Scavenging activity of aminoantipyrines against hydroxyl radical

The pyrazolone derivatives antipyrine and 4-(N,N-dimethyl)-aminoantipyrine (aminopyrine) have long been used as analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory drugs. However, in spite of its recognized therapeutic benefits, the use of pyrazolones has been associated with agranulocytosis. Though the oxidation of aminopyrine by neutrophil-generated hypochlorous acid (HOCl), leading to the formation of a cation radical, has been considered responsible for the potential bone marrow toxicity, the reaction mechanisms of pyrazolones against other reactive oxygen species (ROS) remains elusive. Thus, the reactions of 4-aminoantipyrine and methylated derivatives with hydroxyl radicals (HO*) were studied as a model of their reactivity against ROS. The results show that 4-(N,N-dimethyl)-aminoantipyrine (aminopyrine) undergoes demethylation when reacting with HO. radical, leading to 4-(N-methyl)-aminoantipyrine, which is further demethylated to 4-aminoantipyrine. In addition, it was also observed that another favorable reaction of 4-aminoantipyrines in these conditions is the hydroxylation on the aromatic ring, a reaction that is common to aminopyrine, 4-(N-methyl)-aminoantipyrine, and 4-aminoantipyrine. Whether these reaction mechanisms give rise to harmful reactive intermediates requires further chemico-biological evaluation.

Direct measurements of xanthine in 2000-fold diluted xanthinuric urine with a nanoporous carbon fiber sensor

High selectivity and sensitivity is reported in the measurements of xanthine in urine by fast scan cyclic voltammetry (FSV) with a nanostructured carbon fiber sensor of 3.5 +/- 0.4 mum radius. Fabrication of the sensors for the measurements is described. Fabrication of the nanostructure at the carbon fiber sensor surface exposes surface pores. SEM images confirm the formation of the nanostructure. The results indicate that the nanostructure improves the sensitivity and limit of detection (LOD) in the measurements of xanthine and uric acid. The sensors allow rapid direct measurements of xanthine in 2000-fold diluted xanthinuric urine and of uric acid in 2000-fold diluted normal urine. The sensitivity and the LOD of xanthine is 0.40 +/- 0.02 nA microM(-1) (0.995) and 1 microM, respectively, and 0.99 +/- 0.01 nA microM(-1) (0.998) and 500 nM for uric acid. The concentration of xanthine in 2000-fold diluted xanthinuric urine is 1.6 +/- 0.2 muM from FSV and from HPLC. The concentration of xanthine and uric acid in urine can be determined by pre- or post-calibration of the sensor in buffer or by the method of standard addition.