Reactive intermediates in the oxidation of menthofuran by cytochromes P-450

Menthofuran, a naturally occurring hepatotoxin, is metabolically activated to chemically reactive intermediates that are capable of covalent binding to cellular proteins. Studies in vivo and in vitro with inhibitors and inducers of hepatic cytochromes P-450 demonstrated an association between hepatocellular damage caused by menthofuran and its metabolic activation and covalent binding to target organ proteins. The same γ-ketoenal formed from the metabolic precursor of menthofuran, pulegone, is the major electrophilic metabolite of menthofuran as well