Generation of a 'humanized' hCYP1A1_1A2_Cyp1a1/1a2(-/-)_Ahrd mouse line harboring the poor-affinity aryl hydrocarbon receptor

Herein, we describe generation of the hCYP1A1_1A2_Cyp1a1/1a2(−/−)_Ahr^d mouse line, which carries human functional CYP1A1 and CYP1A2 genes in the absence of mouse Cyp1a1 and Cyp1a2 genes, in a (>99.8%) background of the C57BL/6J genome and harboring the poor-affinity aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) from the DBA/2J mouse. We have characterized this line by comparing it to our previously created hCYP1A1_1A2_Cyp1a1/1a2(−/−)_Ahr^b1 line—which carries the same but has the high-affinity AHR of the C57BL/6J mouse. By quantifying CYP1A1 and CYP1A2 mRNA in liver, lung and kidney of dioxin-treated mice, we show that dose-response curves in hCYP1A1_1A2_Cyp1a1/1a2(−/−)_Ahr^d mice are shifted to the right of those in hCYP1A1_1A2_Cyp1a1/1a2(−/−)_Ahr^b1 mice—similar to, but not as robust as, dose-response curves in DBA/2J versus C57BL/6J mice. This new mouse line is perhaps more relevant than the former to human risk assessment vis-à-vis human CYP1A1 and CYP1A2 substrates, because poor-affinity rather than high-affinity AHR occurs in the vast majority of the human population.     

Characteristic expression of aryl hydrocarbon receptor repressor gene in human tissues: organ-specific distribution and variable induction patterns in mononuclear cells

To investigate the expression of aryl hydrocarbon receptor repressor (AhRR) and related molecules in various tissues and the effects of aromatic hydrocarbons (AHs) on their expression, we developed a reliable technique of quantification of human AhRR as well as aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), AhR nuclear translocator (ARNT) and cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1) mRNA by real-time TaqMan PCR method. First, we examined the expression of these genes in human adult or fetal tissues. The levels of AhRR expression were extremely high in testis, very high in lung, ovary, spleen and pancreas from adults, whereas those were low in those from fetuses. On the other hand, CYP1A1 expression was extremely high in lung, and AhR and ARNT were ubiquitously expressed in almost all tissues. Second, we compared the expression levels of these genes in mononuclear cells (MNCs) from various sources. Comparison of the basal expression levels of these genes in MNCs demonstrated that MNCs from umbilical cord blood showed higher AhRR or CYP1A1 expression than those from adults. The induction of AhRR or CYP1A1 expression by 3-methylcholanthrene (3-MC) was observed in MNCs from adults but not from umbilical cord blood. Consequently, there existed characteristic differences in the basal levels of AhRR and CYP1A1 expression in MNCs, as well as in their inducibility by 3-MC among MNCs from various types of human bloods. These results will provide basic information for a possible application of AhRR and CYP1A1 measurements to evaluate AH exposure in vivo.     

Cyp1b1 Mediates Periostin Regulation of Trabecular Meshwork Development by Suppression of Oxidative Stress

Mutation in CYP1B1 has been reported for patients with congenital glaucoma. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Here we show increased diurnal intraocular pressure (IOP) in Cyp1b1-deficient (Cyp1b1^−/−) mice. Cyp1b1^−/− mice presented ultrastructural irregular collagen distribution in their trabecular meshwork (TM) tissue along with increased oxidative stress and decreased levels of periostin (Postn). Increased levels of oxidative stress and decreased levels of Postn were also detected in human glaucomatous TM tissues. Furthermore, Postn-deficient mice exhibited TM tissue ultrastructural abnormalities similar to those of Cyp1b1^−/− mice. Administration of the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC) restored structural abnormality of TM tissue in Cyp1b1^−/− mice. In addition, TM cells prepared from Cyp1b1^−/− mice exhibited increased oxidative stress, altered adhesion, and decreased levels of Postn. These aberrant cellular responses were reversed in the presence of NAC or by restoration of Cyp1b1 expression. Cyp1b1 knockdown or inhibition of CYP1B1 activity in Cyp1b1^+/+ TM cells resulted in a Cyp1b1^−/− phenotype. Thus, metabolic activity of CYP1B1 contributes to oxidative homeostasis and ultrastructural organization and function of TM tissue through modulation of Postn expression.     

(E)-3-(3,4,5-Trimethoxyphenyl)-1-(pyridin-4-yl)prop-2-en-1-one,a heterocyclic chalcone is a potent and selective CYP1A1 inhibitor and cancer chemopreventive agent

The overexpression of CYP1 family of enzymes is reported to be associated with development of human carcinomas. It has been well reported that CYP1A1 specific inhibitors prevents carcinogenesis. Herein, thirteen pyridine-4-yl series of chalcones were synthesized and screened for inhibition of CYP1 isoforms 1A1, 1B1 and 1A2 in Sacchrosomes? and live human HEK293 cells. The structure-activity relationship analysis indicated that chalcones bearing tri-alkoxy groups (8a and 8k) on non-heterocyclic ring displayed selective inhibition of CYP1A1 enzyme, with IC₅₀ values of 58 and 65?nM, respectively. The 3,4,5-trimethoxy substituted derivative 8a have shown >10-fold selectivity towards CYP1A1 with respect to other enzymes of the CYP1 sub-family and >100-fold selectivity with respect to CYP2 and CYP3 family of enzymes. The potent and selective CYP1A1 inhibitor 8a displayed antagonism of B[a]P mediated activation of aromatic hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) in yeast cells, and also protected human cells from CYP1A1-mediated B[a]P toxicity in human cells. This potent and selective inhibitor of CYP1A1 enzyme have a potential for development as cancer chemopreventive agent.     

Yinzhihuang Oral Liquid Ameliorates Hyperbilirubinemia Induced by δ-Aminolevulinic Acid and Novobiocin in Neonatal Rats

Yinzhihuang oral liquid (YZH) is a traditional Chinese medicine that has been widely used in Asia to prevent and treat neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, but the published preclinical studies on its anti-hyperbilirubinemia effect are conducted in adult animals, partly due to the lack of preclinical neonatal hyperbilirubinemia animal models. In the present study, we tested six reagents to induce hyperbilirubinemia in neonatal rats, and established two appropriate neonatal hyperbilirubinemia rat models by subcutaneous injection of δ-Aminolevulinic acid (ALA, 200 mg/kg) or novobiocin (NOVO, 200 mg/kg). Oral treatment of YZH (80, 160 and 320 mg/kg) significantly decreased serum conjugated bilirubin levels in ALA-treated neonatal rats and serum unconjugated bilirubin levels in NOVO-treated neonatal rats, respectively. Additionally, pre-treatment of YZH also prevented the increase of serum bilirubin levels in both ALA- and NOVO-treated rats. Mechanistically, YZH significantly up-regulated the mRNA expression of genes involved in hepatic bilirubin disposition (organic anion-transporting polypeptide 1b2, Oatp1b2; multidrug resistance-associated protein 2, Mrp2) and bilirubin conjugation (UDP-glucuronosyltransferase 1a1, Ugt1a1). Additionally, YZH up-regulated the mRNA expression of cytochrome P450 1A1 (Cyp1a1), the target gene of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), and increased the nuclear protein levels of AhR in livers of neonatal rats. YZH and its two active ingredients, namely baicalin (BCL) and 4’-hydroxyacetophenone (4-HT), up-regulated the mRNA expression of AhR target genes (CYP1A1 and UGT1A1) and increased nuclear protein levels of AhR in HepG2 cells. In conclusion, the present study provides two neonatal hyperbilirubinemia animal models and evaluates the anti-hyperbilirubinemia effect and mechanisms of YZH in neonatal animals.     

Benzo[a]pyrene-induced toxicity: paradoxical protection in Cyp1a1(-/-) knockout mice having increased hepatic BaP-DNA adduct levels.

Previous studies have shown that cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1), CYP1B1, and prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase (PTGS2) are inducible by benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) and 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD, dioxin), and all three metabolize BaP to reactive DNA-binding intermediates and excreted products. Because these three enzymes show differing patterns of basal levels, inducibility, and tissue-specific expression, animal studies are necessary to delineate the role of CYP1A1 in BaP-mediated toxicity. In mice receiving large daily doses of BaP (500 mg/kg i.p.), Cyp1a1(-/-) knockout mice are protected by surviving longer than Cyp1a1(+/-) heterozygotes. We found that a single 500 mg/kg dose of BaP induces hepatic CYP1A1 mRNA, protein, and enzyme activity in Cyp1a1(+/-) but not in Cyp1a1(-/-) mice; TCDD pretreatment increases further the CYP1A1 in Cyp1a1(+/-) but not Cyp1a1(-/-) mice. Although a single 500 mg/kg dose of BaP was toxic to Cyp1a1(+/-) mice (serum liver enzyme elevated about 2-fold above control levels at 48 h), Cyp1a1(-/-) mice displayed no hepatotoxicity. Unexpectedly, we found 4-fold higher BaP-DNA adduct levels in Cyp1a1(-/-) than in Cyp1a1(+/-) mice; TCDD pretreatment lowered the levels of BaP-DNA adducts in both genotypes, suggesting the involvement of other TCDD-inducible detoxification enzymes. BaP was cleared from the blood much faster in Cyp1a1(+/-) than Cyp1a1(-/-) mice. Our results suggest that absence of the CYP1A1 enzyme protects the intact animal from BaP-mediated liver toxicity and death, by decreasing the formation of large amounts of toxic metabolites, whereas much slower metabolic clearance of BaP in Cyp1a1(-/-) mice leads to greater formation of BaP-DNA adducts.     

Growth suppression of Leydig TM3 cells mediated by aryl hydrocarbon receptor

Exposure to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin induces developmental toxicity in reproductive organs. To elucidate the function of AhR, we generated stable transformants of TM3 cells overexpressing wild-type aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) or its mutants which carried mutations in nuclear localization signal or nuclear export signal. In the presence of 3-methylcholanthrene (MC), proliferation of the cells transfected with wild-type AhR was completely suppressed, whereas cells expressing AhR mutants proliferated in a manner equivalent to control TM3 cells, suggesting AhR-dependent growth inhibition. The suppression was associated with up-regulation of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21^Cip1, which was abolished by pretreatment with actinomycin D. A p38 MAPK specific inhibitor, SB203580, blocked the increase of p21^Cip1 mRNA in response to MC. Treatment with indigo, another AhR ligand, failed to increase of p21^Cip1 mRNA, although up-regulation of mRNA for CYP1A1 was observed. These data suggest AhR in Leydig cells mediates growth inhibition by inducing p21^Cip1.     

Selenium-binding protein 1: Its physiological function,dependence on aryl hydrocarbon receptors,and role in wasting syndrome by 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin

Background

Selenium-binding protein 1 (Selenbp1) is suggested to play a role in tumor suppression, and may be involved in the toxicity produced by dioxin, an activator of aryl hydrocarbon receptors (AhR). However, the mechanism or likelihood is largely unknown because of the limited information available about the physiological role of Selenbp1.

Methods

To address this issue, we generated Selenbp1-null [Selenbp1 (−/−)] mice, and examined the toxic effect of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) in this mouse model.

Results

Selenbp1 (−/−) mice exhibited only a few differences from wild-type mice in their apparent phenotypes. However, a DNA microarray experiment showed that many genes including Notch1 and Cdk1, which are known to be enhanced in ovarian carcinoma, are also increased in the ovaries of Selenbp1 (−/−) mice. Based on the different responses to TCDD between C57BL/6J and DBA/2J strains of mice, the expression of Selenbp1 is suggested to be under the control of AhR. However, wasting syndrome by TCDD occurred equally in Selenbp1 (−/−) and (+/+) mice.

Conclusions

The above pieces of evidence suggest that 1) Selenbp1 suppresses the expression of tumor-promoting genes although a reduction in Selenbp1 alone is not very serious as far as the animals are concerned; and 2) Selenbp1 induction by TCDD is neither a pre-requisite for toxicity nor a protective response for combating TCDD toxicity.

General significance

Selenbp1 (−/−) mice exhibit little difference in their apparent phenotype and responsiveness to dioxin compared with the wild-type. This may be due to the compensation of Selenbp1 function by a closely-related protein, Selenbp2.     

Hepatic bile acid metabolism and expression of cytochrome P450 and related enzymes are altered in Bsep −/− mice

The bile salt export pump (BSEP/Bsep; gene symbol ABCB11/Abcb11) translocates bile salts across the hepatocyte canalicular membrane into bile in humans and mice. In humans, mutations in the ABCB11 gene cause a severe childhood liver disease known as progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis type 2. Targeted inactivation of mouse Bsep produces milder persistent cholestasis due to detoxification of bile acids through hydroxylation and alternative transport pathways. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether functional expression of hepatic cytochrome P450 (CYP) and microsomal epoxide hydrolase (mEH) is altered by Bsep inactivation in mice and whether bile acids regulate CYP and mEH expression in Bsep ^?/? mice. CYP expression was determined by measuring protein levels of Cyp2b, Cyp2c and Cyp3a enzymes and CYP-mediated activities including lithocholic acid hydroxylation, testosterone hydroxylation and alkoxyresorufin O-dealkylation in hepatic microsomes prepared from female and male Bsep ^?/? mice fed a normal or cholic acid (CA)-enriched diet. The results indicated that hepatic lithocholic acid hydroxylation was catalyzed by Cyp3a/Cyp3a11 enzymes in Bsep ^?/? mice and that 3-ketocholanoic acid and murideoxycholic acid were major metabolites. CA feeding of Bsep ^?/? mice increased hepatic Cyp3a11 protein levels and Cyp3a11-mediated testosterone 2β-, 6β-, and 15β-hydroxylation activities, increased Cyp2b10 protein levels and Cyp2b10-mediated benzyloxyresorufin O-debenzylation activity, and elevated Cyp2c29 and mEH protein levels. We propose that bile acids upregulate expression of hepatic Cyp3a11, Cyp2b10, Cyp2c29 and mEH in Bsep ^?/? mice and that Cyp3a11 and multidrug resistance-1 P-glycoproteins (Mdr1a/1b) are vital components of two distinct pathways utilized by mouse hepatocytes to expel bile acids.     

Enantiospecific Effects of Ketoconazole on Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor

Azole antifungal ketoconazole (KET) was demonstrated to activate aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). Since clinically used KET is a racemic mixture of two cis-enantiomers (2R,4S)-(+)-KET and (2S,4R)-(−)-KET, we examined the effects of KET enantiomers on AhR signaling pathway. (+)-KET dose-dependently activated AhR in human gene reporter cell line AZ-AHR, and displayed 5–20× higher agonist activity (efficacy), as compared to (−)-KET; both enantiomers were AhR antagonists with equal potency (IC₅₀). Consistently, (+)-KET strongly induced CYP1A1 mRNA and protein in human HepG2 cells, while (−)-KET exerted less than 10% of (+)-KET activity. In primary human hepatocytes, both enantiomers preferentially induced CYP1A2 over CYP1A1 mRNA and protein, and the potency of (+)-KET was slightly higher as compared to (−)-KET. Ligand binding assay with guinea pig liver cytosols revealed that both (+)-KET and (−)-KET are weak ligands of AhR that displaced [³H]-TCDD with comparable potency. Similarly, both enantiomers weakly transformed AhR to DNA-binding form with similar potency, as showed by EMSA, in guinea pig liver cytosolic extracts and nuclear extracts from mouse Hepa-1 cells. We also examined effects of KET on glucocorticoid receptor (GR), a regulator of AhR activity. Both KET enantiomers antagonized GR with similar potency, as revealed by gene reporter assay in AZ-GR cell line and down-regulation of tyrosine aminotransferase mRNA in human hepatocytes. Finally, we demonstrate enantiospecific antifungal activities of KET enantiomers in six Candida spp. strains. In conclusion, the significance of current study is providing the first evidence of enatiospecific effects of cis-enantiomers of ketoconazole on AhR-CYP1A pathway.