The molecular mechanisms of two common polymorphisms of drug oxidation-evidence for functional changes in cytochrome P-450 isozymes catalysing bufuralol and mephenytoin oxidation

Xenobiotica ◽  
1986 ◽  
Vol 16 (5) ◽  
pp. 449-464 ◽  
Author(s):  
U. A. Meyer ◽  
J. Gut ◽  
T. Kronbach ◽  
C. Skoda ◽  
U. T. Meier ◽  
...  
2005 ◽  
Vol 34 (3) ◽  
pp. 889-908 ◽  
Author(s):  
S Bauersachs ◽  
S E Ulbrich ◽  
K Gross ◽  
S E M Schmidt ◽  
H H D Meyer ◽  
...  

The endometrium plays a central role among the reproductive tissues in the context of early embryo–maternal communication and pregnancy. It undergoes typical changes during the sexual/oestrous cycle, which are regulated by the ovarian hormones progesterone and oestrogen. To identify the underlying molecular mechanisms we have performed the first holistic screen of transcriptome changes in bovine intercaruncular endometrium at two stages of the cycle – end of day 0 (late oestrus, low progesterone) and day 12 (dioestrus, high progesterone). A combination of subtracted cDNA libraries and cDNA array hybridisation revealed 133 genes showing at least a 2-fold change of their mRNA abundance, 65 with higher levels at oestrus and 68 at dioestrus. Interestingly, genes were identified which showed differential expression between different uterine sections as well. The most prominent example was the UTMP (uterine milk protein) mRNA, which was markedly upregulated in the cranial part of the ipsilateral uterine horn at oestrus. A Gene Ontology classification of the genes with known function characterised the oestrus time by elevated expression of genes, for example related to cell adhesion, cell motility and extracellular matrix and the dioestrus time by higher expression of mRNAs encoding for a variety of enzymes and transport proteins, in particular ion channels. Searching in pathway databases and literature data-mining revealed physiological processes and signalling cascades, e.g. the transforming growth factor-β signalling pathway and retinoic acid signalling, which are potentially involved in the regulation of changes of the endometrium during the oestrous cycle.


2008 ◽  
Vol 104 (2) ◽  
pp. 551-558 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert H. Fitts

The functional correlates of fatigue observed in both animals and humans during exercise include a decline in peak force (P0), maximal velocity, and peak power. Establishing the extent to which these deleterious functional changes result from direct effects on the myofilaments is facilitated through understanding the molecular mechanisms of the cross-bridge cycle. With actin-myosin binding, the cross-bridge transitions from a weakly bound low-force state to a strongly bound high-force state. Low pH reduces the number of high-force cross bridges in fast fibers, and the force per cross bridge in both fast and slow fibers. The former is thought to involve a direct inhibition of the forward rate constant for transition to the strong cross-bridge state. In contrast, inorganic phosphate (Pi) is thought to reduce P0 by accelerating the reversal of this step. Both H+ and Pi decrease myofibrillar Ca2+ sensitivity. This effect is particularly important as the amplitude of the Ca2+ transient falls with fatigue. The inhibitory effects of low pH and high Pi on P0 are reduced as temperature increases from 10 to 30°C. However, the H+-induced depression of peak power in the slow fiber type, and Pi inhibition of myofibrillar Ca2+ sensitivity in slow and fast fibers, are greater at high compared with low temperature. Thus the depressive effects of H+ and Pi at in vivo temperatures cannot easily be predicted from data collected below 25° C. In vitro, reactive oxygen species reduce myofibrillar Ca2+ sensitivity; however, the importance of this mechanism during in vivo exercise is unknown.


2001 ◽  
Vol 280 (5) ◽  
pp. L965-L973 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catherine Benoit ◽  
Barbara Renaudon ◽  
Dany Salvail ◽  
Eric Rousseau

Epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) are produced from arachidonic acid via the cytochrome P-450 epoxygenase pathway. EETs are able to modulate smooth muscle tone by increasing K+ conductance, hence generating hyperpolarization of the tissues. However, the molecular mechanisms by which EETs induce smooth muscle relaxation are not fully understood. In the present study, the effects of EETs on airway smooth muscle (ASM) were investigated using three electrophysiological techniques. 8,9-EET and 14,15-EET induced concentration-dependent relaxations of the ASM precontracted with a muscarinc agonist (carbamylcholine chloride), and these relaxations were partly inhibited by 10 nM iberiotoxin (IbTX), a specific large-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ (BKCa) channel blocker. Moreover, 3 μM 8,9- or 14,15-EET induced hyperpolarizations of −12 ± 3.5 and −16 ± 3 mV, with EC50 values of 0.13 and 0.14 μM, respectively, which were either reversed or blocked on addition of 10 nM IbTX. These results indicate that BKCa channels are involved in hyperpolarization and participate in the relaxation of ASM. In addition, complementary experiments demonstrated that 8,9- and 14,15-EET activate reconstituted BKCa channels at low free Ca2+ concentrations without affecting their unitary conductance. These increases in channel activity were IbTX sensitive and correlated well with the IbTX-sensitive hyperpolarization and relaxation of ASM. Together these results support the view that, in ASM, the EETs act through an epithelium-derived hyperpolarizing factorlike effect.


2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Karl-Henrik Grinnemo ◽  
Marie Löfling ◽  
Lubov Nathanson ◽  
Roland Baumgartner ◽  
Daniel F. J. Ketelhuth ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), due to their regenerative and immunomodulatory properties, are therapeutically used for diseases, including heart failure. As early gestational-phase embryonic tissues exhibit extraordinary regenerative potential, fetal MSCs exposed to inflammation offer a unique opportunity to evaluate molecular mechanisms underlying preferential healing, and investigate their inherent abilities to communicate with the immune system during development. The principal aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of interferon-γ (IFNγ) on the immunomodulatory effects of first-trimester human fetal cardiac (hfc)-MSCs. Methods hfcMSCs (gestational week 8) were exposed to IFNγ, with subsequent analysis of the whole transcriptome, based on RNA sequencing. Exploration of surface-expressed immunoregulatory mediators and modulation of T cell responses were performed by flow cytometry. Presence and activity of soluble mediators were assessed by ELISA or high-performance liquid chromatography. Results Stimulation of hfcMSCs with IFNγ revealed significant transcriptional changes, particularly in respect to the expression of genes belonging to antigen presentation pathways, cell cycle control, and interferon signaling. Expression of immunomodulatory genes and associated functional changes, including indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase activity, and regulation of T cell activation and proliferation via programmed cell death protein (PD)-1 and its ligands PD-L1 and PD-L2, were significantly upregulated. These immunoregulatory molecules diminished rapidly upon withdrawal of inflammatory stimulus, indicating a high degree of plasticity by hfcMSCs. Conclusions To our knowledge, this is the first study performing a systematic evaluation of inflammatory responses and immunoregulatory properties of first-trimester cardiac tissue. In summary, our study demonstrates the dynamic responsiveness of hfcMSCs to inflammatory stimuli. Further understanding as to the immunoregulatory properties of hfcMSCs may be of benefit in the development of novel stromal cell therapeutics for cardiovascular disease.


Author(s):  
Mansi Verma ◽  
Sujata Basu ◽  
Manisha Singh ◽  
Rachana R. ◽  
Simrat Kaur ◽  
...  

Parkinson's disease (PD) has been reported to be the most common neurodegenerative diseases all over the world. Several proteins are associated and responsible for causing PD. One such protein is α-synuclein. This chapter discusses the role of α-synuclein in PD. Various genetic and epigenetic factors, which cause structural and functional changes for α-synuclein, have been described. Several molecular mechanisms, which are involved in regulating mitochondrial and lysosomal related pathways and are linked to α-synuclein, have been discussed in detail. The knowledge gathered is further discussed in terms of using α-synuclein as a diagnostic marker for PD and as a novel therapeutic target for the same.


2018 ◽  
Vol 27 (5) ◽  
pp. 729-738 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shoubing Zhang ◽  
Enkui Duan

As the most voluminous organ of the body that is exposed to the outer environment, the skin suffers from both intrinsic and extrinsic aging factors. Skin aging is characterized by features such as wrinkling, loss of elasticity, laxity, and rough-textured appearance. This aging process is accompanied with phenotypic changes in cutaneous cells as well as structural and functional changes in extracellular matrix components such as collagens and elastin. In this review, we summarize these changes in skin aging, research advances of the molecular mechanisms leading to these changes, and the treatment strategies aimed at preventing or reversing skin aging.


2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kevin F. H. Lee ◽  
Cary Soares ◽  
Jean-Claude Béïque

The majority of fast excitatory synaptic transmission in the central nervous system takes place at protrusions along dendrites called spines. Dendritic spines are highly heterogeneous, both morphologically and functionally. Not surprisingly, there has been much speculation and debate on the relationship between spine structure and function. The advent of multi-photon laser-scanning microscopy has greatly improved our ability to investigate the dynamic interplay between spine form and function. Regulated structural changes occur at spines undergoing plasticity, offering a mechanism to account for the well-described correlation between spine size and synapse strength. In turn, spine structure can influence the degree of biochemical and perhaps electrical compartmentalization at individual synapses. Here, we review the relationship between dendritic spine morphology, features of spine compartmentalization and synaptic plasticity. We highlight emerging molecular mechanisms that link structural and functional changes in spines during plasticity, and also consider circumstances that underscore some divergence from a tight structure-function coupling. Because of the intricate influence of spine structure on biochemical and electrical signalling, activity-dependent changes in spine morphology alone may thus contribute to the metaplastic potential of synapses. This possibility asserts a role for structural dynamics in neuronal information storage and aligns well with current computational models.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Orlando A. Acevedo ◽  
Roslye V. Berrios ◽  
Linmar Rodríguez-Guilarte ◽  
Bastián Lillo-Dapremont ◽  
Alexis M. Kalergis

The induction of trained immunity represents an emerging concept defined as the ability of innate immune cells to acquire a memory phenotype, which is a typical hallmark of the adaptive response. Key points modulated during the establishment of trained immunity include epigenetic, metabolic and functional changes in different innate-immune and non-immune cells. Regarding to epigenetic changes, it has been described that long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) act as molecular scaffolds to allow the assembly of chromatin-remodeling complexes that catalyze epigenetic changes on chromatin. On the other hand, relevant metabolic changes that occur during this process include increased glycolytic rate and the accumulation of metabolites from the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, which subsequently regulate the activity of histone-modifying enzymes that ultimately drive epigenetic changes. Functional consequences of established trained immunity include enhanced cytokine production, increased antigen presentation and augmented antimicrobial responses. In this article, we will discuss the current knowledge regarding the ability of different cell subsets to acquire a trained immune phenotype and the molecular mechanisms involved in triggering such a response. This knowledge will be helpful for the development of broad-spectrum therapies against infectious diseases based on the modulation of epigenetic and metabolic cues regulating the development of trained immunity.


2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 103-113 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shotaro Uehara ◽  
Toru Oshio ◽  
Kazuyuki Nakanishi ◽  
Etsuko Tomioka ◽  
Miyu Suzuki ◽  
...  

Background: Common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) are potentially useful nonhuman primate models for preclinical studies. Information for major drug-metabolizing cytochrome P450 (P450) enzymes is now available that supports the use of this primate species as an animal model for drug development. Here, we collect and provide an overview of information on the activities of common marmoset hepatic and intestinal microsomes with respect to 28 typical human P450 probe oxidations. Results: Marmoset P450 2D6/8-dependent R-metoprolol O-demethylation activities in hepatic microsomes were significantly correlated with those of midazolam 1′- and 4-hydroxylations, testosterone 6β-hydroxylation, and progesterone 6β-hydroxylation, which are probe reactions for marmoset P450 3A4/5/90. In marmosets, the oxidation activities of hepatic microsomes and intestinal microsomes were roughly comparable for midazolam and terfenadine. Overall, multiple forms of marmoset P450 enzymes in livers and intestines had generally similar substrate recognition functionalities to those of human and/or cynomolgus monkey P450 enzymes. Conclusion: The marmoset could be a model animal for humans with respect to the first-pass extraction of terfenadine and related substrates. These findings provide a foundation for understanding individual pharmacokinetic and toxicological results in nonhuman primates as preclinical models and will help to further support understanding of the molecular mechanisms of human P450 function.


1998 ◽  
Vol 111 (6) ◽  
pp. 759-767
Author(s):  
G. Herrmann ◽  
P. Brenneisen ◽  
M. Wlaschek ◽  
J. Wenk ◽  
K. Faisst ◽  
...  

Premature aging of the skin is a prominent side effect of psoralen photoactivation, a treatment used widely for various skin disorders. The molecular mechanisms underlying premature aging upon psoralen photoactivation are as yet unknown. Here we show that treatment of fibroblasts with 8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP) and subsequent ultraviolet A (UVA) irradiation resulted in a permanent switch of mitotic to stably postmitotic fibroblasts which acquired a high level of de novo expression of SA-beta-galactosidase, a marker for fibroblast senescence in vitro and in vivo. A single exposure of fibroblasts to 8-MOP/UVA resulted in a 5.8-fold up-regulation of two matrix-degrading enzymes, interstitial collagenase (MMP-1) and stromelysin-1 (MMP-3), over a period of >120 days, while TIMP-1, the major inhibitor of MMP-1 and MMP-3, was only slightly induced. This imbalance between matrix-degrading metalloproteases and their inhibitor may lead to connective tissue damage, a hallmark of premature aging. Superoxide anion and hydrogen peroxide, but not singlet oxygen, were identified as important intermediates in the downstream signaling pathway leading to these complex fibroblast responses upon psoralen photoactivation. Collectively, the end phenotype induced upon psoralen photoactivation shares several criteria of senescent cells. In the absence of detailed molecular data on what constitutes normal aging, it is difficult to decide whether the changes reported here reflect mechanisms underlying normal cellular aging/senescence or rather produce a mimic of cellular aging/senescence by quite different pathways.


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