Analysis of gene expression changes of drug metabolizing enzymes in the livers of F344 rats following oral treatment with kava extract

Lei Guo, Quanzhen Li, Qingsu Xia, Stacey Dial, Po Chuen Chan, Peter Fu

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

49 Scopus citations

Abstract

The association of kava product use with liver-related risks has prompted regulatory action in many countries. We studied the changes in gene expression of drug metabolizing enzymes in the livers of Fischer 344 male rats administered kava extract by gavage for 14 weeks. Analysis of 22,226 genes revealed that there were 14, 41, 110, 386, and 916 genes significantly changed in the 0.125, 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 g/kg treatment groups, respectively. There were 16 drug metabolizing genes altered in all three high-dose treatment groups, among which seven genes belong to cytochrome P450 isozymes. While gene expression of Cyp1a1, 1a2, 2c6, 3a1, and 3a3 increased; Cyp 2c23 and 2c40 decreased, all in a dose-dependent manner. Real-time PCR analyses of several genes verified these results. Our results indicate that kava extract can significantly modulate drug metabolizing enzymes, particularly the CYP isozymes, which could cause herb-drug interactions and may potentially lead to hepatotoxicity.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)433-442
Number of pages10
JournalFood and Chemical Toxicology
Volume47
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 2009

Keywords

  • Drug metabolizing enzyme
  • Drug metabolizing gene
  • Gene expression
  • Kava extract
  • Microarray
  • TaqMan assay

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Food Science
  • Toxicology

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