Enantiospecific effects of chiral drugs on cytochrome P450 inhibition in vitro

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 activity in vitro.

3.?Tamsulosin (TAM) and tolterodine (TOL) inhibited CYP3A4 activity with an enantiospecific pattern. The inhibition of CYP3A4 activity differed for R-TAM (K_i 2.88?±?0.12?µM) and S-TAM (K_i 14.22?±?0.53?µM) as well as for S-TOL (K_i 1.71?±?0.03?µM) and R-TOL (K_i 4.78?±?0.17?µM). Also, the inhibition of CYP2C19 by ketoconazole (KET) cis-enantiomers exhibited enantioselective behavior: the (+)-KET (IC₅₀ 23.64?±?6.25?µM) was more potent than (?)-KET (IC₅₀ 66.12?±?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).     

In vitro inhibition of UGT1A3, UGT1A4 by ursolic acid and oleanolic acid and drug–drug interaction risk prediction

1.?Ursolic acid (UA) and oleanolic acid (OA) may have important activity relevant to health and disease prevention. Thus, we studied the activity of UA and OA on UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs) and used trifluoperazine as a probe substrate to test UGT1A4 activity. Recombinant UGT-catalyzed 4-methylumbelliferone (4-MU) glucuronidation was used as a probe reaction for other UGT isoforms.

2.?UA and OA inhibited UGT1A3 and UGT1A4 activity but did not inhibit other tested UGT isoforms.

3.?UA-mediated inhibition of UGT1A3 catalyzed 4-MU-β-d-glucuronidation was via competitive inhibition (IC₅₀ 0.391?±?0.013?μM; K_i 0.185?±?0.015?μM). UA also competitively inhibited UGT1A4-mediated trifluoperazine-N-glucuronidation (IC₅₀ 2.651?±?0.201?μM; K_i 1.334?±?0.146?μM).

4.?OA offered mixed inhibition of UGT1A3-mediated 4-MU-β-d-glucuronidation (IC₅₀ 0.336?±?0.013?μM; K_i 0.176?±?0.007?μM) and competitively inhibited UGT1A4-mediated trifluoperazine-N-glucuronidation (IC₅₀ 5.468?±?0.697?μM; K_i 6.298?±?0.891?μM).

5.?Co-administering OA or UA with drugs or products that are substrates of UGT1A3 or UGT1A4 may produce drug-mediated side effects.     

Impact of CYP2C8*3 polymorphism on in vitro metabolism of imatinib to N-desmethyl imatinib

Abstract

1.?Imatinib is metabolized to N-desmethyl imatinib by CYPs 3A4 and 2C8. The effect of CYP2C8*3 genotype on N-desmethyl imatinib formation was unknown.

2.?We examined imatinib N-demethylation in human liver microsomes (HLMs) genotyped for CYP2C8*3, in CYP2C8*3/*3 pooled HLMs and in recombinant CYP2C8 and CYP3A4 enzymes. Effects of CYP-selective inhibitors on N-demethylation were also determined.

3.?A single-enzyme Michaelis–Menten model with autoinhibition best fitted CYP2C8*1/*1 HLM (n?=?5) and recombinant CYP2C8 kinetic data (median?±?SD K_i?=?139?±?61?µM and 149?µM, respectively). Recombinant CYP3A4 showed two-site enzyme kinetics with no autoinhibition. Three of four CYP2C8*1/*3 HLMs showed single-enzyme kinetics with no autoinhibition. Binding affinity was higher in CYP2C8*1/*3 than CYP2C8*1/*1 HLM (median?±?SD K_m?=?6?±?2 versus 11?±?2?µM, P=0.04). CYP2C8*3/*3 (pooled HLM) also showed high binding affinity (K_m?=?4?µM) and single-enzyme weak autoinhibition (K_i?=?449?µM) kinetics. CYP2C8 inhibitors reduced HLM N-demethylation by 47–75%, compared to 0–30% for CYP3A4 inhibitors.

4.?In conclusion, CYP2C8*3 is a gain-of-function polymorphism for imatinib N-demethylation, which appears to be mainly mediated by CYP2C8 and not CYP3A4 in vitro in HLM.     

Effect of the Fluoroquinolone Antibacterial Agent DX-619 on the Apparent Formation and Renal Clearances of 6β-Hydroxycortisol, an Endogenous Probe for CYP3A4 Inhibition, in Healthy Subjects

Purpose

To examine the effect of the fluoroquinolone DX-619 on CYP3A4 and urinary excretion of 6β-hydroxycortisol, an endogenous probe of hepatic CYP3A4 activity, in healthy subjects.

Methods

The effect of DX-619 on CYP3A4 was examined in human liver microsomes. The apparent formation and renal clearance of 6β-hydroxycortisol (CL_6β?OHF and CL_{renal,6β?OHF}, respectively) were determined in placebo- and DX-619-treated subjects. 6β-hydroxycortisol uptake was determined in HEK293 cells expressing OAT1, OAT3, OCT2, MATE1, and MATE2-K.

Results

DX-619 was a mechanism-based inhibitor of CYP3A4, with K_I and k_inact of 67.9?±?7.3 μmol/l and 0.0730?±?0.0033 min^?1, respectively. Pharmacokinetic simulation suggested in vivo relevance of CYP3A4 inhibition by DX-619. CL_6β?OHF and CL_{renal,6β?OHF} were decreased 72% and 70%, respectively, on day 15 in DX-619-treated group compared with placebo (P?<?0.05). 6β-hydroxycortisol was a substrate of OAT3 (K_m?=?183?±?25 μmol/l), OCT2, MATE1, and MATE2-K. Maximum unbound concentration of DX-619 (9.1?±?0.4 μmol/l) was above K_i of DX-619 for MATE1 (4.32?±?0.79 μmol/l).

Conclusions

DX-619 caused a moderate inhibition of hepatic CYP3A4-mediated formation and significant inhibition of MATE-mediated efflux of 6β-hydroxycortisol into urine. Caution is needed in applying CL_6β?OHF as an index of hepatic CYP3A4 activity without evaluating CL_{renal,6β?OHF}.     

The inhibitory effects of five alkaloids on the substrate transport mediated through human organic anion and cation transporters

1.?Human solute carrier transporters (SLCs) are important membrane proteins mediate the cellular transport of many endogenous and exogenous substances. Organic anion/cation transporters (OATs/OCTs) and organic anion transporting polypeptides (OATPs) are essential SLCs involved in drug influx. Drug–drug/herb interactions through competing for specific SLCs often lead to unsatisfied therapeutic outcomes and/or unwanted side effects. In this study, we comprehensively investigated the inhibitory effects of five clinically relevant alkaloids (dendrobine, matrine, oxymatrine, tryptanthrin and chelerythrine) on the substrate transport through several OATs/OCTs and OATPs.

2.?We performed transport functional assay and kinetic analysis on the HEK-293 cells over-expressing each SLC gene.

3.?Our data showed tryptanthrin significantly inhibited the transport activity of OAT3 (IC₅₀?=?0.93?±?0.22?μM, K_i?=?0.43?μM); chelerythrine acted as a potent inhibitor to the substrate transport mediated through OATP1A2 (IC₅₀?=?0.63?±?0.43?μM, K_i?=?0.60?μM), OCT1 (IC₅₀?=?13.60?±?2.81?μM) and OCT2 (IC₅₀?=10.80?±?1.16?μM).

4.?Our study suggested tryptanthrin and chelerythrine could potently impact on the drug transport via specific OATs/OCTs. Therefore, the co-administration of these alkaloids with drugs could have clinical consequences due to drug–drug/herb interactions. Precautions should be warranted in the multi-drug therapies involving these alkaloids.     

Mechanism-based inactivation of human cytochrome P450 1A2 and 3A4 isoenzymes by anti-tumor triazoloacridinone C-1305

1.?5-Dimethylaminopropylamino-8-hydroxytriazoloacridinone, C-1305, is a promising anti-tumor therapeutic agent with high activity against several experimental tumors.

2.?It was determined to be a potent and selective inhibitor of liver microsomal and human recombinant cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A2 and 3A4 isoenzymes. Therefore, C-1305 might modulate the effectiveness of other drugs used in multidrug therapy.

3.?The objective of this study was to investigate the mechanism of the observed C-1305-mediated inactivation of CYP1A2 and CYP3A4.

4.?Our findings indicated that C-1305 produced a time- and concentration-dependent decrease in 7-ethoxycoumarin O-deethylation (CYP1A2, K_I?=?10.8?±?2.14?μM) and testosterone 6β-hydroxylation (CYP3A4, K_I = 9.1?±?2.82?μM). The inactivation required the presence of NADPH, was unaffected by a nucleophilic trapping agent (glutathione) and a reactive oxygen species scavenger (catalase), attenuated by a CYP-specific substrate (7-ethoxycoumarin or testosterone), and was not reversed by potassium ferricyanide. The estimated partition ratios of 1086 and 197 were calculated for the inactivation of CYP1A2 and CYP3A4, respectively.

5.?In conclusion, C-1305 inhibited human recombinant CYP1A2 and CYP3A4 isoenzymes by mechanism-based inactivation. The obtained knowledge about specific interactions between C-1305 and/or its metabolites, and CYP isoforms would be useful for predicting the possible drug–drug interactions in potent multidrug therapy.     

Inhibitory effect of six herbal extracts on CYP2C8 enzyme activity in human liver microsomes

Abstract

1.?Herbal supplements widely used in the US were screened for the potential to inhibit CYP2C8 activity in human liver microsomes. The herbal extracts screened were garlic, echinacea, saw palmetto, valerian, black cohosh and cranberry. N-desethylamodiaquine (DEAQ) and hydroxypioglitazone metabolite formation were used as indices of CYP2C8 activity.

2.?All herbal extracts showed inhibition of CYP2C8 activity for at least one of three concentrations tested. A volume per dose index (VDI) was calculated to determine the volume in which a dose should be diluted to obtain IC₅₀ equivalent concentration. Cranberry and saw palmetto had a VDI value >5.0?l per dose unit, suggesting a potential for interaction.

3.?Inhibition curves were constructed and the IC₅₀ (mean?±?SE) values were 24.7?±?2.7?μg/ml for cranberry and 15.4?±?1.7?μg/ml for saw palmetto.

4.?The results suggest a potential for cranberry or saw palmetto extracts to inhibit CYP2C8 activity. Clinical studies are needed to evaluate the significance of this interaction.     

In vitro phase I metabolism of vinclozolin by human liver microsomes

1.?Vinclozolin (Vin) is a fungicide used in agricultural settings and is classified as an endocrine disruptor. Vin is non-enzymatically hydrolyzed to 2-[[(3,5-dichlorophenyl)-carbamoyl]oxy]-2-methyl-3-butenoic acid (M1) and 3',5'-dichloro-2-hydroxy-2-methylbut-3-enanilide (M2) metabolites. There is no information about Vin biotransformation in humans, therefore, the aim of this study was to characterize its in vitro metabolism using human liver microsomes.

2.?Vin was metabolized to the [3-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)-5-methyl-5-(1,2-dihydroxyethyl)-1,3-oxazolidine-2,4-dione] (M4) and N-(2,3,4-trihydroxy-2-methyl-1-oxo)-3,5-dichlorophenyl-1-carbamic acid (M7) metabolites, which are unstable and gradually converted to 3′,5′-dichloro-2,3,4-trihydroxy-2-methylbutyranilide (DTMBA, formerly denoted as M5). M4 and DTMBA metabolites co-eluted in the same HPLC peak; this co-elute peak exhibited a Michaelis-Menten kinetic, whereas M7 showed a substrate inhibition kinetics. The K_{M app} for co-eluted M4/DTMBA and M7 was 24.2?±?5.6 and 116.0?±?52.6?μM, the V_{Max app} was 0.280?±?0.015 and 0.180?±?0.060 nmoles/min/mg protein, and the CL_{int app} was 11.5 and 1.5?mL/min/g protein, respectively. The K_i for M7 was 133.2?±?63.9?μM. Cytochrome P450 (CYP) chemical inhibitors furafylline (CYP1A2), ketoconazole (CYP3A4), pilocarpine (CYP2A6) and sulfaphenazole (CYP2C9) inhibited M4/DTMBA and M7 formation, suggesting that Vin is metabolized in humans by CYP.

3.?DTMBA is a stable metabolite and specific of Vin, therefore, it could be used as a biomarker of Vin exposure in humans to perform epidemiological studies.     

The different metabolism of morusin in various species and its potent inhibition against UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) and cytochrome p450 (CYP450) enzymes

1.?The aim of this study was to investigate the inhibitory effect of morusin on Glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) isoforms and cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYP450s). We also investigated the metabolism of morusin in human, rat, dog, monkey, and minipig liver microsomes.

2.?100?μM of morusin exhibited strong inhibition on all UGTs and CYP450s. The half inhibition concentration (IC₅₀) values for CYP3A4, CYP1A2, CYP2C9, CYP2E1, UGT1A6, UGT1A7, and UGT1A8 were 2.13, 1.27, 3.18, 9.28, 4.23, 0.98, and 3.00?μM, and the inhibition kinetic parameters (K_i) were 1.34, 1.16, 2.98, 6.23, 4.09, 0.62, and 2.11?μM, respectively.

3.?Metabolism of morusin exhibited significant species differences. The quantities of M₁ from minipig, monkey, dog, and rat were 7.8, 11.9, 2.0, and 6.3-fold of human levels. The K_m values in HLMs, RLMs, MLMs, DLMs, and PLMs were 7.84, 22.77, 14.32, 9.13, and 22.83?μM, and V_max for these species were 0.09, 1.23, 1.43, 0.15, and 0.75?nmol/min/mg, respectively. CL_int (intrinsic clearance) values (V_max/K_m) for morusin obeyed the following order: monkey?>?rat?>?minipig?>?dog?>?human. CL_H (hepatic clearance) values for humans, dogs, and rats were calculated to be 8.28, 17.38, and 35.12?mL/min/kg body weight, respectively.

4.?This study provided vital information to understand the inhibitory potential and metabolic behavior of morusin among various species.     

In vitro glucuronidation of aprepitant: a moderate inhibitor of UGT2B7

Abstract

1.?Aprepitant, an oral antiemetic, commonly used in the prevention of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, is primarily metabolized by CYP3A4. Aprepitant glucuronidation has yet to be evaluated in humans. The contribution of human UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) isoforms to the metabolism of aprepitant was investigated by performing kinetic studies, inhibition studies and correlation analyses. In addition, aprepitant was evaluated as an inhibitor of UGTs.

2.?Glucuronidation of aprepitant was catalyzed by UGT1A4 (82%), UGT1A3 (12%) and UGT1A8 (6%) and K_ms were 161.6?±?15.6, 69.4?±?1.9 and 197.1?±?28.2?µM, respectively. Aprepitant glucuronidation was significantly correlated with both UGT1A4 substrates anastrazole and imipramine (r_s?=?0.77, p?<?0.0001 for both substrates; n?=?44), and with the UGT1A3 substrate thyroxine (r_s?=?0.58, p?<?0.0001; n?=?44).

3.?We found aprepitant to be a moderate inhibitor of UGT2B7 with a K_i of ～10?µM for 4-MU, morphine and zidovudine. Our results suggest that aprepitant can alter clearance of drugs primarily eliminated by UGT2B7. Given the likelihood for first-pass metabolism by intestinal UGT2B7, this is of particular concern for oral aprepitant co-administered with oral substrates of UGT2B7, such as zidovudine and morphine.     

Potential of pranlukast and zafirlukast in the inhibition of human liver cytochrome P450 enzymes

1.?The potential of zafirlukast to inhibit several human cytochrome P450 enzymes is well known. However, pranlukast, a structural analogue of zafirlukast, has not been studied. Accordingly, the inhibitory potential of pranlukast was evaluated and compared with that of zafirlukast, a known CYP2C9 inhibitor, in in vitro microsomal incubation studies.

2.?Both pranlukast and zafirlukast showed moderate inhibition of CYP2C9-catalysed tolbutamide 4-methylhydroxylation, competitively inhibiting tolbutamide 4-methylhydroxylation with estimated mean K_i values of 3.82 ± 0.50 and 5.86 ± 0.08?μM, respectively.

3.?Pranlukast had no effect on CYP2C19-catalysed S-mephenytoin 4′-hydroxylation or CYP3A4-catalysed midazolam 1-hydroxylation. However, zafirlukast showed minor inhibition of these reactions. Neither pranlukast nor zafirlukast inhibited CYP1A2-catalysed phenacetin O-deethylation, CYP2D6-catalysed dextromethorphan O-demethylation or CYP2E1-catalysed chlorzoxazone 6-hydroxylation.

4.?The results suggest that like zafirlukast, pranlukast also has the potential moderately to inhibit CYP2C9-catalysed tolbutamide 4-methylhydroxylation. Therefore, the inhibitory potential of pranlukast should be considered when it is co-administered with CYP2C9 substrates with narrow therapeutic ranges (e.g. S-warfarin, phenytoin).     

The effect of fenofibric acid on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of warfarin in rats

1.?Case reports have shown that coadministration of fenofibric acid (FA) could increase bleeding risks of warfarin, but the mechanisms remained unknown. We therefore investigated the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interaction between warfarin and FA in rats.

2.?Rats received warfarin alone (2?mg/kg) or coadministered with FA (100?mg/kg). FA significantly increased the exposure to warfarin, and decreased that to 7-hydroxywarfarin in rats nearly by two-fold, meanwhile increased C_max and prolonged t_1/2 of warfarin. Anticoagulant activity significantly increased, with prothrombin time (PT) up to 199?±?33?s in coadministered group (approximately ten-fold compared with rats received warfarin alone). Incubation experiments illustrated FA inhibited CYP2C6 and CYP3A1/2 with the IC50 values of 6.98 and 16.14?μM, and inhibited the metabolism of warfarin (K_i value of 2.21?μM). Meanwhile, FA decreased the plasma protein binding of warfarin in vitro.

3.?Our data suggested that the altered pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of warfarin in rats was primarily attributed to the inhibition of metabolism. Anticoagulant activity monitoring or warfarin dose lowering needs to be considered when patients are coadministered with FA.     

Fluvoxamine inhibits the CYP2C19-catalysed metabolism of proguanil in vitro

Objective: The potent CYP1A2 inhibitor fluvoxamine has recently been shown also to be an effective inhibitor of the CYP2C19-mediated metabolism of the antimalarial drug proguanil in vivo. The purpose of the present study was to confirm this interaction in vitro. Methods: A high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method was developed to assay 4-chlorophenylbiguanide (4-CPBG) and cycloguanil formed from proguanil by microsomes prepared from human liver. The limit of detection was 0.08?nmol?·?mg^?1?·?h^?1. Results: The formation of 4-CPBG and cycloguanil could be described by one-enzyme kinetics, indicating that the formation of the two metabolites is almost exclusively catalysed by a single enzyme, i.e. CYP2C19 within the concentration range used, or that the contribution of an alternative low-affinity enzyme, probably CYP3A4, is very low. This notion was confirmed by the lack of potent inhibition by four CYP3A4 inhibitors: ketoconazole, bromocriptine, midazolam and dihydroergotamine. Fluvoxamine was a very effective inhibitor of the oxidation of proguanil, displaying K_i values of 0.69?μmol?·?l^?1 for the inhibition of cycloguanil formation and 4.7?μmol?·?l^?1 for the inhibition of 4-CPBG formation. As expected, the CYP2C19 substrate omeprazole inhibited the formation of both metabolites with an IC₅₀ of 10?μmol?·?l^?1. Norfluoxetine and sulfaphenazole inhibited proguanil oxidation with K_i values of 7.3–16?μmol?·?l^?1, suggesting that the two compounds are moderate inhibitors of CYP2C19. Conclusions: Fluvoxamine is a fairly potent inhibitor of CYP2C19 and it has the potential for causing drug-drug interactions with substrates for CYP2C19 such as imipramine, clomipramine, amitriptyline and diazepam. The combination of fluvoxamine and proguanil can not be recommended.     

In vitro inhibitory effects of sophocarpine on human liver cytochrome P450 enzymes

Abstract

1.?Sophocarpine is a biologically active component isolated from the foxtail-like sophora herb and seed that is often orally administered for the treatment of cancer and chronic bronchial asthma. However, whether sophocarpine affects the activity of human liver cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes remains unclear.

2.?In this study, the inhibitory effects of sophocarpine on the eight human liver CYP isoforms (CYP1A2, 3A4, 2A6, 2E1, 2D6, 2C9, 2C19, and 2C8) were investigated in vitro using human liver microsomes (HLMs).

3.?The results indicate that sophocarpine could inhibit the activity of CYP3A4 and 2C9, with the IC₅₀ values of 12.22 and 15.96?μM, respectively, but that other CYP isoforms were not affected. Enzyme kinetic studies showed that sophocarpine is not only a noncompetitive inhibitor of CYP3A4 but also a competitive inhibitor of CYP2C9, with K_i values of 6.74 and 9.19?μM, respectively. Also, sophocarpine is a time-dependent inhibitor of CYP3A4 with K_inact/K_I value of 0.082/21.54?μM^?1?min^?1.

4.?The in vitro studies of sophocarpine with CYP isoforms suggested that sophocarpine has the potential to cause pharmacokinetic drug interactions with other co-administered drugs metabolized by CYP3A4 and 2C9. Further clinical studies are needed to evaluate the significance of this interaction.     

Hepatic metabolism of diallyl disulphide in rat and man

1.?The metabolism of diallyl disulphide was investigated in vitro with rat and human liver cell subfractions and ex vivo with an isolated perfused rat liver.

2.?Diallyl disulphide was oxidized to diallylthiosulphinate by rat liver microsomes with an apparent K_m = 0.86 ± 0.1?mM and an apparent V_max = 0.47 ± 0.12 nmol?min^?1?mg^?1 protein (mean ± SE). Both cytochrome P450 (CYP) and flavin-containing monooxygenases were involved, with CYP2B1/2 and CYP2E1 being the most active CYP enzymes.

3.?In rat and man, microsomal oxidation of allylmethyl sulphide to allylmethyl sulphoxide and allylmethyl sulphone also occurred, although at a low rate. Diallyl disulphide was also metabolized to allylglutathione sulphide and allylmercaptan. In addition, diallylthiosulphinate reacted non-enzymatically with glutathione to form allylglutathione sulphide.

4.?When an isolated rat liver was perfused with diallyl disulphide, the metabolites allyl mercaptan, allylmethyl sulphide, allylmethyl sulphoxide, allylmethyl sulphone and allylglutathione sulphide were detected primarily within the liver tissue, with only small amounts of metabolites found in the bile and perfusion medium. The pharmacokinetic parameters for diallyl disulphide were t_1/2 = 6.09?min; AUC_0–∞ = 4.77?min?mmol?l^?1; clearance = 34.22 ml?min^?1.

5.?A scheme for the metabolism of diallyl disulphide in rat and man is proposed.     

Model for the drug–drug interaction responsible for CYP3A enzyme inhibition. II: establishment and evaluation of dexamethasone-pretreated female rats

1.?Cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A catalysis of testosterone 6β-hydroxylation in female rat liver microsomes was significantly induced, then reached a plateau level after pretreatment with 80?mg?kg^?1?day^?1 dexamethasone (DEX) for 3 days.

2.?Midazolam was mainly metabolized by CYP3A in DEX-treated female rat liver microsomes from an immuno-inhibition study, and the apparent K_m was 1.8?μM, similar to that in human microsomes.

3.?Ketoconazole and erythromycin, typical CYP3A inhibitors, demonstrated extensive inhibition of midazolam metabolism in DEX-treated female rat liver microsomes, and the apparent K_i values were 0.088 and 91.2?μM, respectively. The values were similar to those in humans, suggesting that DEX-treated female rat liver microsomes have properties similar to those of humans.

4.?After oral administration of midazolam, the plasma midazolam concentration in DEX-treated female rats significantly decreased compared with control female rats. The area under the plasma concentration curve (AUC) and elimination half-life were one-11th and one-20th of those of control female rats, respectively.

5.?Using DEX-treated female rats, the effect of CYP3A inhibitors on midazolam pharmacokinetics was evaluated. The AUC and maximum concentration in plasma (C_max) increased when ketoconazole was co-administered with midazolam.

6.?It was shown that the drug–drug interaction that occurs in vitro is also observed in vivo after oral administration of midazolam. In conclusion, the DEX-treated female rat could be a useful model for evaluating drug–drug interactions based on CYP3A enzyme inhibition.     

Comparative inhibition of inducible and constitutive CYPs in rat hepatic microsomes by parathion

1. In microsomal fractions, the phosphorothioate pesticide parathion inhibits cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes by reversible and irreversible mechanisms resulting in the long-term suppression of drug oxidation. The present study evaluated the relative susceptibilities of constitutive and inducible CYP2 and CYP3 steroid hydroxylases to inhibition by the pesticide.

2. Enzyme kinetic analysis indicated that constitutive and dexamethasone (DEX)-induced androst-4-ene-3,17-dione (AD) 6β-hydroxylations were similarly susceptible to inhibition by parathion (K_m/K_i ratios 1.5–1.6). However, preincubation of parathion with NADPH-fortified microsomes intensified the extent of inhibition of CYP3A-dependent 6β-hydroxylation. Comparison of K_m/K_i ratios indicated that 6β-hydroxylation activity in fractions from DEX-pretreated rats was about twice as susceptible as the control activity to inactivation by parathion metabolites (K_m/K_i ratio of 8.0 versus 4.0).

3. The time-dependent loss of AD 6β-hydroxylation by parathion occurred more efficiently in fractions from DEX-induced liver than in control. Thus, half-times of 1.3 and 6.1?min, respectively, were determined for the inactivation of DEX-inducible and constitutive activities. Parathion concentrations required for half-maximal inactivation were 32 and 67?μM in microsomes from DEX-induced and control rats.

4. In phenobarbital (PB)-induced fractions CYP2B1-mediated AD 16β-hydroxylation was inhibited potently in a reversible fashion by parathion (K_i?=?0.37?μM; K_m/K_i ratio about 73). Inhibition was not enhanced at parathion concentrations near the K_i by a preincubation step with NADPH.

5. In control microsomes parathion elicited a type I binding interaction with oxidized CYP (K_s?=?7.7?μM, ΔA_max?=?2.2?×?10^?2?a.u.?nmol CYP^?1; ΔA_max/K_s 2.86?×?10³?a.u. nmol?CYP^?1/mM). Ligand binding was 13- and 1.6-fold more efficient in PB and DEX microsomes, respectively.

6. These findings indicate that pretreatment of rats with enzyme-inducing drugs like DEX and PB alters the profile of CYPs and their susceptibility to inhibition by parathion. Potent reversible inhibition of CYP2B1 occurred in PB-induced fractions and DEX-inducible CYPs 3A were more susceptible to mechanism-based inactivation than the corresponding constitutive CYPs from the same subfamily.

     

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate decreases the transport and metabolism of simvastatin in rats

1.?This study aimed to investigate the potential impact of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) on the pharmacokinetic behaviors of simvastatin and its metabolite simvastatin acid and explored the possible role of metabolizing enzymes and transporters of this food–drug interaction.

2.?Female SD rats were intravenously administered with EGCG (5?mg/kg), ketoconazole (10?mg/kg) and rifampin (10?mg/kg), followed by intravenous administration of 2?mg/kg simvastatin. In vitro, the effects of EGCG on Cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYP450) and organic anion transporting polypeptides (OATPs) were studied using human hepatic microsomes and human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK293) cells overexpressing OATP1B1 or OATP1B3. The results showed that areas under concentration–time (AUC) curves of simvastatin and simvastatin acid increased by 2.21- and 1.4-fold while the clearance was reduced by 2.29- and 1.4-fold, respectively, when co-administered with EGCG. In vitro experiments suggested the inhibitory effect of EGCG on CYP enzymes (IC₅₀: 18.37?±?1.36?μM, 26.08?±?1.51?μM for simvastatin and simvastatin acid, respectively). Simvastatin transport by OATP1B1 and OATP1B3 was also inhibited by EGCG (IC₅₀: 8.68?±?1.27?μM and 22.67?±?1.42?μM, respectively).

3.?The presently reported novel food–drug interaction between EGCG and simvastatin involves the inhibition of not only CYP450 enzymes but also OATPs by EGCG.     

Identification of cytochrome P450 enzymes involved in the metabolism of 4′-methoxy-α-pyrrolidinopropiophenone (MOPPP), a designer drug,in human liver microsomes

1. The metabolism of 4′-methoxy-α-pyrrolidinopropiophenone (MOPPP), a novel designer drug, to its demethylated major metabolite 4′-hydroxy-pyrrolidinopropio-phenone (HO-PPP) was studied in pooled human liver microsomes (HLM) and in cDNA-expressed human hepatic cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes.

2. CYP2C19 catalysed the demethylation with apparent K_m and V_max values of 373.4 ± 45.1?μM and 6.0 ± 0.3?pmol?min^?1?pmol^?1 CYP, respectively (mean ± SD). Both CYP2D6 and HLM exhibited clear biphasic profiles with apparent K_m,1 values of 1.3 ± 0.4 and 22.0 ± 6.5?μM, respectively, and V_max,1 values of 1.1 ± 0.1 pmol?min^?1?pmol^?1 CYP and 169.1 ± 20.5?pmol?min^?1?mg^?1 protein, respectively.

3. Percentages of intrinsic clearances of MOPPP by particular CYPs were calculated using the relative activity factor (RAF) approach with (S)-mephenytoin-4′-hydroxylation or bufuralol-1′-hydroxylation as index reactions for CYP2C19 or CYP2D6, respectively.

4. MOPPP, HO-PPP and the standard 3′,4′-methylenedioxy-pyrrolidinopropio-phenone (MDPPP) were separated and analysed by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry in the selected-ion monitoring (SIM) mode.

5. The CYP2D6 specific chemical inhibitor quinidine (3?μM) significantly (?p<0.0001) inhibited HO-PPP formation by 91.8 ± 0.5% (mean ± SEM) in incubation mixtures with HLM and 2?μM MOPPP.

6. It can be concluded from the data obtained from kinetic and inhibition studies that polymorphically expressed CYP2D6 is the enzyme mainly responsible for MOPPP demethylation.     

Inhibitory effects of curculigoside on human liver cytochrome P450 enzymes

1.?Curculigoside possesses numerous pharmacological activities, and however, little data available for the effects of curculigoside on the activity of human liver cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes.

2.?This study investigates the inhibitory effects of curculigoside on the main human liver CYP isoforms. In this study, the inhibitory effects of curculigoside on the eight human liver CYP isoforms 1A2, 2A6, 2E1, 2D6, 2C9, 2C19, 2C8, and 3A4 were investigated in human liver microsomes.

3.?The results indicated that curculigoside could inhibit the activity of CYP1A2, CYP2C8, and CYP3A4, with IC₅₀ values of 15.26, 11.93, and 9.47?μM, respectively, but that other CYP isoforms were not affected. Enzyme kinetic studies showed that curculigoside was not only a noncompetitive inhibitor of CYP1A2, but also a competitive inhibitor of CYP2C8 and CYP3A4, with Ki values of 5.43, 3.54, and 3.35?μM, respectively. In addition, curculigoside is a time-dependent inhibitor for CYP1A2, with kinact/K_I values of 0.056/6.15?μM^?1?min^?1.

4.?The in vitro studies of curculigoside with CYP isoforms suggest that curculigoside has the potential to cause pharmacokinetic drug interactions with other coadministered drugs metabolized by CYP1A2, CYP2C8, and CYP3A4. Further in vivo studies are needed in order to evaluate the significance of this interaction.