2-Acetyl-4-((1R,2S,3R)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroxybutyl)imidazole (THI) is observed as a minor contaminant in caramel food colourings (E 150c). Feeding experiments with rodents have revealed a significant lymphopenic effect that has been linked to the presence of THI in these food colourings. Pyridoxal kinase inhibition by THI has been suggested, but not demonstrated, as a mode of action as it leads to lowered levels of pyridoxal-5'-phosphate, which are known to cause lymphopenia. Recently, THI was also shown to inhibit sphingosine-1-phosphate lyase causing comparable immunosuppressive effects and derivatives of THI are being developed for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis in humans. Interestingly, sphingosine-1-phosphate lyase activity depends on pyridoxal-5'-phosphate, which in turn is provided by pyridoxal kinase. This report shows that THI does inhibit pyridoxal kinase with competitive and mixed-type non-competitive behaviour towards its two substrates, pyridoxal and ATP, respectively. The corresponding inhibition constants are in the low millimolar range.
Keywords: Caramel food colourings; THI; pyridoxal kinase; sphingosine-1-phosphate lyase.