Isoimperatorin

If the compound has been ingested, rapid gastric lavage should be performed using 5% sodium bicarbonate. For skin contact, the skin should be washed with soap and water. If the compound has entered the eyes, they should be washed with large quantities of isotonic saline or water. In serious cases, atropine and/or pralidoxime should be administered. Anti-cholinergic drugs work to counteract the effects of excess acetylcholine and reactivate AChE. Atropine can be used as an antidote in conjunction with pralidoxime or other pyridinium oximes (such as trimedoxime or obidoxime), though the use of '-oximes' has been found to be of no benefit, or possibly harmful, in at least two meta-analyses. Atropine is a muscarinic antagonist, and thus blocks the action of acetylcholine peripherally.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Herbs which are widely used as food and medicine, are involved in many physiopathological processes. Melatonin is a human hormone, synthesized and secreted by the pineal gland, with a range of biological functions. Here, we have evaluated the potential influences of components extracted from common herbs on melatonin metabolism in humans. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: An in vivo pharmacokinetic study involving 12 healthy subjects, in vitro incubations with human liver microsomes (HLMs) and recombinant human cytochrome P (CYP) isoenzymes and an in silico quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) model analysis using comparative molecular field analysis and comparative molecular similarity indices analysis methods were employed to explore these interactions. KEY RESULTS: After systematic screening of 66 common herbs, Angelica dahurica exhibited the most potent inhibition of melatonin metabolism in vitro. The in vivo pharmacokinetic study indicated inhibition of melatonin metabolism, with approximately 12- and 4-fold increases in the AUC and Cmax of melatonin in human subjects. Coumarins from A. dahurica, including imperatorin, isoimperatorin, phellopterin, 5-methoxypsoralen and 8-methoxypsoralen, markedly inhibited melatonin metabolism with Ki values of 14.5 nM, 38.8 nM, 6.34 nM, 5.34 nM and 18 nM respectively, through inhibition of CYP 1A2, 1A1 and 1B1 in HLMs. A QSAR model was established and satisfactorily predicted the potential risk of coumarins for inhibition of melatonin metabolism in vivo. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS: Coumarins from A. dahurica inhibited melatonin metabolism in vivo and in vitro. Our findings provide vital guidance for the clinical use of melatonin.

This study was designed to investigate the antigenotoxic effects of a series of naturally occurring furanocoumarins (NOFs) including isoimperatorin, imperatorin, (+)-oxypeucedanin, (+)-byakangelicol, and (+)-byakangelicine on antigenotoxic activities against genotoxicity induced by carcinogens [furylfuramide and N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine], and procarcinogens 2-[2-(acetylamino)-4-amino-5-methoxyphenyl]-5-amino-7-bromo-4-chloro-2H-benzotriazole (PBTA-4) and 2-amino-3,4-dimethyl-3H-imidazo-[4,5-f] quinoline (MeIQ)] to genotoxic metabolites catalyzed by rat S9 or rat and human recombinant cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1As by using the umu test based on SOS response. Five different NOFs, which were found in the human diets, strongly inhibited the umuC induction by procarcinogens, but /were not/ affected by carcinogens. Notably, isoimperatorin and (+)-byakangelicol were found to be potent inhibitors on the metabolic activation of PBTA-4 and MeIQ to genotoxic metabolites catalyzed by rat and human CYP1A1, or rat and human CYP1A2, respectively. In addition, to elucidate the mechanism of their antigenotoxic effects against procarcinogens, the effects of NOFs on rat and human CYP1A1- or rat and human CYP1A2-related enzyme activities of 7-ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) were also investigated. Reduction of the EROD activities by some of the NOFs with IC(50) values of 0.23-20.64 uM was found to be due to strong inhibition of CYP1A1 and CYP1A2 dependent monooxygenases. Furthermore, the mechanism of inhibitions by NOFs on human CYP1A1 and CYP1A2 was analyzed by means of Dixon plots plus Cornish-Bowden plots. The kinetic studies of inhibition types revealed that these compounds inhibited the human CYP1A1 and CYP1A2 a variety of modes rather than by a uniform one. Moreover, experiments with a two-stage incubation indicated that NOFs, except for imperatorin, inhibited human CYP1A1 in a mechanism-based manner, but directly inhibited human CYP1A2. This data suggest that certain NOFs, to which humans are exposed in the diet, may be capable of affecting the metabolic activation of procarcinogens due to inhibitions of CYP1A1 and CYP1A2 enzymes.

Acute exposure to cholinesterase inhibitors can cause a cholinergic crisis characterized by severe nausea/vomiting, salivation, sweating, bradycardia, hypotension, collapse, and convulsions. Increasing muscle weakness is a possibility and may result in death if respiratory muscles are involved. Accumulation of ACh at motor nerves causes overstimulation of nicotinic expression at the neuromuscular junction. When this occurs symptoms such as muscle weakness, fatigue, muscle cramps, fasciculation, and paralysis can be seen. When there is an accumulation of ACh at autonomic ganglia this causes overstimulation of nicotinic expression in the sympathetic system. Symptoms associated with this are hypertension, and hypoglycemia. Overstimulation of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the central nervous system, due to accumulation of ACh, results in anxiety, headache, convulsions, ataxia, depression of respiration and circulation, tremor, general weakness, and potentially coma. When there is expression of muscarinic overstimulation due to excess acetylcholine at muscarinic acetylcholine receptors symptoms of visual disturbances, tightness in chest, wheezing due to bronchoconstriction, increased bronchial secretions, increased salivation, lacrimation, sweating, peristalsis, and urination can occur. Certain reproductive effects in fertility, growth, and development for males and females have been linked specifically to organophosphate pesticide exposure. Most of the research on reproductive effects has been conducted on farmers working with pesticides and insecticdes in rural areas. In females menstrual cycle disturbances, longer pregnancies, spontaneous abortions, stillbirths, and some developmental effects in offspring have been linked to organophosphate pesticide exposure. Prenatal exposure has been linked to impaired fetal growth and development. Neurotoxic effects have also been linked to poisoning with OP pesticides causing four neurotoxic effects in humans: cholinergic syndrome, intermediate syndrome, organophosphate-induced delayed polyneuropathy (OPIDP), and chronic organophosphate-induced neuropsychiatric disorder (COPIND). These syndromes result after acute and chronic exposure to OP pesticides. The furocoumarin 8-methoxypsoralen is carcinogenic to humans, and possibly 5-methoxypsoralen as well (L135). There is some evidence from mouse studies that other furocoumarins are carcinogenic when combined with exposure to UVA radiation (A15105). The SKLM regards the additional risk of skin cancer arising from the consumption of typical quantities of furocoumarin-containing foods, which remain significantly below the range of phototoxic doses, as insignificant. However, the consumption of phototoxic quantities cannot be ruled out for certain foods, particularly celery and parsnips, that may lead to significant increases in furocoumarin concentrations, depending on the storage, processing and production conditions. (L2157) Furocoumarin photochemotherapy is known to induce a number of side-effects including erythema, edema, hyperpigmentation, and premature aging of skin. All photobiological effects of furocoumarins result from their photochemical reactions. Because many dietary or water soluble furocoumarins are strong inhibitors of cytochrome P450s, they will also cause adverse drug reactions when taken with other drugs. Limited evidence of carcinogenic effect. (L579)

TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 4500(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that isoimperatorin is expected to have slight mobility in soil(SRC). Volatilization of isoimperatorin from moist soil surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process(SRC) given an estimated Henry's Law constant of 1.3X10-7 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), developed using a fragment constant estimation method(2). Isoimperatorin is not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon an estimated vapor pressure of 1.4X10-7 mm Hg at 25 °C(SRC), determined from a fragment constant method(2). Biodegradation data in soil were not available(SRC, 2018).

AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 4500(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that isoimperatorin is expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). Volatilization from water surfaces is not expected(3) based upon an estimated Henry's Law constant of 1.3X10-7 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), developed using a fragment constant estimation method(2). According to a classification scheme(4), an estimated BCF of 190(SRC), from an estimated log Kow of 3.94(2) and a regression-derived equation(2), suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is high(SRC). Biodegradation data in water were not available(SRC, 2018).

ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), isoimperatorin, which has an estimated vapor pressure of 1.4X10-7 mm Hg at 25 °C(SRC), determined from a fragment constant method(2), will exist in both the vapor and particulate phases in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase isoimperatorin is degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals(SRC); the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 2 hours(SRC), calculated from its rate constant of 2.0X10-10 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(SRC) that was derived using a structure estimation method(2). Particulate-phase isoimperatorin may be removed from the air by wet and dry deposition(SRC). Isoimperatorin has a light absorption peak at 310 nm(3) and, therefore, may be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight(SRC).

IDENTIFICATION AND USE: Isoimperatorin is a solid. Isoimperatorin was found in Chinese medicine tablets. It is used as laboratory chemical, manufacture of substances. HUMAN STUDIES: Coumarins from A. dahurica, including isoimperatorin markedly inhibited melatonin metabolism in vivo and in vitro. Isoimperatorin inactivated cytochromes P450 A2 and 2B6. ANIMAL STUDIES: Isoimperatorin was photoirritant when tested in mice. Isoimperatorin given to mice orally at 40 mg/kg altered serum activities of alanine transaminase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and/or levels of albumin, showing hepatotoxicity. Isoimperatorin inhibited proliferation of bovine cerebral microvascular endothelial cell stimulated by platelet-derived growth factor. Isoimperatoin was capable of inhibiting carcinogen activation by cytochrome P450 1B1. ECOTOXICITY STUDIES: Furocoumarins such as imperatorin and isoimperatorin accumulating in the older shoots of Pituranthos triradiatus acted as natural protectants against grazing. Only hyrax (Procavia capensis syriaca) that had eaten old branches and had been left in the sunlight developed photosensitization symptoms.

Isoimperatorin is a cholinesterase or acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitor. A cholinesterase inhibitor (or 'anticholinesterase') suppresses the action of acetylcholinesterase. Because of its essential function, chemicals that interfere with the action of acetylcholinesterase are potent neurotoxins, causing excessive salivation and eye-watering in low doses, followed by muscle spasms and ultimately death. Nerve gases and many substances used in insecticides have been shown to act by binding a serine in the active site of acetylcholine esterase, inhibiting the enzyme completely. Acetylcholine esterase breaks down the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which is released at nerve and muscle junctions, in order to allow the muscle or organ to relax. The result of acetylcholine esterase inhibition is that acetylcholine builds up and continues to act so that any nerve impulses are continually transmitted and muscle contractions do not stop. Among the most common acetylcholinesterase inhibitors are phosphorus-based compounds, which are designed to bind to the active site of the enzyme. The structural requirements are a phosphorus atom bearing two lipophilic groups, a leaving group (such as a halide or thiocyanate), and a terminal oxygen. The mechanism of action many furocoumarins is based on their ability to form photoadducts with DNA and other cellular components such as RNA, proteins, and several proteins found in the membrane such as phospholipases A2 and C, Ca-dependent and cAMPdependent protein-kinase and epidermal growth factor. Furocoumarins intercalate between base pairs of DNA and after ultraviolet-A irradiation, giving cycloadducts. (L579).

Bioassay guided fractionation of an antimycobacterial extract of Arracacia tolucensis var. multifida (Umbelliferae) led to the isolation of isoimperatorin (1), osthol (2), suberosin (3), 8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP) (4), herniarin (5), scoparone (6), umbelliferone (7), dihydroxypeucedanin (8), 5-methoxypsoralen (5-MOP) (9), isoscopoletin (10) and scopoletin (11).

Isoimperatorin occurs in various plants and plant parts(1).[Table#8608]

Symptoms of low dose exposure include excessive salivation and eye-watering. Acute dose symptoms include severe nausea/vomiting, salivation, sweating, bradycardia, hypotension, collapse, and convulsions. Increasing muscle weakness is a possibility and may result in death if respiratory muscles are involved. Hypertension, hypoglycemia, anxiety, headache, tremor and ataxia may also result.

Using a structure estimation method based on molecular connectivity indices(1), the Koc of isoimperatorin can be estimated to be 4500(SRC). According to a classification scheme(2), this estimated Koc value suggests that isoimperatorin is expected to have slight mobility in soil.

/HUMAN EXPOSURE STUDIES/ BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Herbs which are widely used as food and medicine, are involved in many physiopathological processes. Melatonin is a human hormone, synthesized and secreted by the pineal gland, with a range of biological functions. Here, we have evaluated the potential influences of components extracted from common herbs on melatonin metabolism in humans. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: An in vivo pharmacokinetic study involving 12 healthy subjects, in vitro incubations with human liver microsomes (HLMs) and recombinant human cytochrome P (CYP) isoenzymes and an in silico quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) model analysis using comparative molecular field analysis and comparative molecular similarity indices analysis methods were employed to explore these interactions. KEY RESULTS: After systematic screening of 66 common herbs, Angelica dahurica exhibited the most potent inhibition of melatonin metabolism in vitro. The in vivo pharmacokinetic study indicated inhibition of melatonin metabolism, with approximately 12- and 4-fold increases in the AUC and Cmax of melatonin in human subjects. Coumarins from A. dahurica, including imperatorin, isoimperatorin, phellopterin, 5-methoxypsoralen and 8-methoxypsoralen, markedly inhibited melatonin metabolism with Ki values of 14.5 nM, 38.8 nM, 6.34 nM, 5.34 nM and 18 nM respectively, through inhibition of CYP 1A2, 1A1 and 1B1 in HLMs. A QSAR model was established and satisfactorily predicted the potential risk of coumarins for inhibition of melatonin metabolism in vivo. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS: Coumarins from A. dahurica inhibited melatonin metabolism in vivo and in vitro. Our findings provide vital guidance for the clinical use of melatonin.

/ALTERNATIVE and IN VITRO TESTS/ Notopterygium forbesii Boiss (NF) has been used as a traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of common cold and rheumatism. However, there has been limited research on the biological properties of NF, and the mechanisms of action remain unknown. Here, we aimed to study the mechanism of NF-induced heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in human fetal hepatocytes (HFHs) and to identify the constituents responsible. Exposure of HFHs to NF causes oxidative stress with the accumulation of reactive species, which in turn leads to the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK and nuclear accumulation of Nrf2 transcription factor, and eventually increased levels of HO-1 mRNA and protein. The increases in reactive species and HO-1 protein are inhibited by agonists of glucocorticoid receptors (GR), such as RU28362, prednisolone, and dexamethasone, as well as by N-acetyl-L-cysteine and SB203580 (a p38 inhibitor), suggesting a role of GR in NF-induced increases in reactive species and HO-1. Assay-guided fractionation of NF led to three active compounds, phenethyl ferulate, bergaptol, and isoimperatorin, that were found to increase oxidative stress and HO-1 protein levels in HFHs. The induction of HO-1 protein in response to moderate oxidative stress may explain some of the beneficial pharmacological effects of NF.

Not listed by IARC. IARC has assessed other furocoumarins, classifying 8-methoxypsoralen as carcinogenic to humans (Group 1), 5-methoxypsoralen as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2A), and certain other furocoumarins as not being classifiable as to their carcinogenicity to humans (Group 3). (L135)