Identification of phenothiazine antihistamines and their metabolites in urine

Identification of the phenothiazine antihistamines alimemazine, dimetotiazine, isothipendyl, mequitazine, oxomemazine, promethazine, thiethylperazine, triflupromazine and their metabolites in urine is described. After acid hydrolysis of the conjugates, extraction and acetylation the urine samples were analysed by computerized gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Using ion chromatography with the selective ions m/z 58, 72, 100, 114, 124, 128, 141, and 199 the possible presence of phenothiazine antihistamines and/or their metabolites was indicated. The identity of positive signals in the reconstructed ion chromatograms was confirmed by a visual or computerized comparison of the stored full mass spectra with the reference spectra. The ion chromatograms, reference mass spectra and gas chromatographic retention indices (OV-101) are documented. The procedure presented is integrated in a general screening procedure (general unknown analysis) for several groups of drugs.Some of these results were reported at the Symposium Klinisch-Toxikologische Analytik of the Austrian and German Societies of Clinical Chemistry, Salzburg, Austria, September 14–16 1987 (Maurer et al. 1987).     

Identification of trimetazidine metabolites in human urine and plasma

1. The objective was to use modern mass spectrometric techniques to update current information on the metabolism of trimetazidine in human subjects found by previous studies.

2. Urine and plasma samples were taken from four healthy human volunteers taking part in a larger kinetic study. Each subject received an oral dose of 80-mg trimetazidine daily for 4 days.

3. Identification and quantitation of trimetazidine and its metabolites in urine and plasma were achieved using modern liquid chromatography-mass spectrometric methods.

4. The major drug-related component observed in urine and plasma was unchanged trimetazidine. In addition to the parent drug, 10 metabolites were detected in urine in concentrations ranging from 0.008 (0.01% dose) to 1.094 μg.ml^-1 (1.4% dose). Metabolic profiles following acute and chronic doses of trimetazidine were qualitatively similar.     

Identification of ibopamine metabolites in rat and dog urine

Metabolism of ibopamine (N-methyldopamine-O,O'-diisobutyryl ester) was studied in rats and dogs. The compound was well absorbed in both species when given orally. Most of the administered radiolabel (74-94%) was excreted within 24 hr in urine of both species. The major metabolite in rat urine was 4-glucuronylepinine (63% of the total administered dose). Minor metabolites identified were 4-O-glucuronyl-3-O-methylepinine, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), DOPAC-glucuronide, homovanillic acid (HVA), and HVA-glucuronide. Free epinine and epinine sulfate were detected in the range of less than 1% of the total administered dose. Metabolite patterns in dog urine were different from those of rat urine. The major metabolite was epinine-3-O-sulfate (62% of the total administered dose). Minor metabolites identified in dog urine were DOPAC-sulfate, HVA-sulfate, and free HVA. Free epinine was detected but in the range of less than 1% of the total administered dose. These results showed that ibopamine underwent extensive hydrolysis in vivo to epinine, which was subsequently conjugated and excreted as major metabolites in urine. In addition, side chain degradation of epinine led to minor metabolites, which were excreted in urine as free and conjugated forms. The route of conjugation of ibopamine metabolites is species dependent.     

Identification of antiarrhythmic drugs and their metabolites in urine

Identification of the antiarrhythmic drugs ajmaline, aprindine, diltiazem, disopyramide, flecainide, gallopamil, lidocaine, lorcainide, mexiletine, phenytoin, prajmaline, propafenone, quinidine, sparteine, tocainide and verapamil and their metabolites in urine is described. After acid hydrolysis of the conjugates, extraction and acetylation, the urine samples were analysed by computerized gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Using ion chromatography with the selective ions m/z 58, 72, 84, 86, 136, 224, 266, and 426, the possible presence of antiarrhythmic drugs and/or their metabolites was indicated. The identity of positive signals in the reconstructed ion chromatograms was confirmed by a visual or computerized comparison of the stored full mass spectra with the reference spectra. The ion chromatograms, reference mass spectra and gas chromatographic retention indices (OV-101) are documented. The method presented is integrated in a general screening procedure (general unknown analysis) for several groups of drugs.     

Identification of volatile metabolites of inhaled n-heptane in rat urine

Alkanes, alcohols, and ketones which are metabolized to a gamma-diketone can produce peripheral neuropathy in experimental animals and in man. A study was conducted to obtain information about the metabolic pathway of n-heptane and its potential neurotoxicity. Female Wistar rats were exposed to 2000 ppm n-heptane inhalation for 12 weeks. Metabolites in urine were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Urinary metabolites were quantified following 6-hr n-heptane exposures. n-Heptane metabolites were 1-, 2-, 3-, and 4-heptanols, 2- and 3-heptanones, 2,5- and 2,6-heptanediols, 5-hydroxy-2-heptanone, 6-hydroxy-2-heptanone, 6-hydroxy-3-heptanone, 2,5- and 2,6-heptanediones, and gamma-valerolactone. The amount of urinary metabolites increased greatly after the second exposure day, achieving a steady-state concentration on subsequent exposure days over the 12 weeks of the exposure regimen. These results showed that n-heptane was metabolized mainly by hydroxylation at omega- 1 carbon atom and to a lesser extent at the omega- 2 carbon atom. 2-Heptanol, 6-hydroxy-2-heptanone, and 3-heptanol were the major metabolites and were excreted as sulfates and glucuronides. 2,5-Heptanedione, which is a neurotoxic agent, was the metabolite found in least amounts (2.4 +/- 2 micrograms/rat) in the urine. No clinical evidence of neurotoxicity was observed after n-heptane exposure. Apparently, the lack of neurotoxicity was due to a low production of 2,5-heptanedione, the toxic metabolite.     

Identification of the n-heptane metabolites in rat and human urine

Numerous n-heptane metabolites have been identified and quantified by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry in some tissues and in the urine of Sprague Dawley rats exposed for 6 h to 1800 ppm n-heptane. 2-Heptanol and 3-heptanol were the main biotransformation products of the solvent. 2-Heptanone, 3-heptanone, 4-heptanol, 2,5-heptanedione, -valerolactone, 2-ethyl-5-methyl-2, 3-dihydrofuran and 2,6-dimethyl-2,5-dihydropyran were also found as metabolites of n-heptane. In five shoe factory workers and in three rubber factory workers the mean exposure to technical heptane was measured (n-heptane ranged between 5 and 196 mg/m³). In the urine collected at the end of their work shift some n-heptane biotransformation products were found: 2-heptanol, 3-heptanol, 2-heptanone, 4-heptanone and 2,5-heptanedione. 2-Heptanol was the main n-heptane metabolite and its urinary concentrations ranged between 0.1 and 1.9 mg/l. Urinary 2,5-heptanedione was detectable only in some samples and at very low concentration (0.1–0.4 mg/1).These data suggest that n-heptane can be considered as a neurotoxic product, since it gives rise to 2,5-heptanedione, but the small amount of the urinary metabolite is very unlikely to cause clinical damage to the peripheral nervous system.Part of this work was presented at the 48 Congr. Naz. Soc. Ital. Med. Lav. Igiene Ind. Pavia 18–21 September 1985     

Identification and determination of four metabolites of mangiferin in rat urine

Four metabolites of mangiferin were firstly isolated and identified from rat urine. The structures of the four metabolites were determined to be 1,3,7-trihydroxyxanthone (M-1), 1,3,6,7-tetrahydroxyxanthone (M-2), 1,3,6-trihydroxy-7-methoxyxanthone (M-3) and 1,7-dihydroxyxanthone (M-4), respectively. A simple and specific analytical method for determination of the four metabolites in rat urine was developed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Quercetin was employed as an internal standard. The correlation coefficients of the calibration curves were higher than 0.997, both intra- and inter-day precision of four metabolites were determined and their R.S.D. did not exceed 10%. The accuracy and linear range had been investigated in detail. The cumulative urinary excretions of the four metabolites were measured and the possible metabolic pathway of the metabolites was discussed.     

Identification of gonadotropin‐releasing hormone metabolites in greyhound urine

Gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) is a 10‐residue peptide hormone that induces secretion of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle‐stimulating hormone into the blood from the pituitary gland. In males, LH acts on the testes to produce testosterone. The performance‐enhancing potential of testosterone makes administration of exogenous GnRH a concern in sports doping control. Detection of GnRH abuse is challenging owing to its rapid clearance from the body and its degradation in urine. Following recent investigations of GnRH abuse in racing greyhounds in New Zealand, we carried out a GnRH administration study in greyhounds in an attempt to identify GnRH metabolites that might provide more facile detection of GnRH abuse; little information is available on in vivo metabolites of exogenous GnRH in any species and none in dogs. We identified three C‐terminal GnRH metabolites in urine: GnRH 5–10, GnRH 6–10, and GnRH 7–10. These metabolites and intact GnRH, which was also detected in urine, were all excreted over a 1–3 h period after GnRH administration. Two of the GnRH metabolites – GnRH 5–10 and GnRH 6–10 – were more stable in urine than intact GnRH offering improved potential to detect GnRH administration. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Hydroxymethoxybenzoylmethylecgonines: new metabolites of cocaine from human urine

4'-Hydroxy-3'-methoxybenzoylecgonine methyl ester (IIIe) and 3'-hydroxy-4'-methoxybenzoylecgonine methyl ester (IIId) were identified as cocaine metabolites in the urine of an admitted habitual polydrug user. The mass spectra and relative gas-liquid chromatography retention times of these metabolites were compared with those of five synthesized hydroxymethoxycocaine positional isomers. IIIe was also identified by mass chromatography in the urine of three patients who received emergency treatment for cocaine abuse.     

Identification of major metabolites of the catechol-O-methyltransferase-inhibitor nitecapone in human urine.

Metabolites of nitecapone [3-(3,4-dihydroxy-5-nitrobenzylidene)-2,4-pentanedione], a potent new catechol-O-methytransferase-inhibitor, were isolated from human urine both after hydrolysis with beta-glucuronidase and as intact conjugates. Seven phase-I metabolites and corresponding glucuronides were identified using electron ionization and fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry, IR spectroscopy, and proton NMR spectrometry. The most abundant metabolite in urine was the glucuronide of unchanged nitecapone, representing 60-65% of the metabolites found. The main phase-I metabolic reaction was reduction of the side chain double bond and carbonyl groups. One of the major metabolites was formed by cleavage of the side chain by retro aldol condensation. All phase-I metabolites were present mainly as their glucuronic acid conjugates. The 3-nitrocatechol-structure of nitecapone seems to hinder nitro-reduction, catechol-O-methylation, and sulfation reactions.     

Identification of polyphenols and their metabolites in human urine after cranberry-syrup consumption

As the beneficial effects of American cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) can be partly attributed to its phenolic composition, the evaluation of the physiological behaviour of this fraction is crucial. A rapid and sensitive method by ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) has been used to identify phenolic metabolites in human urine after a single dose of cranberry syrup. Prior to the analysis, metabolites were extracted using an optimised solid-phase extraction procedure. All possible metabolites were investigated based on retention time, accurate mass data and isotope and fragmentation patterns. Free coumaroyl hexose (isomer 1 and 2), dihydroxybenzoic acid, caffeoyl glucose, dihydroferulic acid 4-O-β-d-glucuronide, methoxyquercetin 3-O-galactoside, scopoletin, myricetin and quercetin, together with other 23 phase-I and phase-II metabolites, including various isomers, could be tentatively identified in the urine. Afterwards, the metabolites were simultaneously screened in the urine of different subjects at 0, 2, 4, and 6 h after the ingestion of cranberry syrup by Target Analysis^TM software.     

Identification and synthesis of the isomeric tetrahydroxytetrahydronaphthalene metabolites excreted in rat urine

The structures of three isomeric 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroxytetrahydronaphthalene metabolites of naphthalene have been confirmed by synthesis. Six isometric 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene structures occurring in for dl-pairs and two mesoforms have been synthesized. Five were synthesized by the action of osmium tetroxide on the cis- and trans-1,2-dihydrodiols and cis- and trans-1,4-dihydrodiols. The sixth isomeric tetrahydrotetrol was synthesized by hydrolysis of trans-1,2-dihydroxy-syn-3,4-epoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene (the syn-dihydrodiolepoxide of naphthalene). By comparing the gas-chromatographic and mass-spectrometric properties of the synthetic and urinary tetrahydrotetrols, two of the urinary metabolites were identified as 1 beta, 2 alpha, 3 alpha, 4 beta- and structure of the third tetrahydrotetrol metabolite, 1 beta, 2 alpha, 3 beta, 4 alpha-tetrahydroxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene, identified in earlier studies, was confirmed.     

Identification of etazene (etodesnitazene) metabolites in human urine by LC-HRMS

Etazene (or etodesnitazene) is a novel and highly active synthetic opioid belonging to the rapidly evolving and emerging group of “nitazenes.” Etazene metabolites were identified through analysis of a human urine sample. The sample was obtained from a 25-year-old man who attempted suicide by taking a new psychoactive substances (NPS) cocktail purchased online and was analyzed by ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS). Etazene metabolites were predicted with BioTransformer 3.0, and the exact masses were added to the inclusion list. Eight possible metabolites were identified in the urine sample. N- and O-deethylation were identified as the predominant metabolism routes, resulting in M1 (O-deethylated etazene; most abundant metabolite based on the peak area), M2 (N-deethylated etazene), and M3 (N,O-dideethylated etazene) metabolites. Less abundant hydroxylated products of these deethylated metabolites and etazene were also found. Additionally, in the analysis without β-glucuronidase treatment, M1- and M3-glucuronide phase II metabolites were found. As N- and O-deethylated products seem to be the predominant urinary metabolites, the detection of these metabolites in urine can be useful to demonstrate etazene exposure.     

Effects of naphthalene and naphthalene metabolites on the in vitro humoral immune response

Naphthalene-induced pulmonary and renal toxicity and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon-induced carcinogenesis are known to be mediated by their reactive metabolites. Subchronic exposure (90 d) of mice to naphthalene does not alter humoral and cellular-mediated immune responses, whereas polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, such as benzo[a]pyrene and 7,12-dimethylbenzanthracene, are known to be immunosuppressive. To understand these differences, the antibody-forming cell (AFC) responses of splenocyte cultures exposed to naphthalene (2, 20, and 200 microM) were evaluated. At these concentrations, the antibody-forming cell response to sheep red blood cells (RBC) was not affected. To determine if reactive metabolites of naphthalene were immunosuppressive, splenocytes were exposed to naphthalene metabolites by direct addition or through the use of a metabolic activation system. The addition of 1-naphthol (70 and 200 microM) and 1,4-naphthoquinone (2, 7, and 20 microM) resulted in a decreased antibody-forming cell response. Suppression of AFC responses was also obtained by culturing splenocytes with liver S9 and naphthalene. Since splenic metabolism of naphthalene to nonimmunosuppressive metabolites may account for the absence of immunotoxicity, the types of naphthalene metabolites generated by splenic microsomes were determined. It was observed that splenic microsomes were unable to generate any detectable naphthalene metabolites, whereas liver microsomes were able to generate both 1,2-naphthalene diol and 1-naphthol. Thus, the absence of an immunosuppressive effect by naphthalene exposure may be related to the inability of splenocytes to metabolize naphthalene. Moreover, the concentration of naphthalene metabolites generated within the liver that may diffuse to the spleen may be inadequate to produce immunotoxicity.     

Identification of new secondary metabolites of methoxyphenamine in man

Metabolites of methoxyphenamine were examined in the urine of three healthy human volunteers. The metabolites were separated by g.l.c. and identified by comparison of their chromatographic and mass-spectrometric behaviours with those of authentic synthetic compounds. 5-Hydroxy-2-methoxy-N-methylamphetamine, a metabolite previously identified by indirect methods, was conclusively identified by comparison with the now-available authentic synthetic material. In addition, three new metabolites of methoxyphenamine were identified--5-hydroxy-2-methoxyamphetamine, 2-methoxyphenylacetone and 5-hydroxy-2-methoxyphenylacetone.