Inhibition of cytochrome P4502E1 expression by organosulfur compounds allylsulfide, allylmercaptan and allylmethylsulfide in rats

Effect of chrysin on the formation of N-acetyl-p-benzoquinoneimine, a toxic metabolite of paracetamol in rats and isolated rat hepatocytes

Paracetamol (N-acetyl-para amino phenol) is the most commonly used analgesic and antipyretic around the world. Its causes hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity at overdose or even at therapeutic doses. It is primarily metabolized by glucuronidation and sulfate conjugation. It is also metabolized by cytochrome-P450 system (CYP2E1, CYP1A2 and CYP 3A4), leading to the formation of N-acetyl-p-benzoquinoneimine (NAPQI). The present study was planned to investigate the influence of chrysin (known CYP2E1 and CYP3A4 inhibitor) on the bioactivation of paracetamol to NAPQI using rat liver microsomes in vitro and rats in vivo. Paracetamol (80 mg/kg) was administered orally without or with silymarin (100 mg/kg), a known CYP2E1 inhibitor and chrysin (100 and 200 mg/kg) to rats for 15 consecutive days. The area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC_0-∞) and the peak plasma concentration (C_max) of paracetamol were dose-dependently increased with chrysin (100 and 200 mg/kg) compared to paracetamol control group. On the other hand, the AUC_0-∞ and C_max of NAPQI were decreased significantly with chrysin (100 and 200 mg/kg). The elevated liver and kidney function markers were significantly reduced by chrysin and silymarin compared to paracetamol control group (P < 0.01). Histopathological studies of liver and kidney also well correlated with liver and kidney function tests. Chrysin also reduced the formation of NAPQI in the incubation samples of rat hepatocytes. The present study (both in vivo and in vitro) results revealed that chrysin might be inhibited the CYP2E1, CYP1A2 and CYP3A4-mediated metabolism of paracetamol; thereby decreased the formation of NAPQI and protected the liver and kidney.

Protective Effect of a Lactobacillus salivarius Strain of Human Origin

The protective effect of a Lactobacillus salivariusstrain from human faeces (HA8) was evaluated against the cytotoxicity of N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), N-nitrosopyrrolidine (NPYR), N-nitrosodibutylamine (NDBA) and N-nitrosopiperidine (NPIP) by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. L. salivariusHA8 strain showed a moderate protective effect against NPYR and weak against NDBA and NPIP. No protective effect against cytotoxicity of NDMA was observed at the bacterial population used. To test the effect of L. salivariusHA8 on cytokine production (interleukin-1 ± (IL-1 ±), interleukin-8 (IL-8) and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-≥)), the human macrophage cell line (THP-1) was cultured in the presence and absence of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). L. salivariusHA8 induced IL-1 ±, IL-8 and TNF-≥ releases when cells were stimulating with and without LPS.

Anticancer activity of essential oils: a review

Natural essential oil constituents play an important role in cancer prevention and treatment. Essential oil constituents from aromatic herbs and dietary plants include monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, oxygenated monoterpenes, oxygenated sesquiterpenes and phenolics among others. Various mechanisms such antioxidant, antimutagenic and antiproliferative, enhancement of immune function and surveillance, enzyme induction and enhancing detoxification, modulation of multidrug resistance and synergistic mechanism of volatile constituents are responsible for their chemopreventive properties. This review covers the most recent literature to summarize structural categories and molecular anticancer mechanisms of constituents from aromatic herbs and dietary plants.

Thiomers: Inhibition of cytochrome P450 activity

The aim of the present study was to investigate the potential of different thiolated polymers (thiomers) on the catalytic activity of CYP450s on one hand and to explore new inhibitors for CYP activity on the other hand. Several thiolated polymers including poly(acrylic acid)-cysteine (PAA-cysteine), chitosan-thioglycolic acid (chitosan-TGA), and thiolated PEG-g-PEI copolymer along with brij 35, myrj 52 and the well-established CYPP450 inhibitor verapamil were screened for their CYP3A4 and CYP2A6 inhibitory activity, and their IC(50) values were determined. Both enzyme inhibition assays were performed in 96-well microtiter plates. 7-Benzyloxy-4-(trifluoromethyl)-coumarin (BFC) and 7-hydroxycoumarin (7-HC) were used as fluorescent substrates in order to determine CYP3A4 and CYP2A6 catalytic activity, respectively. All investigated compounds inhibited CYP3A4 as well as CYP2A6 activity. All tested (thiolated) polymers were found to be more potent inhibitors of CYP3A4 than of CYP2A6 catalytic activity. Apart from verapamil that is a known CYP3A4 inhibitor, brij 35 and myrj 52 were explored as potent inhibitors of CYP3A4 and CYP2A6 catalytic activity. Among the tested polymers, the rank order for CYP3A4 inhibition was PAA-cysteine (100 kDa)>brij 35>thiolated PEG-g-PEI copolymer (16 kDa)>myrj 52>PAA (100 kDa)>PAA-cysteine (450 kDa)>verapamil>PAA (450 kDa)>chitosan-TGA (150 kDa)>chitosan (150 kDa). On the other hand, the rank order of CYP2A6 inhibition was brij 35>PAA-cysteine (100kDa)>chitosan-TGA (150 kDa)>PAA (100 kDa)>thiolated PEG-g-PEI copolymer (16 kDa)>PAA-cysteine (450 kDa)>chitosan (150 kDa)>verapamil>PAA (450 kDa)>myrj 52. Thus, this study suggests that (thiolated) polymers display a promising potential to inhibit cytochrome P450s activity and might turn out to be potentially valuable tools for improving the oral bioavailability of actively secreted compounds by avoiding intestinal metabolism.

Amelioration of lead-induced hepatotoxicity by Allium sativum extracts in Swiss albino mice

Lead is a blue-gray and highly toxic divalent metal that occurs naturally in the earth's crust and is spread throughout the environment by various human activities. The efficacy of garlic (Allium sativum) to reduce hepatotoxicity induced by lead nitrate was evaluated experimentally in male mice. Oral treatment with lead nitrate at a dose of 50 mg/kg body weight daily for 40 days (1/45 of LD₅₀) induced a significant increase in the levels of hepatic aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase, cholesterol, lipid peroxidation, and lead nitrate. In parallel, hepatic protein levels in lead-exposed mice were significantly depleted. Lead nitrate exposure also produced detrimental effects on the redox status of the liver indicated by a significant decline in the levels of liver antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione. After exposure to lead nitrate (50 mg/kg body weight for 10 days), the animals received aqueous garlic extract (250 mg/kg body weight and 500 mg/kg body weight) and ethanolic garlic extract (100 mg/kg body weight and 250 mg/kg body weight), and partially restored the deranged parameters significantly. Histological examination of the liver also revealed pathophysiological changes in lead nitrate-exposed group and treatment with garlic improved liver histology. Our data suggest that garlic is a phytoantioxidant that can counteract the deleterious effects of lead nitrate.

Amelioration of lead-induced hepatotoxicity by Allium sativum extracts in Swiss albino mice

Lead is a blue-gray and highly toxic divalent metal that occurs naturally in the earth's crust and is spread throughout the environment by various human activities. The efficacy of garlic (Allium sativum) to reduce hepatotoxicity induced by lead nitrate was evaluated experimentally in male mice. Oral treatment with lead nitrate at a dose of 50 mg/kg body weight daily for 40 days (1/45 of LD(50)) induced a significant increase in the levels of hepatic aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase, cholesterol, lipid peroxidation, and lead nitrate. In parallel, hepatic protein levels in lead-exposed mice were significantly depleted. Lead nitrate exposure also produced detrimental effects on the redox status of the liver indicated by a significant decline in the levels of liver antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione. After exposure to lead nitrate (50 mg/kg body weight for 10 days), the animals received aqueous garlic extract (250 mg/kg body weight and 500 mg/kg body weight) and ethanolic garlic extract (100 mg/kg body weight and 250 mg/kg body weight), and partially restored the deranged parameters significantly. Histological examination of the liver also revealed pathophysiological changes in lead nitrate-exposed group and treatment with garlic improved liver histology. Our data suggest that garlic is a phytoantioxidant that can counteract the deleterious effects of lead nitrate.

Protective effects of garlic sulfur compounds against DNA damage induced by direct- and indirect-acting genotoxic agents in HepG2 cells

The aim of this study was to assess the antigenotoxic activity of several garlic organosulfur compounds (OSC) in the human hepatoma cell line HepG2, using comet assay. The OSC selected were allicin (DADSO), diallyl sulfide (DAS), diallyl disulfide (DADS), S-allyl cysteine (SAC) and allyl mercaptan (AM). To explore their potential mechanisms of action, two approaches were performed: (i) a pre-treatment protocol which allowed study of the possible modulation of drug metabolism enzymes by OSC before treatment of the cells with the genotoxic agent; (ii) a co-treatment protocol by which the ability of OSC to scavenge direct-acting compounds was assessed. Preliminary studies showed that, over the concentration range tested (5-100 microM), the studied OSC neither affected cell viability nor induced DNA damage by themselves. In the pre-treatment protocol, aflatoxin B1 genotoxicity was significantly reduced by all the OSC tested except AM. DADS was the most efficient OSC in reducing benzo(a)pyrene genotoxicity. SAC and AM significantly decreased DNA breaks in HepG2 cells treated with dimethylnitrosamine. Additionally, all the OSC studied were shown to decrease the genotoxicity of the direct-acting compounds, hydrogen peroxide and methyl methanesulfonate. This study demonstrated that garlic OSC displayed antigenotoxic activity in human metabolically competent cells.

Analytical method for appreciation of garlic therapeutic potential and for validation of a new formulation

The consumption of garlic reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer, S-allylcysteine sulfoxide (alliin), allicin (DATi), diallyl disulfide (DADS), S-allylcysteine (SAC) and several storage dipeptides are the organo-sulphur compounds (OSC) involved in the protective mechanism of garlic against cardiovascular disorders and carcinogenesis. Thus it is very interesting to quantify simultaneously all these compounds in different garlic powders obtained in several cultural conditions. The quantification of OSC by a new ion-pair HPLC method allowed showing the general sulphur-dependence positive effect of garlic on cardiovascular disorder and carcinogenesis and the variable specific activity of each implicated OSC. The screening of 11 garlic tablets proposed on the market showed the variability and particularly the differential instability of each OSC. From these results, a new garlic tablet was realised and each step was controlled by this method. This analytical method proved to be a very powerful tool for the understanding of the garlic protective mechanism against cancer and cardiovascular diseases and the development and quality control of garlic tablets.

The garlic ingredient diallyl sulfide inhibits cytochrome P450 2E1 dependent bioactivation of acrylamide to glycidamide

Genotoxic effects of acrylamide are supposed to result from oxidative biotransformation to glycidamide. After incubation of rat liver slices with acrylamide we detected free glycidamide using a liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometric method. Glycidamide formation was diminished in the presence of the cytochrome P450 2E1 inhibitor diallyl sulfide (DAS), which is a specific ingredient of garlic. This may be relevant to human health since the suggested carcinogenic risk of dietary acrylamide may be reduced by concomitant intake of garlic.

Modulation of cytochrome P450 enzymes by organosulfur compounds from garlic

Organosulfur compounds (OSCs) derived from garlic have been studied for the ability to inhibit experimental cancer in various animal models, primarily through modification of carcinogen detoxification enzymes, such as cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes. OSCs vary in structural and physical properties, and a detailed analysis of these properties has not been performed with respect to their ability of inhibit chemically-induced colon cancer development. Gastric intubation of rats with a single dose of 200 mg/kg diallyl sulfide (DAS), diallyl disulfide (DADS), and allyl methyl sulfide (AMS) decreased hepatic CYP2E1 protein by 45%, 25% and 47%, respectively, and this inhibition was sustained after 1, 4 and 8 weeks of treatment by these compounds. Dipropyl sulfide (DPS), dipropyl disulfide (DPDS), propyl methyl sulfide (PMS) and S-allylcysteine (SAC) did not inhibit hepatic CYP2E1 protein expression, nor did any of the OSCs affect CYP2E1 mRNA levels. A single dose of 200 mg/kg DAS and AMS increased hepatic CYP1A2 protein (but not mRNA) by 282% and 70%, and DAS increased CYP1A1 protein levels by 684%. Daily treatment for 1, 4 and 8 weeks with 200 mg/kg DAS and AMS resulted in time-dependent increases in hepatic CYP1A1 and CYP1A2 protein levels to a maximum of 600% and 50% for DAS, and 1600% and 240% for AMS after 8 weeks. Dosing with 200 mg/kg of each of the OSCs used in this study increased hepatic CYP3A2 protein levels at all time points. Dosing for 8 weeks with 200 mg/kg DAS, but not AMS or lower doses of DAS, induced bile duct obstruction and focal areas of necrosis. These results indicate that OSCs present in garlic, including DAS and AMS, may be beneficial in inhibiting chemically-induced colon cancer, but that longer dosing with higher concentrations of DAS may elicit minor hepatic toxicity.

Garlic oil and DDB, comprised in a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of patients with viral hepatitis, prevents acute liver injuries potentiated by glutathione deficiency in rats

A pharmaceutical composition PENNEL comprising garlic oil (GO) and dimethyl-4,4'-dimethoxy-5,6,5',6'-dimethylene dioxybiphenyl-2,2'-dicarboxylate (DDB) as ingredients active for phase II enzyme induction and liver protection, respectively, has been used as a curative preparation for patients with acute or chronic viral hepatitis. In spite of the wide clinical use of PENNEL in Asian and Middle Eastern countries, whether GO+DDB treatment synergistically protects the liver from injuries potentiated by GSH deficiency compared to the individual treatment has not been determined. This study investigated the effects of GO+DDB in comparison with each ingredient alone on chemical-induced liver injury potentiated by a GSH depleting agent. Rats that had been daily pretreated with GO+DDB, GO, DDB, ursodesoxycholic acid or silymarin for 6 days were exposed to buthionine sulfoximine (BSO) and then injected with a single dose of CCl4. The effects of the agents on acute liver toxicities induced by BSO, CCl4 or BSO+CCl4 were assessed by blood biochemistry and histopathology. GO+DDB pretreatment effectively prevented increases in plasma aminotransferases or lactate dehydrogenase activities in rats exposed to BSO+CCl4, compared to GO or DDB treatment alone. Whereas BSO potentiated CCl4-induced liver injuries as evidenced by elevations in central necrosis, hepatocyte degeneration and inflammation, pretreatment with GO+DDB abrogated BSO+CCl4-induced liver injuries more efficaciously than did that with GO or DDB. The hepatoprotective effect of GO+DDB was superior to that of ursodesoxycholic acid or silymarin. Also, blood biochemistry indicated that GO+DDB pretreatment prevented increases in plasma triglyceride contents in rats insulted with CCl4 or BSO+CCl4. The present study demonstrated that GO+DDB, when daily pretreated for six consecutive days, exerted synergistic protection of the liver from chemical-induced injury potentiated by the condition of GSH deficiency, and has additional advantages in lowering the plasma lipids.

Bioactive S-alk(en)yl cysteine sulfoxide metabolites in the genus Allium: the chemistry of potential therapeutic agents

S-Alk(en)yl cysteine sulfoxides are odourless, non-protein sulfur amino acids typically found in members of the family Alliaceae and are the precursors to the lachrymatory and flavour compounds found in the agronomically important genus Allium. Traditionally, Allium species, particularly the onion (Allium cepa) and garlic (A. sativum), have been used for centuries in European, Asian and American folk medicines for the treatment of numerous human pathologies, however it is only recently that any significant progress has been made in determining their mechanisms of action. Indeed, our understanding of the role of Allium species in human health undoubtedly comes from the combination of several academic disciplines including botany, biochemistry and nutrition. During tissue damage, S-alk(en)yl cysteine sulfoxides are converted to their respective thiosulfinates or propanethial-S-oxide by the action of the enzyme alliinase (EC 4.4.1.4). Depending on the Allium species, and under differing conditions, thiosulfinates can decompose to form additional sulfur constituents including diallyl, methyl allyl, and diethyl mono-, di-, tri-, tetra-, penta-, and hexasulfides, the vinyldithiins and (E)- and (Z)-ajoene. Recent reports have shown onion and garlic extracts, along with several principal sulfur constituents, can induce phase II detoxification enzymes like glutathione-S-transferases (EC 2.5.1.18) and quinone reductase (QR) NAD(P)H: (quinine acceptor) oxidoreductase (EC 1.6.99.2) in mammalian tissues, as well as also influencing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in numerous in vitro cancer cell models. Moreover, studies are also beginning to highlight a role of Allium-derived sulfur compounds in cardiovascular protection. In this review, we discuss the chemical diversity of S-alk(en)yl cysteine sulfoxide metabolites in the context of their biochemical and pharmacological mechanisms.

Herbal remedies in the United States: potential adverse interactions with anticancer agents

PURPOSE

Interest in the use of herbal products has grown dramatically in the Western world. Recent estimates suggest an overall prevalence for herbal preparation use of 13% to 63% among cancer patients. With the narrow therapeutic range associated with most anticancer drugs, there is an increasing need for understanding possible adverse drug interactions in medical oncology.

METHODS

In this article, a literature overview is provided of known or suspected interactions of the 15 best-selling herbs in the United States with conventional allopathic therapies for cancer.

RESULTS

Herbs with the potential to significantly modulate the activity of drug-metabolizing enzymes (notably cytochrome p450 isozymes) and/or the drug transporter P-glycoprotein include garlic (Allium sativum), ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba), echinacea (Echinacea purpurea), ginseng (Panax ginseng), St John' s wort (Hypericum perforatum), and kava (Piper methysticum). All of these products participate in potential pharmacokinetic interactions with anticancer drugs.

CONCLUSION

It is suggested that health care professionals and consumers should be aware of the potential for adverse interactions with these herbs, question their patients on their use of them, especially among patients whose disease is not responding to treatments as expected, and urge patients to avoid herbs that could confound their cancer care.

Cellular Events Preceding Acetaminophen Cataractogenesis Studied by Confocal Fluorescence Microscopy

Acetaminophen (APAP) is biotransformed by hepatic cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes to the cataractogenic metabolite N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine (NAPQI). In the previous studies in which NAPQI was injected into the anterior chamber of mouse eye, we observed mitochondrial dysfunction and disturbances in Ca2+ homeostasis in the lens epithelium, and activation of the nonlysosomal neutral protease calpain. In this work we investigated whether intraperitoneal injection of APAP elicits similar cellular responses in the lens epithelium prior to the onset of lens opacity development. Following APAP injection, reactive oxygen species generation, intracellular free Ca2+ increase and calpain activation in the lens epithelium were determined in situ by fluorescence confocal microscopy. It was found that cellular events in the lens prior to the onset of opacification were essentially identical to those elicited by NAPQI. In addition, lens calpain activities were characterized based on their Ca2+ requirement and several calpain inhibitors were shown to prevent cataract development.

Beneficial and adverse effects of chemopreventive agents

The beneficial and adverse effects of some chemopreventive agents, such as Vitamins A, C, E, beta-carotene, indole-3-carbinol, capsaicin, garlic, and aloe are reviewed. Two large randomized trials with a lung cancer endpoint, the Alpha-Tocopherol, Beta-Carotene (ATBC) Prevention Study and the Beta-Carotene and Retinol Efficacy Trial (CARET), suggested that antioxidants might be harmful in smokers. However, the results of the Linxian study and of the ATBC or the CARET studies were significantly different in this respect, and therefore, the relationship between antioxidant and carcinogenesis remains open to debate. Indole-3-carbinol has cancer promoting activities in the colon, thyroid, pancreas, and liver, whereas capsaicin alters the metabolism of chemical carcinogens and may promote carcinogenesis at high doses. Organosulfur compounds and selenium from garlic have no or a little enhancing effect on cancer promotion stage. Information upon chemopreventive mechanisms that inhibit carcinogenesis is imperfect, although the causes and natures of certain human cancers are known. Therefore, definitive preventive guidelines should be carefully offered for various types of tumors, which properly consider ethnic variations, and the efficacies and the safety of chemopreventive agents.

Drug–phytochemical interactions

Changes in dietary habits favouring diets rich in fruits and vegetables, and a meteoric rise in the consumption of dietary supplements and herbal products have substantially increased human exposure to phytochemicals. It is, therefore, not surprising that diet and herbal remedies can modulate drug-metabolising enzyme systems, such as cytochromes P450, leading to clinically relevant drug-phytochemical interactions. Phytochemicals have the potential to both elevate and suppress cytochrome P450 activity. Such effects are more likely to occur in the intestine, where high concentrations of phytochemicals may be achieved, and alteration in cytochrome P450 activity will influence, in particular, the fate of drugs that are subject to extensive first-pass metabolism as a result of intestinal cytochrome P450-mediated biotransformation. Moreover, it is becoming increasingly apparent that phytochemicals can also influence the pharmacological activity of drugs by modifying their absorption characteristics through interaction with drug transporters. Clearly, phytochemicals have the potential to alter the effectiveness of drugs, either impairing or exaggerating their pharmacological activity.

Pharmacokinetic interactions between herbal remedies and medicinal drugs

1. The use of herbal products to treat a wide range of conditions is rising rapidly, leading to increased intake of phytochemicals. Recent studies revealed potentially fatal interactions between herbal remedies and traditional drugs. 2. In transplant patients, self-medication with St John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) has led to a drop in plasma levels of the immunosuppressant drug cyclosporine, causing tissue rejection. 3. Intake of St John's wort increases the expression of intestinal P-glycoprotein and the expression of CYP3A4 in the liver and intestine. The combined up-regulation in intestinal P-glycoprotein and hepatic and intestinal CYP3A4 impairs the absorption and stimulates the metabolism of cyclosporine, leading to subtherapeutic plasma levels. The St John's wort component, hyperforin, contributes to the induction of CYP3A4. 4. St John's wort also enhances the metabolism of other CYP3A4 substrates including the protease inhibitors indinavir and nevirapine, oral contraceptives, and tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline. 5. Other herbal remedies with the potential to modulate cytochrome P450 activity and thus participate in interactions with conventional drugs include Milk thistle, Angelica dahurica, ginseng, garlic preparations, Danshen and liquorice. 6. Herbal products are currently not subject to the rigorous testing indispensable for conventional drugs. However, if potential drug interactions are to be predicted, it is essential that the ability of herbal products to interfere with drug-metabolizing enzyme systems is fully established.

Cytochrome P450IIE1 (CYP2E1) is induced by skatole and this induction is blocked by androstenone in isolated pig hepatocytes

Skatole, a derivative of tryptophan, is produced in the hind-gut of pigs and is metabolised via hepatic cytochrome P4502E1 (CYP2E1). Excessive accumulation of skatole together with androstenone, a metabolite of testosterone, in adipose tissue in some pigs is a major cause of 'boar taint' and is associated with defective expression of CYP2E1. This phenomenon is not understood because factors regulating CYP2E1 expression in pig liver have not yet been characterised. Therefore effects of skatole and androstenone on CYP2E1 expression were studied using isolated pig hepatocytes as a model system. Skatole induced CYP2E1 protein expression to the same degree as did acetone, a known CYP2E1 inducer. Induction by skatole was maximum between 20 and 28 h and a half-maximum effect was obtained at a skatole concentration of 0.2 mM. Induction of CYP2E1 by skatole was protein-synthesis dependent. Androstenone antagonised the effect of skatole on CYP2E1 expression but did not affect the CYP2E1 protein level when added alone. These results suggest that defective expression of CYP2E1 in some pigs is due to excessive concentrations of androstenone which prevent CYP2E1 induction by its substrate skatole. As a result, skatole metabolism is reduced and skatole is accumulated in adipose tissue.

Carbon tetrachloride changes the activity of cytochrome P450 system in the liver of male rats: role of antioxidants

The cytochrome P-450 enzymes are responsible for the oxidation of xenobiotic chemicals including drugs, pesticides, and carcinogens. These enzymes include cytochrome P450, cytochrome b(5), arylhydrocarbon (benzo[a]pyrene) hydroxylase (AHH), NADPH-cytochrome C reductase and dimethylnitrosamine N-demethylase I (DMN-dI). Changes in the activities of the above mentioned enzymes were studied in the liver microsomes of rats treated with antioxidants (ascorbic acid (AA), DL-a-tocopherol (vitamin E, VE), garlic) as single- and repeated doses prior to the administration of a single dose of CCl(4). Pretreatment of rats with single doses of AA, VE, or garlic prior to the administration of CCl(4) was found to decrease the hepatic content of cytochrome P450, and the activities of DMN-dI and AHH. On the other hand, these treatments induced the hepatic content of cytochrome b(5) and the activity of NADPH-cytochrome c reductase. Pretreatment of rats with repeated doses of AA, VE, or garlic for 12 consecutive days prior to the administration of CCl(4) as single dose was potentially decreased the activities of cytochrome P450, DMN-dI and NADPH-cytochrome c reductase. Also, the activity of AHH decreased after treatments of rats with repeated doses of garlic prior to the administration of CCl(4). It was noted that repeated doses of antioxidants are more effective than single dose in decreasing the activity of drug-metabolizing enzymes. It is concluded that repeated doses of antioxidants or garlic could reduce the toxic effects exerted by CCl(4) upon the liver, and probably other organs, through inhibition of cytochrome P450 system that activates CCl(4) into its active metabolite, trichloromethyl radical. Moreover, inhibition of cytochrome P450 system could also reduce the toxic and carcinogenic effects of chemical carcinogens such as benzo(a)pyrene and dimethylnitrosamine. The mechanisms of antioxidant protection were discussed in the text.

Chemopreventive effect of 2-(allylthio)pyrazine (2-AP) on rat colon carcinogenesis induced by azoxymethane (AOM)

An investigation was conducted to assess the chemopreventive effects of 2-(allylthio)pyrazine (2-AP), synthesized for potential use as a chemopreventive agent, after administration during the pre-initiation and post-initiation stages in a rat colon carcinogenesis model with azoxymethane (AOM). One hundred, 5-week-old, male F344 rats were randomly divided into two experiments (n = 50 each). Experiment 1 rats were randomly divided into three groups: Group 1 rats were pre-treated with 2-AP (25 or 50 mg/kg body weight, 3 consecutive days through the route of intragastric intubations) before AOM (20 mg/kg body weight, single subcutaneous (s.c.) injection) initiation. Group 2 rats were treated with AOM alone. Group 3 rats were given 2-AP alone without AOM initiation. The animals were killed at the end of each experiment (week 5) and the aberrant crypt foci (ACF) of the colonic mucosa were assessed after staining with methylene blue. Experiment 2 rats were randomly divided into three groups: Group 1 rats were given 2-AP (10, 25 or 50 mg/kg body weight, five-times intragastric intubations per week for 5 weeks from week 3) after AOM (15 mg/kg body weight, three s.c. injections) initiation for 2 weeks. Group 2 rats were treated with AOM alone. Group 3 rats were given 2-AP alone without AOM initiation. The animals were killed at the end of the experiment (week 8) and the ACF of the colonic mucosa were quantified. Total numbers of ACF/colon in Group 1 rats (pre-treated with 2-AP) tended to decrease (2-AP, 50 mg/kg body weight) or increase (2-AP, 100 mg/kg body weight) depending on the dose level. Total numbers of ACF/colon in Group 1 rats (treated with AOM followed by 2-AP, all subgroups; 160.8 +/- 38.0; 161.8 +/- 38.1; 137.1 +/- 48.4) were decreased significantly compared with the values in Group 2 rats (AOM alone; 214.8 +/- 48.1) (P < 0.05 or 0.01). The highest dose group (2-AP, 50 mg/kg body weight) had the lowest levels of total numbers of ACF/colon among the three subgroups. Total numbers of aberrant crypts (AC)/colon of the highest dose group (340.1+/- 117.9) decreased significantly compared with the value for Group 2 rats (AOM alone; 545.1 +/- 38.3). These results thus suggest that 2-AP may have potential as a chemopreventive agent against rat colon carcinogenesis after administration of AOM during the post-initiation stage.

Organosulfur compounds from Allium and the chemoprevention of cancer

Allium vegetables and their associated organosulfur constituents are extensively studied for their chemopreventive potential against cancer. This article overviews their anticarcinogenic and antigenotoxic properties. Epidemiological studies (mostly case-control studies) provide strong evidence that Allium vegetable consumption reduces the incidence of gastric and colon cancer while the association between Allium vegetable consumption and other cancers is less convincing. Furthermore, many experimental studies have demonstrated that organosulfur compounds and Allium extracts have inhibitory effects on carcinogenesis in animals. These inhibitory effects are supported by many diverse mechanisms, including inhibition of carcinogen formation, modulation of carcinogen metabolism, inhibition of mutagenesis and genotoxicity, inhibition of cell proliferation and increase of apoptosis, inhibition of angiogenesis, and immune system enhancement. Before such constituents or extracts can be used in chemopreventive trials, it is important to verify their lack of toxicity and to investigate further their precise mechanisms of action throughout the whole process of carcinogenesis.

Cytochrome P450 2E1: its clinical and toxicological role

Cytochrome (CYP) P450 2E1 is clinically and toxicologically important and it is constitutively expressed in the liver and many other tissues. In contrast to many other CYP isoenzymes, indisputable evidence for a functionally important polymorphism of CYP2E1 in the human population is lacking. CYP2E1 metabolizes a wide variety of chemicals with different structures, in particular small and hydrophobic compounds, including potential cytotoxic and carcinogenic agents. In addition, chlorzoxazone and trimethadione metabolism are good CYP2E1 probes for liver disease in vivo and in vitro. In the future, methods for fully analysing the function of CYP2E1 using knockout mice will be established. This article reviews recent advances in our understanding of the role of human CYP2E1 in drug metabolism.

Liver subcellular fractions from rats treated by organosulfur compounds from Allium modulate mutagen activation

The effects of in vivo administration of naturally occurring organosulfur compounds (OSCs) from Allium species were studied on the activation of several mutagens. Male SPF Wistar rats were given p.o. one of either diallyl sulfide (DAS), diallyl disulfide (DADS), dipropyl sulfide (DPS) or dipropyl disulfide (DPDS) during 4 consecutive days and the ability of hepatic S9 and microsomes from treated rats to activate benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), cyclophosphamide (CP), dimethylnitrosamine (DMN), N-nitrosopiperidine (N-PiP) and 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (PhIP) was determined in the Ames test. Administration of DAS, DPS and DPDS resulted in a significant increase of the activation of BaP, CP, N-PiP and PhIP mediated by S9 and microsomes while DADS treatment only increased the mutagenicity of PhIP. In contrast, S9 from DADS-treated rats significantly inhibited the mutagenicity of N-PiP and BaP. DAS, DADS and DPS strongly inhibited DMN mutagenicity while DPDS enhanced it. To understand the mechanisms underlying these effects, the modifications of the activities of specific isozymes of CYP involved in the activation of these mutagens were studied. DAS, DPS and DPDS strongly enhanced pentoxyresorufin O-dealkylase (PROD) activity related to CYP2B and slightly increased ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase (EROD) and methoxyresorufin O-demethylase (MROD) activities related to CYP1A family. DADS exerted the same effects than other OSCs but to a lesser extent. p-Nitrophenol hydroxylase (PNPH) activity related to CYP2E1 was inhibited by DAS and DADS, whereas DPDS significantly increased this activity. Hence, the effects of OSCs on the mutagenicity of several genotoxic compounds are mediated by modification (enhancement or inhibition) of specific CYP involved in their activation.

Chemopreventive effects of 2-(allylthio)pyrazine

A series of organosulfur compounds were synthesized with the aim of developing chemopreventive compounds active against hepatotoxicity and chemical carcinogenesis. 2-(Allylthio) pyrazine (2-AP) was effective in inhibiting cytochrome P450 2E1-mediated catalytic activities and protein expression, and in inducing microsomal epoxide hydrolase and major glutathione S-transferases. 2-AP reduced the hepatotoxicity caused by toxicants and elevated cellular GSH content. Development of skin tumors, pulmonary adenoma and aberrant crypt foci in colon by various chemical carcinogens was inhibited by 2-AP pretreatment. Anticarcinogenic effects of 2-AP at the stage of initiation of tumors were also observed in the aflatoxin B1 (AFB1)-induced three-step medium-term hepatocarcinogenesis model. Reduction of AFB1-DNA adduct by 2-AP appeared to result from the decreased formation of AFB1-8,9-epoxide via suppression of cytochrome P450, while induction of GST by 2-AP increases the excretion of glutathione-conjugated AFB1. 2-AP was a radioprotective agent effective against the lethal dose of total body irradiation and reduced radiation-induced injury in association with the elevation of detoxifying gene expression. 2-AP produces reactive oxygen species in vivo, which is not mediated with the thiol-dependent production of oxidants and that NF-kappa B activation is not involved in the induction of the detoxifying enzymes. The mechanism of chemoprotection by 2-AP may involve inhibition of the P450-mediated metabolic activation of chemical carcinogens and enhancement of electrophilic detoxification through induction of phase II detoxification enzymes which would facilitate the clearance of activated metabolites through conjugation reaction.

Modification of hepatic drug-metabolizing enzymes in rats treated with alkyl sulfides

Natural compounds which elevate detoxification enzymes and/or reduce activating enzymes could be considered as good candidates to protect against cancer. In this work, we studied the modulation of hepatic drug-metabolizing enzymes in rats treated with dimethyl sulfide (DMS), dimethyl disulfide (DMDS), methylpropyl disulfide (MPDS), dipropyl sulfide (DPS), dipropyl disulfide (DPDS) and diallyl disulfide (DADS) issued from Allium species. Compounds containing methyl groups had little or no effect. Compounds with two propyl groups or two allyl groups provoked a pleiotropic response on drug-metabolizing enzymes. DPS, DPDS and DADS induced ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase, methoxyresorufin O-demethylase and mostly pentoxyresorufin O-depentylase and decreased nitrosodimethylamine N-demethylase and erythromycin N-demethylase. These modifications of enzyme activities were accompanied by an increase of CYP 2B1,2 and a decrease of CYP 2E1, evidenced by immunoblotting. The same treatments stimulated some phase II enzyme activities such as glutathione transferase and UDP-glucuronyl transferases. This pattern of induction and/or inhibition of drug metabolizing enzymes was qualitatively similar to that elicited by the enzyme inducer, phenobarbital. The magnitude of the effects produced by DPDS was smaller than those produced by DADS and DPS. Our results suggest a possible protective effect of alkyl sulfides as well as diallyl disulfide, on the first step of carcinogenesis via the modulation of enzymes involved in carcinogen metabolism.

Differential induction of hepatic microsomal epoxide hydrolase by alkyl sulphides and alkyl ethers in rat

1. Previous studies have shown that the expression of certain cytochromes P450 and major glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) is differentially modulated by alkyl sulphide treatment. The current study was designed to examine the influence of several alkyl sulphides and alkyl ethers on the induction of hepatic microsomal epoxide hydrolase (mEH) in rat. 2. Northern blot analysis has shown that treatment of rats with allyl disulphide (ADS) or allyl sulphide (AS) (50 mg/kg/day, 7 days) resulted in 5-6-fold increases in mEH mRNA levels, whereas allyl ether failed to stimulate mEH gene expression. Rats treated with propyl disulphide (PDS) or propyl sulphide (PS) exhibited increases in mEH mRNA levels, although the relative increases were less than those produced by ADS or AS. Propyl ether failed to increase hepatic mEH mRNA levels. Immunoblot analyses confirmed that allyl and propyl sulphides induce hepatic mEH protein, with the agents containing allyl moiety being more effective. 3. Treatment of rats with ADS at 100 mg/kg resulted in 9-14-fold increases in mEH mRNA levels at 12 and 24 h post-treatment respectively, whereas AS caused a maximal increase at the 24-h time point. Animals treated with PDS or PS exhibited time-related increases in mEH mRNA levels, resulting in 2-6-fold elevations at 72-h post-treatment. The changes in mEH mRNA levels after ADS or AS treatment appeared to be more rapid than those after PDS or PS. The rank order for increases in mEH mRNA levels was ADS > AS > PS > PDS. The result of immunoblot analysis was consistent with that of Northern blot analysis. 4. Rats treated with isopropyl sulphide (IPS), butyl sulphone, tert-butyl sulphide, sec-butyl sulphide or butyl sulphide (100 mg/kg/day) showed 3-5-fold increases in the mEH mRNA levels at 3 days post-treatment. IPS treatment caused a similar increase in the mRNA level to that of PS, whereas the induction efficacy of PDS was lower than that of PS or IPS. Treatment with butyl sulphone as well as the structural isomers of butyl sulphides caused approximately 3-fold elevations in mEH mRNA levels. 5. These results provide evidence that alkyl sulphides, but not alkyl ethers, are capable of increasing mEH mRNA levels and that the organosulphur compounds with the allyl moiety are more effective in stimulating the mEH gene than are saturated alkyl sulphides. The comparable increase in mEH mRNA by butyl sulphone as well as the necessity of sulphur atom suggests that sulphone metabolites from the alkyl sulphides might be the ultimate inducers of mEH.

Inhibition of cytochrome P450 2E1 expression by 2-(allylthio)pyrazine, a potential chemoprotective agent: hepatoprotective effects

Cytochrome P450 2E1 (P450 2E1) is active in both the detoxification and activation of small organic molecules. The effects of 2-(allylthio)pyrazine (2-AP) on P450 2E1-catalytic activity and the expression of rat hepatic P450 2E1 were examined. 2-AP competitively inhibited 4-nitrophenol hydroxylase activity in vitro (Ki, 12 microM). 2-AP treatment of rats (200 mg/kg/day, p.o., 1-3 days old) resulted in 20-30% decreases in the rates of P450 2E1-specific metabolic activities. Immunoblot analysis also revealed that hepatic microsomes isolated from 2-AP-treated rats showed substantial decreases in P450 2E1 level. 2-AP-suppressed isoniazid (INH)-inducible hepatic P450 2E1 levels, as shown by both metabolic activities and immunoblot analyses. Thus, 2-AP was effective in suppressing both constitutive and inducible P450 2E1 expression. Northern blot analysis showed that 2-AP transiently suppressed the hepatic P450 2E1 mRNA level, suggesting that suppression in P450 2E1 expression by 2-AP may be mediated in part by transcriptional inactivation. Hepatoprotective effects of 2-AP against toxicants were monitored in mice. 2-AP pretreatment prior to the administration of lethal doses of acetaminophen (AAP) or INH substantially reduced toxicant-induced mortality. Whereas serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels were markedly elevated after AAP administration (i.e. 9-20-fold), 2-AP pretreatment of animals before AAP administration resulted in >95% decreases in elevated serum aminotransferase activities. 2-AP was also effective against CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity. Whereas CCl4 treatment caused 35-70-fold increases in aminotransferase activities, treatment of mice with 2-AP (>10 mg/kg) resulted in the blocking of CCl4-induced liver toxicity. The hepatoprotective effect of 2-AP was in part due to 2-AP-induced elevation of hepatic GSH levels. Whereas AAP or CCl4 treatment resulted in 70-80% reduction in hepatic GSH levels, pretreatment of mice with 2-AP caused a 40-210% elevation in hepatic GSH levels, as compared with either AAP or CCl4 alone. 2-AP pretreatment also reduced AAP- or CCl4-induced increases in lipid peroxidation in a dose-dependent manner. The results of these metabolic activities and of immunoblot and RNA blot analyses demonstrate that 2-AP is efficacious in suppressing constitutive and inducible P450 2E1 expression and effective in protecting against toxicant-induced liver toxicity.

Suppression of rat hepatic cytochrome P450 2E1 expression by isopropyl 2-(1,3-dithioetane-2-ylidene)-2-[N-(4-methyl-thiazol-2-yl)carbamoyl] acetate (YH439), an experimental hepatoprotectant: protective role against hepatic injury

The expression of cytochromes P450 2E1, P450 2B and P450 1A was examined in rat hepatic tissue in response to YH439, an experimental hepatoprotective agent. P450 2E1 metabolic activities relatively specific for P450 2E1 were decreased up to 57% of control activities in the hepatic microsomes prepared from rats treated with YH439 for 3 days. Immunoblot analyses showed that P450 2E1 levels were decreased below the limit of detectability in hepatic microsomes prepared from YH439-treated rats. YH439 at doses from 25 to 100 mg/kg completely suppressed isoniazid-inducible P450 2E1 levels as monitored by both metabolic activities and immunoblot analysis. RNA hybridization analysis revealed that P450 2E1 mRNA levels failed to change after YH439 treatment. These results demonstrate the YH439 effectively suppresses P450 2E1 expression in the absence of transcriptional inactivation. YH439 failed to affect P450 2B1/2 expression, whereas this agent enhanced the hepatic P450 1A1/2 levels. The hepatoprotective effects of YH439 were also examined. Animals treated with CCl4 and ethanol for 9 weeks showed hepatic injury as demonstrated by 2.5- and 2-fold increases in serum alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase activities, respectively. Concomitant YH439 treatment resulted in a significant protective effect against the experimental hepatic injury. The toxicant-induced elevation in hepatic hydroxyproline level was completely blocked by YH439 treatment. These data indicate that YH439 suppresses the expression of P450 2E1 and protects the liver against chemical-induced hepatic injury and that the selective modulation of detoxifying enzymes by YH439 may contribute to the protection of liver from xenobiotic-induced intoxication.

Modulation of rat hepatic cytochrome P-450 activity by garlic organosulfur compounds

Garlic organosulfur compounds exert chemopreventive effects at several organ sites in rodents after administration of chemical carcinogens, possibly by inhibiting carcinogen activation via cytochrome P-450-mediated oxidative metabolism. It has been suggested that the variability in potency of tumor inhibition by garlic sulfur compounds is due to structural differences, such as the number of allyl and sulfur groups. In this study, diallyl sulfide (DAS), diallyl disulfide (DADS), and allyl methyl sulfide (AMS) were administered to acetone-treated adult male Sprague-Dawley rats by gastric gavage at a dose of 1.75 mmol/kg in cottonseed oil. After 15 hours, hepatic microsomal cytochrome P-450 activity and content were examined. The activity of p-nitrophenol (pNP) hydroxylase (E.C. 1.14.13.29) was significantly decreased by all garlic compounds, whereas benzphetamine N-demethylase and ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase activities were not changed. The activity of pNP hydroxylase was decreased to 31%, 54%, and 65% of control activity, and immunodetectable CYP2E1 protein levels were decreased in a similar manner by DAS, DADS, and AMS, respectively. Additional acetone-treated rats were given 4-methyl pyrazole, a ligand specific for CYP2E1, intraperitoneally five hours after garlic compound administration. Ten hours later, pNP hydroxylase activity was decreased to 73%, 78%, and 67% of control levels by DAS, DADS, and AMS, respectively. Further studies are needed to determine whether the variable potency of inhibition of CYP2E1 enzyme activity is related to chemopreventive efficacy of garlic sulfur compounds.

Organosulfur compounds and cancer

There is evidence that organosulfur compounds can inhibit the induction and growth of cancer. Several organosulfur compounds are dietary constituents and Allium species are a rich source of such molecules. Some but not all epidemiological studies have suggested that consumption of garlic can decrease cancer incidence. There is substantial evidence that constituents of garlic including diallyl sulfides can inhibit the induction of cancer in experimental animals. Effects on both tumor initiation and promotion have been documented. Some effects may be mediated by modulation of carcinogen metabolism involving altered ratios of phase I and phase II drug metabolizing enzymes. 59,60 Inhibitory actions on the growth of tumor cells have been documented and, for some tumor cells, differentiating effects of diallyl sulfides can occur. A definitive mechanism of action has not been established and evidence exists for effects at several sites in carcinogen metabolism and regulation of tumor growth. It is not always clear that laboratory studies can be extrapolated to reasonable levels of consumption by humans of garlic or other Allium species.

Effects of garlic oil on rat hepatic P4502E1 expression

1. The effects of garlic oil (GO) on the expression of P4502E1, glutathione S-transferase (GST) and microsomal epoxide hydrolase (mEH) were assessed by metabolic activities, immunoblot and RNA blot analyses in the rat. 2. p-Nitrophenol (PNP) hydroxylase activity decreased in the hepatic microsomes isolated from rats treated with GO at 200 mg/kg b.w. by 10-30% as compared with control. Pyrazine-inducible P4502E1 expression was decreased by approximately 40% following concomitant treatment of animals with GO at the dose of 200 mg/kg from day 1 to 3 post-treatment, as evidenced by PNP hydroxylase activity. The rates of aniline hydroxylase and NDMA demethylase activities in GO-treated animals were consistent with those of PNP hydroxylase activity. Treatment of animals with 500 mg/kg GO resulted in suppression of P4502E1-mediated catalytic activities, as monitored by both PNP and aniline hydroxylase activities, whereas the effects at the dose of 1000 mg/kg were identical with those at 500 mg/kg b.w. 3. Immunoblot analyses of hepatic microsomes, using an anti-P4502E1 antibody, showed that GO minimally suppressed constitutive P4502E1 expression at 24, 48 and 72 h post-treatment at the daily doses from 200 to 1000 mg/kg b.w., as compared with vehicle-treated animals. Time-dependent pyrazine induction of P4502E1, however, was substantially blocked by concomitant treatment of animals with 200 mg/kg GO to the levels of control. Treatment at the dose of 1000 mg/kg failed to further suppress P4502E1 levels. GO treatment caused no changes in the levels of P4502E1 mRNA, as assessed by slot blot analyses. 4. Cytosol produced from the GO-treated rat showed approximately 40% increases in GST conjugating activity toward 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene, whereas mEH protein levels were 1.5-2.0-fold greater than control with similar increases in the mRNA levels noted. 5. These results demonstrate that GO suppresses inducible P4502E1 expression more significantly than constitutive expression, and that GO induces GST and mEH expression to a certain extent.

Differential effects of dietary diallyl sulfide and diallyl disulfide on rat intestinal and hepatic drug-metabolizing enzymes

The chemopreventive properties of allyl sulfides on carcinogenesis may be related to the modulation of drug-metabolizing enzymes involved in carcinogen activation or detoxication. In order to investigate the effects of diallyl sulfide (DAS) and diallyl disulfide (DADS) on intestinal and hepatic drug-metabolizing enzymes, rats were fed a diet containing 0.2% of either allyl sulfide. The DADS enhanced intestinal epoxide hydrolase (EH) and cytochrome P-450 (P-450) 2B1/2 protein levels and the activities of pentoxy- and benzyl-oxyresorufin O-dealkylases, arylhydrocarbon hydroxylase, microsomal epoxide hydrolase, p-nitrophenol UDP-glucuronyl transferase and glutathione S-transferase, and decreased nitrosodimethylamine demethylase activity. In liver, DADS produced similar effects and, in addition, increased P-450 1A1/2 protein level and phenoxazone metabolizing activities (ethoxy- and methoxyresorufin O-dealkylases), p-hydroxybiphenyl UDP-glucuronyl transferase, and decreased P-450 2E1 level. The DAS enhanced only EH activity in the small intestine and induced P-450 2B1/2 and epoxide hydrolase protein levels. In liver, DAS produced similar effects as DADS. The different effects of DAS on intestinal drug-metabolizing enzymes, compared to liver, could be ascribed to less metabolism of this compound in small intestine. It is also suggested that DAS and DADS may not yield the same metabolites and therefore would have different effects on intestinal drug-metabolizing enzymes.

Piperine effects on the expression of P4502E1, P4502B and P4501A in rat

1. Treatment of rat with piperine (PIP) (1.4 mmol/kg, 3 days ip injections) resulted in an approximate two-fold increase in total liver microsomal P450 content relative to that in uninduced animals. 2. 4-Nitrophenol and aniline hyroxylase activities in the hepatic microsomes prepared from rat treated with PIP decreased by 30 and 28% respectively as compared with control. Immunoblot analyses also revealed decreased P4502E1 levels in hepatic microsomes from PIP-treated animals. 3. In contrast with P4502E1 suppression, hepatic 2B1 and 2B2 levels were significantly increased in PIP-induced animals, as evidence by both metabolic activity and immunoblot analysis of the liver microsomal fractions. The rate of hexobarbital hydroxylase activity in microsomes from PIP-treated animals was markedly elevated and was inhibited by approximately 62% in the presence of monoclonal anti-P4502B IgG. Immunoblot analyses demonstrated that P4502B1 and 2B2 levels in hepatic microsomes from PIP-treated animals were comparable with those from phenobarbital-treated animals. 4. 7-Ethoxycoumarin deethylase activity was elevated approximately two-fold in PIP-induced animals and was 17% of that derived from 3-methylcholanthrene-induced animals. 7-ethoxycoumarin deethylase activity in PIP-induced hepatic microsomes was inhibited 63% in the presence of monoclonal anti-P4501A antibody. Immunoblot analysis confirmed the increase in P4501A levels by PIP, which was 15% of that in hepatic microsomes from 3-methylcholanthrene-induced animals. 5. PIP treatment failed to affect microsomal epoxide hydrolase (mEH) and glutathione S-transferases (GST) expression, as indicated by immunoblot analyses using polyclonal antibodies toward mEH and GST subunits Ya, Yb1, Yb2 and Yc. 6. These results demonstrate that PIP treatment suppressed P4502E1 expression and enhanced 2B and 1A expression, whereas this agent failed to affect hepatic mEH and GST expression.

Enhanced expression of rat microsomal epoxide hydrolase gene by organosulfur compounds

The effects of organosulfur compounds including allylsulfide (AS), allylmercaptan (AM) and allylmethylsulfide (AMS) on the expression of microsomal epoxide hydrolase (mEH) protein and its mRNA were examined in rats. The levels of mEH induction were examined with or without concomitant treatment of animals with pyrazine, a strong inducer of mEH, in order to establish whether a common molecular basis exists for mEH induction between these structurally different xenobiotics. Immunoblot analyses using anti-rat mEH antibody showed that treatment with AS caused an approximately 4-fold increase in hepatic mEH protein levels relative to controls whereas treatment with both AS and pyrazine resulted in only minimal additive increases in the elevation of mEH. Administration of AM to rats resulted in a comparable increase in mEH levels to that caused by AS, whereas an approximately 2-fold increase was noted after AMS treatment, as compared to control. mEH levels in the hepatic microsomes isolated from animals treated with both AMS and pyrazine were, however, approximately 50% less than those from pyrazine-treated rats. Thus, AS and AM appeared to be more effective than AMS in elevating mEH, as evidenced by immunoblot analyses. The levels of mEH mRNA were increased 10-16-fold following treatment with either AS or AM, while AMS caused a 3-7-fold increase relative to control, as assessed by slot blot analysis probed with a 1.3 kb mEH cDNA. Time-dependent increases in mRNA levels by each of these organosulfur compounds were consistent with those in mEH protein levels at 3 days. A marginal additive increase in mEH mRNA levels was noted following co-administration of either AS or AM with pyrazine, whereas treatment with both AMS and pyrazine decreased mEH mRNA levels by 55%. Significant mEH mRNA increases in poly(A)+ RNA fractions were confirmed by northern blot analysis. The results demonstrate that these organosulfur compounds are inducers of mEH and that the induction involves increases in its mRNA.