Enhanced xenobiotic transporter expression in normal teleost hepatocytes: response to environmental and chemotherapeutic toxins

Ivermectin Toxicokinetics in Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) following P-glycoprotein Induction

Alterations in ivermectin (IVM, 22,23-dihydro avermectin B1a+22,23-dihydro avermectin B1b) toxicokinetics following P-glycoprotein (P-gp) induction by clotrimazole (CTZ) were examined in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) to assess the potential importance of P-gp activity levels in xenobiotic distribution and kinetics in fish. Control and fish pretreated with CTZ (30 µmol/kg) were administered 175 µg/kg 3H-IVM into the caudal vasculature. At various time points (0.25, 0.5, 1, 3, 24, 48, 96, and 168 h) following injection, tissues (blood, liver, kidney, gill, intestines, brain [5 regions], eye, gonad and fat) were removed analyzed for IVM-derived radioactivity. IVM concentration declined in blood, liver, kidney and gill, and concentrations in other tissues remained constant over the sampling period. The highest measured concentrations were found in kidney, followed by liver, with the lowest values found in brain, eye and gonad. The highest % of the administered dose was found in the liver and kidney in the immediate hours post-administration, and in the intestines and fat at 24 h post-administration. P-gp induction by CTZ did not alter IVM distribution or any calculated toxicokinetic parameter (AUC, mean residence time, T1/2, clearance rate, volume of distribution), suggesting that P-gp induction may be limited or that P-gp plays a lesser role in xenobiotic kinetics in fish compared to mammals.

The effects of P-glycoprotein induction on ivermectin-induced behavioural alterations in zebrafish (Danio rerio) under varying diets

The neuroprotective effects of inducing the blood-brain barrier ATP-binding cassette protein transporter P-glycoprotein (P-gp) with clotrimazole (CTZ) in both fed and fasted zebrafish (Danio rerio) against the CNS-toxicant ivermectin (IVM, 22,23-dihydro avermectin B1a + 22,23-dihydro avermectin B1b) were examined. Zebrafish were administered 2 μmol/kg IVM intraperitoneally, and various behavioural assays (swimming performance, exploratory behaviour, olfactory responses, motor coordination, and escape responses) were used to measure neurological dysfunction. IVM administration alone caused a decrease in mean swim speed (91 % of controls), maximal speed (71 %), passage rate (81 %), 90° turns (81 %), and response to food stimulus (39 %). IVM exposure also increased the percent time that fish spent immobile (45 % increase over controls) and the percent of lethargic fish (40 % increase). Fish administered 30 μmol/kg of the P-gp inducer CTZ intraperitoneally 3 d prior to IVM exposure exhibited a change in only the % time spent immobile. These data indicate that P-gp induction may be limited in protecting the zebrafish CNS from IVM over baseline. Fasted fish did not differ from fed fish in the effects of IVM on behaviour, and no differences were seen following P-gp induction with CTZ. These results suggest that this chemical defence system is not downregulated when fish are challenged with limited energy availability.

Chlorpyrifos stimulates ABCC-mediated transport in the intestine of the rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss

The organophosphorus pesticide chlorpyrifos, detected in water and food worldwide, has also been found in the Río Negro and Neuquén Valley, North Patagonia, Argentina, where the rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss, is one of the most abundant fish species. We analyzed whether chlorpyrifos affects the transport activity of the ATP-binding cassette protein transporters from the subfamily C (ABCC), which are critical components of multixenobiotic resistance. We exposed ex vivo O. mykiss middle intestine strips (non-polarized) and segments (polarized) for one hour to 0 (solvent control), 3, 10, and 20 μg L^-1 and to 0, 10, and 20 μg L^-1 chlorpyrifos, respectively. We estimated the Abcc-mediated transport rate by measuring the transport rate of the specific Abcc substrate 2,4-dinitrophenyl-S-glutathione (DNP-SG). In addition, we measured the enzymatic activity of cholinesterase, carboxylesterase, glutathione-S-transferase, and 7-ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD, indicative of the activity of cytochrome P450 monooxygenase 1A, CYP1A). We also measured lipid peroxidation using the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances method and the gene expression of Abcc2 and genes of the AhR pathway, AhR, ARNT, and cyp1a, by qRT-PCR. Chlorpyrifos induced the DNP-SG transport rate in middle intestine strips in a concentration-dependent manner (49-71%). In polarized preparations, the induction of the DNP-SG transport rate was observed only in everted segments exposed to 20 μg L^-1 chlorpyrifos (40%), indicating that CPF only stimulated the apical (luminal) transport flux. Exposure to chlorpyrifos increased GST activity by 42% in intestine strips and inhibited EROD activity (47.5%). In addition, chlorpyrifos exposure inhibited cholinesterase (34-55%) and carboxylesterase (33-42.5%) activities at all the concentrations assayed and increased TBARS levels in a concentration-dependent manner (71-123%). Exposure to 20 μgL^-1 chlorpyrifos did not affect the mRNA expression of the studied genes. The lack of inhibition of DNP-SG transport suggests that chlorpyrifos is not an Abcc substrate. Instead, CPF induces the activity of Abcc proteins in the apical membrane of enterocytes, likely through a post-translational pathway.

P-glycoprotein induction and its energetic costs in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

Biological organisms are constantly challenged by xenobiotics and have evolved mechanisms to reduce, neutralize, or repair toxic outcomes. The various chemical defenses all utilize energy, but their specific costs and impacts on energy budgets are currently unknown. In this study, the energetic costs associated with the induction and substrate transport of the efflux transporter P-glycoprotein (P-gp [ABCB1, MDR1]) were examined in rainbow trout. An intraperitoneal injection of the P-gp inducer clotrimazole (0, 0.1, 1.0, and 10 mg/kg) increased P-gp activity (as measured by a competitive rhodamine 123 transport assay in hepatocytes) in a dose-dependent manner reaching a maximum induction of 2.8-fold. Maximum P-gp induction occurred at 50 h post-administration with the highest dose; significant induction of P-gp activity remained elevated over constitutive values until the last sampling time point (168 h). In vitro measurements of hepatocyte respiration indicated that basal P-gp activity transporting R123 as a substrate did not significantly increase respiration rates (range 18.0 to 23.2 ng O₂/min/10⁶ cells); however, following the induction of P-gp by clotrimazole and exposure to the P-gp substrate R123, respiration rates increased significantly (3.52-fold) over baseline values. Using whole animal respirometry, it was shown that respiration rates in fish exposed to R123 only or induced with clotrimazole were not different from controls (range 1.2 to 2.1 mg O₂/kg/min); however, respiration rates were significantly increased in fish with induced P-gp levels and also exposed to R123. This work indicates that basal and induced levels of P-gp activity do not incur significant energetic costs to fish; however, upon induction of P-gp and concomitant substrate exposures, energetic costs can increase and could pose challenges to organisms facing limited energy resources.

Differential activities of the multixenobiotic resistance mechanism in freshwater fishes inhabiting environments of Patagonia Argentina

Environmental impairment resulted from urbanizations can produce damage on freshwater species including strong physiological effects at individual or population level. The multixenobiotic resistance (MXR) is a defence mechanism which has been demonstrated in several aquatic organisms. The key mediators of MXR activity are ATP-binding cassette (ABC) proteins like P-glycoprotein (P-gp). This system protects aquatic organisms against the accumulation of xenobiotics by extruding them from cells in an energy-dependent manner. MXR has been pointed out as relevant in the ecotoxicological context and has been proposed as a biomarker for pollution assessment. Since fish species are common target in freshwater biomonitoring programs, the purpose of the study was to evaluate the MXR mechanism in native Hatcheria macraei (Patagonian catfish) and exotics Salmo trutta (brown trout), Oncorhynchus mykiss (rainbow trout) and Oncorhynchus tshawytscha (Chinook salmon) freshwater fishes widespread in Argentine Patagonia. We characterized the MXR mechanism using a combination of functional assays and Western blot analysis. Our results in different tissues such as liver, gills, muscle and epidermis indicate that the fishes studied have different species-specific levels of MXR activity, being gills and liver the tissues with greater detoxifying activity. Induction of MXR transport activity was also identified in liver tissue from rainbow trout from urban stream suggesting their suitability in the biomonitoring of aquatic environments subjected to urban contaminants.

Aloe activated P-glycoprotein and CYP 3A: a study on the serum kinetics of aloe and its interaction with cyclosporine in rats

Aloe, the leaf juice of Aloe vera, is a popular functional food worldwide. The major constituents of aloe are polyphenolic anthranoids such as aloin, aloe-emodin and rhein. Cyclosporine (CSP), an immunosuppressant with a narrow therapeutic window, is a probe substrate of P-glycoprotein (P-gp), an efflux pump, and CYP 3A4. This study first investigated the serum kinetics of aloe, then evaluated the modulation effects of aloe on P-gp and CYP 3A through an aloe-CSP interaction study in rats. The serum kinetic study showed that aloe-emodin glucuronides (G) and rhein sulfates/glucuronides (S/G) were major molecules in the bloodstream. The aloe-CSP interaction study showed that the systemic exposure to CSP was significantly decreased by either a single dose or multiple doses of aloe. The results of in vitro studies indicated that aloe activated P-gp and aloe metabolites activated CYP 3A4. In conclusion, aloe ingestion activated the functions of P-gp and CYP 3A in rats.

ABC-transporter blockage mediated by xanthotoxin and bergapten is the major pathway for chemosensitization of multidrug-resistant cancer cells

Furanocoumarins derived from herbal and citrus extracts can act as antibacterial, antioxidant, immunomodulator, apoptotic, and selective anticancer agents, prompting a biological investigation to determine and predict their clinical therapeutic significance. Here, the cell cytotoxic effects of bergapten and xanthotoxin were analyzed alone and in combination with standard chemotherapeutics on three multidrug resistant cells and their nonresistant parental counterparts. The furanocoumarins modulatory effects on MDR1, BCRP, and MRP pump expression and function were investigated. Although quantitative real time PCR demonstrated that the MDR transcript level changes in a time dependent manner, flow cytometric analyses using fluorescent-labeled antibodies have indicated that bergapten and xanthotoxin had no significant effect on the protein levels. FACS analyses indicated that these prominent anticancer agents significantly blocked MDR1, BCRP, and MRP transporter function. Maximum furanocoumarin-mediated pump activity blockage in the MDR-resistant cells was quantified as 87% of normal and consequently, chemotherapeutic accumulation increased up to 2.7-fold and cytotoxicity tension increased 104-fold. MDR1 efflux kinetics also revealed that the maximum velocity and the pump affinity to daunorubicin were uncompetitively decreased. We conclude that bergapten and xanthotoxin are cytotoxic agents capable of preventing daunorubicin, mitoxantrone, and cisplatin binding to ABC-transporters and subsequently inhibiting their efflux out of cells and they may be a potential combination therapy for malignant cancers.

A multi-biomarker approach in scallop Chlamys farreri to assess the impact of contaminants in Qingdao coastal area of China

A multi-biomarker approach was carried out to classify the environmental quality and the adverse effects of contaminants on scallop Chlamys farreri. The scallops were collected from three sampling stations in Qingdao coastal area of China in March, May, August and October of 2015. A suite of environmental factors and biomarkers, including temperature, salinity, pH, the concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) and metals (Cr, Mn, Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb, As) in seawater and soft tissue, mRNA expression of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) and P-glycoprotein (P-gp), 7-ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase (EROD), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), uridine-diphosphate-glucuronyl-transferase (UGT), sulfotransferase (SULT), metallothionein (MT), Superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT), lipid peroxidation (LPO) and protein carbonyl (PC) contents and DNA strand breaks, were measured in the gill and digestive gland. The results showed that S2 was the most polluted while S1 was identified the least polluted. Despite the differentiation of pollution levels and environmental parameters the selected biomarkers responded efficiently to contaminants. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that EROD for PAHs, AhR for TBBPA, MT for Cr, Pb and Mn, LPO and PC for Zn were the effective biomarkers respectively. This study demonstrated that the application of multi-biomarker approach in conjunction with the traditional analysis of environmental parameters and contaminants provided valuable information in environmental risk assessment.

The detoxification responses, damage effects and bioaccumulation in the scallop Chlamys farreri exposed to single and mixtures of benzo[a]pyrene and chrysene

This study aimed to investigate the detoxification responses, damage effects and biotransformation in scallop Chlamys farreri exposed to benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) (0.1, 1μg/L), chrysene (CHR) (0.1, 1μg/L) and BaP+CHR (0.1+0.1, 1+1μg/L) for 15days. Results demonstrated that BaP and CHR concentration (BaP<CHR) in tissues increased rapidly in a time and dose effect. The mRNA expression of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1), CYP1B1, multidrug resistance protein 1 (MRP1/ABCC1), breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP/ABCG2) and P-glycoprotein (P-gp) were induced especially in the mixtures of BaP and CHR. Heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) and aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator (ARNT) mRNA expression was significantly elevated at days 1, 10 and 15. Detoxification enzymes of 7-ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase (EROD), uridine-diphosphate-glucuronyl-transferase (UGT) and sulfotransferase (SULT) were significantly induced and then became stable gradually while glutathione-S-transferase (GST) was inhibited in the mixtures of BaP and CHR at days 10 and 15. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT) and glutathione (GSH) were all stimulated especially in the mixtures of BaP and CHR. The levels of DNA strand breaks, lipid peroxidation (LPO) and protein carbonyl (PC) contents showed damage effects exposed BaP and CHR. All the results indicated that BaP and CHR have similar induced effect and a majority of the biomarkers pointed to a more toxic effect when BaP and CHR were mixed. These will provide a solid foundation for the study of PAHs detoxification mechanism in bivalves and valuable information for marine pollution monitoring.

Fullerene inhibits benzo(a)pyrene Efflux from Cyprinus carpio hepatocytes by affecting cell membrane fluidity and P-glycoprotein expression

P-Glycoprotein (P-gp) can protect cells by pumping out toxic compounds, and has been found widely expressed in fish tissues. Here, we illustrate the P-gp efflux ability for benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) in the hepatocytes of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) after exposing to fullerene aqueous suspension (nC60). The results revealed that nC60 increased the membrane fluidity by decreasing the ratio of saturated to unsaturated fatty acids, and increased the cholesterol contents. These findings, combined with 10-38% and 70-75% down-regulation of P-gp mRNA and protein respectively, suggested that nC60 caused inhibition on P-gp efflux transport system. Therefore, we further investigated the cellular efflux ability for BaP. Results showed unequivocally that nC60 is a potent P-gp inhibitor. The retaining BaP amounts after efflux were elevated by 1.7-2.8 fold during the 10 day exposure. Meanwhile, 5mg/L humic acid (one of the important fractions of natural organic matter, which is ubiquitous in aquatic environment) alleviated the nC60 damage to hepatocytes in terms of oxidative damage, cholesterol increment, and P-gp content reduction; and finally attenuated the suppressed P-gp efflux ability. Collectively, this study provides the first evidence of nC60 toxicity to P-gp functionality in fish and illustrates the possible mechanism of the suppressed P-gp efflux ability for BaP.

Gender differences in detoxification metabolism of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (chrysene) in scallop Chlamys farreri during the reproduction period

This study aims to investigate the effects of chrysene (CHR) on biotransformation and detoxification responses of mature scallop Chlamys farreri during the reproduction period. Scallops were exposed to 0.2, 0.8 and 3.2 μg/L CHR for 21 days; at day 10 scallops were induced to spawn. At days 1, 3, 6, 10, 11, 15 and 21, enzymatic activities of 7-ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase (EROD) and glutathione-s-transferase (GST), related mRNA expression levels of CYP1A1, GST-pi and P-glycoprotein (P-gp) in digestive glands and CHR bioaccumulation in tissues were examined by separately analyzing male and female scallops. During the pre-spawn period, CHR concentrations of the treated groups in tissues except the hemolymph increased rapidly. Levels of enzymatic activities and related gene expressions were all induced by the exposure to CHR for females and males. GST activity and GST-pi mRNA expression showed a good time- and dose-dependent relationship only in males, and P-gp mRNA expression exhibited a dose-dependent manner in both sexes. During the post-spawn period, spawning caused significant reductions of bioaccumulation in tissues but the gill and hemolymph. Enzymatic activities and related gene expressions were for females significantly depressed at day 21 at 0.8 or 3.2 μg/L CHR. Overall, females accumulated more CHR than males, while males were more sensitive than females to CHR exposure in gene expressions and enzyme activities. P-gp mRNA expression seemed to be a potential biomarker for PAH exposure. These results will offer the information on CHR biotransformation in this species, and ensure the influence of gender and reproductive status on PAH detoxification metabolism.

Transfer and effects of 1,2,3,5,7-pentachloronaphthalene in an experimental food chain

Polychlorinated naphthalenes are environmentally relevant compounds that are measured in biota at concentrations in the μg/kg lipid range. Despite their widespread occurrence, literature data on the accumulation and effects of these compounds in aquatic ecosystems are sparsely available. The goal of this study was to gain insights into the biomagnification and effects of 1,2,3,5,7-pentachloronaphthalene (PeCN52) in an experimental food chain consisting of benthic worms and juvenile rainbow trout. Worms were contaminated with PeCN52 by passive dosing from polydimethylsiloxane silicone. The contaminated worms were then used to feed the juvenile rainbow trout at 0.12, 0.25 or 0.50 μg/g fish wet weight/day, and the resulting internal whole-body concentrations of the individual fish were linked to biological responses. A possible involvement of the cellular detoxification system was explored by measuring PeCN52-induced expression of the phase I biotransformation enzyme gene cyp1a1 and the ABC transporter gene abcb1a. At the end of the 28-day study, biomagnification factors were similar for all dietary intake levels with values between 0.5 and 0.7 kg lipid(fish)/kg lipid(worm). The average uptake efficiency of 60% indicated that a high amount of PeCN52 was transferred from the worms to the fish. Internal concentrations of up to 175 mg/kg fish lipid in the highest treatment level did not result in effects on survival, behavior, or growth of the juvenile trout, but were associated with the induction of phase I metabolism which was evident from the significant up-regulation of cyp1a1 expression in the liver. In contrast, no changes were seen in abcb1a transcript levels.

Histopathological lesions, P-glycoprotein and PCNA expression in zebrafish (Danio rerio) liver after a single exposure to diethylnitrosamine

The presence of carcinogenic compounds in the aquatic environment is a recognized problem. ABC transporters are well known players in the multidrug-resistance (MDR) phenomenon in mammals associated with resistance to chemotherapy, however little is known in fish species. Thus, the aim of this study was to induce hepatic tumours and evaluate long-term effects on P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) proteins in Danio rerio liver, after exposure to diethylnitrosamine (DEN). Several hepatic histopathological alterations were observed in zebrafish after exposure to DEN including pre-neoplastic lesions 6 and 9 months post-exposure. After 3, 6 and 9 months of exposure to DEN, P-gp and PCNA proteins expression were up-regulated. In conclusion, this study has shown that zebrafish ABC transporters can play a similar role as in human disease, hence zebrafish can be used also as a biological model to investigate in more deep mechanisms involved in disease processes.

Current advances on ABC drug transporters in fish

Most members of the large ATP-binding cassette (ABC) gene family are transporters involved in substrate translocation across biological membranes. In eukaryotes, ABC proteins functioning as drug transporters are located in the plasma membrane and mediate the cellular efflux of a wide range of organic chemicals, with some transporters also transporting certain metals. As the enhanced expression of ABC drug transporters can confer multidrug resistance (MDR) to cancers and multixenobiotic resistance (MXR) to organisms from polluted habitats, these ABC family members are also referred to as MDR or MXR proteins. In mammals, ABC drug transporters show predominant expression in tissues involved in excretion or constituting internal or external body boundaries, where they facilitate the excretion of chemicals and their metabolites, and limit chemical uptake and penetration into "sanctuary" sites of the body. Available knowledge about ABC proteins is still limited in teleost fish, a large vertebrate group of high ecological and economic importance. Using transport activity measurements and immunochemical approaches, early studies demonstrated similarities in the tissue distribution of ABC drug transporters between teleosts and mammals, suggesting conserved roles of the transporters in the biochemical defence against toxicants. Recently, the availability of teleost genome assemblies has stimulated studies of the ABC family in this taxon. This review summarises the current knowledge regarding the genetics, functional properties, physiological function, and ecotoxicological relevance of teleostean ABC transporters. The available literature is reviewed with emphasis on recent studies addressing the tissue distribution, substrate spectrum, regulation, physiological function and phylogenetic origin of teleostean ABC transporters.

ABC transporters in fish species: a review

ATP-binding cassette (ABC) proteins were first recognized for their role in multidrug resistance (MDR) in chemotherapeutic treatments, which is a major impediment for the successful treatment of many forms of malignant tumors in humans. These proteins, highly conserved throughout vertebrate species, were later related to cellular detoxification and accounted as responsible for protecting aquatic organisms from xenobiotic insults in the so-called multixenobiotic resistance mechanism (MXR). In recent years, research on these proteins in aquatic species has highlighted their importance in the detoxification mechanisms in fish thus it is necessary to continue these studies. Several transporters have been pointed out as relevant in the ecotoxicological context associated to the transport of xenobiotics, such as P-glycoproteins (Pgps), multidrug-resistance-associated proteins (MRPs 1-5) and breast cancer resistance associated protein (BCRP). In mammals, several nuclear receptors have been identified as mediators of phase I and II metabolizing enzymes and ABC transporters. In aquatic species, knowledge on co-regulation of the detoxification mechanism is scarce and needs to be addressed. The interaction of emergent contaminants that can act as chemosensitizers, with ABC transporters in aquatic organisms can compromise detoxification processes and have population effects and should be studied in more detail. This review intends to summarize the recent advances in research on MXR mechanisms in fish species, focusing in (1) regulation and functioning of ABC proteins; (2) cooperation with phase I and II biotransformation enzymes; and (3) ecotoxicological relevance and information on emergent pollutants with ability to modulate ABC transporters expression and activity. Several lines of evidence are clearly suggesting the important role of these transporters in detoxification mechanisms and must be further investigated in fish to underlay the mechanism to consider their use as biomarkers in environmental monitoring.

Assessment of toxic effects of triclosan on the swordtail fish (Xiphophorus helleri) by a multi-biomarker approach

The toxic effects of triclosan (TCS) on the swordtail fish (Xiphophorus helleri) were assessed based on various biomarkers including enzymatic activities of ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase (EROD), erythromycin N-demethylase (ERND) and glutathione-s-transferase (GST) and mRNA expression levels of CYP1A, CYP3A, glutathione S-transferase (GST) and P-glycoprotein (P-gp). The acute toxicity test showed the LC(50) value of 1.47 mg L(-1) for TCS. The mRNA expressions of CYP1A, CYP3A, GST and P-gp showed dose-effect relationships in female swordtail fish when exposed to TCS, These mRNA expression levels were found more sensitive to TCS exposure than the enzymatic activities of EROD, ERND and GST do. In addition, the male fish displayed higher gene expression levels and more dramatic changes in enzyme activities than the females did. Our data further demonstrated that TCS was a typical inducer to Phase I and Phase II metabolism enzymes and genes, suggesting it is a potential ecotoxicological risk to aquatic ecosystems.

Regulation of xenobiotic transporter genes in liver and brain of juvenile thicklip grey mullets (Chelon labrosus) after exposure to Prestige-like fuel oil and to perfluorooctane sulfonate

Xenobiotic transport proteins are involved in cellular defence against accumulation of xenobiotics participating in multixenobiotic resistance (MXR). In order to study the transcriptional regulation of MXR genes in fish exposed to common chemical pollutants we selected the thicklip grey mullet (Chelon labrosus), since mugilids are widespread in highly degraded estuarine environments where they have to survive through development and adulthood. Partial sequences belonging to genes coding for members of 3 different families of ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporter proteins (ABCB1; ABCB11; ABCC2; ABCC3; ABCG2) and a vault protein (major vault protein, MVP) were amplified and sequenced from mullet liver. Their liver and brain transcription levels were examined in juvenile mullets under exposure to perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and to fresh (F) and weathered (WF) Prestige-like heavy fuel oil for 2 and 16 days. In liver, PFOS significantly up-regulated transcription of abcb1, abcb11 and abcg2 while in brain only abcb11 was up-regulated. Both fuel treatments significantly down-regulated abcb11 in liver at day 2 while abcc2 was only down-regulated by WF. mvp was significantly up-regulated by F and down-regulated by WF at day 2 in the liver. At day 16 only a significant up-regulation of abcb1 in the F group was recorded. Brain abcc3 and abcg2 were down-regulated by both fuels at day 2, while abcb1 and abcc2 were only down-regulated by F exposure. After 16 days of exposure only abcb11 and abcg2 were regulated. In conclusion, exposure to organic xenobiotics significantly alters transcription levels of genes participating in xenobiotic efflux, especially after short periods of exposure. Efflux transporter gene transcription profiling could thus constitute a promising tool to assess exposure to common pollutants.

Energy allocations to xenobiotic transport and biotransformation reactions in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) during energy intake restriction

Limited energy intake may result in the down-regulation of cellular defense mechanisms, or if maintained, result in trade-offs with other physiological systems. To examine this, juvenile rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) were fed full-rations (1.17% body weight [BW]/day), half-rations (0.59% [BW]/day), or fasted for 9 weeks followed by refeeding at full-rations. BW and liver somatic index (LSI), P-glycoprotein (P-gp), ethoxyresorufin-o-deethylase (EROD), and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activities were measured to determine if they are maintained under limited resources. P-gp and EROD activities were maintained at baseline values in ration-restricted (P-gp: 119+/-29 pg R123/min/mg cells, EROD: 0.58+/-0.17 nmol/min/mg protein) and fasted fish (P-gp: 120+/-14 pg R123/min/mg cells, EROD: 0.47+/-0.14 nmol/min/mg protein), suggesting they may be prioritized systems during fasting. GST activity was attenuated within 6 weeks of fasting (34% decrease from control), but recoverable to baseline values after refeeding. Changes in BW and LSI of calorie-restricted (BW: 16% decrease from control; LSI: 33% decrease from baseline value) and fasted trout (BW: 38% decrease from control; LSI: 44% decrease from baseline value) suggest that resources were mobilized from body stores partly to support these systems. Condition indices and defense activities in groups also varied over time, suggesting that environmental temperature may modulate these parameters.

Functional and energetic characterization of P-gp-mediated doxorubicin transport in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) hepatocytes

An assessment of energetic costs associated with P-glycoprotein (P-gp)-mediated xenobiotic efflux is important in understanding the energy budgets, tradeoffs, and fitness of organisms inhabiting contaminated environments. Here, a functional characterization and determination of the energetic costs associated with doxorubicin (DOX) efflux was examined in isolated hepatocytes of rainbow trout. The accumulation and efflux of DOX were both concentration dependent. The efflux of DOX over a 3 h incubation period resulted in a significant decrease in intracellular ATP concentrations (maximum decrease 25%) compared to control baseline levels, while significant increases in concentrations of ADP (max. 26%), AMP (max. 36%) and inorganic phosphate (max. 11%). were observed. In addition, significant reductions in the adenylate energy charge ([AEC]: max 11%), and phosphorylation potential ([PP]: max. 53%) were shown in cells incubated with DOX compared to control cells. Inhibition of DOX efflux (max. 61%) by the non-competitive P-gp inhibitor tariquidar (XR9576), demonstrated that changes in ATP, ADP, AMP, inorganic phosphate concentrations, AEC and PP in DOX-exposed hepatocytes were mainly due to P-gp activity. Overall, these results indicate that the exposure of trout hepatocytes to DOX increases energetic and metabolic costs that are associated specifically with P-gp efflux activity.

Doxorubicin-Induced MAPK Activation in Hepatocyte Cultures Is Independent of Oxidant Damage

Doxorubicin (DOX) is a potent anticancer drug, whose clinical use is limited on account of its toxicity. DOX cytotoxic effects have been associated with reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated during drug metabolism. ROS induce signaling cascades leading to changes in the phosphorylation status of target proteins, which are keys for cell survival or apoptosis. The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades are routes activated in response to oxidative stress. In this work, the effects of DOX on cytotoxicity, indicators of oxidative stress (malondialdehyde -MDA- and GSH), and the phosphorylation status of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs), c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNKs), and p38 kinases were analyzed in primary cultures of rat hepatocytes. DOX (1-50 microM) did not modify lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release into the medium, the levels of MDA (determined by high-performance liquid chromatography [HPLC]) or the intracellular GSH during the incubation time up to 6 h. GSH levels from mitochondria extracted by Percoll gradient from cultured hepatocytes were not modified by DOX, thus excluding its depletion or any impaired mitochondrial uptake. Characterization of proteins by Western blot analysis revealed that DOX increased phosphorylation of p38 kinases and JNK1 and JNK2 in a dose- and time-dependent manner. DOX also increased ERK2 phosphorylation at latter time points. In conclusion, DOX triggers activation of ERK, JNK, and p38 kinases in primary cultures of rat hepatocytes independently of oxidant damage.

Pesticides and their binary combinations as P-glycoprotein inhibitors in NIH 3T3/MDR1 cells

The purpose of the present study was to assess do selected pesticides as well as their binary combinations act as inhibitors of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) activity of NIH 3T3 mouse fibroblasts stably transfected with human MDR1 gene (NIH 3T3/MDR1). As a result of P-gp inhibition, the increase of intracellular accumulation of a model P-gp substrate fluorescent calcein acetoxymethyl ester was measured. Pesticide and verapamil individual dose-response data were scaled and expressed as percent of maximum effect. Results showed that out of 14 pure pesticides tested, endosulfan, phosalone and propiconazole were nearly as potent as model inhibitor verapamil (EC(50)=1.5μM), while diazinon showed a lower potency of inhibiting P-gp transport activity (EC(50)=58.4μM). Concentrations of pesticides that produced the same inhibiting effect (isoboles) were combined binary. Results calculated using the isobole method revealed that diazinon caused synergistic effect in inhibiting P-gp transport activity in all combinations.

Alterations in respiration rate of isolated rainbow trout hepatocytes exposed to the P-glycoprotein substrate rhodamine 123

Reducing intracellular xenobiotic concentration is an important defence strategy used by cells challenged with foreign chemicals. One mechanism used to achieve this goal is via the use of P-glycoproteins (P-gps), ATP-dependent transporters that mediate the removal of hydrophobic compounds from cells. The energetic costs of this mechanism are unknown, therefore, the activity and respiratory costs associated with the P-gp-mediated efflux of rhodamine 123 (R123) was measured in isolated rainbow trout hepatocytes. The accumulation of R123 was rapid and concentration-dependent. Initial accumulation rates were 1.79+/-0.41, 7.29+/-1.06 and 15.30+/-1.74ngR123/min/10(6)cells when exposed to 1, 5 and 10 microM R123, respectively. Efflux was measured in cells 'pre-loaded' with R123 at each concentration, resulting in initial efflux rates of 0.77+/-0.12, 2.02+/-0.35 and 3.51+/-0.84ngR123/min/10(6)cells, respectively. The baseline oxygen consumption rate of hepatocytes was 33.21+/-1.09 ng O2/min/10(6)cells. Respiration rates were significantly higher in cells exposed to 5 and 10 microM R123 (39.08+/-0.80 and 41.72+/-0.61ng O2/min/10(6)cells), representing increases over basal rates of 18.5 and 25.7%, respectively. Measurements of isolated mitochondrial respiration established that changes in hepatocyte oxygen consumption were not through the direct effects of R123 on mitochondria. The P-gp inhibitor, XR9576 significantly inhibited R123 efflux from cells with a concomitant return of respiration rates to baseline values. This study demonstrates that increased P-gp transport of xenobiotics can significantly raise cellular respiration rates and may result in higher energy costs for organisms living in P-gp-substrate contaminated environments.

Identification of a multixenobiotic resistance mechanism in primary cultured epidermal cells from Oncorhynchus mykiss and the effects of environmental complex mixtures on its activity

Multixenobiotic resistance (MXR) is a mechanism analogous to the mammalian multidrug resistance (MDR) phenotype, whereby, simultaneous resistance is conferred against the intracellular accumulation of structurally and functionally diverse, natural, endogenous and environmental toxicants. Expression of P-glycoproteins (P-gp), ATP-dependent transporters encoded for by the mdr1 gene that have been implicated in this xenobiotic efflux mechanism, have previously been detected in normal teleost tissues involved in a secretory, absorption or a barrier function. The presence of these proteins in the epidermis of fish species has not to our knowledge previously been investigated. In the present study, primary cultures of epidermis from the rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss were employed to investigate whether an MXR mechanism is functional in the epidermis of fish. The efflux of the fluorescent mdr1 substrate rhodamine 123 from the cells was significantly inhibited by verapamil, a compound known to interfere with P-gp mediated transport. The cultured epidermal cells were also observed to accumulate this fluorescent dye in a verapamil sensitive manner, thus indicating the presence of an mdr1-like mechanism. Immunocytochemical analysis, using a monoclonal antibody (JSB1) directed against a conserved cytoplasmic P-gp epitope, also demonstrated the presence of P-gp-like proteins. Sediment elutriate extracts were employed as models of environmental complex mixtures to evaluate the potential of the epidermal cultures to discriminate between samples of varying contaminant burden using MXR activity as an endpoint. The induction of P-gp expression was found to be in accordance with the level of contamination detected in the sediments from which the elutriates were extracted. The findings of the functional study also demonstrated that environmental pollutants, which interfere with P-gp function, could be identified using this model.

Le mécanisme de défense multixénobiotique (MDMX) chez les bivalves

Multixenobiotic defence mechanism (MXDM) consists in a cellular system that functions as membrane extrusion pumps effluxing organic compounds out of the cells. In bivalves, it represents a primordial protection against toxic effects of organic xenobiotics in preventing their cellular accumulation. It has raised attention during the last decade for its potential to be used as a biomarker of pollution. This article reviews the fundamental knowledge on the MXDM system in bivalves and the methods proposed to assess its activity. Finally, it reviews the major results of laboratory and field studies that enabled to hypothesise that MXDM could be used as a biomarker of environmental stress rather than of pollutant exposure.

Expression of P-glycoprotein and cytochrome p450 1A in intertidal fish (Anoplarchus purpurescens) exposed to environmental contaminants

Whether P-glycoproteins (P-gps) like those which confer multidrug resistance in tumor cell lines are important in adaptation to chemicals in natural populations of vertebrates exposed to contaminant mixtures is the focus of this study. P-gp expression was examined in the intertidal fish high cockscomb blenny (Anoplarchus purpurescens) exposed to crude oil or pulp mill effluent. The relationship between P-gp expression and cytochrome p450 1A (CYP1A) induction also was investigated. Immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis revealed that levels of P-gp expression in the bile canaliculi were three- to five-fold greater in oil exposed fish than in control fish. Levels of P-gp expression were highly correlated with hepatic CYP1A levels previously measured in these fish. In fish from sites near pulp mills, P-gp expression in freshly caught fish did not correlate with proximity to pulp mills. However, hepatic P-gp expression levels in freshly caught fish were 14-fold higher than in fish from those sites that were depurated in clean water for 6 weeks. CYP1A levels were also elevated in liver of freshly caught as compared with depurated fish. Expression of neither CYP1A nor P-gp was elevated in depurated fish exposed to sediment and food from within the original pulp mill effluent stream. Depurated fish, which were injected with the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) agonist ss-naphthoflavone (BNF) showed an expected induction of CYP1A but no induction of P-gp. These results suggest that in blennies, unlike CYP1A, P-gp expression is not regulated by the AHR pathway; although P-gp and CYP1A both may be induced by some compounds in petroleum and unidentified xenobiotics at field sites. While our data indicate that CYP1A and P-gp are not coordinately regulated, these proteins may play complementary roles in cellular detoxification. Thus the elevation of P-gp activity may be an important mechanism of multixenobiotic resistance for organisms, such as intertidal fish, which are commonly exposed to anthropogenic contaminants and naturally occurring toxins.

Expression of P-glycoprotein in killifish (Fundulus heteroclitus) exposed to environmental xenobiotics

P-glycoproteins (P-gp) are transmembrane efflux flippases that prevent the cellular accumulation of moderately hydrophobic compounds and are responsible for certain multidrug resistance phenotypes in tumor cell lines and human patients. We investigated whether P-gps could be involved in a contaminant resistant phenotype observed in a population of fish exposed over generations to high levels of planar halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons (PHAHs). Hepatic and intestinal epithelial P-gp expression was examined by immunoblot and immunohistochemistry in killifish (Fundulus heteroclitus) from New Bedford Harbor, MA (NBH), a Superfund site highly contaminated with PHAHs, and from Scorton Creek on Cape Cod, MA (SC), a relatively unpolluted site. The NBH population has developed resistance to the toxicity of PHAHs. Hepatic P-gp levels were more than 40% greater in fish freshly collected from SC than in fish freshly collected from NBH. When killifish from either site were maintained in clean water for up to 78 days to permit depuration of bioaccumulated contaminants, hepatic P-gp levels decreased approximately 50% by day 8. P-glycoprotein expression was detected in the intestinal epithelium in 55% of freshly collected NBH fish. However, depurated NBH fish and freshly caught and depurated SC fish rarely expressed P-gp in the intestine. In an effort to determine whether environmental chemicals at the two sites might contribute to altered P-gp expression, depurated fish were exposed either to sediment collected from SC or 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzofuran, a contaminant found at the NBH site and a model aryl hydrocarbon receptor agonist. Neither exposure affected hepatic P-gp levels in killifish. Elevated intestinal P-gp in NBH fish might counter the absorption of P-gp substrates/inducers and thus limit the amount of these compounds reaching the liver, which might account for the lower hepatic P-gp levels in NBH fish compared to SC fish. The differences in hepatic P-gp levels (SC>NBH) and intestinal P-gp (NBH>SC) in freshly collected fish also might reflect environmental exposure to different anthropogenic contaminants or microbial, algal, plant or other natural products via the water column, sediment, or diet at each site.