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Biomedical subjects

M A Robin

Publications and source records attributed to M A Robin.

14 recordsLinked to original sources

Cytochrome P450-generated reactive metabolites cause mitochondrial permeability transition, caspase activation, and apoptosis in rat hepatocytes.

Although cytochrome P-450 (CYP)-generated reactive metabolites can cause hepatocyte apoptosis, the mechanism of this effect is incompletely understood. In the present study, we assessed the hepatotoxicity of skullcap, a diterpenoid-containing herbal remedy. Male rat hepatocytes were incubated for 2 hours with skullcap diterpenoids (100 microg/mL). This treatment decreased cell glutathione and protein thiols and increased cell [Ca(2+)]. This activated Ca(2+)-dependent tissue transglutaminase, forming a cross-linked protein scaffold, and also opened the mitochondrial permeability transition pore, causing outer mitochondrial membrane rupture, increased cytosolic cytochrome c, activation of procaspase 3, internucleosomal DNA fragmentation, and ultrastructural features of apoptosis. Cell death was increased by a CYP3A inducer (dexamethasone) or a sulfur amino acid-deficient diet increasing glutathione depletion. In contrast, cell death was prevented by decreasing CYP3A activity (with troleandomycin), preventing glutathione depletion (with cysteine or cystine), blocking Ca(2+)-modulated events (with calmidazolium), preventing mitochondrial permeability transition (with cyclosporin A), or inhibiting caspase 3 (with acetyl-Asp-G u-Va-Asp-a dehyde). Both calmidazolium and cyclosporin A also prevented the increase in cytosolic cytochrome c and procaspase 3 activation. In conclusion, CYP3A activates skullcap diterpenoids into reactive metabolites that deplete cellular thiols and increase cell [Ca(2+)]. This activates Ca(2+)-dependent transglutaminase and also opens the mitochondrial permeability transition pore, causing outer mitochondrial membrane rupture, cytochrome c release, and caspase activation. Preventing mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening and/or caspase activity blocks apoptosis, showing the fundamental role of these final events in metabolite-mediated hepatotoxicity.

Animals↗

Vesicular transport of newly synthesized cytochromes P4501A to the outside of rat hepatocyte plasma membranes.

Anti-cytochrome P450 (CYP)1A2 autoantibodies are found in dihydralazine-induced hepatitis, and CYPs2B and 2C have been shown to follow vesicular flow to the plasma membrane (PM). However, it is unknown whether other CYPs follow this route, whether NADPH-CYP reductase is present on the hepatocyte surface, and whether autoimmune hepatitis-inducing drugs increase PM CYPs. In this study, we determined the transmembrane topology and transport of CYPs1A in rat hepatocytes. In cultured hepatocytes, colchicine and other vesicular transport inhibitors decreased PM CYPs1A assessed by flow cytometry. Colchicine administration also decreased PM CYPs1A in vivo. Pulse chase experiments with [(35)S]methionine showed that only the newly synthesized CYP molecules are transferred to the PM, whereas microsomal CYP1A2 was stably radiolabeled for several hours. In contrast, radiolabeled CYP1A2 reached the PM and disappeared from the PM with half-lives of less than 30 min. Confocal microscopy, biotinylation, and coimmunoprecipitation experiments showed that PM CYPs1A and CYP reductase are present on the cell surface, and that the reductase is closely associated with PM CYPs. Exposure of whole cells to an anti-CYP1A1/2 antibody at 4 degrees C, before five washes and PM preparation, abolished PM CYPs1A-supported monooxygenase activity, indicating that PM CYPs are mostly located on the external surface. Dihydralazine and other CYPs1A inducers increased PM CYPs1A. In conclusion, newly synthesized CYPs1A follow vesicular flow to the outside of the PM, and NADPH-CYP reductase also is located on the hepatocyte surface. Dihydralazine administration increases PM CYP1A2, its autoimmune target.

Animals↗

Decrease in hepatic cytochrome P450 after interleukin-2 immunotherapy.

Interleukin-2 (IL-2) has been shown to decrease cytochrome P450 (CYP) mRNAs and proteins in cultured rat hepatocytes, and IL-2 administration decreases CYPs in rats. Although high doses of IL-2 are administered to cancer patients, the effect on human CYPs has not yet been determined. Patients with hepatic metastases from colon or rectum carcinomas were randomly allocated to various daily doses of human recombinant IL-2 (from 0 to 12.10(6) units/m(2)). IL-2 was infused from day 7 to day 3 before hepatectomy and the conservation of a non-tumorous liver fragment in liquid nitrogen. Hepatic CYPs and monooxygenase activities were not significantly decreased in 5 patients receiving daily doses of 3 or 6 10(6) IL-2 units/m2, compared to 7 patients who did not receive IL-2. In contrast, in 6 patients receiving daily doses of 9 or 12 x 10(6) IL-2 units/m2, the mean values for immunoreactive CYP1A2, CYP2C, CYP2E1, and CYP3A4 were 37, 45, 60 and 39%, respectively, of those in controls; total CYP was significantly decreased by 34%, methoxyresorufin O-demethylation by 62%, and erythromycin N-demethylation by 50%. These observations suggest that high doses of IL-2 may decrease total CYP and monooxygenase activities in man.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Interleukin-2 overexpresses c-myc and down-regulates cytochrome P-450 in rat hepatocytes.

The interaction of interleukin-2 (IL-2) with its receptor (IL-2R) decreases cytochrome P-450 (CYP) expression in rat hepatocytes. Because IL-2 increases c-Myc in lymphocytes and because c-myc overexpression represses several genes, we postulated that the IL-2/IL-2R interaction may increase c-Myc and thereby down-regulate CYP in hepatocytes. Cultured rat hepatocytes were exposed for 24 h to IL-2 (350 U/ml) and other agents. IL-2 increased c-myc mRNA and protein but decreased total CYP and the mRNAs and proteins of CYP2C11 and CYP3A. The IL-2-mediated c-myc overexpression and CYP down-regulation were prevented by 1) genistein (a tyrosine kinase inhibitor that blocks the initial transduction of the IL-2R signal), 2) retinoic acid, butyric acid, or dimethyl sulfoxide (three agents that block c-myc transcription), or 3) an antisense c-myc oligonucleotide (which may cause rapid degradation of the c-myc transcript). It is concluded that IL-2 causes the overexpression of c-myc and the down-regulation of CYPs in rat hepatocytes. Block of c-myc overexpression, at three different levels with five different agents, prevents CYP down-regulation, suggesting that c-myc overexpression may directly or indirectly repress CYP in hepatocytes.

Animals↗

Steatohepatitis-inducing drugs cause mitochondrial dysfunction and lipid peroxidation in rat hepatocytes.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: 4,4'-Diethylaminoethoxyhexestrol (DEAEH), amiodarone, and perhexiline cause steatohepatitis in humans. The mechanisms of these effects are unknown for DEAEH and have not been completely elucidated for amiodarone and perhexiline. The aim of this study was to determine these mechanisms. METHODS: Rat liver mitochondria, cultured rat hepatocytes, or rats were treated with these drugs, and the effects on mitochondrial respiration, beta-oxidation, reactive oxygen species formation, and lipid peroxidation were determined. RESULTS: DEAEH accumulated in mitochondria and inhibited carnitine palmitoyl transferase I and acyl-coenzyme A dehydrogenases; it decreased beta-oxidation and caused lipid deposits in hepatocytes. DEAEH also inhibited mitochondrial respiration and decreased adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels in hepatocytes. DEAEH, amiodarone, and perhexiline augmented the mitochondrial formation of reactive oxygen species and caused lipid peroxidation in rats. CONCLUSIONS: Like amiodarone and perhexiline, DEAEH accumulates in mitochondria, where it inhibits both beta-oxidation (causing steatosis) and respiration. Inhibition of respiration decreases ATP and also increases the mitochondrial formation of reactive oxygen species. The latter oxidize fat deposits, causing lipid peroxidation. We suggest that ATP depletion and lipid peroxidation may cause cell death and that lipid peroxidation products may account, in part, for other steatohepatitis lesions.

Animals↗

Multiple hepatic mitochondrial DNA deletions suggest premature oxidative aging in alcoholic patients.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: A 4977-base pair deletion has been detected in the hepatic mitochondrial DNA of alcoholic patients with microvesicular steatosis, a lesion ascribed to impaired mitochondrial beta-oxidation. However, only a single deletion had been looked for in this previous study, and it could not be determined whether the deletion was preexisting or acquired. Alcohol abuse increases the formation of reactive oxygen species in hepatic mitochondria. If this effect accelerates the oxidative aging of mitochondrial DNA, several other mutations would be expected. METHODS: The mtDNA region extending from nucleotide 8167 to nucleotide 14246 was screened for the presence of large mitochondrial DNA deletions in 58 alcoholic patients and 67 age-matched non-alcoholic controls. Hepatic DNA was subjected to polymerase chain reactions that amplified non-deleted and deleted mitochondrial DNA, respectively, and the boundaries of the mitochondrial DNA deletions were sequenced. RESULTS: Only 3% of the non-alcoholic controls carried a mitochondrial DNA deletion, whereas 24% of all alcoholic patients and 85% of the 13 alcoholic patients with microvesicular steatosis exhibited either single or multiple 4977, 5385, 5039 and 5556-base pair mitochondrial DNA deletions. No deletion(s) were observed, however, in 13 patients with microvesicular steatosis due to other causes. CONCLUSIONS: Diverse mitochondrial DNA rearrangements are observed in alcoholic patients with microvesicular steatosis. We suggest that alcohol abuse leads to premature oxidative aging of mitochondrial DNA. Hypothetically, oxidative damage to mitochondrial constituents (DNA, proteins and lipids) may favor microvesicular fat deposition.

Adult↗

Glucocorticoids inhibit mitochondrial matrix acyl-CoA dehydrogenases and fatty acid beta-oxidation.

Glucocorticoid administration may produce fatty liver in humans. We investigated the effects of dexamethasone on hepatic mitochondria and lipid metabolism in mice. Dexamethasone 21-phosphate (20 microM) did not inhibit the mitochondrial inner membrane-bound very-long-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase but inhibited the matrixlocated long-, medium-, and short-chain dehydrogenases. Dexamethasone 21-phosphate (20 microM) inhibited the first beta-oxidation cycle of [1-(14C)]butyric acid and [1-(14C)]octanoic acid but not that of [1-(14C)]palmitic acid. Administration of dexamethasone 21-phosphate (100 mg/kg) decreased the in vivo oxidation of [1-(14C)]butyric acid and [1-(14C)]octanoic acid into [14C]CO2 but not that of [1-(14C)]palmitic acid and decreased the hepatic secretion of triglycerides. After 5 days of treatment (100 mg/kg daily), hepatic triglycerides were increased and both microvesicular steatosis and ultrastructural mitochondrial lesions were present. In conclusion, glucocorticoids inhibit medium- and short-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenation and hepatic lipid secretion in mice. These effects may account for their steatogenic effects in humans.

Acyl-CoA Dehydrogenases↗

Antigenic targets in tienilic acid hepatitis. Both cytochrome P450 2C11 and 2C11-tienilic acid adducts are transported to the plasma membrane of rat hepatocytes and recognized by human sera.

Patients with tienilic acid hepatitis exhibit autoantibodies that recognize unalkylated cytochrome P450 2C9 in humans but recognize 2C11 in rats. Our aim was to determine whether the immune reaction is also directed against neoantigens. Rats were treated with tienilic acid and hepatocytes were isolated. Immunoprecipitation, immunoblotting, and flow cytometry experiments were performed with an anti-tienilic acid or an anti-cytochrome P450 2C11 antibody. Cytochrome P450 2C11 was the main microsomal or plasma membrane protein that was alkylated by tienilic acid. Inhibitors of vesicular transport decreased flow cytometric recognition of both unalkylated and tienilic acid-alkylated cytochrome P450 2C11 on the plasma membrane of cultured hepatocytes. Tienilic acid hepatitis sera that were preadsorbed on microsomes from untreated rats (to remove autoantibodies), poorly recognized untreated hepatocytes in flow cytometry experiments, but better recognized tienilic acid-treated hepatocytes. This recognition was decreased by adsorption with tienilic acid or by preexposure to the anti-tienilic acid or the anti-cytochrome P450 2C11 antibody. We conclude that cytochrome P450 2C11 is alkylated by tienilic acid and follows a vesicular route to the plasma membrane. Tienilic acid hepatitis sera contain antibodies against this tienilic acid adduct, in addition to the previously described anticytochrome P450 autoantibodies.

Alkylation↗

Cell-generated nitric oxide inactivates rat hepatocyte mitochondria in vitro but reacts with hemoglobin in vivo.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Nitric oxide forms inactive iron-nitrosyl complexes within hepatic mitochondria in vitro. However, when formed in vivo, NO might react instead with hemoglobin. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of cell-derived NO on rat hepatocyte mitochondria in vitro and in vivo. METHODS: First, hepatocytes were cultured in vitro for 24 hours under a porous membrane supporting macrophages that were stimulated by endotoxin. Second, hepatic macrophage hyperplasia was induced in vivo by preadministration of killed Corynebacterium parvum; 7 days later, rats received endotoxin and were killed after 6 hours. Third, mitochondria were exposed to sodium nitroprusside in vitro, washed, mixed with blood, and recovered. RESULTS: Iron-nitrosyl complexes and hepatocyte mitochondrial dysfunction were observed in the in vitro model and prevented by an NO synthase inhibitor. In the in vivo model, however, despite a 130-fold increase in plasma nitrate levels and formation of hemoglobin-NO complexes in blood, no iron-nitrosyl complex was detected in hepatic mitochondria, and hepatic mitochondrial function was not impaired. In the third model, mitochondria lost preformed iron-nitrosyl complexes when exposed to blood. CONCLUSIONS: Although NO reacts with hepatocyte mitochondria in vitro, in vivo it reacts with sinusoidal hemoglobin without detectable impairment of hepatic mitochondrial function.

Animals↗

Uncoupling of rat and human mitochondria: a possible explanation for tacrine-induced liver dysfunction.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Tacrine administration (1-3 mg/kg) may lead to sinusoidal concentrations in the micromolar range and produce liver dysfunction in 50% of recipients. The aim of this study was to determine the cellular effects of tacrine that account for liver dysfunction. METHODS: The effects of tacrine on mitochondrial function were determined in isolated rat liver mitochondria, cultured rat hepatocytes, and isolated human lymphocytes. RESULTS: In vitro, tacrine was taken up by rat liver mitochondria, decreased their membrane potential, and stimulated their respiration. Ex vivo, respiration was increased in rat mitochondria isolated 30 minutes after the administration of 2 mg of tacrine per kilogram. After 7 days of culture, tacrine (2.5 mumol/L) decreased rat hepatocyte adenosine triphosphate levels. Ten micromolar decreased 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium reduction and neutral red uptake without modifying cell glutathione, the morphology of the endoplasmic reticulum, or protein synthesis. Tacrine (1.25 mumol/L) decreased levels of adenosine triphosphate in human lymphocytes. CONCLUSIONS: The weak base tacrine exerts a protonophoric effect in mitochondria that wastes energy and decreases levels of adenosine triphosphate in rat and human cells. These effects are visible after clinically relevant doses of tacrine and might be involved in tacrine-induced liver dysfunction.

Animals↗

Cytochrome P4502B follows a vesicular route to the plasma membrane in cultured rat hepatocytes.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Autoantibodies against cytochrome P450 are found in some forms of autoimmune hepatitis. Cytochrome P450 is synthesized and mainly located in the endoplasmic reticulum but may also be expressed on the plasma membrane of hepatocytes. Vesicles migrate from the endoplasmic reticulum to the Golgi apparatus and then to the plasma membrane along microtubules. We determined the route followed by cytochrome P4502B to reach the plasma membrane. METHODS: Rat hepatocytes were cultured for 2 hours after plating with various inhibitors of cellular trafficking. Detached, uncut, nonpermeabilized hepatocytes were then exposed to a monoclonal antibody specific for cytochrome P4502B and studied by flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. RESULTS: The plasma membrane expression of cytochrome P4502B was markedly decreased after 2 hours of culture with cycloheximide (an inhibitor of protein synthesis), caffeine at 20 degrees C (conditions that decrease vesicular transport from the endoplasmic reticulum to the Golgi apparatus), brefeldin A (which redistributes Golgi components back to the endoplasmic reticulum), monensin (an inhibitor of Golgi functions), and colchicine, vinblastine, or nocodazole (three microtubule inhibitors). CONCLUSIONS: Part of cytochrome P4502B follows a microtubule-dependent vesicular route from the endoplasmic reticulum to the plasma membrane in cultured rat hepatocytes.

Animals↗

The interleukin-2 receptor down-regulates the expression of cytochrome P450 in cultured rat hepatocytes.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Interleukin (IL) 2 is used in advanced cancers, but its effects on cytochrome P450 remain unknown. Other cytokines down-regulate hepatic cytochrome P450, but it is not known whether this involves cytokine receptors. The aim of this study was to determine whether the IL-2 receptor is expressed on hepatocytes and whether its activation by IL-2 depresses cytochrome P450 in cultured rat hepatocytes. METHODS: A monoclonal antibody specific for the rat IL-2 receptor alpha chain was used to label the receptor, whereas effects on cytochrome P450 were determined after 24 hours of culture with human recombinant IL-2 (5000 U/mL). RESULTS: The presence of the IL-2 receptor in hepatocytes was shown by immunoblots, flow cytometry, and scanning confocal microscopy. IL-2 caused a 46% decrease in total cytochrome P450; a 35%, 35%, 36%, 26%, and 56% decrease in immunoreactive cytochrome P4501A1, 2B, 2C11, 2D1, and 3A, respectively; and a marked decrease in cytochrome P4503A2 and 2C11 messenger RNAs. Addition to the culture medium of the anti-receptor antibody or the tyrosine kinase inhibitor genistein prevented the IL-2-mediated decrease in cytochrome P450. CONCLUSIONS: IL-2 down-regulates the expression of cytochrome P450 genes in cultured rat hepatocytes by interacting with its receptor expressed on hepatocytes.

Animals↗