Cytochrome P450 (P450) enzymes are found in all kingdoms of life, catalysing a wide range of biosynthetic and metabolic processes. They are, in fact, of particular interest in a variety of applications such as the design of agents for the inhibition of a particular P450 to combat pathogens or the engineering of enzymes to produce a particular activity. Bacterial P450BM3 is of particular interest as it is a self-sufficient multi-domain protein with high reaction rates and a primary structure and function similar to mammalian isoforms. It is an attractive enzyme to study due to its potential for engineering catalysts with fast reaction rates which selectively produce molecules of high value.In order to study this enzyme in detail and characterise intermediate species and reactions, the first step was to design a general hybrid quantum mechanical /molecular mechanics (QM/MM) computational method for their investigation. Two QM/MM approaches were developed and tested against existing experimental and theoretical data and were then applied to subsequent investigations.The dissociation of water from the water-bound resting state was scrutinised to determine the nature of the spin conversion that occurs during this transformation. A displacement of merely 0.5 Å from the starting state was found to trigger spin crossing, with no requirement for the presence of a substrate or large conformational changes in the enzyme.A detailed investigation of the sulfoxidation reaction was undertaken to establish the nature of the oxidant species. Both reactions involving Compound 0 (Cpd0) and Compound I (CpdI) confirmed a concerted pathway proceeding via a single-state reactivity mechanism. As the reaction involving Cpd0 was found to be unrealistically high, the reaction proceeds preferentially via the quartet state of CpdI. This QM/MM study revealed that the preferred spin-state and the transition state structure for sulfoxidation are influenced by the protein environment. P450cam and P450BM3 were found to have CpdI species with different Fe-S distances and spin density distributions, and the latter having a larger reaction barrier for sulfoxidation.A novel P450 species, the doubly-reduced pentacoordinated system, was characterised using gas-phase and QM/MM methods. It was discovered to have a heme radical coupled to two unpaired electrons on the iron centre, making it the only P450 species to have similar characteristics to CpdI. Calculated spectroscopic parameters may assist experimentalists in the identification of the elusive CpdI.

No description available.

Oxifuncionalização de alcanos sob condições suaves de reação é uma difícil reação devido à elevada energia da ligação C-H nestas moléculas. Na natureza, algumas enzimas, com destaque para as monooxigenases do citocromo P-450, conseguem promover estas oxidações parciais com elevada eficiência e seletividade. Metaloporfirinas sintéticas têm sido estudadas como modelos químicos do citocromo P- 450, uma vez que estas enzimas possuem uma FeIIIporfirina como grupo prostético. Neste trabalho, estudou-se a oxifuncionalização dos alcanos cicloexano e npentano com iodosilbenzeno (PhIO) usando-se os catalisadores [Mn{T(4-N-MePy)P}]5+, [Mn(TPFP)]+, [Mn(TDCSPP)]3- e [Mn(TF4TMAPP)]5+ em meio homogêneo e suportados em matrizes de sílica quimicamente modificada via ligação iônica e/ou covalente, usando-se acetona, diclorometano e benzeno como solventes. Observou-se elevados rendimentos de produtos oxigenados (álcoois e cetonas), preferencialmente em reações catalisadas por [Mn(TF4TMAPP)]5+ tanto em meio homogêneo quanto suportada, tornando este catalisador como um dos mais promissores para oxidações de compostos orgânicos, principalmente quando imobilizado nos suportes SiSO3 - e SiSO3 -(IPG), uma vez que estes catalisadores suportados são facilmente obtidos e, além disso, as fortes interações eletrostáticas entre a MnIIIporfirina catiônica e os sólidos aniônicos evitam a lixiviação do Mn-complexo a partir do suporte durante a reação. No tocante à reatividade, notou-se diferença nos valores de razão álcool/cetona obtendo, de uma maneira geral, os menores valores para reações em acetona. Experimentos sob atmosfera inerte levaram a valores de razão álcool/cetona muito maiores, indicando a participação de O2 do ar no mecanismo da reação, independentemente do solvente. Estudos de efeito isotópico cinético intermolecular nas reações competitivas n-pentano ´ n-pentano perdeuterado indicaram, devido aos valores de kH/kD entre 6 e 7 obtidos em reações nos três solventes, que a etapa determinante de velocidade é a abstração de átomo de hidrogênio do alcano a partir de uma espécie metaloxo, muito provavelmente MnV=O, comum a todas as reações estudadas, as quais devem estar operando pelo clássico mecanismo de recombinação de oxigênio. Um estudo mais detalhado das oxidações catalíticas em meio de acetona, que conduzia a menores valores de razão álcool/cetona, levou à detecção do composto 1-(acetiloxi)-2-propanona, formado apenas em reações na presença de catalisador, sob atmosfera de ar e na presença de um dos dois substratos. Além disso, oxidações do cicloexano catalisadas por [Mn(TF4TMAPP)]-SiSO3 na presença de bromotriclorometano, substância capaz de reagir com radicais alquila, em diferentes solventes (diclorometano, 1,2-dicloroetano, benzeno e acetona) permitiu determinar um efeito da viscosidade na distribuição dos produtos álcoois e cetonas formados, que indicou que quanto menor a viscosidade do solvente, maior o escape de radicais alquila a partir da gaiola do solvente, o que é o responsável pelos menores valores de razão álcool/cetona encontrados em oxidações em meio de acetona. A partir de todos estes estudos determinou-se que o mecanismo de recombinação de oxigênio está operando em todas as oxidações catalíticas estudadas, mas com um considerável escape de radicais alquila a partir da gaiola do solvente, principalmente em solventes menos viscosos. O material [Mn(TPFP)]-APDES, obtido pelo método sol gel via ligação covalente entre grupos pentafluoro da metaloporfirina e grupos ?NH2 do silano, mostrou atividade catalítica satisfatória nas oxidações de n-pentano e cicloexano. / The oxyfunctionalisation of alkanes under mild conditions is a hard reaction due to the high energy of the C-H bond in these molecules. Some enzymes, from which it should be highlighted cytochromes P450 monooxygenases, are able to promote these oxidations with high efficiency and selectivity. Synthetic metalloporphyrins are often studied as chemical models of the cytochrome P450, since these enzymes contains a Fe(III)porphyrin in their prosthetic groups. This work reports studies on the oxyfunctionalisation of two alkanes, namely cyclohexane and n-pentane, with iodosylbenzene (PhIO) catalysed by the MnIIIporphyrins [Mn{T(4-N-MePy)P}]5+, [Mn(TPFP)]+, [Mn(TDCSPP)]3- and [Mn(TF4TMAPP)]5+ in homogeneous solutions as well as supported on chemically modified silica surfaces, via ionic and/or covalent binding, using acetone, dichloromethane and benzene as reaction solvents. It has been observed high yields of oxygenated products (alcohols and ketones), rather in reactions catalysed by [Mn(TF4TMAPP)]5+, in both conditions, homogeneous and heterogeneous, making this catalyst one of the most promising catalyst for oxidations of organic compounds, mainly when it is immobilised on the supports SiSO3 - e SiSO3 - (IPG), since these supported catalysts are easily obtained and, in addition, the strong electrostatic interactions between the cationic MnIIIporphyrin and the anionic supports avoid the leaching of the Mn-complex from the solid support during the reaction. On the reactivity, it has been noticed difference on the values of alcohol/ketone ratios, mainly for oxidations in acetone. Experiments under inert atmosphere clearly yielded higher values of alcohol/ketone ratio, indicationg the participation of O2 from the air in the reaction mechanism, apart of the solvent used. Studies of intermolecular kinetic isotope effect in the competitive reactions among n-pentane ´ perdeuterated n-pentane indicated, from the values of kH/kD between 6 and 7 obtained for the reactions in the three solvents, that the rate-limiting step is the hydrogen atom abstraction of the alkane from a metal-oxo species, much probably MnV=O, common to all reactions investigated, which should be operating by the classical oxygen rebound mechanism. A more detailed study of the catalytic oxidations in acetone, that conducted to lower values of alcohol/ketone ratio, allowed the detection of 1-(acetyloxi)-2-propanone, which is formed only in reactions with catalyst, under air atmosphere and in presence of substrate. Furthermore, cyclohexane oxidations catalysed by [Mn(TF4TMAPP)]-SiSO3 in presence of bromotrichloromethane, an alkyl radical trapping, in different solvents (dichloromethane, 1,2-dichloroethane, acetone and benzene) allowed us to determine a viscosity effect in the formation of the products alcohols and ketones, that indicated as less viscous is the solvent as high is the escape of alkyl radicals from the solvent cage, being it responsible by the lower values of alcohol/ketone ratios observed in acetone oxidations. From these studies, it has been determined the oxygen rebound mechanism is operating in all catalytic oxidations investigated in this work, but there is a significant escape of alkyl radicals from the solvent cage, mainly for reactions performed in less viscous solvents. The material [Mn(TPFP)]-APDES, obtained by the sol gel method via covalent binding between pentafluoro groups of the metalloporphyrin and ?NH2 groups of the silane, showed a satisfactory catalytic activity in oxidations of n-pentane and cyclohexane.

The flaxseed lignan, secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG), and its aglycone, secoisolariciresinol (SECO), have demonstrated benefits in the treatment and/or prevention of cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. In order for the lignans to be used therapeutically, the safety of administration alone and in conjunction with other drugs must be determined. The primary cause of drug interactions is induction and inhibition of cytochrome P450 (CYP) and phase II enzymes. A preliminary screen was conducted to assess the potential for SECO and SDG to cause CYP inhibition. A method was established to assess for CYP, glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and uridine diphosphate-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) induction in rat primary hepatocytes by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).<p>Preliminary assessments of inhibition measured the metabolism of testosterone to 6β-, 16α- and 2α-hydroxytestosterone, which corresponds to CYP3A, 2B/2C11 and 2C11 enzyme activity in rat hepatic microsomes by a validated high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. Irreversible inhibition studies found that SDG is not an inhibitor of these isoforms up to 1000 μM. Secoisolariciresinol caused reversible inhibition of 6β-hydroxytestosterone at all testosterone concentrations, with an IC50 (inhibitor concentration causing 50% inhibition of enzyme) between 400 and 800 μM. Over the range of SECO concentrations tested, 10 1600 μM, 6β-hydroxytestosterone formation was reduced to 95 29% of control levels at 50 μM testosterone.<p>Secoisolariciresinol caused a concentration-dependent increase in 16α-hydroxytestosterone formation at 50 μM testosterone. At 10 μM SECO, there was 90% of control activity, but at 1600 μM metabolite formation was 172% of control. The formation of 2α-hydroxytestosterone was not affected at any testosterone or inhibitor concentration. Thus, SECO appears to be a CYP3A inhibitor and a CYP2B activator at testosterone KM levels. The mechanism of reversible inhibition could not be determined due to the possibility of non-Michaelis-Menten kinetics observed with CYP3A inhibition and CYP2B activation. <p>The gold standard in vitro model to assess induction is primary hepatocytes. A method was established that allowed for the isolation and culture of these cells. Positive controls caused induction of CYP mRNA levels after 24 hours treatment, demonstrating the ability of enzyme induction in the test system. Primers for real-time RT-PCR were designed that amplified CYP1A1, 1A2, 2B1, 2C11, 2C13, 2D1, 2D2, 3A1 and 3A2, GSTA2, A5 and P1, and UGT1A1, 1A7, 1A8, 2B1 and 2B12 genes. A preliminary assessment of transcriptional upregulation of drug metabolizing enzymes by SECO and SDG can be assessed in isolated and cultured rat primary hepatocytes.

The flaxseed lignan, secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG), and its aglycone, secoisolariciresinol (SECO), have demonstrated benefits in the treatment and/or prevention of cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. In order for the lignans to be used therapeutically, the safety of administration alone and in conjunction with other drugs must be determined. The primary cause of drug interactions is induction and inhibition of cytochrome P450 (CYP) and phase II enzymes. A preliminary screen was conducted to assess the potential for SECO and SDG to cause CYP inhibition. A method was established to assess for CYP, glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and uridine diphosphate-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) induction in rat primary hepatocytes by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).<p>Preliminary assessments of inhibition measured the metabolism of testosterone to 6β-, 16α- and 2α-hydroxytestosterone, which corresponds to CYP3A, 2B/2C11 and 2C11 enzyme activity in rat hepatic microsomes by a validated high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. Irreversible inhibition studies found that SDG is not an inhibitor of these isoforms up to 1000 μM. Secoisolariciresinol caused reversible inhibition of 6β-hydroxytestosterone at all testosterone concentrations, with an IC50 (inhibitor concentration causing 50% inhibition of enzyme) between 400 and 800 μM. Over the range of SECO concentrations tested, 10 1600 μM, 6β-hydroxytestosterone formation was reduced to 95 29% of control levels at 50 μM testosterone.<p>Secoisolariciresinol caused a concentration-dependent increase in 16α-hydroxytestosterone formation at 50 μM testosterone. At 10 μM SECO, there was 90% of control activity, but at 1600 μM metabolite formation was 172% of control. The formation of 2α-hydroxytestosterone was not affected at any testosterone or inhibitor concentration. Thus, SECO appears to be a CYP3A inhibitor and a CYP2B activator at testosterone KM levels. The mechanism of reversible inhibition could not be determined due to the possibility of non-Michaelis-Menten kinetics observed with CYP3A inhibition and CYP2B activation. <p>The gold standard in vitro model to assess induction is primary hepatocytes. A method was established that allowed for the isolation and culture of these cells. Positive controls caused induction of CYP mRNA levels after 24 hours treatment, demonstrating the ability of enzyme induction in the test system. Primers for real-time RT-PCR were designed that amplified CYP1A1, 1A2, 2B1, 2C11, 2C13, 2D1, 2D2, 3A1 and 3A2, GSTA2, A5 and P1, and UGT1A1, 1A7, 1A8, 2B1 and 2B12 genes. A preliminary assessment of transcriptional upregulation of drug metabolizing enzymes by SECO and SDG can be assessed in isolated and cultured rat primary hepatocytes.

Recombinant adenoviruses, commonly used in gene therapy and vaccine applications, compromise the expression and function of hepatic CYP3A for 14 days. When given with docetaxel (DTX), plasma clearance of DTX (3.38 ± 0.22 l/kg.h) was significantly lower than those given DTX alone (6.41 ± 1.10 l/kg.h). The area under the plasma concentration-time curve of DTX in rats given virus (2,987.37 ± 197.97 ng/ml.h) was significantly greater than those given drug alone (1,666.59 ± 317.04 ng/ml.h). The virus extended the half-life of DTX three-fold. This may explain why adenoviral vectors improve chemotherapy. PEGylation of the virus reduced interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-12, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), aspartate transaminase (AST) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels in mice and non-human primates. PEGylation dramatically reduced transduction efficiency of virus in the baboon liver and did not alter hepatic transgene expression in the mouse. Unmodified and PEGylated virus (3 x 1012 vp/kg) reduced hepatic CYP3A4 protein by 60% and 40%, respectively 96 hours after virus administration. Catalytic activity was decreased by 55% and 45% with respect to an untreated control by the native and PEGylated viruses respectively. This suggests that changes in hepatic CYP3A during infection is not entirely due to the immune response and these observed effects most likely occur in humans. The effects of adenovirus on hepatic CYP3A expression and function in mice, however, resolved at a faster rate than that in baboons. HC-04 cells are a suitable in vitro model to study virus infection and hepatic CYP3A function. A panel of adenoviruses inhibited CYP3A catalytic activity and induced changes in expression and distribution of retinoid X receptor alpha (RXRα), pregnane X receptor (PXR) and constitutive androstane (CAR) receptors. Virus (1.5 x 1011 vp) inhibited CYP3A in the mouse. When the ability of the virus to bind to integrins was removed, changes in CYP were not detected. Treatment with a RGD peptide, that binds to integrins, reduced CYP3A activity in a manner similar to the virus. Silencing of β3 and β5 integrins also resolved changes in CYP3A activity during infection, suggesting that simple engagement of integrin receptors can initiate changes in CYP3A. / text

No description available.

No description available.

Oxifuncionalização de alcanos sob condições suaves de reação é uma difícil reação devido à elevada energia da ligação C-H nestas moléculas. Na natureza, algumas enzimas, com destaque para as monooxigenases do citocromo P-450, conseguem promover estas oxidações parciais com elevada eficiência e seletividade. Metaloporfirinas sintéticas têm sido estudadas como modelos químicos do citocromo P- 450, uma vez que estas enzimas possuem uma FeIIIporfirina como grupo prostético. Neste trabalho, estudou-se a oxifuncionalização dos alcanos cicloexano e npentano com iodosilbenzeno (PhIO) usando-se os catalisadores [Mn{T(4-N-MePy)P}]5+, [Mn(TPFP)]+, [Mn(TDCSPP)]3- e [Mn(TF4TMAPP)]5+ em meio homogêneo e suportados em matrizes de sílica quimicamente modificada via ligação iônica e/ou covalente, usando-se acetona, diclorometano e benzeno como solventes. Observou-se elevados rendimentos de produtos oxigenados (álcoois e cetonas), preferencialmente em reações catalisadas por [Mn(TF4TMAPP)]5+ tanto em meio homogêneo quanto suportada, tornando este catalisador como um dos mais promissores para oxidações de compostos orgânicos, principalmente quando imobilizado nos suportes SiSO3 - e SiSO3 -(IPG), uma vez que estes catalisadores suportados são facilmente obtidos e, além disso, as fortes interações eletrostáticas entre a MnIIIporfirina catiônica e os sólidos aniônicos evitam a lixiviação do Mn-complexo a partir do suporte durante a reação. No tocante à reatividade, notou-se diferença nos valores de razão álcool/cetona obtendo, de uma maneira geral, os menores valores para reações em acetona. Experimentos sob atmosfera inerte levaram a valores de razão álcool/cetona muito maiores, indicando a participação de O2 do ar no mecanismo da reação, independentemente do solvente. Estudos de efeito isotópico cinético intermolecular nas reações competitivas n-pentano ´ n-pentano perdeuterado indicaram, devido aos valores de kH/kD entre 6 e 7 obtidos em reações nos três solventes, que a etapa determinante de velocidade é a abstração de átomo de hidrogênio do alcano a partir de uma espécie metaloxo, muito provavelmente MnV=O, comum a todas as reações estudadas, as quais devem estar operando pelo clássico mecanismo de recombinação de oxigênio. Um estudo mais detalhado das oxidações catalíticas em meio de acetona, que conduzia a menores valores de razão álcool/cetona, levou à detecção do composto 1-(acetiloxi)-2-propanona, formado apenas em reações na presença de catalisador, sob atmosfera de ar e na presença de um dos dois substratos. Além disso, oxidações do cicloexano catalisadas por [Mn(TF4TMAPP)]-SiSO3 na presença de bromotriclorometano, substância capaz de reagir com radicais alquila, em diferentes solventes (diclorometano, 1,2-dicloroetano, benzeno e acetona) permitiu determinar um efeito da viscosidade na distribuição dos produtos álcoois e cetonas formados, que indicou que quanto menor a viscosidade do solvente, maior o escape de radicais alquila a partir da gaiola do solvente, o que é o responsável pelos menores valores de razão álcool/cetona encontrados em oxidações em meio de acetona. A partir de todos estes estudos determinou-se que o mecanismo de recombinação de oxigênio está operando em todas as oxidações catalíticas estudadas, mas com um considerável escape de radicais alquila a partir da gaiola do solvente, principalmente em solventes menos viscosos. O material [Mn(TPFP)]-APDES, obtido pelo método sol gel via ligação covalente entre grupos pentafluoro da metaloporfirina e grupos ?NH2 do silano, mostrou atividade catalítica satisfatória nas oxidações de n-pentano e cicloexano. / The oxyfunctionalisation of alkanes under mild conditions is a hard reaction due to the high energy of the C-H bond in these molecules. Some enzymes, from which it should be highlighted cytochromes P450 monooxygenases, are able to promote these oxidations with high efficiency and selectivity. Synthetic metalloporphyrins are often studied as chemical models of the cytochrome P450, since these enzymes contains a Fe(III)porphyrin in their prosthetic groups. This work reports studies on the oxyfunctionalisation of two alkanes, namely cyclohexane and n-pentane, with iodosylbenzene (PhIO) catalysed by the MnIIIporphyrins [Mn{T(4-N-MePy)P}]5+, [Mn(TPFP)]+, [Mn(TDCSPP)]3- and [Mn(TF4TMAPP)]5+ in homogeneous solutions as well as supported on chemically modified silica surfaces, via ionic and/or covalent binding, using acetone, dichloromethane and benzene as reaction solvents. It has been observed high yields of oxygenated products (alcohols and ketones), rather in reactions catalysed by [Mn(TF4TMAPP)]5+, in both conditions, homogeneous and heterogeneous, making this catalyst one of the most promising catalyst for oxidations of organic compounds, mainly when it is immobilised on the supports SiSO3 - e SiSO3 - (IPG), since these supported catalysts are easily obtained and, in addition, the strong electrostatic interactions between the cationic MnIIIporphyrin and the anionic supports avoid the leaching of the Mn-complex from the solid support during the reaction. On the reactivity, it has been noticed difference on the values of alcohol/ketone ratios, mainly for oxidations in acetone. Experiments under inert atmosphere clearly yielded higher values of alcohol/ketone ratio, indicationg the participation of O2 from the air in the reaction mechanism, apart of the solvent used. Studies of intermolecular kinetic isotope effect in the competitive reactions among n-pentane ´ perdeuterated n-pentane indicated, from the values of kH/kD between 6 and 7 obtained for the reactions in the three solvents, that the rate-limiting step is the hydrogen atom abstraction of the alkane from a metal-oxo species, much probably MnV=O, common to all reactions investigated, which should be operating by the classical oxygen rebound mechanism. A more detailed study of the catalytic oxidations in acetone, that conducted to lower values of alcohol/ketone ratio, allowed the detection of 1-(acetyloxi)-2-propanone, which is formed only in reactions with catalyst, under air atmosphere and in presence of substrate. Furthermore, cyclohexane oxidations catalysed by [Mn(TF4TMAPP)]-SiSO3 in presence of bromotrichloromethane, an alkyl radical trapping, in different solvents (dichloromethane, 1,2-dichloroethane, acetone and benzene) allowed us to determine a viscosity effect in the formation of the products alcohols and ketones, that indicated as less viscous is the solvent as high is the escape of alkyl radicals from the solvent cage, being it responsible by the lower values of alcohol/ketone ratios observed in acetone oxidations. From these studies, it has been determined the oxygen rebound mechanism is operating in all catalytic oxidations investigated in this work, but there is a significant escape of alkyl radicals from the solvent cage, mainly for reactions performed in less viscous solvents. The material [Mn(TPFP)]-APDES, obtained by the sol gel method via covalent binding between pentafluoro groups of the metalloporphyrin and ?NH2 groups of the silane, showed a satisfactory catalytic activity in oxidations of n-pentane and cyclohexane.

Phorate (O,O-diethyl S-ethylthiomethyl phosphorodithioate) is a toxic organophosphate anticholinesterase insecticide. Organophosphate insecticides can cause respiratory depression and seizures due to acetylcholinesterase inhibition. Inhibited acetylcholinesterase cannot break down the neurotransmitter, acetylcholine; thus, causing an overload of acetylcholine in synapses and neuromuscular junctions. Oxidative desulfuration, from metabolism by cytochrome P450 enzymes, converts the P=S phosphorothionate group on phorate to the P=O oxon group. Electrophilic oxon groups attack the active site on acetylcholinesterase, inducing the toxicity associated with organophosphate insecticides. Possible further bioactivation to phorate-oxon-sulfoxide and phorate-oxon-sulfone near the site of acetylcholinesterase in the brain may increase acetylcholinesterase inhibitory potency. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rat brain and liver microsomes were used to determine the proportions of the phorate metabolites formed through bioactivation. Phorate-sulfoxide was produced in much greater proportion than any other metabolite, which may contribute to the delay observed in phorate toxicity as it takes longer to produce phorate-oxon, phorate-oxon-sulfoxide, or phorate-oxon-sulfone metabolites.