Mitochondrial targeting of bilirubin regulatory enzymes: An adaptive response to oxidative stress.

The intracellular level of bilirubin (BR), an endogenous antioxidant that is cytotoxic at high concentrations, is tightly controlled within the optimal therapeutic range. We have recently described a concerted intracellular BR regulation by two microsomal enzymes: heme oxygenase 1 (HMOX1), essential for BR production and cytochrome P450 2A5 (CYP2A5), a BR oxidase. Herein, we describe targeting of these enzymes to hepatic mitochondria during oxidative stress. The kinetics of microsomal and mitochondrial BR oxidation were compared. Treatment of DBA/2J mice with 200mgpyrazole/kg/day for 3days increased hepatic intracellular protein carbonyl content and induced nucleo-translocation of Nrf2. HMOX1 and CYP2A5 proteins and activities were elevated in microsomes and mitoplasts but not the UGT1A1, a catalyst of BR glucuronidation. A CYP2A5 antibody inhibited 75% of microsomal BR oxidation. The inhibition was absent in control mitoplasts but elevated to 50% after treatment. An adrenodoxin reductase antibody did not inhibit microsomal BR oxidation but inhibited 50% of mitochondrial BR oxidation. Ascorbic acid inhibited 5% and 22% of the reaction in control and treated microsomes, respectively. In control mitoplasts the inhibition was 100%, which was reduced to 50% after treatment. Bilirubin affinity to mitochondrial and microsomal CYP2A5 enzyme is equally high. Lastly, the treatment neither released cytochrome c into cytoplasm nor dissipated membrane potential, indicating the absence of mitochondrial membrane damage. Collectively, the observations suggest that BR regulatory enzymes are recruited to mitochondria during oxidative stress and BR oxidation by mitochondrial CYP2A5 is supported by mitochondrial mono-oxygenase system. The induced recruitment potentially confers membrane protection.

Tumour suppressor protein p53 regulates the stress activated bilirubin oxidase cytochrome P450 2A6.

Human cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2A6 enzyme has been proposed to play a role in cellular defence against chemical-induced oxidative stress. The encoding gene is regulated by various stress activated transcription factors. This paper demonstrates that p53 is a novel transcriptional regulator of the gene. Sequence analysis of the CYP2A6 promoter revealed six putative p53 binding sites in a 3kb proximate promoter region. The site closest to transcription start site (TSS) is highly homologous with the p53 consensus sequence. Transfection with various stepwise deletions of CYP2A6-5'-Luc constructs--down to -160bp from the TSS--showed p53 responsiveness in p53 overexpressed C3A cells. However, a further deletion from -160 to -74bp, including the putative p53 binding site, totally abolished the p53 responsiveness. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay with a probe containing the putative binding site showed specific binding of p53. A point mutation at the binding site abolished both the binding and responsiveness of the recombinant gene to p53. Up-regulation of the endogenous p53 with benzo[α]pyrene--a well-known p53 activator--increased the expression of the p53 responsive positive control and the CYP2A6-5'-Luc construct containing the intact p53 binding site but not the mutated CYP2A6-5'-Luc construct. Finally, inducibility of the native CYP2A6 gene by benzo[α]pyrene was demonstrated by dose-dependent increases in CYP2A6 mRNA and protein levels along with increased p53 levels in the nucleus. Collectively, the results indicate that p53 protein is a regulator of the CYP2A6 gene in C3A cells and further support the putative cytoprotective role of CYP2A6.

D2-dopaminergic receptor-linked pathways: critical regulators of CYP3A, CYP2C, and CYP2D.

Various hormonal and monoaminergic systems play determinant roles in the regulation of several cytochromes P450 (P450s) in the liver. Growth hormone (GH), prolactin, and insulin are involved in P450 regulation, and their release is under dopaminergic control. This study focused on the role of D2-dopaminergic systems in the regulation of the major drug-metabolizing P450s, i.e., CYP3A, CYP2C, and CYP2D. Blockade of D2-dopaminergic receptors with either sulpiride (SULP) or 4-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-(1H-indol-3-ylmethyl)piperidin-4-ol (L-741,626) markedly down-regulated CYP3A1/2, CYP2C11, and CYP2D1 expression in rat liver. This suppressive effect appeared to be mediated by the insulin/phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt/FOXO1 signaling pathway. Furthermore, inactivation of the GH/STAT5b signaling pathway appeared to play a role in D2-dopaminergic receptor-mediated down-regulating effects on these P450s. SULP suppressed plasma GH levels, with subsequently reduced activation of STAT5b, which is the major GH pulse-activated transcription factor and has up-regulating effects on various P450s in hepatic tissue. Levels of prolactin, which exerts down-regulating control on P450s, were increased by SULP, which may contribute to SULP-mediated effects. Finally, it appears that SULP-induced inactivation of the cAMP/protein kinase A/cAMP-response element-binding protein signaling pathway, which is a critical regulator of pregnane X receptor and hepatocyte nuclear factor 1α, and inactivation of the c-Jun N-terminal kinase contribute to SULP-induced down-regulation of the aforementioned P450s. Taken together, the present data provide evidence that drugs acting as D2-dopaminergic receptor antagonists might interfere with several major signaling pathways involved in the regulation of CYP3A, CYP2C, and CYP2D, which are critical enzymes in drug metabolism, thus affecting the effectiveness of the majority of prescribed drugs and the toxicity and carcinogenic potency of a plethora of toxicants and carcinogens.

Stress is a critical player in CYP3A, CYP2C, and CYP2D regulation: role of adrenergic receptor signaling pathways.

Stress is a critical player in the regulation of the major cytochrome P-450s (CYPs) that metabolize the majority of the prescribed drugs. Early in life, maternal deprivation (MD) stress and repeated restraint stress (RS) modified CYP expression in a stress-specific manner. In particular, the expression of CYP3A1 and CYP2C11 was increased in the liver of MD rats, whereas RS had no significant effect. In contrast, hepatic CYP2D1/2 activity was increased by RS, whereas MD did not affect it. The primary effectors of the stress system, glucocorticoids and epinephrine, highly induced CYP3A1/2. Epinephrine also induced the expression of CYP2C11 and CYP2D1/2. Further investigation indicated that AR-agonists may modify CYP regulation. In vitro experiments using primary hepatocyte cultures treated with the AR-agonists phenylephrine, dexmedetomidine, and isoprenaline indicated an AR-induced upregulating effect on the above-mentioned CYPs mediated by the cAMP/protein kinase A and c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase signaling pathways. Interestingly though, in vivo pharmacological manipulations of ARs using the same AR-agonists led to a suppressed hepatic CYP expression profile, indicating that the effect of the complex network of central and peripheral AR-linked pathways overrides that of the hepatic ARs. The AR-mediated alterations in CYP3A1/2, CYP2C11, and CYP2D1/2 expressions are potentially connected with those observed in the activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 5b. In conclusion, stress and AR-agonists may modify the expression of the major CYP genes involved in the metabolism of drugs used in a wide range of diseases, thus affecting drug efficacy and toxicity.

Metabolism of bilirubin by human cytochrome P450 2A6.

The mouse cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2A5 has recently been shown to function as hepatic "Bilirubin Oxidase" (Abu-Bakar, A., et al., 2011. Toxicol. Appl. Pharmacol. 257, 14-22). To date, no information is available on human CYP isoforms involvement in bilirubin metabolism. In this paper we provide novel evidence for human CYP2A6 metabolising the tetrapyrrole bilirubin. Incubation of bilirubin with recombinant yeast microsomes expressing the CYP2A6 showed that bilirubin inhibited CYP2A6-dependent coumarin 7-hydroxylase activity to almost 100% with an estimated K(i) of 2.23 µM. Metabolite screening by a high-performance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry indicated that CYP2A6 oxidised bilirubin to biliverdin and to three other smaller products with m/z values of 301, 315 and 333. Molecular docking analyses indicated that bilirubin and its positively charged intermediate interacted with key amino acid residues at the enzyme's active site. They were stabilised at the site in a conformation favouring biliverdin formation. By contrast, the end product, biliverdin was less fitting to the active site with the critical central methylene bridge distanced from the CYP2A6 haem iron facilitating its release. Furthermore, bilirubin treatment of HepG2 cells increased the CYP2A6 protein and activity levels with no effect on the corresponding mRNA. Co-treatment with cycloheximide (CHX), a protein synthesis inhibitor, resulted in increased half-life of the CYP2A6 compared to cells treated only with CHX. Collectively, the observations indicate that the CYP2A6 may function as human "Bilirubin Oxidase" where bilirubin is potentially a substrate and a regulator of the enzyme.

Inducible bilirubin oxidase: a novel function for the mouse cytochrome P450 2A5.

We have previously shown that bilirubin (BR), a breakdown product of haem, is a strong inhibitor and a high affinity substrate of the mouse cytochrome P450 2A5 (CYP2A5). The antioxidant BR, which is cytotoxic at high concentrations, is potentially useful in cellular protection against oxygen radicals if its intracellular levels can be strictly controlled. The mechanisms that regulate cellular BR levels are still obscure. In this paper we provide preliminary evidence for a novel function of CYP2A5 as hepatic "BR oxidase". A high-performance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry screening showed that recombinant yeast microsomes expressing the CYP2A5 oxidise BR to biliverdin, as the main metabolite, and to three other smaller products with m/z values of 301, 315 and 333. The metabolic profile is significantly different from that of chemical oxidation of BR. In chemical oxidation the smaller products were the main metabolites. This suggests that the enzymatic reaction is selective, towards biliverdin production. Bilirubin treatment of primary hepatocytes increased the CYP2A5 protein and activity levels with no effect on the corresponding mRNA. Co-treatment with cycloheximide (CHX), a protein synthesis inhibitor, resulted in increased half-life of the CYP2A5 compared to cells treated only with CHX. Collectively, the observations suggest that the CYP2A5 is potentially an inducible "BR oxidase" where BR may accelerate its own metabolism through stabilization of the CYP2A5 protein. It is possible that this metabolic pathway is potentially part of the machinery controlling intracellular BR levels in transient oxidative stress situations, in which high amounts of BR are produced.

Effects of choline-deprivation on paracetamol- or phenobarbital-induced rat liver metabolic response.

Choline is an essential nutrient that seems to be involved in a wide variety of metabolic reactions and functions in both humans and rodents. Various pathophysiological states have been linked to choline deprivation (CD). The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of CD upon biochemical, histological and metabolic alterations induced by drugs that affect hepatic functional integrity and various drug metabolizing systems via distinct mechanisms. For this purpose, paracetamol (ACET) or phenobarbital (PB) were administered to male Wistar rats that were fed with standard rodent chow (normally fed, NF) or underwent dietary CD. The administration of ACET increased the serum aspartate aminotransferase levels in NF rats, while CD restricted this increase. On the other hand, ACET suppressed alkaline phosphatase levels only in CD rats. Moreover, CD prevented the PB-induced increase of the mitotic activity of hepatocytes. The administration of ACET down-regulated CYP1A2 and CYP2B1 expression in CD rats, while up-regulating them in NF rats. The administration of PB suppressed CYP1A2 apoprotein levels in CD rats, whereas the drug had no effect on NF rats. The PB-induced up-regulation of CYP2B, CYP2E1 and CYP1A1 isozymes was markedly higher in CD than in NF rats. In addition, PB increased glutathione-S-transferase activity only in CD rats. Hepatic glutathione content (GSH) was suppressed by ACET in NF rats, whereas the drug increased GSH in CD rats. Our data suggest that CD has a significant impact on the hepatic metabolic functions, and in particular on those related to drug metabolism. Thus, CD may modify drug effectiveness and toxicity, as well as drug-drug interactions, particularly those related to ACET and PB.

Interaction of heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein C1/C2 with a novel cis-regulatory element within p53 mRNA as a response to cytostatic drug treatment.

We describe a novel cis-element in the 5' coding region of p53 mRNA and its interaction with heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein (hnRNP)C1/C2. This element is located in a putative hairpin loop structure, within the first 101 nucleotides downstream of the start codon. The binding of hnRNPC1/C2 is strongly enhanced in response to the DNA-damaging drug cisplatin [cis-diamminedichloroplatinum(II)] and the cytostatic transcriptional inhibitor actinomycin D (dactinomycin), both known inducers of apoptosis and p53. Strongly stimulated binding is observed in both nuclear and cytoplasmic compartments, and it is accompanied by a cytoplasmic increase of hnRNPC1/C2. Changes in hnRNPC1/C2 protein levels are not proportional to binding activity, suggesting qualitative changes in hnRNPC1/C2 upon activation. Phosphorylation studies reveal contrasting characteristics of the cytoplasmic and nuclear hnRNPC1/C2 interaction with p53 mRNA. Results from chimeric p53-luciferase reporter constructs suggest that hnRNPC1/C2 regulates p53 expression via this binding site. Our results are consistent with a mechanism in which the interaction of hnRNPC1/C2 with a cis-element within the coding region of the p53 transcript regulates the expression of p53 mRNA before and during apoptosis. In addition, we report that preapoptotic signals induced by transcriptional inhibition trigger the appearance of a truncated, exclusively cytoplasmic 43-kDa variant of p53 before apoptosis.

Coactivator PGC-1alpha regulates the fasting inducible xenobiotic-metabolizing enzyme CYP2A5 in mouse primary hepatocytes.

The nutritional state of organisms and energy balance related diseases such as diabetes regulate the metabolism of xenobiotics such as drugs, toxins and carcinogens. However, the mechanisms behind this regulation are mostly unknown. The xenobiotic-metabolizing cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2A5 enzyme has been shown to be induced by fasting and by glucagon and cyclic AMP (cAMP), which mediate numerous fasting responses. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator (PGC)-1alpha triggers many of the important hepatic fasting effects in response to elevated cAMP levels. In the present study, we were able to show that cAMP causes a coordinated induction of PGC-1alpha and CYP2A5 mRNAs in murine primary hepatocytes. Furthermore, the elevation of the PGC-1alpha expression level by adenovirus mediated gene transfer increased CYP2A5 transcription. Co-transfection of Cyp2a5 5' promoter constructs with the PGC-1alpha expression vector demonstrated that PGC-1alpha is able to activate Cyp2a5 transcription through the hepatocyte nuclear factor (HNF)-4alpha response element in the proximal promoter of the Cyp2a5 gene. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays showed that PGC-1alpha binds, together with HNF-4alpha, to the same region at the Cyp2a5 proximal promoter. In conclusion, PGC-1alpha mediates the expression of Cyp2a5 induced by cAMP in mouse hepatocytes through coactivation of transcription factor HNF-4alpha. This strongly suggests that PGC-1alpha is the major factor mediating the fasting response of CYP2A5.

D2-receptor-linked signaling pathways regulate the expression of hepatic CYP2E1.

This study investigated the role of catecholamine-related signaling pathways in the regulation of hepatic cytochrome P450 (CYP2E1). Central and peripheral catecholamine depletion with reserpine down-regulated CYP2E1. On the other hand, selective peripheral catecholamine depletion with guanethidine increased CYP2E1 apoprotein levels. Enrichment of peripheral catecholamines with adrenaline suppressed p-nitrophenol hydroxylase activity (PNP). PNP activity was also markedly suppressed by l-DOPA. Stimulation of D(2)-receptors with bromocriptine up-regulated CYP2E1, as assessed by enzyme activity and protein levels, whereas blockade of D(2)-dopaminergic receptors with sulpiride down-regulated this isozyme. These findings indicate that central and peripheral catecholamines have different effects on CYP2E1. Central catecholamines appear related to the up-regulation, whereas the role of peripheral catecholamines is clearly related to the type and location of adrenoceptors involved. D(2)-receptor-linked signaling pathways have an up-regulating effect on CYP2E1, while D(1)-receptor pathways may down-regulate this isozyme. It is worth noting that the widespread environmental pollutant benzo(alpha)pyrene (B(alpha)P) altered the modulating effect of catecholaminergic systems on CYP2E1 regulation. In particular, whereas stimulation or blockade of adrenoceptors had no effect on constitutive PNP activity, exposure to B(alpha)P modified the impact of central and peripheral catecholamines and alpha(2)-adrenoceptors on CYP2E1 expression. It appears that under the influence of B(alpha)P, alpha(2)-adrenergic receptor-linked signaling pathways increased CYP2E1 apoprotein levels. Given that a wide range of xenobiotics and clinically used drugs are activated by CYP2E1 to toxic metabolites, including the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), it is possible that therapies challenging dopaminergic receptor- and/or alpha(2)-adrenoceptor-linked signaling pathways may alter the expression of CYP2E1, thus affecting the progress and development of several pathologies.

Regulation of the murine inducible nitric oxide synthase gene by dexamethasone involves a heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein I (hnRNPI) dependent pathway.

Glucocorticoids down regulate the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) gene both transcriptionally and post-transcriptionally. The post-transcriptional events are suggested to involve destabilization of the iNOS transcript although the molecular mechanisms for this effect are not known. Recently, our laboratory demonstrated a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)/interferon-gamma (IFNgamma)-induction-dependent interaction of heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein (hnRNP) I and hnRNPL with a destabilizing element contained in the 3'untranslated region (UTR) of iNOS mRNA. The aim of this study was to investigate if dexamethasone, which down regulates iNOS, is able to modulate this protein-mRNA interaction. As expected, dexamethasone inhibited the induction of iNOS by LPS and IFNgamma in RAW 264.7 cells, and destabilized the iNOS mRNA. Dexamethasone also counteracted the LPS/IFNgamma-induced disappearance of a gel shifted iNOS mRNA-protein complex containing hnRNPI and hnRNPL. UV cross-linking and Western blot analyses revealed that the RNA-binding and levels of hnRNPI, which decreased by LPS/IFNgamma treatment, were restored by dexamethasone. The results support our hypothesis that hnRNPI is pivotal in the post-transcriptional regulation of iNOS and strongly suggest that hnRNPI is one of the trans-acting factors mediating the post-transcriptional effects of dexamethasone.

Identification of a regulatory cis-element within the 3'-untranslated region of the murine inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) mRNA; interaction with heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoproteins I and L and role in the iNOS gene expression.

The aim of this study was to investigate the role of heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein I (hnRNPI) and hnRNPL in the regulation of the murine inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) gene during inflammation. Treatment of mice with lipopolysaccharide (LPS)/D-galactosamine, or of RAW 264.7 cells with LPS/interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), strongly increased iNOS expression while reducing hnRNPI levels and complex formation between hnRNPI/hnRNPL and the 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR) of iNOS mRNA. Introduction of the iNOS 3'-UTR to a luciferase reporter gene reduced its expression in RAW 264.7 cells. However, when hnRNPI and hnRNPL binding sites were deleted, luciferase expression was recovered. LPS/IFN-gamma increased the luciferase activity of the full-length 3'-UTR construct compared to control, while its effects on the deletion constructs were modest. The results indicate that LPS/IFN-gamma induce iNOS through a mechanism involving hnRNPI and hnRNPL binding to iNOS 3'-UTR. Our data suggest that iNOS mRNA degradation is promoted upon binding of hnRNPI and hnRNPL to a destabilizing region within its 3'-UTR, while inflammatory stimuli causing dissociation of the mRNA-protein complex, yield a more stable transcript. This appears to be particularly significant during extended inflammatory stimuli, resulting in sustained nitric oxide production. The critical event launching this process appears to be the degradation of hnRNPI.

Cyp2a5 Promoter-based Gene Reporter Assay: A Novel Design of Cell-based Bioassay for Toxicity Prediction.

The murine cytochrome P450 2a5 (Cyp2a5) gene is regulated by complex interactions of various stress-activated transcription factors (TFs). Elevated Cyp2a5 transcription under chemical-induced stress conditions is achieved by interplay between the various TFs - including as aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) and nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 wild-type (Nrf2) - at the 'stress-responding' cluster of response elements on the Cyp2a5 promoter, as well as through mRNA stabilization mediated by interaction of the stress-activated heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A1 (hnRNP A1) with the 3'-UTR of the CYP2A5 mRNA. We designed a unique toxicity pathway-based reporter assay to include regulatory regions from both the 5' and the 3' untranslated regions of Cyp2a5 in a luciferase reporter plasmid to reflect in vivo responses to chemical insult. Human breast cancer MCF-7 cells were stably transfected with pGL4.38-Cyp2a5_Wt3k (wild-type) or mutant - pGL4.38-Cyp2a5_StREMut and pGL4.38-Cyp2a5_XREMut - reporter gene to monitor chemical-induced cellular response mediated by AhR and Nrf2 signalling. The recombinant cells were treated with representative of AhR agonist, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, brominated flame retardant, fluorosurfactant, aromatic organic compound and metal, to determine the sensitivity of the Cyp2a5 promoter-based gene reporter assays to chemical insults by measuring the LC50 and EC50 of the respective chemicals. The three assays are sensitive to sublethal cellular responses of chemicals, which is an ideal feature for toxicity pathway-based bioassay for toxicity prediction. The wild-type reporter responded well to chemicals that activate crosstalk between the AhR and Nrf2, whilst the mutant reporters effectively gauge cellular response driven by either Nrf2/StRE or AhR/XRE signalling. Thus, the three gene reporter assays could be used tandemly to determine the predominant toxicity pathway of a given compound.

Megaprimer-based methodology for deletion of a large fragment within a repetitive polypyrimidine-rich DNA.

Site-directed mutagenesis is often a prerequisite for elucidation of the functional significance of cis- and trans-factors involved in gene regulation. The aim of this study was to delete the primary binding site for heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein I (hnRNPI) within the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) 3' untranslated region mRNA. The binding site consists of a 53-nucleotide CU-rich region within a long stretch of polypyrimidines. As a result of primer pair annealing, the repetitive sequence limited the use of several deletion methods based on polymerase chain reaction. Therefore, a megaprimer approach was chosen. The megaprimer was produced by a forward primer outside the polypyrimidine-rich region, and a mutagenic reverse primer annealing to flanking regions of the desired deletion, thereby looping out the target sequence. Subsequently, this megaprimer was used to create the final deletion recombinant. The deletion was verified by sequencing and by ultraviolet cross-linking mouse liver protein extracts with radiolabeled mutant and wild-type RNAs. In conclusion, the megaprimer method offers a solution for generating large internal deletions in repetitive sequences, which facilitates investigations on large repetitive DNA or RNA regions interacting with trans-factors.

Benzo(alpha)pyrene-induced up-regulation of CYP1A2 gene expression: role of adrenoceptor-linked signaling pathways.

CYP1A2, a principal catalyst for metabolism of various therapeutic drugs and carcinogens, among others, is in part regulated by the stress response. This study was designed to assess whether catecholamines and in particular adrenergic receptor-dependent pathways, modulate benzo(alpha)pyrene (B(alpha)P)-induced hepatic CYP1A2. To distinguish between the role of central and peripheral catecholamines in the regulation of CYP1A2 induction, the effect of central and peripheral catecholamine depletion using reserpine was compared to that of peripheral catecholamine depletion using guanethidine. The effects of peripheral adrenaline and L-DOPA administration were also assessed. The results suggest that alterations in central catecholamines modulate 7-methoxyresorufin O-demethylase activity (MROD), CYP1A2 mRNA and protein levels in the B(alpha)P-induced state. In particular, central catecholamine depletion, dexmedetomidine-induced inhibition of noradrenaline release and blockade of alpha(1)-adrenoceptors with prazosin, up-regulated CYP1A2 expression. Phenylephrine and dexmedetomidine-induced up-regulation may be mediated, in part, via peripheral alpha(1)- and alpha(2)-adrenoceptors, respectively. On the other hand, the L-DOPA-induced increase in central dopaminergic activity was not followed by any change in the up-regulation of CYP1A2 expression by B(alpha)P. Central noradrenergic systems appeared to counteract up-regulating factors, most likely via alpha(1)- and alpha(2)-adrenoceptors. In contrast, peripheral alpha- and beta-adrenoceptor-related signaling pathways are linked to up-regulating processes. The findings suggest that drugs that bind to adrenoceptors or affect central noradrenergic neurotransmission, as well as factors that challenge the adrenoceptor-linked signaling pathways may deregulate CYP1A2 induction. This, in turn, may result in drug-therapy and drug-toxicity complications.

Evidence for induced microsomal bilirubin degradation by cytochrome P450 2A5.

Oxidative metabolism of bilirubin (BR) -- a breakdown product of haem with cytoprotective and toxic properties -- is an important route of detoxification in addition to glucuronidation. The major enzyme(s) involved in this oxidative degradation are not known. In this paper, we present evidence for a major role of the hepatic cytochrome P450 2A5 (Cyp2a5) in BR degradation during cadmium intoxication, where the BR levels are elevated following induction of haem oxygenase-1 (HO-1). Treatment of DBA/2J mice with CdCl(2) induced both the Cyp2a5 and HO-1, and increased the microsomal BR degradation activity. By contrast, the total cytochrome P450 (CYP) content and the expression of Cyp1a2 were down-regulated by the treatment. The induction of the HO-1 and Cyp2a5 was substantial at the mRNA, protein and enzyme activity levels. In each case, the up-regulation of HO-1 preceded that of Cyp2a5 with a 5-10h interval. BR totally inhibited the microsomal Cyp2a5-dependent coumarin hydroxylase activity, with an IC(50) approximately equal to the substrate concentration. The 7-methoxyresorufin 7-O-demethylase (MROD) activity, catalyzed mainly by the Cyp1a2, was inhibited up to 36% by BR. The microsomal BR degradation was inhibited by coumarin and a monoclonal antibody against the Cyp2a5 by about 90%. Furthermore, 7-methoxyresorufin, a substrate for the Cyp1a2, inhibited BR degradation activity by approximately 20%. In sum, the results strongly suggest a major role for Cyp2a5 in the oxidative degradation of BR. Secondly, the coordinated up-regulation of the HO-1 and Cyp2a5 during Cd-mediated injury implicates a network of enzyme systems in the maintenance of balancing BR production and elimination.

Interplay between hnRNP A1 and a cis-acting element in the 3' UTR of CYP2A5 mRNA is central for high expression of the gene.

Our previous evidence suggests that heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein (hnRNP) A1 plays a part in the regulation of the Cyp2a5 gene by interacting with the 3' untranslated region (UTR) of the CYP2A5 mRNA. However, the exact role of this interaction is not clear. The aim of the present work was to gain further insight into the regulation process of Cyp2a5. For this purpose the 3' UTR of CYP2A5 was fused to the coding region of luciferase mRNA. Luciferase recombinants containing either the full length 3' UTR, or the 3' UTR lacking a previously described 71 nucleotide (nt) region (the hnRNP A1 primary binding site), were transiently expressed in cells expressing or lacking hnRNP A1. The expression of the luciferase recombinants was examined both at mRNA and enzyme activity levels. The results disclosed that the presence of hnRNP A1 was required for the high expression of the recombinant carrying the full length 3' UTR of CYP2A5. Deletion of the hnRNP A1 primary binding site dramatically modified the expression pattern: the mRNA levels and luciferase activities of the deletion mutant were independent from hnRNP A1. These results conclusively demonstrate that the 71 nt region in the 3' UTR of CYP2A5 mRNA can confer hnRNP A1-dependent regulation to a gene. In addition, comparison of RNA levels and luciferase activities suggested that regions flanking the hnRNP A1 binding site could regulate translation of the CYP2A5 mRNA. These results are consistent with a model in which the binding of hnRNP A1 to the 71 nt putative hairpin-loop region in the CYP2A5 mRNA 3' UTR upregulates mRNA levels possibly by protecting the mRNA from degradation.

Stress-mediated modulation of B(alpha)P-induced hepatic CYP1A1: role of catecholamines.

The present study investigated the involvement of catecholamines in stress-mediated alterations in CYP1A1 induction by benzo(alpha)pyrene (B(alpha)P) in Wistar rats. This was achieved by measuring EROD activity and CYP1A1 mRNA levels in liver tissue from rats exposed to restraint stress and B(alpha)P coupled with pharmacological modulation of peripheral and central catecholamine levels and different adrenoceptors. In a state of reserpine-induced central and peripheral catecholamine depletion, stress strongly suppressed EROD induction. Peripheral catecholamines do not appear to play a critical role in the stress-mediated modulation of EROD inducibility by B(alpha)P. Stress did not alter EROD inducibility by B(alpha)P when peripheral catecholamines were either depleted by guanethidine or supplemented by peripheral adrenaline administration. On the other hand, central noradrenergic systems appear to have a role in the stress-mediated changes in B(alpha)P-induced EROD activity and Cyp1A1 gene expression. Stimulation or blockade of noradrenaline release with atipamezole and dexmedetomidine, respectively, significantly modified the up-regulating effect of stress. Alpha1 adrenoceptors also appear to participate in the effect of stress on EROD inducibility. Alpha1-blockade with prazosin potentiated the up-regulating effect of stress, possibly preventing the down-regulating effect of noradrenaline. Beta adrenoceptors also seem to be involved directly or indirectly in the stress-mediated modulation of Cyp1A1, as propranolol (beta-antagonist) blocked the down-regulating effect of stress on B(alpha)P-induced Cyp1A1 gene expression. Plasma corticosterone alterations after stress were not related to alterations in the B(alpha)P-induced EROD activity and Cyp1A1 gene expression. In conclusion, stress appears to interfere in the regulation of B(alpha)P-induced hepatic CYP1A1 in an unpredictable manner and via signalling pathways not always directly related to catecholamines. In particular, whenever drug treatment disrupts noradrenergic neurotransmission, other stress-stimulated factors appear to modify the induction of CYP1A1. In summary, regulation of induction of hepatic CYP1A1 during stress appears to involve various components of the stress system, including central and peripheral catecholamines, which interact in a complex manner, yet to be elucidated.

Acute cadmium chloride administration induces hepatic and renal CYP2A5 mRNA, protein and activity in the mouse: involvement of transcription factor NRF2.

Modulation of the cytochrome P450 (CYP) monooxygenase system by cadmium was investigated in male, adult DBA/2J mice treated with a single dose (16 micromol/kg body weight, i.p.) of cadmium chloride (CdCl2). Total CYP content of liver and kidney microsomes decreased maximally (56% and 85%, respectively) 24 and 18 h, respectively, after CdCl2 treatment. Progressive increases of hepatic coumarin 7-hydroxylase (COH) activity; indicative of CYP2A5 activity, relative to the total CYP content were seen at 8 h (2-fold), 12 h (3-fold), 18 h (12-fold), and 24 h (15-fold). Similar changes were seen in the kidney. Liver and kidney CYP2A5 mRNA levels increased maximally 12 and 4 h after treatment and decreased to almost half 6 h later. In contrast, kidney and liver CYP2A5 protein levels increased maximally at 18 and 24 h. The CYP2A5 mRNA levels in the kidney and liver increased after Cd treatment in Nrf2 +/+ but not in Nrf2 -/- mouse. This study demonstrates that hepatic and kidney CYP2A5 is upregulated by cadmium with a somewhat faster response in the kidney than the liver. The strong upregulation of the CYP2A5 both at mRNA and enzyme activity levels, with a simultaneous decrease in the total CYP concentration suggest an unusual mode of regulation of CYP2A5 in response to cadmium exposure, amongst the CYP enzymes. The observed decrease in the mRNA but not in protein levels after maximal induction may suggest involvement of post-transcriptional mechanisms in the regulation. Upregulation of CYP2A5 by cadmium in the Nrf2 +/+ mice but not in the Nrf2-/- mice indicates a role for this transcription factor in the regulation.