Constitutive Androstane Receptor Activation Research Articles

Constitutive Androstane Receptor and Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor α Do Not Perform Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation in Cells.

Constitutive androstane receptor (CAR) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα) are members of the nuclear receptor superfamily, which regulates various physiologic and pathologic processes. Phase separation is a dynamic biophysical process in which biomacromolecules form liquid-like condensates, which have been identified as contributors to many cellular functions, such as signal transduction and transcription regulation. However, the possibility of phase separation for CAR and PPARα remains unknown. This study explored the potential phase separation of CAR and PPARα The computational analysis utilizing algorithm tools examining the intrinsically disordered regions of CAR and PPARα suggested a limited likelihood of undergoing phase separation. Experimental assays under varying conditions of hyperosmotic stress and agonist treatments confirmed the absence of phase separation for these receptors. Additionally, the optoDroplets assay, which utilizes blue light stimulation to induce condensate formation, showed that there was no condensate formation of the fusion protein of Cry2 with CAR or PPARα Furthermore, phase separation of CAR or PPARα did not occur despite reduced target expression under hyperosmotic stress. In conclusion, these findings revealed that neither the activation of CAR and PPARα nor hyperosmotic stress induces phase separation of CAR and PPARα in cells. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Constitutive androstane receptor (CAR) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα) are key regulators of various functions in the body. This study showed that CAR and PPARα do not exhibit phase separation under hyperosmotic stress or after agonist-induced activation. These findings provide new insights into the CAR and PPARα biology and physiology.

Physiologically based kinetic (PBK) modeling of propiconazole using a machine learning-enhanced read-across approach for interspecies extrapolation

A significant challenge in the traditional human health risk assessment of agrochemicals is the uncertainty in quantifying the interspecies differences between animal models and humans. To work toward a more accurate and animal-free risk determination, new approaches such as physiologically based kinetic (PBK) modeling have been used to perform dosimetry extrapolation from animals to humans. However, the regulatory use and acceptance of PBK modeling is limited for chemicals that lack in vivo animal pharmacokinetic (PK) data, given the inability to evaluate models. To address these challenges, this study developed PBK models in the absence of in vivo PK data for the fungicide propiconazole, an activator of constitutive androstane receptor (CAR)/pregnane X receptor (PXR). A fit-for-purpose read-across approach was integrated with hierarchical clustering − an unsupervised machine learning algorithm, to bridge the knowledge gap. The integration allowed the incorporation of a broad spectrum of attributes for analog consideration, and enabled the analog selection in a simple, reproducible, and objective manner. The applicability was evaluated and demonstrated using penconazole (source) and three pseudo-unknown target chemicals (epoxiconazole, tebuconazole and triadimefon). Applying this machine learning-enhanced read-across approach, difenoconazole was selected as the most appropriate analog for propiconazole. A mouse PBK model was developed and evaluated for difenoconazole (source), with the mode of action of CAR/PXR activation incorporated to simulate the in vivo autoinduction of metabolism. The difenoconazole mouse model then served as a template for constructing the propiconazole mouse model. A parallelogram approach was subsequently applied to develop the propiconazole rat and human models, enabling a quantitative assessment of interspecies differences in dosimetry. This integrated approach represents a substantial advancement toward refining risk assessment of propiconazole within the framework of animal alternative safety assessment strategies.

Mode of action analysis for fluxapyroxad-induced rat liver tumour formation: evidence for activation of the constitutive androstane receptor and assessment of human relevance

The fungicide fluxapyroxad (BAS 700 F) has been shown to significantly increase the incidence of liver tumours in male Wistar rats at dietary levels of 1500 and 3000 ppm and in female rats at a dietary level of 3000 ppm via a non-genotoxic mechanism. In order to elucidate the mode of action (MOA) for fluxapyroxad-induced rat liver tumour formation a series of in vivo and in vitro investigative studies were undertaken. The treatment of male and female Wistar rats with diets containing 0 (control), 50, 250, 1500 and 3000 ppm fluxapyroxad for 1, 3, 7 and 14 days resulted in a dose-dependent increases in relative weight at 1500 and 3000 ppm from day 3 onwards in both sexes, with an increase in relative liver weight being also observed in male rats given 250 ppm fluxapyroxad for 14 days. Examination of liver sections revealed a centrilobular hepatocyte hypertrophy in some fluxapyroxad treated male and female rats. Hepatocyte replicative DNA synthesis (RDS) was significantly increased in male rats given 1500 and 3000 ppm fluxapyroxad for 3 and 7 days and in female rats given 50–3000 ppm fluxapyroxad for 7 days and 250–3000 ppm fluxapyroxad for 3 and 14 days; the maximal increases in RDS in both sexes being observed after 7 days treatment. The treatment of male and female Wistar rats with 250–3000 ppm fluxapyroxad for 14 days resulted in significant increases in hepatic microsomal total cytochrome P450 (CYP) content and CYP2B subfamily-dependent enzyme activities. Male Wistar rat hepatocytes were treated with control medium and medium containing 1–100 μM fluxapyroxad or 500 μM sodium phenobarbital (NaPB) for 4 days. Treatment with fluxapyroxad and NaPB increased CYP2B and CYP3A enzyme activities and mRNA levels but had little effect on markers of CYP1A and CYP4A subfamily enzymes and of the peroxisomal fatty acid β-oxidation cycle. Hepatocyte RDS was significantly increased by treatment with fluxapyroxad, NaPB and 25 ng/ml epidermal growth factor (EGF). The treatment of hepatocytes from two male human donors with 1–100 μM fluxapyroxad or 500 μM NaPB for 4 days resulted in some increases in CYP2B and CYP3A enzyme activities and CYP mRNA levels but had no effect on hepatocyte RDS, whereas treatment with EGF resulted in significant increase in RDS in both human hepatocyte preparations. Hepatocytes from male Sprague-Dawley wild type (WT) and constitutive androstane receptor (CAR) knockout (CAR KO) rats were treated with control medium and medium containing 1–16 μM fluxapyroxad or 500 μM NaPB for 4 days. While both fluxapyroxad and NaPB increased CYP2B enzyme activities and mRNA levels in WT hepatocytes, only minor effects were observed in CAR KO rat hepatocytes. Treatment with both fluxapyroxad and NaPB only increased RDS in WT and not in CAR KO rat hepatocytes, whereas treatment with EGF increased RDS in both WT and CAR KO rat hepatocytes. In conclusion, a series of in vivo and in vitro investigative studies have demonstrated that fluxapyroxad is a CAR activator in rat liver, with similar properties to the prototypical CAR activator phenobarbital. A robust MOA for fluxapyroxad-induced rat liver tumour formation has been established. Based on the lack of effect of fluxapyroxad on RDS in human hepatocytes, it is considered that the MOA for fluxapyroxad-induced liver tumour formation is qualitatively not plausible for humans.

Filling the Blank Space: Branched 4-Nonylphenol Isomers Are Responsible for Robust Constitutive Androstane Receptor (CAR) Activation by Nonylphenol.

4-Nonylphenol (4-NP), a para-substituted phenolic compound with a straight or branched carbon chain, is a ubiquitous environmental pollutant and food contaminant. 4-NP, particularly the branched form, has been identified as an endocrine disruptor (ED) with potent activities on estrogen receptors. Constitutive Androstane Receptor (CAR) is another crucial nuclear receptor that regulates hepatic lipid, glucose, and steroid metabolism and is involved in the ED mechanism of action. An NP mixture has been described as an extremely potent activator of both human and rodent CAR. However, detailed mechanistic aspects of CAR activation by 4-NP are enigmatic, and it is not known if 4-NP can directly interact with the CAR ligand binding domain (LBD). Here, we examined interactions of individual branched (22NP, 33NP, and 353NP) and linear 4-NPs with CAR variants using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, cellular experiments with various CAR expression constructs, recombinant CAR LBD in a TR-FRET assay, or a differentiated HepaRG hepatocyte cellular model. Our results demonstrate that branched 4-NPs display more stable poses to activate both wild-type CAR1 and CAR3 variant LBDs in MD simulations. Consistently, branched 4-NPs activated CAR3 and CAR1 LBD more efficiently than linear 4-NP. Furthermore, in HepaRG cells, we observed that all 4-NPs upregulated CYP2B6 mRNA, a relevant hallmark for CAR activation. This is the first study to provide detailed insights into the direct interaction between individual 4-NPs and human CAR-LBD, as well as its dominant variant CAR3. The work could contribute to the safer use of individual 4-NPs in many areas of industry.

Timosaponin AⅢ induces drug-metabolizing enzymes by activating constitutive androstane receptor (CAR) via dephosphorylation of the EGFR signaling pathway.

The current study aimed to assess the effect of timosaponin AⅢ (T-AⅢ) on drug-metabolizing enzymes during anticancer therapy. The in vivo experiments were conducted on nude and ICR mice. Following a 24-day administration of T-AⅢ, the nude mice exhibited an induction of CYP2B10, MDR1, and CYP3A11 expression in the liver tissues. In the ICR mice, the expression levels of CYP2B10 and MDR1 increased after a three-day T-AⅢ administration. The in vitro assessments with HepG2 cells revealed that T-AⅢ induced the expression of CYP2B6, MDR1, and CYP3A4, along with constitutive androstane receptor (CAR) activation. Treatment with CAR siRNA reversed the T-AⅢ-induced increases in CYP2B6 and CYP3A4 expression. Furthermore, other CAR target genes also showed a significant increase in the expression. The up-regulation of murine CAR was observed in the liver tissues of both nude and ICR mice. Subsequent findings demonstrated that T-AⅢ activated CAR by inhibiting ERK1/2 phosphorylation, with this effect being partially reversed by the ERK activator t-BHQ. Inhibition of the ERK1/2 signaling pathway was also observed in vivo. Additionally, T-AⅢinhibited the phosphorylation of EGFR at Tyr1173 and Tyr845, and suppressed EGF-induced phosphorylation of EGFR, ERK, and CAR. In the nude mice, T-AⅢ also inhibited EGFR phosphorylation. These results collectively indicate that T-AⅢ is a novel CAR activator through inhibition of the EGFR pathway.

Pharmacological activation of constitutive androstane receptor induces female-specific modulation of hepatic metabolism

Background & AimsThe constitutive androstane receptor (CAR) is a nuclear receptor that binds diverse xenobiotics and whose activation leads to the modulation of the expression of target genes involved in xenobiotic detoxification and energy metabolism. Although CAR hepatic activity is considered to be higher in women than in men, its sex-dependent response to an acute pharmacological activation has seldom been investigated. MethodsThe hepatic transcriptome, plasma markers, and hepatic metabolome, were analysed in Car+/+ and Car-/- male and female mice treated either with the CAR-specific agonist 1,4-bis[2-(3,5-dichloropyridyloxy)]benzene (TCPOBOP) or with vehicle. ResultsAlthough 90% of TCPOBOP-sensitive genes were modulated in a sex-independent manner, the remaining 10% showed almost exclusive female liver specificity. These female-specific CAR-sensitive genes were mainly involved in xenobiotic metabolism, inflammation, and extracellular matrix organisation. CAR activation also induced higher hepatic oxidative stress and hepatocyte cytolysis in females than in males. Hepatic expression of flavin monooxygenase 3 (Fmo3) was almost abolished and was associated with a decrease in hepatic trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) concentration in TCPOBOP-treated females. In line with a potential role in the control of TMAO homeostasis, CAR activation decreased platelet hyper-responsiveness in female mice supplemented with dietary choline. ConclusionsMore than 10% of CAR-sensitive genes are sex-specific and influence hepatic and systemic responses such as platelet aggregation. CAR activation may be an important mechanism of sexually-dimorphic drug-induced liver injury. Impact and implicationsCAR is activated by many drugs and pollutants. Its pharmacological activation had a stronger impact on hepatic gene expression and metabolism in females than in males, and had a specific impact on liver toxicity and trimethylamine metabolism. Sexual dimorphism should be considered when testing and/or prescribing xenobiotics known to activate CAR.

Zinc lactate alleviates oxidative stress by modulating crosstalk between constitutive androstane receptor signaling pathway and gut microbiota profile in weaned piglets

This study aimed to determine the regulatory mechanism of dietary zinc lactate (ZL) supplementation on intestinal oxidative stress damage in a paraquat (PQ)-induced piglet model. Twenty-eight piglets (mean body weight 9.51 ± 0.23 kg) weaned at 28 d of age were randomly divided into control, ZL, PQ, and ZL + PQ groups (n = 7 in each group). The ZL-supplemented diet had little effect on growth performance under normal physiological conditions. However, under PQ challenge, ZL supplementation significantly improved average daily gain (P < 0.05) and reduced the frequency of diarrhea. ZL improved intestinal morphology and ultrastructure by significantly increasing the expression level of the jejunal tight junction protein, zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) (P < 0.05), and intestinal zinc transport and absorption in PQ-induced piglets, which reduced intestinal permeability. ZL supplementation also enhanced the expression of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory factor-related genes and decreased inflammatory cytokine expression and secretion in PQ-induced piglets. Furthermore, ZL treatment significantly inhibited the activation of constitutive androstane receptor (CAR) signaling (P < 0.01) in PQ-induced piglets and altered the structure of the gut microbiota, especially by significantly increasing the abundance of beneficial gut microbes, including UCG_002, Ruminococcus, Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group, Christensenellaceae_R_7_group, Treponema, unclassified_Christensenellaceae, and unclassified_Erysipelotrichaceae (P < 0.05). These data reveal that pre-administration of ZL to piglets can suppress intestinal oxidative stress by improving antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacity and regulating the crosstalk between CAR signaling and gut microbiota.

LP-48: Temporal gene expression changes in xenobiotic-handling genes after constitutive androstane receptor activation in a model of 3D primary human hepatocytes

LP-48: Temporal gene expression changes in xenobiotic-handling genes after constitutive androstane receptor activation in a model of 3D primary human hepatocytes

Activity difference of three labdane diterpenoids on human constitutive androstane receptor.

The constitutive androstane receptor (CAR) regulates enzyme transcription related to drug metabolism; therefore, natural compound clarification in food that interacts with CAR is significant for drug development. We revealed that 13-epimanool, which is a compound found in the common sage, is bound to hCAR based on differential scanning fluorometry (DSF) measurements using recombinant hCAR protein. Similar labdane diterpenoids were examined, which revealed that manool and sclareol, which were both natural compounds contained in herbs, are bound to hCAR. They exhibited different effects for CAR activity in the luciferase assay despite the structural similarity. Manool was a partial agonist, 13-epimanool was a weak partial agonist, and sclareol was an antagonist. The activity of hCAR may be regulated by slight differences in the bound compound.

Effects of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) on gene expression profiles via nuclear receptors in HepaRG cells: Comparative study with in vitro transactivation assays

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a synthetic perfluorinated eight-carbon organic chemical, induces hepatotoxicity in rodents, indicated increased liver weight, hepatocellular hypertrophy, necrosis, and peroxisome proliferation. Epidemiological studies have demonstrated the association between serum PFOA levels and various adverse effects. In this study, we investigated the gene expression profiles of human HepaRG cells exposed to 10 and 100 μM PFOA for 24 h. Treatment with 10 and 100 μM PFOA significantly modulated the expression of 190 and 996 genes, respectively. Genes upregulated or downregulated by 100 µM PFOA included peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) signaling genes related to lipid metabolism, adipocyte differentiation, and gluconeogenesis. Moreover, we identified the “Nuclear receptors-meta pathways” following the activation of other nuclear receptors: constitutive androstane receptor (CAR), pregnane X receptor (PXR) and farnesoid X receptor (FXR), as well as the transcription factor nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). The expression levels of some target genes (CYP4A11, CYP2B6, CYP3A4, CYP7A1, and GPX2) of these nuclear receptors and Nrf2 were confirmed using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Next, we performed transactivation assays using COS-7 and HEK293 cells to investigate whether these signaling-pathways were activated by the direct effects of PFOA on human PPARα, CAR, PXR, FXR and Nrf2. PFOA concentration-dependently activated PPARα, but not CAR, PXR, FXR, or Nrf2. Taken together, these results suggest that PFOA affects the hepatic transcriptomic responses of HepaRG cells through the direct activation of PPARα and indirect activation of CAR, PXR, FXR, and Nrf2. Our finding indicates that PPARα activation in the “Nuclear receptors-meta pathways” functions as a molecular initiating event for PFOA, and indirect activation of alternative nuclear receptors and Nrf2 also induce important molecular mechanisms in PFOA-induced human hepatotoxicity.

Mode of action hypothesis testing in chemical safety assessments using metabolomics as supporting evidence: Phenobarbital and cyclobutrifluram metabolomics profile comparison

In long term rodent studies administering Cyclobutrifluram (TYMIRIUM® Technology), a new agrochemical, there was a slight elevation of incidence of hepatocellular carcinomas in male CD-1 mice that was within the historical control range but appeared to be dose responsive. Cyclobutrifluram’s ability to activate mouse constitutive androstane receptor (CAR) mediated gene transcription was confirmed in vitro, therefore a 28-day dietary toxicity study was conducted in vivo in male CD-1 mice to assess the CAR activation mode of action hypothesis of Cyclobutrifluram along with phenobarbital, a known CAR activator. In addition to other end points comprehensive (polar and lipidomic) hybrid metabolomics analyses were performed on terminal plasma and liver samples following 2-, 7- and 28-days dietary exposure to cyclobutrifluram and phenobarbital. The data generation and quality assessments were performed in line with the principles of the MEtabolomics standaRds Initiative in Toxicology (MERIT).First the full annotated feature set was used to compare the metabolomic changes induced by the administration of the two test substances using Shared and Unique Structures plots. This gave a comprehensive overview of the similarity of the two effect profiles showing good correlation and demonstrated that no other, alternative effect signatures were detected. Then the phenobarbital induced differentially abundant metabolites were selected, compared to the literature and their direction of change was assessed in cyclobutrifluram profiles, finding good agreement. Both approaches concluded that the metabolomics data supports the CAR activation hypothesis. Comparison of the metabolomic effect profiles can be a line of evidence in mode of action hypothesis testing in the chemical risk assessment process.

Steatosis and Metabolic Disorders Associated with Synergistic Activation of the CAR/RXR Heterodimer by Pesticides.

The nuclear receptor, constitutive androstane receptor (CAR), which forms a heterodimer with the retinoid X receptor (RXR), was initially reported as a transcription factor that regulates hepatic genes involved in detoxication and energy metabolism. Different studies have shown that CAR activation results in metabolic disorders, including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, by activating lipogenesis in the liver. Our objective was to determine whether synergistic activations of the CAR/RXR heterodimer could occur in vivo as described in vitro by other authors, and to assess the metabolic consequences. For this purpose, six pesticides, ligands of CAR, were selected, and Tri-butyl-tin (TBT) was used as an RXR agonist. In mice, CAR's synergic activation was induced by dieldrin associated with TBT, and combined effects were induced by propiconazole, bifenox, boscalid, and bupirimate. Moreover, a steatosis, characterized by increased triglycerides, was observed when TBT was combined with dieldrin, propiconazole, bifenox, boscalid, and bupirimate. Metabolic disruption appeared in the form of increased cholesterol and lowered free fatty acid plasma levels. An in-depth analysis revealed increased expression of genes involved in lipid synthesis and lipid import. These results contribute to the growing understanding of how environmental contaminants can influence nuclear receptor activity and associated health risks.

PPARα Induces the Expression of CAR That Works as a Negative Regulator of PPARα Functions in Mouse Livers.

The nuclear receptor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα) is a transcription factor that controls the transcription of genes responsible for fatty acid metabolism. We have recently reported a possible drug-drug interaction mechanism via the interaction of PPARα with the xenobiotic nuclear receptor constitutive androstane receptor (CAR). Drug-activated CAR competes with the transcriptional coactivator against PPARα and prevents PPARα-mediated lipid metabolism. In this study, to elucidate the crosstalk between CAR and PPARα, we focused on the influence of PPARα activation on CAR's gene expression and activation. Male C57BL/6N mice (8-12 weeks old, n = 4) were treated with PPARα and CAR activators (fenofibrate and phenobarbital, respectively), and hepatic mRNA levels were determined using quantitative reverse transcription PCR. Reporter assays using the mouse Car promoter were performed in HepG2 cells to determine the PPARα-dependent induction of CAR. CAR KO mice were treated with fenofibrate, and the hepatic mRNA levels of PPARα target genes were determined. Treatment of mice with a PPARα activator increased Car mRNA levels as well as genes related to fatty acid metabolism. In reporter assays, PPARα induced the promoter activity of the Car gene. Mutation of the putative PPARα-binding motif prevented PPARα-dependent induction of reporter activity. In electrophoresis mobility shift assay, PPARα bound to the DR1 motif of the Car promoter. Since CAR has been reported to attenuate PPARα-dependent transcription, CAR was considered a negative feedback protein for PPARα activation. Treatment with fenofibrate induced the mRNA levels of PPARα target genes in Car-null mice more than those in wild-type mice, suggesting that CAR functions as a negative feedback factor for PPARα.

Development of a strategy to identify and evaluate direct and indirect activators of constitutive androstane receptor in rats.

Constitutive androstane receptor (CAR) is a nuclear receptor that plays a key role in drug metabolism and disposition and in the development of liver tumors in rodents. CAR is activated by ligands and indirect activators, which do not bind to the receptor but activate it through cellular signaling. In this study, we sought to identify direct and indirect activators of rat CAR (rCAR). Assessment of the influence of mutations on the transcriptional activity of rCAR identified a mutant termed rCAR-3A-G354Q that displays low constitutive activity and high ligand responsiveness. Reporter assays using the mutant were performed with compounds that increased the mRNA levels of Cyp2b1, a CAR target gene, in rat primary hepatocytes. Several compounds activated rCAR-3A-G354Q and were implicated as rCAR ligands. Since indirect CAR activators are considered to display little species differences, we then determined CYP2B6 mRNA levels in human hepatocyte-like HepaRG cells after treatment with compounds that increased Cyp2b1 mRNA levels in rat hepatocytes but did not activate rCAR-3A-G354Q. The results demonstrated six compounds as possible rCAR indirect activators. Taken together, the combined measurement of Cyp2b1 mRNA levels in rat primary hepatocytes and rCAR-3A-G354Q activation in reporter assays can be useful for evaluating rCAR activation by chemicals.

Phenobarbital in Nuclear Receptor Activation: An Update.

Phenobarbital (PB) is a commonly prescribed anti-epileptic drug that can also benefit newborns from hyperbilirubinemia. Being the first drug demonstrating hepatic induction of cytochrome P450 (CYP), PB has since been broadly used as a model compound to study xenobiotic-induced drug metabolism and clearance. Mechanistically, PB-mediated CYP induction is linked to a number of nuclear receptors, such as the constitutive androstane receptor (CAR), pregnane X receptor (PXR), and estrogen receptor α, with CAR being the predominant regulator. Unlike prototypical agonistic ligands, PB-mediated activation of CAR does not involve direct binding with the receptor. Instead, dephosphorylation of threonine 38 in the DNA-binding domain of CAR was delineated as a key signaling event underlying PB-mediated indirect activation of CAR. Further studies revealed that such phosphorylation sites appear to be highly conserved among most human nuclear receptors. Interestingly, while PB is a pan-CAR activator in both animals and humans, PB activates human but not mouse PXR. The species-specific role of PB in gene regulation is a key determinant of its implication in xenobiotic metabolism, drug-drug interactions, energy homeostasis, and cell proliferation. In this review, we summarize the recent progress in our understanding of PB-provoked transactivation of nuclear receptors with a focus on CAR and PXR. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Extensive studies using PB as a research tool have significantly advanced our understanding of the molecular basis underlying nuclear receptor-mediated drug metabolism, drug-drug interactions, energy homeostasis, and cell proliferation. In particular, CAR has been established as a cell signaling-regulated nuclear receptor in addition to ligand-dependent functionality. This mini-review highlights the mechanisms by which PB transactivates CAR and PXR.

Constitutive androstane receptor (CAR) mediates pyrene-induced inflammatory responses in mouse liver, with increased serum amyloid A proteins and Th17 cells.

The constitutive androstane receptor (CAR), a known xenobiotic sensor, plays an important role in drug metabolism by regulating numerous genes. The polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon pyrene, an environmental pollutant, is a CAR activator and induces mouse hepatotoxicity via CAR. Here, we investigate the molecular mechanisms of the inflammatory response in pyrene-caused mice liver injury. Effects of pyrene on the liver were investigated in wild-type and CAR knockout (KO) mice. Levels of pyrene and its urinary metabolite were analysed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Inflammatory responses were measured by qRT-PCR, western blotting, and ELISA for cytokines. Serum amyloid A proteins (SAAs) were markedly increased in the liver and serum of pyrene-exposed wild-type mice. IL-17-producing helper T cells (Th17 cells) and IL-17 levels were increased in the liver of pyrene-exposed wild-type mice. Hepatic mRNA levels of inflammatory cytokines including IL-1β, IL-6 and TNFα, and serum IL-6 levels were significantly elevated in pyrene-treated wild-type mice. However, these changes were not observed in CAR KO mice. CAR plays a crucial role in pyrene-caused mice liver inflammatory response with increased SAAs and Th17 cells. Our results suggest that serum SAAs may be a convenient biomarker for early diagnosis of liver inflammatory response caused by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, including pyrene. CAR and Th17 cells may be potential targets for novel therapeutic strategies for xenobiotic-induced liver inflammation.

Proteomic analysis of hepatic effects of phenobarbital in mice with humanized liver

Activation of the constitutive androstane receptor (CAR) may induce adaptive but also adverse effects in rodent liver, including the induction of drug-metabolizing enzymes, transient hepatocellular proliferation, and promotion of liver tumor growth. Human relevance of CAR-related adverse hepatic effects is controversially debated. Here, we used the chimeric FRG-KO mouse model with livers largely repopulated by human hepatocytes, in order to study human hepatocytes and their response to treatment with the model CAR activator phenobarbital (PB) in vivo. Mice received an intraperitoneal injection with 50 mg/kg body weight PB or saline, and were sacrificed after 72–144 h. Non-repopulated FRG-KO mice were used as additional control. Comprehensive proteomics datasets were generated by merging data obtained by targeted as well as non-targeted proteomics approaches. For the first time, a novel proteomics workflow was established to comparatively analyze the effects of PB on human and murine proteins within one sample. Analysis of merged proteome data sets and bioinformatics data mining revealed comparable responses in murine and human hepatocytes with respect to nuclear receptor activation and induction of xenobiotic metabolism. By contrast, activation of MYC, a key regulator of proliferation, was predicted only for mouse but not human hepatocytes. Analyses of 5-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine incorporation confirmed this finding. In summary, this study for the first time presents a comprehensive proteomic analysis of CAR-dependent effects in human and mouse hepatocytes from humanized FRG-KO mice. The data support the hypothesis that PB does induce adaptive metabolic responses, but not hepatocellular proliferation in human hepatocytes in vivo.

Comparison of Sweated and Non-Sweated Ethanol Extracts of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge. (Danshen) Effects on Human and Rat Hepatic UDP-Glucuronosyltransferase and Preclinic Herb-Drug Interaction Potential Evaluation.

The ethanol of Danshen (DEE) preparation has been widely used to treat cardiac-cerebral disease and cancer. Sweating is one of the primary processing methods of Danshen, which greatly influences its quality and pharmacological properties. Sweated and non-sweated DEE preparation combined with various synthetic drugs, add up the possibility of herbal-drug interactions. This study explored the effects of sweated and non-sweated DEE on human and rat hepatic UGT enzyme expression and activity and proposed a potential mechanism. The expression of two processed DEE on rat UGT1A, UGT2B, and nuclear receptors, including pregnane X receptor (PXR), constitutive androstane receptor (CAR), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα), were investigated after intragastric administration in rats by Western blot. Enzyme activity of DEE and its active ingredients (Tanshinone I, Cryptotanshinone, and Tanshinone I) on UGT isoenzymes was evaluated by quantifying probe substrate metabolism and metabolite formation in vitro using Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography. The two processed DEE (5.40 g/kg) improved UGT1A (P<0.01) and UGT2B (P<0.05) protein expression, and the non-sweated DEE (2.70 g/kg) upregulated UGT2B expression protein (P<0.05), compared with the CMCNa group. On day 28, UGT1A protein expression was increased (P<0.05) both in two processed DEE groups meanwhile, the non-sweated DEE significantly enhanced UGT2B protein expression (P<0.05) on day 21, compared with the CMCNa group. The process underlying this mechanism involved the activation of nuclear receptors CAR, PXR, and PPARα. In vitro, sweated DEE (0-80 μg/mL) significantly inhibited the activity of human UGT1A7 (P<0.05) and rat UGT1A1, 1A8, and 1A9 (P<0.05). Non-sweated DEE (0-80 μg/mL) dramatically suppressed the activity of human UGT1A1, 1A3, 1A6, 1A7, 2B4, and 2B15, and rat UGT1A1, 1A3, 1A7, and 1A9 (P<0.05). Tanshinone I (0-1 μM) inhibited the activity of human UGT1A3, 1A6, and 1A7 (P<0.01) and rat UGT1A3, 1A6, 1A7, and 1A8 (P<0.05). Cryptotanshinone (0-1 μM) remarkably inhibited the activity of human UGT1A3 and 1A7 (P<0.05) and rat UGT1A7, 1A8, and 1A9 (P<0.05). Nonetheless, Tanshinone IIA (0-2 μM) is not a potent UGT inhibitor both in humans and rats. Additionally, there existed significant differences between two processed DEE in the expression of PXR, and the activity of human UGT1A1, 1A3, 1A6, and 2B15 and rat UGT1A3, and 2B15 (P<0.05). The effects of two processed DEE on hepatic UGT enzyme expression and activity differed. Accordingly, the combined usage of related UGTs substrates with DEE and its monomer components preparations may call for caution, depending on the drug's exposure-response relationship and dose adjustment. Besides, it is vital to pay attention to the distinction between sweated and non-sweated Danshen in clinic, which influences its pharmacological activity.

Lymphocyte-Specific Protein-1 Suppresses Xenobiotic-Induced Constitutive Androstane Receptor and Subsequent Yes-Associated Protein–Activated Hepatocyte Proliferation

Activation of constitutive androstane receptor (CAR) transcription factor by xenobiotics promotes hepatocellular proliferation, promotes hypertrophy without liver injury, and induces drug metabolism genes. Previous work demonstrated that lymphocyte-specific protein-1 (LSP1), an F-actin binding protein and gene involved in human hepatocellular carcinoma, suppresses hepatocellular proliferation after partial hepatectomy. The current study investigated the role of LSP1 in liver enlargement induced by chemical mitogens, a regenerative process independent of tissue loss. 1,4-Bis [2-(3,5-dichloropyridyloxy)] benzene (TCPOBOP), a direct CAR ligand and strong chemical mitogen, was administered to global Lsp1 knockout and hepatocyte-specific Lsp1 transgenic (TG) mice and measured cell proliferation, hypertrophy, and expression of CAR-dependent drug metabolism genes. TG livers displayed a significant decrease in Ki-67 labeling and liver/body weight ratios compared with wild type on day 2. Surprisingly, this was reversed by day 5, due to hepatocyte hypertrophy. There was no difference in CAR-regulated drug metabolism genes between wild type and TG. TG livers displayed increased Yes-associated protein (YAP) phosphorylation, decreased nuclear YAP, and direct interaction between LSP1 and YAP, suggesting LSP1 suppresses TCPOBOP-driven hepatocellular proliferation, but not hepatocyte volume, through YAP. Conversely, loss of LSP1 led to increased hepatocellular proliferation on days 2, 5, and 7. LSP1 selectively suppresses CAR-induced hepatocellular proliferation, but not drug metabolism, through the interaction of LSP1 with YAP, supporting the role of LSP1 as a selective growth suppressor.

Human constitutive androstane receptor represses liver cancer development and hepatoma cell proliferation by inhibiting erythropoietin signaling

The constitutive androstane receptor (CAR) is a nuclear receptor that plays a crucial role in regulating xenobiotic metabolism and detoxification, energy homeostasis, and cell proliferation by modulating the transcription of numerous target genes. CAR activation has been established as the mode of action by which phenobarbital-like nongenotoxic carcinogens promote liver tumor formation in rodents. This paradigm, however, appears to be unrelated to the function of human CAR (hCAR) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which remains poorly understood. Here, we show that hCAR expression is significantly lower in HCC than that in adjacent nontumor tissues and, importantly, reduced hCAR expression is associated with a worse HCC prognosis. We also show overexpression of hCAR in human hepatoma cells (HepG2 and Hep3B) profoundly suppressed cell proliferation, cell cycle progression, soft-agar colony formation, and the growth of xenografts in nude mice. RNA-Seq analysis revealed that the expression of erythropoietin (EPO), a pleiotropic growth factor, was markedly repressed by hCAR in hepatoma cells. Addition of recombinant EPO in HepG2 cells partially rescued hCAR-suppressed cell viability. Mechanistically, we showed that overexpressing hCAR repressed mitogenic EPO–EPO receptor signaling through dephosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3, AKT, and extracellular signal–regulated kinase 1/2. Furthermore, we found that hCAR downregulates EPO expression by repressing the expression and activity of hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 alpha, a key transcription factor regulating EPO expression. Collectively, our results suggest that hCAR plays a tumor suppressive role in HCC development, which differs from that of rodent CAR and offers insight into the hCAR–hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 alpha–EPO axis in human liver tumorigenesis.