Tropical Journal of Pharmaceutical Research

Original Research Article | OPEN ACCESS

Characterization and identification of in vitro metabolites of (-)-epicatechin using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry

Rui Jun Cai, Xiao Ling Yin , Jing Liu, Da Xu Qin, Gui Zhen Zhao

Department of Pharmacy, The Peopleâ€™s Hospital of Jiuquan, Jiuquan, GanSu 735000A292;China;

For correspondence:- Xiao Yin Email: 496014540@qq.com Tel:+869376982217

Accepted: 27 November 2017 Published: 29 December 2017

Citation: Cai RJ, Yin XL, Liu J, Qin DX, Zhao GZ. Characterization and identification of in vitro metabolites of (-)-epicatechin using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Trop J Pharm Res 2017; 16(12):2985-2990 doi: 10.4314/tjpr.v16i12.24

© 2017 The authors.
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Abstract

Purpose: To characterize and identify metabolites of (-)-epicatechin in microsomal fraction of rat hepatocytes (MFRHs).

Methods: A single incubation of (-)-epicatechin (1 mL, 50 µg/mL) in MFRH (0.5 mg/mL) was used for the generation of metabolites. Thereafter, the sample was subjected to protein precipitation prior to analysis with ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled to linear ion-trap orbitrap mass spectrometry (UHPLC-LTQ-Orbitap MS).

Results: Nine metabolites of (-)-epicatechin were characterized on the basis of high resolution mass measurement, MS spectra and literature data. Based on their structures, the major metabolic routes of (-)-epicatechin in MFRHs were identified as hydroxylation, dihydroxylation and glycosylation.

Conclusion: This is the first report on metabolites of (-)-epicatechin in MFRHs, and it is helpful in gaining deeper insight into the metabolism of (-)-epicatechin in vivo. The results will also provide guidance in research on the pharmacokinetics of new drugs

Keywords: (-)-Epicatechin, Metabolites, Hydroxylation, Dihydroxylation, Glycosylation, Rat liver microsomes, Pharmacokinetic studies