Identification of enzymes involved in the metabolism of atrazine, terbuthylazine, ametryne, and terbutryne in human liver microsomes

Compounds of the s-triazine family are among the most heavily used herbicides over the last 30 years. Some of these derivatives are suspected to be carcinogens. In this study the identity of specific phase-I enzymes involved in the metabolism of s-triazine derivatives (atrazine, terbuthylazine, ametryne, and terbutryne) by human liver microsomes was determined. Kinetic studies demonstrated biphasic kinetics for all pathways examined (S-oxidation, N-dealkylation, and side-chain C-oxidation). Low K(m) values were in a range of about 1-20 microM, whereas high K(m) values were up to 2 orders of magnitude higher. For a correlation study, 30 human liver microsomal preparations were screened for seven specific P450 activities, and these were compared to activities for the metabolites derived from these s-triazines. A highly significant correlation in the high-affinity concentration range was seen with cytochrome P450 1A2 activities. Chemical inhibition was most effective with alpha-naphthoflavone and furafylline at low s-triazine concentrations and additionally with ketoconazole and gestodene at high substrate concentrations. Studies with 10 heterologously expressed P450 forms demonstrated that several P450 enzymes are capable of oxidizing these s-triazines, with different affinities and regioselectivities. P450 1A2 was confirmed to be the low-K(m) P450 enzyme involved in the metabolism of these s-triazines. A potential participation of flavin-containing monooxygenases (FMOs) in sulfoxidation reactions of the thiomethyl derivatives ametryne and terbutryne in human liver was also evaluated. Sulfoxide formation in human liver microsomes as a function of pH, heat, and chemical inhibition indicated no significant involvement of FMOs. Finally, purified recombinant FMO3, the major FMO in human liver, exhibited no significant activity (< 0.1 nmol (nmol of FMO3)-1 min-1) in the formation of the parent sulfoxides of ametryne and terbutryne. Therefore, P450 1A2 alone is likely to be responsible for the hepatic oxidative phase-I metabolism of the s-triazine derivatives in exposed humans.     

Fatty acid metabolism and very low density lipoprotein secretion in liver slices from rats and preruminant calves

Diethyldithiocarbamate methyl ester (DDTC-Me) is a precursorto the formation of S-methyl-N,N-diethylthiolcarbamate sulfoxide, the active metabolite proposed to be responsible for the alcohol deterrent effects of disulfiram. The present study investigated the role of human cytochrome P-450 (CYP) enzymes in sulfoxidation and thiono-oxidation of DDTC-Me, intermediary steps in the activation of disulfiram. Several approaches were used in an attempt to delineate the particular P-450 enzyme(s) involved in the sulfoxidation and thiono-oxidation of DDTC-Me. These approaches included the use of cDNA-expressed human P-450 enzymes, correlation analysis with sample-to-sample variation in human P-450 enzymes in a bank of human liver microsomes, and chemical and antibody inhibition studies. Multiple human P-450 enzymes (CYP3A4, CYP1A2, CYP2A6, and CYP2D6) catalyzed the sulfoxidation of DDTC-Me, as determined with cDNA-expressed enzymes. Several lines of evidence suggest that the sulfoxidation of DDTC-Me by human liver microsomes is primarily catalyzed by CYP3A4/5, including (1) a high correlation between DDTC-Me sulfoxidation and testosterone 6beta-hydroxylation; (2) increased DDTC-Me sulfoxidation in the presence of alpha-naphthoflavone, an activator of CYP3A enzymes; (3) inhibition of this reaction by inhibitors of CYP3A4/5 enzymes, such as troleandomycin and ketoconazole; and (4) inhibition of DDTC-Me sulfoxidation by antibodies against CYP3A enzymes. On the other hand, several lines of evidence suggested that the thiono-oxidation of DDTC-Me by human liver microsomes is catalyzed in part by CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2E1, and CYP3A4/5, including (1) these human P450 enzymes among others have the capacity to catalyze this reaction, as determined with cDNA-expressed enzymes; (2) a high correlation between DDTC-Me thiono-oxidation and testosterone 6beta-hydroxylation, weak inhibition by ketoconazole, troleandomycin, and anti-CYP3A antibodies suggested a minor role for CYP3A4; (3) a high correlation with immunoreactive CYP2B6 suggested involvement of this enzyme; (4) weak inhibition of DDTC-Me thiono-oxidation by furafylline and anti-CYP1A antibody suggested involvement of CYP1A2; and (5) inhibition of DDTC-Me thiono-oxidation by DDTC and anti-CYP2E antibodies suggested a role for CYP2E1. Collectively, these data suggested CYP3A4/5 enzymes are the major contributors to the sulfoxidation of DDTC-Me by human liver microsomes, and CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2E1, and CYP3A4/5 contribute toward DDTC-Me thiono-oxidation by human liver microsomes. This study, in conjunction with others (Madan et al., Drug Metab. Dispos. 23:1153-1162, 1995), may help explain the variability in disulfiram's effectiveness as an alcohol deterrent.     

Kinetics of induction of DNA adducts, cell proliferation and gene mutations in the liver of MutaMice treated with 5,9-dimethyldibenzo[c,g]carbazole

Biotransformation of the M1-muscarinic agonist Lu 25-109 (5-(2-ethyl-2H-tetrazol-5-yl)-1-methyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine) , in development for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, was investigated to obtain information on the identity of human hepatic cytochrome P-450 enzymes involved in its metabolism. The identification of these P-450s was accomplished through studies using 1) simple regression analysis with 14 phenotyped human liver samples, 2) selective chemical inhibitors, and 3) microsomes containing cDNA-expressed enzymes. The production of some metabolites is enhanced in vitro when the pH of the incubation media is shifted from pH 7.4 to 8.5. The metabolite production in human liver microsomes was NADPH-dependent, suggesting that the metabolism of Lu 25-109 in human liver microsomes is primarily P-450-dependent. Lu 25-109 was metabolized by human liver microsomes to Lu 31-126 (de-ethyl Lu 25-109) mainly by CYP2D6; to Lu 29-297 [3-(2-ethyltetrazol-5-yl)-1-methyl-pyridinium] and Lu 25-077 (demethyl Lu 25-109) mainly by CYP1A2, CYP2A6, CYP2C19, and CYP3A4; and to Lu 32-181 (Lu 25-109 N-oxide) by CYP1A2 and possibly by CYP2C19. One metabolite, Lu 32-181 (N-oxide), could be reduced back to Lu 25-109, a reaction not inhibited by the applied cytochrome P-450 inhibitors. This study did not indicate any involvement of FMO3 or MAO in the in vitro metabolism of Lu 25-109 in human liver microsomes.     

The effect of incubation periods under 95% oxygen on the stimulated acrosome reaction and motility of human spermatozoa

Roxithromycin has been shown to be a relatively weak inhibitor of cytochrome P450 (P450 or CYP)-dependent drug oxidations, compared with troleandomycin. The potential for roxithromycin and its major metabolites found in human urine [namely the decladinosyl derivative (M1), O-dealkyl derivative (M2), and N-demethyl derivative (M3)] to inhibit testosterone 6beta-hydroxylation after metabolic activation by CYP3A4 was examined and compared with inhibition by troleandomycin and erythromycin in vitro. Of roxithromycin and its studied metabolites, M3 was the most potent in inhibiting CYP3A4-dependent testosterone 6beta-hydroxylation by human liver microsomes and was activated to the inhibitory P450.Fe2+-metabolite complex to the greatest extent. Roxithromycin and its metabolites were N-demethylated by human liver microsomes, although the rates were slower than those measured with troleandomycin and erythromycin as substrates. Recombinant human CYP3A4 in a baculovirus system coexpressing NADPH-P450 reductase was very active in catalyzing the N-demethylation of roxithromycin, M1, and M2, as well as troleandomycin, erythromycin, and M3. The order for inhibition of CYP3A4-dependent testosterone 6beta-hydroxylation activities by these macrolide antibiotics in the recombinant CYP3A4 system was estimated to be troleandomycin > erythromycin >/= M3 >/= M2 > M1 >/= roxithromycin. Erythromycin, roxithromycin, and its metabolites all failed to inhibit CYP1A2-dependent (R)-warfarin 7-hydroxylation and CYP2C9-dependent (S)-warfarin 7-hydroxylation but did inhibit CYP3A4-dependent (R)-warfarin 7-hydroxylation. These results suggest that roxithromycin itself is not as potent an inhibitor of CYP3A4 activities as are troleandomycin and erythromycin, probably because of the slower metabolism of this compound to metabolites M1, M2, and M3 in humans.     

Major pathway of imipramine metabolism is catalyzed by cytochromes P-450 1A2 and P-450 3A4 in human liver

The metabolism of imipramine by human liver microsomes was examined using a combination of five strategies. Human hepatic microsomes produced N-desmethylimipramine (84%), 2-hydroxyimipramine (10%), and 10-hydroxyimipramine (6%). Preincubation of human hepatocytes in culture with beta-naphthoflavone and macrolides exclusively induced the formation of desmethylimpramine (552%, p < 0.05, and 234%, p < 0.003, respectively). Correlations were obtained between rates of imipramine demethylation and cytochrome P-450 (P-450) 1A2 (r = 0.88, p < 0.001) and P-450 3A (r = 0.80, p < 0.02) concentrations in human liver microsomal preparations from 13 different subjects. Anti-P-450 1A2 and anti-P-450 3A antibodies selectively inhibited N-demethylation (80% and 60%, respectively). N-Demethylation was completely inhibited when anti-1A2 and anti-3A were added simultaneously. Kinetic studies with human microsomes confirm the contribution of two different enzymes in the N-demethylation. The Km of 1A2 was similar to the high affinity Km in human liver microsomes, whereas the Km of 3A was similar to the low affinity Km in human liver microsomes. P-450 1A2 was apparently more efficient than 3A4 (lower Km and higher Vmax) but was expressed in much lower concentration. Human P-450s 1A2 and 3A4 expressed in yeast efficiently produced desmethylimipramine. These results suggest that P-450 1A2 and P-450 3A4 are the major enzymes involved in imipramine N-demethylation in human hepatic microsomes. Similar experiments were conducted using P-450 2D6, and they confirmed that P-450 2D6 catalyzes imipramine 2-hydroxylation. Interindividual variations in 3A4 hepatic content may explain the large variations in imipramine blood levels observed after uniform dosages and thus may explain the variations in clinical efficacy. Caution might be advised in the clinical use of tricyclic antidepressants when drugs are also administered that induce or inhibit P-450s 3A4 and 1A2.     

Metabolism of epinastine, a histamine H1 receptor antagonist, in human liver microsomes in comparison with that of terfenadine

Epinastine is a non-sedative second-generation antiallergic drug, like terfenadine. In the present study, the metabolism of epinastine in human liver microsomes was investigated and compared with that of terfenadine. Terfenadine was extensively metabolized to terfenadine acid with a Km value of 1.78 microM, a Vmax value of 173.8 pmol/min/mg and a metabolic clearance (Vmax/Km) of 103.9. Epinastine, in contrast, was poorly metabolized by microsomes from the same source with a high Km value of 232 microM. Metabolic clearance of epinastine was only 0.832, which was lower by three orders of magnitude than that of terfenadine. Studies with microsomes expressing recombinant cytochrome P450 (CYP) species revealed that the CYP isoforms responsible for epinastine metabolism are CYP3A4, 2D6 and (to a minor extent) 2B6. Epinastine and terfenadine had no effect on CYP1A2 (theophylline 1-demethylation), 2C8/9 (tolbutamide hydroxylation) or 2E1 (chlorzoxazone 6-hydroxylation) activity, but weakly inhibited CYP2D6 (debrisoquine 4-hydroxylation) activity. CYP3A4 (testosterone 6 beta-hydroxylation) activity was strongly inhibited by terfenadine with a Ki value of 25 microM, whereas epinastine had no effect at up to 100 microM. Thus, epinastine is very poorly metabolized compared to terfenadine in human liver microsomes and does not inhibit CYP3A4 activity in vitro, unlike terfenadine.     

Anterior pituitary cell population control: basal cell turnover and the effects of adrenalectomy and dexamethasone treatment

There is a need for methodology to predict clinically significant drug-drug interactions so that clinical studies can be directed toward interactions which are likely to be clinically relevant. To this end, we evaluated selective assays for the seven drug-metabolizing cytochrome P450 (P450) isozymes 1A2 (caffeine N3-demethylation), 2A6 (coumarin 7-hydroxylation), 2C9 (tolbutamide hydroxylation), 2C19 (S-mephenytoin 4-hydroxylation), 2D6 (dextromethorphan O-demethylation), 2E1 (chlorzoxazone 6-hydroxylation), and 3A4/5 (dextromethorphan N-demethylation). Using initial rate conditions, we determined the Km and Vmax values of each reaction in human liver microsomes from three individuals. Because organic solvents (usually methanol) are frequently used as solubilization aids for drugs/inhibitors, we also screened several solvents for inhibitory activity. Methanol was the least inhibitory toward P450s 2A6, 2D6, and 3A4, dimethylformamide was the least inhibitory toward P450s 1A2 and 2C9, and acetonitrile was the least inhibitory toward P450s 2C19 and 2E1. Using substrate concentrations close to the determined Km and an appropriate solvent (where necessary), we used the selective inhibitors furafylline (1A2), 8-methoxypsoralen (2A6), sulfaphenazole (2C9), S-mephenytoin (2C19), quinidine (2D6), diethyldithiocarbamate (2E1), and troleandomycin (3A4) to assess the limitations of each probe assay as an indicator of the P450 isoform in question. Our results were consistent with these inhibitors and probes, being selective tools for studying P450 drug metabolism.     

Cytochrome P450-mediated metabolism of the HIV-1 protease inhibitor ritonavir (ABT-538) in human liver microsomes

The HIV-1 protease inhibitor ritonavir (ABT-538) undergoes cytochrome P450-mediated biotransformation in human liver microsomes to three major metabolites, Ml, M2 and M11, with wide interindividual variation in the rates of metabolite formation. The structures of these metabolites were determined with the use of electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. Chemical inhibition, metabolic correlation, immunoinhibition and metabolism by microsomes derived from specific CYP cDNA-transfected B-lymphoblastoid cell lines indicated that the CYP3A subfamily of enzymes was the major contributor to the formation of M1 and M11, whereas both CYP3A and CYP2D6 contributed to the formation of M2. None of the typical CYP3A substrates/inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, troleandomycin) were able to completely inhibit ritonavir metabolism, even at high concentrations. Ritonavir was found to be a potent inhibitor of CYP3A-mediated biotransformations (nifedipine oxidation, IC50) = 0.07 microM; 17alpha-ethynylestradiol 2-hydroxylation, IC50 = 2 microM; terfenadine hydroxylation, IC50 = 0.14 microM). Ritonavir was also found to be an inhibitor of the reactions mediated by CYP2D6 (IC50 = 2.5 microM) and CYP2C9/10 (IC50 = 8.0 microM). The results of this study indicate the potential for in vivo inhibition of the metabolism by ritonavir of drugs that are CYP3A, CYP2D6 and, to a lesser extent, CYP2C9/10 substrates.     

Interactions of a bicyclic analog of colchicine with beta-tubulin isoforms alphabeta(II), alphabeta(III) and alphabeta(IV)

In this study we have investigated the occurrence of cytochrome P450 isoforms and of related cytochrome P450 reductase in human hepatic stellate cells (hHSC), a type of cell having relevant roles in physiopathological conditions of the liver. By performing immunoblotting of hHSC microsomes and immunofluorescence analysis associated to confocal laser microscopy we detected only P450 enzymes belonging to the cytochrome P450 3A subfamily (CYP3A) as well as cytochrome P450 reductase. The presence of CYP3A was further indicated by detection of testosterone 6beta-hydroxylase activity in hHSC microsomes. Other important human P450 forms were either undetectable (CYP1A2, CYP2E1, CYP2C8/9/19 and CYP4A) or bearly detectable (CYP1A1) in hHSC. This is the first study showing existence of active cytochrome P450 isoforms in human HSC.     

Identification of human liver cytochrome P450 isoforms involved in the in vitro metabolism of cyclobenzaprine

Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) is a muscle relaxant, possessing a tricyclic structure. Numerous therapeutic agents containing this structure are known to be metabolized by polymorphic cytochrome P4502D6. The aim of this study was to determine if cytochrome P4502D6 and other isoforms are involved in the metabolism of cyclobenzaprine in human liver microsomes. Selective cytochrome P450 inhibitors for CYP1A1/2 (furafylline and 7,8-benzoflavone) and CYP3A4 (troleandomycin, gestodene, and ketoconazole) inhibited the formation of desmethylcyclobenzaprine, a major metabolite of cyclobenzaprine, in human liver microsomes. Antibodies directed against CYP1A1/2 and CYP3A4 inhibited the demethylation reaction whereas anti-human CYP2C9/10, CYP2C19, and CYP2E1 antibodies did not show any inhibitory effects. When a panel of microsomes prepared from human B-lymphoblastoid cells that expressed specific human cytochrome P450 isoforms were used, only microsomes containing cytochromes P4501A2, 2D6, and 3A4 catalyzed N-demethylation. In addition, demethylation catalyzed by these recombinant cytochromes P450 can be completely inhibited with selective inhibitors at concentrations as low as 1 to 20 microM. Interestingly, cyclobenzaprine N-demethylation was significantly correlated with caffeine 3-demethylation (1A2) and testosterone 6 beta-hydroxylation (3A4) but not with dextromethorphan O-demethylation (2D6) in human liver microsomes. To further determine the involvement of cytochrome P4502D6 in cyclobenzaprine metabolism, liver microsomes from a human that lacked CYP2D6 enzyme activities was included in this study. The data showed that cyclobenzaprine N-demethylation still occurred in the incubation with this microsome. These results suggested that cytochrome P4502D6 plays only a minor role in cyclobenzaprine N-demethylation whereas 3A4 and 1A2 are primarily responsible for cyclobenzaprine metabolism in human liver microsomes. Due to the minimum involvement of CYP2D6 in the vitro metabolism of cyclobenzaprine, the polymorphism of cytochrome P4502D6 in man should not be of muci concern in the clinical use of cyclobenzaprine.     

In vitro identification of the P450 enzymes responsible for the metabolism of ropinirole

The in vitro metabolism of ropinirole was investigated with the aim of identifying the cytochrome P450 enzymes responsible for its biotransformation. The pathways of metabolism after incubation of ropinirole with human liver microsomes were N-despropylation and hydroxylation. Enzyme kinetics demonstrated the involvement of at least two enzymes contributing to each pathway. A high affinity component with a K(M) of 5-87 microM and a low affinity component with a K(M) of approximately two orders of magnitude greater were evident. The high affinity component could be abolished by pre-incubation of the microsomes with furafylline. Additionally, incubation of ropinirole with microsomes derived from CYP1A2 transfected cells readily produced the N-despropyl and hydroxy metabolites. Some inhibition of ropinirole metabolism was also observed with ketoconazole, indicating a minor contribution by CYP3A. Multivariate correlation data were consistent with the involvement of the cytochrome P450 enzymes 1A2 and 3A in the metabolism of ropinirole. Thus, it could be concluded that the major P450 enzyme responsible for ropinirole metabolism at lower (clinically relevant) concentrations is CYP1A2 with a contribution from CYP3A, particularly at higher concentrations.     

All-trans-retinoic acid 4-hydroxylation in human liver microsomes: in vitro modulation by therapeutic retinoids

All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) induces remission in patients with acute promyelocytic leukaemia. Other retinoids, including 9-cis- and 13-cis-retinoic acid (9-cis- and 13-cis-RA), are now being evaluated for their therapeutic potential. The elimination of ATRA is partially dependent on cytochrome P450 (P450)-mediated 4-hydroxylation, but the interaction of other retinoids with P450 has not yet been assessed. In the present study 9-cis- and 13-cis-RAs, as well as all-trans-retinol and three isomeric retinals were found to inhibit ATRA 4-hydroxylation in human hepatic microsomes, but the arotinoids acitretin and etretinate were not inhibitors 9-cis- and 13-cis-RA were competitive inhibitors of ATRA 4-hydroxylation (Ki:Km ratios 3.5 +/- 0.8 and 6.3 +/- 0.5, respectively) suggesting that these retinoids are alternate, but inferior, substrates for the P450 enzyme(s) that mediate the activity. The biotransformation of therapeutic retinoids containing the beta-ionone ring system is likely to involve the microsomal ATRA 4-hydroxylase P450.     

Absence of metabolism of 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK) by flavin-containing monooxygenase (FMO)

The N-nitrosamine 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK) is a potent lung carcinogen present in tobacco and tobacco smoke. Carbonyl reduction, alpha-carbon hydroxylation (activation) and N-oxidation of the pyridyl ring (detoxification) are the three main pathways of metabolism of NNK. In this study, metabolism of NNK was studied with lung and liver microsomes from F344 rats, Syrian golden hamsters and pigs and cloned flavin-containing monooxygenases (FMOs) from human and rabbit liver. Thermal inactivation at 45 degrees C for 2 min reduced FMO S-oxygenating activity but did not affect N-oxidation of NNK, leading to the conclusion that FMOs are not implicated in the detoxification of NNK. Detoxification of NNK was not increased by n-octylamine or by incubation at pH 8.4, supporting the conclusion that FMOs are not involved in the metabolism of NNK. SKF-525A (1 mM) significantly reduced N-oxidation and alpha-carbon hydroxylation, suggesting that these two pathways were catalyzed by cytochromes P450. Metabolism of NNK was lower with lung microsomes than with liver microsomes. Inhibition of metabolism of NNK by SKF-525A was also observed with rat lung microsomes, leading to the conclusion that cytochromes P450 are involved in pulmonary metabolism of NNK. Cloned FMOs did not metabolize NNK. In conclusion, cytochromes P450 rather than FMOs are involved in N-oxidation of NNK. The high capacity of hamster liver microsomes to activate NNK does not correlate with the resistance of this tissue to NNK-induced hepatocarcinogenesis.     

Comparison of laparoscopic versus open repair of paraesophageal hernia

Of seven cDNA-expressed human cytochrome P450 (P450) enzymes (P450s 1A2, 2B6, 2C9, 2C19, 2D6, 2E1, and 3A4) examined, P450 1A2 was the most active in catalyzing 2- and 4-hydroxylations of estradiol and estrone. P450 3A4 and P450 2C9 also catalyzed these reactions although to lesser extents than P450 1A2. P450 1A2 also efficiently oxidized estradiol at the 16alpha-position but was less active in estrone 16alpha-hydroxylation; the latter reaction and also estradiol 16alpha-hydroxylation were catalyzed by P450 3A4 at significant levels. Anti-P450 1A2 antibodies inhibited 2- and 4-hydroxylations of these two estrogens catalyzed by liver microsomes of some of the human samples examined. Estradiol 16alpha-hydroxylation was inhibited by both anti-P450 1A2 and anti-P450 3A4, while estrone 16alpha-hydroxylation was significantly suppressed by anti-P450 3A4 in human liver microsomes. Fluvoxamine efficiently inhibited the estrogen hydroxylations in human liver samples that contained high levels of P450 1A2, while ketoconazole affected these activities in human samples in which P450 3A4 levels were high. alpha-Naphthoflavone either stimulated or had no effect on estradiol hydroxylation catalyzed by liver microsomes; the intensity of this effect depended on the human samples and their P450s. Interestingly, in the presence of anti-P450 3A4 antibodies, alpha-naphthoflavone was found to be able to inhibit estradiol and estrone 2-hydroxylations catalyzed by human liver microsomes. The results suggest that both P450s 1A2 and 3A4 have major roles in oxidations of estradiol and estrone in human liver and that the contents of these two P450 forms in liver microsomes determine which P450 enzymes are most important in hepatic estrogen hydroxylation by individual humans. P450 3A4 may be expected to play a more important role for some of the estrogen hydroxylation reactions than P450 1A2. Knowledge of roles of individual P450s in these estrogen hydroxylations has relevance to current controversies in hormonal carcinogenesis [Service, R. F. (1998) Science 279, 1631-1633].     

Cryoglobulinemia and chronic liver diseases]

Taxotere, a promising anticancer agent, is metabolized almost exclusively in liver and excreted from bile in all species. To determine which cytochrome P450 is involved in taxotere biotransformation, 11 cDNA-expressed human cytochrome P450s were examined for their activity in the metabolism of taxotere and its derivatives. Of all P450s, cytochrome P450 3A4 and 3A5 were the most active for the oxidation of taxotere to the primary metabolite RPR104952 and for subsequent oxidation of RPR104952 to RPR111059 and RPR111026. RP70617, an epimer of taxotere was also metabolized by both P450 3A enzymes to form metabolite XII. The activity of 3A4/5 enzymes for these substrates was 4-50-fold greater than the other P450s examined. The Kms of 3A4 and 3A5 for taxotere were 0.91 and 9.28 microM, and Vmax for the formation of RPR104952 were 1.17 and 1.36 m(-1), respectively. The contribution of the 3A enzyme complex to the metabolism of taxotere in human livers from 21 individuals was assessed with the inhibitory monoclonal antibody and ranged from 64-93%. The primary oxidative metabolism of taxotere by human liver microsomes was well correlated with 3A4-dependent reactions for testosterone 6beta-hydroxylation (r2 = 0.84), taxol aromatic hydroxylation (r2 = 0.67) and aflatoxin B1 3alpha-hydroxylation (r2 = 0.63); whereas a poor correlation was found for reactions specifically catalysed by other P450s (all r2 < or =O.17). The extent of taxotere metabolism also closely correlated with levels of 3A4 enzyme in human livers quantified with immunoblot monoclonal antibody (r2 = 0.61). These results demonstrate that the P450 3A4 and 3A5 enzymes are major determinants in taxotere oxidation and suggest that care must be taken when administering this drug with other drugs that are also substrates for these enzymes.     

Studies on the effect of intratesticular administration of opioid peptides, naloxone or N-acetyl beta-endorphin antiserum on some testicular parameters in rats

Substrate specificity and other properties of a fatty acid monooxygenase system in kidney microsomes of the Japanese house musk shrew (Suncus murinus) were examined. The suncus kidney microsomes catalyzed the hydroxylation of various saturated and unsaturated fatty acids to the omega- and (omega-1)-hydroxy derivatives. Laurate was most effectively hydroxylated among saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. The specific activity (53.79 +/- 5.59 [mean +/- SD, n = 6] nmol/nmol cytochrome P450/min) of laurate in suncus kidney microsomes was very high compared with that in liver and kidney microsomes of other species. C18 unsaturated fatty acids were converted to epoxides by a cytochrome P450-dependent fatty acid monooxygenase system in suncus kidney microsomes, in addition to omega- and (omega-1)-hydroxylation products. The monooxygenase system metabolized arachidonic acid only to omega- and (omega-1)-hydroxylation products, not to epoxidation products.     

Platelet-activating factor levels in term and preterm human milk

Tolterodine, a new muscarinic receptor antagonist, is metabolized via two pathways: oxidation of the 5-methyl group and dealkylation of the nitrogen. In an attempt to identify the specific cytochrome P450 enzymes involved in the metabolic pathway, tolterodine was incubated with microsomes from 10 different human liver samples where various cytochrome P450 activities had been rank ordered. Strong correlation was found between the formation of the 5-hydroxymethyl metabolite of tolterodine (5-HM) and CYP2D6 activity (r2, 0.87), as well as between the formation of N-dealkylated tolterodine and CYP3A activity (r2, 0.97). When tolterodine was incubated with human liver microsomes in the presence of compounds known to interact with different P450 isoforms, quinidine was found to be the strongest inhibitor of the formation of 5-HM. Ketoconazole and troleandomycin were found to be the strongest inhibitors of the formation of N-dealkylated tolterodine. A weak inhibitory effect on the formation of N-dealkylated tolterodine was found with sulfaphenazole, whereas tranylcypromine did not inhibit the formation of this metabolite. Microsomes from cells overexpressing CYP2D6 formed 5-HM, whereas N-dealkylated tolterodine was formed by microsomes expressing CYP2C9, -2C19, and -3A4. The Km for formation of N-dealkylated tolterodine by CYP3A4 was similar to that obtained in human liver microsomes and higher for CYP2C9 and -2C19. We conclude from these studies that the formation of 5-HM is catalyzed by CYP2D6 and that the formation of N-dealkylated tolterodine is predominantly catalyzed by CYP3A isoenzymes in human liver microsomes.     

Inactivation of cytochrome P450 2E1 by tert-butylisothiocyanate

Several naturally occurring and synthethic isothiocyanates were evaluated for their ability to inactivate the major ethanol-inducible hepatic cytochrome P450 2E1. Of the compounds tested, tert-butylisothiocyanate (tBITC) was found to be the most selective inactivator of the 2E1 p-nitrophenol hydroxylation activity. tBITC was more specific for inactivating P450 2E1 activity than for rat P450 1A1, 1A2, 3A2, and 2B1, or the human cytochromes P450 3A4 and 2B6. The kinetics of inactivation of P450 2E1 by tBITC were characterized. P450 2E1, either in rat liver microsomes or in a purified reconstituted system containing the bacterially expressed rabbit cytochrome, was inactivated by tBITC in a mechanism-based manner. The loss of activity followed pseudo-first-order kinetics and was NADPH- and tBITC-dependent. The maximal rates for inactivation of P450 2E1 in microsomes or for the purified P450 2E1 at 30 degrees C were 0.72 and 0.27 min-1 and the apparent KI values were 11 and 7.6 microM, respectively. When cytochrome b5 was co-reconstituted with P450 2E1, the apparent KI for P450 2E1 inactivation by tBITC was similar to that seen in microsomes (14 microM). P450 2E1 T303A was also inactivated by tBITC with kinetic constants similar to that of the wild type enzyme. Co-incubations with an alternate substrate protected P450 2E1 from inactivation by tBITC. The extent of P450 2E1 inactivation by tBITC resulted in a comparable loss of the ability of the enzyme to form a reduced CO complex.     

17 beta-estradiol hydroxylation catalyzed by human cytochrome P450 1B1

The 4-hydroxy metabolite of 17 beta-estradiol (E2) has been implicated in the carcinogenicity of this hormone. Previous studies showed that aryl hydrocarbon-receptor agonists induced a cytochrome P450 that catalyzed the 4-hydroxylation of E2. This activity was associated with human P450 1B1. To determine the relationship of the human P450 1B1 gene product and E2 4-hydroxylation, the protein was expressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Microsomes from the transformed yeast catalyzed the 4- and 2-hydroxylation of E2 with Km values of 0.71 and 0.78 microM and turnover numbers of 1.39 and 0.27 nmol product min-1.nmol P450-1, respectively. Treatment of MCF-7 human breast cancer cells with the aryl hydrocarbon-receptor ligand indolo[3,2-b]carbazole resulted in a concentration-dependent increase in P450 1B1 and P450 1A1 mRNA levels, and caused increased rates of 2-, 4-, 6 alpha-, and 15 alpha-hydroxylation of E2. At an E2 concentration of 10 nM, the increased rates of 2- and 4-hydroxylation were approximately equal, emphasizing the significance of the low Km P450 1B1-component of E2 metabolism. These studies demonstrate that human P450 1B1 is a catalytically efficient E2 4-hydroxylase that is likely to participate in endocrine regulation and the toxicity of estrogens.     

Ropivacaine, a new amide-type local anesthetic agent, is metabolized by cytochromes P450 1A and 3A in human liver microsomes

Ropivacaine is a new amide-type local anesthetic agent. Unlike bupivacaine and mepivacaine, two structurally similar local anesthetic compounds, ropivacaine is exclusively the S-(-)-enantiomer. Ropivacaine is predominantly eliminated by extensive metabolism in the liver, with only 1% of the dose being excreted unchanged in the urine of humans. Four of the metabolites formed in human liver microsomes were identified as 3-OH-ropivacaine, 4-OH-ropivacaine, 2-OH-methyl-ropivacaine, and 2',6'-pipecoloxylidide (PPX). The enzymes involved in the human metabolism of ropivacaine have not been identified. To ascertain which forms of cytochrome P450 are involved, ropivacaine was incubated with human microsomes from 10 different livers having different cytochrome P450 activities. A strong correlation was found between the formation of 3-OH-ropivacaine and CYP1A (r = 0.87-0.89) and between the formation of 4-OH-ropivacaine, 2-OH-ropivacaine, and PPX and CYP3A (r = 0.97-1). Incubation of ropivacaine and human liver microsomes in the presence of alpha-naphthoflavone or furafylline, inhibitors of CYP1A, decreased the formation of 3-OH-ropivacaine by about 85%, without affecting the formation of the other metabolites. The formation of 4-OH-ropivacaine, 2-OH-methyl-ropivacaine, and PPX was markedly inhibited in the presence of troleandomycin, an inhibitor of CYP3A. Microsomes from cells expressing CYP1A2 formed 3-OH-ropivacaine, whereas 4-OH-ropivacaine, 2-OH-methyl-ropivacaine, and PPX were formed in microsomes from cells expressing CYP3A4. Inhibitors of CYP2C (sulfaphenazole), CYP2D6 (quinidine), and 2E1 (diethyldithiocarbamate) did not inhibit the formation of any metabolite from ropivacaine. In conclusion, CYP1A catalyzes the formation of 3-OH-ropivacaine, the main metabolite formed in vivo, whereas the formation of 4-OH-ropivacaine, 2-OH-methyl-ropivacaine, and PPX was catalyzed by CYP3A.