Hydrogen peroxide metabolism during peroxisome proliferation by fenofibrate

Fenofibrate, the hypolipidemic drug and peroxisome proliferator, was given to mice (0.23% w/w in the diet) during 1-3 weeks and enzyme activities, H2O2 concentration, and H2O2 production rate were determined. A maximal increase of 150% in liver/body weight ratio was observed after 3 weeks of treatment. Acyl-CoA oxidase, catalase and uricase activities were increased by 712%, 506% and 41% respectively by treatment with fenofibrate. Se- and non Se-glutathione peroxidase and Mn-superoxide dismutase activities were increased by 331%, 188% and 130% respectively in the liver of 2 weeks-treated mice. Cu-Zn superoxide dismutase activity was not affected by fenofibrate treatment. H2O2 steady-state concentration showed an increase of 89% after 2 weeks of treatment. H2O2 production rates, and the steady-state concentrations of the intermediates HO, R and ROO, calculated using experimental data, were higher in the liver of fenofibrate-treated mice than in control animals. According to our findings, the imbalance between H2O2 production and its degradation by its metabolizing enzymes during peroxisome proliferation, would result in an increased level of H2O2 steady-state concentration, with the resulting oxidative stress which may lead to the generation of oxidative damage and to the induction of liver carcinogenesis.