The antioxidant N-(1,3-Dimethylbutyl)-N′-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine (6PPD)
and its oxidized quinone product 6PPD-quinone (6PPD-Q) in rubber have
attracted attention due to the ecological risk that they pose. Both
6PPD and 6PPD-Q have been detected in various environments that humans
cohabit. However, to date, a clear understanding of the biotransformation
of 6PPD-Q and a potential biomarker for exposure in humans are lacking.
To address this issue, this study presents a comprehensive analysis
of the extensive biotransformation of 6PPD-Q across species, encompassing
both in vitro and in vivo models.
We have tentatively identified 17 biotransformation metabolites in vitro, 15 in mice in vivo, and confirmed
the presence of two metabolites in human urine samples. Interestingly,
different biotransformation patterns were observed across species.
Through semiquantitative analysis based on peak areas, we found that
almost all 6PPD-Q underwent biotransformation within 24 h of exposure
in mice, primarily via hydroxylation and subsequent glucuronidation.
This suggests a rapid metabolic processing of 6PPD-Q in mammals, underscoring
the importance of identifying effective biomarkers for exposure. Notably,
monohydroxy 6PPD-Q and 6PPD-Q-O-glucuronide were consistently the
most predominant metabolites across our studies, highlighting monohydroxy
6PPD-Q as a potential key biomarker for epidemiological research.
These findings represent the first comprehensive data set on 6PPD-Q
biotransformation in mammalian systems, offering insights into the
metabolic pathways involved and possible exposure biomarkers.