cis-4-Hydroxy-L-proline (CHP) is being clinically evaluated as an anticancer drug. Since this compound targets the production of L-proline-rich proteins and critical L-proline residues, its impact on long-term cultures of human hepatocytes and toxicity in rats was studied to investigate possible effects on hepatic function, previously reported in rat hepatocytes. In the HEPAC2 human hepatocyte culture system, concentrations of CHP below 3.2 mg/ml had no significant effects on the release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), albumin, and urea. In rats, continuous administration of three different doses of CHP were tested for 28 days and resulted in signs of liver damage, as indicated by elevations of alanine aminotransferase (ALAT) and aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT) at a dose of 903 mg/kg, corresponding to a plasma concentration of approximately 200 µg/ml. Data from a clinical study of CHP in bladder and prostate cancer patients showed no adverse effects of administration of 8 g CHP/day, 4 days/week for 3 weeks in liver parameters ALAT, ASAT, γ-glutamyltransferase (γ-GT) and alkaline phosphatase (AP). In conclusion, the HEPAC2 human hepatocyte culture system correlates well with clinical results of a Phase II study of CHP, whereas a previous rat hepatocyte culture system predicted the compound would have toxic effects. The HEPAC2 system therefore constitutes a valuable tool for the preclinical screening of the hepatotoxicity of chemotherapeutic and other drugs, thereby reducing the need for experimental animals.

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