Radiative climate forcing by the mount pinatubo eruption

Radiative flux anomalies derived from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) spaceborne Earth Radiation Budget Experiment were used to determine the volcanic radiative forcing that followed the eruption of Mount Pinatubo in June 1991. They are the first unambiguous, direct measurements of large-scale volcanic forcing. The volcanic aerosols caused a strong cooling effect immediately; the amount of cooling increased through September 1991 as shortwave forcing increased relative to the longwave forcing. The primary effects of the aerosols were a direct increase in albedo over mostly clear areas and both direct and indirect increases in the albedo of cloudy areas.

Molecular modelling of the human glucocorticoid receptor (hGR) ligand-binding domain (LBD) by homology with the human estrogen receptor alpha (hERalpha) LBD: quantitative structure-activity relationships within a series of CYP3A4 inducers where induction is mediated via hGR involvement

The results of homology modelling of the human glucorticoid receptor (hGR) ligand-binding domain (LBD) based on the ligand-bound domain of the human estrogen receptor alpha (hERalpha) are reported. It is shown that known hGR ligands which induce the human cytochrome P450 enzyme CYP3A4 are able to fit the putative ligand-binding site of the nuclear hormone receptor and form hydrogen bonds with key amino acid residues within the binding pocket. Quantitative structure-activity relationships (QSARs) have been derived for hGR-mediated CYP3A4 induction which involve certain molecular structural and physicochemical properties of the ligand themselves, yielding good correlations (R=0.96-0.98) with fold induction of CYP3A4 known to be mediated via hGR involvement.

Receptor-dependent transcriptional activation of cytochrome P4503A genes: induction mechanisms, species differences and interindividual variation in man

1. The importance of CYP3A enzymes in drug metabolism and toxicology has yielded a wealth of information on the structure, function and regulation of this subfamily and recent research emphasis has been placed on the human forms, namely CYP3A4, CYP3A5, CYP3A7 and CYP3A43. 2. The current review will focus on the receptor-dependency of CYP3A regulation and includes consideration of the regulatory roles of the glucocorticoid (GR), pregnane X (PXR) and constitutive androstane (CAR) receptors. 3. Emphasis has been placed on the topics of expression and substrate specificity, assessment of induction, species differences in induction, CYP3A promoter sequences and regulation of gene expression, structural and functional aspects of receptor-mediated, CYP3A gene activation, receptor variants and interindividual variation in human CYP3A expression, the latter encompassing environmental, physiological and genetic aspects. 4. An outline of future research needs will be discussed in the context of receptor-mediated molecular mechanisms of CYP3A gene regulation and the impact on interindividual variations in CYP3A expression. 5. Taken collectively, this review highlights the importance of understanding the molecular mechanisms of CYP3A induction as a means of rationalizing human responses to many clinically used drugs, in addition to providing a mechanistically coherent platform to understand and predict interindividual variations in response and drug-drug interactions.

The transcription of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha gene is regulated by protein kinase C

The transcriptional regulation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARalpha) by a variety of peroxisome proliferators was investigated. The treatment of primary cultures of rat hepatocytes with Wy14,643 or clofibrate increased mRNA steady state levels of both PPARalpha and acyl coenzyme A oxidase (ACOX). In contrast, fenofibrate and ciprofibrate increased the expression of ACOX without affecting that of PPARalpha. Inhibition of protein kinase C (PKC) activity using bisindolylmaleimide or calphostin C abolished the increased PPARalpha expression by the peroxisome proliferators whereas the expression of the ACOX gene remained unaffected. Phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate increased PPARalpha mRNA levels without altering ACOX mRNA levels. It can thus be concluded that a number of peroxisome proliferators activate a PKC-dependent signalling pathway in addition to the PPARalpha pathway. The PKC signal transduction pathway contributes to the regulation of PPARalpha expression but does not influence the transcriptional activity of PPARalpha.

Use of a reporter gene assay to predict and rank the potency and efficacy of CYP3A4 inducers

Regulation of the CYP3A4 gene has been studied using an in vitro reporter gene assay. The effect of 17 xenobiotics on approximately 1 kilobase of the CYP3A4 proximal promoter, upstream of a secretory placental alkaline phosphatase reporter gene was investigated following transfection into the HepG2 cell line. Transfections were carried out either in the basal system or with cotransfection of expression plasmids for the human pregnane X receptor (hPXR) and the human glucocorticoid receptor (hGR), two important receptors in the regulation of CYP3A4 gene expression. Compounds were tested at four concentrations, and the resulting data were used to calculate maximal induction (I(max)) and EC(50) values. An "overall inductive ability" (IA) was derived by dividing I(max) by EC(50). Of the compounds tested seven were established transcriptional inducers, all of which were positive in the in vitro assay. The remaining 10 compounds represented a group with preliminary evidence for CYP3A transcriptional activation. Nine of these compounds produced statistically significant inductions in vitro, with only pravastatin failing to activate the reporter gene. This is of potential interest in light of the high IA values observed with the other structurally and functionally similar statins tested. We conclude that a four-concentration-point, in vitro model is capable of identifying CYP3A4 transcriptional inducers and yields an IA value allowing the ranking of compounds for their overall ability to induce CYP3A4 transcription. In addition, the majority of the compounds tested showed increased IA values in the hPXR/hGR cotransfected system, underpinning the importance of these receptors in CYP3A4 gene transcriptional regulation.

Regulation of the CYP3A4 gene by hydrocortisone and xenobiotics: role of the glucocorticoid and pregnane X receptors

The molecular mechanisms of regulation of the CYP3A4 gene have been examined in an in vitro reporter gene system, containing -1 kb of the CYP3A4 promoter, in a HepG2 cell line. This system allows for the separate and combined transfection of expression plasmids encoding the human glucocorticoid receptor (hGR) and the human pregnane X receptor (hPXR), and, therefore, the opportunity to assess the role of these receptors in the induction process. Hydrocortisone produces a dose-dependent increase in CYP3A4 activation, a response that is increased in the presence of either receptor. Moreover, transfection of the hPXR decreased the EC(50) for hydrocortisone-dependent induction by a factor of 3.3, a response that was not changed by simultaneous cotransfection of the hGR. In addition, the hydrocortisone dose-response curve falls within the physiological blood level concentration of this steroid, implicating a regulatory role for hydrocortisone in the basal level of CYP3A4 expression. Although the responses to dexamethasone and rifampicin were both increased by both receptors, dexamethasone activation of CYP3A4 was similar for both the hGR and the hPXR, whereas rifampicin-dependent activation favored the hPXR. We conclude that regulation of the CYP3A4 gene is receptor-dependent and that hydrocortisone may function as a regulator of basal expression via the hPXR and the hGR. The implications of this latter conclusion for possible regulatory interactions between hydrocortisone and xenobiotic inducers remain to be clarified.

Use of suppression-PCR subtractive hybridisation to identify genes that demonstrate altered expression in male rat and guinea pig livers following exposure to Wy-14,643, a peroxisome proliferator and non-genotoxic hepatocarcinogen

Understanding the genetic profile of a cell at all stages of normal and carcinogenic development should provide an essential aid to developing new strategies for the prevention, early detection, diagnosis and treatment of cancers. We have attempted to identify some of the genes that may be involved in peroxisome-proliferator (PP)-induced non-genotoxic hepatocarcinogenesis using suppression PCR subtractive hybridisation (SSH). Wistar rats (male) were chosen as a representative susceptible species and Duncan-Hartley guinea pigs (male) as a resistant species to the hepatocarcinogenic effects of the PP, [4-chloro-6-(2,3-xylidino)-2-pyrimidinylthio] acetic acid (Wy-14,643). In each case, groups of four test animals were administered a single dose of Wy-14,643 (250 mg/kg per day in corn oil) by gastric intubation for 3 consecutive days. The control animals received corn oil only. On the fourth day the animals were killed and liver mRNA extracted. SSH was carried out using mRNA extracted from the rat and guinea pig livers, and used to isolate genes that were up and downregulated following Wy-14,643 treatment. These genes included some predictable (and hence positive control) species such as CYP4A1 and CYP2C11 (upregulated and downregulated in rat liver, respectively). Several genes that may be implicated in hepatocarcinogenesis have also been identified, as have some unidentified species. This work thus provides a starting point for developing a molecular profile of the early effects of a non-genotoxic carcinogen in sensitive and resistant species that could ultimately lead to a short-term assay for this type of toxicity.

Control and statistical analysis of in vitro reporter gene assays

The use of in vitro gene reporter assays is becoming increasingly widespread in biology and particularly in drug metabolism, where the need for rapid screening of novel compounds is a driving factor. There is, however, little standardization of technique in the control of such assays, nor in the interpretation of results. This leads to confusion in the literature, with the possibility of a single piece of data being interpreted by several different methods, potentially giving vastly differing results. We have developed a reporter gene assay methodology that controls for many biological and experimental variables in the system and allows the application of a mathematical model to determine statistical significance between groups. Use of this methodology, we feel, allows an accurate and reproducible method of analyzing in vitro reporter gene assay data and increases its value as a biological tool.

Differential gene expression in drug metabolism and toxicology: practicalities, problems and potential

1. An important feature of the work of many molecular biologists is identifying which genes are switched on and off in a cell under different environmental conditions or subsequent to xenobiotic challenge. Such information has many uses, including the deciphering of molecular pathways and facilitating the development of new experimental and diagnostic procedures. However, the student of gene hunting should be forgiven for perhaps becoming confused by the mountain of information available as there appears to be almost as many methods of discovering differentially expressed genes as there are research groups using the technique. 2. The aim of this review was to clarify the main methods of differential gene expression analysis and the mechanistic principles underlying them. Also included is a discussion on some of the practical aspects of using this technique. Emphasis is placed on the so-called 'open' systems, which require no prior knowledge of the genes contained within the study model. Whilst these will eventually be replaced by 'closed' systems in the study of human, mouse and other commonly studied laboratory animals, they will remain a powerful tool for those examining less fashionable models. 3. The use of suppression-PCR subtractive hybridization is exemplified in the identification of up- and down-regulated genes in rat liver following exposure to phenobarbital, a well-known inducer of the drug metabolizing enzymes. 4. Differential gene display provides a coherent platform for building libraries and microchip arrays of 'gene fingerprints' characteristic of known enzyme inducers and xenobiotic toxicants, which may be interrogated subsequently for the identification and characterization of xenobiotics of unknown biological properties.

A reporter gene assay to assess the molecular mechanisms of xenobiotic-dependent induction of the human CYP3A4 gene in vitro

1. A plasmid containing 1 kb of the CYP3A4 regulatory (promoter) region coupled to a reporter gene for secretary placental alkaline phosphatase (SPAP) was transfected into HepG2 cells. Transfected cells were dosed with several known inducers of CYP3A4 and the levels of SPAP were measured. The effect of co-transfecting a plasmid encoding the human glucocorticoid receptor on reporter gene activity was also examined. 2. Dexamethasone induced CYP3A4-dependent reporter gene expression in a concentration-dependent manner and induction was approximately doubled in the presence of the glucocorticoid receptor. Dexamethasone-dependent induction was blocked by RU-486 (a glucocorticoid receptor antagonist), in the presence of the co-transfected glucocorticoid receptor. 3. Induction of CYP3A4-dependent reporter gene expression and enhancement of the induction by the glucocorticoid receptor was also observed with pregnenolone-16alpha-carbonitrile (PCN), rifampicin, phenytoin, carbamazepine, phenylbutazone and phenobarbitone, all known in vivo inducers of CYP3A4 in man. 4. Metyrapone and sulfinpyrazone induced CYP3A4-dependent reporter gene expression, but induction was not enhanced by the glucocorticoid receptor. 5. Clotrimazole, erythromycin and triacetyloleandomycin (TAO) did not induce CYP3A4-dependent reporter gene expression, consistent with the observation that these inducers act through post-transcriptional mechanisms. 6. These results highlight differences in the molecular mechanisms of induction of CYP3A4 by the xenobiotics studied and indicate that the glucocorticoid receptor is involved in the induction of the CYP3A4 gene by some, but not all, CYP3A4 inducers. 7. We propose that the approach described here provides a useful in vitro approach for the identification of transcriptional regulators of the CYP3A4 gene.

Use of competitive RT-PCR in the molecular analysis of peroxisome proliferation

The technique of quantitative competitive RT-PCR to determine the levels of mRNA expression of genes encoding peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPAR alpha), acyl coenzyme-A (ACOX) and cytochrome P450 4A1 (CYP4A1) in primary rat hepatocyte cultures is described. This technique is based on the co-amplification of an internal standard (PCR MIMIC) and target DNA sequence with one set of primers. Following total RNA extraction and reverse transcription, competitive PCR was carried out by mixing various dilutions of known concentrations of PCR MIMIC with constant amounts of cDNA. Densitometry was then carried out on the DNA bands obtained following gel electrophoresis and, after correcting for size differences between the target DNA and MIMIC, the concentration of target DNA was calculated and expressed as attomoles (10-18 moles) per microgram total RNA. Constitutive levels of PPAR alpha, ACOX and CYP4A1 obtained were 0.037 +/- 0.003, 1.858 +/- 0.470m and 0.035 +/- 0.007 attomoles/microgram RNA, respectively. Following 24 h culture of rat primary hepatocytes in the presence of sodium clofibrate (a peroxisome proliferator), the levels of PPAR alpha, ACOX and CYP4A1 were increased by 2.1-, 3.3- and 12.8-fold, respectively. Thus the technique described in this study has high sensitivity and can be used to accurately measure the mRNA steady state levels in cell cultures.

Development of an in vitro reporter gene assay to assess xenobiotic induction of the human CYP3A4 gene

The current work concerns the development and validation of an in vitro reporter gene assay system for the assessment of induction of human CYP3A4. A plasmid containing approximately 1 kb of the CYP3A4 regulatory region (which contains several recognised regulatory elements including glucocorticoid responsive elements) coupled to the reporter gene for human secreted placental alkaline phosphatase (SPAP) was transfected into the human hepatoblastoma cell line HepG2. Calcium phosphate precipitation was the method of choice for transfection. The transfected cells were dosed with known inducers of CYP3A4 and the levels of SPAP in the medium were subsequently measured using a chemiluminescent assay, as an indirect measure of CYP3A4 induction. The inducers used in this study included dexamethasone, phenytoin, triacetyloleandomycin (TAO), rifampicin, carbamazepine, phenylbutazone and sulfinpyrazone. These compounds activated CYP3A4 by between 1.5-4.5-fold thus representing a major advance in assessing the induction of human CYP genes in vitro.

CYP4A1 gene transfection studies and the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor: development of a high-throughput assay to detect peroxisome proliferators

An in vitro reporter gene assay has been established to examine cytochrome P4504A1 (CYP4A1) induction. A response element from the upstream region of the rat CYP4A1 gene containing a peroxisome proliferator response element (PPRE) has been linked to the chloramphenicol acetyl-transferase (CAT) gene in a reporter vector (1). This CYP4A1 reporter construct has been co-transfected into human HepG2 cells in the presence and absence of expression vectors encoding the transcription factors PPAR alpha and RXR alpha. The assay employs calcium phosphate-DNA co-precipitate mediated transfection. Reporter gene products have been quantitated using chemiluminescent based assays. We have shown that, in the presence of PPAR alpha, the above CYP4A1 construct is transcriptionally activated by a range of structurally different peroxisome proliferators including Wy-14,643, ciprofibrate, clofibric acid and nafenopin. Our future efforts will focus on the establishment of a high-throughput assay for the detection of peroxisome proliferators. Such an assay would provide an invaluable in vitro test for the screening of developmental drug candidates prior to in vivo studies.

Molecular profiling of non-genotoxic hepatocarcinogenesis using differential display reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (ddRT-PCR)

The technique of differential display reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (ddRT-PCR) has been used to produce unique profiles of up-regulated and down-regulated gene expression in the liver of male Wistar rats following short term exposure to the non-genotoxic hepatocarcinogens, phenobarbital and WY-14,643. Animals were treated for 3 days, whereupon their livers were extracted and snap frozen. mRNA was prepared from the livers and used for ddRT-PCR. Individual bands from the differential displays were extracted and cloned. False positives were eliminated by dotblot screening and true positives then sequenced and identified.

Developmental modulation of cysteine conjugate beta-lyase/glutamine transaminase K/kynurenine aminotransferase mRNA in rat brain

Cysteine conjugate beta-lyase/glutamine transaminase K/kynurenine aminotransferase (CS-lyase/GTK/KAT) is a tri-functional enzyme found in several organs, including the brain. Kynurenine aminotransferase is important in tryptophan metabolism in the CNS, producing kynurenic acid, a NMDA receptor antagonist and neuroprotective. Tryptophan not metabolised via kynurenine aminotransferase may form quinolinic acid, a NMDA receptor agonist and neurotoxin. Kynurenic acid co-treatment blocks quinolinic acid induced lesions in the CNS in rat. In many conditions exhibiting neurodegeneration (i.e. Huntington's, Parkinsonism, Down's syndrome) quinolinic acid and/or kynurenic acid concentrations are altered, suggesting the ratio of these chemicals may be important in neurodegeneration. We have investigated the developmental modulation of CS-lyase/GTK/KAT mRNA in rat brain. CS-lyase/GTK/KAT mRNA was measured in 14, 21, 28, 35, 42 day post-natal and adult rats. While many regions demonstrated a steady increase to adult levels, two other profiles were seen. Five regions rapidly reached adult levels of the mRNA, while two peaked above the adult level before falling back. This provides evidence that expression of the CS-lyase/GTK/KAT gene is physiologically modulated, and provides the basis for further investigation into the mechanism of control. Artificial modulation could possibly be used to alter levels of the neuroprotectant kynurenic acid in neurodegeneration.

An epitope-tagging system for studying regulation of the peroxisome proliferator activated receptor alpha (PPAR alpha)

Peroxisome proliferators (PPs) are a group of compounds which cause peroxisome proliferation and hepatocellular carcinomas in rodents, and form a class of non-genotoxic carcinogens. It is thought that PPs act via a receptor similar to members of the nuclear hormone superfamily termed the peroxisome proliferator activated receptor (PPAR). Multiple subtypes (alpha, beta, delta and gamma) of the receptor exist and are differentially expressed between tissues and species. PPAR alpha has been shown to activate transcription by binding to response elements upstream of peroxisome proliferator responsive genes. However, despite the isolation of transcriptionally active human subtypes of the receptor, hPPAR alpha and hNUC1, humans are thought to be non-responsive to PPs. This is possibly due to regulation of PPAR, and it has been recently reported that PPAR alpha is a phosphoprotein in vivo and insulin regulates its phosphorylation. A system employing epitope-tagged receptors has been developed to study this further, with the aim of establishing stably transfected cell lines expressing high levels of epitope-tagged mouse and human PPAR alpha. Our experiments clearly demonstrate that an epitope-tagged mPPAR alpha receptor has an equal ability to modulate transcription as the native receptor in transactivation assays and will be further used to examine the molecular mechanisms of peroxisome proliferation.

Ascorbic acid deficiency decreases the expression of CYP4A1 in liver microsomes of guinea pigs

The cytochrome P-450 monooxygenase system plays a central role in the oxidation of a wide variety of structurally unrelated compounds. Its contribution is affected by nutritional and several other factors. Ascorbic acid (AA) deficiency decreases the content of cytochrome P-450 in liver microsomes of guinea pigs (GPs). Included in the group of cytochromes P-450 are the phenobarbital and 3-methylcholanthrene inducible moieties. In the present study the effect of AA status on another specific cytochrome P-450, CYP4A1, laurate omega-hydroxylase was investigated. Ascorbic acid may selectively increase or decrease certain forms of cytochromes. For four weeks adult male Hartley GPs were fed a diet containing 2.5 (Group I), 0.1 (Group II) and 0% (Group III) AA. The liver microsomes were isolated at this stage and cytochrome P-450 content was determined. Group III showed a significant decrease in cytochrome P-450 compared to groups I and II. They also showed a marked decrease in aminopyrine N-demethylase activity. The expression of CYP4A1 was evaluated using Western blot and anti-CYP4A1 antibody. Group III GPs showed a marked decrease in CYP4A1 expression. Groups I and II showed similar expression. This study demonstrates that CYP4A1, a specific cytochrome induced by hypolipidemic agents, is decreased by AA deficiency.

Bifonazole, but not the structurally-related clotrimazole, induces both peroxisome proliferation and members of the cytochrome P4504A sub-family in rat liver

Male Wistar rats were treated with a low (150 mumol/kg) and a high (750 mumol/kg) dose of either clotrimazole of bifonazole. Bifonazole, but not clotrimazole, exhibited the characteristics of a peroxisome proliferator including hepatomegaly (increase in liver:body weight ratio), up to a 4-fold induction of lauric acid omega-hydroxylase activity and an 8-fold induction of palmitoyl-CoA oxidation by rat liver peroxisomes. This induction of enzyme activities was paralleled by increased protein levels as determined by immunochemical analysis for both liver microsomal cytochrome P4504A1 and the peroxisomal trifunctional protein of the beta-oxidation spiral. In contrast, clotrimazole did not increase protein levels of either cytochrome P4504A or the trifunctional protein. Western blot analyses demonstrated that bifonazole also induced P4502B1/2B2, P4503A and P4501A1, but not P4502E1. Clotrimazole induced a similar spectrum of P450s as determined by Western blotting with the exception that this azole was a marginal P4501A1 inducer under the conditions studied. Taken collectively, our data provides evidence that bifonazole is one of the increasingly recognised, non-carboxylate containing xenobiotics that induce both peroxisome proliferation and the cytochrome P4504A sub-family in rat liver.

Diverse mechanisms of calcium mobilization by peroxisome proliferators in rat hepatocytes

The ability of six peroxisome proliferators to modulate Ca2+ homeostasis was studied in freshly isolated rat hepatocytes. Clofibrate and bifonazole (0.5 mM) caused a transient increase in cytosolic-free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) by releasing the intracellular inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate-sensitive Ca2+ pool. However, the mobilization of this pool by clofibrate was only transient; a subsequent exposure of the cells to the endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase inhibitor thapsigargin resulted in a second release of the same Ca2+ store, indicating that this pool could refill from the cytosol, independently of extracellular Ca2+. By contrast, bifonazole-exposed hepatocytes no longer responded to a stimulation by thapsigargin. Bifonazole also strongly inhibited Ca2+ influx. Ciprofibrate and nafenopin (0.5 mM) produced increases in [Ca2+]i that were sustained, even in the absence of extracellular Ca2+. The [Ca2+]i response was not due to release of the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate-sensitive Ca2+ pool and was not inhibited by prior treatment with the protonophore carbonyl cyanide 4-(trifluoromethoxy) phenylhydrazone, but was slightly antagonized by prior exposure to the Ca2+ ionophore ionomycin. Pretreating the cells with nafenopin completely abolished the response elicited by ciprofibrate, and vice versa. By contrast to the other peroxisome proliferators, WY-14,643 and bezafibrate (1 mM) increased cytosolic free Ca2+ only by approximately 30 nM. In conclusion, the structurally diverse peroxisome proliferators tested in this study all produced changes in [Ca2+]i in hepatocytes but through the redistribution of different internal Ca2+ pools. Further studies are needed to determine whether any of the observed Ca2+ changes have a role in the pleiotropic effects elicited by peroxisome proliferators.

Coordinate induction of hepatic fatty acyl-CoA oxidase and P4504A1 in rat after activation of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) by sulphur-substituted fatty acid analogues

1. In the liver of rat fed a single dose of 3-thia fatty acids, 3-dithiahexadecanedioic acid (3-thiadicarboxylic acid) and tetradecylthioacetic acid, steady-state levels of P4504A1 and fatty acyl-CoA oxidase mRNAs increased in parallel. The increases were significant 8 h after administration, reaching a maximum after 12 h and decreased from 12 to 24 h after administration. 2. The corresponding enzyme activities of P4504A1 and fatty acyl-CoA oxidase were also induced in a parallel manner by the 3-thia fatty acids. The enzyme activities were significantly increased 12 h after administration and increased further after 24 h. This may reflect a possible effect of the 3-thia fatty acids not only on mRNA levels, but also on the translation and degradation rate of the two enzymes. 3. Repeated administration of 3-thia fatty acids resulted in an increase of the specific P4504A1 protein accompanied with an increased lauric acid hydroxylase activity. The correlation between induction of P4504A1 and fatty acyl-CoA oxidase mRNAs and their enzyme activities may reflect a coordinated rather than a causative induction mechanism, and that these genes respond to a common signal. This suggests that the increased P450 activity may not be responsible or be a prerequisite for fatty acyl-CoA oxidase induction. 4. Since the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) plays a role in mediating the induction of fatty acyl-CoA oxidase, we analysed the activation of PPAR by fatty acids and sulphur-substituted analogues utilizing a chimera between the N-terminal and DNA-binding domain of the glucocorticoid receptor and the putative ligand-binding domain of PPAR. Arachidonic acid activated this chimeric receptor in Chinese hamster ovary cells. Inhibitors of P450 did not affect the activation of PPAR by arachidonic acid. Furthermore, dicarboxylic acids including 1,12-dodecanedioic acid or 1,16-hexadecanedioic acid only weakly activated the chimera. 3-Thidicarboxylic acid, however, was a much more effective activator than the non-sulphur-substituted analogues. In conclusion, the data suggest that the most likely mechanism of the induction process is fatty acid-induced activation of PPAR, which then leads to a coordinated induction of P4504A1 and fatty acyl-CoA oxidase.

Molecular toxicology of peroxisome proliferators

The rat Reuber hepatoma cell cell line, H4IIEC3, has been used in gene transfection studies to study the molecular mechanisms of induction of the acyl CoA oxidase gene, the first and rate-limiting enzyme of the peroxisomal fatty acid beta-oxidation spiral. cDNAs encoding the peroxisome proliferator activated receptor and the 9-cis retinoic acid receptor were transfected into the cells, either in the presence or absence of their cognate ligands (Wy-14,643 and 9-cis retinoic acid respectively), in addition to the acyl CoA oxides promoter linked to a chloramphenicol acetyltransferase reporter gene construct. The above experimental approach has confirmed that the 9-cis retinoic acid receptor acts cooperatively with the peroxisome receptor in mediating activation of the acyl CoA oxidase gene. In addition, in vivo experiments have demonstrated that treatment of rats with peroxisome proliferators substantially increase the hepatic levels of the peroxisome receptor mRNA itself. Taken collectively, the above data provides a wealth of molecular and mechanistic information on perioxisome proliferation in the rat and is discussed in terms of the safety assessment of peroxisome proliferators in man.

Induction of hepatic microsomal CYP4A activity and of peroxisomal beta-oxidation by two non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

The effects of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs fenbufen and ibuprofen on hepatic cytochrome P450 activities and peroxisomal proliferation were investigated in the rat, following intraperitoneal administration at three dose levels. At the two highest doses, 30 and 150 mg/kg, ibuprofen stimulated lauric acid hydroxylase activity but no other dose-dependent effects on cytochrome P450 activities were evident. Fenbufen, at the highest dose of 150 mg/kg, decreased cytochrome P450 content and related activities, and this effect was attributed to the toxicity of the drug at this dose. Immunoblot studies employing solubilized microsomes from ibuprofen-treated rats revealed that ibuprofen increased the apoprotein levels of CYP4A1, at the two higher doses. The same treatment with ibuprofen, at the highest dose only, increased the beta-oxidation of palmitoyl CoA, determined in liver homogenates, and immunoblott analysis showed an increase in the apoprotein levels of the trans-2-enoyl CoA hydratase trifunctional protein. Fenbufen did not influence palmitoyl beta-oxidation. Computer graphic overlays with clofibric acid showed that ibuprofen, when compared with fenbufen, displayed a better overall fit to clofibric acid. Finally, interaction energies between the two drugs and the putative peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor ligand domain revealed that ibuprofen had a higher affinity for the receptor than fenbufen, but the difference was modest. It is concluded that ibuprofen, at doses far exceeding those employed clinically, is a weak inducer of both CYP4A1 activity and peroxisomal proliferation and these effects may be attributed to the presence of an aryl propionic acid moiety.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Chlorotrifluoroethylene trimer and tetramer are inducers of the CYP4A subfamily

Male Wistar albino rats were treated for a 7 day period with equimolar doses of the trimer and tetramer oligomers of chlorotrifluoroethylene (CTFE), resulting in significant hepatomegaly for both compounds. In addition, both trimer and tetramer significantly induced the peroxisomal beta-oxidation of fatty acids as assessed by increases in palmitoyl-coenzyme A (CoA) oxidation, thus confirming these oligomers as peroxisome proliferators. Consistent with these conclusions, both trimer and tetramer increased the hydroxylation of lauric acid indicating that the CTFEs were inducers of the CYP4A subfamily, a conclusion further supported by substantial increases in the steady-state levels of the cognate CYP4A1 mRNA as determined by northern blotting. The liver appeared to be more susceptible to induction than the kidney and the CTFE tetramer was more potent than the trimer. These results are discussed with respect to both the differential hepatotoxicity, and biotransformation/disposition of the two polyhalogenated oligomers.

Isolation and expression of a cDNA coding for rat kidney cytosolic cysteine conjugate beta-lyase

The role of rat kidney cysteine conjugate beta-lyase in the production of nephrotoxic thiols from S-cysteine conjugates of xenobiotics has been well established. However, the factors controlling the cellular distribution and substrate specificity of the enzyme have yet to be elucidated. As an approach to this we have isolated a cDNA for cysteine conjugate beta-lyase from a rat kidney cDNA library, using a combination of immunological and hybridization screening. A full length cDNA was sequenced and its identity was confirmed by deduced molecular weight, deduced amino acid composition, the presence of a consensus pyridoxal phosphate (PLP) binding site in the deduced amino acid sequence, kidney-specific expression of the corresponding mRNA, and the expression of beta-lyase and glutamine transaminase K activities in tissue culture cells transfected with the cDNA. The cDNA coded for a protein of 48 kDa containing the sequence Ser-Ala-Gly-Lys-Ser-Phe, which corresponds closely to the PLP binding site in other PLP-containing enzymes. Use of the cDNA to detect beta-lyase mRNA sequences in rat liver and kidney RNA demonstrated that expression was kidney specific and that the mRNA size (2.1 kilobases) was in good agreement with the size of the cDNA. When the cDNA was inserted into the expression vector pUS1000 and transfected into COS-1 tissue culture cells, a 7-10-fold increase in cytosolic beta-lyase and glutamine transaminase K activities could be detected. The use of beta-lyase cDNA for the elucidation of the mechanism of action of this enzyme and for the development of in vitro systems to examine xenobiotic cysteine conjugate toxicity is discussed.

Peroxisome proliferators: paradigms and prospects

Peroxisome proliferators are a structurally diverse group of chemicals. They include fibrate hypolipidaemic drugs, phthalate ester plasticisers, phenoxy acid herbicides, azole antifungal drugs, and perflurinated fatty acids. This presentation will focus on the common pleiotropic responses produced by these compounds including hepatomegaly (hyperplasia and hypertrophy), activation of cell cycle S-phase ploidy changes, cytochrome P4504A1 induction, morphometric/biochemical analysis of peroxisome proliferation and stimulation of growth factors, and oncogene activation. Consideration will also be given to the role of recently described Peroxisome Proliferator Activated Receptor in these diverse hepatic responses. Peroxisome proliferators are uniformly negative in a wide range of genotoxicity tests, but nevertheless are complete carcinogens, particularly in rodent liver. Mechanisms of nonmutagenic carcinogenesis will be discussed including the active oxygen hypothesis involving 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine adducts and the possibility of peroxisome proliferators promoting preexisting lesions by clonal expansion, eventually resulting in frank tumorigenesis. Finally, a consideration of the risk assessment of peroxisome proliferation to humans will be discussed.

Dose-dependent induction or depression of cysteine conjugate beta-lyase in rat kidney by N-acetyl-S-(1,2,3,4,4-pentachloro-1,3-butadienyl)-L-cysteine

The influence of N-acetyl-S-(1,2,3,4,4-pentachloro-1,3-butadienyl)-L-cysteine (NAc-PCBD) on cysteine conjugate beta-lyase in female rat kidney has been examined. After a single, non-nephrotoxic dose of NAc-PCBD (3 mg/kg), cytosolic beta-lyase enzyme activity was increased 1.5 to 3-fold commensurate with a corresponding increase in enzyme protein levels as assessed by both Western blot and ELISA analyses. Using a cDNA probe for beta-lyase, this induction was found to be accompanied by an increase in the cognate mRNA. In contrast, a higher, nephrotoxic dose of NAc-PCBD (10 mg/kg) decreased all the above parameters. These effects appeared to be specific to the cytosolic form of the enzyme as no changes in kidney mitochondrial beta-lyase or enzyme protein levels were observed. Repeated dosing with the lower dose level (3 mg/kg) resulted in either no change, or in some instances, a reduction in the above parameters, suggesting an accumulation of the xenobiotic and a masking of the induction phenomenon. The molecular mechanisms underlying these observations are discussed in terms of the nephrotoxicity of halogenated xenobiotics.

Co-induction of cytochrome P4504A1 and peroxisome proliferation: a causal or casual relationship?

1. The hypothesis that xenobiotic induction of hepatic microsomal cytochrome P4504A1 and peroxisome proliferation are closely-related phenomena has been further investigated. 2. Five rat strains (Gunn, Fischer, Wistar, Long Evans and Sprague Dawley) were all susceptible to xenobiotic induction of both microsomal cytochrome P4504A1 and peroxisome proliferation, and no strain exhibited a dissociation of these phenomena. 3. In comparison to rat, the marmoset was substantially less susceptible to the above hepatic changes. 4. Induction of both cytochrome P4504A1 and peroxisome proliferation by a structural analogue of clofibrate (2-(4-(4-chlorophenyl)benzyloxy)-2-phenyl acetic acid) demonstrated stereochemical selectivity, in that the R(-)-isomer was a more potent inducer of both phenomena than the S(+)-antipode, with the racemic mixture exhibiting an intermediate potency. 5. Cycloheximide inhibition of clofibrate-dependent induction of acyl CoA mRNA, but not cytochrome P4504A1 mRNA has indicated a protein dependency for peroxisome proliferation, not inconsistent with participation of cytochrome P4504A1 in the biogenesis of peroxisome proliferation. 6. Taken collectively, the data described herein provide further evidence for a close linkage between xenobiotic induction of cytochrome P4504A1 and peroxisome proliferation, and possible molecular mechanisms inter-relating these two phenomena are discussed.

Molecular cloning of a cDNA for rat diabetes-inducible cytochrome P450RLM6: hormonal regulation and similarity to the cytochrome P4502E1 gene

1. A polyclonal, monospecific antibody to a constitutive, diabetes-inducible and insulin-reversible cytochrome P-450 isozyme (RLM6) was used to screen a male rat liver cDNA library in lambda gt 11. Six clones harbouring the RLM6 cDNA insert were isolated initially from the expression library and three of these were further plaque-purified and sub-cloned. A 1.1 Kb cDNA insert, representing approximately 65% of the expected full length cDNA was characterized by restriction endonuclease mapping and sequenced by the dideoxy chain-termination method. Comparison of the nucleotide sequence of RLM6 cDNA to that of ethanol-inducible P4502E1 rat cDNA showed the two cDNAs to be identical, the RLM6 cDNA corresponding to nucleotides 310-1402 of the P4502E1 sequence. 2. RLM6 cDNA probe was used in Northern blot and RNA dot blot hybridization analysis to demonstrate that both streptozotocin-induced diabetes and fasting significantly elevated the steady-state level of RLM6 mRNA in male rat liver. Increased RLM6 mRNA level in the diabetic rat resulted in increased RLM6 apoprotein synthesis when polysomal RNA was used in a cell-free, protein-synthesizing system, indicating that the elevated RLM6 level observed in diabetic rats was correlated directly with the increased RLM6 mRNA concentration. 3. Daily insulin treatment of diabetic rats reversed the diabetes-dependent increase in RLM6 mRNA in a time-dependent manner, returning to control values after approximately 2 weeks of continuous insulin treatment. This insulin-dependent decrease of the RLM6 mRNA level was paralleled by a similar time-dependent decrease in serum acetone concentration. 4. Treatment of the male diabetic rat with testosterone also resulted in a decrease in both RLM6 mRNA and in vitro translated apoprotein. 5. Modulation of RLM6 mRNA level in the diabetic rat by insulin and testosterone, and the nucleotide sequence similarity with that of P4502E1 confirms that diabetes-inducible P450RLM6 and ethanol-inducible P4502E1 are coded for by the same gene.

Alternatives to Aroclor 1254-induced S9 in in vitro genotoxicity assays

A working party was set up by the UK Environmental Mutagen Society to consider alternatives to Aroclor 1254 (Aroclor)-induced S9 in in vitro genotoxicity assays, with the aims of considering whether a replacement for Aroclor in its role in general screening assays could be readily identified. The working party concluded that there was sufficient support in the literature to justify the use of an appropriate phenobarbital/beta-naphthoflavone regime as an acceptable alternative to Aroclor.

Lactational transfer of 3,3',4,4'-tetrachloro- and 2,2',4,4',5,5'-hexachlorobiphenyl induces cytochrome P450IVA1 in neonates. Evidence for a potential synergistic mechanism

On the first day of lactation, material rats were treated with a single low dose of 5 mg/kg body weight of 3,3',4,4'-tetrachlorobiphenyl (TCB) or 2,2',4,4',5,5'-hexachlorobiphenyl (HCB) or with a combination of both congeners. Lactational transfer of these polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) was found in neonates and significant increases in microsomal cytochrome P450, cytochrome b5 and in glutathione-S-transferase activity were observed. Treatment with HCB did not increase neonatal ethoxyresorufin-O-de-ethylation (EROD) activities whereas a more than 26-fold increase in EROD activity was noted in response to exposure to TCB. However, EROD activities were increased more than 65-fold in response to the combined exposure to TCB and HCB. Exposure via milk to TCB caused a significant reduction in the N-demethylation of aminopyrine, but the combined exposure to TCB and HCB produced a significant reduction in the N-demethylation of dimethylnitrosamine. Lactational transfer of either TCB or HCB reduced marginally peroxisomal enzyme activities; however, exposure to a combination of TCB and HCB resulted in the highly significant reduction in KCN-insensitive palmitoyl-CoA oxidation and acetyl-CoA oxidation. Contrary to the reduction of these enzyme activities, the specific concentrations of CYP4A1 were significantly increased when neonates were exposed to either TCB or HCB. The largest induction, however, was observed in response to the combined exposure to both PCBs. Evidence is presented to suggest an induction of CYP4A1 which may be independent of the molecular substitution pattern of the two PCBs used in our studies but on a possible mode of synergistic interaction.

Species differences in ciprofibrate induction of hepatic cytochrome P450 4A1 and peroxisome proliferation

Six species (CD-1 mouse, Fischer 344 rat, Syrian golden hamster, Duncan-Hartley guinea pig, half-lop rabbit and marmoset monkey) were treated orally with ciprofibrate, a potent oxyisobutyrate hypolipidaemic drug for 14 days. A dose-dependent liver enlargment was observed in the mouse and rat and at the high dose level in the hamster. A marked dose-dependent increase in the 12-hydroxylation of lauric acid was observed in the treated mouse, hamster, rat, and rabbit, associated with a concomitant elevation in the specific content of cytochrome P-450 4A1 apoprotein, determined by an ELISA technique. Similarly, in these responsive species, an increase in mRNA levels coding for cytochrome P450 4A1 was observed. Lauric acid 12-hydroxylation was unchanged in the guinea pig and marmoset after ciprofibrate pretreatment, and cytochrome P-450 4A1 was not detected immunochemically in liver microsomes from these latter species. In the untreated mouse, hamster, rat, and rabbit, the 12-hydroxylation of lauric acid was more extensive than the 11-hydroxylation, whereas in the guinea pig and marmoset the activity ratios were reversed, with 11-hydroxylation predominating. Peroxisomal fatty acid beta-oxidation was markedly induced in the mouse, hamster, rat, and rabbit on treatment at the higher dose level (39-, 3-, 13- and 5-fold, respectively) and was slightly increased in the marmoset (2-fold), yet was unchanged in the guinea pig following treatment.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Influence of single and concurrent clofibrate and phenobarbital administration on cytochrome P450-dependent mixed function oxidase activities and peroxisome proliferation in male rat liver

The influence of both single and concurrent administration of phenobarbital and clofibrate on hepatomegaly, cytochrome P450-dependent mixed function oxidase activities, and peroxisome proliferation in male rat liver have been studied. Both xenobiotics separately increase the liver: body weight ratio and their combined administration results in greater hepatomegaly than either compound alone. Both compounds induce NADPH-cytochrome c(P450) reductase activity and laurate omega- and omega-1-hydroxylase activities, but only phenobarbital induces pentoxyresorufin-O-dealkylase. None of the drug treatments induced microsomal cytochrome b5. Phenobarbital did not cause peroxisome proliferation and inhibited the corresponding clofibrate-dependent proliferation. Taken collectively, our studies have demonstrated that concomitant treatment with phenobarbital and clofibrate are largely permissive with respect to the hepatic mixed function oxidase system but have opposing effects on the phenomenon of peroxisome proliferation in the same tissue.

Localization and differential induction of cytochrome P450IVA and acyl-CoA oxidase in rat liver

The peroxisome proliferators are structurally diverse chemicals which induce hyperplasia, hypertrophy and the proliferation of peroxisomes in the rodent liver. Cytochrome P450IVA1 and peroxisomal enzymes, such as acyl-CoA oxidase, are induced and are early markers of treatment with peroxisome proliferators. In this study, rats were dosed intraperitoneally with the potent peroxisome proliferator methylclofenapate and the hepatic induction response was studied. There was no significant change in the enzyme activities of laurate hydroxylase (cytochrome P450IVA1) or acyl-CoA oxidase in the first 8 h after treatment, but the activities had doubled at 24 h, suggesting that these enzymes are not involved in the mediation of early events in peroxisome proliferation. Hepatic cytochrome P450IVA1 mRNA was significantly increased at 6 and 8 h after treatment, rising to 15-fold above control values at 30 h. In contrast, acyl-CoA oxidase mRNA showed no significant change in the first 8 h, but increased to 13-fold above control values at 24 and 30 h, thereby demonstrating different kinetics of induction of the two mRNAs. In order to determine whether cytochrome P450IVA1 and peroxisomal enzymes were included in the same cells, rats were treated daily with sub-maximal (2 or 5 mg/kg) and maximal (25 mg/kg) inducing doses of methylclofenapate for 4 days. The lobular distribution of induced proteins was determined immunocytochemically with antibodies raised against P450IVA1 and acyl-CoA oxidase. Livers from control animals showed minimal staining for both proteins. However, in the livers of animals treated with 2 or 5 mg of methylclofenapate/kg, both acyl-CoA and P450IVA immunostaining was increased, mainly in the centrilobular area. Immunostaining of serial sections revealed that these proteins were induced in the same region of the lobule. A maximal inducing dose of methylclofenapate (25 mg/kg) caused panlobular induction of both proteins. The results demonstrate that these proteins are induced in a dose-dependent manner in the same, spatially distinct, sensitive region of the liver lobule.

Differential induction of cytochromes P450 and cytochrome P450-dependent arachidonic acid metabolism by 3,4,5,3',4'-pentachlorobiphenyl in the rat and the guinea pig

Differential induction of hepatic cytochromes P450 by 3,4,5,3',4'-pentachlorobiphenyl (PENCB) has been observed in the rat and the guinea pig: (1) in rat and guinea pig, treatment with the chosen dose levels resulted in significant induction of total, carbon monoxide-discernible cytochrome P450 content; the absorption maximum of the CO-adduct of the dithionite-reduced microsomes from PENCB-induced rat liver was shifted from 450 to 448 nm, whereas its counterpart in the guinea pig did not; (2) PENCB treatment significantly increased EROD activity in rat liver microsomes (up to 60-fold), but the increase in the guinea pig was less than fivefold; (3) PENCB-induced rat liver microsomes significantly induced the omega-1 hydroxylation of arachidonic acid (AA); however, omega-1 hydroxylation of AA was hardly affected by PENCB treatment in the guinea pig. Instead, omega-hydroxylation was significantly increased in this latter species. In addition to omega-1 hydroxylation in the rat or omega-hydroxylation in the guinea pig, an additional AA metabolite (designated peak III) was significantly induced by PENCB in both rat and guinea pig; (4) Western blot and ELISA analyses with polyclonal anti-P450 IA1/IA2 and IVA1 antibodies demonstrated that P450 IA1 was significantly induced in the rat but only slightly induced in the guinea pig, whereas P450 IVA1 was significantly suppressed in the rat but significantly induced in the guinea pig by PENCB treatment. The induction of the third arachidonic acid metabolite peak, Peak III, in both rat and guinea pig, particularly in the guinea pig, is obviously neither mediated by P450 IA1 nor by P450 IV A1. At present, it is still unclear which form(s) of cytochrome P450 isoenzymes is responsible for this latter hydroxylation of arachidonic acid.

Stereochemical selectivity in the induction of cytochrome P450IVA1 (P452)-dependent fatty acid hydroxylation and peroxisome proliferation

Induction of hepatic microsomal cytochrome P450IVA1 and peroxisomal enzymes of the beta-oxidation spiral were observed when male Long Evans hooded rats were administered optically pure enantiomeric forms and a racemic mixture of a clofibrate analogue [2-[4-(4-chlorophenyl)benzyloxy]-2-phenylacetic acid] at a dose level of 80 mg/kg for 3 days. The R(-)-enantiomer was found to be a more potent inducer of microsomal cytochrome P450IVA1 and its associated lauric acid 12-hydroxylase activity than its corresponding S(+)-antipode. This difference in potency was reflected by a eudismic ratio (R/S activity ratio) of approximately 3, whereas the racemic mixture exhibited a potency intermediary between the two isomers. An identical enantiomeric selectivity was observed for the phenomenon of peroxisome proliferation as judged by induction of cyanide-insensitive palmitoyl CoA oxidation and the bifunctional protein of the peroxisomal beta-oxidation spiral. The highest potency was shown by the R(-)-isomer resulting in approximately a 3-6-fold increase over the control value. These increases was paralleled by an increase in total carnitine acetyl transferase activity with a eudismic ratio of approximately 4. In addition, immunochemical detection by Western blotting analysis for both the microsomal cytochrome P450IVA1 isozyme and the peroxisomal bifunctional protein was in agreement with the above modulation of catalytic activities. These results are therefore not inconsistent with the hypothesis that cytochrome P450IVA1 induction and peroxisome proliferation are intimately linked. Whether the observed stereochemical selectivity resides in xenobiotic recognition or disposition still remains to be determined.

Comparative induction of cytochrome P450IVA1 and peroxisome proliferation by ciprofibrate in the rat and marmoset

Chronic ciprofibrate administration resulted in distinct differences in hepatic responses between the two species examined. In the rat, hepatomegaly was observed with the coordinate induction of carnitine acetyltransferase, peroxisomal beta-oxidation and cytochrome P450IVA1 activities. The latter induction of cytochrome P450IVA1-dependent fatty acid hydroxylase activity was specific to this cytochrome P450 sub family, as ciprofibrate pretreatment resulted in an inhibition of the enzyme activities associated with the cytochrome P450 IIB and IA sub-families. Induction of mitochondrial enzymes were also noted in the rat, but at a substantially lower level than the microsomal and peroxisomal enzyme changes noted above. The majority of these enzyme changes were reversible in the rat after a 4-week, inducer-free period. In contrast, the marmoset displayed a different pattern of enzyme changes in response to ciprofibrate and at the high dose level, inhibition of microsomal fatty acid hydroxylase activity was observed in addition to no change in carnitine acetyltransferase activity. Although peroxisomal beta-oxidation activity was induced in the marmoset, the specific activity was 10-fold lower than in the rat, concomitant with only minimum changes in the liver: body weight ratio. Taken collectively, our data have demonstrated that the marmoset is relatively refractory to ciprofibrate-induced liver enzyme changes with the implication that the extrapolation of the associated hepatotoxicity clearly documented in rodents must be viewed with extreme caution in non-human primates.

Gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric characterisation of some novel hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids formed on incubation of arachidonic acid with microsomes from induced rat livers

The biotransformation of arachidonic acid by rat liver microsomes from both control animals and animals pretreated with known inducers of cytochrome P-450 isoenzymes has been studied using a combination of reversed- and normal-phase high-performance liquid chromatography and combined gas chromatography-electron-impact mass spectrometry. The metabolite profiles observed were found to be dependent upon the inducing agent. Five metabolites were identified, namely 16-, 17-, 18-, 19- and 20-hydroxylated arachidonic acids. Of these the 16- and 17-isomers have not been reported as products of arachidonic acid metabolism by any biological system and the 18-isomer has not been reported as a product of liver metabolism.

On the mechanism of induction of microsomal cytochrome P450IVA1 and peroxisome proliferation in rat liver by clofibrate

The time course of induction of microsomal and peroxisomal lipid-metabolizing enzymes in male Wistar rat liver has been investigated following a single i.p. dose of clofibrate (250 mg/kg). The microsomal enzyme, cytochrome P450IVA1, demonstrated a biphasic response to sodium clofibrate administration, the biphasic response consisting of an initial small response, peaking at approximately 30 min post-dose and returning to near baseline values after 2 hr. A second major induction of cytochrome P450IVA1 occurred between 18 and 24 hr post-dose. This biphasic phenomenon for cytochrome P450IVA1 was observed for the enzyme activity (lauric acid hydroxylase), immunodetectable protein (using a specific ELISA method) and at the mRNA level (using a 2.1 kilobase cytochrome P450IVA1 cDNA probe). In contrast, peroxisomal fatty acid beta-oxidation enzymes responded in a monophasic manner to clofibrate administration, peaking approximately 24 hr post-dose. Accordingly, microsomal cytochrome P450IVA1 was induced before the peroxisomal enzymes of fatty acid beta-oxidation. The effect of cycloheximide on the induction of peroxisome proliferation by clofibrate was additionally investigated. The prior administration of cycloheximide to Wistar rats ablated the clofibrate-dependent induction of both cytochrome P450IVA1 and peroxisomal-dependent lipid metabolism and also blocked the corresponding synthesis of enzyme proteins. Cycloheximide additionally inhibited the clofibrate-dependent increase in peroxisomal acyl-CoA oxidase mRNA, but was without effect on the induced cytochrome P450IVA1 mRNA levels, indicating a protein or enzyme dependency for the phenomenon of peroxisome proliferation. Taken collectively, our data strongly argues that the regulation of microsomal cytochrome P450IVA1 and peroxisomal fatty acid beta-oxidation enzymes are closely related, possibly through the initial, clofibrate-dependent regulation of cytochrome P450IVA1.

Hepatic induction potency of hypolipidaemic drugs in the rat following long-term administration: influence of different dosing regimens

1. The effects of different dosing regimens of three hypolipidaemic, peroxisome-proliferator drugs on hepatic enzymes in the Fischer rat following 26 weeks treatment have been studied. 2. In study 1, with once-daily dosing (dose levels based on comparative antisecretory activity), the liver/body weight ratio and peroxisomal beta-oxidation were significantly increased in the order: ciprofibrate greater than bezafibrate greater than clofibric acid. Glutathione peroxidase activity was decreased to 65% and 77% control after treatment with ciprofibrate and bezafibrate, respectively, but not after treatment with clofibric acid. 3. In study 2, dosing regimens were adjusted to compensate for the different drug pharmacokinetic profiles in rat, with clofibric acid and bezafibrate administered twice daily and ciprofibrate once every 48 h. Liver enlargement and increases in peroxisomal beta-oxidation were similar with all three drugs when compensation for differences in drug clearance was made. Glutathione peroxidase activity was decreased to similar extents by all three compounds. 4. The induction profiles of these hypolipidaemic drugs, largely different with once-daily dosing, were shown to be similar after adjusting the frequency of dosing with respect to drug half-life.

Characterization of the hepatic responses to the short-term administration of ciprofibrate in several rat strain. Co-induction of microsomal cytochrome P-450 IVA1 and peroxisome proliferation

The influence of ciprofibrate, a potent oxyisobutyrate derivative, on several hepatic enzyme parameters was studied in five rat strains following a 14-day treatment period. Ciprofibrate-dependent hepatomegaly was observed at two dose levels (2 and 20 mg/kg) in all rat strains examined. A 10- to 15-fold induction in the 12-hydroxylation of lauric acid with a less marked 1.5- to 5-fold induction of 11-hydroxylation was observed in treated animals. This dose-dependent increase in fatty acid hydroxylase activity was associated with a maximal 10-fold increase in the specific content of cytochrome P-450 IVA1 isoenzyme apoprotein, as assessed immunochemically using an ELISA technique. The activities of the cytochrome P-450 I (IA1 and IA2) and II (IIB1 and IIB2) families, as measured by ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase and benzphetamine-N-demethylase activities respectively, were decreased on treatment. In the mitochondria, monoamine oxidase activity was significantly decreased at the higher dose level whereas alpha-glycerophosphate dehydrogenase activity was elevated. Total carnitine acetyltransferase activity (mitochondrial and peroxisomal) and peroxisomal beta-oxidation were markedly increased at both dose levels in all strains examined. Cytosolic glutathione peroxidase activity, measured using both t-butylhydroperoxide and hydrogen peroxide as substrates, was decreased on treatment to approximately 50% of the control value. In treated animals, a marked increase in mRNA levels coding for cytochrome P-450 IVA1 and the peroxisomal bifunctional protein of the fatty acid beta-oxidation spiral was observed. However, mRNA levels coding for glutathione peroxidase appeared unchanged following ciprofibrate administration, in contrast to the above-noted decrease of glutathione peroxidase enzyme activity. Taken collectively, our results have further substantiated a close association between the induction of microsomal cytochrome P-450 IVA1, peroxisomal beta-oxidation and total carnitine acetyltransferase activity in rat liver, and have performed a conceptual basis for the rationalization of the chronic toxicity of peroxisome proliferators in this species.

Induction of cytochrome P450III and P450IV family proteins in streptozotocin-induced diabetes

The effect of insulin-dependent diabetes on the hepatic microsomal activity of cytochrome P450III and P450IV family proteins was investigated in rats pretreated with streptozotocin. In order to discern between the effects of the diabetogen per se and those of the ensuing diabetes, streptozotocin-treated rats received in addition either nicotinamide to prevent the onset of diabetes or daily treatment with insulin to antagonize the effects of diabetes. Streptozotocin-treated rats displayed higher ethylmorphine and erythromycin N-demethylase activities and lauric acid hydroxylase activity. Increases were also detected immunologically by using monospecific polyclonal antibodies against the P450III and P450IV families. All effects were prevented by nicotinamide and effectively antagonized by insulin. In order to evaluate the role of the ketone bodies in the diabetes-induced increases in the above activities, rats were rendered hyperketonaemic by dietary administration of medium-chain triacylglycerols. These hyperketonaemic animals displayed high laurate hydroxylase activity and P450IV apoprotein levels, similar to those seen in the diabetic animals. Hyperketonaemia induced by dietary means caused a modest increase in the demethylation of erythromycin and had no significant effect on the N-demethylation of ethylmorphine. Furthermore, no marked increases were evident in the P450III apoprotein levels in the hyperketonaemic animals. It is concluded that insulin-dependent diabetes induces proteins of the P450III and P450IV families, and that the hyperketonaemia that accompanies diabetes is largely responsible for the changes in the latter family.