Endoplasmic reticulum transporter OAT2 regulates drug metabolism and interaction.

Xenobiotic metabolic reactions in the hepatocyte endoplasmic reticulum (ER) including UDP-glucuronosyltransferase and carboxylesterase play central roles in the detoxification of medical agents with small- and medium-sized molecules. Although the catalytic sites of these enzymes exist inside of ER, the molecular mechanism for membrane permeation in the ER remains enigmatic. Here, we investigated that organic anion transporter 2 (OAT2) regulates the detoxification reactions of xenobiotic agents including anti-cancer capecitabine and antiviral zidovudine, via the permeation process across the ER membrane in the liver. Pharmacokinetic studies in patients with colorectal cancer revealed that the half-lives of capecitabine in rs2270860 (1324C > T) variants was 1.4 times higher than that in the C/C variants. Moreover, the hydrolysis of capecitabine to 5'-deoxy-5-fluorocytidine in primary cultured human hepatocytes was reduced by OAT2 inhibitor ketoprofen, whereas capecitabine hydrolysis directly assessed in human liver microsomes were not affected. The immunostaining of OAT2 was merged with ER marker calnexin in human liver periportal zone. These results suggested that OAT2 is involved in distribution of capecitabine into ER. Furthermore, we clarified that OAT2 plays an essential role in drug-drug interactions between zidovudine and valproic acid, leading to the alteration in zidovudine exposure to the body. Our findings contribute to mechanistically understanding medical agent detoxification, shedding light on the ER membrane permeation process as xenobiotic metabolic machinery to improve chemical changes in hydrophilic compounds.

Chalcogenium-AZT Derivatives: A Plausible Strategy To Tackle The RT-Inhibitors-Related Oxidative Stress While Maintaining Their Anti- HIV Properties.

BACKGROUND: This study presents the synthesis and multi-target behavior of the new 5'-hydroxy-3-(chalcogenyl-triazoyl)-thymidine and the biological evaluation of these compounds as antioxidant and anti-HIV agents. OBJECTIVE: Antiretroviral therapy induces oxidative stress. Based on this, this manuscript's main objective is to prepare compounds that combine anti-HIV and antioxidant activities. METHODS: The compounds were prepared from commercially available AZT through a copper-catalyzed Huisgen 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition exploiting the AZT azide group and chalcogenyl alkynes. RESULTS: The chalcogenium-AZT derivatives were obtained in good yields via click chemistry. The compounds evaluated showed antioxidant and anti-HIV activity. Additionally, in vivo toxicity of this class of compounds was also evaluated. The representative nucleoside did not change the survival, behavior, biochemical hepatic, or renal markers compared to the control mice. CONCLUSION: Data suggest the feasibility of modifying the AZT nucleus with simple organohalogen fragments, exploring the reactivity of the azide group via 1,3-dipolar Huisgen cycloaddition reaction. The design of these new compounds showed the initially desired biological activities.

Zidovudine inhibits telomere elongation, increases the transposable element LINE-1 copy number and compromises mouse embryo development.

PURPOSE: Millions of pregnant, HIV-infected women take reverse transcriptase inhibitors, such as zidovudine (azidothymidine or AZT), during pregnancy. Reverse transcription plays important roles in early development, including regulation of telomere length (TL) and activity of transposable elements (TE). So we evaluated the effects of AZT on embryo development, TL, and copy number of an active TE, Long Interspersed Nuclear Element 1 (LINE-1), during early development in a murine model. DESIGN: Experimental study. METHODS: In vivo fertilized mouse zygotes from B6C3F1/B6D2F1 mice were cultured for 48 h in KSOM with no AZT (n = 45), AZT 1 µM (n = 46) or AZT 10 µM (n = 48). TL was measured by single-cell quantitative PCR (SC-pqPCR) and LINE-1 copy number by qPCR. The percentage of morulas at 48 h, TL and LINE-1 copy number were compared among groups. RESULTS: Exposure to AZT 1 µM or 10 µM significantly impairs early embryo development. TL elongates from oocyte to control embryos. TL in AZT 1 µM embryos is shorter than in control embryos. LINE-1 copy number is significantly lower in oocytes than control embryos. AZT 1 µM increases LINE-1 copy number compared to oocytes controls, and AZT 10 µM embryos. CONCLUSION: AZT at concentrations approaching those used to prevent perinatal HIV transmission compromises mouse embryo development, prevents telomere elongation and increases LINE-1 copy number after 48 h treatment. The impact of these effects on the trajectory of aging of children exposed to AZT early during development deserves further investigation.

Arginine-259 of UGT2B7 Confers UDP-Sugar Selectivity.

Enzymes of the human UDP-glycosyltransferase (UGT) superfamily typically catalyze the covalent addition of the sugar moiety from a UDP-sugar cofactor to relatively low-molecular weight lipophilic compounds. Although UDP-glucuronic acid (UDP-GlcUA) is most commonly employed as the cofactor by UGT1 and UGT2 family enzymes, UGT2B7 and several other enzymes can use both UDP-GlcUA and UDP-glucose (UDP-Glc), leading to the formation of glucuronide and glucoside conjugates. An investigation of UGT2B7-catalyzed morphine glycosidation indicated that glucuronidation is the principal route of metabolism because the binding affinity of UDP-GlcUA is higher than that of UDP-Glc. Currently, it is unclear which residues in the UGT2B7 cofactor binding domain are responsible for the preferential binding of UDP-GlcUA. Here, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were performed together with site-directed mutagenesis and enzyme kinetic studies to identify residues within the UGT2B7 binding site responsible for the selective cofactor binding. MD simulations demonstrated that Arg259, which is located within the N-terminal domain, specifically interacts with UDP-GlcUA, whereby the side chain of Arg259 H-bonds and forms a salt bridge with the carboxylate group of glucuronic acid. Consistent with the MD simulations, substitution of Arg259 with Leu resulted in the loss of morphine, 4-methylumbelliferone, and zidovudine glucuronidation activity, but morphine glucosidation was preserved. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Despite the importance of uridine diphosphate glycosyltransferase (UGT) enzymes in drug and chemical metabolism, cofactor binding interactions are incompletely understood, as is the molecular basis for preferential glucuronidation by UGT1 and UGT2 family enzymes. The study demonstrated that long timescale molecular dynamics (MD) simulations with a UGT2B7 homology model can be used to identify critical binding interactions of a UGT protein with UDP-sugar cofactors. Further, the data provide a basis for the application of MD simulations to the elucidation of UGT-aglycone interactions.

Zidovudine Glycosylation by Filamentous Fungi Leads to a Better Redox Stability and Improved Cytotoxicity in B16F10 Murine Melanoma Cells.

BACKGROUND: The strategic development of therapeutic agents, capable of being targeted at their active sites, has been a major goal in treatment of cancer. The delivery of drugs for tumors has as its main challenge the development of safe and effective drugs, since the goal of chemotherapy is to eliminate the tumor completely without affecting healthy cells. The aim of present study was to investigate the antioxidant, anticancer activities of zidovudine and its α-O-glycosylated derivative obtained by biosynthesis of a filamentous fungi, Cunninghamela echinulata. METHODS: An evaluation of the cytotoxic potential of zidovudine and its α-O-glycosylated was performed in fibroblasts and melanoma cells by the tetrazolium reduction method (MTT) and the antioxidant activity of this derivative was observed. RESULTS: The antioxidant activity of zidovudine demonstrated an electrochemical oxidation potential of 0.91V, while the α-O-glycosylated derivative did not exhibit any antioxidant activity. The zidovudine exhibited low cytotoxicity for melanoma and fibroblast cells, while the α-O-glycosylated derivative presented better cytotoxicity on melanoma cells at a concentration of 10mg. mL-1. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates the specific cytotoxicity of the glycoconjugate and suggests that glycosylation by biosynthesis can be a useful strategy for obtaining new anticancer compounds.

In situ microemulsion-gel obtained from bioadhesive hydroxypropyl methylcellulose films for transdermal administration of zidovudine.

This study aims to develop in situ microemulsion-gel (ME-Gel) obtained from hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) films for transdermal administration of Zidovudine (AZT). Firstly, HPMC films containing propylene glycol (PG) and eucalyptus oil (EO) were obtained and characterized. Later, a pseudo-ternary phase diagram composed of water, EO, tween 80 and PG was obtained and one microemulsion (ME) with a similar proportion of the film components was obtained. ME was transformed in ME-Gel by the incorporation of HPMC. Finally, HPMC films were hydrated with Tween 80 solution to yield in situ ME-Gel and its effect on AZT skin permeation was compared with HPMC film hydrated with water (F5hyd). The results showed that the ME and ME-Gel presented a droplet size of 16.79 and 122.13 µm, respectively, polydispersity index (PDI) < 0.39 and pH between 5.10 and 5.40. The incorporation of HPMC resulted in viscosity about 2 times higher than the use of ME. The presence of AZT did not alter the formulation properties. The in situ ME-Gel promoted a two-fold increase in the permeated amount of AZT compared to F5hyd. The results suggest that it was possible to obtain an ME-Gel in situ from HPMC films and that its effect on transdermal permeation of AZT was significant.

A non-natural nucleotide uses a specific pocket to selectively inhibit telomerase activity.

Telomerase, a unique reverse transcriptase that specifically extends the ends of linear chromosomes, is up-regulated in the vast majority of cancer cells. Here, we show that an indole nucleotide analog, 5-methylcarboxyl-indolyl-2'-deoxyriboside 5'-triphosphate (5-MeCITP), functions as an inhibitor of telomerase activity. The crystal structure of 5-MeCITP bound to the Tribolium castaneum telomerase reverse transcriptase reveals an atypical interaction, in which the nucleobase is flipped in the active site. In this orientation, the methoxy group of 5-MeCITP extends out of the canonical active site to interact with a telomerase-specific hydrophobic pocket formed by motifs 1 and 2 in the fingers domain and T-motif in the RNA-binding domain of the telomerase reverse transcriptase. In vitro data show that 5-MeCITP inhibits telomerase with a similar potency as the clinically administered nucleoside analog reverse transcriptase inhibitor azidothymidine (AZT). In addition, cell-based studies show that treatment with the cell-permeable nucleoside counterpart of 5-MeCITP leads to telomere shortening in telomerase-positive cancer cells, while resulting in significantly lower cytotoxic effects in telomerase-negative cell lines when compared with AZT treatment.

Capillary electrophoresis study of systemin peptides spreading in tomato plant.

Systemin (Sys) is an 18-aa plant peptide hormone involved in the regulation of plant's defensive response. Sys is considered as a fast-spreading systemic wound signal. We developed a simple and rapid CE method to monitor the spreading of Sys peptides through tomato plant. A 1,2,3-triazole-linked AZT-systemin conjugate was designed as a model to study the possibility of translocating small cargo molecules 3'-Azido-2',3'-dideoxythymidine by systemin. The Sys peptides (Sys, N-propiolyl Sys, and AZT-systemin conjugate) were injected into the stem and leaves of mature tomato plant. Its transportation throughout the plant tissue was traced by CE. The peptides were clearly visible in the crude tomato exudates and an optimum separation was achieved in 25 mM phosphate "buffer" at pH 2.5 and a voltage of 20 kV using uncoated fused silica capillary. CE analysis showed that Sys peptides are well separated from tomato plant exudates ingredients and are stable in tomato stem and leaf exudates for up to 24 h. CE study revealed that the Sys peptides are effectively spreading throughout tomato stem and leaves and the peptides could be directly detected in the crude plant matrixes. The translocation was strongly inhibited by sodium azide. The results showed that the established CE method can be used to characterize plant peptides spreading under plant physiological conditions.

Selenothymidine protects against biochemical and behavioral alterations induced by ICV-STZ model of dementia in mice.

The present study evaluated the neuroprotective effects of one selenium-containing AZT derivative compound (S1073) in memory and learning impairment caused by Intracerebroventricular-streptozotocin (ICV-STZ). ICV-STZ in mice causes impairment of energy metabolism with oxidative damage and cholinergic dysfunction, and provides a relevant model for sporadic dementia of Alzheimer's type (AD). Acetylcolinesterase (AChE), Catalase (CAT), dichlorofluorescein oxidation (DCFH), TBARS and thiol content were measured. Swiss adult mice were pre-treated with S1073 [1 mmol/kg] (i.p.) and after 30 min of the injection received a bilateral dose of STZ [11.3 µmol/l]. After 8 days' STZ injection, we performed the behavioral experiments (Beaker test, Open field and Morris water maze task). ICV-STZ caused significant learning and memory impairments, which were significantly improved by S1073 pre-treatment. A significant increase in cerebral DFCH, TBARS levels and AChE activity and a disturbance in the memory and learning were observed in ICV-STZ injected animals. S1073 significantly ameliorated all alterations induced by ICV-STZ in mice. All these findings support the neuroprotective role of S1073 in mice model of Alzheimer's dementia-type induced by ICV-STZ, which may be associated with its antioxidant activity and/or with its inhibitory effect in brain AChE. In fact, in silico analysis indicated that S1073 may be an inhibitor of AChE.

In Vivo Incorporation of Azide Groups into DNA by Using Membrane-Permeable Nucleotide Triesters.

Metabolic incorporation of bioorthogonal functional groups into cellular nucleic acids can be impeded by insufficient phosphorylation of nucleosides. Previous studies found that 5azidomethyl-2'-deoxyuridine (AmdU) was incorporated into the DNA of HeLa cells expressing a low-fidelity thymidine kinase, but not by wild-type HeLa cells. Here we report that membrane-permeable phosphotriester derivatives of AmdU can exhibit enhanced incorporation into the DNA of wild-type cells and animals. AmdU monophosphate derivatives bearing either 5'-bispivaloyloxymethyl (POM), 5'-bis-(4-acetoxybenzyl) (AB), or "Protide" protective groups were used to mask the phosphate group of AmdU prior to its entry into cells. The POM derivative "POM-AmdU" exhibited better chemical stability, greater metabolic incorporation efficiency, and lower toxicity than "AB-AmdU". Remarkably, the addition of POM-AmdU to the water of zebrafish larvae enabled the biosynthesis of azide-modified DNA throughout the body.

Calorimetric and spectroscopic studies of the interaction between zidovudine and human serum albumin.

A quantitative analysis of the interaction between zidovudine (AZT) and human serum albumin (HSA) was achieved using Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) in combination with fluorescence and 1H NMR spectroscopy. ITC directly measure the heat during a biomolecular binding event and gave us thermodynamic parameters and the characteristic association constant. By fluorescence quenching, the binding parameters of AZT-HSA interaction was determined and location to binding site I of HSA was confirmed. Via T1 NMR selective relaxation time measurements the drug-protein binding extent was evaluated as dissociation constants Kd and the involvement of azido moiety of zidovudine in molecular complex formation was put in evidence. All three methods indicated a very weak binding interaction. The association constant determined by ITC (3.58×102M-1) is supported by fluorescence quenching data (2.74×102M-1). The thermodynamic signature indicates that at least hydrophobic and electrostatic type interactions played a main role in the binding process.

Gelatin modified lipid nanoparticles for anti- viral drug delivery.

The major challenges to clinical application of zidovudine are its moderate aqueous solubility and relative short half-life and serious side effects due to frequent administrations. We investigated the preparation of zidovudine-loaded nanoparticles based on lipids which were further modified with the polymer gelatin. Formulation and stability of the modified nanoparticles were analysed from the physico-chemical characterizations. The interactions of nanoparticles with blood components were tested by haemolysis and aggregation studies. The drug content and entrapment efficiencies were assessed by UV analysis. The effect of nanoparticles on protein adsorption was assessed by native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE). In vitro release studies showed a sustained release profile of zidovudine. In vitro cytotoxicity and cellular uptake of the zidovudine-loaded nanoparticles were performed in MCF-7 and neuro 2a brain cells. The enhanced cellular internalization of drug loaded modified nanoparticles in both the cell lines were revealed by fluorescence microscopy. Hence the present study focuses on the feasibility of zidovudine-loaded polymer modified lipid nanoparticles as carriers for safe and efficient HIV/AIDS therapy.

Evaluation of ameliorative ability of Silibinin against zidovudine and isoniazid-induced hepatotoxicity and hyperlipidaemia in rats: Role of Silibinin in Phase I and II drug metabolism.

HIV/AIDS patients have suppressed immune system, making them vulnerable to many opportunistic infections including tuberculosis (TB). The patients who are co-infected with TB undergo combined regimens with anti-retroviral drugs such as zidovudine (AZT) and anti-tubercular drug such as isoniazid (INH) for therapy leading to hepatotoxicty. Silibinin (SBN), extracted from Silybum marianum commonly called as "Milk thistle" is used against several drugs-induced hepatotoxicity. The present study evaluates the ameliorative effect of SBN against AZT alone, INH alone, and INH + AZT-induced toxic insults to liver of rats. Wistar albino rats (n = 6/groups) were given INH and AZT (25 and 50 mg mg/kg b.w.) respectively either alone or in combination for a sub-chronic period of 45 days orally. Another group of rats received SBN (100 mg/kg b.w.) along with INH and AZT. The group that received propylene glycol served as control. AZT alone, INH alone and INH + AZT treatments showed parenchymal cell injury and cholestasis by highly significant increase in the activities of marker enzymes (aspartate and alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, argino succinic acid lyase), bilirubin and protein. The presence of hyperlipidaemia was observed by analyzing lipid profiles in serum/liver/adipose tissue, gene expression (RT-PCR) of Phase-I and II metabolizing enzymes and western blot. Transmission electron microscopy study also revealed large vacuoles with membraneous debri, pleomorphic mitochondria, disruption of endoplasmic reticulum, presence of lipid droplets, breakage in cellular and nuclear membrane. SBN simultaneous treatment showed ameliorative effect against INH + AZT-induced hepatotoxicity and hyperlipidemia in rats.

Recent progress in prodrug design strategies based on generally applicable modifications.

The development of prodrugs has progressed with the aim of improving drug bioavailability by overcoming various barriers that reduce drug benefits in clinical use, such as stability, duration, water solubility, side effect profile, and taste. Many conventional drugs act as the precursors of an active agent in vivo; for example, the anti-HIV agent azidothymidine (AZT) is converted into its corresponding active triphosphate ester in the body, meaning that AZT is a prodrug in the broadest sense. However prodrug design is generally difficult owing to the lack of general versatility. Thus, these prodrugs, broadly defined, are often discovered by chance or trial-and-error. Recently, many prodrugs that could release the corresponding parent drugs with or without enzymatic action under physiological conditions have been reported. These prodrugs can be easily designed and synthesized because of their generally applicable modifications. This digest paper provides an overview of recent development in prodrug strategies for drugs with a carboxylic acid or hydroxyl/amino group on the basis of a generally applicable modification strategy, such as esterification, amidation, or benzylation.

In Vitro Drug Metabolism Using Liver Microsomes.

Knowledge of the metabolic stability of newly discovered drug candidates eliminated by metabolism is essential for predicting the pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters that underpin dosing and dosage frequency. Further, characterization of the enzyme(s) responsible for metabolism (reaction phenotyping) allows prediction, at least at the qualitative level, of factors (including metabolic drug-drug interactions) likely to alter the clearance of both new chemical entities (NCEs) and established drugs. Microsomes are typically used as the enzyme source for the measurement of metabolic stability and for reaction phenotyping because they express the major drug-metabolizing enzymes cytochrome P450 (CYP) and UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT), along with others that contribute to drug metabolism. Described in this unit are methods for microsome isolation, as well as for the determination of metabolic stability and metabolite formation (including kinetics). © 2016 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Warfarin is an effective modifier of multiple UDP-glucuronosyltransferase enzymes: evaluation of its potential to alter the pharmacokinetics of zidovudine.

In this study, we aimed to determine the modulatory effects of warfarin (an extensively used anticoagulant drug) and its metabolites on UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) activity and to assess the potential of warfarin to alter the pharmacokinetics of zidovudine (AZT). The effects of warfarin and its metabolites on glucuronidation were determined using human and rat liver microsomes (HLM and RLM) as well as expressed UGTs. The mechanisms of warfarin-UGT interactions were explored through kinetic characterization and modeling. Pharmacokinetic studies with rats were performed to evaluate the potential of warfarin to alter the pharmacokinetics of AZT. We found that warfarin was an effective modifier of a panel of UGT enzymes. The effects of warfarin on glucuronidation were inhibitory for UGT1A1, 2B7, and 2B17, but activating for UGT1A3. Mixed effects were observed for UGT1A7 and 1A9. Consistent with its inhibitory effects on UGT2B7 activity, warfarin inhibited AZT glucuronidation in HLM (Ki = 74.9-96.3 µM) and RLM (Ki = 190-230 µM). Inhibition of AZT glucuronidation by UGT2B7, HLM, and RLM was also observed with several hydroxylated metabolites of warfarin. Moreover, the systemic exposure (AUC) of AZT in rats was increased by a 1.5- to 2.1-fold upon warfarin coadministration. The elevated AUC was associated with suppressed glucuronidation that was probably attained through a combined action of warfarin and its hydroxylated metabolites. In conclusion, the activities of multiple UGT enzymes can be modulated by warfarin and the nature of modulation was isoform dependent. Also, pharmacokinetic interactions of zidovudine with warfarin were highly possible through inhibition of UGT metabolism.

Structure and conformational analysis of the anti-HIV reverse transcriptase inhibitor AZT using MP2 and DFT methods. Differences with the natural nucleoside thymidine. Simulation of the 1st phosphorylation step with ATP.

A comprehensive quantum-chemical investigation of the conformational landscape of the HIV-1 reverse transcriptase inhibitor AZT (3'-azido-3'-deoxythymidine) nucleoside analogue was carried out. The whole conformational parameters (χ, γ, ß, δ, ϕ, P, νmax) were analysed as well as the NBO charges. The search located at least 55 stable structures, 9 of which were by MP2 within a 1 kcal mol(-1) electronic energy range of the global minimum. Most conformers were anti or high-anti around the glycoside bond and with North sugar ring puckering angles. The distribution of all the conformers according to the ranges of stability of the characteristic torsional angles was established. The results obtained were in accordance with those found in related anti-HIV nucleoside analogues. The best conformer in the anti form corresponded to the calculated values by MP2 of χ = -126.9°, ß = 176.4° and γ = 49.1°. An analysis of the lowest vibrations in conformer C1 was carried out. The first hydration shell was simulated and the structural differences with the natural nucleoside deoxythymidine (dT) were determined. The first phosphorylation step was simulated by interacting ATP with the best hydrated clusters of AZT and dT. The Na cations act as a bridge between the phosphate moieties of ATP making it easy for -P3O3 to receive the H5' proton from AZT or dT. A proton-transfer mechanism is proposed through the water molecules. When the number of the water molecules surrounding AZT is lower than 8, the first phosphorylation step of AZT can be carried out. However, the appropriate orientation of the O5'-H in dT avoids this limitation and it can be performed with large numbers of water molecules.

Glucuronidation of capsaicin by liver microsomes and expressed UGT enzymes: reaction kinetics, contribution of individual enzymes and marked species differences.

OBJECTIVE: The objectives of this study are to characterize capsaicin glucuronidation using liver microsomes and to determine the contribution of individual UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) enzymes to hepatic glucuronidation of capsaicin. METHODS: The rates of glucuronidation were determined by incubating capsaicin with uridine diphosphoglucuronic acid-supplemented microsomes. Kinetic parameters were derived by model fitting. Determination of the relative activity factors, expression-activity correlation and activity correlation analysis were performed to identify the main UGT enzymes contributing to capsaicin metabolism. RESULTS: Capsaicin was efficiently glucuronidated in pooled human liver microsomes (pHLM). UGT1A1, 1A9 and 2B7 (as well as the gastrointestinal enzymes UGT1A7 and 1A8) showed considerable activities. Capsaicin glucuronidation was significantly correlated with 3-O-glucuronidation of ß-estradiol (r = 0.637; p = 0.014) and with UGT1A1 protein levels (r = 0.616; p = 0.019) in a bank of individual HLMs (n = 14). Also, capsaicin glucuronidation was strongly correlated with zidovudine glucuronidation (r = 0.765; p < 0.01) and with UGT2B7 protein levels (r = 0.721; p < 0.01). UGT1A1, 1A9 and 2B7 contributed 30.3, 6.0 and 49.0% of total glucuronidation of capsaicin in pHLM, respectively. Further, glucuronidation of capsaicin by liver microsomes showed marked species difference. CONCLUSION: Capsaicin was subjected to significant hepatic glucuronidation, wherein UGT1A1 and 2B7 were the main contributing enzymes.

Tomato thymidine kinase is subject to inefficient TTP feedback regulation.

A promising suicide gene therapy system to treat gliomas has been reported: the thymidine kinase 1 from tomato (toTK1) combined with the nucleoside analog pro-drug zidovudine (azidothymidine, AZT), which is known to penetrate the blood-brain barrier. Transduction with toTK1 has been found to efficiently increase the sensitivity of human glioblastoma cells to AZT, and nude rats with intracranial glioblastoma grafts have shown significantly improved survival when treated with the toTK1/AZT system. We show in our paper that the strong suicidal effect of AZT together with toTK1 may be explained by reduced TTP-mediated feedback inhibition of the AZT phosphorylation.

Hepatic microsomal UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) activities in the microminipig.

The microminipig, a small minipig, was bred as a novel experimental animal for nonclinical pharmacology/toxicology studies by Fuji Micra Inc. (Shizuoka, Japan). Species differences in drug metabolism between humans and the microminipig need to be elucidated in more detail in order to discuss the results of nonclinical studies. Glucuronidation catalysed by UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) is an important pathway in the metabolism of a wide variety of compounds. The aim of the present study was to identify the characteristics of hepatic UGT activity in the microminipig and compare them with those in humans and other experimental animals. This study examined in vitro UGT activities using liver microsomes from microminipigs (8 months old and 1 day old), humans, mice, rats, dogs, monkeys and minipigs. The glucuronides of estradiol, imipramine, serotonin, propofol, 3'-azido-3'-deoxythymidine (AZT) and morphine, selective substrates of human UGT1A1, 1A4, 1A6, 1A9 and 2B7 (AZT and morphine), respectively, were measured using LC-MS/MS. Estradiol-3-glucuronidation activity was higher in the microminipig than in humans and the other animals. High levels of estradiol-3-glucuronidation were observed in the microsomes of 1-day-old microminipigs. Imipramine-N-glucuronidation, a distinctive conjugation by human UGT1A4, was catalysed by microminipig liver microsomes, but not by dog liver microsomes. Although AZT-glucuronidation activity was low in the microminipig compared with humans, morphine-3-glucuronidation activity in the microminipig was higher than that in humans. The UGT activities in the microminipig were similar to those in the minipig. The results of the present study have provided useful information for selecting an appropriate animal model for nonclinical studies.