Negative ion tandem mass spectrometry for the detection of glutathione conjugates

Characterization of S-linked conjugates of the endogenous tripeptide glutathione (gamma-glutamyl-cysteinylglycine, GSH) represents a valuable indirect approach for the identification of chemically reactive, electrophilic intermediates formed during the metabolism of both foreign compounds and endogenous substances. In most cases, GSH adducts generated in vitro or excreted in the bile of animals are detected by the use of liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), employing survey scans based on characteristic fragmentations of this class of conjugates. However, a limitation of current LC-MS/MS approaches, which typically employ electrospray ionization with analysis of positive ions, is that no single survey scan exhibits broad utility in the detection of unknown GSH adducts, since different structural classes of conjugate (aromatic, benzylic, aliphatic, thioester, etc.) behave differently upon collision-induced dissociation (CID) of the respective [M + H]+ parent ions. In the present study, we evaluated MS/MS in the negative ion mode as an alternative approach and report herein that the spectra obtained by CID of the [M - H]- ions of a number of representative GSH adducts, as well as GSH itself, are dominated by fragments originating from the glutathionyl moiety of the tripeptide. In particular, the anion at m/z 272, corresponding nominally to deprotonated gamma-glutamyl-dehydroalanyl-glycine, was abundant in the negative ion spectra of free GSH and all GSH conjugates examined, suggesting that scanning for precursors of this ion may provide a generally applicable technique for the detection of adducts of unknown structure. The utility of this novel detection strategy was demonstrated in a series of in vitro and in vivo experiments where compounds known to undergo metabolic activation were examined for their propensity to form conjugates with GSH. In all cases, scanning for precursors of m/z 272 in the negative ion mode revealed the presence of the expected adducts and in some instances revealed additional conjugates that had not been reported previously. Positive ion MS/MS, on the other hand, was more useful than the corresponding negative ion scans in providing information on the molecular structure of GSH conjugates.     

大鼠粪样中山莨菪碱及其代谢物的串联质谱法检测

目的运用液相色谱-电喷雾串联质谱(LC-MSn)法检测大鼠粪样中山莨菪碱及其代谢物。方法收集灌胃山莨菪碱(25 mg.kg-1)的大鼠粪样,用水浸泡后,以乙酸乙酯萃取,采用LC-MS及LC-MSn等方法检测原药及其代谢物。根据代谢物相对分子质量的变化(ΔM)及其多级质谱数据,鉴定并阐述其结构,同时与空白粪样及山莨菪碱相比较。结果在服药后的大鼠粪样中发现山莨菪碱及其7种代谢产物,分别为6β-羟基托品、N-去甲基-6β-羟基托品、N-去甲基脱水山莨菪碱、脱水山莨菪碱、N-去甲基山莨菪碱、羟基山莨菪碱以及托品酸等。结论该方法灵敏、快速、简便、有效,适合于生物样品中的药物及其代谢产物的快速鉴定。     

大鼠粪样中山莨菪碱及其代谢物的串联质谱法检测

目的运用液相色谱-电喷雾串联质谱(LC-MSn)法检测大鼠粪样中山莨菪碱及其代谢物。方法收集灌胃山莨菪碱(25 mg·kg^-1)的大鼠粪样,用水浸泡后,以乙酸乙酯萃取,采用LC-MS及LC-MSn等方法检测原药及其代谢物。根据代谢物相对分子质量的变化(ΔM)及其多级质谱数据,鉴定并阐述其结构,同时与空白粪样及山莨菪碱相比较。结果在服药后的大鼠粪样中发现山莨菪碱及其7种代谢产物, 分别为6β-羟基托品、N-去甲基-6β-羟基托品、N-去甲基脱水山莨菪碱、脱水山莨菪碱、N-去甲基山莨菪碱、羟基山莨菪碱以及托品酸等。结论该方法灵敏、快速、简便、有效,适合于生物样品中的药物及其代谢产物的快速鉴定。     

Detection of glutathione conjugates derived from 4-ipomeanol metabolism in bile of rats by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

Earlier studies postulated that bioactivation of 4-ipomeanol by cytochrome P450 enzymes may occur through oxidation of its furan ring, following a mechanism similar to the bioactivation of other furan-containing compounds. This would lead to the formation of furan epoxides and alpha,beta-unsaturated di-aldehyde-reactive metabolites that can conjugate with glutathione. These metabolites are thought to be responsible for the cytotoxic and anticancer properties of 4-ipomeanol. We hypothesized that if 4-ipomeanol is metabolized following this pathway, its glutathione conjugates would be isobaric (molecular ion mass = 492 Da) and would be excreted in bile. To investigate this hypothesis, we analyzed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry the bile of rats administered d0/d6 4-ipomeanol (1:1 ratio) intravenously. Hexadeuterated 4-ipomeanol had all deuterium atoms incorporated on its aliphatic chain. Multiple reaction monitoring scans of bile for the mass transition: MH+/(MH - 129)+, which is characteristic of glutathione conjugates, detected four glutathione conjugates. The observation of the isotope cluster (M + 1)+ (d0)/(MH + 6)+ (d6) in a 1:1 molar ratio confirmed that these conjugates were derived from 4-ipomeanol. Retention of the six deuterium atoms in the glutathione conjugates detected, (MH + 6)+, indicates that the bioactivation of 4-ipomeanol took place on the furan ring moiety. Rat hepatic microsomal incubations provided additional evidence. From this study, the mass of the reactive metabolites of 4-ipomeanol can be inferred. The inferred mass (186 Da) matches the mass postulated. A pathway of 4-ipomeanol bioactivation is proposed here. This work represents one step forward to understanding the mechanism of bioactivation of 4-ipomeanol.     

Identification of two glucuronide metabolites of doxylamine via thermospray/mass spectrometry and thermospray/mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry

Analysis of a high-pressure liquid chromatography fraction containing two urinary glucuronide metabolites of doxylamine by thermospray mass spectrometry (TSP/MS) provided [MH]+ ions for each metabolite. TSP/MS/MS of the [MH]+ ions provided a fragment ion characteristic of these metabolites. The results demonstrate the utility of TSP/MS analysis for biologically derived glucuronide metabolites.     

Glutathione conjugates. Immobilized enzyme synthesis and characterization by fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry

Glutathione transferase activity was shown to be present in an immobilized preparation of microsomal protein. Chlorodinitrobenzene, ethacrynic acid, captopril, styrene oxide, and iminocyclophosphamide were found to be substrates, each providing a different kind of electrophilic functional group for conjugation. The glutathione conjugates were characterized by thin layer chromatography (visualized by reaction with ninhydrin) and by high pressure liquid chromatography. A variety of conditions was evaluated for analysis of these glutathiones by fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry.     

Identification of glutathione conjugates and mercapturic acids of 1,2-dibromopropane in female BALB/c mice by liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry

Based on recent results that 1,2-dibromopropane (1,2-DBP) causes hepatotoxicity and immunotoxicity in female BALB/c mice as well as a reduction of hepatic glutathione levels, the possible formation of glutathione conjugates and mercapturic acids of 1,2-DBP was investigated in vivo in the present studies. The following four metabolites were identified in the liver at 12?h after treatment with 1,2-DBP, by liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI/MS): M1, 2-hydroxypropylglutathione; M2, 2-oxopropylglutathione; M3, N-acetyl-S-(2-hydroxypropyl)-L-cysteine; and M4, N-acetyl-S-(2-oxopropyl)-L-cysteine. Ions of individual conjugates were observed at m/z 366, 364, 222 and 220, respectively. Characteristic product ions at m/z 237, 217, 204 and 202 for the identification of M1, M2, M3 and M4 were observed, respectively. In the sera isolated from the same animals, only mercapturic acids (M3 and M4) were observed by LC-ESI/MS. When female BALB/c mice were treated orally with 1,2-DBP at doses of 150, 300 and 600?mg?kg^?1 once for 12?h, the production of glutathione conjugates and mercapturic acids in liver was apparently dose dependent, as were the concentrations of them in sera. When the production of metabolites from 1,2-DBP was investigated in liver following oral treatment with 600?mg?kg^?1 1,2-DBP for 6, 12, 24 and 48?h, metabolite concentrations were greatest at the first time point (6?h). The results explain the authors’ previous studies that oral treatment with 1,2-DBP reduces the hepatic content of glutathione.     

Identification of glutathione conjugates and mercapturic acids of 1,2-dibromopropane in female BALB/c mice by liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry

Based on recent results that 1,2-dibromopropane (1,2-DBP) causes hepatotoxicity and immunotoxicity in female BALB/c mice as well as a reduction of hepatic glutathione levels, the possible formation of glutathione conjugates and mercapturic acids of 1,2-DBP was investigated in vivo in the present studies. The following four metabolites were identified in the liver at 12 h after treatment with 1,2-DBP, by liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI/MS): M1, 2-hydroxypropylglutathione; M2, 2-oxopropylglutathione; M3, N-acetyl-S-(2-hydroxypropyl)-L-cysteine; and M4, N-acetyl-S-(2-oxopropyl)-L-cysteine. Ions of individual conjugates were observed at m/z 366, 364, 222 and 220, respectively. Characteristic product ions at m/z 237, 217, 204 and 202 for the identification of M1, M2, M3 and M4 were observed, respectively. In the sera isolated from the same animals, only mercapturic acids (M3 and M4) were observed by LC-ESI/MS. When female BALB/c mice were treated orally with 1,2-DBP at doses of 150, 300 and 600 mg kg(-1) once for 12 h, the production of glutathione conjugates and mercapturic acids in liver was apparently dose dependent, as were the concentrations of them in sera. When the production of metabolites from 1,2-DBP was investigated in liver following oral treatment with 600 mg kg(-1) 1,2-DBP for 6, 12, 24 and 48 h, metabolite concentrations were greatest at the first time point (6 h). The results explain the authors' previous studies that oral treatment with 1,2-DBP reduces the hepatic content of glutathione.     

Biosynthesis and characterization of glucuronide metabolites of fluphenazine: 7-hydroxyfluphenazine glucuronide and fluphenazine glucuronide

1. To expedite direct studies on phase II metabolites of fluphenazine, pure fluphenazine or 7-hydroxyfluphenazine were incubated with a rabbit hepatic microsomal immobilized enzyme system. After purification and recrystallization a high yield (60%) of 7-hydroxy-β-D-O-glucuronyl-fluphenazine was obtained.

2. The structure of this glucuronide was proven unambiguously by mass spectrometry (fast atom bombardment, daughter ion analysis, electron impact, chemical ionization) and ¹H-n.m.r. and ¹³C-n.m.r. spectroscopy. The phenolic ether glucuronide was the sole product of the reaction.

3. There was no evidence of conjugation at the primary alcohol group of the side-chain of fluphenazine, or of the formation of quaternary ammonium-linked glucuronides with either of tertiary aliphatic nitrogen atoms of the side-chain.

4. Incubation of fluphenazine with the immobilized enzyme system gave a poor yield (>1%) of the aliphatic ether glucuronide as reaction product, consistent with a low susceptibility of the side-chain primary alcohol function of fluphenazine to glucuronidation.     

Biosynthesis and characterization of glucuronide metabolites of fluphenazine: 7-hydroxyfluphenazine glucuronide and fluphenazine glucuronide

1. To expedite direct studies on phase II metabolites of fluphenazine, pure fluphenazine or 7-hydroxyfluphenazine were incubated with a rabbit hepatic microsomal immobilized enzyme system. After purification and recrystallization a high yield (60%) of 7-hydroxy-beta-D-O-glucuronyl-fluphenazine was obtained. 2. The structure of this glucuronide was proven unambiguously by mass spectrometry (fast atom bombardment, daughter ion analysis, electron impact, chemical ionization) and 1H-n.m.r. and 13C-n.m.r. spectroscopy. The phenolic ether glucuronide was the sole product of the reaction. 3. There was no evidence of conjugation at the primary alcohol group of the side-chain of fluphenazine, or of the formation of quaternary ammonium-linked glucuronides with either of tertiary aliphatic nitrogen atoms of the side-chain. 4. Incubation of fluphenazine with the immobilized enzyme system gave a poor yield (less than 1%) of the aliphatic ether glucuronide as reaction product, consistent with a low susceptibility of the side-chain primary alcohol function of fluphenazine to glucuronidation.     

LC-MS/MS法快速分析大鼠尿液中他喷他多的代谢物

目的建立快速分析大鼠尿液中他喷他多代谢物的方法。方法大鼠灌胃给予他喷他多,收集空白和给药后0～12 h尿液,以液相色谱-串联质谱法,采用多离子反应监测(multiple reactionmonitoring,MRM)及二级全扫描质谱(full scan MS2)方式,分析尿液中他喷他多的代谢物。结果在大鼠尿液中发现了他喷他多原形药物及其15种代谢物,首次发现了他喷他多脱氢化合物、他喷他多脱氢葡萄糖醛酸结合物。结论本方法简便、快速,适用于大鼠尿液中他喷他多代谢物结构及代谢路径分析。     

紫杉醇及其人血浆中代谢物的电喷雾串联质谱研究

目的:采用电喷雾串联质谱(ESI-MSn)法研究紫杉醇的离子化方式、结构裂解方式及在人血浆中的主要代谢物。方法:紫杉醇对照品溶液经质谱进样,探索其一级质谱的电离规律和二级质谱的裂解规律。通过液相色谱-质谱联用技术分离和鉴定紫杉醇在人体中的代谢物。结果:溶液中的添加剂对紫杉醇的离子化效率有明显促进作用,在ESI正离子模式下紫杉醇以m/z854的[M+H]+丰度最高。紫杉醇裂解过程以脱水和酯键断裂为主,产生多个碎片离子,其中m/z286信号最强并具有较好的稳定性。紫杉醇在人血浆中的代谢物有3个,以6α-羟基紫杉醇为主。结论:紫杉醇及其人血浆中代谢物的质谱行为研究,可为紫杉醇的质谱定性和定量分析以及药物代谢研究提供重要参考。     

Detection and characterization of metabolites in biological matrices using mass defect filtering of liquid chromatography/high resolution mass spectrometry data.

An improved mass defect filter (MDF) method employing both drug and core structure filter templates was applied to the processing of high resolution liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) data for the detection and structural characterization of oxidative metabolites with mass defects similar to or significantly different from those of the parent drugs. The effectiveness of this approach was investigated using nefazodone as a model compound, which is known to undergo multiple common and uncommon oxidative reactions. Through the selective removal of all ions that fall outside of the preset filter windows, the MDF process facilitated the detection of all 14 nefazodone metabolites presented in human liver microsomes in the MDF-filtered chromatograms. The capability of the MDF approach to remove endogenous interferences from more complex biological matrices was examined by analyzing omeprazole metabolites in human plasma. The unprocessed mass chromatogram showed no distinct indication of metabolite peaks; however, after MDF processing, the metabolite peaks were easily identified in the chromatogram. Compared with precursor ion scan and neutral loss scan techniques, the MDF approach was shown to be more effective for the detection of metabolites in a complex matrix. The comprehensive metabolite detection capability of the MDF approach, together with accurate mass determination, makes high resolution LC/MS a useful tool for the screening and identification of both common and uncommon drug metabolites.     

Metabolism of prazosin in rat, dog, and human liver microsomes and cryopreserved rat and human hepatocytes and characterization of metabolites by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry.

Prazosin (2-[4-(2-furanoyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-4-amino-6,7-dimethoxyquinazoline) is an antihypertensive agent that was introduced to the market in 1976. It has since established an excellent safety record. However, in vitro metabolism of prazosin has not been investigated. This study describes the in vitro biotransformation of prazosin in liver microsomes from rats, dogs, and humans, as well as rat and human cryopreserved hepatocytes and characterization of metabolites using liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry. The major in vivo biotransformation pathways reported previously in rats and dogs include demethylation, amide hydrolysis, and O-glucuronidation. These metabolic pathways were also confirmed in our study. In addition, several new metabolites were characterized, including a stable carbinolamine, an iminium species, and an enamine-all formed via oxidation of the piperazine ring. Two ring-opened metabolites generated following oxidative cleavage of the furan ring were also identified. Using semicarbazide hydrochloride as a trapping agent, an intermediate arising from opening of the furan ring was captured as a pyridazine product. In the presence of glutathione, three glutathione conjugates were detected in microsomal incubations, although they were not detected in cryopreserved hepatocytes. These data support ring opening of the furan via a reactive gamma-keto-alpha,beta-unsaturated aldehyde intermediate. In the presence of UDP-glucuronic acid, prazosin underwent conjugation to form an N-glucuronide not reported previously. Our in vitro investigations have revealed additional metabolic transformations of prazosin and have shown the potential of prazosin to undergo bioactivation through metabolism of the furan ring to a reactive intermediate.     

Characterization of 2-amino-1-benzylbenzimidazole and its metabolites using tandem mass spectrometry

We have investigated the in vitro hamster hepatic microsomal metabolism of the amino-azaheterocycle, 2-amino-1-benzylbenzimidazole (ABB). Three major metabolites were isolated and structurally characterized, using a combination of off-line HPLC, in conjunction with both electron ionization and fast atom bombardment ionization tandem mass spectrometry. ABB was shown to be debenzylated to afford 2-aminobenzimidazole (AB), as well as N- and C-oxidized to give 1-benzyl-N²-hydroxyaminobenzimidazole (BHB) and 2-amino-1-benzyl-hydroxybenzimidazole, respectively. The possible reasons for formation of the exocyclic hydroxylamine BHB are discussed. Furthermore, ABB is proposed as a suitable model compound for investigating parameters that control formation of toxic hydroxylamines derived from amino-azaheterocycles.     

Identification of rat faecal, urinary and biliary metabolites of thionorphine, a novel mixed agonist-antagonist analgesic, using liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry

The biotransformation of thionorphine (N-cyclopropylmethyl-7alpha-[(s)-1-hydroxy-1-methyl-3-(2thiophene)-propyl]-6,14-endo-ethano tetrahydrooripavine), a new analgesic, was in-vestigated in rats. The results of metabolite analysis by liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry with positive ion mode, in which a mobile phase of 10 mM ammonium acetate (pH 3.0)/acetonitrile (25/75) was used, suggested that thionorphine is biotransformed to two potentially active metabolites, the N-dealkylated thionorphine (M-I) and the oxidized thionorphine (M-II), and subsequently form conjugates with glucuronic acid of both thionorphine and the metabolites.     

Identification of etamiphylline and metabolites in equine plasma and urine by accurate mass and liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry

Etamiphylline camsylate (Millophylline V) was administered intravenously to two horses at a dose of 2.8 mg/kg. Urine and blood samples were taken up to 32 h post administration. Unhydrolyzed plasma and urine was extracted using solid phase extraction (SPE). The identity of the parent drug and metabolites was confirmed using a linear ion trap mass spectrometer and accurate mass analysis on an orbitrap mass spectrometer. Desethyletamiphylline (molecular weight 251) was the main metabolite observed in the urine and plasma samples and resulted from the N‐deethylation of etamiphylline. The second metabolite detected in urine and plasma resulted from the demethylation of etamiphylline (molecular weight 265). The third minor metabolite detected in urine was proposed to have resulted from a simultaneous N‐deethylation and demethylation of etamiphylline (molecular weight 238). Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Identification and characterization of urinary prenylamine metabolites by means of liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

Prenylamine is a vasodilator of phenylalkylamine structure and was used for the treatment of angina pectoris, until reports of undesirable effects including ventricular tachycardia led to a decreasing use of the drug in the 1980s. Metabolic N-dealkylation of orally ingested prenylamine can liberate amphetamine in humans and cause positive findings for amphetamine in doping and forensic analysis. In 2010, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) classified prenylamine as a non-specified stimulant according to the 2010 Prohibited List, thus banning its use in sports in-competition. Supporting the development of a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) based detection method, a post-administration urine sample following a single oral prenylamine ingestion (Segontin? 60?mg) was analyzed for urinary metabolites. The LC-separated analytes were ionized in positive electrospray ionization (ESI) mode and detected as protonated ions using an AB Sciex TripleTOF 5600 quadrupole-time-of-flight hybrid mass spectrometer. Over 40 phase I metabolites were detected, including previously unknown mono- bis-, tris- and tetra-hydroxylated prenylamine, several hydroxylated and methoxylated prenylamine metabolites and (hydroxylated) diphenylpropylamine. Investigation of the collision-induced dissociation behaviours of the metabolites by high resolution/high accuracy mass spectrometry allowed for the assignment of the nature and the site of observed metabolic transformations. The most abundant phase I metabolite was confirmed as p-hydroxy-prenlyamine by chemical synthesis and stable isotope labelling of reference material. An existing routine screening assay based on direct injection and LC-MS/MS analysis of urine was modified and validated according to common guidelines, in order to allow for the detection of p-hydroxy-prenylamine in sports drug testing. The assay demonstrated the ability to detect the target metabolite at 0.1?ng/ml at intra- and inter-day imprecisions below 10%. Copyright ? 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Analysis of omnoponum by surface-ionization mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry methods

This paper provides the development of analytical capabilities of surface-ionization mass spectrometry (SI/MS) and high performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC/MS/MS) for narcotic analgesic omnoponum, which perfectly exemplifies a mixture of opium alkaloids. It has been revealed that the investigated opiates solution, omnoponum, is ionized by the surface ionization (SI) method with high sensitivity. In the SI mass spectrum, M⁺, (M−H)⁺, (M−H−2nH)⁺, (M−R)⁺ and (M−R−2nH)⁺ ion lines, where M is a molecule, H is the hydrogen atom and R is a radical, were observed. These ion lines consist of combined omnoponum mixture SI mass spectra, i.e. morphine, codeine, thebaine, papaverine, and narcotine. Moreover, while the study of omnoponum by HPLC/MS/MS methods has attested that the mixture really consists of 5 components, it has been demonstrated that the SI/MS method can be utilized for the analysis of this mixture without the necessity of its chromatographic separation.     

Analysis of tretoquinol and its metabolites in human urine by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry

Tretoquinol (trimetoquinol), a β2‐agonist, has been explicitly listed on the World Anti‐Doping Agency Prohibited List 2019 since January 2019; however, it has been distributed as an antiasthmatic on the medical market. This study aimed to develop a liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometric method for the quantification of tretoquinol (free form plus glucuronide) in human urine for doping control purposes. An excretion study (n = 6) of tretoquinol hydrochloride hydrate (6 mg) was performed, and urine samples were collected prior to oral administration and during the first 48 h, along with spot urine samples at 7 and 14 days after administration. All the urine samples were analysed using the developed method. The limit of detection for the developed method was 0.03 ng/mL. The inter‐day precision for the target analyte was excellent (2.7% to 9.2%), and the inter‐day accuracy of target analyte was ?0.6% to ?3.6%. In all subjects, tretoquinol (free form plus glucuronide conjugate) was identified up to 48 h after administration. The maximum concentrations were in the range of 12.4–78.8 ng/mL and the mean concentration was 55.3 ng/mL. The metabolites O‐methylated tretoquinol, tretoquinol sulphate and O‐methylated tretoquinol sulphate could be also identified in human urine after administration. The longest‐lasting urinary metabolite of tretoquinol currently known, O‐methylated tretoquinol, is also likely to be a useful marker in doping controls.