Cytochrome P450 modification by a new oxazine derivative with hypolipidemic activity

Plasma lipoprotein levels, related to atheromatosis, are influenced by liver function. Microsomal enzyme inducers are reported to modify serum lipoproteins and triglycerides. In this study, the effects of subchronic and acute treatment of rats with 3-(4-biphenyl)-3-n-propoxy-octahydro-1,4-pyrido[2,1-c]oxazine, a novel compound with hypolipidemic and antioxidant activities, on rat hepatic microsomal protein and total cytochrome P450, as well as on p-nitrophenol hydroxylase (CYP2E) and erythromycin N-demethylase (CYP3A) activities are examined. The subchronic treatment had no significant effect on liver weight, microsomal protein and total cytochrome P450. The acute administration lowered considerably cytochrome P450 content. The metabolic activities of CYP2E1 and CYP3A1/2 were not altered by the subchronic treatment, but were notably decreased after the single administration of 3-(4-biphenyl)-3-n-propoxy-octahydro-1,4-pyrido[2,1-c]oxazine. The inhibition of drug metabolism by 3-(4-biphenyl)-3-n-propoxy-octahydro-1,4-pyrido[2,1-c]oxazine cannot be completely correlated with the modification of plasma cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL cholesterol, although published data connect microsomal enzyme induction with a decrease of these parameters. This discrepancy could be attributed to the different biochemical events involved in enzyme induction and inhibition.