for monoamine oxidase activity

This article describes a novel two-step homogeneous bioluminescent assay for monoamine oxidase (MAO) that is simple, sensitive, and amenable to high-throughput screening. In the first step, MAO reacts with an aminopropylether analog of methyl ester luciferin. In the second step, a luciferin detection reagent inactivates MAO and converts the product of the first step into a luminescent signal. The amount of light produced is proportional to the amount of MAO and the time of incubation in the first step, but the luminescent signal is stable in the second step with a half-life greater than 5h. The assay has high precision, is more sensitive than current fluorescent methods, and can accurately measure the binding constants of known substrates and inhibitors. An automated screen of the Sigma-RBI Library of Pharmacologically Active Compounds (LOPAC(1280)) revealed a surprisingly high percentage of MAO inhibitors (16%) with a low false hit rate (0.9%). This implies that a significant number of compounds interact with the MAO enzymes and suggests that it is important to include MAO assays in drug metabolism studies. Other advantages of this bioluminescent assay over comparable fluorescent assays are discussed.

Characterization of human urinary metabolites of the antimalarial piperaquine

Five metabolites of the antimalarial piperaquine (PQ) (1,3-bis-[4-(7-chloroquinolyl-4)-piperazinyl-1]-propane) have been identified and their molecular structures characterized. After a p.o. dose of dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine, urine collected over 16 h from two healthy subjects was analyzed using liquid chromatography (LC)/UV, LC/tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS), Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FTICR)/MS, and H NMR. Five different peaks were recognized as possible metabolites [M1, 320 m/z; M2, M3, and M4, 551 m/z (PQ + 16 m/z); and M5, 567 m/z (PQ + 32 m/z)] using LC/MS/MS with gradient elution. The proposed carboxylic M1 has a theoretical monoisotopic molecular mass of 320.1166 m/z, which is in accordance with the FTICR/MS (320.1168 m/z) findings. The LC/MS/MS results also showed a 551 m/z metabolite (M2) with a distinct difference both in polarity and fragmentation pattern compared with PQ, 7-hydroxypiperaquine, and the other 551 m/z metabolites. We suggest that this is caused by N-oxidation of PQ. The results showed two metabolites (M3 and M4) with a molecular ion at 551 m/z and similar fragmentation pattern as both PQ and 7-hydroxypiperaquine; therefore, they are likely to be hydroxylated PQ metabolites. The molecular structures of M1 and M2 were also confirmed using H NMR. Urinary excretion rate in one subject suggested a terminal elimination half-life of about 53 days for M1. Assuming formation rate-limiting kinetics, this would support recent findings that the terminal elimination half-life of PQ has been underestimated previously.

The role of amine oxidases in xenobiotic metabolism

The amine oxidases of mammalian tissues are a heterogeneous family of enzymes that metabolise various monoamines, diamines and polyamines produced endogenously, or being absorbed as dietary or xenobiotic substances. The heterogeneous class of amine oxidases can be divided on an arbitrary basis of the chemical nature of their cofactors into two types. Monoamine oxidase (MAO) and an intracellular form of polyamine oxidase (PAO) contain flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) as their cofactor, whereas a second group of amine oxidases without FAD contain a cofactor possessing one or more carbonyl groups, making them sensitive to inhibition by carbonyl reagents such as semicarbazide; this group includes semicarbazide-sensitive amine oxidase (SSAO) and the connective tissue enzyme, lysyl oxidase. This article focuses on the general aspects of MAO's contribution to the metabolism of foreign toxic substances including toxins and illegal drugs. Another main objective of this review is to discuss the properties of PAO and SSAO and their involvement in the metabolism of xenobiotics.

Contribution of Aldehyde Oxidizing Enzymes on the Metabolism of 3,4-Dimethoxy-2-phenylethylamine to 3,4-Dimethoxyphenylacetic Acid by Guinea Pig Liver Slices

BACKGROUND/AIMS

3,4-Dimethoxy-2-phenylethylamine is catalyzed to its aldehyde derivative by monoamine oxidase B, but the subsequent oxidation into the corresponding acid has not yet been studied. Oxidation of aromatic aldehydes is catalyzed mainly by aldehyde dehydrogenase and aldehyde oxidase.

METHODS

The present study examines the metabolism of 3,4-dimethoxy-2-phenylethylamine in vitro and in freshly prepared and cryopreserved guinea pig liver slices and the relative contribution of different aldehyde-oxidizing enzymes was estimated by pharmacological means.

RESULTS

3,4-Dimethoxy-2- phenylethylamine was converted into the corresponding aldehyde when incubated with monoamine oxidase and further oxidized into the acid when incubated with both, monoamine oxidase and aldehyde oxidase. In freshly prepared and cryopreserved liver slices, 3,4-dimethoxyphenylacetic acid was the main metabolite of 3,4-dimethoxy-2- phenylethylamine. 3,4-Dimethoxyphenylacetic acid formation was inhibited by 85% from disulfiram (aldehyde dehydrogenase inhibitor) and by 75-80% from isovanillin (aldehyde oxidase inhibitor), whereas allopurinol (xanthine oxidase inhibitor) inhibited acid formation by only 25-30%.

CONCLUSIONS

3,4- Dimethoxy-2-phenylethylamine is oxidized mainly to its acid, via 3,4-dimethoxyphenylacetaldehyde, by aldehyde dehydrogenase and aldehyde oxidase with a lower contribution from xanthine oxidase.

Amine oxidase substrates for impaired glucose tolerance correction

Amine oxidases are widely distributed from microorganisms to vertebrates and produce hydrogen peroxide plus aldehyde when catabolizing endogenous or xenobiotic amines. Novel roles have been attributed to several members of the amine oxidase families, which cannot be anymore considered as simple amine scavengers. Semicarbazide-sensitive amine oxidase (SSAO) is abundantly expressed in mammalian endothelial, smooth muscle, and fat cells, and plays a role in lymphocyte adhesion to vascular wall, arterial fiber elastic maturation, and glucose transport, respectively. This latter role was studied in detail and the perspectives of insulin-like actions of amine oxidase substrates are discussed in the present review. Independent studies have demonstrated that SSAO substrates and monoamine oxidase substrates mimic diverse insulin effects in adipocytes: glucose transport activation, lipogenesis stimulation and lipolysis inhibition. These substrates also stimulate in vitro adipogenesis. Acute in vivo administration of amine oxidase substrates improves glucose tolerance in rats, mice and rabbits, while chronic treatments with benzylamine plus vanadate exert an antihyperglycaemic effect in diabetic rats. Dietary supplementations with methylamine, benzylamine or tyramine have been proven to influence metabolic control in rodents by increasing glucose tolerance or decreasing lipid mobilisation, without noticeable changes in the plasma markers of lipid peroxidation or protein glycation, despite adverse effects on vasculature. Thus, the ingested amines are not totally metabolized at the intestinal level and can act on adipose and vascular tissues. In regard with this influence on metabolic control, more attention must be paid to the composition or supplementation in amines in foods and nutraceutics.

Glucose handling in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats is improved by tyramine but not by the amine oxidase inhibitor semicarbazide

A soluble form of semicarbazide-sensitive amine oxidase (SSAO) circulating in plasma is known to increase in type 1 and 2 diabetes. This cuproenzyme generates hydrogen peroxide, ammonia, and aldehydes when oxidizing circulating biogenic or exogenous amines. Based on the angiotoxicity of these products, inhibition of SSAO has been proposed to prevent vascular complications of diabetes. However, substrates of SSAO and monoamine oxidase (MAO) have been recently evidenced to activate glucose utilisation in insulin-sensitive tissues and to exhibit antihyperglycemic actions. To determine whether amine oxidase blockade or activation could be beneficial for diabetes, we aimed at comparing the influence of prolonged treatments with semicarbazide (SSAO-inhibitor), pargyline (MAO-inhibitor), or tyramine (amine oxidase substrate) on amine oxidase activities and glycemic control in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. The increase in plasma SSAO was confirmed in diabetic rats, while MAO and SSAO were decreased in subcutaneous adipose tissue when compared with normoglycemic controls. Among the diabetic rats, only those receiving tyramine exhibited slightly decreased hyperglycemia and improved glucose tolerance. Adipocytes from untreated or treated diabetic rats shared similar sensitivity to insulin. However glucose uptake activation and lipolysis inhibition in response to amine oxidase substrates combined with vanadate were impaired in rats treated with amine oxidase inhibitors. Thus, amine oxidase inhibition does not improve metabolic control while prolonged administration of tyramine slightly improves glucose disposal. It is therefore concluded that amine oxidase activation by increased substrate supply elicits insulin-like actions that may be more beneficial in diabetes than SSAO inhibition formerly proposed to prevent vascular complications.

Drug bioactivation, covalent binding to target proteins and toxicity relevance

A number of therapeutic drugs with different structures and mechanisms of action have been reported to undergo metabolic activation by Phase I or Phase II drug-metabolizing enzymes. The bioactivation gives rise to reactive metabolites/intermediates, which readily confer covalent binding to various target proteins by nucleophilic substitution and/or Schiff's base mechanism. These drugs include analgesics (e.g., acetaminophen), antibacterial agents (e.g., sulfonamides and macrolide antibiotics), anticancer drugs (e.g., irinotecan), antiepileptic drugs (e.g., carbamazepine), anti-HIV agents (e.g., ritonavir), antipsychotics (e.g., clozapine), cardiovascular drugs (e.g., procainamide and hydralazine), immunosupressants (e.g., cyclosporine A), inhalational anesthetics (e.g., halothane), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDSs) (e.g., diclofenac), and steroids and their receptor modulators (e.g., estrogens and tamoxifen). Some herbal and dietary constituents are also bioactivated to reactive metabolites capable of binding covalently and inactivating cytochrome P450s (CYPs). A number of important target proteins of drugs have been identified by mass spectrometric techniques and proteomic approaches. The covalent binding and formation of drug-protein adducts are generally considered to be related to drug toxicity, and selective protein covalent binding by drug metabolites may lead to selective organ toxicity. However, the mechanisms involved in the protein adduct-induced toxicity are largely undefined, although it has been suggested that drug-protein adducts may cause toxicity either through impairing physiological functions of the modified proteins or through immune-mediated mechanisms. In addition, mechanism-based inhibition of CYPs may result in toxic drug-drug interactions. The clinical consequences of drug bioactivation and covalent binding to proteins are unpredictable, depending on many factors that are associated with the administered drugs and patients. Further studies using proteomic and genomic approaches with high throughput capacity are needed to identify the protein targets of reactive drug metabolites, and to elucidate the structure-activity relationships of drug's covalent binding to proteins and their clinical outcomes.

Metabolism of Homovanillamine to Homovanillic Acid in Guinea Pig Liver Slices

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Homovanillamine is a biogenic amine that it is catalyzed to homovanillyl aldehyde by monoamine oxidase A and B, but the oxidation of its aldehyde to the acid derivative is usually ascribed to aldehyde dehydrogenase and a potential contribution of aldehyde oxidase and xanthine oxidase is usually ignored.

METHODS

The present investigation examines the metabolism of homovanillamine to its acid derivative by concurrent incubation with monoamine oxidase and aldehyde oxidase. In addition, the metabolism of homovanillamine in freshly prepared and cryopreserved liver slices is examined and the relative contribution of aldehyde oxidase, xanthine oxidase and aldehyde dehydrogenase activity by using specific inhibitors of each oxidizing enzyme is compared.

RESULTS

Homovanillamine was rapidly converted mainly to homovanillic acid when incubated with both momoamine oxidase and aldehyde oxidase. Homovanillic acid was also the main metabolite in the incubations of homovanillamine with freshly prepared or cryopreserved liver slices, via the intermediate homovanillyl aldehyde. The acid formation was 70-75 % inhibited by disulfiram (specific inhibitor of aldehyde dehydrogenase), whereas isovanillin (specific inhibitor of aldehyde oxidase) inhibited acid formation to a lesser extent (50-55 %) and allopurinol (specific inhibitor of xanthine oxidase) had almost no effect.

CONCLUSIONS

Homovanillamine is rapidly oxidized to its acid, via homovanillyl aldehyde, by aldehyde dehydrogenase and aldehyde oxidase with little or no contribution from xanthine oxidase.

Fast and Slow Metabolizers ofHoasca

Harmine, a major alkaloid in ayahuasca (hoasca), is a selective and reversible inhibitor of the enzyme monoamine oxidase-A (MAO-A). It is also a selective inhibitor of the human cytochrome P450 isozyme 2D6 (CYP 2D6), which metabolizes harmine to a more hydrophilic derivative for eventual excretion. CYP 2D6 exhibits a wide range of polymorphisms in human populations, and variations in this enzymatic activity could account for differences in effects between individuals who use hoasca. This report broadly describes two subgroups of CYP 2D6 phenotypes--i.e., fast and slow metabolizers of harmine-in 14 experienced male members of the União do Vegetal (UDV) who received a standardized dosage of hoasca. To compensate for metabolic variations in their normal religious practice, the administered dose of hoasca is always determined by the presiding mestre, who is responsible for deciding the actual amount for each individual. This age-old method compensates for metabolic variations between individuals and variations in both the alkaloid profile and strength of the hoasca.

Molecular identification and expression of two non-P450 enzymes, monoamine oxidase A and flavin-containing monooxygenase 2, involved in phase I of xenobiotic biotransformation in the Pacific oyster, Crassostrea gigas

Marine bivalve metabolism can be perturbed by hydrocarbon and pesticide pollution in coastal ecosystems. In this study, in the Pacific oyster, Crassostrea gigas, full-length cDNAs encoding two non-P450 phase I enzymes, flavin-containing monooxygenase 2 (FMO-2) and monamine oxidase A (MAO A), were characterized. Both sequences contained the co-factor fixation motifs characteristic of their respective enzyme families. Using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), the messenger RNA (mRNA) transcription levels of these two enzymes in tissues of oysters exposed, under experimental conditions, to hydrocarbons and two pesticide treatments were investigated. The pesticide treatments were exposure to either glyphosate or to a mixture composed of atrazine, diuron and isoproturon. The results showed a strong differential expression of FMO-2 and MAO A that was both tissue-specific as well as time- and treatment-dependent. It was also clearly demonstrated that the transcription levels of MAO A (generally considered a constitutive enzyme without external regulation) were induced by hydrocarbons and pesticides in digestive gland and inhibited by pesticides in gill tissue. Furthermore, the transcription levels of FMO-2 and MAO A mRNA in digestive gland might be useful as a marker of hydrocarbon or pesticide exposure in monitoring programs.

In vitro metabolism of tresperimus by human vascular semicarbazide-sensitive amine oxidase

Tresperimus (Cellimis), a new immunosuppressive agent is mainly eliminated through an extensive nonhepatic metabolism, in which the oxidative deamination of the primary amine of the drug takes a preponderant part. We have previously demonstrated the ability of human plasma semicarbazide-sensitive amine oxidase (SSAO) to catalyze this reaction. Therefore, the suitability of human umbilical artery, a tissue combining a high SSAO activity with monoamine oxidase activity, to study tresperimus metabolism was tested, and the kinetic behavior of tissue-bound SSAO was compared with that of plasma soluble SSAO. All the oxidized metabolites resulting from the deamination of tresperimus and of two other metabolites, desaminopropyl derivatives of tresperimus and guanidinohexylamine, were formed in vascular homogenates. Chemical inhibition experiments demonstrated the major involvement of SSAO in the metabolism of these three compounds at physiologically relevant concentrations. The microsomal fraction was used to characterize tresperimus deamination. Tissue-bound and soluble SSAO exhibited similar K(m) values for the drug and K(I) values of tresperimus toward benzylamine metabolism, a classical SSAO substrate. The kinetic behavior of both enzymes seemed to argue in favor of a same catalytic entity. Human umbilical artery constituted a relevant in vitro model to demonstrate the predominant role of SSAO in tresperimus metabolism. Our results suggest that the possible role of SSAO as Phase I oxidative enzymes has to be considered in metabolism studies for drugs encompassing primary amine.