Porcine CYP2A Polymorphisms and Activity

A variety of cytochrome P450 enzymes and flavin-containing monooxygenases in dogs and pigs commonly used as preclinical animal models

Drug oxygenation is mainly mediated by cytochromes P450 (P450s, CYPs) and flavin-containing monooxygenases (FMOs). Polymorphic variants of P450s and FMOs are known to influence drug metabolism.　Species differences exist in terms of drug metabolism and can be important when determining the contributions of individual enzymes. The success of research into drug-metabolizing enzymes and their impacts on drug discovery and development has been remarkable. Dogs and pigs are often used as preclinical animal models. This research update provides information on P450 and FMO enzymes in dogs and pigs and makes comparisons with their human enzymes. Newly identified dog CYP3A98, a testosterone 6β- and estradiol 16α-hydroxylase, is abundantly expressed in small intestine and is likely the major CYP3A enzyme in small intestine, whereas dog CYP3A12 is the major CYP3A enzyme in liver. The roles of recently identified dog CYP2J2 and pig CYP2J33/34/35 were investigated. FMOs have been characterized in humans and several other species including dogs and pigs. P450 and FMO family members have been characterized also in cynomolgus macaques and common marmosets. P450s have industrial applications and have been the focus of attention of many pharmaceutical companies. The techniques used to investigate the roles of P450/FMO enzymes in drug oxidation and clinical treatments have not yet reached maturity and require further development. The findings summarized here provide a foundation for understanding individual pharmacokinetic and toxicological results in dogs and pigs as preclinical models and will help to further support understanding of the molecular mechanisms of human P450/FMO functionality.

2-Oxidation, 3-methyl hydroxylation, and 6-hydroxylation of skatole, a contributor to the odour of boar-tainted pork meat, mediated by porcine liver microsomal cytochromes P450 1A2, 2A19, 2E1, and 3A22

The 2-oxidation, 3-methyl hydroxylation, and 6-hydroxylation of skatole (a contributor to boar taint) mediated by minipig liver microsomes and recombinant P450 enzymes expressed in bacterial membranes were investigated.At low substrate concentrations of 10 µM, the formation rates of indole-3-carbinol, 6-hydroxyskatole, and the sum of 3-methyloxindole, indole-3-carbinol, and 6-hydroxyskatole in male minipig liver microsomes were significantly lower than those in female minipig liver microsomes.Compensatory 3-methyloxindole and indole-3-carbinol formation in minipig liver microsomes, which lack 6-hydroxyskatole formation in males, was mediated partly by liver microsomal P450 1A2 and P450 1A2/2E1, respectively. These enzymes were suppressed by typical P450 inhibitors in female minipig liver microsomes.Among the 14 pig P450 forms evaluated, P450 2A19 was the dominant form mediating 3-methyloxindole, indole-3-carbinol, and 6-hydroxyskatole formation from skatole at substrate concentrations of 100 µM. Positive cooperativity was observed in 3-methyloxindole formation from skatole mediated by male minipig liver microsomes and by pig P450 3A22 with Hill coefficients of 1.2-1.5.These results suggest high skatole 2-oxidation, 3-methyl hydroxylation, and 6-hydroxylation activities of pig P450 2A19 and compensatory skatole oxidations mediated by pig P450 1A2, 2E1, or 3A22 in male minipig liver microsomes.

Characterization of Porcine Hepatic and Intestinal Drug Metabolizing CYP450: Comparison with Human Orthologues from A Quantitative, Activity and Selectivity Perspective

Over the past two decades, the pig has gained attention as a potential model for human drug metabolism. Cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYP450), a superfamily of biotransformation enzymes, are pivotal in drug metabolism. Porcine CYP450 has been demonstrated to convert typical substrates of human CYP450. Nevertheless, knowledge and insight into porcine CYP450 quantity and substrate selectivity is scant, especially regarding intestinal CYP450. The current study aimed to map the quantities of hepatic and intestinal CYP450 in the conventional pig by using a proteomic approach. Moreover, the selectivity of the six most common used probe substrates (phenacetin, coumarin, midazolam, tolbutamide, dextromethorphan, and chlorzoxazone) for drug metabolizing enzyme subfamilies (CYP1A, CYP2A, CYP3A, CYP2C, CYP2D and CYP2E respectively), was investigated. Hepatic relative quantities were 4% (CYP1A), 31% (CYP2A), 14% (CYP3A), 10% (CYP2C), 28% (CYP2D) and 13% (CYP2E), whereas for the intestine only duodenal CYP450 could be determined with 88% for CYP3A and 12% for CYP2C. Furthermore, the results indicate that coumarin (CYP2A), midazolam (CYP3A), tolbutamide (CYP2C), and dextromethorphan (CYP2D) are as selective for porcine as for human CYP450. However, phenacetin (CYP1A2) and chlorzoxazone (CYP2E1) are less selective for the specific enzyme, despite similarities in selectivity towards the different enzymes involved compared to humans.

Pigs in Toxicology

Both a rodent and a nonrodent species are required for evaluation in nonclinical safety studies conducted to support human clinical trials. Historically, dogs and nonhuman primates have been the nonrodent species of choice. Swine, especially the miniature swine or minipigs, are increasingly being used in preclinical safety as an alternate nonrodent species. The pig is an appropriate option for these toxicology studies based on metabolic pathways utilized in xenobiotic biotransformation. Both similarities and differences exist in phase I and phase II biotransformation pathways between humans and pigs. There are numerous breeds of pigs, yet only a few of these breeds are characterized with regard to both xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes and background pathology findings. Some specific differences in these enzymes based on breed and sex are known. Although swine have been used extensively in biomedical research, there is also a paucity of information in the current literature detailing the incidence of background lesions and differences between commonly used breeds. Here, the xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes are compared between humans and pigs, and minipig background pathology changes are reviewed with emphasis on breed differences.

Assessment of inhibition of porcine hepatic cytochrome P450 enzymes by 48 commercial drugs

Drug interactions due to inhibition of hepatic cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzymes are not well understood in veterinary medicine. Forty-eight commercial porcine medicines were selected to evaluate their potential inhibition on porcine hepatic CYP450 enzymes at their commercial doses and administration routes. Those drugs were first assessed through a single point inhibitory assay at 3 µM in porcine liver microsomes for six specific CYP450 metabolisms (phenacetin o-deethylation, coumarin 7-hydroxylation, tolbutamide 4-hydroxylation, bufuralol 1-hydroxylation, chlorozoxazone 6-hydroxylation and midazolam 1'-hydroxylation). When the inhibition was > 10% in the single point inhibitory assay, IC50 values (inhibitory concentrations that decrease biotransformation of selected substrate by 50%) were determined. Overall, 17 drugs showed in vitro inhibition on one or more porcine hepatic CYP450 metabolisms with different IC50 values. The potential in vivo porcine hepatic CYP450 inhibition by those drugs was assessed by combining the in vitro data and in vivo Cmax (maximum plasma concentrations from pharmacokinetic studies of the porcine medicines at their commercial doses and administration routes). Three drugs showed high potential inhibition to one or two porcine hepatic CYP450 isoforms at their commercial doses and administration routes, while seven drugs had medium risk and seven had low risk of such in vivo inhibition. These data are useful to prevent potential drug interactions in veterinary medical practice.

Identification and functional characterization of novel feline cytochrome P450 2A

1. Cytochrome P450s are the major metabolizing enzymes for xenobiotics in humans and other mammals. Although the domestic cat Felis catus, an obligate carnivore, is the most common companion animal, the properties of cytochrome P450 subfamilies are largely unknown. 2. We newly identified the feline CYP2A13, which consists of 494 deduced amino acids, showing the highest identity to CYP2As of dogs, followed by those of pigs, cattle and humans. 3. The feline CYP2A13 transcript and protein were expressed almost exclusively in the liver without particular sex-dependent differences. 4. The feline CYP2A13 protein heterogeneously expressed in Escherichia coli showed metabolic activity similar to those of human and canine CYP2As for coumarin, 7-ethoxycoumarin and nicotine. 5. The results indicate the importance of CYP2A13 in systemic metabolism of xenobiotics in cats.

Regulation of porcine hepatic cytochrome p450 - implication for boar taint

Cytochrome P450 (CYP450) is the major family of enzymes involved in the metabolism of several xenobiotic and endogenous compounds. Among substrates for CYP450 is the tryptophan metabolite skatole (3-methylindole), one of the major contributors to the off-odour associated with boar-tainted meat. The accumulation of skatole in pigs is highly dependent on the hepatic clearance by CYP450s. In recent years, the porcine CYP450 has attracted attention both in relation to meat quality and as a potential model for human CYP450. The molecular regulation of CYP450 mRNA expression is controlled by several nuclear receptors and transcription factors that are targets for numerous endogenously and exogenously produced agonists and antagonists. Moreover, CYP450 expression and activity are affected by factors such as age, gender and feeding. The regulation of porcine CYP450 has been suggested to have more similarities with human CYP450 than other animal models, including rodents. This article reviews the available data on porcine hepatic CYP450s and its implications for boar taint.

Assessment of juvenile pigs to serve as human pediatric surrogates for preclinical formulation pharmacokinetic testing

Pediatric drug development is hampered by biological, clinical, and formulation challenges associated with age-based populations. A primary cause for this lack of development is the inability to accurately predict ontogenic changes that affect pharmacokinetics (PK) in children using traditional preclinical animal models. In response to this issue, our laboratory has conducted a proof-of-concept study to investigate the potential utility of juvenile pigs to serve as surrogates for children during preclinical PK testing of selected rifampin dosage forms. Pigs were surgically modified with jugular vein catheters that were externalized in the dorsal scapular region and connected to an automated blood sampling system (PigTurn-Culex-L). Commercially available rifampin capsules were administered to both 20 and 40 kg pigs to determine relevant PK parameters. Orally disintegrating tablet formulations of rifampin were also developed and administered to 20 kg pigs. Plasma samples were prepared from whole blood by centrifugation and analyzed for rifampin content by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Porcine PK parameters were determined from the resultant plasma-concentration time profiles and contrasted with published rifampin PK data in human adults and children. Results indicated significant similarities in dose-normalized absorption and elimination parameters between pigs and humans. Moreover, ontogenic changes observed in porcine PK parameters were consistent with ontogenic changes reported for human PK. These results demonstrate the potential utility of the juvenile porcine model for predicting human pediatric PK for rifampin. Furthermore, utilization of juvenile pigs during formulation testing may provide an alternative approach to expedite reformulation efforts during pediatric drug development.

Animal models of toxicology testing: the role of pigs

INTRODUCTION

In regulatory toxicological testing, both a rodent and non-rodent species are required. Historically, dogs and non-human primates (NHP) have been the species of choice of the non-rodent portion of testing. The pig is an appropriate option for these tests based on metabolic pathways utilized in xenobiotic biotransformation.

AREAS COVERED

This review focuses on the Phase I and Phase II biotransformation pathways in humans and pigs and highlights the similarities and differences of these models. This is a growing field and references are sparse. Numerous breeds of pigs are discussed along with specific breed differences in these enzymes that are known. While much available data are presented, it is grossly incomplete and sometimes contradictory based on methods used.

EXPERT OPINION

There is no ideal species to use in toxicology. The use of dogs and NHP in xenobiotic testing continues to be the norm. Pigs present a viable and perhaps more reliable model of non-rodent testing.

The minipig as nonrodent species in toxicology--where are we now?

Over the past 3 decades minipigs have moved from being an obscure alternative to dogs and nonhuman primates to being a standard animal model in regulatory toxicity studies. This article covers the use of minipigs as a model in the context of nonclinical drug safety and provides an overview of the minipig's developmental history and relates minipigs to other animal species commonly used in toxicology; and the minipig's translational power is supported by 43 case studies of marketed drug products covered. Special focus is given to criteria for selecting minipigs in nonclinical programs supporting the development of new medicines; the use of swine in the assessment of food additives, agrochemicals, and pesticides; as well as a regulatory perspective on the use of minipigs in Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-regulated products. This article presents the main points conveyed at a symposium held at the 2010 American College of Toxicology meeting in Baltimore, Maryland.

Gender-related differences in cytochrome P450 in porcine liver--implication for activity, expression and inhibition by testicular steroids

In pigs, the hepatic cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A2, 2A and 2E1 activity is important in the regulation of skatole accumulation in adipose tissue. This study investigated gender-related differences in CYP1A2, 2A and 2E1 dependent activity, protein and mRNA expression. This study also investigated the gonadal steroid dependent inhibition of CYP activity in relation to gender and dietary composition. Microsomes were prepared from the liver of female and entire male pigs (Landrace × Yorkshire sire and Duroc boars) reared under similar conditions and slaughtered at an age of 164 days. A group of entire male pigs fed dried chicory root for 16 days prior to slaughter were included in the study. CYP activities were assessed by the use of probe substrates, whilst mRNA and protein expression were analysed by RT-PCR and Western blotting. Furthermore inhibition of CYP dependent activity by gonadal steroids was assessed in vitro. Microsomes from female pigs had greater CYP1A2 and 2A activity, as well as mRNA expression compared to entire male pigs. The antibodies used did not detected differences in protein expression. In vitro inhibition by 17β-oestradiol, oestrone, androstenone and 3β-OH androstenol of CYP2E1 activity in microsomes from entire male pigs as well as inhibition of CYP1A activity in chicory fed entire male pigs was observed. Apart from that no effect of steroids was shown. In conclusion, female pigs show greater CYP activity and mRNA expression. Including chicory in the diet for 16 days changed the gonadal steroid dependent inhibition of CYP activity in entire male pigs.

Swine as models in biomedical research and toxicology testing

Swine are considered to be one of the major animal species used in translational research, surgical models, and procedural training and are increasingly being used as an alternative to the dog or monkey as the choice of nonrodent species in preclinical toxicologic testing of pharmaceuticals. There are unique advantages to the use of swine in this setting given that they share with humans similar anatomic and physiologic characteristics involving the cardiovascular, urinary, integumentary, and digestive systems. However, the investigator needs to be familiar with important anatomic, histopathologic, and clinicopathologic features of the laboratory pig and minipig in order to put background lesions or xenobiotically induced toxicologic changes in their proper perspective and also needs to consider specific anatomic differences when using the pig as a surgical model. Ethical considerations, as well as the existence of significant amounts of background data, from a regulatory perspective, provide further support for the use of this species in experimental or pharmaceutical research studies. It is likely that pigs and minipigs will become an increasingly important animal model for research and pharmaceutical development applications.

Inhibition of cytochrome P450 2A participating in coumarin 7-hydroxylation in pig liver microsomes

Five commonly used human cytochrome P450 (CYP) inhibitors were examined for their effects on coumarin 7-hydroxylase (CYP2A) activity in pig liver microsomes. The K(m) and V(max) values for coumarin 7-hydroxylation in pig liver microsomes were estimated to be 1 μm and 0.26 nmol·mg/min, respectively. The following human CYP inhibitors caused little or no inhibition of CYP2A as defined by a K(i) > 200 μm: quinidine (CYP2D6), troleandomycin (CYP3A4), and sulfaphenazole (CYP2C9). The other two human CYP inhibitors were classified as strong inhibitors of CYP2A: 8-methoxypsoralen (CYP2A6) and α-naphthoflavone (CYP1A1/2). In the absence of a preincubation period, 8-MOP inhibited the 7-hydroxylation of coumarin with a K(i) value of 1.1 μm, which decreased to 0.1 μm when 8-MOP was preincubated with pig liver microsomes for 3 min. α-Naphthoflavone inhibited the 7-hydroxylation of coumarin with a K(i) value of 32 μm, which did not increase ability to inhibitor CYP2A when α-naphthoflavone was preincubated with pig liver microsomes for 3 min. These results of this study suggest that 8-MOP is a potent, mechanism-based inhibitor of pig CYP2A activity in pig liver microsomes.

Association between SNPs within candidate genes and compounds related to boar taint and reproduction

Background

Boar taint is an unpleasant odour and flavour of the meat from some uncastrated male pigs primarily caused by elevated levels of androstenone and skatole in adipose tissue. Androstenone is produced in the same biochemical pathway as testosterone and estrogens, which represents a particular challenge when selecting against high levels of androstenone in the breeding programme, without simultaneously decreasing levels of other steroids. Detection of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with compounds affecting boar taint is important both for gaining a better understanding of the complex regulation of the trait and for the purpose of identifying markers that can be used to improve the gain of breeding. The beneficial SNPs to be used in breeding would have the combinational effects of reducing levels of boar taint without affecting fertility of the animals. The aim of this study was to detect SNPs in boar taint candidate genes and to perform association studies for both single SNPs and haplotypes with levels of boar taint compounds and phenotypes related to reproduction.

Results

An association study involving 275 SNPs in 121 genes and compounds related to boar taint and reproduction were carried out in Duroc and Norwegian Landrace boars. Phenotypes investigated were levels of androstenone, skatole and indole in adipose tissue, levels of androstenone, testosterone, estrone sulphate and 17β-estradiol in plasma, and length of bulbo urethralis gland. The SNPs were genotyped in more than 2800 individuals and several SNPs were found to be significantly (LRT > 5.4) associated with the different phenotypes. Genes with significant SNPs in either of the traits investigated include cytochrome P450 members CYP2E1, CYP21, CYP2D6 and CYP2C49, steroid 5α-reductase SRD5A2, nuclear receptor NGFIB, catenin CTNND1, BRCA1 associated protein BAP1 and hyaluronoglucosaminidase HYAL2. Haplotype analysis provided additional evidence for an effect of CYP2E1 on levels of skatole and indole, and for BAP1, HYAL2 and SRD5A2 on levels of androstenone.

Conclusion

The findings in this study indicate that polymorphisms in CYP2E1, CYP21, CYP2D6, CYP2C49, NGFIB and CTNND1 might be used to reduce levels of boar taint without affecting levels of testosterone, estrone sulphate, 17β-estradiol or length of bulbo urethralis gland.

Gene expression profiles in liver of pigs with extreme high and low levels of androstenone

BACKGROUND

Boar taint is the unpleasant odour and flavour of the meat of uncastrated male pigs that is primarily caused by high levels of androstenone and skatole in adipose tissue. Androstenone is a steroid and its levels are mainly genetically determined. Studies on androstenone metabolism have, however, focused on a limited number of genes. Identification of additional genes influencing levels of androstenone may facilitate implementation of marker assisted breeding practices. In this study, microarrays were used to identify differentially expressed genes and pathways related to androstenone metabolism in the liver from boars with extreme levels of androstenone in adipose tissue.

RESULTS

Liver tissue samples from 58 boars of the two breeds Duroc and Norwegian Landrace, 29 with extreme high and 29 with extreme low levels of androstenone, were selected from more than 2500 individuals. The samples were hybridised to porcine cDNA microarrays and the 1% most significant differentially expressed genes were considered significant. Among the differentially expressed genes were metabolic phase I related genes belonging to the cytochrome P450 family and the flavin-containing monooxygenase FMO1. Additionally, phase II conjugation genes including UDP-glucuronosyltransferases UGT1A5, UGT2A1 and UGT2B15, sulfotransferase STE, N-acetyltransferase NAT12 and glutathione S-transferase were identified. Phase I and phase II metabolic reactions increase the water solubility of steroids and play a key role in their elimination. Differential expression was also found for genes encoding 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (HSD17B2, HSD17B4, HSD17B11 and HSD17B13) and plasma proteins alpha-1-acid glycoprotein (AGP) and orosomucoid (ORM1). 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases and plasma proteins regulate the availability of steroids by controlling the amount of active steroids accessible to receptors and available for metabolism. Differences in the expression of FMO1, NAT12, HSD17B2 and HSD17B13 were verified by quantitative real competitive PCR.

CONCLUSION

A number of genes and pathways related to metabolism of androstenone in liver were identified, including new candidate genes involved in phase I oxidation metabolism, phase II conjugation metabolism, and regulation of steroid availability. The study is a first step towards a deeper understanding of enzymes and regulators involved in pathways of androstenone metabolism and may ultimately lead to the discovery of markers to reduce boar taint.

Regulation of CYP2A6 protein expression by skatole, indole, and testicular steroids in primary cultured pig hepatocytes

CYP2A6 is one of the enzymes involved in the hepatic metabolism of a naturally produced compound, skatole, in the pig. Low CYP2A6 activity has been linked to excessive accumulation of skatole in pig adipose tissue and development of the phenomenon "boar taint." CYP2A6 activity varies between male and female animals, suggesting the involvement of sex hormones in regulation of the enzyme activity and/or expression. The present study investigated whether pig hepatic CYP2A6 protein expression is regulated by the testicular steroids testosterone, androstenone, or estrone sulfate using primary cultured hepatocytes as a model system. The study has also examined whether CYP2A6 expression can be modulated by the boar taint compounds skatole and indole. The research has established that androstenone inhibits CYP2A6 protein expression at the concentration of 1, 10, and 100 nM by 55, 37, and 44%, respectively. In contrast to androstenone, skatole and indole (final concentrations, 1, 10, and 100 nM) had a stimulatory effect on CYP2A6 expression. The effect of indole was more pronounced than that of skatole (maximum induction by 145 and 70%, respectively). Estrone sulfate and testosterone did not have a significant effect on CYP2A6 protein level. This is, as far as we know, the first communication to report the regulation of pig hepatic CYP2A6 expression by steroids and boar taint compounds. The hormonal modulation of CYP2A6 expression might contribute to gender-related differences in pig hepatic CYP2A6 activity and skatole accumulation in pig adipose tissue.

Is Bupropion a More Specific Substrate for Porcine CYP2E than Chlorzoxazone and p-Nitrophenol?

Porcine microsomes are able to hydroxylate chlorzoxazone and p-nitrophenol, the most commonly used human test substrates for CYP2E1. However, in pigs, CYP2E appears not to be the only enzyme involved in the hydroxylation of chlorzoxazone and p-nitrophenol, as the enzyme capacity and immunochemical level of the apoprotein do not correlate. The present study shows that the hydroxylation of chlorzoxazone and p-nitrophenol is inhibited 50-65% by anti-human CYP2A6, suggesting that these substrates are metabolized almost equally well by CYP2A and CYP2E in pigs. To find an alternative probe to porcine CYP2E, bupropion, another human substrate, was examined. Incubation with bupropion concentrations ranging from 0.05 to 20 mM and with various inhibitors revealed that this substrate is metabolized by both CYP2A and CYP2E. At the high substrate concentration (5 mM), however, the CYP2A6 inhibition decreased compared to inhibition percentages found using the low substrate concentration (0.5 mM). The opposite was found for CYP2E, as inhibition studies with antibodies and diethyldithiocarbamate indicate that it catalysed a negligible part of the reaction at the low substrate concentration and up to 84% at the high concentration. Thus, hydroxylation of bupropion follows the same pattern in pigs as in human beings and the activity measured in pigs is comparable with the human counterpart. Furthermore, bupropion is a more specific substrate for CYP2E than chlorzoxazone and p-nitrophenol although not perfect.

Use of nontraditional animals for evaluation of pharmaceutical products

Although the International Conference on Harmonization Guideline ICH M3 indicates the use of nonrodents for some studies of pharmaceutical products, the specific nonrodent species is not specified. Dogs are used most frequently; however, there may be reasons why dogs are not the best model for a particular drug. Minipigs are being used increasingly for evaluation of toxicity, especially for dermally applied drugs, and for various efficacy models. Hamsters may be used for the evaluation of intraoral drugs and for carcinogenicity studies. Less commonly, pharmaceutical manufacturers may choose on their own to use marmosets, when a nonhuman primate is considered critical to evaluation, or to use ferrets for specific purposes. When nontraditional species are used, there may be less historical information available and unique issues of their care, and differences in physiology and anatomy and susceptibility to infection need to be understood. Nonmammalian test species, such as zebrafish and Caenorhabditis elegans may be used by drug sponsors in screening assays, but are not yet ready for use in pivotal toxicology studies because of the difficulty in extrapolating to mammalian species. Use of nontraditional animal species may be proposed by a drug sponsor to a reviewing division with supporting data and reasons for using a particular species.

The minipig in toxicology

The use of pigs (Sus scrofa) in biomedical research is well established in particular in surgical and physiological research. For years both pigs and minipigs have been used in pharmacology and toxicology to answer specific questions when the more conventional species have been found unsuitable. The development of minipigs has resulted in strains of more manageable size than the domestic pig. Because of their well-accepted physiological and other similarities to humans, minipigs are becoming increasingly attractive toxicological and pharmacological models. There are several strains of minipigs (Göttingen, Yucatan, Sinclair, Hanford and other). This presentation is based on experience primarily with the Göttingen minipigs. In toxicology in Europe minipigs have become very popular for pharmaceutical studies in place of dogs and primates. Minipigs have been shown to be sensitive to a wide variety of drugs and chemicals. It has become obvious that minipigs can be used for all routes of administration, and in many cases are preferable to dogs or primates for metabolic or pharmacological reasons. There are advantages over the traditional non-rodent species in relation to specific responses to particular drug classes. Their use in general toxicology testing employing the continuous intravenous infusion, dermal or inhalation route has been described in detail in the literature. Background data on toxicological endpoints (ophthalmology, clinical pathology, ECG, organ weight, histopathology and reproduction parameters) have been well-established allowing studies to be interpreted. In the context of this conference, histopathology and toxicopathology data of spontaneous or drug-induced origin are available in the scientific literature. Now there is good supply of high-quality minipigs of known disease status. There are advantages over the traditional non-rodent species in relation to the ethical difficulties of use of animals in biomedical research. Consequently, there are scientific, economic and sociological reasons that make minipigs good toxicological and pharmacological models. The principal disadvantage is that toxicity testing in minipigs may require more test compound than the traditional species.

Regulation of Gender-Dependent CYP2A Expression in Pigs: Involvement of Androgens and CAR

The expression of drug metabolizing cytochrome P4502A (CYP2A) is highly gender-dependent in minipigs with the highest activity in females. In other species, orthologs of CYP2A have been shown to be under the regulation of nuclear receptor constitutive androstane receptor, whereas little is known about regulation in pigs. To investigate the effect of sex hormones on porcine cytochrome P450 CYP2A and CYP3A expression was assessed in liver samples taken before and after castration of sexually mature minipig boars. Removal of the primary androgen source resulted in significant increases of CYP2A mRNA, protein and enzyme activity levels. Likewise, expression of CYP3A was increased, although to a lesser extent. To examine the involvement of constitutive androstane receptor in the regulation of CYP2A, primary porcine hepatocytes were exposed to modulators of murine constitutive androstane receptor and human constitutive androstane receptor activity. The CYP2A activity was significantly increased by exposure to phenobarbital, an indirect activator of constitutive androstane receptor, and the human constitutive androstane receptor-ligand CITCO. In contrast, no effect was seen following exposure to the potent murine constitutive androstane receptor-ligand TCPOBOP and the hormonal murine constitutive androstane receptor-ligands androstenol and oestrone. Thus, the results support that 1) porcine CYP2A is reversibly inhibited by androgens on a transcriptional basis in vivo; 2) the induction profile of CYP2A in vitro shares similarity with that of human constitutive androstane receptor-regulated CYPs, indicating an involvement of a porcine constitutive androstane receptor in the regulation of CYP2A.

The role of CYP2A and CYP2E1 in the metabolism of 3-methylindole in primary cultured porcine hepatocytes

The accumulation of 3-methylindole (3MI) in uncastrated male pigs (boars) is a major cause of boar taint, which negatively affects the quality of meat from the animal. Previously, CYP2E1 and CYP2A have been identified as cytochrome P450 (P450) isoforms involved in the metabolism of 3MI using porcine liver microsomes. This study further examines the role of these isoforms in the metabolism of 3MI using a primary porcine hepatocyte model by examining metabolic profiles of 3MI after incubation with P450 inhibitors. Incubation of hepatocytes with 4-methylpyrazole resulted in a selective inhibition of CYP2E1 activity as determined by p-nitrophenol hydroxylase activity and an associated significant decrease in the production of the 3MI metabolites 3-hydroxy-3-methyloxindole and 3-methyloxindole. Furthermore, inhibition of CYP2A, as assayed by coumarin 7-hydroxylase activity, using 8-methoxypsoralen and diethyldithiocarbamate was not associated with any further significant inhibition of the production of 3MI metabolites. Treatment with general P450 inhibitors resulted in further decreases in CYP2E1 activity and a more dramatic decrease in the production of 3MI metabolites, suggesting that additional P450s may be involved in the phase 1 metabolism of 3-methylindole. In conclusion, CYP2E1 activity levels are more important than CYP2A activity levels for the metabolism of 3-methylindole in isolated pig hepatocytes.