Up-regulation of ATP-binding cassette transporters in the THP-1 human macrophage cell line by the antichagasic benznidazole

Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz. 2016 Nov;111(11):707-711. doi: 10.1590/0074-02760160080. Epub 2016 Oct 24.

Abstract

The effect of benznidazole (BZL) on the expression and activity of P-glycoprotein (P-gp, ABCB1) and multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 (MRP2, ABCC2), the two major transporters of endogenous and exogenous compounds, was evaluated in differentiated THP-1 cells. BZL induced P-gp and MRP2 proteins in a concentration-dependent manner. The increase in mRNA levels of both transporters suggests transcriptional regulation. P-gp and MRP2 activities correlated with increased protein levels. BZL intracellular accumulation was significantly lower in BZL-pre-treated cells than in control cells. PSC833 (a P-gp inhibitor) increased the intracellular BZL concentration in both pre-treated and control cells, confirming P-gp participation in BZL efflux.

MeSH terms

  • ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B / drug effects
  • ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Member 1 / metabolism*
  • ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Member 2 / drug effects
  • ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters / drug effects*
  • Cell Line
  • Chagas Disease / drug therapy*
  • Chagas Disease / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Macrophages / drug effects*
  • Multidrug Resistance-Associated Protein 2
  • Multidrug Resistance-Associated Proteins / metabolism
  • Nitroimidazoles / pharmacology
  • Nitroimidazoles / therapeutic use*
  • Trypanocidal Agents / pharmacology
  • Trypanocidal Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Up-Regulation

Substances

  • ABCB1 protein, human
  • ABCC2 protein, human
  • ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B
  • ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Member 1
  • ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Member 2
  • ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters
  • Multidrug Resistance-Associated Protein 2
  • Multidrug Resistance-Associated Proteins
  • Nitroimidazoles
  • TAP1 protein, human
  • Trypanocidal Agents
  • benzonidazole