Novel triterpenoid pyrones, phthalimides and phthalates are selectively cytotoxic in CCRF-CEM cancer cells - Synthesis, potency, and mitochondrial mechanism of action.

A series of triterpenoid pyrones was synthesized and subsequently modified to introduce phthalimide or phthalate moieties into the triterpenoid skeleton. These compounds underwent in vitro cytotoxicity screening, revealing that a subset of six compounds exhibited potent activity, with IC50 values in the low micromolar range. Further biological evaluations, including Annexin V and propidium iodide staining experiment revealed, that all compounds induce selective apoptosis in cancer cells. Measurements of mitochondrial potential, cell cycle analysis, and the expression of pro- and anti-apoptotic proteins confirmed, that apoptosis was mediated via the mitochondrial pathway. These findings were further supported by cell cycle modulation and DNA/RNA synthesis studies, which indicated a significant increase in cell accumulation in the G0/G1 phase and a marked reduction in S-phase cells, alongside a substantial inhibition of DNA synthesis. The activation of caspase-3 and the cleavage of PARP, coupled with a decrease in the expression of Bcl-2 and Bcl-XL proteins, underscored the induction of apoptosis through the mitochondrial pathway. Given their high activity and pronounced effect on mitochondria function, trifluoromethyl pyrones 1f and 2f, and dihydrophthalimide 2h have been selected for further development.

Novel 5-Substituted Oxindole Derivatives as Bruton's Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors: Design, Synthesis, Docking, Molecular Dynamics Simulation, and Biological Evaluation.

Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) is a non-RTK cytoplasmic kinase predominantly expressed by hemopoietic lineages, particularly B-cells. A new oxindole-based focused library was designed to identify potent compounds targeting the BTK protein as anticancer agents. This study used rational approaches like structure-based pharmacophore modeling, docking, and ADME properties to select compounds. Molecular dynamics simulations carried out at 20 ns supported the stability of compound 9g within the binding pocket. All the compounds were synthesized and subjected to biological screening on two BTK-expressing cancer cell lines, RAMOS and K562; six non-BTK cancer cell lines, A549, HCT116 (parental and p53-/-), U2OS, JURKAT, and CCRF-CEM; and two non-malignant fibroblast lines, BJ and MRC-5. This study resulted in the identification of four new compounds, 9b, 9f, 9g, and 9h, possessing free binding energies of -10.8, -11.1, -11.3, and -10.8 kcal/mol, respectively, and displaying selective cytotoxicity against BTK-high RAMOS cells. Further analysis demonstrated the antiproliferative activity of 9h in RAMOS cells through selective inhibition of pBTK (Tyr223) without affecting Lyn and Syk, upstream proteins in the BCR signaling pathway. In conclusion, we identified a promising oxindole derivative (9h) that shows specificity in modulating BTK signaling pathways.

Lupane derivatives containing various aryl substituents in the position 3 have selective cytostatic effect in leukemic cancer cells including resistant phenotypes.

In this work, a large set of betulinic acid derivatives modified with various aromatic substituents at the position C-3 were prepared via Suzuki-Myiaura cross-coupling. All compounds were tested for their in vitro cytotoxic activity in 8 cancer and 2 healthy cell lines. Derivatives 6h, 6i, and 6o had the lowest IC50 in the CCRF-CEM cell line (0.69-4.0 µM) and had high selectivity. In addition, 6h and 6i also showed significant activity in daunorubicin-resistant CEM and taxol-resistant K562 cell lines; therefore, they were selected for the evaluation of the mechanism of action. First, the effect of 6h, 6i, and 6o on cell death induction was studied. To our surprise, we have not detected almost any apoptotic cells, even following a long-time exposure of CCRF-CEM cells to the compounds. On the other hand, a dramatic cell number decrease was observed, proportional to the time of the compound's exposure. Based on this data it was concluded that the effect of compounds is cytostatic rather than cytotoxic, which was further confirmed by subsequent studies of the impact of 6h, 6i, and 6o on the cell cycle. Detailed cell cycle analysis revealed a block in the G1 phase accompanied by reduced expression of phosphorylated forms of the RB protein as well as cyclin A protein. Evaluation of the pharmacological properties of the most promising compounds revealed their high stability in the presence of phosphate buffer, human plasma, and microsomes and limited permeability determined using permeability through artificial membrane (PAMPA) and cell permeability assay: Caco-2 and MDCK-MDR1 cell lines. Compounds 6h, 6i, and 6o were selected for further drug development; their cytostatic effect may be advantageous in this process since we expect fewer non-specific interactions and toxicity than in highly cytotoxic compounds. In addition, the activity of 6h and 6i against resistant CEM-DNR and K562-TAX leukemic cell lines makes them promising as a possible future alternative to currently used therapies.

Triterpenoid pyrazines and pyridines - Synthesis, cytotoxicity, mechanism of action, preparation of prodrugs.

A set of fifteen triterpenoid pyrazines and pyridines was prepared from parent triterpenoid 3-oxoderivatives (betulonic acid, dihydrobetulonic acid, oleanonic acid, moronic acid, ursonic acid, heterobetulonic acid, and allobetulone). Cytotoxicity of all compounds was tested in eight cancer and two non-cancer cell lines. Evaluation of the structure-activity relationships revealed that the triterpenoid core determined whether the final molecule is active or not, while the heterocycle is able to increase the activity and modulate the specificity. Five compounds (1b, 1c, 2b, 2c, and 8) were found to be preferentially and highly cytotoxic (IC50 ≈ 1 µM) against leukemic cancer cell lines (CCRF-CEM, K562, CEM-DNR, or K562-TAX). Surprisingly, compounds 1c, 2b, and 2c are 10-fold more active in multidrug-resistant leukemia cells (CEM-DNR and K562-TAX) than in their non-resistant analogs (CCRF-CEM and K562). Pharmacological parameters were measured for the most promising candidates and two types of prodrugs were synthesized: 1) Sugar-containing conjugates, most of which had improved cell penetration and retained high cytotoxicity in the CCRF-CEM cell line, unfortunately, they lost the selectivity against resistant cells. 2) Medoxomil derivatives, among which compounds 26-28 gained activities of IC50 0.026-0.043 µM against K562 cells. Compounds 1b, 8, 21, 22, 23, and 24 were selected for the evaluation of the mechanism of action based on their highest cytotoxicity against CCRF-CEM cell line. Several experiments showed that the majority of them cause apoptosis via the mitochondrial pathway. Compounds 1b, 8, and 21 inhibit growth and disintegrate spheroid cultures of HCT116 and HeLa cells, which would be important for the treatment of solid tumors. In summary, compounds 1b, 1c, 2b, 2c, 24, and 26-28 are highly and selectively cytotoxic against cancer cell lines and were selected for future in vivo tests and further development of anticancer drugs.

Increased occurrence of Treponema spp. and double-species infections in patients with Alzheimer's disease.

Although the link between microbial infections and Alzheimer's disease (AD) has been demonstrated in multiple studies, the involvement of pathogens in the development of AD remains unclear. Here, we investigated the frequency of the 10 most commonly cited viral (HSV-1, EBV, HHV-6, HHV-7, and CMV) and bacterial (Chlamydia pneumoniae, Helicobacter pylori, Borrelia burgdorferi, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Treponema spp.) pathogens in serum, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and brain tissues of AD patients. We have used an in-house multiplex PCR kit for simultaneous detection of five bacterial and five viral pathogens in serum and CSF samples from 50 AD patients and 53 healthy controls (CTRL). We observed a significantly higher frequency rate of AD patients who tested positive for Treponema spp. compared to controls (AD: 62.2 %; CTRL: 30.3 %; p-value = 0.007). Furthermore, we confirmed a significantly higher occurrence of cases with two or more simultaneous infections in AD patients compared to controls (AD: 24 %; CTRL 7.5 %; p-value = 0.029). The studied pathogens were detected with comparable frequency in serum and CSF. In contrast, Borrelia burgdorferi, human herpesvirus 7, and human cytomegalovirus were not detected in any of the studied samples. This study provides further evidence of the association between microbial infections and AD and shows that paralleled analysis of multiple sample specimens provides complementary information and is advisable for future studies.

Substituted dienes prepared from betulinic acid - Synthesis, cytotoxicity, mechanism of action, and pharmacological parameters.

A set of new substituted dienes were synthesized from betulinic acid by its oxidation to 30-oxobetulinic acid followed by the Wittig reaction. Cytotoxicity of all compounds was tested in vitro in eight cancer cell lines and two noncancer fibroblasts. Almost all dienes were more cytotoxic than betulinic acid. Compounds 4.22, 4.30, 4.33, 4.39 had IC50 below 5 µmol/L; 4.22 and 4.39 were selected for studies of the mechanism of action. Cell cycle analysis revealed an increase in the number of apoptotic cells at 5 × IC50 concentration, where activation of irreversible changes leading to cell death can be expected. Both 4.22 and 4.39 led to the accumulation of cells in the G0/G1 phase with partial inhibition of DNA/RNA synthesis at 1 × IC50 and almost complete inhibition at 5 × IC50. Interestingly, compound 4.39 at 5 × IC50 caused the accumulation of cells in the S phase. Higher concentrations of tested drugs probably inhibit more off-targets than lower concentrations. Mechanisms disrupting cellular metabolism can induce the accumulation of cells in the S phase. Both compounds 4.22 and 4.39 trigger selective apoptosis in cancer cells via intrinsic pathway, which we have demonstrated by changes in the expression of the crucial apoptosis-related protein. Pharmacological parameters of derivative 4.22 were superior to 4.39, therefore 4.22 was the finally selected candidate for the development of anticancer drug.

Multi-pathogen infections and Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disease associated with the overproduction and accumulation of amyloid-ß peptide and hyperphosphorylation of tau proteins in the brain. Despite extensive research on the amyloid-based mechanism of AD pathogenesis, the underlying cause of AD is not fully understood. No disease-modifying therapies currently exist, and numerous clinical trials have failed to demonstrate any benefits. The recent discovery that the amyloid-ß peptide has antimicrobial activities supports the possibility of an infectious aetiology of AD and suggests that amyloid-ß plaque formation might be induced by infection. AD patients have a weakened blood-brain barrier and immune system and are thus at elevated risk of microbial infections. Such infections can cause chronic neuroinflammation, production of the antimicrobial amyloid-ß peptide, and neurodegeneration. Various pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites have been associated with AD. Most research in this area has focused on individual pathogens, with herpesviruses and periodontal bacteria being most frequently implicated. The purpose of this review is to highlight the potential role of multi-pathogen infections in AD. Recognition of the potential coexistence of multiple pathogens and biofilms in AD's aetiology may stimulate the development of novel approaches to its diagnosis and treatment. Multiple diagnostic tests could be applied simultaneously to detect major pathogens, followed by anti-microbial treatment using antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-biofilm agents.

Cytoprotective activities of kinetin purine isosteres.

Kinetin (N6-furfuryladenine), a plant growth substance of the cytokinin family, has been shown to modulate aging and various age-related conditions in animal models. Here we report the synthesis of kinetin isosteres with the purine ring replaced by other bicyclic heterocycles, and the biological evaluation of their activity in several in vitro models related to neurodegenerative diseases. Our findings indicate that kinetin isosteres protect Friedreich́s ataxia patient-derived fibroblasts against glutathione depletion, protect neuron-like SH-SY5Y cells from glutamate-induced oxidative damage, and correct aberrant splicing of the ELP1 gene in fibroblasts derived from a familial dysautonomia patient. Although the mechanism of action of kinetin derivatives remains unclear, our data suggest that the cytoprotective activity of some purine isosteres is mediated by their ability to reduce oxidative stress. Further, the studies of permeation across artificial membrane and model gut and blood-brain barriers indicate that the compounds are orally available and can reach central nervous system. Overall, our data demonstrate that isosteric replacement of the kinetin purine scaffold is a fruitful strategy for improving known biological activities of kinetin and discovering novel therapeutic opportunities.

Iodinated Choline Transport-Targeted Tracers.

We present a novel series of radioiodinated tracers and potential theranostics for diseases accompanied by pathological function of proteins involved in choline transport. Unlike choline analogues labeled with 11C or 18F that are currently used in the clinic, the iodinated compounds described herein are applicable in positron emission tomography, single-photon emission computed tomography, and potentially in therapy, depending on the iodine isotope selection. Moreover, favorable half-lives of iodine isotopes result in much less challenging synthesis by isotope exchange reaction. Six of the described compounds were nanomolar ligands, and the best compound possessed an affinity 100-fold greater than that of choline. Biodistribution data of 125I-labeled ligands in human prostate carcinoma bearing (PC-3) mice revealed two compounds with a biodistribution profile superior to that of [18F]fluorocholine.

Sulfonamido carboranes as highly selective inhibitors of cancer-specific carbonic anhydrase IX.

Carbonic anhydrase IX (CA IX) is a transmembrane enzyme overexpressed in hypoxic tumors, where it plays an important role in tumor progression. Specific CA IX inhibitors potentially could serve as anti-cancer drugs. We designed a series of sulfonamide inhibitors containing carborane clusters based on prior structural knowledge of carborane binding into the enzyme active site. Two types of carborane clusters, 12-vertex dicarba-closo-dodecaborane and 11-vertex 7,8-dicarba-nido-undecaborate (dicarbollide), were connected to a sulfonamide moiety via aliphatic linkers of varying lengths (1-4 carbon atoms; n = 1-4). In vitro testing of CA inhibitory potencies revealed that the optimal linker length for selective inhibition of CA IX was n = 3. A 1-sulfamidopropyl-1,2-dicarba-closo-dodecaborane (3) emerged as the strongest CA IX inhibitor from this series, with a Ki value of 0.5 nM and roughly 1230-fold selectivity towards CA IX over CA II. X-ray studies of 3 yielded structural insights into their binding modes within the CA IX active site. Compound 3 exhibited moderate cytotoxicity against cancer cell lines and primary cell lines in 2D cultures. Cytotoxicity towards multicellular spheroids was also observed. Moreover, 3 significantly lowered the amount of CA IX on the cell surface both in 2D cultures and spheroids and facilitated penetration of doxorubicin. Although 3 had only a moderate effect on tumor size in mice, we observed favorable ADME properties and pharmacokinetics in mice, and preferential presence in brain over serum.

Synthesis and Cytotoxic and Antiviral Activity Profiling of All-Four Isomeric Series of Pyrido-Fused 7-Deazapurine Ribonucleosides.

All four isomeric series of novel 4-substituted pyrido-fused 7-deazapurine ribonucleosides possessing the pyridine nitrogen atom at different positions were designed and synthesized. The total synthesis of each isomeric fused heterocycle through multistep heterocyclization was followed by glycosylation and derivatization at position 4 by cross-coupling reactions or nucleophilic substitutions. All compounds were tested for cytostatic and antiviral activity. The most active were pyrido[4',3':4,5]pyrimidine nucleosides bearing MeO, NH2 , MeS, or CH3 groups at position 4, which showed submicromolar cytotoxic effects and good selectivity for cancer cells. The mechanism involved activation by phosphorylation and incorporation to DNA where the presence of the modified ribonucleosides causes double-strand breaks and apoptosis.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of triterpenoid thiazoles derived from betulonic acid, dihydrobetulonic acid, and ursonic acid.

In this work, 35 new derivatives of betulonic, dihydrobetulonic and ursonic acid were prepared including 30 aminothiazoles and all of them were tested for their in vitro cytotoxic activity in eight cancer cell lines and two non-cancer fibroblasts. Compounds with the IC50 below 5 µM in CCRF-CEM cells and low toxicity in non-cancer fibroblasts (4m, 5c, 5m, 6c, 6m, 7b, and 7c) were further subjected to tests of pharmacological parameters yielding the final set for advanced biological evaluation (4m, 5m, 6m, and 7b). It was proved by several methods, that all of them trigger apoptosis via the intrinsic pathway and derivatives 5m and 7b are the most effective (IC50 2.4 µM and 3.6 µM). They are the best candidates to become potentially new anticancer drugs and will be subjected to in vivo tests in mice. In addition, compounds 6b and 6c deserve more attention because their activity is not limited only to chemosensitive CCRF-CEM cell line. Specifically, compound 6b is highly active against K562 leukemic cell line (0.7 µM) and its IC50 activity in colon cancer HCT116 cell line is 1.0 µM. Compound 6c is active in both normal K562 and resistant K562-TAX cell lines (IC50 3.4 µM and 5.4 µM) and both colon cancer cell lines (HCT116 and HCT116p53-/-, IC50 3.5 µM and 3.4 µM).

Metallacarborane Sulfamides: Unconventional, Specific, and Highly Selective Inhibitors of Carbonic Anhydrase IX.

Carbonic anhydrase IX (CAIX) is a transmembrane enzyme that regulates pH in hypoxic tumors and promotes tumor cell survival. Its expression is associated with the occurrence of metastases and poor prognosis. Here, we present nine derivatives of the cobalt bis(dicarbollide)(1-) anion substituted at the boron or carbon sites by alkysulfamide group(s) as highly specific and selective inhibitors of CAIX. Interactions of these compounds with the active site of CAIX were explored on the atomic level using protein crystallography. Two selected derivatives display subnanomolar or picomolar inhibition constants and high selectivity for the tumor-specific CAIX over cytosolic isoform CAII. Both derivatives had a time-dependent effect on the growth of multicellular spheroids of HT-29 and HCT116 colorectal cancer cells, facilitated penetration and/or accumulation of doxorubicin into spheroids, and displayed low toxicity and showed promising pharmacokinetics and a significant inhibitory effect on tumor growth in syngenic breast 4T1 and colorectal HT-29 cancer xenotransplants.

Synthesis and Cytotoxic and Antiviral Profiling of Pyrrolo- and Furo-Fused 7-Deazapurine Ribonucleosides.

Three series of isomeric pyrrolo- and furo-fused 7-deazapurine ribonucleosides were synthesized and screened for cytostatic and antiviral activity. The synthesis was based on heterocyclizations of hetaryl-azidopyrimidines to form the tricyclic heterocyclic bases, followed by glycosylation and final derivatizations through cross-coupling reactions or nucleophilic substitutions. The pyrrolo[2',3':4,5]pyrrolo[2,3- d]pyrimidine and furo[2',3':4,5]pyrrolo[2,3- d]pyrimidine ribonucleosides were found to be potent cytostatics, whereas the isomeric pyrrolo[3',2',4,5]pyrrolo[2,3- d]pyrimidine nucleosides were inactive. The most active were the methyl, methoxy, and methylsulfanyl derivatives exerting submicromolar cytostatic effects and good selectivity toward cancer cells. We have shown that the nucleosides are activated by intracellular phosphorylation and the nucleotides get incorporated to both RNA and DNA, where they cause DNA damage. They represent a new type of promising candidates for preclinical development toward antitumor agents.

Synthesis and Cytostatic and Antiviral Profiling of Thieno-Fused 7-Deazapurine Ribonucleosides.

Two isomeric series of new thieno-fused 7-deazapurine ribonucleosides (derived from 4-substituted thieno[2',3':4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidines and thieno[3',2':4,5]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidines) were synthesized by a sequence involving Negishi coupling of 4,6-dichloropyrimidine with iodothiophenes, nucleophilic azidation, and cyclization of tetrazolopyrimidines, followed by glycosylation and cross-couplings or nucleophilic substitutions at position 4. Most nucleosides (from both isomeric series) exerted low micromolar or submicromolar in vitro cytostatic activities against a broad panel of cancer and leukemia cell lines and some antiviral activity against HCV. The most active were the 6-methoxy, 6-methylsulfanyl, and 6-methyl derivatives, which were highly active to cancer cells and less toxic or nontoxic to fibroblasts.

The reverse role of the hypothalamic paraventricular (PVN) and arcuate (ARC) nuclei in the central serotonergic regulation of the liver cytochrome P450 isoform CYP2C11.

Our recent work showed that the brain serotonergic system negatively regulated liver cytochrome P450. The aim of our present research was to study the effect of damage to the serotonergic innervation of the paraventricular (PVN) or arcuate nuclei (ARC) of the hypothalamus on the neuroendocrine regulation of cytochrome P450 (CYP). Male rats received bilateral injections of the serotonergic neurotoxin 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine (5,7-DHT) into the PVN or ARC. One week after the injection brain neurotransmitters, serum hormones (growth hormone, testosterone, corticosterone, thyroid hormones), pituitary somatostatin and liver cytochrome P450 expression and activity were measured. Lesion of the serotonergic innervation of the PVN decreased serotonin level in the hypothalamic area containing the PVN, causing an increase in growth hormone and testosterone concentrations in the blood and, subsequently, an increase in the expression (mRNA and protein level) and activity of isoform CYP2C11 in the liver. In contrast, damage to the serotonergic innervation of the ARC, which caused a decrease in serotonin level in the hypothalamic area containing the ARC, reduced the concentration of growth hormone and the expression and activity of CYP2C11. In conclusion, the obtained results show a reverse effect of the serotonergic innervation of the hypothalamic paraventricular (a negative effect) and arcuate nuclei (a positive effect) on growth hormone secretion and growth hormone-dependent CYP2C11 expression. They also suggest that CYP2C11 expression may be changed by drugs acting via the serotonergic system, their effect depending on their mechanism of action, route of administration (intracerebral, peripheral) and distribution pattern within the hypothalamus.

Evaluation of possible inhibition of human liver drug metabolizing cytochromes P450 by two new acetylcholinesterase oxime-type reactivators.

Two non-symmetric bispyridine oxime - based reactivators of acetylcholinesterase enzyme (AChE), labeled as K027 (1-(4-carbamoylpyridinium)-3-(4-hydroxyiminomethylpyridinium)-propane dibromide) and K203 ((E)-1-(4- carbamoylpyridinium)-4-(4-hydroxyiminomethylpyridinium)-but-2-ene dibromide) were tested for their potential to inhibit activities of human liver microsomal cytochromes P450 (CYP). Both oximes are very potent reactivators of organophosphate-inhibited AChE. An interaction of both compounds with CYP in human liver microsomal preparation was detected using difference spectroscopy. The compounds were shown to bind to CYP enzymes with spectral binding constants of 5.04 ± 1.79 nM (K027) and 5.2 ± 2.6 nM (K203). Enzymology studies were subsequently performed aimed at determining which of the nine most important CYP involved in drug is affected by this interaction. The results have shown no prominent inhibition of individual CYP activities with either compounds except in the case of CYP2E1 and K203. Diagnostic Dixon plot revealed that K203 acted as an uncompetitive inhibitor of CYP2E1. Inhibition of this activity however is not as prominent as to make a potent drug interaction likely. Hence, the interaction of K027 and K203 oxime-type AChE reactivators with human liver microsomal CYP enzymes does not seem to be of prominent clinical importance and both compounds could be safely used in this respect as antidotes with low risk of drug interactions.

Influence of diet supplementation with green tea extract on drug-metabolizing enzymes in a mouse model of monosodium glutamate-induced obesity.

PURPOSE: Consumption of dietary supplements with green tea extract (GTE) is popular for weight management, but it may be accompanied by various side effects, including interactions with drugs. The aim of the present in vivo study was to evaluate the effect of defined GTE (Polyphenon 60) in three dosage schemes on insulin, leptin and drug-metabolizing enzymes in obese mice. METHODS: Experimental obesity was induced by repeated s.c. application of monosodium glutamate to newborn mice. Green tea extract was administered in three dosage schemes in chow diet. The plasmatic levels of insulin and leptin were assayed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Enzyme activities and mRNA expressions of drug-metabolizing enzymes (totally 13) were analyzed in liver and small intestine using spectrophotometric and HPLC assays and RT-PCR, respectively. RESULTS: GTE-treatment decreased insulin and leptin levels. Eleven enzymes were significantly affected by GTE-treatment. Long-term administration of 0.01% GTE caused increase in the activity and mRNA level of cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) ortholog in the liver as well as in the small intestine. Interestingly, short-term overdose by GTE (0.1%) had more pronounced effects on enzyme activities and mRNA expressions than long-term overdose. CONCLUSIONS: GTE-mediated induction of CYP3A4 ortholog, the main drug-metabolizing enzyme, could result in decreased efficacy of simultaneously or subsequently administered drug in obese individuals.

Altered cytochrome P450 activities and expression levels in the liver and intestines of the monosodium glutamate-induced mouse model of human obesity.

UNLABELLED: Cytochromes P450 (CYPs) are enzymes present from bacteria to man involved in metabolism of endogenous and exogenous compounds incl. drugs. Our objective was to assess whether obesity leads to changes in activities and expression of CYPs in the mouse liver, small intestine and colon. MAIN METHODS: An obese mouse model with repeated injection of monosodium glutamate (MSG) to newborns was used. Controls were treated with saline. All mice were sacrificed at 8 months. In the liver and intestines, levels of CYP mRNA and proteins were analyzed using RT-PCR and Western blotting. Activities of CYP enzymes were measured with specific substrates of human orthologous forms. KEY FINDINGS: At the end of the experiment, body weight, plasma insulin and leptin levels as well as the specific content of hepatic CYP enzymes were increased in obese mice. Among CYP enzymes, hepatic CYP2A5 activity, protein and mRNA expression increased most significantly in obese animals. Higher activities and protein levels of hepatic CYP2E1 and 3A in the obese mice were also found. No or a weak effect on CYPs 2C and 2D was observed. In the small intestine and colon, no changes of CYP enzymes were detected except for increased expression of CYP2E1 and decreased expression of CYP3A mRNAs in the colon of the obese mice. SIGNIFICANCE: Results of our study suggest that the specific content and activities of some liver CYP enzymes (especially CYP2A5) can be increased in obese mice. Higher activity of CYP2A5 (CYP2A6 human ortholog) could lead to altered metabolism of drug substrates of this enzyme (valproic acid, nicotine, methoxyflurane).