Rat Hepatic S9 Research Articles

Identification of the Metabolites of Both Formononetin in Rat Hepatic S9 and Ononin in Rat Urine Samples and Preliminary Network Pharmacology Evaluation of Their Main Metabolites.

Astragalus membranaceus is a traditional Chinese medicine derived from the roots of Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bge., which has the same medicinal and edible uses in China. It is also widely used in daily food, and its pharmacological effects mainly include antioxidant effects, vascular softening effects, etc. Currently, it is increasingly widely used in the prevention of hypertension, cerebral ischemia, and stroke in China. Formononetin and its glucopyranoside (ononin) are both important components of Astragalus membranaceuss and may play important roles in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). This study conducted metabolic studies using formononectin and its glucopyranoside (ononin), including a combination of the in vitro metabolism of Formonetin using rat liver S9 and the in vivo metabolism of ononin administered orally to rats. Five metabolites (Sm2, 7, 9, 10, and 12) were obtained from the solution incubated with formononetin and rat hepatic S9 fraction using chromatographic methods. The structures of the five metabolites were elucidated as (Sm2)6,7,4'-trihydroxy-isoflavonoid; (Sm7)7,4'-dihydroxy-isoflavonoid; (Sm9)7,8,4'-trihydroxy-isoflavonoid; (Sm10)7,8,-dihydroxy-4'-methoxy-isoflavonoid; and (Sm12)6,7-dihydroxy-4'-methoxy- isoflavonoid on the basis of UV, NMR, and MS data. Totally, 14 metabolites were identified via HPLC-DAD-ESI-IT-TOF-MSn analysis, from which the formononetin was incubated with rat hepatic S9 fraction, and the main metabolic pathways were hydroxylation, demethylation, and glycosylation. Then, 21 metabolites were identified via HPLC-DAD-ESI-IT-TOF-MSn analysis from the urine samples from SD rats to which ononin was orally administered, and the main metabolic pathways were glucuronidation, hydroxylation, demethylation, and sulfonation. The main difference between the in vitro metabolism of formononetin and the in vivo metabolism of ononin is that ononin undergoes deglycemic transformation into Formonetin in the rat intestine, while Formonetin is absorbed into the bloodstream for metabolism, and the metabolic products also produce combined metabolites during in vivo metabolism. The six metabolites obtained from the aforementioned separation indicate the primary forms of formononetin metabolism, and due to their higher contents of similar isoflavone metabolites, they are considered the main active compounds that are responsible for pharmacological effects. To investigate the metabolites of the active ingredients of formononetin in the rat liver S9 system, network pharmacology was used to evaluate the cardiovascular disease (CVD) activities of the six primary metabolites that were structurally identified. Additionally, the macromolecular docking results of six main components and two core targets (HSP90AA1 and SRC) related to CVD showed that formononetin and its main metabolites, Sm10 and Sm12, may have roles in CVD treatment due to their strong binding activities with the HSP90AA1 receptor, while the Sm7 metabolite may have a role in CVD treatment due to its strong binding activity with the SRC receptor.

Investigation of the factors responsible for the low oral bioavailability of alizarin using a sensitive LC-MS/MS method: In vitro, in situ, and in vivo evaluations.

Alizarin (1,2-dihydroxyanthraquinone) is an anthraquinone reddish dye widely used for painting and textile dyeing. As the biological activity of alizarin has recently attracted increasing attention from researchers, its therapeutic potential as complementary and alternative medicine is of interest. However, no systematic research has been conducted on the biopharmaceutical and pharmacokinetic aspects of alizarin. Therefore, this study aimed to comprehensively investigate the oral absorption and intestinal/hepatic metabolism of alizarin using a simple and sensitive tandem mass spectrometry method developed and validated in-house. The present method for the bioanalysis of alizarin has merits, including a simple pretreatment procedure, small sample volume, and adequate sensitivity. Alizarin exhibited pH-dependent moderate lipophilicity and low solubility with limited intestinal luminal stability. Based on the in vivo pharmacokinetic data, the hepatic extraction ratio of alizarin was estimated to be 0.165-0.264, classified as a low level of hepatic extraction. In an in situ loop study, considerable fractions (28.2%-56.4%) of the alizarin dose were significantly absorbed in gut segments from the duodenum to ileum, suggesting that alizarin may be classified as the Biopharmaceutical Classification Systemclass II. An in vitro metabolism study using rat and human hepatic S9 fractions revealed that glucuronidation and sulfation, but not NADPH-mediated phase I reactions and methylation, are significantly involved in the hepatic metabolism of alizarin. Taken together, it can be estimated that the fractions of oral alizarin dose unabsorbed from the gut lumen and eliminated by the gut and liver before reaching the systemic circulation are 43.6%-76.7%, 0.474%-36.3%, and 3.77%-5.31% of the dose, respectively, resulting in a low oral bioavailability of 16.8%. Therefore, the oral bioavailability of alizarin depends primarily on its chemical degradation in the gut lumen and secondarily on first-pass metabolism.

Profiling the metabolites of astrapterocarpan in rat hepatic 9000g supernatant.

Astrapterocarpan (AP) is a bioactive constituent of Astragali Radix and was selected as a model compound for investigating the in vitro metabolism of pterocarpans in this study. Its in vitro metabolism was conducted by incubation with rat hepatic 9000g supernatant (S9) in the presence of an NADPH-generating system. At first, four compounds were isolated and their structures were elucidated as 6a-hydroxy-AP (M1), astrametabolin I [M2, 1a-hydroxy-9, 10-dimethoxy-pterocarp-1(2), 4-diene-3-one], 9-demethyl-AP (M3, nissolin) and 4-methoxy-astraisoflavan (M4, 7, 2'dihydroxy-4, 3', 4'-trimethoxy-isoflavan) on the basis of NMR data, respectively. Among them, M1, M2 and M4 were new compounds. Next, the metabolite profile of AP in rat hepatic S9 was obtained via HPLC-DAD-ESI-IT-TOF-MSn, and 40 new metabolites were tentatively identified. These newly identified metabolites included 9 monohydroxylated metabolites, 1 demethylated metabolite, 7 demethylated and monohydroxylated metabolites, 4 dihydroxylated metabolites, 1 hydration metabolite, 1 didemethylated metabolite, 2 glucosylated metabolites, 1 monohydroxylated and dehydrogenated metabolite, 2 monohydroxylated and demethylated and dehydrogenated metabolites, 2 dimerized metabolites, 3 dimerized and monohydroxylated metabolites, 2 dimerized and didemethylated metabolites, and 5 dimerized and demethylated metabolites. Finally, the major metabolic reactions of AP in rat hepatic S9 were summarized and found to be hydroxylation, demethylation, dimerization, hydration, and dehydrogenation. More importantly, the biotransformation from AP to M2 and the dimerization of AP by incubation with hepatic S9 were reported for the first time. In conclusion, this is the first report on the metabolism of a pure pterocarpan in animal tissues, and these findings will provide a solid basis for further studies on the metabolism of other pterocarpans.

Characterization of the Anticoagulative Constituents of Angelicae Sinensis Radix and Their Metabolites in Rats by HPLC-DAD-ESI-IT-TOF-MSn.

Angelicae Sinensis Radix is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine. Pharmacological studies show that Angelicae Sinensis Radix has clear anticoagulant activity. Therefore, in this study, the anticoagulant activity of crude Angelicae Sinensis Radix extracts was investigated by measuring the thrombin times of the extracts. The results revealed that the petroleum ether-soluble fraction of Angelicae Sinensis Radix exhibited significant anticoagulant activity in vitro, and 26 compounds were characterized by high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection combined with electrospray ionization ion trap time-of-flight multistage mass spectrometry. In addition, 5 prototype constituents, 24 in vivo metabolites in rat urine and 7 prototype constituents, and 9 in vitro metabolites in the rat hepatic S9 incubation system of the petroleum ether-soluble fraction were tentatively identified. All metabolites were found from Angelicae Sinensis Radix for the first time. Among them, 13 (three ferulic acid-related constituents, six senkyunolide D-related constituents, and four senkyunolide F-related constituents) were identified as new metabolites (new compounds). This study is the first to qualitatively characterize the chemical constituents of the potent anticoagulative extract of Angelicae Sinensis Radix and to explore its metabolism. The result is a notable improvement in the discovery of Angelicae Sinensis Radix metabolites, and it provides the chemical basis for the effective forms and pharmacodynamic substances (prototypes, metabolites, or both) of the anticoagulant activity of Angelicae Sinensis Radix.

New Photosafety Assessment Strategy Based on the Photochemical and Pharmacokinetic Properties of Both Parent Chemicals and Metabolites.

Photoreactivity and dermal/ocular deposition of compounds have been recognized as key considerations for evaluating the phototoxic risk of compounds. Because some drugs are known to cause phototoxic reactions via generation of potent phototoxic metabolites, photosafety assessments on parent drugs alone may lead to false predictions about their photosafety. This study aimed to establish a new photosafety assessment strategy for evaluating the in vivo phototoxic potential of both a parent substance and its metabolites. The in vivo phototoxic risk of fenofibrate (FF) and its metabolites, fenofibric acid (FA) and reduced fenofibric acid, were evaluated based on photochemical and pharmacokinetic analyses. FF and FA exhibited intensive UV absorption, with molar extinction coefficient values of 17,000 (290 nm) and 14,000 M(-1)cm(-1) (295 nm), respectively. Superoxide generation from FA was significantly higher than from FF, and a marked increase in superoxide generation from FF was observed after incubation with rat hepatic S9 fractions, suggesting enhanced photoreactivity of FF after metabolism. FA showed high dermal/ocular deposition after oral administration (5 mg/kg, p.o.) although the concentration of FF was negligible, suggesting high exposure risk from FA. On the basis of these findings, FA was deduced to be a major contributor to phototoxicity induced by FF taken orally, and this prediction was in accordance with the results from in vitro/in vivo phototoxicity tests. Results from this study suggest that this new screening strategy for parent substances and their metabolites provides reliable photosafety information on drug candidates and would be useful for drug development with wide safety margins.

Exploration of the impact of stereochemistry on the identification of the novel translocator protein PET imaging agent [18F]GE-180

IntroductionThe tricyclic indole compound, [18F]GE-180 has been previously identified as a promising positron emission tomography (PET) imaging agent of the translocator protein (TSPO) with the potential to aid in the diagnosis, prognosis and therapy monitoring of degenerative neuroinflammatory conditions such as multiple sclerosis. [18F]GE-180 was first identified and evaluated as a racemate, but subsequent evaluations of the resolved enantiomers have shown that the S-enantiomer has a higher affinity for TSPO and an improved in vivo biodistribution performance, in terms of higher uptake in specific brain regions and good clearance (as described previously). Here we describe the additional biological evaluations carried out to confirm the improved performance of the S-enantiomer and including experiments which have demonstrated the stability of the chiral centre to chemical and biological factors. Materials and MethodsGE-180 and the corresponding radiolabelling precursor were separated into single enantiomers using semi-preparative chiral supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC). A detailed comparison of the individual enantiomers and the racemate was carried out in a number of biological studies. TSPO binding affinity was assessed using a radioligand binding assay. Incubation with rat hepatic S9 fractions was used to monitor metabolic stability. In vivo biodistribution studies up to 60min post injection (PI) in naïve rats were carried out to monitor uptake and clearance. Achiral and chiral in vivo metabolite detection methods were developed to assess the presence of metabolite/s in plasma and brain samples, with the chiral method also determining potential racemisation at the chiral centre. ResultsEvaluation of the chiral stability of the two enantiomers to metabolism by rat S9 fractions, showed no racemisation of enantiomers. There were notable differences in the biodistribution between the racemate and the R- and S-enantiomers. All compounds had similar initial brain uptake between 0.99 and 1.01% injected dose (id) at 2min PI, with S-[18F]GE-180 showing significantly greater retention than the R-enantiomer at 10 and 30min PI (P<0.05). S-[18F]GE-180 uptake to the TSPO-expressing olfactory bulbs was 0.45% id (SD±0.17) at 30min PI in comparison to RS-[18F]GE-180 or R-[18F]GE-180 levels of 0.41% id ±0.09 and 0.23% id ±0.02 respectively, at the same timepoint (P>0.05). The signal-to-noise ratio (ratio olfactory bulb to striata binding) were similar for both RS-[18F]GE-180 and S-[18F]GE-180 (3.2 and 3.4 respectively). Initial uptake to the lungs (an organ with high TSPO expression) was more than 3-fold greater with S-[18F]GE-180 than R-[18F]GE-180, and significantly higher at 10 and 30min PI (P<0.05). Furthermore lung uptake of S-[18F]GE-180 at 2 and 10min PI was also significant when compared to the racemate (P<0.05).The majority of the radioactivity in the rat brain following administration of RS-[18F]GE-180 or S-[18F]GE-180 was due to the presence of the parent compound (91%±1.5 and 94%±2.0 of total radioactivity at 60min PI respectively). In contrast at 60min PI for the plasma samples, the parent compounds accounted for only 28%±1.2 and 21%±4.6 of total radioactivity for RS-[18F]GE-180 and S-[18F]GE-180 respectively. Chiral assessment confirmed that the S-enantiomer was chirally stable in vivo, with no stereochemical conversion in brain and plasma samples up to 60min PI. ConclusionsDeveloping racemic radiotracers, as for racemic therapeutics, is a considerable challenge due to differences of the enantiomers in pharmacokinetics, efficacy and potential toxicity. We have shown that the enantiomers of the promising racemic PET ligand [18F]GE-180 do not share identical performance, with S-[18F]GE-180 demonstrating higher TSPO affinity, higher brain uptake and better retention to the high TSPO-expressing lungs. Furthermore, S-[18F]GE-180 has also been shown to be enantiomerically stable in vivo, with no observed conversation of the eutomer to the distomer. As a single enantiomer, S-[18F]GE-180 retains the beneficial characteristics of the racemate and is a promising imaging agent for imaging neuroinflammation in vivo.

Characterizing the Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor (PPAR γ ) Ligand Binding Potential of Several Major Flame Retardants, Their Metabolites, and Chemical Mixtures in House Dust

Background: Accumulating evidence has shown that some environmental contaminants can alter adipogenesis and act as obesogens. Many of these contaminants act via the activation of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) nuclear receptor.Objectives: Our goal was to determine the PPARγ ligand binding potency of several major flame retardants, including polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), halogenated phenols and bisphenols, and their metabolites. Ligand binding activity of indoor dust and its bioactivated extracts were also investigated.Methods: We used a commercially available fluorescence polarization ligand binding assay to investigate the binding potency of flame retardants and dust extracts to human PPARγ ligand-binding domain. Rosiglitazone was used as a positive control.Results: Most of the tested compounds exhibited dose-dependent binding to PPARγ. Mono(2-ethylhexyl) tetrabromophthalate, halogenated bisphenols and phenols, and hydroxylated PBDEs were found to be potent PPARγ ligands. The most potent compound was 3-OH-BDE-47, with an IC50 (concentration required to reduce effect by 50%) of 0.24 μM. The extent of halogenation and the position of the hydroxyl group strongly affected binding. In the dust samples, 21 of the 24 samples tested showed significant binding potency at a concentration of 3 mg dust equivalent (DEQ)/mL. A 3–16% increase in PPARγ binding potency was observed following bioactivation of the dust using rat hepatic S9 fractions.Conclusion: Our results suggest that several flame retardants are potential PPARγ ligands and that metabolism may lead to increased binding affinity. The PPARγ binding activity of house dust extracts at levels comparable to human exposure warrants further studies into agonistic or antagonistic activities and their potential health effects.Citation: Fang M, Webster TF, Ferguson PL, Stapleton HM. 2015. Characterizing the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPARγ) ligand binding potential of several major flame retardants, their metabolites, and chemical mixtures in house dust. Environ Health Perspect 123:166–172; http://dx.doi.org/10.1289/ehp.1408522

Towards metabolically stable 5-HT7 receptor ligands: a study on 1-arylpiperazine derivatives and related isosters

Serotonin 7 (5-hydroxytryptamine7 or 5-HT7) is the most recently identified serotonin receptor. It is involved in mood disorders and is studied as a target for antidepressants. Here, we report on the structural manipulation of the 5-HT7 receptor ligand 4-[2-(3-methoxyphenyl)ethyl]-1-(2-methoxyphenyl)piperazine (1a) aimed at obtaining 5-HT7 receptor ligands endowed with good in vitro metabolic stability. A set of N-[3-methoxyphenyl)ethyl-substituted] 1-arylpiperazine, 4-arylpiperidine and 1-aryl-4-aminopiperidine was synthesized and tested in radioligand binding assays at human cloned 5-HT7 and 5-HT1A receptors. In vitro metabolic stability of the target compounds was assessed after incubation with rat hepatic S9 microsomal fraction. Among the new compounds, 1-(2-biphenyl)-4-[2-(3-methoxyphenyl)ethyl]piperazine (1d) and 4-(2-biphenyl)-1-[2-(3-methoxyphenyl)ethyl]piperidine (2d) showed a good compromise between affinity at 5-HT7 receptor (K i=7.5 nM and 13 nM, respectively) and in vitro metabolic stability (26 and 65% recovery of parent compound, respectively) but were poorly selective over 5-HT1A receptor.

Genotoxicity of the cancer chemopreventive drug candidates CP-31398, SHetA2, and phospho-ibuprofen

The genotoxic activities of three cancer chemopreventive drug candidates, CP-31398 (a cell permeable styrylquinazoline p53 modulator), SHetA2 (a flexible heteroarotinoid), and phospho-ibuprofen (PI, a derivative of ibuprofen) were tested. None of the compounds were mutagenic in the Salmonella/Escherichia coli/microsome plate incorporation test. CP-31398 and SHetA2 did not induce chromosomal aberrations (CA) in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, either in the presence or absence of rat hepatic S9 (S9). PI induced CA in CHO cells, but only in the presence of S9. PI, its parent compound ibuprofen, and its moiety diethoxyphosphoryloxybutyl alcohol (DEPBA) were tested for CA and micronuclei (MN) in CHO cells in the presence of S9. PI induced CA as well as MN, both kinetochore-positive (Kin+) and -negative (Kin−), in the presence of S9 at ≤100μg/ml. Ibuprofen was negative for CA, positive for MN with Kin+ at 250μg/ml, and positive for MN with Kin− at 125 and 250μg/ml. DEPBA induced neither CA nor MN at ≤5000μg/ml. The induction of chromosomal damage in PI-treated CHO cells in the presence of S9 may be due to its metabolites. None of the compounds were genotoxic, in the presence or absence of S9, in the GADD45α-GFP Human GreenScreen assay and none induced MN in mouse bone marrow erythrocytes.

The Metabolism of a Calcium Entry Blocker, Arylalkylamine Analogue, in the In-Vitro Rat Hepatic System

The In vitro metabolism of an arylalkylamine analogue (McN-5691), a calcium entry blocker, was conducted after 0 min and 60 min incubations with the rat hepatic S9 fraction in the presence of an NADPH-generating system. Unchanged McN-5691 (31% of the sample) plus 15 metabolites from the 60min incubation were profiled, quantified, and tentatively identified on the basis of API-MS and MS/MS data. The formation McN-5691 metabolites are via the following four metabolic pathways: A. N-demethylation, B. O-demethylation, C. phenylhydroxylation, and D. oxidative N-dealkylation. Pathways A to C formed 9 major/moderate/minor metabolites, N-desmethyl (MI, 42% of the sample), 4-O-desmethyl (M2, 6%), 4'-O-desmethyl (M3, 6%), OH-phenyl (M4, 1%), O,O-didesmethyl (M5, 1%), and OH-phenyl-M1 (M6, 1%) McN-5691s, and 3 other minor phenylhydroxyl/N-desmethyl/O-desmethyl-combined McN-5691 metabolites (M7-M9, ≤ 1%). Pathway C produced a N-dealkylated metabolite, M10 (2%); in conjunction with pathways A to C yielded 5 minor oxidized N-dealkylated metabolites M11-M15 (each, ≤ 1-2%). Rat appeared to metabolize McN-5691 extensively in this hepatic system.

In Vitro Biotransformation of Bepridil, a Calcium Entry Blocker, in the Rat Hepatic System

The In vitro biotransformation of bepridil (Bp) (Vascor(superscript ®)), a calcium entry blocker, was conducted after 0 min and 60 min incubations with rat hepatic S9 fraction in the presence of an NADPH-generating system. Unchanged Bp (14% of the sample) plus 21 metabolites from the 60 min incubation were profiled, quantified, and tentatively identified on the basis of API-MS and MS/MS data. The formation of Bp metabolites are via the following eight metabolic pathways: A. phenylhydroxylation, B. alkylhydroxylation, C. pyrrolidyl oxidation, D. dehydration, E. N-debenzylation, F. N-dealkylation, G. O-dealkylation, and H. N-oxidation. Pathways A to D formed 10 mayor/moderate/minor metabolites, OH-phenyl-Bp (M1, 10% of the sample), OH-isobutyl-Bp (M2, 5%), OH-pyrrolidyl-Bp (M3, 4%) and its dehydrated product (M8, 14%), OH-Ph-OH-pyrrolidyl- Bp (M4, 7%), OH-Ph-OH-isobutyl-Bp (M5, 6%), oxo-pyrrolidyl-Bp (M6, 3%), OH-Phoxo-pyrrolidyl-Bp (M7, 2%), triOH-Bp (M9, 3%), and diOH-oxo-Bp (M10, 2%). Pathway E produced N-desbenzyl-Bp (M 11, 2%); in conjunction with pathways A-C formed 4 minor oxidized metabolites of M11, M13, M15-M17 (each, 1-3%). Pathway F formed a minor N-desisobutyl-Bp (MI2, 4%); in conjunction with pathways A and C produced 4 moderate/minor/trace oxidized metabolites of M12 (4%), M14 (6%) and M18-M20 (each, ＜1-4%). Pathway H produced Bp-Noxide (3%) as an artifact. In general, rat appeared to metabolize Bp extensively in this hepatic system.

In Vitro Biotransformation of Amitriptyline and Imipramine with Rat Hepatic S9 Fraction: Evaluation of the Toxicity with Spirotox and Thamnotoxkit F™ Tests

Pharmaceutical products, as well as their related metabolites, end up in the aquatic environment after use. Little is known about the effects and the hazard of exposure to drugs for aquatic organisms. This study was designed to assess the ecotoxicity of amitriptyline (AMI), imipramine (IMI), and their metabolites. The tested drugs were very toxic to the protozoan Spirostomum ambiguum and the crustacean Thamnocephalus platyurus with the LC50 values around 1 mg l(-1). Moreover, simple additivity occurs between the drugs and their N-desmethyl metabolites. Tested compounds were incubated with S9 rat hepatocyte fraction at 37 degrees C for 4 hours. Unchanged drugs and metabolites were determined using high-pressure liquid chromatography-photodiode array detector. AMI and IMI were biotransformed almost completely. Three AMI and IMI metabolites were detected: desmethyl-, didesmethyl-, and N-oxide. The toxicity of the deproteinated reaction mixtures (TU) was compared to the toxicity equivalency units (TEU) calculated based on the concentrations of the drugs and their LC50 values. It has been demonstrated that the toxicity of mixture of metabolites to Spirotox and Thamnotoxkit F is higher than the predicted value calculated from the concentrations of the drugs and their N-desmethylated derivatives in the sample. The results indicate that the harmfulness of the drug metabolites should be taken into consideration in the ecotoxicological studies.

Esterase Inhibition Attribute of Grapefruit Juice Leading to a New Drug Interaction

This report describes a newly identified potential of grapefruit juice (GFJ) in mediating pharmacokinetic drug interactions due to its capability to inhibit esterase. The study demonstrates that GFJ inhibits purified porcine esterase activity toward p-nitrophenyl acetate and the prodrugs lovastatin and enalapril. In rat and human hepatic or gut S9 fractions and rat gut lumen, GFJ inhibited the hydrolysis of enalapril and lovastatin, which are known to be metabolized principally by esterases, lovastatin being metabolized also by CYP3A. In Caco-2 cells, with minimal CYP3A activity, permeability of these prodrugs was increased in the presence of GFJ. In rats, oral coadministration of GFJ or an esterase inhibitor, bis-(p-nitrophenylphosphate), with the prodrugs led to respective increases in plasma area under the curve by 70% or 57% for enalaprilat and 279% or 141% for lovastatin acid. In addition, portal vein-cannulated rats pretreated with GFJ at -15 and -2 h before lovastatin administration (10 mg/kg p.o.) as a solution, 1) in water and 2) in GFJ, showed, respectively, a 49% increase (CYP3A-inhibited) and a 116% increase (both CYP3A and gut esterase-inhibited) in the portal plasma exposure to the active acid, compared with a non-GFJ pretreatment group. Overall, along with the CYP3A inactivation by GFJ, the decreased esterase activity also played a significant role in increasing the metabolic stability and permeability of esters leading to enhancement of exposure to the active drugs in rats. These new esterase inhibition findings indicate that the potential of drug interaction between ester prodrugs and GFJ should also be considered in the clinic.

Metabolism of the new anxiolytic agent, a pyrido[1,2-]benzimidazole (PBI) analog (RWJ-53050), in rat and human hepatic S9 fractions, and in dog; identification of cytochrome p450 isoforms mediated in the human microsomal metabolism

The in vitro and in vivo metabolism of RWJ-53050, an anxiolytic agent, was investigated after incubation with rat and human hepatic S9 fractions, and human microsomes and 7 microsomes containing individual human CYP isoforms, CYP1A2, CYP2A6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, CYP2E1 and CYP3A4 in the presence of NADPH-generating system, and a single oral dose administration to dogs (30 mg/kg). Unchanged RWJ-53050 (> or = 74% of the sample in vitro; < or = 13% in vivo) plus 16 metabolites were profiled, quantified and tentatively identified based on the API-MS and MS/MS data. The formation of RWJ-53050 metabolites are via the 5 pathways: 1. N/O-demethylation, 2. phenylhydroxylation, 3. pyrido-oxidation, 4. dehydration, and 5. conjugation. Pathway 1 formed O-desmethyl-phenyl-RWJ-53050 (M1, < 1-12% in vitro & in vivo), O-desmethyl-benzimidazole-RWJ-53050 (M2), and N-desmethyl-RWJ-53050 (M3) (M2 & M3, < or = 3% in vitro & in vivo). Pathway 2 generated hydroxy-benzimidazole-RWJ-53050 (M4), hydroxy-phenyl-RWJ-53050 (M5), and hydroxy-phenyl-M4 (M9) (< or = 3% in vitro & in vivo). Pathway 3 formed 2 trace oxidized metabolites, hydroxy-pyrido-RWJ-53050 (M6, < or = 1% in vitro) and oxo-pyrido-RWJ-53050 (M8, < 1% in vitro) and in conjunction with pathway 1 produced 2 trace dioxidized metabolites, OH-benzimidazole-M6 (M10) and OH-benzimidazole-M8 (M11) (in vitro). Pathway 4 formed a minor dehydrated metabolite of M6 (M7, 3%, in vitro). Pathway 5 produced 3 in vivo conjugates, M1-glucuronide (M14, 17%), M5-glucuronide (M15, 50%), and M5-sulfate (M16, 10%). RWJ-53050 is substantially metabolized in vitro in the rat and human, and extensively metabolized in vivo in the dog. CYP1A2, CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 are responsible for the formation of oxidized metabolites, M1, M2, M4, M5 and M9.

Hepatic metabolism of two α-1A-adrenergic receptor antagonists, phthalimide-phenylpiperazine analogs (RWJ-69205 and RWJ-69471), in the rat, dog and human

The In vitro metabolism of two alpha-1A-adrenergic antagonists, RWJ-69205 and RWJ-69471 (phthalimide-phenylpiperazine analogs), was assessed after 30 and 60 min incubations with rat, dog and human hepatic S9 fractions in the presence of an NADPH-generating system. Unchanged RWJ-69205 (> or = 72% of the sample in all species) plus 3 metabolites from the RWJ-69205 incubations, and unchanged RWJ-69471 (> or = 60% of the sample in all species) and 7 metabolites from the RWJ-69471 incubations, were profiled, quantified, and tentatively identified on the basis of API-MS and MS/MS data. The formation of RWJ-69205 and RWJ-69471 metabolites are via the following five metabolic pathways: 1. phenylhydroxylation, 2. O-dealkylation, 3. oxidative N-dealkylation, 4. N-dephenylation, and 5. dehydration. Pathway 1 formed 2 major/moderate hydroxy-phenyl metabolites of 2 analogs (4-17%) in all species, and pathway 2 produced 2 O-desisopropyl metabolites of 2 analogs in major/moderate (7-16%) in rat and human, and in trace (< 1%) in dog; in conjunction with pathway 1, yielded a minor diphenolic metabolite (< 1-2%) in RWJ-69471. Pathway 3 formed a minor N-dealkylated metabolite, isopropoxyphenyl piperazine (< 1-6%) in all species of 2 analogs. Pathways 4 and 5 produced 2 minor N-desphenyl metabolite and dehydrated metabolite, respectively, in rat and human S9 (< or = 1-2%) in RWJ-69471. Both RWJ-69205 and RWJ-69471 were less extensively metabolized in the dog. However, rat and human appeared to metabolize RWJ-69471 more extensively than RWJ-69205 in this hepatic system.

THE IN VIVO AND IN VITRO METABOLIC PROFILE OF99MTC-NC100668, A NEW TRACER FOR IMAGING VENOUS THROMBOEMBOLISM: IDENTIFICATION AND BIODISTRIBUTION OF THE PRINCIPAL RADIOLABELED METABOLITE

(99m)Tc-NC100668 [Acetyl-Asn-Gln-Glu-Gln-Val-Ser-Pro-Tyr(3-iodo)-Thr-Leu-Leu-Lys-Gly-NC100194] is a radiopharmaceutical imaging agent being developed to aid the diagnosis of thromboembolism. The stability profile of (99m)Tc-NC100668 was investigated by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) after in vitro exposure to blood and plasma obtained from rat and human, as well as to urine and bile obtained from rat. The metabolic profile of (99m)Tc-NC100668 exposed to human and rat hepatic S9 (a liver homogenate-rich cytochrome P450) was also studied. The profile of (99m)Tc-labeled species in plasma, urine, and bile was investigated following i.v. administration of (99m)Tc-NC100668 to rat. The major species observed in vitro and in vivo consisted of the (99m)Tc-chelator (NC100194) [N,N-Bis(N-(1,1-dimethyl-2-(hydroxylimino-)propyl)aminoethyl)aminoethylamine] attached to the C-terminal amino acid residue and referred to as (99m)Tc-complex of Gly-NC100194. The identity of the major metabolite was confirmed by cochromatography with an authentic standard and the genuine metabolite using a second HPLC method. The minor metabolites were sodium pertechnetate ((99m)Tc) and (99m)Tc-NC100194. In addition, a small number of other species were transiently observed in vitro; they were not investigated further. The biodistribution of the major metabolite was studied in male Wistar rats. The affinity of the major metabolite toward plasma clot was established using a plasma clot-forming assay. A minor uptake of (99m)Tc-complex of Gly-NC100194 in the plasma clot and a rapid removal from the body were noted. In conclusion, the metabolites of (99m)Tc-NC100668 are not anticipated to have a negative impact on the ability of the test substance to image blood clots.

Metabolism of the α-1A-adrenergic receptor antagonist, pyridine-phenylpiperazine analog (RWJ-69597), in rat, dog and human hepatic S9 factions -API-MS/MS identification of metabolites

The In vitro metabolism of the alpha-1A-adrenergic antagonist, RWJ-69597, an analog of pyridine-phenylpiperazines, was conducted after incubation with rat, dog and human hepatic S9 fractions in the presence of an NADPH-generating system. Unchanged RWJ-69597 (> or =43% of the sample in all species) plus 9 metabolites were profiled, quantified, and tentatively identified on the basis of API-MS and MS/MS data. The four metabolic pathways for the formation of RWJ-69597 metabolites are: 1. methyl/phenyl/piperazinylhydroxylation, 2. N/Odealkylation, 3. N-dephenylation, and 4. dehydration. Pathway 1 formed 1 major (8-36%) and 3 minor (<1-3%) hydroxylated metabolites. Pathway 2 produced 2 moderate/minor N/O-dealkylated metabolites (<1- < or =11%), and in conjunction with pathway 1, formed 1 minor diol metabolites (< or =2%). Pathways 3 and 4 generated 2 minor metabolites, N-desphenyl RWJ-69597 (< or =4%) and dehydrated RWJ-69597 (< or =2%), respectively. RWJ-69597 is more extensively metabolized in the rat than the dog or the human in this hepatic system.

Metabolism of the new α-1A-adrenergic receptor antagonist, phthalimide-phenylpiperazine analog (RWJ-69442), in rat, dog and human hepatic S9 fractions, and in rats

The in vitro and in vivo metabolism of RWJ-69442, an alpha-1A-adrenergic receptor antagonist, was investigated after incubation with rat, dog, and human hepatic S9 fractions in the presence of NADPH-generating system, and a single oral/iv dose administration to rats (oral: 100 mg/kg; iv: 10 mg/kg). Unchanged RWJ-69442 (> or =30% of the sample in vitro; < or =47% of the sample in vivo) plus 14 metabolites were profiled, quantified and tentatively identified on the basis of API-MS and MS/MS data. The metabolic pathways for RWJ-69442 are proposed via the 4 steps: 1. phenyl/piperazinylhydroxylation, 2. N/O-dealkylation, 3. N-dephenylation, and 4. dehydration. Pathway 1 formed OH-phenyl-RWJ-69442 (M1, 4-32% in vitro & in vivo), and diOH-RWJ-69442 (M4, <1-4% in vitro & in vivo). Pathway 2 generated O-desisopropyl-RWJ-69442 (M2, <1-21% in vitro & in vivo), N-desmethyl-RWJ-69442 (M3, 2-3% in vitro & in vivo), N-desmethyl-M2 (M6, 1-8% in vitro & in vivo), and N-dealkylated RWJ-69442 (M9, < or =1-17% in vitro & in vivo), and in conjunction with pathway 1 produced 6 minor to major oxidized metabolites, OH-M2 (M5, 1-2% in vitro), OH-M3 (M11, 4-6% in vivo), OH-M9 (M10, <1-34% in vitro & in vivo), O-desisopropyl-M9 (M12, 3-21% in vivo), O-desisopropyl-M10 (M13,2-12% in vivo), and dehydro-M13 (M14, 25% in vivo). Pathways 3 and 4 formed 2 minor metabolites, N-desphenyl-RWJ-69442 (M7, <1-12% in vitro & in vivo) and dehydrated-RWJ-69442 (M8, <1-2% in vitro), respectively. RWJ-69442 is extensively metabolized in vitro in the rat and human (except dog), and in vivo in the rat.

Metabolism of the new nonbenzodiazepine anxiolytic agent, RWJ-51204, in mouse, rat, dog, monkey and human hepatic S9 fractions, and in rats, dogs and humans

The in vitro and in vivo metabolism of the nonbenzodiazepine anxiolytic agent, RWJ-51204 was investigated after incubation with mice, rat, dog, monkey, and human hepatic S9 fractions in the presence of NADPH-generating system, and a single oral dose administration to rats (100 mg/kg), dogs (5 mg/kg), and humans (2.5 mg/subject). Plasma and red blood cells (2 h, rat) and urine samples (0-24 h, rat, dog and human) were obtained postdose. Unchanged RWJ-51204 (39-93% of the sample in vitro; < or =5% of the sample in vivo) plus 14 metabolites were profiled, quantified and tentatively identified on the basis of API-MS and MS/MS data, and by comparison of synthetic samples. The in vitro and in vivo metabolic pathways for RWJ-51204 are proposed, and the metabolite formations are via the following five pathways: 1. phenyl oxidation, 2. pyrido-oxidation, 3. N-deethoxymethylation, 4. dehydration, and 5. glucuronidation. Pathway 1 formed 4-hydroxy-2-fluoro-phenyl-RWJ-51204 (M1, 7-24% in vitro; 5-60% in vivo) in major amounts, OH-benzimidazole-RWJ-51204 (M2, 5-8% in vitro and in vivo) and diOH-phenyl-RWJ-51204 (< or =5-16% in vitro and in vivo); in conjunction with pathway 5 produced M1 glucuronide (60% in rat & dog; 17% in human), M2 glucuronide (16% in human). Pathways 2-4 formed minor/trace oxidized, and dehydrated metabolites. RWJ-51204 is extensively metabolized in vitro (except dog) and in vivo in rats, dogs and humans.

Metabolic fate of the Ah receptor ligand 6-formylindolo[3,2- b]carbazole

The physiological role of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), a member of the basic helix–loop–helix PER-ARNT-SIM (PAS) transcription factor family is not known. We have suggested that the AhR is involved in light signaling through binding of photoproducts with high AhR affinity. This suggestion is based on (i) the high AhR affinity of the tryptophan photoproduct formylindolo[3,2- b]carbazole (FICZ), (ii) the induction of rapid and transient expression of AhR-regulated genes by FICZ and by extracts of UV-irradiated tryptophan as well as (iii) the fact that light induces the AhR-regulated cytochrome P450s CYP1A1, CYP1B1 and CYP2S1. The transient mRNA expression caused by light and tryptophan photoproducts suggests that the biotransformation enzymes induced by AhR activation take part in a metabolic degradation of the natural AhR ligand. This study aimed at identifying the involvement of phase I and phase II enzymes in the metabolic degradation of FICZ. A cytochrome P450-dependent metabolism of FICZ giving rise to preferentially mono- and di-hydroxylated derivatives has earlier been reported. In the present study, rat and human hepatic S9 mixes were employed together with specific enzyme inhibitors and cofactors. Compared to the Aroclor-induced rat liver S9, the non-induced rat liver S9 and the human liver S9 caused a more complex metabolite profile of FICZ. The CYP1A1 enzyme was confirmed to be the most important enzyme for the first step in the metabolism. CYP1A2 was found to have overlapping specificity with CYP1A1 being able to form the same major metabolites although with different kinetics. CYP1B1 turned out to be preferentially involved in the further metabolism of dihydroxylated metabolites. Microsomal epoxide hydrolase, and as yet not identified forms of sulphotransferases and glucuronosyltransferases were also found to take part in the metabolic degradation of FICZ. Thus, tryptophan photoproducts fit into a model in which the ligand-activated AhR signaling is autoregulated by the induced metabolic enzymes.