UDP-glucuronosyltransferase Activity Research Articles

In Vitro Evaluation of Major In Vivo Drug Metabolic Pathways Using Primary Human Hepatocytes and HepaRG Cells in Suspension and a Dynamic Three-Dimensional Bioreactor System

Major human specific metabolites, not detected during in vivo and in vitro preclinical studies, may cause unexpected drug interactions and toxicity in human and delays in clinical programs. Thus, reliable preclinical tools for the detection of major human metabolites are of high importance. The aim of this study was to compare major drug metabolic pathways in HepaRG cells, a human hepatoma cell line, to fresh human hepatocytes, cryopreserved human hepatocytes, and human in vivo data. Furthermore, the maintenance of cytochrome P450 (P450) and UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) activities in a dynamic three-dimensional (3D) bioreactor were evaluated over time by using HepaRG cells and human hepatocytes. (14)C-diclofenac and a candidate from AstraZeneca's drug development program, (14)C-AZD6610, which are metabolized by P450 and UGT in vivo, were used as model substrates. The proportion of relevant biotransformation pathways of the investigated drug was clearly different in the various cell systems. The hydroxylation route was favored in primary human hepatocytes, whereas the glucuronidation route was favored in HepaRG cells. The human in vivo metabolite profile of AZD6610 was best represented by human hepatocytes, whereas all major diclofenac metabolites were detected in HepaRG cells. Moreover, the metabolite profiles in cryopreserved and fresh human hepatocytes were essentially the same. The liver bioreactor using both fresh human hepatocytes and HepaRG cells retained biotransformation capacity over 1 week. Thus, the incubation time can be increased from a few hours in suspension to several days in 3D cultures, which opens up for detection of metabolites from slowly metabolized drugs.

Role of Human UDP-Glucuronosyltransferases in the Biotransformation of the Triazoloacridinone and Imidazoacridinone Antitumor Agents C-1305 and C-1311: Highly Selective Substrates for UGT1A10

5-Diethylaminoethylamino-8-hydroxyimidazoacridinone, C-1311 (NSC-645809), is an antitumor agent shown to be effective against breast cancer in phase II clinical trials. A similar compound, 5-dimethylaminopropylamino-8-hydroxytriazoloacridinone, C-1305, shows high activity against experimental tumors and is expected to have even more beneficial pharmacological properties than C-1311. Previously published studies showed that these compounds are not substrates for cytochrome P450s; however, they do contain functional groups that are common targets for glucuronidation. Therefore, the aim of this work was to identify the human UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs) able to glucuronidate these two compounds. High-performance liquid chromatography analysis was used to examine the activities of human recombinant UGT1A and UGT2B isoforms and microsomes from human liver [human liver microsomes (HLM)], whole human intestinal mucosa [human intestinal microsomes (HIM)], and seven isolated segments of human gastrointestinal tract. Recombinant extrahepatic UGT1A10 glucuronidated 8-hydroxyl groups with the highest catalytic efficiency compared with other recombinant UGTs, V(max)/K(m) = 27.2 and 8.8 μl · min⁻¹ · mg protein⁻¹, for C-1305 and C-1311, respectively. In human hepatic and intestinal microsomes (HLM and HIM, respectively), high variability in UGT activities was observed among donors and for different regions of intestinal tract. However, both compounds underwent UGT-mediated metabolism to 8-O-glucuronides by microsomes from both sources with comparable efficiency; V(max)/K(m) values were from 4.0 to 5.5 μl · min⁻¹ · mg protein⁻¹. In summary, these studies suggest that imid azoacridinone and triazoloacridinone drugs are glucuronidated in human liver and intestine in vivo and may form the basis for future translational studies of the potential role of UGTs in resistance to these drugs.

The fetal programming of dietary fructose and saturated fat on hepatic quercetin glucuronidation in rats

Polyphenol metabolites generated by phase II enzymes in vivo are bioactive. However, data on the impact of diet and fetal programming on the activity of microsomal UDP‐glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) are limited. We examined the effect of parental exposure to a diet high in fructose and saturated fat (SFF) 1 mo before conception and during gestation and lactation on in vitro hepatic UGT activity toward quercetin (Q) in parent (F0) and offspring (F1) rats. The SFF diet included 9.9% coconut fat, 0.5% cholesterol, 30% fructose, and 30% glucose and the control diet (C) 11% corn oil and 60% glucose. After weaning, all offspring were fed C diet for 12 wk. UGT activity was determined with 30 μM Q and 12.5 μg protein in 100 μL after a 15‐min incubation at 37°C. There was a sex and diet interaction on production rate of 3’‐ (3’‐OH), 4’‐ (4’‐OH), 7‐Q‐glucuronide (7‐OH), and total Q glucuronide (TQG). In F0 females, the production rate of 3’‐OH and TQG was decreased by 29 and 35% by SFF as compared to C (P ≤0.05). SFF led to a 22% difference in 4’‐OH production rate between females and males of the F0. In F1, the production rate of 7‐OH in C females was 59% larger than C males, but not different in SFF rats. Thus, high dietary fructose and saturated fat may decrease UGT activity toward Q in female rats and in utero exposure to this diet may decrease UGT activity in female offspring, possibly via epigenetic mechanisms.

Optimized Assays for Human UDP-Glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) Activities: Altered Alamethicin Concentration and Utility to Screen for UGT Inhibitors

The measurement of the effect of new chemical entities on human UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) marker activities using in vitro experimentation represents an important experimental approach in drug development to guide clinical drug-interaction study designs or support claims that no in vivo interaction will occur. Selective high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry functional assays of authentic glucuronides for five major hepatic UGT probe substrates were developed: β-estradiol-3-glucuronide (UGT1A1), trifluoperazine-N-glucuronide (UGT1A4), 5-hydroxytryptophol-O-glucuronide (UGT1A6), propofol-O-glucuronide (UGT1A9), and zidovudine-5'-glucuronide (UGT2B7). High analytical sensitivity permitted characterization of enzyme kinetic parameters at low human liver microsomal and recombinant UGT protein concentration (0.025 mg/ml), which led to a new recommended optimal universal alamethicin activation concentration of 10 μg/ml for microsomes. Alamethicin was not required for recombinant UGT incubations. Apparent enzyme kinetic parameters, particularly for UGT1A1 and UGT1A4, were affected by nonspecific binding. Unbound intrinsic clearance for UGT1A9 and UGT2B7 increased significantly after addition of 2% bovine serum albumin, with minimal changes for UGT1A1, UGT1A4, and UGT1A6. Eleven potential UGT and cytochrome P450 inhibitors were evaluated as UGT inhibitors, resulting in observation of nonselective UGT inhibition by chrysin, mefenamic acid, silibinin, tangeretin, ketoconazole, itraconazole, ritonavir, and verapamil. The pan-cytochrome P450 inhibitor, 1-aminobenzotriazole, minimally inhibited UGT activities and may be useful in reaction phenotyping of mixed UGT and cytochrome P450 substrates. These methods should prove useful in the routine assessments of the potential for new drug candidates to elicit pharmacokinetic drug interactions via inhibition of human UGT activities and the identification of UGT enzyme-selective chemical inhibitors.

Effect of Albumin on Human Liver Microsomal and Recombinant CYP1A2 Activities: Impact on In Vitro-In Vivo Extrapolation of Drug Clearance

Long-chain unsaturated fatty acids inhibit several cytochrome P450 and UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) enzymes involved in drug metabolism, including CYP2C8, CYP2C9, UGT1A9, UGT2B4, and UGT2B7. Bovine serum albumin (BSA) enhances these cytochrome P450 and UGT activities by sequestering fatty acids that are released from membranes, especially with human liver microsomes (HLM) as the enzyme source. Here, we report the effects of BSA on CYP1A2-catalyzed phenacetin (PHEN) O-deethylation and lidocaine (LID) N-deethylation using HLM and Escherichia coli-expressed recombinant human CYP1A2 (rCYP1A2) as the enzyme sources. BSA (2% w/v) reduced (p < 0.05) the K(m) values of the high-affinity components of human liver microsomal PHEN and LID deethylation by approximately 70%, without affecting V(max). The K(m) (or S(50)) values for PHEN and LID deethylation by rCYP1A2 were reduced to a similar extent. A fatty acid mixture, comprising 3 μM concentrations each of oleic acid and linoleic acid plus 1.5 μM arachidonic acid, doubled the K(m) value for PHEN O-deethylation by rCYP1A2. Inhibition was reversed by the addition of BSA. K(i) values for the individual fatty acids ranged from 4.7 to 16.7 μM. Single-point in vitro-in vivo extrapolation (IV-IVE) based on the human liver microsomal kinetic parameters obtained in the presence, but not absence, of BSA predicted in vivo hepatic clearances of PHEN O-deethylation and LID N-deethylation that were comparable to values reported in humans, although in vivo intrinsic clearances were underpredicted. Prediction of the in vivo clearances of the CYP1A2 substrates observed here represents an improvement on other experimental systems used for IV-IVE.

Identification of Human UDP-Glucuronosyltransferases Involved in N-Carbamoyl Glucuronidation of Lorcaserin

Lorcaserin, a selective serotonin 5-HT(2C) receptor agonist, is a weight management agent in clinical development. Lorcaserin N-carbamoyl glucuronidation governs the predominant excretory pathway of lorcaserin in humans. Human UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs) responsible for lorcaserin N-carbamoyl glucuronidation are identified herein. Lorcaserin N-carbamoyl glucuronide formation was characterized by the following approaches: metabolic screening using human tissues (liver, kidney, intestine, and lung) and recombinant enzymes, kinetic analyses, and inhibition studies. Whereas microsomes from all human tissues studied herein were found to be catalytically active for lorcaserin N-carbamoyl glucuronidation, liver microsomes were the most efficient. With recombinant UGT enzymes, lorcaserin N-carbamoyl glucuronidation was predominantly catalyzed by three UGT2Bs (UGT2B7, UGT2B15, and UGT2B17), whereas two UGT1As (UGT1A6 and UGT1A9) played a minor role. UGT2B15 was most efficient, with an apparent K(m) value of 51.6 ± 1.9 μM and V(max) value of 237.4 ± 2.8 pmol/mg protein/min. The rank order of catalytic efficiency of human UGT enzymes for lorcaserin N-carbamoyl glucuronidation was UGT2B15 > UGT2B7 > UGT2B17 > UGT1A9 > UGT1A6. Inhibition of lorcaserin N-carbamoyl glucuronidation activities of UGT2B7, UGT2B15, and UGT2B17 in human liver microsomes by mefenamic acid, bisphenol A, and eugenol further substantiated the involvement of these UGT2B isoforms. In conclusion, multiple human UGT enzymes catalyze N-carbamoyl glucuronidation of lorcaserin; therefore, it is unlikely that inhibition of any one of these UGT activities will lead to significant inhibition of the lorcaserin N-carbamoyl glucuronidation pathway. Thus, the potential for drug-drug interaction by concomitant administration of a drug(s) that is metabolized by any of these UGTs is remote.

Highly variable pH effects on the interaction of diclofenac and indomethacin with human UDP-glucuronosyltransferases

In vitro glucuronidation assays of diclofenac and indomethacin at pH 7.4 are biased by the instability of the glucuronides due to acyl migration. The extent of this acyl migration may be reduced significantly by performing the glucuronidation reaction at pH 6.0. Testing the human UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs) of subfamilies 1A, 2A and 2B at pH 7.4 revealed that UGT1A10, UGT2B7 and UGT2B17 are the most active enzymes in diclofenac glucuronidation, while the highest indomethacin glucuronidation rates (corrected for relative expression levels) were exhibited by UGT2A1, UGT1A10 and UGT2B7. Interestingly, lowering the reaction pH to 6.0 increased the activity of many UGTs, particularly UGT1A10, toward both drugs, even if the rate of 4-methylumbelliferone glucuronidation by UGT1A10 at pH 6.0 was significantly lower than at pH 7.4. On the other hand, UGT2B15 lost activity upon lowering the reaction pH to 6.0. UGT1A6 does not glucuronidate diclofenac and indomethacin. Nevertheless, both drugs inhibit the 1-naphthol glucuronidation activity of UGT1A6 and their inhibition was stimulated by lowering the reaction pH, yielding significantly lower IC50 values at pH 6.0 than at pH 7.4. In conclusion, glucuronidation reactions pH affects their outcome in variable ways and could increase the toxicity of drugs that carry a carboxylic acid.

Drug-Drug Interactions Potential of Icariin and Its Intestinal Metabolites via Inhibition of Intestinal UDP-Glucuronosyltransferases

Icariin is known as an indicative constituent of the Epimedium genus, which has been commonly used in Chinese herbal medicine to enhance treat impotence and improve sexual function, as well as for several other indications for over 2000 years. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of icariin and its intestinal metabolites on the activities of human UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) activities. Using a panel of recombinant human UGT isoforms, we found that icariin exhibited potent inhibition against UGT1A3. It is interesting that the intestinal metabolites of icariin exhibited a different inhibition profile compared with icariin. Different from icariin, icariside II was a potent inhibitor of UGT1A4, UGT1A7, UGT1A9, and UGT2B7, and icaritin was a potent inhibitor of UGT1A7 and UGT1A9. The potential for drug interactions in vivo was also quantitatively predicted and compared. The quantitative prediction of risks indicated that in vivo inhibition against intestinal UGT1A3, UGT1A4, and UGT1A7 would likely occur after oral administration of icariin products.

Correlation between plasma concentration ratios of SN-38 glucuronide and SN-38 and neutropenia induction in patients with colorectal cancer and wild-type UGT1A1 gene

In irinotecan (CPT-11)-based chemotherapy, neutropenia and diarrhea are often induced. In the present study, the clinical significance of the concentration ratios of 7-ethyl-10-hydroxycamptothecin (SN-38) glucuronide (SN-38G) and SN-38 in the plasma in predicting CPT-11-induced neutropenia was examined. A total of 17 patients with colorectal cancer and wild-type UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT)1A1 gene were enrolled and treated with CPT-11 as part of the FOLFIRI regimen [CPT-11 and fluorouracil (5-FU)]. Blood was taken exactly 15 min following a 2-h continuous infusion of CPT-11. Plasma concentrations of SN-38, SN-38G and CPT-11 were determined by a modified high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. The median, maximum and minimum values of plasma SN-38G/SN-38 ratios were 4.25, 7.09 and 1.03, respectively, indicating that UGT activities are variable among patients with the wild-type UGT1A1 gene. The plasma SN-38G/SN-38 ratios decreased with an increase in the trial numbers of chemotherapy (r=0.741, p=0.000669), suggesting that CPT-11 treatment suppresses UGT activity, and the low plasma SN-38G/SN-38 ratios resulted in the induction of greater neutropenia. However, in this analysis, 2 clearly separated regression lines were observed between plasma SN-38G/SN-38 ratios and neutropenia induction. In conclusion, UGT activity involved in SN-38 metabolism is variable among patients with the wild-type UGT1A1 gene, and each CPT-11 treatment suppresses UGT activity. One-point determination of the plasma SN-38G/SN-38 ratio may provide indications for the prediction of CPT-11-induced neutropenia and adjustment of the optimal dose, although further studies are required.

Polychlorinated Biphenyl Congeners that Increase the Glucuronidation and Biliary Excretion of Thyroxine Are Distinct from the Congeners that Enhance the Serum Disappearance of Thyroxine

Polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners differentially reduce serum thyroxine (T(4)) in rats, but little is known about their ability to affect biliary excretion of T(4). Thus, male Sprague-Dawley rats were orally administered Aroclor-1254, Aroclor-1242 (32 mg/kg per day), PCB-95, PCB-99, PCB-118 (16 mg/kg per day), PCB-126 (40 μg/kg per day), 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) (3.9 μg/kg per day), or corn oil for 7 days. Twenty-four hours after the last dose, [(125)I]T(4) was administered intravenously, and blood, bile, and urine samples were collected for quantifying [(125)I]T(4) and in bile [(125)I]T(4) metabolites. Serum T(4) concentrations were reduced by all treatments, but dramatic reductions occurred in response to Aroclor-1254, PCB-99 [phenobarbital (PB)-type congener], and PCB-118 (mixed-type congener). None of the treatments increased urinary excretion of [(125)I]T(4). Aroclor-1254, PCB-118, TCDD, and PCB-126 (TCDD-type congener) increased biliary excretion of T(4)-glucuronide by 850, 756, 710, and 573%, respectively, corresponding to marked induction of hepatic UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) activity toward T(4). PCB-95 and PCB-99 did not induce UGT activity; therefore, the increased biliary excretion of T(4)-glucuronide was related to the affinity of congeners for the aryl hydrocarbon receptor. The disappearance of [(125)I]T(4) from serum was rapid (within 15-min) and was increased by Aroclor-1254, PCB-99 and PCB-118. Thus, reductions in serum T(4) in response to PCBs did not always correspond with UGT activity toward T(4) or with increased biliary excretion of T(4)-glucuronide. The rapid disappearance of [(125)I]T(4) from the serum of rats treated with PB-like PCBs suggests that increased tissue uptake of T(4) is an additional mechanism by which PCBs may reduce serum T(4).

Mouse hepatoma cell lines differing in aryl hydrocarbon receptor-mediated signaling have different activities for glucuronidation

For studies on the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR)-dependent toxicity of the mycotoxins alternariol (AOH) and alternariol methyl ether (AME), three mouse hepatoma (Hepa-1) cell lines with intact and with compromised AhR signaling were compared with respect to their activities for hydroxylation, methylation, and glucuronidation. Whereas the activities of cytochrome P450-mediated monooxygenase and catechol-O-methyl transferase were very low and did not differ between the three cell lines, a pronounced difference was observed for UDP-glucuronosyl transferase activity, which was much higher in Hepa-1c1c4 than in c1c7 and c1c12 cells. In all three cell types, the rate of glucuronidation of AOH was about four times higher than that of AME. Whereas AME caused a concentration-dependent G2/M arrest in each cell line, AOH arrested Hepa-1c1c7 and c1c12 cells but not c1c4 cells. However, Hepa-1c1c4 cells were arrested by AOH when β-glucuronidase was added to the incubation medium in order to reverse the formation of AOH glucuronides. We conclude that the failure of AOH to cause cell cycle inhibition in Hepa-1c1c4 cells is due to its efficient glucuronidation. The considerable UDP-glucuronosyl transferase activity of Hepa-1c1c4 cells should be taken into account when other compounds are studied in this cell line. Moreover, we demonstrate that differences in glucuronide formation between cell types can be overcome by the addition of β-glucuronidase to the cell culture medium.

Glucuronidation of hydroxylated polybrominated diphenyl ethers and their modulation of estrogen UDP-glucuronosyltransferases

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) can be metabolically converted to their hydroxylated metabolites (OH-PBDEs). The estrogenic effects of PBDEs may be mediated by OH-PBDEs, but the mechanisms of which are still not understood. This study investigated the glucuronidation of 11 OH-PBDEs and their potential in modulating UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs) activity of 17β-estradiol (E2) in rat liver microsomes. The number of bromine atoms at phenolic ring was observed as the most influential factor of OH-PBDEs glucuronidation. 2′-OH-BDE-28 having one bromine atom at phenolic ring showed the fastest metabolic rates with t1/2 value of 3.86min, while 6-OH-BDE-137 having four bromine atoms at phenolic ring was the poorest substrate with t1/2 value over 60min. Regarding to the modulation of E2-UGTs activity, the phenolic hydroxyl group in OH-PBDEs played an essential role. Depending on the substitution patterns of bromine and hydroxyl group, OH-PBDEs inhibited or stimulated E2-UGTs activity. Ten of OH-PBDEs inhibited both 3-glucuronidation and 17-glucuronidation of E2 with IC50 values varying from 3.80 to 129.38μM, while 3′-OH-BDE-100 exhibited stimulating effects on 3-glucuronidation with EC50 value of 35.95μM. Kinetic analysis suggested noncompetitive inhibition mode of E2 glucuronidation by 3′-OH-BDE-7, 6-OH-BDE-47 and 2′-OH-BDE-68 with Ki values varying from 11.95 to 67.22μM. This study demonstrated OH-PBDEs exhibited large interindividual differences in glucuronidation and modulation of E2-UGTs activity. By inhibiting the formation of E2 glucuronidation, OH-PBDEs may increase E2 bioavailability in target tissue, thereby exerting an indirect estrogenic effect.

Potential adverse effects of oseltamivir in rats: males are more vulnerable than females

Oseltamivir is the most widely used antiviral drug for the treatment and prophylaxis of influenza. However, not much is known about its adverse effects. The potential side effects were investigated in male and female rats (140-170g). Oseltamivir was administered at 2.2mg·kg(-1)·day(-1) for 5days. For both genders, treatment with oseltamivir resulted in significant reductions in the hepatic activities of glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione S-transferase. Also for both genders, oseltamivir produced modest reductions in the hepatic activities of UDP-glucuronosyltransferase, quinone oxidoreductase, thioredoxin reductase, CYP1A1/2, and CYP3A, as well as hepatic glutathione content. For both genders, neither the kidney functions nor protein profile was affected by oseltamivir. Oseltamivir also caused significant elevation in serum levels of both triacylglycerols and LDL-cholesterol and in the activity of γ-glutamyl transpeptidase, in both genders. For male animals only, oseltamivir treatment elevated the serum level of total cholesterol as well as the activity of serum alanine aminotransferase, and reduced the hepatic activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase. Oseltamivir caused oxidative stress and acute toxicity in the liver, and disrupted the cholesterol and lipid metabolism but was less likely to cause serious drug interactions. There was a sexual differentiation in these adverse effects, with adverse effects being more evident in male rats.

Quantitative Analysis of UGT2B28 mRNA Expression by Real-Time RT-PCR and Application to Human Tissue Distribution Study

We recently established a method for quantitative determination of human catalytically active UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs) other than UGT2A1 and UGT2B28 by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and applied the method to an exhaustive analysis of localization in various human tissues. We report here an additional quantitative determination method targeting UGT2B28. To date, there have been no reports on the distribution of UGT2B28 mRNA expression in human tissues based on quantitative determination. Human UGT2B28 was clearly detected in the breast and adipose tissue. UGT2B28 expression in the breast was comparatively low, about 1.6% of GAPDH mRNA levels, and was less than 5% of normalized (against GAPDH) UGT2B7 and 2B10 mRNA expression levels in the liver. Although the UGT2B28 has 97% identity with UGT2B11 at the cDNA sequence level, the primers constructed for UGT2B28 did not detect UGT2B11. In addition, significant expression of UGT2B11 was detected in the liver, breast and kidney, and was clearly different from the distribution of UGT2B28. Therefore, we conclude that the real-time RT-PCR method established here is very specific for human UGT2B28 isozyme.

Thioacetamide Intoxication Triggers Transcriptional Up-Regulation but Enzyme Inactivation of UDP-Glucuronosyltransferases

Thioacetamide (TAA) is a potent hepatotoxicant and has been widely used to develop experimental liver fibrosis/cirrhosis models. Although the liver toxicity of TAA has been extensively studied, little is known about its potential influence on UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs) associated with the development of liver fibrosis. The study presented here aimed to uncover the regulation patterns of UGTs in TAA-induced liver fibrosis of rats. Potential counteracting effects of hepatoprotective agents were also determined. TAA treatment for 8 weeks induced a significant transcriptional up-regulation of the major UGT isoforms, including UGT1A1, UGT1A6, and UGT2B1, accompanied with the dramatic elevations of most typical serum biomarkers of liver function and fibrosis scores. Upon TAA intoxication, the mRNA and protein levels of the major UGT isoforms were increased to 1.5- to 2.5-fold and 2.5- to 3.3-fold of that of the normal control, respectively. The hepatoprotective agents Schisandra spp. lignans extract and dimethyl diphenyl bicarboxylate could largely abolish TAA-induced up-regulation of all three UGT isoforms. However, enzyme activities of UGTs remained unchanged after TAA treatment. The dissociation of protein expression and enzyme activity could possibly be attributed to the inactivating effects of TAA, upon a NADPH-dependent bioactivation, on UGTs. This study suggests that the transcriptional up-regulation of UGTs may be an alternative mechanism of their preserved activities in liver fibrosis/cirrhosis.

1-Aminobenzotriazole, a Known Cytochrome P450 Inhibitor, Is a Substrate and Inhibitor ofN-Acetyltransferase

1-Aminobenzotriazole (ABT) has been used widely as a nonselective in vitro and in vivo inhibitor of cytochrome P450 enzymes. To date, however, it has not been evaluated as an inhibitor of UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT), sulfotransferase (SULT), and N-acetyltransferase (NAT). In the present study, ABT was shown not to inhibit UGT and SULT activity (acetaminophen and 7-hydroxycoumarin as substrates) in rat liver microsomes and rat liver 9000 g supernatant fraction (RLS9), respectively. However, it did inhibit the RLS9-catalyzed N-acetylation of procainamide (IC(50) ∼ 30 μM), and no preincubation time dependence was evident. In agreement, oral ABT (100 mg/kg, 2 h predose) decreased the clearance of intravenous procainamide (45%) in rats, accompanied by a decreased N-acetylprocainamide-to-procainamide ratio in urine (0.74 versus 0.21) and plasma (area under the curve ratio 0.59 versus 0.11). Additional studies with human forms of NAT (hNAT1 and hNAT2) revealed that ABT is a more potent inhibitor of hNAT2 compared with hNAT1 (IC(50) 158 μM versus > 1 mM). Consistent with the IC(50) estimate, formal inhibition studies revealed that inhibition of hNAT2 was competitive with an inhibition constant of 67 μM. In accordance with the competitive inhibition, ABT was shown to undergo N-acetylation in the presence of both human NAT forms, with hNAT1 exhibiting less activity under the same assay conditions (∼40% of hNAT2). In summary, the results described herein indicate that ABT is a substrate and inhibitor of NAT. Such an interaction should be considered when using ABT as a nonselective inhibitor of P450, especially when NAT-dependent metabolism is also involved.

UGT1A6andUGT2B15Polymorphisms and Acetaminophen Conjugation in Response to a Randomized, Controlled Diet of Select Fruits and Vegetables

Acetaminophen (APAP) glucuronidation is thought to occur mainly by UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UGT) in the UGT1A family. Interindividual variation in APAP glucuronidation is attributed in part to polymorphisms in UGT1As. However, evidence suggests that UGT2B15 may also be important. We evaluated, in a controlled feeding trial, whether APAP conjugation differed by UGT1A6 and UGT2B15 genotypes and whether supplementation of known dietary inducers of UGT (crucifers, soy, and citrus) modulated APAP glucuronidation compared with a diet devoid of fruits and vegetables (F&V). Healthy adults (n = 66) received 1000 mg of APAP orally on days 7 and 14 of each 2-week feeding period and collected saliva and urine over 12 h. Urinary recovery of the percentage of the APAP dose as free APAP was higher (P = 0.02), and the percentage as APAP glucuronide (APAPG) was lower (P = 0.004) in women. The percentage of APAP was higher among UGT1A6*1/*1 genotypes, relative to *1/*2 and *2/*2 genotypes (P = 0.045). For UGT2B15, the percentage of APAPG decreased (P < 0.0001) and that of APAP sulfate increased (P = 0.002) in an allelic dose-dependent manner across genotypes from *1/*1 to *2/*2. There was a significant diet × UGT2B15 genotype interaction for the APAPG ratio (APAPG/total metabolites × 100) (P = 0.03), with *1/*1 genotypes having an approximately 2-fold higher F&V to basal diet difference in response compared with *1/*2 and *2/*2 genotypes. Salivary APAP maximum concentration (C(max)) was significantly higher in women (P = 0.0003), with F&V (P = 0.003), and among UGT1A6*2/*2 and UGT2B15*1/*2 genotypes (P = 0.02 and 0.002, respectively). APAP half-life was longer in UGT2B15*2/*2 genotypes with F&V (P = 0.009). APAP glucuronidation was significantly influenced by the UGT2B15*2 polymorphism, supporting a role in vivo for UGT2B15 in APAP glucuronidation, whereas the contribution of UGT1A6*2 was modest. Selected F&V known to affect UGT activity led to greater glucuronidation and less sulfation.

Identification of an Unintended Consequence of Nrf2-Directed Cytoprotection against a Key Tobacco Carcinogen plus a Counteracting Chemopreventive Intervention

NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a major cytoprotective gene and is a key chemopreventive target against cancer and other diseases. Here we show that Nrf2 faces a dilemma in defense against 4-aminobiphenyl (ABP), a major human bladder carcinogen from tobacco smoke and other environmental sources. Although Nrf2 protected mouse liver against ABP (which is metabolically activated in liver), the bladder level of N-(deoxyguanosin-8-yl)-4-aminobiphenyl (dG-C8-ABP), the predominant ABP-DNA adduct formed in bladder cells and tissues, was markedly higher in Nrf2(+/+) mice than in Nrf2(-/-) mice after ABP exposure. Notably, Nrf2 protected bladder cells against ABP in vitro. Mechanistic investigations showed that the dichotomous effects of Nrf2 could be explained at least partly by upregulation of UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT). Nrf2 promoted conjugation of ABP with glucuronic acid in the liver, increasing urinary excretion of the conjugate. Although glucuronidation of ABP and its metabolites is a detoxification process, these conjugates, which are excreted in urine, are known to be unstable in acidic urine, leading to delivery of the parent compounds to bladder. Hence, although higher liver UGT activity may protect the liver against ABP, it increases bladder exposure to ABP. These findings raise concerns of potential bladder toxicity when Nrf2-activating chemopreventive agents are used in humans exposed to ABP, especially in smokers. We further show that 5,6-dihydrocyclopenta[c][1,2]-dithiole-3(4H)-thione (CPDT) significantly inhibits dG-C8-ABP formation in bladder cells and tissues but does not seem to significantly modulate ABP-catalyzing UGT in liver. Thus, CPDT exemplifies a counteracting solution to the dilemma posed by Nrf2.

Inhibition of paracetamol glucuronidation by tyrosine kinase inhibitors

• Clinical cases reported that fatal acute liver failure occurred when paracetamol (acetaminophen) was co-administrated with some tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). The direct inhibition of UDP-glucuronosyltransferase activities has been identified as a mechanism of potentiation of paracetamol hepatotoxicity. However, the effects of TKIs on paracetamol glucuronidation are not known. • The TKIs, sorafenib, dasatinib and imatinib exhibited potent mixed inhibition against paracetamol glucuronidation in pooled human liver microsomes, implying a possible increase in paracetamol hepatotoxicity when they are co-administrated with paracetamol. AIMS We aimed to investigate the effects of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) on paracetamol (acetaminophen) glucuronidation. The inhibition of nine small molecule TKIs on paracetamol glucuronidation was investigated in human liver microsomes (HLMs) and recombinant human UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs). Sorafenib, dasatinib and imatinib exhibited mixed inhibition against paracetamol glucuronidation in pooled HLMs, and potent inhibition in UGT1A9 and UGT2B15. Dasatinib and imatinib also inhibited UGT1A1-mediated paracetamol glucuronidation. Axitinib, erlotinib, gefitinib, lapatinib, nilotinib and vandetanib exhibited weak inhibition of paracetamol glucuronidation activity in HLMs. The inhibition of paracetamol glucuronidation by TKIs might be of particular concern when they are co-administered.

Microsomal Quercetin Glucuronidation in Rat Small Intestine Depends on Age and Segment

UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) activity toward the flavonoid quercetin and UGT protein were characterized in three equidistant small intestine (SI) segments from 4-, 12-, 18-, and 28-month-old male Fischer 344 rats (n = 8/age) using villin to control for enterocyte content. SI microsomal intrinsic clearance of quercetin was increased 3- to 9-fold from 4 months in the proximal and distal SI at 12 and 18 months. Likewise, at 30 μM quercetin, SI microsomal glucuronidation activity was increased with age: 4.8- and 3.9-fold greater at 18 months than at 4 months. Quercetin UGT regioselectivity was not changed by age. The distal SI preferentially catalyzed glucuronidation at the 7-position, whereas the proximal SI produced the greatest proportion of 4'- and 3'-conjugates. Enterocyte UGT content in different SI segments was not consistently changed with age. In the proximal SI, UGT1A increased 64 and 150% at 12 and 18 months and UGT1A1, UGT1A7, and UGT1A8 were also increased at 12 and 18 months. However, age-related changes in expression were inconsistent in the medial and distal segments. Microsomal rates of quercetin glucuronidation and UGT expression were positively correlated with UGT1A1 content for all pooled samples (r = 0.467) and at each age (r = 0.538-0.598). UGT1A7 was positively correlated with total, 7-O- and 3-O-quercetin glucuronidation at 18 months. Thus, age-related differences in UGT quercetin glucuronidation depend on intestinal segment, are more pronounced in the proximal and distal segments and may be partially related to UGT1A1 and UGT1A7 content.