Case Study on Screening Emerging Pollutants in Urine and Nails.

Alternative plasticizers and flame retardants (FRs) have been introduced as replacements for banned or restricted chemicals, but much is still unknown about their metabolism and occurrence in humans. We identified the metabolites formed in vitro for four alternative plasticizers (acetyltributyl citrate (ATBC), bis(2-propylheptyl) phthalate (DPHP), bis(2-ethylhexyl) terephthalate (DEHTP), bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA)), and one FR (2,2-bis (chloromethyl)-propane-1,3-diyltetrakis(2-chloroethyl) bisphosphate (V6)). Further, these compounds and their metabolites were investigated by LC/ESI-Orbitrap-MS in urine and finger nails collected from a Norwegian cohort. Primary and secondary ATBC metabolites had detection frequencies (% DF) in finger nails ranging from 46 to 95%. V6 was identified for the first time in finger nails, suggesting that this matrix may also indicate past exposure to FRs as well as alternative plasticizers. Two isomeric forms of DEHTP primary metabolite were highly detected in urine (97% DF) and identified in finger nails, while no DPHP metabolites were detected in vivo. Primary and secondary DEHA metabolites were identified in both matrices, and the relative proportion of the secondary metabolites was higher in urine than in finger nails; the opposite was observed for the primary metabolites. As many of the metabolites present in in vitro extracts were further identified in vivo in urine and finger nail samples, this suggests that in vitro assays can reliably mimic the in vivo processes. Finger nails may be a useful noninvasive matrix for human biomonitoring of specific organic contaminants, but further validation is needed.

Stereoselective Metabolism of α-, ß-, and γ-Hexabromocyclododecanes (HBCDs) by Human Liver Microsomes and CYP3A4.

This is the first study investigating the in vitro metabolism of α-, ß-, and γ-hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) stereoisomers in humans and providing semiquantitative metabolism data. Human liver microsomes were incubated with individual racemic mixtures and with individual stereoisomers of α-, ß-, and γ-HBCDs, the hydroxylated metabolites formed were analyzed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, and the value of the intrinsic in vitro clearance (Clint,vitro) was calculated. Several mono- and dihydroxylated metabolites of α-, ß-, and γ-HBCDs were formed, with mono-OH-HBCDs being the major metabolites. No stereoisomerization of any of the six α-, ß-, and γ-HBCD isomers catalyzed by cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes occurred. The value of Clint,vitro of α-HBCDs was significantly lower than that of ß-HBCDs, which, in turn, was significantly lower than that of γ-HBCDs (p < 0.05). Such differences were explained by the significantly lower values of Clint,vitro of each α-HBCD stereoisomer than those of the ß- and γ-HBCD stereoisomers. In addition, significantly lower values of Clint,vitro of the (-) over the (+)α- and ß-HBCD stereoisomers, but not γ-HBCDs, were obtained. Our data offer a possible explanation of the enrichment of α-HBCDs over ß- and γ-HBCDs on the one hand and, on the other hand, of (-)α-HBCDs over (+)α-HBCDs previously reported in human samples. It also offers information about the mechanism resulting in such enrichments, the stereoisomer-selective metabolism of α-, ß-, and γ-HBCDs catalyzed by CYPs with the lack of stereoisomerization.

In vitro biotransformation of tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate (TBOEP) in human liver and serum.

Tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate (TBOEP) is a plasticizer present in indoor dust, reaching levels of several micrograms per gram. Such levels could lead to significant daily exposure of adults and children. Currently, no toxicokinetic data are available to estimate TBOEP clearance in humans after uptake and therefore, one objective of this study was to investigate intrinsic clearance of TBOEP by human liver microsome (HLM) and serum enzymes. Another objective was to generate information to identify and prioritize several metabolites of TBOEP for investigation of human exposure by biomonitoring. 1D and 2D-NMR methodologies were successfully applied on a mixture of the metabolites to confirm the structure of 3-HO-TBOEP (bis(2-butoxyethyl) 3-hydroxyl-2-butoxyethyl phosphate) and to tentatively assign structures to 1-HO-TBOEP and 2-HO-TBOEP. HO-TBOEP isomers and bis(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate (BBOEP), bis(2-butoxyethyl) hydroxyethyl phosphate (BBOEHEP) were further monitored by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Rates of formation of BBOEHEP and HO-TBOEP metabolites by liver enzymes were best described by the Michaelis-Menten model. Apparent Km values for BBOEHEP, 3-HO-TBOEP, and sum of 1- and 2-HO-TBOEP isomer formation were 152, 197 and 148µM, respectively. Apparent Vmax values for the formation of BBOEHEP, 3-HO-TBOEP, and the sum of 1- and 2-HO-TBOEP isomers were 2560, 643, and 254pmol/min/mg protein, respectively. No detectable formation of BBOEP occurred with liver or serum enzymes. Our findings indicate that intrinsic clearance of TBOEP is mainly catalyzed by oxidative enzymes in the liver and that its major in vitro metabolite is BBOEHEP. These findings can be applied in human biomonitoring studies and risk assessment.

In vitro Phase I and Phase II metabolism of α-pyrrolidinovalerophenone (α-PVP), methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) and methedrone by human liver microsomes and human liver cytosol.

The aim of the present study was to identify the in vitro Phase I and Phase II metabolites of three new psychoactive substances: α-pyrrolidinovalerophenone (α-PVP), methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV), and methedrone, using human liver microsomes and human liver cytosol. Accurate-mass spectra of metabolites were obtained using liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Six Phase I metabolites of α-PVP were identified, which were formed involving reduction, hydroxylation, and pyrrolidine ring opening reactions. The lactam compound was the major metabolite observed for α-PVP. Two glucuronidated metabolites of α-PVP, not reported in previous in vitro studies, were further identified. MDPV was transformed into 10 Phase I metabolites involving reduction, hydroxylation, and loss of the pyrrolidine ring. Also, six glucuronidated and two sulphated metabolites were detected. The major metabolite of MDPV was the catechol metabolite. Methedrone was transformed into five Phase I metabolites, involving N- and O-demethylation, hydroxylation, and reduction of the ketone group. Three metabolites of methedrone are reported for the first time. In addition, the contribution of individual human CYP enzymes in the formation of the detected metabolites was investigated.

In vitro metabolism of BDE-47, BDE-99, and α-, ß-, γ-HBCD isomers by chicken liver microsomes.

The in vitro oxidative metabolism of 2,2',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-47), 2,2',4,4',5-pentabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-99), and the individual α-, ß- and γ-hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) isomers catalyzed by cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes was studied using chicken liver microsomes (CLMs). Metabolites were identified using a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method and authentic standards for the oxidative metabolites of BDE-47 and BDE-99. Six hydroxylated tetra-BDEs, namely 4-hydroxy-2,2',3,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (4-OH-BDE-42), 3-hydroxy-2,2',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (3-OH-BDE-47), 5-hydroxy-2,2',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (5-OH-BDE-47), 6-hydroxy-2,2',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (6-OH-BDE-47), 4'-hydroxy-2,2',4,5'- tetrabromodiphenyl ether (4'-OH-BDE-49), and 2'-hydroxy-2,3',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (2'-OH-BDE-66), were identified and quantified after incubation of BDE-47 with CLMs. 4'-OH-BDE-49 was the major metabolite formed. Three hydroxylated penta-BDEs (5'-hydroxy-2,2',4,4',5-pentabromodiphenyl ether (5'-OH-BDE-99), 6'-hydroxy-2,2',4,4',5- pentabromodiphenyl ether (6'-OH-BDE-99), and 4'-hydroxy-2,2',4,5,5'-pentabromodiphenyl ether, 4'-OH-BDE-101, were formed incubating BDE-99 with CLMs. Concentrations of BDE-99 metabolites were lower than those of BDE-47. More than four mono-hydroxylated HBCD (OH-HBCD), more than four di-hydroxylated HBCD (di-OH-HBCD), more than five mono-hydroxylated pentabromocyclododecenes (OH-PBCD), and more than five di-hydroxylated pentabromocyclododecenes (di-OH-PBCD) were detected when α-, ß-, or γ-HBCD were individually incubated with CLMs. Response values (the ratio between the peak areas of the target compound and its internal standard) for OH-HBCD were 1-3 orders of magnitude higher than those for OH-PBCD, di-OH-HBCD, and di-OH-PBCD, suggesting that OH-HBCD might be the major metabolites of α-, ß- and γ-HBCD produced by CLMs. No diastereoisomeric or enantiomeric bioisomerisation was observed incubating α-, ß- or γ-HBCD with CLMs. Collectively, our data suggest that (i) BDE-47 is metabolized at a faster rate than BDE-99 by CLMs, (ii) OH-HBCD are the major hydroxylated metabolites of α-, ß- and γ-HBCD produced by CLMs and (iii) the diastereoisomeric or enantiomeric bioisomerisation of α-, ß- and γ-HBCD is not mediated by chicken CYP enzymes.

Regioselective Versatility of Monooxygenase Reactions Catalyzed by CYP2B6 and CYP3A4: Examples with Single Substrates.

Hepatic microsomal cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes have broad and overlapping substrate specificity and catalyze a variety of monooxygenase reactions, including aliphatic and aromatic hydroxylations, N-hydroxylations, oxygenations of heteroatoms (N, S, P and I), alkene and arene epoxidations, dehalogenations, dehydrogenations and N-, O- and S-dealkylations. Individual CYP enzymes typically catalyze the oxidative metabolism of a common substrate in a regioselective and stereoselective manner. In addition, different CYP enzymes often utilize different monooxygenase reactions when oxidizing a common substrate. This review examines various oxidative reactions catalyzed by a CYP enzyme acting on a single substrate. In the first example, 2,2',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-47), a halogenated aromatic environmental contaminant, was oxidatively biotransformed by human CYP2B6. Nine different metabolites of BDE-47 were produced by CYP2B6 via monooxygenase reactions that included aromatic hydroxylation, with and without an NIH-shift, dealkylation and debromination. In the second example, lithocholic acid (3α-hydroxy-5ß-cholan-24-oic acid), an endogenous bile acid, served as a substrate for human CYP3A4 and yielded five different metabolites via aliphatic hydroxylation and dehydrogenation reactions.

Human biomonitoring of emerging pollutants through non-invasive matrices: state of the art and future potential.

Human biomonitoring (HBM) is a scientific technique that allows us to assess whether and to what extent environmental pollutants enter humans. We review here the current HBM efforts for organophosphate esters, emerging flame retardants, perfluoroalkyl substances, and phthalate esters. Use of some of these chemicals has already been banned or restricted; they are regularly detected in the environment, wildlife, and human matrices. Traditionally, blood and urine collection have been widely used as sampling methods. New non-invasive approaches (e.g., saliva, hair, nails) are emerging as valid alternatives since they offer advantages with respect to sampling, handling, and ethical aspects, while ensuring similar reliability and sensitivity. Nevertheless, the identification of biomarkers of exposure is often difficult because chemicals may be metabolized in the human body. For many of the above-mentioned compounds, the mechanisms of the favorable metabolization pathways have not been unraveled, but research on important metabolites that could be used as biomarkers of exposure is growing. This review summarizes the state of the art regarding human exposure to, (non-invasive) HBM of, and metabolism of major organophosphate esters, emerging flame retardants, perfluoroalkyl substances, and phthalate esters currently detected in the environment.

Biotransformation of 2,2',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-47) by human liver microsomes: identification of cytochrome P450 2B6 as the major enzyme involved.

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) were widely used flame retardants that have become persistent environmental pollutants. In the present study, we investigated the in vitro oxidative metabolism of 2,2',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-47), a major PBDE detected in human tissue and environmental samples. Biotransformation of BDE-47 by pooled and individual human liver microsomes and by human recombinant cytochrome P450 (P450) enzymes was assessed using a liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry-based method. Of the nine hydroxylated metabolites of BDE-47 produced by human liver microsomes, seven metabolites were identified using authentic standards. A monohydroxy-tetrabrominated and a dihydroxy-tetrabrominated metabolite remain unidentified. Kinetic analysis of the rates of metabolite formation revealed that the major metabolites were 5-hydroxy-2,2',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (5-OH-BDE-47), 6-hydroxy-2,2',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (6-OH-BDE-47), and possibly the unidentified monohydroxy-tetrabrominated metabolite. Among the human recombinant P450 enzymes tested, P450 2B6 was the most active enzyme in the formation of the hydroxylated metabolites of BDE-47. Moreover, the formation of all metabolites of BDE-47 by pooled human liver microsomes was inhibited by a P450 2B6-specific antibody and was highly correlated with P450 2B6-mediated activity in single donor liver microsomes indicating that P450 2B6 was the major P450 responsible for the biotransformation of BDE-47. Additional experiments involving the incubation of liver microsomes with individual monohydroxy-tetrabrominated metabolites in place of BDE-47 demonstrated that 2,4-dibromophenol was a product of BDE-47 and several primary metabolites, but the dihydroxy-tetrabrominated metabolite was not formed by sequential hydroxylation of any of the monohydroxy-tetrabrominated metabolites tested. The present study provides a comprehensive characterization of the oxidative metabolism of BDE-47 by human liver microsomes and P450 2B6.

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in gammarids, caddisflies, and bed sediments of the lowland River Po.

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) were investigated in sediments and invertebrates (gammarids and caddisflies) collected in the River Po, upstream and downstream from a polluted tributary. Besides a diffuse contamination by penta-BDE technical mixture, the river sediments identified the tributary as an important source to the main river of decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-209), which peaked to 64 microg/g (OC) in the downstream stretch. At 10 km downstream from the tributary, a higher bioavailability was evident than at 22 km, and small gammarids accumulated at two/three times the levels of PBDEs found in large gammarids. The congener profiles of sediments and invertebrates were dominated by BDE-47, BDE-99 and BDE-209.

Allometric Scaling Approaches for Predicting Human Pharmacokinetic of a Locked Nucleic Acid Oligonucleotide Targeting Cancer-Associated miR-221.

: LNA-i-miR-221 is a novel phosphorothioate backbone 13-mer locked nucleic acid oligonucleotide-targeting microRNA-221 designed for the treatment of human malignancies. To understand the pharmacokinetic properties of this new agent, including unbound/total clearance, we investigated the LNA-i-miR-221 protein binding in three different species, including rat (Sprague-Dawley), monkey (Cynomolgus), and human. To this end, we generated a suitable ultrafiltration method to study the binding of LNA-i-miR-221 to plasma proteins. We identified that the fraction of LNA-i-miR-221 (at concentration of 1 and 10 µM) bound to rat, monkey, and human plasma proteins was high and ranged from 98.2 to 99.05%. This high protein binding of LNA-i-miR-221 to plasma proteins in all the species tested translates into a pharmacokinetic advantage by preventing rapid renal clearance. The integration of these results into multiple allometric interspecies scaling methods was then used to draw inferences about LNA-i-miR-221 pharmacokinetics in humans, thereby providing a framework for definition of safe starting and escalation doses and moving towards a first human clinical trial of LNA-i-miR-221.

Vitellogenin as a biomarker for estrogenic effects in brown trout, Salmo trutta: laboratory and field investigations.

The sensitivity of juvenile brown trout towards estrogenic chemicals (17beta-estradiol [E2], estrone [E1], 17alpha-ethinylestradiol [EE2], 4-tert-octylphenol [OP], and n-butylparaben [BP]) was tested in laboratory experiments with plasma and liver vitellogenin concentrations as endpoints. Vitellogenin concentrations were also assessed in juvenile brown trout collected in streams affected by agricultural runoff and discharges from scattered houses in the open land. In the laboratory, juvenile brown trout were exposed to the chemicals in flow-through tanks for 7 to 12 d and concentration-response relationships for the induction of vitellogenin synthesis were obtained. The actual exposure concentrations were determined by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. The median plasma vitellogenin concentration in first year control brown trout reared in recirculated groundwater was 165 ng/ml with 783 ng/ml as the highest value. The median effective concentration (EC50) values for vitellogenin induction (based on plasma concentrations) were 3.7 ng EE2/L, 15 ng E2/L, 88 ng E1/L, 68 microg BP/L, and 7 microg OP/L. Median effective concentrations derived from liver vitellogenin concentrations were similar. The 166 brown trout caught in the field were mainly first and second year fish and a few third year fish. Plasma vitellogenin concentrations were below 1000 ng/L in 146 of the fish, between 1000 ng/L and 4234 ng/L in 19 fish and 5.3 x 10(6) ng/L in one male fish. Vitellogenin concentrations did not differ between first and second year fish, but were elevated in third year fish. The data may indicate that juvenile (<2 years) trout with plasma vitellogenin concentrations above 1000 ng/ml have had their vitellogenin synthesis induced by exposure to estrogens in the environment. Plasma and liver vitellogenin concentrations were closely correlated in brown trout with elevated vitellogenin concentrations. It is noteworthy, however, that exposure to synthetic estrogens (EE2, BP, and OP) resulted in higher liver concentrations (for the same plasma concentration) than exposure to the natural estrogens E1 and E2.

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in 0+ juvenile cyprinids and sediments of the Po River.

PBDE and PCB content has been determined in 0+ bleak (Cyprinus alburnus), nase (Chondrostoma soetta), gudgeon (Cyprinus gobio), chub (Cyprinus cephalus), and barbel (Barbus sp.) as well as in bed sediments sampled from the River Po upstream and downstream of the confluence of a tributary draining a highly industrialized and urbanized subbasin. Both groups of chemicals were present at higher levels in fish and sediments downstream from the confluence. In addition, whole-body concentrations of PBDEs and PCBs were different among species despite the young specimen age. The fact that PBDEs and PCBs were higher in benthivorous versus planktivorous fish, as well as in carnivorous versus herbivorous species, suggests that feeding behavior is a major controlling factor that may help differentiate the accumulation levels of 0+ juveniles. Of the five species, the pelagic/planktivorous cyprinid bleak (C. alburnus) showed the lowest concentrations (111 ng PBDE/g lipid weight [l.w.], 2016 ng PCB/g l.w.), whereas the benthic dweller and feeder barbel (Barbus sp.) had the highest concentrations of both groups of chemicals (259 ng PBDE/g l.w., 4785 ng PCB/g l.w.). The rank order of species contamination was essentially stable upstream and downstream from the tributary, and the congener contribution of PBDEs was also similar. In general, BDE-47 was the dominant congener, followed by BDE-100, -154, -153, and -28. BDE-209 dominated the PBDE congener profiles of sediments but was not found in any fish sample. Conversely, an unidentified hexa-BDE congener, which was not detected in sediments, was found in all fish species. The levels of PBDEs and PCBs determined in adult goby (Padogobius martensii), a small demersal predator also examined in the same river stretches, provided additional useful insights with which to interpret results.

Mass spectrometric identification of in vitro-generated metabolites of two emerging organophosphate flame retardants: V6 and BDP.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the in vitro metabolism of two emerging organophosphate flame retardants, namely tetrekis(2-chlorethyl)dichloroisopentyldiphosphate (V6) and bisphenol-A bis-diphenyl phosphate (BDP) in human liver microsomes (HLMs), HLM S9 fractions and in human serum. In particular, the role of cytochrome P450 (CYPs) enzymes and/or paraoxonases (PONs) in the formation of V6 and BDP phase I metabolites was studied. Mono-, di-hydroxylated and hydrolytic phase I metabolites of V6 were mainly formed by CYPs in HLMs, while hydrolytic and O-dealkylated phase I metabolites of BDP were generated by PONs mainly in serum experiments. Limited number of glucuronidated and sulfated phase II metabolites were also identified for the two chemicals. The activity of seven recombinant CYPs (rCYPs) including rCYP1A2, rCYP2B6, rCYP2C9, rCYP2C19, rCYP2D6, rCYP2E1 and rCYP3A4 in the in vitro phase I metabolism of V6 and BDP was investigated. The formation of V6 metabolites was catalyzed by several enzymes, especially rCYP1A2 that was responsible for the exclusive formation of two metabolites, one primary (M1) and its secondary metabolite (M9). For BDP, only one phase I metabolite (MM1) was catalyzed by the seven rCYPs. Collectively, these results indicate that CYPs have a predominant role in the metabolism of V6, while PONs have a predominant role in BDP in vitro metabolism. These results are a starting point for future studies involving the study of the toxicity, bioaccumulation and in vivo biomonitoring of V6 and BDP.

The accumulation levels of PAHs, PCBs and DDTs are related in an inverse way to the size of a benthic amphipod (Echinogammarus stammeri Karaman) in the River Po.

The accumulation of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and DDTs were investigated in gammarids captured at three sites along the middle River Po; the first was located upstream and the other two were at increasing distances downstream of the confluence of a polluted tributary, the River Lambro. Using a GC-MS technique, the levels of PCBs, PAHs and DDTs were determined separately in large and small gammarids as well as in the fine fraction of sediment samples collected along the sites of capture. Results confirm the River Lambro as a source of these chemicals to the River Po, and show that bioaccumulation differences exist between small and large individuals, the former being more contaminated particularly by PCBs and DDTs. This is likely the result of several interacting factors such as contaminant bioavailability, gammarid-size effects on kinetic parameters and feeding selectivity. The bioaccumulation patterns of PCBs and DDTs, and their higher biota-sediment accumulation factors (BSAF), are consistent with chemical properties and suggest a dietary disequilibrium found only 10 km downstream from the tributary, and in smaller amphipods. Present results show that gammarids may represent an additional source of contaminants, particularly of chlorinated compounds, to the many organisms feeding on them, with a higher risk for those which prey selectively on smaller gammarids.

Assessment of the environmental significance of heavy metal pollution in surficial sediments of the River Po.

The magnitude and ecological relevance of metal pollution of the middle Po river deriving from the River Lambro tributary was investigated by applying different (complementary) sediment quality assessment approaches: (1) comparisons of concentrations with regional reference data, and (2) comparisons with consensus-based sediment quality guidelines (SQGs), as well as by investigations of the partitioning patterns of target heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn). Total metal concentrations in the surficial sediments revealed significant pollution inputs on the whole river stretch investigated, with a distinct peak at the inlet of the River Lambro. Based on the geoaccumulation index of target heavy metals, the middle reach of River Po has to be considered as moderately polluted with Cd (1

Identification of in vitro metabolites of ethylphenidate by liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry.

Ethylphenidate is a new potent synthetic psychoactive drug, structurally related to methylphenidate. Using human liver microsomes and cytosol, we have investigated for the first time the Phase-I and Phase-II in vitro metabolism of ethylphenidate. The structure of the metabolites was elucidated by hybrid quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Overall, seven Phase-I, but no Phase-II metabolites were detected. Ethylphenidate underwent hydroxylation forming two primary mono-hydroxylated metabolites and, subsequently, dehydration and ring opening with an additional hydroxylation, forming secondary metabolites. The involvement of different human cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes in the formation of ethylphenidate metabolites was investigated using a panel of human recombinant CYPs (rCYPs). rCYP2C19 was the most active recombinant enzyme involved in the formation of all seven ethylphenidate metabolites detected, although other rCYPs (rCYP1A2, rCYP2B6, rCYPC9, rCYP2D6, and rCYP3A4, but not rCYP2E1) played a role in the metabolism of ethylphenidate. All metabolites identified in the present study can be considered as potential specific biomarkers of ethylphenidate in toxicological studies. Additionally, ritalinic acid and methylphenidate were formed by non-enzymatic hydrolysis and trans-esterification, and, therefore, they cannot be considered as (oxidative) metabolites of ethylphenidate. The presence of methylphenidate and ritalinic acid cannot be exclusively associated to the use of ethylphenidate, since methylphenidate is a drug itself and ritanilic acid can be formed from both ethylphenidate and methylphenidate.

Oxidative metabolism of BDE-47, BDE-99, and HBCDs by cat liver microsomes: Implications of cats as sentinel species to monitor human exposure to environmental pollutants.

The in vitro oxidative metabolism of 2,2',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-47), 2,2',4,4',5-pentabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-99), and individual α-, ß- and γ-hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) isomers catalyzed by cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes was screened using cat liver microsomes (CLMs). Six hydroxylated metabolites, namely 4-hydroxy-2,2',3,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (4-OH-BDE-42), 3-hydroxy-2,2',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (3-OH-BDE-47), 5-hydroxy-2,2',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (5-OH-BDE-47), 6-hydroxy-2,2',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (6-OH-BDE-47), 4'-hydroxy-2,2',4,5'- tetrabromodiphenyl ether (4'-OH-BDE-49), and 2'-hydroxy-2,3',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (2'-OH-BDE-66), were identified and quantified after incubation of BDE-47. A di-OH-tetra-BDE was also found as metabolite of BDE-47 with CLMs. 5-OH-BDE-47 was the major metabolite formed. Five hydroxylated metabolites (3'-hydroxy-2,2',4,4',5-pentabromodiphenyl ether (3'-OH-BDE-99), 5'-hydroxy-2,2',4,4',5-pentabromodiphenyl ether (5'-OH-BDE-99), 6-hydroxy-2,2',4,4',5-pentabromodiphenyl ether (6-OH-BDE-99), 6'-hydroxy-2,2',4,4',5-pentabromodiphenyl ether (6'-OH-BDE-99), and 4'-hydroxy-2,2',4,5,5'-pentabromodiphenyl ether (4'-OH-BDE-101) were formed from BDE-99 incubated with CLMs. Concentrations of BDE-99 metabolites were lower than those of BDE-47. Four or more mono-hydroxylated HBCD (OH-HBCDs), four or more di-hydroxylated HBCD (di-OH-HBCDs), five or more mono-hydroxylated pentabromocyclododecanes (OH-PBCDs), and five or more di-hydroxylated pentabromocyclododecenes (di-OH-PBCDs) were detected after incubation of α-, ß-, or γ-HBCD with CLMs. No diastereoisomeric or enantiomeric enzymatic isomerisation was observed incubating α-, ß- or γ-HBCD with CLMs. Collectively, our data suggest that (i) BDE-47 is metabolized at a faster rate than BDE-99 by CLMs, (ii) OH-HBCDs are the major hydroxylated metabolites of α-, ß- and γ-HBCD produced by CLMs, and (iii) the oxidative metabolism of BDE-47 and BDE-99 is different by cat and human liver microsomes. This suggests that cats are not a suitable sentinel to represent internal exposure of PBDEs for humans, but is likely a promising sentinel for internal HBCDs exposure for humans.

Human hydroxylated metabolites of BDE-47 and BDE-99 are glucuronidated and sulfated in vitro.

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) were used worldwide as additive flame retardants and are classified as persistent, bioaccumulable and toxic environmental pollutants. In humans, the hydroxylated metabolites of 2,2',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-47) and 2,2',4,4',5-pentabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-99) formed in vitro have also been detected in vivo. To further characterize the metabolism of BDE-47 and BDE-99 and to identify candidate markers for monitoring the human exposure to PBDEs using non-invasive approaches, glucuronidation and sulfation of hydroxylated metabolites of BDE-47 and BDE-99 were investigated using human liver microsomes and cytoplasm, respectively. The formed Phase II metabolites were analyzed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry using a novel approach to develop analytical methods in absence of authentic standards. All available standards for hydroxylated metabolites of BDE-47 and BDE-99 were glucuronidated and sulfated, showing that glucuronidation and sulfation are part of the metabolism pathway of BDE-47 and BDE-99 in vitro. The major glucuronidated and sulfated analogs of hydroxylated metabolites of BDE-47 were (a) 2,4-DBP-Gluc and 5-Gluc-BDE-47, and (b) 2'-Sulf-BDE-28, 4-Sulf-BDE-42 and 3-Sulf-BDE-47, respectively. The major glucuronidated and sulfated analogs of hydroxylated metabolites of BDE-99 were (a) 2,4,5-TBP-Gluc and 6'-Gluc-BDE-99, and (b) 3'-Sulf-BDE-99 and 5'-Sulf-BDE-99, respectively. Apparent Km values associated with the formation of sulfated metabolites of BDE-47 and BDE-99 were ten times lower than those of the corresponding glucuronidated metabolites, suggesting that sulfated rather than glucuronidated metabolites of OH-PBDEs might be used as markers of human exposure to PBDEs using a non-invasive approach based on urine sample collection.

Levels of PBDEs in plasma of juvenile starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) from British Columbia, Canada and assessment of PBDE metabolism by avian liver microsomes.

In this study, the levels of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), HO-PBDEs, and bromophenols were monitored in starling chick plasma samples collected in Delta (British Columbia, Canada) close to the Vancouver municipal landfill and in Glen Valley, a rural area in British Columbia. The in vitro formation of hydroxylated metabolites of 2,2',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-47) and 2,2',4,4',5-pentabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-99) was also investigated using starling chick liver microsomes. Total PBDE plasma levels were approximately 60 times higher in starling chicks from Delta than from Glen Valley, suggesting that the Delta site is a major source of PBDEs for the local population of starlings and that PBDEs previously measured in starling eggs are bioavailable to chicks. In both locations, BDE-47 and BDE-99 were the two major congeners present at similar concentrations, suggesting contamination with the Penta-BDE mixture. Among the several possible hydroxylated metabolites of PBDEs monitored in starling plasma, only 2,4,5-tribromophenol was detected and its levels did not exceed 18±7 pg/mL. Also, several hydroxylated metabolites of BDE-47 and BDE-99 were formed by starling chick liver microsomes, but in low amounts. Therefore, our data consistently suggest that oxidative metabolism of PBDEs in starling chicks proceeds at low rate in vivo and in vitro. In conclusion, the landfill located in Delta is a relevant source of bioavailable PBDEs for the local starling population. Because of the limited ability of starling chicks to metabolize PBDEs, these compounds are likely to bioaccumulate in starlings over time. The possible toxicological implications of PBDEs bioaccumulation in starlings are currently unknown and require further research.

Liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry for screening in vitro drug metabolites in humans: investigation on seven phenethylamine-based designer drugs.

Phenethylamine-based designer drugs are prevalent within the new psychoactive substance market. Characterisation of their metabolites is important in order to identify suitable biomarkers which can be used for better monitoring their consumption. Careful design of in vitro metabolism experiments using subcellular liver fractions will assist in obtaining reliable outcomes for such purposes. The objective of this study was to stepwise investigate the in vitro human metabolism of seven phenethylamine-based designer drugs using individual families of enzymes. This included para-methoxyamphetamine, para-methoxymethamphetamine, 4-methylthioamphetamine, N-methyl-benzodioxolylbutanamine, benzodioxolylbutanamine, 5-(2-aminopropyl) benzofuran and 6-(2-aminopropyl) benzofuran. Identification and structural elucidation of the metabolites was performed using liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry. The targeted drugs were mainly metabolised by cytochrome P450 enzymes via O-dealkylation as the major pathway, followed by N-dealkylation, oxidation of unsubstituted C atoms and deamination (to a small extent). These drugs were largely free from Phase II metabolism. Only a limited number of metabolites were found which was consistent with the existing literature for other phenethylamine-based drugs. Also, the metabolism of most of the targeted drugs progressed at slow rate. The reproducibility of the identified metabolites was assessed through examining formation patterns using different incubation times, substrate and enzyme concentrations. Completion of the work has led to a set of metabolites which are representative for specific detection of these drugs in intoxicated individuals and also for meaningful evaluation of their use in communities by wastewater-based drug epidemiology.