Metabolism of vesatolimod in rat,dog, and human liver microsomes: Metabolic stability assessment,metabolite identification,and interspecies comparison

Vesatolimod (GS‐9620) is an agonist of toll‐like receptor (TLR7) 7, which has been developed as an anti‐hepatitis B virus (HBV) agent. The focus of the present study is on the metabolic stability evaluation and metabolite identification of GS‐9620 in rat, dog, and human liver microsomes, as well as interspecies comparison. The average observed in vitro T_1/2 values were 3.06, 13.06, and 15.56 minutes in rat, dog, and human liver microsomes, respectively. The findings suggested that GS‐9620 was rapidly metabolized in the presence of reductive nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) in rat liver microsomes (RLM), and moderately metabolized in dog liver microsomes (DLM) and human liver microsomes (HLM). Subsequently, the metabolites were characterized using an ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography coupled with linear ion trap orbitrap tandem mass spectrometer (UHPLC–LTQ–Orbitrap–MS) with dd‐MS² on‐line data acquisition mode. Under the current conditions, a total of 18 metabolites were detected and their identities were proposed by comparing their accurate masses, fragmental ions, and retention times with those of GS‐9620. Three metabolites (M2, M4, and M18) were authentically identified by using reference standards. In RLM, 16 metabolites were identified with M2 being the most abundant metabolite. M4, M5, and M9 were rat‐specific. In DLM, 12 minor metabolites were identified with a dog‐specific metabolite (M6). In HLM, GS‐9620 showed similar metabolic profiles to that in DLM, and 11 minor metabolites were detected with M12 being human‐specific. Based on the identified metabolites, the metabolic pathways of GS‐9620 were proposed, including hydroxylation, bis‐hydroxylation, dehydrogenation, and oxidative deamination.     

High-resolution mass spectrometry-based approach for the identification and profiling of the metabolites of taletrectinib formed in liver microsomes

Taletrectinib is a potent, orally active, and selective ROS1/NTRK kinase inhibitor. The aim of this study was to study the metabolism of taletrectinib in rat, dog, and human liver microsomes. The biotransformation of taletrectinib was carried out using rat, dog, and human liver microsomes supplemented with nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate tetrasodium salt (NADPH) and uridine diphosphate glucuronic acid (UDPGA). The microsomal incubations were conducted at 37°C for 60 min. The formed metabolites were identified by ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS) using electrospray ionization in the positive ion mode. They were identified by accurate masses and MS/MS spectra and based on their fragmentation pathways. With UHPLC-HRMS, a total of 10 metabolites including one glucuronide conjugate (M7) were structurally identified. M9 and M10 were unambiguously identified as taletrectinib alcohol and taletrectinib ketone, respectively, using reference standards. The phase I metabolic pathways of taletrectinib involved N-dealkylation, O-dealkylation, oxidative deamination, and oxygenation; the phase II metabolic pathways referred to glucuronidation. The current study investigated the in vitro metabolic fate of taletrectinib in animals and human species, which would bring us considerable benefits for the subsequent studies focusing on the pharmacological effect and toxicity of this drug.     

PAC-1在人肝微粒体中的代谢产物分析

目的初步阐明procaspase activating compound 1(PAC-1)在人肝微粒中的代谢情况。方法在一定的人肝微粒体浓度中加入药物,温孵后,采用液相色谱-飞行时间质谱法对孵化体系中的代谢产物进行分析。在正离子模式下,采用全扫描方式对代谢物进行检测。结果在人肝微粒体孵化体系中,除原型外共检测到4个代谢产物,代谢物的结构为脱苄基PAC-1和羟基化PAC-1。结论PAC-1在人肝微粒体系中的代谢途径为脱苄基化和羟基化。本研究结果对于进一步了解PAC-1在人体中的代谢和结构修饰具有重要的意义。     

比阿培南在人肝微粒体、人肾S9和体外人血浆中的稳定性及其代谢产物鉴定

目的:考察比阿培南在人肝微粒体、人肾S9和体外人空白血浆中的代谢稳定性,并推测代谢产物的结构及可能的代谢途径.方法:采用高效液相色谱-串联质谱联用仪(HPLC-MS/MS)检测比阿培南分别与人肝微粒体、人肾S9和人空白血浆孵育后孵育液中剩余的比阿培南含量,比较代谢稳定性.此外,利用快速液相色谱-离子阱-飞行时间质谱联用...     

Characterization of triptolide hydroxylation by cytochrome P450 in human and rat liver microsomes

Triptolide, the primary active component of a traditional Chinese medicine Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F, has a wide range of pharmacological activities. In the present study, the metabolism of triptolide by cytochrome P450s was investigated in human and rat liver microsomes. Triptolide was converted to four metabolites (M-1, M-2, M-3, and M-4) in rat liver microsomes and three (M-2, M-3, and M-4) in human liver microsomes. All the products were identified as mono-hydroxylated triptolides by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). The studies with chemical selective inhibitors, complementary DNA-expressed human cytochrome P450s, correlation analysis, and enzyme kinetics were also conducted. The results demonstrate that CYP3A4 and CYP2C19 could be involved in the metabolism of triptolide in human liver, and that CYP3A4 was the primary isoform responsible for its hydroxylation.     

Identification of non‐reported bupropion metabolites in human plasma

Bupropion and its three active metabolites exhibit clinical efficacy in the treatment of major depression, seasonal depression and smoking cessation. The pharmacokinetics of bupropion in humans is highly variable. It is not known if there are any non‐reported metabolites formed in humans in addition to the three known active metabolites. This paper reports newly identified and non‐reported metabolites of bupropion in human plasma samples. Human subjects were dosed with a single oral dose of 75 mg of an immediate release bupropion HCl tablet. Plasma samples were collected and analysed by LC–MS/MS at 0, 6 and 24 h. Two non‐reported metabolites (M1 and M3) were identified with mass‐to‐charge (m/z) ratios of 276 (M1, hydration of bupropion) and 258 (M3, hydroxylation of threo/erythrohydrobupropion) from human plasma in addition to the known hydroxybupropion, threo/erythrohydrobupropion and the glucuronidation products of the major metabolites (M2 and M4–M7). These new metabolites may provide new insight and broaden the understanding of bupropion's variability in clinical pharmacokinetics. © 2016 The Authors Biopharmaceutics & Drug Disposition Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.     

Characterization of in vitro metabolites of cudratricusxanthone A in human liver microsomes

Cudratricusxanthone A (CTXA), isolated from the roots of Cudrania tricuspidata, exhibits several biological activities; however, metabolic biotransformation was not investigated. Therefore, metabolites of CTXA were investigated and the major metabolic enzymes engaged in human liver microsomes (HLMs) were characterized using liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS). CTXA was incubated with HLMs or human recombinant CYPs and UGTs, and analysed by an LC‐MS/MS equipped electrospray ionization (ESI) to qualify and quantify its metabolites. In total, eight metabolites were identified: M1–M4 were identified as mono‐hydroxylated metabolites during Phase I, and M5–M8 were identified as O‐glucuronidated metabolites during Phase II in HLMs. Moreover, these metabolite structures and a metabolic pathway were identified by elucidation of MSⁿ fragments and formation by human recombinant enzymes. M1 was formed by CYP2D6, and M2–M4 were generated by CYP1A2 and CYP3A4. M5–M8 were mainly formed by UGT1A1, respectively. While investigating the biotransformation of CTXA, eight metabolites of CTXA were identified by CYPs and UGTs; these data will be valuable for understanding the in vivo metabolism of CTXA. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Characterization of deltamethrin metabolism by rat plasma and liver microsomes

Deltamethrin, a widely used type II pyrethroid insecticide, is a relatively potent neurotoxicant. While the toxicity has been extensively examined, toxicokinetic studies of deltamethrin and most other pyrethroids are very limited. The aims of this study were to identify, characterize, and assess the relative contributions of esterases and cytochrome P450s (CYP450s) responsible for deltamethrin metabolism by measuring deltamethrin disappearance following incubation of various concentrations (2 to 400 microM) in plasma (esterases) and liver microsomes (esterases and CYP450s) prepared from adult male rats. While the carboxylesterase metabolism in plasma and liver was characterized using an inhibitor, tetra isopropyl pyrophosphoramide (isoOMPA), CYP450 metabolism was characterized using the cofactor, NADPH. Michaelis-Menten rate constants were calculated using linear and nonlinear regression as applicable. The metabolic efficiency of these pathways was estimated by calculating intrinsic clearance (Vmax/Km). In plasma, isoOMPA completely inhibited deltamethrin biotransformation at concentrations (2 and 20 microM of deltamethrin) that are 2- to 10-fold higher than previously reported peak blood levels in deltamethrin-poisoned rats. For carboxylesterase-mediated deltamethrin metabolism in plasma, Vmax=325.3+/-53.4 nmol/h/ml and Km=165.4+/-41.9 microM. Calcium chelation by EGTA did not inhibit deltamethrin metabolism in plasma or liver microsomes, indicating that A-esterases do not metabolize deltamethrin. In liver microsomes, esterase-mediated deltamethrin metabolism was completely inhibited by isoOMPA, confirming the role of carboxylesterases. The rate constants for liver carboxylesterases were Vmax=1981.8+/-132.3 nmol/h/g liver and Km=172.5+/-22.5 microM. Liver microsomal CYP450-mediated biotransformation of deltamethrin was a higher capacity (Vmax=2611.3+/-134.1 nmol/h/g liver) and higher affinity (Km=74.9+/-5.9 microM) process than carboxylesterase (plasma or liver) detoxification. Genetically engineered individual rat CYP450s (Supersomes) were used to identify specific CYP450 isozyme(s) involved in the deltamethrin metabolism. CYP1A2, CYP1A1, and CYP2C11 in decreasing order of importance quantitatively, metabolized deltamethrin. Intrinsic clearance by liver CYP450s (35.5) was more efficient than that by liver (12.0) or plasma carboxylesterases (2.4).     

去氢厄弗酚在小鼠肝微粒体中代谢产物及CYP450酶亚型的鉴定

目的建立去氢厄弗酚(DHE)小鼠体外肝微粒体孵育方法,鉴定DHE在小鼠肝微粒体中的代谢产物及参与DHE代谢的CYP450酶亚型。方法采用UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS分析鉴定DHE在体外肝微粒体共温孵后的代谢产物,筛选7种CYP450酶亚型,并通过特异性化学抑制剂法,鉴别参与DHE代谢的主要CYP450酶亚型。结果在体外肝微粒体共温孵后,检测到4个代谢产物;所筛选的7种CYP450酶亚型中,CYP1A2、CYP2C8和CYP2D2对DHE体外肝微粒体代谢的参与度较高。结论在肝脏中,有多种代谢酶亚型参与DHE的代谢,表明DHE在临床上不易与其他药物产生相互作用。     

Evaluation of stability and simultaneous determination of fimasartan and amlodipine by a HPLC method in combination tablets

A simple, rapid, accurate, precise and robust HPLC method was developed for the simultaneous determination of fimasartan and amlodipine in tablet dosage form. Furthermore, stability of active ingredients was evaluated under normal and stress conditions. The isocratic elution was accomplished by Nucleosil C18 column (250 mm × 4.6 mm, 5 μm) at 40 °C. The mobile phase consisted of acetonitrile and 0.02 M monopotassium phosphate buffer (pH 2.2) in the ratio of 50:50 (v/v) was eluted at 1.0 ml/min. The eluent was monitored by the UV detector for fimasartan and amlodipine at 237 nm for 8 min, detection time. The validation of HPLC method was carried out in accordance with the ICH guidelines.     

双环醇在大鼠和人肝微粒体的代谢

目的研究参与双环醇代谢的主要药物代谢酶及代谢动力学参数，分离鉴定双环醇代谢产物。方法双环醇与大鼠和人肝微粒体进行温孵，以高效液相色谱、质谱、核磁共振技术检测并分离鉴定双环醇及其代谢产物。结果双环醇在地塞米松诱导大鼠肝微粒体中的代谢速率显著高于正常大鼠肝微粒体，酮康唑可显著抑制双环醇的代谢。双环醇主要代谢产物为:4-羟基-4′-甲氧基-6-羟甲基-6′-甲氧羰基-2，3，2′，3′-双亚甲二氧基联苯和4-甲氧基-4′-羟基-6-羟甲基-6′-甲氧羰基-2，3，2′，3′-双亚甲二氧基联苯。结论双环醇在大鼠和人肝微粒体的主要代谢产物为4-羟基-4′-甲氧基-6-羟甲基-6′-甲氧羰基-2，3，2′，3′-双亚甲二氧基联苯和4-甲氧基-4′-羟基-6-羟甲基-6′-甲氧羰基-2，3，2′，3′-双亚甲二氧基联苯，细胞色素P450 3A主要参与双环醇代谢。     

HPLC-MS／ESI同时测定人血浆中文拉法新及其3种代谢产物

目的:建立一种快速灵敏的反相高效液相色谱-质谱联用法同时测定人血浆中文拉法新(VEN)和其3种代谢产物:氧云甲基文拉法新(ODV)、氮去甲基文托法新(NDV)和氮、氰双去甲基文拉法新(DDV)的浓度。方法:以艾司唑仑为内标,样本碱化后用乙醚捉取2次,合并有机相,40℃氮气吹干,100μL流动相定容;用 BDS HYPERSIL C_(18)反相色谱柱(250mm×4.6mm,5μm)进行分离,以乙腈-缓冲溶液(30 mmol·L~(-1)醋酸铵 2.6mmol·L~(-1)甲酸 0.13 mmol·L~(-1)三氟乙酸)(40:60,v/v)为流动相,采用梯度洗脱程序,柱温为50℃,流速为1.0 mL·min~(-1)。采用质谱电喷雾电离源(ESI)将样品离子化,选择性离子监测(SIM)准分子离子和/或主要碎片离子峰。结果:VEN、ODV、NDV、DDV 以及内标艾司唑仑在6min 内完全分离;各物质在2～900 ng·mL~(-1)时线性关系良好,相关系数均大于0.9991;萃取回收率均大于77%;方法回收率均大于91%;最低检测浓度:VEN 0.4 ng·mL~(-1)、ODV0.2 ng·mL~(-1)、NDV 0.3 ng·mL~(-1)、DDV 0.2 ng·mL~(-1);日内日间RSD 均小于11%。结论:本方法简单快速,灵敏准确,可用于药物动力学、药物代谢机制以及血药浓度的临床监护、中毒分析的研究。     

Characterization of bropirimine O-glucuronidation in human liver microsomes

1. The antitumour agent bropirimine undergoes significant Phase II conjugation in vivo. Incubation of [14C]bropirimine with human liver microsomes resulted in the formation of a single product peak (M1) using high-performance liquid chromatography with radiochemical detection and was tentatively assigned as bropirimine glucuronide based on sensitivity to beta-glucuronidase and by obtaining the expected mass of 442/444 amu with liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry. Following metabolite isolation, the structure of M1 was established as bropirimine O-glucuronide by 1H-nuclear magnetic spectroscopy. 2. Studies aimed at identifying the human liver UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) enzyme(s) involved in the glucuronidation of bropirimine were carried out using recombinant human UGTs and it was determined that glucuronidation of bropirimine was catalysed by UGT1A1, UGT1A3 and UGT1A9. Bropirimine O-glucuronidation followed Michaelis-Menten kinetics and the Km and Vmax (mean +/- SD; n = 3) were 1217 +/- 205 microM and 667 +/- 188 pmol min(-1) mg(-1), respectively. 3. The activity of bropirimine O-glucuronidation by human liver microsomes was inhibited by bilirubin (40%) and with mefenamic acid (80%). Although buprenorphine extensively inhibited the activity of bropirimine O-glucuronidation by UGT1A3, the inhibition profile did not parallel that observed in HLMs. 4. The results demonstrate that UGT1A9 and to a lesser extent UGT1A1 are responsible for the majority of bropirimine O-glucuronidation in man.     

Characterization of bropirimine O-glucuronidation in human liver microsomes

1. The antitumour agent bropirimine undergoes significant Phase II conjugation in vivo. Incubation of [¹⁴C]bropirimine with human liver microsomes resulted in the formation of a single product peak (M1) using high-performance liquid chromatography with radiochemical detection and was tentatively assigned as bropirimine glucuronide based on sensitivity to β-glucuronidase and by obtaining the expected mass of 442/444 amu with liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry. Following metabolite isolation, the structure of M1 was established as bropirimine O-glucuronide by ¹H-nuclear magnetic spectroscopy.

2. Studies aimed at identifying the human liver UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) enzyme(s) involved in the glucuronidation of bropirimine were carried out using recombinant human UGTs and it was determined that glucuronidation of bropirimine was catalysed by UGT1A1, UGT1A3 and UGT1A9. Bropirimine O-glucuronidation followed Michaelis–Menten kinetics and the K_m and V_max (mean ± SD; n?=?3) were 1217 ± 205?μM and 667 ± 188?pmol?min^?1 mg^?1, respectively.

3. The activity of bropirimine O-glucuronidation by human liver microsomes was inhibited by bilirubin (40%) and with mefenamic acid (80%). Although buprenorphine extensively inhibited the activity of bropirimine O-glucuronidation by UGT1A3, the inhibition profile did not parallel that observed in HLMs.

4. The results demonstrate that UGT1A9 and to a lesser extent UGT1A1 are responsible for the majority of bropirimine O-glucuronidation in man.     

Characterization of moclobemide N-oxidation in human liver microsomes

1. Moclobemide undergoes morpholine ring N-oxidation to form a major metabolite in plasma, Ro12-5637. 2. The kinetics of moclobemide N-oxidation in human liver microsomes (HLM) (n = 6) have been investigated and the mixed-function oxidase enzymes catalysing this reaction have been identified using inhibition, enzyme correlation, altered pH and heat pretreatment experiments. 3. N-oxidation followed single enzyme Michealis-Menten kinetics (0.02-4.0 mM). K_{m app} and V_max ranged from 0.48 to 1.35 mM (mean ± SD 0:77 ± 0:34 mM) and 0.22 to 2.15 nmol mg^?1 min^?1 (1:39 ± 0:80 nmol mg^?1 min^?1), respectively. 4. The N-oxidation of moclobemide strongly correlated with benzydamine N-oxidation, a probe reaction for flavin-containing monooxygenase (FMO) activity, (0.1 mM moclobemide, r_S = 0:81; p < 0:005; 4 mM moclobemide, r_S = 0:94; p = 0:0001). Correlations were observed between moclobemide N-oxidation and specific cytochrome P450 (CYP) activities at both moclobemide concentrations (0.1 mM moclobemide, CYP2C19 r_S = 0:66; p < 0:05; 4 mM moclobemide, CYP2E1 r_S = 0:56; p < 0:05). 5. The general P450 inhibitor, N-benzylimidazole, did not affect the rate of Ro12-5637 formation (0% inhibition versus control) at 1.3 mM moclobemide. Furthermore, the rate of Ro12-5637 formation in HLM was unaffected by inhibitors or substrates of specific P450s (<10% inhibition versus control). 6. Heat pretreatment of HLM in the absence of NADPH (inactivating FMOs) resulted in 97% inhibition of Ro12-5637 formation. N-oxidation activity was greatest when incubated at pH 8.5. These results are consistent with the reaction being FMO mediated. 7. In conclusion, moclobemide N-oxidation activity has been observed in HLM in vitro and the reaction is predominantly catalysed by FMOs with a potentially small contribution from cytochrome P450 isoforms.     

Activation of mianserin and its metabolites by human liver microsomes

Human liver microsomes metabolise mianserin to the stable 8-hydroxymianserin, desmethylmianserin and mianserin-2-oxide and in addition to one or more chemically reactive metabolites which bind, irreversibly, to microsomal protein. The stable metabolites were isolated by HPLC and characterized by mass spectrometry. The generation of each of these metabolites showed substantial inter-individual variation between eight sets of human liver microsomes studied. Inhibition of irreversible binding was observed with SKF-525A together with concomitant decrease in the formation of 8-hydroxymianserin and desmethylmianserin but not mianserin-2-oxide. Methimazole inhibited binding and the formation of each of the metabolites at a low concentration. Quinidine did not significantly inhibit irreversible binding but did inhibit the formation of 8-hydroxymianserin. Sulphaphenazole had no effect on irreversible binding or metabolism. The irreversible binding of mianserin was inhibited by ascorbic acid, glutathione and N-acetyl cysteine, whereas N-acetyl lysine and trichloropropane oxide had no effect. The irreversible binding of mianserin, 8-hydroxymianserin and desmethylmianserin was of the same order of magnitude however significantly greater binding was observed with the desmethyl metabolite. Incubations with [10-3H/14C]mianserin showed no change in the 3H/14C ratio when irreversible binding occurred. Inhibition of irreversible binding was demonstrated with sodium cyanide at concentrations which did not inhibit total metabolism, which suggest that metabolic activation by the cytochrome P-450 enzyme system may lead to the formation of a reactive iminium intermediate that can bind to nucleophilic groups on proteins.     

Novel metabolites of buprenorphine detected in human liver microsomes and human urine.

The in vitro metabolism of buprenorphine was investigated to explore new metabolic pathways and identify the cytochromes P450 (P450s) responsible for the formation of these metabolites. The resulting metabolites were identified by liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry. In addition to norbuprenorphine, two hydroxylated buprenorphine (M1 and M2) and three hydroxylated norbuprenorphine (M3, M4, and M5) metabolites were produced by human liver microsomes (HLMs), with hydroxylation occurring at the tert-butyl group (M1 and M3) and at unspecified site(s) on the ring moieties (M2, M4, and M5). Time course and other data suggest that buprenorphine is N-dealkylated to form norbuprenorphine, followed by hydroxylation to form M3; buprenorphine is hydroxylated to form M1 and M2, followed by N-dealkylation to form M3 and M4 or M5. The involvement of selected P450s was investigated using cDNA-expressed P450s coupled with scaling models, chemical inhibition, monoclonal antibody (MAb) analysis, and correlation studies. The major enzymes involved in buprenorphine elimination and norbuprenorphine and M1 formation were P450s 3A4, 3A5, 3A7, and 2C8, whereas 3A4, 3A5, and 3A7 produced M3 and M5. Based on MAb analysis and chemical inhibition, the contribution of 2C8 was higher in HLMs with higher 2C8 activity, whereas 3A4/5 played a more important role in HLMs with higher 3A4/5 activity. Examination of human urine from subjects taking buprenorphine showed the presence of M1 and M3; most of M1 was conjugated, whereas 60 to 70% of M3 was unconjugated.     

Oxidative bioactivation of nitrofurantoin in rat liver microsomes

1.?Nitrofurantoin (NFT), a 5-nitrofuran derivative, has been widely used for the treatment of specific urinary tract infections. It has been reported that exposure to NFT was associated with various adverse effects, particularly hepatotoxicity and pneumotoxicity. The objective of the study was to identify reactive metabolites of NFT and explore the mechanisms of the toxicities.

2.?An epoxide intermediate generated in microsomal incubations was trapped by glutathione (GSH) and 4-bromobenzyl mercaptan (BBM), and the resulting GSH and BBM conjugates were characterized by LC–MS/MS. A spontaneous denitration took place in the trapping reaction. 2-Nitrofuran and 2-hydroxyfuran as model compounds were employed to probe the mechanism of the denitration.

3.?The oxidative activation of NFT was P450-dependent, and P450 3A5 and P450 2A6 were the principal enzymes responsible for the bioactivation. The findings facilitate the understanding of the mechanisms of NFT-induced toxicities.     

Characterization of moclobemide N-oxidation in human liver microsomes.

1. Moclobemide underdergoes morpholine ring N-oxidation to form a major metabolite in plasma Rol2-5637. 2. The kinetics of moclobemide N-oxidation in human liver microsomes (HLM) (n = 6) have been investigated and the mixed-function oxidase enzymes catalysing this reaction have been identified using inhibition, enzyme correlation, altered pH and heat pretreatment experiments. 3. N-oxidation followed single enzyme Michealis-Menten kinetics (0.02-4.0 mm). Km app and Vmax ranged from 0.48 to 1.35 mM (mean +/- SD) 0.77 +/- 0.34 mM) and 0.22 to 2.15 nmol mg(-1) min(-1) (1.39 +/- 0.80 nmol mg(-1) respectively. 4. The N-oxidation of moclobemide strongly correlated with benzydamine N-oxidation a probe reaction for flavin-containing monoxygenase (FMO) activity (0.1 mM moclobemide, rs = 0.81, p < 0.005; 4 mM moclobemide, rs = 0.94, p = 0.0001). Correlations were observed between moclobemide N-oxidation and specific cytochromre P450 (CYP) activities at both moclobemide concentrations (0.1 mM moclobemide, CYP2C19 0.66, p < 0.05; 4 mM moclobemide, CYP2E1 rs = 0.56, p < 0.05). 5. The general P450 inhibitor, N-benzylimidazole, did not affect the rate of Rol2-5637 formation (0% inhibition versus control) (at 1.3 mM moclobemide. Furthermore, the rate of Ro12-5637 formation in HLM was unaffected by inhibitors Or substrates of specific P450s (< 10% inhibition versus control). 6. Heat pretreatment of HLM in the absence of NADPH (inactivating FMOs) resulted in 97% inhibition of Ro12-5637 formation. N-oxidation activity was greatest when incubated at pH 8.5. These results ilre consistent with the reaction being FMO medialtetd . 7. In conclusion, moclobemide N-oxidation activity has been observed in HLM in vitro and the reaction is predominantly catalysed by FMOs with a potentially small contribution from cytochrome P450 isoforms.     

Characterization of in vitro metabolites of luotonin A in human liver microsomes using electrospray/tandem mass spectrometry

1. The pharmacological activity of luotonin A varies, depending on the type of functional group and the site of derivatization. To understand the in vivo efficacy of luotonin A, the in vitro metabolism of luotonin A was investigated in human liver microsomes and recombinant cDNA-expressed cytochromeP450 (CYP).

2. Incubation of luotonin A with pooled human liver microsomes in the presence of NADPH-generating system resulted in the formation of four metabolites and the structures of each metabolite were tentatively characterized on the basis of electrospray tandem mass spectra.

3. The main metabolic pathway of luotonin A in human liver microsomes was hydroxylation, resulting in the generation of two mono-hydroxyl metabolites (M1 and M2) and two di-hydroxyl metabolites (M3 and M4). CYP1A2 was primarily involved in hydroxylation of the quinolone moiety (M1 andM3), while CYP3A4 was mainly responsible for hydroxylation of the quinazoline moiety of luotonin A (M2 and M4) in human liver microsomes.