Expression and functional characterization of cytochrome P450 26A1, a retinoic acid hydroxylase

Retinoic acid (RA) is a critical signaling molecule that performs multiple functions required to maintain cellular viability. It is also used in the treatment of some cancers. Enzymes in the CYP26 family are thought to be responsible for the elimination of RA, and CYP26A1 appears to serve the most critical functions in this family. In spite of its importance, CYP26A1 has neither been heterologously expressed nor characterized kinetically. We expressed the rCYP26A1 in baculovirus-infected insect cells and purified the hexahistidine tagged protein to homogeneity. Heme incorporation was determined by carbon monoxide difference spectrum and a type 1 spectrum was observed with RA binding to CYP26A1. We found that RA is a tight binding ligand of CYP26A1 with low nM binding affinity. CYP26A1 oxidized RA efficiently (depletion K_m 9.4 ± 3.3 nM and V_max 11.3 ± 4.3 pmoles min⁻¹ pmole P450⁻¹) when supplemented with P450 oxidoreductase and NADPH but was independent of cytochrome b5. 4-Hydroxy-RA (4-OH-RA) was the major metabolite produced by rCYP26A1 but two other primary products were also formed. 4-OH-RA was further metabolized by CYP26A1 to more polar metabolites and this sequential metabolism of RA occurred in part without 4-OH-RA leaving the active site of CYP26A1. The high efficiency of CYP26A1 in eliminating both RA and its potentially active metabolites supports the major role of this enzyme in regulating RA clearance in vivo. These results provide a biochemical framework for CYP26A1 function and offer insight into the role of CYP26A1 as a drug target as well as in fetal development and cell cycle regulation.     

Interaction of cisapride with the human cytochrome P450 system: metabolism and inhibition studies.

Using human liver microsomes (HLMs) and recombinant cytochrome P450s (CYP450s), we characterized the CYP450 isoforms involved in the primary metabolic pathways of cisapride and documented the ability of cisapride to inhibit the CYP450 system. In HLMs, cisapride was N-dealkylated to norcisapride (NORCIS) and hydroxylated to 3-fluoro-4-hydroxycisapride (3-F-4-OHCIS) and to 4-fluoro-2-hydroxycisapride (4-F-2-OHCIS). Formation of NORCIS, 3-F-4-OHCIS, and 4-F-2-OHCIS in HLMs exhibited Michaelis-Menten kinetics (K(m): 23.4 +/- 8.6, 32 +/- 11, and 31 +/- 23 microM; V(max): 155 +/- 91, 52 +/- 23, and 31 +/- 23 pmol/min/mg of protein, respectively). The average in vitro intrinsic clearance (V(max)/K(m)) revealed that the formation of NORCIS was 3.9- to 5. 9-fold higher than that of the two hydroxylated metabolites. Formation rate of NORCIS from 10 microM cisapride in 14 HLMs was highly variable (range, 4.9-133.6 pmol/min/mg of protein) and significantly correlated with the activities of CYP3A (r = 0.86, P =. 0001), CYP2C19, and 1A2. Of isoform-specific inhibitors, 1 microM ketoconazole and 50 microM troleandomycin were potent inhibitors of NORCIS formation from 10 microM cisapride (by 51 +/- 9 and 44 +/- 17%, respectively), whereas the effect of other inhibitors was minimal. Of 10 recombinant human CYP450s tested, CYP3A4 formed NORCIS from 10 microM cisapride at the highest rate (V = 0.56 +/- 0. 13 pmol/min/pmol of P450) followed by CYP2C8 (V = 0.29 +/- 0.08 pmol/min/pmol of P450) and CYP2B6 (0.15 +/- 0.04 pmol/min/pmol of P450). The formation of 3-F-4-OHCIS was mainly catalyzed by CYP2C8 (V = 0.71 +/- 0.24 pmol/min/pmol of P450) and that of 4-F-2-OHCIS by CYP3A4 (0.16 +/- 0.03 pmol/min/pmol of P450). Clearly, recombinant CYP2C8 participates in cisapride metabolism, but when the in vitro intrinsic clearances obtained were corrected for abundance of each CYP450 in the liver, CYP3A4 is the dominant isoform. Cisapride was a relatively potent inhibitor of CYP2D6, with no significant effect on other isoforms tested, but the K(i) value derived (14 +/- 16 microM) was much higher than the clinically expected concentration of cisapride (<1 microM). Our data suggest that CYP3A is the main isoform involved in the overall metabolic clearance of cisapride. Cisapride metabolism is likely to be subject to interindividual variability in CYP3A expression and to drug interactions involving this isoform.     

In vitro characterization of 4′-(p-toluenesulfonylamide)-4-hydroxychalcone using human liver microsomes and recombinant cytochrome P450s

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 of rP450 isoforms.

3.?Two hydroxyl metabolites, that is M1 and M2, were produced from the human liver microsomal incubations (K_m and V_max values 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.     

Studies on the in vivo contribution of human cytochrome P450s to the hepatic metabolism of glaucine,a new drug of abuse

Glaucine ((S)-5,6,6a,7-tetrahydro-1,2,9,10-tetramethoxy-6-methyl-4H-dibenzo [de,g]quinoline), main isoquinoline alkaloid of Glaucium flavum (Papaveraceae), is used as antitussive, but also as recreational drug of abuse. Glaucine was mainly metabolized by O- and N-demethylation to four isomers in rats. So far, only scarce pharmacokinetic data were available. Therefore, the aim of the presented study was to assess the involvement of the ten most important cytochrome P450 (P450) isoforms in the main metabolic steps and determination of their kinetic parameters using the metabolite formation approach. Reference standards of investigated metabolites were synthesized for quantification. In addition, the impact of isomeric standards was tested for calibration and the use of simple peak area ratios on the kinetic constants and resulting contribution of P450 isoforms on estimated hepatic clearance. Kinetic profiles of all metabolite formations followed classic Michaelis–Menten behavior. K_m values were between 25 and 140 μM, V_max between 0.10 and 1.92 pmol/min/pmol. Using the relative activity factor approach, the hepatic clearance was calculated to be 27 and 73% for 2-O-demethylation by CYP1A2 and CYP3A4, 82, 3, and 15% for 9-O-demethylation by CYP1A2, CYP2C19, and CYP2D6, and finally <1 and 99% for N-demethylation by CYP2D6 and CYP3A4. These data were confirmed by inhibition tests. The calibration mode for determination of the metabolite concentrations had no relevant impact on the estimation of in vivo hepatic clearance of glaucine. As glaucine was metabolized via three initial steps and different P450 isoforms were involved in the hepatic clearance of glaucine, a clinically relevant interaction with single inhibitors should not be expected.     

In vitro study on the effect of peucedanol on the activity of cytochrome P450 enzymes

ContextPeucedanol is a major extract of Peucedanum japonicum Thunb. (Apiaceae) roots, which is a commonly used herb in paediatrics. Its interaction with cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYP450s) would lead to adverse effects or even failure of therapy.ObjectiveThe interaction between peucedanol and CYP450s was investigated.Materials and methodsPeucedanol (0, 2.5, 5, 10, 25, 50, and 100 μM) was incubated with eight human liver CYP isoforms (CYP1A2, 2A6, 3A4, 2C8, 2C9, 2C19, 2D6, and 2E1), in pooled human liver microsomes (HLMs) for 30 min with specific inhibitors as positive controls and untreated HLMs as negative controls. The enzyme kinetics and time-dependent study (0, 5, 10, 15, and 30 min) were performed to obtain corresponding parameters in vitro.ResultsPeucedanol significantly inhibited the activity of CYP1A2, 2D6, and 3A4 in a dose-dependent manner with IC₅₀ values of 6.03, 13.57, and 7.58 μM, respectively. Peucedanol served as a non-competitive inhibitor of CYP3A4 with a K_i value of 4.07 μM and a competitive inhibitor of CYP1A2 and 2D6 with a K_i values of 3.39 and 6.77 μM, respectively. Moreover, the inhibition of CYP3A4 was time-dependent with the K_i/K_inact value of 5.44/0.046 min/μM.Discussion and conclusionsIn vitro inhibitory effect of peucedanol on the activity of CYP1A2, 2A6, and 3A4 was reported in this study. As these CYPs are involved in the metabolism of various drugs, these results implied potential drug-drug interactions between peucedanol and drugs metabolized by CYP1A2, 2D6, and 3A4, which needs further in vivo validation.     

Metabolism of novel anti-HIV agent 3-cyanomethyl-4-methyl-DCK by human liver microsomes and recombinant CYP enzymes

Aim:

To investigate the metabolism of 3-cyanomethyl-4-methyl-DCK (CMDCK), a novel anti-HIV agent, by human liver microsomes (HLMs) and recombinant cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYPs).

Methods:

CMDCK was incubated with HLMs or a panel of recombinant cytochrome P450 enzymes including CYP1A2, 2B6, 2C8, 2C9, 2C19, 2D6, 3A4, and 3A5. LC-ion trap mass spectrometry was used to separate and identify CMDCK metabolites. In the experiments with recombinant cytochrome P450 enzymes, specific chemical inhibitors combined with CYP antibodies were used to identify the CYP isoforms involved in CMDCK metabolism.

Results:

CMDCK was rapidly and extensively metabolized by HLMs. Its intrinsic hepatic clearance estimated from the in vitro data was 19.4 mL·min⁻¹·kg⁻¹, which was comparable to the mean human hepatic blood flow rate (20.7 mL·min⁻¹·kg⁻¹). The major metabolic pathway of CMDCK was oxidation, and a total of 14 metabolites were detected. CYP3A4 and 3A5 were found to be the principal CYP enzymes responsible for CMDCK metabolism.

Conclusion:

CMDCK was metabolized rapidly and extensively in human hepatic microsomes to form a number of oxidative metabolites. CYP3A4 and 3A5 were the predominant enzymes responsible for the oxidation of CMDCK.     

Significantly reduced cytochrome P450 3A4 expression and activity in liver from humans with diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Patients with diabetes mellitus require pharmacotherapy with numerous medications. However, the effect of diabetes on drug biotransformation is not well understood. Our goal was to investigate the effect of diabetes on liver cytochrome P450 3As, the most abundant phase I drug-metabolizing enzymes in humans.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Human liver microsomal fractions (HLMs) were prepared from diabetic (n = 12) and demographically matched nondiabetic (n = 12) donors, genotyped for CYP3A4*1B and CYP3A5*3 polymorphisms. Cytochrome P450 3A4, 3A5 and 2E1 mRNA expression, protein level and enzymatic activity were compared between the two groups.

KEY RESULTS

Midazolam 1′- or 4-hydroxylation and testosterone 6β-hydroxylation, catalyzed by P450 3A, were markedly reduced in diabetic HLMs, irrespective of genotype. Significantly lower P450 3A4 protein and comparable mRNA levels were observed in diabetic HLMs. In contrast, neither P450 3A5 protein level nor mRNA expression differed significantly between the two groups. Concurrently, we have observed increased P450 2E1 protein level and higher chlorzoxazone 6-hydroxylation activity in diabetic HLMs.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

These studies indicate that diabetes is associated with a significant decrease in hepatic P450 3A4 enzymatic activity and protein level. This finding could be clinically relevant for diabetic patients who have additional comorbidities and are receiving multiple medications. To further characterize the effect of diabetes on P450 3A4 activity, a well-controlled clinical study in diabetic patients is warranted.     

Stereoselective metabolism of rabeprazole-thioether to rabeprazole by human liver microsomes

Objective Rabeprazole is metabolized mainly non-enzymatically to rabeprazole-thioether. This in vitro study was designed to clarify the stereoselective oxidation mechanism and to identify the enzyme(s) involved in the metabolic breakdown of rabeprazole-thioether to rabeprazole. Methods Rabeprazole-thioether was incubated with human liver microsomes and several recombinant cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes (CYPs 1A2, 2A6, 2B6, 2C9, 2C19, 2D6, 2E1, and 3A4). High-performance liquid chromatography was used for identification and quantification of each rabeprazole enantiomer. Results The K _m and V _max values for the formation of (R)-rabeprazole from rabeprazole-thioether in human liver microsomes were 6.6 μM and 92 pmol/min/mg protein, respectively, whereas those for the formation of (S)-rabeprazole were 5.1 μM and 21 pmol/min/mg protein, respectively. CYP3A4 was found to be the major enzyme responsible for (R)- and (S)-rabeprazole formation from rabeprazole-thioether. The intrinsic clearance (V _max /K _m ) for the oxidation by CYP3A4 of (R)-rabeprazole was 3.5-fold higher than that for the (S)-enantiomer (81 nl/min/pmol of P450 vs. 23 nl/min/pmol of P450). On the other hand, CYP2C19 and CYP2D6 were the main enzymes catalyzing the formation of desmethylrabeprazole-thioether from rabeprazole-thioether. The mean K _m and V _max values of desmethylrabeprazole-thioether formation for CYP2C19 were 5.1 μM and 600 pmol/min/nmol of P450, respectively, whereas those for CYP2D6 were 15.1 μM and 736 pmol/min/nmol of P450, respectively. Discussion Rabeprazole is reduced mainly non-enzymatically to rabeprazole-thioether, which is further stereoselectively re-oxidized by CYP3A4 mainly to (R)-rabeprazole. The difference in the enantioselective disposition of rabeprazole is determined by stereoselectivity in CYP3A4-mediated metabolic conversion from rabeprazole-thioether to rabeprazole.     

Assessment of a novel β2-adrenoceptor agonist, trantinterol, for interference with human liver cytochrome P450 enzymes activities

The effect of a novel β₂-adrenoceptor agonist, trantinterol on the activities of cytochrome P450 (CYP450) was investigated with human liver microsomes and human cryohepatocytes in order to assess the potential for drug-drug interactions. The ability of trantinterol to inhibit CYP450 activities was evaluated in vitro in human liver microsomes. Trantinterol did not inhibit CYP2C19, CYP2D6, and CYP3A4/5 (IC₅₀ > 100 μM). It acted as a weak inhibitor of CYP1A2 and CYP2C9 with IC₅₀ of 70.8 and 81.9 μM, respectively. No time-dependent inhibitions were observed in the present research. To evaluate CYP450 induction, human cryohepatocytes (n = 3) were used and treated once daily for 3 days with trantinterol (0.01, 0.1, and 1 ng/ml), after which CYP450 activities were measured. At concentration of 0.01 ng/ml, which is close to the C_max at maximal recommended doses (50 μg), trantinterol was about 8% as effective as omeprazole (CYP1A2 inducer) only with donor 2. At concentration of 1 ng/ml, trantinterol was about 3.6 ± 3.1% as effective as rifampin (CYP3A4/5 inducer). These in vitro results indicated that, at pharmacological relevant concentrations, trantinterol will not produce clinically significant CYP450 inhibition or induction.     

Evaluation of the transport, in vitro metabolism and pharmacokinetics of Salvinorin A, a potent hallucinogen

Salvinorin A is an unregulated potent hallucinogen isolated from the leaves of Salvia divinorum. It is the only known non-nitrogenous kappa-opioid selective agonist, and rivals synthetic lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) in potency. The objective of this study was to characterize the in vitro transport, in vitro metabolism, and pharmacokinetic properties of Salvinorin A. The transport characteristics of Salvinorin A were assessed using MDCK-MDR1 cell monolayers. The P-glycoprotein (P-gp) affinity status was assessed by the P-gp ATPase assay. In vitro metabolism studies were performed with various specific human CYP450 isoforms and UGT2B7 to assess the metabolic characteristics of Salvinorin A. Cohorts (n = 3) of male Sprague Dawley rats were used to evaluate the pharmacokinetics and brain distribution of Salvinorin A (10 mg/kg, intraperitoneal (i.p.) over a 240-min period. A validated UV-HPLC and LC/MS/MS method was used to quantify the hallucinogen concentrations obtained from the in vitro and in vivo studies, respectively. Salvinorin A displayed a high secretory transport in the MDCK-MDR1 cells (4.07 ± 1.34 × 10⁻⁵ cm/s). Salvinorin A also stimulated the P-gp ATPase activity in a concentration (5 and 10 μM)-dependent manner, suggesting that it may be a substrate of (P-gp). A significant decrease in Salvinorin A concentration ranging from 14.7 ± 0.80% to 31.1 ± 1.20% was observed after incubation with CYP2D6, CYP1A1, CYP2C18, and CYP2E1, respectively. A significant decrease was also observed after incubation with UGT2B7. These results suggest that Salvinorin A maybe a substrate of UGT2B7, CYP2D6, CYP1A1, CYP2E1, and CYP2C18. The in vivo pharmacokinetic study showed a relatively fast elimination with a half-life (t_1/2) of 75 min and a clearance (Cl/F) of 26 L/h/kg. The distribution was extensive (Vd of 47.1 L/kg); however, the brain to plasma ratio was 0.050. Accordingly, the brain half-life was relatively short, 36 min. Salvinorin A is rapidly eliminated after i.p. dosing, in accordance with its fast onset and short duration of action. Further, it appears to be a substrate for various oxidative enzymes and multi-drug resistant protein, P-gp.     

Investigating the contribution of CYP2J2 to ritonavir metabolism in vitro and in vivo

Ritonavir, an HIV protease inhibitor, is successfully used for the prevention and treatment of HIV infections. Ritonavir pharmacokinetics are complicated by inhibition, induction and pharmacogenetics of cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes mediating its clearance. This investigation revealed that CYP2J2, along with CYP3A4/5 and CYP2D6, efficiently metabolizes ritonavir, and to a CYP2J2-specific (minor) metabolite. Chemical inhibition of ritonavir metabolism, clearance, K_I/k_inact and abundance of CYP2J2 in liver microsomes were evaluated and then applied to an in vitro–in vivo static scaling model to estimate the contribution of each isozyme, as a function of CYP abundance, activity, and genotype. Disposition of the CYP2J2-specific metabolite was also evaluated in vivo. In plasma, metabolite abundance was well above previously reported levels with circulating concentrations measured at 2 μM for the main hydroxylisopropyl metabolite. Ritonavir and metabolite plasma profiles were simulated using Simcyp^®. A modest (2–6%) contribution of CYP2J2 to ritonavir clearance is predicted which increases to more than 20% in subjects carrying CYP2D6 poor metabolizer polymorphisms and CYP3A4 irreversible inhibition. These results indicate that minor drug metabolizing enzymes could become quantitatively important in RTV clearance if main metabolic pathways are impeded.     

Pogostone inhibits the activity of CYP3A4, 2C9, and 2E1 in vitro

ContextPogostone possesses various pharmacological activities, which makes it widely used in the clinic. Its effect on the activity of cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYP450s) could guide its clinical combination.ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of pogostone on the activity of human CYP450s.Materials and methodsThe effect of pogostone on the activity of CYP450s was evaluated in human liver microsomes (HLMs) compared with blank HLMs (negative control) and specific inhibitors (positive control). The corresponding parameters were obtained with 0–100 μM pogostone and various concentrations of substrates.ResultsPogostone was found to inhibit the activity of CYP3A4, 2C9, and 2E1 with the IC₅₀ values of 11.41, 12.11, and 14.90 μM, respectively. The inhibition of CYP3A4 by pogostone was revealed to be performed in a non-competitive and time-dependent manner with the K_i value of 5.69 μM and the KI/K_inact value of 5.86/0.056/(μM/min). For the inhibition of CYP2C9 and 2E1, pogostone acted as a competitive inhibitor with the K_i value of 6.46 and 7.67 μM and was not affected by the incubation time.Discussion and conclusionsThe inhibitory effect of pogostone on the activity of CYP3A4, 2C9, and 2E1 has been disclosed in this study, implying the potential risk during the co-administration of pogostone and drugs metabolized by these CYP450s. The study design provides a reference for further in vivo investigations to validate the potential interaction.     

Metabolism of endosulfan-alpha by human liver microsomes and its utility as a simultaneous in vitro probe for CYP2B6 and CYP3A4.

Endosulfan-alpha is metabolized to a single metabolite, endosulfan sulfate, in pooled human liver microsomes (Km = 9.8 microM, Vmax = 178.5 pmol/mg/min). With the use of recombinant cytochrome P450 (P450) isoforms, we identified CYP2B6 (Km = 16.2 microM, Vmax = 11.4 nmol/nmol P450/min) and CYP3A4 (Km = 14.4 microM, Vmax = 1.3 nmol/nmol P450/min) as the primary enzymes catalyzing the metabolism of endosulfan-alpha, although CYP2B6 had an 8-fold higher intrinsic clearance rate (CL(int) = 0.70 microl/min/pmol P450) than CYP3A4 (CL(int) = 0.09 microl/min/pmol P450). Using 16 individual human liver microsomes (HLMs), a strong correlation was observed with endosulfan sulfate formation and S-mephenytoin N-demethylase activity of CYP2B6 (r(2) = 0.79), whereas a moderate correlation with testosterone 6 beta-hydroxylase activity of CYP3A4 (r(2) = 0.54) was observed. Ticlopidine (5 microM), a potent CYP2B6 inhibitor, and ketoconazole (10 microM), a selective CYP3A4 inhibitor, together inhibited approximately 90% of endosulfan-alpha metabolism in HLMs. Using six HLM samples, the percentage total normalized rate (% TNR) was calculated to estimate the contribution of each P450 in the total metabolism of endosulfan-alpha. In five of the six HLMs used, the percentage inhibition with ticlopidine and ketoconazole in the same incubation correlated with the combined % TNRs for CYP2B6 and CYP3A4. This study shows that endosulfan-alpha is metabolized by HLMs to a single metabolite, endosulfan sulfate, and that it has potential use, in combination with inhibitors, as an in vitro probe for CYP2B6 and 3A4 catalytic activities.     

Identification of the human cytochrome P450s responsible for the in vitro metabolism of a leukotriene B4 receptor antagonist,CP-195,543

1.?The major human cytochrome P450 (CYP) form(s) responsible for the metabolism of CP-195,543, a potent leukotriene B4 antagonist, were investigated.

2.?Incubation of CP-195,543 with human liver microsomes resulted in the formation of three major metabolites, M1–3. M1 and M2 were diastereoisomers and formed by oxidation on the benzylic position. M3 was formed by aromatic oxidation of the benzyl group attached to the 3-position of the benzopyran ring.

3.?The results from experiments with recombinant CYPs, correlation studies and inhibition studies with form-selective inhibitors and a CYP3A antibody strongly suggest that the CYP3A4 plays a major role in the metabolism of CP-195,543. Recombinant CYP3A5 did not metabolize CP-195,543.

4.?The apparent K_m and V_max for the formation of M1–3 in human liver microsomes were determined as 36?μM and 4.1?pmol?min^?1?pmol^?1 P450, 44?μM and 10?pmol?min^?1?pmol^?1 P450, and 34?μM and 2.0?pmol?min^?1?pmol^?1 P450, respectively. The average in vitro intrinsic clearance for M2 was the highest both in human liver microsomes and recombinant CYP3A4 compared with M1 and M3. Intrinsic clearance for M2 in human liver microsomes and recombinant CYP3A4 was 0.231 and 0.736 ml?min^?1?pmol^?1 P450, respectively. The intrinsic clearances for M1 and M3 in human liver microsomes and CYP3A4 were 0.114 and 0.060 and 0.197 and 0.088 ml?min^?1?pmol^?1 P450, respectively. This suggests that benzylic oxidation is the predominant phase I metabolic pathway of CP-195,543 in man.     

Metabolism of sirolimus in the presence or absence of cyclosporine by genotyped human liver microsomes and recombinant cytochromes P450 3A4 and 3A5.

Sirolimus is an immunosuppressive drug currently used alone or in combination with cyclosporine. Both drugs undergo extensive metabolism by the CYP 3A enzymes. This study aimed at comparing the activity of recombinant CYP (rCYP) 3A4 and 3A5 toward sirolimus, investigating the effect of cyclosporine on the metabolic rate of these two cytochromes P450 (P450s), as well as the impact of the CYP 3A5*3 polymorphism on that of human liver microsomes (HLMs). Two distinct approaches were used; i.e., the measurement of (1) hydroxy-sirolimus and desmethyl-sirolimus production, and (2) sirolimus depletion by the in vitro half-life method. rCYP 3A5 exhibited a lower intrinsic clearance (CL(int)) for both hydroxylation (0.11 versus 0.24 microl/pmol P450/min) and depletion of sirolimus (0.64 versus 2.36 microl/pmol P450/min) than rCYP 3A4. Similar CL(int) values for hydroxylation, demethylation, and depletion were found when comparing a pool of HLMs carrying at least one CYP 3A5*1 (active) allele with a pool of HLMs not expressing CYP 3A5. This was further confirmed for sirolimus depletion using individual microsome preparations (p = 0.42). A deeper inhibitory effect of cyclosporine on the CL(int) of sirolimus depletion was found for rCYP 3A4 than for rCYP 3A5 (i.e., -44% versus -8% at 0.62 microM, 750 microg/l cyclosporine), and sirolimus metabolism was slightly less inhibited for HLMs expressing CYP 3A5 than not (-38% versus -56%). In the absence of cyclosporine, the CYP 3A5*3 polymorphism may not influence significantly sirolimus metabolism at the hepatic level. However, strong CYP 3A4 inhibition by cyclosporine could unveil the influence of this polymorphism.     

Bergamottin is a competitive inhibitor of CYP1A1 and is antimutagenic in the Ames test

Grapefruit juice (GJ) is a well known Cytochrome P450 (CYP) inhibitor; CYP3A is one of the most affected subfamily leading to anticarcinogenic and antimutagenic effects when GJ is administered to experimental animals in combination with mutagenic/carcinogenic agents metabolized by CYP3A. Bergamottin, naringin and dihydroxybergamottin are three main constituents contained within GJ and their inhibitory effect against CYP3A4 has been well documented. Reports suggest that CYP3A is not the only one affected but CYP1A and 2B are also affected by GJ. To explore this last possibility in depth we tested the in vitro capacity of bergamottin, naringin and dihydroxybergamottin to inhibit the activity of CYP1A and 2B subfamilies and found that bergamottin showed the strongest inhibitory effect and naringin showed no inhibition at all. Therefore, we decided to biochemically characterize the inhibitory properties of bergamottin. CYP1A1 Supersome® used in this study showed a Km_app = 0.0723 μM and a Vm_app = 6.141 μU/pmol with substrate ethoxyresorufin, and the biochemical characterization of bergamottin CYP1A1 inhibitory effect revealed that it is a competitive inhibitor with a Ki = 10.703 nM. We also confirmed the antimutagenicity of this compound against the mutagenic effect of 3-methylcholanthrene and benzo[a]pyrene in the Ames test.     

Identification of cytochrome P450 isoforms involved in the metabolism of loperamide in human liver microsomes

Objective: The purpose of the present study was to elucidate the cytochrome P450 (P450) isoform(s) involved in the metabolism of loperamide (LOP) to N-demethylated LOP (DLOP) in human liver microsomes. Methods: Three established approaches were used to identify the P450 isoforms responsible for LOP N-demethylation using human liver microsomes and cDNA-expressed P450 isoforms: (1) correlation of LOP N-demethylation activity with marker P450 activities in a panel of human liver microsomes, (2) inhibition of enzyme activity by P450-selective inhibitors, and (3) measurement of DLOP formation by cDNA-expressed P450 isoforms. The relative contribution of P450 isoforms involved in LOP N-demethylation in human liver microsomes were estimated by applying relative activity factor (RAF) values. Results: The formation rate of DLOP showed biphasic kinetics, suggesting the involvement of multiple P450 isoforms. Apparent K_m and V_max values were 21.1 M and 122.3 pmol/min per milligram of protein for the high-affinity component and 83.9 M and 412.0 pmol/min per milligram of protein for the low-affinity component, respectively. Of the cDNA-expressed P450 s tested, CYP2B6, CYP2C8, CYP2D6, and CYP3A4 catalyzed LOP N-demethylation. LOP N-demethylation was significantly inhibited when coincubated with quercetin (a CYP2C8 inhibitor) and ketoconazole (a CYP3A4 inhibitor) by 40 and 90%, respectively, but other chemical inhibitors tested showed weak or no significant inhibition. DLOP formation was highly correlated with CYP3A4-catalyzed midazolam 1-hydroxylation (r_s=0.829; P<0.01), CYP2B6-catalzyed 7-ethoxy-4-trifluoromethylcoumarin O-deethylation (r_s=0.691; P<0.05), and CYP2C8-catalyzed paclitaxel 6-hydroxylation (r_s=0.797; P<0.05). Conclusion: CYP2B6, CYP2C8, CYP2D6, and CYP3A4 catalyze LOP N-demethylation in human liver microsomes, and among them, CYP2C8 and CYP3A4 may play a crucial role in LOP metabolism at the therapeutic concentrations of LOP. Coadministration of these P450 inhibitors may cause drug interactions with LOP. However, the clinical significance of potential interaction of LOP metabolism by CYP2C8 and CYP3A4 inhibitors should be studied further.     

Characterization of major phytocannabinoids, cannabidiol and cannabinol, as isoform-selective and potent inhibitors of human CYP1 enzymes

Inhibitory effects of Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ⁹-THC), cannabidiol (CBD), and cannabinol (CBN), the three major constituents in marijuana, on catalytic activities of human cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1 enzymes were investigated. These cannabinoids inhibited 7-ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase activity of recombinant CYP1A1, CYP1A2, and CYP1B1 in a competitive manner. CBD most potently inhibited the CYP1A1 activity; the apparent K_i value (0.155 μM) was at least one-seventeenth of the values for other CYP1 isoforms. On the other hand, CBN more effectively decreased the activity of CYP1A2 and CYP1B1 (K_i = 0.0790 and 0.148 μM, respectively) compared with CYP1A1 (K_i = 0.541 μM). Δ⁹-THC less potently inhibited the CYP1 activity than CBD and CBN, and showed low selectivity against the CYP1 inhibition (K_i = 2.47-7.54 μM). The preincubation of CBD resulted in a time- and concentration-dependent decrease in catalytic activity of all the recombinant CYP1 enzymes and human liver microsomes. Similarly, the preincubation of Δ⁹-THC or CBN caused a time- and concentration-dependent inhibition of recombinant CYP1A1. The inactivation of CYP1A1 by CBD indicated the highest k_inact/K_I value (540 l/mmol/min) among the CYP1 enzyme sources tested. The inactivation of recombinant CYP1A1 and human liver microsomes by CBD required NADPH, was not influenced by dialysis and by glutathione, N-acetylcysteine, and superoxide dismutase as trapping agents. These results indicated that CBD and CBN showed CYP1 isoform-selective direct inhibition and that CBD was characterized as a potent mechanism-based inhibitor of human CYP1 enzymes, especially CYP1A1.     

Thiomers: Inhibition of cytochrome P450 activity

The aim of the present study was to investigate the potential of different thiolated polymers (thiomers) on the catalytic activity of CYP450s on one hand and to explore new inhibitors for CYP activity on the other hand. Several thiolated polymers including poly(acrylic acid)-cysteine (PAA-cysteine), chitosan-thioglycolic acid (chitosan-TGA), and thiolated PEG-g-PEI copolymer along with brij® 35, myrj® 52 and the well-established CYPP450 inhibitor verapamil were screened for their CYP3A4 and CYP2A6 inhibitory activity, and their IC₅₀ values were determined. Both enzyme inhibition assays were performed in 96-well microtiter plates. 7-Benzyloxy-4-(trifluoromethyl)-coumarin (BFC) and 7-hydroxycoumarin (7-HC) were used as fluorescent substrates in order to determine CYP3A4 and CYP2A6 catalytic activity, respectively. All investigated compounds inhibited CYP3A4 as well as CYP2A6 activity. All tested (thiolated) polymers were found to be more potent inhibitors of CYP3A4 than of CYP2A6 catalytic activity. Apart from verapamil that is a known CYP3A4 inhibitor, brij® 35 and myrj® 52 were explored as potent inhibitors of CYP3A4 and CYP2A6 catalytic activity. Among the tested polymers, the rank order for CYP3A4 inhibition was PAA-cysteine (100 kDa) > brij® 35 > thiolated PEG-g-PEI copolymer (16 kDa) > myrj® 52 > PAA (100 kDa) > PAA-cysteine (450 kDa) > verapamil > PAA (450 kDa) > chitosan-TGA (150 kDa) > chitosan (150 kDa). On the other hand, the rank order of CYP2A6 inhibition was brij® 35 > PAA-cysteine (100 kDa) > chitosan-TGA (150 kDa) > PAA (100 kDa) > thiolated PEG-g-PEI copolymer (16 kDa) > PAA-cysteine (450 kDa) > chitosan (150 kDa) > verapamil > PAA (450 kDa) > myrj® 52. Thus, this study suggests that (thiolated) polymers display a promising potential to inhibit cytochrome P450s activity and might turn out to be potentially valuable tools for improving the oral bioavailability of actively secreted compounds by avoiding intestinal metabolism.     

Celecoxib is a substrate of CYP2D6: Impact on celecoxib metabolism in individuals with CYP2C9*3 variants

Celecoxib was characterized as a substrate of human cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2D6 in vitro. In recombinant CYP2D6, celecoxib hydroxylation showed atypical substrate inhibition kinetics with apparent K_m, K_i, and V_max of 67.2 μM, 12.6 μM, and 1.33 μM/min, respectively. In human liver microsomes (HLMs), a concentration-dependent inhibition of celecoxib hydroxylation by quinidine was observed after CYP2C9 and CYP3A4 were inhibited. In individual HLMs with variable CYP2D6 activities, a significant correlation was observed between celecoxib hydroxylation and CYP2D6-selective dextromethorphan O-demethylation when CYP2C9 and CYP3A4 activities were suppressed (r = 0.97, P < 0.0001). Molecular modeling showed two predominant docking modes of celecoxib with CYP2D6, resulting in either a substrate or an inhibitor. A second allosteric binding antechamber, which stabilized the inhibition mode, was revealed. Modeling results were consistent with the observed substrate inhibition kinetics. Using HLMs from individual donors, the relative contribution of CYP2D6 to celecoxib metabolism was found to be highly variable and dependent on CYP2C9 genotypes, ranging from no contribution in extensive metabolizers with CYP2C9*1*1 genotype to approximately 30% in slow metabolizers with allelic variants CYP2C9*1*3 and CYP2C9*3*3. These results demonstrate that celecoxib may become a potential victim of CYP2D6-associated drug-drug interactions, particularly in individuals with reduced CYP2C9 activity.