Interaction of hesperetin glucuronide conjugates with human BCRP, MRP2 and MRP3 as detected in membrane vesicles of overexpressing baculovirus-infected Sf9 cells

The citrus flavonoid hesperetin (4'-methoxy-3',5,7-trihydroxyflavanone) is the aglycone of hesperidin, the major flavonoid present in sweet oranges. Hesperetin 7-O-glucuronide (H7G) and hesperetin 3'-O-glucuronide (H3'G) are the two most abundant metabolites of hesperetin in vivo. In this study, their interaction with specific ABC transporters, believed to play a role in the disposition and bioavailability of hesperetin, was studied using Sf9 membranes from cells overexpressing human BCRP (ABCG2), MRP2 (ABCC2) and MRP3 (ABCC3). Both H7G and H3'G were tested for their potential to activate and inhibit ATPase activity, and to inhibit vesicular transport by these transporters. Both H7G and H3'G demonstrated interaction with all tested ABC transporters, especially with BCRP and MRP3. An interesting difference between H7G and H3'G was seen with respect to the interaction with BCRP: H7G stimulated the ATPase activity of BCRP up to 76% of the maximal effect generated by the reference activator sulfasalazine, with an EC(50) of 0.45 μM, suggesting that H7G is a high affinity substrate of BCRP, whereas H3'G did not stimulate BCRP ATPase activity. Only moderate inhibition of BCRP ATPase activity at high H3'G concentrations was observed. This study provides information on the potential of hesperetin glucuronide conjugates to act as specific ABC transporter substrates or inhibitors and indicates that regio-specific glucuronidation could affect the disposition of hesperetin.     

Regioselectivity of phase II metabolism of luteolin and quercetin by UDP-glucuronosyl transferases

The regioselectivity of phase II conjugation of flavonoids is expected to be of importance for their biological activity. In the present study, the regioselectivity of phase II biotransformation of the model flavonoids luteolin and quercetin by UDP-glucuronosyltransferases was investigated. Identification of the metabolites formed in microsomal incubations with luteolin or quercetin was done using HPLC, LC-MS, and (1)H NMR. The results obtained demonstrate the major sites for glucuronidation to be the 7-, 3-, 3'-, or 4'-hydroxyl moiety. Using these unequivocal identifications, the regioselectivity of the glucuronidation of luteolin and quercetin by microsomal samples from different origin, i.e., rat and human intestine and liver, as well as by various individual human UDP-glucuronosyltransferase isoenzymes was characterized. The results obtained reveal that regioselectivity is dependent on the model flavonoid of interest, glucuronidation of luteolin and quercetin not following the same pattern, depending on the isoenzyme of UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UGT) involved. Human UGT1A1, UGT1A8, and UGT1A9 were shown to be especially active in conjugation of both flavonoids, whereas UGT1A4 and UGT1A10 and the isoenzymes from the UGTB family, UGT2B7 and UGT2B15, were less efficient. Due to the different regioselectivity and activity displayed by the various UDP-glucuronosyltransferases, regioselectivity and rate of flavonoid conjugation varies with species and organ. Qualitative comparison of the regioselectivities of glucuronidation obtained with human intestine and liver microsomes to those obtained with human UGT isoenzymes indicates that, in human liver, especially UGT1A9 and, in intestine, UGT1A1 and UGT1A8 are involved in glucuronidation of quercetin and luteolin. Taking into account the fact that the anti-oxidant action as well as the pro-oxidant toxicity of these catechol-type flavonoids is especially related to their 3',4'-dihydroxyl moiety, it is of interest to note that the human intestine UGT's appear to be especially effective in conjugating this 3',4' catechol unit. This would imply that upon glucuronidation along the transport across the intestinal border, the flavonoids loose a significant part of these biological activities.     

Identification of 14 quercetin phase II mono- and mixed conjugates and their formation by rat and human phase II in vitro model systems

In this study, the HPLC, UV-vis, LC-MS, and 1H NMR characteristics of 14 different phase II mono- and mixed conjugates of quercetin were determined, providing a useful tool in the identification of quercetin phase II metabolite patterns in various biological systems. Using these data, the phase II metabolism of quercetin by different rat and human liver and intestine in vitro models, including cell lines, S9 samples, and hepatocytes, was investigated. A comparison of quercetin phase II metabolism between rat and human liver and intestinal cell lines, S9, and hepatocytes showed considerable variation in the nature and ratios of quercetin conjugate formation. It could be established that the intestine contributes significantly to the phase II metabolism of quercetin, especially to its sulfation, that organ-dependent phase II metabolism in rat and man differ significantly, and that human interindividual variation is higher for quercetin sulfation than for glucuronidation or methylation. Furthermore, quercetin conjugation by different in vitro models from corresponding origins may differ significantly. The identification of the various mono- and mixed quercetin phase II conjugates revealed significant differences in phase II conjugation by a variety of in vitro models and led to the conclusion that none of the in vitro models converted quercetin to a phase II metabolite mixture similar to the in vivo plasma metabolite pattern of quercetin. Altogether, the identification of a wide range of phase II metabolites of quercetin as presented in this study allows the determination of quercetin phase II biotransformation patterns and opens the way for a better-funded assessment of the biological activity of quercetin in a variety of biological systems.     

Structural requirements for the flavonoid-mediated modulation of glutathione S-transferase P1-1 and GS-X pump activity in MCF7 breast cancer cells

The objective of this study was to investigate the structural requirements necessary for inhibition of glutathione S-transferase P1-1 (GSTP1-1) and GS-X pump (MRP1 and MRP2) activity by structurally related flavonoids, in GSTP1-1 transfected MCF7 cells (pMTG5). The results reveal that GSTP1-1 activity in MCF7 pMTG5 cells can be inhibited by some flavonoids. Especially galangin was able to inhibit almost all cellular GSTP1-1 activity upon exposure of the cells to a concentration of 25microM. Other flavonoids like kaempferol, eriodictyol and quercetin showed a moderate GSTP1-1 inhibitory potential. For GSTP1-1 inhibition, no specific structural requirements necessary for potent inhibition could be defined. Most flavonoids appeared to be potent GS-X transport inhibitors with IC(50) values ranging between 0.8 and 8microM. Luteolin and quercetin were the strongest inhibitors with IC(50) values of 0.8 and 1.3microM, respectively. Flavonoids without a C2-C3 double bond like eriodictyol, taxifolin and catechin did not inhibit GS-X pump activity. The results of this study demonstrate that the structural features necessary for high potency GS-X pump inhibition by flavonoids are (1) the presence of hydroxyl groups, especially two of them generating the 3',4'-catechol moiety; and (2) a planar molecule due to the presence of a C2-C3 double bond. Other factors, like lipophilicity and the total number of hydroxyl groups do not seem to be dominating the flavonoid-mediated GS-X pump inhibition. To identify the GS-X pump responsible for the DNP-SG efflux in MCF7 cells, the effects of three characteristic flavonoids quercetin, flavone and taxifolin on MRP1 and MRP2 activity were studied using transfected MDCKII cells. All three flavonoids as well as the typical MRP inhibitor (MK571) affected MRP1-mediated transport activity in a similar way as observed in the MCF7 cells. In addition, the most potent GS-X pump inhibitor in the MCF7 cells, quercetin, did not affect MRP2-mediated transport activity. These observations clearly indicate that the GS-X pump activity in the MCF7 cells is likely to be the result of flavonoid-mediated inhibition of MRP1 and not MRP2. Altogether, the present study reveals that a major site for flavonoid interaction with GSH-dependent toxicokinetics is the GS-X pump MRP1 rather than the conjugating GSTP1-1 activity itself. Of the flavonoids shown to be most active especially quercetin is frequently marketed in functional food supplements. Given the physiological levels expected to be reached upon supplement intake, the IC(50) values of the present study point at possible flavonoid-drug and/or flavonoid-xenobiotic interactions especially regarding transport processes involved in toxicokinetics.     

Inhibition of multidrug resistance proteins MRP1 and MRP2 by a series of alpha,beta-unsaturated carbonyl compounds

To study the possible interplay between glutathione metabolism of and MRP inhibition by thiol reactive compounds, the interactions of a series of alpha,beta-unsaturated carbonyl compounds with multidrug resistance proteins 1 and 2 (MRP1/ABCC1 and MRP2/ABCC2) were studied. Alpha,beta-unsaturated carbonyl compounds react with glutathione, and therefore either their parent compound or their intracellularly formed glutathione metabolite(s) can modulate MRP-activity. Inhibition was studied in Madin-Darby canine kidney cells stably expressing MRP1 or MRP2, and isolated Sf9-MRP1 or Sf9-MRP2 membrane vesicles. In the latter model system metabolism is not an issue. Of the series tested, three distinct groups could be discriminated based on differences in interplay of glutathione metabolism with MRP1 inhibition. Curcumin inhibited MRP1 transport only in the vesicle model pointing at inhibition by the parent compound. The glutathione conjugates of curcumin also inhibit MRP1 mediated transport, but to a much lesser extent than the parent compound curcumin. In the cellular model system, it was demonstrated that glutathione conjugation of curcumin leads to inactivation of its inhibitory potential. Demethoxycurcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin inhibited MRP1 in both the vesicle and cellular model pointing at inhibitory potency of at least the parent compound and possibly their metabolites. A second group, including caffeic acid phenethyl ester inhibited MRP1-mediated calcein transport only in the MDCKII-MRP1 cells, and not in the vesicle model indicating that metabolism appeared a prerequisite to generate the active inhibitor. Finally cinnamaldehyde, crotonaldehyde, trans-2-hexanal, citral, and acrolein did not inhibit MRP1. For MRP2, inhibition was much less in both model systems, with the three curcuminoids being the most effective. The results of this study show the importance to study the complex interplay between MRP-inhibitors and their cellular metabolism, the latter affecting the ultimate potential of a compound for cellular MRP-inhibition.     

Influence of redox-active compounds and PXR-activators on human MRP1 and MRP2 gene expression

In the present study, we investigated the inducibility of the drug conjugate transporter genes MRP1 and MRP2 by redox-active compounds such as tertiary butylated hydroquinone (tBHQ) and quercetin and by chemicals known to activate the pregnane X receptor (PXR) such as rifampicin and clotrimazol and by the metalloid compound arsenite. The human MRP2 gene was found to be inducible in HepG2 cells by rifampicin, clotrimazol, arsenite and tBHQ. As MRP1 expression is extremely low in HepG2 cells, its inducibility was studied in MCF-7 cells. However, only tBHQ and quercetin acted as inducers, but not the other compounds investigated. Reporter gene assays demonstrated that proximal promoter regions of the genes contribute to the induction by tBHQ, quercetin (MRP1) and clotrimazol (MRP2). However, the deletion of binding sites supposed to mediate the induction process (a PXR-binding element-like sequence for the clotrimazol effect and an ARE (antioxidative response element) for the tBHQ/quercetin effect) did not result in a significant decrease in the induction factor indicating that other parts of the promoter are probably involved in the induction process. In summary, expression of both genes can be up-regulated by redox-active compounds, while the other compounds tested induced only MRP2 but not MRP1 expression.     

Role of MRP4 and MRP5 in biology and chemotherapy

Nucleotide efflux (especially cyclic nucleotides) from a variety of mammalian tissues, bacteria, and lower eukaryotes has been studied for several decades. However, the molecular identity of these nucleotide efflux transporters remained elusive, despite extensive knowledge of their kinetic properties and inhibitor profiles. Identification of the subfamily of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) binding cassette transporters, multidrug resistance protein (MRP) subfamily, permitted rapid advances because some recently identified MRP family members transport modified nucleotide analogs (ie, chemotherapeutic agents). We first identified, MRP4, based on its ability to efflux antiretroviral compounds, such as azidothymidine monophosphate (AZT-MP) and 9-(2-phosphonyl methoxyethyl) adenine (PMEA), in drug-resistant and also in transfected cell lines. MRP5, a close structural homologue of MRP4 also transported PMEA. MRP4 and MRP5 confer resistance to cytotoxic thiopurine nucleotides, and we demonstrate MRP4 expression varies among acute lymphoblastic leukemias, suggesting this as a factor in response to chemotherapy with these agents. The ability of MRP4 and MRP5 to transport 3,5-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and 3,5-cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) suggests they may play a biological role in cellular signaling by these nucleotides. Finally, we propose that MRP4 may also play a role in hepatic bile acid homeostasis because loss of the main bile acid efflux transporter, sister of P-glycoprotein (SPGP) aka bile-salt export pump (BSEP), leads to a strong compensatory upregulation in MRP4 expression. Cumulatively, these studies reveal that the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters MRP4 and MRP5 have a unique role in biology and in chemotherapeutic response.     

Pharmacogenomics Approach Reveals MRP1 (ABCC1)-Mediated Resistance to Geldanamycins

Purpose  Geldanamycin and its analogues belong to a new class of anticancer agents that inhibit the molecular chaperone heat shock protein 90. We hypothesized that membrane transporters expressed on tumor cells may contribute at least in part to cellular sensitivity to these agents. The purpose of this study is to identify novel transporters as determinant for sensitivity and resistance to geldanamycins. Methods  To facilitate a systematic study of chemosensitivity across multiple geldanamycin analogues, we correlated mRNA expression profiles of majority of transporters with anticancer drug activities in 60 human tumor cell lines (NCI-60). We subsequently validated the gene–drug correlations using cytotoxicity and transport assays. Results  The GA analogues displayed negative correlations with mRNA expression levels of the multidrug resistance protein 1 (MRP1, ABCC1). Suppressing MRP1 efflux using the inhibitor MK-571 and small interfering RNA in cell lines with intrinsic and acquired MRP1 overexpression (A549 and HL-60/ADR) and in cell lines stably transduced with MRP1 (MCF7/MRP1) increased intracellular drug accumulation and increased tumor cell sensitivity to geldanamycin analogues. Conclusions  These results suggest that elevated expression of MRP1, like the alternative efflux transporter MDR1 (ABCB1, P-glycoprotein), can significantly influence tumor cell sensitivity to geldanamycins as a potential chemoresistance factor.     

Interplay between MRP inhibition and metabolism of MRP inhibitors: the case of curcumin

The multidrug resistance proteins MRP1 and MRP2 are efflux transporters with broad substrate specificity, including glutathione, glucuronide, and sulfate conjugates. In the present study, the interaction of the dietary polyphenol curcumin with MRP1 and MRP2 and the interplay between curcumin-dependent MRP inhibition and its glutathione-dependent metabolism were investigated using two transport model systems. In isolated membrane vesicles of MRP1- and MRP2-expressing Sf9 cells, curcumin clearly inhibited both MRP1- and MRP2-mediated transport with IC(50) values of 15 and 5 microM, respectively. In intact monolayers of MRP1 overexpressing Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCKII-MRP1) cells, curcumin also inhibited MRP1-mediated activity, although with a 3-fold higher IC(50) value than the one observed in the vesicle model. Interestingly, MRP2-mediated activity was hardly inhibited in intact monolayers of MRP2-overexpressing MDCKII (MDCKII-MRP2) cells upon exposure to curcumin, whereas the IC(50) value in the vesicle incubations was 5 microM. The difference in extent of inhibition of the MRPs by curcumin in isolated vesicles as compared to intact cells, observed especially for MRP2, was shown to be due to a swift metabolism of curcumin to two glutathione conjugates in the MDCKII cells. Formation of both glutathione conjugates was about six times higher in the MDCKII-MRP2 cells as compared with the MDCKII-MRP1 cells, a phenomenon that could be ascribed to the significantly lower glutathione levels in the cell line. The efflux of both conjugates, identified in the present study as monoglutathionyl curcumin conjugates, was demonstrated to be mediated by both MRP1 and MRP2. From dose-response curves with Sf9 membrane vesicles, glutathionylcurcumin conjugates appeared to be less potent inhibitors of MRP1 and MRP2 than their parent compound curcumin. In conclusion, curcumin clearly inhibits both MRP1- and MRP2-mediated transport, but the glutathione-dependent metabolism of curcumin plays a crucial role in the ultimate level of inhibition of MRP-mediated transport that can be achieved in a cellular system. This complex interplay between MRP inhibition and metabolism of MRP inhibitors, the latter affecting the ultimate potential of a compound for cellular MRP inhibition, may exist not only for a compound like curcumin but also for many other MRP inhibitors presently or previously developed on the basis of vesicle studies.     

Characterisation of glucuronidation and transport in V79 cells co-expressing UGT1A1 and MRP1

The co-ordinated glucuronidation and export of compounds from cells is an important determinant in the detoxification of many compounds in vivo. Many UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs) and several multidrug resistance proteins (MRPs) have been cloned and individually expressed to assess specificity of glucuronidation and transport. However, to further understand the interplay between glucuronidation and transport we are developing stable cell lines that express different combinations of UGT and MRP isoforms. V79 cells expressing both UGT1A1 and MRP1 have been established. The ability of these cell lines to both glucuronidate and transport compounds was assessed ex vivo using estradiol and bilirubin as substrates.     

CYP450 1A2 and multiple UGT1A isoforms are responsible for jatrorrhizine metabolism in human liver microsomes

Jatrorrhizine, one of the protoberberine alkaloids derived from the plant Coptis chinensis, is expected to be developed as a new gastric prokinetic drug, but its metabolic characteristics in humans remain unknown. This study characterized the phase I and phase II metabolites, metabolic kinetics, and cytochrome P450 (CYP) and UDP‐glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) enzymes responsible for the metabolism of jatrorrhizine in human liver microsomes (HLMs). Chemical inhibition in HLMs and metabolism by recombinant human CYP or UGT enzymes were employed to determine the key metabolic enzyme subtypes. In HLMs, demethyleneberberine (demethylated product) and jatrorrhizine glucuronide were identified as the phase I and phase II metabolites, respectively. The enzyme kinetics for both demethylation and glucuronidation were fitted to the Michaelis–Menten equation. Demethylation was inhibited significantly by furafylline and predominantly catalysed by recombinant CYP1A2, whereas glucuronidation was inhibited by silibinin, quercetin, as well as 1‐naphthol and catalysed by recombinant UGT1A1, UGT1A3, UGT1A7, UGT1A8, UGT1A9 and UGT1A10. These results showed that jatrorrhizine is metabolized by human CYP1A2 and multiple UGT1A isoforms. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Glutathione-dependent interaction of heavy metal compounds with multidrug resistance proteins MRP1 and MRP2

The interactions of three heavy metal-containing compounds, cisplatin (CDDP), arsenic trioxide (As₂O₃), and mercury dichloride (HgCl₂), with the multidrug resistance transporters MRP1 and MRP2 and the involvement of glutathione (GSH)-related processes herein were investigated. In Madin–Darby canine kidney cells stably expressing MRP1 or MRP2, viability, GSH content, calcein efflux and polarized GSH efflux were measured as a function of exposure to CDDP, As₂O₃ and HgCl₂. In isolated Sf9-MRP1 and Sf9-MRP2 membrane vesicles, the interaction with MRP-associated ATPase activity was measured. In the latter model system adduct formation with GSH is not an issue.

The data show that (1) CDDP interacts with both MRP1 and MRP2, and GSH appears to play no major role in this process, (2) As₂O₃ interacts with MRP1 and MRP2 in which process GSH seems to be essential, and (3) HgCl₂ interacts with MRP1 and MRP2, either alone and/or as a metal–GSH complex.     

Reversal of in vitro cellular MRP1 and MRP2 mediated vincristine resistance by the flavonoid myricetin

In the present study, the effects of myricetin on either MRP1 or MRP2 mediated vincristine resistance in transfected MDCKII cells were examined. The results obtained show that myricetin can inhibit both MRP1 and MRP2 mediated vincristine efflux in a concentration dependent manner. The IC50 values for cellular vincristine transport inhibition by myricetin were 30.5+/-1.7 microM for MRP1 and 24.6+/-1.3 microM for MRP2 containing MDCKII cells. Cell proliferation analysis showed that the MDCKII control cells are very sensitive towards vincristine toxicity with an IC50 value of 1.1+/-0.1 microM. The MDCKII MRP1 and MRP2 cells are less sensitive towards vincristine toxicity with IC50 values of 33.1+/-1.9 and 22.2+/-1.4 microM, respectively. In both the MRP1 and MRP2 cells, exposure to 25 microM myricetin enhances the sensitivity of the cells towards vincristine toxicity to IC50 values of 7.6+/-0.5 and 5.8+/-0.5 microM, respectively. The increase of sensitivity represents a reversal of the resistance towards vincristine as a result of MRP1 and MRP2 inhibition. Thus, the present study demonstrates the ability of the flavonoid myricetin to modulate MRP1 and MRP2 mediated resistance to the anticancer drug vincristine in transfected cells, indicating that flavonoids might be a valuable adjunct to chemotherapy to block MRP mediated resistance.     

Interactions of mefloquine with ABC proteins, MRP1 (ABCC1) and MRP4 (ABCC4) that are present in human red cell membranes

Human erythrocyte membranes express the multidrug resistance-associated proteins, MRP1, MRP4 and 5, that collectively can efflux oxidised glutathione, glutathione conjugates and cyclic nucleotides. It is already known that the quinoline derivative, MK-571, is a potent inhibitor of MRP-mediated transport. We here examine whether the quinoline-based antimalarial drugs, amodiaquine, chloroquine, mefloquine, primaquine, quinidine and quinine, also interact with erythrocyte MRPs with consequences for their access to the intracellular parasites or for efflux of oxidised glutathione from infected cells. Using inside-out vesicles prepared from human erythrocytes we have shown that mefloquine and MK-571 inhibit transport of 3 microM [(3)H]DNP-SG known to be mediated by MRP1 (IC(50) 127 and 1.1 microM, respectively) and of 3.3 microM [(3)H]cGMP thought but not proven to be mediated primarily by MRP4 (IC(50) 21 and 0.41 microM). They also inhibited transport in membrane vesicles prepared from tumour cells expressing MRP1 or MRP4 and blocked calcein efflux from MRP1-overexpressing cells and BCECF efflux from MRP4-overexpressing cells. Both stimulated ATPase activity in membranes prepared from MRP1 and MRP4-overexpressing cells and inhibited activity stimulated by quercetin or PGE(1), respectively. Neither inhibited [alpha-(32)P]8-azidoATP binding confirming that the interactions are not at the ATP binding site. These results demonstrate that mefloquine and MK-571 both inhibit transport of other substrates and stimulate ATPase activity and thus may themselves be substrates for transport. But at concentrations achieved clinically mefloquine is unlikely to affect the MRP1-mediated transport of GSSG across the erythrocyte membrane.     

Interaction of plant cannabinoids with the multidrug transporter ABCC1 (MRP1)

The ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter ABCC1, or multidrug resistance-related protein 1 (MRP1) is implicated in Phase II metabolism and multidrug resistance as it effluxes substrate anticancer drugs. As cannabinoids inhibit two related ABC transporters, P-glycoprotein and ABCG2, here we examined whether they also inhibit ABCC1. Indeed, the cannabinoids enhanced the intracellular accumulation of two ABCC1 substrates, Fluo3 and vincristine, in ovarian carcinoma cells over-expressing ABCC1 (2008/MRP1) with a rank order of potency: cannabidiol>cannabinol>Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol. Cannabinoid inhibition of ABCC1 was confirmed using insect cell membrane MRP1 ATPase assays. These results demonstrate that cannabinoids inhibit ABCC1.     

Effect of flavonoids on MRP1-mediated transport in Panc-1 cells

The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of dietary flavonoids, which are present in fruits, vegetables, and plant-derived beverages, on the transport of daunomycin (DNM) and vinblastine (VBL) in Panc-1 cells. Panc-1 is a human pancreatic adenocarcinoma cell line, which expresses Multidrug Resistance-Associated Protein1 (MRP1). The 2-h accumulation of (3)H-DNM and (3)H-VBL was determined in the presence and absence of 22 flavonoids. Biochanin-A, genistein, quercetin, chalcone, silymarin, phloretin, morin, and kaempferol, at 100 microM concentrations, all significantly increased the accumulation of both DNM and VBL in Panc-1 cells, with morin increasing DNM and VBL accumulation by 546 +/- 50% (mean +/- SE, n = 9) and 553 +/- 37% (n = 9), respectively. Fisetin treatment significantly decreased the accumulation of both DNM and VBL. Concentration-dependent studies demonstrated significant effects on VBL accumulation at 50 microM, but not at 10 microM concentrations, except for chalcone that was effective at a 10 microM concentration. Following a 24-h incubation, there were no changes in MRP1 membrane expression or glutathione-S-transferase activity in cells. Cellular glutathione (GSH) concentrations were significantly decreased following a 2-h incubation with biochanin A, chalcone, genistein, phloretin, quercetin, and silymarin, and following a 24-h incubation with biochanin A, chalcone, genistein, and phloretin. These results therefore indicate that the flavonoids morin, chalcone, silymarin, phloretin, genistein, quercetin, biochanin A, and kaempferol can inhibit MRP1-mediated drug transport, effects that may involve binding interactions with MRP1, as well as modulation of GSH concentrations.     

Bioflavonoid stimulation of glutathione transport by the 190-kDa multidrug resistance protein 1 (MRP1).

In tumor cells, the human multidrug resistance protein 1 (MRP1), confers resistance to a broad spectrum of anticancer agents. MRP1 is also expressed in many normal tissues where it acts as an ATP-dependent transporter of organic anions. Reduced glutathione (GSH) is transported by MRP1 with very low affinity, and certain MRP1 substrates are transported in association with this tripeptide. Previous studies have shown that various dietary flavonoids stimulate the ATPase activity of MRP1 and inhibit transport of its conjugated organic anion substrates but are poor reversers of MRP1-mediated drug resistance. In contrast, many of the same flavonoids markedly stimulate GSH transport by MRP1. In the present study, we found that stimulation of GSH transport in inside-out MRP1-enriched membrane vesicles by apigenin, naringenin, genistein, and quercetin was maximum at a concentration of 30 microM. Apigenin was the most efficacious of the four bioflavonoids, showing a maximal 6-fold increase over basal levels of GSH transport. The apparent K(m) and V(max) for GSH uptake in the presence of 30 microM apigenin were 116 microM and 666 pmol mg(-1) min(-1), respectively. Chemosensitivity assays with control-transfected and MRP1-transfected HeLa cell lines showed that the IC(50) values for apigenin, naringenin, genistein, and quercetin were similar, demonstrating that overexpression of MRP1 does not confer resistance to these bioflavonoids. Our results suggest that flavonoids stimulate MRP1-mediated GSH transport by increasing the apparent affinity of the transporter for GSH but provide no evidence that a cotransport mechanism is involved.     

Structure-metabolism relationships for the glucuronidation of flavonoids by UGT1A3 and UGT1A9

Objectives This study tries to find structure–metabolism relationships between flavonoids and human UGT1A3 and UGT1A9. Methods The glucuronidation of flavonoids was studied with recombinant UGT1A3 and UGT1A9, and the glucuronidation activity was determined by HPLC. Key findings Of the flavonoids studied, it was shown for the first time that baicalein, quercetin‐3‐OCH₂OCH₃, quercetin‐4′‐CH₃, quercetin‐3′‐OCH₃ and quercetin‐3′‐Br are substrates of UGT1A3. Wogonin, baicalein, quercetin‐4′‐Cl, quercetin‐3‐OCH₂OCH₃, quercetin‐3‐O‐arabinoside, quercetin‐4′‐CH₃, quercetin‐3′‐OCH₃ and quercetin‐3′‐Br are the newly reported substrates of UGT1A9. The preferred substrates for UGT1A3 and UGT1A9 contain the hydroxyl group at the C7‐position. The glycon and the position of the B ring have conspicuous influences on the glucuronidation activity, and other chemical structures of flavonoids have minor effects. Conclusions From the quantitative study, UGT1A9 in general has higher glucuronidation efficiency than UGT1A3.     

Characterizing the Expression of CYP3A4 and Efflux Transporters (P-gp,MRP1, and MRP2) in CYP3A4-Transfected Caco-2 Cells After Induction with Sodium Butyrate and the Phorbol Ester 12-O-Tetradecanoylphorbol-13-Acetate

Purpose. To examine the changes in expression levels of CYP3A4 and efflux transporters in CYP3A4-transfected Caco-2 (colon carcinoma) cells in the presence of the inducers sodium butyrate (NaB) and 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA). To characterize the transport of [³H]-digoxin and the metabolism of midazolam in the cells under different inducing conditions. Methods. CYP3A4-Caco-2 cells were seeded onto cell culture inserts and were grown for 13-14 days. Transport and metabolism studies were performed on cells induced with NaB and/or TPA for 24 h. The expression and localization of P-gp, MRP1, MRP2, and CYP3A4 were examined by Western blot and confocal microscopy. Results. In the presence of both inducers, CYP3A4 protein levels were increased 40-fold over uninduced cells, MRP2 expression was decreased by 90%, and P-gp and MRP1 expression were unchanged. Midazolam 1-OH formation exhibited a rank order correlation with increased CYP3A4 protein, whereas [³H]-digoxin transport (a measure of P-gp activity) was unchanged with induction. P-gp and MRP2 were found on the apical membrane, whereas MRP1 was found peri-nuclear within the cell. CYP3A4 displayed a punctate pattern of expression consistent with endoplasmic reticulum localization and exhibited preferential polarization towards the apical side of the cell. Conclusions. The present study characterized CYP3A4-Caco-2 cell monolayers when induced for 24 h in the presence of both NaB and TPA. These conditions provide intact cells with significant CYP3A4 and P-gp expression suitable for the concurrent study of transport and metabolism.