Effects of morin on the bioavailability of tamoxifen and its main metabolite, 4-hydroxytamoxifen, in rats

This study examined the effect of morin on the bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of tamoxifen and its metabolite, 4-hydroxytamoxifen, in rats. A single dose of tamoxifen was administered to rats intravenously (2 mg/kg) or orally (10 mg/kg), with or without morin (3 or 10 mg/kg). The presence of morin significantly altered the pharmacokinetics of the orally administered tamoxifen. Compared with the oral control group (given tamoxifen alone), the total body clearance (CL/F) of tamoxifen in the presence of morin was significantly reduced (by 35.9-40.8%, p<0.01). The area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC(0-infinity)) and the peak plasma concentration (Cmax) of tamoxifen significantly (p<0.05 for 3 mg/kg of morin, p<0.01 for 10 mg/kg of morin) increased by 50.6-68.9% and 65.1-80.9%, respectively. Consequently, the absolute bioavailability (AB) of tamoxifen in the presence of morin was 37.4-40.5%, which was enhanced significantly (p<0.05) compared with the oral control group (23.9%). The relative bioavailability (RB) of tamoxifen was 1.56 to 1.68 times higher than the control group. The increased bioavailability of tamoxifen is likely to be due to the decrease in the first-pass metabilism by the intestines and liver. Morin at a dose of 10 mg/kg significant increased the AUC(0-infinity), of 4-hydroxytamoxifen (by 50.9%, p<0.05) but the metabolite:parent ratio (MR) of 4-hydroxytamoxifen was not altered significantly, suggesting that the formation of 4-hydroxytamoxifen is not affected considerably by morin. The increased bioavailability of tamoxifen in the presence of morin should be taken into consideration for dosage regimens due to potential drug interaction.     

Pharmacokinetic interaction between diltiazem and morin, a flavonoid, in rats.

The present study aims to investigate the effect of morin, a flavonoid, on the pharmacokinetics of diltiazem and its active metabolite, desacetyldiltiazem, in rats. Pharmacokinetic parameters of diltiazem and desacetyldiltiazem were determined in rats after an oral administration of diltiazem (15 mg kg(-1)) to rats in the presence and absence of morin (1.5, 7.5 and 15 mg kg(-1)). Compared to the control given diltiazem alone, the C(max) and AUC of diltiazem increased by 30-120% in the rats co-administered with a 1.5 or 7.5 mg kg(-1) of morin, while there was no significant change in T(max) and terminal plasma half-life (T(1/2)) of diltiazem in the presence of morin. Consequently, absolute and relative bioavailability values of diltiazem in the rats co-administered with morin were significantly higher (p<0.05) than those from the control group. Metabolite-parent AUC ratio in the presence of morin (7.5 mg kg(-1)) decreased by 30% compared to the control group, implying that coadministration of morin could be effective to inhibit the CYP3A4-mediated metabolism of diltiazem. In conclusion, the presence of morin significantly enhanced the oral exposure of diltiazem, suggesting that concurrent use of morin or morin-containing dietary supplement with diltiazem should require close monitoring for potential drug interactions.     

Effects of morin pretreatment on the pharmacokinetics of diltiazem and its major metabolite, desacetyldiltiazem in rats

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of morin, a flavonoid, on the pharmacokinetics of diltiazem and one of its metabolites, desacetyldiltiazem in rats. Pharmacokinetic parameters of diltiazem and desacetyldiltiazem were determined after oral administration of diltiazem (15 mg/kg) in rats pretreated with morin (1.5, 7.5, and 15 mg/kg). Compared with the control group (given diltiazem alone), pretreatment of morin significantly increased the absorption rate constant (Ka) and peak concentration (Cmax) of diltiazem (p<0.05, p<0.01). Area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) of diltiazem in rats pretreated with morin were significantly higher than that in the control group (p<0.05, p<0.01), hence the absolute bioavailability (AB%) of diltiazem was significantly higher than that of the control group (p<0.05, p<0.01). Relative bioavailability (RB%) of diltiazem in rats pretreated with morin was increased by 1.36- to 2.03-fold. The terminal half-life (t1/2) and time to reach the peak concentration (Tmax) of diltiazem were not altered significantly with morin pretreatment. AUC of desacetyldiltiazem was increased significantly (p<0.05) in rats pretreated with morin at doses of 7.5 and 15 mg/ kg, but metabolite-parent ratio (MR) of desacetyldiltiazem was decreased significantly (p<0.05), implying that pretreatment of morin could be effective to inhibit the CYP 3A4-mediated metabolism of diltiazem. There were no apparent changes of Tmax and t1/2 of desacetyldiltiazem with morin pretreatment. Collectively, the pretreatment of morin significantly altered pharmacokinetics of diltiazem, which can be attributed to increased intestinal absorption as well as reduced first-pass metabolism. Based on these results, dose modification should be taken into consideration when diltiazem is used concomitantly with morin or morin-containing dietary supplements in clinical setting.     

Evaluation of factors to decrease bioavailability of cyclosporin A in rats with gentamicin-induced acute renal failure

Focusing on the disposition of cyclosporin A (CsA) in the liver and intestine, effects of gentamicin-induced acute renal failure (ARF) on the decreased oral bioavailability of CsA were evaluated in rats. The area under the CsA concentration-time curve (AUC) in ARF rats after oral administration (5 mg/kg) significantly decreased by 43% as compared to the control, while the apparent oral clearance significantly increased by 76% of the control. The portal AUC of CsA in ARF rats with bile flow decreased by 67% as compared to the control rats. Without bile flow, the portal AUC of CsA in control rats decreased by 50% as compared to those with bile flow, whereas ARF rats without bile flow showed no notable change as compared to those with bile flow. The AUC of CsA mono-oxidative metabolite via CYP3A (M-OH) in ARF rats after oral or intravenous administration increased significantly by 84% or 241%, respectively, while there was no difference in the portal M-OH between control and ARF rats, suggesting that the elimination of M-OH was prolonged because of nephrotoxicity. Although the exsorption clearance of CsA from the blood circulation to the intestine after intravenous administration to ARF rats decreased significantly as compared to the control; and basolateral-to-apical transport of CsA through Caco-2 monolayers was significantly retarded in the presence of uremic toxins, there was no significant change in the total body clearance of CsA between ARF and control rats. Moreover, there were no effects of uremic toxins on the protein binding of CsA in plasma. These observations suggest that hepatic or intestinal CYP3A and P-glycoproteine (P-gp) are not likely to be concerned with lowering the oral bioavailability of CsA, and that bile function under the ARF condition induced by gentamicin is responsible for a marked decrease in the fraction absorbed of CsA in the small intestine.     

effect of atorvastatin on the pharmacokinetics of diltiazem and its main metabolite,desacetyldiltiazem, in rats

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of atorvastatin, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, on the pharmacokinetics of diltiazem and its active metabolite, desacetyldiltiazem, in rats. Pharmacokinetic parameters of diltiazem and desacetyldiltiazem were determined in rats after oral administration of diltiazem (15 mg x kg(-1)) to rats pretreated with atorvastatin (0.5 or 2.0 mg x kg(-1)). Compared with the control (given diltiazem alone), the pretreatment of atorvastatin significantly altered the pharmacokinetic parameters of diltiazem. The peak concentration (Cmax) and the areas under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) of diltiazem were significantly (p < 0.05, 0.5 mg x kg(-1); p < 0.01, 2.0 mg x kg(-1)) increased in the presence of atorvastatin. The AUC of diltiazem was increased by 1.40-fold in rats pretreated with 0.5 mg x kg(-1) atorvastatin, and 1.77-fold in rats pretreated with 2.0 mg x kg(-1) atorvastatin. Consequently, absolute bioavailability values of diltiazem pretreated with atorvastatin (8.4-10.6%)were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than that in the control group (6.6%). Although the pretreatment of atorvastatin significantly (p < 0.05) increased the AUC of desacetyldiltiazem, metabolite-parent AUC ratio (M.R.) in the presence of atorvastatin (0.5 or 2.0 mg x kg(-1)) was significantly decreased compared to the control group, implying that atorvastatin could be effective to inhibit the metabolism of diltiazem. In conclusion, the concomitant use of atorvastatin significantly enhanced the oral exposure of diltiazem in rats.     

Repeated dosing of piperine induced gene expression of P‐glycoprotein via stimulated pregnane‐X‐receptor activity and altered pharmacokinetics of diltiazem in rats

This study investigated the effect of piperine on the gene expression of P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp) as well as pregnane‐X‐receptor (PXR) activity and also its implication on the bioavailability of diltiazem, a P‐gp substrate. The effect of piperine on the systemic exposure of diltiazem was examined in rats after the intravenous and oral administration of diltiazem with/without 2 week pretreatment with piperine. Compared with the control group given diltiazem (20 mg/kg) alone, the pretreatment with piperine (10 or 20 mg/kg, once daily for 2 weeks) decreased the oral exposure of diltiazem by 36–48% in rats. Consequently, the bioavailability of oral diltiazem was significantly lower (p < 0.05) after the 2 week pretreatment with piperine. The pretreatment with piperine for 2 weeks also reduced the systemic exposure of desacetyldiltiazem, a major active metabolite of diltiazem by approximately 73%, accompanied by a significant decrease in the metabolite–parent ratio. In contrast to the oral pharmacokinetics, piperine did not affect the intravenous pharmacokinetics of diltiazem in rats. Immunoblot analysis indicated that the protein expression level of intestinal P‐gp was significantly enhanced after the 2 week pretreatment with piperine in rats. In addition, piperine increased the PXR reporter activity in human hepatoma cells. Taken together, the 2 week pretreatment with piperine significantly induced intestinal P‐gp expression in conjunction with stimulated PXR activity and decreased the oral exposure of diltiazem and desacetyldiltiazem in rats. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Effects of simvastatin on the pharmacokinetics of diltiazem and its main metabolite, desacetyldiltiazem, after oral and intravenous administration in rats: possible role of P-glycoprotein and CYP3A4 inhibition by simvastatin

The purpose of this study was to investigate the possible effects of hydroxymethylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitor, simvastatin, on the pharmacokinetics of diltiazem and its main metabolite, desacetyldiltiazem, in rats. HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors and diltiazem are sometimes prescribed as a combination therapy for the prevention or treatment of cardiovascular diseases. The effect of simvastatin on P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4 activity was evaluated. Simvastatin inhibited CYP3A4 enzyme activity in a concentration-dependent manner with a 50% inhibition concentration (IC(50)) of 3.0 μM. In addition, simvastatin significantly enhanced the cellular accumulation of rhodamine-123 in MCF-7/ADR cells overexpressing P-gp. The pharmacokinetic parameters of diltiazem and desacetyldiltiazem were determined after oral and intravenous administration of diltiazem to rats in the presence and absence of simvastatin (0.3 and 1.0 mg/kg). The areas under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) and the peak concentration (C(max)) of diltiazem were significantly (p < 0.05, 1.0 mg/kg) increased by 45.2% and 35.2%, respectively, in the presence of simvastatin compared to control. Consequently, the absolute bioavailability (AB) values of diltiazem in the presence of simvastatin (1.0 mg/kg) were significantly (p < 0.05) higher (44.8%) than that of the control group. Moreover, the relative bioavailability (RB) of diltiazem was 1.21- to 1.45-fold greater than that in the control group. The metabolite-parent AUC ratio (MR) in the presence of simvastatin (1.0 mg/kg) significantly decreased compared to the control group. This result implied that simvastatin effectively inhibited the metabolism of diltiazem. The increase in diltiazem oral bioavailability might be attributable to enhanced absorption in the small intestine via the inhibition of P-gp and to reduced first-pass metabolism of diltiazem via the inhibition of the CYP3A subfamily in the small intestine and/or in the liver rather than renal elimination of diltiazem by simvastatin.     

Pharmacokinetic interaction between fluvastatin and diltiazem in rats

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of fluvastatin on the pharmacokinetics of diltiazem in rats. Pharmacokinetic parameters of diltiazem were determined in rats following an oral administration of diltiazem (15 mg/kg) in the presence and absence of fluvastatin (0.6 and 2.0 mg/kg). Compared with the control given diltiazem alone, the C(max) and AUC of diltiazem increased by 30-70% in rats with the concurrent use of fluvastatin, while there was no significant change in T(max) and the plasma half-life (T(1/2)) of diltiazem. Consequently, absolute and relative bioavailability values of diltiazem in the presence of fluvastatin were significantly higher (p<0.05) than those from the control group, implying that fluvastatin could reduce the presystemic extraction of diltiazem. In conclusion, the concurrent use of fluvastatin significantly enhanced the oral exposure of diltiazem in rats.     

Preliminary pharmacokinetics of a new pyridopyrimidine derivative

This paper describes the preliminary pharmacokinetic studies of 4-anilino-2-methylthiopyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidine (MD-39-AM) following a single administration of the compound to male rats via different routes (intravenous and oral) in the dose range of 6-24 mg.kg-1. The plasma level versus time plots after intravenous and oral administration to male rats can well be described by an open two-compartment model. The product was rapidly absorbed and peak concentrations in plasma were reached before 1 h after a single oral administration whatever the dose studied. The absolute bioavailability calculated on the basis of AUC0-infinity after intravenous and oral administration was estimated to be about 90%. Plasma levels found at higher doses than 6 mg/kg suggest that the product kinetics is dose dependent.     

Enhanced diltiazem bioavailability after oral administration of diltiazem with quercetin to rabbits

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of quercetin on the bioavailability of diltiazem after administering diltiazem (15 mg/kg) orally to rabbits either co-administered or pretreated with quercetin (2, 10, 20 mg/kg). The plasma concentrations of diltiazem in the rabbits pretreated with quercetin were increased significantly (p<0.05, at 2 mg/kg; p<0.01, at 10 and 20 mg/kg) compared with the control, but the plasma concentrations of diltiazem co-administered with quercetin were not significant. The areas under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) and the peak concentrations (Cmax) of the diltiazem in the rabbits pretreated with quercetin were significantly higher (p<0.05, at 2 mg/kg; p<0.01, at 10 and 20 mg/kg) than the control. The absolute bioavailability (AB%) of diltiazem in the rabbits pretreated with quercetin was significantly (p<0.05 at 2 mg/kg, p<0.01 at 10 and 20 mg/kg) higher (9.10-12.81%) than the control (4.64%). AUC, AB% and Cmax of diltiazem co-administered with quercetin were higher than the control, but these were not significant. The bioavailibility of diltiazem in the rabbits pretreated with quercetin is increased significantly compared with the control, but not in the rabbits co-administered with quercetin. The increased bioavailability of diltiazem in the rabbits pretreated with quercetin might have been resulted result from the quercetin, which inhibits the efflux pump P-glycoprotein and the first-pass metabolizing enzyme CYP 3A4.     

Intravenous pharmacokinetics, oral bioavailability and dose proportionality of ragaglitazar, a novel PPAR-dual activator in rats

Pharmacokinetics of ragaglitazar (a novel phenoxazine derivative of aryl propanoic acid), a potent insulin sensitizing and lipid-lowering compound was studied in Wistar rats. A single dose of 1, 3 or 10 mg/kg of ragaglitazar was given orally to male rats (n=4 per dose level) to evaluate dose proportionality. In another study, a single intravenous bolus dose of ragaglitazar was given to rats (n=4) at 3 mg/kg dose following administration through the lateral tail vein in order to obtain the absolute oral bioavailability and clearance parameters. Blood samples were drawn at predetermined intervals and the concentration of ragaglitazar in plasma was determined by a validated HPLC method. Plasma concentration versus time data were generated following oral and intravenous dosing and pharmacokinetic analysis was performed using non-compartmental analysis. The results revealed that Cmax and AUC(0-infinity) increased more than proportionally to the administered oral doses. As dose increased in the ratio of 1:3:10, the mean Cmax and AUC(0-infinity) increased in the ratio of 1:3.2:13 and 1:3.2:16, respectively. After intravenous administration the systemic clearance and volume of distribution of ragaglitazar in rats were 139+/-30 ml/h/kg and 463+/-51 ml/kg, respectively (mean+/-SD). Plasma concentrations declined mono-exponentially following intravenous administration and elimination half-life (t1/2) was about 2.6 h and not significantly different (p > 0.05) from the value from oral administration. Mean residence time (MRT) values for ragaglitazar were found to be 4.15+/-0.52 h (3.5 to 4.6 h). Absolute oral bioavailability of ragaglitazar across the doses tested was in the range of 68%-93%. In conclusion, ragaglitazar exhibits promising pharmacokinetic properties in rats.     

Role of diltiazem on tacrolimus pharmacokinetics in tacrolimus-induced nephrotoxic rats.

The effects of diltiazem on tacrolimus pharmacokinetics during tacrolimus-induced nephrotoxicity were studied. In normal rats, co-administration of diltiazem significantly increased AUC(0-infinity) of tacrolimus and reduced total body clearance, Cltot, after intravenous and oral administration. In tacrolimus-induced nephrotoxicity, AUC(0-infinity) of tacrolimus increased 40.7%, while the apparent volume of initial distribution space, Vd1, the apparent volume of steady-state distribution space, Vdss, and Cltot decreased 27.4%, 19.5% and 27.4%, respectively, as compared with the control. Co-administration of diltiazem lowered the AUC(0-infinity) of tacrolimus 36.2% and increased Vd1i.v. 62.8% in Vdss 45.9% and Cltot(i.v) 59.0% in tacrolimus-induced nephrotoxicity, resulting in partial improvement in renal function. These pharmacokinetic alterations due to diltiazem contrasted with those seen in normal rats. As a result, the pharmacokinetic parameters in tacrolimus-induced nephrotoxicity with coadministration of diltiazem resembled those in control rats. Mean tacrolimus concentrations in kidney cortex and medulla in a tacrolimus nephrotoxic group given diltiazem were 33.1% and 44.7% lower than those in a nephrotoxic model due to tacrolimus alone. But the tissue/blood concentration ratio of tacrolimus did not change regardless of the presence of diltiazem. Our findings suggest that co-administration of diltiazem has an advantageous effects on tacrolimus pharmacokinetics to protect against tacrolimus-induced nephrotoxicity.     

Effect of chronic administration of ritonavir on function of cytochrome P450 3A and P-glycoprotein in rats

Ritonavir (RTV) is well known as an inhibitor of many drugs that are metabolized by cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A or fluxed via P-glycoprotein (Pgp), although it is also reported that RTV is a potent inducer for them. In this study, to elucidate these contradictory phenomena, functional changes of CYP3A or Pgp during chronic administration of RTV were examined in rats. After pretreatment with RTV for indicated days (day 3-day 14), rats were used in the experiments. The area under the plasma drug concentration vs. time curve (AUC(0-infinity)) after oral administration of RTV (20 mg/kg) to these rats showed an RTV-treatment period-dependent decrease, and the mean AUC(0-infinity) of RTV in Day 14 rats decreased significantly by 57% as compared to the control. The AUC(0-infinity) after intravenous (i.v.) administration of RTV to Day 3 and Day 5 rats increased significantly by 28% and 22%, respectively, while there were no significant changes in the AUC(0-infinity) in Day 7 and Day 14 rats as compared to the control. As for i.v. administration of erythromycin (EM) or midazolam (MDZ) to RTV-treated rats, the AUC(0-infinity)in Day 3 and Day 5 rats increased significantly as compared to the control, while in Day 7 rats and rifampicin-treated rats, the AUC(0-infinity) of EM decreased significantly by 82% and 42%, respectively, as compared to the control. For MDZ, there were no significant changes in the AUC(0-infinity) in Day 7 or Day 14 rats. After i.v. administration of rhodamine123 (Rho123), the excretion clearances from blood circulation to the intestinal lumen and the biliary excretion clearances in Day 14 rats increased markedly by 2.2-fold and 2.6-fold as compared to the control. It has been confirmed that RTV is not only a potent inhibitor but also a potent inducer of CYP3A, and that RTV is a potent inducer of intestinal Pgp. This property of RTV is responsible for regulating the oral bioavailability of drugs that are mediated by CYP3A and Pgp.     

Effects of myricetin on the bioavailability of doxorubicin for oral drug delivery in Rats: Possible role of CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein inhibition by myricetin

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of oral myricetin on the bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of orally and intravenously administered doxorubicin (DOX) in rats for oral delivery. The effect of myricetin on the P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and CYP3A4 activity was also evaluated. Myricetin inhibited CYP3A4 enzyme activity with 50% inhibition concentration of 7.8 μM. In addition, myricetin significantly enhanced the cellular accumulation of rhodamine 123 in MCF-7/ADR cells overexpressing P-gp. The pharmacokinetic parameters of DOX were determined in rats after oral (40 mg/kg) or intravenous (10 mg/kg) administration of DOX to rats in the presence and absence of myricetin (0.4, 2 or 10 mg/kg). Compared to the control group, myricetin significantly (p < 0.05, 2 mg/kg; p < 0.01, 10 mg/kg) increased the area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC, 51–117% greater) of oral DOX. Myricetin also significantly (p < 0.05, 2 mg/kg; p < 0.01, 10 mg/kg) increased the peak plasma concentration of DOX. Consequently, the absolute bioavailability of DOX was increased by myricetin compared to that in the control group, and the relative bioavailability of oral DOX was increased by 1.51- to 2.17-fold. The intravenous pharmacokinetics of DOX were not affected by the concurrent use of myricetin in contrast to the oral administration of DOX. Accordingly, the enhanced oral bioavailability in the presence of myricetin, while there was no significant change in the intravenous pharmacokinetics of DOX, could be mainly due to the increased intestinal absorption via P-gp inhibition by myricetin rather than to the reduced elimination of DOX. These results suggest that the increase in the oral bioavailability of DOX might be mainly attributed to enhanced absorption in the gastrointestinal tract via the inhibition of P-gp and to reduced first-pass metabolism of DOX due to inhibition of CYP3A in the small intestine and/or in the liver by myricetin.     

The effect of oral pleconaril on hepatic cytochrome P450 3A activity in healthy adults using intravenous midazolam as a probe

Pleconaril is a viral capsid inhibitor under evaluation for treatment of infections caused by rhinoviruses and enteroviruses. This study evaluated the effect of pleconaril on hepatic cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A activity as assessed by intravenous (IV) midazolam. Healthy adults received oral pleconaril 400 mg 3 times daily for 16 doses. Single-dose, IV midazolam 0.025 mg/kg was administered before and during pleconaril administration. Midazolam and pleconaril plasma concentrations were assayed by LC/MS/MS. Bioequivalence was assessed by least squares geometric mean ratios (LS-GMR) with 90% confidence intervals (90% CIs) for the measured midazolam pharmacokinetic parameters. Sixteen subjects were enrolled, and 14 subjects completed the study. Pleconaril decreased midazolam AUC(0-infinity) 28% and increased systemic clearance 39%. LS-GMR (90% CI) were 0.718 (0.674-0.765) and 1.392 (1.307-1.483), respectively. Plasma pleconaril concentrations steadily increased over time. Observed changes in midazolam AUC(0-infinity) and systemic clearance suggest that oral pleconaril increased hepatic CYP3A activity in healthy adults.     

Effect of atorvastatin on the intravenous and oral pharmacokinetics of verapamil in rats

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of atorvastatin on the intravenous and oral pharmacokinetics of verapamil in rats. The pharmacokinetic parameters of verapamil were measured after an oral (9 mg/kg) or intravenous (3 mg/kg) administration of verapamil to rats in the presence and absence of atorvastatin. Compared with the control given verapamil alone, the concurrent use of 1.5 mg/kg of atorvastatin significantly increased the oral exposure of verapamil in rats. The AUC and C(max) of verapamil increased by 70% and 61%, respectively in the presence of atorvastatin (1.5 mg/kg), while there was no significant change in T(max) and the terminal plasma half-life (T(1/2)) of verapamil. Accordingly, the presence of atorvastatin significantly (p<0.05) increased the bioavailability of verapamil in rats. In contrast, atorvastatin had no effect on any pharmacokinetic parameters of verapamil given intravenously, implying that atorvastatin may improve the oral bioavailability of verapamil by reducing the prehepatic extraction of verapamil most likely mediated by P-gp and/or CYP3A4. In conclusion, coadministration of atorvastatin significantly enhanced the oral exposure of verapamil in rats without a change in the systemic clearance of intravenous verapamil, suggesting a potential drug interaction between verapamil and atorvastatin via the modulation of prehepatic extraction.     

Stereoselective pharmacokinetics of desbutylhalofantrine, a metabolite of halofantrine, in the rat after administration of the racemic metabolite or parent drug

The main objective of this study was to determine the pharmacokinetics of the enantiomers of desbutylhalofantrine (DHF), a metabolite of halofantrine (HF), in the rat. Rats received either intravenous (2 mg/kg) or oral (7 mg/kg) (+/-)-DHF HCl, or (+/-)-HF HCl intravenously (3 mg/kg). Enantiomer concentrations in plasma were determined by a stereospecific assay. In all rats, the plasma concentrations of (+)-DHF exceeded those of (-)-DHF. After (+/-)-DHF, the mean (+):(-) ratios of AUC(0-infinity) after oral and intravenous dosing were 3.7 and 2.8, respectively. After intravenous doses of DHF, the (-):(+) enantiomeric ratios of Cl and V(dss) were approximately 2.8. There were no significant differences between the enantiomers in t(1/2) (mean 14-23 h) or t(max) (mean 10-12 h) after intravenous or oral administration of DHF. Oral bioavailability estimates of DHF enantiomers (>59%) were higher than those previously estimated for HF in the rat. The stereoselectivity in HF kinetics was not as pronounced as for DHF. It was estimated that over 44% of the dose of HF is metabolized to DHF enantiomers. It was concluded that DHF possesses a pharmacokinetic profile similar to that of HF, each possessing low values of clearance and high volume of distribution. DHF differed from HF in its degree of stereoselectivity in pharmacokinetics, and in its extent of oral bioavailability.     

Comparison of oral bioavailability of genistein and genistin in rats

Genistein (GT) is an isoflavone from Leguminosae and has received much attention as a phytoestrogen. Genistin is a glycoside form of GT (genistein-7-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside, GT-glu) is mainly found in soy-derived foods. In this study, we examined the pharmacokinetic properties and bioavailability of GT in rats and compared with those of GT-glu. In order to characterize and compare the pharmacokinetics of GT and GT-glu, these compounds were administered intravenously and orally. The plasma concentration of GT was determined by HPLC after enzymatic hydrolysis. After oral administration of GT with various doses (4, 20, 40 mg/kg), the bioavailability of GT was 38.58, 24.34 and 30.75%, respectively. The T(max), C(max) and AUC(0-infinity) of GT after oral administration of GT (40 mg/kg), were 2h, 4876.19 ng/ml, 31,269.66 ng h/ml, respectively. When smaller amount of GT was administered, the faster T(max) was observed. Oral administration of GT-glu resulted in longer T(max), lower C(max), and greater bioavailability than that of GT. The pharmacokinetic parameters of GT following oral administration of GT-glu (64 mg/kg as GT-glu, 40 mg/kg as GT) were obtained as follows: 8h (T(max)), 3763.96 ng/ml (C(max)), 51,221.08 ng h/ml (AUC(0-infinity)) and 48.66% (absolute bioavailability), respectively. These results indicate that the oral bioavailability of GT-glu is greater than that of GT.     

Quercetin pretreatment increases the bioavailability of pioglitazone in rats: involvement of CYP3A inhibition

Herbal antidiabetic preparations are often used as an add-on therapy in diabetes and such herbal preparations often contains quercetin that can inhibit cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4. This enzyme is responsible for metabolizing pioglitazone, a commonly used antidiabetic agent. Hence, it was speculated that quercetin may influence the bioavailability of pioglitazone, which could be particularly crucial, as any increment in its plasma levels may raise safety concerns. Thus, we first established the inhibitory influence of quercetin (2, 10 and 20 mg/kg, p.o.) on CYP3A activity by an in vivo method of estimating levels of midazolam in female rats pretreated with dexamethasone. It was further confirmed in vitro using erythromycin-N-demethylase (EMD) assay. These studies indicated potent inhibition of CYP3A activity by quercetin (10 and 20 mg/kg, in vivo; 1 and 10 microM, in vitro). In another experiment, pioglitazone was administered orally (10 mg/kg) and intravenously (5mg/kg) to quercetin (10 mg/kg) pretreated female rats and its plasma levels were determined at various time points (0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8 and 24 h after oral administration; 0.083, 0.5, 1, 2, 8, 12 and 18 h after i.v. administration) by HPLC. Quercetin pretreatment increased AUC(0-infinity) of pioglitazone after oral administration by 75% and AUC(0-infinity) after intravenous administration by 25% suggesting decreased metabolism, which could be due to inhibition of CYP3A by quercetin. In conclusion, add-on preparations containing quercetin may increase the bioavailability of pioglitazone, and hence should be cautiously used.     

Pharmacokinetics of diltiazem and a new analogue, LR-A/113, in the conscious rat.

Pharmacokinetics and metabolism of diltiazem and a new analogue, LR-A/113, have been studied in the rat. Conscious rats, with the jugular vein cannulated, received the compounds by intravenous (3 mg/kg body weight) or oral (50 mg/kg body weight) route. Parent compounds and their N-demethyl and N-deacetyl metabolites were assayed at serial times in blood. Half-life of elimination of diltiazem was significantly shorter than that of LR-A/113, both after oral (37 +/- 9 vs 59 +/- 26 min) and intravenous (29 +/- 12 vs 57 +/- 16 min) administration. N-deacetyl-diltiazem concentrations after oral administration were higher than the parent compound and N-demethyldiltiazem; LR-A/113 blood concentrations were higher than those of its two metabolites. Metabolites were measurable only in traces after intravenous administration. Oral bioavailability was very low, 3.5% for diltiazem and 4.2% for LR-A/113. In conclusion, the substitution of a methyl by an isopropyl group appears to slow in vivo elimination of the analogue of diltiazem, LR-A/113.