Effect of aflatoxin B1 on nuclear receptors PXR, CAR, and AhR and their target cytochromes P450 mRNA expression in primary cultures of human hepatocytes

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), one of the most common mycotoxins found in human foods and animal feed, is principally hepatotoxic and hepatocarcinogenic. The aim of the present study was to explore the effect of AFB1 on messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of pregnane X receptor (PXR), constitutive androstane receptor (CAR), and aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) and some of their target cytochromes using primary cultures of human hepatocytes. Our results showed that AFB1, at noncytotoxic increasing concentrations, caused a significant upregulation of cytochrome P 2B6 (CYP2B6), CYP3A5, and to a lesser extent CYP3A4 and CYP2C9. Pregnane X receptor and CAR mRNA expression increased in the 3 treated livers. Aflatoxin B1 was found also to induce an overexpression of CYP1A1 and CYP1A2 genes accompanied by an increase in AhR mRNA expression. These findings suggest that AFB1 could activate PXR, CAR, and AhR; however, further investigations are needed to confirm nuclear receptor activation by AFB1.     

Effects of intrauterine undernutrition on the expression of CYP3A23/3A1, PXR,CAR and HNF4α in neonate rats

Cytochrome P‐450 3A (CYP3A) together with its nuclear receptors plays a critical role in drug metabolism. The present study investigated the effects of undernutrition in utero on hepatic mRNA and protein expression of the enzyme CYP3A23/3A1 and nuclear receptors including pregnane X receptor (PXR; NR1I2), constitutive androstane receptor (CAR; NR1I3) and nuclear factor‐4alpha (HNF4α; HNF4A) in neonatal rats. At gestational day 2, pregnant rats were randomly divided into two groups: nourished (fed ad libitum) and undernourished (50% of nourished group). The pups delivered by nourished rats were designated as the normal‐birth‐weight group (NBW, n=15) and those delivered by undernourished rats were designated as the low‐birth‐weight group (LBW, n=15). Hepatic mRNA expression was detected by quantitative real‐time PCR and the corresponding protein expression was examined by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Compared with NBW pups, LBW pups tended to have lower mRNA expression levels of CYP3A23/3A1, PXR and CAR but higher levels of HNF4α. Only the CAR mRNA expression differences were significant (p<0.05). mRNA expression of CYP3A23/3A1 correlated with that of HNF4α in both the LBW(r=0.808, p=0.007) and NBW (r=0.452, p=0.012) groups. CYP3A23/3A1 and CAR protein expression differed between the two groups (CYP3A23/3A1, χ²=7.87, p=0.005; CAR, χ²=12.069, p=0.001). In conclusion, these findings suggest that undernutrition may influence the mRNA expression of CAR and protein expression of both CYP3A23/3A1 and CAR in neonatal rats. Since CYP3A23/3A1 and CAR are critically involved in drug metabolism, these results may have clinical implications for optimal medication in LBW children. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Expression of CYP3A4 and CYP3A7 in Human Foetal Tissues and its Correlation with Nuclear Receptors

Previous reports have suggested that the nuclear receptors vitamin D receptor (VDR), peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor α (PPARα), pregnane X receptor (PXR) and constitutive androstane receptor (CAR) are involved in the regulation of the drug‐metabolizing enzyme cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4 expression in adults. The aim of this study was to investigate the gene expression of CYP3A4 and the foetal CYP3A7 in human foetal tissues and their relation to gene expression and genetic variations in the nuclear receptors VDR, PPARα, PXR and CAR. We determined the relative expression of CYP3A4 and CYP3A7 and these nuclear receptors in foetal livers, intestines and adrenals, using quantitative PCR. In addition, the expression of these enzymes was also analysed in adult liver. There was a high interindividual variability in CYP3A4 and CYP3A7, 49 times and 326 times, respectively. Both CYP3A4 and CYP3A7 had the highest expression in the liver. There were significant correlations (p < 0.001) between the nuclear receptors studied and the expression of CYP3A4 and CYP3A7 in foetal liver, as well as the expression of CYP3A4 in foetal intestine. Polymorphisms in the VDR gene, rs1544410 and rs1523130 (TaqI), in the PXR gene, rs1523130, and in the PPARα gene, rs4253728, were not correlated with CYP3A4 or CYP3A7 expression. However, C‐homozygous individuals of the TaqI VDR polymorphism had 60% lower VDR gene expression (p < 0.05), than individuals carrying one or two T alleles. In conclusion, differences in the expression of nuclear receptors might determine the variability in CYP3A4 and CYP3A7 expression observed in foetal liver.     

Species difference in the regulation of cytochrome P450 2S1: lack of induction in rats by the aryl hydrocarbon receptor agonist PCB126

1. CYP2S1 is an evolutionarily conserved, mainly extra-hepatic member of the CYP2 family and proposed to be regulated by the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR).

2. The present study explores AhR’s regulation of CYP2S1 in male Sprague Dawley rats using PCB126 (3,3′,4,4′,5-pentachlorobiphenyl), the most potent AhR agonist among the PCBs. Additionally, CYP2S1 expression was examined after treatments with the classic CYP-inducers β-naphthoflavone (β-NF, AhR activator), phenobarbital (PB, CAR activator) and dexamethasone (Dex, PXR activator). CYP2S1 and CYP1A1/2, CYP1B1, CYP2B and CYP3A mRNAs were measured in liver, lung, spleen, stomach, kidney, and thymus at different time points.

3. Constitutive CYP2S1 was expressed at comparable levels to other CYPs with the highest expression levels in stomach, kidney and lung. CYP2S1 mRNA was only non-significantly elevated by β-NF in liver tissues. PCB126 did not increase CYP2S1 mRNA in any organ and at any time point examined despite a significant induction of CYP1 genes. PCB126 reduced CYP2S1 mRNA by 40% (not significant) from the 7th post-exposure day in thymus. PB and Dex had no effect on CYP2S1 mRNA levels.

4. These observations show that in this model CYP2S1 is not, or only weakly, regulated by AhR and not induced by CAR or PXR activators.

     

Bioactive Terpenoids and Flavonoids from Ginkgo Biloba Extract Induce the Expression of Hepatic Drug-Metabolizing Enzymes Through Pregnane X Receptor,Constitutive Androstane Receptor,and Aryl hydrocarbon Receptor-Mediated Pathways

Purpose  The objective of the current study is to investigate the hypothesis that bioactive terpenoids and flavonoids of Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) induce human hepatic drug metabolizing enzymes (DMEs) and transporters through the selective activation of pregnane X receptor (PXR), constitutive androstane receptor (CAR), and aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). Methods  Human primary hepatocyte (HPH), and HepG2 cells are used as in vitro models for enzyme induction and nuclear receptor activation studies. A combination of real-time RT-PCR, transient transfection, and cell-based reporter assays were employed. Results  In human primary hepatocytes, real-time PCR analysis showed induction of CYP2B6, CYP3A4, UGT1A1, MDR1, and MRP2 by EGb 761, ginkgolide A (GA) and ginkgolide B (GB), but not by bilobalide (BB) or the flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol and tamarixetin) of GBE. Cell-based reporter assays in HepG2 revealed that GA and GB are potent activators of PXR; quercetin and kaempferol activate PXR, CAR, and AhR, whereas BB exerts no effects on these xenobiotic receptors. Notably, the flavonoids induced the expression of UGT1A1 and CYP1A2 in HepG2 cells but not in HPH. Conclusion  Our results indicate that terpenoids and flavonoids of GBE exhibit differential induction of DMEs through the selective activation of PXR, CAR, and AhR.     

Species difference in the regulation of cytochrome P450 2S1: lack of induction in rats by the aryl hydrocarbon receptor agonist PCB126

CYP2S1 is an evolutionarily conserved, mainly extra-hepatic member of the CYP2 family and proposed to be regulated by the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). The present study explores AhR's regulation of CYP2S1 in male Sprague Dawley rats using PCB126 (3,3',4,4',5-pentachlorobiphenyl), the most potent AhR agonist among the PCBs. Additionally, CYP2S1 expression was examined after treatments with the classic CYP-inducers β-naphthoflavone (β-NF, AhR activator), phenobarbital (PB, CAR activator) and dexamethasone (Dex, PXR activator). CYP2S1 and CYP1A1/2, CYP1B1, CYP2B and CYP3A mRNAs were measured in liver, lung, spleen, stomach, kidney, and thymus at different time points. Constitutive CYP2S1 was expressed at comparable levels to other CYPs with the highest expression levels in stomach, kidney and lung. CYP2S1 mRNA was only non-significantly elevated by β-NF in liver tissues. PCB126 did not increase CYP2S1 mRNA in any organ and at any time point examined despite a significant induction of CYP1 genes. PCB126 reduced CYP2S1 mRNA by 40% (not significant) from the 7th post-exposure day in thymus. PB and Dex had no effect on CYP2S1 mRNA levels. These observations show that in this model CYP2S1 is not, or only weakly, regulated by AhR and not induced by CAR or PXR activators.     

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons activate CYP3A4 gene transcription through human pregnane X receptor

Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) activators have been shown to induce members of the cytochrome P450 (P450) 1 family. Here we demonstrate that the AhR activators induce CYP3A4 through human pregnane X receptor (PXR). AhR activators, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) increased CYP3A4 reporter activity and CYP3A4 mRNA expression in HepG2 cells. The CYP3A4 reporter activity was also increased by treatment with cigarette tar. The increased CYP3A4 reporter activity was clearly knocked down by the introduction of human PXR-small interfering RNA, but not by that of human AhR-small interfering RNA. The CYP3A4 reporter activity enhanced by overexpression of human PXR was further increased by treatment with PAHs and TCDD as well as by treatment with rifampicin. These results suggest that PAHs contained in cigarette smoke induce CYP3A4 in human liver.     

Pyrene-induced CYP1A2 and SULT1A1 may be regulated by CAR and not by AhR

Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) plays important roles in the regulation and induction of xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes including the cytochromes P450 1 family (CYP1) and UDP-glucuronosyltransferases 1A (UGT1As) by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons as well as chlorinated aromatic hydrocarbons. To determine whether pyrene-induced xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes are regulated by AhR, male AhR (+/+) and (-/-) mice were used. Both genotyped mice were exposed to 0, 205, 300 or 410 mg/(kgday pyrene), once daily, for four consecutive days by gavage. Exposure to pyrene did not influence hepatic CYP1A1-mRNA in mice of both genotypes, whereas it induced hepatic CYP1A2 protein and mRNA expression and associated 7-ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase and pyrene 1-hydroxylation activities in both AhR (+/+) and (-/-) mice. Similar effects were also found with sulfotransferase 1A1 expression and the associated 1-hydroxypyrene sulfation activity. In contrast, pyrene exposure increased expression of the UGT1A1 and 1A6, and glucuronidation activities associated with 1-hydroxypyrene and 1-naphthol in the liver only in AhR (-/-) mice, although pyrene treatment dose-dependently decreased the latter activity. Pyrene exposure did not increase AhR-mRNA expression in AhR (+/+) mice. In contrast, pyrene-induced expression of the hepatic constitutive androstane receptor (CAR) and one of its target genes, CYP2B10, in both AhR (+/+) and (-/-) mice. These results strongly suggest that pyrene-induced CYP1A2 and SULT1A1 are regulated by CAR, not by AhR. However, the mechanisms of UGT1A1 and 1A6 induction by pyrene were not elucidated in this study.     

Gender dictates the nuclear receptor-mediated regulation of CYP3A44.

The CYP3As are broad-spectrum drug-metabolizing enzymes that are collectively responsible for more than 50% of xenobiotic metabolism. Unlike other CYP3As, murine CYP3A44 is expressed predominantly in the female liver, with much lower levels in male livers and no detectable expression in brain or kidney in either gender. In this study, we examined the role of nuclear hormone receptors in the regulation of Cyp3a44 gene expression. Interestingly, we observed differential effects of pregnane X receptor (PXR) and constitutive androstane receptor (CAR) -mediated activation of Cyp3a44 gene expression, which was gender-specific. For example, activation of PXR by pregnenolone-16alpha-carbonitrile (PCN) and dexamethasone (DEX) induced CYP3A44 mRNA levels in a PXR-dependent fashion in male mice, whereas no induction was detected in female mice. In contrast, PCN and DEX down-regulated CYP3A44 expression in female PXR null animals. Similar to PXR, CAR activation also showed a male-specific induction with no effect on CYP3A44 levels in females. When PXR knockout mice were challenged with the CAR activator phenobarbital, a significant up-regulation of male CYP3A44 levels was observed, whereas levels in females remained unchanged. We conclude that gender has a critical impact on PXR- and CAR-mediated effects of CYP3A44 expression.     

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons stimulate human CYP3A4 promoter activity via PXR

Metabolic activation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) is mediated mainly by cytochrome P₄₅₀ monooxygenases (CYP) CYP1A1, 1A2 and 1B1. Several PAH are known to induce these CYP via aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) signaling. Recently, it was shown that the PAH benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) can induce CYP3A4 as well. The induction was suggested to be mediated by the pregnane X receptor (PXR) rather than AhR. Metabolism by CYP3A4 is only known for dihydrodiol metabolites of PAH but not for their parent compounds.     

姜黄素对酒精性肝损伤大鼠CYP3A的影响及机制探讨

目的 探究姜黄素对酒精性肝损伤（ALD）大鼠细胞色素P450 3A（CYP3A）的影响及其机制。方法 60只 建模成功的ALD大鼠按随机数字表法分为模型组,姜黄素低、中、高剂量组（分别灌胃40、80、160 mg/kg姜黄素）及阳 性对照组（腹腔注射200 mg/kg腺苷蛋氨酸）,每组12只;对照组12只正常饲养,灌胃等体积生理盐水,连续6周。全 自动生化分析仪检测血清中丙氨酸转氨酶（ALT）、天冬氨酸转氨酶（AST）和碱性磷酸酶（ALP）水平;苏木精-伊红 （HE）染色观察肝脏形态变化;荧光定量聚合酶链反应（qPCR）检测肝脏组织中孕烷X受体（PXR）、组成型雄甾烷受 体（CAR）、CYP3A25 mRNA水平;Western blot检测肝脏组织中PXR、CAR蛋白水平。以大鼠原代肝细胞为研究对象, 分别用0、100、200、300、400、500 mmol/L乙醇培养细胞,取细胞增殖抑制率约为50%时的乙醇浓度进行下一步实验; 0、0.5、1.0、2.0、4.0、8.0、16.0 μmol/L姜黄素培养细胞,取最适姜黄素浓度进行后续研究。实验分为对照组、乙醇组、姜 黄素组、姜黄素+siRNA-NC 组及姜黄素+siRNA-CYP3A25 组。CCK-8 检测细胞增殖情况;qPCR 检测细胞中 CYP3A25 mRNA水平;Western blot检测细胞中PXR、CAR蛋白水平。结果 动物实验：与对照组相比,模型组血清中 ALT、AST、ALP水平升高（P＜0.05）;与模型组相比,姜黄素低剂量组血清中ALT、ALP水平降低,肝脏组织中PXR、 CAR mRNA和蛋白,CYP3A25 mRNA水平升高（P＜0.05）,姜黄素中、高剂量组血清中ALT、AST、ALP水平降低,肝脏 组织中PXR、CAR mRNA和蛋白,CYP3A25 mRNA水平升高（P＜0.05）;随着剂量升高,各指标逐渐恢复。细胞实验： 与对照组相比,乙醇组细胞增殖抑制率升高（P＜0.05）,细胞中PXR、CAR蛋白水平降低（P＜0.05）;与乙醇组相比,姜 黄素组细胞增殖抑制率降低（P＜0.05）,细胞中CYP3A25 mRNA,PXR、CAR蛋白水平升高（P＜0.05）;与姜黄素组相 比,姜黄素+siRNA-CYP3A25 组细胞增殖抑制率升高（P＜0.05）,细胞中 CYP3A25 mRNA,PXR、CAR 蛋白水平降低 （P＜0.05）。结论 姜黄素可上调 CYP3A25 水平,促进药物代谢,实现对 ALD 的缓解,这一过程可能与升高 PXR、 CAR表达有关。     

Metformin suppresses pregnane X receptor (PXR)-regulated transactivation of CYP3A4 gene

Metformin is widely used in the treatment of type-2 diabetes. The pleotropic effects of metformin on glucose and lipid metabolism have been proposed to be mediated by the activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and the subsequent up-regulation of small heterodimer partner (SHP). SHP suppresses the functions of several nuclear receptors involved in the regulation of hepatic metabolism, including pregnane X receptor (PXR), which is referred to as a “master regulator” of drug/xenobiotic metabolism.In this study, we hypothesize that metformin suppresses the expression of CYP3A4, a main detoxification enzyme and a target gene of PXR, due to SHP up-regulation.We employed various gene reporter assays in cell lines and qRT-PCR in human hepatocytes and in Pxr^−/− mice.We show that metformin dramatically suppresses PXR-mediated expression of CYP3A4 in hepatocytes. Consistently, metformin significantly suppressed the up-regulation of Cyp3a11 mRNA in the liver and intestine of wild-type mice, but not in Pxr^−/− mice. A mechanistic investigation of the phenomenon showed that metformin does not significantly up-regulate SHP in human hepatocytes. We further demonstrate that AMPK activation is not involved in this process. We show that metformin disrupts PXR's interaction with steroid receptor coactivator-1 (SRC1) in a two-hybrid assay independently of the PXR ligand binding pocket. Metformin also inhibited vitamin D receptor-, glucocorticoid receptor- and constitutive androstane receptor (CAR)-mediated induction of CYP3A4 mRNA in human hepatocytes.We show, therefore, a suppressive effect of metformin on PXR and other ligand-activated nuclear receptors in transactivation of the main detoxification enzyme CYP3A4 in human hepatocytes.