Verifying community-wide exposure to endocrine disruptors in personal care products - In quest for metabolic biomarkers of exposure via in vitro studies and wastewater-based epidemiology

This study aimed to identify human specific metabolites of selected known or suspected endocrine disruptors (EDCs), mainly UV filters, used in personal care and consumer products whose metabolism has hardly been explored and to select suitable candidate biomarkers for human exposure studies using wastewater based epidemiology (WBE). The analysis of metabolic biomarkers of target chemicals is crucial in order to distinguish between internal and external exposure, since many sources contribute to chemicals being discharged into wastewater. This was achieved through the employment of a new analytical framework for verification of biomarkers of exposure to chemicals combining human biomonitoring and water fingerprinting. Eight EDCs with unknown metabolic pathways (benzophenone-1 (BP-1); benzophenone-2 (BP-2); 4,4'-dihydroxybenzophenone (4,4'-DHBP); 4-benzylphenol (4-BenzPh); homosalate (HO); octocrylene (OC); 3-benzylidene camphor (3-BC), and two EDCs with known metabolism (bisphenol A (BPA) and benzophenone-3 (BP-3)) were tested. The biotransformation observed consisted mainly of phase I processes such as hydrolysis and hydroxylation together with phase II conjugation reactions such as sulphation and glucuronidation. Only two chemicals (BP-1, BP-3) were identified in urine and three chemicals (BPA, BP-1, BP-3) in wastewater. Five newly discovered metabolites (HO-Met1, OC-Met1, 4-BenzPh-Met4, 4-BenzPh-Met5 and 4-BenzPh-Met6) and one previously known metabolite (BPA-Met3) were detected in tested urine/wastewater samples from five WWTPs serving large communities ranging between 17 and 100 thousand inhabitants. The presence of metabolic biotransformation products of OC, 4-BenzPh, BPA and HO in wastewater provides evidence for internal exposure of studied populations to these chemicals.

Bioavailability and tolerability of combination treatment with revaprazan 200 mg + itopride 150 mg: a randomized crossover study in healthy male Korean volunteers

BACKGROUND

To date, no definitive treatment of functional dyspepsia (FD) has been proven to be effective and reasonably well-tolerated. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) combined with prokinetic agents are considered an effective option. Revaprazan is a selective potassium-competitive acid blocker that reversibly inhibits gastric H(+)/K(+)-ATPase and shows effective acid suppression comparable to PPIs. Itopride is a prokinetic agent that has anticholinesterase activity as well as dopamine D(2) receptor antagonistic activity. For this reason, revaprazan and itopride have been prescribed for FD; however, no available studies have reported the pharmacokinetic interactions of these 2 drugs.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to compare the bioavailability and tolerability of revaprazan and itopride combination therapy to those of equally dosed monotherapies to acquire basic drug-drug interaction information about revaprazan.

METHODS

This multiple-dose, randomized crossover study was conducted in healthy male Korean subjects. Subjects received, in randomized sequence, a 7-day oral dose of revaprazan 200 mg once daily, itopride 50 mg TID, or both. Each treatment period was separated by a 7-day washout period. Blood samples were collected for up to 24 hours following the last dose at steady state, and drug concentrations were determined using validated LC/MS-MS. Pharmacokinetic properties were obtained using noncompartmental analysis. Drug tolerability was assessed throughout the study, using measurements of vital signs, clinical chemistry testing, and interviews.

RESULTS

A total of 30 subjects were enrolled in the study. Among them, 28 subjects completed revaprazan treatment, and 27 completed the study (3 subjects were withdrawn). The geometric mean ratios (GMRs) (90% CI) of C(max,ss), and AUC(τ,ss) with revaprazan were 0.92 (0.84-1.00) and 0.96 (0.89-1.03), respectively. The GMRs of C(max,ss) and AUC(τ,ss) with itopride were 1.07 (0.96-1.20) and 1.12 (1.06-1.18), respectively. A total of 15 adverse events (AEs) were reported in 8 subjects. All AEs were considered to be mild, and there were no clinically significant differences between treatment groups.

CONCLUSION

The findings from this study suggest bioequivalence between revaprazan given as monotherapy and in combination with itopride in these healthy Korean male volunteers, with no clinical significant drug-drug interaction. All treatments in this study was generally well tolerated. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT0133289.

Fragrance material review on p-isopropylbenzyl acetate

A toxicologic and dermatologic review of p-isopropylbenzyl acetate when used as a fragrance ingredient is presented. p-Isopropylbenzyl acetate is a member of the fragrance structural group Aryl Alkyl Alcohol Simple Acid Esters (AAASAE). The AAASAE fragrance ingredients are prepared by reacting an aryl alkyl alcohol with a simple carboxylic acid (a chain of 1 to 4 carbons) to generate formate, acetate, propionate, butyrate, isobutyrate and carbonate esters. This review contains a detailed summary of all available toxicology and dermatology papers that are related to this individual fragrance ingredient and is not intended as a stand-alone document. Available data for p-isopropylbenzyl acetate were evaluated, then summarized, and includes: physical properties, acute toxicity, skin irritation, and skin sensitization data. A safety assessment of the entire AAASAE will be published simultaneously with this document. Please refer to Belsito et al. (2012) for an overall assessment of the safe use of this material and all AAASAE in fragrances.

Fragrance material review on α-methylbenzyl propionate

A toxicologic and dermatologic review of α-methylbenzyl propionate when used as a fragrance ingredient is presented. α-Methylbenzyl propionate is a member of the fragrance structural group Aryl Alkyl Alcohol Simple Acid Esters (AAASAE). The AAASAE fragrance ingredients are prepared by reacting an aryl alkyl alcohol with a simple carboxylic acid (a chain of 1-4 carbons) to generate formate, acetate, propionate, butyrate, isobutyrate, and carbonate esters. This review contains a detailed summary of all available toxicology and dermatology papers that are related to this individual fragrance ingredient and is not intended as a stand-alone document. Available data for α-methylbenzyl propionate were evaluated, then summarized, and includes: physical properties, acute toxicity, skin irritation, skin sensitization data. A safety assessment of the entire AAASAE will be published simultaneously with this document. Please refer to Belsito et al. (2012) for an overall assessment of the safe use of this material and all AAASAE in fragrances.

Pharmacokinetics and bioequivalence study of a fixed dose combination of rabeprazole and itopride in healthy Indian volunteers

The aim of the present study was to compare the pharmacokinetics of rabeprazole (CAS 117976-89-3) and itopride (CAS 122898-67-3) after oral administration of a rabeprazole (20 mg)-itopride (150 mg) fixed dose combination (FDC) in healthy human volunteers. The bioequivalence of two formulations (test and reference) was determined in 12 healthy Indian male volunteers (age: 25.25 +/- 4.69 years; weight: 60.50 +/- 5.04 kg) in a randomized, single-dose, two-period, two-treatment crossover study. Both formulations were administered orally as a single dose, with the treatments separated by a washout period of 1 week. Rabeprazole and itopride plasma levels were determined by a validated HPLC method using UV detection. The formulations were compared using the pharmacokinetic parameters area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC(0-t)), area under the plasma concentration-time curve from zero to infinity (AUC(0-infinity)) and peak plasma concentration (Cmax). General linear model (GLM) procedures were used in which sources of variation were subject, treatment and period. The results indicated that there were no statistically significant differences (P > 0.05) between the logarithmically transformed AUC(0-infinity) and Cmax values between test and reference formulation. The 90% confidence interval for the ratio of the logarithmically transformed AUC(0-t), AUC(0-infinity) and Cmax were within the bioequivalence limits of 0.8-1.25 and the relative bioavailability of rabeprazole and itopride test and reference formulations was 98.24 and 93.65%, respectively.

Targeting of mannosylated liposome incorporated benzyl derivative of Penicillium nigricans derived compound MT81 to reticuloendothelial systems for the treatment of visceral leishmaniasis

The antileishmanial property of a Benzyl derivative of a new antibiotic MT81 (Bz2MT81), isolated and purified from a fungal strain of Penicillium nigricans NRRL 917 was tested in free, liposome intercalated and mannose coated liposome intercalated forms in vivo against visceral leishmaniasis in hamsters. Mannose grafted liposome intercalated Bz2MT81 eliminated intracellular amastigotes of Leishmania donovani within splenic macrophages more efficiently than the liposome intercalated Bz2MT81 or free Bz2MT81. At a dose equivalent to 7.5 microg/Kg body weight when injected subcutaneously (s.c) in mannose grafted liposome intercalated form for 15 days in an interval of three days, the splenic parasitic load decreased to the extent of 79.1% of the total parasite present in infected control animals. Whereas, an identical amount (7.5 mug/Kg body weight) of Bz2MT81 in free or liposome intercalated form was found less effective in controlling the parasite in spleen (in free Bz2MT81 form, suppression of parasitic load is 49.8% and in liposome intercalated form, it is 55.1%). Both mannosylated liposomes and Bz2MT81 were noted non-toxic to the host peritoneal macrophages. Histological examinations of spleen and liver, kidney function tests (SGPT, alkaline phosphatase, creatinine and urea in blood plasma) showed that the toxicity of Bz2MT81 was reduced up to normal level when mannose grafted liposomal Bz2MT81 were administered.

Effects of itopride hydrochloride on plasma gut-regulatory peptide and stress-related hormone levels in healthy human subjects

Itopride hydrochloride (itopride), a gastrokinetic drug, has recently been evaluated for its clinical usefulness in functional dyspepsia. We investigated effects of itopride on human plasma gastrin-, somatostatin-, motilin-, and cholecystokinin (CCK)-like immunoreactive substances (IS); adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-immunoreactive substances (IS), and cortisol under stress conditions in healthy subjects. A single administration of itopride caused significant increases in plasma somatostatin- and motilin-IS levels compared to placebo. Itopride significantly decreased plasma CCK-IS, and suppressed the ACTH-IS level compared to placebo. We hypothesize that itopride may have an accelerating gastric emptying effect, and a modulatory effect on the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis and autonomic nervous functions. These effects might be beneficial in stress-related diseases, suggesting that itopride has clinicopharmacological activities.

Distribution of the UV filter 3-benzylidene camphor in rat following topical application

A straightforward analytical method for determination of 3-benzylidene camphor (3-BC) in rat adipose tissue, brain, liver, muscle, plasma and testis following topical application was developed and validated. Three exposure levels (60, 180 and 540 mg kg(-1) day(-1)) were tested for 65 days in male Sprague-Dawley rats (24 days postnatal). Sample preparation involving homogenization and n-heptane or methanol extraction of the tissue was applied before injection into the LC-ESI-MS-MS system. The response was linear from 2 to 100 microg l(-1) for the qualifier and the quantifier MRM transitions (R(2) (quantifier) > 0.994). Detection limit of the method corresponded to 0.005 microg g(-1) tissue and 12.5 microg l(-1) plasma, respectively. Recovery was determined for all tissues (adipose tissue: 40%; all other tissues: 80-100%) at three individual levels. 3-(4-Methyl benzylidene camphor) (4-MBC) was used throughout the study as internal standard. 3-Benzylidene camphor was detected in all tissues at all exposure levels at concentrations between 0.05 microg g(-1) (liver) and 36 microg g(-1) (adipose tissue) and in plasma at 16-89 microg l(-1). The method allowed for the quantification of 3-benzylidene camphor in all tested tissues following topical application. Furthermore, it was shown that 3-benzylidene camphor can be found in various tissues in the rat following topical application. These findings may suggest that following use of 3-benzylidene camphor containing sunscreen, similar disposition and distribution may occur in humans.

A series of 5-(5,6)-dihydrouracil substituted 8-hydroxy-[1,6]naphthyridine-7-carboxylic acid 4-fluorobenzylamide inhibitors of HIV-1 integrase and viral replication in cells

Introduction of a 5,6-dihydrouracil functionality in the 5-position of N-(4-fluorobenzyl)-8-hydroxy-[1,6]naphthyridine-7-carboxamide 1 led to a series of highly active HIV-1 integrase inhibitors. These compounds displayed low nanomolar activity in inhibiting both the strand transfer process of HIV-1 integrase and viral replication in cells. Compound 11 is a 150-fold more potent antiviral agent than 1, with a CIC(95) of 40 nM in the presence of human serum. It displays good pharmacokinetics when dosed in rats and dogs.

Quantitation of itopride in human serum by high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection and its application to a bioequivalence study

A new method was developed for determination of itopride in human serum by reversed phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with fluorescence detection (excitation at 291 nm and emission at 342 nm). The method employed one-step extraction of itopride from serum matrix with a mixture of tert-butyl methyl ether and dichloromethane (70:30, v/v) using etoricoxib as an internal standard. Chromatographic separation was obtained within 12.0 min using a reverse phase YMC-Pack AM ODS column (250 mm x 4.6 mm, 5 microm) and an isocratic mobile phase constituting of a mixture of 0.05% tri-fluoro acetic acid in water and acetonitrile (75:25, v/v) flowing at a flow rate of 1.0 ml/min. The method was linear in the range of 14.0 ng/ml to 1000.0 ng/ml. The lower limit of quantitation (LLOQ) was 14.0 ng/ml. Average recovery of itopride and the internal standard from the biological matrix was more than 66.04 and 64.57%, respectively. The inter-day accuracy of the drug containing serum samples was more than 97.81% with a precision of 2.31-3.68%. The intra-day accuracy was 96.91% or more with a precision of 5.17-9.50%. Serum samples containing itopride were stable for 180.0 days at -70+/-5 degrees C and for 24.0 h at ambient temperature (25+/-5 degrees C). The method was successfully applied to the bioequivalence study of itopride in healthy, male human subjects.

The FEMA GRAS assessment of hydroxy- and alkoxy-substituted benzyl derivatives used as flavor ingredients

This publication is the ninth in a series of safety evaluations performed by the Expert Panel of the Flavor and Extract Manufacturers Association (FEMA). In 1993, the Panel initiated a comprehensive program to re-evaluate the safety of more than 1700 GRAS flavoring substances under conditions of intended use. Elements that are fundamental to the safety evaluation of flavor ingredients include exposure, structural analogy, metabolism, pharmacokinetics and toxicology. Flavor ingredients are evaluated individually and in the context of the available scientific information on the group of structurally related substances. Scientific data relevant to the safety evaluation of the use of hydroxy- and alkoxy-substituted benzyl derivatives as flavoring ingredients is evaluated. The group of hydroxy- and alkoxy-benzyl derivatives was reaffirmed as GRAS (GRASr) based, in part, on their self-limiting properties as flavoring substances in food; their rapid absorption, metabolic detoxication, and excretion in humans and other animals; their low level of flavor use; the wide margins of safety between the conservative estimates of intake and the no-observed-adverse effect levels determined from subchronic and chronic studies and the lack of significant genotoxic and mutagenic potential. This evidence of safety is supported by the fact that the intake of hydroxy- and alkoxy-substituted benzyl derivatives as natural components of traditional foods is greater than their intake as intentionally added flavoring substances.

Synthesis of radioiodine labeled dibenzyl disulfide for evaluation of tumor cell uptake

Benzyl 4-halobenzyl and ally benzyl disulfide were synthesized as diallyl disulfide analogues and their tumor growth inhibitory effects on the cancer cells (SNU C5 and MCF-7) were comparable to that of diallyl disulfide, indicating that the disulfide functional group was responsible for the tumor growth inhibitory effects. Cu(I)-assisted radioiodination of benzyl 4-bromobenzyl disulfide gave benzyl 4-[123I/125I]iodobenzyl disulfide in 30-40% radiochemical yield. The radiolabeled disulfide was taken up by the cancer cells in a time-dependent manner, and the uptake was inhibited by the pretreatment of S-methyl methanethiosulfonate (MMTS), phorone and diallyl disulfide. This study suggested that the radiolabeled dibenzyl disulfide was taken up by the cancer cells via thiol-disulfide exchange and retained inside the cells.

2-(Anilino)imidazolines and 2-(benzyl)imidazoline derivatives as h5-HT1D serotonin receptor ligands

2-(Anilino)imidazolines were identified as novel human 5-HT(1D) receptor ligands, but offered no particular advantage over previously reported 2-(benzyl)imidazolines. Pharmacokinetic and functional data were obtained for selected 2-(benzyl)imidazoline derivatives.

Stability of two new anticonvulsants in body fluids and tissues

Stability of two compounds with established anticonvulsant activity, picolinic acid benzylamide (Pic-BZA) and nicotinic acid benzylamide (Nic-BZA), incubated in homogenates of body organs and in body fluids was determined at different time points. Pic-BZA was found to decompose fairly rapidly in the liver and the kidney, while Nic-BZA demonstrated stability against enzymes present in these organs and fluids.

PEG Prodrugs of 6-Mercaptopurine for Parenteral Administration Using Benzyl Elimination of Thiols

6-Mercaptopurine (6-MP) is an orally administered, water-insoluble purine analog that is effective against acute lymphatic leukemia. Oral absorption of 6-MP, however, is quite erratic, with only 16-50% of the administered dose reaching the blood. In this report, water-soluble parenterally administered poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) prodrugs of 6-MP were synthesized using several chemical approaches that enabled the protection of the thiol group through a modification of the benzyl elimination (BE) system. In our earlier work on antimetabolites, it was found that branching of the PEG allowed greater loading of the active drug. This approach was also utilized within this work to give multiloaded systems. The resulting conjugates were stable in pH 7.4 PBS buffer as well as in rat plasma for extended periods. However, these conjugates did act as prodrugs in vivo and a number of PEG-6-MP constructs had significant (P < 0.05) activity in murine leukemia, as well as certain solid tumors, compared with unconjugated 6-MP in a solubilizing vehicle. The fact that some PEG-6-MP conjugates were stable during in vitro plasma dissociation assays, but demonstrated in vivo anticancer activity, suggests extravascular cleavage of the linking group. This work demonstrates that PEG conjugation is an effective means of solubilizing 6-MP for parenteral administration.

Synthesis and preliminary biological evaluation of radiolabeled O6-benzylguanine derivatives, new potential PET imaging agents for the DNA repair protein O6-alkylguanine-DNA alkyltransferase in breast cancer

Novel radiolabeled O(6)-benzylguanine (O(6)-BG) derivatives, 2-amino-6-O-[(11)C]-[(methoxymethyl)benzyloxy]-9-methyl purines ([(11)C]p-O(6)-AMMP, 1a; [(11)C]m-O(6)-AMMP, 1b; [(11)C]o-O(6)-AMMP, 1c), 2-amino-6-O-benzyloxy-9-[(11)C]-[(methoxycarbonyl)methyl]purine ([(11)C]ABMMP, 2), and 2-amino-6-O-benzyloxy-9-[(11)C]-[(4'-methoxycarbonyl)benzyl]purine ([(11)C]ABMBP, 3), have been synthesized for evaluation as new potential positron emission tomography (PET) imaging agents for the DNA repair protein O(6)-alkylguanine-DNA alkyltransferase (AGT) in breast cancer. The appropriate precursors for radiolabeling were obtained in two to three steps from starting material 2-amino-6-chloropurine with moderate to excellent chemical yields. Tracers were prepared by O-[(11)C]methylation of hydroxymethyl or acid precursors using [(11)C]methyl triflate. Pure target compounds were isolated by solid-phase extraction (SPE) purification procedure in 45-65% radiochemical yields (decay corrected to end of bombardment), and a synthesis time of 20-25 min. The activity of unlabeled standard samples of 1-3 was evaluated via an in vitro AGT oligonucleotide assay. Preliminary findings from biological assay indicate the synthesized analogs have similar strong inhibitory effectiveness on AGT in comparison with the parent compound O(6)-BG. The results warrant further evaluation of these radiotracers as new potential PET imaging agents for the DNA repair protein AGT in breast cancer in vivo.

Pharmacology and clinical experience with fedotozine

Fedotozine [(1R)-1-phenyl-1-[(3,4,5-trimethoxy)benzyloxymethyl]-N,N- dimethyl-n-propylamine, (2S,3S-tartrate] is derived from the arylacetamide series. As with other compounds of this series, fedotozine is more or less selective of kappa(1)-opioid receptors and particularly for the kappa(1a)-receptor subtype, where it acts as an agonist. Pharmacological studies have shown that fedotozine exerts a peripheral antinociceptive action, comparable with that of other kappa-agonists. Its main effects have been demonstrated at the level of the afferent nerve pathways originating from the gut. Fedotozine alters the processing of visceral sensations along these pathways and hence, the perception of gut stimuli at the brain level. It modifies reflexes induced in various pathological conditions, like experimental inflammation of the gut, chemically-induced peritonitis or post-operative ileus. Fedotozine also decreases the nociceptive reflexes triggered by noxious gut distension in animals. In humans, fedotozine decreases the perception of gut distension, both in physiological and pathological conditions. Clinical trials undertaken in patients with functional digestive disorders, non-ulcer dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome, have shown that fedotozine relieves abdominal pain in these patients in 6-week treatments. kappa-Opioid receptors remain an interesting area for future development of new treatments for abdominal pain in patients with functional digestive disorders.

The involvement of flavin-containing monooxygenase but not CYP3A4 in metabolism of itopride hydrochloride, a gastroprokinetic agent: comparison with cisapride and mosapride citrate

The goals of the present study were to identify the enzyme responsible for metabolism of itopride hydrochloride (itopride) and to evaluate the likelihood of drug interaction involving itopride. In human liver microsomes, the involvement of flavin-containing monooxygenase in N-oxygenation, the major metabolic pathway of itopride, was indicated by the following results: inhibition by methimazole and thiourea, heat inactivation, and protection against heat inactivation by NADPH. When the effects of ketoconazole on the metabolism of itopride, cisapride, and mosapride citrate (mosapride) were examined using human liver microsomes, ketoconazole strongly inhibited the formation of the primary metabolites of cisapride and mosapride, but not itopride. Other cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4 inhibitors, cimetidine, erythromycin, and clarithromycin, also inhibited the metabolism of cisapride and mosapride. In an in vivo study, itopride (30 mg/kg), cisapride (1.5 mg/kg), or mosapride (3 mg/kg) was orally administered to male rats with or without oral pretreatment with ketoconazole (120 mg/kg) twice daily for 2 days. The ketoconazole pretreatment significantly increased the area under the serum concentration curve and the maximum serum concentration of cisapride and mosapride but had no significant effect on the pharmacokinetics of itopride. In addition, itopride did not inhibit five specific CYP-mediated reactions of human liver microsomes. These results suggest that itopride is unlikely to alter the pharmacokinetics of other concomitantly administered drugs.

Metabolic pathways of 4-[(3-methoxyphenyl)methyl]-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-oxa-4-aza-2,6- disilacyclohexane (MPSC) hydrochloride, a silicon-containing xenobiotic, in rat, dog, and man

1. The metabolic pathways of Sandoz compound 58-112, 4-[(3-methyoxyphenyl)-methyl]-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-oxa-4-aza-2,6- disilacyclohexane (MPSC) hydrochloride were evaluated in rat, dog, and man after a single oral dose. 2. In rat, dog and man the major route of elimination was renal. In the dog, renal excretion of unchanged MPSC represented a substantial portion of the dose whereas in rat and man MPSC was completely metabolized prior to excretion. 3. In rat and man, the major end-product metabolite was 3'-[((hydroxydimethylsilyl)-methylamino)methyl]-phenol glucuronide; 4-[(3-hydroxyphenyl)-methyl]-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-oxa-4-aza-2,6- disilacyclohexane and 4-[(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-methyl]-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-oxa-4-aza-2 ,6- disilacyclohexane and their conjugates were also present. In dog, the major end-product metabolites were the hippurate of 3-methoxybenzoic acid and 3-hydroxybenzoic acid.

NMR study of whole rat bile: the biliary excretion of cefoperazone and benzyl chloride by an isolated perfused rat liver

1H NMR spectroscopy at 400 MHz has been applied to the analysis of whole bile samples produced by the isolated perfused rat liver. Using relatively simple NMR experiments biliary excretory products of cefoperazone and benzyl chloride were identified as cefoperazone itself and a benzyl-glutathione conjugate, respectively. Our use of 13C isotopic labelling demonstrates how 1H/13C heteronuclear NMR techniques can be used to produce uncrowded and informative spectra from whole bile. From the use of a HMQC-COSY experiment the structure of a benzyl-glutathione conjugate contained in whole bile was confirmed.

Effects of gavage versus dosed feed administration on the toxicokinetics of benzyl acetate in rats and mice

Effects of gavage versus dosed feed administration on the toxicokinetics of benzyl acetate were studied in male F344 rats and B6C3F1 mice. Benzyl acetate was rapidly hydrolysed to benzyl alcohol and then oxidized to benzoic acid. After gavage administration of benzyl acetate in corn oil at 500 mg/kg (rats) and 1000 mg/kg (mice), high benzoic acid plasma concentrations were observed. In contrast, much lower benzoic acid plasma concentrations were found after dosed feed administration at about 615 mg/kg/day for rats and about 850 mg/kg/day for mice. Results show that although the daily doses of benzyl acetate are comparable, bolus gavage administration effectively saturated the benzoic acid elimination pathway whereas dosed feed administration did not. In contrast, hippuric acid plasma concentrations were similar after both gavage and dosed feed administration due to the depletion of the glycine supply pool. Study results could explain the different toxicity and carcinogenicity responses of benzyl acetate observed in 2-yr chronic gavage and dosed feed studies.

Percutaneous absorption of benzyl acetate through rat skin in vitro. 3. A comparison with human skin

The comparative absorption of the fragrance and industrial compound, benzyl acetate, has been studied in rat and human skin, using shaved, full-thickness dorsal skin of male Fischer 344 rats and full-thickness human skin obtained from patients undergoing surgical resection. Penetration of the compound through rat and human skin was evaluated in vitro in flow-through diffusion cells following topical application of neat [methylene-14C] benzyl acetate (33.1 mg/cm2) to the epidermal surface and occlusion with a teflon cap, 2.9 cm above the skin surface. The absorption of benzyl acetate across rat skin was rapid and extensive, reaching 34.3 +/- 3.9% of the applied dose (11.3 +/- 1.3 mg/cm2) (mean +/- SD, n = 12) at 24 hr and 55.8 +/- 5.0% of the applied dose (18.5 +/- 1.7 mg/cm2) at 72 hr. The penetration of benzyl acetate was significantly (P < 0.05) less rapid and extensive through human skin, reaching 5.5 +/- 0.1% of the applied dose (1.8 +/- 0.0 mg/cm2) (mean +/- SD, n = 12) at 24 hr and 17.8 +/- 3.3% of the applied dose (5.9 +/- 1.1 mg/cm2) at 72 hr. The rate of penetration of benzyl acetate was greater through rat skin than through human tissue at all time points studied up to 72 hr. The maximum rate of skin penetration was 0.6 +/- 0.1 mg/cm2/hr and 0.1 +/- 0.0 mg/cm2/hr through rat and human skin, respectively. These data indicate that systemic exposure to benzyl acetate may occur after skin contact in humans. They also support the evidence from the literature that human skin is generally less permeable to xenobiotics than rat skin.

Stimulatory effects of HSR-803 on ileal motor activity

Stimulatory effects of HSR-803 on intestinal motor activity in vitro were studied in guinea pig ileum. HSR-803 (1 x 10(-6)-1 x 10(-4) M) increased the amplitude of longitudinal muscle contractions and increased the frequency of peristalsis in isolated segments of guinea pig ileum. The stimulatory effect in amplitude and not frequency was abolished by 1 x 10(-6) M atropine. In the Magnus method with ileal segments, HSR-803 (1 x 10(-7) - 1 x 10(-4) M) produced contractions concentration-dependently, which were inhibited by atropine (1 x 10(-8) and 3 x 10(-8) M) and 3 x 10(-7) M tetrodotoxin (TTX). In the [3H]-quinuclidinyl benzilate (QNB) binding experiment with ileal smooth muscle, HSR-803 had low affinity for acetylcholine (ACh) receptors (pKi = 4.47 +/- 0.04). In addition, HSR-803 failed to increase the spontaneous release and the electrical stimulation-induced [3H]ACh release in ileal smooth muscle. On the other hand, HSR-803 (1 x 10(-5) M) enhanced contractions induced by ACh, but had no effect on contractions induced by carbachol, which is not hydrolyzed by acetylcholinesterase (AChE). In conclusion, HSR-803 stimulated ileal motor activity. However, HSR-803 had low affinity for ACh receptors and had no influence on ACh release. It is likely that HSR-803 stimulated motor activity mainly due to prevention of ACh hydrolysis.

Simultaneous determination of a new gastrointestinal prokinetic agent (HSR-803) and its metabolites in human serum and urine by high-performance liquid chromatography using automated column-switching

A method based on high-performance liquid chromatography using column-switching is described for the simultaneous determination of HSR-803 and its metabolites in human serum and urine. The system uses a six-port valve with a Nucleosil CN pre-column for on-line sample clean-up, and direct injection of samples. The limits of quantitation in serum and urine were 5 and 20 ng/ml for HSR-803 and 50 and 200 ng/ml for the metabolites, respectively. The coefficients of variation for the intra- and inter-day accuracies were between 0.8 and 7.1% for each compound. This method was applied to the pharmacokinetic studies in humans after oral administration of HSR-803.

Percutaneous absorption of benzyl acetate through rat skin in vitro. 2. Effect of vehicle and occlusion

The effect of vehicle and occlusion on the in vitro percutaneous absorption of [methylene-14C]-benzyl acetate (1.7-16.6 mg/cm2) has been studied in diffusion cells using full thickness skin from male Fischer 344 rats. Absorption of neat benzyl acetate through rat skin occluded with parafilm was 49.3 +/- 2.0% (mean +/- SD, n = 4) after 48 hr. When benzyl acetate in ethanol was applied to the skin and the skin was occluded with parafilm, the extent of absorption at 48 hr was not significantly different from that after neat application. However at 6 hr, as the ethanol content of the application mixture was increased, the absorption of benzyl acetate through occluded skin was enhanced proportionally (r = 0.999). When phenylethanol was used as a vehicle, the extent of the benzyl acetate absorption through occluded skin at 48 hr was enhanced (P less than 0.05) compared with that after application neat; with 50% (v/v) phenyl-ethanol, absorption at 48 hr was 56.3 +/- 4.9%. However, this enhanced absorption did not correlate with the proportion of phenylethanol in the application mixture. When dimethylsulphoxide was used as a vehicle, the extent of absorption of benzyl acetate through occluded skin at 48 hr was enhanced (P less than 0.05) compared with that after application neat (absorption was 59.3 +/- 3.7% of the applied dose when 50% (v/v) dimethylsulphoxide was used). As the dimethylsulphoxide content of the application mixture was increased, the absorption of benzyl acetate was enhanced proportionally. Occlusion of the skin surface with parafilm often significantly enhanced absorption (P less than 0.05), although the effect varied with time and vehicle. In general, the degree of any enhanced absorption caused by the use of a vehicle or occlusion of the skin was small, and, in most cases, would be unlikely to be toxicologically significant.

Synthesis and evaluation of radioiodinated cholesteryl ethers as lipoprotein probes

Two novel cholesteryl ether derivatives were synthesized and radioiodinated: (1) [125I]cholesteryl m-iodobenzyl ether (125I-CIBE) and (2) [125I]cholesteryl 12-(m-iodophenyl)dodecyl ether (125I-CIDE). These radioiodinated ethers were incorporated into low-density lipoprotein (LDL) by incubating the compounds (solubilized in saline with Tween-20) with isolated LDL or with whole plasma. Such LDL preparations were taken up by cultured fibroblasts in a receptor-dependent manner similar to that of radioiodinated LDL. Upon injection into guinea pigs, 125I-CIBE-labeled guinea pig LDL cleared from the plasma similarly to radioiodinated guinea pig LDL. The primary sites of 125I-CIBE uptake were the adrenal and the liver, and the compound was stable to both hydrolysis and deiodination over 24 h. In summary, 125I-CIBE and 125I-CIDE, like previously described tritiated cholesteryl ethers, appear to be potentially useful tracers of cholesteryl ester uptake. Moreover, these radioiodinated probes have the advantage of being more easily quantitated in tissue samples as well as being detectable by noninvasive scintigraphic imaging.

Percutaneous absorption of benzyl acetate through rat skin in vitro. 1. Validation of an in vitro model against in vivo data

The percutaneous absorption in vitro of the fragrance agent benzyl acetate has been evaluated in flow-through diffusion cells using shaved full-thickness skin from male Fischer 344 rats. After the application of neat [methylene-14C]benzyl acetate to the epidermal surface of the skin and occlusion with parafilm 1.3 cm above the skin surface, the absorption of the chemical across the skin and into the receptor fluid was rapid and extensive, commencing within 1 hr of application, and reaching 49.8 +/- 3.2% (mean +/- SD, n = 4) of the applied dose after 48 hr. The coefficient of variation for absorption at 48 hr between four identical experiments was 6.4%. The extent of absorption at 48 hr of benzyl acetate applied in 50% (v/v) ethanol was not significantly different from that after application neat, although absorption at earlier times was enhanced, with a maximum increase of 8.5% of the applied dose at 12 hr. Over the dose range studied there was a linear relationship (r = 0.996) between the amount of benzyl acetate applied to the skin (1.66-33.13 mg benzyl acetate/cm2) and the amount absorbed into the receptor fluid at 24 hr (0.66 +/- 0.04-10.27 +/- 0.51 mg/cm2). The extent of absorption of benzyl acetate through rat skin in vitro was compared with the extent of absorption in vivo at 24 hr and a correlation coefficient of 0.993 was obtained. These data support the use of this in vitro system as a model to predict in vivo absorption and indicate the suitability of the system to study factors influencing the disposition of topically applied benzyl acetate.

In vivo percutaneous absorption of fragrance ingredients in rhesus monkeys and humans

The percutaneous absorption of the fragrance diethyl maleate was measured in vivo in human and monkey studies. With the application sites occluded, 54% of the applied dose of the volatile fragrance penetrated human skin in 24 hr compared with 69% absorption in the monkey skin. It was concluded that the monkey is a good model for human skin with regard to the penetration of this fragrance material since no significant difference in the absorption of diethyl maleate was observed. The percutaneous absorption of the fragrances benzyl acetate and five other benzyl derivatives (benzyl alcohol, benzyl benzoate, benzamide, benzoin and benzophenone) was determined in vivo in monkeys. Absorption through occluded skin was high for all compounds (approximately 70% of the applied dose in 24 hr) and no significant differences between the values for the different compounds were observed. No correlations were seen between skin penetration of these compounds and their octanol-water partition coefficients. Under unoccluded conditions skin penetration of the fragrances was reduced and there was great variability between compounds, presumably because of variations in the rates of evaporation from the site of application. The data suggest that humans may have significant systemic exposure to these fragrance materials.

Age-related changes in the disposition of benzyl acetate. A model compound for glycine conjugation

The in vivo metabolism and excretion of benzyl acetate (BA), a model compound for glycine conjugation, was examined in male Fischer 344 rats and C57BL/6N mice. Rats aged 3-4, 9, and 25 months received a single oral dose of either 5 or 500 mg/kg 14C-BA, while male mice aged 2, 13, and 25 months received a single oral dose of 10 mg/kg 14C-BA. Urine and feces were collected for 96 hr. Biliary excretion and plasma elimination were also examined in male Fischer rats after iv administration of 5 mg/kg 14C-BA. In both young and old rats and mice, hippuric acid (HA) was the major urinary metabolite after oral dosing of BA. No significant age-related difference was observed in rats in the urinary elimination of BA-derived radioactivity or in the percentage of the total dose excreted as hippuric acid (approximately 95%). Twenty-five-month old rats excreted a significantly higher percentage of the total dose as benzyl mercapturic acid (approximately 2%) than did 3- to 4-month-old rats (approximately 1%) at the 5 mg dose. Benzyl mercapturic acid excretion in 3- to 4-month-old rats was also increased significantly at 500 mg/kg BA vs. 5 mg/kg BA. Fecal excretion of BA-derived radioactivity declined significantly in 25-month-old rats at both the 5 and 500 mg dose. This decrease was reflected by an age-related decline in biliary excretion and higher plasma levels of BA-derived radioactivity. Examination of plasma metabolites revealed a significantly higher level of HA and benzoyl glucuronide in 25-month rats.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[The pharmacokinetic study of 3H-alpha-2-butylhydroxybenzyl alcohol in rabbits]

A derivative of Gastrodigenin, alpha-2-butylhydroxybenzyl alcohol, has shown a high distribution in the mice brain and stronger pharmacologic effects than its parent compounds. With 3H-alpha-2-butylhydroxybenzyl alcohol as radioactive tracer, pharmacokinetic data were obtained after the intravenous administration of a single dose alpha-2-butylhydroxybenzyl alcohol to rabbits, according to a cross-over design. Then, serial plasma samples were taken from 1 min to 480 min and measured by liquid scintillation counter. The data were analyzed by IBMPC computer for the estimation of pharmacokinetic parameters and the judgement of compartment model with a program recently developed by ourselves. The results suggested that the pharmacokinetics of alpha-2-butylhydroxybenzyl alcohol accords with the two compartment open model based on either the comparison of the calculated theoretic value with measured concentration or F test for the model judgement, and that the process of distribution was quite rapid, and the elimination half-life (T1/2 beta) was 12 h, indicating a slow elimination process.

[The distribution of 3H-alpha-sec-butyl-p hydroxybenzyl alcohol in mice]

alpha-sec-butyl-p-hydroxybenzyl alcohol is a derivative of gastrodigenin. It dissolves in lipid and passes through the blood-brain barrier more easily than gastrodin does. The distribution experiment has demonstrated that 3H-alpha-sec-butyl-p-hydroxybenzyl alcohol in the brain of mice is higher than in other organs, such as the liver, kidney and intestines. Radioactivity of brain tissue rises to the highest peak in about 1/2-2 min after intravenous injection. Each gram of the brain tissue takes up 21.89% radioactivity of the total dose administered. The sedative effect of alpha-sec-butyl-p-hydroxybenzyl alcohol on the center is rapid and short. It has been proved by the reactions in mice, results indicated by the electrocorticogram obtained from the mice after giving alpha-sec-butyl-p-hydroxybenzyl alcohol, and the correspondence with the distribution of alpha-sec-butyl-p-hydroxybenzyl alcohol in the mouse brain.

[Reception and extrareceptor binding of cytostatic serotonin antagonists by early embryos of the sea urchin Arbacia lixula]

Unfertilized eggs and early embryos of the sea urchin Arbacia lixula incubated for 60 min in a medium containing the antagonists of prenervous serotonin, i.e. inmecarb (21 microM) or imipramine (40 microM), bind up to 5 microM of these drugs per 1 ml of cells. At high cell concentrations (more than 10,000 eggs or embryos per 1 ml), this binding is not followed by inhibition of cleavage divisions or by increase in the sensitivity to cytostatic effects of these drugs, which is taken as an indication that this binding is a nonreceptive one. The decrease in concentration of eggs or embryos does not affect total binding of the drugs, although their antiserotonin effects become evident indicating the existence of the receptor sites of binding. In experiments with 3H-imipramine, two binding pools were found (Bmax being correspondingly equal to about 20 and 0.75 microM/ml of embryos; the values of Kd amount to 200 and 15 microM). One of them is a nonreceptive pool, whereas the other presumably coincides with receptor binding sites of prenervous serotonin antagonists.

Benzyl alcohol metabolism and elimination in neonates

Reports on fatal benzyl alcohol poisoning in premature neonates implied that the toxicity may be due to larger doses per kilogram than for adults. It has been postulated that the load of benzoic acid (metabolite of benzyl alcohol) may exceed the capacity of the immature liver or kidney for detoxification through glycine conjugation to form hippuric acid. To test this hypothesis, 14 term and 9 preterm neonates receiving loading doses of phenobarbital containing benzyl alcohol were studied. Urine and serum benzoic and hippuric acid levels were measured by GC and HPLC methods, respectively. There was greater accumulation of benzoic acid in the serum of preterm compared to the term neonates which was reflected in higher normalized peak levels (2130.6 vs. 237.8 kg/l, p less than 0.001) and larger normalized AUCIV (1,253.2 vs. 483.0 kg.h/l, p less than 0.01). Furthermore, larger percentages of benzyl alcohol doses were found in urine as benzoic acid in preterm babies, while less hippuric acid appeared in their urine than term newborns. These results indicate that hippuric acid formation is deficient in preterm neonates. Although we did not encounter in our patients the specific toxic signs described as part of the benzyl alcohol toxicity syndrome, we cannot directly answer the issue of safety of 'low doses' of benzyl alcohol as found in some medications administered to neonates. This study confirms the immaturity of the benzoic acid detoxification process in premature newborns.