Cellular Electron Transfer and Radical Mechanisms for Drug Metabolism

Abstract

Aerobic and anaerobic reductions of various nitroaromatic compounds by mammalian cells result in the production of reactive intermediates. Drug reduction is dependent upon glucose, nonprotein thiols, endogenous enzyme levels, and drug electron affinity. Drugs with electron affinities approaching that of oxygen are reduced, in the presence of oxygen, beyond a one-electron radical anion. Nitroaromatic radical anion inactivation occurs by reaction with cellular ferricytochrome c, endogenous thiols, and with oxygen. In the latter case the reaction results in the production of peroxide. Drugs that are substrates for the enzyme glutathione-S-transferase remove endogeneous thiols and demonstrate peroxide production without prior thiol removal. Less electron affinic drugs such as misonidazole require thiol removal as well as the presence of cyanide or azide for maximal peroxide production. Under anaerobic conditions radical anion and nitroso intermediates are reactive with glutathione. Removal of endogenous thiols by hypoxic preincubation with misonidazole may be related to the enhanced radiation response and cytotoxicity of this drug. Reduction of nitro compounds in the presence of DNA and chemicals such as dithionite, zinc dust, or polarographic techniques causes binding to macromolecules and DNA breaks. Chemical-reduction of nitro compounds by ascorbate in the presence of cells enhances drug cytotoxic effects.