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The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) spike protein is known to mediate receptor interaction and immune recognition and thus it is considered as a major target for vaccine design. The spike protein plays an important role in virus entry, virus receptor interactions, and virus tropism. Sensitive diagnosis of SARS is essential for the control of the disease in humans. Recombinant SARS-CoV S1 antigen was produced and purified for the development of monoclonal and bi-specific monoclonal antibodies. The hybridomas secreting anti-S1 antibodies, F26G18 and P136.8D12, were fused respectively with the YP4 hybridoma to generate quadromas. The sandwich ELISA was formed by using F26G18 as a coating antibody and biotinylated F26G18 as a detection antibody with a detection limit of 0.037μg/ml (p<0.02). The same detection limit was found with P136.8D12 as a coating antibody and biotinylated F26G18 as a detection antibody. The sensitivity was improved (detection limit of 0.019μg/ml), however, when using bi-specific monoclonal antibody (F157) as the detection antibody. In conclusion, the method described in this study allows sensitive detection of a recombinant SARS spike protein by sandwich ELISA with bi-specific monoclonal antibody and could be used for the diagnosis of patients suspected with SARS., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Acute arsenic (As(III)) exposure has been reported to cause cardiac toxicity, however this toxicity was never linked to the disturbance in cytochrome P450 (P450)-mediated arachidonic acid metabolism. Therefore, we investigated the effect of acute As(III) toxicity on the expression of P450 and soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) and their associated arachidonic acid metabolism in mice hearts. As(III) toxicity was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of 12.5 mg/kg of As(III). Our results showed that As(III) treatment caused a significant induction of the cardiac hypertrophic markers in addition to Cyp1b1, Cyp2b, Cyp2c, Cyp4f, and sEH gene expression in mice hearts. Furthermore, As(III) increased sEH protein expression and activity in hearts with a consequent decrease in 11,12-, and 14,15-epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) formation. Whereas the formation of 8,9-, 11,12-, 14,15-dihydroxyeicosatrienoic acids (DHETs) was significantly increased. As(III) also increased sEH mRNA and protein expression levels in addition to the hypertrophic markers which was reversed by knockdown of sEH in H9c2 cells. In conclusion, acute As(III) toxicity alters the expression of several P450s and sEH enzymes with a consequent decrease in the cardioprotective EETs which may represent a novel mechanism by which As(III) causes progressive cardiotoxicity. Furthermore, inhibiting sEH might represent a novel therapeutic approach to prevent As(III)-induced hypertrophy.

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Rhazya stricta Decne. (Apocynaceae) is a common medicinal plant in the Arabian Peninsula, Pakistan and India. Rhazya stricta has been used traditionally to treat several diseases including tumors; however, the underlying mechanism is still not fully elucidated., Aim of the Study: The aim of this study is to examine the ability of Rhazya stricta to induce a key enzyme involved in cancer chemoprevention, NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (Nqo1) in murine and human hepatoma cells. Nqo1 is regulated by the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) transcription factors., Materials and Methods: Rhazya stricta leaves were extracted using ethanol, the strong basic alkaloid fraction (AF) was isolated according to a bioassay-guided fractionation and its mass spectrum was used as a fingerprint for its identity. The effect of increasing concentrations of AF on Nqo1 was tested in murine hepatoma Hepa 1c1c7 and human HepG2 cells. The role of Nrf2-dependent mechanism was tested by using Nrf2-dependent luciferase assay and by determining the Nrf2 nuclear accumulation in Hepa 1c1c7 cells. The role of AhR-dependent mechanism was assessed by using an AhR-deficient version of murine hepatoma c12 cells., Results: AF significantly induced the Nqo1 at mRNA, protein and catalytic activity levels in murine hepatoma Hepa 1c1c7 cells. Moreover, the induction of Nqo1 by AF was completely abolished by using the transcriptional inhibitor, actinomycin D, implying a role of transcriptional regulation. In addition, the role of Nrf2 signaling pathway was confirmed by the induction of Nrf2-dependent luciferase activity and the induced Nrf2 nuclear accumulation in Hepa 1c1c7 cells. Interestingly, AF induced Nqo1 at mRNA and catalytic activity in c12 and HepG2 cells. Finally, the AF induced the Nrf2-dependent luciferase activity in HepG2 cells, confirming the role of Nrf2 in its regulation., Conclusions: The present study presents the first evidence that Rhazya stricta and its active strongly basic alkaloid fraction induce the chemopreventative enzyme, Nqo1 through Nrf2-dependent mechanism., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Doxorubicin [(DOX) Adriamycin] is an effective anticancer agent whose major limiting side effect is cardiotoxicity. This cardiotoxicity is predicted only by the cumulative dose of DOX where the clinical situation involves chronic drug administration. Therefore, we investigate the effect of chronic DOX cardiotoxicity on expression of the cardiac cytochrome P450 (P450) enzymes and arachidonic acid (AA) metabolism in male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. The chronic toxicity was induced by multiple intraperitoneal injections for a cumulative dose of 15 mg/kg divided into six injections within 2 weeks. After 14 days of the last injection, the heart, liver, and kidney were harvested, and the expression of different genes was determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction. In addition, microsomal protein from the heart was prepared and incubated with AA. Thereafter, different AA metabolites were analyzed by liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry. The chronic DOX cardiotoxicity significantly induced gene expression of hypertrophic markers, apoptotic markers, CYP2E1, CYP4A3, CYP4F1, CYP4F5, and soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) enzyme, which was accompanied by an increase in the activity of P450 ω-hydroxylases and sEH. In addition, both the sEH inhibitor, trans-4-[4-(3-adamantan-1-yl-ureido)-cyclohexyloxy]-benzoic acid, and the ω-hydroxylase inhibitor, N-hydroxy-N'-(4-butyl-2-methylphenyl)-formamidine (HET0016), significantly prevented the DOX-mediated induction of the hypertrophic markers in the cardiac-derived H9c2 cells, which further confirms the role of these enzymes in DOX cardiotoxicity. Furthermore, gene expression of P450 and sEH was altered in an organ-specific manner. As a result, the chronic DOX administration leads to an imbalance between P450-mediated cardiotoxic and cardioprotective pathways. Therefore, P450 ω-hydroxylases and sEH might be considered as novel targets to prevent and/or treat DOX cardiotoxicity.

Experimental hyperlipidemia has shown to decrease cytochrome P450 3A4 and 2C11 expression and to increase liver concentrations and the plasma protein binding of halofantrine (HF) enantiomers. The present study examined the effect of hyperlipidemic (HL) serum on the metabolism of HF enantiomers by primary rat hepatocytes. Hepatocytes from normolipidemic (NL) and HL (poloxamer 407 treated) rats were incubated with rac-HF in cell media with or without additional rat serum (5%). In those incubations with rat serum, the hepatocytes were preincubated or coincubated with serum from NL or HL rats. Rat serum-free hepatocyte incubations served as controls. Stereospecific assays were used to measure HF and desbutylhalofantrine (its major metabolite) enantiomer concentrations in whole well contents (cells + media). Concentrations of desbutylhalofantrine were not measurable. The disappearance (apparent metabolism) of (-)-HF exceeded that of antipode, but HF metabolism did not differ between hepatocytes from NL and HL rats. Coincubation of HL rat serum with NL hepatocytes caused a significant decrease in the disappearance of (-)-HF, whereas in HL hepatocytes, a substantially decreased apparent metabolism was noted for both enantiomers. Compared with NL serum, (-)-HF disappearance was significantly lowered upon preincubation of NL hepatocytes with HL serum. A combination of factors including diminished drug metabolizing or lipoprotein receptor expression, and increased plasma protein binding in the wells, may have contributed to a decrease in apparent metabolism of the HF enantiomers in the presence of lipoproteins from HL rat serum., (© 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

The individual toxic effects of aryl hydrocarbon receptors (AhR) ligands such as 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) or heavy metals typified by mercury (Hg(2+)) has been previously demonstrated. However, little is known about the combined toxic effects of TCDD and Hg(2+)in vivo. Therefore, we examined the effect of exposure to Hg(2+) (2.5mg/kg) in the absence and presence of TCDD (15 μg/kg) on the AhR-regulated genes using C57Bl/6 mice. Hg(2+) alone did not affect kidney, lung, or heart Cyp1a1/1a2/1b1 mRNA levels. On the contrary, Hg(2+) alone significantly induced kidney Cyp1a1/1a2/1b1 and lung Cyp1b1 protein and catalytic activities. Hg(2+) also induced Nqo1, Gsta1, and HO-1 at the mRNA, protein, and activity levels in the kidney and heart but not in the lung. Upon co-exposure to Hg(2+) and TCDD, Hg(2+) significantly potentiated the TCDD-mediated induction of kidney and lung Cyp1a1/1a2/1b1 mRNA levels, while it decreased their kidney protein and catalytic activity and it increased their lung protein. In addition, Hg(2+) potentiated the TCDD-mediated induction of Nqo1, Gsta1, and HO-1 at mRNA, protein and activity levels in all tissues. The present study demonstrates that Hg(2+) modulates the constitutive and TCDD-induced AhR-regulated genes in a time-, tissue- and, AhR-regulated enzyme genes manner., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

During the last couple of decades, efforts have been made to study the toxic effects of individual aryl hydrocarbon receptors (AhR) ligands such as 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) or heavy metals typified by arsenic As(III). However, little is known about the combined toxic effects of TCDD and As(III) in vivo. Previous reports from our laboratory and others have demonstrated that As(III), by itself or in the presence of AhR ligands, such as TCDD, is capable of differentially altering the expression of various phase I and phase II AhR-regulated genes in in vitro systems. Thus, the objective of the current study was to investigate whether or not similar effects would occur at the in vivo level. Therefore, we examined the effect of exposure to As(III) (12.5 mg/kg) in the absence and presence of TCDD (15 μg/kg) on the AhR-regulated genes using C57Bl/6 mice. Our results demonstrated that As(III) alone inhibited Cyp1a1 and Cyp1a2 in the kidney, while it induced their levels in the lung and did not affect their mRNA levels in the heart. As(III) also induced Nqo1 and Gsta1 in all tested tissues. Upon co-exposure to As(III) and TCDD, As(III) inhibited the TCDD-mediated induction of Cyp1a1 in the kidney and heart, Cyp1a2 in the kidney and heart, while it potentiated TCDD-mediated induction of Cyp1a1 in the lung, and Nqo1 and Gsta1 in the kidney and lung. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates for the first time that As(III) modulates constitutive and TCDD-induced AhR-regulated genes in a time-, tissue-, and AhR-regulated enzyme-specific manner.

Heme oxygenase (HO-1), the rate-limiting enzyme in the physiological breakdown of heme, is ubiquitous, and its expression can be increased by arsenite [As(III)], and similar other stimuli that induce cellular oxidative stress. Interestingly, it has been shown that the As(III)-induced HO-1 is inversely correlated with a decrease in cytochromes P450 (P450s) activity; however, the direct role for HO-1 in the inhibition of P450 enzymes remains unknown. Our results showed that As(III) at a concentration of 5 μM decreased the constitutive and inducible expression of CYP1A1, CYP1A2, CYP3A23, and CYP3A2 at the mRNA, protein, and catalytic activity levels. Moreover, As(III) decreased the nuclear accumulation of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) and pregnane X receptor without increasing their degradation. As(III) also increased the binding of cytosolic AhR to heat shock protein 90 and hepatitis B virus X-associated protein 2. In the presence of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin as an inducer for CYP1A and rifampin as an inducer for CYP3A, As(III) decreased the enzymatic activity of the four P450s more than it decreased their mRNA or protein expression levels. It is noteworthy that treatment with the competitive HO-1 inhibitor, tin-mesoporphyrin, or supplementing external heme partially reversed the As(III)-mediated decrease in activities of the four P450s. In conclusion, the current study provides the first evidence that As(III) decreases CYP1A1, CYP1A2, CYP3A23, and CYP3A2 expression in freshly isolated rat primary hepatocytes. Furthermore, inhibiting the As(III)-mediated induction of HO-1 partially restores the enzymatic activity of these P450s that was initially decreased by As(III), confirming the direct role of HO-1 in the inhibition of P450s.

Dioxins are known to cause several human cancers through activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). Harmaline and harmalol are dihydro-β-carboline compounds present in several medicinal plants such as Peganum harmala. We have previously demonstrated the ability of P. harmala extract to inhibit TCDD-mediated induction of Cyp1a1 in murine hepatoma Hepa 1c1c7 cells. Therefore, the aim of this study is to examine the effect of harmaline and its main metabolite, harmalol, on dioxin-mediated induction of CYP1A1 in human hepatoma HepG2 cells. Our results showed that harmaline and harmalol at concentrations of (0.5-12.5μM) significantly inhibited the dioxin-induced CYP1A1 at mRNA, protein and activity levels in a concentration-dependent manner. The role of AhR was determined by the inhibition of the TCDD-mediated induction of AhR-dependent luciferase activity and the AhR/ARNT/XRE formation by both harmaline and harmalol. In addition, harmaline significantly displaced [(3)H]TCDD in the competitive ligand binding assay. At posttranslational level, both harmaline and harmalol decreased the protein stability of CYP1A1, suggesting that posttranslational modifications are involved. Moreover, the posttranslational modifications of harmaline and harmalol involve ubiquitin-proteasomal pathway and direct inhibitory effects of both compounds on CYP1A1 enzyme. These data suggest that harmaline and harmalol are promising agents for preventing dioxin-mediated effects., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Co-contamination with complex mixtures of heavy metals, such as lead (Pb(2+)) and halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons (HAHs), such as 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) may disrupt the coordinated regulation of the carcinogen activating enzyme cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1). Therefore, in this study we examined the effects of co-exposure to Pb(2+) and TCDD on the expression of CYP1A1 in human hepatoma HepG2 cells and explored the involvement of transcriptional and posttranscriptional mechanisms. Our results showed that Pb(2+) significantly decreased TCDD-induced CYP1A1 mRNA, protein, and catalytic activity levels in a concentration-dependent manner. Importantly, this inhibition is specific to CYP1A1 and not to other aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR)-regulated gene, as Pb(2+) induced NAD(P)H:Quinone oxidoreductase 1 mRNA. Mechanistically, the Pb(2+)-mediated inhibition of CYP1A1 was associated with a significant decrease in the xenobiotic responsive element (XRE)-dependent luciferase activity without affecting the level of AhR protein, suggesting a transcriptional mechanism. On the other hand, the inhibitory effect of Pb(2+) on the induction of CYP1A1 coincided with an increase in heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) mRNA level and reactive oxygen species production at the posttranslational level. Furthermore, the inhibition of HO-1 activity, by tin mesoporphyrin, or supplementing heme, using hemin, caused a partial restoration of Pb(2+)-mediated inhibition of CYP1A1 induction by TCDD. In addition, transfection of HepG2 cells with siRNA targeting the human HO-1 gene restored the Pb(2+)-mediated inhibition of TCDD-induced CYP1A1. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that Pb(2+) down-regulates the expression of CYP1A1 through transcriptional and posttranslational mechanisms and confirms the role of HO-1 in a Pb(2+)-mediated effect., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Dioxins are widespread environmental contaminants that induce the carcinogen-activating enzyme, cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1) through an aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR)-dependent mechanism. We previously demonstrated that harmine inhibits the dioxin-mediated induction of Cyp1a1 activity in murine hepatoma cells. Therefore, the aim of this study is to determine the effect of harmine and its main metabolite, harmol, on the dioxin-mediated induction of CYP1A1 in human HepG2 and murine Hepa 1c1c7 hepatoma cells. Our results showed that harmine and harmol significantly inhibited the dioxin-mediated induction of CYP1A1 at mRNA, protein, and activity levels in a concentration-dependent manner in human and murine hepatoma cells. Moreover, harmine and harmol inhibited the AhR-dependent luciferase activity and the activation and transformation of AhR using the electrophoretic mobility shift assay. In addition, harmine and harmol displaced [(3)H]TCDD in the competitive ligand binding assay. At posttranslational level, both harmine and harmol decreased the protein stability of CYP1A1, suggesting that posttranslational mechanism is involved. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the underlying mechanisms of the posttranslational modifications of both compounds involve ubiquitin-proteasomal pathway and direct inhibitory effects of CYP1A1 enzyme. We concluded that harmine and its metabolite, harmol, are new inhibitors of dioxin-mediated effects., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

There is a traditional belief in the Middle East that camel milk may aid in prevention and treatment of numerous cases of cancer yet, the exact mechanism was not investigated. Therefore, we examined the ability of camel milk to modulate the expression of a well-known cancer-activating gene, Cytochrome P450 1a1 (Cyp1a1), and cancer-protective genes, NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (Nqo1) and glutathione S-transferase a1 (Gsta1), in murine hepatoma Hepa 1c1c7 cell line. Our results showed that camel milk significantly inhibited the induction of Cyp1a1 gene expression by 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), the most potent Cyp1a1 inducer and known carcinogenic chemical, at mRNA, protein, and activity levels in a concentration-dependent manner. In addition, camel milk significantly decreased the xenobiotic responsive element (XRE)-dependent luciferase activity, suggesting a transcriptional mechanism is involved. Furthermore, this inhibitory effect of camel milk was associated with a proportional increase in heme oxygenase 1. On the other hand, camel milk significantly induced Nqo1 and Gsta1 mRNA expression level in a concentration-dependent fashion. The RNA synthesis inhibitor, actinomycin D, completely blocked the induction of Nqo1 mRNA by camel milk suggesting the requirement of de novo RNA synthesis through a transcriptional mechanism. In conclusion, camel milk modulates the expression of Cyp1a1, Nqo1, and Gsta1 at the transcriptional and posttranscriptional levels.

Few published studies have reported the use of crude camel milk in the treatment of stomach infections, tuberculosis and cancer. Yet, little research was conducted on the effect of camel milk on the apoptosis and oxidative stress associated with human cancer. The present study investigated the effect and the underlying mechanisms of camel milk on the proliferation of human cancer cells using an in vitro model of human hepatoma (HepG2) and human breast (MCF7) cancer cells. Our results showed that camel milk, but not bovine milk, significantly inhibited HepG2 and MCF7 cells proliferation through the activation of caspase-3 mRNA and activity levels, and the induction of death receptors in both cell lines. In addition, Camel milk enhanced the expression of oxidative stress markers, heme oxygenase-1 and reactive oxygen species production in both cells. Mechanistically, the increase in caspase-3 mRNA levels by camel milk was completely blocked by the transcriptional inhibitor, actinomycin D; implying that camel milk increased de novo RNA synthesis. Furthermore, Inhibition of the mitogen activated protein kinases differentially modulated the camel milk-induced caspase-3 mRNA levels. Taken together, camel milk inhibited HepG2 and MCF7 cells survival and proliferation through the activation of both the extrinsic and intrinsic apoptotic pathways.

FHRE-Luc is a promoter reporter construct that is widely used to assess the activity of FoxO (forkhead box, class O) transcription factors. We here demonstrate that this promoter construct responds to exposure of HepG2 human hepatoma cells to known agonists of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), 3-methylcholanthrene, benzo(a)pyrene, and 6-formylindolo[3,2-b]carbazole. However, FHRE-Luc activation did not coincide with FoxO DNA binding or changes in Akt-induced FoxO phosphorylation after treatment with AhR agonists. Testing FHRE-Luc deletion constructs and using AhR-deficient cells, we found that FHRE-Luc activation by AhR agonists is due to a functional xenobiotic-response element (XRE) spanning the backbone/insert border of the reporter plasmid. In conclusion, care must be taken when using FHRE-Luc to assess FoxO activity in response to stimuli that potentially interfere with xenobiotic signaling., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase (NQO1)-mediated detoxification of quinones plays a critical role in cancer prevention. Heavy metals such as mercury (Hg(2+)) alter the carcinogenicity of aryl hydrocarbon receptor ligands, mainly by modifying various xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes such as NQO1. Therefore, we examined the effect of Hg(2+) on the expression of NQO1 in human hepatoma HepG2 cells. For this purpose HepG2 cells were incubated with various concentrations of Hg(2+) (2.5, 5, and 10μM) in the presence and absence of two NQO1 inducers, 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) and isothiocyanate sulforaphane (SUL), as bifunctional and monofunctional inducers, respectively. Analysis of the time-dependent effect of Hg(2+) revealed that Hg(2+) increased the expression of NQO1 mRNA in a time-dependent manner. In addition, Hg(2+) increased NQO1 at the mRNA, protein, and activity levels in the presence and absence of both NQO1 inducers, TCDD and SUL, which coincided with increased nuclear accumulation of Nrf2 protein. Investigating the effect of Hg(2+) at the transcriptional level revealed that Hg(2+) significantly induced the antioxidant-responsive element-dependent luciferase reporter gene expression in the absence and the presence of both NQO1 inducers. NQO1 mRNA and protein decay experiments revealed a lack of posttranscriptional and posttranslational mechanisms. Transfecting HepG2 cells with siRNA for Nrf2 significantly decreased the Hg(2+)-mediated induction of NQO1 mRNA and catalytic activity by approximately 90%. In conclusion, we demonstrated that Hg(2+) regulates the expression of the NQO1 gene through a transcriptional mechanism in human hepatoma HepG2 cells. In addition, Nrf2 is involved in the modulation of NQO1 by Hg(2+)., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

We have previously shown that the p38 MAPK inhibitor SB203580 (SB) significantly induced Cyp1a1 gene expression at the mRNA and activity levels, whereas it dramatically inhibited the induction of Cyp1a1 by TCDD in murine hepatoma Hepa 1c1c7 cells. However, the molecular mechanisms involved were not investigated yet. Therefore, the current study aims to examine the capacity of SB to induce the constitutive CYP1A1 gene expression in Hepa 1c1c7 and HepG2 cells and to explore the mechanisms involved. Our results showed that SB induced the Cyp1a1 mRNA, protein, and activity levels in a concentration-dependent manner in Hepa 1c1c7 cells. The increase in Cyp1a1 mRNA by SB was completely blocked by the transcriptional inhibitor, actinomycin D, implying that SB increased de novo RNA synthesis. In addition, the lack of Cyp1a1 induction by SB in mutant aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR)-deficient C12 cells and with cotreatment with the AhR antagonist, α-naphthoflavone, clearly suggests an AhR-dependent induction. This was further supported by the ability of SB to induce Cyp1a1 independent from its effect on MAPKs, and to bind to and activate AhR transformation and its subsequent binding to the xenobiotic responsive element (XRE). This is the first demonstration that the p38 MAPK inhibitor, SB can directly bind to and activate AhR-induced Cyp1a1 gene expression in an AhR-dependent manner and represents a novel mechanism by which SB induces this enzyme.

The use of doxorubicin (DOX) is limited by significant cardiotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, and hepatotoxicity. We have previously shown that DOX cardiotoxicity induces several cardiac cytochrome P450 (P450) enzymes with subsequent alteration in P450-mediated arachidonic acid metabolism. Therefore, in the current study, we investigated the effect of acute DOX toxicity on P450 expression and arachidonic acid metabolism in the kidney and liver of male Sprague-Dawley rats. Acute DOX toxicity was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection (15 mg/kg) of the drug. After 6 and 24 h, the kidneys and livers were harvested, and several P450 gene and protein expressions were determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analyses, respectively. Kidney and liver microsomal protein from control or DOX-treated rats was incubated with arachidonic acid, and its metabolites were determined by liquid chromatography-electron spray ionization-mass spectrometry. Our results showed that acute DOX toxicity caused an induction of CYP1B1 and CYP4A enzymes and an inhibition of CYP2B1 and CYP2C11 in both the kidney and liver. CYP2E1 was induced and soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) was inhibited in the kidney only. In addition, DOX toxicity caused a significant increase in epoxyeicosatrienoic acids formation in the kidney and a significant increase in 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid formation in both the kidney and the liver. In conclusion, acute DOX toxicity alters the expression of several P450 and sEH enzymes in an organ-specific manner. These changes can be attributed to DOX-induced inflammation and resulted in altered P450-mediated arachidonic acid metabolism.

Persistent activation of STAT3 plays a major role in cancer progression and immune escape. Therefore, targeting STAT3 in tumors is essential to enhance/reactivate antitumor immune response. In our previous studies, we demonstrated the efficacy of stearic acid-modified polyethylenimine (PEI-StA) in promoting small interfering RNA (siRNA) silencing of STAT3 in B16.F10 melanoma in vitro and in vivo. In the current study, we examine the immunologic impact of this intervention. Toward this goal, the infiltration and activation of lymphocytes and dendritic cells (DCs) in the tumor mass were assessed using flow cytometry. Moreover, the levels of IFN-γ, IL-12, and TNF-α in homogenized tumor supernatants were determined. Moreover, mixed lymphocytes reaction using splenocytes of tumor-bearing mice was used to assess DC functionality on siRNA/lipopolyplexes intervention. Our results demonstrated up to an approximately fivefold induction in the infiltration of CD3(+) cells in tumor mass on STAT3 knockdown with high levels of CD4(+), CD8(+), and NKT cells. Consistently, DC infiltration in tumor milieu increased up to approximately fourfold. Those DCs were activated, in an otherwise suppressive microenvironment, as evidenced by a high expression of costimulatory molecules CD86 and CD40. ELISA analysis revealed a significant increase in IFN-γ, IL-12, and TNF-α. Moreover, mixed lymphocytes reaction demonstrated alloreactivity of these DCs as assessed by high T-cell proliferation and IL-2 production. Our results suggest a bystander immune response after local STAT3 silencing by siRNA. This strategy could be beneficial as an adjuvant therapy along with current cancer vaccine formulations.

Previous reports have proposed a cross-talk between the nuclear factor erythroid-2 p45-related factor-2 (Nrf2)/antioxidant response element (ARE) and the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR)/xenobiotic response element (XRE) signaling pathways. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to examine the level of phase I, phase II drug metabolizing enzymes (DMEs), and phase III transporters and their related transcription factors in the Nrf2 knockout model. Our results showed that phase II DMEs that are under the control of Nrf2 typified by NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase 1 (Nqo1), and glutathione S-transferase (Gst) were significantly lower at the mRNA, protein, and catalytic activity levels in the livers of Nrf2 knockout mice compared to wild type. Furthermore, phase I cytochrome P450s (CYPs), Cyp1, and Cyp2b10 at mRNA, protein, and catalytic activity levels were significantly lower in the livers of Nrf2 knockout mice. Interestingly, our results showed that the transcription factors AhR, constitutive androstane receptor (CAR), and pregnane X receptor (PXR) at mRNA, and protein expression levels were significantly lower in the livers of Nrf2 knockout mice compared to wild type. Importantly, phase III drug transporters mRNA levels of the multiple drug resistance associated proteins (Mrp2 and Mrp3), and solute carrier organic anion transporters (Slco1a6 and Slco2b1) were significantly lower in the liver of Nrf2 knockout mice. Co-activators, Ncoa1, Ncoa2, and Ncoa3 mRNA levels were not altered while co-repressors, Ncor1 and Ncor2 were significantly lower in the livers of Nrf2 knockout mice. In conclusion, knockout of Nrf2 causes disruption to the coordination of phase I, phase II drug DMEs, and phase III drug transporters through altering the transcription factors controlling them., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

We recently demonstrated that benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) causes cardiac hypertrophy by altering arachidonic acid metabolism through the induction of the expression of CYP ω-hydroxylases and soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) enzymes. The inhibition of CYP ω-hydroxylase enzymes partially reversed the BaP-induced cardiac hypertrophy. Therefore, it is important to examine whether the inhibition of sEH also confers cardioprotection. For this purpose, male Sprague-Dawley rats were injected intraperitoneally daily with either the sEH inhibitor 1-(1-methanesulfonyl-piperidin-4-yl)-3-(4-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-urea (TUPS; 0.65 mg/kg), BaP (20 mg/kg), or the combination of BaP (20 mg/kg) and TUPS (0.65 mg/kg) for 7 days. Thereafter, the heart, liver, and kidney were harvested, and the heart to body weight ratio was measured. The expression of the hypertrophic markers, sEH, heme oxygenase-1, and CYP450 enzymes was determined. Our results demonstrate that BaP alone significantly induced the expression of sEH and CYP ω-hydroxylases in the heart, liver, and kidney tissues. Treatment with TUPS significantly reversed the BaP-mediated induction of the hypertrophic markers, completely prevented the increase in the heart to body weight ratio, and reduced the BaP-induced CYP1A1, CYP1B1, CYP4F4, and CYP4F5 genes in the heart. The current study demonstrates the cardioprotective effect of sEH inhibitor, TUPS, against BaP-induced cardiac hypertrophy and further confirms the role of sEH and CYP450 enzymes in the development of cardiac hypertrophy.

Aim of the Study: Drinking camel urine has been used traditionally to treat numerous cases of cancer yet, the exact mechanism was not investigated. Therefore, we examined the ability of three different camel urines (virgin, lactating, and pregnant source) to modulate a well-known cancer-activating enzyme, the cytochrome P450 1a1 (Cyp1a1) in murine hepatoma Hepa 1c1c7 cell line., Materials and Methods: The effect of different camel urines, compared to bovine urines, on Cyp1a1 mRNA was determined using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Cyp1a1 protein and catalytic activity levels were determined using Western blot analysis and 7-ethoxyresorufin as a substrate, respectively. The role of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR)-dependent mechanism was determined using electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) and the AhR-dependent luciferase reporter gene., Results: All types of camel, but not bovine, urines differentially inhibited the induction of Cyp1a1 gene expression by TCDD, the most potent Cyp1a1 inducer and known carcinogenic chemical. Importantly, virgin camel urine showed the highest degree of inhibition at the activity level, followed by lactating and pregnant camel urines. Furthermore, we have shown that virgin camel urine significantly inhibited the TCDD-mediated induction of Cyp1a1 at the mRNA and protein expression levels. Mechanistically, the ability of virgin camel urine to inhibit Cyp1a1 was strongly correlated with its ability to inhibit AhR-dependent luciferase activity and DNA binding as determined by EMSA, suggesting that AhR-dependent mechanism is involved., Conclusions: The present work provides the first evidence that camel urine but not that of bovine inhibits the TCDD-mediated toxic effect by inhibiting the expression of Cyp1a1, at both transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels through an AhR-dependent mechanism., (Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) ligands such as 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) and metals, such as mercury (Hg(2+)), are environmental co-contaminants and their molecular interaction may disrupt the coordinated regulation of the carcinogen-activating enzyme cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1). Therefore, we examined the effect of co-exposure to Hg(2+) and TCDD on the expression of the CYP1A1 in HepG2 cells. Our results showed that Hg(2+) significantly inhibited the TCDD-mediated induction of CYP1A1 at the mRNA, protein, and catalytic activity levels. At the transcriptional level, co-exposure to Hg(2+) and TCDD significantly decreased the TCDD-mediated induction of AhR-dependent luciferase reporter gene expression. Moreover, Hg(2+) did not affect CYP1A1 mRNA stability, while decreasing its protein half-life, suggesting the involvement of a posttranslational mechanism. Importantly, Hg(2+) increased the expression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), a rate limiting enzyme in heme degradation, which coincided with further decrease in the CYP1A1 catalytic activity levels. Upon using a competitive HO-1 inhibitor, tin mesoporphyrin, heme precursor, hemin, or transfecting the HepG2 cells with siRNA for HO-1 there was a partial restoration of the inhibition of TCDD-mediated induction of CYP1A1 catalytic activity. In conclusion, we demonstrate that Hg(2+) down-regulates the expression of CYP1A1 at the transcriptional and posttranslational levels in HepG2 cells. In addition, HO-1 is involved in the modulation of CYP1A1 at the posttranslational level., (Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Harman is a common compound in several foods, plants and beverages. Numerous studies have demonstrated its mutagenic, co-mutagenic and carcinogenic effects; however, the exact mechanism has not been fully identified. Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a transcription factor regulating the expression of the carcinogen-activating enzyme; cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1). In the present study, we examined the ability of harman to induce AhR-mediated signal transduction in human and rat hepatoma cells; HepG2 and H4IIE cells. Our results showed that harman significantly induced CYP1A1 mRNA in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. Similarly, harman significantly induced CYP1A1 at protein and activity levels in a concentration-dependent manner. Moreover, the AhR antagonist, resveratrol, inhibited the increase in CYP1A1 activity by harman. The RNA polymerase inhibitor, actinomycin D, completely abolished the CYP1A1 mRNA induction by harman, indicating a transcriptional activation. The role of AhR in CYP1A1 induction by harman was confirmed by using siRNA specific for human AhR. The ability of harman to induce CYP1A1 was strongly correlated with its ability to stimulate AhR-dependent luciferase activity and electrophoretic mobility shift assay. At post-transcriptional and post-translational levels, harman did not affect the stability of CYP1A1 at the mRNA and the protein levels, excluding other mechanisms participating in the obtained effects. We concluded that harman can directly induce CYP1A1 gene expression in an AhR-dependent manner and may represent a novel mechanism by which harman promotes mutagenicity, co-mutagenicity and carcinogenicity., (Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

In dendritic cells (DCs), the induction of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) by tumor-derived factors (TDFs) renders DCs tolerogenic and suppresses their antitumor activity. Therefore, silencing STAT3 in DCs is beneficial for cancer immunotherapy. We have shown that STAT3 knockdown in B16 murine melanoma by siRNA polyplexes of polyethylenimine (PEI) or its stearic acid derivative (PEI-StA) induces B16 cell death in vitro and in vivo. Here, we investigated the physical encapsulation of siRNA/PEI and PEI-StA polyplexes in poly(d,l-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs) for STAT3 knockdown in DCs. PLGA NPs containing siRNA polyplexes of PEI (PLGA-P) and PEI-StA (PLGA-PS) had an average diameter of ~350 to 390 nm and a zeta potential of ∼-13 to -19 mV, respectively. The encapsulation efficiency (E.E.) of siRNA in PLGA-P and PLGA-PS was 26% and 43%, respectively. In both NP types, siRNA release followed a triphasic pattern, but it was faster in PLGA-PS. Our uptake study by fluorescence microscopy confirmed DC uptake and endosomal localization of both NP types. After exposure to B16.F10 conditioned medium, DCs showed high STAT3 and low CD86 expression indicating impaired function. STAT3 silencing by PLGA-P and PLGA-PS of STAT3 siRNA restored DC maturation and functionality as evidenced by the upregulation of CD86 expression, high secretion of TNF-α and significant allogenic T cell proliferation. Moreover, encapsulation in PLGA NPs significantly reduced PEI-associated toxicity on DCs. We propose this formulation as a strategy for targeted siRNA delivery to DCs. The potential of this approach is not limited to STAT3 downregulation in DCs but can be used to target the expression of other proteins as well. Moreover, it can be combined with other means for cancer immunotherapy like cancer vaccine strategies.

We recently demonstrated that V(5+) downregulates 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD)-mediated induction of Cyp1a1 mRNA, protein, and catalytic activity levels in Hepa 1c1c7 cells through transcriptional mechanism. Therefore, it is important to investigate whether similar changes occur in humans. For this purpose, we examined the effect of V(5+) (as ammonium metavanadate, NH(4)VO(3)) on the expression of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR)-regulated gene; cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1) at each step of the AhR signal transduction pathway in human hepatoma HepG2 cells. Our results show a significant reduction in TCDD-mediated induction of CYP1A1 mRNA, protein, and activity levels after V(5+) treatment in a dose-dependent manner. Investigating the effect of co-exposure to V(5+) and TCDD at transcriptional levels revealed that V(5+) significantly inhibited TCDD-mediated induction of AhR-dependent luciferase reporter gene expression. Looking at the posttranscriptional level, V(5+) did not affect CYP1A1 mRNA stability, thus eliminating the possible role of V(5+) in modifying CYP1A1 gene expression through this mechanism. On the other hand, at the posttranslational level, V(5+) was able to significantly decrease CYP1A1 protein half-life contributing to the inconsistency between catalytic activity and transcriptional level. Importantly, we showed that V(5+) did not significantly alter the heme oxygenase-1 mRNA level, thus eliminating any possibility that V(5+) might have decreased CYP1A1 activity through affecting its heme content. This study demonstrates for the first time that V(5+) downregulates the expression of CYP1A1 at the transcriptional, posttranscriptional and posttranslational mechanisms in the human hepatoma HepG2 cells.

Recent studies demonstrated the carcinogenicity and the mutagenicity of vanadium compounds. In addition, vanadium (V(5+)) was found to enhance the effects of other genotoxic agents. However, the mechanism by which V(5+) induce toxicity remain unknown. In the current study we examined the effect of V(5+) (as ammonium metavanadate, NH(4)VO(3)) on the expression of NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) in human hepatoma HepG2 cells. Therefore, HepG2 cells were treated with increasing concentrations of V(5+) in the presence of two NQO1 inducers, the 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) and isothiocyanate sulforaphane (SUL). Our results showed that V(5+) inhibited the TCDD- and SUL-mediated induction of NQO1 at mRNA, protein and activity levels. Investigating the effect of V(5+) at transcriptional levels revealed that V(5+) significantly inhibited the TCDD- and SUL-mediated induction of antioxidant responsive element (ARE)-dependent luciferase reporter gene expression. In addition, V(5+) was able to decrease the TCDD- and SUL-induced nuclear accumulation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor-2 (Nrf2) without affecting Nrf2 mRNA or protein levels. Looking at the post-transcriptional level, V(5+) did not affect NQO1 mRNA stability, thus eliminating the possible role of V(5+) in decreasing NQO1 mRNA levels through this mechanism. In contrast, at post-translational level, V(5+) was able to significantly decrease NQO1 protein half-life. The present study demonstrates for the first time that V(5+) down-regulates NQO1 at the transcriptional and post-translational levels in the human hepatoma HepG2 cells via AhR- and Nrf2-dependent mechanisms., (Copyright 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Amiodarone is a potent antiarrhythmic drug with several limiting side effects, some of which have been correlated with increased levels of its more toxic metabolite, desethylamiodarone. Elevated serum desethylamiodarone to amiodarone ratios are associated with a risk of amiodarone-induced pulmonary toxicity. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons such as beta-naphthoflavone are known to increase desethylamiodarone levels in rat in vivo. In this article we investigated if this increase was solely due to increased formation as a result of cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A1 and 1A2 induction in different rat hepatic and extra-hepatic tissues. Additionally, the effect of amiodarone treatment on CYP1A1 and 1A2 gene expression and activity was investigated. In rats, beta-naphthoflavone was found to increase desethylamiodarone forming activity in lung and kidney microsomes. Amiodarone increased beta-naphthoflavone mediated induction of CYP1A1 gene expression in liver, lung and kidney. However, there was no significant change in CYP1A activity. As expected, the data indicated that the increase in desethylamiodarone levels in vivo was partly due to increased formation through CYP1A1 induction, although increased formation was only evident in some extra-hepatic tissues. Amiodarone treatment did not affect basal or induced CYP1A activity., (Copyright 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) ligands, typified by 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), and metals, typified by arsenite (As(III)), are environmental cocontaminants, and their molecular interaction may disrupt the coordinated regulation of the carcinogen activating enzyme cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1). Therefore, in this study we examined the effects of coexposure to As(III) and TCDD on the expression of CYP1A1 in HepG2 cells. Our results showed that As(III) caused a dose-dependent decrease in TCDD-mediated induction of CYP1A1 mRNA, protein, and catalytic activity levels. As(III) significantly inhibited TCDD-mediated induction of AhR-dependent luciferase reporter gene expression without altering CYP1A1 mRNA stability. In addition, As(III) increased heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) mRNA, which coincided with a further decrease in the CYP1A1 catalytic activity levels. When a competitive HO-1 inhibitor, tin mesoporphyrin, was applied to HepG2 cells or the cells were transfected with siRNA for HO-1 there was a partial restoration of the inhibition of TCDD-mediated induction of CYP1A1 catalytic activity. Treatment of cells with heme or hemoglobin partially restored the As(III)-mediated inhibition of CYP1A1 catalytic activity. On the other hand, cobalt protoporphyrin increased HO-1 mRNA, with a concomitant decrease in CYP1A1 activity, without affecting CYP1A1 mRNA, which was reversed by HO-1 siRNA transfection. This study demonstrates that As(III) down-regulates CYP1A1 through transcriptional and posttranslational mechanisms. In addition, HO-1 is involved in the As(III)-mediated down-regulation of CYP1A1 at the catalytic activity level., (Copyright 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Dioxins are widespread environmental contaminants that have been linked with a variety of deleterious effects on human health including increased cancer rates. The detrimental effects of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo- P-dioxin (TCDD, one of the most common environmental dioxins) are mediated via the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). AhR is a transcription factor that regulates the expression of the carcinogen-activating enzyme, cytochrome P450 1a1 (Cyp1a1). In the present study, we examined the ability of the methanolic extract of Peganum harmala L. (Zygophyllaceae) fruiting tops to affect TCDD-activated AhR-mediated signal transduction in mouse hepatoma Hepa 1c1c7 cells. Our results showed that Peganum harmala extract significantly inhibited the TCDD-mediated induction of Cyp1a1 at mRNA, protein, and activity levels. A similar pattern of inhibition at the catalytic activity level was observed with the other AhR ligands tested. The ability of the extract to inhibit Cyp1a1 was strongly correlated with its ability to inhibit AhR-dependent luciferase activity and electrophoretic mobility shift assays. Harmine and harmaline were found to be the dominant components of the plant extract with a relative abundance of 7 and 4.85 % (w/w), respectively. In addition, both of the active alkaloids showed an inhibitory effect on TCDD-induced Cyp1a1 activity level. We concluded that Peganum harmala L. can interfere with AhR ligands-mediated effects., (Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart. New York.)

Cytochrome P450 (CYP) generated cardioprotective metabolites, epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs), and cardiotoxic metabolites, hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids (HETEs) levels are determined by many factors, including the induction or repression of the CYP enzymes, responsible for their formation. Therefore, we examined the effect of acute inflammation on the expression of CYP epoxygenases and CYP omega-hydroxylases in the heart, kidney, and liver and the cardiac CYP-mediated arachidonic acid metabolism. For this purpose, male Sprague-Dawley rats were injected intraperitoneally with LPS (1mg/kg). After 6, 12, or 24h, the tissues were harvested and the expression of CYP genes and protein levels were determined using real time-PCR, and Western blot analyses, respectively. Arachidonic acid metabolites formations were determined by liquid chromatography-electron spray ionization-mass spectrometry LC-ESI-MS. Our results showed that inflammation significantly decreased the CYP epoxygenases expression in the heart, kidney and liver with a concomitant decrease in the EETs produced by these enzymes. In contrast to CYP expoxygenses, inflammation differentially altered CYP omega-hydroxylases expression with a significant increase in 20-HETE formation. The present study demonstrates for the first time that acute inflammation decreases CYP epoxygenases and their associated cardioprotective metabolites, EETs while on the other hand increases CYP omega-hydroxylases and their associated cardiotoxic metabolites, 20-HETE. These changes may be involved in the development and/or progression of cardiovascular diseases by inflammation., ((c) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Cigarette smoke is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. It contains thousands of compounds that activate the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). In addition, 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), the most potent AhR ligand, has been shown to cause cardiotoxic effects in several in vivo models. Although induction of CYP1 family is the most important effect of AhR activation, the role of CYP1 induction in mediating the cardiotoxic effect of TCDD is usually overlooked. Therefore, we investigated whether AhR activation causes a hypertrophic effect in H9c2 cells and we related this effect to changes in CYP gene expression. In the current study, the cardiac derived H9c2 cells were treated with two AhR ligands, TCDD and beta-naphthoflavone (BNF), for 24 and 48h. The expression of the hypertrophic markers, atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), and several CYP genes were measured by real-time PCR. Treatment of H9c2 cells with TCDD or BNF for 24h caused a significant induction of CYP1A1, CYP1B1, and CYP4A1; however, there was no change in the expression of other genes. On the other hand, treatment of the cells with TCDD or BNF for 48h caused a significant induction of the hypertrophic markers, ANP and BNP, and several CYP genes such as CYP1A1, CYP1B1, CYP2E1, CYP2J3, and CYP4F4 parallel to a significant increase in the cell surface area. Neither TCDD nor BNF increased the oxidative stress in H9c2 cells at all concentrations tested. Interestingly, resveratrol, an AhR antagonist, protected the cells from TCDD-induced hypertrophy. In conclusion, AhR ligands caused a hypertrophic effect in H9c2 cells which was associated with induction of several CYP genes which can be prevented by resveratrol., (Copyright (c) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the leading cause of death in the developed countries. Taking into account the mounting evidence about the role of cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes in cardiovascular physiology, CYP polymorphisms can be considered one of the major determinants of individual susceptibility to CVDs. One of the important physiological roles of CYP enzymes is the metabolism of arachidonic acid. CYP epoxygenases such as CYP1A2, CYP2C, and CYP2J2 metabolize arachidonic acid to epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) which generally possess vasodilating, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, anti-thrombotic, natriuretic, and cardioprotective effects. Therefore, genetic polymorphisms causing lower activity of these enzymes are generally associated with an increased risk of several CVDs such as hypertension and coronary artery disease. EETs are further metabolized by soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) to the less biologically active dihydroxyeicosatrienoic acids (DHETs). Therefore, sEH polymorphism has also been shown to affect arachidonic acid metabolism and to be associated with CVDs. On the other hand, CYP omega-hydroxylases such as CYP4A11 and CYP4F2 metabolize arachidonic acid to 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (20-HETE) which has both vasoconstricting and natriuretic effects. Genetic polymorphisms causing lower activity of these enzymes are generally associated with higher risk of hypertension. Nevertheless, some studies have denied the association between polymorphisms in the arachidonic acid pathway and CVDs. Therefore, more research is needed to confirm this association and to better understand the pathophysiologic mechanisms behind it., (2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: Tumors can escape immune eradication by harnessing dendritic cell (DC) maturation. However, DC types used as in vitro models to study tumor-mediated immunosuppression possess fundamental variability that could influence research outcomes. Therefore, we assessed the behavior of two distinct murine DC models upon exposure to tumor-conditioned medium of B16.F10 melanoma (B16-CM)., Methods: Using primary bone-marrow derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) or immortalized DC2.4 cell line, we evaluated the level of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) phosphorylation by Western blot as a molecular parameter. We also examined the surface expression of co-stimulatory molecules on DCs by flow cytometry as a phenotypic parameter., Results: Our results revealed critical discrepancies between the two models in response to tumor-conditioned medium. While conditioned medium was able to induce STAT3 phosphorylation in BMDCs, it did not significantly induce STAT3 phosphorylation in DC2.4 cell line. Moreover, only in BMDCs, the expression of CD86 and CD40 was remarkably downregulated by B16-CM and was not totally recovered after LPS stimulation. In contrast, DC2.4 cells did not show any signs of harnessed maturation upon exposure to B16-CM., Conclusions: In order to study the effect of tumor-mediated immunosuppression on DC maturation in vitro via tumor-induction of STAT3 activation, primary BMDCs are more reliable as a model than DC2.4.

Persistent activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) has been shown to impart several oncogenic features in many solid and blood tumors. In this study, we investigated the potential of nanoparticles based on polyethylenimine (PEI) modified with stearic acid (StA), to deliver siRNA for efficient STAT3 downregulation in B16 melanoma cells. The B16 cells were targeted with approximately 6-200 nm of siRNA complexes for 36 h. Compared to the PEI complexes, the PEI-StA complexes showed higher potency in STAT3 silencing in B16 cells accompanied by a significant induction of IL-6 secretion and a reduction of VEGF production. Moreover, with PEI-StA complexes, the level of the cellular Caspase 3 activity (an indicator of apoptotic activity) was found to be 2.5 times higher than that of PEI complexes. When the cells were treated with 50 nm of siRNA complexes on a daily basis, the cell viability was dramatically reduced reaching only to 16% after the third daily dose of PEI-StA complexes, as compared to the 69% viability observed with the PEI complexes at an equivalent time period. Consistently, in vivo results indicated significant regression in tumor growth and tumor weight after siRNA/PEI-StA treatment as compared to the siRNA/PEI. This was accompanied with significant increase in IL-6 levels and Caspase 3 activity, and a significant decrease in VEGF level and STAT3 activity in the tumor tissue. The lipid-modified PEI is a promising carrier for siRNA delivery and downregulation of STAT3 by polymer-mediated siRNA delivery is an effective strategy for cancer treatment especially when an optimum delivery system can potentiate the silencing activity of siRNA., ((c) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The everted rat intestinal-sac model was utilized to assess the effect of post-prandial conditions on the stereoselective intestinal metabolism of halofantrine to its active metabolite desbutylhalofantrine. Everted intestinal sacs were incubated with (+/-)-halofantrine HCl in the presence of simulated bile solution (containing lecithin, lipase and cholesterol) and lipids to mimic post-prandial conditions in the small intestine. The halofantrine enantiomer concentrations in intestinal sacs were relatively constant in the presence of bile, but decreased significantly on addition of lipids to the incubation media. Formation of desbutylhalofantrine enantiomers was inversely proportional to bile concentration whereas addition of lipids in the presence of bile caused a significant decrease in desbutylhalofantrine:halofantrine ratio of (-) enantiomers. Pre-treatment of rats with peanut oil had no significant effect on desbutylhalofantrine formation in the incubated sacs or microsomal preparations, nor did it affect the expression of intestinal cytochrome P450. Addition of extra cholesterol to the bile incubations caused a significant increase in tissue halofantrine and desbutylhalofantrine concentrations, which as for lower cholesterol, were diminished on addition of other lipids. The results were consistent with previous in vivo evaluations showing that the desbutylhalofantrine to halofantrine ratio was decreased by the ingestion of a high fat meal., (2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.)

Doxorubicin (DOX) is a potent anti-neoplastic antibiotic used to treat a variety of malignancies; however, its use is limited by dose-dependent cardiotoxicity. Moreover, there is a strong correlation between cytochrome P450 (CYP)-mediated arachidonic acid metabolites and the pathogenesis of many cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, in the current study, we have investigated the effect of acute DOX toxicity on the expression of several CYP enzymes and their associated arachidonic acid metabolites in the heart of male Sprague-Dawley rats. Acute DOX toxicity was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of 15 mg/kg of the drug. Our results showed that DOX treatment for 24 h caused a significant induction of CYP1A1, CYP1B1, CYP2C11, CYP2J3, CYP4A1, CYP4A3, CYP4F1, CYP4F4, and EPHX2 gene expression in the heart of DOX-treated rats as compared to the control. Similarly, there was a significant induction of CYP1A1, CYP1B1, CYP2C11, CYP2J3, CYP4A, and sEH proteins after 24 h of DOX administration. In the heart microsomes, acute DOX toxicity significantly increased the formation of 20-HETE which is consistent with the induction of the major CYP omega-hydroxylases: CYP4A1, CYP4A3, CYP4F1, and CYP4F4. On the other hand, the formation of 5,6-, 8,9-, 11,12-, and 14,15-epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) was significantly reduced, whereas the formation of their corresponding dihydroxyeicosatrienoic acids was significantly increased. The decrease in the cardioprotective EETs can be attributed to the increase of sEH activity parallel to the induction of the EPHX2 gene expression in the heart of DOX-treated rats. In conclusion, acute DOX toxicity alters the expression of several CYP and sEH enzymes with a consequent alteration in arachidonic acid metabolism. These results may represent a novel mechanism by which this drug causes progressive cardiotoxicity.

Desethylamiodarone was reported to inactivate human CYP1A1. To assess this, two protocols were implemented employing dilution and non-dilution of the preincubation mixture. Inactivation studies performed with diluted preincubation mixtures showed no inactivation of CYP1A1 by desethylamiodarone. However there was evidence for a mixed competitive inhibition (competitive and the uncompetitive inhibition constants of 2.1 microM and 9.6 microM, respectively) of CYP1A1 by desethylamiodarone. NADPH addition and/or replenishment were found to be important factors in determining the control activity in inactivation studies.

Inflammation is involved in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. We investigated whether the response to verapamil is altered in experimental acute myocardial injury (AMI). Two groups of male Sprague-Dawley rats (230-280 g) were divided into control (n = 8) and post-AMI (n = 13). Myocardial injury was induced by 2 daily doses of 150 mg·kg(-1) isoproterenol (ISP). Subcutaneous ECG leads were implanted, and 2 days following the second injection, each rat was dosed with 25 mg·kg(-1) verapamil per os, and an ECG was recorded over 4 h after dosing. The animals were euthanized and blood samples collected for analysis of inflammatory mediators and cardiac troponin I (cTnI). Cardiac L-type calcium channel (Ca(v)1.2) protein levels and mRNA were determined by Western blot and real-time PCR, respectively. ISP treatment caused a 170% increase in serum cTnI, J point elevation, R wave amplitude reduction and Q wave development. Cardiac injury caused a 75% reduction in verapamil potency by prolonging the PR interval and reducing the heart rate. Cardiac tissue injury also caused a significant reduction in the Ca(v)1.2 protein level. Verapamil response was significantly correlated with cTnI. The reduced potency of verapamil in myocardial injury appears to result from a reduction in the drug target protein Ca(v)1.2. If extrapolated to humans, our observations may suggest that downregulation of calcium channel proteins is a contributory factor in the poor outcome in myocardial infarction., (Copyright © 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

Peganum harmala L. (Zygophyllaceae) is a common plant in Middle East and it is still used traditionally to treat several diseases. The effect of P. harmala extract on the expression of different cytochrome P450's (CYP) involved in drug metabolism was examined in human HepG2 cells. Therefore, HepG2 cells were incubated with increasing concentrations of plant extract and the CYP gene expression was determined by real-time PCR. Our results showed that P. harmala extract significantly increased the expression of CYP1A2, 2C19, and 3A4 whereas; CYP 2B6, 2D6 and 2E1 was significantly decreased. We concluded that care should be taken when P. harmala is co-administered with other drugs.

Background and Purpose: There is a strong correlation between cytochrome P450 (P450)-dependent arachidonic acid metabolism and the pathogenesis of cardiac hypertrophy. Several aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) ligands were found to alter P450-dependent arachidonic acid metabolism. Here, we have investigated the effect of 3-methylcholanthrene (3-MC) and benzo(a)pyrene (BaP), two AhR ligands, on the development of cardiac hypertrophy., Experimental Approach: Male Sprague Dawley rats were injected (i.p.) daily with either 3-MC (10 mg kg(-1)) or BaP (20 mg kg(-1)) for 7 days. Then hearts were removed, and the heart to body weight ratio and the gene expression of the hypertrophic markers and P450 genes were determined. Levels of arachidonic acid metabolites were determined by liquid chromatography-electron spray ionization-mass spectrometry., Key Results: Both 3-MC and BaP increased the heart to body weight ratio as well as the hypertrophic markers, atrial natriuretic peptide and brain natriuretic peptide. 3-MC and BaP treatment increased the gene expression of CYP1A1, CYP1B1, CYP2E1, CYP4F4, CYP4F5 and soluble epoxide hydrolase. Both 3-MC and BaP treatments increased the dihydroxyeicosatrienoic acids (DHETs) : epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) ratio and the 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (20-HETE) : total EETs ratio. Treatment with benzo(e)pyrene, an isomer of BaP that is a poor ligand for the AhR, did not induce cardiac hypertrophy in rats, confirming the role of AhR in the development of cardiac hypertrophy. Treatment with the omega-hydroxylase inhibitor, HET0016, significantly reversed BaP-induced cardiac hypertrophy., Conclusions and Implications: 3-MC and BaP induce cardiac hypertrophy by increasing the ratio of DHETs : EETs and/or the ratio of 20-HETE : total EETs, through increasing soluble epoxide hydrolase activity.

Cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1) is a hepatic and extrahepatic enzyme that is regulated by the aryl hydrocarbon receptor signaling pathway. With the growing human exposure to heavy metals, emerging evidence suggests that heavy metals exposure alter CYP1A1 enzyme activity. Heavy metals regulate CYP1A1 at different levels of its aryl hydrocarbon receptor signaling pathway in a metal- and species-dependent manner. The importance of CYP1A1 emerges from the fact that it has been always associated with the metabolism of pro-carcinogenic compounds to highly carcinogenic metabolites. However, recently CYP1A1 has gained status along with other cytochrome P450 enzymes in the metabolism of drugs and mediating drug-drug interactions. In addition, CYP1A1 has become a therapeutic tool for the bioactivation of prodrugs, particularly cytotoxic agents. In this review, we shed light on the effect of seven heavy metals, namely arsenic, mercury, lead, cadmium, chromium, copper and vanadium, on CYP1A1 and the consequences on drug metabolism.

Recent data suggest that vanadium (V5+) compounds exert protective effects against chemical-induced carcinogenesis, mainly through modifying various xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes. In fact, we have shown that V5+ down-regulates the expression of Cyp1a1 at the transcriptional level through an ATP-dependent mechanism. However, incongruously, there is increasing evidence that V5+ is found in higher amounts in cancer cells and tissues than in normal cells or tissues. Therefore, the current study aims to address the possible effect of this metal on the regulation of expression of an enzyme that helps maintain endogenous antioxidants used to protect tissues/cells from mutagens, carcinogens, and oxidative stress damage, NAD(P) H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (Nqo1). In an attempt to examine these effects, Hepa 1c1c7 cells and its AhRdeficient version, c12, were treated with increasing concentrations of V5+ in the presence of two distinct Nqo1 inducers, the 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) and isothiocyanate sulforaphane (SUL). Our results showed that V5+ inhibits the TCDD- and SUL-mediated induction of Nqo1 at mRNA, protein, and catalytic activity levels. At transcriptional level, V5+ was able to decrease the TCDD- and SUL-induced nuclear accumulation of Nrf2 and the subsequent binding to antioxidant responsive element (ARE) without affecting Nrf2 protein levels. Looking at post-transcriptional level; we found that V5+ did not affect Nqo1 mRNA transcripts turn-over rates. However, at the post-translational level V5+ increased Nqo1 protein half-life. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates that V5+ down-regulates Nqo1 at the transcriptional level, possibly through inhibiting the ATP-dependent activation of Nrf2.

Recent reports have proposed that some naturally occurring phytochemicals can function as anticancer agents mainly through inducing phase II drug detoxification enzymes. Of these phytochemicals, isothiocyanates sulforaphane (SUL), present in broccoli, is by far the most extensively studied. In spite of its positive effect on phase II drug metabolizing enzymes, its effect on the phase I bioactivating enzyme cytochrome P450 1a1 (Cyp1a1) is still a matter of debate. As a first step to investigate this effect, Hepa 1c1c7 and HepG2 cells were treated with various concentration of SUL. Our results showed that SUL-induced CYP1A1 mRNA in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Furthermore, this induction was further reflected on the protein and catalytic activity levels. Investigating the effect of SUL at the transcriptional level revealed that SUL increases the Cyp1a1 mRNA as early as 1h. The RNA polymerase inhibitor actinomycin D (Act-D) completely abolished the SUL-induced Cyp1a1 mRNA. Furthermore, SUL successfully activated AhR transformation and its subsequent binding to the XRE. At the post-transcriptional level, SUL did not affect the levels of existing Cyp1a1 mRNA transcripts. This is the first demonstration that the broccoli-derived SUL can directly induce Cyp1a1 gene expression in an AhR-dependent manner and represents a novel mechanism by which SUL induces this enzyme.

Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB) is an important transcription factor that regulates a wide spectrum of genes including cytochrome P450 (CYP), the most important family of drug metabolizing enzymes. Therefore, in this review, we addressed the potential role of NF-kappaB in CYP regulation. We proposed three mechanisms by which NF-kappaB can regulate CYP expression and activity. First, NF-kappaB can directly regulate the expression of CYP1A1, CYP2B1/2, CYP2C11, CYP2D5, CYP2E1, CYP3A7, and CYP27B1 through binding to the promoter region of these genes. Second, NF-kappaB indirectly regulates the transcription of CYP genes through mutual repression with some nuclear receptors that are involved in CYP regulation such as AhR, CAR, GR, PXR, RXR, PPAR, FXR, and LXR. Finally, NF-kappaB can regulate CYP activity at post-transcriptional level by inducing heme oxygenase or by affecting the CYP protein stability. In addition, increased inflammatory mediators, oxidative stress, and subsequent NF-kappaB activation have been demonstrated in many conditions such as inflammatory bowel diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, psychological stress, diabetes, aging, cancer, renal diseases, and congestive heart failure. Meanwhile, there is a significant alteration of CYP expression and activity in these diseases. Therefore, we propose that NF-kappaB could be one of the links between inflammation, oxidative stress, and CYP regulation in these diseases. In conclusion, NF-kappaB plays a crucial role in the regulation of CYP through several mechanisms and this role can explain the altered CYP regulation in many conditions.

Previous studies have shown that 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD)-induced degradation of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is inhibited by MG-132, a potent inhibitor of the 26S proteasome. Therefore, the current study aims to address the effect of MG-132 on the AhR-regulated gene, cytochrome P450 1a1 (Cyp1a1), using murine hepatoma Hepa 1c1c7 cells. Our results showed that MG-132 at the highest concentration tested, 10 microM significantly increased the Cyp1a1 at mRNA, protein and catalytic activity levels through a transcriptional mechanism. On the other hand, MG-132 further potentiated the TCDD-mediated induction of Cyp1a1 at mRNA but not at protein level. In contrast, MG-132 significantly inhibited the TCDD-mediated induction of Cyp1a1 catalytic activity. In addition, we showed that the decrease in Cyp1a1 catalytic activity is not Cyp specific, as MG-132 significantly inhibited Cyp2b1 and total cytochrome P450 catalytic activities. These results prompted us to examine the effect of MG-132 on total cellular heme content and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) mRNA, a rate limiting enzyme of heme degradation. Our results showed that MG-132 significantly induced HO-1 mRNA in a concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, MG-132 potentiated the induction of HO-1 mRNA by TCDD in a concentration-dependent manner. The induction of HO-1 mRNA level coincided with a decrease in total cellular heme content. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates for the first time that MG-132, despite of increasing Cyp1a1 mRNA expression, it decreases its activity probably through decreasing its heme content.

Several cytochrome P450 (P450) enzymes have been identified in the heart, and their levels have been reported to be altered during cardiac hypertrophy. Moreover, there is a strong correlation between P450-mediated arachidonic acid metabolites and the pathogenesis of cardiac hypertrophy. Therefore, we investigated the effect of isoproterenol-induced cardiac hypertrophy on the expression of several P450 genes and their associated P450-derived metabolites of arachidonic acid. Cardiac hypertrophy was induced by seven daily i.p. injections of 5 mg/kg isoproterenol. Thereafter, the heart, lung, liver, and kidney were harvested, and the expression of different genes was determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Heart microsomal protein from control or isoproterenol treated rats was incubated with 50 microM arachidonic acid, and arachidonic acid metabolites were determined by liquid chromatography-electron spray ionization-mass spectrometry. Our results show that isoproterenol treatment significantly increased the heart/body weight ratio and the hypertrophic markers. In addition, there was a significant induction of CYP1A1, CYP1B1, CYP4A3, and soluble epoxide hydrolase and a significant inhibition of CYP2C11 and CYP2E1 in the hypertrophied hearts as compared with the control. CYP1A1, CYP2E1, and CYP4A3 gene expression was induced in the kidney, and CYP4A3 was induced in the liver of isoproterenol-treated rats. Isoproterenol treatment significantly reduced 5,6-, 8,9-, 11,12-, and 14,15-epoxyeicosatrienoic acid formation and significantly increased their corresponding 8,9-, and 14,15-dihydroxyeicosatrienoic acid and the 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid metabolite. In conclusion, isoproterenol-induced cardiac hypertrophy alters arachidonic acid metabolism and its associated P450 enzymes, suggesting their role in the development and/or progression of cardiac hypertrophy.

Doxorubicin is a potent anti-neoplastic antibiotic used to treat a wide variety of malignancies; however, its use is limited by dose dependent cardiotoxicity. There is indirect evidence suggesting that doxorubicin cardiotoxicity is CYP-mediated. In the current study, we investigated the effect of doxorubicin on hypertrophic markers, and different CYP gene expression in cardiac derived H9c2 cells. H9c2 cells were incubated with increasing concentrations of doxorubicin and the expressions of different genes were determined by real-time PCR. Our results demonstrate that multiple CYP genes are expressed in H9c2 cells and the level of expression from the highest to the lowest were; CYP1B1, CYP2B1, CYP2J3, CYP1A1, CYP2C11, CYP2C23, CYP2E1, CYP1A2, and CYP2B2. Doxorubicin treatment caused an induction of the hypertrophic markers, ANP and BNP. In addition, doxorubicin caused a significant induction of CYP1A1, CYP1A2, CYP1B1, CYP2B2, CYP2E1, and CYP2J3 gene expression in a concentration-dependent manner. However, only the highest concentration tested, 10 muM, caused an induction of CYP2C11; whereas, CYP2B1 and CYP2C23 were not altered. Our findings demonstrate that doxorubicin induces the hypertrophic markers, ANP and BNP as well as several CYP genes in H9c2 cells. Doxorubicin-mediated CYP induction may represent a novel mechanism by which this drug induces cardiotoxicity.

The tissue distribution and hepatic microsomal metabolism of amiodarone were studied in a hyperlipidemic rat model. Rats were rendered hyperlipidemic by the intraperitoneal injection of poloxamer 407. Other normolipidemic animals given saline in place of poloxamer 407 were used as control animals. After single intravenous injection of amiodarone HCl (25mg/kg) rats were anesthetized and plasma and tissue specimens were obtained. Liver microsomal protein was harvested and used to measure velocity of desethylamiodarone formation from amiodarone and cytochrome P450 (CYP) protein expression. Hyperlipidemia caused large increases in plasma concentrations of amiodarone. In tissues, however, concentrations of drug selectively increased, decreased or did not change. In heart, the site of action of the drug, as well as liver and spleen, amiodarone concentrations increased. In other tissues such as kidney, lung and brain, concentrations decreased. No changes were seen in fat or thyroid. Decreases were observed in liver metabolic efficiency, and expression of CYP3A1/2 and 2C11. No changes were seen in CYP2B1/2, 2C6, 2D1 or 1A2. This experimental hyperlipidemia caused a complex pattern of changes in tissue distribution of AM. In addition, there are decreases in the expression of some important rat CYP isoenzymes.

Vanadium (V(5+)), a heavy metal contaminant with important toxicological consequences, has received considerable attention as an anticancer agent, although the mechanisms remain unknown. As a first step to investigate these mechanisms, we examined the effect of V(5+) (as ammonium metavanadate, NH(4)VO(3)) on the expression of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR)-regulated gene: cytochrome P450 1a1 (Cyp1a1) at each step of the AhR signal transduction pathway, using Hepa 1c1c7 cells. Our results showed a significant reduction in 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD)-mediated induction of Cyp1a1 mRNA, protein and activity levels after V(5+) treatments in a dose-dependent manner. Investigation of the effect of coexposure to V(5+) and TCDD at transcriptional levels revealed that V(5+) significantly inhibited TCDD-mediated induction of AhR-dependent luciferase reporter gene expression. Furthermore, despite not affecting the direct activation of the cytosolic AhR by TCDD and subsequently transforming it to a DNA-binding form, V(5+) inhibited the nuclear accumulation of liganded AhR and subsequent formation of the AhR/aryl hydrocarbon nuclear translocator (Arnt)/xenobiotic responsive element (XRE) complex. Importantly, the V(5+)-mediated inhibition of AhR/Arnt/XRE complex formation coincided with a significant decrease in ecto-ATPase activity. Looking at the post-transcriptional and post-translational effects of V(5+) on existing Cyp1a1 mRNA and protein levels, we showed that V(5+) did not affect Cyp1a1 mRNA or protein stability, thus eliminating possible role of V(5+) in modifying Cyp1a1 gene expression through these mechanisms. This study provides the first evidence that V(5+) down-regulates the expression of Cyp1a1 at the transcriptional level through an ATP-dependent mechanism.

NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase (Nqo1)-mediated detoxification of quinones plays a critical role in cancer prevention. Metals alter the carcinogenicity of AhR ligands, such as TCDD, by modulating the induction of Nqo1, but the mechanism(s) remain unresolved. To decipher the molecular mechanisms involved in the alteration of Nqo1, we analyzed the effect of the metals As3+ (5 microM), Cd2+ (5 microM), and Cr6+ (25 microM) on the transcriptional activation of the Nqo1 gene and post-transcriptional modifications, in Hepa 1c1c7 cells. Both As3+ and Cd2+ induced Nqo1 mRNA in a time-dependent manner and potentiated TCDD-induced Nqo1 mRNA. Cr6+ on the other hand, completely inhibited the induction of Nqo1 mRNA by TCDD. The induction of Nqo1 mRNA by the metals was completely inhibited with the DNA transcription inhibitor actinomycin-D, indicating a requirement for de novo mRNA synthesis for the induction. Furthermore, the protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide decreased Nqo1 mRNA induction, suggesting a role for a labile protein in the transcriptional induction of Nqo1 mRNA by metals. Surprisingly, all three metals decreased Nqo1 mRNA stability while having no effect on Nqo1 protein half-life. Meanwhile, As3+ and Cd2+ induced constitutive Nqo1 activity and potentiated the induction by increasing concentrations of TCDD. On the other hand, Cr6+ inhibited inducible Nqo1 activity. It is apparent that metals alter Nqo1 expression at the transcriptional level, through a labile protein-mediated pathway.