The C-S lysis of L-cysteine conjugates by aspartate and alanine aminotransferase enzymes

Hum Exp Toxicol. 1995 May;14(5):422-7. doi: 10.1177/096032719501400506.

Abstract

One biotransformation pathway which is responsible for the generation of mutagenic and cytotoxic metabolites is that of the C-S lysis (CSL) of L-cysteine conjugates. Thirteen cysteine S-conjugates, synthesised in our laboratories, were incubated with porcine heart aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT) and alanine aminotransferase (ALAT), and the C-S lyase activity for each enzyme-substrate combination was determined. ASAT and ALAT were shown to exhibit CSL activity. It was also demonstrated that this activity was inhibited in the presence of the pyridoxal phosphate (PLP)-dependent enzyme inhibitor amino(oxyacetic acid) (AOAA) confirming the pyridoxal phosphate dependent mechanism by which C-S lysis is known to take place. Since the activities of these enzymes are used as biomarkers for the assessment of organ damage, the potential interaction of L-cysteine conjugates with them may suppress their activity through direct inhibition.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alanine Transaminase / metabolism*
  • Animals
  • Aspartate Aminotransferases / metabolism*
  • Biotransformation
  • Cysteine / analogs & derivatives*
  • Cysteine / metabolism*
  • Myocardium / enzymology
  • Swine

Substances

  • Aspartate Aminotransferases
  • Alanine Transaminase
  • Cysteine