Polymorphisms in CYP1A1, GSTM1, GSTT1 and lung cancer below the age of 45 years

BACKGROUND

A genetic component of early-onset lung cancer has been suggested. The role of metabolic gene polymorphisms has never been studied in young lung cancer cases. Phase 1 and Phase 2 gene polymorphisms are involved in tobacco carcinogens' metabolism and therefore in lung cancer risk.

METHODS

The effect of metabolic gene polymorphisms on lung cancer at young ages was studied by pooling data from the Genetic Susceptibility to Environmental Carcinogens (GSEC) database. All primary lung cancer cases of both sexes who were Caucasian and </=45 years of age at diagnosis, and the corresponding controls were selected. We obtained 261 cases and 1452 controls.

RESULTS

There was a marginally significant association between lung cancer and GSTT1 null genotype (OR=1.2; 95% CI:1.0-1.6), and a significant association between lung cancer and the homozygous CYP1A1 Msp1 variant allele (CYP1A1*2A and *2B) genotype (OR=4.7 95% CI:1.2-19.0). When data were stratified by smoking status, the association between CYP1A1 genotype and lung cancer was confined to never smokers.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that metabolic genetic factors play a role in lung cancer developing at young ages.

Chronic dosing of oltipraz in people at increased risk for colorectal cancer

The dithiolethione oltipraz is being developed as a chemopreventive agent for many malignancies, including colorectal cancer, on the basis of its in vivo protective activity against chemically induced tumors in a variety of animal models. This protection has been associated with an enhanced capacity to detoxify reactive carcinogens and, more recently, with increased DNA repair. In a previous single-dose study, elevated detoxification gene expression was observed in the days after oltipraz dosing. Now, in this clinical study, we evaluated the effects of oltipraz when given over a 3-month period. Fourteen individuals with increased risk for colorectal cancer were randomly assigned to one of two oral doses (125 or 250 mg/m2) of oltipraz twice weekly for 12 weeks. Two of seven subjects at the 250 mg/m2 dosage required dose reductions, owing to significant fatigue. The 125 mg/m2 dose level was well tolerated by all patients. Blood or colon tissue (or both) for evaluation of glutathione, glutathione S-transferase, DT-diaphorase activity, and DT-diaphorase mRNA expression were obtained prior to treatment and at weeks 6, 12, and 16. No significant modulation of phase II detoxification enzymes was seen at either dose studied during this period. Phase II trials evaluating a tolerable regimen of oltipraz (as demonstrated in this study) and other possible mechanisms that may be responsible for the protective activity of oltipraz should be pursued.

Metabolic gene polymorphism frequencies in control populations

Using the International Project on Genetic Susceptibility to Environmental Carcinogens (GSEC) database containing information on over 15,000 control (noncancer) subjects, the allele and genotype frequencies for many of the more commonly studied metabolic genes (CYP1A1, CYP2E1, CYP2D6, GSTM1, GSTT1, NAT2, GSTP, and EPHX) in the human population were determined. Major and significant differences in these frequencies were observed between Caucasians (n = 12,525), Asians (n = 2,136), and Africans and African Americans (n = 996), and some, but much less, heterogeneity was observed within Caucasian populations from different countries. No differences in allele frequencies were seen by age, sex, or type of controls (hospital patients versus population controls). No examples of linkage disequilibrium between the different loci were detected based on comparison of observed and expected frequencies for combinations of specific alleles.

The role of mutant Apc in the development of dysplasia and cancer in the mouse model of dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Differences in genetic background may play a role in the development of ulcerative colitis (UC)-related neoplasia. Loss of heterozygosity (LOH) of APC has been reported in human UC-associated neoplasia. To investigate the role of genetic differences in UC-associated neoplasia, we compared differences in dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) colitis-associated neoplasia between wild-type C57BL/6J mice (WT-DSS) and C57BL/6J mice with a germline mutation in Apc (Min-DSS).

METHODS

DSS colitis was induced in female wild-type and Min mice. Age- and sex-matched non-DSS-treated Mins were also studied. Animals were sacrificed after 1 and 2 cycles of DSS. The cecums and large intestines were studied for numbers of dysplasias/cancers. Dysplasias were studied for LOH of Apc.

RESULTS

No WT-DSS, 100% of Min-DSS, and 50% of non-DSS-treated Mins had dysplasia. The mean numbers of lesions per mouse were 0 (WT-DSS), 15.6 and 29.3 (1 and 2 cycles Min-DSS, respectively), 1.2 and 1.9 (age-matched control Min, 1 and 2 cycle equivalents, respectively; P < 0.0002, Min-DSS vs. WT-DSS and non-DSS-treated Min; P = 0.03, Min-DSS 2 cycle vs. Min-DSS 1 cycle). Cancers were seen in 0%, 22%, and 40% of non-DSS Min, Min-DSS-1 cycle, and Min-DSS-2 cycle animals, respectively. LOH of Apc was observed in 90.6% of dysplasias and 6% of nondysplastic mucosa.

CONCLUSIONS

A germline mutation in Apc contributes significantly to the development of colitis-associated neoplasia. Colitis markedly accelerates the development of dysplasia and cancer in the Min mouse. Dysplasia in Min-DSS occurs through LOH of Apc.

Chemoprevention of colorectal cancer

Chemopreventive strategies hold substantial promise for reducing the incidence of colorectal cancer, the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality in the United States. This review focuses on recent advances in the identification of molecular targets and novel strategies for chemopreventive intervention. Many clinical trials are now in progress to assess the ability of synthetic agents or nutritional supplements to alter either the number of colorectal adenomas or biomarkers associated with colorectal tumorigenesis. Populations under study include genetically defined high-risk people and those with increased risk based on a personal history of colorectal neoplasia. A recent study showing that celecoxib, a cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor, can alter the natural history of polyp formation in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis has provided a benchmark for the clinical development of other chemopreventive agents and heightened awareness that colorectal cancer is a preventable disease.

Gender differences in genetic susceptibility for lung cancer

In contrast to men, the incidence of lung cancer among women has increased over the past decade. The basis for this increase among female smokers remains unknown. Surgical patients with a diagnosis of lung cancer and control subjects without a history of malignancy completed a smoking questionnaire and donated a blood sample. DNA was extracted from peripheral mononuclear cells and genotyped for polymorphisms in cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1) (exon 7) and glutathione S-transferase M1 (GSTM1) (null). No gender differences in either age at diagnosis or histological subtype were observed among lung cancer patients. In both patients (n = 180) and controls (n = 163), females smoked significantly less than males. The pack-year history associated with adenocarcinoma was smaller than that for squamous cell carcinoma. No significant association was observed between the GSTM1 null genotype and cancer risk. However, women had a larger cancer risk than men (odds ratio 4.98 vs. 1.37) if they possessed the mutant CYP1A1 genotype. Female cancer patients were significantly more likely than female controls to have both the CYP1A1 mutation and GSTM1 null genotype. The combined variant genotypes conferred an odds ratio of 6.54 for lung cancer in women versus 2.36 for men, independent of age or smoking history. These data suggest that polymorphisms in CYP1A1 and GSTM1 contribute to the increased risk of females for lung cancer.

Genetic polymorphism and cancer risk

Inter-individual variability in carcinogen metabolism has been attributed in part to the polymorphic expression of several phase I and II detoxification enzymes. The role of these genetic polymorphisms in cancer susceptibility has been most extensively evaluated for isozymes of cytochrome P450 (CYP1A1, CYP2D6, and CYP2E1), N-acetyltransferase (NAT1 and NAT2), glutathione S-transferase (GSTM1, GSTT1, and GSTP1), microsomal epoxide hydrolase, and NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase. Our understanding of the genetic basis of cancer risk has been enhanced most recently by establishment of genotype-phenotype correlations in humans and identification of numerous diverse factors, both genetic and environmental, that can modify risk.

Image analysis of p53 and cyclin D1 expression in premalignant lesions of the oral mucosa

OBJECTIVE

The expression of p53 and cyclin D1 proteins was analyzed by image analysis in oral premalignant lesions and normal oral mucosa.

STUDY DESIGN

Punch biopsies from the normal oral mucosa were obtained from 20 normal donors and 41 patients with oral dysplastic leukoplakias. After controlled formaldehyde fixation and paraffin embedding, immunohistochemistry was used to detect cyclin D1 and p53. Image analysis was performed using stain intensity levels established by determining color thresholds (nuclear score) in the basal and parabasal layers.

RESULTS

Analysis of sections showed a similar pattern: only two normal donors had a few intensely positive p53 cells in the basal layer of the floor of the mouth and the tongue epithelia. Similarly, only three donors had intensely positive cyclin D1 cells in the normal epithelia of the same sites. Most cells fell in the range of negative or marginal stain (lower quartiles or terciles of nuclear score). These data on normal mucosa were compared with low grade oral leukoplakias (LGD) with mild to moderate dysplasia and with high grade leukoplakias (HGD) with severe dysplasia. Both markers were differentially expressed in precursor lesions versus normal epithelia. Statistical analysis of our data shows that the intensity of the immunohistochemical stain, as reflected in the nuclear scores of p53, is a reliable parameter that can differentiate between LGD and HGD of the oral mucosa. This was especially true when higher nuclear scores were compared. In contrast, low nuclear scores are more effective in differentiating normal epithelia from dysplastic epithelia. Although cyclin D1 immunohistochemistry does not stain as intensely as p53 stain, similar conclusions can be derived from those data.

CONCLUSION

Image analysis of these two markers proved useful in distinguishing normal oral epithelia from low grade and high grade leukoplakias. With further developments in this field it is hoped that image analysis procedures could be used in different types of studies in which variations of protein expression in tissue sections could have prognostic implications or could be useful to determine subtle effects of curative or preventive treatment.

Depletion of colonic detoxication enzyme activity in mice with dextran sulphate sodium-induced colitis

BACKGROUND

The increased risk of colonic malignancies in individuals with ulcerative colitis has prompted a search for early biomarkers of disease progression.

AIM

To characterize Phase II detoxication enzyme expression during acute and chronic colitis. The mouse model of dextran sulphate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis represents a relevant system with which to sequentially evaluate the spectrum of biochemical changes associated with colorectal cancer risk.

METHODS

Acute and chronic colitis were induced in Swiss Webster mice by administering DSS in the drinking water (5%) for 1-4 cycles. Each cycle consisted of 7 days DSS and 14 days of water. The glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity, gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase (gamma-GCS) activity and glutathione content of the colonic tissues were determined at various time points throughout the experiment. Alterations in GST isozyme expression were confirmed by Western and Northern blot.

RESULTS

GST activity was reduced significantly in the colon by the end of Cycle 1 (84% of control values). Specific activities continued to decrease with subsequent cycles of DSS exposure. By the end of Cycle 4, glutathione levels and gamma-GCS activity had reached 29% and 56% of control, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest that detoxication enzyme depletion is associated with both acute and chronic colitis and may be an important event in the progression of ulcerative colitis to colon cancer.

Disruption of c-Fos leads to increased expression of NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase1 and glutathione S-transferase

Regulation of the basal and induced expression of detoxifying enzymes such as NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductasel (NQO1) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) by the antioxidant response element (ARE) is important for cellular protection against oxidative stress. The ARE contains AP1 and AP1-like elements and is known to bind to several leucine zipper proteins including c-Fos. Previous studies (Venugopal, R., and Jaiswal, A.K. (1996) Proc. NatL Acad. Sci. USA 93, 14960-14965) have shown that overexpression of c-Fos in transfected cells leads to repression of ARE-mediated gene expression. In the present report, we used c-Fos-/- mice and investigated the physiological (in vivo) role of c-Fos in repression of the NQO1 and GST genes expression. The analysis of enzyme activity levels showed significant increases in NQO1 and GST activities in several tissues of c-Fos-/- mice, as compared with wild type (c-Fos+/+) mice. The increases in enzyme activities were supported by Wetern analysis of respective proteins. Western analyses showed significant increases in the expression of NQO1 in kidney, liver and skin tissues of c-Fos-/- mice, as compared with wild type (c-Fos+/+) controls. Western analyses also demonstrated an increased expression of the GST Ya gene in kidney and liver tissues of the c-Fos-/-mice. These results confirm a negative (repressive) role for c-Fos in the expression of NQO1, GST Ya, and other detoxifying enzyme genes.

Markers of cell proliferation in normal epithelia and dysplastic leukoplakias of the oral cavity

The expression of several markers of epithelial cell proliferation was analyzed to establish baseline data for future chemoprevention studies of oral premalignant lesions. Punch biopsies (n = 60) from three different sites of oral mucosa (bucca, lateral tongue, and the floor of the mouth) were obtained from 20 normal donors of both sexes. After formaldehyde fixation and paraffin embedding, immunohistochemistry was used to detect the proliferation markers Mib-1, cyclin D1, and centromere-associated protein CENP-F. Analysis of sections stained for the three markers showed similar patterns, i.e., a low labeling index (LI) in the basal layer and a high LI in the parabasal layer at all three intraoral sites. No proliferative activity was seen above the parabasal layer (superficial layer). All sites showed similar Mib-1 LI values for the proliferative markers. The tongue epithelium exhibited higher parabasal LIs of cyclin D1 and CENP-F than did the other two sites. No significant differences were detected between smokers and nonsmokers. The data from normal mucosa were compared with those from low (n = 30)- and high (n = 17)-grade dysplastic leukoplakias. The Mib-1 LI showed a very significant change, with a 9-fold increase in the basal layer LI in dysplastic leukoplakias. Cyclin D1 and CENP-F showed similar trends with increments of up to 7-fold in the basal layer of high-grade dysplasia. Although the proliferative activity of the parabasal layer was similar in normal and leukoplakic epithelia, the superficial layer showed a significant increment in proliferative activity mainly in high-grade leukoplakia. These studies suggest that proliferation markers in the basal and superficial cells of premalignant lesions may serve as surrogate end point biomarkers for chemoprevention trials.

Glutathione S-transferases--biomarkers of cancer risk and chemopreventive response

The critical role of the glutathione S-transferase (GST) multigene family in cellular protection in combination with the large interindividual variability in the expression of these enzymes has prompted an investigation of their importance in cancer prevention and susceptibility. Previous preclinical and clinical studies from this laboratory have established an association between decreased GST activity and increased risk for colorectal cancer. Based upon the increased incidence of colon malignancies among patients with ulcerative colitis, GST activity has been examined in a mouse model of induced colitis. Significant decreases (50% of controls) in the GST activity of colon tissue were observed during the establishment and progression of colitis. These data suggested that depletion of cellular protection may be an important event in the carcinogenic progression of ulcerative colitis. The ability of the dithiolthione oltipraz to induce GST expression within the murine colon has been demonstrated. Use of chemopreventive regimens to induce phase 2 detoxication enzyme expression represents a promising strategy for the prevention of cancer. Clinical studies revealed that the GST activity of blood lymphocytes from individuals with either a personal or family history of colorectal cancer or a personal history of colon polyps was decreased significantly when compared to that of healthy controls. Phase 1 clinical evaluation of oltipraz has demonstrated its ability to induce GST activity as well as the level of transcripts encoding gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase (gamma-GCS) and DT-diaphorase in the colon mucosa of individuals at increased risk for colorectal cancer. The observed correlation between the posttreatment response in blood lymphocytes and colon mucosa suggested that blood lymphocytes may be used in future trials as a surrogate biomarker of the responsiveness of colon tissue to chemopreventive regimens.

Chemopreventive activity of oltipraz

The antischistosomal agent oltipraz [5-(2-pyrazinyl)-4-methyl-1,2-dithiol-3-thione] has been shown to inhibit chemically induced carcinogenesis in a variety of animal models. Of greatest interest is its unique ability to protect several target organs from structurally diverse carcinogens. Molecular and biochemical studies suggest that oltipraz affords cellular protection by inducing the expression of a battery of Phase II detoxification enzymes. Induction of glutathione S-transferase, gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase and DT-diaphorase has been observed in human tissues following the administration of a single oral dosage of oltipraz. Preclinical and clinical data continue to support the development of oltipraz as a chemopreventive agent for clinical usage.

Detoxication enzymes and chemoprevention

Detoxication enzymes protect cells from a wide variety of xenobiotics and endogenous toxins. Current data suggest that the balance between the Phase I carcinogen-activating enzymes and the Phase II detoxifying enzymes is critical to determining an individual's risk for cancer. Human deficiencies in Phase II enzyme activity, specifically glutathione-S-transferase (GST), have been identified and associated with increased risk for colon cancer. The increased frequency of the GST M1 null genotype among individuals with primarily smoking-related cancers has been documented. Induction of Phase II enzymes by naturally occurring or synthetic agents represents a promising strategy for cancer prevention. Both the required characteristics of potential chemopreventive agents and the role of the antioxidant response element in the monofunctional induction of Phase II enzymes have been discussed. The synthetic dithiolthione oltipraz induces a battery of Phase II enzymes and inhibits chemically induced tumors in a variety of target organs. Its ability to induce Phase II enzymes in human colon tissue and blood lymphocytes has been reported. Other promising inducers with chemopreventive activity include the isothiocyanates and polyphenols. These data collectively support the future development of Phase II enzyme inducers as clinical chemopreventive agents.

Glutathione S-transferase expression in hepatitis B virus-associated human hepatocellular carcinogenesis

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and aflatoxin B1 represent the main risk factors for the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in areas endemic for liver cancer. The glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are a family of Phase II detoxification enzymes that catalyze the conjugation of a wide variety of endogenous and exogenous toxins, including aflatoxin B1, with glutathione. This study characterizes the GST isoenzyme composition (alpha, mu, and pi) of both HBV-infected normal hepatic tissues and HCCs. Analysis of matched pairs of hepatic tissue (normal and tumor) from 32 HCC patients indicated that total GST activity was significantly higher in normal tissues than in tumor tissues, although the percentage of samples expressing GST alpha and pi was equivalent. GST mu was detected by Western blot in the normal tissue from 87.5% of the subjects possessing the GST M1 gene but only 28.6% of the corresponding tumor tissues. The GST activity of normal tissue from GST M1 null patients was significantly decreased as compared to that of subjects possessing the GST M1 gene (264.6 and 422.2 nmol/min/mg, respectively; P = 0.005). GST pi appeared to be overexpressed in the normal tissue of GST M1 null patients, a potential compensatory effect. Patients positive for HBV DNA had significantly lower GST activity than those who were HBV negative (302.1 versus 450.0 nmol/min/mg, respectively; P = 0.02). These results suggest that cellular protection within the human liver is compromised by HBV infection and further decreased during hepatocellular tumorigenesis.

Preclinical and clinical evaluation of broccoli supplements as inducers of glutathione S-transferase activity

Previous studies suggest that cruciferous vegetables may provide protection against carcinogen exposure by inducing detoxification enzymes. ICR(Ha) mice were gavaged with broccoli tablets (1 g/kg), and colon tissues were collected after treatment. Glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity was assayed and peaked on days 1 and 2 after treatment, respectively (P = 0.03). Elevations in GST activity were attributed to the increased expression of mu and pi. These data supported a clinical assessment of broccoli supplements. Twenty-nine subjects at increased risk for colorectal cancer were randomized to group 1 (no cruciferous vegetables) or group 2 (broccoli supplements, 3 g/day) for 14 days. Blood samples and colon biopsies were obtained pre- and postintervention. No significant difference was observed between the GST activities of the control and broccoli supplementation groups posttreatment. Mean lymphocyte GST activity was 107% of baseline in the broccoli supplementation group (range, 79-158%) and 102% of baseline in the control group (range, 75-158 percent;). Correlation of the GST activities of blood lymphocytes and colon mucosa taken simultaneously suggested that the GST activity of blood lymphocytes may be used as a biomarker of the responsiveness of colon tissue to chemopreventive regimens. Future clinical studies evaluating cruciferous vegetables should consider using concentrated dietary supplements in subjects with a previous history of colorectal cancer.

Modulation of gene expression in subjects at risk for colorectal cancer by the chemopreventive dithiolethione oltipraz

Prolonged exposure to mutagenic substances is strongly associated with an individual's risk of developing colorectal cancer. Clinical investigation of oltipraz as a chemopreventive agent is supported by its induction of the expression of detoxication enzymes in various tissues, and its protective activity against the formation of chemically induced colorectal tumors in animals. The goals of the present study were: to determine if oltipraz could induce detoxicating gene expression in human tissues; to identify effective non-toxic doses for more extensive clinical testing; and to establish a relationship between effects in the colon mucosa and those in a more readily available tissue, the peripheral mononuclear cell. 24 evaluable patients at high risk for colorectal cancer were treated in a dose-finding study with oltipraz 125, 250, 500, or 1,000 mg/m2 as a single oral dose. Biochemical analysis of sequential blood samples and colon mucosal biopsies revealed increases in glutathione transferase activity at the lower dose levels. These effects were not observed at the higher doses. More pronounced changes were observed in detoxicating enzyme gene expression in both tissues at all doses. Peripheral mononuclear cell and colon mRNA content for gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase (gamma-GCS) and DT-diaphorase increased after dosing to reach a peak on day 2-4 after treatment, and declined to baseline in the subsequent 7-10 d. The extent of induction of gene expression in colon mucosa reached a peak of 5.75-fold for gamma-GCS, and a peak of 4.14-fold for DT-diaphorase at 250 mg/m2 ; higher doses were not more effective. Levels of gamma-GCS and DT-diaphorase correlated closely (P < or = 0.001) between peripheral mononuclear cells and colon mucosa both at baseline and at peak. These findings demonstrate that the administration of minimally toxic agents at low doses may modulate the expression of detoxicating genes in the tissues of individuals at high risk for cancer. Furthermore, peripheral mononuclear cells may be used as a noninvasive surrogate endpoint biomarker for the transcriptional response of normal colon mucosa to drug administration.

Chemopreventive activity of Oltipraz against N-nitrosobis(2-oxopropyl)amine (BOP)-induced ductal pancreatic carcinoma development and effects on survival of Syrian golden hamsters

The synthetic dithiolethione Oltipraz has marked cancer chemopreventive and phase II enzyme inducing activity in various animal carcinogenesis models, but has not been examined in any animal models of ductal pancreatic cancer relevant to the human disease. The chemopreventive potential of Oltipraz on pancreatic tumor incidence and multiplicity was examined in the N-nitrosobis(2-oxopropyl)-amine (BOP)-induced ductal pancreatic adenocarcinoma model in Syrian hamsters. Animals were maintained on control semipurified diets or semipurified diets containing 300 and 600 mg/kg Oltipraz beginning 2 weeks prior to BOP initiation and throughout the 26 week study. Oltipraz at 300 mg/kg had no effect on the incidence or multiplicity of preneoplastic, neoplastic or metastatic lesions, while at 600 mg/kg dietary Oltipraz the incidence of pancreatic adenocarcinomas was reduced significantly (P < or = 0.05) compared to BOP-treated controls. Dietary Oltipraz at both doses had a significant influence on reducing mortality and morbidity in tumor-bearing animals with metastatic disease. At 26 weeks, total hepatic glutathione-S transferase (GST) activity and GST mu activity were elevated significantly in Oltipraz-treated animals, while total pancreatic GST activity was reduced, albeit not significantly. Serum lipase activity, a marker for pancreatic damage, exhibited a progressive decline in BOP-treated animals administered Oltipraz compared to BOP-treated controls at 12 weeks of the study; by week 26, lipase activity was comparable in all groups and reduced compared to activity at week 12. Positive nuclear immunostaining for the p53 tumor suppressor protein, a hallmark of human pancreatic cancer and a transient response to DNA damage, was observed in only a small percentage of BOP-induced pancreatic lesions and was not influenced Oltipraz administration. Further chemoprevention and pharmacologic studies of Oltipraz in relevant animal models of ductal pancreatic cancer could provide a foundation for future studies in human populations at potential risk for pancreatic cancer.

Susceptibility to hepatocellular carcinoma is associated with genetic variation in the enzymatic detoxification of aflatoxin B1

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) has been postulated to be a hepatocarcinogen in humans, possibly by causing p53 mutations at codon 249. AFB1 is metabolized via the phase I and II detoxification pathways; hence, genetic variation at those loci may predict susceptibility to the effects of AFB1. To test this hypothesis, genetic variation in two AFB1 detoxification genes, epoxide hydrolase (EPHX) and glutathione S-transferase M1 (GSTM1), was contrasted with the presence of serum AFB1-albumin adducts, the presence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and with p53 codon 249 mutations. Mutant alleles at both loci were significantly overrepresented in individuals with serum AFB1-albumin adducts in a cross-sectional study. Mutant alleles of EPHX were significantly overrepresented in persons with HCC, also in a case-control study. The relationship of EPHX to HCC varied by hepatitis B surface antigen status and indicated that a synergistic effect may exist. p53 codon 249 mutations were observed only among HCC patients with one or both high-risk genotypes. These results indicate that individuals with mutant genotypes at EPHX and GSTM1 may be at greater risk of developing AFB1 adducts, p53 mutations, and HCC when exposed to AFB1. Hepatitis B carriers with the high-risk genotypes may be an even greater risk than carriers with low-risk genotypes. These findings support the existence of genetic susceptibility in humans to the environmental carcinogen AFB1 and indicate that there is a synergistic increase in risk of HCC with the combination of hepatitis B virus infection and susceptible genotype.

Coordinate induction of glutathione S-transferase alpha, mu, and pi expression in murine liver after a single administration of oltipraz

The antischistosomal agent oltipraz displays a unique ability to inhibit chemically induced carcinogenesis in a variety of animal models. Its apparent lack of carcinogen specificity and low toxicity make it an attractive candidate for further development as a chemopreventive agent. The mechanism by which oltipraz affords cellular protection is thought to involve the modulation of phase II detoxication enzymes. The present study examines the regulation of each class of glutathione S-transferase (EC 2.5.1.18) in mice after a single oral administration of oltipraz. Glutathione S-transferase activity in the liver increased in a dose-dependent manner after drug exposure. Oltipraz administration (1 g/kg, by gavage) elevated glutathione S-transferase activity to a maximum (4.5-fold) on day 4 after treatment. Western blot analyses demonstrated the induction of all three classes of glutathione S-transferase (alpha, mu, and pi) by oltipraz. Our murine studies suggest that the chemopreventive activity of oltipraz may be due in part to its ability to elevate glutathione S-transferase-mu activity. Consistent with this possibility, associations between the glutathione S-transferase-mu-null phenotype and increased risk for lung, larynx, and bladder cancer have been recently demonstrated in humans. Coordinate elevations in enzymatic activity were preceded by significant elevations in glutathione S-transferase alpha, mu, and pi RNA on day 2 after treatment. Although nuclear run-on assays confirmed the transcriptional induction of all three classes, the maintenance of elevations in enzymatic activity after RNA levels returned to base-line suggests that additional mechanisms are required to regulate glutathione S-transferase expression. Preclinical findings are presented that characterize the response of each class of glutathione S-transferase to oltipraz exposure and support the use of these enzymes as intermediate markers of the chemopreventive activity of oltipraz.

SR2508 (etanidazole) pharmacokinetics and biochemical effects in tumor and normal tissues of scid mice bearing HT-29 human colon adenocarcinoma

Several lines of evidence implicate glutathione (GSH) depletion and/or GSH transferase inhibition in the sensitizing action of nitroimidazoles to alkylating agents. To characterize this interaction, scid mice bearing subcutaneously implanted HT-29 colon tumor (0.75 to 1.25 cm diameter) were treated with SR2508 (2 g/kg, i.p.). At intervals following treatment, samples of blood, liver, spleen, kidney and central non-necrotic tumor core and tumor periphery were obtained and analyzed for SR2508 content by high-pressure liquid chromatography. Tissues were assayed spectrophotometrically for GSH and GSH transferase. SR2508 plasma pharmacokinetics in this model were similar to those described previously (t 1/2 beta = 5.83 hr). The volume of distribution of 0.32 L/kg suggests minimal tissue binding. In tumor periphery and core samples SR2508 levels peaked at 1 hr, and declined exponentially in parallel with plasma. During the terminal phase core SR2508 levels were 10-fold and tumor periphery levels 4.3-fold those of concurrent plasma concentrations. Consistent with these data, tumor GSH levels in both periphery and core fell below 30% of control at 4 hr, and remained depressed > 12 hr. Delayed recovery of GSH content of tumor tissue may explain in part the selectivity of SR2508 for tumor (oxic or hypoxic). GSH transferase activity in tumor was inhibited both at the center and periphery to 75 and 71% of control, respectively, and it appeared that recovery occurred more slowly in the hypoxic core. The mild degree of inhibition observed does not support an important role for inhibition of GSH transferase in sensitization by SR2508 in this tumor. The pronounced selective depletion of GSH in tumor supports the further development of SR2508 in the reversal of alkylating agent resistance.

Time course of glutathione S-transferase elevation in Walker mammary carcinoma cells following chlorambucil exposure

Resistance of Walker 256 rat mammary carcinoma cells to chlorambucil has been shown to be accompanied by a specific increase in the A2-2 subunit of glutathione S-transferase (GST) (Buller et al., Mol Pharmacol 31: 575-578, 1987). Analysis of the time course of GST activity following chlorambucil exposure revealed a 7.5- and 3-fold elevation on day 7 post-treatment in Walker-sensitive (WS) and Walker-resistant (WR) cells, respectively. Flow activated cell sorting (FACS) analyses using antibodies specific for rat liver cytosolic GST supported these results and demonstrated the heterogeneous response of WS cells to chlorambucil exposure. The range of GST levels in drug-treated cells was very broad as compared to that of untreated cells. Transcripts for each class of GST (alpha, mu and pi) were quantified for days 1-9 post-treatment from densitometric scans of RNA slot blots. Elevations in GST alpha RNA preceded increases in GST activity (day 7) in both WS and WR cells. Because fluctuations in GSTA1-1 transcripts were not observed, it was concluded that the increased expression of the alpha class must be attributed to increases in GSTA2-2 transcripts. Amplification of the GST genes in drug-treated cells was not present. These results support the role of GSTA2-2 in the detoxification of chlorambucil. The time course of the cellular response to chlorambucil suggests that the elevation of GSTA2-2 transcripts following alkylating agent exposure may represent only one component of a series of events which collectively confer protection and lead to the establishment of drug resistance.

Phase I study of thiotepa in combination with the glutathione transferase inhibitor ethacrynic acid

The glutathione transferases comprise a family of isoenzymes, one or more of which are involved in the conjugation of alkylating agents to glutathione (GSH). Increased GSH transferase activity has been shown to underlie acquired resistance to several alkylating agents. Ethacrynic acid inhibits the isoenzymes of GSH transferase with 50% inhibitory concentration values ranging from 0.3 to 6.0 microM and has been shown to restore sensitivity to alkylating agents in drug-resistant animal tumor models. We entered 27 previously treated patients with advanced cancer on a study of ethacrynic acid (25 to 75 mg/m2 p.o. every 6 h for 3 doses) and thiotepa (30 to 55 mg/m2 i.v. 1 h after the second dose of ethacrynic acid). The major toxicity of ethacrynic acid was diuresis, which was observed at every dose level; in addition, severe metabolic abnormalities occurred at 75 mg/m2. At 50 mg/m2, the diuretic effects were manageable. Myelosuppression was the most important effect of the combination. Two of seven courses of ethacrynic acid, 50 mg/m2, and thiotepa, 55 mg/m2, were associated with grade 3 or 4 neutropenia and/or thrombocytopenia. Nausea/vomiting greater than or equal to grade 2 was observed in 16% of courses. GSH transferase activity was assayed spectrophotometrically in the peripheral mononuclear cells of all patients. At each dose level, activity decreased following ethacrynic acid administration, with recovery by 6 h. Administration of ethacrynic acid, 50 mg/m2, resulted in a mean nadir of transferase activity of 37% of control. The pharmacokinetics of thiotepa and its principal metabolite TEPA were studied in 23 patients. The plasma disappearance of thiotepa fit a two-compartment open model with a terminal half-life of approximately 2 h. Plasma TEPA levels peaked at a mean of 2.16 h following thiotepa administration. The harmonic mean terminal half-life of TEPA was 10.4 h, and the TEPA area under the curve (AUC) did not increase with increasing thiotepa dose. The AUC of thiotepa was approximately twice, and the clearance about one-half, of the values obtained in a previous study of single agent thiotepa. The AUC of TEPA was lower than that previously observed. The data suggest that ethacrynic acid inhibits enzymes involved in the metabolic disposition of thiotepa, including its oxidative desulfuration to TEPA. The severity of the platelet toxicity was correlated with the AUC of thiotepa, but not with that of TEPA. This combination of thiotepa and ethacrynic acid will be tested further in Phase II trials.

Contribution of patient history to the glutathione S-transferase activity of human lung, breast and colon tissue

Overexpression of the glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) and their involvement in the detoxification of anticancer agents has prompted numerous investigations of the enzyme activity of human tumor tissue. This study represents an in-depth evaluation of the contribution of patient history and pathological status to the GST activity of various human tissues. GST activity was elevated significantly in tumors of the lung, breast and colon as compared to unmatched and matched normal tissue from the same organ. The GST activity of primary breast tumors varied significantly with the stage of the tumor. Breast tumors previously treated with both radiation and chemotherapy had significantly lower levels of GST activity than untreated tumors. Neither progesterone nor estrogen receptor content was associated with the GST activity in primary breast tumors. Colon metastases possessed higher levels of GST activity than primary colon tumors but enzyme activity was independent of the Duke's classification of the tumor. Only tumors of the left colon had levels of GST activity that were higher than those of adjacent normal mucosa. No relationship was evident between either age or sex and the GST activity of any of the tissues examined. GST activity levels may reflect the site-specific ability of tissues to provide cellular protection against xenobiotics.

Glutathione S-transferases in normal and malignant human colon tissue

This study focuses on the GST composition of a tissue intrinsically resistant to chemotherapy, the human colon. GSTs were purified from matched pairs of colon tissue (normal and tumor) using glutathione affinity chromatography. The mean GST activity of colon tumors was 1.5-fold higher than that of normal tissue, with tumors of the sigmoid colon showing the greatest increase (2.3-fold). Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and Western blot analysis of purified enzymes demonstrated the presence of all three GST classes (alpha, mu and pi) in colon, with GST pi being both the predominant isozyme in normal and malignant tissues. The level of alpha class subunits was the same in normal and tumor tissues, while the mu class subunits were decreased in tumors. A protein copurifying with GSTs from both normal and tumor tissue did not crossreact with GST antibodies, but instead reacted with a polyclonal antibody to glyoxylase I. This enzyme existed as a dimer in its native state. Upon boiling, monomeric subunits were produced with a molecular mass of 22.6 kDa and an isoelectric point more acidic than GST pi. Increased amounts of glyoxylase I were also found in tumor vs. normal colon. The apparent elevated levels of these glutathione-associated detoxifying enzymes in colon tumors may contribute to their intrinsic drug resistance.

Identification of a glutathione S-transferase associated with microsomes of tumor cells resistant to nitrogen mustards

Walker 256 rat mammary carcinoma cells resistant to chlorambucil (WR) exhibited an approximate 4-fold increase in glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity using 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene as compared to the sensitive parent cell line (WS). WR cells maintained without biannual exposure to chlorambucil (WRr) reverted to the sensitive phenotype and possessed GST levels equivalent to WS. Mitochondria, microsomes and cytosol were isolated from WS, WR and WRr cell lines and analyzed for their GST composition. GST activity in each subcellular compartment of resistant cells was increased over the sensitive cells. Antibodies raised against total rat liver cytosolic GST crossreacted in resistant cells with two microsomal proteins (25.7 kD and 29 kD). The 29 kD protein was not detected in microsomal fractions from either WS or WRr and this protein was found to be dissimilar from cytosolic GST subunits in its isoelectric point (pI 6.7) and migration on two-dimensional polyacrylamide gels. In addition, the 29 kD microsome-associated GST from WR cells was immunologically distinct from a 14 kD GST subunit previously identified in rat liver microsomes. These data implicate the induction of a specific microsomal GST subunit in WR cells following drug selection and suggest its potential involvement in the establishment of cellular resistance to chlorambucil.

Glutathione S-transferases in human prostate

A number of human prostatic tissue biopsies have been analyzed for glutathione S-transferase activity, using 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (CDNB) as a substrate. Samples from nine patients (age range 61-90) with benign prostatic hypertrophy who had received no prior chemotherapy had a mean glutathione S-transferase activity of 137 +/- 44 nmol/min per mg with a range of 97-237. A qualitative comparison of the glutathione S-transferase of normal prostate and benign prostatic hypertrophy samples was carried out. Approximately 260-fold purification was achieved using glutathione-Sepharose affinity chromatography, with glutathione S-transferase accounting for approximately 0.19-0.33% of the total protein. Substrate specificity determinations suggested similar, but not identical, glutathione S-transferase subunits in normal prostate and benign prostatic hypertrophy. One- and two-dimensional electrophoresis (isoelectric focusing and 12.5% SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis) identified at least seven stained polypeptides in the purified glutathione S-transferase preparations. These ranged in Mr from approximately 24,000 to 28,500 and in pI from near neutral to basic. Western blot analysis using polyclonal antibodies raised against rat liver glutathione S-transferase suggested crossreactivity with five of the human isoenzymes in both normal prostate and benign prostatic hypertrophy. One of the glutathione S-transferases, present in both normal prostate and benign prostatic hypertrophy, had an Mr of approx. 24,000 and a near-neutral pI and crossreacted immunologically with a polyclonal antibody raised against human placental glutathione S-transferase (Yf, subunit 7 or pi). These data suggest that four glutathione S-transferases are expressed in human prostate, with subunits from each of the major classes alpha, mu and pi. These are characterized as Ya, Yb, Yb' and Yf (analogous alternative nomenclature subunits 1, 3, 4 and 7).

Glutathione S-transferases in nitrogen mustard-resistant and -sensitive cell lines

Tumor cell resistance to alkylating agents was studied by examining Walker 256 rat mammary carcinoma cells differentially sensitive to nitrogen mustards. A resistant subpopulation (WR) was selected by exposure to chlorambucil. WR cells showed approximately a 15-fold resistance to the cytotoxic effects of nitrogen mustards and elevated glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity when compared to the sensitive parent cell line (WS). To extend these findings, the GSTs from WR and WS were purified by affinity chromatography on S-hexylglutathione coupled to epoxy-activated agarose. Substrate specificity experiments using purified GSTs demonstrated different profiles of enzyme activity for WR and WS and suggested differential isoenzyme expression in these two cell lines. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and Western blot analysis revealed that the major GST present in both WR and WS was a 26,000-Da subunit that was immunologically distinct from the rat liver GSTs. This GST subunit cross-reacted with antibodies against anionic human placental GST. In addition, three GST forms common to rat liver (29,500, 28,500 and 27,500 molecular weight) were also identified. Overexpression of the 29,500-Da protein was observed in WR cells. These data suggest that differential expression of GST subunits may contribute to the nitrogen mustard-resistant phenotype.

Identification of a teratogenic drug-protein complex in sera of phenytoin-treated monkeys

Whole rat embryos were cultured for 48 h on sera drawn from monkeys before and 10 h after phenytoin gavage (275 mg/kg body weight). Sera from treated monkeys caused exencephaly, anophthalmia, microcephaly, and incomplete ventral curvature when used as culture media, whereas sera drawn from the same monkeys before treatment supported normal embryonic development. To identify the cause of serum teratogenicity, isolated constituents of teratogenic sera were added to nonteratogenic sera for testing by embryo culture. Serum extracts containing free phenytoin and its free metabolites were not teratogenic. Teratogenicity was found associated with serum proteins. Using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) and an antibody that recognized phenytoin and its metabolites, we were able to demonstrate that phenytoin was bound to a protein of 80,000 daltons. Addition of this same antibody to teratogenic sera from dosed monkeys improved the development of cultured embryos and provided additional support for this complex as the proximal teratogen. Use of the antibody to follow the uptake and distribution of phenytoin in cultured embryos suggested that only the phenytoin-protein complex (and not phenytoin itself) was able to pass through the yolk sac and reach the tissues of the embryo proper. These results suggested that a drug-protein complex may serve to transport drugs from their site of activation in the maternal liver to the developing embryo.

Cardiovascular defects in rat embryos cultured on serum from rats chronically exposed to phenytoin

Headfold-stage rat embryos were cultured for 48 hours on serum from rats chronically exposed to phenytoin for periods as long as from conception until 11 months of age. Serum from phenytoin-exposed rats caused approximately 50% of the cultured rat embryos to develop cardiovascular defects as compared to 12% for controls. These morphological abnormalities included hemorrhaging of blood vessels within the embryo, pericardial edema, and absence of yolk sac circulation. Neither serum glucose nor phosphate levels nor serum osmolality were appreciably affected by phenytoin treatment. However, serum protein concentration was reduced in rats exposed to phenytoin as compared to controls. An absence of the serum protein hemopexin was associated with the reduction in serum protein levels but did not appear to be responsible for the observed cardiovascular defects.

Human serum teratogenicity studied by rat embryo culture: epilepsy, anticonvulsant drugs, and nutrition

Epileptic women have a greater risk for spontaneous abortions and children with birth defects than do nonepileptics. In a unique approach to identifying causes of these problems, we have cultured whole rat embryos for 48 h on blood sera from epileptics. In the first part of the study, three embryos were cultured on each serum sample from 128 different epileptics being treated with either single anticonvulsants or no drug to compare the teratogenicity of these drugs. Sera from subjects receiving either phenobarbital or no drug had comparable frequencies of cultured embryo abnormalities, which were lower than those from subjects taking phenytoin, valproic acid, or carbamazepine. In the second phase of the study, attempts to identify causes for serum teratogenicity led to the finding that the abnormalities and reduced embryo growth produced by many serum samples could be completely overcome by adding vitamins and/or amino acids to the serum. Of 53 samples tested, 32 (60%) were corrected by supplementation (17 of 23 phenytoin, seven of nine phenobarbital, six of 12 carbamazepine, none of six valproic acid, and two of three no drug). Although the results of this study provided a general assessment of drug teratogenicity that agreed with other studies and emphasized the role of nutrition in fetal defects, the importance of individual differences in causes of teratogenicity was also noted.