Development of a putative adverse outcome pathway network for male rat reproductive tract abnormalities with specific considerations for the androgen sensitive window of development.

Structured approaches like the adverse outcome pathway (AOP) framework offer great potential for depicting complex toxicological processes in a manner that can facilitate informed integration of mechanistic information in regulatory decisions. While this concept provides a structure for organizing evidence and facilitates consistency in evidence integration; the process, inputs, and manner in which AOPs and AOP networks are developed is still evolving. Following the OECD guiding principles of AOP development, we propose three AOPs for male reproductive tract abnormalities and derive a putative AOP network. The AOPs were developed using a fundamental understanding of the developmental biology of the organs of interest, paying close attention to the gestational timing of key events (KEs) to very specifically inform the domain of life stage applicability for the key event relationships (KERs). Chemical stressor data primarily from studies on low molecular weight phthalates (LMWPs) served to 'bound' the pathways of focus in this dynamic period of development and were integrated with the developmental biology data through an iterative process to define KEs and conclude on the extent of evidence in support of the KERs. The AOPs developed describe the linkage between 1) a decrease in Insl3 gene expression and cryptorchidism, 2) the sustained expression of Coup-tfII and hypospadias and 3) the sustained expression of Coup-tfII and altered Wolffian duct development/ epididymal agenesis. A putative AOP network linking AOP2 and AOP3 through decreased steroidogenic biosynthetic protein expression and converging of all AOPS at the population level impaired fertility adverse outcome is proposed. The network depiction specifies and displays the KEs aligned with their occurrence in gestational time. The pathways and network described herein are intended to catalyze collaborative initiatives for expansion into a larger network to enable effective data collection and inform alternative approaches for identifying stressors impacting this sensitive period of male reproductive tract development.

Diminished Hepatocarcinogenesis by a Potent, High-Affinity Human PPARα Agonist in PPARA-Humanized Mice.

Ppara-null and PPARA-humanized mice are refractory to hepatocarcinogenesis caused by the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α (PPARα) agonist Wy-14,643. However, the duration of these earlier studies was limited to approximately 1 year of treatment, and the ligand used has a higher affinity for the mouse PPARα compared to the human PPARα. Thus, the present study examined the effect of long-term administration of a potent, high-affinity human PPARα agonist (GW7647) on hepatocarcinogenesis in wild-type, Ppara-null, or PPARA-humanized mice. In wild-type mice, GW7647 caused hepatic expression of known PPARα target genes, hepatomegaly, hepatic MYC expression, hepatic cytotoxicity, and a high incidence of hepatocarcinogenesis. By contrast, these effects were essentially absent in Ppara-null mice or diminished in PPARA-humanized mice, although hepatocarcinogenesis was observed in both genotypes. Enhanced fatty change (steatosis) was also observed in both Ppara-null and PPARA-humanized mice independent of GW7647. PPARA-humanized mice administered GW7647 also exhibited increased necrosis after 5 weeks of treatment. Results from these studies demonstrate that the mouse PPARα is required for hepatocarcinogenesis induced by GW7647 administered throughout adulthood. Results also indicate that a species difference exists between rodents and human PPARα in the response to ligand activation of PPARα. The hepatocarcinogenesis observed in control and treated Ppara-null mice is likely mediated in part by increased hepatic fatty change, whereas the hepatocarcinogenesis observed in PPARA-humanized mice may also be due to enhanced fatty change and cytotoxicity that could be influenced by the minimal activity of the human PPARα in this mouse line on downstream mouse PPARα target genes. The Ppara-null and PPARA-humanized mouse models are valuable tools for examining the mechanisms of PPARα-induced hepatocarcinogenesis, but the background level of liver cancer must be controlled for in the design and interpretation of studies that use these mice.

Species Differences between Mouse and Human PPARα in Modulating the Hepatocarcinogenic Effects of Perinatal Exposure to a High-Affinity Human PPARα Agonist in Mice.

Evidence suggests that species differences exist between rodents and humans in their biological responses to ligand activation of PPARα. Moreover, neonatal/postnatal rodents may be more sensitive to the effects of activating PPARα. Thus, the present studies examined the effects of chronic ligand activation of PPARα initiated during early neonatal development and continued into adulthood on hepatocarcinogenesis in mice. Wild-type, Ppara-null, or PPARA-humanized mice were administered a potent, high-affinity human PPARα agonist GW7647, and cohorts of mice were examined over time. Activation of PPARα with GW7647 increased expression of known PPARα target genes in liver and was associated with hepatomegaly, increased hepatic cytotoxicity and necrosis, increased expression of hepatic MYC, and a high incidence of hepatocarcinogenesis in wild-type mice. These effects did not occur or were largely diminished in Ppara-null and PPARA-humanized mice, although background levels of hepatocarcinogenesis were also noted in both Ppara-null and PPARA-humanized mice. More fatty change (steatosis) was also observed in both Ppara-null and PPARA-humanized mice independent of GW7647 administration. Results from these studies indicate that the mouse PPARα is required to mediate hepatocarcinogenesis induced by GW7647 in mice and that activation of the human PPARα with GW7647 in PPARA-humanized mice are diminished compared with wild-type mice. Ppara-null and PPARA-humanized mice are valuable tools for examining species differences in the mechanisms of PPARα-induced hepatocarcinogenesis, but background levels of liver cancer observed in aged Ppara-null and PPARA-humanized mice must be considered when interpreting results from studies that use these models. These results also demonstrate that early life exposure to a potent human PPARα agonist does not enhance sensitivity to hepatocarcinogenesis.

Human relevance of rodent liver tumors: Key insights from a Toxicology Forum workshop on nongenotoxic modes of action.

The Toxicology Forum sponsored a workshop in October 2016, on the human relevance of rodent liver tumors occurring via nongenotoxic modes of action (MOAs). The workshop focused on two nuclear receptor-mediated MOAs (Constitutive Androstane Receptor (CAR) and Peroxisome Proliferator Activated Receptor-alpha (PPARα), and on cytotoxicity. The goal of the meeting was to review the state of the science to (1) identify areas of consensus and differences, data gaps and research needs; (2) identify reasons for inconsistencies in current regulatory positions; and (3) consider what data are needed to demonstrate a specific MOA, and when additional research is needed to rule out alternative possibilities. Implications for quantitative risk assessment approaches were discussed, as were implications of not considering MOA and dose in hazard characterization and labeling schemes. Most, but not all, participants considered the CAR and PPARα MOAs as not relevant to humans based on quantitative and qualitative differences. In contrast, cytotoxicity is clearly relevant to humans, but a threshold applies. Questions remain for all three MOAs concerning what data are necessary to determine the MOA and to what extent it is necessary to exclude other MOAs.

Comparing rat and rabbit embryo-fetal developmental toxicity data for 379 pharmaceuticals: on systemic dose and developmental effects.

A database of embryo-fetal developmental toxicity (EFDT) studies of 379 pharmaceutical compounds in rat and rabbit was analyzed for species differences based on toxicokinetic parameters of area under the curve (AUC) and maximum concentration (Cmax) at the developmental lowest adverse effect level (dLOAEL). For the vast majority of cases (83% based on AUC of n = 283), dLOAELs in rats and rabbits were within the same order of magnitude (less than 10-fold different) when compared based on available data on AUC and Cmax exposures. For 13.5% of the compounds the rabbit was more sensitive and for 3.5% of compounds the rat was more sensitive when compared based on AUC exposures. For 12% of the compounds the rabbit was more sensitive and for 1.3% of compounds the rat was more sensitive based on Cmax exposures. When evaluated based on human equivalent dose (HED) conversion using standard factors, the rat and rabbit were equally sensitive. The relative extent of embryo-fetal toxicity in the presence of maternal toxicity was not different between species. Overall effect severity incidences were distributed similarly in rat and rabbit studies. Individual rat and rabbit strains did not show a different general distribution of systemic exposure LOAELs as compared to all strains combined for each species. There were no apparent species differences in the occurrence of embryo-fetal variations. Based on power of detection and given differences in the nature of developmental effects between rat and rabbit study outcomes for individual compounds, EFDT studies in two species have added value over single studies.

Comparison of rat and rabbit embryo-fetal developmental toxicity data for 379 pharmaceuticals: on the nature and severity of developmental effects.

Regulatory non-clinical safety testing of human pharmaceuticals typically requires embryo-fetal developmental toxicity (EFDT) testing in two species (one rodent and one non-rodent). The question has been raised whether under some conditions EFDT testing could be limited to one species, or whether the testing in a second species could be decided on a case-by-case basis. As part of a consortium initiative, we built and queried a database of 379 compounds with EFDT studies (in both rat and rabbit animal models) conducted for marketed and non-marketed pharmaceuticals for their potential for adverse developmental and maternal outcomes, including EFDT incidence and the nature and severity of adverse findings. Manifestation of EFDT in either one or both species was demonstrated for 282 compounds (74%). EFDT was detected in only one species (rat or rabbit) in almost a third (31%, 118 compounds), with 58% (68 compounds) of rat studies and 42% (50 compounds) of rabbit studies identifying an EFDT signal. For 24 compounds (6%), fetal malformations were observed in one species (rat or rabbit) in the absence of any EFDT in the second species. In general, growth retardation, fetal variations, and malformations were more prominent in the rat, whereas embryo-fetal death was observed more often in the rabbit. Discordance across species may be attributed to factors such as maternal toxicity, study design differences, pharmacokinetic differences, and pharmacologic relevance of species. The current analysis suggests that in general both species are equally sensitive on the basis of an overall EFDT LOAEL comparison, but selective EFDT toxicity in one species is not uncommon. Also, there appear to be species differences in the prevalence of various EFDT manifestations (i.e. embryo-fetal death, growth retardation, and dysmorphogenesis) between rat and rabbit, suggesting that the use of both species has a higher probability of detecting developmental toxicants than either one alone.

The legacy of the F344 rat as a cancer bioassay model (a retrospective summary of three common F344 rat neoplasms).

The Fischer 344 (F344) rat was used by the National Toxicology Program (NTP) for over 5 decades for toxicity and carcinogenicity studies. However, in 2006, the NTP decided to switch to a different rat stock due largely to high background control incidences of Leydig cell tumors (LCTs) and mononuclear cell leukemia (MNCL), also known as large granular lymphocytic (LGL) leukemia. In the current review, we aim (1) to provide a summary of NTP bioassays with treatment-associated effects involving MNCL and LCTs in addition to male F344-specific tunica vaginalis mesothelioma (TVM); (2) to describe important pathobiological differences between these F344 rat tumor responses and similar target tissue-tumor response in humans; and (3) to present the NTP reasons for switching away from the F344 rat. We show that due to the highly variable background incidence of F344 MNCL, more reliance on historical control data than is usual for most tumor responses is warranted to evaluate potential effect of any chemical treatment in this rat strain. The high spontaneous incidence of LCTs in the testes of male F344 rats has made this tumor endpoint of little practical use in identifying potential testicular carcinogenic responses. TVM responses in F344 rats have a biological plausible relationship to LCTs unlike TVM in humans. Given their high spontaneous background incidence and species-specific biology, we contend that MNCL and LCT, along with TVM responses, in F344 rat carcinogenicity studies are inappropriate tumor types for human health risk assessment and lack relevance in predicting human carcinogenicity.

Guidance on the selection of cohorts for the extended one-generation reproduction toxicity study (OECD test guideline 443).

The extended one-generation reproduction toxicity study (EOGRTS; OECD test guideline 433) is a new and technically complex design to evaluate the putative effects of chemicals on fertility and development, including effects upon the developing nervous and immune systems. In addition to offering a more comprehensive assessment of developmental toxicity, the EOGRTS offers important improvements in animal welfare through reduction and refinement in a modular study design. The challenge to the practitioner is to know how the modular aspects of the study should be triggered on the basis of prior knowledge of a particular chemical, or on earlier findings in the EOGRTS itself, requirements of specific regulatory frameworks notwithstanding. The purpose of this document is to offer guidance on science-based triggers for these extended evaluations.

Immunomodulatory action of dietary fish oil and targeted deletion of intestinal epithelial cell PPARδ in inflammation-induced colon carcinogenesis.

The ligand-activated transcription factor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-δ is highly expressed in colonic epithelial cells; however, the role of PPARδ ligands, such as fatty acids, in mucosal inflammation and malignant transformation has not been clarified. Recent evidence suggests that the anti-inflammatory/chemoprotective properties of fish oil (FO)-derived n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) may be partly mediated by PPARδ. Therefore, we assessed the role of PPARδ in modulating the effects of dietary n-3 PUFAs by targeted deletion of intestinal epithelial cell PPARδ (PPARδ(ΔIEpC)). Subsequently, we documented changes in colon tumorigenesis and the inflammatory microenvironment, i.e., local [mesenteric lymph node (MLN)] and systemic (spleen) T cell activation. Animals were fed chemopromotive [corn oil (CO)] or chemoprotective (FO) diets during the induction of chronic inflammation/carcinogenesis. Tumor incidence was similar in control and PPARδ(ΔIEpC) mice. FO reduced mucosal injury, tumor incidence, colonic STAT3 activation, and inflammatory cytokine gene expression, independent of PPARδ genotype. CD8(+) T cell recruitment into MLNs was suppressed in PPARδ(ΔIEpC) mice. Similarly, FO reduced CD8(+) T cell numbers in the MLN. Dietary FO independently modulated MLN CD4(+) T cell activation status by decreasing CD44 expression. CD11a expression by MLN CD4(+) T cells was downregulated in PPARδ(ΔIEpC) mice. Lastly, splenic CD62L expression was downregulated in PPARδ(ΔIEpC) CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells. These data demonstrate that expression of intestinal epithelial cell PPARδ does not influence azoxymethane/dextran sodium sulfate-induced colon tumor incidence. Moreover, we provide new evidence that dietary n-3 PUFAs attenuate intestinal inflammation in an intestinal epithelial cell PPARδ-independent manner.

Dissecting the role of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-ß/δ (PPARß/δ) in colon, breast, and lung carcinogenesis.

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-ß/δ (PPARß/δ) is a promising drug target since its agonists increase serum high-density lipoprotein; decrease low-density lipoprotein, triglycerides, and insulin associated with metabolic syndrome; improve insulin sensitivity; and decrease high fat diet-induced obesity. PPARß/δ agonists also promote terminal differentiation and elicit anti-inflammatory activities in many cell types. However, it remains to be determined whether PPARß/δ agonists can be developed as therapeutics because there are reports showing either pro- or anti-carcinogenic effects of PPARß/δ in cancer models. This review examines studies reporting the role of PPARß/δ in colon, breast, and lung cancers. The prevailing evidence would suggest that targeting PPARß/δ is not only safe but could have anti-carcinogenic protective effects.

Functional characterization of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-ß/δ expression in colon cancer.

This study critically examined the role of PPARß/δ in colon cancer models. Expression of PPARß/δ mRNA and protein was lower and expression of CYCLIN D1 protein higher in human colon adenocarcinomas compared to matched non-transformed tissue. Similar results were observed in colon tumors from Apc(+/Min-FCCC) mice compared to control tissue. Dietary administration of sulindac to Apc(+/Min-FCCC) mice had no influence on expression of PPARß/δ in normal colon tissue or colon tumors. Cleaved poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) was either increased or unchanged, while expression of 14-3-3ε was not influenced in human colon cancer cell lines cultured with the PPARß/δ ligand GW0742 under conditions known to increase apoptosis. While DLD1 cells exhibited fewer early apoptotic cells after ligand activation of PPARß/δ following treatment with hydrogen peroxide, this change was associated with an increase in late apoptotic/necrotic cells, but not an increase in viable cells. Stable over-expression of PPARß/δ in human colon cancer cell lines enhanced ligand activation of PPARß/δ and inhibition of clonogenicity in HT29 cells. These studies are the most quantitative to date to demonstrate that expression of PPARß/δ is lower in human and Apc(+/Min-FCCC) mouse colon tumors than in corresponding normal tissue, consistent with the finding that increasing expression and activation of PPARß/δ in human colon cancer cell lines inhibits clonogenicity. Because ligand-induced attenuation of early apoptosis can be associated with more late, apoptotic/necrotic cells, but not more viable cells, these studies illustrate why more comprehensive analysis of PPARß/δ-dependent modulation of apoptosis is required in the future.

The serotonin transporter gene and startle response during nicotine deprivation.

Affective startle probe methodology was used to examine the effects of nicotine administration and deprivation on emotional processes among individuals carrying at least one s allele versus those with the l/l genotype of the 5-Hydroxytryptamine (Serotonin) Transporter Linked Polymorphic Region, 5-HTTLPR in the promoter region of the serotonin transporter gene [solute ligand carrier family 6 member A4 (SLC6A4) or SERT]. Smokers (n=84) completed four laboratory sessions crossing deprivation (12-h deprived vs. non-deprived) with nicotine spray (nicotine vs. placebo). Participants viewed affective pictures (positive, negative, neutral) while acoustic startle probes were administered. We found that smokers with the l/l genotype showed significantly greater suppression of the startle response when provided with nicotine vs. placebo than those with the s/s or s/l genotypes. The results suggest that l/l smokers, who may have higher levels of the serotonin transporter and more rapid synaptic serotonin clearance, experience substantial reduction in activation of the defensive system when exposed to nicotine.

A natural propenoic acid derivative activates peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-beta/delta (PPARbeta/delta).

AIMS: Previous studies showed that natural prenyloxyphenylpropanoid derivatives have potent biological properties in vivo. Given the structural similarities between these compounds and known peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) agonists, the present study examined the hypothesis that propenoic acid derivatives activate PPARs. MAIN METHODS: Chimeric reporter assays were performed to identify propenoic acid derivates that could activate PPARs. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analysis of wild-type and Pparbeta/delta-null mouse primary keratinocytes was performed to determine if a test compound could specifically activate PPARbeta/delta. A human epithelial carcinoma cell line and primary mouse keratinocytes were used to determine the effect of the compound on cell proliferation. KEY FINDINGS: Three of the propenoic acid derivatives activated PPARs, with the greatest efficacy being observed with prenyloxycinnamic acid derivatives 4'-geranyloxyferulic acid (compound 1) for PPARbeta/delta. Compound 1 increased expression of a known PPARbeta/delta target gene through a mechanism that requires PPARbeta/delta. Inhibition of cell proliferation by compound 1 was found in a human epithelial carcinoma cell line. SIGNIFICANCE: Results from these studies demonstrate that compound 1 can activate PPARbeta/delta and inhibit cell proliferation of a human skin cancer cell line, suggesting that the biological effects of 4'-geranyloxyferulic acid may be mediated in part by activating this PPAR isoform.

Perinatal nicotine exposure delays genital development in mice.

INTRODUCTION: Smoking has well-recognized endocrine disrupting effects in humans that have been linked specifically to nicotine in animal models. Nicotine's perinatal effects on genital development in mice, which is interpreted as a measure of endocrine disrupting activity, were evaluated in this report. METHODS: Pregnant C57B/6J dams were administered 50 microg/ml nicotine in drinking water from gestational day 9 until pups were weaned. Their pups' anogenital distances and weights were measured at birth and at weaning. A subset of the pups was weighed again in adulthood. RESULTS: Female and male mice had significantly reduced anogenital distance at birth; however, by 34 days of age, differences in anogenital distance were no longer apparent, while body weight, which had been equal at birth and weaning, was significantly reduced in mice exposed to perinatal nicotine. DISCUSSION: Perinatal nicotine exposure significantly delayed genital development and altered adolescent body weight in this model.

Activity-related behaviors in the hole-board predict nicotine consumption in C57B6 mice perinatally exposed to nicotine.

Hole-board behaviors of adolescent C57B/6 mice that had been exposed to nicotine during gestation and suckling were evaluated on postnatal days 34-36. Rearing on all three trials significantly predicted higher nicotine intake on a two-bottle choice test administered from days 37-42. For head pokes, there was a weak trend for lower head poking in the first trial to be predictive of higher nicotine intake. Locomotor activity only predicted higher nicotine consumption on the third trial. These results show that hole-board behaviors predict subsequent nicotine intake in mice exposed to nicotine perinatally, especially after habituation to the apparatus.

Ligand activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-beta/delta (PPARbeta/delta) inhibits cell growth in a mouse mammary gland cancer cell line.

The effects of ligand activation of PPARbeta/delta were examined in the mouse mammary tumor cell line (C20). Expression of PPARbeta/delta was markedly lower in C20 cells as compared to the human non-tumorigenic mammary gland derived cell line (MCF10A) and mouse keratinocytes. Ligand activation of PPARbeta/delta in C20 cells caused upregulation of the PPARbeta/delta target gene angiopoietin-like 4 (Angptl4). Inhibition of C20 cell proliferation and clonogenicity was observed following treatment with GW0742 or GW501516, two highly specific PPARbeta/delta ligands. In addition, an increase in apoptosis was observed in C20 cells cultured with 10microM GW501516 that preceded the observed inhibition of cell proliferation. Results from this study show that proliferation of the C20 mouse mammary gland cancer cell line is inhibited by ligand activation of PPARbeta/delta due in part to increased apoptosis.

Regulation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-beta/delta by the APC/beta-CATENIN pathway and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs.

Studies indicate that peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-beta/delta (PPAR beta/delta) can either attenuate or potentiate colon cancer. One hypothesis suggests that PPAR beta/delta is upregulated by the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC)/beta-CATENIN pathway and a related hypothesis suggests that PPAR beta/delta is downregulated by nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The present study examined these possibilities using in vivo and in vitro models. While APC/beta-CATENIN-dependent expression of CYCLIN D1 was observed in vivo and in vitro, expression of PPAR beta/delta was not different in colon or intestinal polyps from wild-type or Apc(min) heterozygous mice or in human colon cancer cell lines with mutations in APC and/or beta-CATENIN. No difference in the level of PPAR beta/delta was found in colon from wild-type or Apc(min) heterozygous mice following treatment with NO-donating aspirin (NO-ASA). NSAIDs inhibited cell growth in RKO (wild-type APC) and DLD1 (mutant APC) human colon cancer cell lines but expression of PPAR beta/delta was not downregulated in these cell lines in response to a broad concentration range of celecoxib, indomethacin, NS-398, or nimesulide. However, indomethacin caused an increase in PPAR beta/delta mRNA and protein that was accompanied with increased expression of a known PPAR beta/delta target gene. Interestingly, expression of PPAR alpha was also increased in the human colon cancer cell lines by several NSAIDs at the highest concentration examined. Results from these studies provide additional evidence indicating that PPAR beta/delta is not upregulated by the APC/beta-CATENIN pathway. Further, these studies suggest that increased PPAR beta/delta and/or PPAR alpha by NSAIDs in human colon cancer cell lines could contribute to the mechanisms underlying the chemopreventive effects of NSAIDs.

Differential hepatic effects of perfluorobutyrate mediated by mouse and human PPAR-alpha.

Perfluorobutyrate (PFBA) is a short chain perfluoroalkyl carboxylate that is structurally similar to perfluorooctanoate. Administration of PFBA can cause peroxisome proliferation, induction of peroxisomal fatty acid oxidation and hepatomegaly, suggesting that PFBA activates the nuclear receptor, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha (PPAR-alpha). In this study, the role of PPAR-alpha in mediating the effects of PFBA was examined using PPAR-alpha null mice and a mouse line expressing the human PPAR-alpha in the absence of mouse PPAR-alpha (PPAR-alpha humanized mice). PFBA caused upregulation of known PPAR-alpha target genes that modulate lipid metabolism in wild-type and PPAR-alpha humanized mice, and this effect was not found in PPAR-alpha null mice. Increased liver weight and hepatocyte hypertrophy were also found in wild-type and humanized PPAR-alpha mice treated with PFBA, but not in PPAR-alpha null mice. Interestingly, hepatocyte focal necrosis with inflammatory cell infiltrate was only found in wild-type mice administered PFBA; this effect was markedly diminished in both PPAR-alpha null and PPAR-alpha humanized mice. Results from these studies demonstrate that PFBA can modulate gene expression and cause mild hepatomegaly and hepatocyte hypertrophy through a mechanism that requires PPAR-alpha and that these effects do not exhibit a species difference. In contrast, the PPAR-alpha-dependent increase in PFBA-induced hepatocyte focal necrosis with inflammatory cell infiltrate was mediated by the mouse PPAR-alpha but not the human PPAR-alpha. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that PFBA can activate both the mouse and human PPAR-alpha, but there is a species difference in the hepatotoxic response to this chemical.

Ligand activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-beta/delta inhibits cell proliferation in human HaCaT keratinocytes.

Although there is strong evidence that ligand activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-beta/delta induces terminal differentiation and attenuates cell growth, some studies suggest that PPARbeta/delta actually enhances cell proliferation. For example, it was suggested recently that retinoic acid (RA) is a ligand for PPARbeta/delta and potentiates cell proliferation by activating PPARbeta/delta. The present study examined the effect of ligand activation of PPARbeta/delta on cell proliferation, cell cycle kinetics, and target gene expression in human HaCaT keratinocytes using two highly specific PPARbeta/delta ligands [4-[[[2-[3-fluoro-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-4-methyl-5-thiazolyl]methyl]thio]-2-methylphenoxy acetic acid (GW0742) and 2-methyl-4-((4-methyl-2-(4-trifluoromethylphenyl)-1,3-thiazol-5-yl)-methylsulfanyl)phenoxy-acetic acid (GW501516)] and RA. Both PPARbeta/delta ligands and RA inhibited cell proliferation of HaCaT keratinocytes. GW0742 and GW501516 increased expression of known PPARbeta/delta target genes, whereas RA did not; RA increased the expression of known retinoic acid receptor/retinoid X receptor target genes, whereas GW0742 did not affect these genes. GW0742, GW501516, and RA did not modulate the expression of 3-phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase or alter protein kinase B phosphorylation. GW0742 and RA increased annexin V staining as quantitatively determined by flow cytometry. The effects of GW0742 and RA were also examined in wild-type and PPARbeta/delta-null primary mouse keratinocytes to determine the specific role of PPARbeta/delta in modulating cell growth. Although inhibition of keratinocyte proliferation by GW0742 was PPARbeta/delta-dependent, inhibition of cell proliferation by RA occurred in both genotypes. Results from these studies demonstrate that ligand activation of PPARbeta/delta inhibits keratinocyte proliferation through PPARbeta/delta-dependent mechanisms. In contrast, the observed inhibition of cell proliferation in mouse and human keratinocytes by RA is mediated by PPARbeta/delta-independent mechanisms and is inconsistent with the notion that RA potentiates cell proliferation by activating PPARbeta/delta.

Induction of nuclear translocation of constitutive androstane receptor by peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha synthetic ligands in mouse liver.

Peroxisome proliferators activate nuclear receptor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARalpha) and enhance the transcription of several genes in liver. We report here that synthetic PPARalpha ligands Wy-14,643, ciprofibrate, clofibrate, and others induce the nuclear translocation of constitutive androstane receptor (CAR) in mouse liver cells in vivo. Adenoviral-enhanced green fluorescent protein-CAR expression demonstrated that PPARalpha synthetic ligands drive CAR into the hepatocyte nucleus in a PPARalpha- and PPARbeta-independent manner. This translocation is dependent on the transcription coactivator PPAR-binding protein but independent of coactivators PRIP and SRC-1. PPARalpha ligand-induced nuclear translocation of CAR is not associated with induction of Cyp2b10 mRNA in mouse liver. PPARalpha ligands interfered with coactivator recruitment to the CAR ligand binding domain and reduced the constitutive transactivation of CAR. Both Wy-14,643 and ciprofibrate occupied the ligand binding pocket of CAR and adapted a binding mode similar to that of the CAR inverse agonist androstenol. These observations, therefore, provide information for the first time to indicate that PPARalpha ligands not only serve as PPARalpha agonists but possibly act as CAR antagonists.