GSH/GSSG redox couple plays central role in aryl hydrocarbon receptor-dependent modulation of cytochrome P450 1A1.

The redox regulation of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) target genes such as the best characterized, cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1) has not been known. Therefore the aim of this study was to explore how cellular redox state can influence on AHR-dependent modulation of CYP1A1 transcription and enzyme activities. Male BALB/c albino mice, HepG2 cells, and human hepatoma cell line (HepG2-XRE-Luc) carrying CYP1A1 response elements were exposed to suggested endogenous ligand of AHR,6-formylindolo[3,2-b] carbazole (FICZ) alone or in combination with, buthionine-(S,R)-sulfoximine (BSO) or N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC). A clear link between CYP1A1 transcription and enzyme activity and changes in the glutathione/oxidised glutathione (GSH/GSSG) redox couple was shown. In vivo and in vitro findings demonstrated that the time course of AHR activation/inhibition is characterized by an increase/decrease in the GSH/GSSG ratio. Based on these findings, we propose that many environmental pollutants and oxidants by alteration in the intracellular redox potential may interfere with the normal function of AHR target genes.