Expression of hepatic cytochrome P450 in a mouse model of ulcerative colitis changes with pathological conditions

Background and Aim The expression levels of cytochrome P450 (CYP) in the liver were analyzed over time in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis mouse model, from the initial active stage to the remission stage, to investigate the relationship between the changes in pathological conditions and CYP expression levels. Methods DSS solution was given to mice for 10 days, after which water without DSS was provided for 40 days. Pathological conditions and CYP expression levels were examined over time. The mechanism for variation in CYP expression was also analyzed. Results The mRNA expression levels of CYP (CYP3A11, CYP1A2, CYP2C29, CYP2D9, and CYP2E1) decreased as pathological conditions worsened and reached their lowest levels on day 10 of DSS treatment. Pathological conditions improved following the discontinuation of DSS, and CYP expression levels normalized by day 50. Blood lipopolysaccharide levels, the hepatic expression of inflammatory cytokines, and the nuclear translocation of pregnane X receptor and constitutive androstane receptor in the liver exhibited patterns similar to the observed variations in CYP expression levels. Conclusion The capacity for metabolizing drugs that are substrates of CYP decreases during the active stage of ulcerative colitis but subsequently improves during the remission stage. This decrease in CYP expression was likely caused by the observed reduction in the levels of nuclearly localized pregnane X receptor and constitutive androstane receptor, and the increase in the production of inflammatory cytokines triggered by lipopolysaccharides.