Omeprazole (OPZ) is a proton pump inhibitor commonly
used for the
treatment of gastric acid hypersecretion. Studies have revealed that
use of OPZ can induce hepatotoxicity, but the mechanisms by which
it induces liver injury are unclear. This study aimed to identify
reactive metabolites of OPZ, determine the pathways of the metabolic
activation, and define the correlation of the bioactivation with OPZ
cytotoxicity. Quinone imine-derived glutathione (GSH), N-acetylcysteine (NAC), and cysteine (Cys) conjugates were detected
in OPZ-fortified rat and human liver microsomal incubations captured
with GSH, NAC, or Cys. The same GSH conjugates were detected in bile
of rats and cultured liver primary cells after exposure to OPZ. Similarly,
the same NAC conjugates were detected in urine of OPZ-treated rats.
The resulting quinone imine was found to react with Cys residues of
hepatic protein. CYP3A4 dominated the metabolic activation of OPZ.
Exposure to OPZ resulted in decreased cell survival in cultured primary
hepatocytes. Pretreatment with ketoconazole attenuated the susceptibility
of hepatocytes to the cytotoxicity of OPZ.