Biodegradation and biotransformation of polycyclic non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

Abstract

In recent years the increased use of polycyclic non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs has resulted in their presence in the environment. This in turn may cause potential negative effects on living organisms. While the biotransformation mechanisms of polycyclic non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in the human body and in other mammals have been extensively studied, degradation of these drugs by microorganisms has seldom been investigated and is largely unknown. Biotransformation/biodegradation of polycyclic non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is caused by fungal microorganisms, mainly white-rot fungi, and a few strains of bacteria. However, hitherto only complete degradation of olsazine was described. The first step of the transformation is most often hydroxylation catalyzed by cytochrom P-450 monooxygenases, or oxygenation by laccases and three peroxidases: lignin peroxidase, manganese-dependent peroxidase and versatile peroxidase manganese-dependent peroxidase. The aim of this work is to summarize the knowledge about the biotransformation and/or biodegradation of polycyclic non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and to present their biotransformation pathways.