N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone Imine Research Articles

An Electrochemical Pipette for Study of the Drug Metabolites

The similarity between electrochemical and biological redox reactions, particularly in the realm of CYP450-catalyzed oxidation, provides the basis for using electrochemistry to simulate drug metabolism and to synthesize complex drug candidates. The tunability of electrochemical reactions, mild reaction conditions, and the avoidance of toxic reagents are the characteristics of electrochemical reactions in mimicking enzymatic drug metabolites. The acquired insights from these techniques can be used to assess the metabolites' potential toxicity and pharmacological properties. These features along with insights from electrochemical drug metabolism enable chemists to accomplish transformations on complex, functionalized molecules with high selectivity and hold great promise for improving the processes used for pharmaceutical synthesis. An instance is exemplified by acetaminophen (APAP), for which adverse side effects have been ascribed to the oxidative generation of a metabolite known as N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine (NAPQI). This well-established area showcased impressive examples of the ability of electrochemistry to replicate phase I and II APAP metabolism reactions. Yet, it is often limited to an analytical scale, hampering comprehensive characterization and complete metabolic behavior elucidation. The synthetic scale preparation of metabolites for quantitative analysis and their further studies is a valuable complementary approach to EC-MS techniques.Recently, we designed a thin layer electrode that the electrode can be pulled and pushed, like a pipette inside a glass tube, allowing for the taking in and expelling of the sample into and from the thin layer, respectively.1 The thin layer electrochemical pipette allows rapid electrolysis on a microscale making it suitable for the study of the products or intermediates of drug metabolites. The required time for electrolysis or voltammetric experiments in this TLE is in order of minutes, shorter than traditional electrolysis cells, and longer than many of the electroanalytical techniques. This allows us to detect and investigate the drug metabolites with a minute scale half-life. Herein, we showcase the utilization of microscale electrolysis to investigate drug metabolites, specifically elucidating the oxidation pathways of paracetamol and acebutolol drugs using thin-layer electrolysis (TLE) and cyclic voltammetry (CV). We successfully identified well-defined redox peaks of p-benzoquinone and hydroquinone, which remain undetectable through conventional electrolysis, whether in short or extended durations. Additionally, employing a microelectrode in the TLE facilitates the real-time examination of concentration profiles for both redox-active and inactive components involved in electrosynthesis reactions, allowing us to extract valuable kinetic information. Conducting CV experiments within the framework of (TLE) not only yielded detailed electrochemical insights into the mechanisms but also produced micromole-scale products, which can be fully characterized via chromatographic or spectroscopic methods.1. B.T. Punchihewa, V. Minda, W.G. Gutheil, M. Rafiee, Electrosynthesis and Microanalysis in Thin Layer: An Electrochemical Pipette for Rapid Electrolysis and Mechanistic Study of Electrochemical Reactions. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2023, 62, e202312048.

Rutaecarpine Aggravates Acetaminophen-Induced Acute Liver Injury by Inducing CYP1A2.

In this study, we investigated whether rutaecarpine could aggravate acetaminophen-induced acute liver damage in vivo and in vitro. CCK-8 and apoptosis assays were performed to verify the cytotoxicity of acetaminophen to L02 cells with or without rutaecarpine. The expression levels of the target proteins and genes were determined using Western blotting and qRT-PCR. The liver pathological changes were evaluated with hematoxylin and eosin staining, while the aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (AST) levels in plasma were measured to assess the liver damage. Our results revealed that pretreatment of the cell and mice with rutaecarpine significantly aggravated the acetaminophen-induced liver damage. Mechanistically, rutaecarpine induces the CYP1A2 protein, which accelerates the metabolism of acetaminophen to produce a toxic intermediate, N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine (NAPQI), leading to severe liver inflammation. Rutaecarpine exacerbated the liver damage by upregulating CYP1A2 and proinflammatory factors. These findings highlight the importance of carefully considering the dosage of rutaecarpine when combined with acetaminophen in drug design and preclinical trials.

Transcriptomic signature, bioactivity and safety of a non-hepatotoxic analgesic generating AM404 in the midbrain PAG region

Safe and effective pain management is a critical healthcare and societal need. The potential for acute liver injury from paracetamol (ApAP) overdose; nephrotoxicity and gastrointestinal damage from chronic non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use; and opioids’ addiction are unresolved challenges. We developed SRP-001, a non-opioid and non-hepatotoxic small molecule that, unlike ApAP, does not produce the hepatotoxic metabolite N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone-imine (NAPQI) and preserves hepatic tight junction integrity at high doses. CD-1 mice exposed to SRP-001 showed no mortality, unlike a 70% mortality observed with increasing equimolar doses of ApAP within 72 h. SRP-001 and ApAP have comparable antinociceptive effects, including the complete Freund’s adjuvant-induced inflammatory von Frey model. Both induce analgesia via N-arachidonoylphenolamine (AM404) formation in the midbrain periaqueductal grey (PAG) nociception region, with SRP-001 generating higher amounts of AM404 than ApAP. Single-cell transcriptomics of PAG uncovered that SRP-001 and ApAP also share modulation of pain-related gene expression and cell signaling pathways/networks, including endocannabinoid signaling, genes pertaining to mechanical nociception, and fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH). Both regulate the expression of key genes encoding FAAH, 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), cannabinoid receptor 1 (CNR1), CNR2, transient receptor potential vanilloid type 4 (TRPV4), and voltage-gated Ca2+ channel. Phase 1 trial (NCT05484414) (02/08/2022) demonstrates SRP-001’s safety, tolerability, and favorable pharmacokinetics, including a half-life from 4.9 to 9.8 h. Given its non-hepatotoxicity and clinically validated analgesic mechanisms, SRP-001 offers a promising alternative to ApAP, NSAIDs, and opioids for safer pain treatment.

A triple cysteine motif as major determinant of the modulation of neuronal KV7 channels by the paracetamol metabolite N-acetyl-p-benzo quinone imine.

The analgesic action of paracetamol involves KV7 channels, and its metabolite N-acetyl-p-benzo quinone imine (NAPQI), a cysteine modifying reagent, was shown to increase currents through such channels in nociceptors. Modification of cysteine residues by N-ethylmaleimide, H2O2, or nitric oxide has been found to modulate currents through KV7 channels. The study aims to identify whether, and if so which, cysteine residues in neuronal KV7 channels might be responsible for the effects of NAPQI. To address this question, we used a combination of perforated patch-clamp recordings, site-directed mutagenesis, and mass spectrometry applied to recombinant KV7.1 to KV7.5 channels. Currents through the cardiac subtype KV7.1 were reduced by NAPQI. Currents through all other subtypes were increased, either by an isolated shift of the channel voltage dependence to more negative values (KV7.3) or by such a shift combined with increased maximal current levels (KV7.2, KV7.4, KV7.5). A stretch of three cysteine residues in the S2-S3 linker region of KV7.2 was necessary and sufficient to mediate these effects. The paracetamol metabolite N-acetyl-p-benzo quinone imine (NAPQI) modifies cysteine residues of KV7 subunits and reinforces channel gating in homomeric and heteromeric KV7.2 to KV7.5, but not in KV7.1 channels. In KV7.2, a triple cysteine motif located within the S2-S3 linker region mediates this reinforcement that can be expected to reduce the excitability of nociceptors and to mediate antinociceptive actions of paracetamol.

The influence of acetaminophen on human health

In pain management, acetaminophen, a widely used analgesic and antipyretic, holds a central position. The metabolic pathways can lead to acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity, elucidating from glucuronidation to the cytochrome P450 system. It meticulously details the complexities of acetaminophen metabolism, culminating in the formation of the toxic metabolite, n-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine (NAPQI). Providing a holistic understanding guiding clinical practice, it explores risk factors, clinical implications, and management strategies. Transitioning to respiratory risks, potential associations between acetaminophen use and asthma, rhinoconjunctivitis, and eczema in adolescents is investigated. The study offers nuanced insights, urging caution in acetaminophen use during adolescence. In addition, the role of drug metabolism in acetaminophen-induced hepatic necrosis is also analyzed. Despite its temporal origins, the studys identification of cytochrome P450 as a catalyst for NAPQI formation remains foundational, contributing mechanistic insights to drug-induced liver injury knowledge. Synthesizing these studies reveals a delicate balance between acetaminophen metabolism and detoxification, crucial in determining its hepatotoxic potential. This nuanced understanding informs clinical practice and beckons researchers to bridge gaps, embarking on further explorations. In essence, this synthesis becomes a compass guiding the scientific community toward a profound comprehension of acetaminophen, epitomizing the standards expected in high-quality, peer-reviewed literature.

High-Dose Acetaminophen with Concurrent CYP2E1 Inhibition Has Profound Anticancer Activity without Liver Toxicity.

Acetaminophen (AAP) is metabolized by a variety of pathways such as sulfation, glucuronidation, and fatty acid amide hydrolase-mediated conversion to the active analgesic metabolite AM404. CYP2E1-mediated metabolism to the hepatotoxic reactive metabolite NAPQI (N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine) is a minor metabolic pathway that has not been linked to AAP therapeutic benefits yet clearly leads to AAP liver toxicity. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) (an antioxidant) and fomepizole (a CYP2E1 inhibitor) are clinically used for the treatment of AAP toxicity. Mice treated with AAP in combination with fomepizole (plus or minus NAC) were assessed for liver toxicity by histology and serum chemistry. The anticancer activity of AAP with NAC and fomepizole rescue was assessed in vitro and in vivo. Fomepizole with or without NAC completely prevented AAP-induced liver toxicity. In vivo, high-dose AAP with NAC/fomepizole rescue had profound antitumor activity against commonly used 4T1 breast tumor and lewis lung carcinoma lung tumor models, and no liver toxicity was detected. The antitumor efficacy was reduced in immune-compromised NOD-scid IL2Rgammanull mice, suggesting an immune-mediated mechanism of action. In conclusion, using fomepizole-based rescue, we were able to treat mice with 100-fold higher than standard dosing of AAP (650 mg/kg) without any detected liver toxicity and substantial antitumor activity. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: High-dose acetaminophen can be given concurrently with CYP2E1 inhibition to allow for safe dose escalation to levels needed for anticancer activity without detected evidence of toxicity.

High-resolution mass spectrometry identifies delayed biomarkers for improved precision in acetaminophen/paracetamol human biomonitoring

Paracetamol/acetaminophen (N-acetyl-p-aminophenol, APAP) is a top selling analgesic used in more than 600 prescription and non-prescription pharmaceuticals. To study efficiently some of the potential undesirable effects associated with increasing APAP consumption (e.g., developmental disorders, drug-induced liver injury), there is a need to improve current APAP biomonitoring methods that are limited by APAP short half-life. Here, we demonstrate using high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) in several human studies that APAP thiomethyl metabolite conjugates (S-methyl-3-thioacetaminophen sulfate and S-methyl-3-thioacetaminophen sulphoxide sulfate) are stable biomarkers with delayed excretion rates compared to conventional APAP metabolites, that could provide a more reliable history of APAP ingestion in epidemiological studies. We also show that these biomarkers could serve as relevant clinical markers to diagnose APAP acute intoxication in overdosed patients, when free APAP have nearly disappeared from blood. Using in vitro liver models (HepaRG cells and primary human hepatocytes), we then confirm that these thiomethyl metabolites are directly linked to the toxic N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine (NAPQI) elimination, and produced via an overlooked pathway called the thiomethyl shunt pathway. Further studies will be needed to determine whether the production of the reactive hepatotoxic NAPQI metabolites is currently underestimated in human. Nevertheless, these biomarkers could already serve to improve APAP human biomonitoring, and investigate, for instance, inter-individual variability in NAPQI production to study underlying causes involved in APAP-induced hepatotoxicity. Overall, our findings demonstrate the potential of exposomics-based HRMS approach to advance towards a better precision for human biomonitoring.

Electrochemical Determination of Acetaminophen Using a Hydrophilic Single-Walled Carbon Nanohorn Modified Glassy Carbon Electrode

A simple and novel electrochemical sensor based on a hydrophilic single-walled carbon nanohorn (SWCNH) modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) was designed for the determination of acetaminophen (APAP). The hydrophilic SWCNH/GCE was characterized using Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffractometer (XRD), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). This proposed sensor exhibits remarkable performance for the electrocatalytic detection of APAP. The hydrophilic SWCNH/GCE shows a good differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) response at APAP concentration from 100 to 1000 μM with sensitivity and a detection limit of 2.63 μAμM−1cm−2 and 1 μM. Regarding the reaction mechanism, the hydrophilic SWCNH/GCE could easily electro-catalyze APAP oxidation to form N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone-imine (NAPQI). Then NAPQI is rapidly degraded to p-benzoquinone in solutions of 0.1 M Na2SO4 and 0.05 M H2SO4 at pH 1.

A systems approach reveals species differences in hepatic stress response capacity.

To minimize the occurrence of unexpected toxicities in early phase preclinical studies of new drugs, it is vital to understand fundamental similarities and differences between preclinical species and humans. Species differences in sensitivity to acetaminophen (APAP) liver injury have been related to differences in the fraction of the drug that is bioactivated to the reactive metabolite N-acetyl-p-benzoquinoneimine (NAPQI). We have used physiologically based pharmacokinetic modeling to identify oral doses of APAP (300 and 1000 mg/kg in mice and rats, respectively) yielding similar hepatic burdens of NAPQI to enable the comparison of temporal liver tissue responses under conditions of equivalent chemical insult. Despite pharmacokinetic and biochemical verification of the equivalent NAPQI insult, serum biomarker and tissue histopathology analyses revealed that mice still exhibited a greater degree of liver injury than rats. Transcriptomic and proteomic analyses highlighted the stronger activation of stress response pathways (including the Nrf2 oxidative stress response and autophagy) in the livers of rats, indicative of a more robust transcriptional adaptation to the equivalent insult. Components of these pathways were also found to be expressed at a higher basal level in the livers of rats compared with both mice and humans. Our findings exemplify a systems approach to understanding differential species sensitivity to hepatotoxicity. Multiomics analysis indicated that rats possess a greater basal and adaptive capacity for hepatic stress responses than mice and humans, with important implications for species selection and human translation in the safety testing of new drug candidates associated with reactive metabolite formation.

Electrochemistry of Selected Acetaminophen Derivatives

Acetaminophen (N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)acetamide, APAP) belongs to the most frequently used pharmaceuticals with analgesic and antipyretic effect [1]. The metabolization of APAP via oxidation pathway lead to formation of highly reactive intermediate N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine (NAPQI). It immediately reacts with a nucleophile e.g. with glutathione by formation of respective conjugate. The level of such conjugates can be directly linked to the toxicity of APAP in humans.Hence, three derivatives of acetaminophen were synthesized and characterized [2]. In this contribution, we focus on the characterization of redox properties of selected acetaminophen derivatives (see scheme 1) which were studied by means of cyclic voltammetry, rotating-disk voltammetry and UV-VIS absorption spectrometry. The oxidation mechanism was studied in phosphate buffers of different pH as well as in non-aqueous environment of N,N-dimethylformamide The influence of substituents on the electron transfer mechanism was estimated and corresponding rate constants were evaluated. We found that the protonation/deprotonation of acetaminophen derivatives act as a rate determining steps in aqueous media. The obtained electrochemical results were accompanied by chemical ones using reaction of the conjugates with diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH radical assay) in order to examine their interaction with radical, hence radical scavenging ability. Acknowledgement This work was supported by the Czech Science Foundation (GA19-11867S). References L. O. Boreus, F. Sandberg, Acta physiologica Scandinavica 1953, 28, 261-265.J. Vanova, D. Malinak, R. Andrys, M. Kubat, T. Mikysek, E. Rousarova, K. Musilek, T. Rousar, P. Cesla, J. Chromatogr. A 2022, 1669, 11. Figure 1

Glutaredoxin-1 alleviates acetaminophen-induced liver injury by decreasing its toxic metabolites

Excessive N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine (NAPQI) formation is a starting event that triggers oxidative stress and subsequent hepatocyte necrosis in acetaminophen (APAP) overdose caused acute liver failure (ALF). S-glutathionylation is a reversible redox post-translational modification and a prospective mechanism of APAP hepatotoxicity. Glutaredoxin-1 (Glrx1), a glutathione-specific thioltransferase, is a primary enzyme to catalyze deglutathionylation. The objective of this study was to explored whether and how Glrx1 is associated with the development of ALF induced by APAP. The Glrx1 knockout mice (Glrx1−/−) and liver-specific overexpression of Glrx1 (AAV8-Glrx1) mice were produced and underwent APAP-induced ALF. Pirfenidone (PFD), a potential inducer of Glrx1, was administrated preceding APAP to assess its protective effects. Our results revealed that the hepatic total protein S-glutathionylation (PSSG) increased and the Glrx1 level reduced in mice after APAP toxicity. Glrx1−/− mice were more sensitive to APAP overdose, with higher oxidative stress and more toxic metabolites of APAP. This was attributed to Glrx1 deficiency increasing the total hepatic PSSG and the S-glutathionylation of cytochrome p450 3a11 (Cyp3a11), which likely increased the activity of Cyp3a11. Conversely, AAV8-Glrx1 mice were defended against liver damage caused by APAP overdose by inhibiting the S-glutathionylation and activity of Cyp3a11, which reduced the toxic metabolites of APAP and oxidative stress. PFD precede administration upregulated Glrx1 expression and alleviated APAP-induced ALF by decreasing oxidative stress. We have identified the function of Glrx1 mediated PSSG in liver injury caused by APAP overdose. Increasing Glrx1 expression may be investigated for the medical treatment of APAP-caused hepatic injury.

Geometric Isomer of Guanabenz Confers Hepatoprotection to a Murine Model of Acetaminophen Toxicity.

Overdose of acetaminophen, a widely used antipyretic and analgesic drug, is one of the leading causes of drug-induced acute liver injury in the United States and worldwide. Phase-I metabolism of acetaminophen generates the toxic N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine (NAPQI) intermediate. Reactions of NAPQI with a wide range of biomolecules cause increased oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, inflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction, some of the cellular events contributing toward liver toxicity. Previously, we evaluated the potential of an FDA-approved, ER stress-modulating antihypertensive drug, Wytensin (trans-guanabenz, E-GA), as an antidote for acetaminophen hepatotoxicity. E-GA prevented elevation of the liver enzyme alanine aminotransferase (ALT), even when administered up to 6 h after acetaminophen overdose, and exhibited synergistic analgesic interactions. However, the commercially available guanabenz exists solely as a trans-isomer and suffers from sedative side effects resulting from the inhibition of central α2A-adrenergic receptors in locus coeruleus. Here, we studied the utility of the relatively unexplored cis-isomer of guanabenz as a treatment option for acetaminophen-induced liver toxicity. cis(Z)-Guanabenz acetate (Z-GA) lacks interaction with α2A-adrenoreceptors and is thus devoid of sedative, blood-pressure-lowering side effects of E-GA. Treatment of mice with Z-GA (10 mg/kg) before acetaminophen overdose and up to 6 h post APAP administration prevented liver injury and suppressed the elevation of serum ALT levels. Mechanistically, hepatoprotective effects of both isomers are similar and partly attributed to attenuation of the ER stress and oxidative stress in the liver. The results of this study suggest that Z-GA may be a safer, effective antidote for the clinical management of acute liver injury resulting from acetaminophen overdose. It also raises a tantalizing possibility of a prophylactic combination of the geometric isomer of the approved drug guanabenz with acetaminophen in a clinical setting.

A Biomimetic Nanoparticle Exerting Protection against Acute Liver Failure by Suppressing CYP2E1 Activity and Scavenging Excessive ROS.

Acute liver failure (ALF) is a severe liver disease caused by many reasons. One of them is the overdosed acetaminophen (APAP), which is metabolized into N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine (NAPQI), an excessive toxic metabolite, by CYP2E1, resulting in excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS), exhausted glutathione (GSH), and thereafter hepatocyte necrosis. N-acetylcysteine is the Food and Drug Administration-approved drug for detoxification of APAP, but it has limited clinical application due to the short therapeutic time window and concentration-related adverse effects. In this study, a carrier-free and bilirubin dotted nanoparticle (B/BG@N) is developed, which is formed using bilirubin and 18β-Glycyrrhetinic acid, and bovine serum albumin (BSA) is then adsorbed to mimic the in vivo behavior of the conjugated bilirubin for hitchhiking. The results demonstrate that B/BG@N can effectively reduce the production of NAPQI as well asexhibit antioxidant effects against intracellular oxidative stress via regulating the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2/heme oxygenase-1 signal axis and reducing the production of inflammatory factors. In vivo study shows that B/BG@N can effectively improve the clinical symptom of the mice model. This study suggests that B/BG@N own increases circulation half-life, improves accumulation in the liver, and dual detoxification, providing a promising strategy for clinical ALF treatment.

Chlorzoxazone reduced the paracetamol-induced toxicity via competitive inhibition of CYP2E1-mediated metabolism

BackgroundDrug metabolism is crucial to attaining the therapeutic index of any drug. The metabolism and elimination of the drugs are governed mainly by P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and Cytochrome P450 (CYP). Paracetamol is mostly used as analgesic and antipyretic agent. The metabolism of paracetamol is primarily via Glucuronidation and sulphation at therapeutic doses. About 5–10% of paracetamol is metabolized via CYP mediated pathway. Cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) is primarily responsible for forming a toxic metabolite of paracetamol called N-acetyl-p-benzoquinoneimine (NAPQI). Even at therapeutic doses, long-term usage of paracetamol leads to the hepatic and nephrotoxicity because of NAPQI. Several in-vitro and in-vivo studies conducted by different research groups and reported that chlorzoxazone is a substrate and inhibitor of CYP2E1. However, the effect of chlorzoxazone on the paracetamol (CYP2E1 substrate) metabolism via the CYP2E1 has not yet been reported. This study investigated the effect of chlorzoxazone on the CYP2E1-mediated metabolism of Paracetamol and NAPQI formation in Wistar rats.ResultsFor 15 days, animals were orally administered with Paracetamol (300 mg/kg) with and without Silymarin (100 mg/kg) (standard CYP2E1 inhibitor) and Chlorzoxazone (50 and 100 mg/kg). Analysis was performed using RP-HPLC on the 15th day to determine paracetamol and NAPQI concentration in the plasma. Paracetamol combination with chlorzoxazone (50 and 100 mg/kg) showed a dose-dependent increase in the AUC0–∞ and the peak plasma concentration (Cmax) of Paracetamol and a dose-dependent decrease of AUC0–∞ and Cmax of NAPQI compared to paracetamol control (p < 0.001). Chlorzoxazone significantly decreased the elevated liver and renal markers compared to paracetamol control. Simultaneously, Hepatic and nephrotic tissue studies showed that compared to the paracetamol control group, the combination of chlorzoxazone significantly ameliorated paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity.ConclusionFinally, this study revealed that paracetamol in combination with chlorzoxazone led to a significant decrease in the plasma levels of NAPQI and enhanced absorption of paracetamol in rats via the inhibition of CYP2E1- mediated metabolism. In addition, chlorzoxazone significantly ameliorated paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity.

The molecular mechanisms of acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity and its potential therapeutic targets.

Acetaminophen (APAP), a widely used antipyretic and analgesic drug in clinics, is relatively safe at therapeutic doses; however, APAP overdose may lead to fatal acute liver injury. Currently, N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is clinically used as the main antidote for APAP poisoning, but its therapeutic effect remains limited owing to rapid disease progression and the general diagnosis of advanced poisoning. As is well known, APAP-induced hepatotoxicity (AIH) is mainly caused by the toxic metabolite N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine (NAPQI), and the toxic mechanisms of AIH are complicated. Several cellular processes are involved in the pathogenesis of AIH, including liver metabolism, mitochondrial oxidative stress and dysfunction, sterile inflammation, endoplasmic reticulum stress, autophagy, and microcirculation dysfunction. Mitochondrial oxidative stress and dysfunction are the major cellular events associated with APAP-induced liver injury. Many biomolecules involved in these biological processes are potential therapeutic targets for AIH. Therefore, there is an urgent need to comprehensively clarify the molecular mechanisms underlying AIH and to explore novel therapeutic strategies. This review summarizes the various cellular events involved in AIH and discusses their potential therapeutic targets, with the aim of providing new ideas for the treatment of AIH.

HEPATOTOXICITY EFFECTS OF PARACETAMOL-DENIK CLEANSER® CO-ADMINISTRATION

Aim and Objective: The concurrent use of herbal products with orthodox medicine is on the rise with the risk of herb-drug interaction that could be beneficial or harmful to the body. Paracetamol (acetaminophen) is an anti-pyretic and analgesic drug metabolized by CYP2E1 to give the major hepatotoxin, N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine (NAPQI). Denik cleanserâ is an oral herbal preparation from plants part of Occimum grattissimum, Colocynthis citrullus, Khaya ivorensi. The aim of this study was to evaluate the hepatotoxic effects triggered by Denikâ and paracetamol co-administration in rats. The study sought to mimic conventional usage of Denik cleanserâ followed by ingestion of paracetamol, a likely scenario given the popularity of both compounds. Method: Twenty animals were randomly assigned to four groups, the first group (control) received 0.3 mL distilled water, 2nd group received paracetamol 100 mg/kg, 3rd group received Denik cleanserâ2 mL/kg while the 4th group received both paracetamol and Denik cleanserâ at 100 mg/kg and 2 mL/kg daily for 3 days after which biochemical and histological analysis were carried out. Results: From histological analysis revealed that rats that received Denikâ-only and Denikâ/paracetamol (concomitantly) showed markedly distorted liver architecture compared to control indicating toxicity. Similarly, the biochemical analysis results showed a significant (p&lt;0.05) increase in AST and ALT for the Denikâ/paracetamol group compared to the control group indicating a hepatotoxic event. A non-significant increase in ALP and GGT were also observed in the Denik cleanserâ + paracetamol group. Enhanced metabolism of paracetamol by Denik cleanserâ to NAPQI (hepatotoxic metabolite) is indicated as possible mechanism. Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrated the in vivo potential for a herb/drug interaction involving paracetamol and Denik cleanserâ resulting in liver injury.Therefore, caution is strongly advised against its casual, non-medically supervised usage. Peer Review History: Received: 3 November 2022; Revised: 7 December; Accepted: 9 January 2023, Available online: 15 January 2023 Academic Editor: Dr. Nuray Arı, Ankara University, Turkiye, ari@ankara.edu.tr Received file: Reviewer's Comments: Average Peer review marks at initial stage: 5.5/10 Average Peer review marks at publication stage: 7.0/10 Reviewers: Dr. Sangeetha Arullappan, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Malaysia, sangeetha@utar.edu.my Prof. Hüsniye Kayalar, Ege University, Turkey, husniyekayalar@gmail.com Similar Articles: CO-ADMINISTRATION OF GOKO HERBAL CLEANSER AND PARACETAMOL: A HERB-DRUG INTERACTION STUDY IN-VITRO ANTIOXIDANT, LIPID PEROXIDATION INHIBITION AND LIPID PROFILE MODULATORY ACTIVITIES OF HB CLEANSER®BITTERS IN WISTAR RATS

Acetaminophen-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Obesity and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Critical Review.

The epidemic of obesity, type 2 diabetes and nonalcoholic liver disease (NAFLD) favors drug consumption, which augments the risk of adverse events including liver injury. For more than 30 years, a series of experimental and clinical investigations reported or suggested that the common pain reliever acetaminophen (APAP) could be more hepatotoxic in obesity and related metabolic diseases, at least after an overdose. Nonetheless, several investigations did not reproduce these data. This discrepancy might come from the extent of obesity and steatosis, accumulation of specific lipid species, mitochondrial dysfunction and diabetes-related parameters such as ketonemia and hyperglycemia. Among these factors, some of them seem pivotal for the induction of cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1), which favors the conversion of APAP to the toxic metabolite N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine (NAPQI). In contrast, other factors might explain why obesity and NAFLD are not always associated with more frequent or more severe APAP-induced acute hepatotoxicity, such as increased volume of distribution in the body, higher hepatic glucuronidation and reduced CYP3A4 activity. Accordingly, the occurrence and outcome of APAP-induced liver injury in an obese individual with NAFLD would depend on a delicate balance between metabolic factors that augment the generation of NAPQI and others that can mitigate hepatotoxicity.

C-Jun-N Terminal Kinase-Mediated Degradation of γ-Glutamylcysteine Ligase Catalytic Subunit Inhibits GSH Recovery After Acetaminophen Treatment: Role in Sustaining JNK Activation and Liver Injury.

Aims: Acetaminophen (APAP) overdose is the most common cause of acute liver failure in the United States. Liver glutathione (GSH) depletion and sustained P-JNK (c-Jun-N-terminal kinase) activation are key modulators in the mechanism leading to hepatic necrosis. GSH depletion is directly related to the consumption of GSH by APAP metabolites N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine (NAPQI). We previously noticed that the glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit (GCLC), the rate-limiting enzyme in GSH synthesis, rapidly decreased at the same time P-JNK increased. Our aims were to determine if JNK was directly responsible for decreased GCLC causing impaired recovery of GSH and if this was an important factor in determining APAP hepatotoxicity. Results: Immunoprecipitation of JNK after APAP identified binding to GCLC. Expression of a site-directed mutated canonical JNK docking site in GCLC was resistant to degradation and led to rapid restoration of GSH and inhibited sustained JNK activation. The JNK-resistant GCLC markedly protected against necrosis and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) elevation. The proteolytic loss of GCLC was abrogated by inhibition of the proteasome, ubiquitination, or calpain. Innovation: Using mutated-GCLC resistant to JNK-induced degradation, the results allowed us to identify impaired GSH recovery as an important contributor to early progression of APAP toxicity after the metabolism of APAP and initial GSH depletion had occurred. Conclusion: Activated JNK interacts directly with GCLC and leads to proteolytic degradation of GCLC. Degradation of GCLC impairs GSH recovery after APAP allowing the continued activation of JNK. Conversely, rapid recovery of GSH inhibits the sustained activation of the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase cascade and dampens APAP toxicity by suppressing the continued activation of JNK. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 38, 1071-1081.

Analgesic Action of Acetaminophen via Kv7 Channels

The mechanism of acetaminophen (APAP) analgesia is at least partially unknown. Previously, we showed that the APAP metabolite N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine (NAPQI) activated Kv7 channels in neurons in vitro, and this activation of Kv7 channels dampened neuronal firing. Here, the effect of the Kv7 channel blocker XE991 on APAP-induced analgesia was investigated in vivo. APAP had no effect on naive animals. Induction of inflammation with λ-carrageenan lowered mechanical and thermal thresholds. Systemic treatment with APAP reduced mechanical hyperalgesia, and co-application of XE991 reduced APAP's analgesic effect on mechanical pain. In a second experiment, the analgesic effect of systemic APAP was not antagonized by intrathecal XE991 application. Analysis of liver samples revealed APAP and glutathione-coupled APAP indicative of metabolization. However, there were no relevant levels of these metabolites in cerebrospinal fluid, suggesting no relevant APAP metabolite formation in the CNS. In summary, the results support an analgesic action of APAP by activating Kv7 channels at a peripheral site through formation of the metabolite NAPQI.

Inhibition of mitochondrial function: An alternative explanation for the antipyretic and hypothermic actions of acetaminophen

AimsAcetaminophen is the medication of choice when treating fever because of its limited anti-inflammatory effects. However at overdose it can cause mitochondrial dysfunction and damage, often associated with metabolism to N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine (NAPQI). What has never been investigated is whether the inhibition of mitochondrial function, particularly fatty acid uptake and oxidation could be the key to its antipyretic and hypothermic properties. MethodsMitochondrial function and fatty acid oxidation (FAO) was determined by measuring oxygen consumption rate (OCR) in isolated mitochondria and in 3T3-L1 adipocytes using the XFp Analyser. Basal fatty acids and adrenergic stimulated OCR of mitochondria and 3T3-L1 adipocytes were assessed with acetaminophen and compared to NAPQI, etomoxir, and various mitochondrial stress compounds. Key findingsUsing the XFp Analyser, acetaminophen (10 mM) decreased FAO by 31 % and 29 % in basal and palmitate stimulated adipocytes. NAPQI (50 μM) caused a 63 % decrease in both basal and palmitate stimulated FAO. Acetaminophen (10 mM) caused a 34 % reduction in basal and adrenergic stimulated OCR. In addition acetaminophen also inhibited complex I and II activity at 5 mM. NAPQI was far more potent at reducing mitochondrial respiratory capacity, maximum respiratory rates and ATP production than acetaminophen. SignificanceThese studies demonstrate the direct inhibition of mitochondrial function by acetaminophen at concentrations which have been shown to reduce fever and hypothermia in mammals. Understanding how antipyretics directly affect mitochondrial function and heat generation could lead to the development of new antipyretics which are not compromised by the anti-inflammatory and toxicity of the current medications.