Abstract
The prochelator BSIH ((E)-N'-(2-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-2-yl)benzylidene)isonicotinohydrazide) contains a boronate group that prevents metal coordination until reaction with peroxide releases the iron chelator SIH ((E)-N'-(2-hydroxybenzylidene)isonicotinohydrazide). BSIH exists in aqueous buffer and cell culture media in equilibrium with its hydrolysis products isoniazid and (2-formylphenyl)boronic acid (FBA). The relative concentrations of these species limit the yield of intact SIH available for targeted iron chelation. While the hydrolysis fragments are nontoxic to retinal pigment epithelial cells, these results suggest that modifications to BSIH that improve its hydrolytic stability yet maintain its low inherent cytotoxicity are desirable for creating more efficient prochelators for protection against cellular oxidative damage.