Activation by sodium fluoride of drug-metabolizing enzymes in rat hepatoma-derived Fa32 cells

Protection against xenobiotic insult, including cancer chemoprotection, can be achieved by a variety of natural and synthetic compounds belonging to over 20 different classes of chemicals. They all induce or activate drug-metabolizing enzymes. The discovery of a new class of activator is currently reported. Sodium fluoride activated the phase I ethoxgresorufin-O-deethylase (to 240%) and pentoxyresorufin-O-depentylase (to 156%), and the phase II glutathione transferase to 120% of the basal activities in rat hepatoma-derived Fa32 cells. It is, therefore, a bifunctional enzyme activator. A time-and concentration-dependent activation mas observed. A possible impact of the daily fluoride uptake from drinking water is suggested. (C) 1998 Federation of European Biochemical Societies.