Biotransformation reactions reductive

Biotransformation reactions can be classified as phase 1 and phase 11. In phase 1 reactions, dmgs are converted to product by processes of functionalization, including oxidation, reduction, dealkylation, and hydrolysis. Phase 11 or synthetic reactions involve coupling the dmg or its polar metaboHte to endogenous substrates and include methylation, acetylation, and glucuronidation (Table 1). 

Smith and Rosazza have suggested that microbial transformation experiments could best be carried out by using a series of perhaps 10 metabolitically prodigious microorganisms as microbial models. Microorganisms for such work may be selected on the basis of considerable literature precedence for their abilities to catalyze the desired biotransformation reaction (i.e., O-dealkylation, N-dealkylation, aromatic hydroxylation, and reductions). The alkaloid substrate... 

The superfamily of P450 cytochrome enzymes is one of the most sophisticated catalysts of drug biotransformation reactions. It represents up to 25% of the total microsomal proteins, and over 50 cytochromes P450 are expressed by human beings. Cytochromes P450 catalyze a ivide variety of oxidative and reductive reactions, and react with chemically diverse substrates. Despite the large amount of information on the functional role of these enzymes combined with the knowledge of their three-dimensional structure, elucidation of cytochrome inhibition, induction, isoform selectivity, rate and position of metabolism all still remain incomplete [6]. 

TNT is readily absorbed through skin, especially when skin is moist. It is excreted in urine more than in feces some is found in bile. The major biotransformation reaction is nitroreduction and, to a lesser extent, oxidation. The main metabolite formed by nitroreduction seems to be 4-amino-2,6-dinitrotoluene (4-ADNT). Other metabolites include 2-amino-4,6-dinitrotoluene (2-ADNT), 2,4-diamino-6-nitrotoluene, and 2,6-diamino-4-nitrotoluene. The metabolites are excreted in the urine as glucuronide conjugates and in the free form. Ring oxidation products of TNT such as trinitrobenzylalcohol, trinitrobenzoic acid, and simultaneous oxidation and reduction metabolites such as 2,6-dinitro-4-amino-benzylalcohol and 2,6-dinitro-4-amino-m-cresol are of less importance. Untransformed TNT is also excreted in the urine. ADNT and TNT concentrations were found in workers in explosives factories. 4-ADNT excretion was reported to be complete within 3M days after exposure. However, another study reported detectable urine concentration of ADNT in explosives workers even after 17 days away from the workplace. 

A number of biotransformation reactions in which reduction of the nitro group occurs have already been noted, but two examples are given in which the nitro group is retained. 

It is of great importance to know the biological degradability of pesticides [86], as studied, for instance, in the biotransformation reactions of pentachlorobenzene-based fungicides. In another study [87], the biotransformation reactions of pentachloronitrobenzene with hexachlorobenzene are compared. The mechanism of reduction denitrification is discussed by the same authors elsewhere [88]. Similar studies are presented in the papers [89, 90]. 

Benzoylformate decarboxylase from Pseudomonas and Acinetobacter species, also an a-keto acid decarboxylase, has higher substrate specificity than pyruvate decarboxylase. Cells of these species grown in media inducing the mandelate pathway enzymes can convert benzoylformate and acetaldehyde to optically active 2-hydroxypropiophenone. Benzaldehyde is produced in this biotransformation reaction, as it is the normal product of benzoylformate decarboxylase. Some benzyl alcohol is also produced, in this case probably by reduction of benzaldehyde by cell oxidoreductases. In the case of P. putida the (S) enantiomer form of 2-hydrox) ropiophenone was produced, with an e.e. of 91-92%. The same product produced by A. calcoaceticus had an e.e. of 98%. An optimal volumetric production of 2-hydroxypropiophenone of 6.95 g per L per h was reported. 

The numerous biotransformations catalyzed by cytochrome P450 enzymes include aromatic and aliphatic hydroxylations, epoxidations of olefinic and aromatic structures, oxidations and oxidative dealkylations of heteroatoms and as well as some reductive reactions. Cytochromes P450 of higher animals may be classified into two broad categories depending on whether their substrates are primarily endogenous or xenobiotic substances. Thus, CYP enzymes of families 1-3 catalyze... 

In some cases enzymes can increase the rate of reaction by up to lO times. Carnell and Roberts (1997) have briefly discussed the scope of biotransformations that are used to make pharmaceuticals like penicillins, cephalosporines, erythromycin, lovastatin, cyclosporin, etc., and for food additives like citric acid, L-glutamate, and L-lysine. A very successful transformation by Zeneca has been that of benzene reduction, with Pseudomonase Putida, to dihydrocatechol and catechol the dihydro derivative is used to produce (+/-) pinitol. Fluorobenzene has been converted to fluorodihydrocatechol, an intermediate for pharmaceuticals. The highly stereo selective Bayer-Villeger reaction has been carried out with genetically engineered S-cerevisvae. Hydrolases have allowed enantioselective, and in some cases regioselective, hydrolysis of racemic esters. 

Despite the diverse range of documented enzyme-catalyzed reactions, there are only certain types of transformations that have thus far emerged as synthetically useful. These reactions are the hydrolysis of esters, reduction/oxidation reactions, and the formation of carbon-carbon bonds. The first part of this chapter gives a brief overview by describing some examples of various biotransformations that can easily be handled and accessed by synthetic organic chemists. These processes are now attracting more and more attention from nonspecialists of enzymes. 

Biotransformations of morphinan alkaloids have been reported for plant, fungal, and mammalian enzymatic systems with emphasis on rather specific reactions such as the reduction of ketones, N- and O-demethylation, and perox-idative transformations. Furuya et al. used immobilized tissue culture cells of Papaver somniferum to accomplish the selective reduction of codeinone (135) to codeine (136) (207) (Scheme 30). Suspension cultures of a well-established cell line of P. somniferum were grown for one week as a source of cell mass for immobilization in calcium alginate. The cells continued to live in the alginate matrix for 6 months maintaining their biological activity. The reduction of co-... 

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