• Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.155-164
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• 2006

Great inter-variability in drug response and adverse drug reactions is related to inter-variability of drug bioavailability, drug interaction and patient's disease and physyological state that cause change in absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion of drugs. However, these alone do not sufficiently predict and explain inter-variability in drug response. In recent studies, it is reported that inter-variability in drug response and adverse drug reactions may largely resulted from genetically determined differences in drug absoption, distribution, metabolism and drug target proteins. Especially, the major human drug-metabolizing enzymes such as CYP450, N-acetyl tranferase, thiopurine S-methyl transferase, glutathione S-transferase are identified as the major gene variants that cause inter-individual variability in drug's response and adverse drug reactions. These variations may have most significant implications for those drugs that have narrow therapeutic index and serious adverse drug reactions. Therefore, the genetic variation such as polymorphisms in drug metabolizing enzymes can affect the response of individuals to drugs that are used in the treatment of depression, psychosis, cancer, cardiovascular disorders, ulcer and gastrointestinal disorders, pain and epilepsy, among others. This review describes the pharmacogenomics of the drug metabolizing enzymes associated with the drug response and its clinical applications.

• Toxicological Research
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• v.17
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• pp.299-304
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• 2001

Xenobiotics and their reactive intermediates bind to cellular macromolecules and/or generate oxidative stress. which provoke deleterious effects on the cell function. Induction of xenobiotic-biotrans-forming enzymes and antioxidant molecules is an important defense mechanism against such insults. A group of genes involved in the defense mechanism. e.g. genes encoding glutathione S-transferases. NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase, UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UDP-GT) and ${\gamma}$-glutamylcysteine synthetase (GGCS). have a common regulatory sequence, Antioxidant or Electrophile Responsive Element (ARE/EpRE). Recently. Nrf2. discovered as a homologue of erythroid transcription factor p45 NF-E2, was shown to bind ARE/EpRE and induce the expression of these defense genes. Mice that lack Nrf2 show low basal levels of expression and/or impaired induction of these genes. which makes the animals highly sensitive to xenobiotic toxicity. Indeed. we show here that nrf2-deficient mice had a higher mortality than did the wild-type mice when exposed to acetaminophen (APAP). Detailed analyses of APAP hepatotoxicity in the nrf2 knockout mice indicate that a large amount of reactive APAP metabolites was generated in the livers due to the impaired basal expression of two detoxifying enzyme genes, UDP-GT (Ugt1a6) and GGCS. while the cytochrome P450 content was unchanged. Thus. the studies using the nrf2 knockout mice clearly demonstrate significance of the expression of Nrf2-regulated enzymes in protection against xenobiotic toxicity.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.82-88
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• 2023

Genomic analysis indicated that the genome of Drosophila melanogaster contains more than 80 cytochrome P450 genes. To date, the enzymatic activity of these P450s has not been extensively studied. Here, the biochemical properties of CYP6A8 were characterized. CYP6A8 was cloned into the pCW vector, and its recombinant enzyme was expressed in Escherichia coli and purified using Ni²⁺-nitrilotriacetate affinity chromatography. Its expression level was approximately 130 nmol per liter of culture. Purified CYP6A8 exhibited a low-spin state in the absolute spectra of the ferric forms. Binding titration analysis indicated that lauric acid and capric acid produced type I spectral changes, with K_d values 28 ± 4 and 144 ± 20 µM, respectively. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis showed that the oxidation reaction of lauric acid produced (ω-1)-hydroxylated lauric acid as a major product and ω-hydroxy-lauric acid as a minor product. Steady-state kinetic analysis of lauric acid hydroxylation yielded a k_cat value of 0.038 ± 0.002 min^-1 and a K_m value of 10 ± 2 µM. In addition, capric acid hydroxylation of CYP6A8 yielded kinetic parameters with a k_cat value of 0.135 ± 0.007 min^-1 and a K_m value of 21 ± 4 µM. Because of the importance of various lipids as carbon sources, the metabolic analysis of fatty acids using CYP6A8 in this study can provide an understanding of the biochemical roles of P450 enzymes in many insects, including Drosophila melanogaster.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.33 no.6
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• pp.965-972
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• 2004

In the present study, it is observed that Monascus diet may have a hepatoprotective effect on the liver damage induced by bromobenzene in rats. By treatment with bromobenzene (400 mg/kg, i.p.) once a day for 3 consecutive days, the liver damage was reduced in rats fed 2% Monascus diet, based on the liver functional and histopathological findings. Furthermore, retreatment of bromobenzene to the animals with damaged liver showed higher decreasing rate of hepatic glutathione content and increasing rate of cytochrome P450 dependent aniline hydroxylase activity at 4 h in rats fed 2% Monascus diet than those fed STD diet, and V$_{max}$ in glutathione S-transferase was higher in liver of rats fed 2% Monascus diet than those fed STD diet. On the other hand, activities of antioxidant enzymes such as hepatic glutathione S-transferase, catalase and superoxide dismutase were generally higher both in bromobenzene and 2% Monascus diet treated group than those fed STD diet. In conclusion, the rats fed 2% Monascus diet showed lower liver damage than those fed STD diet, which may be due to the acceleration of bromobenzene metabolism and detoxication of oxygen free radicals.s.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.149-154
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• 2014

Effects of diallyl sulfide (DAS) on thioacetamide-induced hepatotoxicity and immunotoxicity were investigated. When male Sprague-Dawley rats were treated orally with 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg of DAS in corn oil for three consecutive days, the activity of cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2E1-selective p-nitrophenol hydroxylase was dose-dependently suppressed. In addition, the activities of CYP 2B-selective benzyloxyresorufin O-debenzylase and pentoxyresorufin O-depentylase were significantly induced by the treatment with DAS. Western immunoblotting analyses also indicated the suppression of CYP 2E1 protein and/or the induction of CYP 2B protein by DAS. To investigate a possible role of metabolic activation by CYP enzymes in thioacetamide-induced hepatotoxicity, rats were pre-treated with 400 mg/kg of DAS for 3 days, followed by a single intraperitoneal treatment with 100 and 200 mg/kg of thioacetamide in saline for 24 hr. The activities of serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase significantly elevated by thioacetamide were protected in DAS-pretreated animals. Likewise, the suppressed antibody response to sheep erythrocytes by thioacetamide was protected by DAS pretreatment in female BALB/c mice. Taken together, our present results indicated that thioacetamide might be activated to its toxic metabolite(s) by CYP 2E1, not by CYP 2B, in rats and mice.

• Applied Microscopy
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• v.36 no.4
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• pp.291-297
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• 2006

To evaluate the effects of ingestion of alcoholic drinks on the toxicities of industrial compounds, cyclohexane (CH) was intraperitoneally administrated to rats (1.56g/kg body weight), which had been ingested 15% ethanol for up to 6 weeks,4 times by once a day and every other day. Following the last treatment of ethanol or CH, blood and liver tissues were collected after 4 hours prior to sacrifice of animals. By the injection of CH, liver weight (% of body weight) and xanthine oxidase activity in serum were increased, and glucose-6-phasphatase (G6P) activity in liver was decreased compared to them of control group. The activities of CH metabolizing enzymes, such as cytochrome P450 dependent aniline hydroxylase (CYPdAH) and alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), were significantly increased by injection of CH, and those activities were the highest in CH-injected group after pretreated with alcohol. Ultrastructurally. both of alcohol treatment and CH injection induced transforming into the smooth-endoplasmic reticulum from rough-endoplasmic reticulum, the those rate was the highest in case of CH-injection after pretreated with alcohol. From these results, it is suggested that alcohol intake on a level without alcoholic degeneration of hepatocytes could enhance the CH metabolism of liver.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.42 no.3
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• pp.370-378
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• 2018

Background: Ginseng has been the subject of many experimental and clinical studies to uncover the diverse biological activities of its constituent compounds. It is a traditional medicine that has been used for its immunostimulatory, antithrombotic, antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects. Ginseng may interact with concomitant medications and alter metabolism and/or drug transport, which may alter the known efficacy and safety of a drug; thus, the role of ginseng may be controversial when taken with other medications. Methods: We extensively assessed the effects of Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) in rats on the expression of enzymes responsible for drug metabolism [cytochrome p450 (CYP)] and transporters [multiple drug resistance (MDR) and organic anion transporter (OAT)] in vitro and on the pharmacokinetics of two probe drugs, midazolam and fexofenadine, after a 2-wk repeated administration of KRG at different doses. Results: The results showed that 30 mg/kg KRG significantly increased the expression level of CYP3A11 protein in the liver and 100 mg/kg KRG increased both the mRNA and protein expression of OAT1 in the kidney. Additionally, KRG significantly increased the mRNA and protein expression of OAT1, OAT3, and MDR1 in the liver. Although there were no significant changes in the metabolism of midazolam to its major metabolite, 1'-hydroxymidazolam, KRG significantly decreased the systemic exposure of fexofenadine in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusion: Because KRG is used as a health supplement, there is a risk of KRG overdose; thus, a clinical trial of high doses would be useful. The use of KRG in combination with P-glycoprotein substrate drugs should also be carefully monitored.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.212-217
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• 1999

The effects of nuruk and wheat bran on cholesterol level in serum and activities of free radical metabolizing enzymes were investigated in rats. The rats were fed a diet containing nuruk or wheat bran for one month. Body weight and food intake were measured. Animals were sacrificed after one month. The increased food efficiency ratio throughout whole growth period was observed in the rats fed with either nuruk containing Aspergillus terreus or wheat bran compared with control group on normal diet. In the rats fed with nuruk, hepatic GSH content, glutathione S transferase activity, hepatic cytochrome P 450 content, and aniline hydroxylase activities were generally increased. In the rats fed with nuruk containing other fungi except Aspergillus terreus, xanthine oxidase activity was decreased. The decreased cholesterol level in serum was observed in rats fed with nuruk prepared from Aspergillus terreus and wheat bran. LDL cholesterol level was decreased in rats fed with nuruk prepared with other fungi such as Penicillium sp. and Rhizopus sp. But HDL cholesterol level was increased in all groups fed with nuruk from any fungi and wheat bran. These results suggested that nuruk or wheat bran supplemented diet might exert their effect by decreasing cholesterol level in serum and amount of oxygen free radical level.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition Conference
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• 2004.11a
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• pp.65-70
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• 2004

Modulation of biotransformation enzymes is one mechanism by which a diet high in fruits and vegetable may influence cancer risk. Inhibition of cytochrome P450s (CYP) and concomitant induction of conjugating enzymes are hypothesized to reduce the impact of carcinogens in humans. Thus, exposure to types and amounts of phytochemicals may influence disease risk. Like other xenobiotics, many classes of phytochemicals are rapodly conjugated with glutathione, glucuronide, and sulfate moieties and excreted in urine and bile. In humans, circulating phytochemical levels very widely among individuals even in response to controlled dietary interventions. Polymorphisms in biotransformation enzymes, such as the glutathione S-transferases (GST), UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UGT), and sulfotransferases (SULT), may ocntribute to the variability in phytochemical clearance and efficacy; polymorphic enzymes with lower enzyme activity prolong the half-lives of phytochmicals in vivo. Isothiocyanates (ITC) in cruciferous vegetables are catalyzed by the four major human GSTs: however reaction velocities of the enzymes differ greatly. In some observational studies of cancer, polymorphisms in the GSTMI and GSTTI genes that result in complete lack of GSTM1-1 protein, respectively, confer greater protection from cruciferous vegetable in individuals with these genotypes. Similarly, we have shown in a controlled dietary trial that levels of GST-alpha-induced by ITC-are higher in GSTMI-null individuals exposed to cruciferous vegetablse. The selectivity of glucuronosyl conjugation of flavonoids is dependent both on flavonoid structure as well as on the UGI isozyme involved in its conjuagtion. The effects of UGI polymorphisms on flavonoid clearnace have not been examind; but polymorphisms affect glucuronidation of several drugs. Given the strong interest in the chemopreventive effects of flavonoids, systematic evaluation of these polymorphic UGTs and flavonoid pharmacokinetics are warranted. Overall, these studies suggest that for phytochemicals that are metabolized by, and affect activity of, biotransformation enzymes, interactions between genetic polymorphisms in the enzymes and intake of the compounds should be considered in studies of cancer risk. Genetic polymorphisms in biotransformation enzymes may account in prat for individual variation in metabolism of a wide range of phytochemicals and their ultimate impact on health.

• Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.39 no.1
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• pp.77-83
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• 1996

Effects of insecticide carbofuran and Phenobarbital sodium(PB) or 3-methylcholanthrene(3-MC) on activities of several enzymes in israeli carps were investigated. Survival number of Israeli carp was the same as that of control when PB and 3-MC only was treated, individually and that was low compared to control when carbofuran only was treated. But survival rate of Israeli carp was high compared to individual treatment of carbofuran when combination treatment of carbofuran and PB or 3-MC was carried out. These results indicate that PB and 3-MC can intervene to detoxify carbofuran exposed to israeli carp. In in vivo test for the effect of this chemicals on activity of enzyme in israeli carp, activities of acetylcholinesterase(AChE) and glutathione S-transferase(GST) were inhibited in carbofuran treatment, but did not in combination treatment of carbofuran and P3 or 3-MC. Activities of UDP-glucuronosyltransfe-rase (UDPGT) and cytochrome P-450-dependent monooxygenase increased in individual or combined treatments of carbofuran and PB or 3-MC. These results suggest that a simultaneous application of carbofuran and PB or 3-MC is critical for the enhancement of activity of AChE, GST, UDPGT and monooxygenase and the protection of Israeli carp from carbofuran toxicity.