Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
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Query: EC:2.7.7.49 (reverse transcriptase)
31,746 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

The purpose of the present studies was to use a biomarker approach to examine xenobiotic exposure of brown bullhead in Presque Isle Bay, Lake Erie (USA). In particular, the presence of compounds that act through the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) was of interest due to its central role in gene regulation and carcinogenesis of dioxins and certain polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Initial screening of Presque Isle Bay sediment samples by gene expression microarray in mouse hepatocytes revealed prototypical dioxin-response genes such as cytochrome P450 1A1 and 1B1 (CYP1A1 and CYP1B1). The presence of AhR ligands in sediment samples was confirmed and quantified using an in vitro assay, the Chemical Activated Luciferase Expression (CALUX) assay. The CALUX assay system, by using different incubation times, allows for determination of total dioxin induction equivalents (IEQ) for less persistent compounds such as PAHs as well as for stable compounds such as polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), dibenzofurans (PCDFs), and certain polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Parts of Presque Isle Bay have significant concentrations of AhR ligands in sediment ranging from 200 to 1400 parts per trillion (ppt) dioxin IEQ equivalents (dry weight). This is much higher than levels of dioxin equivalents found in similar sediment samples (approximately 10 ppt). Cascade Creek appears to be a major source of dioxin-like contaminants as IEQs in sediments taken from various regions of this tributary ranged from 1300 to 42000 ppt IEQ. In addition, the CALUX assay indicated that the majority of the IEQs (>90%) in PIB samples were in fact derived from less stable compounds. To determine if brown bullhead are exposed and respond to these high levels of AhR ligands, CYP1A cDNA was cloned from this species and quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to examine mRNA levels. The CYP1A mRNA concentration was lower and less variable in fish taken from Presque Isle Bay than from a body of water with much lower AhR ligand concentration. Taken together, these studies show that sediment in Presque Isle Bay is highly contaminated with AhR ligands including dioxins and PAHs, but the brown bullhead are either not exposed or are non-responsive to these carcinogenic compounds.
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PMID:Evidence of aryl hydrocarbon receptor ligands in Presque Isle Bay of Lake Erie. 1284 97

The dose and time effect of nine xenobiotics, including 17beta-estradiol, corticosterone, dexamethasone, progesterone, nifedipine, bisphenol A, rifampicin, methamphetamine, and nicotine were investigated, in vitro, using human steroid and xenobiotics receptor (SXR)-binding sites on the human CYP3A4 promoter, which can enhance the linked lacZ reporter gene transcription. To test this, liver-specific SAP (human serum amyloid P component)-SXR (SAP/SXR) and human CYP3A4 promoter-regulated lacZ (hCYP3A4/lacZ) constructs were transiently transfected into HepG2 and NIH3T3 cells to compare the xenobiotic responsiveness between human and nonhuman cell lines. In the HepG2 cells, rifampicin, followed by corticosterone, nicotine, methamphetamine, and dexamethasone, exhibited enhanced levels of the lacZ transcript, whereas those of bisphenol A and nifedipine were found to be reduced. No significant responses were observed with 17beta-estradiol or progesterone. In addition, 17beta-estradiol and progesterone did not change the levels of the lacZ transcripts in the HepG2 cells, but did induce significant increases in the transcripts of the NIH3T3 cells. Treatment with corticosterone and dexamethasone, which were highly expressed in the HepG2 cells, did not affect the levels of the lacZ transcript in NIH3T3 cells. These results show that lacZ transcripts can be measured, rapidly and reproducibly, using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) based on the expression of the hCYP3A4/lacZ reporter gene, and was mediated by the SXR. Thus, this in vitro reporter gene bioassay is useful for measuring xenobiotic activities, and is a means to a better relevant bioassay, using human cells, human genes and human promoters, in order to get a closer look at actual human exposure.
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PMID:An in vitro bioassay for xenobiotics using the SXR-driven human CYP3A4/lacZ reporter gene. 1285 Nov 53

The purpose of this paper is to review preclinical and clinical evidence relating to drug interactions with preparations of the medicinal herb St John's wort (Hypericum perforatum). A systematic literature search was carried out in three electronic databases up to June 2004. Information about case reports classified as St John's wort drug interactions was retrieved from the WHO Collaborating Centre for International Drug Monitoring and from the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency in June 2003. Against the background of proven efficacy in mild to moderate depressive disorders and an excellent tolerability profile in monotherapy, there is sufficient evidence from interaction studies and case reports to suggest that St John's wort may induce the cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4 enzyme system and the P-glycoprotein drug transporter in a clinically relevant manner, thereby reducing efficacy of co-medications. Drugs most prominently affected and contraindicated for concomitant use with St John's wort are metabolised via both CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein pathways, including HIV protease inhibitors, HIV non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (only CYP3A4), the immunosuppressants ciclosporin and tacrolimus, and the antineoplastic agents irinotecan and imatinib mesylate. Efficacy of hormonal contraceptives may be impaired as reflected by case reports of irregular bleedings and unwanted pregnancies. Drugs with a narrow therapeutic index should be monitored more closely when St John's wort is added, discontinued or the dosage is changed. The St John's wort constituent hyperforin is probably responsible for CYP3A4 induction via activation of a nuclear steroid/pregnane and xenobiotic receptor (SXR/PXR) and hypericin may be assumed to be the P-glycoprotein inducing compound, although the available evidence is less convincing. Combinations of St John's wort with serotonergic agents and other antidepressants should be restricted to prescription-only, by experienced clinicians, due to potential central pharmacodynamic interactions. In conclusion, providing certain precautions and contraindications are followed, and adequate information is given to healthcare professionals and patients, the safe and effective use of quality-tested St John's wort products can be ensured.
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PMID:Drug interactions with St John's wort : mechanisms and clinical implications. 1535 Jan 51

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heavy metals are often environmental cocontaminants that could interact to alter PAH carcinogenicity. The heavy metal, arsenite, and the PAH, benzo[k]fluoranthene, were used as prototypes to investigate, in human HepG2 cells, mechanisms whereby the bioactivation of benzo[k]fluoranthene by human CYP1A1 could be diminished by arsenite-mediated decreases in CYP1A1 induction by benzo[k]fluoranthene. To determine whether arsenite down-regulates CYP1A1 transcription, quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction assays and luciferase reporter gene expression assays were used with HepG2 cells treated with benzo[k]fluoranthene and arsenite, separately and as a mixture. Benzo[k]fluoranthene (0.5 microM) and arsenite (5 microM) markedly decreased benzo[k]fluoranthene-mediated induction of CYP1A1 mRNA by 45%. Plasmids containing the CYP1A1 promoter region (pHu-1A1-FL) were induced 7.4-fold over vehicle by benzo[k]fluoranthene (0.5 microM), whereas arsenite (1, 2.5, or 5 microM) decreased reporter gene expression by 46%, 45%, and 61%, respectively. The plasmid, pHu-1A1-Delta100-FL, lacked xenobiotic response element (XRE) sites at -1061 and -981 and showed greater responsiveness relative to pHu-1A1-FL, by 1.7-fold. Benzo[k]fluoranthene (0.5 microM) and arsenite (1, 2.5, or 5 microM) decreased reporter gene expression by 0%, 27%, and 39%, respectively, relative to expression levels produced by benzo[k]fluoranthene alone. Arsenite is stable for at least 48 h in the HepG2 cell medium with respect to its ability to diminish CYP1A1 benzo[k]fluoranthene induction. Arsenite did not affect benzo[k]fluoranthene induction directly through XRE sites, nor did it affect the stability of CYP1A1 mRNA. Thus, arsenite affects the transcriptional regulation of the benzo[k]fluoranthene-mediated induction of CYP1A1 and could diminish PAH carcinogenicity by decreasing bioactivation by CYP1A1.
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PMID:Mechanisms of arsenite-mediated decreases in benzo[k]fluoranthene-induced human cytochrome P4501A1 levels in HepG2 cells. 1557 48

Nasal administration of a drug ensures therapeutic action by rapid systemic absorption and/or the entry of some molecules into the brain through different routes. Many recent studies have pointed out the presence of xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes in rat olfactory mucosa (OM). Nevertheless, very little is known about the precise identity of isoforms of cytochrome P450 (P450)-dependent monooxygenases (P450) and their metabolic function in this tissue. Therefore, we evaluated mRNA expression of 19 P450 isoforms by semiquantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and measured their microsomal activity toward six model substrates. For purposes of comparison, studies were conducted on OM and the liver. Specific activities toward phenacetin, chlorzoxazone, and dextromethorphan are higher in OM than in the liver; those toward lauric acid and testosterone are similar in both tissues, and that toward tolbutamide is much lower in OM. There are considerable differences between the two tissues with regard to mRNA expression of P450 isoforms. Some isoforms are expressed in OM but not in the liver (CYP1A1, 2G1, 2B21, and 4B1), whereas mRNA of others (CYP2C6, 2C11, 2D2, 3A1, 3A2, and 4A1) is present only in hepatic tissue. Although expression of CYP1A2, 2A1, 2A3, 2B2, 2D1, 2D4, 2E1, 2J4, and 3A9 is noticed in both tissues, there are a number of quantitative differences. On the whole, our results strongly suggest that CYP1A1, 1A2, 2A3, 2E1, 2G1, and 3A9 are among the main functional isoforms present in OM, at least regarding activities toward the six tested substrates. The implication of olfactory P450-dependent monooxygenases in toxicology, pharmacology, and physiology should be further investigated.
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PMID:Characterization of microsomal cytochrome P450-dependent monooxygenases in the rat olfactory mucosa. 1587 94

Lung is a target organ for the toxicity of inhalated compounds. The respiratory tract is frequently exposed to elevated concentrations of these compounds and become the primary target site for toxicity. Occupational, accidental or prolonged exposure to a great variety of chemicals may result in acute or delayed injury to cells of the respiratory tract. Nevertheless, lung has a significant capability of biotransforming such compounds with the aim of reducing its potential toxicity. In some instances, the biotransformation of a given compound can result in the generation of more reactive, and frequently more toxic, metabolites. Indeed, lung tissue is known to activate pro-carcinogens (i.e. polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons or N-nitrosamines) into more reactive intermediates that easily form DNA adducts. Lungs express several enzymes involved in the metabolising of xenobiotics. Among them, cytochrome P450 enzymes are major players in the oxidative metabolism as well metabolic bioactivation of many organic toxicants, including pro-carcinogens. Xenobiotic-metabolising P450 enzymes are expressed in bronchial and bronchiolar epithelium, Clara cells, type II pneumocytes, and alveolar macrophages Individual CYP isoforms have different patterns of localisation within pulmonary tissue. With the aid of sensitive techniques (i.e. reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, RT-PCR) it has become possible to detect CYP1A1, CYP1B1, CYP2A6, CYP2B6, CYP2E1 and CYP3A5 mRNAs in lung cells. Less conclusive results have been obtained concerning CYP2Cs, CYP2D6 and CYP3A4. CYP3A5 protein appears to be widely present in all lung samples and is localised in the ciliated and mucous cells of the bronchial wall, bronchial glands, bronchiolar ciliated epithelium and in type I and type II alveolar epithelium. Lung cells also express Phase II enzymes such as epoxide hydrolase, UGT1A (glucuronyl transferase) and GST-P1 (glutathione S-transferase), which largely act as detoxifying enzymes. A key question concerning organ-specific chemical toxicity is whether the actual target has the capacity to activate (or efficiently inactivate) chemicals. Results of several studies indicate that the different xenobiotic-metabolising CYPs, present in the human lung and lung-derived cell lines, likely contribute to in situ activation of pulmonary toxins, among them, pro-carcinogens. Some CYPs, in particular CYP1A, are polymorphic and inducible. Interindividual differences in the expression of these CYPs may explain the different risk of developing lung toxicity (possibly cancer), by agents that require metabolic activation. Few cell lines, principally A549, have been used with variable success as an experimental model for investigating the mechanisms of toxicity. Although RT-PCR analysis has evidenced the presence of the major human pulmonary CYP mRNAs, the measurable P450 specific activities are, however, far below those present in human lungs. Detection of the toxicity elicited by reactive metabolites requires the use of metabolically competent cells; consequently, better performing cells are needed to ensure realistic in vitro prediction of toxicity. Genetic manipulation of lung-derived cells allowing them to re-express key biotransformation enzymes appear to be a promising strategy to improve their functionality and metabolic performance.
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PMID:Metabolism and bioactivation of toxicants in the lung. The in vitro cellular approach. 1609 27

Most human hepatocyte cell lines lack a substantial set of liver-specific functions, especially major cytochrome P450 (P450)-related enzyme activities, making them unrepresentative of in vivo hepatocytes. We have used the HepaRG cells, derived from a human hepatocellular carcinoma, which exhibit a high differentiation pattern after 2 weeks at confluency to determine whether they could mimic human hepatocytes for drug metabolism and toxicity studies. We show that when passaged at low density, these cells reversed to an undifferentiated morphology, actively divided, and, after having reached confluency, formed typical hepatocyte-like colonies surrounded by biliary epithelial-like cells. By contrast, when seeded at high density, hepatocyte-like clusters retained their typical differentiated morphology. Transcripts of various nuclear receptors (aryl hydrocarbon receptor, pregnane X receptor, constitutive androstane receptor, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha), P450s (CYP1A2, 2C9, 2D6, 2E1, 3A4), phase 2 enzymes (UGT1A1, GSTA1, GSTA4, GSTM1), and other liver-specific functions were estimated by reverse transcriptase-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and were found to be expressed, for most of them, at comparable levels in both confluent differentiated and high-density differentiated HepaRG cells and in cultured primary human hepatocytes. For several transcripts, the levels were strongly increased in the presence of 2% dimethyl sulfoxide. Measurement of basal activities of several P450s and their response to prototypical inducers as well as analysis of metabolic profiles and cytotoxicity of several compounds confirmed the functional resemblance of HepaRG cells to primary cultured human hepatocytes. In conclusion, HepaRG cells constitute the first human hepatoma cell line expressing high levels of the major P450s involved in xenobiotic metabolism and represent a reliable surrogate to human hepatocytes for drug metabolism and toxicity studies.
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PMID:Expression of cytochromes P450, conjugating enzymes and nuclear receptors in human hepatoma HepaRG cells. 1620 62

Perillyl alcohol (POH) is a dietary monoterpene with potential applications in chemoprevention and chemotherapy. Although clinical trials are under way, POH's physiological and pharmacological properties are still unclear. In the present study, the effect of POH on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH)-induced genotoxicity, and the related expression were examined in MCF-7 cells. Exposure to environmental toxicant increases the risk of cancer. Many of these compounds are pro-carcinogens and are biotransformed into their ultimate genotoxic structures by xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes. CYP1A1 and 1B1 are enzymes that catalyze the biotransformation of dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA). Our data revealed that 0.5 microM of POH was effective in blocking DMBA-DNA binding. Ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) assay indicated that the administration of POH inhibited the DMBA-induced enzyme activity in MCF-7 cells. Enzyme kinetic analysis revealed that POH inhibited CYP1B1 but not CYP1A1 activity. Quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay also demonstrated that the monoterpene reduced CYP1B1 mRNA abundance induced by DMBA. The present study illustrated that POH might inhibit and downregulate CYP1B1, which could protect against PAH-induced carcinogenesis.
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PMID:Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon-induced CYP1B1 activity is suppressed by perillyl alcohol in MCF-7 cells. 1630 65

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are ubiquitous environmental contaminants that disrupt thyroid hormone (TH) system function in numerous species. Previous studies have shown delayed metamorphosis in developing Xenopus laevis frogs exposed to PCBs, but the underlying molecular mechanisms have not been thoroughly investigated. In this research, developing X. laevis tadpoles were exposed to environmentally relevant concentrations (5, 50ppb) of Aroclor 1254 (A1254), a PCB mixture, dissolved in water and 0.25% dimethyl sulfoxide. Quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction was used to measure expression of several TH system genes, other genes that regulate growth and development, and a xenobiotic response gene. Exposure to 50ppb A1254 significantly delayed metamorphosis and significantly altered gene expression of three thyroid system genes: transthyretin and types II and III deiodinase. Since all three genes regulate the amount of available, biologically active TH, PCB-induced changes in the expression of these genes may underlie alterations in metamorphic timing.
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PMID:Polychlorinated biphenyl exposure delays metamorphosis and alters thyroid hormone system gene expression in developing Xenopus laevis. 1672 20

Resistance to anticancer drugs is often mediated by the overexpression of P-glycoprotein encoded by the multi-drug resistance (MDR1) gene. The nuclear receptor, steroid and xenobiotic receptor (SXR), is one of the key transcriptional regulators of MDR1 gene expression. A variety of xenobiotics bind to SXR, and stimulate transcription on xenobiotic-response elements (XREs), located in the MDR1 gene promoter. Diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) is widely used as a plasticizer for polyvinyl chloride (PVC) medical devices. Previous studies have shown that a significant amount of DEHP leaches from PVC infusion bags and lines during interventions, such as total parenteral nutrition, blood transfusion, and cancer chemotherapy. Thus, the leaching of DEHP during parenteral chemotherapy for cancer patients may facilitate MDR1 expression in various tissues, including cancer cells, which may promote drug resistance. To examine such a hypothesis, the effect of DEHP on SXR-mediated transcription of the MDR1 gene was studied in the human colon adenocarcinoma-derived cell line, LS174T cells, which endogenously express SXR. DEHP increased the SXR-mediated transcription of the MDR1 gene in luciferase-reporter assays. The induction by DEHP was abrogated when a reporter plasmid containing mutated DR+4 motif in the XRE was used. In a mammalian two-hybrid assay, DEHP recruited steroid receptor co-activator-1 to the ligand-binding domain of SXR. Finally, using real-time reverse transcriptase-PCR, we showed that DEHP increased MDR1 gene expression in a dose-dependent manner. We conclude that DEHP is an inducer of the MDR1 gene in this cell line. As such, the leaching of DEHP from the PVC medical devices may influence the MDR1 expression, which may induce resistance to drugs in certain populations of cancer cells.
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PMID:The endocrine disrupting chemical, diethylhexyl phthalate, activates MDR1 gene expression in human colon cancer LS174T cells. 1700 90


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