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Reaction of thiol nucleophiles with 1,2-epoxy- and 4,5-epoxy-estrene-3-one-17 beta-ols.

Four ring A steroidal epoxyenones as probable intermediate in the formation of catechol estrogens were synthesized. The isomeric 1 alpha,2 alpha-epoxy-17 beta-hydroxyestr-4-en-3-one (9) and 1 beta,2 beta-epoxy-17 beta-hydroxyestr-4-en-3-one (8) were synthesized from 17 beta-hydroxy-5 alpha-estra-3-one. The isomeric 4 alpha,5 alpha-epoxy-17 beta-hydroxyestr-1-en-3-one (11) and 4 beta,5 beta-epoxy-17 beta-hydroxyestr-1-en-3-one (10) were prepared from 19-nortestosterone. The reaction of 9 and 10 with sodium/ethanethiol resulted in the formation of three types of reactions leading to multiple products: 1,4-addition, opening of epoxide, and epoxide opening followed by dehydration. Reaction of 8 with ethanethiol gave only one compound identified as 2-ethanethio-1,4-estradien-17 beta-ol-3-one, while reaction of 9 with ethanethiol gave an unusual product identified as 4-estren-1 alpha,17 beta-diol-3-one. Unlike reaction of ethanethiol with 9 and 10, reaction with N-acetylecysteine or glutathione results in epoxide opening followed by dehydration leading to the formation of estradiol-4-thioethers.

Epoxy Compounds↗

Steroid sulfation by expressed human cytosolic sulfotransferases.

The human cytosolic sulfotransferases (STs), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfotransferase (DHEA-ST) and the phenol-sulfating form of phenol sulfotransferase, (P-PST), have been expressed in bacteria and used to investigate the ability of the cloned enzymes to conjugate steroids and related compounds. DHEA-ST was capable of sulfating all of the 3-hydroxysteroids, testosterone and estrogens tested as substrates. The 3-hydroxysteroids, androsterone, epiandrosterone and androstenediol, were conjugated at 50-60% of the rate of DHEA. Of the steroids tested, P-PST was capable of conjugating only the estrogens. The catechol estrogens, 2-hydroxyestradiol, 4-hydroxyestradiol and 4-hydroxyestrone, and compounds with estrogenic activity such as 17 alpha-ethynyl-estradiol and trans-4-hydroxytamoxifen, were also tested as substrates. DHEA-ST showed little or no sulfation activity with these compounds; however, all of these compounds were sulfated by P-PST. These results indicate that the expressed human STs are valuable in analyzing the overlapping substrate specificities of these enzymes and that P-PST may have an important role in the metabolism of estrogens and estrogenic compounds in human tissues.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Formation of M1G-dR from endogenous and exogenous ROS-inducing chemicals.

The present study provides fundamental information regarding the production of M1G-dR by ROS. To investigate the production of M1G-dR from deoxyribose damage as caused by ROS, calf thymus DNA (CT-DNA) was incubated with NAD(P)H, CuCl2, and various concentrations of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The incubation of CT-DNA with H2O2 resulted in concentration-dependent increases in the number of M1G-dR adducts. In subsequent experiments, 1,4-tetrachlorobenzoquinone or catechol estrogens were evaluated for their effects on M1G-dR formation. In addition, the role of lipid peroxidation in the formation of M1G-dR was verified using an in vitro lipid peroxidation model which consisted of methyl esters of either fish oil or purified fatty acids found in cellular membranes. This experiment confirmed that M1G-dR is a major DNA adduct produced by lipid peroxidation. Furthermore, the number of double bonds in polyunsaturated fatty acids was found to be the key factor in the formation of M1G-dR. The findings obtained from this study provide important information regarding the molecular pathways for M1G-dR formation by ROS, which is an essential element in understanding and evaluating the genotoxicity of a variety of ROS-inducing chemicals.

DNA↗

4-Hydroxylation of estradiol by human uterine myometrium and myoma microsomes: implications for the mechanism of uterine tumorigenesis.

Estradiol is converted to catechol estrogens via 2- and 4-hydroxylation by cytochrome P450 enzymes. 4-Hydroxyestradiol elicits biological activities distinct from estradiol, most notably an oxidant stress response induced by free radicals generated by metabolic redox cycling reactions. In this study, we have examined 2- and 4-hydroxylation of estradiol by microsomes of human uterine myometrium and of associated myomata. In all eight cases studied, estradiol 4-hydroxylation by myoma has been substantially elevated relative to surrounding myometrial tissue (minimum, 2-fold; mean, 5-fold). Estradiol 2-hydroxylation in myomata occurs at much lower rates than 4-hydroxylation (ratio of 4-hydroxyestradiol/2-hydroxyestradiol, 7.9 +/- 1.4) and does not significantly differ from rates in surrounding myometrial tissue. Rates of myometrial 2-hydroxylation of estradiol were also not significantly different from values in patients without myomata. We have used various inhibitors to establish that 4-hydroxylation is catalyzed by a completely different cytochrome P450 than 2-hydroxylation. In myoma, alpha-naphthoflavone and a set of ethynyl polycyclic hydrocarbon inhibitors (5 microM) each inhibited 4-hydroxylation more efficiently (up to 90%) than 2-hydroxylation (up to 40%), indicating > 10-fold differences in Ki (<0.5 microM vs. > 5 microM). These activities were clearly distinguished from the selective 2-hydroxylation of estradiol in placenta by aromatase reported previously (low Km, inhibition by Fadrozole hydrochloride or ICI D1033). 4-Hydroxylation was also selectively inhibited relative to 2-hydroxylation by antibodies raised against cytochrome P450 IB1 (rat) (53 vs. 17%). These data indicate that specific 4-hydroxylation of estradiol in human uterine tissues is catalyzed by a form(s) of cytochrome P450 related to P450 IB1, which contribute(s) little to 2-hydroxylation. This enzyme(s) is therefore a marker for uterine myomata and may play a role in the etiology of the tumor.

Benzoflavones↗

Interaction of 4-hydroxylated estradiol and potential-sensitive Ca2+ channels in altering uterine blood flow during the estrous cycle and early pregnancy in gilts.

This study was conducted to define further the role of catechol estrogens (CE) as intermediates in estrogen-stimulated uterine hyperemia. Previous studies from our laboratory strongly suggest that changes in uterine blood flow (UBF) result from alterations in uterine arterial tone (distensibility) and/or contractility (reactivity to alpha 1-adrenergic agonists). Tone changes appear to set the baseline rate of flow, whereas contractility changes result in short-term reductions in luminal diameter. Changes in uterine arterial tone and contractility result from alterations in Ca2+ uptake through potential-sensitive channels (PSCs) and receptor-operated channels (ROCs), respectively. Uterine and mesenteric arteries were removed from 6 gilts at estrus (Day 0), 9 gilts on Day 13 of gestation (high estrogen, high UBF), and 8 gilts on Day 13 of the estrous cycle (low estrogen, low UBF). Arterial measurements included initial tone (baseline perfusion pressure [BPP] to a constant intraluminal flow) and increased tone after exposure to KCl, the contractility in response to the alpha 1-agonist phenylephrine, and specific uptake of 45Ca before and after exposure to the CE 4-hydroxylated estradiol (4OH-E2). Contractility of uterine arteries from Day 13 nonpregnant (NP) and Day 13 pregnant (P) gilts to phenylephrine were similar and significantly greater (p less than 0.01) than contractility of vessels from estrous gilts. The BPP and responses of uterine arteries from Day 13 NP gilts to KCl were greater (p less than 0.05) than the BPP and responses of arteries from Day 13 P and estrous gilts, which were similar to each other.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

Characterization of catechol glucuronidation in rat liver.

Catechols are a class of substances from natural or synthetic origin that contain a 1,2-dihydroxybenzene group. We have characterized the glucuronidation by rat liver microsomes and by the rat liver recombinant UDP-glucuronosyltransferase isoforms UGT1A6 and UGT2B1 of a series of 42 structurally diverse catechols, including neurotransmitters, polyphenols, drugs, and catechol estrogens. Small catechols (4-nitrocatechol, 2,3-dihydroxybenzaldehyde, 4-methylcatechol, and tetrachlorocatechol), tyrphostine A23, and octylgallate were glucuronidated at the highest rate by rat liver microsomes and the recombinant enzymes. By contrast, polyphenols from green tea (catechin and related compounds), 3,5-dinitrocatechol, the catechol-O-methyltransferase inhibitor drugs (entacapone, nitecapone, and tolcapone), the carboxyl catechols (gallic acid and dihydroxybenzoic acid derivatives), and the neurotransmitters and dopaminergic drugs, except dobutamine, were glucuronidated at low rate. Glucuronidation of most catechols was increased upon treatment of rats by 3-methylcholanthrene (3-MC) or Aroclor 1254. No induction was observed after administration of phenobarbital and clofibrate or treatment with catechols. Partial least-squares modeling was carried out to explain the variations of glucuronidation activity by liver microsomes of nontreated and 3-MC-treated rats. The model developed explained 82% and predicted 61% of the variations of glucuronidation activities. Among the 17 electronic and substructure parameters used that characterize the catechols, the hydrophobicity/molar volume ratio of catechols showed a strong positive correlation with the glucuronidation rate. The effect of the pK(a) of the catechol group was modeled to be nonlinear, the optimal pK(a) value for glucuronidation being between 8 and 9. Hydrogen bonding and steric effects also were important to account for to predict the glucuronidation rates.

Animals↗

Quantitative analysis of constitutive and 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin-induced cytochrome P450 1B1 expression in human lymphocytes.

Exposure to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD or dioxin) results in a broad spectrum of biological responses, including altered metabolism, disruption of normal hormone signaling pathways, reproductive and developmental effects, and cancer. Cytochrome P450 1B1 (CYP1B1) is a dioxin-inducible gene that is active in the formation of 4-hydroxyestradiol, a potentially genotoxic catechol estrogen. Therefore, the analysis of CYP1B1 in humans may be useful in establishing relationships between dioxin exposure and adverse health effects. In this study, we examined the expression of CYP1B1 in human peripheral blood lymphocytes of unexposed individuals using a quantitative reverse transcription-PCR method. Absolute CYP1B1 RNA levels varied more than 30-fold in uncultured mononuclear cells obtained from 10 individuals. In vitro treatment of mitogen-stimulated lymphocytes with TCDD for 1-5 days of culture resulted in a peak induction of CYP1B1 after 3 days. The induction of CYP1B1 RNA levels after 3 days of culture was dose-dependent, exhibited a maximum response above 10 nM TCDD, and varied greatly among different individuals. However, the half maximal dose required for this induction was similar between individuals and comparable to that observed in the MCF-7 and HepG2 human cell lines. These observations indicate that CYP1B1 exhibits variable constitutive expression and is inducible in vitro by TCDD in human lymphocytes and that the magnitude of induction varies within the population. These data define the suitability of CYP1B1 for use as a mechanistically based biomarker in ongoing molecular epidemiological studies of human populations exposed to dioxins and related chemicals that bind the aromatic hydrocarbon receptor.

Adult↗

Microbiological hydroxylation of estradiol: formation of 2- and 4-hydroxyestradiol by Aspergillus alliaceus.

Microorganisms known to hydroxylate alkaloids, amino acids, and aromatic substrates were examined for their potential to hydroxylate 17 beta-estradiol and estrone. Thin-layer chromatography of fermentation extracts revealed a wide range of steroid products. Aspergillus alliaceus (UI 315) was the only culture capable of producing good yields of catechol estrogens with 17 beta-estradiol. The organism also transformed estrone but not to catechol products. Analytical experiments with high-performance liquid chromatography revealed that A. alliaceus formed 4- and 2-hydroxyestradiol with yields of 45 and 16%, respectively. A preparative-scale incubation was conducted in 2 liters of medium containing 1 g of 17 beta-estradiol as substrate. 4-Hydroxyestradiol was isolated and identified by proton nuclear magnetic resonance and high-resolution mass spectrometry. Ascorbic acid was added to microbial reaction mixtures as an antioxidant to prevent the decomposition of unstable catechol estrogen metabolites. The microbial transformation of 17 beta-estradiol by A. alliaceus provides an efficient one-step method for the preparation of catechol estrogens.

Aspergillus↗

2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) effects on hepatic microsomal steroid metabolism and serum estradiol of pregnant rats.

Experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of administration of low, but fetotoxic quantities of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) during pregnancy on steroid metabolism in liver microsomes. Oral administration of 1 microgram X kg-1 X day-1 of TCDD to pregnant rats on days 7-19 of gestation reduced maternal weight gain during pregnancy. Analysis of litters on day 20 showed that fetuses from TCDD-treated dams had a 66% incidence of visceral lesions characterized by intestinal hemorrhage. Liver microsomes prepared from TCDD-treated dams on day 20 of gestation exhibited a 2- to 3-fold increase in cytochrome P-450 content which was accompanied by a shift in the absorbance optimum of the dithionite reduced-CO spectrum to 448 nm. Catechol estrogen formation activity was decreased by 50-75% in hepatic microsomes from TCDD-treated dams. In contrast 7 alpha-hydroxylation of testosterone increased nearly 4-fold, while 16 alpha- and 6 beta-hydroxylase activities were unchanged in microsomes following exposure to TCDD. Thus, the inhibition of catechol estrogen formation associated with TCDD treatment did not reflect a general decrease in microsomal steroid hydroxylase activities. Insofar as catechol estrogen formation is physiologically a major pathway for estrogen metabolism, serum concentrations of 17 beta-estradiol were measured in a second group of pregnant rats treated with TCDD on days 4-15 of gestation. Serum estradiol levels were not different between control and treated dams at this stage of pregnancy. Thus, the present study does not support a link between TCDD-mediated inhibition of catechol estrogen formation measured in vitro in liver microsomes and altered circulating estradiol levels in vivo during pregnancy.

Animals↗

Effect of androgen and estrogen treatment on hamster liver and kidney estrogen 2-/4-hydroxylase activity.

The activity of microsomal estrogen 2-/4-hydroxylase enzyme (ESH), which mediates the formation of catechol estrogens, was determined in the hamster kidney and liver under different endocrine states and after treatment with diethylstilbestrol (DES) and 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone alone or in combination. Our results indicate that at least 64% of the renal ESH activity is localized in the kidney cortex. Employing either estrone or 17 beta-estradiol as substrate, a significant decline in renal ESH activity was observed after castration, with estrone remaining the more active substrate. In contrast, hepatic ESH activity, which is about 2.0- to 2.5-fold higher than the kidney enzyme, was not altered after gonadectomy using either estrogen substrate. A further reduction in renal ESH activity was found in DES-treated castrated hamsters when estrone was used. Androgen treatment resulted in a nearly 2-fold increase in kidney ESH activity using either estrogen substrate. Animals treated concomitantly with DES and 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone exhibited catechol estrogen formation similar to untreated castrate hamster kidney microsomes. In contrast, hamster liver ESH activity was unaffected by androgen treatment. HPLC profiles of the catechol estrogen monomethyl ethers confirm these changes. Hamster kidney ESH activity in females was only 5-7% of that in intact males. Ovariectomy resulted in a 3-fold increase in the activity of this microsomal enzyme with either estrogen substrate. ESH activity was substantially increased in uteri of intact animals after androgen treatment. These data clearly demonstrate that ESH activity is under androgen control, particularly in the hamster kidney of both sexes, and may be pertinent in understanding the antagonism of this hormone in estrogen-induced renal tumorigenesis.

Androgens↗

2-Hydroxy-4-glutathion-S-yl-17beta-estradiol and 2-hydroxy-1-glutathion-S-yl-17beta-estradiol produce oxidative stress and renal toxicity in an animal model of 17beta-estradiol-mediated nephrocarcinogenicity.

Chronic exposure of male Syrian hamsters to a variety of estrogens has been linked with a high incidence of renal carcinoma. The basis of this species and tissue specificity remains to be resolved. We have recently shown that (i) 17beta-estradiol is nephrotoxic in the hamster in a manner dependent upon the activity of gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase and (ii) 17beta-estradiol is metabolized to a variety of catechol estrogen glutathione conjugates (Butterworth et al., Carcinogenesis, 18, 561-567, 1997). We report that the catechol estrogen glutathione conjugates exhibit redox properties similar to those of the catechol estrogens, and maintain the ability to generate superoxide radicals. Administration of 2-hydroxy-4-glutathion-S-yl-17beta-estradiol or 2-hydroxy-1-glutathion-S-yl-17beta-estradiol (0.27-5.0 micromol/kg) to Syrian hamsters, produces mild nephrotoxicity. Repeated daily administration of 2-hydroxy-4-glutathion-S-yl-17beta-estradiol causes a sustained elevation in urinary markers of renal damage and in the concentration of renal protein carbonyls and lipid hydroperoxides. Catechol estrogen oxidation and conjugation of glutathione in the liver, followed by the selective uptake of the redox active conjugates in tissues rich in gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase may contribute to 17beta-estradiol-induced renal tumors in the hamster.

Animals↗

Estrogens as endogenous genotoxic agents--DNA adducts and mutations.

Estrogens induce tumors in laboratory animals and have been associated with breast and uterine cancers in humans. In relation to the role of estrogens in the induction of cancer, we examine formation of DNA adducts by reactive electrophilic estrogen metabolites, formation of reactive oxygen species by estrogens and the resulting indirect DNA damage by these oxidants, and, finally, genomic and gene mutations induced by estrogens. Quinone intermediates derived by oxidation of the catechol estrogens 4-hydroxyestradiol or 4-hydroxyestrone may react with purine bases of DNA to form depurinating adducts that generate highly mutagenic apurinic sites. In contrast, quinones of 2-hydroxylated estrogens produce less harmful, stable DNA adducts. The catechol estrogen metabolites may also generate potentially mutagenic oxygen radicals by metabolic redox cycling or other mechanisms. Several types of indirect DNA damage are caused by estrogen-induced oxidants, such as oxidized DNA bases, DNA strand breakage, and adduct formation by reactive aldehydes derived from lipid hydroperoxides. Estradiol and the synthetic estrogen diethylstilbestrol also induce numerical and structural chromosomal aberrations and several types of gene mutations in cells in culture and in vivo. In conclusion, estrogens, including the natural hormones estradiol and estrone, must be considered genotoxic carcinogens on the basis of the evidence outlined in this chapter.

Animals↗

Determination of estradiol 2- and 4-hydroxylase activities by gas chromatography with electron-capture detection.

A highly sensitive assay has been developed for measuring the rate of formation of 2-hydroxyestradiol and 4-hydroxyestradiol from estradiol by microsomal preparations. Catechol estrogens were converted to heptafluorobutyryl esters, which were separated by capillary column gas chromatography and quantified using electron-capture detection. 2-Hydroxyestradiol 17-acetate was used as an internal standard. The identity of catechol estrogen derivatives was verified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry using negative-ion chemical ionization. Estrogens were identified by negative molecular ions and/or by characteristic fragments. This procedure permits quantification of catechol estrogens at the subpicogram level. The assay was validated by comparing estrogen 2- and 4-hydroxylase activities in microsomes from hamster and rat liver with values reported previously.

Animals↗

Suppression of the preovulatory luteinizing hormone surge in the rat by 2-hydroxyestrone: relationship to endogenous estradiol levels.

Injection of 100 micrograms 2-hydroxyestrone (2OHE1) at various times on the morning of proestrus into normal 4-day-cycling rats results in abolition of the preovulatory LH surge in a number of animals tested. The greatest response was observed when the administration of 2OHE1 coincided with endogenous estradiol (E2) levels that were close to but not at their maximal proestrous levels. The catechol estrogen failed to abolish the LH surge if given much earlier or after the E2 maximum had already been reached. The effectiveness of 2OHE1 inhibition of the LH surge was greatly increased by the administration of 1 microgram E2 1 h before the catechol estrogen. 2OHE1 did not interfere with LH secretion in response to LHRH administration, indicating that the inhibitory action of the catechol estrogen is exercised at the hypothalamic level. In contrast to its inhibition of the positive feedback, 2OHE1 administered either before or after the injection of E2 to ovariectomized rats had no effect on the negative feedback of the hormone on pituitary LH secretion. The narrow and specific "time window" on proestrus when an injection of 2OHE1 results in the abolition of the preovulatory LH surge and its relation to the endogenous E2 preovulatory secretion suggest that the catechol estrogen interferes with a brief neuronal triggering event obligatory for LHRH release. The evidence also indicates that this action does not involve conventional competition for the E2 receptor.

Animals↗

The multicomponent analysis of estrogens in urine by ion exchange chromatography and GC-MS--I. Quantitation of estrogens after initial hydrolysis of conjugates.

A method for the multicomponent analysis of estrogens in urine after initial hydrolysis of the conjugates is described. Following protection of the carbonyl functions by ethoximation, estrogen conjugates were extracted on Sep-Pak C18 cartridges and purified on the acetate form of DEAE-Sephadex. The samples were subsequently hydrolysed by Helix pomatia juice and the hydrolysate was purified on the acetate form of QAE-Sephadex. Estrogens with vicinal cis-hydroxyls and diphenolic compounds were fractionated on the borate and bicarbonate form of QAE-Sephadex, respectively. Neutral steroids were removed by the free base form of DEAE-Sephadex after which estrogens were separated into two groups using Lipidex 5000 in a straight phase system. Following trimethylsilyl ether derivatization estrogens were analysed by selected ion monitoring (SIM). The method allows the quantitation of all the important estrogen metabolites including catechol estrogens. It is precise, accurate and sensitive permitting the quantitation of estrogens in urine of males and non-pregnant females.

Chromatography, Ion Exchange↗

Stable isotope dilution high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization mass spectrometry method for endogenous 2- and 4-hydroxyestrones in human urine.

A sensitive, precise and accurate stable isotope dilution high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization mass spectrometry method has been developed for measuring endogenous 2- and 4-hydroxyestrones, the main catechol estrogens in human urine. Compared to the published methods using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, this approach simplifies sample preparation and increases the throughput of analysis. The unique part of our method is the use of a simple and rapid derivatization step that forms a hydrazone at the C-17 carbonyl group of catechol estrogens. This derivatization step has greatly enhanced method sensitivity as well as HPLC separability of 2- and 4-hydroxyestrones. Standard curves were linear over a 100-fold calibration range with correlation coefficients for the linear regression curves typically greater than 0.996. The lower limit of quantitation for each catechol estrogen is 1 ng per 10-ml urine sample, with an accuracy of 97-99% and overall precision, including the hydrolysis, extraction and derivatization steps, of 1-3% for samples prepared concurrently and 2-11% for samples prepared in several batches. This method is adequate for measuring the low endogenous levels of catechol estrogens in urine from postmenopausal women.

Adult↗

Inhibition of glutathione S-transferase activity by the quinoid metabolites of equine estrogens.

The risk factors for women developing breast and endometrium cancers are all associated with a lifetime of estrogen exposure. Estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) in particular has been correlated with a slight increased cancer risk, although the numerous benefits of ERT may negate this harmful side effect. Equilenin and equilin are equine estrogens which make up between 30% and 45% of the most widely prescribed estrogen replacement formulation, Premarin (Wyeth-Ayerst). In this study we have synthesized the catechol metabolites of equilenin [4-hydroxyequilenin (4-OHEN)] and equilin [4-hydroxyequilin (4-OHEQ)] and examined how changing unsaturation in the B ring affects the formation of o-quinone GSH conjugates and the ability of the o-quinones and/or GSH conjugates to inhibit glutathione S-transferase (GST). Interestingly, both 4-OHEN and 4-OHEQ autoxidized to o-quinones without the need of oxidative enzyme catalysis. 4-OHEN-o-quinone reacts with GSH to give two mono-GSH conjugates and one diadduct. The behavior of 4-OHEQ was found to be more complex than 4-OHEN as conjugates resulting from 4-OHEN were detected in addition to the 4-OHEQ GSH adducts. Both 4-OHEN and 4-OHEQ were found to be potent inhibitors of GST-catalyzed conjugation of GSH with 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene. In contrast, the endogenous catechol estrogens, 4-hydroxyestrone (4-OHE) and 2-hydroxyestrone (2-OHE), were without effect unless tyrosinase was present to convert the catechols to o-quinones. Scavengers of reactive oxygen species and metal chelators had no effect on GST inhibition by catechol estrogens with the exception of the catalase which protected GST activity. Kinetic studies showed that 4-OHEN was a potent irreversible inactivator of GST. Preincubation of the enzyme with 4-OHEN showed a time-dependent increase in inhibitory effect, and gel filtration did not restore GST activity confirming the irreversible nature of the enzyme inactivation. Analysis of the Kitz-Wilson plot gave a dissociation constant of the reversible enzyme-inhibitor complex (Ki = 620 microM) and a rate constant of conversion of the reversible enzyme-inhibitor complex to the irreversibly inhibited enzyme (k2 = 7.3 x 10(-)3 s-1). These data suggest that 4-OHEN is an irreversible inactivator with relatively low affinity for GST; however, once formed the 4-OHEN enzyme complex is rapidly converted to the irreversibly inhibited enzyme. The inhibition mechanism likely involves oxidation of the catechol estrogens to o-quinones and covalent modification and/or oxidation of critical amino acid residues on GST. In addition, hydrogen peroxide generated through redox cycling of the o-quinone and/or semiquinone radical and GSH could cause oxidative damage to GST.

Animals↗

A new method for the determination of estrogen-2-hydroxylase activity.

A new method is described for determining the activity of a monooxygenase, acting by specific hydroxylation at the 2- position of the aromatic ring of estrogenic compounds with the formation of catechol estrogens. The procedure is based on separation of the catechol estrogen product from the substrate by high performance reversed-phase chromatography with amperometric detection in a thin-layer flow-cell by electrooxidation at a graphite-paste anode. Due to the very high detector sensitivity for the enzymatically generated product and an uncomplicated overall performance, the method offers great advantages over the radioenzymatic assay described earlier.

Animals↗