Induction of UGT1A1 expression by praeruptorin A and praeruptorin C through hCAR pathway

 This study is purposed to investigate the effects of praeruptorin A (PA) and praeruptorin C (PC) on UGT1A1 in HepG2 cells through hCAR pathway.  PA and PC were incubated with HepG2 cells for 24 h and 48 h, mRNA and protein expressions of UGT1A1 were determined by real-time PCR and Western blotting assays.  Additionally, effects of PA and PC on UGT1A1 mRNA and protein expressions were also measured after transient transfection of a specific CAR siRNA for 72 h in HepG2 cells.  UGT1A1 mRNA and protein expression levels were significantly increased by PA and PC after incubation for 48 h.  Moreover, the mRNA and protein up-regulations of UGT1A1 were attenuated by transient transfection of a specific CAR siRNA, suggesting the induction was mediated by CAR.  The results suggest that PA and PC can significantly up-regulate UGT1A1 expression partially via the CAR-mediated pathway.