Relative Expression of Mouse Udp-glucuronosyl Transferase 2b1 Gene in the Livers, Kidneys, and Hearts: The Influence of Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug Treatment

Abstract

Background: Mouse Udp-glucuronosyl Transferase (UGT) 2b1 is equivalent to the human UGT2B7 enzyme, which is a phase II drug-metabolising enzyme and plays a major role in the metabolism of xenobiotic and endogenous compounds. This study aimed to find the relative expression of the mouse ugt2b1 gene in the liver, kidney, and heart organs and the influence of Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug (NSAID) administration. Methods: Thirty-five Blab/c mice were divided into 5 groups and treated with different commonly-used NSAIDs; diclofenac, ibuprofen, meloxicam, and mefenamic acid for 14 days. The livers, kidneys, and hearts were isolated, while the expression of ugt2b1 gene was analysed with a quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction technique. Results: It was found that the ugt2b1 gene is highly expressed in the liver, and then in the heart and the kidneys. NSAIDs significantly upregulated (ANOVA, p < 0.05) the expression of ugt2b1 in the heart, while they downregulated its expression (ANOVA, p < 0.05) in the liver and kidneys. The level of NSAIDs’ effect on ugt2b1 gene expression was strongly correlated (Spearman’s Rho correlation, p < 0.05) with NSAID’s lipophilicity in the liver and its elimination half-life in the heart. Conclusion: This study concluded that the mouse ugt2b1 gene was mainly expressed in the liver, as 14-day administration of different NSAIDs caused alterations in the expression of this gene, which may influence the metabolism of xenobiotic and endogenous compounds.