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Updated: Feb 9, 2026

A General Method for Detecting Nitrosamide Formation in the In Vitro Metabolism of Nitrosamines by Cytochrome P450s
Published on: September 25, 2017
In vitro metabolism of desomorphine
Jessica Winborn1, Donovan Haines2, Sarah Kerrigan1
1Department of Forensic Science, Sam Houston State University, Box 2525, 1003 Bowers Blvd, Huntsville, TX 77341, United States.
Abstract:
Desomorphine is reported to be the principal pharmacologically active opioid in Krokodil, a homemade injectable drug that is perceived to be a cheaper alternative to heroin. There have been limited studies regarding its pharmacology or detection in biological matrices. The goal of this study was to contribute further knowledge regarding its metabolism. Recombinant human cytochrome P450 enzymes (rCYPs) and recombinant uridine 5'-diphospho-glucuronosyltransferases (rUGTs) were used to investigate the biotransformational pathways involved. Samples were analyzed by liquid chromatography/quadrupole-time of flight-mass spectrometry (LC-Q/TOF-MS). Seven rCYP (rCYP2B6, rCYP2C8, rCYP2C9, rCYP2C18, rCYP2C19, rCYP2D6 and rCYP3A4) enzymes were found to contribute to desomorphine metabolism and eight phase I metabolites were identified, including nordesomorphine, desomorphine-N-oxide, norhydroxydesomorphine, and five hydroxylated species. Inhibition assays were used to confirm individual rCYP isoenzyme activity. Nine rUGTs (rUGT1A1, rUGT1A3, rUGT1A8, rUGT1A9, rUGT1A10, rUGT2B4, rUGT2B7, rUGT2B15, and rUGT2B17) were found to contribute to the formation of desomorphine-glucuronide.
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