Rapid Apta-Chromogenic Detection Method for Nitrofuran Metabolite Determination

Nitrofuran (NF) contamination in food products is a global problem resulting in the banned utilization and importation of nitrofuran contaminated products. A novel chromogenic detection method using a specific DNA aptamer with high affinity and specificity to nitrofurans was developed. Single-stranded DNA aptamers specific to nitrofuran metabolites, including 3-amino-2-oxazolidinone (AOZ), 3-amino-5-methylmorpholino-2-oxazolidinone (AMOZ), and 1-aminohydantoin (AHD), were isolated using magnetic bead-SELEX. The colorimetric detection of nitrofurans using gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) exhibited an AOZ detection range of 0.01-0.06 ppb with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.03 ppb. At the same time, this system could detect AMOZ and AHD at a range of 0.06 ppb and 10 ppb, respectively. The fast nitrofuran extraction method was optimized for food, such as fish tissues and honey, adjusted to be completed within 3-6 h. This novel apta-chromogenic detection method could detect NF metabolites with a sensitivity below the minimum required performance limit (MPRL). This analysis will be valuable for screening, with a shortened time of detection for aquaculture products such as shrimp and fish muscle tissues.

Potential negative effect of long-term exposure to nitrofurans on bacteria isolated from wastewater

Nitrofurans are broad-spectrum bactericidal agents used in a large quantity for veterinary and human therapy. This study reports the long-term impact of two nitrofuran representatives, nitrofurantoin (NFT) and furaltadone (FTD) on the bacterial strains Sphingobacterium siyangense FTD2, Achromobacter pulmonis NFZ2, and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia FZD2, isolated from a full-scale wastewater treatment plant. Bacterial whole genome sequencing was used for preliminary strains characterization. The metabolomic, electrochemical, and culture methods were applied to understand changes in the bacterial strains after 12-month exposure to nitrofurans. The most significantly altered metabolic pathways were observed in amino acid and sugar metabolism, and aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis. Disrupted protein biosynthesis was measured in all strains treated with antibiotics. Prolonged exposure to NFT and FTD also triggered mutagenic effects, affected metabolic activity, and facilitated oxidative stress within the cells. Nitrofuran-induced oxidative stress was evidenced from an elevated activity of catalase and glutathione S-transferases. NFT and FTD elicited similar but not identical responses in all analyzed strains. The results obtained in this study provide new insights into the potential risks of the prolonged presence of antimicrobial compounds in the environment and contribute to a better understanding of the possible impacts of nitrofuran antibiotics on the bacterial cells.

Determination of four nitrofuran metabolites in gelatin Chinese medicine using dispersive solid phase extraction and pass-through solid phase extraction coupled to ultra high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

This study established a validated analytical method for the first time on the determination of nitrofuran metabolites, including semicarbazide (SEM), 1-aminohydantoin (AHD), 3-amino-2-oxazolidinone (AOZ) and 3-amino-5-morpholinomethyl-2-oxazolinone (AMOZ) in gelatin Chinese medicine. A C₁₈ column with the mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile and 5 mmol/L ammonium acetate in water was used to separate these nitrofuran metabolites. The limit of detection of SEM, AHD, AOZ and AMOZ were found to be 0.2 µg/kg, 0.3 µg/kg, 0.2 µg/kg and 0.2 µg/kg, whereas their limit of quantification were 0.6 µg/kg, 0.8 µg/kg, 0.6 µg/kg and 0.5 µg/kg. These nitrofuran metabolites exhibited a good linear standard curve (regression coefficients above 0.99) with a concentration range of 2 µg/L to 100 µg/L. Regarding extraction procedure, gelatin Chinese medicine was pre-treated with pepsin and then extracted using 5% formic acid (v/v) in acetonitrile. The resultant extract was purified through dispersive solid phase extraction using 1000 mg anhydrous sodium sulfate, 300 mg octadecyl carbon silica gel sorbent absorbent and 500 mg ethylenediamine-N-propyl carbon silica gel absorbent, and then further purified on Oasis PRiME HLB cartridges. The matrix effect was effectively eliminated after the clean-up procedure as confirmed by comparing the ratio of standard curves prepared by standards dissolved in both matrix solvent and 5 mmol/L ammonium acetate in water: acetonitrile (95:5, v/v). The recoveries of these nitrofuran metabolites under the 1 µg/kg, 2 µg/kg and 10 µg/kg spiking levels were between 77.4% and 95.6%. These metabolites after the extraction were stable at 4 °C for 24 h. The validated method was used to analyze the residue level of these nitrofuran metabolites in 25 gelatin Chinese medicines. Results showed that only one Colla Corii Asini sample contained SEM (2.52 µg/kg) and AOZ (6.27 µg/kg), whereas one Testudinis Carapacis et Plastri sample had SEM (1.27 µg/kg) and AMOZ (9.53 µg/kg).

Hypoxia-Activated, Small-Molecule-Induced Gene Expression

Hypoxia, a condition of reduced oxygen, occurs in a wide variety of biological contexts, including solid tumors and bacterial biofilms, which are relevant to human health. Consequently, the development of chemical tools to study hypoxia is vital. Here we report a hypoxia-activated, small-molecule-mediated gene expression system using a bioreductive prodrug of the inducer isopropyl 1-thio-β-d-galactopyranoside. As a proof-of-concept we have placed the production of a green fluorescent protein under the control of hypoxia. Our system has the potential to be extended to regulate the production of any given protein of choice.

Accurate Quantitation and Analysis of Nitrofuran Metabolites, Chloramphenicol, and Florfenicol in Seafood by Ultrahigh-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry: Method Validation and Regulatory Samples

We developed and validated a method for the extraction, identification, and quantitation of four nitrofuran metabolites, 3-amino-2-oxazolidinone (AOZ), 3-amino-5-morpholinomethyl-2-oxazolidinone (AMOZ), semicarbazide (SC), and 1-aminohydantoin (AHD), as well as chloramphenicol and florfenicol in a variety of seafood commodities. Samples were extracted by liquid-liquid extraction techniques, analyzed by ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS), and quantitated using commercially sourced, derivatized nitrofuran metabolites, with their isotopically labeled internal standards in-solvent. We obtained recoveries of 90-100% at various fortification levels. The limit of detection (LOD) was set at 0.25 ng/g for AMOZ and AOZ, 1 ng/g for AHD and SC, and 0.1 ng/g for the phenicols. Various extraction methods, standard stability, derivatization efficiency, and improvements to conventional quantitation techniques were also investigated. We successfully applied this method to the identification and quantitation of nitrofuran metabolites and phenicols in 102 imported seafood products. Our results revealed that four of the samples contained residues from banned veterinary drugs.

Plant Uptake and Metabolism of Nitrofuran Antibiotics in Spring Onion Grown in Nitrofuran-Contaminated Soil

Environmental pollution caused by the discharge of mutagenic and carcinogenic nitrofurans to the aquatic and soil environment is an emerging public health concern because of the potential in producing drug-resistant microbes and being uptaken by food crops. Using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis and with spring onion (Allium wakegi Araki) as the plant model, we investigated in this study the plant uptake and accumulation of nitrofuran from a contaminated environment. Our study revealed for the first time high uptake and accumulation rates of nitrofuran in the edible parts of the food crop. Furthermore, results indicated highly efficient plant metabolism of the absorbed nitrofuran within the plant, leading to the formation of genotoxic hydrazine-containing metabolites. The results from this study may disclose a previously unidentified human exposure pathway through contaminated food crops.

Residue depletion of nifuroxazide in broiler chicken

BACKGROUND

Several nitrofuran drugs have been prohibited for use in food producing animals due to their carcinogenic and mutagenic effects. However, one of the nitrofurans, nifuroxazide, is still used as a veterinary drug in some countries. This study was conducted to investigate the residue depletion of nifuroxazide in broiler chicken. Chickens were fed with dietary feeds containing 50 mg kg⁻¹ of nifuroxazide for seven consecutive days. Liver, kidney, muscle and plasma samples were collected at different withdrawal periods, and the residues of parent nifuroxazide and its acid-hydrolysable side chain, 4-hydroxybenzhydrazide (HBH), in these samples were determined.

RESULTS

Nifuroxazide was metabolised in vivo and its metabolite HBH was formed. Parent nifuroxazide was not detectable in these samples after 14 days of cessation. HBH was detectable in these samples even after 28 days of cessation and the total HBH residues were higher than 1.0 ng g⁻¹. Furthermore, the residue level of tissue bound HBH was much higher than that of free HBH.

CONCLUSION

The tissue-bound HBH could be used as a marker to monitor the residue of nifuroxazide in chicken and the best target tissue should be liver. This is the first paper reporting the residue depletion of nifuroxazide in chicken.

Detection, accumulation, distribution, and depletion of furaltadone and nifursol residues in poultry muscle, liver, and gizzard

Nitrofurans were broadly used as an extremely effective veterinary antibiotic especially in pig and poultry production farms. Because of fears of the carcinogenic effects on humans, the nitrofurans were banned from use in livestock production in many countries, including the European Union. The present study examines the accumulation, distribution, and depletion of furaltadone and nifursol and of their tissue-bound metabolites [3-amino-5-morpholinomethyl-2-oxazolidinone (AMOZ) and 3,5-dinitro-salicylic acid hydrazine (DNSAH), respectively, in poultry edible tissues (muscle, liver, and gizzards) following administration to chickens of therapeutic and subtherapeutic concentrations of both compounds. Nitrofurans determination was performed by high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, respectively, for feeds and for poultry tissues. Furaltadone and nifursol, in very low concentrations, were found in samples of muscle, liver, and chicken's gizzard collected from slaughtered animals after 5 weeks of treatment and no withdrawal time period. When a withdrawal time period of 3 weeks was respected, no detectable nitrofuran parent compounds was observed in all of the studied matrices. For AMOZ, concentrations of 270 μg/kg in meat, 80 μg/kg in liver, and 331 μg/kg in gizzard were determined after administration of a medicated feed with furaltadone (132 mg/kg), 3 weeks after withdrawal of treatment. For DNSAH, the concentration values obtained are much lower than those observed for AMOZ. For meat, liver, and gizzard, DNSAH concentrations of 2.5, 6.4, and 10.3 μg/kg, respectively, were determined, after administration of a medicated feed with nifursol (98 mg/kg), 3 weeks after withdrawal of treatment. The gizzard could be considered a selected matrix for nitrofuran residues evaluation in poultry, due to its capacity of retaining either nitrofuran parent compounds or metabolites in higher concentrations, regardless of the administered dose or of the respected withdrawal time period.

The effects of the nitrofuran furaltadone on Ulva lactuca

The use of pharmaceuticals in the food production industry as prophylatic and therapeutic agents is necessary to promote animal health, but may entail significant consequences to natural ecosystems, especially in the cases of overdosing and use of banned pharmaceuticals. The vast effects that antibiotics released into the environment have on non-target organisms are already under the scope of researchers but little attention has been given to primary producers such as macroalgae. The present study assessed furaltadone's, an antibacterial agent illegally used for veterinary purposes, uptake capacity by Ulva lactuca and its effect in the growth of this cosmopolitan macroalgae. Differences in macroalgal growth were shown when submitted to prophylactic and therapeutic concentrations of furaltadone in the water (16 and 32 μg mL⁻¹, respectively). The therapeutic concentration caused higher growth impairment than the prophylactic treatment did, with 87.5% and 58% reductions respectively. Furthermore, together with data collected from the accumulation assays, with values of internal concentrations as high as 18.84 μg g⁻¹ WW, suggest that the macroalgae U. lactuca should be included in field surveys as a biomonitor for the detection of nitrofurans.

New reagent for trace determination of protein-bound metabolites of nitrofurans in shrimp using liquid chromatography with diode array detector

The synthesis of derivatives of metabolites from furazolidone, furaltadone, nitrofurazone, and nitrofurantoin using a new derivatizing reagent, 2-naphthaldehyde (NTA), is described. The reaction product was used in liquid chromatography with diode array detector (LC-DAD) for determination of protein-bound metabolites of nitrofurans in shrimp followed by two steps of liquid-liquid extraction. Derivatives of nitrofuran metabolites are well separated from NTA remaining in the extract upon separation on a ChromSpher 5 Pesticide (250 x 4.6 mm, 5 microm) column at 40 degrees C with acetonitrile/5 mM ammonium acetate adjusted to pH 7.5 gradient as the mobile phase and DAD detection at 308 nm except for naphthyl derivative of 1-aminohydantoin at 310 nm. The high absorptivity of these derivatives makes simultaneous screening of these metabolites in shrimp at 1 microg/kg possible for the first time using LC-DAD. The method was validated using blank shrimp fortified with all four metabolites at 1, 1.5, and 2 microg/kg. Recoveries were >86% with relative standard deviations of <14% for all four metabolites. Comparison between LC-DAD and APCI-MS/MS shows very good agreement for shrimp samples.

Matrix-comprehensive in-house validation and robustness check of a confirmatory method for the determination of four nitrofuran metabolites in poultry muscle and shrimp by LC–MS/MS

An already well-described method for the determination of nitrofuran metabolites 3-amino-5-methyl-morpholino-2-oxazolidinone (AMOZ), 3-amino-2-oxazolidinone (AOZ), semicarbazide (SEM) and 1-aminohydantoin (AHD) was adapted to the needs of our laboratory and checked for its robustness regarding sample conditions and the processing step. Using the same data, the method was validated and the measurement uncertainty was estimated. All criteria and requirements of Commission Decision 2002/657/EC were fulfilled. The CC(alpha) determined lies between 0.1 and 0.7 microg/kg, the CC(beta) lies between 0.1 and 0.9 microg/kg, the measurement uncertainty was estimated as being between 7 and 17% taking into account matrix, time and sample preparation influences.

Stability studies of the metabolites of nitrofuran antibiotics during storage and cooking

Nitrofuran antibiotics cannot be used in food production within the European Union because of their potential health risks to consumers. The recent discovery of their widespread use in global food industries and the finding of semicarbazide in baby food as a result of packaging contamination have focused attention on the toxicity and stability of these drugs and their metabolites. The stability of the nitrofuran marker residues 3-amino-2-oxazolidinone (AOZ), 3-amino-5-morpholinomethyl-2-oxazolidone (AMOZ), 1-aminohydantoin (AHD) and semicarbazide (SEM) were tested. Muscle and liver of nitrofuran treated pigs were cooked by frying, grilling, roasting and microwaving. Between 67 and 100% of the residues remained after cooking, demonstrating that these metabolites are largely resistant to conventional cooking techniques and will continue to pose a health risk. The concentration of metabolites in pig muscle and liver did not drop significantly during 8 months of storage at -20 degrees C. Metabolite stock and working standard solutions in methanol were also stable for 10 months at 4 degrees C. Only a 10 ng ml(-1) solution of SEM showed a small drop in concentration over this extended storage period.

Enzyme immunoassay for semicarbazide—The nitrofuran metabolite and food contaminant

Semicarbazide (SEM), the marker residue for the banned nitrofuran veterinary antibiotic nitrofurazone (NFZ), has been detected regularly in foods (47% of recent nitrofuran EU Rapid Alerts involve SEM). However, the validity of SEM as a definitive marker for NFZ has been undermined by SEM arising from other sources including azodicarbonamide, a plastics blowing agent and flour treatment additive. An inexpensive screening test for SEM in food matrices is needed--all SEM testing currently uses expensive LC-MS/MS instrumentation. We now report the first production of antibodies against derivatised SEM. A novel carboxyphenyl SEM derivative was used to raise a polyclonal antibody that has been incorporated into a semi-quantitative microtitre plate ELISA, validated according to the criteria set out in Commission Decision 2002/657/EC, for use with chicken muscle. The antibody is highly specific for derivatised SEM, cross-reactivity being 1.7% with NFZ and negligible with a wide range of other nitrofurans and poultry drugs. Samples are derivatised with o-nitrobenzaldehyde and simultaneously protease digested before extraction by cation exchange SPE. The ELISA has a SEM detection capability (CCbeta) of 0.25 microg kg(-1) when a threshold of 0.21 microg kg(-1) is applied to the selection of samples for confirmation (lowest observed 0.25 microg kg(-1) fortified sample, n=20), thus satisfying the EU nitrofurans' minimum required performance limit of 1 microg kg(-1). NFZ-incurred muscles (12) containing SEM at 0.5-5.0 microg kg(-1) by LC-MS/MS, all screened positive by this ELISA protocol which is also applicable to egg and chicken liver.

Multi-residue monitoring for the simultaneous determination of five nitrofurans (furazolidone, furaltadone, nitrofurazone, nitrofurantoine, nifursol) in poultry muscle tissue through the detection of their five major metabolites (AOZ, AMOZ, SEM, AHD, DNSAH) by liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray tandem mass spectrometry—In-house validation in line with Commission Decision 657/2002/EC

Following the ban of four nitrofurans in the mid-90s (furazolidone, furaltadone, nitrofurantoine, nitrofurazone), the nifursol, a veterinary drug from the nitrofuran class of antibacterials which has been used prophylactically as feed additive for treating turkeys against histomoniasis (blackhead disease) was also declared in Annex IV of the European Union Directive no. 90/2377/EC in 2002 according to the Regulation no. 1756/2002/EC. As for the four other nitrofurans, nifursol disappears from tissues within a few days after treatment of food-producing animals. But toxic metabolites are still present for longer periods (several weeks or even months). The major metabolite that can readily be monitored in the tissues following nifursol abuse is the 3,5-dinitro-salicylic acid hydrazine (DNSAH). This article displays some improvements and the revalidation of the analytical method by liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray tandem mass spectrometry (LC-esiMS/MS) already in use in our laboratory for monitoring nitrofuran metabolites but also including the nifursol metabolite at the confirmatory minimum required performance level (MRPL) of 1 microg kg(-1). The validation is applied both to artificially and to naturally incurred turkey muscle.

Simultaneous separation of nitrofuran antibiotics and their metabolites by using micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography

Mixtures comprising nitrofuran antibiotics (NFA) and nitrofuran metabolites (NFM) were resolved for the first time by using MEKC. Sodium deoxycholate (SDC) was chosen as the micelle-forming surfactant. Optimization of separation conditions was achieved by using a central composite experimental design (CCD) approach. Experimental parameters such as concentration ratio of borate to phosphate in the buffer, pH of the running electrolyte and voltage were investigated. The effect of concentration of the surfactant on resolution was significant. Under optimal conditions of 80 mM SDC, pH 9.0, (20 mM borate + 20 mM phosphate) and 16 kV, the resolution between eight consecutive peak pairs ranged from 1.9 to 11.8. Due to the absence of a UV-active chromophore in the metabolites, they were derivatized with 2-nitrobenzaldehyde (2-NBA). In order to mimic a proposed extraction procedure for the analysis of both NFA and/or derivatized NFM in a sample, aqueous samples (prederivatized with 2-NBA) were extracted by using C(18) SPE cartridges. After washing with H(2)O, the cartridges were eluted with a small portion of organic solvent with weak elution characteristics to remove excess 2-NBA (hexane was chosen). Target analytes were then recovered with ACN. Excellent reproducibility of migration time (t(mig)) was achieved for all analytes using the developed MECC approach, with absolute t(mig) <1% RSD and t(mig) ratio <0.2% RSD, and peak area ratio was 4% RSD. The LOD for each compound, calculated by extrapolating to an S/N of 3, were found to be 0.19-2.0 microg/mL.

Advantages of LC–MS–MS compared to LC–MS for the determination of nitrofuran residues in honey

In the framework of developing analyses for exogenous contaminants in food matrices such as honey, we have compared data obtained by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC-MS) to those provided by high-performance liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS). Initial results obtained with LC-MS showed that the technique lacked selectivity, which is why the method was validated by LC-MS-MS. This method involves a solid-phase extraction (SPE) of nitrofuran metabolites and nitrofuran parent drugs, a derivatization by 2-nitrobenzaldehyde for 17 h, and finally a clean-up by SPE. The data obtained show that the limits of detection varied between 0.2 and 0.6 microg kg(-1) for the metabolites and between 1 and 2 microg kg(-1) for nitrofuran parent drugs. The method was applied to different flower honeys. The results showed that nitrofurans (used as antibiotics) are consistently present in this matrix, the predominant compound being furazolidone. Figure Working bees.

Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry for the determination of protein-bound residues in shrimp dosed with nitrofurans

An analytical method was developed for the determination of bound residues of the nitrofuran drugs furazolidone, nitrofurazone, furaltadone, and nitrofurantoin with a sensitivity of 1 ppb in shrimp. In this procedure, shrimp tissue is prewashed with solvents followed by overnight acid hydrolysis, during which the side chains of the bound residues are released and simultaneously derivatized with 2-nitrobenzaldehyde. After liquid-liquid extraction cleanup, the derivatives are detected and quantitated using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) with an atmospheric pressure chemical ionization interface. The method was validated using control shrimp fortified with each side-chain analyte at 1, 2, and 4 ppb. Method accuracies were >80% with coefficients of variation of <20% for all four analytes. Tissues from dosed shrimp were assayed to demonstrate the effectiveness of the method for recovering bound residues of nitrofurans. In shrimp dosed with nitrofurans, nitrofurantoin exhibited the lowest level of bound residues.

Depletion of four nitrofuran antibiotics and their tissue-bound metabolites in porcine tissues and determination using LC-MS/MS and HPLC-UV

Depletion of the nitrofuran antibiotics furazolidone, furaltadone, nitrofurantoin and nitrofurazone and their tissue-bound metabolites AOZ, AMOZ, AHD and SEM from pig muscle, liver and kidney tissues is described. Groups of pigs were given feed medicated with one of the nitrofuran drugs at a therapeutic concentration (400?mg?kg(-1)) for ten days. Animals were slaughtered at intervals and tissue samples collected for analysis for six weeks following withdrawal of medicated feed. These samples were analysed both for parent nitrofurans (using LC-MS/MS and HPLC-UV), and for tissue-bound metabolites (using LC-MS/MS). The parent drugs were detectable only sporadically and only in pigs subjected to no withdrawal period whatsoever. This confirms the instability of the four major nitrofuran antibiotics in edible tissues. In contrast, the metabolites accumulated to high concentrations in tissues (ppm levels) and had depletion half lives of between 5.5 and 15.5 days. The metabolites of all four drugs were still readily detectable in tissues six weeks after cessation of treatment. This emphasizes the benefits of monitoring for the stable metabolites of the nitrofurans.

Determination of nitrofuran metabolites in poultry muscle and eggs by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

The use of nitrofurans in food-producing animals has been banned in EU. Detection of the protein-bound nitrofuran metabolites is the best approach to evaluate their utilization. A fast, sensitive and reliable LC-MS-MS method is presented to analyze simultaneously the metabolites of four commonly used nitrofuran drugs, furazolidone, furaltadone, nitrofurazone and nitrofurantoin. The sample clean up was performed by a single liquid-liquid extraction step, after a hydrolysis and derivatisation process. Separation of the molecules was performed by liquid chromatography in a C18 column (100 mmx2.1 mm, 4 microm) at room temperature. The quantitative and confirmatory determination of these metabolites was performed by multiple reactions monitoring (MRM). Limits of quantification of 0.5 ngg(-1) were achieved and the total analysis was accomplished in 5 min. This protocol has been applied to identify contaminated samples of poultry muscle and egg products.

Quantitative structure-activity relationships from optimised ab initio bond lengths: steroid binding affinity and antibacterial activity of nitrofuran derivatives

The present day abundance of cheap computing power enables the use of quantum chemical ab initio data in Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationships (QSARs). Optimised bond lengths are a new such class of descriptors, which we have successfully used previously in representing electronic effects in medicinal and ecological QSARs (enzyme inhibitory activity, hydrolysis rate constants and pKas). Here we use AM1 and HF/3-21G* bond lengths in conjunction with Partial Least Squares (PLS) and a Genetic Algorithm (GA) to predict the Corticosteroid-Binding Globulin (CBG) binding activity of the classic steroid data set, and the antibacterial activity of nitrofuran derivatives. The current procedure, which does not require molecular alignment, produces good r2 and q2 values. Moreover, it highlights regions in the common steroid skeleton deemed relevant to the active regions of the steroids and nitrofuran derivatives.

Nitrofuran antibiotic metabolites detected at parts per million concentrations in retina of pigs—a new matrix for enhanced monitoring of nitrofuran abuse

Nitrofuran metabolite residues AOZ, AMOZ, AHD and SEM were detected at parts per million concentrations in retina of pigs fed therapeutic doses of nitrofuran antibiotics. Discovery of this residue depot may allow widespread technology transfer to laboratories lacking LC-MS/MS thus improving global monitoring of these drugs.

Determination of nifursol metabolites in poultry muscle and liver tissue. Development and validation of a confirmatory method

A method is described for the identification and quantitative determination of 3,5-dinitrosalicylic acid hydrazide (DSH), the marker residue of nifursol metabolites in poultry (turkey, broiler) muscle and liver tissue. The method is based on the acid-catalysed hydrolysis of tissue-bound metabolites to free DSH and in situ derivatisation with 2-nitrobenzaldehyde to the corresponding nitrophenyl derivative NPDSH. A structural analogue of DSH, 4-hydroxy-3,5-dinitrobenzoic acid hydrazide (HBH) was synthesised to serve as an internal standard. The analytes were isolated from the matrix by liquid-liquid extraction with ethyl acetate. Determination was performed by LC-MS/MS with negative electrospray ionisation. The [M - H](+) ions of NPDSH and NPHBH at m/z 374 were fragmented by collision induced dissociation (CID) producing transition ions at m/z 182, 183 and 226. The transition ions at m/z 182 and 226 were selected for monitoring of NPDSH while the transition ion at m/z 183 was selected for NPHBH. The method has been validated according to the EU criteria of Commission Decision 2002/657/EC at 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 microg kg(-1) in muscle and liver tissue. A decision limit (CC(alpha)) was obtained of 0.04 and 0.025 microg kg(-1) in muscle and liver, respectively. Similarly a detection capability (CC(beta)) was obtained of 0.10 and 0.05 microg kg(-1) in muscle and liver, respectively. The introduction of HBH as an internal standard did not lead to a significant improvement of the quantitative performance of the method. In fact for liver better performance characteristics were obtained when the IS was not taken into account. Nevertheless, as a qualitative marker for recovery, HBH could still be very useful in the analysis of unknown samples.

Detection of 3-amino-2-oxazolidinone (AOZ), a tissue-bound metabolite of the nitrofuran furazolidone, in prawn tissue by enzyme immunoassay

Furazolidone, a nitrofuran antibiotic, is banned from use in food animal production within the European Union. Increasingly, compliance with this ban is monitored by use of analytical methods to detect a stable tissue-bound metabolite, 3-amino-2-oxazolidinone (AOZ). Widespread use of furazolidone in poultry and prawns imported into Europe highlighted the urgent need for development of nitrofuran immunoassay screening tests. The first enzyme-linked immunoabsorbant assay for detection of AOZ residues in prawns (shrimps) is now described. Prawn samples were derivatized with o-nitrobenzaldehyde, extracted into ethyl acetate, washed with hexane and applied to a competitive enzyme immunoassay based on a rabbit polyclonal antiserum. Assay limit of detection (LOD) (mean + 3 s) calculated from the analysis of 20 known negative cold and warm water prawn samples was 0.1 microg kg(-1). Intra- and interassay relative standard deviations were determined as 18.8 and 38.2%, respectively, using a negative prawn fortified at 0.7 microg kg(-1). The detection capability (CCbeta), defined as the concentration of AOZ at which 20 different fortified samples yielded results above the LOD, was achieved at fortification between 0.4 and 0.7 microg kg(-1). Incurred prawn samples (n = 8) confirmed by liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry detection to contain AOZ concentrations between 0.4 and 12.7 microg kg(-1) were all screened positive by this enzyme-linked immunoabsorbant assay. Further data are presented and discussed with regard to calculating assay LOD based on accepting a 5% false-positive rate with representative negative prawn samples. Such an acceptance improves the sensitivity of an ELISA and in this case permitted an LOD of 0.05 microg kg(-1) and a CCbeta of below 0.4 microg kg(-1).

Preparation of stable isotope-labeled 2-nitrobenzaldehyde derivatives of four metabolites of nitrofuran antibiotics and their comprehensive characterization by UV, MS, and NMR techniques

A convenient method is presented for the preparation of the carbon-13-labeled 2-nitrobenzaldehyde derivatives of the nitrofuran metabolites 3-amino-2-oxazolidinone (AOZ), semicarbazide (SC), 1-aminohydantoin (AH), and 3-amino-5-morpholinomethyl-2-oxazolidinone (AMOZ), with the purpose of using them as internal standards for the quantification of trace levels of nitrofuran residues by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry in foods of animal origin. The synthesis encompasses the nitration of [1,2,3,4,5,6-(13)C(6)]toluene prior to chromyl compound-mediated oxidation of the methyl group into the corresponding aldehyde. The four metabolites of nitrofuran antibiotics were derivatized independently with the resulting ring-labeled 2-nitrobenzaldehyde (NBA) to obtain the target compounds. Both the isotopically enriched and native substances were used to perform a comprehensive fragmentation study by electrospray ionization (ESI) collision-induced dissociation (CID) mass spectrometry (MS). Full characterization of the nitrofuran derivatives was accomplished with ultraviolet (UV) and exhaustive nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis. A major advantage of the described procedure is that it can be extended to the preparation of other carbon-13-labeled derivatives of metabolites of nitrofuran antibiotics.

Enzymes associated with reductive activation and action of nitazoxanide, nitrofurans, and metronidazole in Helicobacter pylori

Nitazoxanide (NTZ) is a redox-active nitrothiazolyl-salicylamide prodrug that kills Helicobacter pylori and also many anaerobic bacterial, protozoan, and helminthic species. Here we describe development and use of a spectrophotometric assay, based on nitroreduction of NTZ at 412 nm, to identify H. pylori enzymes responsible for its activation and mode of action. Three enzymes that reduce NTZ were identified: two related NADPH nitroreductases, which also mediate susceptibility to metronidazole (MTZ) (RdxA and FrxA), and pyruvate oxidoreductase (POR). Recombinant His-tagged RdxA, FrxA, and POR, overexpressed in nitroreductase-deficient Escherichia coli, each rapidly reduced NTZ, whereas only FrxA and to a lesser extent POR reduced nitrofuran substrates (furazolidone, nitrofurantoin, and nitrofurazone). POR exhibited no MTZ reductase activity either in extracts of H. pylori or following overexpression in E. coli; RdxA exhibited no nitrofuran reductase activity, and FrxA exhibited no MTZ reductase activity. Analysis of mutation to rifampin resistance (Rif(r)) indicated that NTZ was not mutagenic and that nitrofurans were only weakly mutagenic. Alkaline gel DNA electrophoresis indicated that none of these prodrugs caused DNA breakage. In contrast, MTZ caused DNA damage and was strongly mutagenic. We conclude that POR, an essential enzyme, is responsible for most or all of the bactericidal effects of NTZ against H. pylori. While loss-of-function mutations in rdxA and frxA produce a Mtz(r) phenotype, they do not contribute much to the innate susceptibility of H. pylori to NTZ or nitrofurans.

Bioreductive therapies: an overview of drugs and their mechanisms of action

PURPOSE

Bioreductively activated drugs have been used as antimicrobials, chemotherapeutic agents, and radiation sensitizers. The present paper is an overview of their mechanism of action and application in the treatment of cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Drugs such as nitroimidazoles, mitomycins, and benzotriazine di-N-oxides were a focus of this research. Studies have ranged from the chemistry of the reductive process of activation to in vitro and in vivo studies in rodent and human cells, through to clinical testing. The variety of techniques and test systems brought to bear on these compounds is a strength of this field of research.

RESULTS

A detailed chemical understanding of the mechanism of action of a variety of bioreductives is now available. The enzymatic processes by which these drugs are activated and the cofactors involved in this activation are becoming well understood. Recent advances have been made in the design and use of dual-function bioreductives, bioreductive triggers of drug activation, and DNA-targeted bioreductives. Significant success has been demonstrated clinically with bioreductive drugs, used in combination with radiation and front-line chemotherapeutic agents. The areas of antibody-directed enzyme prodrug therapy (ADEPT) and gene-directed enzyme prodrug therapy (GDEPT) are identified as new directions for bioreductive therapy.

CONCLUSION

The use of bioreductively-activated drugs for the treatment of cancer has made steady progress. The success obtained clinically and the new molecular approaches currently being implemented promise significant advances in the future.

Redox behaviour of nifuroxazide: generation of the one-electron reduction product

The electrochemical properties of nifuroxazide have been investigated in aqueous and aqueous-DMF mixed solvents. In aqueous media, a single, irreversible four-electron reduction occurs to give the hydroxylamine derivative. In mixed media, a reversible one-electron reduction to form a nitro radical anion takes place. Cyclic voltammetric studies show that the anion radical product is stable, although the nitro radical anion intermediate shows a tendency to undergo further chemical reactions. A comparison with the voltammetric behaviour of other nitrofurans such as nifurtimox, nitrofurazone and furazolidone is made. The electrochemically-obtained parameters are correlated with the in vivo studies of oxygen consumption on Trypanosoma cruzi cell suspensions.

Metabolic reduction of novel 3,4-dichloro-5-nitrofurans in Salmonella typhimurium

To gain insight on biochemical mechanisms of mutagenesis and carcinogenesis by the experimental carcinogens, 5-nitrofurans, a new series of 3,4-dichloro-5-nitrofurans, comprised of 3,4-dichloro-5-nitro-2-acetylfuran (I), 3,4-dichloro-5-nitro-2-bromoacetylfuran (II), methyl 3,4-dichloro-5-nitro-2-furoate (III), were synthesized and tested for their activation to mutagenic forms in the standard plate assay using Salmonella typhimurium TA98, TA100, and TA100NR, a derivative of TA100 deficient in nitroreductase activity. The mutagenic responses in TA98 were 2- to 6-fold lower compared to TA100. Furthermore, I and II were less active in TA100NR, while compound III was about four times more mutagenic in TA100NR compared to the parent strain TA100. Incubation of III with NADPH and bacterial lysates showed that the extent of reduction was greater in TA100 compared to TA100NR. High-pressure liquid chromatography analysis of the ethyl acetate extract obtained from incubation of III with lysates of TA100 revealed the formation of four metabolites with retention times of about 4.0, 5.7, 10.0, and 14.3 minutes. The spectroscopic and chromatographic properties of the components with retention times of 10.0 and 14.3 minutes were identical to two derivatives obtained by chemical reduction of III, and thus represent nitroreduction products. These derivatives have been identified as cis- and trans-oxime isomers of methyl 3,4-dichloro-2-furoate, based on spectroscopic analyses. These oximes were not mutagenic for TA100. Furthermore, III was more mutagenic under anaerobic conditions, suggesting that secondary superoxide or nitroanion free radicals generated from nitroreduction are not responsible for the mutagenicity of III. In addition, the higher mutagenic response in TA100NR, and the lack of mutagenic activities of the amino and the oxime analogs of III suggest that the mutagenic activation of III might be due to the nitroso intermediate or involve mechanisms other than nitroreduction.

Redox conversions of methemoglobin during redox cycling of quinones and aromatic nitrocompounds

The study focused on the effects on various redox states of hemoglobin during NADPH: cytochrome P-450 reductase-catalyzed redox cycling of quinones and nitrocompounds. The following reactions involving quinone/semiquinone and methemoglobin/oxyhemoglobin redox couples were observed: (i) the direct oxidation of oxyhemoglobin by quinones, (ii) the reduction of methemoglobin by quinones, (ii) the reduction of methemoglobin during redox cycling of quinones and nitrocompounds was partially inhibited by superoxide dismutase, and (iii) the reoxidation of oxyhemoglobin by hydrogen peroxide, formed during redox cycling was accompanied by the formation of choleglobin. Hydrogen peroxide was produced during redox cycling, and upon depletion of hydrogen peroxide by catalase, the reduction of methemoglobin significantly prevailed over oxidation of oxyhemoglobin. Furthermore, the reduction of ferrylhemoglobin to oxyhemoglobin during redox cycling was about twice as slow as the reduction of methemoglobin. For a series of compounds possessing a single-electron reduction potential (E1(7)) between 0.01 and -0.355 V, the rate constants for methemoglobin reduction by their corresponding radicals was estimated to range from 4.1 x 10(5) to 7.6 x 10(7) M-1 S-1. Radicals of the nitrocompounds were approximately 10 times less reactive as compared to quinones possessing similar E1(7) values.

Determination of target nucleotides involved in 7-methoxy-2-nitro-naphtho[2,1-b]furan (R7000)-DNA adduct formation

The characterization of target nucleotides involved in the binding to DNA of 7-methoxy-2-nitro-naphtho[2,1-b]furan (R7000), a very potent genotoxic nitrofuran derivative, was investigated. Since R7000 undergoes metabolic activation prior to interacting with DNA, plasmids containing AT-rich and GC-rich sequences were devised and treated by R7000 in bacterial cells presenting nitroreductase activity. The nucleotide modifications to these homogeneous fragments that resulted from R7000 treatment were analyzed using the 'postlabeling' method. A preferential binding to the GC segment was demonstrated. Using a modification of the Maxam-Gilbert sequencing technique, it was demonstrated that activated R7000 creates alkali-labile phosphodiester bonds at the positions of guanines. In addition, the analysis of DNA replication-blocking properties of R7000 lesions was performed using avian myeloblastosis virus (AMV) reverse transcriptase as DNA polymerase. The termination of DNA replication occurred preferentially at the sites of guanine residues in the template strand, indicating that one nucleotide was inserted opposite a lesion. All these results indicate that guanine residues are the preferential sites of formation of R7000-DNA adducts.

Free radical production during photo-assisted NADPH reduction of four alpha-nitroarenofurans

Generation of radical anions during NADPH reduction of four mutagenic and genotoxic alpha-nitroarenofurans was examined. ESR showed that free radicals were generated during reduction solely in the presence of light. Computer simulations of ESR spectra were in good agreement with the experimental ones.

Influence of methoxy and nitro groups in the oxidative metabolism of naphtho[2,1-b]furan

In the present study, we have investigated the role of methoxy and nitro groups in the oxidative metabolism of naphtho[2,1-b]furan. Hepatic microsomes were used to investigate the aerobic metabolism of naphtho[2,1-b]furan (compound A), 2-nitro-naphtho[2,1-b]furan (compound B) and 7-methoxy-naphtho [2,1-b]furan (compound C) and comparison of the metabolites formed was made using HPCL analysis and NMR, mass and UV-visible spectrometry. The different metabolic pathways investigated were compared with the previously reported metabolism of 7-methoxy-2-nitro-naphtho[2,1-b]furan (compound D). Naphtho[2,1-b]furan yield metabolites of both the furan and benzene rings, while metabolites formed from 7-methoxy-naphtho[2,1-b]furan and 2-nitro-naphtho [2,1-b]furan were derived entirely as a result of enzymic attack on the first benzene ring.

Metabolism of sodium nifurstyrenate, a veterinary antimicrobial nitrofuran, in animals and fish

Sodium nifursyrenate [beta-(5-nitro-2-furyl)-p-carboxystyrene sodium salt, NSA-Na] is an antibacterial nitrofuran which has been widely used for prevention and treatment of bacterial infections in fish in Japan. When NSA-Na was anaerobically incubated with rabbit liver cytosol and 2-hydroxypyrimidine, 1-(p-carboxyphenyl)-5-cyano-3-oxo-1,4-pentadiene (cyano-pentadienone), 1-(p-carboxyphenyl)-5-cyano-3-oxo-1-pentanone (cyano-pentanone), and 1-(p-carboxyphenyl)-5-cyano-3-pentanone (cyano-pentanone) were isolated and identified as the metabolites of the nitrofuran. In addition, when cyano-pentenone and cyano-pentanone were aerobically incubated with the liver preparation and NADPH, 1-(p-carboxyphenyl)-5-cyano-3-hydroxy-1-pentene (cyano-pentenol) and 1-(p-carboxyphenyl)-5-cyano-3-pentanol (cyano-pentanol) were also isolated and identified as the metabolites of the nitrofuran in its further metabolism, respectively. The anaerobic incubation of NSA-Na with rat liver cytosol and 2-hydroxypyrimidine resulted in the formation of cyano-pentadienone and cyano-pentanone. In this case, however, cyano-pentenone was not detectable. On the other hand, when NSA-Na was anaerobically incubated with sea bream liver cytosol and NADPH, the formation of cyano-pentenone, cyano-pentanone, and cyanopentenol, but not cyano-pentadienone, was observed. Furthermore, cyano-pentanone was metabolized to cyano-pentanol by the fish liver preparation with NADPH under aerobic conditions. When NSA-Na was given orally to rabbits, cyano-pentanone, cyano-pentenol, cyano-pentanol, and beta-(acetamido-2-furyl)-p-carboxystyrene (acetamidofuran) were identified as the urinary metabolites of the nitrofuran.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Catalysis of nitrofuran redox-cycling and superoxide anion production by heart lipoamide dehydrogenase

Heart lipoamide dehydrogenase (LADH) catalyzed redox-cycling and O2-. production by (5-nitro-2-furfurylidene)amino derivatives using NADH as electron donor. NADH was a much more effective electron donor than NADPH for the nitroreductase activity. O2-. production was demonstrated by cytochrome c reduction, adrenochrome formation and the effect of superoxide dismutase. Under optimum conditions, nitroreductase activity was about 1% of LADH activity. One electron oxygen reduction and NADH oxidation correlated in 2:1 stoichiometry. The nitroreductase kinetics was in accordance with an ordered bi-bi mechanism. Nitrofuran derivatives bearing unsaturated five- or six-membered nitrogen heterocycles were more effective substrates than those bearing other groups, namely nifurtimox, nitrofurazone, nitrofurantoin and 5-nitro-2-furoic acid. Other nitro compounds (chloramphenicol, benznidazole, 2-nitroimidazole and 5-nitroindole) were ineffective. With the triazole, traizine and imidazole nitrofuran derivatives, the nitroreductase pH curve showed a maximum at pH 8.8, different from the pH optimum for the lipoamide reductase and diaphorase activities. Spectroscopic observations demonstrated pH-dependent structural changes in the triazole(I) and triazine derivatives which would affect their behavior as nitroreductase substrates. The nitroreductase activity was inhibited by p-chloromercuribenzoate and enhanced by cadmium and arsenite, whereas the NADH-induced LADH inactivation failed to affect the nitroreductase activity. In the absence of oxygen. LADH catalyzed nitrofuran reduction to products more reduced than the nitroanion, which were not reoxidized by oxygen. The anaerobic nitrofuran reduction was inhibited by cadmium and arsenite. The assayed nitrofuran compounds did not inhibit LADH lipoamide reductase activity, at variance with their action on glutathione reductase (Grinblat et al., Biochem Pharmacol 38: 767-772, 1989).

Postmortal degradation of furazolidone and furaltadone in edible tissues of calves

Rapid and complete postmortal degradation of furazolidone and furaltadone occurred in liver, kidney and muscle tissues of veal calves. Different degradation half-lives were observed between these tissues, the mean ranging from less than 7 minutes to 63 minutes. At 24 h after slaughter the parent nitrofurans were no longer detectable in edible tissues. For residue monitoring purposes plasma and/or urine can be used, if these matrices are treated in a specific way immediately after slaughter; muscle tissues and organs are unsuitable for residue monitoring of parent nitrofurans.

Restricted bioreductive metabolism of a nitroimidazole-thiadiazole derivative with curative action in experimental Trypanosoma cruzi infections

The bioreductive activation of megazol [2-amino-5(1-methyl-5-nitro-2-imidazolyl)-1,3,4-thiadiazole] promoted by ferredoxin: NADP+ oxidoreductase, rat liver microsomes and cellular fractions of Trypanosoma cruzi, Y strain, was investigated. Direct ESR detection and characterization by computer simulation of the megazol nitro anion radical were possible in the presence of NADPH and ferredoxin: NADP+ oxidoreductase under anaerobic conditions. By contrast, the megazol nitro anion radical was not detected in the presence of either rat liver microsomes or cellular fractions of T. cruzi under conditions where the corresponding nifurtimox anion radical was observed. The inefficiency of rat liver microsomes in catalyzing megazol reduction was also attested by visible light absorption spectroscopy. In the presence of cellular fractions of T. cruzi supplemented with NAD(P)H, megazol marginally affected oxygen consumption and decreased the yield of oxyradicals that can be spin-trapped with 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline-N-oxide (DMPO). Our results indicate a restricted bioreductive metabolism of megazol and suggest that its trypanocidal activity is unrelated to a redox-cycling process.

DNA adduct formation by 7-methoxy-2-nitro-naphtho[2,1-b]furan (R7000), an extremely potent mutagen

The effects on DNA, in bacteria, of 7-methoxy-2-nitro-naphtho[2,1-b]furan (R7000), a very potent genotoxic product from the 2-nitronaphthofuran series, were investigated with two different approaches: (i) measurement of the binding of the radiolabelled mutagen to DNA and (ii) detection by the '32P-postlabelling' method of DNA adducts following treatment with unlabelled mutagens. The covalent binding of R7000 to DNA in Escherichia coli was demonstrated by both methods, and in the latter case it was found to involve the formation of nine different adducts. Formation of adducts by R7000 was shown to require metabolic activation of the compound.

Temperature dependence of binding of a fluorescent hypoxia probe

The rate of binding of a fluorescent probe for hypoxia, AF-2, is dependent upon cell temperature as well as oxygenation. Aerobic cells bind AF-2 about 5 times less rapidly at 37 degrees C than at 45 degrees C. Below 42 degrees C, the rate of AF-2 binding by aerobic cells increases by a factor of about two for each 10 degrees C, but above 42 degrees C, the rate increases 10-fold for each additional 10 degrees C. However, for cells incubated under nitrogen, these biphasic kinetics were not observed, and the rate of metabolism and binding increased only two-fold per 10 degrees C from 28 degrees to 45 degrees C. These differences in binding kinetics cannot be explained by a decrease in the rate of auto-oxidation of the nitro anion radical, but might involve differences in the available reducing equivalents in cells heated under air or nitrogen. The possibility of using fluorescent probes to measure temperatures of individual tumor cells during hyperthermic treatment is discussed.

Renal handling of 5-nitrofuran nephrotoxins in the rat

Formic acid 2-[4-(5-nitro-2-furyl)-2-thiazolyl)-hydrazide (FNT) and 3-hydroxymethyl-1-([3-(5-nitro-2-furyl)-allydidene]amino)hydantoin (HMN) were investigated to determine whether differences in the renal handling of these two chemicals might provide evidence to explain their different patterns of toxicity and carcinogenicity. The isolated perfused rat kidney and whole animal were used. In the isolated perfused rat kidney, both FNT and HMN had similar half-lives (t1/2) but the urinary excretion and renal clearance of HMN (2.1 +/- 0.4 greater than those of FNT (0.2 +/- 0.1 nmol/min and 0.06 +/- 0.01 ml/min, respectively). Probenecid increased the t1/2 and decreased the metabolic clearance of HMN but did not have any effect on FNT t1/2 or clearance. These differences in excretion of FNT and HMN could not be explained on the basis of protein binding. The total clearances of FNT and HMN were similar and significantly higher than that of the 5-nitrofuran bladder carcinogen ANFT. In the whole animal, the urinary excretion of HMN was about 10-fold greater than that of FNT. The t1/2 of both FNT and HMN was less than 5 min in the whole animal. Probenecid decreased the urinary excretion of HMN from 9.7 +/- 1.4% to 4.4 +/- 1.0% (p less than 0.05). Compared with HMN, FNT has less urinary excretion but a similar elimination t1/2, suggesting a greater nonrenal clearance. HMN but not FNT has tubular excretion. Thus, alterations in substituents of 5-nitrofurans markedly alter their renal handling and may partially explain their diverse toxic effects.

Oxidative metabolism of 7-methoxy-2-nitro-naphtho[2,1-b]furan (R 7000) by the microsomal system isolated from 3-methylcholanthrene-induced rat liver

The metabolism of 7-methoxy-2-nitro-naphtho[2,1-b]furan and the subsequent binding to DNA, under aerobic conditions, were investigated using liver microsomes of both untreated rats and rats pre-treated with 3-methylcholanthrene [3-MC]. The metabolites were analyzed by HPLC. The following compounds: 7-hydroxy-2-nitro-naphtho[2,1-b]-furan-6,9-dione; 6,7-dihydro-2-nitro-naphtho[2,1-b]furan; 7-hydroxy-2-nitro-naphtho[2,1-b]furan and 6-hydroxy-7-methoxy-2-nitro-naphtho[2,1-b]furan have been identified by their UV-visible, mass spectra, NMR spectra and by comparison to an authentic reference sample. Qualitative and quantitative metabolic charts involving only ring oxidation have been established.

Renal metabolism of formic acid 2-[4-(5-nitro-2-furyl)-2-thiazolyl]-hydrazide

Formic acid 2-[4-(5-nitro-2-furyl)-2-thiazolyl]-hydrazide (FNT) is a potent renal carcinogen in the rat. This study assessed the metabolism of FNT by the isolated perfused rat kidney and whole rat. The glomerular filtration rate and the fractional excretion of sodium for the isolated perfused kidney indicated that under the conditions of these experiments FNT did not alter these renal parameters. The half-life (t1/2) for FNT in the isolated perfused kidney was 67 +/- 8 min. Using HPLC, a metabolite of FNT was observed in urine from the isolated perfused kidney. This metabolite had absorbance at 385 nm but not 254 nm and could not be detected electrochemically at +500 mV. While the excretion of FNT decreased with time of perfusion, the metabolite excretion increased. Whole animal studies demonstrated that FNT is rapidly cleared from blood within the first 5 min of administration. The FNT metabolite was excreted at approximately the same rate from 0-30 and 30-60 min after FNT administration. The metabolite was not observed in media from FNT perfused kidneys or plasma from animals administered FNT. Analysis of purified metabolite by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) determined the structure to be 5-nitro-2-furonitrile. This structure assignment was verified by chemical synthesis. Results demonstrate target organ metabolism of carcinogen.

Generation of nitro radical anions of some 5-nitrofurans, and 2- and 5-nitroimidazoles by rat hepatocytes

Nitrofurantoin, nifurtimox, nifuroxime, nitrofurazone, misonidazole, benznidazole, ronidazole, and ornidazole were reduced to their respective nitro radical anions by intact rat hepatocytes at pH 7.4. The nitrofurantoin radical anion and other nitro anion radicals generated inside these cells were detected with ESR spectroscopy. Broadening of the signals from nitrofurantoin anion radicals was accomplished with paramagnetic transition metals, implying that the radicals were outside the cell in the medium. Rat hepatocytes are well suited for in situ electron spin resonance investigations of free radical metabolites and represent a model for the as yet unobtained direct detection of free radical metabolites in liver.

"Subversive" substrates for the enzyme trypanothione disulfide reductase: alternative approach to chemotherapy of Chagas disease

The trypanosomatid flavoprotein disulfide reductase, trypanothione reductase, is shown to catalyze one-electron reduction of suitably substituted naphthoquinone and nitrofuran derivatives. A number of such compounds have been chemically synthesized, and a structure-activity relationship has been established; the enzyme is most active with compounds that contain basic functional groups in side-chain residues. The reduced products are readily reoxidized by molecular oxygen and thus undergo classical enzyme-catalyzed redox cycling. In addition to their ability to act as substrates for trypanothione reductase, the compounds are also shown to effectively inhibit enzymatic reduction of the enzyme's physiological substrate, trypanothione disulfide. Under aerobic conditions, trypanothione reductase is not inactivated by these redox-cycling substrates, whereas under anaerobic conditions the nitrofuran compounds cause irreversible inactivation of the enzyme. When tested for biological activity against Trypanosoma cruzi trypomastigotes, many of the test compounds were trypanocidal, and this activity correlated with their relative ability to act as substrates for trypanothione reductase. The activity of the enzyme with these redox-cycling derivatives constitutes a subversion of its normal antioxidant role within the cell. For this reason these compounds may be termed "subversive" substrates for trypanothione reductase.