Rodent toxicity and nongenotoxic carcinogenesis: knowledge-based human risk assessment based on molecular mechanisms

It is necessary to determine whether chemicals or drugs have the potential to pose a threat to human health. Chemicals that can damage DNA are detected in short-term assays, but the detection of nongenotoxic carcinogens relies upon bioassays in laboratory animals. However, there are marked differences between rodents and humans in response to nongenotoxic carcinogens, which makes the relevance of rodent data to human risk assessment questionable. Here, we address the background issues concerning rodent nongenotoxic carcinogenesis and then focus upon peroxisome proliferators, chloroform, and dioxins as examples of toxicants that cause rodent-specific oxidative stress, cell proliferation, and the suppression of apoptosis. In the case of peroxisome proliferators and dioxins, this response is receptor-mediated. The evidence presented suggests that, at least for some toxicants, the molecular mechanisms of the rodent carcinogenic responses do not operate in humans; this is discussed in the context of human risk assessment. Finally, consideration is given to incorporating mechanism-based information into risk assessment for regulatory purposes.

Dioxin exposure is an environmental risk factor for ischemic heart disease

Epidemiologic studies have linked dioxin exposure to increased mortality caused by ischemic heart disease. To test the hypothesis that dioxin exposure may constitute an environmental risk factor for atherosclerosis, we exposed C57BL/6J mice to 5 microg/kg of dioxin daily for 3 d, and measured various molecular and physiological markers of heart disease. Dioxin treatment led to an increase in the urinary excretion of vasoactive eicosanoids and an elevation in the mean tail-cuff blood pressure. In addition, dioxin exposure led to an increase in triglycerides, but not in high-density lipoproteins, in both Apoe(+/+) mice and in hyperlipidemic Apoe(-/- mice. Dioxin exposure also led to an increase in low-density lipoproteins in Apoe(-/-) mice. After treatment, dioxin was associated with low-density lipoprotein particles, which might serve as a vehicle to deliver the compound to atherosclerotic plaques. Dioxin treatment of vascular smooth-muscle cells taken from C57Bl/6J mice resulted in the deregulation of several genes involved in cell proliferation and apoptosis. Subchronic treatment of Apoe(-/-) mice with dioxin (150 ng/kg, three times weekly) for 7 or 26 wk caused a trend toward earlier onset and greater severity of atherosclerotic lesions compared to those of vehicle treated mice. These results suggest that dioxin may increase the incidence of ischemic heart disease by exacerbating its severity.

Benzo[a]pyrene-induced toxicity: paradoxical protection in Cyp1a1(-/-) knockout mice having increased hepatic BaP-DNA adduct levels

Previous studies have shown that cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1), CYP1B1, and prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase (PTGS2) are inducible by benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) and 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD, dioxin), and all three metabolize BaP to reactive DNA-binding intermediates and excreted products. Because these three enzymes show differing patterns of basal levels, inducibility, and tissue-specific expression, animal studies are necessary to delineate the role of CYP1A1 in BaP-mediated toxicity. In mice receiving large daily doses of BaP (500 mg/kg i.p.), Cyp1a1(-/-) knockout mice are protected by surviving longer than Cyp1a1(+/-) heterozygotes. We found that a single 500 mg/kg dose of BaP induces hepatic CYP1A1 mRNA, protein, and enzyme activity in Cyp1a1(+/-) but not in Cyp1a1(-/-) mice; TCDD pretreatment increases further the CYP1A1 in Cyp1a1(+/-) but not Cyp1a1(-/-) mice. Although a single 500 mg/kg dose of BaP was toxic to Cyp1a1(+/-) mice (serum liver enzyme elevated about 2-fold above control levels at 48 h), Cyp1a1(-/-) mice displayed no hepatotoxicity. Unexpectedly, we found 4-fold higher BaP-DNA adduct levels in Cyp1a1(-/-) than in Cyp1a1(+/-) mice; TCDD pretreatment lowered the levels of BaP-DNA adducts in both genotypes, suggesting the involvement of other TCDD-inducible detoxification enzymes. BaP was cleared from the blood much faster in Cyp1a1(+/-) than Cyp1a1(-/-) mice. Our results suggest that absence of the CYP1A1 enzyme protects the intact animal from BaP-mediated liver toxicity and death, by decreasing the formation of large amounts of toxic metabolites, whereas much slower metabolic clearance of BaP in Cyp1a1(-/-) mice leads to greater formation of BaP-DNA adducts.

Protection of the Cyp1a2(-/-) null mouse against uroporphyria and hepatic injury following exposure to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin

The effect of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) on the liver of C57BL/6J mice is a model for clinical sporadic porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT). There is massive uroporphyria, inhibition of uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase (UROD) activity, and hepatocellular damage. A variety of evidence implicates the CYP1A2 enzyme as necessary for mouse uroporphyria. Here we report that, 5 weeks after a single oral dose of TCDD (75 microg/kg), Cyp1a2(+/+) wild-type mice showed severe uroporphyria and greater than 90% decreases in UROD activity; in contrast, despite exposure to this potent agent Cyp1a2(-/-) knockout mice displayed absolutely no increases in hepatic porphyrin levels, even after prior iron overload, and no detectable inhibition of UROD activity. Plasma levels of alanine-aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST)-although elevated in both genotypes after TCDD exposure-were significantly less in Cyp1a2(-/-) than in Cyp1a2(+/+) mice, suggesting that the absence of CYP1A2 also affords partial protection against TCDD-induced liver toxicity. Histological examination confirmed a decrease in hepatocellular damage in TCDD-treated Cyp1a2(-/-) mice; in particular, there was no bile duct damage or proliferation that in the Cyp1a2(+/+) mice might be caused by uroporphyrin. We conclude that CYP1A2 is both necessary and essential for the potent uroporphyrinogenic effects of TCDD in mice, and that CYP1A2 also plays a role in contributing to TCDD-induced hepatocellular injury. This study has implications for both the toxicity assessment of TCDD and the hepatic injury seen in PCT patients.

"Gene-swap knock-in" cassette in mice to study allelic differences in human genes

Genetic differences in environmental toxicity and cancer susceptibility among individuals in a human population often reflect polymorphisms in the genes encoding drug-metabolizing enzymes (DMEs), drug transporters, and receptors that control DME levels. This field of study is called "ecogenetics", and a subset of this field--concerning genetic variability in response to drugs--is termed "pharmacogenetics". Although human-mouse differences might be 3- to perhaps 10-fold, human interindividual differences can be as great as 20-fold or more than 40-fold. It would be helpful, therefore, to study toxicokinetics/pharmacokinetics of particular environmental agents and drugs in mice containing these "high-" and "low-extreme" human alleles. We hope to use transgenic "knock-in" technology in order to insert human alleles in place of the orthologous mouse gene. However, the knock-in of each gene has normally been a separate event requiring the following: (a) construction of the targeting vector, (b) transfection into embryonic stem (ES) cells, (c) generation of a targeted mouse having germline transmission of the construct, and (d) backcross breeding of the knock-in mouse (at least 6-8 times) to produce a suitable genetically homogeneous background (i.e., to decrease "experimental noise"). These experiments require 1 1/2 to 2 years to complete, making this very powerful technology inefficient for routine applications. If, on the other hand, the initial knock-in targeting vector might include sequences that would allow the knocked-in gene to be exchanged (quickly and repeatedly) for one new allele after another, then testing distinctly different human polymorphic alleles in transgenic mice could be accomplished in a few months instead of several years. This "gene-swapping" technique will soon be done by zygotic injection of a "human allele cassette" into the sperm or fertilized ovum of the parental knock-in mouse inbred strain or by the cloning of whole mice from cumulus ovaricus cells or tail-snip fibroblasts containing the nucleus wherein each new human allele has already been "swapped." In mouse cells in culture using heterotypic lox sites, we and others have already succeeded in gene swapping, by exchanging one gene, including its regulatory regions, with a second gene (including its regulatory regions). It is anticipated that mouse lines carrying numerous human alleles will become commonplace early in the next millennium.

Transgenic zebrafish as sentinels for aquatic pollution

Using the golden mutant zebrafish having a decrease in interfering pigmentation, we are developing transgenic lines in which DNA motifs that respond to selected environmental pollutants are capable of activating a reporter gene that can be easily assayed. We have begun with three response elements that recognize three important classes of foreign chemicals. Aromatic hydrocarbon response elements (AHREs) respond to numerous polycyclic hydrocarbons and halogenated coplanar molecules such as 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD; dioxin) and polychlorinated biphenyls. Electrophile response elements (EPREs) respond to quinones and numerous other potent electrophilic oxidants. Metal response elements (MREs) respond to heavy metal cations such as mercury, copper, nickel, cadmium, and zinc. Soon, we will include estrogen response elements (EREs) to detect the effects of environmental endocrine disruptors, and retinoic acid response elements (RARE, RXRE) to detect the effects of retinoids in the environment. Each of these substances is known to be bioconcentrated in fish to varying degrees; for example, 10(-17) M TCDD in a body of water becomes concentrated to approximately 10(-12) M TCDD in a fish, where it would act upon the AHRE motif and turn on the luciferase (LUC) reporter gene. The living fish as a sentinel will not only be assayed intact in the luminometer, but--upon several days or weeks of depuration--would be usable again. To date, we have established that zebrafish transcription factors are able to recognize both mammalian and trout AHRE, EPRE, and MRE sequences in a dose-dependent and chemical-class-specific manner, and that expression of both the LUC and jellyfish green fluorescent protein (GFP) reporter genes is easily detected in zebrafish cell cultures and in the intact live zebrafish. Variations in sensitivity of this model system can be achieved by increasing the copy number of response elements and perhaps by altering the sequence of each core consensus response element and flanking regions. This transgenic technology should allow for a simple, exquisitely sensitive, and inexpensive assay for monitoring aquatic pollution. We have already initiated studies using sentinel zebrafish to monitor a public drinking water source.

Tyrphostin [correction of Tryphostin] AG879, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor: prevention of transcriptional activation of the electrophile and the aromatic hydrocarbon response elements

To investigate a possible role of phosphorylation in the signal transduction pathways responsible for transcriptional regulation of drug-metabolizing enzymes, we tested seven specific tyrosine kinase inhibitors (tyrphostins) for their effects on NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase-1 (NQO1) mRNA levels in mouse hepatoma Hepa-1c1c7 (Hepa-1) cells and chose to study AG879 further. The potent electrophile tert-butylhydroquinone (tBHQ) is known to activate NQO1 gene transcription via the electrophile response element (EPRE). Among the tyrphostins tested, tyrphostin AG879 was unique in preventing the accumulation of tBHQ-induced NQO1 mRNA; this effect was dependent on the AG879 dose and was also sensitive to the time when AG879 was added relative to the beginning of tBHQ treatment. 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (dioxin; TCDD) is known to activate Cyp1a1 gene transcription by way of aromatic hydrocarbon response elements (AHREs). We found that AG879 also prevents, to a lesser extent, the AHRE-mediated induction of CYP1A1 and NQO1 mRNA by dioxin. Zinc or cadmium is known to activate metallothionein (Mt1) gene transcription via the metal response element (MRE). AG879 induced MT1 mRNA, and AG879 did not block zinc- or cadmium-induced MT1 mRNA, indicating that the effects of AG879 on NQO1 or CYP1A1 mRNA levels cannot be generalized to all transcripts. Using transient transfection of EPRE-, AHRE-, or MRE-driven luciferase reporter gene constructs in Hepa-1 cells, we showed that the inhibitory effects of AG879 occurred at the level of EPRE- and AHRE-mediated transcription, but that AG879 did not affect the MRE-driven transcriptional response. These data suggest that AG879 might inhibit an unknown tyrosine kinase(s) whose activity is essential for EPRE- and AHRE-mediated trans-activation of certain mammalian genes. These results also indicate that some sharing of common signal transduction pathways might exist in the regulation of genes involved in drug metabolism that also respond to oxidative stress.

Knockout of the mouse glutamate cysteine ligase catalytic subunit (Gclc) gene: embryonic lethal when homozygous, and proposed model for moderate glutathione deficiency when heterozygous

The biosynthesis of reduced glutathione (GSH) is carried out by the enzymes gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase (GCL) and GSH synthetase. GCL is the rate-limiting step and represents a heterodimeric enzyme comprised of a catalytic subunit (GCLC) and a ("regulatory"), or modifier, subunit (GCLM). The nonhomologous Gclc and Gclm genes are located on mouse chromosomes 9 and 3, respectively. GCLC owns the catalytic activity, whereas GCLM enhances the enzyme activity by lowering the K(m) for glutamate and increasing the K(i) to GSH inhibition. Humans have been identified with one or two defective GCLC alleles and show low GSH levels. As an initial first step toward understanding the role of GSH in cellular redox homeostasis, we have targeted a disruption of the mouse Gclc gene. The Gclc(-/-) homozygous knockout animal dies before gestational day 13, whereas the Gclc(+/-) heterozygote is viable and fertile. The Gclc(+/-) mouse exhibits a gene-dose decrease in the GCLC protein and GCL activity, but only about a 20% diminution in GSH levels and a compensatory increase of approximately 30% in ascorbate-as compared with that in Gclc(+/+) wild-type littermates. These data show a reciprocal action between falling GSH concentrations and rising ascorbate levels. Therefore, the Gclc(+/-) mouse may be a useful genetic model for mild endogenous oxidative stress.

Relative Roles of CYP2E1 and CYP1A2 in Mouse Uroporphyria Caused by Acetone

Porphyria cutanea tarda is a liver disease characterized by excess production of uroporphyrin. We previously reported that acetone, an inducer of CYP2E1, enhances hepatic uroporphyrin accumulation in mice treated with iron dextran (Fe) and 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA). Cyp2e1(-/-) mice treated with Fe and ALA were used to investigate whether CYP2E1 is required for the acetone effect. Hepatic uroporphyrin accumulation was stimulated by acetone in Cyp2e1(-/-) mice to the same extent as in wild-type mice. In the absence of acetone, uroporphyrin accumulated in Cyp2e1(-/-) mice treated with Fe and ALA, but less than in wildtype mice. However, in Cypla2(-/-) mice, uroporphyrin accumulation caused by Fe and ALA, with or without acetone, was completely prevented. Acetone was not an inducer of hepatic CYP1A2 in the wild-type mice. Although acetone is an inducer of CYP2E1, CYP1A2 appears to have the essential role in acetone-enhancement of uroporphyria.

Disruption of dioxin-inducible phase I and phase II gene expression patterns by cadmium, chromium, and arsenic

Recent work suggesting that cellular oxidative stress exerts an inhibitory effect on aromatic hydrocarbon receptor (AHR)-dependent gene expression led us to test the hypothesis that pro-oxidant environmental pollutants might alter the induction of detoxification genes by 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), an AHR ligand. We found that, in mouse hepatoma Hepa-1 cells, TCDD-inducible cytochrome P450, Cyp1a1, and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-quinone oxidoreductase (Nqo1) mRNA accumulation were differentially affected by cadmium (Cd(2+)), chromium (Cr(6+)), and arsenic (As(3+)). Cadmium or arsenic did not change Cyp1a1 mRNA levels but did enhance TCDD-inducible levels of Nqo1 mRNA, an effect that paralleled the ability of these metals to activate a beta-galactosidase gene reporter system regulated by an electrophile response promoter element. Chromium inhibited mRNA accumulation for both Cyp1a1 and Nqo1. Manipulation of cellular thiol status did not modify the response to combined chromium-TCDD exposure, suggesting that the response was not caused by oxidative stress. Chromium did not block DNA-binding competence of the AHR and did not have an effect on mRNA stability, but it inhibited Cyp1a1 gene transcription and the expression of an AHR-dependent luciferase reporter. These data indicate that coexposure to pro-oxidant metals and AHR ligands, which is common in the environment, can disrupt the regulation of phase I and phase II detoxification genes, leading to imbalances in gene expression that may have important consequences for the toxicity of complex mixtures.

Characterization of the MTF-1 transcription factor from zebrafish and trout cells

The metal response element (MRE)-binding transcription factor-1, MTF-1, is a zinc-responsive protein that controls transcription of metallothionein (MT) genes in many cell types. In addition, MTF-1 is also hypothesized to regulate transcription of a battery of genes involved in the defense against oxidative stress. Manipulating the Zn concentration in the low microM range reversibly modulates the DNA-binding activity of the mammalian MTF-1; this effect is inhibited at low temperature. This report examines the presence and binding properties of MTF-1 in cell lines derived from warm- and cold-water fishes (zebrafish and trout, respectively). We found that both species of fish express MRE-specific binding activities that are immunologically similar to mouse MTF-1. MTF-1-binding from the cells of both species of fish was activated when cells were treated with Zn but not with Cd. Zebrafish cells contained a single isoform of MTF-1 with binding properties similar to mammalian MTF-1. Trout cells, on the other hand, contained two isoforms of MTF-1: MTF-1H and MTF-1L. Zn reversibly modulated MTF-1H binding in a temperature-dependent manner. Similarly, Zn reversibly modulated MTF-1L binding, but, in contrast, such modulation occurred readily at 4 degrees C. This data demonstrate the conservation of binding specificity, binding properties, and regulation of MTF-1 in fishes.

Determining glutathione and glutathione disulfide using the fluorescence probe o-phthalaldehyde

Because of the importance of glutathione (GSH) and glutathione disulfide (GSSG) in cellular signal transduction, gene regulation, redox regulation, and biochemical homeostasis, accurate determination of cellular glutathione levels is critical. Several procedures have been developed, but many suffer from overestimating GSSG or from cellular substances interfering or competing with GSH determination. Assays based on HPLC, with enzymatic reduction of GSSG by glutathione reductase and NADPH, appear to be valid but are limited in sample throughput and availability of equipment. The fluorescence probe o-phthalaldehyde (OPA, phthalic dicarboxaldehyde) reacts with GSH and has a high quantum yield, yet its use has been limited due to unidentified interfering and fluorescence-quenching substances in liver. This paper describes assay conditions under which these limitations are avoided. By using a phosphate-buffered assay at lower pH, interference with nonspecific reactants is minimal. Since enzymatic reduction is not possible due to the reaction of OPA with NAD(P)H and other stronger reducing agents, leading to an overestimation of GSSG levels, dithionite was used to reduce GSSG. High sample throughput combined with sensitive (20-pmol limit of detection) and accurate determination of GSH and GSSG using OPA is achievable with any monochromatographic spectrofluorometer. Sample preparation and storage conditions are described that return the same levels of GSH and GSSG for at least 4 weeks.

Refining the mouse chromosomal location of Cdm, the major gene associated with susceptibility to cadmium-induced testicular necrosis

Cadmium (Cd++) is a widespread environmental pollutant and classifed as an IARC 'Category I' human carcinogen. Cd++ can also cause severe renal toxicity and may be involved clinically in cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis. Genetic differences in sensitivity to cadmium toxicity have been noted in humans, whereas, among inbred mouse strains, unequivocal genetic data exist. Resistance to cadmium-induced testicular damage was reported in 1973 to be associated with a single major recessive gene, named Cdm, which has now been localized to mouse chromosome (Chr) 3. Using polymorphic microsatellite markers and semiquantitative histological parameters, we have corroborated the original 1973 data concerning mendelian inheritance and have further refined the region containing the Cdm gene from more than 24 cM to 0.64 cM (estimated 40-80 genes). We phenotyped 26 recombinant inbred lines generated from C57BL/6J (B6, resistant) and DBA/2J (D2, sensitive) inbred mice, and determined that the Cdm gene maps between microsatellite markers D3Mit110 and D3Mit255. Although toxicity to numerous heavy metals is well known, virtually no molecular mechanisms have yet been uncovered either in humans or laboratory animals. Identification and characterization of the mouse Cdm gene should enhance our understanding of heavy metal toxicity by identifying and characterizing, for the first time, a major mammalian gene responsible for susceptibility to diseases caused by heavy metal toxicity.

Aromatic hydrocarbon receptor interaction with the retinoblastoma protein potentiates repression of E2F-dependent transcription and cell cycle arrest

Polyhalogenated aromatic hydrocarbons, of which 2,3,7, 8-tetrachloro-p-dioxin (TCDD) is the prototype compound, elicit a variety of toxic, teratogenic, and carcinogenic responses in exposed animals and in humans. In cultured cells, TCDD shows marked effects on the regulation of cell cycle progression, including thymocyte apoptosis, induction of keratinocyte proliferation and terminal differentiation, and inhibition of estrogen-dependent proliferation in breast cancer cells. The presence of an LXCXE domain in the dioxin aromatic hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), suggested that the effects of TCDD on cell cycle regulation might be mediated by protein-protein interactions between AHR and the retinoblastoma protein (RB). Using the yeast two-hybrid system, AHR and RB were in fact shown to bind to each other. In vitro pull-down experiments with truncated AHR peptides indicated that at least two separate AHR domains form independent complexes with hypophosphorylated RB. Coimmunoprecipitation of whole cell lysates from human breast carcinoma MCF-7 cells, which express both proteins endogenously, revealed that AHR associates with RB in vivo only after receptor transformation and nuclear translocation. However, the AHR nuclear translocator and transcriptional heterodimerization partner, is not required for (nor is it a part of) the AHR.RB complexes detected in vitro. Ectopic expression of AHR and RB in human osteosarcoma SAOS-2 cells, which lack endogenous expression of both proteins, showed that AHR synergizes with RB to repress E2F-dependent transcription and to induce cell cycle arrest. Furthermore, AHR partly blocked T-antigen-mediated reversal of RB-dependent transcriptional repression. These results uncover a potential function for the AHR in cell cycle regulation and suggest that this function may be that of serving as an environmental sensor that signals cell cycle arrest when cells are exposed to certain environmental toxicants.

Targeted knockout of Cyp1a1 gene does not alter hepatic constitutive expression of other genes in the mouse [Ah] battery

Using the Cre-lox system, we have generated a cytochrome P450 1A1 Cyp1a1(-/-) knockout mouse by deletion of the translated portions of the Cyp1a1 gene. These mice are viable and demonstrate no obvious phenotype, compared with wild-type littermates. As a first step toward characterizing genes that might be expected to compensate for loss of CYP1A1, constitutive expression of [Ah] gene battery members was examined. In a cultured hepatoma CYP1A1 metabolism-deficient mutant line that does not express Cyp1a2, we have previously shown that constitutive transcriptional up-regulation of other [Ah] gene battery members occurs; these results are consistent with the elevation of a putative endogenous ligand (EL) for the Ah receptor that is a substrate for CYP1A1. The [Ah] battery includes Cyp1a2, NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase (Nqo1), and three other Phase II genes. Examining mRNA, protein, and enzyme activity, we demonstrate that the absence of CYP1A1 has no effect on the hepatic constitutive expression of Cyp1a2 or Nqo1. We postulate that CYP1A1 and CYP1A2 might have overlapping substrate specificity for metabolism of the EL, such that basal CYP1A2 in the liver can compensate for the loss of CYP1A1.

CYP1A2 is essential in murine uroporphyria caused by hexachlorobenzene and iron

Using Cyp1a2(-/-) mice we previously showed that CYP1A2 is absolutely required for hepatic uroporphyrin accumulation caused by iron and 5-aminolevulinate (ALA) treatment, both in the presence and absence of an inducer of CYP1A2. In this study we have used these mice to investigate whether CYP1A2 has an obligatory role in hepatic uroporphyria caused by hexachlorobenzene (HCBZ), an inducer of CYP2B and CYP3A, as well as CYP1A2. Here we treated mice with HCBZ and iron, with and without the porphyrin precursor, ALA, in the drinking water. In iron-loaded wild-type mice given a single dose of HCBZ and ALA, hepatic uroporphyrin (URO) accumulated to 300 nmol/g liver after 37 days, whereas in Cyp1a2(-/-) mice, there was no hepatic URO, even after an additional dose of HCBZ, and a further 29 days of ALA treatment. A similar requirement for CYP1A2 was found in uroporphyria produced in HCBZ and iron-treated mice in the absence of ALA. As detected by Western immunoblotting, HCBZ induced small increases in CYP2B and CYP3A in the livers of all animals. In the wild-type animals, HCBZ also induced CYP1A2 and associated enzyme activities, including uroporphyrinogen oxidation, by about 2-3-fold. In the Cyp1a2(-/-) mice, HCBZ did not increase hepatic microsomal uroporphyrinogen oxidation. These results indicate that, in mice, CYP1A2 is essential in the process leading to HCBZ-induced uroporphyria. Contributions by other CYP forms induced by HCBZ appear to be minimal.

Role of the aromatic hydrocarbon receptor and [Ah] gene battery in the oxidative stress response, cell cycle control, and apoptosis

The chronology and history of characterizing the aromatic hydrocarbon [Ah] battery is reviewed. This battery represents the Ah receptor (AHR)-mediated control of at least six, and probably many more, dioxin-inducible genes; two cytochrome P450 genes-P450 1A1 and 1A2 (Cypla1, Cypla2-and four non-P450 genes, have experimentally been documented to be members of this battery. Metabolism of endogenous and exogenous substrates by perhaps every P450 enzyme, but certainly CYP1A1 and CYP1A2 (which are located, in part, in the mitochondrion), have been shown to cause reactive oxygenated metabolite (ROM)-mediated oxidative stress. Oxidative stress activates genes via the electrophile response element (EPRE) DNA motif, whereas dioxin (acutely) activates genes via the AHR-mediated aromatic hydrocarbon response element (AHRE) DNA motif. In contrast to dioxin, AHR ligands that are readily metabolized to ROMs (e.g. benzo[a]pyrene, beta-naphthoflavone) activate genes via both AHREs and the EPRE. The importance of the AHR in cell cycle regulation and apoptosis has just begun to be realized. Current evidence suggests that the CYP1A1 and CYP1A2 enzymes might control the level of the putative endogenous ligand of the AHR, but that CYPA1/1A2 metabolism generates ROM-mediated oxidative stress which can be ameliorated by the four non-P450 EPRE-driven genes in the [Ah] battery. Oxidative stress is a major signal in precipitating apoptosis; however, the precise mechanism, or molecule, which determines the cell's decision between apoptosis and continuation with the cell cycle, remains to be elucidated. The total action of AHR and the [Ah] battery genes therefore represents a pivotal upstream event in the apoptosis cascade, providing an intricate balance between promoting and preventing ROM-mediated oxidative stress. These proposed endogenous functions of the AHR and [Ah] enzymes are, of course, in addition to the frequently described functions of "metabolic potentiation" and "detoxification" of various foreign chemicals.

Inhibition of CYP1A1 enzyme activity in mouse hepatoma cell culture by soybean isoflavones

The mechanisms by which soybean- and soybean isoflavone-enriched diets inhibit carcinogenesis are not known. We found that the isoflavones genistin and daidzin, and their respective aglucone forms daidzein and genistein, block 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD; dioxin)-induced CYP1A1 enzyme activity. This inhibition is correlated with the capacity of the isoflavones to prevent CYP1A1-mediated covalent binding of benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) metabolites to DNA. We further evaluated daidzein and genistein, believed to be the active forms of the isoflavones, for the mechanism of the inhibitory process. Although daidzein and genistein appear structurally similar to known aromatic hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) agonists and antagonists, gel mobility shift assays indicated that the isoflavones do not inhibit dioxin-induced activation of the AHR or the accumulation of CYP1A1 mRNA, suggesting that the isoflavones do not act at the transcriptional level. We therefore evaluated the isoflavones for direct effects on the CYP1A1 enzyme. Daidzein and genistein non-competitive with the CYP1A1 substrate BaP for microsomal BaP hydroxylation, with apparent Ki values of 325 microM and 140 microM, respectively. The extent of CYP1A1 inhibition increases with time of preincubation at 37 degrees C, but not at 4 degrees C, in the presence of isoflavone plus NADPH; after 60 min preincubation the inhibition remains non-competitive, with apparent Ki values of 55 microM and 50 microM, respectively. Inhibition is neither prevented nor reversed by the thiol antioxidant dithiothreitol, nor by the iron chelator deferoxamine. Repeated washing of the microsomes does not reverse the inhibition. The dependency on NADPH, temperature and time for inhibition of CYP1A1 suggests that metabolism of either isoflavone or molecular oxygen to reactive species is required. Isoflavone-mediated inhibition of CYP1A1 activity may contribute to the mechanism by which these soybean isoflavones protect against carcinogenesis.

Regulation of gene expression by reactive oxygen

Reactive oxygen intermediates are produced in all aerobic organisms during respiration and exist in the cell in a balance with biochemical antioxidants. Excess reactive oxygen resulting from exposure to environmental oxidants, toxicants, and heavy metals perturbs cellular redox balance and disrupts normal biological functions. The resulting imbalance may be detrimental to the organism and contribute to the pathogenesis of disease and aging. To counteract the oxidant effects and to restore a state of redox balance, cells must reset critical homeostatic parameters. Changes associated with oxidative damage and with restoration of cellular homeostasis often lead to activation or silencing of genes encoding regulatory transcription factors, antioxidant defense enzymes, and structural proteins. In this review, we examine the sources and generation of free radicals and oxidative stress in biological systems and the mechanisms used by reactive oxygen to modulate signal transduction cascades and redirect gene expression.

Dioxin causes a sustained oxidative stress response in the mouse

Dioxin (2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin; TCDD) is the prototype for environmental agonists of the aromatic hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) that are known to produce multiple adverse effects in laboratory animals as well as humans. Although not directly genotoxic, dioxin is known to increase transformation and mutations in mammalian cell culture and to cause an exaggerated oxidative stress response in the female rat. In humans and mice, however, dioxin-mediated oxidative stress appears to be more subtle, causing a response that has been poorly characterized. Using the female C57BL/6J inbred mouse, we show here that intraperitoneal treatment of 5 micrograms TCDD per kilogram on 3 consecutive days produces a striking, prolonged oxidative stress response: hepatic oxidized glutathione levels increase 2-fold within 1 week, and these effects persist for at least 8 weeks despite no further dioxin treatment. Urinary levels of 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine--a product of DNA base oxidation and subsequent excision repair--remain elevated about 20-fold at 8 weeks after dioxin treatment, consistent with chronic and potentially promutagenic DNA base damage. These results demonstrate that dioxin exposure does produce a sustained oxidative stress response in the mouse.

Reversible activation of mouse metal response element-binding transcription factor 1 DNA binding involves zinc interaction with the zinc finger domain

The DNA-binding activity of the Zn finger protein metal response element-binding transcription factor 1 (MTF-1) was rapidly induced both in vivo in mouse Hepa cells, canine MDCK, and human HeLa cells after incubation in medium containing zinc and in vitro in whole-cell extracts to which zinc was added. Acquisition of DNA-binding capacity in the presence of free zinc was temperature and time dependent and did not occur at 4 degrees C. In contrast, activated MTF-1 binding to the metal response element occurred at 4 degrees C. After Zn activation, mouse MTF-1 binding activity was more sensitive to EDTA and was stabilized by DNA binding relative to the Zn finger transcription factor Sp1. After dilution of nuclear or whole-cell extracts from Zn-treated cells and incubation at 37 degrees C, mouse MTF-1 DNA-binding activity was no longer detected but could be completely reconstituted by the subsequent readdition of zinc. In vitro-synthesized, recombinant mouse MTF-1 displayed a similar, reversible temperature- and Zn-dependent activation of DNA-binding activity. Analysis of deletion mutants of recombinant MTF-1 suggests that the Zn finger domain is important for the Zn-dependent activation of DNA-binding capacity. Thus, mouse MTF-1 functions as a reversibly activated sensor of free zinc pools in the cell.

Oxidative stress activates metal-responsive transcription factor-1 binding activity. Occupancy in vivo of metal response elements in the metallothionein-I gene promoter

Oxidative stress (tert-butylhydroquinone) rapidly induced metallothionein-I gene expression in mouse Hepa cells, and this effect was mediated predominantly through metal response promoter elements in transient transfection assays. In vivo genomic footprinting of the mouse metallothionein-I promoter after treatment of Hepa cells with hydrogen peroxide, tert-butylhydroquinone, or zinc suggested a rapid increase in occupancy of the metal response elements. More subtle changes also occurred in the constitutive genomic footprint at the composite major late transcription factor/antioxidant response element. This element may, in part, mediate induction by hydrogen peroxide. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays demonstrated a rapid (30 min) increase in the DNA binding activity of metal-responsive transcription factor-1 in Hepa cells treated with any of these inducers. In control cells, upstream stimulatory factor binding with the major late transcription factor site, and a nuclear protein complex distinct from AP-1, but specific for the antioxidant response element, were detected. The amounts of these complexes were not altered after these treatments. These studies indicate that metal-responsive transcription factor-1 plays a role in activating mouse metallothionein-I gene transcription in response to reactive oxygen species.

Avian metallothioneins: structure, regulation and evolution

This article reviews studies of the molecular biology of the avian metallothionein (MT) genes. Analysis of cloned genes and/or cDNAs from chicken, turkey, pheasant and quail suggests that each of these species possesses a very simple MT gene family. The MT from these birds is a cysteine-rich protein of 63 amino acids that shares extensive structural homology with the mammalian MTs, and, remarkably, the deduced amino acid sequence of the major metallothionein is identical in each of these birds. The chicken MT gene is inducible by dietary or injected metal ions [i.e., zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu)], bacterial lipopolysaccharide and oxidative stress. Furthermore, it is expressed during liver development. The turkey and chicken MT genes are identical in gross structure to other functional MT genes. They consist of three exons separated by two intervening sequences. Comparisons of the nucleotide sequences of the turkey and chicken MT genes revealed regions of exceptionally high sequence conservation, suggesting important functions such as splicing, polyadenylation and transcriptional activation. Structure-function studies of the chicken MT promoter using transient transfection assays and transgenic mice have revealed cis-acting promoter sequences involved in the induction of chicken MT gene expression by metals ions. A metal-responsive enhancer was located in the proximal 107-bp of the chicken MT promoter in a region highly conserved in both the turkey and chicken MT genes. Function of this enhancer element apparently requires cooperation of transcription factors interacting with an Sp 1 binding site and a single palindromic metal-responsive element. In this regard, the structure of the proximal region of the chicken and turkey MT promoters is unique. Our current studies suggest that this enhancer regulates gene expression in a position-independent manner in transgenic mice.

Constitutive expression of metallothionein genes in mouse brain

Metallothioneins (MTs) are ubiquitous low-molecular-weight proteins that are induced by a variety of inducers, including metals, lipopolysaccharides (LPS), cytokines, oxidative stress, etc., and are thought to play a protective role against various toxic insults. The constitutive level of metallothionein is an important determinant of a tissue's susceptibility to toxic insults. In the present study, we report the constitutive expression of MT mRNAs in adult mouse brain. Analysis of total RNA from whole brain by Northern blot and solution hybridization showed that mRNAs for all three MT isoforms (I, II, III) were constitutively expressed in mouse brain, and there was no remarkable difference in their expression. However, in quantitative terms the order of expression was MT-I > MT-III > MT-II. The expression of MT-III and MT-II was about 70 and 50% of that of MT-I, respectively. Examination of their constitutive expression in different brain regions revealed that the three isoforms were expressed in all seven brain regions studied (olfactory bulb, cortex, caudate, hippocampus, thalamus, cerebellum, and brain stem), and there was only about a twofold difference in MT mRNA expression from one region of the brain to another. However, olfactory bulb had the highest mRNA expression for all three isoforms, as revealed by slot blot analysis. Constitutive expression of MT-I and -II mRNA, but not MT-III mRNA, was high in cerebellum. In order to study the cellular localization of MT mRNA, in situ hybridization of MT-I and MT-III mRNA was performed. For comparison, LPS was used to enhance MT-I mRNA signal because LPS is a good inducer of MT-I mRNA expression in mouse brain. In situ hybridization revealed that certain brain regions had distinctly localized high levels of expression of MT mRNAs. In brains of untreated mice, the constitutive expression of MT-I mRNA was high in the ependymal cell layer lining the lateral ventricles and in the Purkinje cell layer of cerebellum. The signal in the Purkinje cell layer was not on the Purkinje cells themselves, but was on locations consistent with that of glial cells. In LPS-treated mice, the signal in cerebellum was higher, and distinct signal appeared in the choroid plexus. However, signal in ependyma was similar to that in untreated mice. Pia mater in LPS-treated, but not in untreated, mouse brain showed enhanced signal for MT-I mRNA.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Isolation and sequence of cDNA clones encoding rat phosphatidylinositol transfer protein

Phosphatidylinositol (PtdIns) transfer protein is a cytosolic protein that catalyzes the transfer of PtdIns between membranes. It is expressed in organisms from yeast to man, and activity has been found in all animal tissues examined. Using antibodies prepared against bovine brain PtdIns transfer protein, lambda gt11 rat brain cDNA libraries were screened and several clones isolated. DNA sequence analysis showed that the cDNAs encoded a polypeptide of 271 amino acids with a mass of 31,911 Da. Comparison of the deduced amino acid sequence with N-terminal sequence data obtained for the intact purified bovine brain protein and rat lung phospholipid transfer protein verified that the cDNAs were PtdIns transfer protein clones. The predicted protein shows no significant sequence similarity to other known (phospholipid)-binding proteins. DNA blot hybridization suggests that the rat genome may contain more than one gene encoding PtdIns transfer protein. RNA blot hybridization reveals that the PtdIns transfer protein gene is expressed at low levels in a wide variety of rat tissues; all tissues examined showed a major mRNA component of 1.9 kilobases and a minor component of 3.4 kilobases. The isolation of clones encoding rat PtdIns transfer protein will greatly facilitate studies of the structure and function of PtdIns transfer proteins and their role in lipid metabolism.