CYP1A1 Protein Levels Research Articles

Modulation of cytochrome P450 enzymes by organosulfur compounds from garlic

Organosulfur compounds (OSCs) derived from garlic have been studied for the ability to inhibit experimental cancer in various animal models, primarily through modification of carcinogen detoxification enzymes, such as cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes. OSCs vary in structural and physical properties, and a detailed analysis of these properties has not been performed with respect to their ability of inhibit chemically-induced colon cancer development. Gastric intubation of rats with a single dose of 200 mg/kg diallyl sulfide (DAS), diallyl disulfide (DADS), and allyl methyl sulfide (AMS) decreased hepatic CYP2E1 protein by 45%, 25% and 47%, respectively, and this inhibition was sustained after 1, 4 and 8 weeks of treatment by these compounds. Dipropyl sulfide (DPS), dipropyl disulfide (DPDS), propyl methyl sulfide (PMS) and S-allylcysteine (SAC) did not inhibit hepatic CYP2E1 protein expression, nor did any of the OSCs affect CYP2E1 mRNA levels. A single dose of 200 mg/kg DAS and AMS increased hepatic CYP1A2 protein (but not mRNA) by 282% and 70%, and DAS increased CYP1A1 protein levels by 684%. Daily treatment for 1, 4 and 8 weeks with 200 mg/kg DAS and AMS resulted in time-dependent increases in hepatic CYP1A1 and CYP1A2 protein levels to a maximum of 600% and 50% for DAS, and 1600% and 240% for AMS after 8 weeks. Dosing with 200 mg/kg of each of the OSCs used in this study increased hepatic CYP3A2 protein levels at all time points. Dosing for 8 weeks with 200 mg/kg DAS, but not AMS or lower doses of DAS, induced bile duct obstruction and focal areas of necrosis. These results indicate that OSCs present in garlic, including DAS and AMS, may be beneficial in inhibiting chemically-induced colon cancer, but that longer dosing with higher concentrations of DAS may elicit minor hepatic toxicity.

Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) and AHR nuclear translocator (ARNT) expression in Baikal seal ( Pusa sibirica) and association with 2,3,7,8-TCDD toxic equivalents and CYP1 expression levels

Most toxic effects of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo- p-dioxin (TCDD) and related planar halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons (PHAHs) are mediated by ligand-activated aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) signaling pathway. To understand the regulation mechanism of AHR and AHR nuclear translocator (ARNT) expression in wild Baikal seal ( Pusa sibirica) population contaminated by PHAHs, the present study investigated hepatic mRNA expression levels of AHR and its heterodimer, ARNT genes, in association with biological index (age, gender and body weight), PHAH accumulation and expression levels of cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A and 1B. While there was no gender difference, the AHR mRNA expression levels were increased with ages ( p = 0.014) and body weights ( p = 0.015), indicating that AHR expression might be affected by these biological factors. The AHR mRNA expression levels exhibited significant positive correlations with total TEQs and most of individual congener TEQs derived from polychorinated dibenzo- p-dioxins, dibenzofurans and non- ortho coplanar polychorinated biphenyls (PCBs), indicating the transcriptional up-regulation of AHR expression by these congeners. On the other hand, there was no significant correlation between individual TEQs from mono -ortho coplanar PCBs and AHR expression. These results imply the structure-related transcriptional activity of AHR among PHAHs congeners. AHR mRNA levels showed positive correlations with both CYP1A protein ( p = 0.039) and CYP1A1 mRNA expression levels ( p = 0.046). In contrast to AHR expression, neither the total nor individual congener TEQs influenced ARNT at the transcriptional level. ARNT mRNA showed significant negative correlations with CYP1A/1B protein ( p = 0.027 and p = 0.006) and CYP1A1 mRNA expression levels ( p = 0.039), implying the existence of different transcriptional regulation between AHR and ARNT genes and negative regulation by CYP1A/1B-mediated signaling pathways. The present findings may render significant insight on the basic mechanisms underlying regulation of AHR and ARNT expressions associated with biological factors and PHAH exposure in wild mammalian populations.

Summary results from a pilot study conducted around an oil production platform on the Northwest Shelf of Australia

The Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) conducted a pilot study around the Harriet A oil production platform on the Northwest Shelf of Australia. We evaluated hepatic ethoxyresorufin- O-deethylase (EROD) activity, fluorescent aromatic compounds (FACs) in bile and immunodetection of CYP1A-like proteins in two Australian tropical fish species, Gold-Spotted Trevally ( Carangoides fulvoguttatus) and Bar-Cheeked Coral Trout ( Plectropomus maculatus) to assess exposure to petroleum hydrocarbons associated with produced formation water (PFW). Additionally, the incidence of hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria isolated from the liver and bile of all fish captured was examined. Low EROD activity was found in both species, with EROD activity in C. fulvoguttatus showing significant site differences. FACs and CYP1A protein levels in C. fulvoguttatus showed a clear trend in hydrocarbon exposure consistent with hydrocarbon chemistry data: Harriet A > Harriet C > reference site. P. maculatus showed elevated levels of FACs at Harriet A as compared to the reference site and demonstrated detectable levels of CYP1A-like proteins at these two sites. Hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria were found in the liver and bile of both species, yet there was no correlation by sites. Our results demonstrate that C. fulvoguttatus and P. maculatus have potential as indicator species for assessing the effects from exposure to petroleum hydrocarbons. Both FACs and CYP1A are providing warning signs that there is potential for biological effects on fish populations exposed to PFW around the Harriet A production platform.

148. The Transgene Cassette Is Not Fully Responsible for Alterations of Renal Cytochrome P450 Expression after Systemic Administration of Recombinant Adenovirus

Gene transfer to the kidney has shown promise in treating severe renal disease and prevention of acute renal graft rejection in several animal models. To date, recombinant adenovirus (Ad) is the most efficient vector for gene delivery to the kidney. Although Ad does not infect the kidney efficiently when administered systemically, transgene products secreted from the liver can reach the kidney at therapeutic levels. We have found that systemic administration of recombinant Ad significantly alters the expression of the cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes, largely responsible for the clearance of toxicants and the metabolism of xenobiotics and endogenous compounds, in the kidney. In order to determine if the transgene cassette could be partially responsible for this effect, Sprague-Dawley rats received one of four treatments via a surgically implanted catheter: 0.5 ml of phosphate-buffered saline (control) or 5.7|[times]|1012 viral particles/kg of a first generation Ad expressing either E.coli beta-galactosidase (AdlacZ), murine erythropoietin (Epo) or no transgene (Null). Animals were sacrificed 0.25, 1, 4 and 14 days after injection. Renal CYP protein expression and mRNA levels were analyzed by Western blot and RT-PCR. All treatments significantly induced protein levels of the CYP4A family. Following AdlacZ administration, CYP4A increased by 50%, 32% and 64% above control at 0.25, 1 and 4 days, respectively (p<0.01). The vector expressing Epo raised CYP4A protein levels by 42%, 24% and 64% and the Null vector produced elevations of 74%, 25% and 49% above the control at the same timepoints (p<0.01). CYP4A protein expression recovered by 14 days in each group. RT-PCR revealed that mRNA levels of CYP4A2, the primary CYP4A isoform responsible for renal fatty acid metabolism, increased by 16.8% and 19% above control 24 hours after administration of AdlacZ and Epo, respectively (p<0.01). CYP4F1, an isoform responsible for metabolism of fatty acids, prostaglandins and leukotrienes, was unaffected in all treatment groups. In contrast, renal CYP2E1, which metabolizes small lipophilic compounds and carcinogenic agents, was significantly reduced throughout the study. CYP2E1 mRNA levels in animals treated with AdlacZ were 74%, 78%, 69% and 66% of control at 0.25, 1, 4 and 14 days, respectively (p<0.01). Similar reductions were seen with Epo and Null vectors although levels form animals treated with Epo began to recover by 14 days. Real time quantitative PCR revealed that viral genomes (|[sim]|850/100 ng DNA) were initially present in the kidney and declined throughout the study for all treatments. These results suggest that systemic administration of Ad significantly altered the transcription and translation of several key CYP enzymes in the kidney regardless of the transgene expression cassette. This should be considered for accurate drug monitoring when employing recombinant Ad vectors in the clinic. Additional mechanistic studies assessing the effect of expression of Ad early genes and local and systemic eicosanoid biosynthesis on the expression of renal CYP will allow further explanation of these results.

Properties and regional expression of a CYP3A-like protein in channel catfish intestine

Biotransformation in the intestine may influence the bioavailability and toxicity of ingested xenobiotics. The objective of this study was to examine the expression and catalytic properties of a constitutive cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A-like protein along the intestine of channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus. Fish were maintained on commercial chow or nutritionally complete semi-purified diets. Polyclonal antibodies generated against rainbow trout CYP3A proteins reacted strongly with catfish washed intestinal microsomes on Western blots showing a major protein band with MW of 59 kDa. In catfish maintained on a standard chow diet, the expression of this protein was higher in the proximal segment (0.101 ± 0.031 units/mg protein, mean ± S.D., n = 4) than in the distal part (0.032 ± 0.023 units/mg protein). Microsomal testosterone 6β-hydroxylation activity was monitored as the catalytic indicator of CYP3A, and was higher in proximal than distal catfish intestine (263 ± 80.3 and 88.6 ± 15.6 pmol/min/mg protein for proximal and distal, respectively, mean ± S.D., n = 4). CYP3A protein levels and testosterone 6β-hydroxylation activities were lower in microsomes from the proximal segment of intestine from catfish maintained on a semi-purified diet, compared with commercial chow, but again the proximal intestine had higher CYP3A and 6β-hydroxylase activities than distal intestine. Testosterone 6β-hydroxylase activities in all samples correlated with the CYP3A protein levels, r 2 = 0.8. Testosterone 6β-hydroxylation was inhibited by specific CYP3A inhibitors, ketoconazole (IC 50 = 0.02 μM) and erythromycin (IC 50 = 41 μM), as well as general CYP inhibitors, metyrapone (IC 50 = 2.8 μM) and SKF-525A (IC 50 = 25 μM). There was evidence for the involvement of CYP3A in the mono-oxygenation of benzo( a)pyrene and of (−)-benzo( a)pyrene-7,8-dihydrodiol in intestinal microsomes from catfish maintained on the semi-purified diet. Mono-oxygenation of both substrates was increased in a concentration-dependent manner by in vitro addition of α-naphthoflavone. Benzo( a)pyrene hydroxylase activities were higher in proximal than in distal intestine; 3.72 ± 0.77 pmol/min/mg protein, mean ± S.D., n = 5 and 1.45 ± 0.42 in these respective segments. The results of this study strongly suggest that CYP3A is important in the first pass metabolism of dietary xenobiotics in untreated fish.

Interactions between xenoestrogens and ketoconazole on hepatic CYP1A and CYP3A, in juvenile Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua)

BackgroundXenoestrogens and antifungal azoles probably share a common route of metabolism, through hepatic cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes. Chemical interactions with metabolic pathways may affect clearance of both xenobiotics and endobiotics. This study was carried out to identify possible chemical interactions by those substances on CYP1A and CYP3A, in Atlantic cod liver. We investigated effects of two xenoestrogens (nonylphenol and ethynylestradiol) and of the model imidazole ketoconazole, alone and in combination.ResultsTreatment with ketoconazole resulted in 60% increase in CYP1A-mediated ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) activity. Treatment with nonylphenol resulted in 40% reduction of CYP1A activity. Combined exposure to ketoconazole and nonylphenol resulted in 70% induction of CYP1A activities and 93% increase in CYP1A protein levels. Ketoconazole and nonylphenol alone or in combination had no effect on CYP3A expression, as analyzed by western blots. However, 2-dimensional (2D) gel electrophoresis revealed the presence of two CYP3A-immunoreactive proteins, with a more basic isoform induced by ketoconazole. Treatment with ketoconazole and nonylphenol alone resulted in 54% and 35% reduction of the CYP3A-mediated benzyloxy-4-[trifluoromethyl]-coumarin-O-debenzyloxylase (BFCOD) activity. Combined exposure of ketoconazole and nonylphenol resulted in 98% decrease in CYP3A activity. This decrease was greater than the additive effect of each compound alone. In vitro studies revealed that ketoconazole was a potent non-competitive inhibitor of both CYP1A and CYP3A activities and that nonylphenol selectively non-competitively inhibited CYP1A activity. Treatment with ethynylestradiol resulted in 46% decrease in CYP3A activity and 22% decrease in protein expression in vivo. In vitro inhibition studies in liver microsomes showed that ethynylestradiol acted as a non-competitive inhibitor of CYP1A activity and as an uncompetitive inhibitor of CYP3A activity.ConclusionsKetoconazole, nonylphenol and ethynylestradiol all interacted with CYP1A and CYP3A activities and protein expression in Atlantic cod. However, mechanisms of interactions on CYP1A and CYP3A differ between theses substances and combined exposure had different effects than exposure to single compounds. Thus, CYP1A and CYP3A mediated clearance may be impaired in situations of mixed exposure to those types of compounds.

P.6.032 Pattern of drug use among opioid addicts with comorbid attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and conduct disorder

Earlier studies have shown that members of the cytochrome P4501 (CYP1) enzyme family are constitutively expressed, and are elevated in the livers of ringed seals (Phoca hispida) and grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) living in the heavily polluted Baltic Sea. In this study, we compared the expression profiles of several additional CYP enzymes in the liver and extrahepatic tissues of Baltic ringed and grey seals with the corresponding CYP expression in seals from relatively unpolluted waters. We used marker enzyme activity levels, diagnostic inhibitors and immunoblot analysis to assess members of the CYP2A, CYP2B, CYP2C, CYP2D, CYP2E and CYP3A sub-families. Coumarin 7-hydroxylation (COH), a marker of CYP2A activity, was high in the liver and the lungs of all the studied seal populations. The presence of a putative CYP2A form in these seals was further supported by the strong inhibition of COH activity by a chemical inhibitor and by an anti-CYP2A5 antibody. However, antibodies to human and rodent CYP2B, CYP2C and CYP2E forms did not recognize any proteins in these seal species. Dextromethorphan O-demethylation (marker for CYP2D activity) and chlorzoxazone 6-hydroxylation (marker for CYP2E activity) were measurable in the livers of all the seals we studied. Both activities were elevated in the Baltic seal populations, showed a strong positive correlation with CYP1A activity and were at least partly inhibited by a typical CYP1A inhibitor, α-naphthoflavone. Further studies are needed to determine the presence and characteristics of CYP2D and CYP2E enzymes in ringed and grey seals. Testosterone 6β-hydroxylation, a CYP3A marker, showed a relatively high level of activity in the livers of both seal species and was potently inhibited by ketoconazole, a CYP3A-selective inhibitor. The putative CYP3A activity showed an opposing geographical trend to that of CYP2D and CYP2E, since it was elevated in the control area. CYP3A protein levels, revealed by immunoblotting, showed a positive correlation with testosterone 6β-hydroxylation. We conclude tentatively that CYP2A- and CYP3A-like enzymes are expressed in ringed and grey seals, but that CYP2B- and CYP2C-like ones are not. Further information on the individual contaminant profile is needed before any conclusions can be drawn on a possible connection between the varying CYP expressions and the contaminant load.

Prediction of response to docetaxel by immunohistochemical analysis of CYP3A4 expression in human breast cancers

Docetaxel (DOC) is inactivated by CYP3A4, high expression of which in tumor tissue might serve as a resistance mechanism. In the present study, the CYP3A4 protein level in breast cancers was determined by immunohistochemistry, and its relationship with the response to DOC treatment was studied. Thirty-one patients with locally advanced (n = 21) or recurrent (n = 10) breast cancers underwent tumor biopsy, followed by DOC treatment (60 mg/m2 q3w). Expression of CYP3A4 was studied by immunohistochemistry. Patients with CYP3A4 negative tumors (n = 15) by immunohistochemistry showed a significantly (P < 0.01) higher response rate (67%) to DOC treatment than those with CYP3A4 positive tumors (n = 16, 19%). The positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and diagnostic accuracy of CYP3A4 expression by immunohistochemistry in the prediction of response to DOC were 67%, 81%, and 74%, respectively. Immunohistochemical analysis of CYP3A4 expression in tumor cells might be clinically useful in the prediction of tumor response to DOC.

Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Expression and Activity in Cerebellar Granule Neuroblasts: Implications for Development and Dioxin Neurotoxicity

2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) is a potent teratogen that produces neurobehavioral abnormalities associated with both cognitive and locomotor systems, yet the precise regional and cellular targets of developmental neurotoxicity remain largely unknown. Most, if not all, TCDD-induced pathology is mediated via binding to the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), a ligand-activated transcription factor that belongs to the basic helix-loop-helix/Per-Arnt-Sim (bHLH/PAS) superfamily. Upon ligand binding, AhR translocates to the nucleus, dimerizes with the AhR nuclear translocator protein (Arnt), and regulates transcription by interaction with dioxin-response elements (DREs) in target genes, most notably specific cytochrome P450 (CYP) family members. To assess whether developing cerebellar granule neuroblasts are potential direct targets for TCDD toxicity, AhR expression and transcriptional activity were examined. AhR and Arnt proteins were present in mouse cerebellum from birth throughout postnatal development. AhR protein levels peaked between postnatal day (PND) 3-10, a critical period for granule neuroblast growth and maturation. Transcriptionally active AhR was detected in immature cerebellar granule cells in a transgenic dioxin-responsive lacZ mouse model after acute TCDD exposure. AhR and Arnt were also expressed in cerebellar granule neuroblast cultures. AhR localized to the nucleus in granule cells 15 min after TCDD treatment. TCCD elicited time-dependent and concentration-dependent increases in CYP1A1 and 1B1 mRNA and protein levels. Moreover, TCDD treatment reduced both thymidine incorporation and granule neuroblast survival in a concentration-dependent manner. These data suggest that (1) granule neuroblasts are direct targets for developmental AhR-mediated TCDD neurotoxicity and (2) TCDD exposure may disrupt granule cell neurogenesis.

2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin induces suppressor of cytokine signaling 2 in murine B cells.

The B cell, a major component of humoral immunity, is a sensitive target for the immunotoxic effects of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), possibly by rendering cells less responsive to antigenic or mitogenic stimulation. Potential mechanisms of TCDD action on B cells were examined in murine B cell lymphoma cells (CH12.LX) treated with 3 nM TCDD or dimethyl sulfoxide vehicle using sequence-verified cDNA microarrays. One transcript that was significantly induced by TCDD was suppressor of cytokine signaling 2 (Socs2). Changes in Socs2 mRNA levels paralleled that of Cyp1a1 with a maximal 3-fold induction observed at 4 h, as determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Socs2 induction seems B cell-specific, because no induction was observed in TCDD-responsive mouse hepatoma cells or human breast cancer cells. TCDD-mediated induction of Socs2 mRNA was dose-dependent and exhibited the characteristic structure-activity relationships observed for the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) ligands 3,3',4,4',5-pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB-126), indolo[3,2-b]-carbazole, and beta-naphthoflavone. Experiments with cycloheximide and AhR-deficient B cells indicated that Socs2 mRNA induction is a primary effect that is AhR-dependent. Western blot analysis confirmed that Socs2 and Cyp1a1 protein levels were also induced in CH12.LX cells. Promoter analysis revealed the presence of four dioxin-response elements within 1000 base pairs upstream of the Socs2 transcriptional start site, and a reporter gene regulated by the Socs2 promoter was inducible by TCDD. Promoter activity was also dependent on a functional AhR signaling pathway. These results indicate that Socs2 is a primary TCDD-inducible gene that may represent a novel mechanism by which TCDD elicits its immunosuppressive effects.

Interaction between halogenated aromatic compounds in the Ah receptor signal transduction pathway

Many toxic and biochemical responses to halogenated aromatic compounds (HACs) such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) are mediated through the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), which is an intracellular cytosolic target for HACs. Environmental exposure to HACs almost always involves complex mixtures of congeners, some of which can antagonize the action of potent HACs such as 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD). In this work we studied TCDD and representative PCB congeners, alone and in mixture, for their effect on CYP1A gene transcription and protein levels in primary rat hepatocytes. Together with our previous work, our results suggest that formation of the Ah receptor-ligand-DRE (dioxin response element) complex is the principal point of divergence in the mechanism between an AhR agonist and an AhR antagonist. The coplanar PCBs 77 and 126 and the mono-ortho PCB 156 were full agonists toward CYP1A1 gene transcription and CYP1A protein levels, showing typical additive behavior with TCDD to the target molecule AhR. In contrast, the nonplanar PCB 153 antagonized the action of TCDD, even at concentrations that occupied a significant fraction of AhR molecules. Competitive inhibition explains the commonly reported decrease of ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) activity when PCBs are present in high concentrations and the antagonism of PCBs to the EROD activity of TCDD. The result is that Western blotting offers a much more reliable measure of CYP1A protein concentration than does the EROD assay, despite the greater convenience of the latter.

Cytochrome P450 expression and activities in human tongue cells and their modulation by green tea extract

The expression, inducibility, and activities of several cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes were investigated in a human tongue carcinoma cell model, CAL 27, and compared with the human liver model HepG2 cells. The modulation effects of green tea on various CYP isoforms in both cell lines were also examined. RT-PCR analysis of CAL 27 cells demonstrated constitutive expression of mRNA for CYPs 1A1, 1A2, 2C, 2E1, 2D6, and 4F3. The results were negative for CYP2A6, 2B6/7, 3A3/4, and 3A7. Both cell lines displayed identical expression and induction profiles for all of the isoforms examined in this study except 3A7 and 2B6/7, which were produced constitutively in HepG2 but not Cal-27 cells. CYP1A1 and 1A2 were both induced by treatment with β-napthoflavone as indicated by RT-PCR and Western blotting, while CYP2C mRNA was upregulated by all-trans retinoic acid and farnesol. RT-PCR and Western blot analysis showed that the expressions of CYP1A1 and 1A2 were induced by green tea extract (GTE), which also caused an increase in mRNA for CYP2E1, CYP2D6, and CYP2C isoforms. The four tea catechins, EGC, EC, EGCG and ECG, applied to either HepG2 or Cal-27 cells at the concentration found in GTE failed to induce CYP1A1 or CYP1A2, as determined by RT-PCR. Of the isoforms that were apparently induced by GTE, only 7-ethoxycoumarin deethylase (ECOD) activity could be detected in CAL 27 or HepG2 cells. Interestingly, mRNA and protein for CYP1A1 and CYP1A2 were detected in both cell lines, and although protein and mRNA levels of CYP1A1 and CYP1A2 were increased by GTE, the observed ECOD activity in both cell lines was decreased.

Role of CYP1A2 and CYP2E1 in the pentoxifylline ciprofloxacin drug interaction

In this study the drug interaction between ciprofloxacin (CIPRO) and pentoxifylline (PTX) was investigated and the role of CYP1A2 in the drug interaction was determined with the aid of a selective CYP1A2 inhibitor, furafylline (FURA), and the Cyp1A2 knockout mouse. Serum concentrations of PTX (83.4±1 μmol/l) and metabolite-1 (M-1) (13.7±2.8 μmol/l) following a single injection of PTX (100 mg/kg i.p.) were significantly higher ( P<0.05) in mice treated with CIPRO (25 mg/kg i.p. 9 days) compared to serum concentrations of PTX (46.3±0.5 μmol/l) and M-1 (6.4±1.1 μmol/l) in mice administered saline. Murine hepatic microsomes were incubated with PTX alone or the combination of PTX and CIPRO. The metabolism of PTX in the murine hepatic microsomes containing both CIPRO and PTX was significantly decreased compared to microsomes incubated with PTX alone, suggesting that CIPRO may inhibit the metabolism of PTX. To further clarify the role of CYP1A2 in the metabolism of PTX in mice, the effect of a selective CYP1A2 mechanism based inhibitor, FURA, on the metabolism of PTX was investigated and our results indicate that FURA inhibited metabolism of PTX. We then investigated PTX elimination in the Cyp1A2 knockout mouse. Blood levels of PTX were assessed at 2 and 20 min following a single injection of PTX (32 mg/kg i.v). Serum concentration of PTX was determined in Cyp1A2 knockout mice compared to Cyp1A2 wild type control mice. The serum concentration of PTX in Cyp1A2 wild type mice ( n=9) was 22.2±3.2 μmol/l at 20 min following injection of PTX. The serum concentration of PTX in Cyp1A2 knockout mice ( n=11) was significantly elevated at 20 min following injection of PTX compared to Cyp1A2 wild type mice. These results clearly indicate that inhibition of CYP1A2 catalytic activity that occurs in the Cyp1A2 knockout mice is sufficient to alter metabolism of PTX and result in markedly elevated levels in serum of Cyp1A2 knockout mice. The results of Western analysis in murine microsomes suggest that CYP1A2 protein levels were not altered by CIPRO indicating that CIPRO did not downregulate Cyp1A2. The results of Western analysis also indicated that CIPRO treatment increased CYP2E1 in mouse microsomes and the implications of these will be discussed.

Differential effects of mercury, lead and copper on the constitutive and inducible expression of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR)-regulated genes in cultured hepatoma Hepa 1c1c7 cells.

Both simultaneous and sequential exposure to heavy metals and aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR)-ligands potentially occur in human populations, yet there have been relatively few studies of combined effects of heavy metals and AHR-ligands on AHR-regulated genes. To investigate the effects of heavy metals on AHR-regulated genes; cytochrome P450 1a1 (cyp1a1), NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase (QOR) and glutathione S-transferase Ya (GST Ya), murine hepatoma Hepa 1c1c7 cells were incubated with increasing concentrations of Hg2+ (2.5-10 microM), Pb2+ (10-100 microM), and Cu2+ (1-100 microM) alone or with the AHR-ligand, 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (0.1 nM), 3-methylcholanthrene (0.25 microM), beta-naphthoflavone (10 microM), or benzo[a]pyrene (1 microM). The results clearly showed that metals alone did not significantly alter the cyp1a1 activity and protein levels but increased its mRNA expression, whereas a significant reduction in AHR ligand-mediated induction of cyp1a1 activity was observed by all metals. The decrease in cyp1a1 activity was associated with an increase, no change, or decrease in cyp1a1 mRNA and protein levels by Hg2+, Pb2+ and Cu2+ respectively, suggesting pre- and post-transcription mechanisms are involved. With respect to QOR, the activity and mRNA levels were increased by all metals in the absence or presence of an AHR-ligand, with the exception of Cu2+ which significantly decreased the induction of QOR. Differently, GST Ya activity was significantly increased by Cu2+ and Pb2+ and inhibited by Hg2+, while its mRNA was increased by Hg2+ and Pb2+ and decreased by Cu2+. All metals significantly increased the expression of heme oxygenase-1, which coincided with the changes in the phase I and phase II enzyme activities. These results demonstrate that heavy metals differentially modulate the constitutive and the inducible expression of AHR-regulated genes.

Influence of iron (56Fe2O3 or 54Fe2O3) in the upregulation of cytochrome P4501A1 by benzo[a]pyrene in the respiratory tract of Sprague-Dawley rats.

Any influence of iron in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH)/iron oxide mixtures on the capacity of PAHs to induce metabolizing enzymes will be one of the ways that iron oxides can affect PAH carcinogenicity. Because cytochromes P450 (CYPs) are haemoproteins, it will be of interest to investigate the possible involvement of Fe(2)O(3) in benzo[a]pyrene (BaP)/Fe(2)O(3) mixtures on the induction of CYP1A1 enzymes in the lung. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were instilled intratracheally with haematite ((56)Fe(2)O(3) or (54)Fe(2)O(3), 3 mg), BaP (3 mg) or BaP (3 mg) coated onto haematite ((56)Fe(2)O(3) or (54)Fe(2)O(3)) particles (3 mg). Firstly, mRNA expressions of cyp1a1 were studied. Secondly, protein concentrations and catalytic activities (7-ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase: EROD) of CYP1A1 were determined. Thirdly, (54)Fe from BaP/(54)Fe(2)O(3) mixtures in microsomal proteins was studied using time-of- flight laser microprobe mass spectrometry (ToF-LMMS). Statistically significant increases in mRNA expressions, protein concentrations and catalytic activities of CYP1A1 were observed in animals exposed to BaP, to BaP coated onto (56)Fe(2)O(3) particles or to BaP coated onto (54)Fe(2)O(3) particles versus controls. Both of the BaP/Fe(2)O(3) mixtures induced higher CYP1A1 protein levels and EROD activities than BaP alone. Iron oxide particles per se did not affect mRNA levels of cyp1a1 but only enhanced BaP-mediated increases of CYP1A1 protein levels and activity. The ToF-LMMS spectrum pro fi les showed that the (54)Fe/(56)Fe ratio in the microsomes of BaP coated onto (54)Fe(2)O(3) particle-instilled animals was 1.3 instead of the theoretical ratio (i.e. 0.063) observed in BaP coated onto (56)Fe(2)O(3) particle-instilled animals. Taken together, these novel data support the hypothesis that the Fe(2)O(3)-induced increases of the metabolic activation of BaP might rely on the property of Fe(2)O(3) particles to enhance the BaP-induced translation rate of the cyp1a1 gene into functional haemoproteins.

Effects of alkylphenols on CYP1A and CYP3A expression in first spawning Atlantic cod ( Gadus morhua)

Alkylphenols are continuously released into the ocean as a result of offshore oil production. Alkylphenols, including 4- tert-butylphenol (C 4), 4 n-pentylphenol (C 5), 4 n-hexylphenol (C 6), and 4 n-heptylphenol (C 7), up to 237 ppb concentrations, have been detected in produced water from oil platforms. Previous studies have shown that alkylphenols induce vitellogenesis in fish. Atlantic cod ( Gadus morhua) of both sexes were force-fed with various doses ranging between 0.02 and 80 ppm of a mixture of alkylphenols (C 4:C 5:C 6:C 7 ratio 1:1:1:1) or 5 ppm 17β-estradiol. We investigated effects on hepatic CYP1A and CYP3A protein expression in protein blots, using antibodies against scup ( Stenotomus chrysops) CYP1A1 and rainbow trout ( Oncorhynchus mykiss) CYP3A. There was a sexually dimorphic expression of CYP1A and CYP3A protein levels, with females expressing higher levels than males. Treatment of male Atlantic cod with 17β-estradiol resulted in increased CYP1A and CYP3A protein levels. Exposure to alkylphenols resulted in a dose-dependent increase of CYP1A and CYP3A protein expression in males, but not in females. However, this increase of CYP1A protein levels was not reflected on the CYP1A-mediated ethoxyresorufin- O-deethylase (EROD) activity, implying that alkylphenols inhibited the CYP1A enzyme activity in vivo. In vitro inhibition studies with pooled liver microsomes from Atlantic cod confirmed that the alkylphenols mixture efficiently inhibited the CYP1A activity (IC 50=10 μM), although the inhibitory effect of each individual alkylphenol varied. The IC 50 values for each individual alkylphenol on the CYP1A activity were, in a descending order of magnitude: [C 7>C 6>C 5⪢C 4], ranging from 12 to 300 μM with decreased length of the 4-alkyl chain. The effect of alkylphenols on the CYP3A activity in vitro in liver microsomes also was investigated, using the fluorescent 7-benzyloxy-4-[trifluoromethyl]-coumarin (BFC) as a diagnostic CYP3A substrate. The alkylphenol mixture inhibited CYP3A activity with IC 50 value at 100 μM. The IC 50 values for each individual alkylphenol on CYP3A activity were, in a descending order of magnitude: [C 5>C 6>C 7>C 4], ranging between 60 and 250 μM. Taken together, our results show that the alkylphenol mixture and 17β-estradiol resulted in elevated hepatic CYP1A and CYP3A expression in male Atlantic cod. The alkylphenol mixture strongly inhibited CYP1A activities, whereas it weakly inhibited CYP3A activity in Atlantic cod liver microsomes in vitro. In addition, 17β-estradiol was a weak inhibitor of CYP3A activity (IC 50=75 μM) and did not notably inhibit the CYP1A activity in vitro.

Effect of Fe 2O 3 on the capacity of benzo(a)pyrene to induce polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon-metabolizing enzymes in the respiratory tract of Sprague–Dawley rats

In this work, the question that needs to be answered was whether concurrent exposure to iron oxides and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) could affect the induction of PAH-metabolizing enzymes. Male Sprague–Dawley rats were intratracheally instilled with hematite (Fe 2O 3; 3 mg), benzo(a)pyrene (B(a)P; 3 mg), or B(a)P (3 mg)-coated onto Fe 2O 3 particles (3 mg). Forty-eight hours later, we investigated mRNA expressions of cytochrome p4501a1 ( cyp1a1), microsomal epoxide hydrolase ( meh), and glutathione-S-transferase-ya and − yc ( gst-ya and gst-yc, respectively), protein concentrations of CYP1A1, and 7-ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase (EROD) activities in lungs. Exposure to B(a)P alone or coated-onto Fe 2O 3 particles induced cyp1a1 gene transcription ( P<0.01) and increased both the CYP1A1 protein levels ( P<0.01) and the EROD activities ( P<0.001). However, in this work, we focused our attention on the potential of Fe 2O 3 in B(a)P/Fe 2O 3 mixtures to affect the capacity of B(a)P to induce PAH-metabolizing enzymes. Exposure to B(a)P-coated onto Fe 2O 3 particles increased meh mRNA expressions (1.15-fold, P<0.05), CYP1A1 protein concentrations (1.85-fold, P<0.05), and EROD activities (1.95-fold, P<0.01), versus exposure to B(a)P alone. Hence, animal short-term exposure to B(a)P-coated onto Fe 2O 3 particles favored dramatically the induction of PAH-bioactivating enzymes to the detriment of PAH-inactivating enzymes in lungs. Taken together, these results support the hypothesis that the Fe 2O 3-induced increase of the metabolic activation of B(a)P might rely on several properties of Fe 2O 3, including its capacity to enhance the rate of CYP1A1 hemoprotein elaboration. The influence of Fe 2O 3 in B(a)P/Fe 2O 3 mixtures on the ability of B(a)P to induce PAH-metabolizing enzymes will also be one of the fundamental ways that Fe 2O 3 can affect B(a)P carcinogenicity in lungs.

The effects of fenbendazole, flubendazole and mebendazole on activities of hepatic cytochromes P450 in pig.

Fenbendazole (FBZ), flubendazole (FLBZ) and mebendazole (MBZ) are benzimidazole anthelmintics widely used in veterinary medicine. The effects of these drugs on cytochromes P450 (CYP) were investigated in primary cultures of swine (Sus scrofa f. domestica) hepatocytes. After 48-h incubation of hepatocytes with benzimidazoles (0.1-2.5 microm), ethoxyresorufin O-deethylation (EROD), benzoxyresorufin O-dearylation (BROD), testosterone hydroxylase (6beta-TOH) and testosterone oxidase (17-TO) activities were measured and the CYP1A and 3A protein levels were determined by Western blotting. FBZ produced a significant, concentration-dependent increase of CYP1A activity (EROD) and protein level. No enhancement of CYP1A was observed after exposure to FLBZ and MBZ. All benzimidazoles tested did not cause any induction of CYP3A (BROD, 6beta-TOH, 17-TO activities and protein content). On the other hand, MBZ produced a significant, concentration-dependent decrease of CYP3A (BROD, 6beta-TOH and 17-TO) activities. Pharmacological and toxicological consequences of CYP1A induction and CYP3A inhibition should be taken into account in treatment of pigs with FBZ and MBZ.

Inhibition of carcinogen-bioactivating cytochrome P450 1 isoforms by amiloride derivatives

We examined the effects of amiloride derivatives, especially 5-( N-ethyl- N-isopropyl)amiloride (EIPA), on the activity of cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1 isoforms, known to metabolize carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), such as benzo( a)pyrene (BP), into mutagenic metabolites and whose cellular expression can be induced through interaction of PAHs with the arylhydrocarbon receptor. EIPA was found to cause a potent and dose-dependent inhibition of CYP1-related ethoxyresorufine O-deethylase (EROD) activity in both liver cells and microsomes. It also markedly reduced activity of human recombinant CYP1A1 enzyme through a competitive mechanism; activities of other human CYP1 isoforms, i.e. CYP1A2 and CYP1B1, were also decreased. However, EIPA did not affect BP-mediated induction of CYP1A1 mRNA and protein levels in rat liver cells, likely indicating that EIPA does not block activation of the arylhydrocarbon receptor by PAHs. Inhibition of CYP1 activity by EIPA was associated with a decreased metabolism of BP, a reduced formation of BP-derived DNA adducts and a diminished BP-induced apoptosis in liver cells. The present data suggest that amiloride derivatives, such as EIPA, may be useful for preventing toxicity of chemical carcinogens, such as PAHs, through inhibition of CYP1 enzyme activity.

Expression of CYP3A4 mRNA Is Correlated With CYP3A4 Protein Level and Metabolic Activity in Human Liver

A relatively large amount of human liver tissue was required to determine the exact activity of human hepatic CYP3A. Although, the quantity of available human liver tissue samples is limited. We measured levels of CYP3A4 mRNA by RT-PCR with a radiolabeled primer specific for CYP3A4 and compared mRNA expression with CYP3A4 protein level and metabolic activity in liver. The level of CYP3A4 mRNA was correlated with the levels of CYP3A4 protein and activity. Our results suggest that CYP3A4 protein and activity levels can be predicted from CYP3A4 mRNA levels determined by RT-PCR and using a very small amount of liver tissue.