title: Studies on the biotransformations and biodistributions of metal-containing drugs using X-ray absorption spectroscopy.
abstract: Most metal-based drugs are pro-drugs; therefore, it is essential that methods are developed to follow their speciation in biological fluids, cells and tissues. This will lead to both a better understanding of the factors that affect their efficacies and toxicities and, consequently, to the design of new and superior drugs. The use of X-ray absorption spectroscopy on bulk samples, and X-ray microprobe techniques on cells and tissues, provides unprecedented information on the biotransformations and biodistributions of metal-containing drugs that is required for a better understanding of their pharmacology. Here the methodologies that have been used on a range of metal- or metalloid-containing drugs and dietary supplements are reviewed, with an emphasis on research conducted within our group. In particular, applications of these techniques to anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, and anti-inflammatory drugs are discussed.
authors.affiliation: School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
authors.forename: Jade B
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Aitken
authors.forename: Aviva
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Levina
authors.forename: Peter A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Lay
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D006801:Humans; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D009942:Organometallic Compounds / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D011355:Prodrugs / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D014018:Tissue Distribution; D056928:X-Ray Absorption Spectroscopy
chemical_list: D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents; D009942:Organometallic Compounds; D011355:Prodrugs