Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) interact with drug metabolism in vivo.

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are widespread environmental contaminants that interfere with xenobiotic metabolism, primarily by modulating cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes. However, their pharmacokinetic consequences in exposed individuals remain poorly defined. Here, we investigated the impact of PCB exposure on CYP enzyme activity using a combined clinical pharmacokinetic and in vitro mechanistic approach.

Metabolic activation of WHO-congeners PCB28, 52, and 101 by human CYP2A6: evidence from in vitro and in vivo experiments.

Despite extensive research on the metabolism of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), knowledge gaps persist regarding their isoform-specific biotransformation pathways. This study aimed to elucidate the role of different cytochrome P450 enzymes in PCB metabolism, focusing on WHO-congeners 2,4,4'-trichlorobiphenyl (PCB28), 2,2',5,5'-tetrachlorobiphenyl (PCB52), and 2,2',4,5,5'-pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB101). Utilizing engineered HEK293 cell lines, we investigated the in vitro metabolism of these PCBs by CYP1A2, CYP2C8, CYP2C9, CYP3A4, CYP2A6, and CYP2E1, revealing robust production of hydroxylated metabolites.