Obtaining the metabolite N1-acetyl-n2-formil-5-metoxykynuramine (AFMK) from the photooxidation of melatonin catalyzed by nanostructured metal oxides

• Grant number: 20/05572-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: February 01, 2021
• End date: January 31, 2022
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Biochemistry
• Principal Investigator: Valdecir Farias Ximenes
• Grantee: Matheus Ruffo Peres
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências (FC). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Bauru. Bauru , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The N1-acetyl-N2-formyl-5-methoxykynuramine (AFMK) is a compound derived from melatonin (MEL), generated from the oxidative cleavage of the pyrrolic nucleus via enzymatic, pseudo-enzymatic and nonenzymatic pathways. As MEL, AFMK is also an excellent antioxidant, being a great hydroxyl radical (*OH) scavenger and capable of inhibiting the production of pro-oxidant enzymes, pro-inflammatory cytokines, activates antioxidant enzymes and reduces oxidative damage in DNA caused by UV radiation. In this way, AFMK has been used in experimental models related to pathologies where oxidative processes are an important component. Recently, AFMK was demonstrated as effective in reducing Alzheimer's-related memory loss and was identified as a biological marker of cancer, due to its increase in blood concentration. Due to all the potential benefits of AFMK, this scientific initiation project aims to study its synthesis through the photocatalysis process mediated by nanostructured metal oxides such as TiO2 and ZnO. The project is justified by the high cost of the AFMK compared to its precursor MEL, which may enable its application in biological studies. We will have as target the efficiency of preparation and for that, several factors will be tested, such as the type of nanostructured material used as a catalyst in photocatalysis, among them TiO2 anatase and brookite, ZnO wurtizita, F3O4, ZrO2 and CuO. In addition, it will be studied the influence of the type of solvent in the reaction medium and its pH, the presence and absence of oxygen in the reaction medium, H2O2-mediated photocatalysis and the influence of the UV radiation used, including UVA, UVB and UVC. (AU)