The conjugation of 4-nitroquinoline 1-oxide, a potent carcinogen, by mammalian glutathione transferases. 4-Nitroquinoline 1-oxide conjugation by human, rat and mouse liver cytosols, extrahepatic organs of mice and purified mouse glutathione transferase isoenzymes

Cytoprotective effects of (E)-N-(2-(3, 5-dimethoxystyryl) phenyl) furan-2-carboxamide (BK3C231) against 4-nitroquinoline 1-oxide-induced damage in CCD-18Co human colon fibroblast cells

Stilbenes are a group of chemicals characterized with the presence of 1,2-diphenylethylene. Previously, our group has demonstrated that synthesized (E)-N-(2-(3, 5-dimethoxystyryl) phenyl) furan-2-carboxamide (BK3C231) possesses potential chemopreventive activity specifically inducing NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) protein expression and activity. In this study, the cytoprotective effects of BK3C231 on cellular DNA and mitochondria were investigated in normal human colon fibroblast, CCD-18Co cells. The cells were pretreated with BK3C231 prior to exposure to the carcinogen 4-nitroquinoline 1-oxide (4NQO). BK3C231 was able to inhibit 4NQO-induced cytotoxicity. Cells treated with 4NQO alone caused high level of DNA and mitochondrial damages. However, pretreatment with BK3C231 protected against these damages by reducing DNA strand breaks and micronucleus formation as well as decreasing losses of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) and cardiolipin. Interestingly, our study has demonstrated that nitrosative stress instead of oxidative stress was involved in 4NQO-induced DNA and mitochondrial damages. Inhibition of 4NQO-induced nitrosative stress by BK3C231 was observed through a decrease in nitric oxide (NO) level and an increase in glutathione (GSH) level. These new findings elucidate the cytoprotective potential of BK3C231 in human colon fibroblast CCD-18Co cell model which warrants further investigation into its chemopreventive role.

Comprehensive analysis of the catalytic and structural properties of a mu-class glutathione s-transferase from Fasciola gigantica

Glutathione S‒transferases (GSTs) play an important role in the detoxification of xenobiotics. They catalyze the nucleophilic addition of glutathione (GSH) to nonpolar compounds, rendering the products water-soluble. In the present study, we investigated the catalytic and structural properties of a mu-class GST from Fasciola gigantica (FgGST1). The purified recombinant FgGST1 formed a homodimer composed of 25 kDa subunit. Kinetic analysis revealed that FgGST1 displays broad substrate specificity and shows high GSH conjugation activity toward 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene, 4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide, and trans-4-phenyl-3-butene-2-one and peroxidase activity towards trans-2-nonenal and hexa-2,4-dienal. The FgGST1 was highly sensitive to inhibition by cibacron blue. The cofactor (GSH) and inhibitor (cibacron blue) were docked, and binding sites were identified. The molecular dynamics studies and principal component analysis indicated the stability of the systems and the collective motions, respectively. Unfolding studies suggest that FgGST1 is a highly cooperative molecule because, during GdnHCl-induced denaturation, a simultaneous unfolding of the protein without stabilization of any partially folded intermediate is observed. The protein is stabilized with a conformational free energy of about 10 ± 0.3 kcal mol-1. Additionally, the presence of conserved Pro-53 and structural motifs such as N-capping box and hydrophobic staple, further aided in the stability and proper folding of FgGST1.

Food borne yeasts as DNA-bioprotective agents against model genotoxins

Yeasts isolated from Italian beverages and foods (wine and cheeses) were identified as Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Debaryomyces hansenii by sequencing the D1/D2 domain of the 26S rRNA gene and differentiated, at strain level, by microsatellite PCR fingerprinting and RAPD-PCR. All the strains showed antioxidant activity, as demonstrated by their ability to scavenge the free radical diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). Furthermore, tested strains revealed high in vitro inhibitory activity against two model genotoxins, 4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide (4-NQO) and N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG), as showed by short-term methods with different target cells: SOS-Chromotest with Escherichia coli PQ37 and Comet assay with HT-29 enterocytes. High inhibitory activity towards 4-NQO was associated with cell viability, while heat-inactivated cells showed a reduced antigenotoxic capability. Surprisingly, high inhibition of MNNG genotoxicity was observed even with heat-treated cells. Moreover, the strains able to inhibit the genotoxins induced some changes in the spectroscopic properties of the original compound. This result perfectly agrees with the information obtained by the two bioassays. Interestingly, strains characterized for antioxidant and antigenotoxic properties, also presented acid-bile tolerance, indicating that food autochthonous yeasts could be expected to reach gut in viable form and thus prevent genotoxin DNA damage in situ.

In vivo induction of phase II detoxifying enzymes, glutathione transferase and quinone reductase by citrus triterpenoids

Background

Several cell culture and animal studies demonstrated that citrus bioactive compounds have protective effects against certain types of cancer. Among several classes of citrus bioactive compounds, limonoids were reported to prevent different types of cancer. Furthermore, the structures of citrus limonoids were reported to influence the activity of phase II detoxifying enzymes. The purpose of the study was to evaluate how variations in the structures of citrus limonoids (namely nomilin, deacetyl nomilin, and isoobacunoic acid) and a mixture of limonoids would influence phase II enzyme activity in excised tissues from a mouse model.

Methods

In the current study, defatted sour orange seed powder was extracted with ethyl acetate and subjected to silica gel chromatography. The HPLC, NMR and mass spectra were used to elucidate the purity and structure of compounds. Female A/J mice were treated with three limonoids and a mixture in order to evaluate their effect on phase II enzymes in four different tissues. Assays for glutathione S-transferase and NAD(P)H: quinone reductase (QR) were used to evaluate induction of phase II enzymatic activity.

Results

The highest induction of GST against 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (CDNB) was observed in stomach (whole), 58% by nomilin, followed by 25% isoobacunoic acid and 19% deacetyl nomilin. Deacetyl nomilin in intestine (small) as well as liver significantly reduced GST activity against CDNB. Additionally isoobacunoic acid and the limonoid mixture in liver demonstrated a significant reduction of GST activity against CDNB. Nomilin significantly induced GST activity against 4-nitroquinoline 1-oxide (4NQO), intestine (280%) and stomach (75%) while deacetyl nomilin showed significant induction only in intestine (73%). Induction of GST activity was also observed in intestine (93%) and stomach (45%) treated with the limonoid mixture. Finally, a significant induction of NAD(P)H: quinone reductase (QR) activity was observed by the limonoid mixture in stomach (200%). In addition, the deacetyl nomilin treatment group displayed an increase in QR activity in liver (183%) and intestine (22%).

Conclusion

The results of the present study suggests that, dietary intake of citrus limonoids may provide a protective effect against the onset of various cancers by inducing the activity of certain phase II detoxifying enzymes in specific organs.

Limonin methoxylation influences the induction of glutathione S-transferase and quinone reductase

Previous studies have indicated the chemopreventive potential of citrus limonoids due to the induction of phase II detoxifying enzymes. In the present study, three citrus limonoids were purified and identified from sour orange seeds as limonin, limonin glucoside (LG), and deacetylnomilinic acid glucoside (DNAG). In addition, limonin was modified to defuran limonin and limonin 7-methoxime. The structures of these compounds were confirmed by NMR studies. These five compounds were used to investigate the influence of phase II enzymes in female A/J mice. Our results indicated the highest induction of glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity against 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (CDNB) by DNAG (67%) in lung homogenates followed by limonin-7-methoxime (32%) in treated liver homogenates. Interestingly, limonin-7-methoxime showed the highest GST activity (270%) in liver against 4-nitroquinoline 1-oxide (4NQO), while the same compound in the stomach induced GST by 51% compared to the control. The DNAG treated group induced 55% in stomach homogenates. Another phase II enzyme, quinone reductase (QR), was significantly induced by limonin-7-methoxime by 65 and 32% in liver and lung homogenates, respectively. Defuran limonin induced QR in lung homogenates by 45%. Our results indicated that modification of limonin has differential induction of phase II enzymes. These findings are indicative of a possible mechanism for the prevention of cancer by aiding in the detoxification of xenobiotics.

Glutathione transferases from Anguilla anguilla liver: identification, cloning and functional characterization

Glutathione transferases (GSTs) constitute a class of detoxifying enzymes involved in Phase II metabolism. Using GSH-affinity chromatografy followed by HPLC analysis, two GST isoforms were isolated from the Anguilla anguilla liver cytosol. The major GST belongs to the piscine-specific rho class and accounted for about 59% of total GST affinity eluted fraction, while the remaining 41% was represented by a Pi class GST. Both isoforms were cloned, heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli and their enzyme activities were characterized with respect to a broad spectrum of well-known GST substrates. Our data indicate that only a fraction of prototypical GST substrates are conjugated by these enzymes and that Pi class GST has higher specific activity than rho class GST against 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (CDNB), ethracrynic acid, 4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide and p-nitrophenyl acetate while trans-2-nonenal is detoxified more efficiently by rho class GST. Analysis of the kinetics parameters of the conjugation against CDNB indicated that the utilization ratio K(cat)/K(m) is slightly higher for rho class GST with respect to pi class GSTs. Finally, to determine the potential for environmental inhibition of the GST isoforms, we examined the effect of the widely used herbicide atrazine as an inhibitor of catalytic activity. The inhibition studies revealed that atrazine was an effective inhibitor of GST-CDNB catalytic activities of both isoforms at micromolar concentrations, suggesting the sensitivity of these isoforms to pesticide inhibition at environmentally relevant concentrations.

Interaction of the electrophilic ketoprofenyl-glucuronide and ketoprofenyl-coenzyme A conjugates with cytosolic glutathione S-transferases

Carboxylic acid-containing drugs are metabolized mainly through the formation of glucuronide and coenzyme A esters. These conjugates have been suspected to be responsible for the toxicity of several nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs because of the reactivity of the electrophilic ester bond. In the present study we investigated the reactivity of ketoprofenyl-acylglucuronide (KPF-OG) and ketoprofenyl-acyl-coenzyme A (KPF-SCoA) toward cytosolic rat liver glutathione S-transferases (GST). We observed that KPF-SCoA, but not KPF-OG inhibited the conjugation of 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene and 4-nitroquinoline N-oxide catalyzed by both purified cytosolic rat liver GST and GST from FAO and H5-6 rat hepatoma cell lines. Photoaffinity labeling with KPF-SCoA suggested that the binding of this metabolite may overlap the binding site of 4-methylumbelliferone sulfate. Furthermore, high-performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry analysis showed that both hydrolysis and transacylation reactions were observed in the presence of GST and glutathione. The formation of ketoprofenyl-S-acyl-glutathione could be kinetically characterized (apparent K(m) = 196.0 +/- 70.6 microM). It is concluded that KPF-SCoA is both a GST inhibitor and a substrate of a GST-dependent transacylation reaction. The reactivity and inhibitory potency of thioester CoA derivatives toward GST may have potential implications on the reported in vivo toxicity of some carboxylic acid-containing drugs.

4-Nitroquinoline 1-Oxide Forms 8-Hydroxydeoxyguanosine in Human Fibroblasts through Reactive Oxygen Species

4-Nitroquinoline 1-oxide (4NQO) is thought to elicit its carcinogenicity by producing DNA adducts after being metabolized to 4-hydroxyaminoquinoline 1-oxide, which forms 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8OHdG), oxidative damage. To determine whether reactive oxygen species (ROS) are involved in the generation of 8OHdG by 4NQO, we used high-performance liquid chromatography and immunohistochemistry to measure the levels of 8OHdG in normal human fibroblasts treated with 4NQO. The extent of ROS induced by 4NQO was determined by using fluorescent probes to detect ROS, electron paramagnetic resonance spectrometry using a cell-free system, and measurement of intracellular glutathione (GSH) levels. In fibroblasts, 4NQO dose dependently increased 8OHdG levels. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and superoxide were detected in cells treated with 4NQO by using dichlorofluorescin diacetate and hydroethidine, respectively. The addition of catalase to culture medium reduced 8OHdG levels and the intensity of dichlorofluorescin fluorescence, while 4NQO generated hydroxyl radicals in the cell-free system. These findings suggest that 4NQO treatment leads to formation of superoxide, H2O2, and hydroxyl radicals, resulting in the production of a substantial amount of 8OHdG in DNA. Neither the level of 8OHdG nor that of GSH had returned to the basal level 24 h after removal of 4NQO even at a concentration as low as 1 microM. Our results suggest that generation of ROS and depletion of GSH in cells are also important factors for the generation of 8OHdG by 4NQO. This paper describes practical and sensitive ways to detect ROS and 8OHdG and discusses a new functional pathway to elicit genotoxicity.

Coffee consumption induces GSTP in plasma and protects lymphocytes against (+/-)-anti-benzo[a]pyrene-7,8-dihydrodiol-9,10-epoxide induced DNA-damage: results of controlled human intervention trials

A number of animal studies indicate that coffee protects against chemical induction of cancer; also human studies suggest that coffee consumption is inversely related with the incidence of different forms of cancer. The protective effects were attributed to induction of glutathione-S-transferases (GSTs) and aim of the present human study was to find out if coffee causes induction of GSTs and protects against DNA-damage caused by (+/-)-anti-B[a]P-7,8-dihydrodiol-9,10-epoxide (BPDE), the DNA-reactive metabolite of benzo(a)pyrene. Ten participants consumed 1L unfiltered coffee/d over 5 days. Before and after the intervention, saliva and blood were collected and the overall GST activity was measured with 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (CDNB). Additionally, GSTP and GSTA were determined in plasma with immunoassays. In blood, only weak (p=0.042) induction of GST (CDNB) was found. Furthermore, pronounced (three-fold) induction of GSTP was observed in blood, whereas GSTA was not altered. No correlations were seen between induction of GST (CDNB) and GSTP activities and the GSTP1 genotypes of the participants. Also clinical parameters (creatinine, alanine, aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase), which are markers for organ damage, were monitored. None of them was altered by coffee, but serum cholesterol levels were slightly (not significantly) enhanced. In a second trial (n=7), GSTP induction by unfiltered and paper filtered coffees, differing in cafestol and kahweol contents, were compared. The participants consumed 1L coffee/d over 3 days. Again significant (three-fold) induction of GSTP was observed. The effects seen with the two coffees were identical, indicating that the diterpenoid concentrations are not responsible for the effects. In a further trial (n=7), the effect of coffee (unfiltered, 1L/d, 5 days) on BPDE induced DNA-migration was studied in comet assays. A 45% reduction effect was observed. Our findings show that coffee induces GSTP in humans and indicate that consumption may lead to protection towards polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.) leaves and its constituents increase the activities of xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes in mouse liver

The effects of thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.) leaves and its phenolic compounds, thymol and carvacrol, on the activities of xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes, i.e., phase I enzymes such as 7-ethoxycoumarin O-deethylase (ECOD) and phase II enzymes such as glutathione S-transferase (GST) and quinone reductase (QR), were investigated. Mice were fed with a diet containing thyme (0.5% or 2.0%) or treated orally with thymol (50-200 mg/kg) or carvacrol (50-200 mg/kg) once a day for 7 successive days, and then the enzyme activities in the livers were analyzed. Dietary administration of 2% thyme caused slightly but significantly higher ECOD, GST, and QR activities by 1.1-1.4-fold. Thymol (200 mg/kg) treatment resulted in significantly higher ECOD, GST, and QR activities by 1.3-1.9-fold, and carvacrol (200 mg/kg) treatment caused significantly higher ECOD, GST, and QR activities by 1.3-1.7-fold. Thymol-treated animals had significantly higher protein levels of GST alpha and GST micro, and carvacrol-treated animals had significantly higher levels of GST micro. These results imply that thyme contains bifunctional inducers (i.e., substances capable of inducing both phase I and phase II enzymes) and that thymol and carvacrol may account for the effects of thyme.

Sigma-class glutathione transferase from Xenopus laevis: molecular cloning, expression, and site-directed mutagenesis

The structural gene for glutathione transferase (XlGSTS1-1) in the amphibia Xenopus laevis has been cloned from an embryo library and its nucleotide sequence has been determined. Open reading frame analysis indicated that xlgsts1 gene encodes the smallest protein of sigma class GST so far identified as being composed of only 194 amino acid residues. The recombinant XlGSTS1-1 shows a narrow range of substrate specificity as well as a significantly lower 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene conjugation capacity than that of squid sigma class GST. To compare the structural and functional differences between the squid and amphibian enzymes, several site-specific mutations were introduced in XlGSTS1-1, i.e., Ser100Asn, Phe102Tyr, Trp143Leu, Phe146Leu, and Trp148Cys. The results obtained indicate that Trp143 and Trp148 are more important determinants for the structural stability of XlGSTS1-1 rather than for its substrate specificity.

A novel amphibian Pi-class glutathione transferase isoenzyme from Xenopus laevis: importance of phenylalanine 111 in the H-site

Screening of a liver tumour cDNA library from Xenopus laevis resulted in the isolation of a full-length cDNA clone encoding a novel Pi-class amphibian glutathione transferase (GST) isoenzyme (designated as XlGSTP1-1). The gene encodes a protein of 212 amino acids with a calculated molecular mass of 24428 Da. The product of the gene has been overexpressed in Escherichia coli and characterized. XlGSTP1-1 has one of the highest specific activities towards 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (1310 micromol/min per mg of protein) obtained with any GST. A notable feature of XlGSTP1-1 is the presence in the H-site of Phe(111) and Pro(208) in place of tyrosine and glycine residues respectively, present in other mammalian Pi-class GSTs. Site-directed mutagenesis indicate that Phe(111) is involved in substrate specificity of XlGSTP1-1. We provide evidence showing that XlGSTP1-1 is present only in the embryo and its expression might be associated with cellular proliferation.

Mutagenicity of the oral carcinogen 4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide in cultured BigBlue rat tongue epithelial cells and fibroblasts

Environmental carcinogen exposures contribute to the development of oral cancer and improved test systems for the analysis of such carcinogens are needed. We have previously isolated and characterized an epithelial cell line from the tongue of a BigBlue rat. Now, we have established an immortalized fibroblast cell line from the same organ. We exposed these cells to 4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide (NQO), a well-known experimental oral carcinogen in the rat and other species, and measured its cytotoxic and genotoxic (cII transgene mutagenesis) effects. Both cell lines were very sensitive to NQO toxicity and showed dose-dependent mutant frequency responses. At the highest NQO dose tested, 70 ng/ml, the mutant frequency was elevated more than eight-fold above background for the epithelial cells and more than 25-fold for the fibroblast cells. We examined cellular parameters which could affect glutathione-dependent detoxication of mutagens. Glutathione (GSH) contents of the two cell lines were similar. Glutathione transferase (GST) activities were measured with several substrates and were generally higher in the epithelial cells. Although multiple biochemical and biological characteristics of individual cell lines are likely to determine responses to mutagens, the greater sensitivity of the fibroblast cells to NQO mutagenicity is in accord with the lower GST activity and the lower DNA content of these cells. These new cell lines are suitable for in vitro testing of chemicals as possible oral mutagens and for studies of their biochemical mechanisms of action.

Mu-class glutathione transferase from Xenopus laevis: molecular cloning, expression and site-directed mutagenesis

A cDNA encoding a Mu-class glutathione transferase (XlGSTM1-1) has been isolated from a Xenopus laevis liver library, and its nucleotide sequence has been determined. XlGSTM1-1 is composed of 219 amino acid residues with a calculated molecular mass of 25359 Da. Unlike many mammalian Mu-class GSTs, XlGSTM1-1 has a narrow spectrum of substrate specificity and it is also less effective in conjugating 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene. A notable structural feature of XlGSTM1-1 is the presence of the Cys-139 residue in place of the Glu-139, as well as the absence of the Cys-114 residue, present in other Mu-class GSTs, which is replaced by Ala. Site-directed mutagenesis experiments indicate that Cys-139 is not involved in the catalytic mechanism of XlGSTM1-1 but may be in part responsible for its structural instability, and experiments in vivo confirmed the role of this residue in stability. Evidence indicating that Arg-107 is essential for the 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene conjugation capacity of XlGSTM1-1 is also presented.

Cloning and partial characterization of a Boophilus microplus (Acari: Ixodidae) glutathione S-transferase

A cDNA of glutathione S-transferase (GST) was isolated from a cDNA library of salivary glands of Boophilus microplus. The recombinant protein was purified by glutathione affinity chromatography and assayed upon the chromogenic substrate CDNB. The 864 bp cloned fragment was sequenced and showed an open reading frame coding for a protein of 220 amino acids. Expression of the GST gene was tested by RT-PCR in tick tissues and larvae mRNA. Comparison of the deduced amino acid sequence with GSTs from other species revealed that the enzyme is closely related to the mammalian class mu GSTs.

Role of multidrug-resistance protein 2 in glutathione S-transferase P1-1-mediated resistance to 4-nitroquinoline 1-oxide toxicities in HepG2 cells

Previous studies in our laboratory have shown that the phase III efflux transporter multidrug-resistance protein (MRP)1 can act synergistically with the phase II conjugating glutathione S-transferases (GST) to confer resistance to the toxicities of some electrophilic drugs and carcinogens. To determine whether the distinct efflux transporter MRP2 could also potentiate GST-mediated protection from electrophilic toxins, we examined the effect of regulatable GSTP1-1 expression in MRP2-rich HepG2 cells on 4-nitroquinoline 1-oxide (4NQO)-induced cytotoxicity and genotoxicity (nucleic-acid adduct formation). Expression of GSTP1-1 was associated with a fourfold to tenfold protection from 4NQO-induced cytotoxicity. Inhibition of MRP2-mediated efflux activity by sulfinpyrazone or cyclosporin A completely reversed GSTP1-1-associated resistance-a result indicating that GSTP1-1-mediated cytoprotection is absolutely dependent on MRP2 efflux activity. Moreover, MRP2 efflux activity also augmented GSTP1-1-mediated protection from 4NQO-induced nucleic-acid adduct formation. We conclude that MRP2-mediated efflux of the glutathione conjugate of 4NQO and/or another toxic derivative of 4NQO is required to support GSTP1-1-associated protection from 4NQO toxicities in HepG2 cells.

Purification and characterization of glutathione transferases from the sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) liver

Two forms of glutathione transferase were purified from liver cytosol of the sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) by GSH-Sepharose affinity chromatography followed by chromatofocusing. The major enzyme (DL-GST-6.7; 75% of total activity bound to the column) has a pI value of 6.7 and is composed of two subunits of apparent molecular mass 26.5 kDa. The minor enzyme (DL-GST-8.2; 25% of total activity bound to the column) has a pI value of 8.2 and is composed of two subunits of molecular mass 23.5 kDa. Both isoenzymes appear to have blocked N-terminal. The purified proteins were characterized with respect to substrate specificity, CD spectra, TNS binding properties (with 2-toluidinylnaphthalene 6-sulfonate), and immunological reactivity. Partial internal amino acid sequence was also determined for each isoenzyme. The results obtained suggest that DL-GST-6.7 and DL-GST8.2 are novel GSTs belonging, respectively, to theta and alpha classes.

Molecular cloning, expression and site-directed mutagenesis of glutathione S-transferase from Ochrobactrum anthropi

The gene coding for a novel glutathione S-transferase (GST) has been isolated from the bacterium Ochrobactrum anthropi. A PCR fragment of 230 bp was obtained using oligonucleotide primers deduced from N-terminal and 'internal' sequences of the purified enzyme. The gene was obtained by screening of a genomic DNA partial library from O. anthropi constructed in pBluescript with a PCR fragment probe. The gene encodes a protein (OaGST) of 201 amino acids with a calculated molecular mass of 21738 Da. The product of the gene was expressed and characterized; it showed GST activity with substrates 1-chloro-2, 4-dinitrobenzene (CDNB), p-nitrobenzyl chloride and 4-nitroquinoline 1-oxide, and glutathione-dependent peroxidase activity towards cumene hydroperoxide. The overexpressed product of the gene was also confirmed to have in vivo GST activity towards CDNB. The interaction of the recombinant GST with several antibiotics indicated that the enzyme is involved in the binding of rifamycin and tetracycline. The OaGST amino acid sequence showed the greatest identity (45%) with a GST from Pseudomonas sp. strain LB400. A serine residue in the N-terminal region is conserved in almost all known bacterial GSTs, and it appears to be the counterpart of the catalytic serine residue present in Theta-class GSTs. Substitution of the Ser-11 residue resulted in a mutant OaGST protein lacking CDNB-conjugating activity; moreover the mutant enzyme was not able to bind Sepharose-GSH affinity matrices.

Preferential overexpression of a class MU glutathione S-transferase subunit in mouse liver by myristicin

The present studies were undertaken to elucidate the mechanism of induction of glutathione S-transferase (GST) in mouse liver by myristicin, an active constituent of parsley leaf. A/J albino mice, given 5 to 50 mg doses of myristicin, showed 4- to 14-fold increase in liver GST specific activity over the control. GST purified from equal amounts of control and myristicin-treated livers indicated a marked increase in the GST activity. A relatively higher increase in GST activity towards 2,4-dichloronitrobenzene and a profound increase in the levels of GST mu on Western blot analysis of the myristicin-treated mouse liver suggest a preferential induction of GST mu. Results of the study also indicate that out of the two mu class GST subunits (Mr. 26,500 and Mr. 25,000) expressed in liver only one (Mr. 26,500) is significantly elevated. Myristicin treatment caused a slight change in the GST pi levels while the levels of GST alpha showed a modest increase. These results suggest that myristicin could be an effective chemopreventive agent, particularly for carcinogens that are detoxified by the mu class GST.

Molecular cloning and overexpression of a glutathione transferase gene from Proteus mirabilis

The structural gene of the Proteus mirabilis glutathione transferase GSTB1-1 (gstB) has been isolated from genomic DNA. A nucleotide sequence determination of gstB predicted a translational product of 203 amino acid residues, perfectly matching the sequence of the previously purified protein [Mignogna, Allocati, Aceto, Piccolomini, Di Ilio, Barra and Martini (1993) Eur. J. Biochem. 211, 421-425]. The P. mirabilis GST sequence revealed 56% identity with the Escherichia coli GST at DNA level and 54% amino acid identity. Similarity has been revealed also with the translation products of the recently cloned gene bphH from Haemophilus influenzae (28% identity) and ORF3 of Burkholderia cepacia (27% identity). Putative promoter sequences with high similarity to the E. coli sigma 70 consensus promoter and to promoters of P. mirabilis cat and glnA genes preceded the ATG of the gstB open reading frame (ORF). gstB was brought under control of the tac promoter and overexpressed in E. coli by induction with isopropyl-beta-D-thiogalactopyranoside and growth at 37 degrees C. The physicochemical and catalytic properties of overexpressed protein were indistinguishable from those of the enzyme purified from P. mirabilis extract. Unlike the GST belonging to Mu and Theta classes, GSTB1-1 was unable to metabolize dichloromethane. The study of the interaction of cloned GSTB1-1 with a number of antibiotics indicates that this enzyme actively participates in the binding of tetracyclines and rifamycin.

Purification and characterization of three Pi class glutathione transferase from monkey (Macaca fascicularis) placenta

Three forms of glutathione transferase (GST) with an apparent isoelectric point of pH 4.65 (GST I), 4.75 (GST II) and 4.9 (GST III) were resolved from the monkey (Macaca fascicularis) placenta after GSH-affinity chromatography followed by chromatofocusing. Substrate specificity, immunological reactivity, as well as N-terminal aminoacid sequences indicate that the three enzymes belongs to the pi class of GST. Reverse phase HPLC analysis indicates that the three GST arise from the combination of two different subunits eluting respectively at 29.60 +/- 0.10 min and 32.43 +/- 0.13 min. GST I is an homodimer of the 29.60 +/- 0.10 min subunit, GST III is an homodimer of the 32.43 +/- 0.13 min subunit, whereas the GST II is an heterodimer of the 29.60 +/- 0.10 min and 32.43 +/- 0.13 min subunits. Our results strongly suggest that unlike human, multiple forms of pi class GST exist in monkey placenta.

Alteration of glutathione transferase subunits composition in the liver of young and aged rats submitted to hypoxic and hyperoxic conditions

In the present work, we have studied glutathione transferase (GST) activity and GST subunits distribution in the liver of young and aged rats kept under hypoxic or hyperoxic normobaric conditions as model of oxidative stress. A significant decrease of GST activity was detected in young hypoxic rat liver, whereas a significant increase occurred in aged hypoxic liver. No significant alteration of activity was obtained in both young and aged rat livers subjected to hyperoxic treatment. Substrate specificity measurements, SDS/PAGE analysis and reverse-phase HPLC, of GSH-affinity purified fractions were used to study the changes in the GST subunits pattern occurring in the liver of rat as a consequence of hypoxic and hyperoxic treatment. The results demonstrate that young and aged rat liver has a different constitutive GST subunit pattern which are markedly and differentially altered in hypoxia or hyperoxia. The hyperoxic treatment caused an increase of GST subunit 3 in aged, but not in young liver. In aged liver, both the hypoxic and hyperoxic treatment produced a decrease of GST subunit 4. After hypoxic treatment GST subunit 3 significantly increased in both young and aged liver. GST subunit 1a increased in both young and adult liver after hyperoxia. Following hypoxia a decrease of subunit 1a was seen in both young and aged liver. After hypoxic treatment, subunit 6 doubled in young, but not in aged, livers. It was concluded that the alterations in GST subunit expression occurring in the liver as a consequence of hypoxic or hyperoxic treatment respond to the necessity of a better protection of liver against the products of oxidative metabolism.

Changes in GST-isoenzyme pattern of some organs of sheep exposed to different levels of pollution

GST isonzyme patterns were studied in the cytosolic fraction of liver, kidney and lung of sheep exposed to industrial metal pollutants and compared with those of control animals. The methodology included the determination of enzymatic activities with several subunit-specific substrates (DCNB, NPB, EPNP and EA) and Western blotting using antibodies to specific rat GST subunits 1, 8 (alpha class), 3 (mu class) and 7 (pi class). In liver and lung, crossed reactivities with subunits 1 and 3 were absent in the controls but were present in exposed animals. Just the opposite result was obtained for subunit 8 crossed reactivity that was only in the control animals. In the kidney, crossed reactivities towards subunits 3 and 8 were absent and crossed reactivity equivalent to subunit 7 was present in all animals, and equivalent to subunit 1 was weakly induced in exposed animals. A 3.3-fold increase in the activity with NPB detected in the kidneys of exposed animals points to the induction of a theta class isoenzymes. Clear increases were found in the livers of exposed animals in the activities with CDNB (1.8-fold), DCNB (2.6-fold) and EPNP (2.1-fold), but no differences were found in the lungs with any of the substrates. The GST isoenzyme pattern of liver and lung could be, in principle, a useful biomarker of exposure to environmental pollution in sheep.

Time-dependent and tissue-specific variations of glutathione transferase activity during gestation in the mouse

Glutathione transferases (GSTs; EC. 2.1.5.18) activity was measured in maternal liver and conceptal tissues during gestation. In maternal liver, maximum activity was found at gestational day (GD) 9 after which it slowly decreased up to the end of gestation. The placental GSTs activity at GD18 was three times lower than that found at GD14. Conversely, fetal liver GSTs at GD14 was about 75% that at GD18. It was also observed that GSTs activity at GD9 and GD10 was higher in visceral yolk sac than in embryo proper. Substrate specificity measurements, SDS PAGE analysis and HPLC runs, carried out on GSH-affinity purified fractions, revealed that with the progress of gestation in maternal liver an increase in pi class GSTs subunit occurs, with a concomitant decrease in alpha class GSTs. With respect to the time of gestation, a significant change in alpha, mu and pi class GSTs expression also occurred in fetal liver and in chorioallantoic placenta. It was concluded that during gestation the GSTs system is subjected to a time-dependent and tissue-specific modulation which may play a protective role against developmental toxicants.

In vitro analysis of metabolic predisposition to drug hypersensitivity reactions

Idiosyncratic hypersensitivity reactions may account for up to 25% of all adverse reactions, and pose a constant problem to physicians because of their unpredictable nature, potentially fatal outcome and resemblance to other disease processes. Current understanding of how drug allergy arises is based largely on the hapten hypothesis: since most drugs are not chemically reactive per se, they must be activated metabolically to reactive species which may become immunogenic through interactions with cellular macromolecules. The role of drug metabolism is thus pivotal to the hapten hypothesis both in activation of the parent compound and detoxification of the reactive species. Although conjugation reactions may occasionally produce potential immunogens (for example, the generation of acylglucuronides from non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as diclofenac), bioactivation is catalysed most frequently by cytochrome P450 (P450) enzymes. The multifactorial nature of hypersensitivity reactions, particularly the role of often unidentified, reactive drug metabolites in antigen generation, has hampered the routine diagnosis of these disorders by classical immunological methods designed to detect circulating antibodies or sensitized T cells. Similarly, species differences in drug metabolism and immune system regulation have largely precluded the establishment of appropriate animal models with which to examine the immunopathological mechanisms of these toxicities. However, the combined use of in vitro toxicity assays incorporating human tissues and in vivo phenotyping (or, ultimately, in vitro genotyping) methods for drug detoxification pathways may provide the metabolic basis for hypersensitivity reactions to several drugs. This brief review highlights recent efforts to unravel the bases for hypersensitivity reactions to these therapeutic agents (which include anticonvulsants and sulphonamides) using drug metabolism and immunochemical approaches. In particular, examples are provided which illustrate breakthroughs in the identification of the chemical nature of the reactive metabolites which become bound to cellular macromolecules, the enzyme systems responsible for their generation and (possibly) detoxification, and the target proteins implicated in the subsequent immune response.

The glutathione S-transferase supergene family: regulation of GST and the contribution of the isoenzymes to cancer chemoprotection and drug resistance

The glutathione S-transferases (GST) represent a major group of detoxification enzymes. All eukaryotic species possess multiple cytosolic and membrane-bound GST isoenzymes, each of which displays distinct catalytic as well as noncatalytic binding properties: the cytosolic enzymes are encoded by at least five distantly related gene families (designated class alpha, mu, pi, sigma, and theta GST), whereas the membrane-bound enzymes, microsomal GST and leukotriene C4 synthetase, are encoded by single genes and both have arisen separately from the soluble GST. Evidence suggests that the level of expression of GST is a crucial factor in determining the sensitivity of cells to a broad spectrum of toxic chemicals. In this article the biochemical functions of GST are described to show how individual isoenzymes contribute to resistance to carcinogens, antitumor drugs, environmental pollutants, and products of oxidative stress. A description of the mechanisms of transcriptional and posttranscriptional regulation of GST isoenzymes is provided to allow identification of factors that may modulate resistance to specific noxious chemicals. The most abundant mammalian GST are the class alpha, mu, and pi enzymes and their regulation has been studied in detail. The biological control of these families is complex as they exhibit sex-, age-, tissue-, species-, and tumor-specific patterns of expression. In addition, GST are regulated by a structurally diverse range of xenobiotics and, to date, at least 100 chemicals have been identified that induce GST; a significant number of these chemical inducers occur naturally and, as they are found as nonnutrient components in vegetables and citrus fruits, it is apparent that humans are likely to be exposed regularly to such compounds. Many inducers, but not all, effect transcriptional activation of GST genes through either the antioxidant-responsive element (ARE), the xenobiotic-responsive element (XRE), the GST P enhancer 1(GPE), or the glucocorticoid-responsive element (GRE). Barbiturates may transcriptionally activate GST through a Barbie box element. The involvement of the Ah-receptor, Maf, Nrl, Jun, Fos, and NF-kappa B in GST induction is discussed. Many of the compounds that induce GST are themselves substrates for these enzymes, or are metabolized (by cytochrome P-450 monooxygenases) to compounds that can serve as GST substrates, suggesting that GST induction represents part of an adaptive response mechanism to chemical stress caused by electrophiles. It also appears probable that GST are regulated in vivo by reactive oxygen species (ROS), because not only are some of the most potent inducers capable of generating free radicals by redox-cycling, but H2O2 has been shown to induce GST in plant and mammalian cells: induction of GST by ROS would appear to represent an adaptive response as these enzymes detoxify some of the toxic carbonyl-, peroxide-, and epoxide-containing metabolites produced within the cell by oxidative stress. Class alpha, mu, and pi GST isoenzymes are overexpressed in rat hepatic preneoplastic nodules and the increased levels of these enzymes are believed to contribute to the multidrug-resistant phenotype observed in these lesions. The majority of human tumors and human tumor cell lines express significant amounts of class pi GST. Cell lines selected in vitro for resistance to anticancer drugs frequently overexpress class pi GST, although overexpression of class alpha and mu isoenzymes is also often observed. The mechanisms responsible for overexpression of GST include transcriptional activation, stabilization of either mRNA or protein, and gene amplification. In humans, marked interindividual differences exist in the expression of class alpha, mu, and theta GST. The molecular basis for the variation in class alpha GST is not known. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED)

Glutathione transferase isoenzymes in olfactory and respiratory epithelium of cattle

Glutathione transferase (GST) was investigated in the olfactory and respiratory epithelium of cattle. A significantly more abundant GST in terms of either protein amount or activity was found in the olfactory rather than in the respiratory epithelium. No apparent qualitative differences in the isoelectric focusing, sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and HPLC profiles were noted in the reduced glutathione (GSH) affinity purified GST pool of olfactory and respiratory epithelium. Both tissues have at least six GST isoenzymes with isoelectric point values of 4.9 (peak I), 5.3 (peak II), 5.95 (peak III), 6.5 (peak IV), 7.1 (peak V) and 9.3 (peak VI). From both tissues at least seven different GST subunits can be resolved by HPLC analysis. The GST isoenzymes having pI at 5.3 and 9.3 were predominantly expressed in the olfactory than in the respiratory epithelium. These latter forms conjugate GSH efficiently with alkenals and hydroperoxides, respectively. Kinetic, immunological and structural properties, including HPLC analysis and N-terminal region amino acid sequence seem to indicate that the bovine nasal mucosa tissue in addition to a GST subunit which is orthologue to rat subunit 8 (alpha class) express tissues specific subunits.

Conversion of 4-nitroquinoline 1-oxide (4NQO) to 4-hydroxyaminoquinoline 1-oxide by a dicumarol-resistant hepatic 4NQO nitroreductase in rats and mice

The product formed from 4-nitroquinoline 1-oxide (4NQO), a potent carcinogen, by the action of mouse NADH:4NQO nitroreductase NR-1 was directly identified as 4-hydroxyaminoquinoline 1-oxide (4HAQO) by high performance liquid chromatography analyses in two systems. In liver cytosols from both male and female mice, NADH:4NQO nitroreductase was the predominant enzyme catalyzing the reduction of 4NQO. Rat liver cytosol catalyzed the conversion of 4NQO to either 4HAQO or a glutathione conjugate depending upon coenzyme or cosubstrate availability. Whereas NAD(P)H:quinone reductase (NAD(P)H:(quinone acceptor) oxidoreductase; DT diaphorase; EC 1.6.99.2) was the predominant 4NQO reductase present in liver cytosol from Sprague-Dawley rats, dicumarol-resistant NADH:4NQO nitroreductase specific activities were comparable with those of mouse liver cytosols. A 4NQO nitroreductase from rat liver cytosol was separated from NAD(P)H:quinone reductase chromatographically and shown to have a strong preference for NADH and to be insensitive to inhibition by dicumarol.

Developmental aspects of Bufo bufo embryo glutathione transferases

The expression of glutathione transferase isoenzymes has been studied during the development of Bufo bufo embryo. By analysing the GSH-affinity purified materials in terms of substrate specificities, SDS-PAGE pattern, HPLC elution profile, we conclude that, up to stage 22, no significant changes in the expression of glutathione transferases isoenzymes occurred during Bufo bufo embryo development. At stage 25 the distribution of glutathione transferases was found to be slightly different from those of all other foregoing stages. A marked decrease of embryonic glutathione transferases subunits with a parallel appearance of new structurally and immunologically different subunits was noted in toad liver and kidney. Toad ovary continued to express embryonic glutathione transferase subunits.

Purification and characterization of the major glutathione transferase from adult toad (Bufo bufo) liver

Five forms of glutathione transferase (GST) were resolved from the cytosol of adult common toad (Bufo bufo) liver by GSH-affinity chromatography followed by isoelectric focusing. The major enzyme (GST-7.64; 55% of total activity bound to the column) has a pI value of 7.64, is composed of two subunits each with a molecular mass of 23 kDa, and has the N-terminal amino acid residue blocked. GST-7.64 has also been characterized with respect to amino acid composition, substrate specificity, inhibition characteristics, c.d. spectra and immunological reactivity. The N-terminal sequence of some peptides obtained after tryptic digestion has also been determined. All together the results obtained suggest that the major toad liver GST is distinct from any known GST, including microbial, plant and mammalian GSTs.

Purification and characterization of glutathione transferase from psoriatic skin

The glutathione transferases (GSTs) comprise a family of enzymes that catalyze the conjugation of glutathione with certain hydrophobic compounds, bind various hydrophobic compounds, and have selenium-independent glutathione peroxidase activity. Of the four classes of GST, the pi class is the only one present in keratinocytes, and pi-class GST is elevated in psoriatic epidermis. We have purified and characterized GST from psoriatic scales. Immunoreactivity was observed with pi class antisera, and amino terminal sequencing showed identity with GST from human placenta and cultured human keratinocytes. We conclude that the majority of GST activity in psoriatic skin is due to a pi-class isoenzyme, and pi-class GST may represent an index for hyperproliferation.

Inhibition of mouse glutathione transferases and glutathione peroxidase II by dicumarol and other ligands

Dicumarol, often used as a specific inhibitor of DT diaphorase (NAD(P)H:(quinone-acceptor) oxidoreductase; EC 1.6.99.2), was found to potently inhibit GSH transferases (EC 2.5.1.18). Dicumarol exhibited an IC50 of 11 microM in inhibiting the conjugation of 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (50 microM) by GSH transferase GT-8.7, the major hepatic class mu isoenzyme of CD-1 mice. The activities of GT-8.7 and of the class pi isoenzyme, GT-9.0, toward a carcinogenic substrate, 4-nitroquinoline 1-oxide (100 microM), were inhibited by dicumarol with IC50 values of 14 and 9 microM, respectively. Dicumarol also affected GSH peroxidase II activity, inhibiting the reduction of cumene hydroperoxide by GT-10.6, the predominant class alpha GSH transferase of mouse liver, with an IC50 of 14 microM. GSH peroxidase I (EC 1.11.1.9) and GSH peroxidase II activities were resolved by chromatography of liver and testis cytosols. While inhibiting GSH peroxidase II with IC50 of 9-10 microM, dicumarol did not affect the activity of the selenoenzyme, GSH peroxidase I. Whereas several other non-substrate ligands were more potent inhibitors of 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene conjugation, dicumarol effectively inhibited GSH transferase and GSH peroxidase II activities in the range of dicumarol concentrations frequently used for detection of DT diaphorase action. These results indicate that physiological consequences resulting from the use of supramicromolar concentrations of dicumarol should not be interpreted in terms of DT diaphorase inhibition alone.

Glutathione transferase isoenzymes from Bufo bufo embryos at an early developmental stage

Six forms of glutathione transferase (GST) were resolved from the cytosolic fraction of Bufo bufo embryos at developmental stage 4 by GSH-Sepharose affinity chromatography followed by f.p.l.c. chromatofocusing in the 9-6 pH range. They have apparent isoelectric points at pH 8.37 (GST I), 8.22 (GST II), 8.10 (GST III), 7.84 (GST IV), 7.37 (GST V) and 7.12 (GST VI), and each displayed an apparent subunit molecular mass of 23 kDa by SDS/PAGE. The Bufo bufo embryo enzymes showed very similar structural, catalytic and immunological properties, as indicated by their substrate-specificities, inhibition characteristics, c.d. spectra, h.p.l.c. elution profiles and immunological reactivities, as well as by their N-terminal amino acid sequences. Although Bufo bufo embryo GSTs do not correspond to any other known GSTs, the results of our experiments indicate that amphibian GSTs could be included in the Pi family of GSTs. This conclusion is supported by the analysis of c.d. spectra, and by the fact that mammalian Pi class GSTs and amphibian GSTs showed about 80% identity in their N-terminal amino acid sequences. Furthermore, antisera prepared against Bufo bufo GST III cross-reacted in immunoblotting analysis with Pi class GSTs, and vice versa.

Glutathione transferases and cancer

The glutathione transferases, a family of multifunctional proteins, catalyze the glutathione conjugation reaction with electrophilic compounds biotransformed from xenobiotics, including carcinogens. In preneoplastic cells as well as neoplastic cells, specific molecular forms of glutathione transferase are known to be expressed and have been known to participate in the mechanisms of their resistance to drugs. In this article, following a brief description of recently identified molecular forms, we review new findings regarding the respective molecular forms involved in carcinogenesis and anticancer drug resistance, with particular emphasis on Pi class forms in preneoplastic tissues. The rat Pi class form, GST-P (GST 7-7), is strongly expressed not only in hepatic foci and hepatomas, but also in initiated cells that occur at the very early stages of chemical hepatocarcinogenesis, and is regarded as one of the most reliable markers for preneoplastic lesions in the rat liver. 12-O-Tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-responsive element-like sequences have been identified in upstream regions of the GST-P gene, and oncogene products c-jun and c-fos are suggested to activate the gene. The Pi-class forms possess unique enzymatic properties, including broad substrate specificity, glutathione peroxidase activity toward lipid hydroperoxides, low sensitivity to organic anion inhibitors, and high sensitivity to active oxygen species. The possible functions of Pi class glutathione transferases in neoplastic tissues and drug-resistant cells are discussed.

Hepatic glutathione S-transferases in mice fed on a diet containing the anticarcinogenic antioxidant butylated hydroxyanisole. Isolation of mouse glutathione S-transferase heterodimers by gradient elution of the glutathione-Sepharose affinity matrix

Induction of glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) is believed to represent an important mechanism whereby butylated hydroxyanisole inhibits chemical carcinogenesis. The soluble hepatic GSTs expressed by mice fed on normal diets are all homodimers comprising Ya3 (Mr 25,800), Yb1 (Mr 26,400) and Yf (Mr 24,800) subunits. In addition to these constitutively expressed GSTs, we have identified enzymes containing Ya1 (Mr 25,600), Ya2 (Mr 25,600), Yb2 (Mr 26,200) and Yb5 (Mr 26,500) subunits from the livers of Balb/c mice fed on diets containing butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA). Gradient affinity elution of GSH-Sepharose has been used to resolve the mouse liver enzymes into several discrete pools of activity from which GSTs were purified by cation-exchange chromatography. The inducible Mu-class Yb2 and Yb5 subunits were separately isolated as the heterodimers GST Yb1Yb2 and GST Yb1Yb5 and their catalytic properties are described; this showed that 1,2-dichloro-4-nitrobenzene and trans-4-phenylbut-3-en-2-one are marker substrates for the mouse Yb1 and Yb2 subunits respectively, but no discriminating model substrate was found that allows the identification of the Yb5 subunit. Individual GST subunits were resolved by reverse-phase h.p.l.c. and their amino acid compositions were determined. Certain subunits (Yb1, Yb2, Yb5 and Yf) were also subjected to automated amino acid sequence analysis, and this demonstrated that the Yb5 subunit has a blocked N-terminus. The mouse Yb1, Yb2 and Yb5 subunits from the major inducible Mu-class heterodimers were cleaved with CNBr and purified peptides from the Yb2 and Yb5 subunits were sequenced. These data show that the Yb2 subunit is distinct from the GSTs that are encoded by the cDNAs that have been cloned from mouse liver cDNA libraries but possesses identity with the protein that is encoded by pmGT2, a cDNA isolated from a mouse fibroblast cell line by Townsend, Goldsmith, Pickett & Cowan [(1989) J. Biol. Chem. 264. 21582-21590]. The sequence data also show that the cDNA encoding the mouse Yb5 subunit has not, to date, been cloned, and the relationship between this subunit and Mu-class GSTs in other species that possess a blocked N-terminus (e.g. rat GST YoYo) is discussed.

Mouse hepatic glutathione transferase isoenzymes and their differential induction by anticarcinogens. Specificities of butylated hydroxyanisole and bisethylxanthogen as inducers of glutathione transferases in male and female CD-1 mice

GSH transferase isoenzymes of class Mu (two forms), class Pi (one form) and class Alpha (two forms) were purified from liver cytosols of female CD-1 mice pretreated with an anticarcinogenic inducer, 2(3)-t-butyl-4-hydroxyanisole. GSH transferases GT-8.7, GT-8.8a and GT-8.8b, GT-9.0, GT-9.3, GT-10.3 and GT-10.6 contained a minimum of six types of subunits distinguishable by structural, catalytic and immunological characteristics. H.p.l.c. analysis of the subunit compositions of affinity-purified GSH transferases from liver cytosols of induced and non-induced male and female CD-1 mice showed that two anticarcinogenic compounds, 2(3)-t-butyl-4-hydroxyanisole and bisethylxanthogen, differed markedly in their specificities as inducers of GSH transferase.