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Benzo(a)pyrene hydroxylase activity in human bronchial mucus.
European Journal of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics
|January 1, 1986
Summary
Human bronchial mucus from respiratory patients metabolizes benzo(a)pyrene. Clarification is essential for detecting benzo(a)pyrene hydroxylase (BPH) activity, which can be modulated by specific compounds.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Pulmonology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Benzo(a)pyrene is a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon found in the environment.
- Benzo(a)pyrene hydroxylase (BPH) is an enzyme involved in metabolizing xenobiotics.
- Respiratory diseases can affect the metabolic activity of bronchial mucus.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and activity of benzo(a)pyrene hydroxylase (BPH) in human sputum.
- To determine the effect of sputum clarification on BPH detection.
- To examine the influence of specific compounds on BPH activity in bronchial mucus.
Main Methods:
- Sputum samples were collected from patients with respiratory diseases.
- Benzo(a)pyrene hydroxylase (BPH) activity was measured in clarified sputum.
- Clarification was achieved using N-acetylcysteine or pancreatin with antibiotics.
- In vitro incubations were performed with benzoflavone and 7,8-dimethyl-benzanthracene.
Main Results:
- Human bronchial mucus demonstrated significant capability to metabolize benzo(a)pyrene.
- Sputum clarification was crucial for detecting BPH activity.
- Benzoflavone inhibited BPH activity in vitro.
- 7,8-dimethyl-benzanthracene induced BPH enzyme activity in vitro.
Conclusions:
- Human bronchial mucus possesses benzo(a)pyrene metabolizing enzymes.
- Effective detection of BPH activity requires sputum clarification.
- Modulators like benzoflavone and 7,8-dimethyl-benzanthracene can alter BPH activity.