Xanthates (potassium salts of alkyl or aryl derivatives of dithiocarbonic acid) as a result of numerous studies have shown a number of valuable biological properties: metals chelation, induction of apoptosis, anticancer effects. The selectivity of their cell metabolism through enzymatic and non enzymatic systems by reactive oxygen species needs a much deeper study. In the present short communication the results from the interaction and probable type of metabolism of n ‑octylxanthate (C8) by horseradish peroxidase are presented. C8 efficiently with high rate was metabolized to different metabolites of those obtained with its metabolism from cytochrome p450 system. The peroxidase reaction was inhibited but not inactivated by C8. Interaction of C8 with hydrogen peroxide in peroxidase reaction showed that in its metabolism C8 appears as a powerful scavenger of reactive oxygen species. These results are a good basis for expanding the research to explain the possible xanthate action as neuroprotective agents.
Key words: xanthates, n ‑octylxanthate, metabolism, horseradish peroxidase
Topic: BIOLOGY