Chinese herbal medicine compound Yi-Zhi-Hao pellet inhibits replication of influenza virus infection through activation of heme oxygenase-1

As a leading cause of respiratory disease, influenza A virus (IAV) presents a pandemic threat in annual seasonal outbreaks. Given the limitation of existing anti-influenza therapies, there remains to be a requirement for new drugs. Compound Yi-Zhi-Hao pellet (CYZH) is a famous traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) used in the clinic, whose formula has been recorded in Complication of National Standard for Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat common cold. In this study, we found that CYZH exhibited a broad-spectrum anti-influenza activity and inhibited the expression of viral RNA and proteins in vitro. Mechanistically, CYZH had no inhibitory activities against viral protein hemagglutinin and IAV RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. Instead, it induced activation of erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), which subsequently upregulated heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression. Also, CYZH protected cells from oxidative damage induced by reactive oxygen series. In conclusions, CYZH inhibits IAV replication in vitro, at least partly by activating expression of the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway.     

A novel benzotriazole derivative inhibits proliferation of human hepatocarcinoma cells by increasing oxidative stress concomitant mitochondrial damage

Benzotriazole derivatives have been shown to be able to induce growth inhibition in cancer cells. In the present study, we synthesized bioactive compound, 3-(1H-benzo [d] [1,2,3] triazol-1-yl)-1-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1-oxopropan-2-yl benzoate (BmOB), which is a novel benzotriazole derivative. BmOB displayed anti-proliferative effects on several human tumor cell lines. Human hepatocarcinoma BEL-7402 cell line was selected as a model to illustrate BmOB's inhibition effect and its potential mechanism, since it was the highest susceptible cell line to BmOB. It was shown that treatment with BmOB resulted in generation of reactive oxygen species, disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential (DeltaPsim), and cell death in BEL-7402 cells. BmOB induced cytotoxicity could be prevented by antioxidant vitamin C and mitochondrial permeability transition inhibitor cyclosporine A. cyclosporine A could also protect the BmOB induced collapse of DeltaPsim in BEL7402 cells, while vitamin C did not show similar effects. The results suggest that BmOB could inhibit BEL-7402 cell proliferation, and the cell death may occur through the modulation of mitochondrial functions regulated by reactive oxygen species. It appears that collapse of DeltaPsim prior to intracellular reactive oxygen species arose during the cytotoxic process in our experimental system.     

Neuraminidase inhibitors for influenza B virus infection: Efficacy and resistance

Many aspects of the biology and epidemiology of influenza B viruses are far less studied than for influenza A viruses, and one of these aspects is efficacy and resistance to the clinically available antiviral drugs, the neuraminidase (NA) inhibitors (NAIs). Acute respiratory infections are one of the leading causes of death in children and adults, and influenza is among the few respiratory infections that can be prevented and treated by vaccination and antiviral treatment. Recent data has suggested that influenza B virus infections are of specific concern to pediatric patients because of the increased risk of severe disease. Treatment of influenza B is a challenging task for the following reasons:

1.

NAIs (e.g., oseltamivir and zanamivir) are the only FDA-approved class of antivirals available for prophylaxis and treatment of influenza.     

Mixed influenza A and B infections complicate the detection of influenza viruses with altered sensitivities to neuraminidase inhibitors

Previously, three influenza A(H3N2) isolates with a reduced susceptibility to the neuraminidase inhibitors (NAIs) zanamivir and oseltamivir were identified during screening by the Neuraminidase Inhibitor Susceptibility Network (NISN). The isolates were from untreated patients from the first three years post licensure of the NAIs. We plaque-purified progeny from each of these isolates and determined the NAI sensitivity of each plaqued population. Sequencing and serology for each population revealed that the isolates contained a mix of wild type influenza A(H3N2) and influenza B. The NAI susceptibility reductions that had originally been reported were a consequence of influenza B neuraminidases that have lower relative NAI sensitivities, rather than being due to resistant influenza A(H3N2) viruses. Our study highlights the need to check for mixed influenza infections when isolates with potentially lower sensitivities to NAIs are identified.     

Uncoupling protein-2 up-regulation and enhanced cyanide toxicity are mediated by PPARalpha activation and oxidative stress

Uncoupling protein 2 (UCP-2) is an inner mitochondrial membrane proton carrier that modulates mitochondrial membrane potential (DeltaPsi(m)) and uncouples oxidative phosphorylation. We have shown that up-regulation of UCP-2 by Wy14,643, a selective peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha (PPARalpha) agonist, enhances cyanide cytotoxicity. The pathway by which Wy14,643 up-regulates UCP-2 was determined in a dopaminergic cell line (N27 cells). Since dopaminergic mesencephalic cells are a primary brain target of cyanide, the N27 immortalized mesencephalic cell was used in this study. Wy14,643 produced a concentration- and time-dependent up-regulation of UCP-2 that was linked to enhanced cyanide-induced cell death. MK886 (PPARalpha antagonist) or PPARalpha knock-down by RNA interference (RNAi) inhibited PPARalpha activity as shown by the peroxisome proliferator response element-luciferase reporter assay, but only partially decreased up-regulation of UCP-2. The role of oxidative stress as an alternative pathway to UCP-2 up-regulation was determined. Wy14,643 induced a rapid surge of ROS generation and loading cells with glutathione ethyl ester (GSH-EE) or pre-treatment with vitamin E attenuated up-regulation of UCP-2. On the other hand, RNAi knockdown of PPARalpha did not alter ROS generation, suggesting a PPARalpha-independent component to the response. Co-treatment with PPARalpha-RNAi and GSH-EE blocked both the up-regulation of UCP-2 by Wy14,643 and the cyanide-induced cell death. It was concluded that a PPARalpha-mediated pathway and an oxidative stress pathway independent of PPARalpha mediate the up-regulation of UCP-2 and subsequent increased vulnerability to cyanide-induced cytotoxicity.     

Compound Danshen Dripping Pill inhibits high altitude-induced hypoxic damage by suppressing oxidative stress and inflammatory responses

ContextPrevious studies indicate that compound Danshen Dripping Pill (CDDP) improves the adaptation to high-altitude exposure. However, its mechanism of action is not clear.ObjectiveTo explore the protective effect of CDDP on hypobaric hypoxia (HH) and its possible mechanism.Materials and methodsA meta-analysis of 1051 human volunteers was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of CDDP at high altitudes. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into 5 groups (n = 6): control at normal pressure, model, CDDP-170 mg/kg, CDDP-340 mg/kg and acetazolamide groups. HH was simulated at an altitude of 5500 m for 24 h. Animal blood was collected for arterial blood-gas analysis and cytokines detection and their organs were harvested for pathological examination. Expression levels of AQP1, NF-κB and Nrf2 were determined by immunohistochemical staining.ResultsThe meta-analysis data indicated that the ratio between the combined RR of the total effective rate and the 95% CI was 0.23 (0.06, 0.91), the SMD and 95% CI of SO₂ was 0.37 (0.12, 0.62). Pre-treatment of CDDP protected rats from HH-induced pulmonary edoema and heart injury, left-shifted oxygen-dissociation curve and decreased P50 (30.25 ± 3.72 vs. 37.23 ± 4.30). Mechanistically, CDDP alleviated HH-reinforced ROS by improving SOD and GPX1 while inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines and NF-κB expression. CDDP also decreased HH-evoked D-dimer, erythrocyte aggregation and blood hemorheology, promoting AQP1 and Nrf2 expression.Discussion and conclusionsPre-treatment with CDDP could prevent HH-induced tissue damage, oxidative stress and inflammatory response. Suppressed NF-κB and up-regulated Nrf2 might play significant roles in the mechanism of CDDP.     

Fucodiphlorethol G Purified from Ecklonia cava Suppresses Ultraviolet B Radiation-Induced Oxidative Stress and Cellular Damage

Fucodiphlorethol G (6’-[2,4-dihydroxy-6-(2,4,6-trihydroxyphenoxy)phenoxy]biphenyl-2,2’,4,4’,6-pentol) is a compound purified from Ecklonia cava, a brown alga that is widely distributed offshore of Jeju Island. This study investigated the protective effects of fucodiphlorethol G against oxidative damage-mediated apoptosis induced by ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation. Fucodiphlorethol G attenuated the generation of 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radicals and intracellular reactive oxygen species in response to UVB irradiation. Fucodiphlorethol G suppressed the inhibition of human keratinocyte growth by UVB irradiation. Additionally, the wavelength of light absorbed by fucodiphlorethol G was close to the UVB spectrum. Fucodiphlorethol G reduced UVB radiation-induced 8-isoprostane generation and DNA fragmentation in human keratinocytes. Moreover, fucodiphlorethol G reduced UVB radiation-induced loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, generation of apoptotic cells, and active caspase-9 expression. Taken together, fucodiphlorethol G protected human keratinocytes against UVB radiation-induced cell damage and apoptosis by absorbing UVB radiation and scavenging reactive oxygen species.     

Induction of HepG2 cell apoptosis by Irgarol 1051 through mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stresses

In this study, HepG2 cells were exposed to 0.04–40 mg/L Irgarol 1051. Results show that Irgarol 1051 can damage cell morphology and cause a significant decrease in cell viability. Positive staining by Annexin V, caspase-3 activity enhancement, and the damage in cell ultrastructure indicated an apoptotic mode of cell death for 4.0 mg/L Irgarol 1051 treatment. At the same time, caspase-9 was also significantly induced by 0.4 and 4.0 mg/L Irgarol 1051 at 72 h, which suggests that the intrinsic mitochondria pathway was involved in the apoptosis. The mitochondrial membrane potential decreased significantly after the HepG2 cells were exposed to Irgarol 1051 for 6 and 72 h. Especially, the translocation of cytochrome c from mitochondria to cytosol was recorded, supporting the idea that the mitochondrial pathway was involved in the apoptosis signal pathways induced by Irgarol 1051. The significantly increased levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and an immediate ROS burst were also recorded. The results here may imply that Irgarol 1051 induces HepG2 cell apoptosis through mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stresses. Although it is possible that this chemical has no detrimental effects on human health at the environmentally relevant concentration, it may cause problems to top coastal predators due to bio-accumulation through the food chain.     

Protection by genistein on cortical neurons against oxidative stress injury via inhibition of NF-kappaB,JNK and ERK signaling pathway

Abstract

Context: Genistein, one of the isoflavones derived from soybean seeds, has been reported to exert multiple bioactivities. However, the mechanism of its action on the central nervous system is not fully understood.

Objective: To investigate the cytoprotection of genistein and its molecular mechanism against H₂O₂-induced cell death in primary rat cortical neurons.

Materials and methods: Genistein (0.01, 0.1, and 1?μM) were added into the primary rat neurons 24?h before and co-cultured with 500?μM H₂O₂ for 1?h. Neuronal injury was assessed by MTT, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay, and Hoechst33258 staining. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation induced by H₂O₂ was determined. Neuronal apoptosis was evaluated by Bcl-2/Bax ratio as well as by caspase-9 and caspase-3 activities. The protein levels and phosphorylation of NF-κB/p65, IκB, JNK, and ERK were detected by western blots.

Results: Genistein pretreatment attenuated H₂O₂-mediated neuronal viability loss, nuclear condensation, and ROS generation in a concentration-dependent manner. Genistein exerted anti-apoptotic effects by reversing the apoptotic factors Bcl-2 and Bax ratio, along with the suppression of caspase-9 and caspase-3 activities. In addition, genistein down-regulated the expression of NF-κB/p65, and suppressed the phosphorylation of p65 and IκB. Genistein also inhibited H₂O₂-induced activation of the MAPK-signaling pathway including JNK and ERK.

Discussion and conclusion: The results indicated that genistein effectively protects cortical neurons against oxidative stress at least partly via inactivation of NF-κB as well as MAPK-signaling pathways, and suggested the possibility of this antioxidant for the prevention and treatment of stroke.     

Insights into susceptibility of antiviral drugs against the E119G mutant of 2009 influenza A (H1N1) neuraminidase by molecular dynamics simulations and free energy calculations

Neuraminidase inhibitors (NAIs) play vital roles in controlling human influenza epidemics and pandemics. However, the emergence of new human influenza virus mutant strains resistant to existing antiviral drugs has been becoming a major challenge. Therefore, it is critical to uncover the mechanisms of drug resistance and seek alternative treatments to combat drug resistance. In this study, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and Molecular Mechanics/Generalized Born Surface Area (MM/GBSA) were applied to investigate the different sensitivities of oseltamivir (OTV), zanamivir (ZNV), and peramivir (PRV) against the E119G mutant of 2009 A/H1N1 neuraminidase. The predicted binding free energies indicate that the E119G mutation in NA confers resistance to all of the three studied inhibitors. The ordering of the level of drug resistance predicted by the binding free energies for the three inhibitors is ZNV > PRV > OTV, which agrees well with the experimental data. Drug resistance arises primarily from the unfavorable shifts of the polar interactions between NA and the inhibitors. It comes as a surprise that the mutation of Glu119 that can form strong H-bonds with the inhibitors in the wild-type protein does not have direct impact on the binding affinities of both OTV and PRV due to the regulation of the strong unfavorable polar desolvation energies. The indirectly conformational variations of the inhibitors, which caused by the E119G mutation, are responsible for the loss of the binding free energies. However, for ZNV, the E119G mutation has both direct and indirect influences on the drug binding. The structural and quantitative viewpoint obtained from this study provides valuable information for the rational design of novel and effective drugs to combat drug resistance.     

S-allylmercaptocysteine ameliorates lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury in mice by inhibiting inflammation and oxidative stress via nuclear factor kappa B and Keap1/Nrf2 pathways

The garlic-derived organosulfur compound S-allylmercaptocysteine (SAMC) has been reported to exhibit anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative activities, whereas its potential therapeutic effect on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute lung injury (ALI) is unknown. In this study, we focused on exploring the therapeutic effects of SAMC on LPS-induced ALI mice and the involvement of underlying molecular mechanisms. BalB/c mice were treated with SAMC (10, 30 and 60 mg/kg) or positive control N-acetylcysteine (NAC, 500 mg/kg) by gavage after intratracheal instillation of LPS for 30 min and were sacrificed 24 h after LPS administration. Our results indicate that the treatment with SAMC not only ameliorated the histological changes but also decreased LPS-triggered lung edema. Moreover, SAMC displayed an anti-inflammatory effect through reducing inflammatory cells infiltration, myeloperoxidase (MPO) formation and inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines/mediator production including tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2) via suppressing the activation of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) signaling pathway. Furthermore, SAMC attenuated oxidative stress evoked by LPS via diminishing malondialdehyde (MDA) formation and reversing glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) depletion. Meanwhile, SAMC up-regulated expressions of endogenous antioxidant/detoxifying proteins including heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase 1(NQO1) through reversing the suppression of Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1)/nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway. Our results demonstrate that SAMC effectively attenuated LPS-induced ALI which was largely dependent upon inhibition of inflammation and oxidative stress via NF-κB and Keap1/Nrf2 signaling pathways.     

2型糖尿病肾病患者血糖波动与肾功能和氧化应激的相关性分析

目的　探讨2型糖尿病肾病患者血糖波动与肾功能和氧化应激的相关性分析。方法　选取2019年1月至2022年1月济南市第二人民医院收治的2型糖尿病患者82例,其中单纯2型糖尿病28例（单纯2型糖尿病组）、2型糖尿病肾病54例（2型糖尿病肾病组）,另选取17例健康者为健康组。单纯2型糖尿病组患者中,男14例,女14例,年龄31~68（49.52±8.52）岁,吸烟5例;2型糖尿病肾病组患者中,男33例,女21例,年龄30~70（50.52±8.61）岁,吸烟3例;健康组中男10例,女7例,年龄30~80（52.52±8.77）岁,吸烟3例;收集研究对象的临床资料,比较3组研究对象的血糖波动指标（24 h平均血糖标准差、平均血糖波动幅度）,采用全自动生化分析仪测定肾功能尿素氮（BUN）、肌酐（SCr）,比较3组患者氧化应激活性氧（ROS）、超氧化物歧化酶（SOD）水平。采用t、χ²检验和单因素方差分析,采用Pearson法分析2型糖尿病肾病患者血糖波动与肾功能和氧化应激的相关性。结果　与健康组相比,单纯2型糖尿病组、2型糖尿病肾病组患者24 h平均血糖标准差、平均血糖波动幅较高（F=26.446、49.198,均P<0.001）,2型糖尿病肾病组高于单纯2型糖尿病组,两组比较差异有统计学意义（均P<0.05）。与健康组相比,单纯2型糖尿病组、2型糖尿病肾病组患者BUN、SCr较低（F=17.541、16.524,均P<0.001）,2型糖尿病肾病组低于单纯2型糖尿病组（均P<0.05）。与健康组相比,单纯2型糖尿病组、2型糖尿病肾病组患者ROS、SOD较低（F=21.250、18.522,均P<0.001）,2型糖尿病肾病组低于单纯2型糖尿病组（均P<0.05）。Pearson结果显示,BUN、SCr、ROS、SOD与2型糖尿病肾病平均血糖波动幅度呈负相关（r=-0.365、-0.687、-0.854、-0.257,P=0.012、0.021、0.015、0.010）。结论　2型糖尿病肾病患者血糖波动与肾功能和氧化应激呈现负相关。     

Induction of apoptosis by isoegomaketone from Perilla frutescens L. in B16 melanoma cells is mediated through ROS generation and mitochondrial-dependent, -independent pathway

We have demonstrated for the first time the mechanism underlying ROS-mediated mitochondria-dependent apoptotic cell death triggered by isoegomaketone (IK) treatment in melanoma cells. We showed that IK induced apoptotic cell death and tumor growth inhibition using tissue culture and in vivo models of B16 melanoma. Furthermore, we observed that IK effectively induced apoptotic cell death, including sub-G1 contents up-regulation, nuclei condensation, DNA fragmentation, and caspase activation in B16 melanoma cells. Pretreatment with caspase inhibitor increased the survival rate of IK-treated B16 cells, implying that caspases play a role in IK-induced apoptosis. Furthermore, IK treatment generated ROS in melanoma cells. We also determined whether or not IK-induced cell death is due to ROS production in B16 cells. N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) inhibitedIK-induced Bcl-2 family-mediated apoptosis. This result indicates that IK-induced apoptosis involves ROS generation as well as up-regulation of Bax and Bcl-2 expression, leading to release of cytochrome c and AIF. Our data suggest that IK inhibits growth and induces apoptosis in melanoma cells via activation of ROS-mediated caspase-dependent and -independent pathways.     

Lead induces oxidative stress, DNA damage and alteration of p53, Bax and Bcl-2 expressions in mice.

Oxidative stress is considered as a possible molecular mechanism involved in lead toxicity. This study was carried out to investigate whether lead acetate could induce oxidative stress in mice, and the following damages as well. Lead acetate was given orally to mice for 4 weeks at doses of 0, 10, 50, 100mg/kg body weight every other day, respectively. Production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured as indicators of oxidative stress. DNA damage in peripheral blood lymphocytes was determined by comet assay. Ultrastructure alteration was detected using transmission electron microscopy. The alterations of p53, Bax, and Bcl-2 expression were determined by western blotting. The results showed that lead acetate significantly increased the levels of ROS and MDA in mice. Meanwhile, severe DNA damage and ultrastructure alterations were obviously observed. In addition, p53 and Bax expressions increased and the imbalance of Bax/Bcl-2 occurred. Therefore, it strongly suggests that lead may induce oxidative stress and change the expressions of apoptosis-related proteins in mouse liver.     

Formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine and a calcium ionophore A23187 reverse the inhibition of phorbol myristate acetate-induced oxidative burst by linoleic and oleic acid anilides

Linoleic and oleic acid anilides profoundly inhibited the production of reactive oxygen metabolites (ROM) in human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNL) induced by a tumor promoter, phorbol myristate acetate (PMA). The addition of a Ca²⁺ ionophore, A23187, or a chemotactic peptide, formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP), readily reversed linoleic and oleic acid anilide-induced inhibition of PMA-evoked respiratory burst in PMNL without affecting PMA-induced respiratory burst. fMLP or A23187 caused a marked increase in the production of ROM in PMNL that did not produce ROM after their co-exposure to PMA and cis-fatty acid anilides. This suggests a role for Ca²⁺ in this restoration of respiratory burst activity in PMNL. Oleic and linoleic acid anilides enhanced also respiratory burst in PMNL subsequent to their stimulation with fMLP. Interestingly, corresponding fatty acids, linoleic and oleic acid, also inhibited PMA-induced production of ROM in PMNL, but this inhibition was not reversed by A23187 or fMLP. These findings suggest that the aniline moiety of cis-fatty acids significantly modifies the effects of linoleic and oleic acids in the production of ROM in PMNL. Moreover, free intracellular Ca²⁺ may play a critical role in the activation of PMNL to produce ROM, and in the modulation of the effects of cis-fatty acid anilides.     

Protection of dichlorvos induced oxidative stress and nigrostriatal neuronal death by chronic coenzyme Q10 pretreatment

Numerous epidemiological studies have shown an association between pesticide exposure and increased risk of developing Parkinson's diseases. Oxidative stress generated as a result of mitochondrial dysfunction has been implicated as an important factor in the etiology of Parkinson's disease. Previously, we reported that chronic dichlorvos exposure causes mitochondrial impairments and nigrostriatal neuronal death in rats. The present study was designed to test whether Coenzyme Q₁₀ (CoQ₁₀) administration has any neuroprotective effect against dichlorvos mediated nigrostriatal neuronal death, α-synuclein aggregation, and motor dysfunction. Male albino rats were administered dichlorvos by subcutaneous injection at a dose of 2.5 mg/kg body weight over a period of 12 weeks. Results obtained there after showed that dichlorvos exposure leads to enhanced mitochondrial ROS production, α-synuclein aggregation, decreased dopamine and its metabolite levels resulting in nigrostriatal neurodegeneration. Pretreatment by Coenzyme Q₁₀ (4.5 mg/kg ip for 12 weeks) to dichlorvos treated animals significantly attenuated the extent of nigrostriatal neuronal damage, in terms of decreased ROS production, increased dopamine and its metabolite levels, and restoration of motor dysfunction when compared to dichlorvos treated animals. Thus, the present study shows that Coenzyme Q₁₀ administration may attenuate dichlorvos induced nigrostriatal neurodegeneration, α-synuclein aggregation and motor dysfunction by virtue of its antioxidant action.     

Roles of CYP2A6 and CYP2B6 in nicotine C-oxidation by human liver microsomes

Nicotine C-oxidation by recombinant human cytochrome P450 (P450 or CYP) enzymes and by human liver microsomes was investigated using a convenient high-performance liquid chromatographic method. Experiments with recombinant human P450 enzymes in baculovirus systems, which co-express human nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (reduced form) (NADPH)-P450 reductase, revealed that CYP2A6 had the highest nicotine C-oxidation activities followed by CYP2B6 and CYP2D6; the K _m values by these three P450 enzymes were determined to be 11.0, 105, and 132 μM, respectively, and the V _max values to be 11.0, 8.2, and 8.6 nmol/min per nmol P450, respectively. CYP2E1, 2C19, 1A2, 2C8, 3A4, 2C9, and 1A1 catalysed nicotine C-oxidation only at high (500 μM) substrate concentration. CYP1B1, 2C18, 3A5, and 4A11 had no measurable activities even at 500 μM nicotine. In liver microsomes of 16 human samples, nicotine C-oxidation activities were correlated with CYP2A6 contents at 10 μM substrate concentration, whereas such correlation coefficients were decreased when the substrate concentration was increased to 500 μM. Contribution of CYP2B6 (as well as CYP2A6) was demonstrated by experiments with the effects of orphenadrine (and also coumarin and anti-CYP2A6) on the nicotine C-oxidation activities by human liver microsomes at 500 μM nicotine. CYP2D6 was found to have minor roles since quinidine did not inhibit microsomal nicotine C-oxidation at both 10 and 500 μM substrate concentrations. These results support the view that CYP2A6 has major roles for nicotine C-oxidation at lower substrate concentration and both CYP2A6 and 2B6 play roles at higher substrate concentrations in human liver microsomes. Received: 27 October 1998 / Accepted: 11 January 1999