Analysis of Arecoline in Rat Urine, and Identification of its Metabolites, by Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry

A simple and rapid high-performance liquid chromatographic–electrospray ionization (ESI) tandem mass spectrometric method has been developed for elucidation of the structures of the metabolites of arecoline in rat urine after administration of a single dose (20 mg kg^?1). The urine samples were purified on a C₁₈ solid-phase extraction cartridge and analysis was then performed on a reversed-phase C₁₈ column with 60:40 (v/v) methanol–0.01% triethylamine solution (2 mmol L^?1, adjusted to pH 3.5 with formic acid) as mobile phase and detection by on-line MS–MS. Identification of the metabolites and elucidation of their structures were performed by comparing molecular masses (ΔM), retention-times, and product ion spectra with those of the parent drug. The parent drug arecoline, four phase-I metabolites, and one phase-II metabolite were identified in rat urine.     

Analysis of Linarin and Its Metabolites in Rat Urine by LC–MS/MS

Liquid chromatography–ion trap mass spectrometry was employed to investigate the metabolism of linarin in rats. Identification and structural elucidation of the metabolites were performed by comparing the differences in molecular masses, retention times, and full scan MS ⁿ spectra between linarin and its metabolites. Six metabolites (acacetin, apigenin, acacetin glucuronide, apigenin glucuronide, acacetin sulfate, apigenin sulfate) were detected in rat urine after oral administration of linarin at the dose of 50 mg kg^?1. Furthermore, a selective and sensitive liquid chromatography–triple quadruple mass spectrometry assay was developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of linarin and acacetin (the major metabolite of linarin) in rat urine. Chromatographic separation was carried out on a C₁₈ column, and mass spectrometric detection was performed using a triple-quadrupole mass spectrometer coupled with an electrospray ionization source in the positive ion mode. Quantitation of linarin and acacetin was performed using selected reaction monitoring of precursor–product ion transitions at m/z 593 → 285 for linarin, 285 → 242 for acacetin, and 303 → 153 for hesperitin (internal standard), respectively. The assay exhibited good linearity (r > 0.9900) for both linarin and acacetin. The intra- and inter-day precisions were <13.4 % and the accuracy was between ?8.1 and 3.1 %. The method was successfully applied to the urinary excretion study of linarin in rats after oral administration of linarin.     

Simultaneous Determination of Methadone,Heroin, Cocaine and their Metabolites in Urine by GC‐MS

Abstract

A gas chromatographic‐mass spectrometric (GC‐MS) method for the determination of methadone, heroin, cocaine, and their metabolites in urine using Selected Ion Monitoring (SIM) was developed. Following a liquid‐liquid extraction with Toxitubes A^® and using their deuterated analogs as internal standards, the analytes were derivatized with 99:1 (v/v) N,O‐bis‐trimethylsilyl‐trifluoroacetamide/trimethylchlorosilane and injected by hand, in the splitless mode, at 240°C and a purging time of 0.75 min. The mass selective detector was kept at 300°C and molecules were ionized in the electron impact mode, using an energy of 70 eV. The detector response was linear for all drugs studied over the range 50–1000 ng/mL.     

Dimethocaine,a synthetic cocaine analogue: studies on its in-vivo metabolism and its detectability in urine by means of a rat model and liquid chromatography–linear ion-trap (high-resolution) mass spectrometry

Dimethocaine (DMC, larocaine), a synthetic derivative of cocaine, is a widely distributed “legal high” consumed as a “new psychoactive substance” (NPS) without any safety testing, for example studies of metabolism. Therefore, the purpose of this work was to study its in-vivo and in-vitro metabolism by use of liquid chromatography–(high resolution) mass spectrometry (LC–HRMS ⁿ ). DMC was administered to male Wistar rats (20 mg kg^?1) and their urine was extracted either by solid-phase extraction after enzymatic cleavage of conjugates or by use of protein precipitation (PP). The metabolites were separated and identified by LC–HRMS ⁿ . The main phase I reactions were ester hydrolysis, deethylation, hydroxylation of the aromatic system, and a combination of these. The main phase II reaction was N-acetylation of the p-aminobenzoic acid part of the unchanged parent compound and of several phase I metabolites. The metabolites identified were then used for identification of DMC in rat urine after application of a common user’s dose. By use of GC–MS and LC–MS ⁿ standard urine-screening approaches (SUSAs), DMC and its metabolites could be detected in the urine samples.     

LC Method for Analysis of Three Flavonols in Rat Plasma and Urine after Oral Administration of Polygonum aviculare Extract

A high-performance liquid chromatographic method has been developed for the simultaneous analysis of the flavonols myricitrin (1), avicularin (2), and juglanin (3) in rat plasma and urine after oral administration of the total flavonoids from Polygonum aviculare. Samples were prepared by solid-phase extraction then separated on a C₁₈ reversed-phase column by use of a mobile-phase gradient prepared from methanol and aqueous formic acid solution. The flow rate was 1 mL min⁻¹. Detection was performed at 254 nm. The calibration range was 11–1,100 μg mL⁻¹ for both 2 and 3 in plasma; in urine the calibration ranges for 1, 2, and 3 were 32–1,600, 11–1,100, and 22–1,100 μg mL⁻¹, respectively. Intra-day and inter-day RSD were less than 4.33 and 3.62% for 2 and 3, respectively, in plasma, and no more than 4.03 and 2.22% for all the analytes in urine. The analytical sensitivity and selectivity of the assay enabled successful application to pharmacokinetic studies of flavonols 1–3 in rats.

     

In Vitro Monitoring of Picogram Levels of Captopril in Human Urine Using Flow Injection Chemiluminescence with Immobilized Reagent Technique

Abstract

A flow‐injection procedure for detection of captopril using a Co²⁺‐captopril complex formed on line based enhancement of luminol and dissolved oxygen chemiluminescence is described. The chemiluminescence reagents, luminol and Co²⁺, were both immobilized on ion exchange resin in the flow injection system. When captopril solution flowed through the immobilized Co²⁺ column, the Co²⁺‐captopril (1:2) complex formed on line could greatly enhanced the chemiluminescence intensity generated from the reaction between luminol and dissolved oxygen. The increment of chemiluminescence emission was correlated with the captopril concentration in the range from 7 to 1000 pg mL^?1, and the detection limit was 2 pg mL^?1 (3σ). One analysis cycle, including sampling and washing, could be accomplished in 0.5 min with relative standard deviations of less than 3.0% (n=11). The proposed method was applied directly in the assay of human urine without any pretreatment and it was found that the captopril concentration reached its maximum after being administrated orally for 1.5 hours, with the mean excretion ratio in 6.5 hours of 54.3% in the body of volunteers. The possible chemiluminescence mechanism was discussed.     

Adsorptive Stripping Voltammetry of 9‐Phenanthrol in the Presence of Copper at the Static Mercury Drop Electrode—Basis for Quantitative Determination of PAH Metabolite in Biological Materials

Abstract

The electrochemical behavior of 9‐phenanthrol in the presence of copper (II) at a static mercury drop electrode was investigated to provide the basis for development of an inexpensive, sensitive, and reliable method for determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) metabolites in biological matrices. Optimum experimental conditions for analytical applications were obtained in 0.005 M NaOH solution using an accumulation potential of ?0.25 V, a scan rate of 5 mV. s^?1, a pulse height of 25 mV, and a differential pulse scan mode. The response of 9‐phenanthrol is linear over the concentration range 1.0–12.0 ppb. For an accumulation time of 5 minutes, the detection limit was found to be 0.2 ppb (1.03×10^?9 M). The more convenient relation to measure the 9‐phenanthrol in the presence of copper and other metals was also investigated. The utility of the method was demonstrated by the presence of 9‐phenanthrol in samples of sea water and human urine. Cyclic voltammetry was used to characterize the interfacial and redox behavior.     

New cathinone‐derived designer drugs 3‐bromomethcathinone and 3‐fluoromethcathinone: studies on their metabolism in rat urine and human liver microsomes using GC–MS and LC–high‐resolution MS and their detectability in urine

3‐Bromomethcathinone (3‐BMC) and 3‐Fluoromethcathinone (3‐FMC) are two new designer drugs, which were seized in Israel during 2009 and had also appeared on the illicit drug market in Germany. These two compounds were sold via the Internet as so‐called “bath salts” or “plant feeders.” The aim of the present study was to identify for the first time the 3‐BMC and 3‐FMC Phase I and II metabolites in rat urine and human liver microsomes using GC–MS and LC–high‐resolution MS (HR‐MS) and to test for their detectability by established urine screening approaches using GC–MS or LC–MS. Furthermore, the human cytochrome‐P450 (CYP) isoenzymes responsible for the main metabolic steps were studied to highlight possible risks of consumption due to drug–drug interaction or genetic variations. For the first aim, rat urine samples were extracted after and without enzymatic cleavage of conjugates. The metabolites were separated and identified by GC–MS and by LC–HR‐MS. The main metabolic steps were N‐demethylation, reduction of the keto group to the corresponding alcohol, hydroxylation of the aromatic system and combinations of these steps. The elemental composition of the metabolites identified by GC–MS could be confirmed by LC–HR‐MS. Furthermore, corresponding Phase II metabolites were identified using the LC–HR‐MS approach. For both compounds, detection in rat urine was possible within the authors' systematic toxicological analysis using both GC–MS and LC–MSⁿ after a suspected recreational users dose. Following CYP enzyme kinetic studies, CYP2B6 was the most relevant enzyme for both the N‐demethylation of 3‐BMC and 3‐FMC after in vitro–in vivo extrapolation. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Ultrasensitive Assay of Gatifloxacin at Picogram Level Based on its Enhancing Effect on the Myoglobin‐Luminol Chemiluminescence Reaction

Abstract

Picogram‐level gatifloxacin was determined based on its significantly catalyzed effect on myoglobin‐luminol chemiluminescence (CL) reaction in the flow injection system. The enhanced chemiluminescence intensity was linear with gatifloxacin concentration in the range from 50 ngl^?1–10 µg l^?1 (r²=0.9995), and the detection limit was 20 ng l^?1 (3σ). At a flow rate of 2.0 ml min^?1 for each line, a complete analytical process could be performed within 0.5 min, including sampling and washing, with a relative standard deviation of less than 4.0% (n=7). The proposed method was applied successfully in the determination of gatifloxacin in tablets, human serum and urine samples with the recovery from 97.4–104.5%.     

A Validated Voltammetric Procedure for Quantification of the Antifungal Drug Griseofulvin in Bulk Form,Tablets, and Biological Fluids at a Mercury Electrode

Abstract

Griseofulvin is an antifungal antibiotic used to treat various pathogenic mycotic diseases. The voltammetric behavior of griseofulvin at a hanging mercury drop electrode in Britton‐Robinson buffers of pH 2–11.5 was studied and discussed. A fully validated sensitive square‐wave adsorptive cathodic stripping voltammetric procedure was described for direct determination of bulk griseofulvin substance. The procedure was based on the reduction of the >C?O double bond of griseofulvin molecule following its preconcentration onto a hanging mercury drop electrode in a Britton‐Robinson buffer of pH 10. Limits of detection (LOD) and quantitation (LOQ) of 5.8×10^?10 M and 1.93×10^?9 M bulk griseofulvin were achieved, respectively. The proposed stripping voltammetric procedure was successfully applied to assay griseofulvin in tablets and in spiked human serum and urine samples. LOD of 8.65×10^?10 M and 6.6×10^?9 M and LOQ of 2.88×10^?9 M and 2.2×10^?8 M griseofulvin in spiked human serum and urine samples, respectively, were achieved.     

Detection and Confirmation of Ginsenosides in Horse Urine by GC–MS and LC–MS

Ginseng has been used by the Chinese as a traditional herbal medicine for thousands of years. In view of the growing popularity in the use of ginseng preparations as natural remedies and food supplements worldwide, there is an increasing concern for their abuse in both human and animal sports. Ginsenosides are considered the major constituents of ginseng responsible for its pharmacological properties. In this study, a method was developed for the detection and confirmation of a number of ginsenosides in horse urine. The intact ginsenosides were detected and confirmed at 5–100 ng mL^?1 by LC–MS², and two deglycosylation metabolites, namely protopanaxadiol and protopanaxatriol, could both be detected and confirmed at 2 ng mL^?1 by GC–MS² after trimethylsilylation. The above GC–MS and LC–MS methods were then applied to study the in vitro metabolism of ginsenosides Rg1 and Rb1 and the in vivo urinary metabolites after oral administration of Rg1 to horses. Results obtained reveal the very first evidence for the existence of the metabolites, Rg1 and protopanaxatriol, as glucuronides in urine.     

Copolymers of 4‐(3′,4′‐Dimethoxycinnamoyl)phenyl Acrylate and MMA: Synthesis,Characterization, Photocrosslinking Properties,and Monomer Reactivity Ratios

Abstract

4‐(3′,4′‐Dimethoxycinnamoyl)phenyl acrylate (DMCPA) containing pendant chalcone moiety was copolymerized with methyl methacrylate (MMA) by radical polymerization in ethyl methyl ketone at 70°C under a nitrogen atmosphere using benzoyl peroxide (BPO) as a free radical initiator. The prepared polymer was characterized by UV, FT‐IR, ¹H‐NMR, and ¹³C‐NMR spectra. The composition of the copolymer was determined using ¹H‐NMR analysis. The monomer reactivity ratios of copolymerization were determined using conventional linearization methods such as Fineman–Ross (r ₁ = 0.26 and r ₂ = 0.61), Kelen–Tudos (r ₁ = 0.26 and r ₂ = 0.61), and Ext. Kelen–Tudos (r ₁ = 0.23 and r ₂ = 0.59), and a non‐linear error‐in‐variables model (EVM) method using the computer program RREVM (r ₁ = 0.2541 and r ₂ = 0.6094). The molecular weights (M _w and M _n) of the copolymers were determined by gel permeation chromatography. Thermogravimetric analysis of the polymers in air reveals that the stability of the copolymers decreases with an increase in the mole fraction of MMA in the copolymers. The solubility of the polymers was tested in various polar and non‐polar solvents. The glass transition temperature of the copolymers was determined as a function of copolymer composition. The copolymers were sensitive to UV light and became crosslinked after irradiation with 254 nm light.     

Simultaneous LC−UV Analysis of Mirodenafil and Its Two Main Metabolites in Rat Plasma and Urine, and in Tissue Homogenates

A simple, rapid, and reproducible isocratic reversed-phase LC method has been established for simultaneous analysis of mirodenafil and its two main metabolites, SK3541 and SK3544, in rat plasma, urine, and tissue homogenates. Samples were deproteinized with acetonitrile containing sildenafil (internal standard). The compounds were separated on a C₁₈ column with 52:48 (v/v) 0.02 m ammonium acetate buffer (pH 6)—acetonitrile as mobile phase at a flow rate of 1.4 mL min^?1. UV detection was at 254 nm and detection limits of mirodenafil, SK3541, and SK3544 in plasma were 0.03, 0.05, and 0.1 μg mL^?1, respectively. The method is applicable to pharmacokinetic studies of mirodenafil and its metabolites in rats.     

Enantiopure cryptophane-129Xe nuclear magnetic resonance biosensors targeting carbonic anhydrase

The (+) and ( ? ) enantiomers for a cryptophane-7-bond-linker-benzenesulfonamide biosensor (C7B) were synthesised and their chirality was confirmed by electronic circular dichroism spectroscopy. Biosensor binding to carbonic anhydrase II (CAII) was characterised for both enantiomers by hyperpolarised (HP) ¹²⁹Xe NMR spectroscopy. Our previous study of the racemic ( ± ) C7B biosensor–CAII complex [Chambers, J.M.; Hill, P.A.; Aaron, J.A.; Han, Z.H.; Christianson, D.W.; Kuzma, N.N.; Dmochowski, I.J. J. Am. Chem. Soc.2009, 131, 563–569] identified two ‘bound’ ¹²⁹Xe@C7B peaks by HP ¹²⁹Xe NMR (at 71 and 67 ppm, relative to ‘free’ biosensor at 64 ppm), which led to the initial hypothesis that (+) and ( ? ) enantiomers produce diastereomeric peaks when coordinated to Zn²⁺ at the chiral CAII active site. Unexpectedly, the single enantiomers complexed with CAII also identified two ‘bound’ ¹²⁹Xe@C7B peaks: (+) 72, 68 ppm and ( ? ) 68, 67 ppm. These results are consistent with X-ray crystallographic evidence for benzenesulfonamide inhibitors occupying a second site near the CAII surface. As illustrated by our studies of this model protein–ligand interaction, HP ¹²⁹Xe NMR spectroscopy can be useful for identifying supramolecular assemblies in solution.     

Characterization of metabolites of sweroside in rat urine using ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography combined with electrospray ionization quadrupole time‐of‐flight tandem mass spectrometry and NMR spectroscopy

Sweroside, a major active iridoid in Swertia pseudochinensis Hara, is recognized as an effective agent in the treatment of liver injury. Based on previous reports, the relatively short half‐life (64 min) and poor bioavailability (approximately 0.31%) in rats suggested that not only sweroside itself but also its metabolites could be responsible for the observed hepato‐protective effect. However, few studies have been carried out on the metabolism of sweroside. Therefore, the present study aimed at identifying the metabolites of sweroside in rat urine after a single oral dose (100 mg/kg). With ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization quadrupole time‐of‐flight tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC/Q‐TOF‐MS), the metabolic profile revealed 11 metabolites in rat urine, including phase I, phase II and aglycone‐related products. The chemical structures of metabolites were proposed based on accurate mass measurements of protonated or deprotonated molecules and their fragmentation patterns. Our findings showed that the aglycone of sweroside (M05) and its glucuronide conjugate (M06) were principal circulating metabolites in rats. While several other metabolic transformations, occurring via reduction, N‐heterocyclization and N‐acetylation after deglycosylation, were also observed. Two metabolites (M05 and M06) were isolated from the rat urine for structural elucidation and identifcation of reaction sites. Both M05 and M06 were characterized by ¹H, ¹³C and two‐dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. UHPLC/Q‐TOF‐MS analysis has provided an important analytical platform to gather metabolic profile of sweroside. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Identification of Acepromazine and Its Metabolites in Horse Plasma and Urine by LC–MS/MS and Accurate Mass Measurement

Acepromazine maleate (Sedalin^®) was administered orally to six thoroughbred horses at a dose of 0.15 mg kg⁻¹. Urine and blood samples were collected up to 412 h post-administration. Plasma and urine were hydrolysed; plasma samples were then processed using liquid–liquid extraction and urine samples using solid-phase extraction. A sensitive tandem mass spectrometric method was developed in this study, achieving a lower limit of quantification for acepromazine of 10 pg mL⁻¹ in plasma and 100 pg mL⁻¹ in urine. Acepromazine, hydroxyethylpromazine, hydroxyacepromazine, hydroxyethylpromazine sulphoxide, hydroxyethylhydroxypromazine, dihydroxyacepromazine and dihydroxyhydroxyethylpromazine were detected in the post-administration samples. The parent drug and its metabolites were identified using a combination of UPLC–MS/MS and accurate mass measurement. Separation of the structural isomers hydroxyethylpromazine sulphoxide and hydroxyethylhydroxypromazine was another significant outcome of this work and demonstrated the advantages to be gained from investing in chromatographic method development.

     

Supramolecular chemosensor for selective detection of iron in aqueous medium

We have successfully developed a ‘turn-on’ colorimetric chemosensor for Fe³⁺ based on 1,10-phenanthroline. An amide derivative of 1,10-phenanthroline 4 was developed for the selective recognition of Fe³⁺ over Co²⁺, Cr³⁺, Cu²⁺, Mn²⁺, Ni²⁺, Ag⁺ and Zn²⁺ and could measure Fe³⁺ concentration in the range of 15–210 μM by UV–vis spectroscopy. Moreover, the addition of Fe³⁺ to a colourless solution of 4 turned its colour to light pink, indicating that 4 is capable of detecting Fe³⁺ by the naked eye. Compound 4 exhibits a major absorption band centred at 268 which shifted to 278 nm after addition of Fe³⁺, and a shoulder band around 514 nm was also observed. The complexation of Fe³⁺ with 4 was analysed at a different pH and favourable binding was observed at pH 6.2.     

Identification of circulatory and excretory metabolites of meisoindigo in rat plasma,urine and feces by high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with positive electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry

Meisoindigo has been a routine therapeutic agent in the clinical treatment of chronic myelogenous leukemia in China since the 1980s. However, information relevant to in vivo metabolism of meisoindigo is absent so far. In this study, in vivo circulatory metabolites of meisoindigo in rat plasma, as well as excretory metabolites in rat urine and feces, were identified by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS). Integration of multiple reaction monitoring with conventional metabolic profiling methodology was adopted to enable a more sensitive detection of in vivo metabolites. By comparing with the MS/MS spectra and retention times of the in vitro reduced metabolites, the major metabolites in rat plasma were proposed to form from 3,3′ double bond reduction, whereas the minor metabolites were formed from reduction followed by N‐demethylation, and reduction followed by phenyl mono‐oxidation. The major metabolites in the rat urine were proposed to form from reduction followed by phenyl mono‐oxidation, and its glucuronide conjugation and sulfate conjugation, whereas the minor metabolites were formed from 3,3′ double bond reduction, N‐demethylation, reduction followed by N‐demethylation, phenyl di‐oxidation, phenyl mono‐oxidation and its glucuronide conjugation and sulfate conjugation. The major metabolites in the rat feces were proposed to form from reduction followed by phenyl mono‐oxidation, whereas the minor metabolites were formed from reduction followed by N‐demethylation, and reduction followed by phenyl di‐oxidation. The phase I metabolic pathways showed a significant in vitro–in vivo correlation in rat. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

LC and LC–MS Study of the Bioavailability and Metabolites of TM208 after Oral and Intravenous Administration to Rat

4-Methylpiperazine-1-carbodithioic acid 3-cyano-3,3-diphenylpropyl ester hydrochloride (TM208) is a new compound expected to become a new drug because of excellent in vivo and in vitro anticancer activity and low toxicity. A new, specific and sensitive LC method was set up for detecting the bioavailability of TM208 after oral administration. Samples were extracted with ethyl acetate after oral and intravenous administration. The retention times of TM208 and plunarizine (I.S.) were 5.5 and 9.9 min, respectively. The linear range was 0.125–50 μg mL^?1. The accuracy (error, %) for three concentrations was 2.7–16.6%. Intra-day precision (as RSD) was 1.6–6.9% and inter-day precision was 7.6–11.5%. Extraction recovery of TM208 was 84.15–89.51% and that of the I.S. was 83.3%. Results from stability testing indicated that samples should be analyzed within 24 h or frozen immediately for later analysis. The bioavailable fraction (F) calculated by use of a non-compartment model was 63.3%. Pharmacokinetic data for TM208 were: mean residence time 24.3 and 5.1 h, V _d 186.2 and 35.5 L kg^?1, and Cl 6.9 and 4.2 L h^?1 kg^?1 after oral and intravenous administration, respectively. LC–MS comparison of the metabolites after the two methods of administration showed the kind and content of metabolites of TM208 in rat urine after intravenous administration were more than after oral administration. The experimental results show that the low anticancer activity of TM208 after intravenous administration is related to rapid elimination of the drug, and that the kind and content of metabolites do not affect the bioactivity of TM208.     

Electrochemical Behavior and Application of Pirarubicin at Gold Nanoparticles–Modified Indium Tin Oxide Electrode

Abstract

A new type of gold nanoparticles–attached indium tin oxide electrode was made. By SEM and EDS, the as‐prepared gold nanoparticles–modified ITO electrode was characterized. This modified electrode has been used for the determination of pirarubicin (THP) in urine by cyclic voltammetry. Compared to a bare ITO electrode, the modified electrode exhibited a marked enhancement in the current response. Liner calibration curves are obtained in the range 5×10^?9mol/L～1.5×10^?6 mol/L with a detection limit of 1×10^?9 mol/L. The percentage of the recoveries ranged from 99.3% to 106.3%. The practical analytic utility of the method is illustrated by quantitative determination of THP in urine.