Pathways of gallopamil metabolism. Regiochemistry and enantioselectivity of the O-demethylation processes

The oxidative O-demethylation of pseudoracemic gallopamil by rat and human liver microsomes was studied. By comparison of GC/MS retention times and fragmentation patterns with data from authentic standards, the four possible regioisomeric monophenolic metabolites, 2-(4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-2-isopropyl-5-[(3,4- dimethoxyphenethyl)methylamino]-valeronitrile (2), 2-(5-hydroxy-3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-2-isopropyl-5-[(3,4- dimethoxyphenethyl)methylamino]valeronitrile (3), 2-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)-2-isopropyl-5-[(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenethyl) -methylamino]valeronitrile (4), and 2-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)-2-isopropyl-5-[(3-hydroxy-4- methoxyphenethyl)methylamino]valeronitrile (5), were characterized. Rat liver microsomal oxidation produced all four regioisomeric monophenols which accounted for only 10% of the oxidative metabolism, the remaining 90% being N-dealkylation metabolites. Preference for metabolism of the O-methyl ethers at p-positions on each of the aromatic ring systems was noted, with more O-demethylation of the O-methyl ethers on the aromatic ring adjacent to the chiral center than on the aromatic ring in the short side chain. Significant enantio-selectivity was noted, the S/R ratios being 2.26, 1.97, 1.87 and 1.30 for formation of 2, 3, 4 and 5, respectively. Biliary excretion of the O-demethylated metabolites as conjugates, cleaved by beta-glucuronidase, was observed in rats after administration of pseudoracemic gallopamil. Significant stereoselectivity was noted, S/R ratios being 0.62, 1.61, 1.49 and 2.19 for 2, 3, 4 and 5, respectively. Human liver microsomal oxidation produced more p- than m-O-demethylation, with 4 less than 5, and 2 less than 3, but quantitatively the pathway is a minor one compared to N-dealkylation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Regiochemistry and enantioselectivity in the oxidative N-dealkylation of verapamil

The oxidative N-dealkylation of verapamil (1), a calcium channel antagonist, was examined in the presence of rat and human liver microsomes by using GC-MS methodology and synthesized regio-isomeric standards. All three possible secondary amine metabolites, N-methyl-4-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-4-cyano-5-methylhexylamine (5), norverapamil (4), and N-methyl-2-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)ethylamine (3), were formed as microsomal metabolites. Compound 5 and norverapamil (4) were major products. Substrate stereoselectivity for the N-dealkylation process was determined when pseudoracemic verapamil[equimolar (S)-(-)-verapamil-d6 and (R)-(+):verapamil-d0] was used as substrate. In the presence of rat liver microsomes, a slight enantiomeric preference for the metabolism of (R)-verapamil to secondary amines 3 and 5 (S/R ratio = 0.88 and 0.78, respectively) was observed. In contrast, (S)-verapamil was preferentially metabolized to norverapamil (4) and primary amine 9 (S/R ratio = 1.20 for both). The enantioselectivity for the N-dealkylation process in the presence of human liver microsomes was slight and variable (six samples). Quantitatively, the major N-dealkylation routes in both microsomal systems yielded norverapamil (4) and secondary amine 5. Greater substrate enantioselectivity was observed for the N-dealkylation process in rat liver microsomes than in human liver microsomes. In rat liver microsomal studies, two aliphatic aldehydes (2 and 6) were successfully trapped as their O-methyloximes (7 and 11, respectively) by using methoxylamine. In addition, the alcohols formed from reduction of these aldehydes were observed, due in part to a direct reduction by NADPH.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Metabolism of chrysene by brown bullhead liver microsomes.

We have investigated the regio- and stereoselective metabolism of chrysene, a four-ring symmetrical carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH), by the liver microsomes of brown bullhead (Ameriurus nebulosus), a bottom-dwelling fish species. The liver microsomes from untreated and 3-methylcholanthrene (3-MC)-treated brown bullheads metabolized chrysene at the rate of 30.1 and 82.2 pmol/mg protein/min, respectively. Benzo-ring diols (1,2-diol and 3,4-diol) were the major chrysene metabolites formed by liver microsomes from control and 3-MC-treated fish. However, the control microsomes produced a considerably higher proportion of chrysene 1,2-diol (benzo-ring diol with a bay region double bond) plus 1-hydroxychrysene, than 3,4-diol plus 3-hydroxychrysene, indicating that these microsomes are selective in attacking the 1,2- position of the benzo-ring. On the other hand, 3-MC-induced microsomes did not show such a regioselectivity in the metabolism of chrysene. Control bullhead liver microsomes, compared to control rat liver microsomes, produced a considerably higher proportion of chrysene 1,2-diol, the putative proximate carcinogenic metabolite of chrysene. Like rat liver microsomes, bullhead liver microsomes produced only trace amounts of the K-region diol. Chrysene 1,2-diol and 3,4-diol formed by the liver microsomes from both control and 3-MC-treated bullheads consisted predominantly of their R,R-enantiomers. Chrysene is metabolized by bullhead liver microsomal enzymes to its benzo-ring diols with a relatively lower degree of stereoselectivity compared to benzo[a]pyrene (a five-ring PAH), but with a higher degree of stereoselectivity compared to phenanthrene (a three-ring PAH). The data of this study, together with those from our previous studies with phenanthrene, benzo[a]pyrene and dibenzo[a,l]pyrene (a six-ring PAH), indicate that the regioselectivity in the metabolism of PAHs by brown bullhead and rainbow trout liver microsomes does not vary greatly with the size and shape of the molecule, whereas the degree of stereoselectivity in the metabolism of PAHs to benzo-ring dihydrodiols does.     

Regioisomeric aromatic dihydroxylation of propranolol. Use of monohydroxylated intermediates for structural assignments of the metabolites formed in vitro

The formation of dihydroxylated propranolol metabolites [(HO)2-Ps], determined as their trimethylsilyl derivatives, was investigated using GC/MS techniques. Tentative structural assignment for the (HO)2-Ps was achieved by matching retention times of the (HO)2-Ps arising from the incubation of synthetic mono-HO-P regioisomers in the presence of the rat liver 9000g supernatant. Seven compounds were identified as (HO)2-Ps: 2,3-, 3,4-, 3,7-, 4,6-, 4,8-, 5,6-, and 7,8-(HO)2-P. Five of these regioisomers were observed as metabolites when propranolol was the substrate: 4,8-, 3,4-, 5,6-, and 4,6-(HO)2-P. The pathway for the formation of (HO)2-Ps was investigated by incubating propranolol in the presence of rat liver microsomes under an 18O2 atmosphere. 18O2 was the source of both hydroxyl group oxygen atoms indicating that sequential hydroxylation occurs. Mono-HO-Ps, not having hydroxyl groups at C-4 or C-5, proved to be the best substrates for the second hydroxylation. Propranolol is a better substrate than is 4-HO-P for formation of (HO)2-Ps. The regioselectivity of the second hydroxylation is predictable on the basis of expected sites of electrophilic substitution on the mono-HO-P intermediates. Substrate stereoselectivity in the formation of (HO)2-Ps was determined.     

Enantioselective N-oxygenation of verapamil by the hepatic flavin-containing monooxygenase

The chemical and enzymatic N-oxygenation of verapamil was investigated. Verapamil N-oxide is readily synthesized by chemical means. It is not indefinitely stable, however, and undergoes Cope-type elimination to produce 3,4-dimethoxystyrene and a hydroxylamine. The major stable metabolite observed during the metabolism of verapamil with rat and hog liver microsomes and purified flavin-containing monooxygenase is 3,4-dimethoxystyrene. 3,4-Dimethoxystyrene is formed at a rate 4 times that of nor-verapamil. Studies suggest that N-oxygenation is catalyzed largely by the flavin-containing monooxygenase and N-demethylation is catalyzed by cytochrome P-450. This conclusion is based on the effects of cytochrome P-450 inhibitors and positive effectors for the flavin-containing monooxygenase as well as on studies with the purified enzyme. In the presence of rat and hog liver microsomes, significant stereoselectivity in N-oxygenation of verapamil is observed (S/R ratio of 3.1 and 4.1, respectively). With purified hog and rat hepatic flavin-containing monooxygenase, the stereoselectivity for verapamil N-oxygenation (S/R ratio of 10.1 and 6.6, respectively) suggests a role for this enzyme in the stereoselective first-pass metabolism of verapamil.     

Cytochromes of the P450 2C subfamily are the major enzymes involved in the O-demethylation of verapamil in humans

The calcium channel blocker verapamil [2,8-bis-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-6-methyl-2-isopropyl-6-azaoctanitrile] undergoes extensive biotransformation in man. We have previously demonstrated cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4 and 1A2 to be the enzymes responsible for verapamil N-dealkylation (formation of D-617 [2-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-5-methylamino-2-isopropylvaleronitrile]), and verapamil N-demethylation (formation of norverapamil [2,8-bis(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-2-isopropyl-6-azaoctanitrile]), while there was no involvement of CYP3A4 and CYP1A2 in the third initial metabolic step of verapamil, which is verapamil O-demethylation. This pathway yields formation of D-703 [2-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-8-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-6-methyl-2-isopropyl-6-azaoctanitrile] and D-702 [2-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-8-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)6-methyl-2-isopropyl-6-azaoctanitrile]. The enzymes catalyzing verapamil O-demethylation have not been characterized so far. We have therefore identified and characterized the enzymes involved in verapamil O-demethylation in humans by using the following in vitro approaches: (I) characterization of O-demethylation kinetics in the presence of the microsomal fraction of human liver, (II) inhibition of verapamil O-demethylation by specific antibodies and selective inhibitors and (111) investigation of metabolite formation in microsomes obtained from yeast strain Saccharomyces cerevisiae W(R), that was genetically engineered for stable expression of human CYP2C8, 2C9 and 2C18.In human liver microsomes (n=4), the intrinsic clearance (CL_int), as derived from the ratio of V _max/K_m, was significantly higher for O-demethylation to D-703 compared to formation of D-702 following incubation with racemic verapamil (13.9±1.0 vs 2.4±0.6 ml^*min^{-1 *}g^-1 mean±SD; p<0.05), S-Verapamil (16.8±3.3 vs 2.2±1.2 ml^* mini^*g^-1, p<0.05) and R-verapamil (12.1±2.9 vs 3.6 ±1.3 ml^*min^{-1 *} g^-1; p<0.05), thus indicating regioselectivity of verapamil O-demethylation process. The CL_int of D-703 formation in human liver microsomes showed a modest but significant degree of stereo selectivity (p<0.05) with a S/R-ratio of 1.41±0.17. Anti-LKM2 (anti-liver/kidney microsome) autoantibodies (which inhibit CYP2C9 and 2C19) and sulfaphenazole (a specific CYP2C9 inhibitor) reduced the maximum rate of formation of D-703 by 81.5±4.5% and 45%, that of D-702 by 52.7±7.5% and 72.5%, respectively. Both D-703 and D-702 were formed by stably expressed CYP2C9 and CYP2C18, whereas incubation with CYP2C8 selectively yielded D-703.In conclusion, our results show that enzymes of the CYP2C subfamily are mainly involved in verapamil O-demethylation. Verapamil therefore has the potential to interact with other drugs which inhibit or induce these enzymes.     

Pathways of gallopamil metabolism. Regiochemistry and enantioselectivity of the N-dealkylation processes

The N-dealkylation pathway for the metabolism of pseudoracemic gallopamil was studied in the presence of rat and human liver microsomes and in vivo in rats and man. Metabolites were characterized by comparison of their GC/MS retention times and fragmentation patterns with those of authentic compounds. In the presence of rat liver microsomes, N-dealkylation accounted for about 90% of the observed oxidative metabolism, affording a 4:1 ratio of norgallopamil (2) and, N-methyl-N-[2-methyl-3-cyano-3-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)-6-hexyl] amine (3), and about 1% of N-methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxyphenethyl)amine (4). Secondary amines 2 and 3 arose enantioselectively from S-(-)-gallopamil, the S/R ratios being 1.36 and 1.71, respectively. The alcohols, 3,4-dimethoxyphenylethanol (6) and 2-methyl-3-cyano-3-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)-6-hexanol (8), were formed from the respective intermediate aldehydes 5 and 7, probably non-enzymatically, under the reductive conditions (NADPH) of the microsomal incubations. Incubation of gallopamil with 9,000g supernatant fraction of rat liver led to carboxylic acid metabolites arising from oxidative metabolism of the aldehydes. 3,4-Dimethoxyphenylacetic acid (12) and 4-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)-5-methyl-4-cyanohexanoic acid (11) were formed in a 3:5:1 ratio. In the presence of human liver microsomes, formation of 2 also predominated over formation of 3, with alcohols 6 and 8 being produced as well. However, 4 was not observed. Consistently, the N-dealkylation process provided slightly more R than S products with the S/R ratio being 0.7-0.9 for metabolites 2, 3, 6, and 8. The amines formed from N-dealkylation were also observed as urinary metabolites in a human subject after a single oral dose of pseudoracemic gallopamil.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

反式曲马朵在大鼠肝微粒体O-去甲基代谢中的立体选择性

目的研究反式曲马朵O-去甲基代谢的立体选择性。方法高效毛细管电泳法测定大鼠肝微粒体孵育液中反式曲马朵和O-去甲基曲马朵对映体的浓度,酶促动力学方法研究O-去甲基曲马朵对映体的生成。结果 (-)-O-去甲基曲马朵生成有较大的V_max;反式曲马朵两对映体间存在相互作用,使(+)-O-去甲基曲马朵生成的V_max明显减慢;奎宁及奎尼丁对(+)-O-去甲基曲马朵生成的抑制作用较强。结论反式曲马朵O-去甲基代谢有立体选择性,对映体间的相互作用及酶抑制剂使其立体选择性程度加强。     

Identification, synthesis, isolation and spectral characterization of potential impurities of montelukast sodium

During the process development of montelukast sodium, three polar impurities and one non-polar impurity with respect to montelukast sodium were detected by simple reverse phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Initially, all the four impurities were identified by the liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) data and out of four impurities, three have been prepared by the synthetic method and remaining one is isolated by preparative HPLC. Based on the spectral data (IR, (1)H NMR, (13)C NMR and MS), the structure of these impurities 1-4 were characterised as 1-[[[(1R)-1-[3-[(1E)-2-(7-chloro-2-quinolinyl)ethenyl]phenyl-3-[2-(1-hydroxy-1-methylethyl)phenyl]propyl]thio]methyl]cyclopropane acetamide (impurity-1), {1-[1-{3-[2-(7-chloro-quinolin-2-yl)-vinyl]-phenyl}-3-(2-isopropenyl-phenyl)-propylsulfanylmethyl]-cyclopropyl}-acetic acid (impurity-2), 1-[[[(1R)-1-[3-[(1E)-2-(7-chloro-2-quinolinyl)ethyl]phenyl-3-[2-(1-hydroxy-1-methylethyl)phenyl]propyl]thio]methyl]cyclopropaneacetic acid (impurity-3) and 1-[[[(1R)-1-[3-[(1E)-2-(2-quinolinyl)ethenyl]phenyl-3-[2-(1-hydroxy-1-methylethyl)phenyl]propyl]thio]methyl]cyclopropaneacetic acid (impurity-4).     

Use of a fluorescent substrate for the selective quantification of rat CYP3A in the liver and the intestine

INTRODUCTION: Quantification of cytochrome P450 is a major issue in the development of new drugs. Different assays have been reported, but few are very selective for the 3A isoform or cytochrome P450. The benzyloxy-substituted lactone cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor 3-[(3, 4-difluorobenzyl)oxy]-5,5-dimethyl-4-[4-methylsulfonyl) phenyl] furan-2(5H)-one has recently been used successfully to probe isoform 3A of cytochrome P450 in the liver. However, its selectivity for the rat isoform remains to be established as well as its applicability in other tissue, such as the intestine. The purpose of this study was to ascertain the specificity of this substrate for the rat 3A isoform of cytochrome P450 using Supersomes and its application in non-hepatic tissue (e.g., intestine). METHODS: Specificity of the 3-[(3,4-difluorobenzyl)oxy]-5,5-dimethyl-4-[4-methylsulfonyl)phenyl] furan-2(5H)-one for the isoform 3A of rat cytochrome P450 was established by using either isoform-specific inhibitory antibody or microsomes expressing only one cytochrome P450 isoform. Activity was assayed in rat liver and intestinal microsomal protein preparations. RESULTS: Experiments with inhibitory antibodies revealed that in liver and intestinal microsomes, more than 90% of the substrate metabolism was inhibited by antibodies against isoform 3A. Selectivity of the substrate for rat 3A isoform was further determined by testing the metabolic activity of various Supersomes preparations. DISCUSSION: In conclusion, our results validate the usefulness of 3-[(3,4-difluorobenzyl)oxy]-5,5-dimethyl-4-[4-methylsulfonyl)phenyl] furan-2(5H)-one as a simple and specific substrate to study the activity of the isoform 3A of cytochrome P450 in the rat liver and intestine.     

Metabolism of phenanthrene by brown bullhead liver microsomes

We have investigated the regio- and stereoselective metabolism of phenanthrene by the liver microsomes of brown bullhead (Ameriurus nebulosus), a bottom dwelling fish species. The liver microsomes from untreated and 3-methylcholanthrene (3-MC)-treated brown bullheads metabolized phenanthrene at a rate of 14.1 and 20.7 pmol/mg protein/min, respectively, indicating that the hydrocarbon is a rather poor substrate for bullhead liver microsomes contrary to what has been reported for rat liver microsomes. The major phenanthrene metabolites formed by liver microsomes from untreated and 3-MC-treated bullheads included benzo-ring 1,2-dihydrodiol (25.3 and 11.6%), K-region 9,10-dihydrodiol (9.6 and 9.6%), and phenols (40.5 and 54.5%). The 3,4-dihydrodiol represented a minor proportion of the total phenanthrene metabolites. The low proportion of the 9,10-dihydrodiol formed by both control and 3-MC-treated bullhead microsomes sharply contrasts the previous data reported for the corresponding rat liver microsomes which metabolized phenanthrene predominantly to its 9,10-dihydrodiol representing 76.6 and 67.1%, respectively of the total metabolites. Liver microsomes from 3-MC-treated bullheads, like rat liver microsomes, were more selective in their attack at the 1,2-position of the benzo-ring than at the 3,4-position of the benzo-ring. Phenanthrene 1,2-dihydrodiol and 3,4-dihydrodiol formed by liver microsomes from both control and 3-MC-treated bullheads consisted predominantly of their R,R enantiomer. Phenanthrene, compared with benzo[a]pyrene and chrysene, is metabolized by bullhead liver microsomal enzymes to its benzo-ring dihydrodiols with a relatively low degree of stereoselectivity.     

Characterization of human liver cytochrome P450 enzymes involved in the metabolism of a new H+/K+-ATPase inhibitor KR-60436

KR-60436 ([1-(4-methoxy-2-methylphenyl)-4-[(2-hydroxyethyl)amino]-6-trifluoromethoxy-2,3-dihydropyrrolo [3,2-c]quinoline]) is a new reversible H+/K+-ATPase inhibitor. The isoforms of human liver cytochrome P450 (CYP) responsible for the hepatic transformation of KR-60436 is identified. Dihydropyrrole oxidation and O-demethylation are major pathways for the metabolism of KR-60436 in human liver microsomes, whereas N-dehydroxyethylation and hydroxylation are minor pathways. The specific CYP isozymes responsible for KR-60436 oxidation to four major metabolites, pyrrole-KR-60436, O-demethylpyrrole-KR-60436, N-dehydroxyethyl-KR-60436 and an active metabolite, O-demethyl-KR-60436 were identified using the combination of correlation analysis, immuno-inhibition, chemical inhibition in human liver microsomes and metabolism by expressed recombinant CYP enzymes. The inhibitory potency of KR-60436 on clinically major CYPs was investigated in human liver microsomes. The results show that CYP3A4 contributes to the oxidation of KR-60436 to pyrrole-KR-60436, O-demethylpyrrole-KR-60436 and N-dehydroxyethyl-KR-60436, and CYP2C9 and CYP2D6 play roles in demethylation of KR-60436 to form the active metabolite, O-demethyl-KR-60436. KR-60436 was found to inhibit potently the metabolism of CYP1A2 substrates.     

Chemical and biochemical characteristics of O-demethylation of chlorotrianisene in the rat

The effects of NADPH concentration and of two inhibitors of the microsomal mixed function oxidase system [2-diethylaminoethyl-2,2-diphenyl valerate hydrochloride (SKF 525-A) and metyrapone] on rat liver microsomal O-demethylation of the triphenylethylene estrogen chlorotrianisene (CTA) were studied. Comparative data were obtained using untreated and phenobarbital-pretreated rats of both sexes. In the presence of microsomes from males, O-demethylation was induced slightly by phenobarbital (PB), and it was inhibited substantially by SKF 525-A, particularly with uninduced microsomes. Metyrapone had little inhibitory effect. In the presence of microsomes from females, O-demethylation was neither induced by PB nor inhibited significantly by SKF 525-A or metyrapone. Incubation of CTA with male rat microsomes afforded, after purification, a mixture of monophenolic metabolites which consisted primarily of a 1:1 mixture of E- and Z-desmethylchlorotrianisene (DMCTA).     

Effect of the new specific bradycardia agent AQ-A39 (falipamil) on coronary collateral blood flow in dogs

The effect of two doses (0.5 and 1.0 mg/kg i.v.) of a new specific bradycardic agent, AQ-A39 (5,6-dimethoxy-2-[3- [( alpha- (3,4,-dimethoxy)phenylethyl]methyl-amino)propyl]phthalimidine hydrochloride), on three indices of collateral function--retrograde pressure, retrograde flow, and tissue blood flow (radioactive microspheres)--was studied in anesthetized dogs following acute occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery. AQ-A39 produced a significant (p less than 0.05) dose-related decrease in heart rate without any other hemodynamic changes. Retrograde flow and subendocardial blood flow were significantly increased by the lower dose of AQ-A39, whereas retrograde pressure, retrograde flow, and midmyocardial and subendocardial flow were increased by the higher dose. Atrial pacing to the control heart rate eliminated the beneficial effects of AQ-A39 on collateral function. These results suggest that an increase in collateral perfusion may be one mechanism by which AQ-A39 alleviates myocardial ischemia.     

Non-specific inhibition of human cytochrome P450-catalyzed reactions by hemin

Hemin, a stable form of heme, is known to have an antimutagenic effect. Inhibitory effects of hemin on the cytochrome P450 (CYP)-catalyzed reactions of human liver microsomes and reconstituted systems containing purified CYP and NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase (NPR) were seen. Hemin non-specifically inhibited all of the microsomal CYP activities examined. Hemin also inhibited 7-ethoxyresorufin O-deethylation, 3-[2-(N,N-diethyl-N-methylammonium)ethyl]-7-methoxy-4-methylcoumarin O-demethylation, and testosterone 6beta-hydroxylation catalyzed by purified CYPs 1A2, 2D6, and 3A4, with IC50 values of 27, 19, and 2.4 microM, respectively. Hemin also inhibited reduction of cytochrome c and ferricyanide by NPR, as much as 47%. Spectrally detectable CYP was destroyed in human liver microsomes and in a reconstituted system in the presence of hemin and an NADPH-generating system. We propose that the antimutagenic effect of hemin might be due to inhibition of CYP and NPR enzymes involved in the bioactivation of mutagens.     

Effect of inducers of cytochrome P-450 on the metabolism of [3-14C]coumarin by rat hepatic microsomes

1. The metabolism of [3-14C]coumarin has been studied in rat hepatic microsomes and with two purified cytochrome P-450 isoenzymes. 2. [3-14C]Coumarin was converted by liver microsomes to several polar products including 3- and/or 5-hydroxycoumarin, omicron-hydroxyphenylacetic acid and a major unidentified novel coumarin metabolite. 3. [3-14C]Coumarin was also converted to reactive metabolite(s) as indicated by covalent binding to proteins, and by the depletion of reduced glutathione added to the microsomal incubations. 4. [3-14C]Coumarin metabolism to polar and covalently bound metabolites by rat liver microsomes was induced by pretreatment with phenobarbitone, 3-methylcholanthrene, beta-naphthoflavone, Aroclor 1254 and isosafrole; but not by dexamethasone or nafenopin. 5. The profile of [3-14C]coumarin metabolism to polar products was similar in control and pretreated liver microsomes and in incubations with purified cytochrome P450 IA1 and P450 IIB1 isoenzymes. 6. The results indicate that coumarin is a substrate for isoenzymes of the cytochrome P450 IA and P450 IIB subfamilies. The bioactivation of coumarin by rat hepatic microsomes is postulated to result in the formation of a coumarin 3,4-epoxide intermediate which may rearrange to 3-hydroxycoumarin, be further metabolized to a coumarin 3,4-dihydrodiol, or form a glutathione conjugate.     

Biotransformation of 6-methoxy-3-(3',4',5'-trimethoxy-benzoyl)-1H-indole (BPR0L075), a novel antimicrotubule agent, by mouse, rat, dog, and human liver microsomes.

6-Methoxy-3-(3',4',5'-trimethoxy-benzoyl)-1H-indole (BPR0L075) is a novel synthetic indole compound with microtubule binding activity. Incubation of BPR0L075 with mouse, rat, dog, and human liver microsomes in the presence of NADPH resulted in the formation of six metabolites. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and comparison with the synthetic reference standards identified two metabolites (M1 and M5) as the products derived from hydroxylation on the indole moiety of the molecule. M3 was also identified as a product derived from hydroxylation, but the structure of this metabolite was not identified because of the lack of a reference standard. M2, M4, and M6 were identified as the products derived from O-demethylation. M2, 6-desmethyl-BPR0L075, was the major metabolite formed by the liver microsomes of the four species. No qualitative species difference in the metabolism of BPR0L075 was observed. There was quantitative species difference in the metabolism of BPR0L075 among the four species. Whereas mouse and rat liver microsomes metabolized BPR0L075 predominantly via O-demethylation, dog liver microsomes metabolized BPR0L075 by O-demethylation and hydroxylation to about the same extent. The rank order of intrinsic clearance rates for the conversion of BPR0L075 to 6-desmethyl-BPR0L075 was mouse > rat > human > dog. Incubation of BPR0L075 with baculovirus-insect cell-expressed human cytochrome P450 (P450) isozymes showed that CYP1A2, 2C9, 2C19, 2D6, 2E1, and 3A4 all catalyzed the O-demethylation and hydroxylation of BPR0L075 but to a different degree. Among the six P450 isozymes tested, CYP1A2 and 2D6 were most active on catalyzing the metabolism of BPR0L075. CYP1A2 catalyzed mainly the formation of M1, M2, and M3. M2 was the predominant metabolite formed by CYP2D6.     

Species differential stereoselective oxidation of a methylsulfide metabolite of MK-0767 [(+/-)-5-[(2,4-dioxothiazolidin-5-yl)methyl]-2-methoxy-N-[[(4-trifluoromethyl)phenyl]methyl]benzamide], a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor dual agonist.

MK-0767 [(+/-)-5-[(2,4-dioxothiazolidin-5-yl)methyl]-2-methoxy-N-[[(4-trifluoromethyl)phenyl]methyl]benzamide], a thiazolidinedione (TZD)-containing peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor agonist, is a rapidly interconverting racemate that possesses a chiral center at the five position of the TZD ring. M25 is a methyl sulfide metabolite generated from MK-0767 following CYP3A4-mediated TZD ring opening and subsequent methylation of the sulfide intermediate M22. M25, a major in vitro and in vivo metabolite, was further metabolized in liver microsomes to the methyl sulfoxide amide (M16) with two chiral centers and the methyl sulfone amide (M20) with one chiral center. Previous studies demonstrated that both CYP3A4 and flavin monooxygenase-3 (FMO3) catalyzed the formation of M16, whereas M20 was formed exclusively by CYP3A4. The relative contribution of CYP3A4 and FMO3 in the formation of M16 in human and preclinical species was evaluated by chiral analysis using supercritical fluid chromatography. No stereoselectivity was observed in incubations of M25 with human and rhesus liver and recombinant CYP3A4 microsomes, whereas a high degree of stereoselectivity (63 to >99% enantiomeric excess) was observed in rat and dog liver and human recombinant FMO3 microsomes. Also, polyclonal anti-rat CYP3A2 antibody and cytochrome P450 (P450) chemical inhibitors did not inhibit the oxidation of M25 in rat liver microsomes. Furthermore, M25 oxidation was more sensitive to heat inactivation at pH 8 and 8.7 in rat and dog liver microsomes than in human and monkey liver microsomes, consistent with the species difference in involvement of FMOs. Collectively, these results indicated that S-oxidation of M25 was catalyzed primarily by P450 enzymes in human and monkey liver microsomes and by FMO enzymes in rat and dog liver microsomes.     

Characterization of human liver cytochrome P-450 enzymes involved in the O-demethylation of a new P-glycoprotein inhibitor HM-30181

HM-30181, 4-oxo-4H-chromene-2-carboxylic acid [2-(2-{4-[2-(6,7-dimethoxy-3,4-dihydro-1H-isoquinolin-2-yl)-ethyl]-phenyl}-2H-tetrazol-5-yl)-4,5-dimethoxy-phenyl]-amide, is a new P-glycoprotein inhibitor with the potential to increase the cytotoxic activity of orally coadministered paclitaxel. This study was performed to characterize human cytochrome P-450 (CYP) enzymes involved in the metabolism of HM-30181 to 4- or 5-O-desmethyl-HM-30181 (M2) and 6- or 7-O-desmethyl-HM-30181 (M3) and to investigate the inhibitory potential of HM-30181 on CYP enzymes in human liver microsomes. CYP3A4 was identified as the major isozyme responsible for the O-demethylation of HM-30181 to M2 and M3 based on the correlation analysis, chemical inhibition and immuno-inhibition study and metabolism in cDNA-expressed human CYP isozymes. HM-30181 itself had no inhibitory effects on CYPs 1A2, 2A6, 2C8, 2C9, 2C19, 2D6, and 3A4 in human liver microsomes, suggesting the possibility that the pharmacokinetics of HM-30181 could be changed with coadministration of known CYP3A4 inducers or inhibitors.     

Antitumor polycyclic acridines. 17. Synthesis and pharmaceutical profiles of pentacyclic acridinium salts designed to destabilize telomeric integrity

Palladium(0)-mediated Suzuki-Miyaura and Heck transformations have been exploited to provide examples of 8-methylquino[4,3,2-kl]acridines and 8,13-dimethylquino[4,3,2-kl]acridinium iodides bearing bulky saturated (3-acetoxy)propyl or (E)-3-(morpholin-4-yl)-3-oxopropenyl substituents variously in the 3-, 6-, or 10-positions of the pentacyclic nucleus. The pharmacological/pharmaceutical properties of four compounds (4, RHPS4), (5, IH383), (6, RHPS16), and (17, RHPS19) were measured to assess their clinical potential as DNA G-quadruplex-stabilizing/telomerase inhibitory agents. The following properties were measured: stability in tissue culture media in the presence of A549 lung and MCF-7 breast tumor cells, metabolic stability when incubated with rat liver microsomes, and rate of uptake and subcellular location in A549 and MCF-7 cells. Compound 17 was unstable in tissue culture media, failed to achieve nuclear access, and was excluded from further consideration. Of the other agents, 4 exhibited the most favorable pharmaceutical profile: the agent has appropriate stability in the presence of tumor cells and rat liver microsomes and achieves rapid ingress into cell nuclei where the putative molecular target is located.