Human Intestinal Microsomes Research Articles

Resveratrol (trans-Resveratrol, 3,5,4′-Trihydroxy-trans-stilbene) Glucuronidation Exhibits Atypical Enzyme Kinetics in Various Protein Sources

The dietary polyphenol trans-resveratrol (3,5,4'-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene) is glucuronidated at the 3 and 4' positions to yield two major glucuronide conjugates, resveratrol-3-O-glucuronide (R3G) and resveratrol-4'-O-glucuronide (R4'G). The major enzymes catalyzing this conjugation reaction are members of the UDP-glucuronosyl transferase (UGT) 1A family and include UGT1A1 and UGT1A9, with minor contributions by UGT1A10. The kinetics of resveratrol glucuronidation in these three UGT1A isoforms as well as in human liver and intestinal microsomes were characterized across a wide concentration range. Atypical kinetics were observed for resveratrol glucuronidation in all the protein sources studied. The V(max) estimate per total protein for both glucuronides was higher in human intestinal microsomes compared with human liver microsomes (12.2 +/- 0.34 versus 7.4 +/- 0.25 nmol/min/mg for R3G and 8.9 +/- 0.14 versus 0.45 +/- 0.01 nmol/min/mg for R4'G). The kinetic profile for formation of R3G in both human liver and intestinal microsomes fits a substrate inhibition model, whereas that for R4'G exhibited a biphasic kinetic profile in human liver microsomes and substrate inhibition in human intestinal microsomes. In recombinant human UGT supersomes, for both glucuronides, UGT1A9 exhibited higher activity than UGT1A1, whereas the lowest activity was observed with UGT1A10. The kinetic profile for R3G exhibited substrate inhibition for all three isoforms, whereas that for R4'G differed, exhibiting substrate inhibition for UGT1A1 and UGT1A10 and Hill kinetics for UGT1A9. These results suggest that in vitro kinetics of resveratrol glucuronidation at high concentrations cannot be ignored in predicting in vivo clearance upon high-dose consumption of resveratrol.

Characterization ofN-Glucuronidation of 4-(5-Pyridin-4-yl-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl) pyridine-2-carbonitrile (FYX-051): A New Xanthine Oxidoreductase Inhibitor

In humans, orally administered 4-(5-pyridin-4-yl-1H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl) pyridine-2-carbonitrile (FYX-051) is excreted mainly as triazole N(1)- and N(2)-glucuronides in urine. It is important to determine the enzyme(s) that catalyze the metabolism of a new drug to estimate individual differences and/or drug-drug interactions. Therefore, the characterization and mechanism of these glucuronidations were investigated using human liver microsomes (HLMs), human intestinal microsomes (HIMs), and recombinant human UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) isoforms to determine the UGT isoform(s) responsible for FYX-051 N(1)- and N(2)-glucuronidation. FYX-051 was metabolized to its N(1)- and N(2)-glucuronide forms by HLMs, and their K(m) values were 64.1 and 72.7 microM, respectively; however, FYX-051 was scarcely metabolized to its glucuronides by HIMs. Furthermore, among the recombinant human UGT isoforms, UGT1A1, UGT1A7, and UGT1A9 catalyzed the N(1)- and N(2)-glucuronidation of FYX-051. To estimate their contribution to FYX-051 glucuronidation, inhibition analysis with pooled HLMs was performed. Mefenamic acid, a UGT1A9 inhibitor, decreased FYX-051 N(1)- and N(2)-glucuronosyltransferase activities, whereas bilirubin, a UGT1A1 inhibitor, did not affect these activities. Furthermore, in the experiment using microsomes from eight human livers, the N(1)- and N(2)-glucuronidation activity of FYX-051 was found to significantly correlate with the glucuronidation activity of propofol, a specific substrate of UGT1A9 (N(1): r(2) = 0.868, p < 0.01; N(2): r(2) = 0.775, p < 0.01). These results strongly suggested that the N(1)- and N(2)-glucuronidation of FYX-051 is catalyzed mainly by UGT1A9 in human livers.

Human Enteric Microsomal CYP4F EnzymesO-Demethylate the Antiparasitic Prodrug Pafuramidine

CYP4F enzymes, including CYP4F2 and CYP4F3B, were recently shown to be the major enzymes catalyzing the initial oxidative O-demethylation of the antiparasitic prodrug pafuramidine (DB289) by human liver microsomes. As suggested by a low oral bioavailability, DB289 could undergo first-pass biotransformation in the intestine, as well as in the liver. Using human intestinal microsomes (HIM), we characterized the enteric enzymes that catalyze the initial O-demethylation of DB289 to the intermediate metabolite, M1. M1 formation in HIM was catalyzed by cytochrome P450 (P450) enzymes, as evidenced by potent inhibition by 1-aminobenzotriazole and the requirement for NADPH. Apparent K(m) and V(max) values ranged from 0.6 to 2.4 microM and from 0.02 to 0.89 nmol/min/mg protein, respectively (n = 9). Of the P450 chemical inhibitors evaluated, ketoconazole was the most potent, inhibiting M1 formation by 66%. Two inhibitors of P450-mediated arachidonic acid metabolism, HET0016 (N-hydroxy-N'-(4-n-butyl-2-methylphenyl)formamidine) and 17-octadecynoic acid, inhibited M1 formation in a concentration-dependent manner (up to 95%). Immunoinhibition with an antibody raised against CYP4F2 showed concentration-dependent inhibition of M1 formation (up to 92%), whereas antibodies against CYP3A4/5 and CYP2J2 had negligible to modest effects. M1 formation rates correlated strongly with arachidonic acid omega-hydroxylation rates (r(2) = 0.94, P < 0.0001, n = 12) in a panel of HIM that lacked detectable CYP4A11 protein expression. Quantitative Western blot analysis revealed appreciable CYP4F expression in these HIM, with a mean (range) of 7 (3-18) pmol/mg protein. We conclude that enteric CYP4F enzymes could play a role in the first-pass biotransformation of DB289 and other xenobiotics.

Differential Metabolism of Gefitinib and Erlotinib by Human Cytochrome P450 Enzymes

To examine the enzyme kinetics of gefitinib and erlotinib metabolism by individual cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes, and to compare their effects on CYP3A activity, with the aim to better understand mechanisms underlying pharmacokinetic variability and clinical effects. Enzyme kinetics were examined by incubating gefitinib or erlotinib (1.5-50 micromol/L) with recombinant human CYP3A4, CYP3A5, CYP2D6, CYP1A1, CYP1A2, and CYP1B1 (10-160 pmol/mL). Their effects on CYP3A activity were examined by comparing midazolam metabolism in the presence and absence of gefitinib or erlotinib in human liver and intestinal microsomes. Parent compounds and metabolites were monitored by high-performance liquid chromatography with a photodiode detector or tandem mass spectrometer. Both drugs were metabolized primarily by CYP3A4, CYP3A5, and CYP1A1, with respective maximum clearance (Cl(max)) values for metabolism of 0.41, 0.39, and 0.57 mL/min/nmol for gefitinib and 0.24, 0.21, 0.31 mL/min/nmol for erlotinib. CYP2D6 was involved in gefitinib metabolism (Cl(max), 0.63 mL/min/nmol) to a large extent, whereas CYP1A2 was considerably involved in erlotinib metabolism (Cl(max), 0.15 mL/min/nmol). Both drugs stimulated CYP3A-mediated midazolam disappearance and 1-hydroxymidazolam formation in liver and intestinal microsomes. Gefitinib is more susceptible to CYP3A-mediated metabolism than erlotinib, which may contribute to the higher apparent oral clearance observed for gefitinib. Metabolism by hepatic and extrahepatic CYP1A may represent a determinant of pharmacokinetic variability and response for both drugs. The differential metabolizing enzyme profiles suggest that there may be differences in drug-drug interaction potential and that stimulation of CYP3A4 may likely play a role in drug interactions for erlotinib and gefitinib.

Hydrolysis of pyrethroids by human and rat tissues: Examination of intestinal, liver and serum carboxylesterases

Hydrolytic metabolism of pyrethroid insecticides in humans is one of the major catabolic pathways that clear these compounds from the body. Rodent models are often used to determine the disposition and clearance rates of these esterified compounds. In this study the distribution and activities of esterases that catalyze pyrethroid metabolism have been investigated in vitro using several human and rat tissues, including small intestine, liver and serum. The major esterase in human intestine is carboxylesterase 2 (hCE2). We found that the pyrethroid trans-permethrin is effectively hydrolyzed by a sample of pooled human intestinal microsomes (5 individuals), while deltamethrin and bioresmethrin are not. This result correlates well with the substrate specificity of recombinant hCE2 enzyme. In contrast, a sample of pooled rat intestinal microsomes (5 animals) hydrolyze trans-permethrin 4.5-fold slower than the sample of human intestinal microsomes. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that pooled samples of cytosol from human or rat liver are ∼ 2-fold less hydrolytically active (normalized per mg protein) than the corresponding microsomal fraction toward pyrethroid substrates; however, the cytosolic fractions do have significant amounts (∼ 40%) of the total esteratic activity. Moreover, a 6-fold interindividual variation in carboxylesterase 1 protein expression in human hepatic cytosols was observed. Human serum was shown to lack pyrethroid hydrolytic activity, but rat serum has hydrolytic activity that is attributed to a single CE isozyme. We purified the serum CE enzyme to homogeneity to determine its contribution to pyrethroid metabolism in the rat. Both trans-permethrin and bioresmethrin were effectively cleaved by this serum CE, but deltamethrin, esfenvalerate, alpha-cypermethrin and cis-permethrin were slowly hydrolyzed. Lastly, two model lipase enzymes were examined for their ability to hydrolyze pyrethroids. However, no hydrolysis products could be detected. Together, these results demonstrate that extrahepatic esterolytic metabolism of specific pyrethroids may be significant. Moreover, hepatic cytosolic and microsomal hydrolytic metabolism should each be considered during the development of pharmacokinetic models that predict the disposition of pyrethroids and other esterified compounds.

UDP-Glucuronosyltransferase 1A1 Is the Principal Enzyme Responsible for Etoposide Glucuronidation in Human Liver and Intestinal Microsomes: Structural Characterization of Phenolic and Alcoholic Glucuronides of Etoposide and Estimation of Enzyme Kinetics

Etoposide, an important anticancer agent, undergoes glucuronidation both in vitro and in vivo. In this study, three isomeric glucuronides of etoposide, including one phenolic (EPG) and two alcoholic glucuronides (EAG1 and EAG2), were biosynthesized in vitro with human liver microsomes (HLMs), and identified by liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry and confirmed by beta-glucuronidase cleavage. In vitro UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) reaction screening with 12 recombinant human UGTs demonstrated that etoposide glucuronidation is mainly catalyzed by UGT1A1. Although UGT1A8 and 1A3 also catalyzed the glucuronidation of etoposide, their activities were approximately 10 and 1% of UGT1A1. Enzyme kinetic study indicated that the predominant form of etoposide glucuronide in HLMs and human intestinal microsomes (HIMs) was EPG, whereas EAG1 and EAG2 were the minor metabolites, with approximately an 8 to 10% glucuronidation rate of EPG. For the formation of EPG, the V(max) of HLMs (110 pmol/min/mg protein) was very similar to that of recombinant UGT1A1 (124 pmol/min/mg protein), whereas the V(max) of HIMs (54.4 pmol/min/mg protein) was 2-fold lower than those of HIMs and UGT1A1. The K(m) values of HLMs (530 microM) and HIMs (608 microM) were 2-fold higher than that of UGT1A1 (285 microM). The V(max)/K(m) values for the formation of EPG were 0.21 and 0.09 microl/min/mg protein for HLMs and HIMs, respectively. The data indicated that UGT1A1 is principally responsible for the formation of etoposide glucuronides, mainly in the form of phenolic glucuronide, suggesting that etoposide can be used as a highly selective probe substrate for human UGT1A1 in vitro.

Glucuronidation of Anti-HIV Drug Candidate Bevirimat: Identification of Human UDP-glucuronosyltransferases and Species Differences

Bevirimat [BVM, PA-457, 3-O-(3',3'-dimethylsuccinyl)-betulinic acid], a new anti-human immunodeficiency virus drug candidate, is metabolized to two monoglucuronides [mono-BVMG (I) and mono-BVMG (II)] and one diglucuronide (di-BVMG) both in vivo and in vitro. UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) reaction screening, enzyme kinetics, and species differences for the glucuronidation of BVM in vitro were investigated with pooled human liver microsomes (HLMs) and human intestinal microsomes (HIMs), animal liver microsomes, and 12 recombinant human UGT isoforms. Glucuronidation of BVM with HLMs predominantly involved the formation of mono-BVMG (I) (V(max) = 61 pmol/min/mg protein, K(m) = 27 microM) and mono-BVMG (II) (V(max) = 48 pmol/min/mg protein, K(m) = 16 microM). Di-BVMG was also observed but was a minor metabolite. HIMs mainly revealed glucuronidation to form mono-BVMG (II) (V(max) = 90 pmol/min/mg of protein, K(m) = 8.3 microM). UGT1A3 predominantly formed mono-BVMG (I) (V(max) = 65 pmol/min/mg of protein, K(m) = 13 microM), whereas UGT1A4 is a less active isoform (V(max) = 1.8 pmol/min/mg of protein, K(m) = 5.6 microM). UGT2B7 was involved in the formation of both mono-BVMG (I) (V(max) = 6.1 pmol/min/mg of protein, K(m) = 6.0 microM) and mono-BVMG (II) (V(max) = 6.5 pmol/min/mg of protein, K(m) = 7.8 microM). Among the animal liver microsomes examined, all species (rat, mouse, dog, and marmoset) demonstrated conjugation to form both mono-BVMG (I) and mono-BVMG (II), with dog liver microsomes exhibiting a higher formation rate for mono-BVMG (I), whereas marmoset liver microsomes showed a higher formation rate for mono-BVMG (II). The data suggest a primary role of UGT1A3 for the glucuronidation of BVM.

Glucuronidation of DRF-6574, hydroxy metabolite of DRF-4367 (a novel COX-2 inhibitor) by pooled human liver, intestinal microsomes and recombinant human UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UGT): Role of UGT1A1,1A3 and 1A8

DRF-4367 is a novel COX-2 inhibitor, which showed good efficacy in several animal models of inflammation. In a comparative in vitro metabolism in various liver microsomes, DRF-4367 forms a hydroxy metabolite (DRF-6574) mediated by CYP2D6 and 2C19 isoenzymes. DRF-6574 readily undergoes Phase-II metabolism and forms glucuronide and sulfate conjugates both in vitro and in vivo. The objective of the present study was two folds: to study the glucuronidation of DRF-6574 in human liver and intestinal microsomes and to identify the recombinant human liver and intestinal UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) enzymes responsible for glucuronidation of DRF-6574. Of twelve recombinant UGTs tested, two hepatic UGTs viz., UGT1A1 and 1A3 and an extra hepatic UGT i.e., UGT1A8 showed the catalytic activity. The enzyme kinetics in pooled human liver, intestinal and recombinant UGT microsomes showed a typical Michaelis-Menten plot. The apparent Km and Vmax value for DRF-6574 was found to be 116 +/- 24 microM and 2.07 +/- 0.12 microg/min/mg protein and 142 +/- 17 microM and 3.83 +/- 0.15 microg/min/mg protein in pooled human liver and intestinal microsomes, respectively. The intrinsic clearance (Vmax/Km) value for DRF-6574 was estimated to be 0.043 and 0.065 ml/min/mg protein, respectively in pooled human liver and intestinal microsomes. Moreover we have determined the Km and Vmax and intrinsic clearance values for specific UGTs viz., UGT 1A1, 1A3 and 1A8. The apparent Km and Vmax values are 23 +/- 7.2 microM, 3.44 +/- 0.17 microg/min/mg protein for UGT1A1, 60 +/- 7.9 microM, 3.67 +/- 0.11 microg/min/mg protein for UGT1A3, 96 +/- 8.0 microM, 2.95 +/- 0.06 microg/min/mg protein for UGT1A8. The intrinsic clearance values (Vmax/Km) estimated were 0.367, 0.148, 0.074 ml/min/mg protein for UGT1A1, 1A3 and 1A8, respectively. The intrinsic clearance value in UGT1A8 was very close to that in human intestinal and liver microsomes. The formation of DRF-6574 glucuronide by human liver, intestinal and UGT1A1, 1A3 and 1A8 microsomes was effectively inhibited by phenylbutazone.

Metabolism of MK-0524, a Prostaglandin D2Receptor 1 Antagonist, in Microsomes and Hepatocytes from Preclinical Species and Humans

(3R)-4-(4-Chlorobenzyl)-7-fluoro-5-(methylsulfonyl)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydrocyclopenta[b]indol-3-yl acetic acid (MK-0524) is a potent orally active human prostaglandin D(2) receptor 1 antagonist that is currently under development for the prevention of niacin-induced flushing. The major in vitro and in vivo metabolite of MK-0524 is the acyl glucuronic acid conjugate of the parent compound, M2. To compare metabolism of MK-0524 across preclinical species and humans, studies were undertaken to determine the in vitro kinetic parameters (K(m) and V(max)) for the glucuronidation of MK-0524 in Sprague-Dawley rat, beagle dog, cynomolgus monkey, and human liver microsomes, human intestinal microsomes, and in recombinant human UDP glucuronosyltransferases (UGT). A comparison of K(m) values indicated that UGT1A9 has the potential to catalyze the glucuronidation of MK-0524 in the liver, whereas UGT1A3 and UGT2B7 have the potential to catalyze the glucuronidation in the intestine. MK-0524 also was subject to phase I oxidative metabolism; however, the rate was significantly lower than that of glucuronidation. The rate of phase I metabolism was ranked as follows: rat approximately monkey > human intestine > dog > human liver with qualitatively similar metabolite profiles across species. In all the cases, the major metabolites were the monohydroxylated epimers (M1 and M4) and the keto-metabolite, M3. Use of inhibitory monoclonal antibodies and recombinant human cytochromes P450 suggested that CYP3A4 was the major isozyme involved in the oxidative metabolism of MK-0524, with a minor contribution from CYP2C9. The major metabolite in hepatocyte preparations was the acyl glucuronide, M2, with minor amounts of M1, M3, M4, and their corresponding glucuronides. Overall, the in vivo metabolism of MK-0524 is expected to proceed via glucuronidation, with minor contributions from oxidative pathways.

Involvement of UDP-Glucuronosyltransferases in the Extensive Liver and Intestinal First-Pass Metabolism of Flavonoid Baicalein

The present study aims to investigate the involvement of UDP-glucuronosyltranferase (UGT) in the extensive liver and intestinal first-pass glucuronidation of baicalein (B) in both rats and humans and also to study sulfation and P450 mediated hydroxylation of B. B was incubated with liver and intestine microsome, cytosol, S9 fractions from human, rat and various human recombinant UGT isozymes, respectively. The generated metabolites were identified by HPLC/MS/MS and quantified by HPLC/UV. Three metabolites of B namely baicalein 7-O-glucuronide (BG), the isomer of baicalein 7-O-glucuronide (BG'), and baicalein sulfate were found. BG, the predominant metabolite of B, was extensively generated in liver and jejunum microsomes in both humans and rats. Its formation was mainly catalyzed by UGT 1A9 and also mediated by UGT 1A1, 1A3, 1A8, 1A7 and 2B15 with different kinetic profiles. UGT 1A8 mediated formation of BG' was mainly found in human intestine and rat liver microsomes. Sulfation and P450 mediated hydroxylation of B were much less significant than glucuronidation. Extensive liver and intestinal first-pass glucuronidation of B were found in both humans and rats. Under the current experimental conditions, UGT 1A9 and UGT 1A8 demonstrated the fastest formation rate of BG in human liver preparations and BG' in human intestine preparations, respectively.

Microsomal Hydroxylation and Glucuronidation of [6]-Gingerol

[6]-Gingerol is the major pungent principle of ginger and frequently is ingested with various condiments and nutritional supplements. We report here that incubation of [6]-gingerol with NADPH-fortified rat hepatic microsomes gave rise to eight metabolites, which were tentatively identified by GC-MS analysis as two products of aromatic hydroxylation as well as the diastereomers of two aliphatic hydroxylation products and the diastereomers of [6]-gingerdiol. Hepatic microsomes from rats and humans fortified with UDPGA glucuronidated [6]-gingerol predominantly at the phenolic hydroxyl group, but small amounts of a second monoglucuronide involving the aliphatic hydroxyl group were also identified by LC-MS/MS analysis. Human intestinal microsomes formed the phenolic glucuronide only. Supersomes containing human UGT1A1 and 1A3 exclusively generated the phenolic glucuronide, albeit with very low activities, whereas UGT1A9 catalyzed the specific formation of the alcoholic glucuronide and UGT2B7 the predominant formation of the phenolic glucuronide with high activities. Our study indicates a rather complex metabolism of [6]-gingerol, which should be taken into consideration for the multiple biological activities of this compound.

Substrate Specificity of Carboxylesterase Isozymes and Their Contribution to Hydrolase Activity in Human Liver and Small Intestine

Hydrolase activity from human liver and small intestine microsomes was compared with that of recombinant human carboxylesterases, hCE-1 and hCE-2. Although both hCE-1 and hCE-2 are present in human liver, the dominant component was found to be hCE-1, whereas the hydrolase activity of the human small intestine was found to be predominantly hCE-2. hCE-2 has a limited ability to hydrolyze large acyl compound substrates. Interestingly, propranolol derivatives, good substrates for hCE-2, were easily hydrolyzed by substitution of the methyl group on the 2-position of the acyl moiety, but were barely hydrolyzed when the methyl group was substituted on the 3-position. These findings suggest that hCE-2 does not easily form acylated intermediates because of conformational interference in its active site. In contrast, hCE-1 could hydrolyze a variety of substrates. The hydrolytic activity of hCE-2 increased with increasing alcohol chain length in benzoic acid derivative substrates, whereas hCE-1 preferentially catalyzed the hydrolysis of substrates with short alcohol chains. Kinetic data showed that the determining factor for the rate of hydrolysis of p-aminobenzoic acid esters was V(max) for hCE-1 and K(m) for hCE-2. Furthermore, the addition of hydrophobic alcohols to the reaction mixture with p-aminobenzoic acid propyl ester induced high and low levels of transesterification by hCE-1 and hCE-2, respectively. When considering the substrate specificities of hCE-1, it is necessary to consider the transesterification ability of hCE-1, in addition to the binding structure of the substrate in the active site of the enzyme.

Prominent but Reverse Stereoselectivity in Propranolol Glucuronidation by Human UDP-Glucuronosyltransferases 1A9 and 1A10

Propranolol is a nonselective beta-adrenergic blocker used as a racemic mixture in the treatment of hypertension, cardiac arrhythmias, and angina pectoris. For study of the stereoselective glucuronidation of this drug, the two propranolol glucuronide diastereomers were biosynthesized, purified, and characterized. A screen of 15 recombinant human UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs) indicated that only a few isoforms catalyze propranolol glucuronidation. Analysis of UGT2B4 and UGT2B7 revealed no significant stereoselectivity, but these two enzymes differed in glucuronidation kinetics. The glucuronidation kinetics of R-propranolol by UGT2B4 exhibited a sigmoid curve, whereas the glucuronidation of the same substrate by UGT2B7 was inhibited by substrate concentrations above 1 mM. Among the UGTs of subfamily 1A, UGT1A9 and UGT1A10 displayed high and, surprisingly, opposite stereoselectivity in the glucuronidation of propranolol enantiomers. UGT1A9 glucuronidated S-propranolol much faster than R-propranolol, whereas UGT1A10 exhibited the opposite enantiomer preference. Nonetheless, the Km values for the two enantiomers, both for UGT1A9 and for UGT1A10, were in the same range, suggesting similar affinities for the two enantiomers. Unlike UGT1A9, the expression of UGT1A10 is extrahepatic. Hence, the reverse stereoselectivity of these two UGTs may signify specific differences in the glucuronidation of propranolol enantiomers between intestine and liver microsomes. Subsequent experiments confirmed this hypothesis: human liver microsomes glucuronidated S-propranolol faster than R-propranolol, whereas human intestine microsomes glucuronidated S-propranolol faster. These findings suggest a contribution of intestinal UGTs to drug metabolism, at least for UGT1A10 substrates.

In vitro drug interaction between diflunisal and indomethacin via glucuronidation in humans

It was reported that the plasma concentration of indomethacin was increased with concomitant oral dosages of diflunisal in humans. Both indomethacin and diflunisal are glucuronidated in humans. The effects of diflunisal on the indomethacin glucuronidation were thus investigated in vitro using human liver microsomes (HLM) and human intestine microsomes (HIM) in order to assess the drug-drug interaction. The glucuronidation of indomethacin in HLM showed atypical kinetics with Km and Ksi values of 210 and 89.5 microM, respectively, while HIM exhibited Michaelis-Menten kinetics with a Km value of 17.4 microM. Diflunisal inhibited the indomethacin glucuronidation in HLM with IC50 values ranging from 100 to 231 microM. In HIM, inhibition of the indomethacin glucuronidation by diflunisal was more potent with IC50 values of 15.2-48.7 microM. When the clinical dose of diflunisal (250 mg b.i.d.) is taken into consideration, it is expected that the diflunisal concentration in the intestine would be higher than the IC50 values for indomethacin glucuronidation in the intestine. These findings suggest that the clinical drug-drug interaction between diflunisal and indomethacin may be at least partly attributable to the inhibition of indomethacin glucuronidation by diflunisal in the intestine.

Chemical Modification Modulates Estrogenic Activity, Oxidative Reactivity, and Metabolic Stability in 4‘F-DMA, a New Benzothiophene Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator

The benzothiophene selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), raloxifene and arzoxifene, in the clinic or clinical trials for treatment of breast cancer and postmenopausal symptoms, are highly susceptible to oxidative metabolism and formation of electrophilic metabolites. 4'F-DMA, fluoro-substituted desmethyl arzoxifene (DMA), showed attenuated oxidation to quinoids in incubation with rat hepatocytes as well as in rat and human liver microsomes. Incubations of 4'F-DMA with hepatocytes yielded only one glucuronide conjugate and no GSH conjugates, whereas DMA underwent greater metabolism giving two glucuronide conjugates, one sulfate conjugate, and two GSH conjugates. Phase I and phase II metabolism were further evaluated in human small intestine microsomes and in human intestinal Caco-2 cells. In comparison to DMA, 4'F-DMA formed significantly less glucuronide and sulfate conjugates. The formation of quinoids was further explored in hepatocytes in which DMA was observed to give concentration- and time-dependent depletion of GSH accompanied by damage to DNA, which showed inverse dependence on GSH; in contrast, GSH depletion and DNA damage were almost completely abrogated in incubations with 4'F-DMA. 4'F-DMA shows ligand binding affinity to estrogen receptor (ER)alpha and ERbeta with similarity to both raloxifene and to DMA. ER-mediated biological activity was measured with the ERE-luciferase reporter system in transfected MCF-7 cells and Ishikawa cells, and in MCF-7 cells, proliferation was measured. In all systems, 4'F-DMA exhibited anitestrogenic activity of comparable potency to raloxifene but did not manifest estrogenic properties, mirroring previous results on inhibition of estradiol-mediated induction of alkaline phosphatase activity in Ishikawa cells. These results suggest that 4'F-DMA might be an improved benzothiophene SERM with similar antiestrogenic activity to raloxifene but improved metabolic stability and attenuated toxicity, showing that simple chemical modification can abrogate oxidative bioactivation to potentially toxic metabolites without loss of activity.

Comparison of the in vitro metabolism of TG100435 and TG100855 by human liver, intestine and lung microsomes

TG100435, a novel multi-targeted src+ kinase inhibitor, is an orally active anti-cancer agent. Our previous studies indicated that TG100435 and TG100855 (N-oxide of TG100435) are metabolically interconverted by FMO and CYP enzymes, respectively. In the current study, the potential capacity of human liver, intestinal and lung microsomes to metabolize TG100435 and TG100855 were investigated. The studied tissues suggested that TG100435 undergoes metabolic oxidation to TG100855 and TG100855 undergoes metabolic reduction to TG100435. The estimated intrinsic clearance (Vmax/km) values (μl/min/mg protein) are shown in the table below. The FMO related N-oxidation of TG100435 was mainly contributed by liver and intestine and the reduction of TG100855, although slower, was contributed by all tissues studied.

Tissue-specific, Inducible, and Hormonal Control of the Human UDP-Glucuronosyltransferase-1 (UGT1) Locus

The human UDP-glucuronosyltransferase 1 (UGT1) locus spans nearly 200 kb on chromosome 2 and encodes nine UGT1A proteins that play a prominent role in drug and xenobiotic metabolism. Transgenic UGT1 (Tg-UGT1) mice have been created, and it has been demonstrated that tissue-specific and xenobiotic receptor control of the UGT1A genes is influenced through circulating humoral factors. In Tg-UGT1 mice, the UGT1A proteins are differentially expressed in the liver and gastrointestinal tract. Gene expression profiles confirmed that all of the UGT1A genes can be targeted for regulation by the pregnane X receptor activator pregnenolone-16alpha-carbonitrile (PCN) or the Ah receptor ligand 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD). In addition, the selective induction of glucuronidation activity toward lamotrigine, ethinyl estradiol, chenodeoxycholic acid, and lithocholic acid by either PCN or TCDD in small intestine from Tg-UGT1 mice corresponded to expression of the locus in this tissue. Induction of UGT1A1 by PCN and TCDD is believed to be highly dependent upon glucocorticoids, because submicromolar concentrations of dexamethasone actively promote PCN and TCDD induction of UGT1A1 in Tg-UGT1 primary hepatocytes. The role of hormonal control of the UGT1 locus was further verified in pregnant and nursing Tg-UGT1 mice. In maternal 14-day post-conception Tg-UGT1mice, liver UGT1A1, UGT1A4, and UGT1A6 were induced, with the levels returning to near normal by birth. However, maternal liver UGT1A4 and UGT1A6 were dramatically elevated and maintained after birth, indicating that these proteins may play a critical role in maternal metabolism during lactation. With expression of the UGT1 locus confirmed in a variety of mouse tissues, these results suggested that the Tg-UGT1 mice will be a useful model to examine the regulatory and functional properties of human glucuronidation.

Gefitinib (Iressa) inhibits the CYP3A4-mediated formation of NPC, but activates that of APC from irinotecan

Gefitinib (Iressa) is an anticancer drug that selectively inhibits tyrosine kinases of epidermal growth factor receptor. Gefitinib might affect CYP3A4-mediated metabolism, since the drug is a substrate of human CYP3A. In this study, we evaluated the effects of gefitinib on drug metabolism catalyzed by human CYP3A4. The effects of gefitinib on the CYP3A4-mediated formation of NPC (7-ethyl-10-(4-amino-1-piperidino)carbonyloxycamptothecin) and that of APC (7-ethyl-10-[4-N-(5-aminopentanoic acid)-1-piperidino]carbonyloxycamptothecin) from irinotecan were examined with the use of human liver and small intestinal microsomes. Gefitinib inhibited the formation of NPC in liver and small intestinal microsomes. The apparent intrinsic metabolic clearance (CL(int)) in the presence of 40 microM gefitinib was equivalent to about 26% of control in liver microsomes and 45% of control in small intestinal microsomes. Gefitinib stimulated the formation of APC by CYP3A4. CL(int) in the presence of 20 microM gefitinib with human liver microsomes was about 1.9 times higher than control. In human small intestinal microsomes, APC formation was enhanced by the addition of gefitinib at concentrations 20 microM or higher. CL(int) in the presence of 40 microM gefitinib was 2.8 times higher than control. Thus, we discovered that gefitinib inhibited the formation of NPC but stimulated the formation of APC from irinotecan.

DIFFERENTIAL RATES OF GLUCURONIDATION FOR 7-ETHYL-10-HYDROXY-CAMPTOTHECIN (SN-38) LACTONE AND CARBOXYLATE IN HUMAN AND RAT MICROSOMES AND RECOMBINANT UDP-GLUCURONOSYLTRANSFERASE ISOFORMS

7-ethyl-10-hydroxy-camptothecin (SN-38), the active metabolite of the anti-cancer agent irinotecan, contains a lactone ring that equilibrates with a carboxylate form. Since SN-38 lactone is the active and toxic form, it is prudent to examine whether the more soluble carboxylate is a surrogate for SN-38 lactone conjugation. Therefore, relative rates of glucuronidation and isoform specificity of SN-38 lactone and carboxylate were characterized. The stability of SN-38 lactone and carboxylate in incubation mixtures of microsomes and UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) isoforms was used to determine optimal incubation times. Microsomal incubations were conducted using rat and human intestinal and hepatic microsomes and human and rat recombinant UGT1A isoforms. Where estimates of lactone and carboxylate glucuronidation rates could not be established due to short incubation times and detection limits, kinetic modeling was used to recover these rate constants. The stability experiments revealed that the lactone was stabilized by rat microsomes, however, the opposite was observed in human microsomes and recombinant isoforms. For all tissues and most UGT isoforms examined, the lactone consistently had catalytic rates up to 6-fold greater than the carboxylate. The rank order of glucuronidation for both SN-38 lactone and carboxylate was 1A7 > 1A1 > 1A9 > 1A8 and 1A7 > 1A8 > 1A1 for human and rat isoforms, respectively. This study provides further support that SN-38 lactone and carboxylate may be considered pharmacokinetically distinct agents. The in vivo impact of this conjugation difference is unknown, since variations in protein binding and transport proteins may affect intracellular concentrations of the lactone or carboxylate.

SPECIES- AND DISPOSITION MODEL-DEPENDENT METABOLISM OF RALOXIFENE IN GUT AND LIVER: ROLE OF UGT1A10

Caco-2 cell lysate, and intestinal and liver microsomes derived from female humans and rats were used to compare and contrast the metabolism and disposition of raloxifene. In Caco-2 cell lysate, raloxifene 6-beta-glucuronide (M1) was the main metabolite, although raloxifene 4'-beta-glucuronide (M2) was formed in comparable abundance (58% versus 42%). In rat liver and intestinal microsomes, M1 represented about 76 to 86% of glucuronidated metabolites. In contrast, raloxifene 4'-beta-glucuronide (M2) was the predominant metabolite in expressed UGT1A10 (96%) and human intestinal (92%) microsomes. Intrinsic clearance for M2 (CLint, M2) in human intestinal microsomes was 33- to 72-fold higher than in rat microsomes, whereas intrinsic clearance for M1 (CLint, M1) was 3- to 4-fold lower. Taken together, total intrinsic clearance (CLint, M1 + CLint, M2) in human intestinal microsomes was 3- to 6-fold higher than that in rat intestinal microsomes, but was similar in liver microsomes. In addition, intrinsic clearance in small intestinal microsomes was 2- to approximately 5-fold higher than that in hepatic microsomes, regardless of species. To account for the difference in species- and disposition model-dependent intestinal metabolism, we probed the presence of various UGT1A isoforms in Caco-2 cells using real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and, as expected, detected no UGT1A10. In conclusion, the lack of UGT1A10 may explain why Caco-2 cell and rat intestinal microsomes metabolized raloxifene differently from human intestinal microsomes. The presence of human intestinal UGT1A10 and the higher overall intrinsic clearance value in the human intestine as the result of UGT1A10 expression could explain why raloxifene has much lower bioavailability in humans (2%) than in rats (39%).