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 microM and 4.1 pmol min(-1) pmol(-1) P450, 44 microM and 10 pmol min(-1) pmol(-1) P450, and 34 microM 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.     

Identification of the human cytochrome P450 enzymes involved in the in vitro metabolism of artemisinin

AIMS: The study aimed to identify the specific human cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzymes involved in the metabolism of artemisinin. METHODS: Microsomes from human B-lymphoblastoid cell lines transformed with individual CYP450 cDNAs were investigated for their capacity to metabolize artemisinin. The effect on artemisinin metabolism in human liver microsomes by chemical inhibitors selective for individual forms of CYP450 was investigated. The relative contribution of individual CYP450 isoenzymes to artemisinin metabolism in human liver microsomes was evaluated with a tree-based regression model of artemisinin disappearance rate and specific CYP450 activities. RESULTS: The involvement of CYP2B6 in artemisinin metabolism was demonstrated by metabolism of artemisinin by recombinant CYP2B6, inhibition of artemisinin disappearance in human liver microsomes by orphenadrine (76%) and primary inclusion of CYP2B6 in the tree-based regression model. Recombinant CYP3A4 was catalytically competent in metabolizing artemisinin, although the rate was 10% of that for recombinant CYP2B6. The tree-based regression model suggested CYP3A4 to be of importance in individuals with low CYP2B6 expression. Even though ketoconazole inhibited artemisinin metabolism in human liver microsomes by 46%, incubation with ketoconazole together with orphenadrine did not increase the inhibition of artemisinin metabolism compared to orphenadrine alone. Troleandomycin failed to inhibit artemisinin metabolism. The rate of artemisinin metabolism in recombinant CYP2A6 was 15% of that for recombinant CYP2B6. The inhibition of artemisinin metabolism in human liver microsomes by 8-methoxypsoralen (a CYP2A6 inhibitor) was 82% but CYP2A6 activity was not included in the regression tree. CONCLUSIONS: Artemisinin metabolism in human liver microsomes is mediated primarily by CYP2B6 with probable secondary contribution of CYP3A4 in individuals with low CYP2B6 expression. The contribution of CYP2A6 to artemisinin metabolism is likely of minor importance.     

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.     

Terfenadine metabolism of human cytochrome P450 2J2 containing genetic variations (G312R,P351L and P115L)

The human cytochrome P450 2J2 is involved in several metabolic reactions, including the oxidation of important therapeutics and epoxidation of endogenous arachidonic acid. At least ten genetic variations of P450 2J2 have been identified, but their effects on enzymatic activity have not been clearly characterized. Here, we evaluated the functional effects of three genetic variations of P450 2J2 (G312R, P351L, and P115L). Recombinant enzymes of wild-type and three variant P450 2J2 were heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli and purified. P450 expression levels in the wild-type and two variants (P351L and P115L) were 142–231 nmol per liter culture, while the G312R variant showed no holoenzyme peak in the CO-binding spectra. Substrate binding titrations to terfenadine showed that the wild-type and two variants displayed K_d values of 0.90–2.2 μM, indicating tight substrate binding affinities. Steady-state kinetic analysis for t-butyl methyl hydroxylation of terfenadine indicated that two variant enzymes had similar k_cat and K_m values to wild-type P450 2J2. The locations of mutations in three-dimensional structural models indicated that the G312R is located in the I-helix region near the formal active site in P450 2J2 and its amino acid change affected the structural stability of the P450 heme environment.     

体外研究人细胞色素P450在雌二醇代谢中的作用(英文)

目的:研究雌二醇在cDNA表达的P450和人肝微粒体中的代谢机制,为在体内研究细胞色素P450活性与肿瘤发生的关系提供依据。方法:用HPLC-ECD法测定雌二醇的代谢产物。通过雌二醇在不同cDNA表达的P450中代谢,13例人肝微粒体中相关性研究,抑制剂对代谢的影响以及微粒体中17β-羟基脱氢化和2-羟基化代谢的催化动力学的研究来推断雌二醇的代谢机理。结果:在cDNA表达的P450中,催化2-羟基化代谢的P450按活性排列依次为CYP1A2、CYP3A4、CYP2C9。CYP2C9、CYP2C19和CYP2C8均具有较高的催化17β-羟基脱氢化活性。抑制CYP1A2与抑制CYP3A4对2-羟基化代谢产物生成的影响相似,可认为CYP1A2和CYP3A4在人肝微粒体中催化2-羟基化代谢的作用相近。雌二醇代谢的途径与底物浓度有关,低浓度时(1,10μmol/L)17β-羟基脱氢化为主要代谢途径;高浓度时(100μmol/L),2-羟基化成为主要代谢途径。结论:高底物浓度时,雌二醇主要由CYP1A2和CYP3A4催化代谢为2-羟基化产物。低底物浓度时,主要由CYP2C9、CYP2C19和CYP2C8催化生成17β-羟基去氢化产物。     

Interaction of dexloxiglumide, a cholecystokinin type-1 receptor antagonist, with human cytochromes P450

Dexloxiglumide (DEX) is a cholecystokinin type-1 receptor antagonist under development for the treatment of constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome. Studies of the potential interaction of DEX with human cytochromes P450 (CYPs) were conducted in vitro. DEX (300 micro M), both with and without a 15-min pre-incubation, was incubated with pooled human liver microsomes and substrates selective for each of eight CYPs. This resulted in >30% inhibition of tolbutamide 4-methyl-hydroxylase (CYP2C9/10) and lauric acid 11-hydroxylase (CYP2E1) activities. Mean K(i) (SD) for CYP2C9/10 and CYP2E1 were 69.0 (24.3) and 426 (60) microM, respectively. Incubations of [(14)C]DEX with pooled human liver microsomes produced one major phase I metabolic fraction, with V(max)=131 pmol/min/mg protein and K(m)=23.7 microM. Further incubations with (i) liver microsomes from 16 individual donors (correlation analysis), (ii) Supersomes trade mark and (iii) selective chemical inhibitors, implicated CYP3A4/5, CYP2B6 and CYP2C9 in the formation of this component. Thus, DEX interacts with CYP2C9 both as inhibitor (K(i)=69.0 microM) and as substrate in vitro. However, based on the maximum concentration (27 microM) after repeated oral doses of 200 mg t.i.d. and the unbound fraction (0.03) of DEX in human plasma, no clinically relevant metabolic interactions with other CYP substrates are predicted.     

Characterization of cytochrome P450s mediating ipriflavone metabolism in human liver microsomes

Ipriflavone, a synthetic flavonoid for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis, has been reported to be extensively metabolized in man to seven metabolites (M1–M7). This study was performed to characterize the human liver cytochrome P450s (CYP) responsible for the metabolism of ipriflavone. Hydroxylation at the β-ring to M3, O-dealkylation to M1 and oxidation at isopropyl group to M4 and M5 are major pathways for ipriflavone metabolism in three different human liver microsome preparations. The specific CYPs responsible for ipriflavone oxidation to the active metabolites, M1, M3, M4 and M5 were identified using a combination of correlation analysis, immuno-inhibition, chemical inhibition in human liver microsomes and metabolism by expressed recombinant CYP enzymes. The inhibitory potencies of ipriflavone and its five metabolites, M1–M5 on seven clinically important CYPs were investigated in human liver microsomes. Our results demonstrate that CYP3A4 plays the major role in O-dealkylation of ipriflavone to M1 and CYP1A2 plays a dominant role in the formation of M3, M4 and M5. Ipriflavone and/or its five metabolites were found to inhibit potently the metabolism of CYPs 1A2, 2C8, 2C9 and 2C19 substrates.     

In vitro metabolism of nobiletin,a polymethoxy-flavonoid,by human liver microsomes and cytochrome P450

1. Cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYPs) in the liver metabolize drugs prior to excretion, with different enzymes acting at different molecular motifs. At present, the human CYPs responsible for the metabolism of the flavonoid, nobiletin (NBL), are unidentified. We investigated which enzymes were involved using human liver microsomes and 12 cDNA-expressed human CYPs.

2. Human liver microsomes metabolized NBL to three mono-demethylated metabolites (4′-OH-, 7-OH- and 6-OH-NBL) with a relative ratio of 1:4.1:0.5, respectively, by aerobic incubation with nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH). Of 12 human CYPs, CYP1A1, CYP1A2 and CYP1B1 showed high activity for the formation of 4′-OH-NBL. CYP3A4 catalyzed the formation of 7-OH-NBL with the highest activity and of 6-OH-NBL with lower activity. CYP3A5 also catalyzed the formation of both metabolites but considerably more slowly than CYP3A4. In contrast, seven CYPs (CYP2A6, CYP2B6, CYP2C8, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6 and CYP2E1) were inactive for NBL.

3. Both ketoconazole and troleandomycin (CYP3A inhibitors) almost completely inhibited the formation of 7-OH- and 6-OH-NBL. Similarly, α-naphthoflavone (CYP1A1 inhibitor) and furafylline (CYP1A2 inhibitor) significantly decreased the formation of 4′-OH-NBL.

4. These results suggest that CYP1A2 and CYP3A4 are the key enzymes in human liver mediating the oxidative demethylation of NBL in the B-ring and A-ring, respectively.

     

Involvement of multiple human cytochromes P450 in the liver microsomal metabolism of astemizole and a comparison with terfenadine

AIMS: The aims of the present study were to investigate the metabolism of astemizole in human liver microsomes, to assess possible pharmacokinetic drug-interactions with astemizole and to compare its metabolism with terfenadine, a typical H1 receptor antagonist known to be metabolized predominantly by CYP3A4. METHODS: Astemizole or terfenadine were incubated with human liver microsomes or recombinant cytochromes P450 in the absence or presence of chemical inhibitors and antibodies. RESULTS: Troleandomycin, a CYP3A4 inhibitor, markedly reduced the oxidation of terfenadine (26% of controls) in human liver microsomes, but showed only a marginal inhibition on the oxidation of astemizole (81% of controls). Three metabolites of astemizole were detected in a liver microsomal system, i.e. desmethylastemizole (DES-AST), 6-hydroxyastemizole (6OH-AST) and norastemizole (NOR-AST) at the ratio of 7.4 : 2.8 : 1. Experiments with recombinant P450s and antibodies indicate a negligible role for CYP3A4 on the main metabolic route of astemizole, i.e. formation of DES-AST, although CYP3A4 may mediate the relatively minor metabolic routes to 6OH-AST and NOR-AST. Recombinant CYP2D6 catalysed the formation of 6OH-AST and DES-AST. Studies with human liver microsomes, however, suggest a major role for a mono P450 in DES-AST formation. CONCLUSIONS: In contrast to terfenadine, a minor role for CYP3A4 and involvement of multiple P450 isozymes are suggested in the metabolism of astemizole. These differences in P450 isozymes involved in the metabolism of astemizole and terfenadine may associate with distinct pharmacokinetic influences observed with coadministration of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.     

Identification of human liver cytochrome P450 enzymes involved in the metabolism of SCH 351125, a CCR5 antagonist

The identification and relative contribution of human cytochrome P450 enzyme(s) involved in the metabolism of SCH 351125 were investigated. In human liver microsomes, O-deethylation was the major metabolic pathway, whereas aromatization of a piperidine ring to pyridine and the reduction of the N-oxide moiety were minor routes. Recombinant human CYP3A4 and CYP2C9 both exhibited catalytic activity with respect to the formation of rotameric O-deethylated metabolites (M12, M13), the metabolites resulting from aromatization (M22/M24) and N-oxide reduction (M31). Using the relative activity factor (RAF) approach, the relative contributions of CYP3A4 and CYP2C9 to M13 formation were estimated to be 76 and 24%, respectively. There was a high correlation (r?>?0.96) between the rate of formation of M12 and M13 and 6β-hydroxylation of testosterone catalysed by CYP3A4/5. Ketoconazole (2?µM) and CYP3A4/5-specific inhibitory monoclonal antibody inhibited the formation of M12 and M13 from human liver microsomes by approximately 60 and 71%, respectively. The results demonstrate that the in vitro metabolism of SCH 351125 is mediated primarily via CYP3A4 and that CYP2C9 plays a minor role. Clinical study designs should encompass these enzymology data to address any potential drug interactions.     

Identification of the human P450 enzymes involved in the in vitro metabolism of the synthetic steroidal hormones Org 4060 and Org 30659

1. The type of human P450 enzymes involved in the in vitro metabolism of Org 4060 and Org 30659, two synthetic steroidal hormones currently under clinical development by NV Organon for use in oral contraceptive and hormone replacement therapy, was investigated. 2. Both steroids were mainly hydroxylated at the 6 β -position in incubations with human liver microsomes. 3. The results from experiments with supersomes, correlation studies as well as inhibition studies with ketoconazole, a selective inhibitor of CYP3A, strongly suggest that the CYP3A family plays a significant role in the 6 β -hydroxylation of both steroids. 4. Measurements of kinetic parameters of P450 enzymes that could metabolize both steroids, combined with the fact that CYP3A4 is known to be the most abundant P450 enzyme in the human liver, indicate that CYP3A4 will be of major importance for the in vivo human metabolism of Org 4060 and Org 30659.     

Metabolism of CP-195,543, a leukotriene B4 receptor antagonist,in the Long-Evans rat and Cynomolgus monkey

1. The fate of [¹⁴C]CP-195,543, a novel leukotriene B4 receptor antagonist, was studied following oral administration to the Long-Evans rat and Cynomolgus monkey. 2. Most of the radioactivity was primarily excreted in the faeces, and urine was a minor route of excretion. 3. CP-195,543 was extensively metabolized in the two species, primarily by two metabolic pathways: glucuronidation of unchanged CP-195,543 and oxidative metabolism, presumably by cytochrome P450. 4. The sites of glucuronidation were the carboxylic acid moiety and the hydroxy group. The ester glucuronide was the predominant glucuronide conjugate detected in the rat, whereas the monkey generated the ether as well as the ester glucuronide. 5. The structures of oxidative metabolites were elucidated using mass spectrometry (in the positive- and negative-ion mode) and ¹H-NMR. The sites of hydroxylation were the benzylic group and the 3-position of the benzopyran ring. 6. This study has indicated that CP-195,543 was mainly eliminated by Phase II metabolism in both species.     

Metabolism of CP-195,543, a leukotriene B4 receptor antagonist, in the Long-Evans rat and Cynomolgus monkey

1. The fate of [14C]CP-195,543, a novel leukotriene B4 receptor antagonist, was studied following oral administration to the Long-Evans rat and Cynomolgus monkey. 2. Most of the radioactivity was primarily excreted in the faeces, and urine was a minor route of excretion. 3. CP-195,543 was extensively metabolized in the two species, primarily by two metabolic pathways: glucuronidation of unchanged CP-195,543 and oxidative metabolism, presumably by cytochrome P450. 4. The sites of glucuronidation were the carboxylic acid moiety and the hydroxy group. The ester glucuronide was the predominant glucuronide conjugate detected in the rat, whereas the monkey generated the ether as well as the ester glucuronide. 5. The structures of oxidative metabolites were elucidated using mass spectrometry (in the positive- and negative-ion mode) and 1H-NMR. The sites of hydroxylation were the benzylic group and the 3-position of the benzopyran ring. 6. This study has indicated that CP-195,543 was mainly eliminated by Phase II metabolism in both species.     

Cytochrome P450 reductase dependent inhibition of cytochrome P450 2B1 activity: Implications for gene directed enzyme prodrug therapy

Cytochrome P450 (P450) enzymes are often used in suicide gene cancer therapy strategies to convert an inactive prodrug into its therapeutic active metabolites. However, P450 activity is dependent on electrons supplied by cytochrome P450 reductase (CPR). Since endogenous CPR activity may not be sufficient for optimal P450 activity, the overexpression of additional CPR has been considered to be a valuable approach in gene directed enzyme prodrug therapy (GDEPT). We have analysed a set of cell lines for the effects of CPR on cytochrome P450 isoform 2B1 (CYP2B1) activity. CPR transfected human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK293) cells showed both strong CPR expression in Western blot analysis and 30-fold higher activity in cytochrome c assays as compared to parental HEK293 cells. In contrast, resorufin and 4-hydroxy-ifosfamide assays revealed that CYP2B1 activity was up to 10-fold reduced in CPR/CYP2B1 cotransfected HEK293 cells as compared to cells transfected with the CYP2B1 expression plasmid alone. Determination of ifosfamide-mediated effects on cell viability allowed independent confirmation of the reduction in CYP2B1 activity upon CPR coexpression. Inhibition of CYP2B1 activity by CPR was also observed in CYP2B1/CPR transfected or infected pancreatic tumour cell lines Panc-1 and Pan02, the human breast tumour cell line T47D and the murine embryo fibroblast cell line NIH3T3. A CPR mediated increase in CYP2B1 activity was only observed in the human breast tumour cell line Hs578T. Thus, our data reveal an effect of CPR on CYP2B1 activity dependent on the cell type used and therefore demand a careful evaluation of the therapeutic benefit of combining cytochrome P450 and CPR in respective in vivo models in each individual target tissue to be treated.     

Characterization of the metabolism of fenretinide by human liver microsomes, cytochrome P450 enzymes and UDP-glucuronosyltransferases

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Fenretinide (4-HPR) is a retinoic acid analogue, currently used in clinical trials in oncology. Metabolism of 4-HPR is of particular interest due to production of the active metabolite 4′-oxo 4-HPR and the clinical challenge of obtaining consistent 4-HPR plasma concentrations in patients. Here, we assessed the enzymes involved in various 4-HPR metabolic pathways.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Enzymes involved in 4-HPR metabolism were characterized using human liver microsomes (HLM), supersomes over-expressing individual human cytochrome P450s (CYPs), uridine 5′-diphospho-glucoronosyl transferases (UGTs) and CYP2C8 variants expressed in Escherichia coli. Samples were analysed by high-performance liquid chromatography and liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry assays and kinetic parameters for metabolite formation determined. Incubations were also carried out with inhibitors of CYPs and methylation enzymes.

KEY RESULTS

HLM were found to predominantly produce 4′-oxo 4-HPR, with an additional polar metabolite, 4′-hydroxy 4-HPR (4′-OH 4-HPR), produced by individual CYPs. CYPs 2C8, 3A4 and 3A5 were found to metabolize 4-HPR, with metabolite formation prevented by inhibitors of CYP3A4 and CYP2C8. Differences in metabolism to 4′-OH 4-HPR were observed with 2C8 variants, CYP2C8*4 exhibited a significantly lower V_max value compared with *1. Conversely, a significantly higher V_max value for CYP2C8*4 versus *1 was observed in terms of 4′-oxo formation. In terms of 4-HPR glucuronidation, UGTs 1A1, 1A3 and 1A6 produced the 4-HPR glucuronide metabolite.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

The enzymes involved in 4-HPR metabolism have been characterized. The CYP2C8 isoform was found to have a significant effect on oxidative metabolism and may be of clinical relevance.     

己烯雌酚对人肝微粒体内CYP3A4和CYP2C9酶的抑制作用

目的:体外实验考察己烯雌酚(DES)对细胞色素P450 3A4(CYP3A4)和细胞色素P450 2C9(CYP2C9)活性的抑制作用,以评佑DES通过抑制这两个重要的细胞色素P450(CYP)亚型而引发药物-药物相互作用的可能性.方法:混合人肝微粒体与不同浓度的DES(或阳性抑制剂),CYP3A4或CYP2C9的探针...     

Identification of cytochrome P450 enzymes responsible for N -dealkylation of a new oral erectogenic,mirodenafil

The purpose of this paper is to characterize the cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes involved in the metabolism of a new oral erectogenic, mirodenafil, to a major circulating active metabolite, N-dehydroxyethyl-mirodenafil, and to investigate the inhibitory potential of mirodenafil on seven CYP enzymes in human liver microsomes. CYP3A4 was identified as the major enzyme and CYP2C8 as a minor enzyme responsible for mirodenafil N-dealkylation based on correlation analysis, inhibition studies, and cDNA-expressed CYP enzyme activities. Plasma concentrations of mirodenafil and its N-dealkylated metabolite could therefore change with co-administration of known CYP3A4 inducers or inhibitors. Mirodenafil inhibited CYP3A4, CYP2C19 and CYP2D6 activities with IC₅₀ values of 15.6, 38.2 and 77.0 µM, respectively, in human liver microsomes. However, it is very unlikely that mirodenafil will significantly alter the clearance of other compounds metabolized by CYPs 1A2, 2A6, 2C8, 2C9, 2C19, 2D6 and 3A4 because the maximum plasma concentration of mirodenafil is 0.55 µM after oral dosing of mirodenafil (100 mg) in male volunteers.     

Cytochrome P450 isoform selectivity in human hepatic theobromine metabolism

AIMS: The plasma clearance of theobromine (TB; 3,7-dimethylxanthine) is known to be induced in cigarette smokers. To determine whether TB may serve as a model substrate for cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A2, or possibly other isoforms, studies were undertaken to identify the individual human liver microsomal CYP isoforms responsible for the conversion of TB to its primary metabolites. METHODS: The kinetics of formation of the primary TB metabolites 3-methylxanthine (3-MX), 7-methylxanthine (7-MX) and 3,7-dimethyluric acid (3,7-DMU) by human liver microsomes were characterized using a specific hplc procedure. Effects of CYP isoform-selective xenobiotic inhibitor/substrate probes on each pathway were determined and confirmatory studies with recombinant enzymes were performed to define the contribution of individual isoforms to 3-MX, 7-MX and 3,7-DMU formation. RESULTS: The CYP1A2 inhibitor furafylline variably inhibited (0-65%) 7-MX formation, but had no effect on other pathways. Diethyldithiocarbamate and 4-nitrophenol, probes for CYP2E1, inhibited the formation of 3-MX, 7-MX and 3,7-DMU by approximately 55-60%, 35-55% and 85%, respectively. Consistent with the microsomal studies, recombinant CYP1A2 and CYP2E1 exhibited similar apparent Km values for 7-MX formation and CYP2E1 was further shown to have the capacity to convert TB to both 3-MX and 3,7-DMU. CONCLUSIONS: Given the contribution of multiple isoforms to 3-MX and 7-MX formation and the negligible formation of 3,7-DMU in vivo, TB is of little value as a CYP isoform-selective substrate in humans.