Lycopene attenuates alcoholic apoptosis in HepG2 cells expressing CYP2E1

To test the hypothesis that ethanol-induced hepatic apoptosis is secondary to the oxidative stress generated by cytochrome P4502E1 (CYP2E1), we assessed the effects of the carotenoid lycopene, a potent antioxidant extracted from tomatoes, on oxidative stress and apoptosis in HepG2 cells overexpressing CYP2E1 (2E1 cells). These were exposed for 5 days to 100mM ethanol and 10 microM lycopene or an equal volume of placebo (vehicle). Ethanol significantly increased apoptosis measured by flow cytometry and by TUNEL assay. This was accompanied by an ethanol-induced oxidative stress: hydrogen peroxide production was significantly increased and mitochondrial GSH was strikingly decreased. Both were restored by lycopene, with a significant decrease in apoptosis. The placebo had no protective effect. In conclusion, Lycopene opposes the ethanol-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in 2E1 cells. The parallelism between these effects suggests a causal link. Furthermore, these beneficial effects and the innocuity of lycopene now justify an in vivo trial.     

草鱼肝细胞中CYP2E1活性的诱导研究

CYP2E1为代谢大部分药物及环境巾毒物的关键酶。以草鱼肝细胞（Ctenopharyngodon idellus hepatocyte）为反应体系,选取氯唑沙宗（CZX）为底物,采用反相高效液相色谱（RP-HPLC）法测定其产物6-OH-氯唑沙宗（HCZX）的量,Lowry法测定肝细胞巾蛋白的浓度从而反映CYP2E1活性,并采用该酶特异性诱导剂乙醇对其进行诱导,观察其酶活变化及CZX在细胞中代谢情况。结果表明,CZX在草鱼肝细胞中的基础代谢较低,经过对CYP2E1诱导条件的优化及筛选,得到最佳诱导剂剂量为4μg／mL、诱导时间为24h、底物浓度为50μg／mL并且孵育时间为1h时,其酶活达到最高,约为0．47μg／min·mg。对照组和诱导组的草鱼肝细胞中CZX的消除半衰期（t。）分别为202．10h和28．75h,差异极显著,表明乙醇诱导的CYP2E1能够加快底物的代谢。酶促反应动力学参数表明乙醇诱导的CYP2E1与底物的亲和力较高,酶促反应强度较大。该结果能够为CYP2E1代谢的药物及环境毒物的研究提供理论依据。     

Genotype and allele frequencies of polymorphic cytochromes P450 CYP1A2 and CYP2E1 in Mexicans

CYP1A2 and CYP2E1 are two of the main cytochrome P450 isoforms involved in the metabolism of commonly used drugs and xenobiotic compounds considered to be responsible for or possible participants in the development of several human diseases. Individual susceptibility to developing these pathologies relies, among other factors, on genetic polymorphism which depends on ethnic differences, as the frequency of mutant genotypes varies in different human populations. Thus the aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of CYP1A2 5'-flanking region and CYP2E1 Rsa I/Pst I polymorphisms in Mexicans by PCR-RFLP methods. The DNA of 159 subjects was analysed and mutant allele frequencies of 30% for CYP2E1 Rsa I/Pst I sites and 43% for CYP1A2 5'-flanking region were found. These frequencies are higher than those previously reported for other human populations.     

Role of intracellular calcium and phospholipase A2 in arachidonic acid-induced toxicity in liver cells overexpressing CYP2E1

Liver cells (HepG2 and primary hepatocytes) overexpressing CYP2E1 and exposed to arachidonic acid (AA) were previously shown to lose viability together with enhanced lipid peroxidation. These events were blocked in cells pre-incubated with antioxidants (alpha-tocopherol, glutathione ethyl ester), or in HepG2 cells not expressing CYP2E1. The goal of the current study was to evaluate the role of calcium and calcium-activated hydrolases in these CYP2E1-AA interactions. CYP2E1-expressing HepG2 cells treated with AA showed an early increase in cytosolic calcium and partial depletion of ionomycin-sensitive calcium stores. These changes in calcium were blocked by alpha-tocopherol. AA activated phospholipase A2 (PLA2) in CYP2E1-expressing liver cells, and this was inhibited by PLA2 inhibitors or alpha-tocopherol. PLA2 inhibitors prevented the cell death caused by AA, without affecting CYP2E1 activity or lipid peroxidation. AA toxicity and PLA2 activation were inhibited in calcium-depleted cells, but not by removal of extracellular calcium alone. Removal of extracellular calcium inhibited the early increase in cytosolic calcium caused by AA. CYP2E1 overexpressing HepG2 cells exposed to AA showed a decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential, which was prevented by the PLA2 inhibitors. These results suggest that AA-induced toxicity to CYPE1-expressing cells: (i) is associated with release of Ca2+ from intracellular stores that depends mainly on oxidative membrane damage; (ii) is associated with activation of PLA2 that depends on intracellular calcium and lipid peroxidation; (iii) does not depend on increased influx of extracellular calcium, and (iv) depends on the effect of converging events (lipid peroxidation, intracellular calcium, activation of PLA2) on mitochondria to induce bioenergetic failure and necrosis. These interactions may play a role in alcohol liver toxicity, which requires polyunsaturated fatty acids, and involves induction of CYP2E1.     

Role of undecan-2-one on ethanol-induced apoptosis in HepG2 cells

Based on the reduced expression of ethanol-oxidizing enzymes in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cells, we analyzed the role of nonoxidative metabolites in ethanol-induced apoptosis in HepG2 cells. For this purpose, an analysis of volatile metabolites of ethanol using ion-mobility spectrometry and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry was performed. HepG2 cells exposed to 1 mmol/L ethanol exhibited significant synthesis of undecan-2-one compared to untreated cells. Undecan-2-one is a fatty acid ethyl ester metabolite synthesized through a nonoxidative pathway. Undecan-2-one had a dose-dependent cytotoxic effect on HepG2 cells as shown by release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). The most notable finding of this study was the potentiation of ethanol-induced apoptosis demonstrated by an increased apoptotic rate induced by undecan-2-one in ethanol-treated HepG2 cells. The data presented in this study contribute to the better understanding of the molecular mechanisms of ethanol exposure at low concentration in HepG2 cells, a human hepatocellular carcinoma-derived cell line.     

Decreased protein and mRNA expression of ER stress proteins GRP78 and GRP94 in HepG2 cells over-expressing CYP2E1

CYP2E1 causes oxidative stress mediated cell death; the latter is one mechanism for endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in the cell. Unfolded proteins accumulate during ER stress and ER resident proteins GRP78 and GRP94 protect cells against ER dysfunction. We examined the possible role of GRP78 and GRP94 as protective factors against CYP2E1-mediated toxicity in HepG2 cells expressing CYP2E1 (E47 cells). E47 cells expressed high levels of CYP2E1 protein and catalytic activity which is associated with increased ROS generation, lipid peroxidation and the elevated presence of ubiquinated and aggregated proteins as compared to control HepG2 C34 cells which do not express CYP2E1. The mRNA and protein expression of GRP78 and GRP94 were decreased in E47 cells compared to the C34 cells, which may explain the accumulation of ubiquinated and aggregated proteins. Expression of these GRP proteins was induced with the ER stress agent thapsigargin in E47 cells, and E47 cells were more resistant to the toxicity caused by thapsigargin and calcimycin, possibly due to this upregulation and also because of the high expression of GSH and antioxidant enzymes in E47 cells. Antioxidants such as trolox and N-acetylcysteine increased GRP78 and GRP94 levels in the E47 cells, suggesting that CYP2E1- derived oxidant stress was responsible for down regulation of these GRPs in the E47 cells. Thapsigargin mediated toxicity was decreased in cells treated with the antioxidant trolox indicating a role for oxidative stress in this toxicity. These results suggest that CYP2E1 mediated oxidative stress downregulates the expression of GRP proteins in HepG2 cells and oxidative stress is an important mechanism in causing ER dysfunction in these cells.     

Caffeine attenuates lipid accumulation via activation of AMP-activated protein kinase signaling pathway in HepG2 cells

The main purpose of this study is to examine the effect of caffeine on lipid accumulation in human hepatoma HepG2 cells. Significant decreases in the accumulation of hepatic lipids, such as triglyceride (TG), and cholesterol were observed when HepG2 cells were treated with caffeine as indicated. Caffeine decreased the mRNA level of lipogenesis-associated genes (SREBP1c, SREBP2, FAS, SCD1, HMGR and LDLR). In contrast, mRNA level of CD36, which is responsible for lipid uptake and catabolism, was increased. Next, the effect of caffeine on AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway was examined. Phosphorylation of AMPK and acetyl-CoA carboxylase were evidently increased when the cells were treated with caffeine as indicated for 24 h. These effects were all reversed in the presence of compound C, an AMPK inhibitor. In summary, these data indicate that caffeine effectively depleted TG and cholesterol levels by inhibition of lipogenesis and stimulation of lipolysis through modulating AMPK-SREBP signaling pathways. [BMB Reports 2013; 46(4): 207-212]     

应用TaqMan定量方法研究巴马香猪CYP1A1、2A19、2E1 mRNA表达

目的巴马香猪是我国具有特色和优势的实验用小型猪资源品系,用于药物评价具有广阔前景。方法 以β-actin作校正,利用TaqMan定量技术对巴马香猪肝、肾、肾上腺、小肠、皮肤、脑、肺、睾丸、前列腺、子宫和卵巢等组织中CYP1A1、2A19和2E1 mRNA的表达水平进行检测,检测结果与报道的人体对应酶CYP1A2、2A6、2E1进行比较。结果巴马香猪CYP1A1、2A19、2E1 mRNA均以肝脏中最高,肝外组织明显较低,并且巴马香猪肝脏CYP1A1、2A19、2E1 mRNA均低于报道的人肝对应酶。结论巴马香猪CYP1A1、2A19、2E1与人体对应酶CYP1A2、2A6、2E1的mRNA组织表达存在一定差异,提示在其作为相应CYP亚型代谢的药物评价时应考虑这种种属差异对实验结果推广到人的影响。     

小鼠CYP2E1基因靶向miRNA表达载体的构建及鉴定

目的设计并构建靶向小鼠CYP2E1基因的miRNA干扰质粒,为探索CYP2E1基因功能奠定基础。方法应用invitrogen设计软件设计两条干扰小鼠CYP2E1基因的靶向miRNA序列,合成相应的回文DNA序列,退火后分别连接到pcDNATM6.2-GW/EmGFP-miR载体上,构建两套miRNA真核表达载体CYP2E1-miR1和CYP2E1-miR2,并使用该载体特有的串联方法将两载体上的miRNA前体寡核苷酸序列进行串联成为CYP2E1-miR1-miR2;将上述重组载体分别与构建的pcDNA3.1（＋）-CYP2E1表达质粒共转染入293T细胞,RT-PCR法鉴定其干扰效果。结果经酶切及测序鉴定,针对鼠CYP2E1基因的miRNA干扰质粒构建成功,并能够有效抑制共转染入293T细胞的pcDNA3.1（＋）-CYP2E1质粒的表达,且串联质粒CYP2E1-miR1-miR2优于单独的干扰质粒CYP2E1-miR1及CYP2E1-miR2。结论小鼠CYP2E1基因的靶向miRNA表达载体构建成功。     

Functional polymorphism in porcine CYP2E1 gene: Its association with skatole levels

Raising intact male pigs would have a significant economic impact on the pork industry. However, the presence of skatole (a major cause of boar taint) in meat from intact male pigs could be highly objectionable to consumer. The excessive accumulation of skatole in fat is a major cause of boar taint, and is associated with defective expression of cytochrome P4502E1 (CYP2E1). In pigs, it has been found that CYP2E1 is negatively correlated with accumulation of skatole. The searching for polymorphism of CYP2E1 and the relevant functional analysis would help develop a genetic marker for the selection of pigs with low skatole levels in fat. The aim of this study was to measure the expression pattern of CYP2E1 mRNA in various tissues of the pig, to identify genetic polymorphisms, and to evaluate the functional relevance of polymorphic sites with respect to the skatole level in fat. We show herein that a substitution of G → A at base 1423 of the CYP2E1 gene in the liver causes a significant decrease in the expressed CYP2E1 level. Our data suggest that the G → A substitute might be at least partially responsible for a high level of skatole in pigs. We believe that this is an important step toward the selection of genetic markers for boar taint by lowering fat levels of skatole in fat.     

新生儿基因CYP2E1 5′端RsaⅠ和PON2311位点多态性与早产的关系

探讨新生儿基因细胞色素P450 2E1（CYP2E1）5‘端RsaI多态性和对氧磷酶2（二乙基对硝基苯磷酸酯酶2）基因311位点（PON2311）多态性对早产的影响。采用横断面调查方法,使用统一的调查表,由安庆市各县医院对入院分娩孕妇及其单胎,活产,早产和对照新生儿进行调查,共得到有效样本194个母亲－新生儿对。单因素分析结果显示：CYP2E1野生纯合子基因型（cut/cut)与突变纯合子基因型（uncut/uncut)/杂合子基因型（cut/uncut)比较,对早产的影响不具有统计学意义,而PONS2 Ser311Ser纯合子基因型与Cys311Cys纯合子基因型／Cys311Ser杂合子基因型比较,对早产的影响具有显著的统计学意义。进一步分析CYP2E15‘端RsaI位点多态性和PON2311位点多态性是否存在交互作用。结果显示：CYP2E1野生纯合子基因型和PON2 Ser311Ser纯合子基因型这一组合与参照组比较,对早产的影响具有显著的统计学意义。基因CYP2E15‘端Rsa I位点多态性与新生儿早产不相关,但基因PON2311位点多态性与新生儿早产相关,且CYP2E1 5‘端RsaI位点多态性和PON2311位点多态性之间对早产的影响存在交互作用。     

Expression of CYP2E1 in human nasopharynx and its metabolic effect in vitro

It was evident that nitrosamines can act directly on target tissue and result in carcinogenesis. As has been shown, the carcinogenic activity of nitrosamines relied on its bioactivation by Cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1). In this study, we investigated the expression of CYP2E1 in Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cells, embryonic nasopharyngeal epithelial tissue (ENET) specimens, and NPC biopsies by RT-PCR analysis. CYP2E1 was expressed in all NPC cell lines (6/6, including 7429) and ENET (6/6), and 80% of NPC biopsie (8/10). The fact that Human nasopharynx expresses CYP2E1 suggests that CYP2E1 may play an important role in the course of NPC by indirect carcinogens nitrosamines. To further evaluate the function of CYP2E1, the CYP2E1 was stably expressed in the cell line NIH 3T3/rtTA under a tetracycline-controlled transactivator. The expression of CYP2E1 was tightly regulated in a dose-dependent manner by Doxycycline (Dox) When the catalytic activity of CYP2E1 was assayed, the result showed that the generation of 6-hydroxychlorzoxazone (6-OH-CZ) from chlorzoxazone (CZ) was dose- and time-dependent on Dox addition to the medium. In the presence of 1 μg/ml Dox, the CZ 6-hydroxylase activity of the cell line was found to be 0.986 ± 0.034 nmol/10⁶ cells/h. The metabolic activation of Tet/3T3/2E1-6 cells was also assayed by N,N′-dinitrosopiperazine (DNP) cytotoxicity, and the viability of Tet/3T3/2E1-6 cells treated with Dox was lower than that of untreated cells with a significant difference between them in 80 and 160 μg/ml DNP (P ( 0.05, t test. This cell line will be useful not only to assess the metabolic characteristics of CYP2E1, but also will be useful to investigate the role of CYP2E1 in metabolic activation of carcinogenic nitrosamines in vitro.