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One-Pot Synthesis of NEMP, a VX Surrogate, and Reactivation of NEMP-Inhibited Electrophorus Eel Acetylcholinesterase by Current Antidotes

Abstract

The use of nerve agents, organophosphorus compounds which irreversibly inhibit acetylcholinesterase, in conflicts and terrorism has gained renewed geopolitical status in recent years. As no “universal antidote” has ever been produced, the development of antidotes to reactivate enzyme is clearly warranted. Given the fact that nerve agents are restricted substances, the use of surrogates allows non-qualified laboratories to develop research on novel antidotes. We herein present an alternative and efficient synthesis of NEMP, O-(4-nitrophenyl) O-ethyl methylphosphonate, a venomous agent X (VX) surrogate, and Ellman’s test procedures for inhibition and reactivation of Electrophorus eel acetylcholinesterase involving the NEMP-generated adduct.

Keywords:
nerve agents’ surrogates; VX; Ellman’s test; acetylcholinesterase; drug screening


Introduction

The period between the Great Wars and later on, during the Cold War, experienced the development of a series of organophosphorus compounds initially designed as pesticides. Due to their high toxicity, they soon were deemed as weaponizable compounds.11 https://www.opcw.org/about-us/history, accessed in December 2018.
https://www.opcw.org/about-us/history...

2 http://www.sciencediplomacy.org/perspective/2015/intersection-science-and-chemical-disarmament, accessed in April 2018.
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-33 Delfino, R. T.; Ribeiro, T. S.; Figueroa-Villar, J. D.; J. Braz. Chem. Soc. 2009, 20, 407.

These compounds are under strict control by international agreements, being the most important the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), which entered into force in 1997, and deals with controls and obligations related to the unlawful use of toxic chemicals, amid other issues. CWC has led to the creation of Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), a multilateral, international watchdog, overseeing CWC implementation. Among these toxic chemicals are potent acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors, classified as nerve agents. In the Article II of CWC, toxic chemicals are referred to as “any chemical which through its chemical action on life processes can cause death, temporary incapacitation or permanent harm to humans or animals. The related restrictions apply to such chemicals, regardless of their origin or of their method of production, and regardless of whether they are produced in facilities, in munitions or elsewhere”.11 https://www.opcw.org/about-us/history, accessed in December 2018.
https://www.opcw.org/about-us/history...
,44 https://www.opcw.org/chemical-weapons-convention, accessed in December 2018.
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The Annex on Chemicals of CWC classifies compounds that have “been developed, produced, stockpiled or used as a chemical weapon”, but CWC allows certified laboratories to produce small, declarable amounts of weaponizable substances for research purposes. CWC lists in its Schedule 1 on the Annex on Chemicals compounds with little or no peaceful uses.11 https://www.opcw.org/about-us/history, accessed in December 2018.
https://www.opcw.org/about-us/history...
,44 https://www.opcw.org/chemical-weapons-convention, accessed in December 2018.
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Examples of such compounds are depicted in Figure 1. Sarin (1), soman (2), cyclosarin (3), tabun (4) and V-agents (venomous agent X, VX, 5; Russian-VX or VR, 6) are representative examples.44 https://www.opcw.org/chemical-weapons-convention, accessed in December 2018.
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Recently, Novichok agents (A-232, 7), which are also potent AChE inhibitors, have been confirmed. They pose a high risk, as they have been created to circumvent CWC, and their toxicity is predicted to be much higher than VX.55 https://www.opcw.org/fileadmin/OPCW/S_series/2018/en/s-1621-2018_e_.pdf, accessed in August 2018.
https://www.opcw.org/fileadmin/OPCW/S_se...

Figure 1
Structures of representative nerve agents.

The historic and recent use of these compounds in different conflicts and assassination attempts have attracted attention of governments, multilateral organizations and the public.66 https://www.opcw.org/news/article/statement-from-opcw-spokesperson-in-response-to-media-queries-regarding-alleged-use-of-nerve-agent-vx-in-malaysia/, accessed in February 2018.
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7 https://sputniknews.com/asia/201703031051219306-opcw-kim-jong-nam-probe/, accessed in February 2018.
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8 http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/malaysia-to-fully-cooperate-with-opcw-on-vx-probe-ministry/3564532.html, accessed in February 2018.
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Different research groups have set forth efforts on the development of novel antidotes, as there is no “universal antidote” to reactivate inhibited AChE (EC 3.1.1.7),1111 Quinn, D. M.; Chem. Rev. 1998, 87, 955.

12 Taylor, P.; J. Biol. Chem. 1991, 266, 425.

13 Kumar, A.; Singh, A.; Ekavali; Pharmacol. Rep. 2015, 67, 195.

14 Gorecki, L.; Korabecny, J.; Musilek, K.; Malinak, D.; Nepovimova, E.; Dolezal, R.; Jun, D.; Soukup, O.; Kuča, K.; Arch. Toxicol. 2016, 90, 2831.

15 Taylor, P.; Radić, Z.; Annu. Rev. Pharmacol. Toxicol. 1994, 34, 281.

16 Soreq, H.; Seidman, S.; Nat. Rev. Neurosci. 2001, 2, 294.
-1717 Silman, I.; Sussman, S. L.; Curr. Opin. Pharmacol. 2005, 5, 293. a serine-estearase enzyme (8), biological target of nerve agents. This enzyme is responsible for the breakdown of acetylcholine (9), the neurotransmitter in the parasympathetic neurotransmission (Scheme 1), into acetate (10) and choline (11). Scheme 2 depicts the formation of sarin-AChE adduct (12), responsible for the loss of enzymatic function. Broad AChE inhibition may lead to SLUDGEM syndrome (salivation, lacrimation, urination, defecation, gastrointestinal disturbs, emesis, miosis and muscle spasms), which can be fatal. This is triggered by overstimulation of cholinergic innervations, owing to acetylcholine accumulation in the synaptic cleft.

Scheme 1
Breakdown of acetylcholine by AChE.

Scheme 2
Inhibition of acetylcholine by sarin.

The therapeutic approach to reactivating AChE resorts to the use of compounds which are able to form nucleophilic oxygen at physiological conditions. In addition, such active molecules usually bear a cationic nitrogen atom in order to mimic the choline moiety, which improves reactivation due to additional interactions with other enzymatic sites besides the catalytic one.1818 Hörnberg, A.; Tunemalm, A. K.; Ekström, F.; Biochemistry 2007, 46, 4815.

19 Bartling, A.; Worek, F.; Szinicz, L.; Thiermann, H.; Toxicology 2007, 233, 166.

20 Nicolet, Y.; Lockridge, O.; Masson, P.; Fontecilla-Camps, J. C.; Nachon, F.; J. Biol. Chem. 2003, 278, 41141.

21 Bencsura, A.; Enyedy, I. Y.; Kovach, I. M.; J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1996, 118, 8531.

22 Lushington, G. H.; Guo, J. X.; Hurley, M. M.; Curr. Top. Med. Chem. 2006, 6, 57.

23 Sussman, J. L.; Harel, M.; Silman, I.; Chem.- Biol. Interact. 1993, 87, 187.

24 Tougu, V.; Curr. Med. Chem. 2001, 1, 155.

25 Pohanka, M.; Biomed. Pap. Med. Fac. Palacky Univ. Olomouc 2011, 155, 219.

26 Silman, I.; Sussman, J. L.; Chem.-Biol. Interact. 2008, 175, 3.
-2727 Millard, C. B.; Kryger, G.; Ordentlich, A.; Greenblatt, H. M.; Harel, M.; Raves, M. L.; Segall, Y.; Barak, D.; Shafferman, A.; Silman, I.; Sussman, J. L.; Biochemistry 1999, 38, 7032. Pyridinium oximes are the only motif which has matched these factors.2828 Milatovic, D.; Jokanovic, M. In Elsevier Handbook of Toxicology of Chemical Warfare Agents; Gupta, R. C., ed.; Elsevier: New York, USA, 2009, ch. 65, p. 965.

29 Kuča, K.; Mušilek, K.; Jun, D.; Bajgar, J.; Kassa, J. In Elsevier Handbook of Toxicology of Chemical Warfare Agents; Gupta, R. C. , ed.; Elsevier: New York, USA , 2009, ch. 66, p. 997.
-3030 Worek, F.; Wille, T.; Koller, M.; Thiermann, H.; Chem.-Biol. Interact. 2013, 203, 125. Figure 2 exemplifies relevant oximes: pralidoxime (2-PAM, 13), obidoxime (OBD, 14), trimedoxime (TMB, 15), K027 (16), asoxime (HI-6, 17) and HLö-7 (18).

Figure 2
Some clinically available antidotes (X may be chloride, bromide, iodide or methanesulfonate).

Scheme 3 shows how the oximate (19) generated in vivo from pralidoxime (13) reacts with phosphonylated enzyme (12), removing the phosphorus moiety from the serine residue. This reaction yields a phosphonyloxime (20), a detoxification product, and the reactivated enzyme (8).3131 Hobbiger, F.; Pitman, M.; Sadler, P. W.; Biochem. J. 1960, 75, 363.

32 Hagedorn, I.; Stark, I.; Lorenz. H. P.; Angew. Chem., Int. Ed. Engl. 1972, 11, 307.

33 Cannard, K.; J. Neurol. Sci. 2006, 249, 86.

34 Kuča, K.; Jun, D.; Mušilek, K.; Mini-Rev. Med. Chem. 2006, 6, 269.

35 Eddleston, M.; Buckley, N. A.; Eyer, P.; Dawson, A. H.; Lancet 2008, 371, 597.
-3636 Mercey, G.; Verdelet, T.; Renou, J.; Kliachyna, M.; Baati, R.; Nachon, F.; Jean, L.; Renard, P. Y.; Acc. Chem. Res. 2012, 45, 756.

Scheme 3
Reactivation of sarin-inhibited AChE by pralidoxime.

Nonetheless, non-certified research facilities may face difficulties in developing novel antidotes given the impossibility of use of authentic nerve agents, as these do not comply with requirements to work with these chemicals. In accordance to CWC,44 https://www.opcw.org/chemical-weapons-convention, accessed in December 2018.
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facilities that produce Schedule 1 chemicals must declare their activities and may be subject of inspection twice a year. To overcome this limitation, surrogates may be valuable, as they are less toxic and volatile than the actual nerve agents, but yield the same enzyme adduct and whose use is not prohibited according to CWC.44 https://www.opcw.org/chemical-weapons-convention, accessed in December 2018.
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For VX, O-(4-nitrophenyl) O-ethyl methylphosphonate (NEMP, 21, Figure 3) is a known surrogate, which has been synthesized by a different approach.3737 Meek, E. C.; Chambers, H. W.; Coban, A.; Funck, K. E.; Pringle, R. B.; Ross, M. K.; Chambers, J. E.; Toxicol. Sci. 2012, 126, 525. In accordance to CWC Annex on Chemicals,44 https://www.opcw.org/chemical-weapons-convention, accessed in December 2018.
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it is classified as Schedule 2.B.04 chemical.

Figure 3
O-(4-Nitrophenyl) O-ethyl methylphosphonate (NEMP).

Recently, we reported the synthesis of NEMP starting from triethyl phosphite, in a two-step procedure.3838 Cavalcante, S. F. A.; de Paula, R. L.; Kitagawa, D. A. S.; Barcellos, M. C.; Simas, A. B. C.; Granjeiro, J. M.; J. Phys.: Conf. Ser. 2018, 975, 012020. We herein present a one-pot synthesis of this VX surrogate from O, O-diethyl methylphosphonate, which does not require purification steps as it yields NEMP in the required purity for toxicological and biochemical assessments. We have also undertaken Ellman’s tests for characterization of inhibition of commercially available Electrophorus eel AChE (EeAChE) by herein synthesized NEMP and for enzyme reactivation by known antidotes. Ellman’s test3939 Ellman, G. L.; Arch. Biochem. Biophys. 1959, 82, 70.,4040 Ellman, G. L.; Courtney, K. D.; Andres Jr., V.; Featherstone, R. M.; Biochem. Pharmacol. 1961, 7, 88. is a spectrophotometry-based assay to measure thiol groups in different matrices, useful for evaluation of molecules that can interact with AChE.4141 Worek, F.; Eyer, P.; Thiermann, H.; Drug Test. Anal. 2012, 4, 282.

42 Pohanka, M.; Jun, D.; Kuča, K.; Talanta 2008, 77, 451.

43 Pohanka, M.; Drtinova, L.; Talanta 2013, 106, 281.

44 Jarvinen, P. P.; Fallarero, A.; Gupta, S.; Mohan, G. C.; Hatakka, A. I.; Vuorela, P. M.; Comb. Chem. High Throughput Screening 2010, 13, 278.

45 Pohanka, M.; Hrabinova, M.; Kuča, K.; Simonato, J. P.; Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2011, 12, 2631.

46 Pohanka, M.; Jun, D.; Kuča, K.; J. Enzyme Inhib. Med. Chem. 2008, 23, 781.
-4747 Järvinen, P. P.; Vuorela, P.; Hatakka, A.; Fallarero, A.; Anal. Biochem. 2011, 408, 166.

Experimental

Materials and reagents

Oxalyl chloride was purchased from TCI America Brazil (São Paulo, Brazil). Acetylthiocholine iodide, 5,5’-dithiobis-(2-nitrobenzoic) acid (DTNB), lyophilized acetylcholinesterase from Electrophorus eel (EeAChE, 1000 U per mg protein, type V-S, C2888), 2-PAM, N, N-dimethylformamide (DMF, dry, oxygen-free sealed bottle), dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO, biological grade, dry, oxygen-free sealed bottle), triethylamine (dry, oxygen-free sealed bottle), diethyl methylphosphonate, dichloromethane (dried over 4 Å molecular sieves before use), toluene (dried over 4 Å molecular sieves before use), sodium hydroxide (pellets), anhydrous sodium sulfate, sodium phosphate monobasic hydrate and sodium phosphate dibasic dihydrate were purchased from Sigma-Aldrich (São Paulo, Brazil). Absolute ethanol was purchased from Tedia (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil). Hydrochloric acid was purchased from Vetec (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil). Deuterated solvents (CDCl3 and DMSO-d6) containing tetramethylsilane as internal standard were purchased from Cambridge Isotopes Laboratories (Tewksbury, Massachusetts, USA). Obidoxime dichloride (OBD, 14) and trimedoxime dibromide (TMB, 15) were synthesized in accordance to literature4848 Kuča, K.; Cabal, J.; Patocka, J.; Kassa, J.; Lett. Org. Chem. 2004, 1, 84.,4949 Musílek, K.; Lipka, L.; Račáková, V.; Kuča, K.; Jun, D.; Dohnal, V.; Doležal, M.; Chem. Pap. 2006, 60, 48. and their physical data were compatible. Purified water was obtained from Millipore Milli-Q system (18.2 MΩ cm at 25 ºC, Millipore Brazil, São Paulo, Brazil). Biotage Initiator 8 (Charlotte, North Carolina, USA) was used for synthesis of all oximes. Sealed tubes (Q-Tube) were purchased from Q-Labtech (East Lyme, Connecticut, USA). TLC (thin layer chromatography) aluminum plates coated with silica gel F254 were purchased from Merck Brazil (São Paulo, Brazil). Camag TLC-MS (thin layer chromatography-mass spectrometry) interface was used to follow up reactions (AuTeC, São Paulo, Brazil). Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra was obtained from Varian Unity 400 MHz (Palo Alto, California, USA) and Bruker Avance 400 MHz (Billerica, Massachusetts, USA) and referred to tetramethylsilane for 1H and 13C NMR spectra and to phosphoric acid for 31P NMR. GC-MS (gas chromatography-mass spectrometry) data were obtained from Agilent 6890 GC system (Santa Clara, California, USA) equipped with 5975C mass spectrometer detector. LC-MS (liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry) data were obtained from Agilent 1210 LC system (Santa Clara, California, USA) equipped with 6410B triple quadrupole mass spectrometer detector. Kasvi 96-wells microplates were purchased from Kasvi Brasil (São José dos Pinhais, PR, Brazil); Gilson single channel pipettes, from Gilson Inc. (Middleton, Wisconsin, USA) and Eppendorf 8-channel pipettes, from Eppendorf Brasil (São Paulo, Brazil). Ellman’s tests were performed in triplicate, in three different assays, by at least three different operators, measured at 24 ± 2 ºC. All disposable materials and glassware in contact with organophosphorus compounds were decontaminated with aqueous solution containing 10% m/v NaOH and 10% m/v NaClO for 48 h at room temperature before correct destination and cleaning. Estimations of pKa and logP for clinical antidotes were obtained from ChemAxon Online Suite. Solubility and partition coefficient KOW (octanol/water) estimations were obtained from USEPA EPI Suite 4.1. Agilent Chemstation E.02.02.1431 was used for area integration of GC data for purity calculations.

Preparation of stock and test solutions5050 Cavalcante, S. F. A.; Kitagawa, D. A. S.; Rodrigues, R. B.; Cardozo, M.; de Paula, R. L.; Correa, A. B. A.; Simas, A. B. C.; Quim. Nova 2018, 41, 1192.

Phosphate buffer solution (PBS) at 0.12 mol L-1, pH 7.60 ± 0.10, was prepared with 16.46 g of Na2HPO4.2H2O and 3.71 g of NaH2PO4.H2O in 1 L of purified water. pH adjustment was done with aqueous HCl or NaOH at 1 mol L-1. DTNB was diluted at 0.4 mg mL-1 in PBS and acetylthiocholine iodide, at 1 mmol L-1 in PBS. Stock solutions of standard antidotes 2-PAM (13), OBD (14) and TMB (15) were prepared in DMSO at 10 mmol L-1 and diluted in PBS to achieve 900 µmol L-1 prior to use (100 µmol L-1 in wells after all dilutions) to avoid precipitation and vortexed before use. NEMP test solution was freshly prepared in absolute ethanol at 20 µmol L-1 (1 µmol L-1 in wells after all dilutions). EeAChE stock solution was prepared at 125 U mL-1 in PBS (0.75 U mL-1 in each well after all dilutions) and stabilized with 1% bovine serum albumin (BSA). All solutions were stored at 0 ºC prior to use, except for the enzyme solution, which was stored at –20 ºC. This stabilized stored solution can be used, at least, for six months.

Data analysis

Data are expressed as mean ± standard deviation (SD) from three different measurements obtained from three different assays. Microsoft Excel® 2007 was used for all calculations.

One-pot synthesis of NEMP

In a round-bottomed reaction flask (dried in oven at 120 ºC for 20 min and cooled down under N2 flow) equipped with N2 flow (balloon), 1.0 equiv. of diethyl methylphosphonate (100 mg) and five drops of DMF were added. This mixture was cooled at 10 ºC and oxalyl chloride (84.6 µL, 1.5 equiv.) was added slowly, with the temperature kept under 40 ºC. Then, the solventless reaction mixture was heated at 50 ºC for 2.5 h and, then, was cooled down to room temperature. The reaction was followed up by GC-MS (artifacts as pyrophosphates may be seen) or 31P NMR (best option). After consumption of the phosphonate, excess of oxalyl chloride was carefully evaporated and a solution of dry triethylamine (183 µL, 2.0 equiv.) in toluene (2 mL) and a solution of 4-nitrophenol (183 mg, 2.0 equiv.) in toluene (5 mL) were sequentially added. This mixture was stirred at room temperature for 2 h and, then, diluted with 20 mL of ethyl acetate and carefully washed with 20 mL of 2% aqueous sodium bicarbonate. The organic layer was separated, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and filtered under mild vacuum (washing with 20 mL of ethyl acetate). Finally, careful evaporation yields crude NEMP as a yellow oil. As it is a potential AChE inhibitor, it must be manipulated with precaution. Therefore, it was not purified to avoid increasing toxicity risks.3737 Meek, E. C.; Chambers, H. W.; Coban, A.; Funck, K. E.; Pringle, R. B.; Ross, M. K.; Chambers, J. E.; Toxicol. Sci. 2012, 126, 525.

Ellman’s test procedures5050 Cavalcante, S. F. A.; Kitagawa, D. A. S.; Rodrigues, R. B.; Cardozo, M.; de Paula, R. L.; Correa, A. B. A.; Simas, A. B. C.; Quim. Nova 2018, 41, 1192.

Ellman’s test procedure for inhibition of EeAChE by NEMP

The instrument temperature was set and the absorbance of empty microplate determined. In a clean, 10 mL glass vial, EeAChE (120 µL, 125 U mL-1) was dissolved in 6880 µL PBS (enough for 96 wells). Then, the enzyme solution (70 µL, 2.14 U mL-1), DTNB (80 µL, 0.4 mg mL-1), NEMP solution (1 µmol L-1, 10 µL, for positive control, Li (absorbance with inhibitor)) or solvent (10 µL, employed in the inhibitor solution, for negative control, L0 (absorbance without inhibitor)) and PBS (20 µL) were pipetted to each well. After 10 min of incubation, the acetylthiocholine iodide solution (20 µL) was added and the absorbance at 412 nm was read at 10, 20 and 30 min to calculate enzyme inhibition.

Ellman’s test procedure for reactivation of EeAChE inhibited by NEMP5050 Cavalcante, S. F. A.; Kitagawa, D. A. S.; Rodrigues, R. B.; Cardozo, M.; de Paula, R. L.; Correa, A. B. A.; Simas, A. B. C.; Quim. Nova 2018, 41, 1192.

Under the same experimental conditions, to each well, the enzyme solution (70 µL, 2.14 U mL-1), DTNB (80 µL, 0.4 mg mL-1), NEMP solution (10 µL, for positive control, absorbance Li) or inhibitor solvent (10 µL, for negative control, absorbance L0) were pipetted, followed by incubation for 10 min. Then, the antidote standard solution (2-PAM (9) or OBD (10) or TMB (11), 20 µL) was added, followed by incubation for 10 min. At last, the acetylthiocholine iodide solution (20 µL) was added and the absorbance at 412 nm was read after 10 min to determine the enzyme reactivation.

Results and Discussion

One-pot synthesis of NEMP

The synthetic procedure for NEMP is depicted in Scheme 4. In contrast to the literature procedure,3737 Meek, E. C.; Chambers, H. W.; Coban, A.; Funck, K. E.; Pringle, R. B.; Ross, M. K.; Chambers, J. E.; Toxicol. Sci. 2012, 126, 525. we employed O, O-diethyl methylphosphonate (22) as a starting material to yield O-ethylmethylphosphonochloridate (23, Scheme 4), which is less reactive than methylphosphonyl dichloride, the precursor previously used in the literature. As we also employed oxalyl chloride, a mild chlorinating agent, a cleaner reaction and a product of higher purity resulted. Besides, no solvent was used in the chlorination step. This methodology, starting from O, O-dialkyl alkylphosphonates, may also be applicable to the synthesis of other surrogates.

Scheme 4
One-pot synthesis of NEMP via methylphosphonochloridate (23): (i) oxalyl chloride (1.5 equiv.), DMF (catalytic), 50 °C, 2.5 h; (ii) 4-nitrophenol (2 equiv.), triethylamine (2 equiv.), toluene, 2 h, rt.

Monochlorination of O, O-diethyl methylphosphonate (22) with oxalyl chloride and DMF (nucleophilic catalyst), in a solventless medium, under mild conditions, afforded O-ethyl methylphosphonochloridate (23, not isolated). After removal of excess of the chlorinating agent by careful evaporation, this intermediate reacted with 4-nitrophenol and triethylamine in toluene, a less toxic solvent, instead of benzene, employed in previous reports.3737 Meek, E. C.; Chambers, H. W.; Coban, A.; Funck, K. E.; Pringle, R. B.; Ross, M. K.; Chambers, J. E.; Toxicol. Sci. 2012, 126, 525. The produced crude NEMP displayed a higher purity compared to the previously described procedure, being the major impurity 4-nitrophenol (by GC-MS and 1H NMR analyses), similarly to the literature method.3737 Meek, E. C.; Chambers, H. W.; Coban, A.; Funck, K. E.; Pringle, R. B.; Ross, M. K.; Chambers, J. E.; Toxicol. Sci. 2012, 126, 525. Nevertheless, we reckon that the use of a less reactive starting material, mild chlorinating agent and less toxic solvent makes this procedure more appealing. Recently, we had achieved the synthesis of NEMP from diethyl methylphosphonate obtained via Michaelis-Arbuzov reaction with triethyl phosphite in a pressure tube (vide supra),3838 Cavalcante, S. F. A.; de Paula, R. L.; Kitagawa, D. A. S.; Barcellos, M. C.; Simas, A. B. C.; Granjeiro, J. M.; J. Phys.: Conf. Ser. 2018, 975, 012020. which we have explored for syntheses of other surrogates.

NEMP was obtained as a yellow oil in higher yield. In its 1H NMR spectrum a doublet can be seen at 1.74 ppm (CH3P, 22 http://www.sciencediplomacy.org/perspective/2015/intersection-science-and-chemical-disarmament, accessed in April 2018.
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JHP 17.74 Hz). At 4.23 ppm, a complex pattern related to the methylene moiety from O-ethyl group is observed. This is due to the diastereotopic nature of methylene protons at the ethyl group, as the phosphorus atom is chiral. Additionally, two aromatic doublets at 7.38 ppm (2H, 33 Delfino, R. T.; Ribeiro, T. S.; Figueroa-Villar, J. D.; J. Braz. Chem. Soc. 2009, 20, 407.JHH 9.14 Hz) and 8.25 ppm (2H, 33 Delfino, R. T.; Ribeiro, T. S.; Figueroa-Villar, J. D.; J. Braz. Chem. Soc. 2009, 20, 407.JHH 9.15 Hz), related to the 4-nitrophenyl group, are present. 31P NMR of this compound shows an intense signal at 30.35 ppm. Finally, the mass spectrum displayed the m/z 245, molecular ion peak at tR (retention time) 17.526 min. The major impurity was identified as 4-nitrophenol, by both GC-MS (tR = 14.993 min, m/z 139) and 1H NMR (aromatic protons at 6.90 and 8.10 ppm). Purity was accessed either by GC or 1H NMR. By Agilent Chemstation GC MS algorithm, we achieved 84% of purity, while 1H NMR analysis retrieved 80%. Again, comparison with the purity achieved by the literature methods (69%)3737 Meek, E. C.; Chambers, H. W.; Coban, A.; Funck, K. E.; Pringle, R. B.; Ross, M. K.; Chambers, J. E.; Toxicol. Sci. 2012, 126, 525.

38 Cavalcante, S. F. A.; de Paula, R. L.; Kitagawa, D. A. S.; Barcellos, M. C.; Simas, A. B. C.; Granjeiro, J. M.; J. Phys.: Conf. Ser. 2018, 975, 012020.
-3939 Ellman, G. L.; Arch. Biochem. Biophys. 1959, 82, 70. clearly shows improvement.

Similarly to the literature procedure,3737 Meek, E. C.; Chambers, H. W.; Coban, A.; Funck, K. E.; Pringle, R. B.; Ross, M. K.; Chambers, J. E.; Toxicol. Sci. 2012, 126, 525.

38 Cavalcante, S. F. A.; de Paula, R. L.; Kitagawa, D. A. S.; Barcellos, M. C.; Simas, A. B. C.; Granjeiro, J. M.; J. Phys.: Conf. Ser. 2018, 975, 012020.
-3939 Ellman, G. L.; Arch. Biochem. Biophys. 1959, 82, 70. we decided to use crude NEMP, without further purification. Given its predictable toxic properties, as a pentavalent organophosphorus compound, we tried to avoid manipulation risks. Our aim was to obtain a compound that yields the same VX-adduct with AChE, but employing a non-Schedule I CWC chemical, for a more realistic evaluation of our antidote candidates.

Inhibition of EeAChE with NEMP

We tested this crude synthetic sample as AChE inhibitor, measuring the enzyme activity using Ellman’s test. As AChE is conserved across species, we decided to use commercially available EeAChE. After a 10 min-incubation of EeAChE with 1 µmol L-1 of NEMP, up to 95% of enzyme inhibition was attained, confirming the synthesized NEMP as a potent inhibitor. The inhibition level (%I) was calculated by equation 1, wherein L0 stands for the absorbance without inhibitor and Li, for the absorbance with inhibitor. Results for EeAChE inhibition in different times are shown in Table 1. Concentration was chosen in accordance to literature,2828 Milatovic, D.; Jokanovic, M. In Elsevier Handbook of Toxicology of Chemical Warfare Agents; Gupta, R. C., ed.; Elsevier: New York, USA, 2009, ch. 65, p. 965.,2929 Kuča, K.; Mušilek, K.; Jun, D.; Bajgar, J.; Kassa, J. In Elsevier Handbook of Toxicology of Chemical Warfare Agents; Gupta, R. C. , ed.; Elsevier: New York, USA , 2009, ch. 66, p. 997.,3131 Hobbiger, F.; Pitman, M.; Sadler, P. W.; Biochem. J. 1960, 75, 363.,3232 Hagedorn, I.; Stark, I.; Lorenz. H. P.; Angew. Chem., Int. Ed. Engl. 1972, 11, 307. which ranges from 10-5 to 10-9 mol L-1. It is noteworthy that the enzyme is not to be fully inhibited, so as to prevent misinterpretation of reactivation data.

Table 1
Enzyme inhibition resultsa a Condition: 10 min-incubation with 1 µmol L-1 of NEMP (O-(4-nitrophenyl) O-ethyl methylphosphonate). (mean ± standard deviation, SD)

(1) % I = L 0 L i L 0 × 100

We chose an enzyme source (commercial EeAChE) different from literature ones, extracted from tissues or direct analysis in vivo.3737 Meek, E. C.; Chambers, H. W.; Coban, A.; Funck, K. E.; Pringle, R. B.; Ross, M. K.; Chambers, J. E.; Toxicol. Sci. 2012, 126, 525. Therefore, it exhibited different activity. Nevertheless, based on results described in Table 1, we can state that the crude NEMP by our route was able to similarly inhibit the enzyme in high level in comparison with published data.3737 Meek, E. C.; Chambers, H. W.; Coban, A.; Funck, K. E.; Pringle, R. B.; Ross, M. K.; Chambers, J. E.; Toxicol. Sci. 2012, 126, 525. This proves its usefulness as a tool for toxicological and biochemical studies.

Reactivation of NEMP-inhibition EeAChE with standard antidotes

EeAChE reactivation (%R) was calculated by using the equation 2, wherein Lr stands for the absorbance after addition of reactivator. The results for enzyme reactivation using standard antidotes 2-PAM (13), OBD (14) and TMB (15) at 100 µmol L-1, the highest attainable concentration in vivo,5151 Tattersall, J. E. H.; Br. J. Pharmacol. 1993, 108, 1006.,5252 Kuča, K.; Kassa, J.; J. Enzyme Inhib. Med. Chem. 2003, 18, 529. following inhibition by NEMP (1 µmol L-1) over 10 min, are shown in Table 2.

Table 2
Enzyme reactivation (mean ± standard deviation, SD)

(2) % R = 1 L 0 L r L 0 L i × 100

The data in Table 2 further confirm the formation of the VX-adduct via our synthesized NEMP. The observed reactivation levels, with OBD and TMB surpassing 2-PAM, are consistent with the published data.3737 Meek, E. C.; Chambers, H. W.; Coban, A.; Funck, K. E.; Pringle, R. B.; Ross, M. K.; Chambers, J. E.; Toxicol. Sci. 2012, 126, 525. The lower OBD pKa, combined with additional interactions by the second cationic moiety, possibly justifies its higher activity. The other physicochemical data (logP, KOW and water solubility) relate to the ease of hematoencephalic barrier crossing, a relevant issue in the pharmacokinetics of these drugs.

Conclusions

We herein report a straightforward, one-pot synthesis of NEMP, O-(4-nitrophenyl) O-ethyl methylphosphonate, VX surrogate. The obtained crude material was shown to successfully inhibit EeAChE. Assays of reactivation of NEMP-inhibited EeAChE by three known antidotes were undertaken. For such experiments, we followed a set of guidelines which we had previously disclosed for the involved Ellman’s tests, which enables a safer first approach to the technique. We hope, by presenting these methodologies, to encourage other groups to perform research on novel reactivators for AChE using diverse surrogates, non-prohibited, less-toxic compounds, whose use abides to CWC and do not require expensive laboratory’s preparedness.

Acknowledgments

Authors would like to thank Dr M. Pohanka and Dr K. Kuča for providing relevant literature and advice; Central Analítica (IPPN/UFRJ) and Núcleo de Competência para o Desenvolvimento de Tecnologias de Carbono (NCDTC) for NMR spectra. S. F. A. C. gratefully acknowledges to Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) for research grant (L/ICA/ICB/201062/15) and Brazilian Army for providing infrastructure.

Supplementary Information

Supplementary information (1H, 13C and 31P NMR, total/extracted ion chromatograms and mass spectra of NEMP total/extracted ion chromatograms and mass spectrum for major impurity detected, 4-nitrophenol) is available free of charge at http://jbcs.sbq.org.br as PDF file.

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Publication Dates

  • Publication in this collection
    08 Apr 2019
  • Date of issue
    May 2019

History

  • Received
    01 June 2018
  • Accepted
    14 Dec 2018
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