Stereoselective differences in the cytochrome P450-dependent dealkylation and demethylenation of N-methyl-benzodioxolyl-butanamine (MBDB, Eden) enantiomers.

Cytochrome P450 isozymes responsible for metabolizing the designer drug MBDB (Eden) were identified for the first time. The main metabolites produced are DHMBB and BDB. Dealkylation is primarily catalyzed by CYP2B6 and CYP2C19, while demethylenation also involves CYP1A2, CYP2D6, and CYP3A4. After in vitro-in vivo correlation, CYP2D6 is the most abundant isozyme for total MBDB metabolism, and CYP2C19 is the most enantioselective, metabolizing the S-enantiomer at a higher rate at low substrate concentrations. Inhibition studies with quinidine confirmed CYP2D6's dominant role. These findings align with results for similar amphetamines.

Study at a glance

Abstract

In the present study, cytochrome P450 isozymes (P450) involved in the stereoselective metabolism of the designer drug N-methyl-benzodioxolyl-butanamine (MBDB, Eden) were identified for the first time. Demethylenation and N-demethylation of racemic MBDB as well as its single enantiomers were investigated using cDNA-expressed insect cell microsomes. After incubation of MBDB, the two resulting main metabolites 1,2-dihydroxy-4-[2-(methylamino)butyl]benzene (DHMBB) and benzodioxolyl-butanamine (BDB) were separated and quantified by achiral gas chromatography-mass spectrometry after chiral derivatization with S-heptafluorobutyrylprolyl chloride. Dealkylation was mainly catalyzed by CYP2B6 and CYP2C19, demethylenation was additionally catalyzed by CYP1A2, CYP2D6, and CYP3A4. The most abundant isozymes after in vitro-in vivo correlation using the relative activity factor approach are CYP2B6 for N-dealkylation and CYP2D6 for demethylenation the second step being the most relevant. In addition, inhibition studies towards MBDB biotransformation using the CYP2D6 selective inhibitor quinidine confirmed the dominant role of this polymorphic isozyme in total MBDB metabolism. In general, at low substrate concentrations the S-enantiomer is metabolized at a higher rate foremost by CYP2C19. These findings are in line with results previously reported for the corresponding ring substituted amphetamines 3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine and 3,4-methylenedioxy-ethylamphetamine. In conclusion, the main enzyme responsible for MBDB metabolism after in vitro-in vivo correlation is CYP2D6, whereas CYP2C19 is the most enantioselective.