Japanese Livers Research Articles

Inter-individual Variation in Flavin-containing Monooxygenase 3 in Livers from Japanese: Correlation with Hepatic Transcription Factors

Human flavin-containing monooxygenase 3 (FMO3)-mediated microsomal oxygenation activity, levels of FMO3 protein and FMO3 mRNA and modifications were investigated in Japanese livers genotyped for the FMO3 gene. Significant correlations were observed for benzydamine N-oxygenation or methyl p-tolyl sulfide S-oxygenation activity (in the range of approximately 20- to approximately 40-fold) and FMO3 levels determined immunochemically in liver microsomes (r(2)=0.73-0.75, p<0.0001, n=16). Preincubation with the reducing agent ascorbate revealed that FMO3 activity in some liver samples is suppressed. Microsomal FMO3 protein content (approximately 40-fold) was correlated with FMO3 mRNA levels (r(2)=0.55, p=0.0010, n=16), but FMO3 haplotypes did not affect FMO3 mRNA expression (approximately 100-fold) under the conditions used. FMO3 mRNA levels were multivariately correlated with trans-acting factors, i.e. hepatic nuclear factor 4 (HNF-4) mRNA and nuclear factor Y box-binding protein (NF-Y) mRNA (r(2)=0.31, p=0.0017, n=37). These results suggest that considerable individual differences in FMO3 levels may exist in Japanese livers. The liver-enriched transcription factor HNF-4 appears to be a determinant of FMO3 expression in livers, as well as the ubiquitous factor NF-Y.

Hepatocyte Nuclear Factor 1 Alpha is a Factor Responsible for the Interindividual Variation of OATP1B1 mRNA Levels in Adult Japanese Livers

The aim of the present study was to clarify the factors responsible for interindividual variability of organic anion transporting polypeptide (OATP, gene symbol SLCO) 1B1 mRNA expression level in the human liver. OATP1B1 mRNA expression levels were determined by real-time PCR in 31 human liver samples. The results were analyzed in relation to a single nucleotide polymorphism (-11187G>A) located in the promoter region and levels of hepatocyte nuclear factor (HNF) 1alpha mRNA. There was a 4.9-fold interindividual variability of OATP1B1 mRNA expression level in the livers analyzed, which was not associated with -11187G>A polymorphism. Accordingly, the -11187G>A polymorphism did not alter the SLCO1B1 gene promoter activity in luciferase assays. On the other hand, OATP1B1 mRNA levels showed a significant correlation with HNF1alpha mRNA levels (r=0.83, P<0.0001). This correlation was consistent with the results of luciferase assays and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays showing functional interaction between HNF1alpha and SLCO1B1 gene promoter. Our results suggest that HNF1alpha is an essential regulator of OATP1B1 mRNA expression and thus the level of HNF1alpha expression is one of the major determinants of interindividual variability in OATP1B1 mRNA expression.

Ethnic differences between Japanese and Caucasians in the expression levels of mRNAs for CYP3A4, CYP3A5 and CYP3A7: lack of co-regulation of the expression of CYP3A in Japanese livers

Using a newly developed real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction method, mRNAs were quantitated for CYP3A4, CYP3A5 and CYP3A7 in adult livers from 24 Japanese and 24 Caucasian subjects to elucidate the potential ethnic differences in the expression levels of human cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3As. The expression level of CYP3A4 mRNA in Japanese livers (n = 24) was approximately three times higher than that in Caucasian livers (n = 24, p < 0.001). The mean level of CYP3A5 mRNA was approximately twice higher in Japanese (n = 9) than in Caucasians (n = 5) heterozygous for the CYP3A5 *1 allele (p = 0.057). The CYP3A7 mRNA level was twice higher in Japanese (n = 24) than in Caucasians (n = 22) carrying the CYP3A7 *1A/ *1A genotype (p = 0.042). The level of CYP3A4 mRNA did not correlate with those of CYP3A5 (r = 0.044, n = 24) or CYP3A7 (r = 0.21, n = 24) mRNAs in Japanese livers in contrast to co-regulatory expression of CYP3A4, CYP3A5 and CYP3A7 in Caucasian livers. The results indicate that there are ethnic differences in the expression levels of adult liver CYP3A mRNAs between Japanese and Caucasians, and that the mechanism(s) regulating the hepatic CYP3A expression may be different between these ethnic groups.

Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins, polychlorinated dibenzofurans and non-ortho, mono-ortho chlorine substituted biphenyls in Japanese human liver and adipose tissue.

We measured PCDDs/DFs levels in Japanese human livers and adipose tissues in 1999, and TEQ were calculated with WHO TEF. The mean total levels of PCDDs/DFs in livers and adipose tissues were 57 pg TEQ/g on a lipid basis and 49 pg TEQ/g on a lipid basis, respectively. 1,2,3,6,7,8-HxCDD, 1,2,3,4,6,7,8-HpCDD, OCDD, 2,3,4,7,8-PeCDF, 1,2,3,4,7,8-HxCDF, 1,2,3,6,7,8-HxCDF, 2,3,4,6,7,8-HxCDF, 1,2,3,7,8,9-HxCDF and 1,2,3,4,6,7,8-HpCDF concentrations in livers considerably differed from those in 1989 (p < 0.05). The mean non-ortho-chlorine substituted biphenyls levels showed 20 pg TEQ/g on a lipid basis and 17 pg TEQ/g on a lipid basis in livers and adipose tissues, respectively. In livers, the mean of 3,3',4,4'-TCB concentrations was 131 pg/g on a lipid basis, and 7.7-fold higher than that in 1989. The mean total mono-ortho-chlorine substituted biphenyls level was 13.0 pg TEQ/g on a lipid basis in livers and 21.6 pg TEQ/g on a lipid basis in adipose tissues. 3,3',4,4',5-PeCB and 3,3',4,4',5,5'-HxCB levels decreased in adipose tissues, and 3,3',4,4',5-PeCB level only decreased in livers. PCDDs, PCDFs, and mono- and non-ortho-chlorine substituted biphenyls levels may have decreased in livers and adipose tissues because of a governmental policy on dioxins discharge for the decade. Then, we estimated the correlations of PCDDs, PCDFs and the related compound levels between livers and adipose tissues. The correlative PCDDs congeners may have had a similar behavior to that between liver and adipose tissue. On the contrary, most PCDFs isomers may have different behavior between liver and adipose tissue, while 2',3,4,4',5-PeCB (IUPAC No. 123) may also have a different behavior between liver and adipose tissue.

Pharmacogenetics of alcohol metabolism and alcoholism.

The pharmacogenetic differences among individuals in their capacity to metabolize ingested alcohol are possibly responsible for the large inter-individual and inter-ethnic variations observed in the outcome of alcohol use and misuse. Based on results of adoption, twin, and family studies it is now widely accepted that the vulnerability to alcoholism is determined by genetic factors as well as by environment. There is a constant search for biological markers and specific genes which could identify individuals genetically predisposed to alcohol abuse and alcoholism. Numerous 'candidate genes' for alcoholism have been suggested including the alcohol metabolizing enzymes, alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH). Both ADH and ALDH exhibit genetic heterogeneity. An atypical form of ADH (ADH2), which contains a variant beta 2 subunit instead of the usual beta 1 subunit, differs substantially from the usual form in its kinetic properties and is found more frequently among the Japanese, Chinese and other Mongoloid populations than in Caucasoids and Negroids. A widely prevalent genetic polymorphism has been observed for ALDH; about 50% of Japanese and Chinese livers possess an inactive ALDH (ALDH2 isozyme) whereas none of the Caucasian or Negroid populations show this isozyme abnormality. These metabolic polymorphisms seem to contribute to differences in the in vivo elimination rate of ethanol and acetaldehyde, and may explain differences in alcohol-related behaviour and its disease outcome. Taken together, Orientals who possess an atypical ALDH2 gene are more sensitive to acute responses to alcohol, tend to be discouraged from drinking alcohol, and consequently are at lower risk of developing alcohol-related disorders. However, more work is needed to support these findings. Recent advances in molecular genetics have made it possible to analyze directly the human genome. This may help in a better understanding of the complex genetic and environmental factors in alcohol abuse by providing prospects for identification of gene loci which may be responsible for predisposition to, and protection from, alcoholism.

Cytochrome P-450 human-2 (P-450IIC9) in Mephenytoin Hydroxylation Polymorphism in Human Livers: Differences in Substrate and Stereoselectivities among Microheterogeneous P-450IIC Species Expressed in Yeasts1

The cDNA of a P-450 human-2 and the two other closely related cDNAs, MP-8 (two deduced amino acids substituted) and lambda hPA6 (two deduced amino acids deleted) were expressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells, and their catalytic and chemical properties were compared to identify which cDNA encodes a major S-mephenytoin 4'-hydroxylase in human livers. In immunoblots, P-450 human-2 cDNA-derived protein in yeasts was stained at the position identical with P-450 human-2 purified from liver and a major protein in microsomes of 19 Japanese livers. MP-8- and lambda hPA6-derived proteins were immunostained at positions near, but distinct from P-450 human-2, and were not detected in those 19 livers. All three proteins expressed in yeasts catalyzed hydroxylation of mephenytoin, hexobarbital, benzo[a]pyrene and tolbutamide, although the rates of the hydroxylation of most of the drugs by P-450 human-2 were higher than those of the two others. In addition, these expressed proteins showed clear differences in the hydroxylation of chiral substrates: P-450 human-2 catalyzed the hydroxylation of S-mephenytoin five times faster than that of the R-enantiomer. Similar high enantioselectivities were also observed on the hydroxylation of R- and S-hexobarbital. However, MP-8- and lambda hPA6-derived proteins catalyzed hydroxylation of these two drugs with less or almost no stereoselectivity. These results indicate that only a few amino acid alterations cause dramatic changes in both the chemical and catalytic properties of P-450 human-2.

Molecular and pharmacogenetic basis of alcohol intolerance

Alcohol affects major psychomotor functions through a series of complex physiochemical metabolic processes. Ethnic and cultural factors are among the strongest determinants of drinking patterns in a society. People differ in physiological and morphological features which could influence their drinking behavior and metabolic responses to alcohol. The variations in individual responses to alcohol are genetically controlled and distributed among different levels. Individuals differ in their genotypes of specific enzymes involved in alcohol metabolism, and genetic differences may underlie different rates of ethanol metabolism, and resulting physiological responses. Ethanol is oxidized to acetaldehyde via hydrogen transfer from the substrate to the cofactor NAD, resulting in the conversion to NADH. Aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) catalyzes the oxidation of acetaldehyde to acetic acid. The metabolism of acetaldehyde has received considerable attention in the past ten years owing to its acute and chronic toxic effects. About 50% of Japanese and Chinese autopsy livers lack in ALDH I isozyme. While Oriental populations showed varying degrees of isozyme deficiency (8–53%), none of the Caucasian or Negroid populations have this isozyme abnormality. Among native Indians, while about 40% of the South American Indian tribes (Mapuche, Atacamenos, Shuara) showed ALDH deficiency, the isozyme deficiency was detected in only 4–5% of Sioux, Navajo and Mestizo tribes. The isozyme deficiency is the result of a structural mutation leading to the synthesis of enzymatically less-functional or non-functional proteins. ALDH I-deficient liver extracts contain CRM with near loss of enzyme activity and diminished antigenic properties. The immunological CRM isolated from the ALDH I deficient Oriental liver has been found to contain an amino acid substitution; glumatic acid, at the 14th position from the carboxy terminus, is substituted in the deficient isozyme with lysine. Hybridization of human liver ALDH mRNA to the heterologic horse liver RNA as well as length comparison suggests a very close relationship between horse and man at RNA level as also reported at the protein level. Northern blot analysis of human adult and fetal liver revealed 4–5-fold stronger hybridization signals in the adult liver. Generally, a lower transcription level of ALDH I gene was observed in fetal tissues than in the corresponding adult tissues. The chromosomal localization of ALDH I gene has been determined by nick-translating a cDNA fragment of ALDH I corresponding to the C-terminal end of the protein and subjecting it to Southern blot hybridization with a panel of human and rodent hybrid cells. Co-segregation in hybrid clones was observed between all marker bands and human chromosome 12. Differences in euphoric and dysphoric response to alcohol are observed frequently in various ethnic and racial groups. The symptoms include facial flushing, increase in heart rate, burning in the stomach, palpitation, tachycardia, muscle weakness, etc. A greater percentage of Orientals have been found to respond adversely to a mild dose of ethanol than the Caucasian subjects. The flushing response to alcohol shows familial resemblances. A positive correlation between alcohol sensitivity and elevated blood acetaldehyde level in conjunction with ALDH I deficiency was noted in Japanese subjects given an acute dose of alcohol. The initial vasomotor flushing after alcohol ingestion in Orientals might be due to their inability to metabolize acetaldehyde quickly and effectively in the absence of the low K m ALDH isozyme I. Thus, impaired oxidation of acetaldehyde and not its higher-than-normal production through an atypical alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) may be primarily responsible for alcohol sensitivity. Subjects who are deficient in ALDH I isozyme will experience unpleasant reactions after alcohol drinking and, hence, may be consuming less alcohol in daily life. Indeed, a highly significant correlation has been observed among Japanese in the regions of Sendai and Gifu regarding their annual per capita alcohol consumption and the incidence of ALDH deficiency in random autopsy liver samples. Similar studies correlating alcohol intolerance and alcohol consumption in a large number of Japanese men were reported recently. Flushers drank a small amount of alcohol compared to nonflushers who frequently drank a fairly large amount of alcohol and suffered from alcohol-related problems. In a large study on Korean and Taiwan Chinese, subjects showing fast flushing consumed substantially less amount of alcohol than those who exhibited no flushing or slow flushing. Individuals sensitive to alcohol by virtue of their genetically controlled deficiency of a key enzyme of alcohol metabolism may be discouraged from abuse of alcohol due to initial aversive reaction. Indeed, a significantly lower incidence of ALDH I isozyme deficiency was observed in a group of Japanese alcoholics than in a group of psychiatric patients, drug dependents and healthy controls. Whether ALDH isozyme deficiency also plays a protective role among native Americans has yet to be understood.

Human liver alcohol dehydrogenase: purification and kinetic characterization of the beta 2 beta 2, beta 2 beta 1, alpha beta 2, and beta 2 gamma 1 "Oriental" isoenzymes.

Four alcohol dehydrogenase isoenzymes with "atypical" pH optima for ethanol oxidation at 8.8 were isolated from Japanese livers with the homozygous ADH2 2-2 and the heterozygous ADH2 2-1 phenotypes. Agarose gel isoelectric focusing patterns after dissociation--recombination of three isoenzymes purified from the homozygous livers indicate that they are beta 2 beta 2, alpha beta 2, and beta 2 gamma 1. A fourth isoenzyme, purified from livers with the heterozygous phenotype by agarose-hexane--AMP affinity chromatography, was identified as beta 2 beta 1 by dissociation-recombination studies. The kinetic properties of the three heterodimers, beta 2 beta 1, alpha beta 2, and beta 2 gamma 1, are intermediate between those of the respective homodimers, suggesting that the two subunits act independently. Product inhibition studies indicate that beta 2 beta 2 obeys an ordered sequential mechanism, as do the alpha alpha, beta 1 beta 1, gamma 1 gamma 1, and gamma 2 gamma 2 homodimers which have the "typical" pH optimum for ethanol oxidation at pH 10.0-10.5. The kinetic constants of beta 2 beta 2 differ substantially from those of the other homodimers. At pH 7.5, the Vmax for ethanol oxidation of beta 2 beta 2 is 5-40 times higher than that of alpha alpha, beta 1 beta 1, gamma 1 gamma 1, and gamma 2 gamma 2. The Km and Ki values of beta 2 beta 2 for NAD+ and NADH are also considerably higher than those of the other homodimers.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Basis of aldehyde dehydrogenase deficiency in Orientals: Immunochemical studies

While most Caucasians have two main isozymes of liver aldehyde dehydrogenase, in about 50% of Orientals the ALDH I isozyme is missing. This isozyme, which has a faster electrophoretic mobility, is predominantly present in mitochondria and has a relatively low Km for acetaldehyde. The inherent deficiency of ALDH I is responsible for the impaired acetaldehyde oxidation leading to facial flushing and other cardiovascular symptoms of alcohol sensitivity commonly observed in Japanese and Chinese. Antibodies raised against apparently homogenous liver ALDH I and ALDH II isozymes did not show an immunological similarity between the two isozymes which do not share common subunits. While erythrocyte ALDH II is also immunologically distinct from hepatic ALDH I, it showed an immunological similarity with hepatic ALDH II. On isoelectric focusing in agarose gel followed by immunoelectrophoresis, at least 4 components with an anti-ALDH I antibody were detected in extracts from Caucasian and Oriental livers. In Japanese livers deficient in ALDH I activity, the prominent ALDH component was missing. Apparently, more than one gene is responsible for the synthesis of ALDH isozymes reacting with an antibody against ALDH I. A deletion in one of the genes may be responsible for the loss of ALDH I enzyme activity and altered antigenic properties. However, at this stage, a point mutation in a structural gene coding for ALDH I resulting in a defective protein with altered electrophoretic and enzymatic properties is not ruled out.

Polymorphism of human liver alcohol dehydrogenase: identification of ADH2 2-1 and ADH2 2-2 phenotypes in the Japanese by isoelectric focusing.

Liver homogenate-supernatants from most Japanese exhibit an "atypical" pH optimum for ethanol oxidation at pH 8.8 instead of 10.5, the "typical" pH-activity optimum. It has been proposed that atypical livers contain alcohol dehydrogenase isozymes with beta 2 subunits while typical livers contain isozymes with beta 1 subunits, both produced by the ADH2 gene. Because it is difficult to differentiate the atypical ADH2 2-2 phenotype from the ADH2 2-1 phenotype by starch gel electrophoresis, an agarose isoelectric focusing procedure was developed that clearly separated the atypical Japanese livers into two groups, A1 and A2. The beta beta isozymes in A1 and A2 livers were purified. Type A1 livers contained a single beta beta isozyme with an atypical pH-rate profile; it was designated beta 2 beta 2. Three beta beta isozymes were isolated from A2 livers, two of which corresponded to beta 1 beta 1 and beta 2 beta 2. A third, absent from the typical and the atypical A1 livers, had an intermediate mobility; it was designated beta 2 beta 1. Type A1 livers are, therefore, the homozygous ADH2 2-2 phenotype, and type A2 livers, the heterozygous ADH2 2-1 phenotype. The ADH2 2-2 phenotype was found in 53% of 194 Japanese livers, and the ADH2 2-1 phenotype, in 31%. Accordingly, the frequency of ADH2(2) was 0.68.