Biosynthesis of methylguanidine in the hepatic peroxisomes and the effect of the induction of peroxisomal enzymes by clofibrate.

A state of peroxidation is one of the factors contributing to uremia. For example, we have reported that certain species of reactive oxygen, particularly the hydroxyl radical, play an important role in the biosynthesis of methylguanidine which contributes to toxicity in patients with uremia. However, it is uncertain which enzymes are involved in the synthesis of methylguanidine from creatinine. In this study, we attempt to show methylguanidine synthesis in the presence of peroxisomal enzymes that catalyze the beta-oxidation of fatty acids. In addition, we investigate the effect of clofibrate, which induces peroxisomal enzymes or glutathione peroxidase activity, on methylguanidine synthesis in the peroxisomal fraction. Male Wistar rats were fed with the chow containing 0.5% clofibrate to induce peroxisomal enzymes and control rats were fed with ordinary laboratory chow. Peroxisomal fractions were obtained from liver homogenates by centrifugation, and incubated with creatinine in 0.1 M potassium phosphate buffer pH 7.4 at 37 degrees C. Results show that methylguanidine is synthesized from creatinine concomitant with the synthesis of hydrogen peroxide from endogenous substrates in the peroxisomal fraction. This methylguanidine synthesis is inhibited by the addition of dimethylsulfoxide, glutathione, or sodium azide (p < 0.01). The rate of methylguanidine synthesis in clofibrate-treated rats was significantly less than that in control rats (p < 0.02). These results suggest that methylguanidine is synthesized in the peroxisomal fraction, and reactive oxygen species which are generated through this enzymatic reaction, participate in methylguanidine synthesis. Moreover, the induction of a scavenger system, especially glutathione peroxidase takes precedent over the generation of reactive oxygen species in peroxisomes treated with clofibrate.