Biologically relevant reductions in fetal testosterone and Insl3 induced by in utero exposure to high levels of di-isononyl phthalate (DINP) in male rats

Some phthalate esters alter male rat reproductive development during sexual differentiation by interfering with fetal testis maturation resulting in reduced Leydig Cell synthesis of testosterone and insulin-like 3 (Insl3) hormones. Gene transcripts associated with steroid hormone and cholesterol transport, and cholesterol synthesis and lipid metabolism also are reduced. These alterations cause permanent malformations of hormone-dependent tissues, sperm production and fertility in male offspring; effects known as the "Phthalate Syndrome." We have shown that administration of a high dose of 750 mg diisononyl phthalate (750 mg/kg/d DINP) during sex differentiation reduced fetal testis testosterone production (T Prod), testis gene expression and induced a low incidence of reproductive malformations in male rat offspring. In the current study we administered DINP at even higher dose levels (1.0 and 1.5 g/kg/d) from gestational day (GD) 14 to postnatal (PND) 3 to determine if these effects were dose related and if the magnitude of the effects could be predicted from a statistical model of fetal testosterone production (T Prod) and Insl3 mRNA levels. These models were previously developed using dipentyl phthalate (DPeP) data from fetal T Prod and postnatal studies. We found that the severity of the demasculinizing effects on the androgen-dependent organs and gubernaculum by DINP were accurately predicted from the statistical models of fetal T prod and Insl3 mRNA, respectively. Taken together, our results indicate that reductions fetal T prod and Insl3 predict the severity of demasculinizing effects in utero exposure to the phthalates DINP and DPeP regardless of potency.

Enhancing crop yields through improvements in the efficiency of photosynthesis and respiration

The rate with which crop yields per hectare increase each year is plateauing at the same time that human population growth and other factors increase food demand. Increasing yield potential (Y p ) of crops is vital to address these challenges. In this review, we explore a component ofY p that has yet to be optimised - that being improvements in the efficiency with which light energy is converted into biomass (ε c ) via modifications to CO2 fixed per unit quantum of light (α), efficiency of respiratory ATP production (ε prod ) and efficiency of ATP use (ε use ). For α, targets include changes in photoprotective machinery, ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase kinetics and photorespiratory pathways. There is also potential forε prod to be increased via targeted changes to the expression of the alternative oxidase and mitochondrial uncoupling pathways. Similarly, there are possibilities to improveε use via changes to the ATP costs of phloem loading, nutrient uptake, futile cycles and/or protein/membrane turnover. Recently developed high-throughput measurements of respiration can serve as a proxy for the cumulative energy cost of these processes. There are thus exciting opportunities to use our growing knowledge of factors influencing the efficiency of photosynthesis and respiration to create a step-change in yield potential of globally important crops.

Enantioselective metabolism of chiral polychlorinated biphenyl 2,2',3,4,4',5',6-Heptachlorobiphenyl (CB183) by human and rat CYP2B subfamilies

Chiral polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) have atropisomers that have different axial chiralities and exist as racemic mixtures. However, biochemical processes often result in the unequal accumulation of these atropisomers in organisms. This phenomenon leads to enantiospecific toxicity enhancement or reduction because either of the atropisomers mainly affects toxicity expression. Enantioselective accumulation is caused by cytochrome P450 (CYP, P450) monooxygenases, especially the CYP2B subfamilies. Therefore, this study investigates the metabolism of a chiral PCB in vitro. Both atropisomers isolated from racemic 2,2',3,4,4',5',6-heptachlorobiphenyl (CB183) were metabolized by human CYP2B6, but not rat CYP2B1. This may be due to the difference in the size of the substrate-binding cavities of CYP2B6 and CYP2B1. The stable accommodation of (-)-CB183 in the cavity without any steric hindrance explained the preferential metabolism of (-)-CB183 compared to (+)-CB183. Two hydroxylated metabolites, 3'-OH-CB183 and 5-OH-CB183, were identified. The docking study showed that the 3'-position of the trichlorophenyl ring closely approaches the heme of CYP2B6. To our knowledge, this is the first study to elucidate the structural basis of chiral PCB metabolism by P450 isozymes. These results will help promote the precise toxicity evaluation of chiral PCBs and provide an explanation of the structural basis of chiral PCB metabolism.

Differences in Enantioselective Hydroxylation of 2,2',3,6-Tetrachlorobiphenyl (CB45) and 2,2',3,4',6-Pentachlorobiphenyl (CB91) by Human and Rat CYP2B Subfamilies

Although polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were commercially banned half a century ago, contamination of the environment and organisms by PCBs is still observed. PCBs show high persistence and bioaccumulation, resulting in toxicity. Among PCBs, chiral PCBs with more than three chlorine atoms at the ortho-position exhibit developmental and neurodevelopmental toxicity. Because toxicity is dependent on the atropisomer, atropisomer-specific metabolism is vital in determining toxicity. However, structural information on enantioselective metabolism remains elusive. Cytochrome P450 (CYP, P450) monooxygenases, particularly human CYP2B6 and rat CYP2B1, metabolize separated atropisomers of 2,2',3,6-tetrachlorobiphenyl (CB45) and 2,2',3,4',6-pentachlorobiphenyl (CB91) to dechlorinated and hydroxylated metabolites. Docking studies using human CYP2B6 predict 4'-hydroxy (OH)-CB45 from (aR)-CB45 as a major metabolite of CB45. Di-OH- and dechlorinated OH-metabolites from human CYP2B6 and rat CYP2B1 are also detected. Several hydroxylated metabolites are derived from CB91 by both P450s; 5-OH-CB91 is predicted as a major metabolite. CB91 dechlorination is also detected by identifying 3-OH-CB51. A stable conformation of PCBs in the substrate-binding cavity and close distance to P450 heme are responsible for high metabolizing activities. As hydroxylation and dechlorination change PCB toxicity, this approach helps understand the possible toxicity of chiral PCBs in mammals.

The effect of chronic kidney disease on CYP2B expression and activity in male Wistar rats

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is characterized by progressive reduction in kidney function over time. CKD affects greater than 10% of the population and its incidence is on the rise due to the growing prevalence of its risk factors. Previous studies demonstrated CKD alters nonrenal clearance of drugs in addition to reducing renal clearance. We assessed the function and expression of hepatic CYP2B enzymes using a rat model of CKD. CKD was induced in Wistar rats by supplementing their chow with adenine and confirmed through the detection of elevated uremic toxins in plasma. Liver enzymes AST and ALT were unchanged by the adenine diet. Bupropion was used as a probe substrate for hepatic CYP2B function using rat liver microsomes. The resulting metabolite, hydroxy-bupropion, and bupropion were quantified by ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled to time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Level of mRNA and protein were determined by RT-PCR and Western blot, respectively. The results of our study demonstrate that CYP2B1 is downregulated in a rat model of CKD. CYP2B1 mRNA level was significantly decreased (88%, P < 0.001) in CKD relative to control. Similarly, maximal enzymatic velocity (Vmax) for CYP2B was decreased by 46% in CKD relative to control (P < 0.0001). Previous studies involving patients with CKD demonstrated altered bupropion pharmacokinetics compared to control. Hence, our results suggest that these alterations may be mediated by attenuated CYP2B hepatic metabolism. This finding may partially explain the alterations in pharmacokinetics and nonrenal drug clearance frequently observed in patients with CKD.

Oxidative stress and mitochondrial uncoupling protein 2 expression in hepatic steatosis induced by exposure to xenobiotic DDE and high fat diet in male Wistar rats

Oxidative stress plays a key role in steatohepatitis induced by both xenobiotic agents and high fat diet (HFD). The present study aimed to evaluate hepatic oxidative stress and anti-oxidant systems response in rats exposed to HFD and/or non-toxic dose of dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE), the first metabolite of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane. Groups of 8 rats were so treated for 4 weeks: 1- standard diet (N group); 2- standard diet plus DDE (10 mg/kg b.w.) (N+DDE group); 3- HFD (D group); 4- HFD plus DDE (D+DDE group). Oxidative stress was analyzed by determining malondialdehyde as lipid peroxidation product, while the anti-oxidant systems were evaluating by measuring the levels of the principal cytosolic and mitochondrial antioxidant proteins and enzymes, namely superoxide dismutase 1 and 2 (SOD1, SOD2), glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPx1) and uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) involved in the control of hepatic reactive oxygens species (ROS) accumulation. The results showed malondialdehyde accumulation in livers of all groups, confirming the pro-oxidant effects of both HFD and DDE, but with a greater effect of DDE in absence of HFD. In addition, we found different levels of the analyzed anti-oxidant systems in the different groups. DDE mainly induced UCP2 and SOD2, while HFD mainly induced GPx1. Noteworthy, in the condition of simultaneous exposure to DDE and HFD, the anti-oxidant response was more similar to the one induced by HFD than to the response induced by DDE. Present findings confirmed that both HFD and xenobiotic exposure induced hepatic oxidative stress and showed that the anti-oxidant defense response was not the same in the diverse groups, suggesting that UCP2 induction could be an adaptive response to limit excessive ROS damage, mainly in condition of xenobiotic exposure.

The Choice of Animal Model and Reduction

Careful choice of the animal model is essential, if research is to be conducted efficiently, by using the minimum number of animals in order to provide the maximum amount of information. Inbred strains of rodents provide an excellent way of controlling and investigating genetic variation in characters of interest and in response to experimental treatments. Outbred stocks, in which genetic and non-genetic factors are inextricably mixed, are much less suitable, because random and uncontrolled genetic variation tends to obscure any treatment responses. In some cases, the use of inbred strains has led to major advances in scientific understanding. The specific example given here is in the understanding of host–parasite relationships but, more generally, inbred strains have been of critical importance in research which has resulted in the award of at least 17 Nobel prizes. And yet, despite the extensive literature on the properties and scientific value of inbred strains, many scientists continue to use outbred stocks in the mistaken belief that the use of such animals will, in some mysterious way, make their research more applicable to humans. There is really no evidence that this is so, and there is much evidence that the use of inbred strains has been highly successful in many disciplines.

Responses of antioxidant and biotransformation enzymes in Carassius carassius exposed to hexabromocyclododecane

The ubiquitous existence of hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) in environmental matrices has made it attractive to both field investigators as well as laboratory researchers. However, literature on the biological effects caused by HBCD on aquatic vertebrates seldom exist. This has inevitably increased the difficulty of toxicological assessment in the aquatic environment. Juvenile crucian carp (Carassius carassius) were exposed (flow-through) to different concentrations of technical HBCD (nominal 2, 20, 200 μg L^-1) for 7 days to determine the responses of antioxidant and biotransformation enzymes. HBCD was found to be increasingly bioconcentrated in the fish livers as time proceeds. Also, the contribution of α-HBCD exhibited an enhancement from 13% in the exposure solutions to 24% in crucian carp, still much lower than in wild fishes (ca. 80%). HBCD induced activities of antioxidant enzymes in most cases, as well as increased level of lipid peroxidation. In contrast to the weak response of 7-ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD), 7-pentoxyresorufin-O-depentylase (PROD) activity was generally induced in a time-dependent manner with peaks at day 2. Phase II enzyme Glutathione-S-transferase (GST) showed a dose-dependent induction with maximums in the 20 μg L^-1 treatment at all the four timepoints of 1, 2, 4 and 7 days. Some enzymatic responses showed good associations, indicating coordinated functions. To sum up, tHBCD exposure in the present circumstance had produced an ecological stress to crucian carp. The low levels of biotransformation and slow rates of bioisomerization suggest a possible long-term toxic effect, especially around HBCD point sources.

Short-chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs) induced thyroid disruption by enhancement of hepatic thyroid hormone influx and degradation in male Sprague Dawley rats

Short-chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs) are known to disturb thyroid hormone (TH) homeostasis in rodents. However, the mechanism remains to be fully characterized. In this study, male Sprague Dawley rats received SCCPs (0, 1, 10, or 100mg/kg/day) via gavage once a day for consecutive 28days. Plasma and hepatic TH concentrations, thyrocyte structure, as well as thyroid and hepatic mRNA and protein levels of genes associated with TH homeostasis were examined. Moreover, we performed molecular docking to predict interactions between constitutive androstane receptor (CAR), a key regulator in xenobiotic-induced TH metabolism, with different SCCP molecules. Exposure to SCCPs significantly decreased the circulating free thyroxine (T₄) and triiodothyronine (T₃) levels, but increased thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels by a feedback mechanism. Decreased hepatic T₄ and increased hepatic T₃ levels were also seen after 100mg/kg/day SCCPs exposure. SCCPs didn't show any significant effects on the expression of thyroid TH synthesis genes or thyrocyte structure. However, stimulation effects were observed for mRNA and protein levels of hepatic uridine diphosphoglucuronosyl transferase (UGT) 1A1 and organic anion transporter 2, suggesting an accelerated TH metabolism in rat liver. The increased cytochrome P450 2B1 but not 1A1 mRNA and protein levels indicated that the CAR signaling was activated by SCCPs exposure. According to docking analysis, SCCPs form hydrophobic interactions with CAR and the binding affinity shows dependency on chlorine content. Overall, our data showed that CAR implicated enhancement of hepatic TH influx and degradation could be the main cause for SCCPs induced TH deficiency in male rats.

Effects of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease on Hepatic CYP2B1 and in Vivo Bupropion Disposition in Rats Fed a High-Fat or Methionine/Choline-Deficient Diet

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) refers to hepatic pathologies, including simple fatty liver (SFL), nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), fibrosis, and cirrhosis, that may progress to hepatocellular carcinoma. These liver disease states may affect the activity and expression levels of drug-metabolizing enzymes, potentially resulting in an alteration in the pharmacokinetics, therapeutic efficacy, and safety of drugs. This study investigated the hepatic cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2B1-modulating effect of a specific NAFLD state in dietary rat models. Sprague-Dawley rats were given a methionine/choline-deficient (MCD) or high-fat (HF) diet to induce NASH and SFL, respectively. The induction of these disease states was confirmed by plasma chemistry and liver histological analysis. Both the protein and mRNA levels of hepatic CYP2B1 were considerably reduced in MCD diet-fed rats; however, they were similar between the HF diet-fed and control rats. Consistently, the enzyme-kinetic and pharmacokinetic parameters for CYP2B1-mediated bupropion metabolism were considerably reduced in MCD diet-fed rats; however, they were also similar between the HF diet-fed and control rats. These results may promote a better understanding of the influence of NAFLD on CYP2B1-mediated metabolism, which could have important implications for the safety and pharmacokinetics of drug substrates for the CYP2B subfamily in patients with NAFLD.

Thyroid hormone disruption and cognitive impairment in rats exposed to PBDE during postnatal development

Polybrominated diphenyl ether flame-retardants (PBDEs) are thyroid-disrupting environmental chemicals. We investigated the effects of postnatal exposure to DE-71 (a mixture of tetra- and penta-brominated congeners), n-propylthiouracil (PTU) and thyroxine (T4) replacement on open-field (OF) and radial maze (RAM) tests. Wistar rats (5 males/5 females per litter, 32 litters) were treated orally (PND 5-22) with PTU (4mg/kg bw/d), DE-71 (30mg/kg bw/d), with and without co-administration of T4 (15μg/kg bw/d, sc). PTU depressed T4 serum levels and body weight gain and enlarged thyroid gland. Although decreasing T4 levels, DE-71 did not change thyroid and body weights. PTU-treated rats showed hyperactivity (PND 42 and 70), and working and reference memory learning deficits (RAM, PND 100). Although not altering motor activity and working memory, DE-71 caused a reference memory deficit (females only). T4 co-administration averted hypothyroxinemia and long-term cognitive deficits caused by PTU and DE-71.

Effects of 2,2',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (BDE47) on the enzymes of phase I (CYP2B1/2) and phase II (SULT1A and COMT) metabolism, and differences in the action of parent BDE-47 and its hydroxylated metabolites, 5-OH-BDE-47 and 6-OH-BDE47, on steroid secretion by luteal cells

In this study we determined the effects of BDE-47 on the expression and activity of phase I (CYP2B1/2) and phase II (SULT1A and COMT) enzymes, and assessed the actions of BDE-47 and its metabolites on luteal steroidogenesis. Luteal cells collected during early (ELP), middle (MLP) and late (LLP) luteal phase were exposed to BDE-47 (0.5, 25, and 50ng/ml) or metabolites (2.5, 5 and 25ng/ml). BDE-47 decreased CYP2B1/2 activity and expression but had no effect on SULT1A or COMT. BDE-47 exerted a stimulatory action on estrogen secretion in MLP and an inhibitory in LLP, but had no effect on progesterone secretion. 5-OH-BDE-47 and 6-OH-BDE-47 decreased progesterone, but had no effect on estrogen secretion.

CONCLUSIONS

The inhibitory effect of BDE-47 on CYP2B1/2 suggests the possibility of BDE-47 accumulation in the corpus luteum; by affecting steroid secretion and steroidogenesis enzymes, BDE-47 and its metabolites can be responsible for shortening luteal phase.

Effects of Sublethal Exposure to a Glyphosate-Based Herbicide Formulation on Metabolic Activities of Different Xenobiotic-Metabolizing Enzymes in Rats

The activities of different xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes in liver subcellular fractions from Wistar rats exposed to a glyphosate (GLP)-based herbicide (Roundup full II) were evaluated in this work. Exposure to the herbicide triggered protective mechanisms against oxidative stress (increased glutathione peroxidase activity and total glutathione levels). Liver microsomes from both male and female rats exposed to the herbicide had lower (45%-54%, P < 0.01) hepatic cytochrome P450 (CYP) levels compared to their respective control animals. In female rats, the hepatic 7-ethoxycoumarin O-deethylase (a general CYP-dependent enzyme activity) was 57% higher (P < 0.05) in herbicide-exposed compared to control animals. Conversely, this enzyme activity was 58% lower (P < 0.05) in male rats receiving the herbicide. Lower (P < 0.05) 7-ethoxyresorufin O-deethlyase (EROD, CYP1A1/2 dependent) and oleandomycin triacetate (TAO) N-demethylase (CYP3A dependent) enzyme activities were observed in liver microsomes from exposed male rats. Conversely, in females receiving the herbicide, EROD increased (123%-168%, P < 0.05), whereas TAO N-demethylase did not change. A higher (158%-179%, P < 0.01) benzyloxyresorufin O-debenzylase (a CYP2B-dependent enzyme activity) activity was only observed in herbicide-exposed female rats. In herbicide-exposed rats, the hepatic S-oxidation of methimazole (flavin monooxygenase dependent) was 49% to 62% lower (P < 0.001), whereas the carbonyl reduction of menadione (a cytosolic carbonyl reductase-dependent activity) was higher (P < 0.05). Exposure to the herbicide had no effects on enzymatic activities dependent on carboxylesterases, glutathione transferases, and uridinediphospho-glucuronosyltransferases. This research demonstrated certain biochemical modifications after exposure to a GLP-based herbicide. Such modifications may affect the metabolic fate of different endobiotic and xenobiotic substances. The pharmacotoxicological significance of these findings remains to be clarified.

Extravascular use of drug-eluting beads: A promising approach in compartment-based tumor therapy

Intraperitoneal carcinomatosis (PC) may occur with several tumor entities. The prognosis of patients suffering from PC is usually poor. Present treatment depends on the cancer entity and includes systemic chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormonal therapy and surgical resection. Only few patients may also benefit from hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy with a complete tumor remission. These therapies are often accompanied by severe systemic side-effects. One approach to reduce side effects is to target chemotherapeutic agents to the tumor with carrier devices. Promising experimental results have been achieved using drug-eluting beads (DEBs). A series of in vitro and in vitro experiments has been conducted to determine the suitability of their extravascular use. These encapsulation devices were able to harbor CYP2B1 producing cells and to shield them from the hosts immune system when injected intratumorally. In this way ifosfamide - which is transformed into its active metabolites by CYP2B1 - could be successfully targeted into pancreatic tumor growths. Furthermore DEBs can be used to target chemotherapeutics into the abdominal cavity for treatment of PC. If CYP2B1 producing cells are proven to be save for usage in man and if local toxic effects of chemotherapeutics can be controlled, DEBs will become promising tools in compartment-based anticancer treatment.

Disruption of biomolecule function by nanoparticles: how do gold nanoparticles affect Phase I biotransformation of persistent organic pollutants?

The potential influence of nanoparticles on cytochrome P-450 (CYP) isozyme mediated Phase I biotransformation of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in vitro was investigated using citrate-capped gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and 2,2',3,5',6-pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB 95) as the probe nanoparticle and compound, respectively. AuNPs affected the biotransformation activity of rat CYP2B1 and changed the atropisomeric composition of PCB 95, depending on the incubation time and the AuNP concentration. Electrostatic repulsion between citrate-coated AuNPs and rat CYP2B1 may influence the active conformation of the isozyme and consequently affect its activity and stereoselectivity. In addition, the effects of AuNPs on rat CYP2B1 activity also appeared to be through interference with the CYP catalytic cycle's electron transfer chain. Incubations with AuNPs had a decline in buffer conductance and an absorbance band red shift of AuNPs, from electrostatic interactions of K(+) with negatively-charged AuNP aggregates. These ionic strength changes affected the formation rate of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate, which provides electrons for the oxidative reaction cycle, and the biotransformation activity and stereoselectivity of CYP. This study suggests that charged nanoparticles may be able to alter the functions of biomolecules directly, by electrostatic interaction, or indirectly, by changes to the surrounding ionic strength. These factors should be taken into account for further understanding and prediction of the environmental behavior and fate of POPs and nanoparticles.

Characterization of chicken cytochrome P450 1A4 and 1A5: inter-paralog comparisons of substrate preference and inhibitor selectivity

The chicken (Gallus gallus) is one of the most economically important domestic animals and also an avian model species. Chickens have two CYP1A genes (CYP1A4 and CYP1A5) which are orthologous to mammalian CYP1A1 and CYP1A2. Although the importance of chicken CYP1As in metabolism of endogenous compounds and xenobiotics is well recognized, their enzymatic properties, substrate preference and inhibitor selectivity remain poorly understood. In this study, functional enzymes of chicken CYP1A4 and CYP1A5 were successfully produced in Escherichia coli (E. coli). The substrate preference and inhibitor specificity of the two chicken CYP1As were compared. Kinetic results showed that the enzymatic parameters (K(m), V(max), V(max)/K(m)) for ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase (EROD) and benzyloxyresorufin O-debenzylase (BROD) differed between CYP1A4 and CYP1A5, while no significant difference was observed for methoxyresorufin O-demethylase (MROD). Lower K(m) of CYP1A4 for BROD suggests that CYP1A4 has a greater binding affinity to benzyloxyresorufin than either ethoxyresorufin or methoxyresorufin. The highest V(max)/K(m) ratio was seen in BROD activity for CYP1A4 and in MROD for CYP1A5 respectively. These results indicate that substrate preference of chicken CYP1As is more notably distinguished by BROD activity and CYP1A5 prefers shorter alkoxyresorufins resembling its mammalian ortholog CYP1A2. Differential patterns of MROD inhibition were observed between CYP1As and among the five CYP inhibitors (α-naphthoflavone, furafylline, piperonyl butoxide, erythromycin and ketoconazole). α-Naphthoflavone was determined to be a potent MROD inhibitor of both CYP1A4 and CYP1A5. In contrast, no or only a trace inhibitory effect (<15%) was observed by erythromycin at a concentration of 500 μM. Stronger inhibition of MROD activity was found in CYP1A5 than CYP1A4 by relatively small molecules α-naphthoflavone, piperonyl butoxide and furafylline. AROD kinetics and inhibition profiles between chicken CYP1A4 and CYP1A5 demonstrate that the two paralogous members of the CYP1A subfamily have distinct enzymatic properties, reflecting differences in the active site geometry between CYP1A4 and CYP1A5. These findings suggest that CYP1A4 and CYP1A5 play partially overlapping but distinctly different physiological and toxicological roles in the chicken.

[Effect of shenfu injection on CYP450s of rat liver]

The paper is to report the study of the effect of Shenfu injection on the enzyme activity of liver CYP450 and its mRNA level of rat liver. Microsome of rat liver was prepared after intravenous administration of Shenfu injection for 7 days. The enzyme activity was quantified by Cocktail method. Meanwhile, the mRNA expression of CYP1A2, CYP2B1/2, CYP2C11 and CYP3A1 in the liver was detected by RT-PCR. Shenfu injection obviously induced the enzyme activities of CYP2B and CYP2C. Meantime Shenfu injection decreased the enzyme activities of CYP1A2 and CYP3A. The mRNA levels of CYP2B and CYP2C were also induced in rats treated with Shenfu injection. But it obviously inhibited the mRNA level of CYP1A2 and CYP3A. Since the enzyme activity and mRNA level were obviously changed after administration, the potential effect of drug-drug interaction should be concerned.

Cytochrome P450 system as potential biomarkers of certain toxicants: comparison between plant and animal models

In present study, we measured the activities of some selected cytochrome P450 isozymes like ethoxyresorufin-o-deethylase (EROD), pentoxyresorufin-o-deethylase (PROD), and N-nitrosodimethylamine demethylase (NDMA-d) treating experimental rats with different environmental toxicants, namely trichloroethylene (TCE), heavy metal mixture, and ethyl alcohol individually or in combination and by exposing the Allium cepa bulbs to increasing concentration of TCE for 48 h. In animal system, NDMA-d activity displayed a remarkable amplification by 4.2-fold in the liver of alcohol ingested rats compared with control animals. TCE intake also resulted in a marked increase of around 3.8-fold and 1.2-fold in rats' NDMA-d activity in the liver and kidney, respectively. In onion bulbs, an amazing rise in the activity of test enzymes was recorded in a dose-dependent manner. Among the said enzymes, PROD showed maximum increase up to the extent of 22-fold in comparison with control at 20 ppm of TCE exposure, whereas NDMA-d and EROD showed 11- and 9-fold increase in enzymatic activity, respectively, compared with the control. Based on this study, we conclude and advocate that all the selected isozymes of CYP450 system, viz. PROD, NDMA-d, and EROD can act as potent biomarkers in plant system for assessing the TCE pollution.

CREBH determines the severity of sulpyrine-induced fatal shock

Although the pyrazolone derivative sulpyrine is widely used as an antipyretic analgesic drug, side effects, including fatal shock, have been reported. However, the molecular mechanism underlying such a severe side effect is largely unclear. Here, we report that the transcription factor CREBH that is highly expressed in the liver plays an important role in fatal shock induced by sulpyrine in mice. CREBH-deficient mice were resistant to experimental fatal sulpyrine shock. We found that sulpyrine-induced expression of cytochrome P450 2B (CYP2B) family genes, which are involved in sulpyrine metabolism, in the liver was severely impaired in CREBH-deficient mice. Moreover, introduction of CYP2B in CREBH-deficient liver restored susceptibility to sulpyrine. Furthermore, ectopic expression of CREBH up-regulated CYP2B10 promoter activity, and in vivo knockdown of CREBH in wild-type mice conferred a significant resistance to fatal sulpyrine shock. These data demonstrate that CREBH is a positive regulator of CYP2B in response to sulpyrine administration, which possibly results in fatal shock.

The enhancing effect of ethanol on the mutagenic activation of N-nitrosomethylbenzylamine by cytochrome P450 2A in the rat oesophagus

Alcohol consumption is frequently associated with various cancers and the enhancement of the metabolic activation of carcinogens has been proposed as a mechanism underlying this relationship. The ethanol-induced enhancement of N-nitrosodiethylamine (DEN)-mediated carcinogenesis can be attributed to an increase in hepatic activity. However, the mechanism of elevation of N-nitrosomethylbenzylamine (NMBA)-induced tumorigenesis remains unclear. To elucidate the mechanism underlying the role of ethanol in the enhancement of NMBA-induced oesophageal carcinogenesis, we evaluated the hepatic and extrahepatic levels of the cytochrome P450 (CYP) and mutagenic activation of environmental carcinogens by immunoblot analyses and Ames preincubation test, respectively, in F344 rats treated with ethanol. Five weeks of treatment with 10% ethanol added to the drinking water or two intragastric treatments with 50% ethanol, both resulted in elevated levels of CYP2E1 (1.5- to 2.3-fold) and mutagenic activities of DEN, N-nitrosodimethylamine and N-nitrosopyrrolidine in the presence of rat liver S9 (1.5- to 2.4-fold). This was not the case with CYP1A1/2, CYP2A1/2, CYP2B1/2 or CYP3A2, nor with the activities of 2-amino-3-methylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoline, 3-amino-1-methyl-5H-pyrido[4,3-b]indole, aflatoxin B(1) or other N-nitroso compounds (NOCs), including NMBA. Ethanol-induced elevations of CYP2A and CYP2E1 were observed in the oesophagus (up to 1.7- and 2.3-fold) and kidney (up to 1.5- and 1.8-fold), but not in the lung or colon. In oesophagus and kidney, the mutagenic activities of NMBA and four NOCs were markedly increased (1.3- to 2.4-fold) in treated rats. The application of several CYP inhibitors revealed that CYP2A were likely to contribute to the enhancing effect of ethanol on NMBA activation in the rat oesophagus and kidney, but that CYP2E1 failed to do so. These results showed that the enhancing effect of ethanol on NMBA-induced oesophageal carcinogenesis could be attributed to an increase in the metabolic activation of NMBA by oesophageal CYP2A during the initiation phase, and that this occurred independently of CYP2E1.

Stereoselective formation of mono- and dihydroxylated polychlorinated biphenyls by rat cytochrome P450 2B1

Changes in atropisomer composition of chiral polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and their mono- and dihydroxylated metabolites (OH- and diOH-PCBs) via rat cytochrome P450 2B1 (CYP2B1) mediated biotransformation were investigated in vitro. Rat CYP2B1 could stereoselectively biotransform chiral PCBs to generate meta-OH-PCBs as the major metabolites after 60 min incubations. Nonracemic enantiomer fractions (EFs: concentration ratios of the (+)-atropisomer or the first-eluting atropisomer over the total concentrations of two atropisomers) of 5-OH-PCBs, were 0.17, 0.20, 0.85, 0.77, and 0.41 for incubations with PCBs 91, 95, 132, 136, and 149, respectively. CYP-mediated stereoselective formation of diOH-PCBs from OH-PCBs was observed for the first time. After 60 min stereoselective biotransformation, the EFs of both 4-OH-PCB 95 and 5-OH-PCB 95 changed from racemic (i.e., 0.50) to 0.62 and 0.46, respectively. These transformations generated statistically nonracemic 4,5-diOH-PCB 95, with EFs of 0.53 and 0.58 for 4-OH-PCB 95 and 5-OH-PCB 95 incubations, respectively. Biotransformation of PCBs 91 and 136 also generated 4,5-diOH-PCB 91 and 4,5-diOH-PCB 136, respectively. These in vitro results were consistent with that observed for stereoselective PCB biotransformation by rat liver microsomes and in vivo. Biotransformation interference between two atropisomers of PCB 136 was investigated for the first time in this study. The biotransformation process of (-)-PCB 136 was significantly disrupted by the presence of (+)-PCB 136 but not the other way around. Thus, stereoselective metabolism of chiral PCBs and OH-PCBs by CYPs is a major mechanism for atropisomer composition change of PCBs and their metabolites in the environment, with the degree of composition change dependent, at least in part, on stereoselective interference of atropisomers with each other at the enzyme level.

Atrazine effects on antioxidant status and xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes after oral administration in peripubertal male rat

Previously, we reported that in vivo applied atrazine from postnatal day 23 to 50 induced strong inhibition of testicular steroidogenesis. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate, in the same experimental model, the oxidative status in androgen-producing testicular interstitial compartment characterized by diminished steroidogenesis. In parallel, we determined activities of antioxidative and cytochrome P450 (CYP) xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes in liver. To confirm the results on atrazine induced-inhibition of testicular androgenesis, we measured ex vivo production of androgen in Leydig cells. The results revealed decreased activity of antioxidant enzymes, especially glutathione S-transferase (GST), but also glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and catalase (CAT) in testicular interstitial cells, in parallel with strongly diminished ex vivo basal and agonist-stimulated Leydig cell androgenesis. In liver, atrazine increased the activity of GSH-Px, GST, and CYP1A1/2 enzyme, but not lipid peroxidation. These results indicate that atrazine markedly affects both antioxidant status and androgenesis in peripubertal rats.

Accumulation of dioxins and induction of cytochrome P450 1A4/1A5 enzyme activities in common cormorants from Lake Biwa, Japan: temporal trends and validation of national regulation on dioxins emission

To validate the outcome of the national regulation on dioxins emission implemented in 1999, this study investigated temporal trends of chlorinated dioxins and related compounds (DRCs) in liver of common cormorants (Phalacrocorax carbo) collected from Lake Biwa, Japan between 2001 and 2008, as a part of the "Survey on the State of Dioxins Accumulation in Wildlife" conducted by the Ministry of the Environment, Japan. We also measured a biomarker of DRCs exposure, the cytochrome P450 1A (CYP1A)-dependent O-dealkylation activity of alkoxyresorufins (AROD), including methoxy-, ethoxy-, pentoxy- and benzyloxy-resorufins in the samples over 2001-2007. Neither TEQ nor AROD activity showed any clear declining trend over the time period, although the emission of DRCs during the corresponding period was estimated to be apparently decreasing. Our data indicate that the concentration of recalcitrant DRCs in the cormorant during 2001-2008 was scarcely affected by the national regulation on dioxins emission.

Beetroot juice protects against N-nitrosodiethylamine-induced liver injury in rats

Red beetroot, a common ingredient of diet, is a rich source of a specific class of antioxidants, betalains. Our previous studies have shown the protective role of beetroot juice against carcinogen induced oxidative stress in rats. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of long term feeding (28 days) with beetroot juice on phase I and phase II enzymes, DNA damage and liver injury induced by hepatocarcinogenic N-nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA). Long term feeding with beetroot juice decreased the activities of enzymatic markers of cytochrome P450, CYP1A1/1A2 and CYP2E1. NDEA treatment also reduced the activities of these enzymes, but increased the activity of CYP2B. Moreover, combined treatment with beetroot juice and NDEA enhanced significantly CYP2B only. Modulation of P450 enzyme activities was accompanied by changes in the relevant proteins levels. Increased level and activity of NQO1 was the most significant change among phase II enzymes. Beetroot juice reduced the DNA damage increased as the result of NDEA treatment, as well as the biomarkers of liver injury. Collectively, these results confirm the protective effect of beetroot juice against oxidative damage shown in our previous studies and indicate that metabolic alterations induced by beetroot feeding may protect against liver damage.

Significant interspecies differences in induction profiles of hepatic CYP enzymes by TCDD in bank and field voles

The gene expression and induction of cytochrome P450 (CYP)-enzymes following 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) peroral administration was studied in the livers of two wild vole species--the bank vole (Myodes glareolus) and the field vole (Microtus agrestis). The dioxin-sensitive C57BL/6 mouse was used as a reference. Doses of 0.05, 0.5, 5.0, and 50 µg/kg were applied to ascertain a dose-response relationship, and the dose of 50 µg/kg was applied to the study time course for up to 96 h. The cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1) mRNA expression showed an expected dose-dependent increase equally in both vole species. Bank voles expressed notably higher CYP2A mRNA levels as compared with field voles. Both species exhibited dose-dependent increases in putative CYP1A-, CYP2B-, and CYP2A-associated activities as measured by fluorometric assays for ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD), penthoxyresorufin-O-depenthylase (PROD), and 7-ethoxycoumarin-O-deethylase (ECOD), respectively. Putative CYP2A-associated coumarin-7-hydroxylase (COH) activity showed a slight increase at the two highest doses of TCDD in field voles but not in bank voles, and their basal COH activity was only one-fourth or less of that in field voles. Overall, however, bank voles tended to exhibit higher CYP-associated enzyme activities measured at the two largest doses of TCDD than field voles. A western blot analysis of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) revealed that the two vole species had differential band patterns, suggesting dissimilar structures for their AhRs.

[Effects of dietary fat level on the xenobiotic metabolism enzymes activity and antioxidant enzymes in rats]

Male Wistar rats received fat-free diet or diets containing 5, 10 and 30% of fat (sunflower oil + lard, 1:1) for 4 weeks. The direct relationship between dietary fat level and ethoxyresorufin O-dealkylase activity of CYP1A1, methoxyresorufin O-dealkylase activity of CYP1A2, pentoxyresorufin O-dealkylase activity of CYP2B1 and testosterone 6beta-hydroxylase activity of CYP3A was found. Activities of key enzymes of phase II xenobiotic metabolism (total activity of glutathione transferase, activity of UDP-glucuronosyle transferase) and antioxidant enzymes (catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, paraoxonase-1 and heme oxygenase-1) also increased with higher dietary fat level.

Factors affecting phase I stereoselective biotransformation of chiral polychlorinated biphenyls by rat cytochrome P-450 2B1 isozyme

In vitro incubations of rat cytochrome P-450 (CYP) 2B1 isozyme with three chiral polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners (PCBs 45, 95, and 132) were performed to investigate factors affecting phase I stereoselective biotransformation. Rat CYP2B1 preferentially biotransformed the second-eluting atropisomers of PCBs 45 and 95 at low substrate concentration ranges (≤15 μM). Biotransformation competition by different congeners was also observed, with increasing competition at higher chlorination. Competition decreased the biotransformation rates of each congener stereoselectively, affecting atropisomeric composition. No atropisomeric enrichment was observed for PCB 132 upon incubation of the racemate. However, under the same conditions, significant differences in biotransformation kinetics were observed in individual atropisomer incubations, indicating that (+)-PCB 132 and (-)-PCB 132 were competitively biotransformed. Homology modeling and docking studies suggested that each atropisomer had different interactions with rat CYP2B1 and could dock with the isozyme at different locations. This is one possible explanation for stereoselective biotransformation and competition of chiral PCBs at the molecular level. Our results suggest that the lack of predictive capability for stereoselectivity of PCBs and other chiral pollutants in biota may be due to competitive and/or inhibitory activities of different substrates, including individual enantiomers of the same compound.

Molecular probes of the mechanism of cytochrome P450. Oxygen traps a substrate radical intermediate

The diagnostic substrate tetramethylcyclopropane (TMCP) has been reexamined as a substrate with three drug- and xenobiotic-metabolizing cytochrome P450 enzymes, human CYP2E1, CYP3A4 and rat CYP2B1. The major hydroxylation product in all cases was the unrearranged primary alcohol along with smaller amounts of a rearranged tertiary alcohol. Significantly, another ring-opened product, diacetone alcohol, was also observed. With CYP2E1 this product accounted for 20% of the total turnover. Diacetone alcohol also was detected as a product from TMCP with a biomimetic model catalyst, FeTMPyP, but not with a ruthenium porphyrin catalyst. Lifetimes of the intermediate radicals were determined from the ratios of rearranged and unrearranged products to be 120, 13 and 1ps for CYP2E1, CYP3A4 and CYP2B1, respectively, corresponding to rebound rates of 0.9×10(10)s(-1), 7.2×10(10)s(-1) and 1.0×10(12)s(-1). For the model iron porphyrin, FeTMPyP, a radical lifetime of 81ps and a rebound rate of 1.2×10(10)s(-1) were determined. These apparent radical lifetimes are consistent with earlier reports with a variety of CYP enzymes and radical clock substrates, however, the large amounts of diacetone alcohol with CYP2E1 and the iron porphyrin suggest that for these systems a considerable amount of the intermediate carbon radical is trapped by molecular oxygen. These results add to the view that cage escape of the intermediate carbon radical in [Fe(IV)-OH ()R] can compete with cage collapse to form a C-O bond. The results could be significant with regard to our understanding of iron-catalyzed C-H hydroxylation, the observation of P450-dependent peroxidation and the development of oxidative stress, especially for CYP2E1.

Environmental contaminant effects on juvenile striped bass in the San Francisco Estuary, California, USA

The decline of pelagic organisms in the San Francisco Estuary (SFE) (California, USA) is attributed to several factors, including water diversions, invasive species, and exposure to environmental toxicants. The present study evaluated the effects of environmental contaminants on liver vitellogenin, metallothionein, 7-ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD), and benzyloxyresorufin O-deethylase (BROD) activity in juvenile striped bass (Morone saxitilis) in the SFE. Analysis of juvenile striped bass liver extracts revealed site-specific elevations of vitellogenin, metallothionein, and EROD biomarkers across the estuary. Although some striped bass in the estuary showed EROD activity similar to unhandled hatchery controls, several sites in the estuary showed significantly higher EROD activity that was in the range of beta-naphthoflavone (BNF)-injected, positive controls. Overall, EROD activity averaged 283% higher in estuary fish than in hatchery controls. Chemical analyses of extracts from semipermeable membrane devices (SPMDs) deployed in the estuary for one month showed elevated polyaromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) levels. Semipermeable membrane devices extract injections-induced metallothionein and BROD in striped bass livers. These data show that environmental exposures are impacting EROD and other biomarkers in the SFE striped bass population. Previous studies in our laboratory have associated poor larval development with maternal transfer of environmental contaminants. Further studies are needed to monitor contaminant exposures by the use of biomarkers and to integrate them into a more effective pelagic species recovery plan in the SFE.

Biological effects of Byrsocarpus coccineus in vitro

CONTEXT

Byrsocarpus coccineus Schum. and Thonn. (Connaraceae) is a scandent shrub widely employed as a medicinal remedy for various disease conditions in West Africa.

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluated fractions of B. coccineus for modulation of cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzyme activity, cytokine production, and proliferation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The BROD (benzyloxyresorufin O-debenzylase) and BFCOD (benzyloxy-4-[trifluoromethyl]-coumarin O-debenzyloxylase) assays were used to evaluate effect on CYP2B1/2 and CYP3A4 enzyme activity. Effects on cytokine production and proliferation of HT29 cells were investigated using interferon expression assay and MTT (3-3[4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl]-2-5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide) assay, respectively.

RESULTS

Fractions derived from the organic solvent extraction of B. coccineus produced significant (p<0.05) stimulation of human hepatic CYP2B1/2 activity in the BROD assay. The greatest effects were elicited at 1 ng/mL corresponding to ∼ 3-fold stimulation of enzyme activity. Enhancement of CYP3A4 enzyme activity was also observed in the BFCOD assay. Other fractions from the organic extract showed significant antiproliferative effects on HT29 cells at 100 μg/mL. Fractions obtained from the aqueous extract of B. coccineus (1 µg/µL) significantly stimulated the expression of IFNα2a and IFNβ in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), causing a maximum 26-fold increase of IFNα2a-transcript.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

The effect on CYP suggests that B. coccineus may reduce the therapeutic efficacy of co-administered drugs. This justifies the need for proper education of patients by healthcare practitioners on the outcomes of drug-herb interactions. This study identifies several in vitro activities that could underlie the attributed uses of this plant in traditional African medicine (TAM).

Multi-endpoint toxicities on Chinese rare minnow (Gobiocypris rarus) fed with different diets

To compare the effects of three diets, rare minnow was fed with three diets from 30 dph to mature period. The activities of EROD, PROD, SOD and GST were measured in the WBHs as well as Vtg and TBARS concentrations at 60 dph. The rest fish were fed until adulthood for breeding studies. The group A served as the control group. It was found that Vtg, GST and EROD were significantly increased in the groups B and C, but SOD, TBARS and PROD levels were significantly increased only in the group C. In the adulthood, Vtg was significantly induced in the males in the group C. In generation F1, inhibition of CAT D activities and decrease of reproductive success were only found in pellet A group, but not in pellet B group. These findings indicate that the selection of diet is extremely important to assure veracity of the experiment results.

Cytochrome P450 2B1 mediates complement-dependent sublytic injury in a model of membranous nephropathy

Membranous nephropathy is a disease that affects the filtering units of the kidney, the glomeruli, and results in proteinuria accompanied by loss of kidney function. Passive Heymann nephritis is an experimental model that mimics membranous nephropathy in humans, wherein the glomerular epithelial cell (GEC) injury induced by complement C5b-9 leads to proteinuria. We examined the role of cytochrome P450 2B1 (CYP2B1) in this complement-mediated sublytic injury. Overexpression of CYP2B1 in GECs significantly increased the formation of reactive oxygen species, cytotoxicity, and collapse of the actin cytoskeleton following treatment with anti-tubular brush-border antiserum (anti-Fx1A). In contrast, silencing of CYP2B1 markedly attenuated anti-Fx1A-induced reactive oxygen species generation and cytotoxicity with preservation of the actin cytoskeleton. Gelsolin, which maintains an organized actin cytoskeleton, was significantly decreased by complement C5b-9-mediated injury but was preserved in CYP2B1-silenced cells. In rats injected with anti-Fx1A, the cytochrome P450 inhibitor cimetidine blocked an increase in catalytic iron and ROS generation, reduced the formation of malondialdehyde adducts, maintained a normal distribution of nephrin in the glomeruli, and provided significant protection at the onset of proteinuria. Thus, GEC CYP2B1 contributes to complement C5b-9-mediated injury and plays an important role in the pathogenesis of passive Heymann nephritis.

Transcriptional and post-transcriptional response of drug-metabolizing enzymes to PAHs contamination in red mullet (Mullus barbatus, Linnaeus, 1758): a field study

Aim of this study was to evaluate the responsiveness of red mullet (Mullus barbatus) liver detoxification enzymes to PAHs at transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels in the field. Fish were captured in the north-eastern Adriatic Sea, close to an oil refinery. Sixteen PAHs (EPA) were determined in sediments and fish fillets; transcription levels of cyp1a, cyp3a and abcc2 genes and EROD, BROD, B(a)PMO, BFCOD, GST and UDPGT enzymatic activities were measured. Levels of PAHs in sediments reflect the oil pollution gradient of the area, with weak correspondence in fish fillets. cyp1a gene transcription and EROD, B(a)PMO and BFCOD activities were significantly induced in the oil refinery site, and a slight up-regulation of cyp3a and abcc2 was also observed. GST and UDPGT remained unchanged. The present study provides the first data on detoxification responses at transcriptional levels in the liver of red mullet and confirms phase I enzymes as suitable biomarkers of exposure to PAHs in field studies.

Rat brain CYP2B induction by nicotine is persistent and does not involve nicotinic acetylcholine receptors

CYP2B is a drug-metabolizing enzyme expressed in the liver and brain that metabolizes a variety of centrally acting drugs (e.g. propofol, bupropion and nicotine), endogenous neurochemicals (e.g. serotonin and testosterone) and toxins (e.g. chlorpyrifos). Human CYP2B6 is found at higher levels in the brains of smokers, and 7-day nicotine treatment induces rat brain CYP2B while not altering hepatic CYP2B. We characterized the time course of rat brain CYP2B induction by nicotine and determined if nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) mediated this induction. Rats were treated once daily with 1mg/kg nicotine base or saline s.c. for 1 or 7days and sacrificed from 30minutes to 7days after the last injection. One-day nicotine treatment did not induce brain CYP2B, whereas 7-day nicotine treatment significantly increased CYP2B expression for up to 24hours in the frontal cortex and brainstem; these levels returned to baseline by 7days post-treatment. CYP2B activity was also higher at 24hours in these regions. No change was seen in the cerebellar CYP2B levels or in vivo activity following nicotine treatment. Time of day of treatment and sacrifice altered the magnitude of brain CYP2B induction while chlorisondamine, an irreversible nAChR blocker, pre-treatment did not block CYP2B induction. Seven-day nicotine treatment resulted in an induction of rat brain CYP2B protein and in vivo activity for up to 24hours, which would suggest greater local drug metabolism by brain CYP2B. Humans or animals exposed to nicotine may have altered therapeutic drug response, brain levels of neurotransmitters and/or neurotoxicity.

Toxicity of Bromkal 70-5DE, a technical mixture of polybrominated diphenyl ethers, following 28 d of oral exposure in rats and impact of analysed impurities

The subacute toxicity of a commercial polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) preparation, Bromkal 70-5DE, was investigated. In addition to a vehicle control, the mixture was given orally to male and female Sprague-Dawley rats for 28 d at three dose levels; 2.5, 25 and 250 mg kg(-1) b.w.d(-1). The observed effects include increased hepatic EROD activity (from 2.5 mg kg(-1)d(-1)); increased liver weight (males), increased PROD activity and depletion of hepatic retinoids (from 25 mg kg(-1)d(-1)); and increased liver weight (females), marked histological changes in the liver and lungs, as well as increased serum parameters such as total protein, cholesterol and albumin (from 250 mg kg(-1)d(-1)). Chemical analysis of the PBDE mixture with gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GS/MS) showed impurities of polybrominated dibenzofurans and to a lesser extent dibenzodioxins, in total levels of about 7.0 microg g(-1) of Bromkal technical mixture. The animals were thereby exposed to an estimated dose of dioxin-like equivalents corresponding to 1.3-131 ng TEQ kg(-1) b.w.d(-1). It cannot be ruled out that this level of impurities can explain the hepatic EROD induction and hepatic retinoid depletion, which are considered typical markers of toxicity mediated via the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR).

Alpha-tocopherol beta-oxidation localized to rat liver mitochondria

Approximately 40% of Americans take dietary supplements, including vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol). Unlike other fat-soluble vitamins, alpha-tocopherol is not accumulated to toxic levels. Rather tissue levels are tightly regulated, in part via increased hepatic metabolism and excretion that could, theoretically, alter metabolism of drugs, environmental toxins, and other nutrients. To date, in vivo subcellular location(s) of alpha-tocopherol metabolism have not been identified. The proposed pathway of alpha-tocopherol metabolism proceeds via omega-hydroxylation to 13'-OH-alpha-tocopherol, followed by successive rounds of beta-oxidation to form alpha-CEHC. To test the hypothesis that alpha-tocopherol omega-hydroxylation occurs in microsomes while beta-oxidation occurs in peroxisomes, rats received daily injections of vehicle, 10 mg alpha-tocopherol, or 10 mg trolox/100 g body wt for 3 days, and then microsomes, mitochondria, and peroxisomes were isolated from liver homogenates. Homogenate alpha-tocopherol levels increased 16-fold in alpha-tocopherol-injected rats, while remaining unchanged in trolox- or vehicle-injected rats. Total alpha-tocopherol recovered in the three subcellular fractions represented 93+/-4% of homogenate alpha-tocopherol levels. In alpha-tocopherol-injected rats, microsome alpha-tocopherol levels increased 28-fold, while mitochondria and peroxisome levels increased 8- and 3-fold, respectively, indicating greater partitioning of alpha-tocopherol to the microsomes with increasing liver alpha-tocopherol. In alpha-tocopherol-injected rats, microsome 13'-OH-alpha-tocopherol levels increased 24-fold compared to controls, and were 7-fold greater than 13'-OH-alpha-tocopherol levels in peroxisome and mitochondrial fractions of alpha-tocopherol-injected rats. An unexpected finding was that alpha-CEHC, the end product of alpha-tocopherol metabolism, was found almost exclusively in mitochondria. These data are the first to indicate a mitochondrial role in alpha-tocopherol metabolism.

Effects of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in northern bobwhite quail (Colinus virginianus)

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) are ubiquitous contaminants of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, and are known to induce biochemical alterations in exposed organisms. Aside from a variety of adverse physiological effects associated with exposure to petroleum products, oils, and oil sludges, little is known about the effects of individual PAH on birds. Acute toxicity of naphthalene, pyrene, and benz[a]anthracene (BAA) was examined in adult northern bobwhite quail (Colinus virginianus). Additionally, subacute (8 d) and subchronic (60 d) studies were conducted to assess alterations in metabolic enzyme activity. Neither naphthalene, nor pyrene, nor BAA exposure via oral gavage produced acute toxicity up to the limit dose of 2 g/kg body weight. In the subacute study, quail provided feed containing the highest concentration of BAA for 5 d had significantly increased renal ethoxyresorufin O-deeththylase (EROD) activity compared to controls. Following a 3-d recovery period, significant increases between 10 and 100 mg/kg of BAA in feed existed for both hepatic EROD and pentoxyresorufin O-deethylase (PROD) activity compared to controls. Subchronic exposure to BAA (ranging from 0.1 to 10 mg/kg) also resulted in a significant rise of EROD and PROD in both kidney and liver tissue compared to controls. Though the individual PAH used in this study were not acutely toxic, these results confirm that these individual PAH induce alterations in metabolic enzyme activity in northern bobwhite quail.

Metabolism of myclobutanil and triadimefon by human and rat cytochrome P450 enzymes and liver microsomes

Metabolism of two triazole-containing antifungal azoles was studied using expressed human and rat cytochrome P450s (CYP) and liver microsomes. Substrate depletion methods were used due to the complex array of metabolites produced from myclobutanil and triadimefon. Myclobutanil was metabolized more rapidly than triadimefon, which is consistent with metabolism of the n-butyl side-chain in the former and the t-butyl group in the latter compound. Human and rat CYP2C and CYP3A enzymes were the most active. Metabolism was similar in microsomes prepared from livers of control and low-dose rats. High-dose (115 mg kg-1 day-1 of triadimefon or 150 mg kg-1 day-1 of myclobutanil) rats showed increased liver weight, induction of total CYP, and increased metabolism of the two triazoles, though the apparent Km appeared unchanged relative to the control. These data identify CYP enzymes important for the metabolization of these two triazoles. Estimated hepatic clearances suggest that CYP induction may have limited impact in vivo.

Lack of constitutive and inducible ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase activity in the liver of suckermouth armored catfish (Hypostomus affinis and Hypostomus auroguttatus, Loricariidae)

We investigated the presence and inducibility of CYP1A in suckermouth catfish (Hypostomus affinis and Hypostomus auroguttatus, Loricariidae), tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus, Cichlidae) and mice (Mus musculus, Muridae). Alkoxyresorufin-O-dealkylases (EROD, MROD, PROD and BROD) were detected and proved to be inducible (beta-naphthoflavone, BNF or dimethylbenz[a]anthracene, DMBA, 50 mg/kg bw ip) in liver microsomes from tilapia and mice. In loricariids, alkoxyresorufin-O-dealkylases were either undetectable (MROD/EROD) or very low (PROD/BROD), and so they remained after treatment with BNF or DMBA. Ethoxycoumarin-O-deethylase (ECOD) was recorded in all species and proved not to be inducible by BNF or DMBA. In loricariids and tilapia, ECOD was not depressed by a concentration of alpha-naphthoflavone (CYP1A-inhibitor) that markedly depressed EROD in tilapia. A CYP1A-like protein was detected by a monoclonal antibody in rats, mice and tilapia, but not in loricariids. A polyclonal antibody, however, detected a CYP1A-like protein in liver microsomes of loricariids. Suckermouth catfish, rats, mice and tilapia express a protein reactive with a polyclonal antibody against trout CYP3A. Loricariids and tilapia exhibited marked genotoxic responses (enhanced incidence of micronucleated erythrocytes) following treatment DMBA (50 mg/kg bw ip), a promutagen activated by CYP1A/1B. Therefore, although not exhibiting EROD, a CYP1A-mediated activity, loricariids converted DMBA into its genotoxic metabolites. Our findings suggest that the CYP1A-like protein of locariid catfish recognizes DMBA, but not ethoxyresorufin, as a substrate.

Chiral polychlorinated biphenyls are biotransformed enantioselectively by mammalian cytochrome P-450 isozymes to form hydroxylated metabolites

In vitro incubations of purified rat cytochrome P-450 (CYP) 2B1 and human CYP 2B6 were performed to determine if CYP isozymes biotransform polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) enantioselectively. Enantioselective metabolism of chiral PCBs 45, 84, 91, 95, 132, and 136 and production of hydroxylated PCB metabolites (OH-PCBs) were observed, while no changes in PCB 183 atropisomer composition were observed for either isozyme. Enantiomer fractions (EFs) of parent PCBs, individually incubated as racemates at 25 ng/mL initial concentration, with rat CYP 2B1 ranged from 0.353 to 0.822. Enantioselectivity was also observed for PCBs 45 (EF = 0.437) and 132 (EF = 0.537) incubated at that concentration with human CYP 2B6. Both atropisomers of chiral PCBs appeared to be biotransformed simultaneously by rat CYP 2B1, except for (+)-PCB 132, but at different rates. Hydroxylated PCBs were identified using gas chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry for all chiral PCBs enantioselectively transformed by CYPs. These metabolites did not correspond to any commercially available authentic standards, supporting the hypothesis that many unidentified OH-PCBs detected in wildlife may have arisen from in vivo biotransformation of chiral PCBs. A rough estimate suggested that more than half of the total congener metabolized by rat CYP 2B1 was converted to OH-PCBs. Similar concentration decreases were observed for congeners incubated with human CYP 2B6, but less OH-PCBs were formed. Formation of OH-PCBs via an enantioselective OH insertion mechanism was suggested, and may be a source of the unidentified OH-PCBs currently found in the environment.

Effect of selected antidepressant drugs on cytochrome P450 2B (CYP2B) in rat liver. An in vitro and in vivo study

The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of antidepressants with different chemical structures and mechanisms of action affecting serotonergic and/or noradrenergic systems - tricyclic antidepressant drugs (TAD), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and novel antidepressants (mirtazapine, nefazodone) - on the activity of rat CYP2B measured as the rate of 16beta-hydroxylation of testosterone. The reaction was studied in control liver microsomes in the presence of antidepressants, as well as in microsomes of rats treated intraperitoneally for one day or two weeks (twice a day) with pharmacological doses (mg/kg) of the drugs (imipramine, amitriptyline, clomipramine, nefazodone 10; desipramine, fluoxetine, sertraline 5; mirtazapine 3). The obtained K(i) values indicated that nefazodone and the SSRIs sertraline and fluoxetine were the most potent inhibitors of the studied reaction (K(i) = 10-20 microM). The inhibitory effects of TADs were modest (K(i) = 62-85 microM), while mirtazapine was a very weak inhibitor of CYP2B activity (K(i) = 286 microM). After a one-day exposure of rats to the investigated antidepressants, a significant increase in CYP2B activity was only observed after sertraline exposure (300% of the control). Chronic treatment with the antidepressants led to a significant enhancement of CYP2B activity after sertraline, fluoxetine and desipramine (580, 200 and 150% of the control, respectively) treatment, which positively correlated with the observed elevation in CYP2B protein levels. In summary, two different mechanisms of the antidepressant-CYP2B interaction are postulated: 1) a direct inhibition of CYP2B shown in vitro by nefazodone, SSRIs and TADs; 2) in vivo induction of CYP2B produced by prolonged administration of SSRIs and desipramine, which suggests their influence on enzyme regulation. The marked CYP2B-induction produced by SSRIs corresponds with their selective serotonin reuptake inhibition, while the effect of desipramine corresponds with its selective inhibition of noradrenaline reuptake.

Interactions of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) with xenobiotic biotransformation system in European eel Anguilla anguilla (Linnaeus, 1758)

The aim of the present study was to investigate the interaction of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) with liver biotransformation enzymes in European eel Anguilla anguilla (Linnaeus, 1758). Eels were exposed to 0.5, 1 and 2.5mg/l nominal concentrations of TNT for 6 and 24h. Modulation of CYP1A1, UDPGT and GST genes was investigated by real-time PCR. Total CYP450 content, NADPH cytochrome c reductase activity, CYP1A and CYP2B-like activities, such as EROD, MROD and BROD, as well as GST and UDPGT activities, were measured by biochemical assays. An in vitro study was performed on EROD in order to evaluate catalytic modulation by TNT. No modulation of the CYP1A1 gene or protein was observed in TNT-exposed eels. On the other hand, a significant decline of EROD and MROD activities was observed in vivo. An increase in NADPH cyt c reductase, and phase II enzymes (UDPGT and GST) were observed at both gene expression and activity levels. The overall results indicated that TNT is a potential competitive inhibitor of CYP1A activities. A TNT metabolic pathway involving NADPH cyt c reductase and phase II enzymes is also suggested.

Structural requirements for inhibitors of cytochromes P450 2B: Assessment of the enzyme interaction with diamondoids

The series of diamondoids: adamantane, diamantane, triamantane, 2-isopropenyl-2-methyladamantane and 3-isopropenyl-3-methyldiamantane (3-IPMDIA), were employed to elucidate the molecular basis of their interaction with the active site of cytochromes P450 (CYP) of a 2B subfamily. These potent inhibitors of CYP2B enzymes were docked into the homology model of CYP2B4. Apparent dissociation constants calculated for the complexes of CYP2B4 with docked diamandoids agreed closely with the experimental data showing inhibition potency of the compounds and their binding affinity to CYP2B4. Superimposed structures of docked diamondoids mapped binding site residues. As they are mainly non-polar residues, the hydrophobicity plays the major role in the binding of diamondoids. Overlapping structure of diamondoids defined an elliptical binding cavity (5.9A inner diameter, 7.9A length) forming an angle of approximately 43 degrees with the heme plane. CYP2B specific diamondoids, namely 3-IPMDIA, showing the highest binding affinity, should be considered for a potential clinical use.

AhR and PPARa: antagonistic effects on CYP2B and CYP3A, and additive inhibitory effects on CYP2C11

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor that mediates a spectrum of toxic and biological effects of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) and related compounds. The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARalpha) is a member of the nuclear receptor super-family of ligand-activated transcription factors and it functions as an obligate heterodimer with retinoid X-receptor alpha RXRalpha. The aim was to investigate whether the negative cross-talk recently proposed by the present authors between AhR and PPARalpha on CYP4A and CYP1A has any impact on other cytochrome P450 enzymes. Treatment of male Wistar rats with a PPARalpha ligand clofibric acid (CA) induced CYP2B1/2 and CYP3A proteins, activities, and the mRNA expression of CYP2B1, CYP2B2, CYP3A1 and CYP3A2, and suppressed CYP2C11 protein, activities and mRNA expression. AhR ligand Sudan III (S.III) treatment decreased basal and CA-induced CYP2B, CYP3A and CYP2C11 protein, activities and mRNA expression. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first study showing the presence of mutual effects of AhR and PPARalpha on CYP2B and CYP3A and an additive inhibitory effect on CYP2C11 in the livers of male rats.

Styrene monomer primarily induces CYP2B1 mRNA in rat liver

To determine the cytochrome P450 (CYP) primarily expressed after styrene exposure, seven forms of hepatic CYP mRNA in rats treated with 600 mg kg(-1) styrene were examined. CYP1A2, CYP2B1/2, CYP2E1 and CYP3A2 mRNA were observed using real-time LightCycler PCR. The amount of CYP2B1 mRNA was significantly increased, 47-fold compared with controls, suggesting that this CYP is the primary cytochrome P450 in rats exposed to styrene. Significant increases in the amount of CYP2E1, CYP1A2 and CYP2B2 mRNA were also observed after styrene exposure, and their increase levels were 3.1-, 1.7- and 1.7-fold higher than controls, respectively. Western blot analysis also indicated that the protein levels of CYP2B1, CYP2B2, CYP2E1 and CYP1A2 showed clear increases after styrene treatment, corresponding to their mRNA expression. CYP2C11 mRNA decreased significantly in rats after styrene exposure. CYP1A1 was detected at the mRNA level in rat liver, but it was not detected at the protein level. The expression of epoxide hydrolase (EH), involved in Phase I drug metabolism, was also examined. EH mRNA increased 2-fold compared with controls after styrene exposure. Styrene thus appears to be a chemical compound that induces multiple CYPs. The results demonstrate that CYP2B1 is the primarily induced CYP form by styrene treatment to rats at acute toxic level.

Selectivity of 7-alkoxycoumarins as probe substrates for rat hepatic cytochrome P450 forms is influenced by the substitution pattern on the coumarin nucleus

1. The O-dealkylation of 7-alkoxycoumarins is widely used as an assay to characterize cytochrome P450 (CYP) activity. These substrates can also undergo oxidative attack at additional sites on the coumarin nucleus, which may influence their apparent selectivity for particular CYP forms. 2. Accordingly, the effect of blockade of these additional sites was investigated on the selectivity towards rat hepatic CYP forms, with emphasis on the CYP1A and 2B forms. 3. Blockade of the 3-/4- and 6-positions resulted in substrates for which the CYP1A1/2 selectivity of the unsubstituted 7-alkoxycoumarins was altered to a CYP2B selectivity; this was achieved with little overall change in the molecular dimensions of the substrate. Limited analysis of other inducible CYP forms indicated at most only small effects of structure modification on activity. 4. The findings suggest that the sensitivity of probe substrates for CYP forms may be limited by the occurrence of competing side reactions of the substrate, and that better probes may be derived by blocking the sites of these side reactions.

Permissive and suppressive effects of dexamethasone on enzyme induction in hepatocyte co-cultures

1. Steroids are known to act as permissive factors in hepatocytes. This study shows that dexamethasone (DEX) is a permissive factor for induction of CYP2B1/2, CYP3A1, CYP2A1 and probably also CYP2C11 in cultures with primary rat hepatocytes. 2. The induction factor of phenobarbital (PB)-induced formation of 16beta-hydroxytestosterone (OHT), a testosterone biotransformation product predominantly formed by CYP2B1, is increased 18-fold by the addition of 32 nM DEX to the culture medium. Interestingly, higher concentrations of DEX up to 1000 nM led to a concentration-dependent maximally 5-fold decrease (p = 0.002) of phenobarbital-induced 16beta-OHT formation compared with the effect observed with 32 nM DEX. Thus, DEX shows permissive and suppressive effects on enzyme induction depending on the concentration of the glucocorticoid. 3. Qualitatively similar but smaller permissive and suppressive effects of DEX were observed for PB-induced CYP3A1 activity as evidenced by formation of 2beta-, 6beta- and 15beta-OHT. 4. DEX is a permissive factor for induction of CYP2A1 activity by 3-methylcholanthrene (3MC), as evidenced by the formation of 7alpha-OHT. Without addition of DEX, 3MC did not induce formation of 7alpha-OHT, whereas an almost 3-fold induction occurred in the presence of DEX. In contrast to CYP2B and CYP3A, concentrations up to 1000 nM DEX were not suppressive for the induction of CYP2A1. 5. We described recently a technique that allows preparation of cultures from cryopreserved hepatocytes. An almost identical influence of dexamethasone on enzyme induction was observed here in cultures from cryopreserved compared with freshly isolated hepatocytes. 6. Cultures with primary hepatocyte cultures represent a well-established technique for the study of drug-drug interactions. However, a large interlaboratory variation is known. Our study provides evidence that differences in glucocorticoid concentration in the culture medium contribute to this variation.

Hepatic metabolism of diallyl disulphide in rat and man

1. The metabolism of diallyl disulphide was investigated in vitro with rat and human liver cell subfractions and ex vivo with an isolated perfused rat liver. 2. Diallyl disulphide was oxidized to diallylthiosulphinate by rat liver microsomes with an apparent K(m) = 0.86 +/- 0.1 mM and an apparent V(max) = 0.47 +/- 0.12 nmol min(-1) mg(-1) protein (mean +/- SE). Both cytochrome P450 (CYP) and flavin-containing monooxygenases were involved, with CYP2B1/2 and CYP2E1 being the most active CYP enzymes. 3. In rat and man, microsomal oxidation of allylmethyl sulphide to allylmethyl sulphoxide and allylmethyl sulphone also occurred, although at a low rate. Diallyl disulphide was also metabolized to allylglutathione sulphide and allylmercaptan. In addition, diallylthiosulphinate reacted non-enzymatically with glutathione to form allylglutathione sulphide. 4. When an isolated rat liver was perfused with diallyl disulphide, the metabolites allyl mercaptan, allylmethyl sulphide, allylmethyl sulphoxide, allylmethyl sulphone and allylglutathione sulphide were detected primarily within the liver tissue, with only small amounts of metabolites found in the bile and perfusion medium. The pharmacokinetic parameters for diallyl disulphide were t(1/2) = 6.09 min; AUC(0- infinity ) = 4.77 min mmol l(-1); clearance = 34.22 ml min(-1). 5. A scheme for the metabolism of diallyl disulphide in rat and man is proposed.

A technical mixture of 2,2',4,4'-tetrabromo diphenyl ether (BDE47) and brominated furans triggers aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) mediated gene expression and toxicity

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE) are found as ubiquitous contaminants in the environment, e.g., in sediments and biota as well as in human blood samples and mother's milk. PBDEs are neuro- and developmental toxins, disturb the endocrine system and some are even carcinogenic. Structural similarities of PBDEs with dioxin-like compounds, e.g., 2,3,7,8-tetrachloro-dibenzodioxin (TCDD), have raised concern about a possible "dioxin-like" action of PBDEs. TCDD exerts its toxicity via binding to and activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). AhR ligands are in contrast to PBDEs usually coplanar compounds. Thus, PBDEs are not likely to be strong AhR agonists. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of the most abundant PBDE congener, 2,2',4,4'-tetrabromo diphenyl ether (BDE47), on AhR activity and signaling. Initially, we measured cytochrome P450 1A1 (Cyp1A1) induction as a readout for AhR activation by BDE47. Low grade purified BDE47 increased CYP1A1 levels in transformed and primary rat hepatocytes and human hepatoma cells. Chemical analysis of the BDE47 sample identified trace contaminations with brominated furans such as 2,3,7,8-tetrabromo dibenzodioxin (TBDF), which most likely were responsible for the observed activation of AhR. Subsequently, the BDE47 mixture was studied for its effect on AhR mediated toxicity and global gene expression. Indeed, in rat hepatoma cells and in zebrafish embryos the BDE47 mixture provoked changes in gene expression and toxicity similar to known AhR agonists. In addition to the dioxin-like actions, the BDE47 sample enhanced Cyp2B and Cyp3A expression suggesting that commercial PBDE mixtures, which also often contain brominated furans, may disturb cellular homeostasis at multiple levels.

Use of immunofluorescence technique in cultured fibroblasts from Mediterranean cetaceans as new "in vitro" tool to investigate effects of environmental contaminants

The aim of the present study was to propose the immunofluorescence technique in cultured fibroblasts from Mediterranean cetaceans as a new "in vitro" tool to explore the susceptibility of these marine mammals to different xenobiotic compounds. The cell lines were cultured from integument biopsies of free-ranging and stranded cetaceans (dead within 12h). Using the indirect immunofluorescence assay, we detected endogenous proteins induced by different contaminants. Here we present the method used for qualitative and quantitative evaluation of cytochromes P450 (CYP1A1 and CYP2B) induced by some POPs (DDTs and PCBs) and emerging contaminants (PBDEs) in fibroblast cell cultures of striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba) and bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus). Immunofluorescence was quantified with a specially designed Olympus macro, DetectIntZ. A major result was the possibility of using this "in vitro" assay to quantify induction of endogenous proteins.