Pharmacokinetics of Glutapyrone and its Impact on Expression of the Genes Involved in DNA Repair and Free Radical Production in Intact and Diabetic Rats

Modification of expression of several genes encoding enzymes involved in radical production and DNA repair by a 1,4-DHP derivative glutapyrone was studied in intact rats and animals with streptozotocin diabetes mellitus. Glutapyrone stimulated mRNA production in both kidneys and blood. The effect was stronger in kidneys of diabetic animals, however in blood the expression was down-regulated. The compound increased the gene expression in kidneys of both intact and diabetic animals; in blood the effect was adverse. Expression of gene was significantly increased by glutapyrone in kidneys of intact and diabetic animals. Administration of the compound to intact animals triggered significant increase of DNA damage in white blood cells assayed by comet assay; in diabetic animals no effect was produced. To explain discrepancies with the formerly described effects of glutapyrone on cultured cells, metabolism of the compound was studied. Glutapyrone is either oxidised or the residue of glutamic acid is removed, glutapyrone turns into AV-153, and the latter is metabolised to smaller compounds. Formation of AV-153, a DNA binder and genotoxic compound in high concentrations, can explain DNA damage in white blood cells and stimulation of DNA repair.