Cytochrome P450 1B1 Expression Research Articles

Tobacco smoke induces CYP1B1 in the aerodigestive tract.

Several members of the P450 family, including cytochrome P450 1B1 (CYP1B1), can convert tobacco smoke (TS) procarcinogens, including benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P), to carcinogenic intermediates. In this study we investigated the effects of TS condensate and B[a]P on the expression of CYP1B1 in vitro and in vivo. CYP1B1 mRNA and protein were induced by both TS condensate and B[a]P in cell lines derived from the human aerodigestive tract. Treatment with TS condensate stimulated binding of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) to an oligonucleotide containing a canonical xenobiotic response element (XRE) site and induced XRE-luciferase activity. These findings are consistent with prior evidence that polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, known ligands of the AhR, stimulate CYP1B1 transcription by an XRE-dependent mechanism. To determine whether these in vitro findings applied in vivo, both murine and human studies were carried out. Short-term exposure to TS induced CYP1B1 in the tongue, esophagus, lung and colon of experimental mice. In contrast, CYP1B1 was not induced by TS in the aorta of these mice. Levels of CYP1B1 mRNA were also elevated in the bronchial mucosa of human tobacco smokers versus never smokers (P < 0.05). Taken together, these results support a role for CYP1B1 in TS-induced carcinogenesis in the aerodigestive tract.

Increased expression of cytochrome P4501B1 in peripheral leukocytes from lung cancer patients

Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR)-regulated cytochrome P4501A1 (CYP1A1) and P4501B1 (CYP1B1) have been shown to metabolically activate some carcinogens. In the present study, we utilized the real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay to compare AhR, CYP1A1 and CYP1B1 mRNA levels in peripheral leukocytes from 42 lung cancer patients and 59 non-cancer subjects. We found that CYP1A1 and CYP1B1 levels, but not AhR, were significantly higher in patients than in non-cancer subjects. After stratified by gender, CYP1A1 levels were significantly higher in female patients than in female controls. After controlling for age, smoking status and gender, lung cancer patients were more likely to be CYP1B1 high expressers ( P<0.05). Neither AhR nor CYP1A1 levels was associated with lung cancer incidence. Leu–Val polymorphism of CYP1B1 was not associated with lung cancer risk in our study. These data indicated that CYP1B1 mRNA levels were elevated in peripheral leukocytes of lung cancer patients.

Association of aryl hydrocarbon receptor and cytochrome P4501B1 expressions in human non-small cell lung cancers

It has been shown that cytochrome P4501B1 (CYP1B1) is over-expressed in variety of tumors. The objective of this study was to examine the expression and localization of CYP1B1 in normal lungs and tumor tissues of non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC). CYP1B1 was detectable in the microsomes of normal lungs and lung tumors with Western immunoblotting. Utilizing immunohistochemical staining, we found that CYP1B1 was constitutively expressed in the cytoplasm of smooth muscle cells, but not in pneumocytes. Bronchiolar epithelia from three out of 19 normal lungs expressed CYP1B1. Among 89 NSCLC tumor tissues, more than 50% expressed CYP1B1. In addition, CYP1B1 expression was more common in adenocarcinomas than in squamous cell carcinomas. Recently, we reported over-expression of aryl hydrocarbon receptors (AhR) in lung adenocarcinomas. In the present study, we observed an association between CYP1B1 and AhR expression in 89 NSCLC tumor tissues. These results suggest that CYP1B1 overexpression in NSCLC is accompanied by up-regulation of AhR expression.

Effects of dietary soy and estrous cycle on adrenal cytochrome P450 1B1 expression and DMBA metabolism in adrenal glands and livers in female Sprague–Dawley rats

Cytochrome P450 1B1 (CYP1B1) has been shown to be important in the bioactivation of 7,12-dimethylbenz[ a]anthracene (DMBA) to an adrenal toxin in rats. We investigated the effects of diet and stage of estrous cycle on CYP1B1 expression in rat adrenal glands and on DMBA metabolism by rat adrenal and hepatic microsomes. Female Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats were placed on either standard soy-containing NIH-31 rat chow or soy- and alfalfa-free 5K96 diet from postnatal day (PND) 21 until sacrifice at PND50±5. Stage of estrous at sacrifice was assessed by vaginal cytology and confirmed by histological examination of the vagina. Dietary soy at the level present in NIH-31 diet did not affect serum estrogen and progesterone levels. Immunohistochemical analysis confirmed that CYP1B1 was exclusively expressed in the zona fasciculata and zona reticularis in adrenal cortex, which are the regions vulnerable to DMBA-induced adrenal necrosis. Adrenal CYP1B1 protein expression, 3 H -DMBA depletion, and formation of DMBA-3,4-, and -8,9-dihydrodiols by adrenal microsomes were greater in animals fed 5K96 diet, and the stage of the estrous cycle affected these parameters only in the soy-free 5K96 diet. In hepatic microsomes, the formation of DMBA-3,4-dihydrodiol, 7-hydroxy- and 12-hydroxy-DMBA were lower in animals fed NIH-31 diet than in those fed 5K96 diet. Thus, dietary soy and the estrous cycle appear to regulate adrenal CYP1B1 expression and DMBA metabolism by both adrenal and hepatic microsomes. The use of different basal diets containing variable levels of soy components may affect certain toxicity assessments.

Expression of cysteine dioxygenase (EC 1.13.11.20) and sulfite oxidase in the human lung: a potential role for sulfate production in the protection from airborne xenobiotica

Aims: The lung is one of the major sites of phase I cytochrome P450 enzyme and phase II sulfotransferase expression, which together are thought to act as an enzymic barrier...

Gene expression of cytochrome P450 1B1 and 2D6 in leukocytes in human pregnancy.

We investigated the influence of human pregnancy on gene expression of two cytochrome P450 enzymes in white blood cells. Cytochrome P450 1B1 (CYP1B1) catalyses oestradiol 4-hydroxylation, and may participate in the endocrine regulation of oestrogens. Cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) metabolises many commonly used drugs, and previous studies have suggested that it is induced during pregnancy. CYP1B1 and CYP2D6 were therefore considered to be of interest in human pregnancy. As it is not ethically possible to take liver biopsies from healthy mothers during pregnancy, easily accessible cells that express the genes were used as a surrogate tissue. White blood cells were collected from eighteen pregnant women, and were used to measure CYP1B1 and CYP2D6 ribonucleic acid (RNA). The analysis was repeated after pregnancy, the women, thus, serving as their own controls. Real-time reverse transcriptase - polymerase chain reaction methods were used with 18S ribosomal RNA as an internal control. A slight, but not significant, increase in gene activity of CYP1B1 was detected during pregnancy. Expression of CYP2D6 in blood was extremely low, and induction of CYP2D6 during pregnancy could not be confirmed. In conclusion, gene expression of CYP1B1 and CYP2D6 in leukocytes was not significantly up-regulated in the third trimester of pregnancy, but a trend indicating an altered metabolism during pregnancy was detected.

Cytochrome P4501B1 Expression in Normal Breast Tissue

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are metabolically activated to ultimate carcinogens by the cytochrome P-450 isozymes CYP1A1 and CYP1B1. High levels of these enzymes may result in increased DNA adduct formation and cancer initiation. We investigated whether expression of CYP1B1 in breast tissue varies to a similar extent as has been shown for CYP1A1 and whether increased CYP1B1 expression could constitute a risk factor for breast cancer. Expression of CYP1B1 and CYP1A1 was measured in a collection of 75 nontumor epithelial breast tissue specimens from breast cancer patients ( n = 36) and from cancer-free individuals ( n = 39). Using a semiquantitative reverse transcription (RT)-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay, CYP1B1 and CYP1A1 expression levels relative to the constantly expressed g - actin gene were determined. In this study, we found 300-fold and 1,000-fold interindividual variation in expression for CYP1B1 and CYP1A1 , respectively. The mean CYP1B1 transcript level in normal breast tissue was 70% higher in mastectomy patients compared with cancer-free individuals ( p = .0473). These data suggest that CYP1B1 may play a role in breast cancer etiology, particularly in women exposed to high levels of CYP1B1 substrates such as PAHs.

Prostaglandin E2 Is Involved in the Increase of Cytochrome P-450 2B1 Expression by α-Tocopheryl Succinate in Primary Rat Hepatocytes in the Presence of Phenobarbital

The modulation of cytochrome P-450 2B1 expression by α-tocopheryl succinate and whether prostaglandin E2 is involved in this modulation in primary rat hepatocytes in the presence of phenobarbital were investigated. A primary rat hepatocyte culture model that faithfully reproduces the phenobarbital response observed in vivo was used. Intracellular α-tocopherol content was dose dependently increased by α-tocopheryl succinate incubation. Hepatocytes were demonstrated to have prostaglandin E2-synthesizing capability. α-Tocopheryl succinate inhibited prostaglandin E2 synthesis by hepatocytes and increased cytochrome P-450 2B1 expression in the presence of phenobarbital; however, it had little effect on intracellular cAMP level. To mimic the exogenous source of prostaglandin E2 from nonparenchymal cells, various concentrations of prostaglandin E2 were added to the cell culture. High doses of exogenous prostaglandin E2 (100 and 1,000 nM) inhibited the cytochrome P-450 2B1 expression in the presence of phenobarbital compared with low doses (1 and 10 nM); however, the presence of high doses of prostaglandin E2 had no effect on intracellular cAMP level. Forskolin significantly increased intracellular cAMP level and inhibited cytochrome P-450 2B1 expression in the presence of phenobarbital. The results of this study indicate that α-tocopheryl succinate increases cytochrome P-450 2B1 expression via its inhibition of prostaglandin E2 synthesis in the presence of phenobarbital; however, changes in intracellular cAMP level are not related to cytochrome P-450 2B1 expression.

7,12-Dimethylbenz[a]anthracene Inhibition of Steroid Production in MA-10 Mouse Leydig Tumor Cells Is Not Directly Linked to Induction of CYP1B1

Testosterone, which is essential for spermatogenesis, is synthesized in the Leydig cells of the testis. This study addresses whether male reproductive toxicity from exposure to polycyclic or polychlorinated aromatic hydrocarbons, such as 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) or 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), may be due to direct effects on Leydig cell function. Using a cell-based assay, the effects of TCDD, benz[a]anthracene (BA), and DMBA on steroid production and cytochrome P4501B1 (CYP1B1) expression in treated MA-10 mouse Leydig tumor cells or primary cultures of rat Leydig cells was determined. (Bu)2cAMP-stimulated steroid production was inhibited ∼25% and ∼80% by DMBA treatment of MA-10 cells and rat Leydig cells, respectively, while BA or TCDD were without effect. Conversely, male Sprague–Dawley rats treated with TCDD displayed a 75% decrease in serum testosterone levels, while DMBA-treated rats had circulating testosterone levels comparable to control rats. Injection of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) 1 h prior to euthanasia restored testosterone levels in TCDD-treated rats to 79% of the hCG-stimulated levels in control rats. Steady-state levels of CYP1B1 mRNA, as detected by RT–PCR, are present in the MA-10 cells and treatment with TCDD, BA, DMBA, or the cAMP analog (Bu)2cAMP induced CYP1B1 mRNA expression levels. CYP1B1 was constitutively expressed in rat testis, adrenal, liver, and kidney tissues while CYP1A1 was undetectable. TCDD treatment induced CYP1B1 expression in the adrenal and liver and CYP1A1 in the kidney and liver. DMBA treatment induced only CYP1A1 levels in kidney and liver. In sum, DMBA or a reactive DMBA metabolite, but not TCDD, has a direct effect on steroidogenesis in isolated Leydig cells. CYP1B1 expression levels, however, cannot be directly correlated to potential in vitro or in vivo toxic effects of TCDD or DMBA.

Prostaglandin E2 Is Involved in the Increase of Cytochrome P-450 2B1 Expression by α-Tocopheryl Succinate in Primary Rat Hepatocytes in the Presence of Phenobarbital

Prostaglandin E2 Is Involved in the Increase of Cytochrome P-450 2B1 Expression by α-Tocopheryl Succinate in Primary Rat Hepatocytes in the Presence of Phenobarbital

Morphology and cytochrome P450 isoforms expression in precision-cut rat liver slices

Precision-cut liver slices are a widely accepted in vitro system for the examination of drug metabolism, enzyme induction, or hepatotoxic effects of xenobiotics. The maintenance of the distinct lobular expression and induction pattern of phase I biotransformation enzymes, however, has not been examined systematically so far. Thus, in the present study, both longitudinal and transversal sections of male rat liver slices were investigated morphologically, as well as immunohistochemically for the expression of different cytochrome P450 (CYP) isoforms after prolonged incubation or after exposure to typical inducers. Histopathological examinations revealed an increasing vacuolization of the periportal hepatocytes mainly in the middle of the slices from 6 h of incubation on, paralleled by a loss of glycogen in the respective cells. After 24 h, mainly in the center of the slices, necroses of cells occurred. After 48 h of incubation, typically a central band of coagulative necrosis flanked by superficial layers of viable cells was observed. Freshly prepared slices displayed a CYP subtypes expression as normal liver specimen, a very low centrilobular CYP 1A1 immunostaining, but a strong CYP 2B1 and 3A2 expression predominantly in the central and intermediate lobular zones. From 2 h on, the immunostaining for CYP 2B1 and 3A2 was to some extent reduced. After 24 h of incubation with β-naphthoflavone, the CYP 1A1 and 2B1 expression was induced mainly in the viable cells around central veins, around some portal fields with bigger vessels and in the cell layers close to the slice surface. At the same sites, phenobarbital led to an increased CYP 2B1 and 3A2 expression and dexamethasone to an elevated CYP 3A2 immunostaining. These results show, that an in vitro induction of phase I enzymes in precision-cut liver slices can be demonstrated also immunohistochemically.

Xenobiotic induction of cytochrome P450 2B1 (CYP2B1) is mediated by the orphan nuclear receptor constitutive androstane receptor (CAR) and requires steroid co-activator 1 (SRC-1) and the transcription factor Sp1

The constitutive androstane receptor (CAR) activates the expression of a reporter gene attached to the phenobarbital-response element (PBRE) of the cytochrome P450 2B1 (CYP2B1) gene in response to the barbiturate phenobarbital and the plant product picrotoxin. The xenobiotic-mediated increase in transactivation occurs in transfected primary hepatocytes and in liver transfected by biolistic-particle-mediated DNA transfer, but not in the transformed cell lines HepG2, CV-1 and HeLa, which support only constitutive activation of gene expression by CAR. Steroid co-activator 1 (SRC-1) enhances both constitutive and xenobiotic-induced CAR-mediated transactivation via the CYP2B1 PBRE in transfected primary hepatocytes. The nuclear receptor 1 (NR1) site of the PBRE is sufficient for CAR-mediated transactivation, but additional sequences within the PBRE, and hence the proteins that bind to them, are required for the interaction of CAR with SRC-1. The NR2 site of the PBRE binds proteins other than CAR, including an unidentified nuclear receptor heterodimerized with retinoid X receptor α. By binding to the proximal promoter of CYP2B1, the transcription factor Sp1 increases both basal transcription and xenobiotic-induced expression via the PBRE. Thus induction of CYP2B1 expression by xenobiotics is mediated by the nuclear receptor CAR and, for optimal expression, requires SRC-1 and Sp1.

Xenobiotic induction of cytochrome P450 2B1 (CYP2B1) is mediated by the orphan nuclear receptor constitutive androstane receptor (CAR) and requires steroid co-activator 1 (SRC-1) and the transcription factor Sp1.

The constitutive androstane receptor (CAR) activates the expression of a reporter gene attached to the phenobarbital-response element (PBRE) of the cytochrome P450 2B1 (CYP2B1) gene in response to the barbiturate phenobarbital and the plant product picrotoxin. The xenobiotic-mediated increase in transactivation occurs in transfected primary hepatocytes and in liver transfected by biolistic-particle-mediated DNA transfer, but not in the transformed cell lines HepG2, CV-1 and HeLa, which support only constitutive activation of gene expression by CAR. Steroid co-activator 1 (SRC-1) enhances both constitutive and xenobiotic-induced CAR-mediated transactivation via the CYP2B1 PBRE in transfected primary hepatocytes. The nuclear receptor 1 (NR1) site of the PBRE is sufficient for CAR-mediated transactivation, but additional sequences within the PBRE, and hence the proteins that bind to them, are required for the interaction of CAR with SRC-1. The NR2 site of the PBRE binds proteins other than CAR, including an unidentified nuclear receptor heterodimerized with retinoid X receptor alpha. By binding to the proximal promoter of CYP2B1, the transcription factor Sp1 increases both basal transcription and xenobiotic-induced expression via the PBRE. Thus induction of CYP2B1 expression by xenobiotics is mediated by the nuclear receptor CAR and, for optimal expression, requires SRC-1 and Sp1.

In situ hybridization and immunohistochemical analysis of cytochrome P450 1B1 expression in human normal tissues.

Cytochrome P450 1B1 (CYP1B1) is a recently cloned dioxin-inducible form of the cytochrome P450 supergene family of xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes. CYP1B1 is constitutively expressed mainly in extrahepatic tissues and is inducible by aryl hydrocarbon receptor ligands. Human CYP1B1 is involved in activation of chemically diverse human procarcinogens, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and some aromatic amines, as well as the endogenous hormone 17 beta-estradiol. The metabolism of 17 beta-estradiol by CYP1B1 forms 4-hydroxyestradiol, a product believed to be important in estrogen-induced carcinogenesis. Although the distribution of CYP1B1 mRNA and protein in a number of human normal tissues has been well documented, neither the cells expressing CYP1B1 in individual tissue nor the intracellular localization of the enzyme has been thoroughly characterized. In this study, using nonradioactive in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry, we examined the cellular localization of CYP1B1 mRNA and protein in a range of human normal tissues. CYP1B1 mRNA and protein were expressed in most samples of parenchymal and stromal tissue from brain, kidney, prostate, breast, cervix, uterus, ovary, and lymph nodes. In most tissues, CYP1B1 immunostaining was nuclear. However, in tubule cells of kidney and secretory cells of mammary gland, immunoreactivity for CYP1B1 protein was found in both nucleus and cytoplasm. This study demonstrates for the first time the nuclear localization of CYP1B1 protein. Moreover, the constitutive expression and wide distribution of CYP1B1 mRNA and protein in many human normal tissues suggest functional roles for CYP1B1 in the bioactivation of xenobiotic procarcinogens and endogenous substrates such as estrogens. (J Histochem Cytochem 49:229-236, 2001)

Trans-resveratrol modulates the catalytic activity and mRNA expression of the procarcinogen-activating human cytochrome P450 1B1

The present study was performed to determine if trans-resveratrol (3,5,4'-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene) modulates the catalytic activity and gene expression of cytochrome P450 1B1 (CYP1B1). In vitro, trans-resveratrol decreased human recombinant CYP1B1-catalyzed 7-ethoxyresorufin O-dealkylation activity, with an IC50value of 1.4 ± 0.2 µM (mean ± SEM). Enzyme kinetic analysis indicated that trans-resveratrol inhibited CYP1B1 enzyme activity by a mixed-type inhibition and the apparent Kiwas 0.75 ± 0.06 µM. To determine if trans-resveratrol modulates constitutive CYP1B1 gene expression, cultured MCF-7 human breast carcinoma cells were treated with trans-resveratrol. As indicated by RT-PCR analysis, treatment of MCF-7 cells with 10 µM trans-resveratrol decreased relative CYP1B1 mRNA levels after 5 h, but not after 1.5 or 3 h, of exposure. trans-Resveratrol treatment at 5, 7.5, 10, or 20 µM for 5 h produced a concentration-dependent decrease in CYP1B1 mRNA levels. The extent of suppression was ~50% at 20 µM concentration. The suppressive effect was not a consequence of a toxic response to the compound as assessed by a cell proliferation assay. Overall, our novel finding that trans-resveratrol inhibits the catalytic activity and suppresses the constitutive gene expression of CYP1B1 leads to the possibility that this nutraceutical confers protection against toxicity and carcinogenicity induced by compounds that undergo CYP1B1-catalyzed bioactivation.Key words: cytochrome P450, CYP1B1, 7-ethoxyresorufin, nutraceutical, trans-resveratrol.

&lt;i&gt;Trans&lt;/i&gt;-resveratrol modulates the catalytic activity and mRNA expression of the procarcinogen-activating human cytochrome P450 1B1

The present study was performed to determine if trans-resveratrol (3,5,4'-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene) modulates the catalytic activity and gene expression of cytochrome P450 1B1 (CYP1B1). In vitro, trans-resveratrol decreased human recombinant CYP1B1-catalyzed 7-ethoxyresorufin O-dealkylation activity, with an IC50 value of 1.4 +/- 0.2 microM (mean +/- SEM). Enzyme kinetic analysis indicated that trans-resveratrol inhibited CYP1B1 enzyme activity by a mixed-type inhibition and the apparent Ki was 0.75 +/- 0.06 microM. To determine if trans-resveratrol modulates constitutive CYP1B1 gene expression, cultured MCF-7 human breast carcinoma cells were treated with trans-resveratrol. As indicated by RT-PCR analysis, treatment of MCF-7 cells with 10 microM trans-resveratrol decreased relative CYP1B1 mRNA levels after 5 h, but not after 1.5 or 3 h, of exposure. trans-Resveratrol treatment at 5, 7.5, 10, or 20 microM for 5 h produced a concentration-dependent decrease in CYP1B1 mRNA levels. The extent of suppression was approximately 50% at 20 microM concentration. The suppressive effect was not a consequence of a toxic response to the compound as assessed by a cell proliferation assay. Overall, our novel finding that trans-resveratrol inhibits the catalytic activity and suppresses the constitutive gene expression of CYP1B1 leads to the possibility that this nutraceutical confers protection against toxicity and carcinogenicity induced by compounds that undergo CYP1B1-catalyzed bioactivation.

Bone marrow stromal cell cytochrome P4501B1 is required for pre-B cell apoptosis induced by 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene.

We previously demonstrated that murine bone marrow stromal cells express high levels of cytochrome P4501B1 (CYP1B1) that metabolizes 7,12-dimethylbenza[a]anthracene (DMBA), and that DMBA activates the Ah receptor (AhR) in these cells in vitro. More recently, we reported that CYP1B1 is required for DMBA-induced lymphoblastoma formation in vivo. In this study, we addressed the hypothesis that bone marrow stromal cell CYP1B1, and not AhR activation, is required for DMBA-induced pre-B-cell apoptosis. Although DMBA did not directly cause apoptosis in pre-B cells, dose-dependent apoptosis of pre-B cells was observed when they were cocultured with a bone marrow stromal cell line. The DMBA 3,4-dihydrodiol metabolite was more potent in effecting pre-B-cell apoptosis than DMBA, whereas the potent AhR agonist 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin was inactive. Both pre-B cells and bone marrow stromal cells contained DMBA-diol-epoxide DNA adducts, indicating that reactive metabolites were transferred from stromal cells to pre-B cells. DMBA caused apoptosis when cocultured with primary bone marrow stromal cells isolated from AhR-null mice but not CYP1B1-null mice. When cocultured with AhR-null primary bone marrow stromal cells, DMBA induced approximately 50% of the pre-B-cell apoptosis seen with stromal cells from AhR-heterozygous mice. This reduced level of apoptosis parallels the decreased CYP1B1 expression in AhR-null mouse bone marrow stromal cells. These findings provide convincing evidence that bone marrow stromal cell CYP1B1 metabolism of DMBA, but not AhR activation, is required for DMBA-induced pre-B-cell apoptosis.

Cis-acting sequences from the rat cytochrome P450 2B1 gene confer pulmonary and phenobarbital-inducible expression in transgenic mice.

Specific cytochrome P450 enzymes show tissue-specific induction, and different regulatory units for expression of these enzymes have been identified. The regulation of the phenobarbital (PB)-inducible P450 genes has been relatively well characterized in terms of PB induction, but less so with regard to tissue-specific expression. CYP2B2 is not expressed in the rat lung, whereas cytochrome P450 2B1 (CYP2B1) is a dominating enzyme in the same tissue. The constitutive expression of CYP2B1 and CYP2B2 in liver is low, but inducible by PB, whereas the pulmonary expression of CYP2B1 is not induced by PB. This indicates utilization of different regulating mechanisms in the two organs. A gene construct consisting of the structural gene for LacZ coupled to a 1.3-kb 5' fragment of the rat CYP2B1 gene was used to generate transgenic mice in order to further elucidate the mechanism behind tissue-specific expression and PB induction of the CYP2B1 gene. Using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction on total RNA extracted from lung and liver tissue, a lung-specific transcription of the transgene was observed. Transcription of the construct was also observed in livers from PB-treated transgenic animals. By histochemical staining of lung sections with 5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indolyl-beta-D-galactopyranoside (X-gal), we demonstrated expression at the protein level in bronchiolar cells. In conclusion, our results revealed that the region extending to -1. 3 kb in the 5' flanking region of the CYP2B1 gene included sequences that could partly account for the lung-specific transcription of CYP2B1 and the hepatic induction of CYP2B1 transcription by PB.

Ursodeoxycholic acid prevents hepatic cytochrome P450 isozyme reduction in rats with deoxycholic acid-induced liver injury

Background/Aims: Hydrophobic bile acids, such as deoxycholic acid produce cholestatic liver injury. Ursodeoxycholic acid has been shown to be useful in the treatment of cholestatic liver disease. Methods: In this study, we investigated the effects of deoxycholic acid or ursodeoxycholic acid (1% of diet, for 14 days) and their combination (1% each) on expression of hepatic cytochrome P450 isozymes, their related enzyme activities and mRNA level in rats. Results: Adding 1% deoxycholic acid to chow caused a marked increase in serum total bilirubin (47-fold) and total bile acid (8-fold) concentrations and in alkaline phosphatase (2.5-fold, p<0.01) and alanine aminotransferase activities (23.5-fold, p<0.01). Adding the same dose of ursodeoxycholic acid along with the deoxycholic acid mitigated both the rise in serum total bilirubin and bile acid concentrations and that in alkaline phosphatase and alanine aminotransferase activities, although the use of ursodeoxycholic acid alone did not affect any of the above. Feeding 1% deoxycholic acid caused a decrease (48% of control) in total cytochrome P450 content in hepatic microsomes. Addition of 1% ursodeoxycholic acid along with the 1% deoxycholic acid completely prevented the decrease in total cytochrome P450 content. Feeding ursodeoxycholic acid alone did not affect the total cytochrome P450 content. The expression of cytochrome P450 2B1, 2E1, 3A2, 2C6, 2C11 and 4A1 proteins in hepatic microsomes was decreased by deoxycholic acid (44, 51, 23, 59, 30 and 74% of control, respectively). Likewise, the activities of cytochrome P450 2B1 (pentoxyresorufin O-depentylation), 2E1 (aniline p-hydroxylation) and 3A2 (testosterone 6β-hydroxylation) isozymes and the 3A2 mRNA levels in liver were decreased by deoxycholic acid. Addition of 1% ursodeoxycholic acid to 1% deoxycholic acid also prevented the decrease in these cytochrome P450 proteins, related enzyme activities and mRNA levels in liver. Conclusions: These results indicate that, in rats with deoxycholic acid-induced liver injury, ursodeoxycholic acid prevents the decrease in hepatic cytochrome P450 isozymes and suggest that ursodeoxycholic acid is useful for the treatment of liver injury in terms of aiding the normalization of the hepatic drug-metabolizing system.

Expression of CYP1A1 and CYP1B1 depends on cell-specific factors in human breast cancer cell lines: role of estrogen receptor status.

The impact of estrogen receptor (ER) was examined for expression and activity of cytochrome P4501B1 (CYP1B1) and cytochrome P4501A1 (CYP1A1) in two pairs of ER+/ER- human breast epithelial cell lines derived from single lineages, and representing earlier (T47D) or later (MDA-MB-231) stages of tumorigenesis. Acute loss of ER was evaluated using the anti-estrogen ICI 182,780 (ICI). In all lines, CYP1B1 was expressed constitutively and was induced by 2,3,7, 8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), whereas CYP1A1 was expressed only following induction. Expression of each CYP (with or without TCDD) was greater in T47D cells than MDA cells. The ER impacted expression of these genes in opposite directions. The ER- phenotype was associated with less TCDD-induced CYP1A1 expression, but greater basal and induced CYP1B1 expression. A 48 h treatment of ER+ cells with ICI did not revert the P450 expression pattern to that of ER- cells. Based on activities of recombinant enzyme and expression levels, differences in 7,2-dimethylbenz [a]anthracene (DMBA) metabolism between the cell lines were consistent with differences in CYP1A1 and CYP1B1 expression. In T47D lines, basal microsomal DMBA metabolism was primarily due to CYP1B1, based on regioselective metabolite distribution and inhibition by anti-CYP1B1 antibodies (>80%). Metabolism in TCDD-induced microsomes was mostly due to CYP1A1 and was inhibited by anti-CYP1A1 antibody (>50%). TCDD-induced MDA+ cells demonstrated CYP1A1 activity, whereas TCDD-induced MDA- cells displayed CYP1B1 activity. Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) levels, but not AhR nuclear translocator protein (ARNT) levels were highly dependent on cell type; AhR was high and ER-independent in MDA, and low and ER-linked in T47D. AhR levels were insensitive to ICI. ER does not directly modulate the expression of CYP1A1, CYP1B1 or AhR. Indeed, factors that have replaced ER in growth regulation during clonal selection predominate in this regulation. Characteristics unique to each cell line, including ER status, determine CYP1A1 and CYP1B1 expression.