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Rozsypal T. Persistence of A-234 nerve agent on indoor surfaces. Chemosphere 2024; 357:141968. [PMID: 38615965 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Understanding the fundamental physical characteristics of extremely toxic compounds and their behavior across different environments plays a crucial role in assessing their danger. Additionally, this knowledge informs the development of protocols for gathering forensic evidence related to harmful chemicals misuse. In 2018, former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter were poisoned in Salisbury, England, with a substance later identified as the unconventional nerve agent A-234. Contamination with the compound was found on items inside Skripal's home. The aim of this paper was to determine the persistence of A-234 on selected indoor surfaces. Ceramics, aluminum can, laminated chipboard, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) floor tile, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottle, acrylic paint and computer keyboard were used as matrices. The decrease in surface contamination and further fate of the compound was monitored for 12 weeks. Persistence determination involved optimizing the wipe sampling method. Simultaneously, evaporation from the surface and permeation of the contaminant into the matrix were closely monitored. The experimental findings indicate that the nerve agent exhibits remarkable persistence, particularly on impermeable surfaces. Notably, the process of A-234 evaporation plays a minor role in determining its fate, with detectable concentrations observed solely above solid, non-porous surfaces such as ceramics and aluminum can. The surface persistence half-life varied significantly, ranging from 12 min to 478 days, depending on the material. The article has implications for emergency response protocols, decontamination strategies, public health and crime scene investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomáš Rozsypal
- Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Defence Institute, University of Defence, Vita Nejedleho 1, 68203, Vyskov, Czech Republic.
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2
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Noga M, Michalska A, Jurowski K. The acute toxicity of Novichok's degradation products using quantitative and qualitative toxicology in silico methods. Arch Toxicol 2024; 98:1469-1483. [PMID: 38441627 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-024-03695-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
The emergence of Novichok agents, potent organophosphorus nerve agents, has spurred the demand for advanced analytical methods and toxicity assessments as a result of their involvement in high-profile incidents. This study focuses on the degradation products of Novichok agents, particularly their potential toxic effects on biological systems. Traditional in vivo methods for toxicity evaluation face ethical and practical constraints, prompting a shift toward in silico toxicology research. In this context, we conducted a comprehensive qualitative and quantitative analysis of acute oral toxicity (AOT) for Novichok degradation products, using various in silico methods, including TEST, CATMoS, ProTox-II, ADMETlab, ACD/Labs Percepta, and QSAR Toolbox. Adopting these methodologies aligns with the 3Rs principle, emphasising Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement in the realm of toxicological studies. Qualitative assessments with STopTox and admetSAR revealed toxic profiles for all degradation products, with predicted toxicophores highlighting structural features responsible for toxicity. Quantitative predictions yielded varied estimates of acute oral toxicity, with the most toxic degradation products being EOPAA, MOPGA, MOPAA, MPGA, EOPGA, and MPAA, respectively. Structural modifications common to all examined hydrolytic degradation products involve substituting the fluorine atom with a hydroxyl group, imparting consequential effects on toxicity. The need for sophisticated analytical techniques for identifying and quantifying Novichok degradation products is underscored due to their inherent reactivity. This study represents a crucial step in unravelling the complexities of Novichok toxicity, highlighting the ongoing need for research into its degradation processes to refine analytical methodologies and fortify readiness against potential threats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maciej Noga
- Department of Regulatory and Forensic Toxicology, Institute of Medical Expertises in Łódź, ul. Aleksandrowska 67/93, 91-205, Lodz, Poland
| | - Agata Michalska
- Institute of Medical Expertises in Łódź, ul. Aleksandrowska 67/93, 91-205, Lodz, Poland
| | - Kamil Jurowski
- Department of Regulatory and Forensic Toxicology, Institute of Medical Expertises in Łódź, ul. Aleksandrowska 67/93, 91-205, Lodz, Poland.
- Laboratory of Innovative Toxicological Research and Analyzes, Institute of Medical Studies, Medical College, Rzeszów University, Al. mjr. W. Kopisto 2a, 35-959, Rzeszow, Poland.
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3
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Puglisi R, Santonocito R, Pappalardo A, Trusso Sfrazzetto G. Smart Sensing of Nerve Agents. Chempluschem 2024:e202400098. [PMID: 38647287 DOI: 10.1002/cplu.202400098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
The recent international scenario highlights the importance to protect human health and environmental quality from toxic compounds. In this context, organophosphorous (OP) Nerve Agents (NAs) have received particular attention, due to their use in terrorist attacks. Classical instrumental detection techniques are sensitive and selective, but they cannot be used in real field due to the high cost, specialized personnel requested and huge size. For these reasons, the development of practical, easy and fast detection methods (smart methods) is the future of this field. Indeed, starting from initial sensing research, based on optical and/or electrical sensors, today the development and use of smart strategies to detect NAs is the current state of the art. This review summarizes the smart strategies to detect NAs, highlighting some important parameters, such as linearity, limit of detection and selectivity. Furthermore, some critical comments of the future on this field, and in particular, the problems to be solved before a real application of these methods, are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Puglisi
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Catania, Viale Andrea Doria 6, 95125, Catania, Italy
| | - Rossella Santonocito
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Catania, Viale Andrea Doria 6, 95125, Catania, Italy
| | - Andrea Pappalardo
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Catania, Viale Andrea Doria 6, 95125, Catania, Italy
- INSTM Udr of Catania, Viale Andrea Doria 6, 95125, Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Trusso Sfrazzetto
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Catania, Viale Andrea Doria 6, 95125, Catania, Italy
- INSTM Udr of Catania, Viale Andrea Doria 6, 95125, Catania, Italy
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4
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Trancart M, Hanak AS, Dambrune C, Madi M, Voros C, Baati R, Calas AG. No-observed-adverse-effect-level (NOAEL) assessment as an optimized dose of cholinesterase reactivators for the treatment of exposure to warfare nerve agents in mice. Chem Biol Interact 2024; 392:110929. [PMID: 38417730 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2024.110929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
Despite the international convention on the prohibition of chemical weapons ratified in 1997, the threat of conflicts and terrorist attacks involving such weapons still exists. Among these, organophosphorus-nerve agents (OPs) inhibit cholinesterases (ChE) causing cholinergic syndrome. The reactivation of these enzymes is therefore essential to protect the poisoned people. However, these reactivating molecules, mainly named oximes, have major drawbacks with limited efficacy against some OPs and a non-negligible ChE inhibitor potential if administered at an inadequate dose, an effect that they are precisely supposed to mitigate. As a result, this project focused on assessing therapeutic efficacy, in mice, up to the NOAEL dose, the maximum dose of oxime that does not induce any observable toxic effect. NOAEL doses of HI-6 DMS, a reference oxime, and JDS364. HCl, a candidate reactivator, were assessed using dual-chamber plethysmography, with respiratory ventilation impairment as a toxicity criterion. Time-course modeling parameters and pharmacodynamic profiles, reflecting the interaction between the oxime and circulating ChE, were evaluated for treatments at their NOAEL and higher doses. Finally, the therapeutic potential against OPs poisoning was determined through the assessment of protective indices. For JDS364. HCl, the NOAEL dose corresponds to the smallest dose inducing the most significant therapeutic effect without causing any abnormality in ChE activity. In contrast, for HI-6 DMS, its therapeutic benefit was observed at doses higher than its NOAEL, leading to alterations in respiratory function. These alterations could not be directly correlated with ChE inhibition and had no adverse effects on survival. They are potentially attributed to the stimulation of non-enzymatic cholinergic targets by HI-6 DMS. Thus, the NOAEL appears to be an optimal dose for evaluating the efficacy of oximes, particularly when it can be linked to respiratory alterations effectively resulting from ChE inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilène Trancart
- French Armed Forces Biomedical Research Institute, CBRN Defense Division, Toxicology and Chemical Risks Department, Brétigny-sur-Orge, France
| | - Anne-Sophie Hanak
- French Armed Forces Biomedical Research Institute, CBRN Defense Division, Toxicology and Chemical Risks Department, Brétigny-sur-Orge, France
| | - Chloé Dambrune
- French Armed Forces Biomedical Research Institute, CBRN Defense Division, Toxicology and Chemical Risks Department, Brétigny-sur-Orge, France; Ecole de Chimie Polymère et Matériaux ECPM, Université de Strasbourg, ICPEES UMR CNRS 7515, 25, Rue Becquerel, F-67087, Strasbourg, France
| | - Méliati Madi
- French Armed Forces Biomedical Research Institute, CBRN Defense Division, Toxicology and Chemical Risks Department, Brétigny-sur-Orge, France
| | - Camille Voros
- Ecole de Chimie Polymère et Matériaux ECPM, Université de Strasbourg, ICPEES UMR CNRS 7515, 25, Rue Becquerel, F-67087, Strasbourg, France
| | - Rachid Baati
- Ecole de Chimie Polymère et Matériaux ECPM, Université de Strasbourg, ICPEES UMR CNRS 7515, 25, Rue Becquerel, F-67087, Strasbourg, France
| | - André-Guilhem Calas
- French Armed Forces Biomedical Research Institute, CBRN Defense Division, Toxicology and Chemical Risks Department, Brétigny-sur-Orge, France.
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Hrabinova M, Pejchal J, Hepnarova V, Muckova L, Junova L, Opravil J, Zdarova Karasova J, Rozsypal T, Dlabkova A, Rehulkova H, Kucera T, Vecera Z, Caisberger F, Schmidt M, Soukup O, Jun D. A-series agent A-234: initial in vitro and in vivo characterization. Arch Toxicol 2024; 98:1135-1149. [PMID: 38446233 PMCID: PMC10944400 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-024-03689-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
A-series agent A-234 belongs to a new generation of nerve agents. The poisoning of a former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter in Salisbury, England, in March 2018 led to the inclusion of A-234 and other A-series agents into the Chemical Weapons Convention. Even though five years have already passed, there is still very little information on its chemical properties, biological activities, and treatment options with established antidotes. In this article, we first assessed A-234 stability in neutral pH for subsequent experiments. Then, we determined its inhibitory potential towards human recombinant acetylcholinesterase (HssAChE; EC 3.1.1.7) and butyrylcholinesterase (HssBChE; EC 3.1.1.8), the ability of HI-6, obidoxime, pralidoxime, methoxime, and trimedoxime to reactivate inhibited cholinesterases (ChEs), its toxicity in rats and therapeutic effects of different antidotal approaches. Finally, we utilized molecular dynamics to explain our findings. The results of spontaneous A-234 hydrolysis showed a slow process with a reaction rate displaying a triphasic course during the first 72 h (the residual concentration 86.2%). A-234 was found to be a potent inhibitor of both human ChEs (HssAChE IC50 = 0.101 ± 0.003 µM and HssBChE IC50 = 0.036 ± 0.002 µM), whereas the five marketed oximes have negligible reactivation ability toward A-234-inhibited HssAChE and HssBChE. The acute toxicity of A-234 is comparable to that of VX and in the context of therapy, atropine and diazepam effectively mitigate A-234 lethality. Even though oxime administration may induce minor improvements, selected oximes (HI-6 and methoxime) do not reactivate ChEs in vivo. Molecular dynamics implies that all marketed oximes are weak nucleophiles, which may explain the failure to reactivate the A-234 phosphorus-serine oxygen bond characterized by low partial charge, in particular, HI-6 and trimedoxime oxime oxygen may not be able to effectively approach the A-234 phosphorus, while pralidoxime displayed low interaction energy. This study is the first to provide essential experimental preclinical data on the A-234 compound.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Hrabinova
- University of Defence, Military Faculty of Medicine, Department of Toxicology and Military Pharmacy, Trebesska 1575, 500 01, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Jaroslav Pejchal
- University of Defence, Military Faculty of Medicine, Department of Toxicology and Military Pharmacy, Trebesska 1575, 500 01, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Vendula Hepnarova
- University of Defence, Military Faculty of Medicine, Department of Toxicology and Military Pharmacy, Trebesska 1575, 500 01, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic.
| | - Lubica Muckova
- University of Defence, Military Faculty of Medicine, Department of Toxicology and Military Pharmacy, Trebesska 1575, 500 01, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
- University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Biomedical Research Centre, Sokolska 581, 500 05, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Lucie Junova
- University of Defence, Military Faculty of Medicine, Department of Toxicology and Military Pharmacy, Trebesska 1575, 500 01, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
- University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Biomedical Research Centre, Sokolska 581, 500 05, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Jakub Opravil
- University of Defence, Military Faculty of Medicine, Department of Toxicology and Military Pharmacy, Trebesska 1575, 500 01, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Zdarova Karasova
- University of Defence, Military Faculty of Medicine, Department of Toxicology and Military Pharmacy, Trebesska 1575, 500 01, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
- University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Biomedical Research Centre, Sokolska 581, 500 05, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Tomas Rozsypal
- University of Defence, Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Defence Institute, Vita Nejedleho 1, 68203, Vyskov, Czech Republic
| | - Alzbeta Dlabkova
- University of Defence, Military Faculty of Medicine, Department of Toxicology and Military Pharmacy, Trebesska 1575, 500 01, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Helena Rehulkova
- University of Defence, Military Faculty of Medicine, Department of Toxicology and Military Pharmacy, Trebesska 1575, 500 01, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Tomas Kucera
- University of Defence, Military Faculty of Medicine, Department of Military Medical Service Organization and Management, Trebesska 1575, 500 01, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Zbyněk Vecera
- University of Defence, Military Faculty of Medicine, Department of Toxicology and Military Pharmacy, Trebesska 1575, 500 01, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Filip Caisberger
- University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Department of Neurology, Sokolska 581, 500 05, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Monika Schmidt
- University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Biomedical Research Centre, Sokolska 581, 500 05, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
- University Hradec Kralove, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Rokitanskeho 62, 50003, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Ondrej Soukup
- University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Biomedical Research Centre, Sokolska 581, 500 05, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Daniel Jun
- University of Defence, Military Faculty of Medicine, Department of Toxicology and Military Pharmacy, Trebesska 1575, 500 01, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic.
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Madaj R, Gostyński B, Chworos A, Cypryk M. Novichok Nerve Agents as Inhibitors of Acetylcholinesterase-In Silico Study of Their Non-Covalent Binding Affinity. Molecules 2024; 29:338. [PMID: 38257251 PMCID: PMC10819560 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29020338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
In silico studies were performed to assess the binding affinity of selected organophosphorus compounds toward the acetylcholinesterase enzyme (AChE). Quantum mechanical calculations, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics (MD) with molecular mechanics Generalized-Born surface area (MM/GBSA) were applied to assess quantitatively differences between the binding energies of acetylcholine (ACh; the natural agonist of AChE) and neurotoxic, synthetic correlatives (so-called "Novichoks", and selected compounds from the G- and V-series). Several additional quantitative descriptors like root-mean-square fluctuation (RMSF) and the solvent accessible surface area (SASA) were briefly discussed to give-to the best of our knowledge-the first quantitative in silico description of AChE-Novichok non-covalent binding process and thus facilitate the search for an efficient and effective treatment for Novichok intoxication and in a broader sense-intoxication with other warfare nerve agents as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafal Madaj
- Centre of Molecular and Macromolecular Studies, Polish Academy of Sciences, Sienkiewicza 112, 90-363 Lodz, Poland; (R.M.); (A.C.)
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology, Faculty of Biology, Biological and Chemical Research Centre, University of Warsaw, Żwirki i Wigury 101, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Bartłomiej Gostyński
- Centre of Molecular and Macromolecular Studies, Polish Academy of Sciences, Sienkiewicza 112, 90-363 Lodz, Poland; (R.M.); (A.C.)
| | - Arkadiusz Chworos
- Centre of Molecular and Macromolecular Studies, Polish Academy of Sciences, Sienkiewicza 112, 90-363 Lodz, Poland; (R.M.); (A.C.)
| | - Marek Cypryk
- Centre of Molecular and Macromolecular Studies, Polish Academy of Sciences, Sienkiewicza 112, 90-363 Lodz, Poland; (R.M.); (A.C.)
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Blom TL, Wingelaar TT. Current Perspectives on the Management of Patients Poisoned With Novichok: A Scoping Review. Mil Med 2023:usad464. [PMID: 38035754 DOI: 10.1093/milmed/usad464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Nerve agents have emerged as a global threat since their discovery in the 1930s, posing severe risks due to their inhibition of acetylcholinesterase and the subsequent accumulation of acetylcholine in nerve synapses. Despite the enforcement of the Chemical Weapon Convention to control chemical weapons, including nerve agents, recent events, such as the Novichok attacks on Sergei Skripal and Alexei Navalny, have highlighted the persistent threat. Novichok, a distinct class of nerve agents, raises specific concerns regarding its management due to limited understanding. This article aims to comprehensively analyze existing literature. MATERIALS AND METHODS A scoping review was employed to comprehensively assess the current state of knowledge on managing patients poisoned with Novichok. Following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines, relevant literature was identified in peer-reviewed journals covering symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, decontamination, and long-term effects. Searches were conducted on February 1, 2023, across four electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, MEDLINE, and Web of Science) using "Novichok" as a keyword. No restrictions were applied, and additional studies were sought from the references of identified papers. Eligible papers included discussions on Novichok or its specific properties impacting management, regardless of study type, language, or publication date, while those unrelated to the study's conceptual framework were excluded. RESULTS A total of 170 records were identified from the initial database search, with 86 studies screened after removing duplicates. Among these, 28 publications met the eligibility criteria and were included in the analysis. An additional relevant study was identified from the citation lists of included studies, bringing the total to 29. The review encompasses studies published from 2018 onwards, indicating the growing interest in this topic. While most studies are reviews on Novichok or nerve agents in general, several theoretical and experimental investigations were also found. CONCLUSION This review highlights the significant uncertainties and knowledge gaps surrounding the management of patients poisoned with Novichok. While some aspects align with other nerve agents, limited research likely due to safety and ethical challenges leads to assumptions and uncertainties in patient care. The review identifies areas with ongoing research, such as decontamination and biomarker recognition, while other aspects remain understudied. The possible inefficacy of current treatment options and the need for further research on oximes, bioscavengers, and long-term effects emphasize the necessity for increased research to optimize patient outcomes. More studies are essential to clarify the actual threat and toxicity of Novichok. Moreover, raising awareness among medical staff is crucial for early diagnosis, prompt treatment, and safety. This review offers valuable insights into managing Novichok-poisoned patients and calls for increased research and awareness in this critical area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tess L Blom
- Diving and Submarine Medical Center, Royal Netherlands Navy, Den Helder, CA 1780, the Netherlands
| | - Thijs T Wingelaar
- Diving and Submarine Medical Center, Royal Netherlands Navy, Den Helder, CA 1780, the Netherlands
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Pampalakis G. Underestimations in the In Silico-Predicted Toxicities of V-Agents. J Xenobiot 2023; 13:615-624. [PMID: 37873816 PMCID: PMC10594428 DOI: 10.3390/jox13040039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
V-agents are exceedingly toxic nerve agents. Recently, it was highlighted that V-agents constitute a diverse subclass of compounds with most of them not extensively studied. Although chemical weapons have been banned under the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), there is an increased concern for chemical terrorism. Thus, it is important to understand their properties and toxicities, especially since some of these agents are not included in the CWC list. Nonetheless, to achieve this goal, the testing of a huge number of compounds is needed. Alternatively, in silico toxicology offers a great advantage for the rapid assessment of toxic compounds. Here, various in silico tools (TEST, VEGA, pkCSM ProTox-II) were used to estimate the acute oral toxicity (LD50) of different V-agents and compare them with experimental values. These programs underestimated the toxicity of V-agents, and certain V-agents were estimated to be relatively non-toxic. TEST was also used to estimate the physical properties and found to provide good approximations for densities, surface tensions and vapor pressures but not for viscosities. Thus, attention should be paid when interpreting and estimating the toxicities of V-agents in silico, and it is necessary to conduct future detailed experiments to understand their properties and develop effective countermeasures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgios Pampalakis
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
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Opravil J, Pejchal J, Finger V, Korabecny J, Rozsypal T, Hrabinova M, Muckova L, Hepnarova V, Konecny J, Soukup O, Jun D. A-agents, misleadingly known as "Novichoks": a narrative review. Arch Toxicol 2023; 97:2587-2607. [PMID: 37612377 PMCID: PMC10475003 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-023-03571-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
"Novichok" refers to a new group of nerve agents called the A-series agents. Their existence came to light in 2018 after incidents in the UK and again in 2020 in Russia. They are unique organophosphorus-based compounds developed during the Cold War in a program called Foliant in the USSR. This review is based on original chemical entities from Mirzayanov's memoirs published in 2008. Due to classified research, a considerable debate arose about their structures, and hence, various structural moieties were speculated. For this reason, the scientific literature is highly incomplete and, in some cases, contradictory. This review critically assesses the information published to date on this class of compounds. The scope of this work is to summarize all the available and relevant information, including the physicochemical properties, chemical synthesis, mechanism of action, toxicity, pharmacokinetics, and medical countermeasures used to date. The environmental stability of A-series agents, the lack of environmentally safe decontamination, their high toxicity, and the scarcity of information on post-contamination treatment pose a challenge for managing possible incidents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakub Opravil
- Faculty of Military Health Sciences, University of Defence, Trebesska 1575, 500 01 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Jaroslav Pejchal
- Faculty of Military Health Sciences, University of Defence, Trebesska 1575, 500 01 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Vladimir Finger
- Faculty of Military Health Sciences, University of Defence, Trebesska 1575, 500 01 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Kralove, Charles University, Akademika Heyrovskeho 1203, 500 05 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
- Biomedical Research Center, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Sokolska 581, 500 05 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Korabecny
- Faculty of Military Health Sciences, University of Defence, Trebesska 1575, 500 01 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
- Biomedical Research Center, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Sokolska 581, 500 05 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Tomas Rozsypal
- Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Defence Institute, University of Defence, Vita Nejedleho 1, 682 03 Vyskov, Czech Republic
| | - Martina Hrabinova
- Faculty of Military Health Sciences, University of Defence, Trebesska 1575, 500 01 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Lubica Muckova
- Faculty of Military Health Sciences, University of Defence, Trebesska 1575, 500 01 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
- Biomedical Research Center, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Sokolska 581, 500 05 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Vendula Hepnarova
- Faculty of Military Health Sciences, University of Defence, Trebesska 1575, 500 01 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Konecny
- Faculty of Military Health Sciences, University of Defence, Trebesska 1575, 500 01 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
- Biomedical Research Center, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Sokolska 581, 500 05 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Ondrej Soukup
- Biomedical Research Center, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Sokolska 581, 500 05 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Daniel Jun
- Faculty of Military Health Sciences, University of Defence, Trebesska 1575, 500 01 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
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10
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Yamaguchi A, Miyaguchi H. Advances in Derivatization Techniques Enabled by DABCO for Novichok Agent Analysis in Biofluids Using LC-MS. Anal Chem 2023; 95:13674-13682. [PMID: 37642268 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.3c02775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
The characterization of Novichoks (NVs), a new group of nerve agents that have been implicated in two recent poisonings, has not been extensively conducted. Here, we present a novel method for analyzing NV hydrolysates using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) enabled by pentafluorobenzyl (PFB) derivatization followed by reaction with 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (DABCO). This approach enabled efficient, simultaneous screening of six NV hydrolysates, with 1-2 orders improvement in the limit of detection in relation to that achieved through previous methods. A straightforward pretreatment using DABCO and filtration was employed for biological samples, mitigating instrument damage and allowing LC-MS/MS after a reaction with highly hydrophobic PFB bromide (PFBBr). In addition, the use of pralidoxime (PAM) significantly enhanced the detection of NV hydrolysates from NV-surrogate-spiked serum. While PAM is not a proven NV antidote, its effectiveness as an analytical reagent to aid in the detection of NV hydrolysates was demonstrated for the first time. Understanding the proposed mechanism of DABCO-mediated derivatization reagent removal in this research could broaden the range of compounds amenable to derivatization LC, thereby enhancing the capabilities of conventional derivatization techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akinori Yamaguchi
- National Research Institute of Police Science, 6-3-1 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa 277-0882, Japan
| | - Hajime Miyaguchi
- National Research Institute of Police Science, 6-3-1 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa 277-0882, Japan
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Vieira LA, Almeida JSFD, De Koning MC, LaPlante SR, Borges I, França TCC. Molecular modeling of Mannich phenols as reactivators of human acetylcholinesterase inhibited by A-series nerve agents. Chem Biol Interact 2023; 382:110622. [PMID: 37442286 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2023.110622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
The A-series is the most recent generation of chemical warfare nerve agents (CWA) which act directly on the inhibition of the human acetylcholinesterase (HssAChE) enzyme. These compounds lack accurate experimental data on their physicochemical properties, and there is no evidence that traditional antidotes effectively reactivate HssAChE inhibited by them. In the search for potential antidotes, we employed virtual screening, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations for the theoretical assessment of the performance of a library of Mannich phenols as potential reactivators of HssAChE inhibited by the Novichok agents A-230, A-232, and A-234, in comparison with the commercial oximes pralidoxime (2-PAM), asoxime (HI-6), trimedoxime (TMB-4), and obidoxime. Following the near-attack conformation (NAC) approach, our results suggest that the compounds assessed would face difficulties in triggering the proposed nucleophilic in-line displacement mechanism. Despite this, it was observed that certain Mannich phenols presented similar or superior results to those obtained by reference oximes against A-232 and A-234 model, suggesting that these compounds can adopt more favourable conformations. Additional binding energy calculations confirmed the stability of the model/ligands complexes and the reactivating potential observed in the molecular docking and MD studies. Our findings indicate that the Mannich phenols could be alternative antidotes and that their efficacy should be evaluated experimentally against the A-series CWA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leandro A Vieira
- Laboratory of Molecular Modeling Applied to Chemical and Biological Defense (LMCBD), Military Institute of Engineering, 22290-270, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Joyce S F D Almeida
- Laboratory of Molecular Modeling Applied to Chemical and Biological Defense (LMCBD), Military Institute of Engineering, 22290-270, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Martijn C De Koning
- TNO Department CBRN Protection, Lange Kleiweg 137, 2288GJ, Rijswijk, the Netherlands
| | - Steven R LaPlante
- Université du Québec, INRS-Centre Armand Frappier Santé et Biotechnologie, 531 Boulevard des Prairies, Laval, QC, Canada
| | - Itamar Borges
- Department of Chemistry, Military Institute of Engineering, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 22290-270, Brazil
| | - Tanos C C França
- Laboratory of Molecular Modeling Applied to Chemical and Biological Defense (LMCBD), Military Institute of Engineering, 22290-270, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Université du Québec, INRS-Centre Armand Frappier Santé et Biotechnologie, 531 Boulevard des Prairies, Laval, QC, Canada; Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, Rokitanskeho 62, 500 03 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic.
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Pulkrabkova L, Muckova L, Hrabinova M, Sorf A, Kobrlova T, Jost P, Bezdekova D, Korabecny J, Jun D, Soukup O. Differentiated SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells as a model for evaluation of nerve agent-associated neurotoxicity. Arch Toxicol 2023; 97:2209-2217. [PMID: 37221426 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-023-03525-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Organophosphorus compounds (OPs) involving life-threatening nerve agents (NA) have been known for several decades. Despite a clear mechanism of their lethality caused by the irreversible inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and manifested via overstimulation of peripheral nicotinic and muscarinic acetylcholine (ACh) receptors, the mechanism for central neurotoxicity responsible for acute or delayed symptoms of the poisoning has not been thoroughly uncovered. One of the reasons is the lack of a suitable model. In our study, we have chosen the SH-SY5Y model in both the differentiated and undifferentiated state to study the effects of NAs (GB, VX and A234). The activity of expressed AChE in cell lysate assessed by Ellman's method showed 7.3-times higher activity in differentiated SH-SY5Y cells in contrast to undifferentiated cells, and with no involvement of BuChE as proved by ethopropazine (20 µM). The activity of AChE was found to be, in comparison to untreated cells, 16-, 9.3-, and 1.9-times lower upon A234, VX, and GB (100 µM) administration respectively. The cytotoxic effect of given OPs expressed as the IC50 values for differentiated and undifferentiated SH-SY5Y, respectively, was found 12 mM and 5.7 mM (A234), 4.8 mM and 1.1 mM (VX) and 2.6 mM and 3.8 mM (GB). In summary, although our results confirm higher AChE expression in the differentiated SH-SY5Y cell model, the such higher expression does not lead to a more pronounced NA cytotoxic effect. On the contrary, higher expression of AChE may attenuate NA-induced cytotoxicity by scavenging the NA. Such finding highlights a protective role for cholinesterases by scavenging Novichoks (A-agents). Second, we confirmed the mechanism of cytotoxicity of NAs, including A-agents, can be ascribed rather to the non-specific effects of OPs than to AChE-mediated effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lenka Pulkrabkova
- Department of Toxicology and Military Pharmacy, Faculty of Military Health Sciences, University of Defence, Trebesska 1575, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
- University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Biomedical Research Center, Sokolska 581, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Lubica Muckova
- Department of Toxicology and Military Pharmacy, Faculty of Military Health Sciences, University of Defence, Trebesska 1575, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
- University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Biomedical Research Center, Sokolska 581, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Martina Hrabinova
- Department of Toxicology and Military Pharmacy, Faculty of Military Health Sciences, University of Defence, Trebesska 1575, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
- University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Biomedical Research Center, Sokolska 581, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Ales Sorf
- Department of Social and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Kralove, Charles University, Akademika Heyrovskeho 1203, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Tereza Kobrlova
- University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Biomedical Research Center, Sokolska 581, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Jost
- Department of Toxicology and Military Pharmacy, Faculty of Military Health Sciences, University of Defence, Trebesska 1575, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Dagmar Bezdekova
- Department of Experimental Neurobiology, National Institute of Mental Health, Topolova 748, Klecany, Czech Republic
- 3rd Faculty of Medicine of Charles University, Ruska 2411/87, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Korabecny
- Department of Toxicology and Military Pharmacy, Faculty of Military Health Sciences, University of Defence, Trebesska 1575, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
- University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Biomedical Research Center, Sokolska 581, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Daniel Jun
- Department of Toxicology and Military Pharmacy, Faculty of Military Health Sciences, University of Defence, Trebesska 1575, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic.
| | - Ondrej Soukup
- University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Biomedical Research Center, Sokolska 581, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic.
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Jung H, Heo J, Park N, Lim KC, Jung H, Do Cao V, Joung S. Elimination of A-234 from the environment: Effect of different decontaminants. J Hazard Mater 2023; 451:131150. [PMID: 36893597 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
With the fact that there are Novichoks in the list of toxic chemicals by the Chemical Weapons Convention parties, it is necessary to develop methods of effective neutralization of the agents as well as for other organophosphorus toxic substances. However, experimental studies on their persistence in the environment and effective decontamination measures remain scarce. Therefore, here, we investigated the persistence behavior and decontamination methods of A-234 (ethyl N-[1-(diethylamino)ethylidene]phosphoramidofluoridate), a Novichok series, A-type nerve agent to assess its potential risk to the environment. Different analytical methods were implemented, including 31P solid-state magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), liquid 31P NMR, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, and vapor-emission screening using a microchamber/thermal extractor with GC-MS. Our results showed that A-234 is extremely stable in sand and poses a long-lasting risk to the environment even when released in trace quantities. Moreover, the agent is not easily decomposed by water, dichloroisocyanuric acid sodium salt, sodium persulfate, and chlorine-based water-soluble decontaminants. However, it is efficiently decontaminated by Oxone® monopersulfate, calcium hypochlorite, KOH, NaOH, and HCl within 30 min. Our findings provide valuable insights for eliminating the highly dangerous Novichok agents from the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyunsook Jung
- Chem-Bio Technology Center, Agency for Defense Development, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34063, Republic of Korea; Weapon Systems Engineering, University of Science and Technology, Gajeong-ro, Yuseung-gu, Deajeon 34113, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jiwoong Heo
- Chem-Bio Technology Center, Agency for Defense Development, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34063, Republic of Korea
| | - Nahye Park
- Chem-Bio Technology Center, Agency for Defense Development, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34063, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyoung Chan Lim
- Chem-Bio Technology Center, Agency for Defense Development, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34063, Republic of Korea
| | - Heesoo Jung
- Chem-Bio Technology Center, Agency for Defense Development, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34063, Republic of Korea
| | - Vinh Do Cao
- Department of Chemistry, Inha University, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea
| | - Seewon Joung
- Department of Chemistry, Inha University, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea
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Noga M, Michalska A, Jurowski K. Application of toxicology in silico methods for prediction of acute toxicity (LD 50) for Novichoks. Arch Toxicol 2023; 97:1691-1700. [PMID: 37145338 PMCID: PMC10182927 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-023-03507-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Novichoks represent the fourth generation of chemical warfare agents with paralytic and convulsive effects, produced clandestinely during the Cold War by the Soviet Union. This novel class of organophosphate compounds is characterised by severe toxicity, which, for example, we have already experienced three times (Salisbury, Amesbury, and Navalny's case) as a society. Then the public debate about the true nature of Novichoks began, realising the importance of examining the properties, especially the toxicological aspects of these compounds. The updated Chemical Warfare Agents list registers over 10,000 compounds as candidate structures for Novichoks. Consequently, conducting experimental research for each of them would be a huge challenge. Additionally, due to the enormous risk of contact with hazardous Novichoks, in silico assessments were applied to estimate their toxicity safely. In silico toxicology provides a means of identifying hazards of compounds before synthesis, helping to fill gaps and guide risk minimisation strategies. A new approach to toxicology testing first considers the prediction of toxicological parameters, eliminating unnecessary animal studies. This new generation risk assessment (NGRA) can meet the modern requirements of toxicological research. The present study explains, using QSAR models, the acute toxicity of the Novichoks studied (n = 17). The results indicate that the toxicity of Novichoks varies. The deadliest turned out to be A-232, followed by A-230 and A-234. On the other hand, the "Iranian" Novichok and C01-A038 compounds turned out to be the least toxic. Developing reliable in silico methods to predict various parameters is essential to prepare for the upcoming use of Novichoks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maciej Noga
- Department of Regulatory and Forensic Toxicology, Institute of Medical Expertises in Łódź, Ul. Aleksandrowska 67/93, 91-205, Łódź, Poland
| | - Agata Michalska
- Institute of Medical Expertises in Łódź, Ul. Aleksandrowska 67/93, 91-205, Łódź, Poland
| | - Kamil Jurowski
- Department of Regulatory and Forensic Toxicology, Institute of Medical Expertises in Łódź, Ul. Aleksandrowska 67/93, 91-205, Łódź, Poland.
- Laboratory of Innovative Toxicological Research and Analyzes, Institute of Medical Studies, Medical College, Rzeszów University, Al. Mjr. W. Kopisto 2a, 35-959, Rzeszów, Poland.
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Noga M, Michalska A, Jurowski K. Review of Possible Therapies in Treatment of Novichoks Poisoning and HAZMAT/CBRNE Approaches: State of the Art. J Clin Med 2023; 12:2221. [PMID: 36983219 PMCID: PMC10054273 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12062221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Novichoks-organophosphorus compounds belong to the nerve agents group, constituting the fourth generation of chemical warfare agents. The tremendous toxicity of Novichoks is assumed to be several times greater than that of VX, whereas no published experimental research supports this. They were surreptitiously created during the Cold War by the Soviet Union. Novichok’s toxic action mechanism consists of the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase activity. The review includes data on treating poisoning caused by OPs which could be used as guidelines for the therapy in case of Novichok exposure and HAZMAT/CBRNE approaches. Novichoks pose a severe threat due to their toxicity; however, there is insufficient information about the identity of A-series nerve agents. Filling in the missing data gaps will accelerate progress in improving protection against Novichoks and developing optimal therapy for treating poisoning casualties. Furthermore, introducing solutions to protect medical personnel in contact with a hazardous substance increases the chances of saving casualties of HAZMAT/CBRNE incidents.
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Noga M, Jurowski K. What do we currently know about Novichoks? The state of the art. Arch Toxicol 2023; 97:651-61. [PMID: 36583745 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-022-03437-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Novichok is the name given to the group of nerve agents created stealthily in the later phases of the Cold War by the Soviet Union. Constitute the fourth generation of chemical warfare agents; like other nerve agents, they are organophosphorus compounds designed to be incurable and undetectable. The mechanism of action is based on the non-competitive and irreversible inhibition of acetylcholinesterase. Due to their enormous toxicity, Novichoks have become attractive targets for terrorists. However, little information is known about the identity of nerve agents. Furthermore, these compounds have never been submitted to the Chemical Weapons Convention. Our article aspires to provide a general overview of Novichoks knowledge. As part of this, we reviewed the available literature data to answer the question, what are Novichoks? In addition to the physical and chemical properties of A-agents, synthesis, mechanism of action, and toxicity of nerve agents were also reviewed. We hope that this review will highlight the tremendous threat posed by nerve agents and will inspire further studies on the interdisciplinary aspects of these compounds.
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Otsuka M, Yamaguchi A, Miyaguchi H. Analysis of degradation products of Novichok agents in human urine by hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Forensic Toxicol 2022. [PMID: 36586094 DOI: 10.1007/s11419-022-00656-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The detection of hydrolysis products of Novichok agents in biological samples from victims is important for confirming exposure to these agents. However, Novichok agents are new class of nerve agent and there have been only few reports on analyses of Novichok agent degradation products. Here, we developed hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC)-tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) methods to detect Novichok agent degradation products in human urine with simple pretreatment and high sensitivity. METHODS A Poroshell 120 HILIC-Z column was used to analyze six Novichok agent degradation products. For urine samples, we used a simple pretreatment method, which consisted of deproteinization with acetonitrile and microfiltration. We calculated the pKa values of the OH groups, the log P values, and the molecular weights to investigate the difference in chromatographic behaviors of the Novichok agent degradation products and the degradation products of conventional nerve agents. RESULTS Six Novichok agent degradation products, including N-(bis-(diethylamino)methylidene)-methylphosphonamidic acid (MPGA), which could not be detected by our previous method, could be analyzed with sufficient peak shape and mutual separation. The detection limits of six Novichok agent degradation products were sufficiently low (1-50 ng/mL) and the calibration curves showed sufficient linearity. The physicochemical parameters of Novichok agent degradation products were different from those of conventional nerve agent degradation products, and this explains the difference in chromatographic behaviors. CONCLUSION Six Novichok agent degradation products were successfully analyzed by HILIC-MS/MS. Due to the absence of a derivatization step, throughput performance was higher than our previous derivatization-liquid chromatography-MS/MS method.
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Rashid MAM, Lee B, Kim KH, Jeong K. Theoretical prediction on the hydrolysis rate of the new types of nerve agents: A density functional study. Toxicol Rep 2023; 10:27-31. [PMID: 36569478 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2022.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the hydrolysis mechanism of the nerve agents, which is the main decontamination pathway, has been studied experimentally and theoretically, the reliable theoretical prediction method for the hydrolysis rate is not studied yet. Furthermore, after the CWC (Chemical Warfare Agent) list is updated, Novichok candidate structures can be more than 10,000 structures, for which it is not possible to perform the experiment for all of them for synthesizing and getting the hydrolysis rate. Therefore, developing a reliable theoretical method for hydrolysis rate prediction is crucial to prepare for the forthcoming usage of new types of nerve agents. Herein, by using DFT (Density Functional Theory), we successfully developed a new method of predicting the hydrolysis rate on nerve agents by investigating the electrophilicity index (EI) of the various A-, V-, and G-series nerve agents and found a suitable correlation with the experimental hydrolysis rate. Among the several DFT methods, wb97xD predicts the EI with the lowest % deviation of the studied nerve agents. Our results show that EI can be a good indicator to predict the hydrolysis rate of the anticipated nerve agents. Based on the result, we predicted the hydrolysis rate on another type of Novichok candidates, which could be the firm basis for developing a decontaminant and antidote with much fewer experimental efforts on new types of nerve agents.
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Jeong K, Ryu TI, Hwang SR, Cho Y, Lim KC, Yoon UH, Lee JY, Yoon YW, Jeong HJ. Precisely predicting the (1)H and (13)C NMR chemical shifts in new types of nerve agents and building spectra database. Sci Rep 2022; 12:20288. [PMID: 36434133 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-24647-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Following the recent terrorist attacks using Novichok agents and the subsequent decomposition operations, understanding the chemical structures of nerve agents has become important. To mitigate the ever-evolving threat of new variants, the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons has updated the list of Schedule 1 substances defined by the Chemical Weapons Convention. However, owing to the several possible structures for each listed substance, obtaining an exhaustive dataset is almost impossible. Therefore, we propose a nuclear magnetic resonance-based prediction method for 1H and 13C NMR chemical shifts of Novichok agents based on conformational and density functional study calculations. Four organophosphorus compounds and five G- and V-type nerve agents were used to evaluate the accuracy of the proposed procedure. Moreover, 1H and 13C NMR prediction results for an additional 83 Novichok candidates were compiled as a database to aid future research and identification. Further, this is the first study to successfully predict the NMR chemical shifts of Novichok agents, with an exceptional agreement between predicted and experimental data. The conclusions enable the prediction of all possible structures of Novichok agents and can serve as a firm foundation for preparation against future terrorist attacks using new variants of nerve agents.
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Santos MC, Botelho FD, Gonçalves AS, Kuca K, Nepovimova E, Cavalcante SFA, Lima ALS, França TCC. Theoretical assessment of the performances of commercial oximes on the reactivation of acetylcholinesterase inhibited by the nerve agent A-242 (novichok). Food Chem Toxicol 2022;:113084. [PMID: 35489467 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2022.113084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The nerve agents of the A-series are relatively recent chemical weapons with no antidote available yet. Once inside the human body, those chemicals act similarly to the classic nerve agents, by binding to the catalytic residue Serine 203 (Ser203) of human acetylcholinesterase (HssAChE) and thus preventing the proper function of this enzyme. However, there is no experimental evidence yet if the current antidotes for intoxication by nerve agents are also capable of restoring AChE inhibited by the nerve agents of the A-series. In order to launch some light on this issue, we used computational techniques (molecular docking, molecular dynamics and MM-PBSA interaction energy calculations) to assess the performances of the four currently available commercial oximes (2-PAM, HI-6, obidoxime and trimedoxime) when in contact with HssAChE inhibited by the agent A-242. Based on the near-attack conformation (NAC) criterion, our results suggest that the commercial oximes would have limited efficacy to reactivate the enzyme since they are not able to properly approach the adduct Ser203-A-242. Among those oximes, trimedoxime seems to be the most promising, since it showed lower values of energy in the MM-PBSA calculations, a higher stability inside the catalytic anionic center (CAS) of HssAChE, and was able to adopt a position closer to the NAC that could enable the reactivation mechanism.
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Yamaguchi A, Miyaguchi H, Tokeshi M. Dimethoxytriadinylation LC-MS/MS of Novichok A-Series Degradation Products in Human Urine. Anal Chem 2022; 94:4658-4665. [PMID: 35253439 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.1c04634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Novichok A-series compounds, novel nerve agents, pose an increasing threat to citizens worldwide; however, no analytical methods have been reported for detecting their hydrolysis products. Herein, a screening method was developed to detect and identify Novichok A-series degradation products (hydrolysates of A230, A232, A234, A262, and one related compound) and alkyl methylphosphonic acids (RMPAs, conventional nerve agent hydrolysates) using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). We identified a suitable derivatization reagent, 4-(4,6-dimethoxy-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)-4-methylmorpholinium chloride (DMTMM), and optimized the reaction conditions. The derivatized esters of Novichok A-series degradation products were stable and easily detected. We used this derivatization to achieve the first analytical method for Novichok hydrolysis products in urine (0.40-4.0 ng/mL). The detection limits of the RMPAs (0.1-0.4 ng/mL) were comparable to those presented in previous reports involving pentafluorobenzylation or direct LC-MS/MS. The applicability of the newly developed method was evaluated by analyzing urine samples from the OPCW Fifth Biomedical Proficiency Test.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akinori Yamaguchi
- National Research Institute of Police Science, 6-3-1 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa 277-0882, Japan.,Graduate School of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, Hokkaido University, Kita 13 Nishi 8, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-8628, Japan
| | - Hajime Miyaguchi
- National Research Institute of Police Science, 6-3-1 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa 277-0882, Japan
| | - Manabu Tokeshi
- Division of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Engineering, Hokkaido University, Kita 13 Nishi 8, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-8628, Japan.,Innovative Research Centre for Preventive Medical Engineering, Nagoya University, Furo-cho Chikusa-ku, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan.,Institute of Innovation for Future Society, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan
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de Koning MC, Vieira Soares C, van Grol M, Bross RPT, Maurin G. Effective Degradation of Novichok Nerve Agents by the Zirconium Metal-Organic Framework MOF-808. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 2022; 14:9222-9230. [PMID: 35138813 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c24295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Novichoks are a novel class of nerve agents (also referred to as the A-series) that were employed in several poisonings over the last few years. This calls for the development of novel countermeasures that can be applied in protective concepts (e.g., protective clothing) or in decontamination methods. The Zr metal-organic framework MOF-808 has recently emerged as a promising catalyst in the hydrolysis of the V- and G-series of nerve agents as well as their simulants. In this paper, we report a detailed study of the degradation of three Novichok agents by MOF-808 in buffers with varying pH. MOF-808 is revealed to be a highly efficient and regenerable catalyst for Novichok agent hydrolysis under basic conditions. In contrast to the V- and G-series of agents, degradation of Novichoks is demonstrated to proceed in two consecutive hydrolysis steps. Initial extremely rapid P-F bond breaking is followed by MOF-catalyzed removal of the amidine group from the intermediate product. The intermediate thus acted as a competitive substrate that was rate-determining for the whole two-step degradation route. Under acidic conditions, the amidine group in Novichok A-230 is more rapidly hydrolyzed than the P-F bond, giving rise to another moderately toxic intermediate. This intermediate could in turn be efficiently hydrolyzed by MOF-808 under basic conditions. These experimental observations were corroborated by density functional theory calculations to shed light on molecular mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martijn C de Koning
- TNO Defense, Safety and Security, Lange Kleiweg 137, Rijswijk 2288GJ, The Netherlands
| | - Carla Vieira Soares
- ICGM, Univ. Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, Place E. Bataillon, Montpellier 34095, France
| | - Marco van Grol
- TNO Defense, Safety and Security, Lange Kleiweg 137, Rijswijk 2288GJ, The Netherlands
| | - Rowdy P T Bross
- TNO Defense, Safety and Security, Lange Kleiweg 137, Rijswijk 2288GJ, The Netherlands
| | - Guillaume Maurin
- ICGM, Univ. Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, Place E. Bataillon, Montpellier 34095, France
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Aslanli A, Lyagin I, Efremenko E. Decarboxylases as hypothetical targets for actions of organophosphates: Molecular modeling for prediction of hidden and unexpected health threats. Food Chem Toxicol 2022; 161:112856. [PMID: 35151785 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2022.112856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The rise of various neurodegenerative disorders are somewhat correlating with the worldwide application of multiple anthropogenic toxicants. Though different possible targets were revealed to date, for example, for organophosphorus compounds (OPs), plenty of questions remain. Several decarboxylases (aromatic amino acid decarboxylase, AADC; histidine decarboxylase, HDC; glutamate decarboxylase, GAD) catalyze the biosynthesis of neurotransmitters and neuromodulators and contain pyridoxal phosphate (PLP) as a cofactor. In the current work, 18 OPs which have different neurotoxicity (chemical warfare agents and pesticides) and can penetrate through the blood-brain barrier, were selected. Then, their possible interaction with these decarboxylases in both apo- and holoforms was revealed using computer modeling methods (molecular docking and dynamics). The main amino acid residues of the enzymes responsible for binding OPs have been identified. Individual substances that are most dangerous from the point of view of a possible negative effect on the activity of several decarboxylases were revealed among studied OPs. Glyphosate should be of special interest, since it is not highly toxic towards serine hydrolases, but may prove to be a strong inhibitor for decarboxylases. Holo-AADC could be the most inhibition-prone enzyme among all those investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aysel Aslanli
- Faculty of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Lenin Hills 1/3, 119991, Moscow, Russia
| | - Ilya Lyagin
- Faculty of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Lenin Hills 1/3, 119991, Moscow, Russia; N.M. Emanuel Institute of Biochemical Physics RAS, Kosygin str., 4, 119334, Moscow, Russia
| | - Elena Efremenko
- Faculty of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Lenin Hills 1/3, 119991, Moscow, Russia; N.M. Emanuel Institute of Biochemical Physics RAS, Kosygin str., 4, 119334, Moscow, Russia.
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Kim H, Yoon UH, Ryu TI, Jeong HJ, il Kim S, Park J, Kye YS, Hwang SR, Kim D, cho Y, Jeong K. Calculation of the infrared spectra of organophosphorus compounds and prediction of new types of nerve agents. NEW J CHEM 2022. [DOI: 10.1039/d2nj00850e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
IR prediction of Novichok candidates is performed by establishing an accurate DFT calculation method on organophosphorus compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Honghyun Kim
- Department of Civil Engineering and Environmental Sciences, Korea Military Academy, Seoul, 01805, South Korea
| | - Ung Hwi Yoon
- Department of Physics and Chemistry, Korea Military Academy, Seoul, 01805, South Korea
| | - Tae In Ryu
- Accident Coordination and Training Division, National Institute of Chemical Safety (NICS), 270 Osongsaengmyeong 11-ro, Heungdeok-gu, Cheongju, Chungcheongbuk-do, 28164, South Korea
| | - Hey Jin Jeong
- Department of Physics and Chemistry, Korea Military Academy, Seoul, 01805, South Korea
| | - Sung il Kim
- Department of Physics and Chemistry, Korea Military Academy, Seoul, 01805, South Korea
| | - Jinseon Park
- Department of Physics and Chemistry, Korea Military Academy, Seoul, 01805, South Korea
| | - Young Sik Kye
- Department of Physics and Chemistry, Korea Military Academy, Seoul, 01805, South Korea
| | - Seung-Ryul Hwang
- Accident Coordination and Training Division, National Institute of Chemical Safety (NICS), 270 Osongsaengmyeong 11-ro, Heungdeok-gu, Cheongju, Chungcheongbuk-do, 28164, South Korea
| | - Dongwook Kim
- Department of Physics and Chemistry, Korea Military Academy, Seoul, 01805, South Korea
| | - Yoonjae cho
- Accident Coordination and Training Division, National Institute of Chemical Safety (NICS), 270 Osongsaengmyeong 11-ro, Heungdeok-gu, Cheongju, Chungcheongbuk-do, 28164, South Korea
| | - Keunhong Jeong
- Department of Physics and Chemistry, Korea Military Academy, Seoul, 01805, South Korea
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Chernicharo FCS, Modesto-Costa L, Borges I. Simulation of the electron ionization mass spectra of the Novichok nerve agent. J Mass Spectrom 2021; 56:e4779. [PMID: 34407561 DOI: 10.1002/jms.4779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Novichok is one of the most feared and controversial nerve agents, which existence was confirmed only after the Salisbury attack in 2018. A new attack on August 2020, in Russia, was confirmed. After the 2018 attack, the agent was included in the list of the most dangerous chemicals of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC). However, information related to its electron ionization mass spectrometry (EI/MS), essential for unambiguous identification, is scarce. Therefore, investigations about Novichok EI/MS are urgent. In this work, we employed Born-Oppenheimer molecular dynamics through the Quantum Chemistry Electron Ionization Mass Spectrometry (QCEIMS) method to simulate and rationalize the EI/MS spectra and fragmentation pathways of 32 Novichok molecules recently incorporated into the CWC. The comparison of additional simulations with the measured EI spectrum of another Novichok analog is very favorable. A general scheme of the fragmentation pathways derived from simulation results was presented. The present results will be useful for elucidation and prediction of the EI spectra and fragmentation pathways of the dangerous Novichok nerve agent.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lucas Modesto-Costa
- Departamento de Química, Instituto Militar de Engenharia, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Itamar Borges
- Departamento de Química, Instituto Militar de Engenharia, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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Jacquet P, Rémy B, Bross RPT, van Grol M, Gaucher F, Chabrière E, de Koning MC, Daudé D. Enzymatic Decontamination of G-Type, V-Type and Novichok Nerve Agents. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:8152. [PMID: 34360916 PMCID: PMC8347808 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22158152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Organophosphorus nerve agents (OPNAs) are highly toxic compounds inhibiting cholinergic enzymes in the central and autonomic nervous systems and neuromuscular junctions, causing severe intoxications in humans. Medical countermeasures and efficient decontamination solutions are needed to counteract the toxicity of a wide spectrum of harmful OPNAs including G, V and Novichok agents. Here, we describe the use of engineered OPNA-degrading enzymes for the degradation of various toxic agents including insecticides, a series of OPNA surrogates, as well as real chemical warfare agents (cyclosarin, sarin, soman, tabun, VX, A230, A232, A234). We demonstrate that only two enzymes can degrade most of these molecules at high concentrations (25 mM) in less than 5 min. Using surface assays adapted from NATO AEP-65 guidelines, we further show that enzyme-based solutions can decontaminate 97.6% and 99.4% of 10 g∙m-2 of soman- and VX-contaminated surfaces, respectively. Finally, we demonstrate that these enzymes can degrade ethyl-paraoxon down to sub-inhibitory concentrations of acetylcholinesterase, confirming their efficacy from high to micromolar doses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauline Jacquet
- Gene&GreenTK, 19–21 Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13005 Marseille, France; (P.J.); (B.R.); (F.G.)
| | - Benjamin Rémy
- Gene&GreenTK, 19–21 Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13005 Marseille, France; (P.J.); (B.R.); (F.G.)
| | - Rowdy P. T. Bross
- TNO Department CBRN Protection, Lange Kleiweg 137, 2288 GJ Rijswijk, The Netherlands; (R.P.T.B.); (M.v.G.)
| | - Marco van Grol
- TNO Department CBRN Protection, Lange Kleiweg 137, 2288 GJ Rijswijk, The Netherlands; (R.P.T.B.); (M.v.G.)
| | - Floriane Gaucher
- Gene&GreenTK, 19–21 Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13005 Marseille, France; (P.J.); (B.R.); (F.G.)
| | - Eric Chabrière
- Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire (IHU) Méditerranée Infection, Aix-Marseille Université, 13005 Marseille, France
- Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Marseille (APHM), Unité Microbe Evolution Phylogénie et Infection (MEPHI), 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Martijn C. de Koning
- TNO Department CBRN Protection, Lange Kleiweg 137, 2288 GJ Rijswijk, The Netherlands; (R.P.T.B.); (M.v.G.)
| | - David Daudé
- Gene&GreenTK, 19–21 Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13005 Marseille, France; (P.J.); (B.R.); (F.G.)
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Sajid H, Khan S, Ayub K, Mahmood T. Effective adsorption of A-series chemical warfare agents on graphdiyne nanoflake: a DFT study. J Mol Model 2021; 27:117. [PMID: 33796926 DOI: 10.1007/s00894-021-04730-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 03/14/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Chemical warfare agents (CWAs) are highly poisonous and their presence may cause diverse effects not only on living organisms but also on environment. Therefore, their detection and removal in a short time span is very important. In this regard, here the utility of graphdiyne (GDY) nanoflake is studied theoretically as an electrochemical sensor material for the hazardous CWAs including A-230, A-232, and A-234. Herein, we explain the phenomenon of adsorption of A-series CWAs on GDY nanoflake within the density functional theory (DFT) framework. The characterisation of adsorption is based on optimised geometries, BSSE-corrected energies, SAPT0, RDG, FMO, CHELPG charge transfer, QTAIM and UV-Vis analyses. The calculated counterpoise adsorption energies for reported complexes range from - 13.70 to - 17.19 kcal mol-1. These adsorption energies show that analytes are physiosorbed onto GDY which usually takes place through noncovalent interactions. The noncovalent adsorption of CWAs on GDY is also attributed by the SAPT0, RDG and QTAIM analyses. These properties also reveal that dispersion factors dominate in the complexes among many noncovalent components (exchange, induction, electrostatic, steric and repulsion). In order to estimate the sensitivity of GDY, the %sensitivity and average energy gap variations are quantitatively measured by energies of HOMO and LUMO orbitals. In terms of adsorption affinity of GDY, UV-Vis analysis, CHELPG charge transfer and DOS analyses depict an appreciable response towards these toxic CWAs. Graphical abstract.
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Lee JY, Lim KC, Kim HS. Characterization and Study on Fragmentation Pathways of a Novel Nerve Agent, 'Novichok (A234)', in Aqueous Solution by Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry. Molecules 2021; 26:1059. [PMID: 33670472 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26041059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
As a first step toward studying the properties of Novichok (ethyl (1-(diethylamino)ethylidene)phosphoramidofluoridate (A234)), we investigated its degradation products and fragmentation pathways in aqueous solution at different pH levels by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. A234 was synthesized in our laboratory and characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Three sets of aqueous samples were prepared at different pH levels. A stock solution of A234 was prepared in acetonitrile at a concentration of 1 mg/mL and stored at −20 °C until use. Aqueous samples (0.1 mg/mL) were prepared by diluting the stock solution with deionized water. The acidic aqueous sample (pH = 3.5) and basic aqueous sample (pH = 9.4) were prepared using 0.01 M acetic acid and 0.01 M potassium carbonate, respectively. The analysis of the fragmentation patterns and degradation pathways of A234 showed that the same degradation products were formed at all pH levels. However, the hydrolysis rate of A234 was fastest under acidic conditions. In all three conditions, the fragmentation pattern and the major degradation product of A234 were determined. This information will be applicable to studies regarding the decontamination of Novichok and the trace analysis of its degradation products in various environmental matrices.
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32
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Otsuka M, Miyaguchi H. Evaluation of the possibility of binary synthesis of VX by theoretical calculation. Chem Phys Lett 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cplett.2020.137808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Sathyanarayana R, Kumar V, Pujar G, Poojary B, Shankar MK, Yallappa S. Hydroxy-benzimidazoles as blue-green emitters: Synthesis, structural and DFT studies. J Photochem Photobiol A Chem 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotochem.2020.112751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Costanzi S, Slavick CK, Hutcheson BO, Koblentz GD, Cupitt RT. Lists of Chemical Warfare Agents and Precursors from International Nonproliferation Frameworks: Structural Annotation and Chemical Fingerprint Analysis. J Chem Inf Model 2020; 60:4804-4816. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.0c00896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Costanzi
- Department of Chemistry, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, District of Columbia 20016, United States
| | - Charlotte K. Slavick
- Department of Chemistry, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, District of Columbia 20016, United States
| | - Brent O. Hutcheson
- Department of Chemistry, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, District of Columbia 20016, United States
| | - Gregory D. Koblentz
- Schar School of Policy and Government, George Mason University, 3351 Fairfax Drive, Arlington, Virginia 22201, United States
| | - Richard T. Cupitt
- Stimson Center, 1211 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Washington, District of Columbia 20036, United States
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Abstract
Several parameters of the Novichok nerve agents A230, A232 and A234 were determined. Hydrolysis rates were approximately one to three orders of magnitude slower than G-type nerve agents and approximately zero to two orders of magnitude slower than V-type nerve agents. A230 was the most labile Novichok compound followed by A232 then A234. Activation energies (Ea) and frequency factors (A) were determined for all three compounds. The organophosphorus acid anhydrolase (OPAA) enzyme had catalytic efficiencies on the Novichok compounds ranging between 104 and 105 M−1 min−1 with the highest kcat/Km value for A230, then A232 and lastly, A234.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven P Harvey
- U.S. Army Combat Capabilities and Development Command Chemical Biological Center, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD, 21010-5424, USA
| | - Leslie R McMahon
- U.S. Army Combat Capabilities and Development Command Chemical Biological Center, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD, 21010-5424, USA
| | - Frederic J Berg
- U.S. Army Combat Capabilities and Development Command Chemical Biological Center, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD, 21010-5424, USA
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Imrit YA, Bhakhoa H, Sergeieva T, Danés S, Savoo N, Elzagheid MI, Rhyman L, Andrada DM, Ramasami P. A theoretical study of the hydrolysis mechanism of A-234; the suspected novichok agent in the Skripal attack. RSC Adv 2020; 10:27884-27893. [PMID: 35519147 PMCID: PMC9055627 DOI: 10.1039/d0ra05086e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
A-234, [EtO–P(
Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019
]]>
O)(F)–NC(Me)–N(Et)2], is the suspected A-type nerve agent used in the Skripal attack on the 4th of March 2018. Studies related to the structure and reactivity of this compound are limited. We, therefore, aimed at understanding the underlying hydrolysis mechanism of A-234 within the DFT framework. The attack of the water molecule can occur at the phosphinate and acetoamidine reactive centres. Our theoretical findings indicate that the hydrolysis at the acetoamidine centre is thermodynamically favoured compared to the hydrolysis at the phosphinate centre. The hydrolysis at the acetoamidine moiety may proceed via two pathways, depending on the nitrogen atom participating in the hydrolysis. The main pathway consists of four distinct channels to reach the final product, with the concerted 1,3-proton shift favoured kinetically and thermodynamically in the gas phase and water as solvent. The results are in good agreement with the literature, although some differences in the reaction mechanism were observed. A theoretical study of the hydrolysis mechanism of A-234 [EtO–P(O)(F)–NC(Me)–N(Et)2]; the suspected novichok agent in the Skripal attack.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Yadhav A. Imrit
- Computational Chemistry Group
- Department of Chemistry
- Faculty of Science
- University of Mauritius
- Réduit 80837
| | - Hanusha Bhakhoa
- Computational Chemistry Group
- Department of Chemistry
- Faculty of Science
- University of Mauritius
- Réduit 80837
| | - Tetiana Sergeieva
- Faculty of Natural Sciences and Technology
- Department of Chemistry
- Saarland University
- 66123 Saarbrücken
- Federal Republic of Germany
| | - Sergi Danés
- Faculty of Natural Sciences and Technology
- Department of Chemistry
- Saarland University
- 66123 Saarbrücken
- Federal Republic of Germany
| | - Nandini Savoo
- Computational Chemistry Group
- Department of Chemistry
- Faculty of Science
- University of Mauritius
- Réduit 80837
| | - Mohamed I. Elzagheid
- Department of Chemical and Process Engineering
- Jubail Industrial College
- Jubail Industrial City 31961
- Saudi Arabia
| | - Lydia Rhyman
- Computational Chemistry Group
- Department of Chemistry
- Faculty of Science
- University of Mauritius
- Réduit 80837
| | - Diego M. Andrada
- Faculty of Natural Sciences and Technology
- Department of Chemistry
- Saarland University
- 66123 Saarbrücken
- Federal Republic of Germany
| | - Ponnadurai Ramasami
- Computational Chemistry Group
- Department of Chemistry
- Faculty of Science
- University of Mauritius
- Réduit 80837
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