Persistent infection by hepatitis B virus (HBV) and exposure to chemical carcinogens correlates with the prevalence of hepatocellular carcinoma in endemic areas. The precise nature of the interaction between these factors is not known. Glutathione transferases (GST) are responsible for the cellular metabolism and detoxification of a variety of cytotoxic and carcinogenic compounds by catalysis of their conjugation with glutathione. Diminished GST activity could enhance cellular sensitivity to chemical carcinogens. We have investigated GST isozyme expression in hepatocellular HepG2 cells and in an HBV-transfected subline. Total GST activity and Se-independent glutathione peroxidase activity are significantly decreased in HBV transfected cells. On immunoblotting, HBV transfected cells demonstrate a significant decrease in the level of GST alpha class. Cytotoxicity assays reveal that the HBV transfected cells are more sensitive to a wide range of compounds known to be detoxified by GST alpha conjugation. While no significant difference in protein half-life between the two cell lines was found, semi-quantitative RT-PCR shows a reduced amount of GST alpha mRNA in the transfected cells. Since the HBV x protein (HBx) seems to play a role in HBV transfection, we also demonstrated that expression of the HBx gene into HepG2 cells decreased the amount of GST alpha protein. Transient transfection experiments using both rat and human GST alpha (rGSTA5 and hGSTA1) promoters in HepG2 cells show a decreased CAT activity upon HBx expression, supporting a transcriptional regulation of both genes by HBx. This effect is independent of HBx interaction with Sp1. Treatment with oltipraz, an inducer of GST alpha, partially overcomes the effect of HBx on both promoters. Promoter deletion studies indicate that oltipraz works through responsive elements distinct from AP1 or NF-kB transcription factors. Thus, HBV infection alters phase II metabolizing enzymes via different mechanisms than those modulated by treatment with oltipraz.