(±)-4-Hydroxy Mephenytoin (CAS 61837-65-8)

(±)-4′-Hydroxy Mephenytoin, or 4′-hydroxymephenytoin, is a metabolite of mephenytoin. A report describes the separation and quantification of (S)- 4′-hydroxymephenytoin (sc-200975) and (R)- 4′-hydroxymephenytoin (sc-215780) from the racemate by liquid chromatography. (±)-4′-Hydroxy Mephenytoin acts as an inhibitor of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) which are involved in the production of pro-inflammatory mediators. Furthermore, it inhibits the production of nitric oxide (NO), which is another pro-inflammatory mediator. Finally, it inhibits the enzyme caspase-3, which is involved in the apoptotic process. (±)-4′-Hydroxy Mephenytoin may act to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, analgesic, cytotoxic, and neuroprotective properties. In chemistry, it has been used as a catalyst in a variety of synthetic processes, such as the synthesis of 1,2-diaryl-3-methylimidazolidines. In biology, it has been studied for its potential as an antimicrobial agent and for its ability to inhibit the growth of certain cancer cell lines.