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The sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (NTCP; gene name SLC10A1) is the primary hepatic basolateral uptake transporter for conjugated bile acids and the entry receptor for the hepatitis B and D virus (HBV/HDV). Regulation of human NTCP remains a knowledge gap due to significant species differences in substrate and inhibitor selectivity and plasma membrane expression. In the present study, various kinase inhibitors were screened for inhibition of NTCP function and taurocholate (TCA) uptake using NTCP-transfected HuH-7 cells. This study identified everolimus, an mTOR inhibitor and macrocyclic immunosuppressive drug, as an NTCP inhibitor with modest potency (IC50 = 6.7–8.0 µM). Further investigation in differentiated HuH-7 cells expressing NTCP and NTCP-overexpressing Flp-In T-REx 293 cells revealed that the mechanism of action of everolimus on NTCP is direct inhibition and mTOR-independent. Structural analogs of everolimus inhibited NTCP-mediated TCA uptake, however, functional analogs did not affect NTCP-mediated TCA transport, providing further evidence for direct inhibition. This work contributes to the growing body of literature suggesting that NTCP-mediated bile acid uptake may be inhibited by macrocyclic peptides, which may be further exploited to develop novel medications against HBV/HDV.

Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is the leading cause of acute liver failure and a major concern in drug development. Altered bile acid homeostasis via inhibition of the bile salt export pump (BSEP) is one mechanism of DILI. Dasatinib, pazopanib, and sorafenib are tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) that competitively inhibit BSEP and increase serum biomarkers for hepatotoxicity in ∼25–50% of patients. However, the mechanism(s) of hepatotoxicity beyond competitive inhibition of BSEP are poorly understood. This study examined mechanisms of TKI-mediated hepatotoxicity associated with altered bile acid homeostasis. Dasatinib, pazopanib, and sorafenib showed bile acid-dependent toxicity at clinically relevant concentrations, based on the C-DILI assay using sandwich-cultured human hepatocytes (SCHH). Among several bile acid-relevant genes, cytochrome P450 (CYP) 7A1 mRNA was specifically upregulated by 6.2- to 7.8-fold (dasatinib) and 5.7- to 9.3-fold (pazopanib), compared with control, within 8 hours. This was consistent with increased total bile acid concentrations in culture medium up to 2.3-fold, and in SCHH up to 1.4-fold, compared with control, within 24 hours. Additionally, protein abundance of sodium taurocholate co-transporting polypeptide (NTCP) was increased up to 2.0-fold by these three TKIs. The increase in NTCP protein abundance correlated with increased function; dasatinib and pazopanib increased hepatocyte uptake clearance (CL(uptake)) of taurocholic acid, a probe bile acid substrate, up to 1.4-fold. In conclusion, upregulation of CYP7A1 and NTCP in SCHH constitute novel mechanisms of TKI-associated hepatotoxicity. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Understanding the mechanisms of hepatotoxicity associated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) is fundamental to development of effective and safe intervention therapies for various cancers. Data generated in sandwich-cultured human hepatocytes, an in vitro model of drug-induced hepatotoxicity, revealed that TKIs upregulate bile acid synthesis and alter bile acid uptake and excretion. These findings provide novel insights into additional mechanisms of bile acid-mediated drug-induced liver injury, an adverse effect that limits the use and effectiveness of TKI treatment in some cancer patients.

Organic solute transporter α/β (OSTα/β) is a bidirectional bile acid transporter localized on the basolateral membrane of hepatic, intestinal, and renal epithelial cells. OSTα/β plays a critical role in intestinal bile acid reabsorption and is upregulated in hepatic diseases characterized by elevated bile acids, whereas genetic variants in SLC51A/B have been associated with clinical cholestasis. OSTα/β also transports and is inhibited by commonly used medications. However, there is currently no high-resolution structure of OSTα/β, and structure-function data for OSTα, the proposed substrate-binding subunit, are lacking. The present study addressed this knowledge gap and identified amino acids in OSTα that are important for bile acid transport. This was accomplished using computational modeling and site-directed mutagenesis of the OSTα subunit to generate OSTα/β mutant cell lines. Out of the 10 OSTα/β mutants investigated, four (S228K, T229S, Q269E, Q269K) exhibited decreased [3H]-taurocholate (TCA) uptake (ratio of geometric means relative to OSTα/β wild type (WT) of 0.76, 0.75, 0.79, and 0.13, respectively). Three OSTα/β mutants (S228K, Q269K, E305A) had reduced [3H]-TCA efflux % (ratio of geometric means relative to OSTα/β WT of 0.86, 0.65, and 0.79, respectively). Additionally, several OSTα/β mutants demonstrated altered expression and cellular localization when compared with OSTα/β WT. In summary, we identified OSTα residues (Ser228, Thr229, Gln269, Glu305) in predicted transmembrane domains that affect expression of OSTα/β and may influence OSTα/β-mediated bile acid transport. These data advance our understanding of OSTα/β structure/function and can inform future studies designed to gain further insight into OSTα/β structure or to identify additional OSTα/β substrates and inhibitors. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: OSTα/β is a clinically important transporter involved in enterohepatic bile acid recycling with currently no high-resolution protein structure and limited structure-function data. This study identified four OSTα amino acids (Ser228, Thr229, Gln269, Glu305) that affect expression of OSTα/β and may influence OSTα/β-mediated bile acid transport. These data can be utilized to inform future investigation of OSTα/β structure and refine molecular modeling approaches to facilitate the identification of substrates and/or inhibitors of OSTα/β.

Hepatic cell lines serve as economical and reproducible alternatives for primary human hepatocytes. However, the utility of hepatic cell lines to examine bile acid homeostasis and cholestatic toxicity is limited due to abnormal expression and function of bile acid-metabolizing enzymes, transporters, and the absence of canalicular formation. We discovered that culturing HuH-7 human hepatoma cells with dexamethasone (DEX) and 0.5% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) for two weeks, with Matrigel overlay after one week, resulted in a shorter and improved differentiation process. These culture conditions increased the expression and function of the major bile acid uptake and efflux transporters, sodium taurocholate co-transporting polypeptide (NTCP) and the bile salt export pump (BSEP), respectively, in two-week cultures of HuH-7 cells. This in vitro model was further characterized for expression and function of bile acid-metabolizing enzymes, transporters, and cellular bile acids. Differentiated HuH-7 cells displayed a marked shift in bile acid composition and induction of cytochrome P450 (CYP) 7A1, CYP8B1, CYP3A4, and bile acid-CoA: amino acid N-acyltransferase (BAAT) mRNAs compared to control. Inhibition of taurocholate uptake and excretion after a 24-h treatment with prototypical cholestatic drugs suggests that differentiated HuH-7 cells are a suitable model to examine cholestatic hepatotoxicity.

E-cigarette-related hospitalizations and deaths across the U.S. continue to increase. A high percentage of patients have elevated liver function tests indicative of systemic toxicity. This study was designed to determine the effect of e-cigarette chemicals on liver cell toxicity. HepG2 cells were exposed to flavoring chemicals (isoamyl acetate, vanillin, ethyl vanillin, ethyl maltol, l-menthol, and trans-cinnamaldehyde), propylene glycol, and vegetable glycerin mixtures, and cell viability was measured. Data revealed that vanillin, ethyl vanillin, and ethyl maltol decreased HepG2 cell viability; repeated exposure caused increased cytotoxicity relative to single exposure, consistent with the hypothesis that frequent vaping can cause hepatotoxicity.

Pregnancy-related hormones (PRH) have emerged as key regulators of hepatic cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzyme expression and function. The impact of PRH on protein levels of CYP3A4 and other key CYP enzymes, and the metabolism of nifedipine (a CYP3A4 substrate commonly prescribed during pregnancy), was evaluated in primary human hepatocytes. Sandwich-cultured human hepatocytes (SCHH) from female donors were exposed to PRH (estradiol, estriol, estetrol, progesterone, and cortisol), individually or in combination as a cocktail. Absolute protein concentrations of twelve CYP isoforms in SCHH membrane fractions were quantified by nanoLC-MS/MS, and metabolism of nifedipine to dehydronifedipine in SCHH was evaluated. PRH significantly increased CYP3A4 protein concentrations and nifedipine metabolism to dehydronifedipine in a concentration-dependent manner. CYP3A4 mRNA levels in hepatocyte-derived exosomes positively correlated with CYP3A4 protein levels and dehydronifedipine formation in SCHH. PRH also increased CYP2B6, CYP2C8 and CYP2A6 levels. Our findings demonstrate that PRH increase nifedipine metabolism in SCHH by inducing CYP3A4 expression and alter expression of other key CYP proteins in an isoform-specific manner, and suggest that hepatocyte-derived exosomes warrant further investigation as biomarkers of hepatic CYP3A4 metabolism. Together, these results offer mechanistic insight into the increases in nifedipine metabolism and clearance observed in pregnant women.

Patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) exhibit enhanced susceptibility to tolvaptan hepatotoxicity relative to other patient populations. In a rodent model of ADPKD, the expression and function of the biliary efflux transporter multidrug resistance-associated protein (Mrp) 2 was reduced, and biliary excretion of a major tolvaptan metabolite (DM-4103) was decreased. The current study investigated whether reduced biliary efflux could contribute to increased susceptibility to tolvaptan-associated hepatotoxicity using a quantitative systems toxicology (QST) model (DILIsym® ). QST simulations revealed that decreased biliary excretion of DM-4103, but not tolvaptan, resulted in substantial hepatic accumulation of bile acids, decreased electron transport chain activity, reduced hepatic adenosine triphosphate concentrations, and an increased incidence of hepatotoxicity. In vitro experiments (C-DILI™) with sandwich-cultured human hepatocytes and HepaRG™ cells were performed to assess tolvaptan-associated hepatotoxic effects when MRP2 was impaired by chemical inhibition (MK571, 50µM) or genetic knockout, respectively. Tolvaptan (64µM, 24hr) treatment of these cells increased cytotoxicity markers up to 27.9-fold and 1.6-fold, respectively, when MRP2 was impaired, indicating that MRP2 dysfunction may be involved in tolvaptan-associated cytotoxicity. In conclusion, QST modeling supported the hypothesis that reduced biliary efflux of tolvaptan and/or DM-4103 could account for increased susceptibility to tolvaptan-associated hepatotoxicity; in vitro experiments implicated MRP2 dysfunction as a key factor in susceptibility. QST simulations revealed that DM-4103 may contribute to hepatotoxicity more than the parent compound. ADPKD progression and gradual reduction in MRP2 activity may explain why acute liver events can occur well after one year of tolvaptan treatment.

There is an increasing interest in transporter induction (i.e., decreased systemic drug exposure due to increased efflux-limited absorption or transporter-mediated clearance) as a mechanism of drug-drug interactions (DDIs), although evidence of clinical relevance is still evolving. Intestinal P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and hepatic organic anion transporting polypeptides 1B (OATP1B) can be important determinants of drug absorption and disposition, as well as targets for DDIs. Current data indicate that intestinal P-gp protein levels can be induced up to threefold to fourfold in humans primarily with pregnane X receptor (PXR) activators, and that this induction can decrease the systemic exposure of drugs with P-gp efflux-limited absorption (e.g., ≤ 67% decrease in the exposure of total dabigatran following rifampin multiple oral dosing). Evaluation of the clinical relevance of P-gp induction as a DDI mechanism must consider the induction potential of the perpetrator drug for P-gp and attenuation of exposure of the victim drug in the context of its therapeutic window. Practical drug development recommendations are provided herein. Reports are contradictory on OATP1B induction by PXR activators in human hepatocytes and liver biopsies. Some clinical investigations demonstrated that rifampin pretreatment decreased exposure of OATP1B substrates, while other studies found no differences, and the potential involvement of other mechanisms in these observed DDIs cannot be definitively ruled out. Thus, further studies are needed to understand hepatic OATP1B induction and potential involvement of other mechanisms contributing to reduced exposure of OATP1B substrates. This review critically summarizes the state-of-the-art on intestinal P-gp and hepatic OATP1B induction, and highlights implications for drug development.

Organic solute transporter (OST) α/β is a key bile acid transporter expressed in various organs, including the liver under cholestatic conditions. However, little is known about the involvement of OSTα/β in bile acid-mediated drug-induced liver injury (DILI), a major safety concern in drug development. This study investigated whether OSTα/β preferentially transports more hepatotoxic, conjugated, primary bile acids and to what extent xenobiotics inhibit this transport. Kinetic studies with OSTα/β-overexpressing cells revealed that OSTα/β preferentially transported bile acids in the following order: taurochenodeoxycholate > glycochenodeoxycholate > taurocholate > glycocholate. The apparent half-maximal inhibitory concentrations for OSTα/β-mediated bile acid (5 µM) transport inhibition by fidaxomicin, troglitazone sulfate, and ethinyl estradiol were: 210, 334, and 1050 µM, respectively, for taurochenodeoxycholate; 97.6, 333, and 337 µM, respectively, for glycochenodeoxycholate; 140, 265, and 527 µM, respectively, for taurocholate; 59.8, 102, and 117 µM, respectively, for glycocholate. The potential role of OSTα/β in hepatocellular glycine-conjugated bile acid accumulation and cholestatic DILI was evaluated using sandwich-cultured human hepatocytes (SCHH). Treatment of SCHH with the farnesoid X receptor agonist chenodeoxycholate (100 µM) resulted in substantial OSTα/β induction, among other proteomic alterations, reducing glycochenodeoxycholate and glycocholate accumulation in cells+bile 4.0- and 4.5-fold, respectively. Treatment of SCHH with troglitazone and fidaxomicin together under cholestatic conditions resulted in increased hepatocellular toxicity compared with either compound alone, suggesting that OSTα/β inhibition may accentuate DILI. In conclusion, this study provides insights into the role of OSTα/β in preferential disposition of bile acids associated with hepatotoxicity, the impact of xenobiotics on OSTα/β-mediated bile acid transport, and the role of this transporter in SCHH and cholestatic DILI.

Compared with the significant number of studies reporting altered abundance and function of drug transporters at the blood-brain barrier (BBB) in Alzheimer's disease (AD), the impact of AD on the abundance of intestinal drug transporters and the subsequent effects on oral drug absorption have received little attention. We have reported the altered abundance of some small intestinal drug transporters in a familial mouse model of AD; however, whether this leads to altered oral drug absorption is unknown. The current study examined plasma concentrations of caffeine and diazepam (markers for transcellular passive transport), digoxin (P-glycoprotein substrate), and valsartan (multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 substrate) following oral administration to 8-10 month old female wild-type (WT) and APPswe/PSEN1dE9 (APP/PS1) transgenic mice, a commonly used mouse model of familial AD. The plasma exposure of valsartan and digoxin was significantly (p < 0.05) lower in APP/PS1 animals compared with WT mice, whereas the plasma concentrations of the passive transcellular markers caffeine and diazepam did not significantly differ between the two genotypes. To assess whether the reduced oral absorption of valsartan and digoxin was due to decreased intestinal transport, the ex vivo transport of the previously mentioned drugs and mannitol (a marker of paracellular transport) across the jejunum of WT and APP/PS1 mice was assessed over 120 min. In line with the in vivo absorption studies, the permeability of caffeine and diazepam did not significantly differ between WT and APP/PS1 mice. The permeability of 3H-digoxin through the APP/PS1 mouse jejunum was lower than that measured through the WT jejunum; the average amount (relative to dose applied) permeating the tissue over 120 min was 0.22 ± 0.11% (mean ± SD) for the APP/PS1 jejunum and 0.85 ± 0.3% for the WT jejunum. A 1.9-fold reduction in the average amount of valsartan permeating the jejunum of APP/PS1 mice relative to that of WT mice was also detected. Although no apparent morphological alterations were observed in the jejunal tissue of APP/PS1 mice, the permeability of 14C-mannitol across the jejunum from APP/PS1 mice was lower than that across the WT jejunum (Papp= 10.7 ± 3.7 × 10-6 and 6.0 ± 3.4 × 10-6 cm/s, respectively), suggesting tightened paracellular junctions in APP/PS1 mice. These studies are the first to demonstrate, in APP/PS1 mice, reduced intestinal permeability and the absorption of drugs commonly prescribed to people with AD for their comorbidities. If these findings translate to people with AD, then modified dosing regimens may be necessary for selected drugs to ensure that their plasma concentrations remain in the effective range.

The role of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) in drug-drug interactions (DDIs) and limiting drug absorption as well as restricting the brain penetration of drugs with certain physicochemical properties is well known. P-gp/BCRP inhibition by drugs in the gut has been reported to increase the systemic exposure to substrate drugs. A previous International Transporter Consortium (ITC) perspective discussed the feasibility of P-gp/BCRP inhibition at the blood-brain barrier and its implications. This ITC perspective elaborates and discusses specifically the hepatic and renal P-gp/BCRP (referred as systemic) inhibition of drugs and whether there is any consequence for substrate drug disposition. This perspective summarizes the clinical evidence-based recommendations regarding systemic P-gp and BCRP inhibition of drugs with a focus on biliary and active renal excretion pathways. Approaches to assess the clinical relevance of systemic P-gp and BCRP inhibition in the liver and kidneys included (i) curation of DDIs involving intravenously administered substrates or inhibitors; (ii) in vitro-to-in vivo extrapolation of P-gp-mediated DDIs at the systemic level; and (iii) curation of drugs with information available about the contribution of biliary excretion and related DDIs. Based on the totality of evidence reported to date, this perspective supports limited clinical DDI risk upon P-gp or BCRP inhibition in the liver or kidneys.

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a severe form of liver injury that can be caused by a variety of stimuli and has a significant mortality rate. A common technique to induce in vitro steatosis involves culturing primary human hepatocytes (PHH) in fatty acid-enriched media. This study compared the lipidome of PHH cultured in fatty acid-enriched media to hepatocytes from patients with NASH and healthy controls. Hepatocytes from NASH patients displayed increased total cellular abundance of glycerolipids and phospholipids compared to healthy control hepatocytes. PHH cultured in fatty acid-enriched media demonstrated increased glycerolipids. However, these culture conditions did not induce elevated phospholipid levels. Thus, culturing PHH in fatty acid-enriched media has limited capacity to emulate the environment of hepatocytes in NASH patients.

Hepatobiliary imaging is increasingly used by pharmacologists to quantify liver concentrations of transporter-dependent drugs. However, liver imaging does not quantify concentrations in extracellular space, hepatocytes, and bile canaliculi. Our study compared the compartmental distribution of two hepatobiliary substrates gadobenate dimeglumine [BOPTA; 0.08 liver extraction ratio (ER)] and mebrofenin (MEB; 0.93 ER) in a model of perfused rat liver. A gamma counter placed over livers measured liver concentrations. Livers were preperfused with gadopentetate dimeglumine to measure extracellular concentrations. Concentrations coming from bile canaliculi and hepatocytes were calculated. Transporter activities were assessed by concentration ratios between compartments and pharmacokinetic parameters that describe the accumulation and decay profiles of hepatocyte concentrations. The high liver concentrations of MEB relied mainly on hepatocyte and bile canaliculi concentrations. In contrast, the three compartments contributed to the low liver concentrations obtained during BOPTA perfusion. Nonlinear regression analysis of substrate accumulation in hepatocytes revealed that cellular efflux is measurable ∼4 minutes after the start of perfusion. The hepatocyte-to-extracellular concentration ratio measured at this time point was much higher during MEB perfusion. BOPTA transport by multidrug resistance associated protein 2 induced an aquaporin-mediated water transport, whereas MEB transport did not. BOPTA clearance from hepatocytes to bile canaliculi was higher than MEB clearance. MEB did not efflux back to sinusoids, whereas BOPTA basolateral efflux contributed to the decrease in hepatocyte concentrations. In conclusion, our ex vivo model quantifies substrate compartmental distribution and transport across hepatocyte membranes and provides an additional understanding of substrate distribution in the liver. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: When transporter-dependent drugs target hepatocytes, cellular concentrations are important to investigate. Low concentrations on cellular targets impair drug therapeutic effects, whereas excessive hepatocyte concentrations may induce cellular toxicity. With a gamma counter placed over rat perfused livers, we measured substrate concentrations in the extracellular space, hepatocytes, and bile canaliculi. Transport across hepatocyte membranes was calculated. The study provides an additional understanding of substrate distribution in the liver.

Estradiol-17β-glucuronide (E217G) is an estrogen metabolite that has cholestatic properties. In humans, circulating E217G is transported into hepatocytes by organic anion transporting polypeptides (OATPs) and is excreted into bile by multidrug-resistance associated protein 2 (MRP2). E217G is also a substrate of the basolateral efflux transporters MRP3 and MRP4, which translocate E217G from hepatocytes to blood. However, the contribution of basolateral efflux to hepatocyte disposition of E217G has not been evaluated previously. To address this question, E217G disposition was studied in sandwich-cultured human hepatocytes and mechanistic modeling was applied to calculate clearance values (mean ± S.D.) for uptake, intrinsic biliary excretion (CLint,bile) and intrinsic basolateral efflux (CLint,BL). The biliary excretion index of E217G was 45% ± 6%. The CLint,BL of E217G [0.18 ± 0.03 (ml/min)/g liver) was 1.6-fold higher than CLint,bile [0.11 ± 0.06 (ml/min)/g liver]. Simulations were performed to study the effects of increased CLint,BL and a concomitant decrease in CLint,bile on hepatic E217G exposure. Results demonstrated that increased CLint,BL can effectively reduce hepatocellular and biliary exposure to this potent cholestatic agent. Simulations also revealed that basolateral efflux can compensate for impaired biliary excretion and, vice versa, to avoid accumulation of E217G in hepatocytes. However, when both clearance processes are impaired by 90%, hepatocyte E217G exposure increases up to 10-fold. These data highlight the contribution of basolateral efflux transport, in addition to MRP2-mediated biliary excretion, to E217G disposition in human hepatocytes. This elimination route could be important, especially in cases where basolateral efflux is induced, such as cholestasis. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: The disposition of the cholestatic estrogen metabolite estradiol-17β-glucuronide (E217G) was characterized in sandwich-cultured human hepatocytes. The intrinsic basolateral efflux clearance was estimated to be 1.6-fold higher than the intrinsic biliary excretion clearance, emphasizing the contribution of basolateral elimination in addition to biliary excretion. Simulations highlight how hepatocytes can effectively cope with increased E217G through the regulation of both basolateral and biliary transporters.

It is well established that the expression and function of drug transporters at the blood-brain barrier are altered in Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, we recently demonstrated in a mouse model of AD that the expression of key drug transporters and metabolizing enzymes was modified in peripheral organs, such as the small intestine and liver, suggesting that systemic drug absorption may be altered in AD. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the expression of drug transporters in the kidneys differed between 8- to 9-month-old wild-type mice and APPswe/PSEN1dE9 (APP/PS1) transgenic mice, a mouse model of familial AD, using a quantitative targeted absolute proteomics approach. The protein expression of the drug transporters-multidrug resistance-associated protein 2, organic anion transporter 3, and organic cation transporter 2-was upregulated 1.6-, 1.3-, and 1.4-fold, respectively, in kidneys from APP/PS1 mice relative to wild-type mice. These results suggest that in addition to modified oral absorption of certain drugs, it is possible that the renal excretion of drugs that are multidrug resistance-associated protein 2, organic anion transporter 3, and organic cation transporter 2 substrates could be altered in AD. These changes could affect the interpretation of studies conducted during drug development using this mouse model of AD and potentially impact dosage regimens of such drugs prescribed in this patient population.

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is a common form of inherited polycystic kidney disease (PKD) and is a leading cause of kidney failure. Fluid-filled cysts develop in the kidneys of patients with ADPKD, and cysts often form in their liver and other organs. Previous data have shown that bile acids are increased in the liver of polycystic kidney (PCK) rats, a rodent model of PKD; these changes may be associated with alterations in liver transporter expression and function. However, the impact of PKD on hepatic transporters has not been characterized. Therefore, this preclinical study was designed to investigate hepatic transporter expression and function in PCK compared with wild-type (WT) Sprague-Dawley rats. Transporter gene expression was measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and protein levels were quantified by Western blot and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectroscopy (LC-MS/MS)–based proteomic analysis in rat livers. Transporter function was assessed in isolated perfused livers (IPLs), and biliary and hepatic total glutathione content was measured. Protein expression of Mrp2 and Oatp1a4 was decreased 3.0-fold and 2.9-fold, respectively, in PCK rat livers based on Western blot analysis. Proteomic analysis confirmed a decrease in Mrp2 and a decrease in Oatp1a1 expression (PCK/WT ratios, 0.368 ± 0.098 and 0.563 ± 0.038, respectively; mean ± S.D.). The biliary excretion of 5(6)-carboxy-2′,7′-dichlorofluorescein, a substrate of Oatp1a1, Mrp2, and Mrp3, was decreased 28-fold in PCK compared with WT rat IPLs. Total glutathione was significantly reduced in the bile of PCK rats. Differences in hepatic transporter expression and function may contribute to altered disposition of Mrp2 and Oatp substrates in PKD.

Objective: Pharmacokinetic (PK) data to guide cefazolin dosing in premature infants is virtually non-existent. Therefore, we aimed to characterize cefazolin PK in infants aged ≤32 weeks of gestation at birth. Study Design: We conducted a prospective, open-label PK and safety study of cefazolin in infants ≤32 weeks gestation from a University Medical Center. We administered intravenous cefazolin and collected both timed and scavenged blood samples. We analyzed data using non-linear mixed effect modeling and simulated several dosage regimens to achieve target concentrations against methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus. Results: We analyzed 40 samples from 9 infants and observed that premature infants had lower clearance and greater volume of distribution for cefazolin compared to older children. The median (range) individual Bayesian estimates were 0.03 L/h/kg (0.01-0.08) for clearance and 0.39 L/kg (0.31-0.52) for volume. Conclusion: Simulations suggested reduced cefazolin dosing based on postmenstrual age achieve target concentrations and potentially reduce unnecessary exposure.

Organic solute transporter α/β (OSTα/β) is a bidirectional bile acid transporter localized on the basolateral membrane of hepatic, intestinal, and renal epithelial cells. OSTα/β plays a critical role in intestinal bile acid reabsorption and is upregulated in hepatic diseases characterized by elevated bile acids, whereas genetic variants in SLC51A/B have been associated with clinical cholestasis. OSTα/β also transports and is inhibited by commonly used medications. However, there is currently no high-resolution structure of OSTα/β, and structure-function data for OSTα, the proposed substrate-binding subunit, are lacking. The present study addressed this knowledge gap and identified amino acids in OSTα that are important for bile acid transport. This was accomplished using computational modeling and site-directed mutagenesis of the OSTα subunit to generate OSTα/β mutant cell lines. Out of the 10 OSTα/β mutants investigated, four (S228K, T229S, Q269E, Q269K) exhibited decreased [(3)H]-taurocholate (TCA) uptake (ratio of geometric means relative to OSTα/β wild type (WT) of 0.76, 0.75, 0.79, and 0.13, respectively). Three OSTα/β mutants (S228K, Q269K, E305A) had reduced [(3)H]-TCA efflux % (ratio of geometric means relative to OSTα/β WT of 0.86, 0.65, and 0.79, respectively). Additionally, several OSTα/β mutants demonstrated altered expression and cellular localization when compared with OSTα/β WT. In summary, we identified OSTα residues (Ser228, Thr229, Gln269, Glu305) in predicted transmembrane domains that affect expression of OSTα/β and may influence OSTα/β-mediated bile acid transport. These data advance our understanding of OSTα/β structure/function and can inform future studies designed to gain further insight into OSTα/β structure or to identify additional OSTα/β substrates and inhibitors. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: OSTα/β is a clinically important transporter involved in enterohepatic bile acid recycling with currently no high-resolution protein structure and limited structure-function data. This study identified four OSTα amino acids (Ser228, Thr229, Gln269, Glu305) that affect expression of OSTα/β and may influence OSTα/β-mediated bile acid transport. These data can be utilized to inform future investigation of OSTα/β structure and refine molecular modeling approaches to facilitate the identification of substrates and/or inhibitors of OSTα/β.

Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is a significant clinical issue, affecting 1–1.5 million patients annually, and remains a major challenge during drug development—toxicity and safety concerns are the second-highest reason for drug candidate failure. The future prevalence of DILI can be minimized by developing a greater understanding of the biological mechanisms behind DILI. Both qualitative and quantitative analytical techniques are vital to characterizing and investigating DILI. In vitro assays are capable of characterizing specific aspects of a drug’s hepatotoxic nature and multiplexed assays are capable of characterizing and scoring a drug’s association with DILI. However, an even deeper insight into the perturbations to biological pathways involved in the mechanisms of DILI can be gained through the use of omics-based analytical techniques: genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics. These omics analytical techniques can offer qualitative and quantitative insight into genetic susceptibilities to DILI, the impact of drug treatment on gene expression, and the effect on protein and metabolite abundance. This review will discuss the analytical techniques that can be applied to characterize and investigate the biological mechanisms of DILI and potential predictive biomarkers.

Pregnancy-related hormones (PRH) are recognized as important regulators of hepatic cytochrome P450 enzyme expression and function. However, the impact of PRH on the hepatic expression and function of uridine diphosphate glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs) remains unclear. Using primary human hepatocytes, we evaluated the effect of PRH exposure on mRNA levels and protein concentrations of UGT1A1, UGT2B7, and other key UGT enzymes, and on the metabolism of labetalol (a UGT1A1 and UGT2B7 substrate commonly prescribed to treat hypertensive disorders of pregnancy). Sandwich-cultured human hepatocytes (SCHH) from female donors were exposed to the PRH estradiol, estriol, estetrol, progesterone, and cortisol individually or in combination. We quantified protein concentrations of UGT1A1, UGT2B7, and four additional UGT1A isoforms in SCHH membrane fractions and evaluated the metabolism of labetalol to its glucuronide metabolites in SCHH. PRH exposure increased mRNA levels and protein concentrations of UGT1A1 and UGT1A4 in SCHH. PRH exposure also significantly increased labetalol metabolism to its UGT1A1-derived glucuronide metabolite in a concentration-dependent manner, which positively correlated with PRH-induced changes in UGT1A1 protein concentrations. In contrast, PRH did not alter UGT2B7 mRNA levels or protein concentrations in SCHH, and formation of the UGT2B7-derived labetalol glucuronide metabolite was decreased following PRH exposure. Our findings demonstrate that PRH alter expression and function of UGT proteins in an isoform-specific manner and increase UGT1A1-mediated labetalol metabolism in human hepatocytes by inducing UGT1A1 protein concentrations. These results provide mechanistic insight into the increases in labetalol clearance observed in pregnant individuals.

Recent studies have focused on coproporphyrin (CP)-I and CP-III (CPs) as endogenous biomarkers for organic anion transporting polypeptides (OATPs). Previous data showed that CPs are also substrates of multidrug resistance-associated protein (MRP/Mrp) 2 and 3. This study was designed to examine the impact of loss of Mrp2 function on the routes of excretion of endogenous CPs in wild-type (WT) Wistar compared to Mrp2-deficient TR(−) rats. To exclude possible confounding effects of rat Oatps, the transport of CPs was investigated in Oatp-overexpressing HeLa cells. Results indicated that CPs are substrates of rodent Oatp1b2, and that CP-III is a substrate of Oatp2b1. Quantitative targeted absolute proteomic (QTAP) analysis revealed no differences in Oatps, but an expected significant increase in Mrp3 protein levels in TR(−) compared to WT rat livers. CP-I and CP-III concentrations measured by LC-MS/MS were elevated in TR(−) compared to WT rat liver, while CP-I and CP-III estimated biliary clearance was decreased 75- and 840-fold in TR(−) compared to WT rats, respectively. CP-III concentrations were decreased 14-fold in the feces of TR(−) compared to WT rats, but differences in CP-I were not significant. In summary, the disposition of CPs was markedly altered by loss of Mrp2 and increased Mrp3 function as measured in TR(−) rats.

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), the progressive form of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, is increasing in prevalence. NASH-related alterations in hepatic protein expression (e.g., transporters) and in overall physiology may affect drug exposure by altering drug disposition and elimination. The aim of this study was to build a physiologically-based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model to predict drug exposure in NASH by incorporating NASH-related changes in hepatic transporters. Morphine and morphine-3-glucuronide (M3G) were used as model compounds. A PBPK model of morphine with permeability-limited hepatic disposition was extended to include M3G disposition and enterohepatic recycling (EHR). The model captured the area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) of morphine and M3G after intravenous morphine administration within 0.82- and 1.94-fold of observed values from three independent clinical studies for healthy adult subjects (n= 6, 10, and 14 individuals). When NASH-related changes in multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 (MRP2) and MRP3 were incorporated into the model, the predicted M3G mean AUC in NASH was 1.34-fold higher compared to healthy subjects, which is slightly lower than the observed value (1.63-fold). Exploratory simulations on other physiological changes occurring in NASH (e.g., moderate decreases in glomerular filtration rate and portal vein blood flow) revealed that the effect of transporter changes was most prominent. Additionally, NASH-related transporter changes resulted in decreased morphine EHR, which could be important for drugs with extensive EHR. This study is an important first step to predict drug disposition in complex diseases such as NASH using PBPK modeling.

The gut microbiota modifies endogenous primary bile acids (BAs) to produce exogenous secondary BAs, which may be further metabolized by cytochrome P450 enzymes (P450s). Our primary aim was to examine how the host adapts to the stress of microbe-derived secondary BAs by P450-mediated oxidative modifications on the steroid nucleus. Five unconjugated tri-hydroxyl BAs that were structurally and/or biologically associated with deoxycholate (DCA) were determined in human biologic samples by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry in combination with enzyme-digestion techniques. They were identified as DCA-19-ol, DCA-6β-ol, DCA-5β-ol, DCA-6α-ol, DCA-1β-ol, and DCA-4β-ol based on matching in-laboratory synthesized standards. Metabolic inhibition assays in human liver microsomes and recombinant P450 assays revealed that CYP3A4 and CYP3A7 were responsible for the regioselective oxidations of both DCA and its conjugated forms, glycodeoxycholate (GDCA) and taurodeoxycholate (TDCA). The modification of secondary BAs to tertiary BAs defines a host liver (primary BAs)-gut microbiota (secondary BAs)-host liver (tertiary BAs) axis. The regioselective oxidations of DCA, GDCA, and TDCA by CYP3A4 and CYP3A7 may help eliminate host-toxic DCA species. The 19- and 4β-hydroxylation of DCA species demonstrated outstanding CYP3A7 selectivity and may be useful as indicators of CYP3A7 activity.

Organic solute transporter alpha/beta (OSTα/β) is a heteromeric solute carrier protein that transports bile acids, steroid metabolites and drugs into and out of cells. OSTα/β protein is expressed in various tissues, but its expression is highest in the gastrointestinal tract where it facilitates the recirculation of bile acids from the gut to the liver. Previous studies established that OSTα/β is upregulated in liver tissue of patients with extrahepatic cholestasis, obstructive cholestasis, and primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), conditions that are characterized by elevated bile acid concentrations in the liver and/or systemic circulation. The discovery that OSTα/β is highly upregulated in the liver of patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) further highlights the clinical relevance of this transporter because the incidence of NASH is increasing at an alarming rate with the obesity epidemic. Since OSTα/β is closely linked to the homeostasis of bile acids, and tightly regulated by the nuclear receptor farnesoid X receptor, OSTα/β is a potential drug target for treatment of cholestatic liver disease, and other bile acid-related metabolic disorders such as obesity and diabetes. Obeticholic acid, a semi-synthetic bile acid used to treat PBC, under review for the treatment of NASH, and in development for the treatment of other metabolic disorders, induces OSTα/β. Some drugs associated with hepatotoxicity inhibit OSTα/β, suggesting a possible role for OSTα/β in drug-induced liver injury (DILI). Furthermore, clinical cases of homozygous genetic defects in both OSTα/β subunits resulting in diarrhea and features of cholestasis have been reported. This review article has been compiled to comprehensively summarize the recent data emerging on OSTα/β, recapitulating the available literature on the structure-function and expression-function relationships of OSTα/β, the regulation of this important transporter, the interaction of drugs and other compounds with OSTα/β, and the comparison of OSTα/β with other solute carrier transporters as well as adenosine triphosphate-binding cassette transporters. Findings from basic to more clinically focused research efforts are described and discussed.

Drug interactions with the organic solute transporter alpha/beta (OSTα/β) are understudied even though OSTα/β is an important transporter that is expressed in multiple human tissues including the intestine, kidneys and liver. In this study, an in vitro method to identify novel OSTα/β inhibitors was first developed using OSTα/β-overexpressing Flp-In 293 cells. Incubation conditions were optimized using previously reported OSTα/β inhibitors. A method including a 10-min preincubation step with the test compound was used to screen for OSTα/β inhibition by 77 structurally diverse compounds and fixed-dose combinations. Seven compounds and one fixed-dose combination (100 µM final concentration) inhibited OSTα/β-mediated DHEAS uptake by >25%. Concentration-dependent OSTα/β inhibition was evaluated for all putative inhibitors (atorvastatin, ethinylestradiol, fidaxomicin, glycochenodeoxycholate, norgestimate, troglitazone and troglitazone sulfate). Ethinylestradiol, fidaxomicin and troglitazone sulfate yielded a clear concentration-inhibition response with IC(50) values

Extracorporeal life support (e.g., dialysis, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO)) can affect drug disposition, placing patients at risk for therapeutic failure. In this population, dose selection to achieve safe and effective drug exposure is difficult. We developed a novel and flexible approach that uses physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling to translate results from ECMO ex vivo experiments into bedside dosing recommendations. To determine fluconazole dosing in children on ECMO, we developed a PBPK model, which was validated using fluconazole pharmacokinetic (PK) data in adults and critically ill infants. Next, an ECMO compartment was added to the PBPK model and parameterized using data from a previously published ex vivo study. Simulations using the final ECMO PBPK model reasonably characterized observed PK data in infants on ECMO, and the model was used to derive dosing in children on ECMO across the pediatric age spectrum. This approach can be generalized to other forms of extracorporeal life support (ECLS), such as dialysis.

In vitro chemical safety testing methods offer the potential for efficient and economical tools to provide relevant assessments of human health risk. To realize this potential, methods are needed to relate in vitro effects to in vivo responses, i.e., in vitro to in vivo extrapolation (IVIVE). Currently available IVIVE approaches need to be refined before they can be utilized for regulatory decision-making. To explore the capabilities and limitations of IVIVE within this context, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development and the National Toxicology Program Interagency Center for the Evaluation of Alternative Toxicological Methods co-organized a workshop and webinar series. Here, we integrate content from the webinars and workshop to discuss activities and resources that would promote inclusion of IVIVE in regulatory decision-making. We discuss properties of models that successfully generate predictions of in vivo doses from effective in vitro concentration, including the experimental systems that provide input parameters for these models, areas of success, and areas for improvement to reduce model uncertainty. Finally, we provide case studies on the uses of IVIVE in safety assessments, which highlight the respective differences, information requirements, and outcomes across various approaches when applied for decision-making.

Polycystic kidney disease is characterized by the progressive development of kidney cysts and declining renal function with frequent development of cysts in other organs including the liver. The polycystic kidney (PCK) rat is a rodent model of polycystic liver disease that has been used to study hepatorenal disease progression and evaluate pharmacotherapeutic interventions. Biomarkers that describe the cyst progression, liver impairment, and/or hepatic cyst burden could provide clinical utility for this disease. In the present study, hepatic cyst volume was measured by magnetic resonance imaging in PCK rats at 12, 16, and 20 weeks. After 20 weeks, Sprague Dawley (n = 4) and PCK (n = 4) rats were sacrificed and 42 bile acids were analyzed in the liver, bile, serum, and urine by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry. Bile acid profiling revealed significant increases in total bile acids (molar sum of all measured bile acids) in the liver (13-fold), serum (6-fold), and urine (3-fold) in PCK rats, including those speciated bile acids usually associated with hepatotoxicity. Total serum bile acids correlated with markers of liver impairment (liver weight, total liver bile acids, total hepatotoxic liver bile acids, and cyst volume [ r > 0.75; P < 0.05]). Based on these data, serum bile acids may be useful biomarkers of liver impairment in polycystic hepatorenal disease.

The farnesoid X receptor (FXR) is a nuclear receptor that regulates genes involved in bile acid homeostasis. FXR agonists, obeticholic acid (OCA) and chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA), increase mRNA expression of efflux transporters in sandwich-cultured human hepatocytes (SCHH). This study evaluated the effects of OCA and CDCA treatment on the uptake, basolateral efflux, and biliary excretion of a model bile acid, taurocholate (TCA), in SCHH. In addition, changes in the protein expression of TCA uptake and efflux transporters were investigated. SCHH were treated with 1 µM OCA, 100 µM CDCA, or vehicle control for 72 hours followed by quantification of deuterated TCA uptake and efflux over time in Ca(2+)-containing and Ca(2+)-free conditions (n = 3 donors). A mechanistic pharmacokinetic model was fit to the TCA mass-time data to obtain estimates for total uptake clearance (CL(Uptake)), total intrinsic basolateral efflux clearance (CL(int,BL)), and total intrinsic biliary clearance (CL(int,Bile)). Modeling results revealed that FXR agonists significantly increased CL(int,BL) by >6-fold and significantly increased CL(int,Bile) by 2-fold, with minimal effect on CL(Uptake). Immunoblotting showed that protein levels of the basolateral transporter subunits organic solute transporter α and β (OSTα and OSTβ) in FXR agonist-treated SCHH were significantly induced by >2.5- and 10-fold, respectively. FXR agonist-mediated changes in the expression of other TCA transporters in SCHH were modest. In conclusion, this is the first report demonstrating that OCA and CDCA increased TCA efflux in SCHH, which contributed to reduced intracellular TCA concentrations. Increased basolateral efflux of TCA was consistent with increased OSTα/β protein expression in OCA- and CDCA-treated SCHH.

Liver disease can alter the disposition of xenobiotics and endogenous substances. Regulatory agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Evaluation Agency (EMEA) recommend, if possible, studying the effect of liver disease on drugs under development to guide specific dose recommendations in these patients. While extensive research has been conducted to characterize the effect of liver disease on drug-metabolizing enzymes, emerging data have implicated that the expression and/or function of hepatobiliary transport proteins also are altered in liver disease. This review summarizes recent developments in the field, which may have implications for understanding altered disposition, safety, and of efficacy of new and existing drugs. A brief review of liver physiology and hepatic transporter localization/function is provided. Then, the expression and function of hepatic transporters in cholestasis, hepatitis C infection, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) are reviewed. In the absence of clinical data, nonclinical information in animal models is presented. This review aims to advance the understanding of altered expression and function of hepatic transporters in liver disease and the implications of such changes on drug disposition.

“Precision dosing” focuses on the individualization of drug treatment regimens based on patient factors known to alter drug disposition and/or response. In 2015, over 8 in 10 nonfederal acute care hospitals in the United States had adopted a basic electronic health record (EHR) system,1 which will facilitate the application of precision dosing. Expanding on recent publications,2, 3 we outline the public health need, a proposed framework, and the anticipated impact for the adoption of precision dosing.

Altered expression and function of transporters in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) patients may affect the pharmacokinetics (PK), efficacy, and safety of substrate drugs. A population pharmacokinetic (PopPK) analysis was performed to assess differences in morphine and morphine-3-glucuronide (M3G) disposition in NASH and healthy subjects. A total of 315 serum and 42 urine samples from 21 subjects (14 healthy; 7 NASH) were analyzed using NONMEM. Morphine and M3G PK were described by three- and one-compartment models, respectively. After accounting for the effect of total body weight on all clearance and volume of distribution parameters using an allometric scaling approach, NASH severity score (NASF; combination of fibrosis and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease activity scores) was the most significant predictor of differences in M3G exposure. The model predicted a linear decrease in the clearance of M3G with increasing NASF scores on a natural logarithmic scale. These results may provide some insight into the potential effect of NASH on the disposition of hepatic transporter substrates.

PURPOSE: Probe substrates are used routinely to assess transporter function in vitro. Administration of multiple probe substrates together as a “cocktail” in sandwich-cultured human hepatocytes (SCHH) could increase the throughput of transporter function assessment in a physiologically-relevant in vitro system. This study was designed to compare transporter function between cocktail and single agent administration in SCHH. METHODS: Rosuvastatin, digoxin, and metformin were selected as probe substrates of hepatic transporters OATP1B1, OATP1B3, BCRP, P-gp, and OCT1. Total accumulation (Cells+Bile) and biliary excretion index (BEI) values derived from administration of the cocktail were compared to values obtained after administration of single agents in the absence and presence of a model inhibitor, erythromycin estolate. RESULTS: For rosuvastatin and metformin accumulation, the ratio of means [90% confidence interval (CI)] for cocktail to single agent administration was 100% [94%, 106%] and 90% [82%, 99%], respectively. Therefore, the cocktail and single-agent mode of administration were deemed equivalent per standard equivalence criterion of 80-120% for rosuvastatin and metformin accumulation, but not for digoxin accumulation (77% [62%, 92%]). The ratio of means [90% CI] for rosuvastatin BEI values between the two administration modes (105% [97%, 114%]) also was deemed equivalent. The ratio for digoxin BEI values between the two administration modes was 99% [78%, 120%]. In the presence of erythromycin estolate, the two administration modes were deemed equivalent for evaluation of rosuvastatin, digoxin, and metformin accumulation; the ratio of means [90% CI] was 104% [94%, 115%], 94% [82%, 105%], and 100% [88%, 111%], respectively. However, rosuvastatin and digoxin BEI values were low and quite variable in the presence of the inhibitor, so the BEI results were inconclusive. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that rosuvastatin and metformin can be administered as a cocktail to evaluate the function of OATP1B1, OATP1B3, BCRP, and OCT1 in SCHH, and that digoxin may not be an ideal component of such a cocktail.

Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) remains a major challenge in drug development. Although numerous mechanisms for DILI have been identified, few studies have focused on loss of hepatocyte polarization as a DILI mechanism. The current study investigated the effects of valproate (VPA), an antiepileptic drug with DILI risk, on the cellular mechanisms responsible for loss of hepatocyte polarization. Fully polarized collagen sandwich-cultured rat hepatocytes were treated with VPA (1–20 mM) for specified times (3–24 h). Hepatocyte viability was significantly decreased by 10 and 20 mM VPA. Valproate depolarized hepatocytes, even at noncytotoxic concentrations (≤5 mM). Depolarization was associated with significantly decreased canalicular levels of multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 (Mrp2) resulting in reduced canalicular excretion of the Mrp2 substrate carboxydichlorofluorescein. The decreased canalicular Mrp2 was associated with intracellular accumulation of Mrp2 in Rab11-positive recycling endosomes and early endosomes. Mechanistic studies suggested that VPA inhibited canalicular trafficking of Mrp2. This effect of VPA on Mrp2 appeared to be selective in that VPA had less impact on canalicular levels of the bile salt export pump (Bsep) and no detectable effect on P-glycoprotein (P-gp) canalicular levels. Treatment with VPA for 24 h also significantly downregulated levels of tight junction (TJ)-associated protein, zonula occludens 2 (ZO2), but appeared to have no effect on the levels of TJ proteins claudin 1, claudin 2, occludin, ZO1, and ZO3. These findings reveal that two novel mechanisms may contribute to VPA hepatotoxicity: impaired canalicular trafficking of Mrp2 and disruption of ZO2-associated hepatocyte polarization.

Human hepatoma cell lines are useful for evaluation of drug-induced hepatotoxicity, hepatic drug disposition, and drug-drug interactions. However, their applicability is compromised by aberrant expression of hepatobiliary transporters. This study was designed to evaluate whether extracellular matrix (Matrigel) overlay and dexamethasone (DEX) treatment would support cellular maturation of long-term HuH-7 hepatoma cell cultures and improve the expression, localization, and activity of canalicular ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters, multidrug resistance protein 1 (MDR1/P-glycoprotein/ABCB1), multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 (MRP2/ABCC2), and bile salt export pump (BSEP/ABCB11). Matrigel overlay promoted the maturation of HuH-7 cells toward cuboidal, hepatocyte-like cells displaying bile canaliculi-like structures visualized by staining for filamentous actin (F-actin), colocalization of MRP2 with F-actin, and by accumulation of the MRP2 substrate 5(6)-carboxy-2',7'-dichlorofluorescein (CDF) within the tubular canaliculi. The cellular phenotype was rather homogenous in the Matrigel-overlaid cultures, whereas the standard HuH-7 cultures contained both hepatocyte-like cells and flat epithelium-like cells. Only Matrigel-overlaid HuH-7 cells expressed MDR1 at the canaliculi and excreted the MDR1 probe substrate digoxin into biliary compartments. DEX treatment resulted in more elongated and branched canaliculi and restored canalicular expression and function of BSEP. These findings suggest that hepatocyte polarity, elongated canalicular structures, and proper localization and function of canalicular ABC transporters can be recovered, at least in part, in human hepatoma HuH-7 cells by applying the modified culture conditions. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: We report the first demonstration that proper localization and function of canalicular ABC transporters can be recovered in human hepatoma HuH-7 cells by modification of cell culture conditions. Matrigel overlay and dexamethasone supplementation increased the proportion of hepatocyte-like cells, strongly augmented the canalicular structures between the cells, and restored the localization and function of key canalicular ABC transporters. These results will facilitate the development of reproducible, economical, and easily achievable liver cell models for drug development.

Pharmacy schools are generating significant amounts of data across the training continuum, including data about student selection, performance, and job placement. However, current data practices limit our ability to effectively leverage the vast amounts of data available within and across our institutions. In an effort to improve data practices and promote the quality and reusability of data, the FAIR guiding principles for data management and stewardship were developed and published in 2016. These principles state that digital objects should be [F]indable (e.g., data have a unique identifier and are registered in a searchable resource), [A]ccessible (e.g., data are retrievable by their identifier using an open, free, standardized protocol), [I]nteroperable (e.g., data use a formal, accessible, shared, and broadly applicable language and include qualified references to other data), and [R]eusable (e.g., data are described with accurate and relevant attributes, released with a data usage license, and meet domain-relevant community standards). This commentary advocates for improved data practices and provides recommendations for advancing FAIR data principles in pharmacy education.

Tolvaptan is a selective V2-receptor antagonist primarily metabolized by CYP 3A. The present study investigated the hepatocellular disposition of tolvaptan and the generated tolvaptan metabolites, DM-4103 and DM-4107, as well as the potential for drug-drug interactions (DDIs) with metabolic and transport proteins in sandwich-cultured human hepatocytes (SCHH). Tolvaptan was incubated with SCHH and quantified by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Pioglitazone, verapamil, MK-571, and elacridar were used as inhibitors to investigate mechanisms of transport and metabolism of tolvaptan and metabolites. Taurocholate (TCA), pravastatin, digoxin, and metformin were used as transporter probes to investigate which transport proteins were inhibited by tolvaptan and metabolites. Cellular accumulation of tolvaptan (0.15–50 μM), DM-4103, and DM-4107 in SCHH was concentration-dependent. Tolvaptan accumulation (15 μM) in SCHH was not altered markedly by 50 μM pioglitazone, verapamil, MK-571, or 10 μM elacridar. Coincubation of tolvaptan with pioglitazone, verapamil, MK-571, and elacridar reduced DM-4107 accumulation by 45.6, 79.8, 94.5, and 23.0%, respectively, relative to control. Coincubation with increasing tolvaptan concentrations (0.15–50 μM) decreased TCA (2.5 μM) cell+bile accumulation and the TCA biliary excretion index (BEI; from 76% to 51%), consistent with inhibition of the bile salt export pump (BSEP). Tolvaptan (15 μM) had no effect on the cellular accumulation of 2.5 μM pravastatin or metformin. Digoxin cellular accumulation increased, and the BEI of digoxin decreased from 23.9 to 8.1% in the presence of 15 μM tolvaptan, consistent with inhibition of P-glycoprotein. In summary, SCHH studies revealed potential metabolic- and transporter-mediated DDIs involving tolvaptan and metabolites.

Sandwich-cultured hepatocytes (SCH) are metabolically competent and have proper localization of basolateral and canalicular transporters with functional bile networks. Therefore, this cellular model is a unique tool that can be used to estimate biliary excretion of compounds. SCH have been used widely to assess hepatobiliary disposition of endogenous and exogenous compounds and metabolites. Mechanistic modeling based on SCH data enables estimation of metabolic and transporter-mediated clearances, which can be employed to construct physiologically-based pharmacokinetic models for prediction of drug disposition and drug-drug interactions in humans. In addition to pharmacokinetic studies, SCH also have been employed to study cytotoxicity and perturbation of biological processes by drugs and hepatically-generated metabolites. Human SCH can provide mechanistic insights underlying clinical drug-induced liver injury (DILI). In addition, data generated in SCH can be integrated into systems pharmacology models to predict potential DILI in humans. In this review, applications of SCH in studying hepatobiliary drug disposition and bile acid-mediated DILI are discussed. An example is presented to show how data generated in the SCH model was used to establish a quantitative relationship between intracellular bile acids and cytotoxicity, and how this information was incorporated into a systems pharmacology model for DILI prediction.

Human-derived hepatic cell lines are a valuable alternative to primary hepatocytes for drug metabolism, transport and toxicity studies. However, their relevance for investigations of drug-drug and drug-organic anion (e.g., bile acid, steroid hormone) interactions at the transporter level remains to be established. The aim of the present study was to determine the suitability of the Huh7 cell line for transporter-dependent experiments. Huh7 cells were cultured for 1 to 4 weeks and subsequently were analyzed for protein expression, localization and activity of solute carrier (SLC) and ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters involved in organic anion transport using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectroscopy, immunocytochemistry, and model substrates [3H]taurocholate (TCA), [3H]dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) and 5(6)-carboxy-2′,7′-dichlorofluorescein (CDF) diacetate. The extended 4-week culture resulted in a phenotype resembling primary hepatocytes and differentiated HepaRG cells: cuboidal hepatocyte-like cells with elongated bile canaliculi-like structures were surrounded by epithelium-like cells. Protein expression of OSTα, OSTβ and OATP1B3 increased over time. Moreover, the uptake of the SLC probe substrate DHEAS was higher in 4-week than in 1-week Huh7 cultures. NTCP, OATP1B1, BSEP and MRP3 were barely or not detectable in Huh7 cells. OATP2B1, MRP2 and MRP4 protein expression remained at similar levels over the four weeks of culture. The activity of MRP2 and the formation of bile canaliculi-like structures were confirmed by accumulation of CDF in the intercellular compartments. Results indicate that along with morphological maturation, transporters responsible for alternative bile acid secretion pathways are expressed and active in long-term cultures of Huh7 cells, suggesting that differentiated Huh7 cells may be suitable for studying the function and regulation of these organic anion transporters.

The bile salt export pump (BSEP) is the primary canalicular transporter responsible for the secretion of bile acids from hepatocytes into bile canaliculi, and inhibition of this transporter has been associated with drug-induced liver injury (DILI). A common variant (rs2287622; p.V444A) in the gene encoding BSEP has been associated with an increased risk of cholestatic DILI. Although p.444V BSEP (reference) and p.444A BSEP (variant) do not differ in their transport kinetics of taurocholic acid (TCA), transport of the more abundant glycocholic acid (GCA) has not been investigated. Importantly, differences in the susceptibility of p.444V and p.444A BSEP to inhibition by drugs causing cholestatic DILI have not been investigated. To address these issues, the transport kinetics of GCA were evaluated by incubating membrane vesicles expressing either p.444V or p.444A BSEP with GCA over a range of concentrations (1, 10, 25, 50, and 100 μM). The abilities of commonly used cholestatic medications to inhibit the transport of TCA and GCA by the reference and variant proteins were compared. Resulting data indicated that GCA transport kinetics for reference and variant BSEP followed Michaelis-Menten kinetics and were not statistically different [ Vmax values of 1132 ± 246 and 959 ± 256 pmol min-1 (mg of protein)-1, respectively, and Km values of 32.7 ± 18.2 and 45.7 ± 25.5 μM, respectively]. There were no statistically significant differences between the reference and variant BSEP in the inhibition of TCA or GCA transport by the cholestatic drugs tested. In conclusion, differential inhibition of TCA or GCA transport cannot account for an association between the variant BSEP and the risk for cholestatic DILI due to the drugs tested.

Aims Patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most common form of dementia, have reduced P-glycoprotein (P-gp) function at the blood-brain barrier. However, the effect of AD on P-gp function in peripheral organs, and the impact on medication efficacy and toxicity is unknown. In this study, clinical chart review and physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modelling were employed to determine whether disease-associated changes in P-gp could be assessed from clinically measured digoxin concentrations in patients without and with dementia. Methods A retrospective chart review was conducted to compare digoxin dose and concentrations between cohorts. A PBPK model was developed to simulate changes in digoxin concentrations at single and multiple 62.5 and 125 μg/d doses due to reduced P-gp function in peripheral organs. Results Digoxin concentrations were similar between the nondementia (n = 75) and dementia (n = 72) cohorts (mean ± standard deviation; 0.64 ± 0.31 and 0.60 ± 0.34 ng/mL, respectively; -0.06 to 0.15, 95% confidence interval of difference). PBPK simulations showed that reduced P-gp function resulted in a significant increase in digoxin exposure (AUC), but not in Cmax . For example, when a 2-fold reduction in P-gp function was simulated in older people following multiple 125 μg/d digoxin doses, the AUC over the last dosing interval was increased compared to baseline (24.29 ± 3.94 vs 17.04 ± 3.46 ng/mL*h; 4.52 to 9.98); however, Cmax was similar (1.38 ± 0.20 vs 0.99 ± 0.18 ng/mL; -2.33 to 3.13). Conclusion Clinically measured digoxin concentrations were not statistically different in patients with dementia. Based on PBPK simulations, digoxin AUC may need to be evaluated to adequately assess the impact of reduced P-gp function in peripheral organs.