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AbstractCytochrome P40 (CYP) enzymes dominate the metabolism of numerous endogenous and xenobiotic substances. While it is commonly believed that CYP-catalysed reactions result in the detoxication of foreign substances, these reactions can also yield reactive intermediates that can bind to cellular macromolecules to cause cytotoxicity or irreversibly inactivate CYPs that create them.Mechanism-based inactivation (MBI) produces either irreversible or quasi-irreversible inactivation and is commonly caused by CYP metabolic bioactivation to an electrophilic reactive intermediate. Many drugs that have been known to cause MBI in CYPs have been discovered as perpetrators in drug-drug interactions throughout the last 20–30 years.This review will highlight the key findings from the recent literature about the mechanisms of CYP enzyme inhibition, with a focus on the broad mechanistic elements of MBI for widely used drugs linked to the phenomenon. There will also be a brief discussion of the clinical or pharmacokinetic consequences of CYP inactivation with regard to drug interaction and toxicity risk.Gaining knowledge about the selective inactivation of CYPs by common therapeutic drugs helps with the assessment of factors that affect the systemic clearance of co-administered drugs and improves comprehension of anticipated interactions with other drugs or xenobiotics.Cytochrome P40 (CYP) enzymes dominate the metabolism of numerous endogenous and xenobiotic substances. While it is commonly believed that CYP-catalysed reactions result in the detoxication of foreign substances, these reactions can also yield reactive intermediates that can bind to cellular macromolecules to cause cytotoxicity or irreversibly inactivate CYPs that create them.Mechanism-based inactivation (MBI) produces either irreversible or quasi-irreversible inactivation and is commonly caused by CYP metabolic bioactivation to an electrophilic reactive intermediate. Many drugs that have been known to cause MBI in CYPs have been discovered as perpetrators in drug-drug interactions throughout the last 20–30 years.This review will highlight the key findings from the recent literature about the mechanisms of CYP enzyme inhibition, with a focus on the broad mechanistic elements of MBI for widely used drugs linked to the phenomenon. There will also be a brief discussion of the clinical or pharmacokinetic consequences of CYP inactivation with regard to drug interaction and toxicity risk.Gaining knowledge about the selective inactivation of CYPs by common therapeutic drugs helps with the assessment of factors that affect the systemic clearance of co-administered drugs and improves comprehension of anticipated interactions with other drugs or xenobiotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the field of academic foreign compound metabolism, specifically focusing on the identification and characterization of drug metabolites. In the past, it was acceptable to identify metabolites down to a certain percentage of the given dose, but regulatory authorities now require the identification of metabolites representing 10% or more of the dosed product. Modern technology allows for the detection of metabolites at extremely low levels. The article also explores the significance of the absolute number of drug metabolite molecules and the challenges in detecting minor metabolites. It concludes by discussing the future directions of xenobiochemistry, including the study of polymorphic variation, genetic and epigenetic associations, and the importance of the microbiome. [Extracted from the article]

Breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP/Abcg2 in human, Bcrp/Abcg2 in rat), a member of the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter family, acts as an efflux pump for xenobiotics, with ability to transport various drugs out of cells. Capsaicin may have the potential to modulate the function of Bcrp transport. This study was to evaluate the effects of capsaicin on the pharmacokinetics of sulfasalazine, a Bcrp substrate, in rats and investigate the mechanism of this food-drug interaction. The rats were pre-treated with 5% carboxymethylcellulose sodium (vehicle), capsaicin (3, 8, 25 mg/kg) and cyclosporine A (10 mg/kg) by gastric gavage for 7 days. On day 7, blood, liver and intestine samples were collected after sulfasalazine administered. Liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was used to study the effects of capsaicin on the pharmacokinetics of sulfasalazine in rats. RT-PCR and western blotting were used to study the mechanism in biomolecules in rats, respectively. Compared with vehicle group, AUC0–∞ of sulfasalazine in rats were increased by 1.5-folds, 1.6-folds and 1.7-folds in 3, 8 and 25 mg/kg/d capsaicin pre-treated groups. At the same time, the CL/F in rats were decreased by 33%, 38% and 42% in the three groups. In addition, we found Bcrp mRNA levels and protein expressions in rat livers and intestines were decreased in 3, 8 and 25 mg/kg/d capsaicin-treated groups. Our study demonstrated that long-term ingestion of capsaicin significantly enhanced the AUC of sulfasalazine involved down-regulate Bcrp gene and protein expression in rat liver and intestine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. Primates exhibit a high degree of among-species dietary diversity, which likely exposes them to varying levels of xenobiotic compounds. Here, we examined the evolution of primate CYP1-3 gene families, and we classified the 15 CYP1-3 gene subfamilies as either xenobiotic-metabolizing (XM) or endogenous-metabolizing (EM) based on sources in the P450 literature. 2. We predicted that XM P450s would show (1) greater variability in gene-copy number and (2) more evidence of diversifying selection and, especially on codons that encode the substrate-recognition sites (SRSs) for the final enzymes. 3. Counter to our first prediction, EM and XM P450s showed similar levels of variation in gene-copy number. We did find, however, that four XM P450 subfamilies (CYP2C, CYP2D, CYP2E, and CYP3A) showed evidence of diversifying selection while no EM subfamilies demonstrated any consistent signal of diversifying selection. Of these four, CYP2C, CYP2D, and CYP3A showed significant links between SRSs and diversifying selection. 4. These results reveal an amount of evolutionary dynamism that would not be expected when viewing P450 subfamilies along a simple binary EM/XM spectrum. We recommend that comparative studies of cytochrome P450 evolution should focus on the CYP2C, CYP2D, CYP2E, and CYP3A subfamilies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role that the phase-II reaction, glucuronidation, plays in the biotransformation of endo and xenobiotics is discussed with particular emphasis given to the UGT1A1 isoenzyme. This individual isoenzyme is responsible for both the mono and di-glucuronidation of bilirubin together with the glucuronidation of a number of xenobiotics of clinical interest (irinotecan, belinostat, atazanavir, pegvisomant). The review then discusses the roles that the various allelic variants of the UGT1A1 gene play in bilirubin metabolism and in particular how these allelic variants are involved in the clinical manifestation of the diseases of GS, CN1 and CN2. The review concludes with the roles that the UGT1A1*28 and UGT1A1*6 alleles play in adverse drug reactions (decreased glucuronidation of irinotecan, belinostat, atazanavir, pegvisomant) leading to increased exposure, reduced clearance and neutropenia (irinotecan, belinostat), increased risk for jaundice and hyperbilirubinaemia (atazanavir) and liver toxicity (pegvisomant) before discussing the future role of UGT1A1 in personalised medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. The underlying microbial metabolic activity toward xenobiotics is among the least explored factors contributing to the inter-individual variability in drug response. 2. Here, we analyzed the effect of microbiota on a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug nabumetone. 3. First, we cultivated the drug with the selected gut commensal and probiotic bacteria under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions and analyzed its metabolites by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with UV detection. To analyze the effect of microbiota on nabumetone pharmacokinetics in vivo, we administered a single oral dose of nabumetone to rodents with intentionally altered gut microbiome - either rats treated for three days with the antibiotic imipenem or to germ-free mice. Plasma levels of its main active metabolite 6 methoxy-2-naphthylacetic acid (6-MNA) were analyzed at pre-specified time intervals using HPLC with UV/fluorescence detection. 4. We found that nabumetone is metabolized by bacteria to its non-active metabolites and that this effect is stronger under anaerobic conditions. Although in vivo, none of the pharmacokinetic parameters of 6-MNA was significantly altered, there was a clear trend towards an increase of the AUC, Cmax and t1/2 in rats with reduced microbiota and germ-free mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanoparticles (NPs) have wide spectrum applications in the areas of industry and biomedicine. However, concerns about their toxic and negative impacts on the environments as well as human health have been raised. Cytochrome P450s (CYPs) are involved in endogenous and exogenous metabolism. Modulations of CYP can adversely damage drug metabolism, detoxification of xenobiotics and animal physiology functions. This article focused on NPs-CYP interactions for humans and animals available in the literature. It was found that different NPs process specific inhibitory potencies against CYPs involved in drug metabolism. Moreover, NPs were able to modify the expression of CYPs genes or protein in humans and other animals, which highlighted their detoxification functions. Nonetheless, changes of CYPs responsible for hormone synthesis and metabolism resulted in endocrine disturbances. Hence, there is a need to screen newly developed NPs to evaluate their interactions with CYPs. The future studies should further strategize the in vitro approaches to reveal the molecular mechanisms behind interactions by taking full considerations of the interference of co-factors, buffers, substrates and metabolites with NPs. Moreover, in vivo studies should compare the influences of NPs via different administration routes and different duration of treatments to reveal the physiological significance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. Compared to information for herbivores and omnivores, knowledge on xenobiotic metabolism in carnivores is limited. The cytochrome P450 2C (CYP2C) subfamily is recognized as one of the most important CYP groups in human and dog. We identified and characterized CYP2C isoforms and variants in cat, which is an obligate carnivore. 2. Quantitative RT-PCR and immunoblot analyses were carried out to evaluate the expression of CYP2C in the liver and small intestine. A functional CYP2C isoform was heterologously expressed in yeast microsomes to determine the enzymatic activity. 3. Cat had two CYP2C genes, 21 and 41, in the genome; however, CYP2C21P was a pseudogene that had many stop codons. Three splicing variants of CYP2C41 were identified (v1-v3), but only one of them (v1) showed a complete deduced amino acid sequence as CYP2C protein. Transcripts of feline CYP2C41v1 were detected but the amounts were negligible or very small in the liver and small intestine. Immunoreactivity to an antihuman CYP2C antibody was confirmed in the recombinant feline CYP2C41v1 but not in the feline liver. 4. Recombinant feline CYP2C41v1 metabolized several substrates, including dibenzylfluorescein that is specific to human CYP2C. 5. The results suggest a limited role of functional CYP2C isoforms in xenobiotic metabolism in cat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carboxylesterase (CES) is important for the detoxification of a wide range of drugs and xenobiotics. In this study, the hepatic level of CES2 mRNA was examined in cynomolgus macaques used widely in preclinical studies for drug metabolism. Three CES2 mRNAs were present in cynomolgus macaque liver. The mRNA level was highest for cynomolgus CES2A (formerly CES2v3), much lower for cynomolgus CES2B (formerly CES2v1) and extremely low for cynomolgus CES2C (formerly CES2v2). Most various transcript variants produced from cynomolgus CES2B gene did not contain a complete coding region. Thus, CES2A is the major CES2 enzyme in cynomolgus liver. A new transcript variant of CES2A, CES2Av2, was identified. CES2Av2 contained exon 3 region different from wild-type (CES2Av1). In cynomolgus macaques expressing only CES2Av2 transcript, CES2A contained the sequence of CES2B in exon 3 and vicinity, probably due to gene conversion. On genotyping, this CES2Av2 allele was prevalent in Indochinese cynomolgus macaques, but not in Indonesian cynomolgus or rhesus macaques. CES2Av2 recombinant protein showed similar activity to CES2Av1 protein for several substrates. It is concluded that CES2A is the major cynomolgus hepatic CES2, and new transcript variant, CES2Av2, has similar functions to CES2Av1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1.Sesquiterpenes, constituents of plant essential oil, are popular bioactive compounds due to the positive effect on human health, but their potential toxicity and possible herb-drug interactions are often omitted. In our in vivo study, we followed up the effect of p.o. administration of two sesquiterpenes β-caryophyllene oxide (CAO) and trans-nerolidol (NER) on various xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes in mice liver and small intestine. 2.To spot the early effect of studied compounds, enzymatic activity and mRNA levels were assessed 6 and 24 h after single dose. 3.CAO and NER markedly increased cytochromes P450 (CYP2B, 3A, 2C) activity and mRNA levels in both tissues. Liver also showed elevated activity of aldo-ketoreductase 1C and carbonyl reductase after treatment. Contrary, sesquiterpenes decreased NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 activity in small intestine. Among conjugation enzymes, only liver sulfotransferase activity was increased by sesquiterpenes. 4.Our results document that single dose of sesquiterpenes modulate activities and expression of several xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. The production of sulfate conjugates is a well-known and established pathway within the field of xenobiotic metabolism. In addition to the usual attachment of a sulfonate grouping via an oxygen atom (O-sulfonates) to yield a sulfate conjugate, so-called “N-sulfates” (N-sulfonates) have been reported and “S-sulfates” (S-sulfonates) mooted to exist. 2. The few examples cited in the literature where the sulfur atom of the sulfonate group was attached directly to a carbon atom of the xenobiotic (C-sulfonates) and subsequently excreted as a metabolite have been collated, examined and reviewed. 3. The potential mechanisms of formation of these C-sulfonates are discussed, both biological and chemical; the potential role of the gut microbiome raised and hopefully by highlighting this curiosity further fruitful investigation will be stimulated. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

1. Cytochrome P450s (CYP) are a major group of metabolizing enzymes for xenobiotics in humans and other mammals. The properties of CYP isoforms in the domestic cat, an obligate carnivore, are largely unknown at present. In this study, we studied relative expression in tissues and enzymatic properties of nine significant feline CYP isoforms. 2. CYP2E2 transcript was most abundant in the feline liver, followed by CYP2A13 and 2E1. Transcripts of CYP3A131, 1A2 and 1A1 were also present in the liver, while CYP2D6 and 3A132 were only slightly expressed. CYP3A131 was a major transcript in the small intestine. 3. Four major CYP isoforms in the feline liver and small intestine (CYP1A2, CYP2A13, CYP2E2 and CYP3A131) were heterologously expressed inEscherichia colito generate functional monooxygenase systems. We carried out screenings of 17 test compounds known to be inhibitors of CYP isoforms in other mammals as well as two anticancer drugs to assess the activity modulation of feline CYP isoforms using fluorogenic substrates. These CYP isoforms showed similar selectivity to counterparts in other mammals against inhibitors as a whole but with many exceptions. 4. The present study suggests the usefulness of the feline CYP recombinant system to obtain chemical affinity information and possible drug interactions in CYP metabolism of domestic cats. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

1. In the intestines, the nuclear receptors farnesoid X receptor (Fxr) and pregnane X receptor (Pxr) regulate the transcription of metabolizing enzymes and transporters that dictate the absorption of nutrients and xenobiotics. 2. Here, we sought to determine whether Fxr and Pxr signaling pathways are disrupted in response to high-circulating concentrations of steroid hormones late in pregnancy leading to altered transporter expression. To test this, ileum were collected from virgin and pregnant C57BL/6 mice on gestation days 14, 17 and 19. 3. Ileum from pregnant mice exhibited suppression of Fgf15 and Cyp3a11 mRNAs, which are the prototypical target genes for Fxr and Pxr, respectively. An overall reduction in the expression of apical efflux transporters, including Mdr1, Mrp2 and Bcrp, was observed in pregnant mice. To assess the ability of steroid hormones to alter intestinal nuclear receptor signaling, transporter mRNA expression was quantified in human intestinal LS174T adenocarcinoma cells.In vitrodata demonstrated that progestins reduced CYP3A4, MDR1 and MRP2 mRNA expression by 30–40%. 4. These data suggest that progesterone may act as a mediator to negatively regulate efflux transporter expression in the mouse ileum during pregnancy possibly by reducing PXR/Pxr signaling. This may affect drug absorption and disposition during pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

1. Precision-cut liver slices (PCLS) from food-producing animals have not been extensively used to study xenobiotic metabolism, and thus information on this field of research is sparse. 2. The aims of the present work were to further validate the technique of production and culture of bovine PCLS and to characterize the metabolic interaction between the anthelmintic albendazole (ABZ) and the flavin-monooxygenase (FMO) inhibitor methimazole (MTZ). 3. Nine steers were used as donors. PCLS were produced and incubated under two methods: a dynamic organ culture (DOC) incubator and a well-plate (WP) system. 4. Tissue viability, assessed through both structural and functional markers, was preserved throughout 12 h of incubation. ABZ was metabolized to its (+) and (-) albendazole sulfoxide stereoisomers (ABZSO) in bovine PCLS. The interaction between ABZ and MTZ resulted in a reduction (p < 0.001) in the rates of appearance of (+) ABZSO. Conversely, in presence of MTZ, the rates of appearance of (−) ABZSO increased under both systems (p < 0.05). 5. Both culture systems were suitable for assessing the interaction between ABZ and MTZ. 6. Overall, the results presented herein show that PCLS are a useful and reliable tool for short-term studies on metabolic drug–drug interactions in the bovine species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. The phase I and II metabolizing enzymes of kidneys play an important role in the metabolism of xenobiotic as well as endogenous compounds and proximal tubules of kidney constitute high concentration of these metabolizing enzymes compared with the other parts. 2. It has been shown previously that differential enzyme expression among human and rodent/non-rodent species can be a roadblock in drug discovery and development process. Currently, proximal tubule cell lines of human origin such as RPTEC/TERT1 and HK-2 are used to understand the pathophysiology of kidney diseases, therapeutic efficacy of drugs, and nephrotoxicity of compounds. 3. The purpose of the present study is to understand the metabolic enzymes present in RPTEC/TERT1 and HK-2 cell lines that would help to interpret and predict probablein vitrobehavior of the molecule being tested. 4. We analyzed the expression of phase I and II metabolizing enzymes of RPTEC/TERT1 and HK-2 cell lines. We found equal expression of CYP1B1, 2J2, 3A4, 3A5, UGT1A9, SULT2A1 and GSTA, higher expression of 2B6, 2D6, 4A11, 4F2, 4F8, 4F11, UGT2B7, SULT1E1 in RPTEC/TERT1 and absence of GSTT in RPTEC/TERT1 compared to HK-2 at mRNA level. Such differences can affect the outcome ofin vitronephrotoxicity prediction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are persistent environmental pollutants that disrupt hepatic xenobiotic and intermediary metabolism, leading to metabolic syndrome and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). 2. Since phenobarbital indirectly activates Constitutive Androstane Receptor (CAR) by antagonizing growth factor binding to the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), we hypothesized that PCBs may also diminish EGFR signaling. 3. The effects of the PCB mixture Aroclor 1260 on the protein phosphorylation cascade triggered by EGFR activation were determined in murine (in vitroandin vivo) and human models (in vitro). EGFR tyrosine residue phosphorylation was decreased by PCBs in all models tested. 4. The IC50values for Aroclor 1260 concentrations that decreased Y1173 phosphorylation of EGFR were similar in murine AML-12 and human HepG2 cells (∼2–4 μg/mL). Both dioxin and non-dioxin-like PCB congeners decreased EGFR phosphorylation in cell culture. 5. PCB treatment reduced phosphorylation of downstream EGFR effectors including Akt and mTOR, as well as other phosphoprotein targets including STAT3 and c-RAFin vivo. 6. PCBs diminish EGFR signaling in human and murine hepatocyte models and may dysregulate critical phosphoprotein regulators of energy metabolism and nutrition, providing a new mechanism of action in environmental diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

1. Phase-II enzymes are important in metabolizing many xenobiotics including prescription drugs and chemical carcinogens. Whereas it is known that diet can alter the expression of phase-II conjugation enzymes, the previous studies are limited in using only two or three diets and examining only a few enzymes. 2. Adult male C57BL6 mice were fed one of nine diets for 3 weeks. Of the 87 genes encoding major hepatic phase-II enzymes, approximately one-half (43) were altered by at least one diet. Diet restriction altered the hepatic expression of the most genes encoding phase-II enzymes (27), followed by lab chow (15), atherogenic diet (13), high-fat diet (10), western diet (7), high-fructose diet (5), and essential fatty acid-deficient diet (3), whereas the lown-3 fatty acid diet had no effect on the hepatic expression of these phase-II enzymes. 3. This comprehensive study provides detailed information on which conjugation enzymes are changed by these diets, and these data can be used to further investigate the mechanism for these changes in messenger RNAs, and whether these changes result in alterations in enzyme activity and drug action. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

1. Little is known about drug metabolism in carnivores. Although the domestic cat (Felis catus) is an obligate carnivore and is the most common companion animal, usage and dosage of many drugs are determined according to information obtained from humans and dogs. We determined the complete cDNA sequence of CYP2B6 from the feline lung. 2. Feline CYP2B6 consists of 494 deduced amino acids, showing highest identity with the dog CYP2B ortholog, followed by those of horse, pig, primate and human. 3. Feline CYP2B6 transcripts were expressed predominantly in the lung and slightly in the small intestine but not in the liver without significant sex-dependent differences. Western blot analysis with an anti-human CYP2B6 antibody confirmed the presence of CYP2B protein in the lung but not in the liver. 4. Feline CYP2B6 proteins heterologously expressed inEscherichia colimetabolized several substrates specific to human CYP2B6, including 7-ethoxy-4-(trifluoromethyl) coumarin (EFC). The metabolic activity was strongly inhibited by medetomidine and atipamezole, potent inhibitors of canine CYP2B11 (now officially CYP2B6) as well as by ticlopidine and sertraline, inhibitors selective to human CYP2B6. 5. The results suggest that feline CYP2B6 is a functional CYP2B ortholog that plays a role in the local defense mechanism in the cat respiratory system and intestine. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Isocyanates differ from many other xenobiotics in their ability to form S-linked conjugates with glutathione (GSH) through direct nucleophilic addition reactions (e.g. without enzymatic “preactivation” and/or transferase activity), potentially predisposing them to metabolism via the mercapturic acid pathway. In vivo, mono-isocyanates are metabolized via the mercapturic acid pathway and excreted as N-acetylated cysteine conjugates, however, the metabolism of di-isocyanates remains unclear.We assessed the ability of purified human gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase-1 (GGT-1), a primary enzyme of the mercapturic acid pathway, to cleave S-linked GSH conjugates of 4,4′-methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) and 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI), two widely used industrial chemicals.A combination of liquid chromatography (LC), tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) and hydrogen-deuterium exchange studies confirmed GGT-1 mediated formation of the 607.2 and 525.2 m/z (M + H)+ ions corresponding to bis(cys-gly)-MDI and bis(cys-gly)-HDI, respectively, the cleavage products expected from the corresponding bis(GSH)-diisocyanate conjugates. Additional intermediate metabolites and mono(cys-gly)-conjugates with partially hydrolyzed diisocyanate were also observed.Consistent with GGT enzyme kinetics, metabolism proceeded more rapidly under conditions that favored transpeptidation versus hydrolytic mechanisms of cleavage. Together the data demonstrate the capacity of human GGT-1 to cleave GSH conjugates of both aromatic and aliphatic diisocyanates, suggesting a potential role in their metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

1. Although not unknown, the conjugation of a xenobiotic with phosphate appears a rarity amongst the routes available for foreign compound metabolism. This is especially true in mammals and may be somewhat surprising as conjugation with sulphate, a seemingly similar moiety, is commonplace. 2. Information from the literature, where xenobiotic phosphate conjugates have been described or suggested, has been collated and presented in this article. By bringing together this diverse material, hopefully interest will be generated in this unusual xenobiotic reaction, and perhaps further research undertaken to better understand and delineate the reasons for its relative absence from the xenobiotic scene. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

1. Fructus psoraleae(FP) is the dried ripe seeds ofPsoralea corylifoliaL. (Fabaceae) widely used in Asia, and has been reported to exert important biochemical and pharmacological activities. The adverse effects of FP remain unclear. The present study aims to determine the inhibition of human carboxylesterase 1 (CES1) by FP’s major ingredients, including neobavaisoflavone, corylifolinin, coryfolin, psoralidin, corylin and bavachinin. 2. The probe substrate of CES1 2-(2-benzoyl-3-methoxyphenyl) benzothiazole (BMBT) was derived from 2-(2-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl) benzothiazole (HMBT), and human liver microsomes (HLMs)-catalyzed BMBT metabolism was used to phenotype the activity of CES1.In silicodocking method was employed to explain the inhibition mechanism. 3. All the tested compounds exerted strong inhibition towards the activity of CES1 in a concentration-dependent behavior. Furthermore, the inhibition kinetics was determined for the inhibition of neobavaisoflavone, corylifolinin, coryfolin, corylin and bavachinin towards CES1. Both Dixon and Lineweaver–Burk plots showed that neobavaisoflavone, corylifolinin, coryfolin and corylin noncompetitively inhibited the activity of CES1, and bavachinin competitively inhibited the activity of CES1. The inhibition kinetic parameters (Ki) were calculated to be 5.3, 9.4, 1.9, 0.7 and 0.5 μM for neobavaisoflavone, corylifolinin, coryfolin, corylin and bavachinin, respectively. In conclusion, the inhibition behavior of CES1 by the FP’s constituents was given in this article, indicating the possible adverse effects of FP through the disrupting CES1-catalyzed metabolism of endogenous substances and xenobiotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. The aim of this work was to examine the differences in the inhibitory potency of individual enantiomers and racemic mixtures of selected chiral drugs on human liver microsomal cytochromes P450. 2. The interaction of enantiomeric forms of six drugs (tamsulosin, tolterodine, citalopram, modafinil, zopiclone, ketoconazole) with nine cytochromes P450 (CYP3A4, CYP2E1, CYP2D6, CYP2C19, CYP2C9, CYP2C8, CYP2B6, CYP2A6, CYP1A2) was examined. HPLC methods were used to estimate the extent of the inhibition of specific activityin vitro. 3. Tamsulosin (TAM) and tolterodine (TOL) inhibited CYP3A4 activity with an enantiospecific pattern. The inhibition of CYP3A4 activity differed for R-TAM (Ki2.88 ± 0.12 µM) and S-TAM (Ki14.22 ± 0.53 µM) as well as for S-TOL (Ki1.71 ± 0.03 µM) and R-TOL (Ki4.78 ± 0.17 µM). Also, the inhibition of CYP2C19 by ketoconazole (KET)cis-enantiomers exhibited enantioselective behavior: the (+)-KET (IC5023.64 ± 6.25 µM) was more potent than (−)-KET (IC5066.12 ± 12.6 µM). The inhibition of CYP2C19 by modafinil (MOD) enantiomers (R-MOD IC50 = 51.79 ± 8.58 µM, S-MOD IC50 = 48.62 ± 9.74 µM) and the inhibition of CYP2D6 by citalopram (CIT) enantiomers (R-CIT IC50 = 68.17 ± 5.70 µM, S-CIT IC50 = 62.63 ± 7.89 µM) was not enantiospecific. 4. Although enantiospecific interactions were found (TAM, TOL, KET), they are probably not clinically relevant as the plasma levels are generally lower than the drug concentration needed for prominent inhibition (at least 50% of CYP activity). [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

1. The extent of sulfoxidation of the drug, S-carboxymethyl-l-cysteine, has been shown to vary between individuals, with this phenomenon being mooted as a biomarker for certain disease states and susceptibilities. Studiesin vitrohave indicated that the enzyme responsible for this reaction was phenylalanine monooxygenase but to date noin vivoevidence exists to support this assumption. Using the mouse models of mild hyperphenylalaninamia (enu1 PAH variant) and classical phenylketonuria (enu2 PAH variant), the sulfur oxygenation of S-carboxymethyl-l-cysteine has been investigated. 2. Compared to the wild type (wt/wt) mice, both the heterozygous dominant (wt/enu1 and wt/enu2) mice and the homozygous recessive (enu1/enu1 and enu2/enu2) mice were shown to have significantly increasedCmax, AUC(0–180 min)and AUC(0–∞ min)values (15 - to 20-fold higher). These results were primarily attributable to the significantly reduced clearance of S-carboxymethyl-l-cysteine (13 - to 22-fold lower). 3. Only the wild type mice produced measurable quantities of the parent S-oxide metabolites. Those mice possessing one or more allelic variant showed no evidence of blood SCMC (R/S) S-oxides. These observations support the proposition that differences in phenylalanine hydroxylase activity underlie the variation in S-carboxymethyl-l-cysteine sulfoxidation and that no other enzyme is able to undertake this reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

1. 4′-(p-Toluenesulfonylamide)-4-hydroxychalcone (TSAHC) is a synthetic sulfonylamino chalcone compound possessing anti-cancer properties. The aim of this study was to elucidate the metabolism of TSAHC in human liver microsomes (HLMs) and to characterize the cytochrome P450 (P450) enzymes that are involved in the metabolism of TSAHC. 2. TSAHC was incubated with HLMs or recombinant P450 isoforms (rP450) in the presence of an nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate, reduced form (NADPH)-regenerating system. The metabolites were identified and analyzed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). P450 isoforms, responsible for TSAHC metabolite formation, were characterized by chemical inhibition and correlation studies in HLMs and enzyme kinetic studies with a panel ofrP450 isoforms. 3. Two hydroxyl metabolites, that is M1 and M2, were produced from the human liver microsomal incubations (KmandVmaxvalues were 2.46 µM and 85.1 pmol/min/mg protein for M1 and 9.98 µM and 32.1 pmol/min/mg protein for M2, respectively). The specific P450 isoforms responsible for two hydroxy-TSAHC formations were identified using a combination of chemical inhibition, correlation analysis and metabolism by expressed recombinant P450 isoforms. The known P450 enzyme activities and the rate of TSAHC metabolite formation in the 15 HLMs showed that TSAHC metabolism is correlated with CYP2C and CYP3A activity. The P450 isoform-selective inhibition study in HLMs and the incubation study of cDNA-expressed enzymes also showed that two hydroxyl metabolites M1 and M2 biotransformed from TSAHC are mainly mediated by CYP2C and CYP3A, respectively.These findings suggest that CYP2C8, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP3A4 and CYP3A5 isoforms are major enzymes contributing to TSAHC metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

1. Cefadroxil is a broad-spectrum β-lactam antibiotic that is widely used in the treatment of various infectious diseases. Currently, poor understanding of the drug's pharmacokinetic profiles and disposition mechanism(s) prevents determining optimal dosage regimens and achieving ideal antibacterial responses in patients. In the present retrospective study, we developed a population pharmacokinetic model of cefadroxil in wild-type and Pept2 knockout mice using the nonlinear mixed effect modeling (NONMEM) approach. 2. Cefadroxil pharmacokinetics were best described by a two-compartment model, with both saturable and nonsaturable elimination processes to/from the central compartment. Through this modeling approach, pharmacokinetic parameters in wild-type and Pept2 knockout mice were well estimated, respectively, as follows: volume of central compartment V1 (3.43 versus 4.23 mL), volume of peripheral compartment V2 (5.98 versus 8.61 mL), intercompartment clearance Q (0.599 versus 0.586 mL/min) and linear elimination rate constant K10 (0.111 versus 0.070 min−1). Moreover, the secretion kinetics (i.e. Vm1 = 17.6 nmoL/min and Km1 = 37.1 µM) and reabsorption kinetics (i.e. Vm2 = 15.0 nmoL/min and Km2 = 27.1 µM) of cefadroxil were quantified in kidney, for the first time, under in vivo conditions. 3. Our model provides a unique tool to quantitatively predict the dose-dependent nonlinear disposition of cefadroxil, as well as the potential for transporter-mediated drug interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. Geniposide (genipin 1-O-glucose), one of the major bioactive constituents isolated from Fructus Gardeniae, possesses many biological activities. In this study, an efficient strategy was developed using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with linear ion trap–Orbitrap mass spectrometer (UPLC–LTQ–Orbitrap) to profile thein vitroandin vivometabolic patterns of geniposide in rat liver microsomes (RLMs), plasma, urine, and various tissues. And post-acquisition data-mining methods including extracted ion chromatogram (EIC), multiple mass defect filters (MMDF), fragment ion searching (FISh), and isotope pattern filtering (IPF) were adopted to characterize the known and unknown metabolites. 2. A total of 33 metabolites were detected and interpreted according to accurate mass measurement, diagnostic fragment ions, relevant drug biotransformation knowledge, and bibliography data. Among them, 17 metabolites were detected in the plasma, 31 metabolites were identified in the urine, six metabolites could be found in rat heart, 12 in liver, three in spleen, six in lung, 12 in kidney, six in brain, and four in RLMs. 3. A series of corresponding reactions such as hydrolysis, hydroxylation, taurine conjugation, hydrogenation, decarboxylation, demethylation, sulfate conjugation, cysteine S-conjugation, glucosylation, and their composite reactions were all discovered. 4. The results could provide comprehensive insights and guidance for elucidation of side effect mechanism and safety monitoring as well as for rational formulation design in drug delivery system. The newly discovered geniposide metabolites could be targets for future metabolism studies on the important chemical constituents from herbal medicines. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

1. Olanzapine (OLZ) is a widely used atypical antipsychotic agent for the treatment of schizophrenia and other disorders. Serious hepatotoxicity and elevated liver enzymes have been reported in patients receiving OLZ. However, the cellular and molecular mechanisms of the OLZ hepatotoxicity are unknown. 2. In this study, the cytotoxic effect of OLZ on freshly isolated rat hepatocytes was assessed. Our results showed that the cytotoxicity of OLZ in hepatocytes is mediated by overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial potential collapse, lysosomal membrane leakiness, GSH depletion and lipid peroxidation preceding cell lysis. All the aforementioned OLZ-induced cellular events were significantly (p < 0.05) prevented by ROS scavengers, antioxidants, endocytosis inhibitors and adenosine triphosphate generators. Also, the present results demonstrated that CYP450 is involved in OLZ-induced oxidative stress and cytotoxicity mechanism. 3. It is concluded that OLZ hepatotoxicity is associated with both mitochondrial/lysosomal involvement following the initiation of oxidative stress in hepatocytes. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

1. Isopsoralen (IPRN) is a major component in many traditional medicinal herbs widely used in Asian countries. The objective of the present study was to investigate the inhibitory effect of IPRN on cytochrome P450 2B6 (CYP2B6) and the mechanism involved in the enzyme inactivation. 2. Pre-incubation of CYP2B6 with IPRN resulted in a time- and concentration-dependent enzyme activity loss. The values ofKIandkinactwere found to be 7.89 μM and 0.067 min−1, respectively. Ticlopidine exhibited protective effect on the IPRN-induced enzyme inactivation. The estimated partition ratio of the inactivation was 122. The GSH trapping experiments indicate that an epoxide and/orγ-ketoenal intermediate were/was generated in IPRN-fortified microsomal incubations. The synthetic work verified the formation of the reactive intermediate(s). Additionally, CYPs2E1, 2C19, 2B6 and 1A2 were found to be the major enzymes participating in the bioactivation of IPRN. 3. IPRN was characterized as a mechanism-based inactivator of CYP2B6. An IPRN-derived furanoepoxide and/orγ-ketoenal intermediate(s) were/was generated and may be responsible for the inactivation of CYP2B6. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

1. Yokukansan (YKS) is a traditional Japanese medicine also called kampo, which has been used to treat neurosis, insomnia, and night crying and peevishness in children. Geissoschizine methyl ether (GM), a major indole alkaloid found in Uncaria hook, has been identified as a major active component of YKS with psychotropic effects. Recently, GM was reported to have a partial agonistic effect on serotonin 5-HT1Areceptors. However, there is little published information on GM metabolism in humans, although several studies reported the blood kinetics of GM in rats and humans. In this study, we investigated the GM metabolic pathways and metabolizing enzymes in humans. 2. Using recombinant human cytochrome P450 (CYP) isoforms and polyclonal antibodies to CYP isoforms, we found that GM was metabolized into hydroxylated, dehydrogenated, hydroxylated+dehydrogenated, demethylated and water adduct forms by some CYP isoforms. 3. The relative activity factors in human liver microsomes were calculated to determine the relative contributions of individual CYP isoforms to GM metabolism in human liver microsomes (HLMs). We identified CYP3A4 as the CYP isoform primarily responsible for GM metabolism in human liver microsomes. 4. These findings provide an important basis for understanding the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of GM and YKS. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

1. New equations have been developed from an updated version of Øie-Tozer’s model expressing how the free concentration and volume of distribution change in relation to changes in the concentration of drug binding plasma proteins. This updated model accommodates more than one drug binding plasma protein to contribute to the plasma protein binding. 2. Demonstrations of the model show that variability in the concentration of one plasma protein has considerably less impact on the free drug concentration and volume of distribution if other plasma proteins contribute to binding, than if they don’t. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

1. Bavachinin isolated fromPsoralea corylifoliahas various activities, such as antimicrobial, antiallergic, antitumor and so on. Our previous study showed that natural bavachinin exhibits peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ-agonist activity. 2. In vitrostudies on bavachinin metabolism were conducted using rat liver microsomes incubated at 37 °C for 60 min. 3. Structures of eight metabolites of the incubation mixtures were cautiously characterized using electrospray tandem mass spectra and three synthetic compounds. The results indicated that eight metabolites of bavachinin were biotransformed mainly through oxidation. 4. The metabolic pathways of bavachinin were elucidatedin vitro. These results contribute to the understanding of bavachinin’sin vivometabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

1. Raloxifene is an antiestrogen that has been marketed for the treatment of osteoporosis, and is metabolized into 6- and 4′-glucuronides by UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) enzymes. In this study, thein vitroglucuronidation of raloxifene in humans and monkeys was examined using liver and intestinal microsomes and recombinant UGT enzymes (UGT1A1, UGT1A8 and UGT1A9). 2. Although theKmandCLintvalues for the 6-glucuronidation of liver and intestinal microsomes were similar between humans and monkeys, and species differences inVmaxvalues (liver microsomes, humans > monkeys; intestinal microsomes, humans < monkeys) were observed, no significant differences were noted in theKmorS50,VmaxandCLintorCLmaxvalues for the 4′-glucuronidation of liver and intestinal microsomes between humans and monkeys. 3. The activities of 6-glucuronidation in recombinant UGT enzymes were UGT1A1 > UGT1A8 >UGT1A9 for humans, and UGT1A8 > UGT1A1 > UGT1A9 for monkeys. The activities of 4′-glucuronidation were UGT1A8 > UGT1A1 > UGT1A9 in humans and monkeys. 4. These results demonstrated that the profiles for the hepatic and intestinal glucuronidation of raloxifene by microsomes were moderately different between humans and monkeys. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

1. Nuclear receptors CAR (NR1I3) and PXR (NR1I2) are major ligand-activated transcriptional regulators of xenobiotic metabolism and disposition and modulators of endobiotic metabolism. Differences in xenobiotic selectivity between the human and rodent receptors are well recognized but there is lack of such information on properties of CAR and PXR in important domestic animals. 2. The pig and bovine receptors were cloned and their ligand profiles were systematically compared to corresponding human and mouse forms utilizing a panel of xenobiotics and structural analysis. 3. Pig CAR and PXR resemble their human counterparts which can be rationalized by only modest amino acid changes between critical residues of the human ligand-binding pockets (H203Q for CAR, L210V and M243I for PXR). 4. In contrast, bovine CAR shows a blunted response to CAR agonists and inverse agonists. These changes are likely due to disruptive mutations at or near critical hydrogen bond-forming residues (N165I, Y326F). The unresponsiveness of bovine PXR to human- and mouse-selective agonists may be related to substitutions at important ligand-contacting residues R410Q and F305V, respectively. 5. Our findings have implications for regulation of drug-metabolizing enzymes and transporters and pharmacokinetics in cattle and pigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. Giant liver flukeFascioloides magnais a dangerous parasite, which infects herbivores. It was imported to Europe from North America and started to spread. Benzimidazoles like albendazole, mebendazole, triclabendazole and salicylanilides closantel and rafoxanide are the most used anthelmintics to control fascioloidosis. However their effect might be altered via drug-metabolizing enzymes of this parasite. 2. The aim of our study was to determine the activities of drug-metabolizing enzymes inF. magnaand the metabolism of above mentioned anthelmintics. 3. Activities of several oxidative, reductive and conjugative enzymes towards various model xenobiotic substrates were found inF. magnasubcellular fractions. 4. Subcellular fractions fromF. magnaoxidized albendazole to its sulphoxide metabolite and reduced mebendazole to hydroxyl-mebendazole. Underex vivoconditions, only very-low concentrations of these compounds were detected using high-performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry. 5. The results indicate that the giant liver fluke possesses the active xenobiotic-metabolizing system. The overexpression of this system may play an important role in parasite resistance against these anthelmintics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. Sulphonation is unusual amongst the common Phase II (condensation; synthetic) reactions experienced by xenobiotics, in that the availability of the conjugating agent, sulphate, may become a rate-limiting factor. This sulphate is derived within the body via the oxygenation of sulphur moieties liberated from numerous ingested compounds including the sulphur-containing amino acids. Preformed inorganic sulphate also makes a considerable contribution to this pool. 2. There has been a divergence of opinion as to whether or not inorganic sulphate may be readily absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and this controversy still continues in some quarters. Even more so, is the vexing question of potential absorption of inorganic sulphate via the lungs and through the skin. 3. This review examines the relevant diverse literature and concludes that sulphate ions may move across biological membranes by means of specific transporters and, although the gastrointestinal tract is by far the major portal of entry, some absorption across the lungs and the skin may take place under appropriate circumstances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

People whom the author would like to thank for their assistance in the creation of the periodical "Xenobiotica," are mentioned.

1. Xenobiotics are metabolized and eliminated through the coordinated interplay of their metabolizing enzymes and transporters. However, these two activitiesin vitroare measured separately, with the addition of ATP as a pre-requisite. 2. We propose a human renal cell-line model which integrates the sulfate and glutathione conjugation of xenobiotics with the efflux of their respective conjugates. Sulfation and glutathionylation represent two major Phase II detoxification of xenobiotics in man. The reactions are catalyzed, respectively, by phenolsulfotransferase and glutathione-S-transferase followed by extrusion of their respective conjugates. 3. Using Ko-143, a specific inhibitor of breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP), an ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter, we identified this transporter to be responsible for the efflux ofp-cresol sulfate, harmol sulfate and the glutathione conjugate of 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene. 4. The conjugation-cum-efflux was inhibited by oligomycin and uncouplers, which highlights the role of cellular mitochondria in providing ATP for the biosynthesis of their conjugating agents, 3′-phosphoadenosine-5′-phosphosulfate (PAPS) and reduced glutathione as well as for the transport function of BCRP. 5. The human 786-O renal cell-line provides a “3-in-1” system linking ATP biosynthesis to metabolism of xenobiotics and their ultimate transport and elimination by BCRP; this integrated system was not apparent in other human cell-lines examined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. A comprehensive method for the simultaneous characterization of xenobiotic compound inhibition of nine major CYP enzymes in human liver microsomes was established by using 16 CYP-catalyzed reactions of 14 probe substrates with three cocktail incubation sets and a single LC/MS/MS analysis. 2. The three cocktail subgroups were developed to minimize the effects of organic solvents, polyunsaturated fatty acids and mutual substrate interactions: Group I was composed of tolbutamide (CYP2C9),S-mephenytoin (CYP2C19), testosterone (CYP3A4), dextromethorphan (CYP2D6); Group II was composed of nifedipine (CYP3A4), midazolam (CYP3A4), coumarin (CYP2A6), bupropion (CYP2B6), diclofenac (CYP2C9); Group III was composed of phenacetin (CYP1A2), chlorzoxazone (CYP2E1), omeprazole (CYP2C19 and CYP3A4), paclitaxel (CYP2C8), (+)-bufuralol (CYP2D6). In the case of CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6 and CYP3A4, multiple probe substrates were used due to the phenomenon of multiple substrate-binding pockets and substrate-dependent inhibition. All probe metabolites were simultaneously analyzed with a polarity switching mode in a single LC/MS/MS run. 3. This method was validated against the single probe substrate assay using 12 well-characterized CYP inhibitors and two new entities (GT0918, MDV3100). The IC50values of each inhibitor in the cocktail agreed well with that of the individual probe drug as well as with values reported in previous literatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. Lifestyle diseases are often caused by inappropriate nutrition habits and attempted to be treated by polypharmacotherapy. Therefore, it is important to determine whether differences in diet affect the disposition of drugs. Xenobiotic transporters in the liver are essential in drug disposition. 2. In the current study, mice were fed one of nine diets for 3 weeks. The mRNAs of 23 known xenobiotic transporters in livers of mice were quantified by microarray analysis, and validated by branched DNA assay. The mRNAs of 15 transporters were altered by at least one diet. Diet-restriction (10) and the atherogenic diet (10) altered the expression of the most number of transporters, followed by western diet (8), high-fat diet (4), lab chow (2), high-fructose diet (2) and EFA-deficient diet (2), whereas the low n−3 FA diet had no effect on these transporters. Seven of the 11 xenobiotic transporters in the Slc family, three of four in the Abcb family, two of four in the Abcc family and all three in the Abcg family were changed significantly. 3. This first comprehensive study indicates that xenobiotic transporters are altered by diet, and suggests there are likely diet-drug interactions due to changes in the expression of drug transporters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. The present study was conducted to examine the possibility of herb-drug interaction by celastrol, which is a main compound isolated from Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F. using human liver microsomes with cocktail methods. Focused on its inhibitory manner on the metabolism of model probe substrates of five cytochrome P450 isoenzymes (CYP1A2, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, CYP2E1 and CYP3A4) in vitro which are important with the metabolism of different xenobiotics. 2. The results showed that celastrol inhibited the five types of human cytochrome P450 isoforms, with the IC50 values of 2.65 μM (CYP3A4), 5.99 μM (CYP2C19), 6.27 μM (CYP2D6), 7.66 μM (CYP1A2) and 9.38 μM (CYP2E1), respectively. The data indicated that celastrol acted in different manners as an inhibitor of human cytochrome P450 isoforms, which showed that celastrol not only un-competitively inhibited the CYP1A2 and 2E1 activities, but also competitively inhibited the CYP2C19 and 2D6 activities with K i values of 1.41, 2.29, 5.27 and 4.21 μM, respectively. Celastrol was also a mixed-type inhibitor of CYP3A4, with K i and K is values of 2.02 and 5.49 μM, respectively. 3. Celastrol has the potential to inhibit cytochrome P450 activities and may cause the herb-drug interactions. Therefore, the use of celastrol and its preparations with conventional medicines should thus be taken in to account. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. Although the major pathways involved in drug metabolism have been elucidated, there remain those routes that may be considered as minor, esoteric, or even artifactual. 2. Conjugation with urea, an abundant, non-toxic, small water soluble molecule, is such a disputed and debatable Phase II pathway. 3. The present article collates data gleaned from the literature concerning xenobiotic-urea conjugation, presents pertinent information resurrecting the controversy and poses questions as to the nature of the phenomenon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. Breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) is an ABC-transporter at the blood-brain barrier (BBB) facilitating efflux of xenobiotics into blood. Expression and function are regulated via estrogen-receptors (ERs). 2. 17α-Ethinylestradiol (EE2) and bisphenol A (BPA) represent two prominent xenoestrogens. We studied whether EE2 and BPA regulate BCRP function and expression upon a 6 h treatment in an ER-dependent manner in a rat BBB- ex-vivo-model. 3. Isolated brain capillaries were incubated with EE2 or BPA. BCRP function and expression were analyzed by confocal microscopy and Western-Blot. ERα-antagonist MPP and ER-antagonist ICI182.780 were used to study involvement of ERs. 4. EE2 and BPA down-regulated BCRP transport function and expression. EE2 effects occurred at pharmacologically relevant doses, BPA exhibited only weak influences. Down-regulation by EE2 was reversed by ICI but not MPP. BPA effects were not reversed by either antagonist. 5. EE2 is a potent regulator of BCRP expression and function acting by ERβ-stimulation. Oral contraception could alter uptake of pharmaceuticals to the brain and might thus be considered as an origin of central nervous system (CNS) side-effects. EE2 could alsopresent a novel co-treatment to improve CNS-pharmacotherapy. BPA is a weak modulator of BCRP expression. Its effects appear not to be caused by ERs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. It is inevitable that during some xenobiotic biotransformation studies, a certain metabolite or degradation product arises of which the identity is uncertain, the route of formation is ambiguous, or it is just a plain mystery. 2. The following communication draws attention to three drugs reported in the literature, chlorphentermine, phenothiazine and aminopyrine, where after many years of investigation there still exists uncertainty over some of their metabolites. Noticeably, these three examples probably involve (potential) interaction of a nitrogen centre within the drug molecule. 3. It is hoped that the resurrection and assemblage of these data will offer interesting reading and that these examples may prove sufficiently intriguing to motivate further exploration and some resolution of these lingering concerns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. The liver metabolizes thyroxine (T4) through two major pathways: deiodination and conjugation. Following exposure to xenobiotics, T4 conjugation increases through the induction of hepatic uridine diphosphate glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) in rodents; however, it is uncertain to what degree different species employ deiodination and conjugation in the metabolism of T4. The objective of this study was to compare the metabolism of T4 in untreated and 2,2′,4,4′,5,5′-hexachlorobiphenyl (PCB 153)-treated primary sandwich-cultured hepatocytes from rat (SCRH) and human (SCHH). 2. Basal metabolite concentrations were 13 times higher in the medium of SCRH compared to SCHH. Metabolite distribution in the medium of SCRH versus SCHH was as follows: T4G, (91.6 versus 5.3%); T4S, (3.6 versus 4.4%) and T3 + rT3, (4.9 versus 90.3%). PCB 153 induced T4G in the medium of SCRH and SCHH; however, T4S and T3 + rT3 were changed but to a much lesser degree. 3. The results indicate that baseline T4 glucuronidation is greater in SCRH compared to SCHH. These data also suggest that glucuronidation may be a more important pathway for T4 metabolism in rats and deiodination may be a favored pathway in humans; however, with PCB 153 treatment these data support glucuronidation as a primary route of T4 metabolism in both rat and humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. The efflux pump p-glycoprotein (P-gp/ABCB1) has received enormous attention in drug (xenobiotic) disposition due to its role in modulation of the drug availability and in protection of sensitive organs. 2. P-gp mediated efflux is one of main mechanisms for multidrug resistance in cancer cells. A main approach to reverse the resistance and restore the drug efficacy is to use specific inhibitors of P-gp that suppress the efflux activity. 3. This review summarizes the binding capabilities of known chemical inhibitors based on the analyses of structure-activity relationships, and computational modeling of the inhibitors as well as the binding site of P-gp protein. 4. The molecular models will facilitate the design of lead inhibitors as drug candidates. Also, it helps scientists in early drug discovery phase to synthesize chemical series with better understanding of their P-gp binding liabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. Organic anion transporting polypeptide 1B1 plays a pivotal role in the disposition of many anionic drugs. Significant overlap in substrate specificity between individual OATP isoforms has hampered the identification of the relative importance of individual isoforms for hepatic uptake of xenobiotics. 2. The present study focused on the use of siRNA technology to decrease OATP1B1 selectively in human hepatocytes. Following delivery of siRNA by the novel lipid, AtuFECT01, mRNA expression of OATP1B1 was reduced by 94%-98% with no significant toxicity. Off-target effects were also shown to be minimal as evidenced by the expression of common drug metabolizing enzymes, transporters, nuclear receptors and associated co-regulators. Uptake of estrone-3-sulfate (5 nM) by OATP1B1 was reduced by 82%-95%. This methodology was subsequently used to assess the relative contribution of OATP1B1 uptake in human hepatocytes for olmesartan (42%-62%), valsartan (28%-81%), rosuvastatin (64%-72%), pitavastatin (84%-98%) and lopinavir (64%-89%). These data are consistent with previous values obtained using a relative activity factor approach. 3. The siRNA approach provides a robust and reproducible method for assessing the relative contribution of OATP1B1 to hepatic uptake of new chemical entities. The technique also has potential utility in facilitating detailed characterization of drug-drug interactions involving hepatic drug transporters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. To date, no information has been available on the modulation of cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYPs) following the administration of a hyperlipidemic diet in pigs. 2. We investigated the potential modulation of xenobiotic-metabolizing CYPs in liver, heart and duodenum of pigs subjected to a high-fat/high-cholesterol diet for 2 months continuously (C-HFD) or on alternate weeks (A-HFD). 3. The administration of the high-fat diet resulted in considerably increased plasma cholesterol levels although the animals were still able to manage the lipid overload efficiently, and no sign of effective tissue inflammation occurred in livers. Plasma lipid profile and liver histology indicated a better adaptive response of the A-HFD pigs compared to the C-HFD group. We showed a post-transcriptional induction of hepatic CYP2E1 activity in C-HFD pigs and a transcriptional induction of hepatic CYP3As - especially in the A-HFD group. No further CYP modulation was observed in either liver or extra-hepatic tissues. 4. In conclusion, the administration of a high-fat diet in pigs resulted in limited effects on the drug metabolism system. The better adaptive response of A-HFD pigs compared to C-HFD pigs is a very interesting observation since the intermittent administration of the diet reflects the mode of human behavior more closely. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]