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Cyclosporin metabolism by human gastrointestinal mucosal microsomes

I R Webber1, W H Peters, D J Back

  • 1Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Liverpool.

Insights

Human gastrointestinal mucosal microsomes metabolize the immunosuppressant cyclosporin (CsA). The gut wall contributes to CsA

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology
  • Drug Metabolism
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Cyclosporin (CsA) is a vital immunosuppressant.
  • Its oral bioavailability is highly variable.
  • Understanding CsA metabolism is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the in vitro metabolism of CsA by human gastrointestinal mucosal microsomes.
  • To determine the role of the gut wall in CsA first-pass metabolism.

Main Methods:

  • Human intestinal and liver tissues obtained from kidney transplant donors.
  • Microsomal preparation and incubation.
  • High-performance liquid chromatography (h.p.l.c.) for metabolite analysis.
  • Western blotting to detect cytochrome P450 3A (CYP3A).

Main Results:

  • Intestinal metabolism of CsA was observed, particularly in the duodenum.
  • Significant conversion of CsA to metabolites M1/M17 occurred.
  • Cytochrome P450 3A, responsible for CsA metabolism, was present in the duodenum and ileum, but not the colon.
  • Liver microsomes also showed CsA metabolism.

Conclusions:

  • The gut wall plays a significant role in the first-pass metabolism of CsA.
  • This intestinal metabolism may contribute to the observed variability in CsA oral bioavailability.
  • Further research into gut wall metabolism is warranted.

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