The Role of Oxidative Stress in Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Preclinical Studies.

Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (AFLD) is characterized by the accumulation of lipids in liver cells owing to the metabolism of ethanol. This process leads to a decrease in the NAD+/NADH ratio and the generation of reactive oxygen species. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to investigate the role of oxidative stress in AFLD. A total of 201 eligible manuscripts were included, which revealed that animals with AFLD exhibited elevated expression of CYP2E1, decreased enzymatic activity of antioxidant enzymes, and reduced levels of the transcription factor Nrf2, which plays a pivotal role in the synthesis of antioxidant enzymes. Furthermore, animals with AFLD exhibited increased levels of lipid peroxidation markers and carbonylated proteins, collectively contributing to a weakened antioxidant defense and increased oxidative damage. The liver damage in AFLD was supported by significantly higher activity of alanine and aspartate aminotransferase enzymes. Moreover, animals with AFLD had increased levels of triacylglycerol in the serum and liver, likely due to reduced fatty acid metabolism caused by decreased PPAR-α expression, which is responsible for fatty acid oxidation, and increased expression of SREBP-1c, which is involved in fatty acid synthesis. With regard to inflammation, animals with AFLD exhibited elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-a, IL-1ß, and IL-6. The heightened oxidative stress, along with inflammation, led to an upregulation of cell death markers, such as caspase-3, and an increased Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. Overall, the findings of the review and meta-analysis indicate that ethanol metabolism reduces important markers of antioxidant defense while increasing inflammatory and apoptotic markers, thereby contributing to the development of AFLD.

The antioxidant peptides from walnut protein hydrolysates and their protective activity against alcoholic injury.

In this study, walnut protein was hydrolyzed, separated by ultrafiltration, purified by RP-HPLC, identified by LC-MS/MS, and screened by molecular docking to finally obtain three novel antioxidant peptides HGEPGQQQR (1189.584 Da), VAPFPEVFGK (1089.586 Da) and HNVADPQR (949.473 Da). These three peptides exhibited excellent cellular antioxidant activity (CAA) with EC50 values of 0.0120 mg mL-1, 0.0068 mg mL-1, and 0.0069 mg mL-1, respectively, which were superior to that of the positive control GSH (EC50: 0.0122 mg mL-1). In the ethanol injury model, three antioxidant peptides enhanced the survival of cells treated with ethanol from 47.36% to 62.69%, 57.06% and 71.64%, respectively. Molecular docking results showed that the three antioxidant peptides could effectively bind to Keap1, CYP2E1 and TLR4 proteins. These results suggested that walnut-derived antioxidant peptides could be potential antioxidants and hepatoprotective agents for application in functional foods.

Cyp2e1 protects against OVA-induced allergic rhinitis through the inhibition of Th2 cell activation and differentiation: Mediated by MAFB.

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a common allergic disease. Cytochrome P450, family 2, subfamily e, polypeptide 1 (Cyp2e1) is a member of the cytochrome P450 family of enzymes, while its role in AR is still unveiled. In AR mice, T cell-specific overexpression of Cyp2e1 relieved the AR symptoms. Overexpressed-Cyp2e1 restrained the infiltration of eosinophils and mast cells in the nasal mucosa of mice, and the inflammatory cells in nasal lavage fluid (NALF). Cyp2e1 overexpressed mice exhibited decreased goblet cell hyperplasia and mucus secretion as well as decreased MUC5AC expression in nasal mucosa. The epithelial permeability and integrity of nasal mucosa were improved upon Cyp2e1 overexpression in AR mice, as evidenced by decreased fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran 4 content in serum, increased expression of IL-25, IL-33, and TSLP in NALF, and increased expression of ZO-1 and occluding in nasal mucosa. Cyp2e1 inhibited Th2 immune response by decreasing the expression and secretion of IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 as well as the expression of GATA-3 in NALF or nasal mucosa. We proved that Cyp2e1 inhibited the differentiation of naïve CD4+ T cells toward the Th2 subtype, which was regulated by MAFB by binding to Cyp2e1 promoter to activate its transcription. Overall, these results show the potential role of Cyp2e1 in alleviating AR symptoms by restraining CD4+ T cells to Th2 cell differentiation. Our findings provide further insight into the AR mechanism.

The effects of high-intensity interval training and Iranian propolis extract on serum levels of TRPV4 and CYP2E1 proteins in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver.

INTRODUCTION: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause of liver failure, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer, which can eventually lead to death. AIM: To investigate the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and iranian propolis extract on serum levels of transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 4 (TRPV4) and cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) proteins in patients with NAFLD. METHODS: Thirty-two patients with NAFLD (mean±standard deviation of age: 45.1±3.6 years; body mass index: 30.0±3.6 kg/m2) were assigned in a randomized control trial to one of the following groups: HIIT (n=8), propolis supplement (n=8), propolis + HIIT (n=8), and controls (n=8). The subjects participated in eight weeks of HIIT (one bout of 1-min intervals at 80-95% of the maximal heart-rate, interspersed by two min at 50-55% of the reserve heart-rate). The Propolis supplement was taken three times a day by the patients in the form of 50 mg tablet after the main meals. Body composition, liver injury test (eg; Alanine- and Aspartate- aminotransferase levels), liver ultrasound and serum levels of TRPV4 and CYP2E1 were measured before and after intervention. One-way analysis of variance was used to compare post-tests among the groups. RESULTS: HIIT significantly reduced serum levels of TRPV4 protein (p=0.001). The reduction in CYP2E1 was not significant in HIIT group (p=0.075). Propolis consumption had no significant effect on serum levels of CYP2E1 protein (p=0.059), and TRPV4 (p=0.072). There was a significant decrease in TRPV4 and CYP2E1 in the HIIT (p=0.001) and propolis supplement (p=0.032) groups. CONCLUSION: HIIT and propolis supplementation can be used to reduce TRPV4 and CYP2E1, which in turn reduces oxidative stress and inflammation in patients with NAFLD.

ERRγ-inducible FGF23 promotes alcoholic liver injury through enhancing CYP2E1 mediated hepatic oxidative stress.

Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) is a member of endocrine FGF family, along with FGF15/19 and FGF21. Recent reports showed that under pathological conditions, liver produces FGF23, although the role of hepatic FGF23 remains nebulous. Here, we investigated the role of hepatic FGF23 in alcoholic liver disease (ALD) and delineated the underlying molecular mechanism. FGF23 expression was compared in livers from alcoholic hepatitis patients and healthy controls. The role of FGF23 was examined in hepatocyte-specific knock-out (LKO) mice of cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1R), estrogen related receptor γ (ERRγ), or FGF23. Animals were fed with an alcohol-containing liquid diet alone or in combination with ERRγ inverse agonist. FGF23 is mainly expressed in hepatocytes in the human liver, and it is upregulated in ALD patients. In mice, chronic alcohol feeding leads to liver damage and induced FGF23 in liver, but not in other organs. FGF23 is transcriptionally regulated by ERRγ in response to alcohol-mediated activation of the CB1R. Alcohol induced upregulation of hepatic FGF23 and plasma FGF23 levels is lost in ERRγ-LKO mice, and an inverse agonist mediated inhibition of ERRγ transactivation significantly improved alcoholic liver damage. Moreover, hepatic CYP2E1 induction in response to alcohol is FGF23 dependent. In line, FGF23-LKO mice display decreased hepatic CYP2E1 expression and improved ALD through reduced hepatocyte apoptosis and oxidative stress. We recognized CBIR-ERRγ-FGF23 axis in facilitating ALD pathology through hepatic CYP2E1 induction. Thus, we propose FGF23 as a potential therapeutic target to treat ALD.

Characterization of diseased primary human hepatocytes in an all-human cell-based triculture system.

Liver diseases, including NAFLD, are a growing worldwide health concern. Currently, there is a lack of suitable in vitro models that sustain basic primary human hepatocyte (PHH) morphology and functionality while supporting presentation of disease-associated phenotypic characteristics such as lipid accumulation and inflammasome activation. In TruVivo, an all-human triculture system (hTCS), basic metabolic functions were characterized in PHHs isolated from normal or diseased livers during two-weeks of culture. Decreases in albumin and urea levels and CYP3A4 activity were seen in diseased-origin PHHs compared to normal PHHs along with higher CYP2E1 expression. Positive expression of the macrophage markers CD68 and CD163 were seen in the diseased PHH preparations. Elevated levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and MCP-1 and the fibrotic markers CK-18 and TGF-ß were also measured. Gene expression of FASN, PCK1, and G6PC in the diseased PHHs was decreased compared to the normal PHHs. Further characterization revealed differences in lipogenesis and accumulation of intracellular lipids in normal and diseased PHHs when cultured with oleic acid and high glucose. TruVivo represents a promising new platform to study lipogenic mechanisms in normal and diseased populations due to the preservation of phenotypic differences over a prolonged culture period.

Study on the molecular mechanism of dihydromyricetin in alleviating liver cirrhosis based on network pharmacology.

Dihydromyricetin (DHM) is a bioactive flavonoid extracted from Hovenia dulcis, which has various activities. In the present study, the molecular mechanism of dihydromyricetin (DHM) in relieving liver cirrhosis was investigated through network pharmacology and experimental verification. The cell model was induced by TGF-ß1 activating the human hepatic stellate cell line (HSC; LX-2). The protein levels of α-SMA, collagen I, and collagen III and pathway-related proteins within LX-2 cells were detected using Western blot. EdU staining was conducted to detect cell proliferation. Immunofluorescence staining was performed to detect the expression levels of α-SMA and collagen I. Next, the drug targets of DHM were screened from the PubChem database. The differentially expressed genes in the liver cirrhosis dataset GSE14323 were identified. The expression of the identified drug targets in LX-2 cells was verified using qRT-PCR. The results showed that TGF-ß1 treatment notably increased LX-2 cell viability, promoted cell proliferation, and elevated α-SMA, collagen I, and collagen III protein contents. DHM treatment could partially eliminate TGF-ß1 effects, as evidenced by the inhibited cell viability and proliferation and reduced α-SMA, collagen I, and collagen III contents. After network pharmacology analysis, nine differentially expressed target genes (MMP2, PDGFRB, PARP1, BCL2L2, ABCB1, TYR, CYP2E1, SQSTM1, and IL6) in liver cirrhosis were identified. According to qRT-PCR verification, DHM could inhibit the expression of MMP2, PDGFRB, PARP1, CYP2E1, SQSTM1, and IL6, and enhance ABCB1 expression levels within LX-2 cells. Moreover, DHM inhibited mTOR and MAPK signaling pathways in TGF-ß1-induced HSCs. In conclusion, DHM could inhibit HSC activation, which may be achieved via acting on MMP2, PDGFRB, PARP1, CYP2E1, SQSTM1, IL6, and ABCB1 genes and their downstream signaling pathways, including mTOR and MAPK signaling pathway.

Efficacy of oltipraz in preventing acetaminophen-induced liver injury in mice.

Oltipraz (OPZ) is a synthetic dithiolethione with potential as a cancer chemopreventive agent, which can work by inducing detoxification enzymes. OPZ is an activator of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), suggesting its involvement in enzyme induction and possible protection against drug-induced liver injury. In this study, we present OPZ-mediated protection of mice against acetaminophen (APAP)-induced liver injury and discuss its possible contributing factors. Overnight-fasted male CD-1 mice were administered APAP intraperitoneally, and some mice were administered OPZ 16 h before APAP. Hepatotoxicity was assessed by measuring serum alanine aminotransferase leakage and histopathological evaluation. The hepatic mRNA expressions of CYP2E1, glutamate cysteine ligase (GCL), and NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase (NQO1) were measured by real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. OPZ protected mice from APAP-induced liver injury in a dose-dependent manner, but did not alter hepatic glutathione (GSH) content or GCL expression in control mice, indicating that its hepatoprotective effect is not due to changes in basal GSH levels. OPZ did not affect CYP2E1 expression or APAP-induced early GSH depletion, suggesting it does not inhibit the metabolic activation of APAP to produce N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine. In contrast, after GSH depletion, OPZ accelerated hepatic GSH recovery. APAP significantly increased GCL expression during liver injury, but OPZ treatment only led to additional NQO1 expression. This suggests that NQO1 is responsible for the enhanced GSH recovery and protection against APAP-induced liver injury seen in OPZ-treated mice. In summary, OPZ protects against APAP-induced liver injury by inducing NQO1 expression and resulting in improved GSH recovery.

Inhibitory effects of the main metabolites of Apatinib on CYP450 isozymes in human and rat liver microsomes.

PURPOSE: The inhibitory effect of Apatinib on cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzymes has been studied. However, it is unknown whether the inhibition is related to the major metabolites, M1-1, M1-2 and M1-6. METHODS: A 5-in-1 cocktail system composed of CYP2B6/Cyp2b1, CYP2C9/Cyp2c11, CYP2E1/Cyp2e1, CYP2D6/Cyp2d1 and CYP3A/Cyp3a2 was used in this study. Firstly, the effects of APA and its main metabolites on the activities of HLMs, RLMs and recombinant isoforms were examined. The reaction mixture included HLMs, RLMs or recombinant isoforms (CYP3A4.1, CYP2D6.1, CYP2D6.10 or CYP2C9.1), analyte (APA, M1-1, M1-2 or M1-6), probe substrates. The reactions were pre-incubated for 5 min at 37 °C, followed by the addition of NAPDH to initiate the reactions, which continued for 40 min. Secondly, IC50 experiments were conducted to determine if the inhibitions were reversible. The reaction mixture of the "+ NADPH Group" included HLMs or RLMs, 0 to 100 of µM M1-1 or M1-2, probe substrates. The reactions were pre-incubated for 5 min at 37 °C, and then NAPDH was added to initiate reactions, which proceeded for 40 min. The reaction mixture of the "- NADPH Group" included HLMs or RLMs, probe substrates, NAPDH. The reactions were pre-incubated for 30 min at 37 °C, and then 0 to 100 µM of M1-1 or M1-2 was added to initiate the reactions, which proceeded for 40 min. Finally, the reversible inhibition of M1-1 and M1-2 on isozymes was determined. The reaction mixture included HLMs or RLMs, 0 to 10 µM of M1-1 or M1-2, probe substrates with concentrations ranging from 0.25Km to 2Km. RESULTS: Under the influence of M1-6, the activity of CYP2B6, 2C9, 2E1 and 3A4/5 was increased to 193.92%, 210.82%, 235.67% and 380.12% respectively; the activity of CYP2D6 was reduced to 92.61%. The inhibitory effects of M1-1 on CYP3A4/5 in HLMs and on Cyp2d1 in RLMs, as well as the effect of M1-2 on CYP3A in HLMs, were determined to be noncompetitive inhibition, with the Ki values equal to 1.340 µM, 1.151 µM and 1.829 µM, respectively. The inhibitory effect of M1-1 on CYP2B6 and CYP2D6 in HLMs, as well as the effect of M1-2 on CYP2C9 and CYP2D6 in HLMs, were determined to be competitive inhibition, with the Ki values equal to 12.280 µM, 2.046 µM, 0.560 µM and 4.377 µM, respectively. The inhibitory effects of M1-1 on CYP2C9 in HLMs and M1-2 on Cyp2d1 in RLMs were determined to be mixed-type, with the Ki values equal to 0.998 µM and 0.884 µM. The parameters could not be obtained due to the atypical kinetics of CYP2E1 in HLMs under the impact of M1-2. CONCLUSIONS: M1-1 and M1-2 exhibited inhibition for several CYP450 isozymes, especially CYP2B6, 2C9, 2D6 and 3A4/5. This observation may uncover potential drug-drug interactions and provide valuable insights for the clinical application of APA.

Oral magnesium prevents acetaminophen-induced acute liver injury by modulating microbial metabolism.

Acetaminophen overuse is a common cause of acute liver failure (ALF). During ALF, toxins are metabolized by enzymes such as CYP2E1 and transformed into reactive species, leading to oxidative damage and liver failure. Here, we found that oral magnesium (Mg) alleviated acetaminophen-induced ALF through metabolic changes in gut microbiota that inhibit CYP2E1. The gut microbiota from Mg-supplemented humans prevented acetaminophen-induced ALF in mice. Mg exposure modulated Bifidobacterium metabolism and enriched indole-3-carboxylic acid (I3C) levels. Formate C-acetyltransferase (pflB) was identified as a key Bifidobacterium enzyme involved in I3C generation. Accordingly, a Bifidobacterium pflB knockout showed diminished I3C generation and reduced the beneficial effects of Mg. Conversely, treatment with I3C or an engineered bacteria overexpressing Bifidobacterium pflB protected against ALF. Mechanistically, I3C bound and inactivated CYP2E1, thus suppressing formation of harmful reactive intermediates and diminishing hepatocyte oxidative damage. These findings highlight how interactions between Mg and gut microbiota may help combat ALF.

High-Dose Acetaminophen with Concurrent CYP2E1 Inhibition Has Profound Anticancer Activity without Liver Toxicity.

Acetaminophen (AAP) is metabolized by a variety of pathways such as sulfation, glucuronidation, and fatty acid amide hydrolase-mediated conversion to the active analgesic metabolite AM404. CYP2E1-mediated metabolism to the hepatotoxic reactive metabolite NAPQI (N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine) is a minor metabolic pathway that has not been linked to AAP therapeutic benefits yet clearly leads to AAP liver toxicity. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) (an antioxidant) and fomepizole (a CYP2E1 inhibitor) are clinically used for the treatment of AAP toxicity. Mice treated with AAP in combination with fomepizole (plus or minus NAC) were assessed for liver toxicity by histology and serum chemistry. The anticancer activity of AAP with NAC and fomepizole rescue was assessed in vitro and in vivo. Fomepizole with or without NAC completely prevented AAP-induced liver toxicity. In vivo, high-dose AAP with NAC/fomepizole rescue had profound antitumor activity against commonly used 4T1 breast tumor and lewis lung carcinoma lung tumor models, and no liver toxicity was detected. The antitumor efficacy was reduced in immune-compromised NOD-scid IL2Rgammanull mice, suggesting an immune-mediated mechanism of action. In conclusion, using fomepizole-based rescue, we were able to treat mice with 100-fold higher than standard dosing of AAP (650 mg/kg) without any detected liver toxicity and substantial antitumor activity. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: High-dose acetaminophen can be given concurrently with CYP2E1 inhibition to allow for safe dose escalation to levels needed for anticancer activity without detected evidence of toxicity.

Bifidobacterium bifidum BGN4 fractions ameliorate palmitic acid-induced hepatocyte ferroptosis by inhibiting SREBP1-CYP2E1 pathway.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is strongly associated with disturbances in the intestinal microbiota. Herein, the biological effects and mechanism of Bifidobacterium bifidum BGN4 fractions in regulating hepatocyte ferroptosis during MAFLD progression were investigated. To establish an in vitro model of MAFLD, LO2 cells were subjected to palmitic acid (PA). The mRNA and protein expressions were assessed using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot, respectively. LO2 cell proliferation was examined using 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) assays, whereas its apoptosis was evaluated by flow cytometry. Furthermore, level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was measured using 2', 7,-Dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) staining. Additionally, the levels of Fe2+, malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione (GSH), as well as the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) were detected using corresponding kits. Chromatin immunoprecipitation and dual-luciferase reporter gene assays were performed to analyze the interaction between sterol-regulatory element binding protein 1 (SREBP1) and cytochrome P450-2E1 (CYP2E1) promoter. Our results revealed that Bifidobacterium bifidum BGN4 fractions effectively ameliorated PA-induced hepatocyte injury, oxidative stress, and ferroptosis. However, these beneficial effects of BGN4 fractions on PA-induced hepatocyte were dramatically reversed by SREBP1 overexpression, suggesting that BGN4 attenuated MAFLD by acting on SREBP1. Moreover, we observed that BGN4 fractions inhibited CYP2E1 transcription by suppressing SREBP1 nuclear translocation. In addition, CYP2E1 overexpression eliminated the inhibitory effect of BGN4 fractions on PA-induced hepatocyte oxidative stress and ferroptosis. These findings collectively indicated that BGN4 fractions reduced CYP2E1 expression by inhibiting SREBP1 nuclear translocation, thereby suppressing hepatocyte oxidative stress and ferroptosis during the development of MAFLD.

The Novel Atypical Antipsychotic Lurasidone Affects Cytochrome P450 Expression in the Liver and Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes.

Lurasidone is a novel atypical antipsychotic drug acting on dopaminergic, serotonergic and noradrenergic receptors; it is applied for the long-term treatment of schizophrenia and depression in patients with bipolar disorders. We aimed at performing a comparative study on the influence of chronic treatment with lurasidone on the expression of cytochrome P450 enzymes in the liver and in peripheral blood lymphocytes, and to evaluate the relationship between changes in the expression of CYP enzymes in the two experimental models. The obtained results show a fairly similar expression pattern of the main CYP enzymes in the rat livers and lymphocytes, and they indicate that in the liver, lurasidone exerts an inhibitory effect on the activity, protein and mRNA levels of CYP2B1/2 (not CYP2B2 mRNA), CYP2C11 and CYP2E1, while in the case of CYP3A1 and CYP3A2, it causes enzyme induction. At the same time, lurasidone decreases the expression of CYP2B, CYP2C11 (CYP2C11 protein only) and CYP2E1 but increases that of CYP3A2 (not CYP3A1) in lymphocyte cells. In conclusion, chronic treatment with lurasidone simultaneously and in the same way influences the expression and activity of CYP2B, CYP2C11, CYP2E1 and CYP3A2 in the liver and peripheral blood lymphocytes of rats. Thus, the lymphocyte cytochrome P450 profile may be utilized as an indicator of the hepatic cytochrome P450 profile in further clinical studies with lurasidone, and lymphocytes may serve as easily available surrogates for examining the impact of new drugs and chronic in vivo treatments on CYP enzyme expression, as well as to estimate drug-drug interactions and toxicity risk.

Lack of mitochondrial Cyp2E1 drives acetaminophen-induced ER stress-mediated apoptosis in mouse and human kidneys: Inhibition by 4-methylpyrazole but not N-acetylcysteine.

Acetaminophen (APAP) overdose causes liver injury and acute liver failure, as well as acute kidney injury, which is not prevented by the clinical antidote N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC). The absence of therapeutics targeting APAP-induced nephrotoxicity is due to gaps in understanding the mechanisms of renal injury. APAP metabolism through Cyp2E1 drives cell death in both the liver and kidney. We demonstrate that Cyp2E1 is localized to the proximal tubular cells in mouse and human kidneys. Virtually all the Cyp2E1 in kidney cells is in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), not in mitochondria. By contrast, hepatic Cyp2E1 is in both the ER and mitochondria of hepatocytes. Consistent with this subcellular localization, a dose of 600 mg/kg APAP in fasted C57BL/6J mice induced the formation of APAP protein adducts predominantly in mitochondria of hepatocytes, but the ER of the proximal tubular cells of the kidney. We found that reactive metabolite formation triggered ER stress-mediated activation of caspase-12 and apoptotic cell death in the kidney. While co-treatment with 4-methylpyrazole (4MP; fomepizole) or the caspase inhibitor Ac-DEVD-CHO prevented APAP-induced cleavage of procaspase-12 and apoptosis in the kidney, treatment with NAC had no effect. These mechanisms are clinically relevant because 4MP but not NAC also significantly attenuated APAP-induced apoptotic cell death in primary human kidney cells. We conclude that reactive metabolite formation by Cyp2E1 in the ER results in sustained ER stress that causes activation of procaspase-12, triggering apoptosis of proximal tubular cells, and that 4MP but not NAC may be an effective antidote against APAP-induced kidney injury.

Tree shrew cytochrome P450 2E1 is a functional enzyme that metabolises chlorzoxazone and p-nitrophenol.

Cytochromes P450 (CYPs or P450s) are important enzymes for drug metabolism. Tree shrews are non-primate animal species used in various fields of biomedical research, including infection (especially hepatitis viruses), depression, and myopia. A recent tree shrew genome analysis indicated that the sequences and the numbers of P450 genes are similar to those of humans; however, P450s have not been adequately identified and analysed in this species.In this study, a novel CYP2E1 was isolated from tree shrew liver and was characterised in comparison with human, dog, and pig CYP2E1. Tree shrew CYP2E1 and human CYP2E1 showed high amino acid sequence identity (83%) and were closely related in a phylogenetic tree.Gene and genome structures of CYP2E1 were generally similar in humans, dogs, pigs, and tree shrews. Tissue expression patterns showed that tree shrew CYP2E1 mRNA was predominantly expressed in liver, just as for dog and pig CYP2E1 mRNAs. In tree shrews, recombinant CYP2E1 protein and liver microsomes metabolised chlorzoxazone and p-nitrophenol, probe substrates of human CYP2E1, just as they do in dogs and pigs.These results suggest that tree shrew CYP2E1 encodes a functional drug-metabolising enzyme that plays a role in the liver, similar to human CYP2E1.

Evaluation of Supervised Machine Learning Algorithms and Computational Structural Validation of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms Related to Acute Liver Injury with Paracetamol.

AIMS: To identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of paracetamol-metabolizing enzymes that can predict acute liver injury. BACKGROUND: Paracetamol is a commonly administered analgesic/antipyretic in critically ill and chronic renal failure patients and several SNPs influence the therapeutic and toxic effects. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the role of machine learning algorithms (MLAs) and bioinformatics tools to delineate the predictor SNPs as well as to understand their molecular dynamics. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was undertaken by recruiting critically ill patients with chronic renal failure and administering intravenous paracetamol as a standard of care. Serum concentrations of paracetamol and the principal metabolites were estimated. Following SNPs were evaluated: CYP2E1*2, CYP2E1_-1295G>C, CYP2D6*10, CYP3A4*1B, CYP3A4*2, CYP1A2*1K, CYP1A2*6, CYP3A4*3, and CYP3A5*7. MLAs were used to identify the predictor genetic variable for acute liver failure. Bioinformatics tools such as Predict SNP2 and molecular docking (MD) were undertaken to evaluate the impact of the above SNPs with binding affinity to paracetamol. RESULTS: CYP2E1*2 and CYP1A2*1C genotypes were identified by MLAs to significantly predict hepatotoxicity. The predictSNP2 revealed that CYP1A2*3 was highly deleterious in all the tools. MD revealed binding energy of -5.5 Kcal/mol, -6.9 Kcal/mol, and -6.8 Kcal/mol for CYP1A2, CYP1A2*3, and CYP1A2*6 against paracetamol. MD simulations revealed that CYP1A2*3 and CYP1A2*6 missense variants in CYP1A2 affect the binding ability with paracetamol. In-silico techniques found that CYP1A2*2 and CYP1A2*6 are highly harmful. MD simulations revealed CYP3A4*2 (A>G) had decreased binding energy with paracetamol than CYP3A4, and CYP3A4*2(A>T) and CYP3A4*3 both have greater binding energy with paracetamol. CONCLUSION: Polymorphisms in CYP2E1, CYP1A2, CYP3A4, and CYP3A5 significantly influence paracetamol's clinical outcomes or binding affinity. Robust clinical studies are needed to identify these polymorphisms' clinical impact on the pharmacokinetics or pharmacodynamics of paracetamol.

A Novel Cytochrome P450 2E1 Inhibitor Q11 Is Effective on Lung Cancer via Regulation of the Inflammatory Microenvironment.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of death among all cancers. A persistent chronic inflammatory microenvironment is highly correlated with lung cancer. However, there are no anti-inflammatory agents effective against lung cancer. Cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) plays an important role in the inflammatory response. Here, it is found that CYP2E1 is significantly higher in the peritumoral tissue of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients and lung tumor growth is significantly impeded in Cyp2e1-/- mice. The novel CYP2E1 inhibitor Q11, 1-(4-methyl-5-thialzolyl) ethenone, is effective in the treatment of lung cancer in mice, which can inhibit cancer cells by changing macrophage polarization rather than directly act on the cancer cells. It is also clarify that the benefit of Q11 may associated with the IL-6/STAT3 and MAPK/ERK pathways. The data demonstrate that CYP2E1 may be a novel inflammatory target and that Q11 is effective on lung cancer by regulation of the inflammatory microenvironment. These findings provide a molecular basis for targeting CYP2E1 and illustrate the potential druggability of the CYP2E1 inhibitor Q11.

The deleterious effects of cadmium on oxidative stress markers, drug-metabolizing, and antioxidant enzyme activities: Role of Silymarin and Garlic as Antioxidants.

Exposure to cadmium has been related to liver and kidney diseases such as polycystic and nephrotic syndrome. It is still unclear how cadmium contributes to these diseases. It is believed that the induction of oxidative stress resulting from the inhibition of antioxidant enzyme activities and changes in drug-metabolizing enzymes in the liver could explain the role of cadmium in the development of different diseases in the kidney and probably other organs. Changes in oxidative stress markers, antioxidant enzymes, and drug-metabolizing enzyme activities were assessed in the liver of male rats exposed to cadmium chloride. Additionally, the protective effects of silymarin and garlic extract against cadmium toxicosis were evaluated. Rats were randomly divided into eight groups as follows, groups 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, received orally saline, CdCl2 (1 mg/kg), garlic extract [800 mg/kg], silymarin (25 mg/kg) and silymarin plus garlic extract respectively for 28 consecutive days. Rats in groups 6, 7, and 8 were pretreated with the same doses of garlic, silymarin, and garlic plus silymarin, respectively for two hours before cadmium administration. The Western immunoblotting technique was used to investigate the protein expression of cytochrome P450 isozymes. Spectrophotometric methods were used to assess the activity of both antioxidant- and drug-metabolizing enzymes. Free radical levels [measured as thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS)], catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase activities increased whereas the levels of glutathione and the activities of glutathione S-transferase, glutathione reductase, and glutamyl transferase, cytochrome P450, aryl hydrocarbon dehydrogenase (AHH), dimethylnitrosamine-N-demethylase I (DMN-dI), 7-ethoxycoumarine-O-deethylase (ECOD), cytochrome b5 and NADPH-Cytochrome-c-reductase enzyme activities decreased after cadmium treatment. Furthermore, Western immunoblotting data revealed that glutathione peroxidase protein expression increased following cadmium exposure, but cytochrome P450 2E1 and 3A4 expressions were downregulated. However, pretreatment of rats with silymarin or garlic extract or both before cadmium administration was found to restore the protein expression of cytochrome P450 2E1 and 3A4, the level of free radicals, antioxidant enzymes, drug-metabolizing enzyme activities to their normal levels. Similarly, histological studies revealed that silymarin and/or garlic extract reduced the liver damage caused by cadmium. Silymarin and/or garlic extract reduced the adverse effects of cadmium on the activity of both drug-metabolizing and antioxidant enzymes activity. These antioxidants could be provided to those who work in cadmium-based sectors to help them cope with the adverse effects of cadmium on their kidneys. In addition, Inhibiting drug-metabolizing enzyme activity should be considered when administering therapeutic medications to persons exposed to cadmium because most therapeutic drugs and many endogenous substances are largely metabolized by these enzymes.

Adverse outcome pathway exploration of furan-induced liver fibrosis in rats: Genotoxicity pathway or oxidative stress pathway through CYP2E1 activation?

Furan is a widespread endogenous contaminant in heat-processed foods that can accumulate rapidly in the food chain and has been widely detected in foods, such as wheat, bread, coffee, canned meat products, and baby food. Dietary exposure to this chemical may bring health risk. Furan is classified as a possible category 2B human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, with the liver as its primary target organ. Hepatic fibrosis is the most important nontumoral harmful effect of furan and also an important event in the carcinogenesis of furan. Although the specific mechanism of furan-induced liver fibrosis is still unclear, it may involve oxidative stress and genetic toxicity, in which the activation of cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) may be the key event. Thus, we conducted a study using an integrating multi-endpoint genotoxicity platform in 120-day in vivo subchronic toxicity test in rats. Results showed that the rats with activated CYP2E1 exhibited DNA double-strand breaks in D4, gene mutations in D60, and increased expression of reactive oxygen species and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 in D120. Necrosis, apoptosis, hepatic stellate cell activation, and fibrosis also occurred in the liver, suggesting that furan can independently affect liver fibrosis through oxidative stress and genotoxicity pathways. Point of Departure (PoD) was obtained by benchmark-dose (BMD) method to establish health-based guidance values. The human equivalent dose of PoD derived from BMDL05 was 2.26 µg/kg bw/d. The findings laid a foundation for the safety evaluation and risk assessment of furan and provided data for the further construction and improvement of the adverse outcome pathway network in liver fibrosis.

Graphene oxide-induced, reactive oxygen species-mediated mitochondrial dysfunctions and apoptosis: high-dose toxicity in normal cells.

Aim: The cytotoxic effects of graphene oxide nanoparticles (GONPs) using MTT assays, observance of apoptotic markers, and oxidative stress were outlined. Materials & methods: Rat embryonic fibroblasts (REFs) and human epithelial breast cells (HBLs) were used at 250, 500 and 750 µg/ml concentrations. Results: Significant cytotoxic and apoptotic effects were observed. Analyses of CYP2E1 and malondialdehyde concentrations in REF and HBL-100 cell lines after exposing to GONPs confirmed the nanomaterials toxicity. However, the glutathione levels in REF and HBL-100 cell lines showed a substantial reduction compared with the control. The cytochrome CYP2E1, glutathione, malondialdehyde and caspase-3 alterations provided a plausible interlinked relationship. Conclusion: The study confirmed the GONPs cytotoxic effects on REF and HBL-100 cell lines. The outcome suggested caution in wide-spread applications of GONPs, which could have implications for occupational health also.