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Biomedical subjects

B S Hansen

Publications and source records attributed to B S Hansen.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Short-term administration of glucagon-like peptide-2. Effects on bone mineral density and markers of bone turnover in short-bowel patients with no colon.

BACKGROUND: Glucagon-like peptide 2 (GLP-2) is a newly discovered intestinotrophic hormone. We have recently reported that a 5-week GLP-2 treatment improved the intestinal absorptive capacity of short-bowel patients with no colon. Additionally, GLP-2 treatment was associated with changes in body composition that included a significant increase in total body bone mass. This article describes the effect of GLP-2 on spinal and hip bone mineral density (BMD) and biochemical markers of bone turnover in these patients. METHODS: In an open-labelled pilot study, eight short-bowel patients (3M, 5F; mean age 49 years) with small-bowel resection and no colon received 400 microg s.c. of GLP-2 twice daily for 5 weeks. Four received home parenteral nutrition (mean length of residual jejunum 83 cm) and 4 did not (mean length of ileum resected 106 cm). The outcome measures were the mean percent change from baseline in spinal and hip BMD measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, changes in four biochemical markers of bone-turnover, PTH, 25-hydroxy vitamin-D, and the intestinal absorption of calcium. RESULTS: Mean +/- s(x) (SEM) percent changes in spinal and hip BMD were 1.1+/-0.4% (P < 0.05) and 1.9+/-0.8% (P = 0.06), respectively. The intestinal calcium absorption increased by 2.7% (P = 0.87). Serum ionized calcium increased in 5/8 patients with a concomitant decrease in serum PTH values. Three of the four markers of bone turnover decreased. CONCLUSION: A 5-week GLP-2 administration significantly increased spinal BMD in short-bowel patients with no colon. The mechanism by which GLP-2 affects bone metabolism remains unclear, but may be related to an increased mineralization of bone resulting from an improved intestinal calcium absorption.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗

Highly potent growth hormone secretagogues: hybrids of NN703 and ipamorelin.

A series of NN703 analogues with lysine mimetics combined with naphthyl- or biphenylalanine in the core has been prepared and tested in vitro in a rat pituitary cell based assay and subsequently in vivo in pigs in a single dose at 50 nmol/kg. Re-introduction of certain pharmacophores in the C-terminal of NN703, which were originally removed during optimisation for oral bioavailability, led to unexpectedly potent compounds in vitro as well as in vivo.

Administration, Oral↗

The growth hormone-releasing hormone receptor: desensitisation following short-term agonist exposure.

We have investigated the effect of short-term preexposure of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) on the subsequent response to GHRH in a baby hamster kidney (BHK) cell line expressing the human GHRH receptor and in primary rat pituitary cells. In the BHK cells the receptor was rapidly desensitised in a homologous fashion. Preexposure with agents directly stimulating the cAMP pathway like forskolin and db-cAMP had no effect. In rat pituitary cells we also observed a rapid desensitisation of the GHRH response in an apparently homologous fashion. In both systems the desensitisation was dose-dependent with no change in the potency of the hormone in a subsequent stimulation, only the efficacy was decreased. In the rat pituitary cell, the response measured as growth hormone release was more sensitive to the agonist-induced desensitisation than the cAMP response. No indication of depletion of growth hormone (GH) stores was seen. In rat pituitary cells, contrary to observations in BHK cells, preexposure with both forskolin and db-cAMP desensitised a subsequent growth hormone-releasing hormone stimulation, indicating a heterologous desensitisation. Phorbol-12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), on the other hand, had no effect. In the baby hamster kidney cells it was demonstrated that the GHRH receptor surface expression decreased following preexposure with GHRH. This phenomenon was observed only in whole cells suggesting a rapid internalisation process. Together, these data indicate that after short-term GHRH preexposure, both in a human and rat system, the following GHRH response is desensitised. In BHK cells this desensitisation is strictly homologous. In rat pituitary cells, on the other hand, the desensitisation is a mixed homologous/ heterologous type.

Adenylyl Cyclases↗

Glucagon-like peptide 2 improves nutrient absorption and nutritional status in short-bowel patients with no colon.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Glucagon-like peptide 2 (GLP-2) is intestinotrophic, antisecretory, and transit-modulating in rodents, and it is mainly secreted from the intestinal mucosa of the terminal ileum and colon after food ingestion. We assessed the effect of GLP-2 on the gastrointestinal function in patients without a terminal ileum and colon who have functional short-bowel syndrome with severe malabsorption of wet weight (>1.5 kg/day) and energy (>2.3 MJ/day) and no postprandial secretion of GLP-2. METHODS: Balance studies were performed before and after treatment with GLP-2, 400 microg subcutaneously twice a day for 35 days, in 8 patients (4-17 years from last bowel resection; 6 with Crohn's disease). Four patients received home parenteral nutrition (mean residual jejunum, 83 cm), and 4 did not (mean ileum resection, 106 cm). Biopsy specimens were taken from jejunal/ileal stomas, transit was measured by scintigraphy, and body composition was measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. RESULTS: Treatment with GLP-2 improved the intestinal absorption of energy 3.5% +/- 4.0% (mean +/- SD) from 49.9% to 53.4% (P = 0.04), wet weight 11% +/- 12% from 25% to 36% (P = 0.04), and nitrogen 4.7% +/- 5.4% from 47.4% to 52.1% (P = 0.04). Body weight increased 1.2 +/- 1.0 kg (P = 0.01), lean body mass increased 2.9 +/- 1.9 kg (P = 0.004), fat mass decreased 1.8 +/- 1.3 kg (P = 0.007), and 24-hour urine creatinine excretion increased (P = 0.02). The time to 50% gastric emptying of solids increased 30 +/- 16 minutes from 89 to 119 minutes (P < 0.05). Small bowel transit time was not changed. Crypt depth and villus height were increased in 5 and 6 patients, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with GLP-2 improves intestinal absorption and nutritional status in short-bowel patients with impaired postprandial GLP-2 secretion in whom the terminal ileum and the colon have been resected.

Adult↗

Comparison of Etest and a tablet diffusion test with the NCCLS broth microdilution method for fluconazole and amphotericin B susceptibility testing of Candida isolates.

Three methods were compared for the susceptibility testing of yeast isolates to fluconazole and amphotericin B: two fagar diffusion methods (Etest and a tablet diffusion test) and the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards (NCCLS) broth microdilution method. Given as MIC(50)s (range), fluconazole endpoints were: for the 24 h broth microdilution test, 0.25 mg/L (0.06-32 mg/L); for the Etest, 0.38 mg/L (0.064-24 mg/L); and for the NCCLS broth microdilution test, 2 mg/L (0.06->or=64 mg/L). With breakpoints of <3 mg/L for susceptible and >16 mg/L for resistant, the Etest and the 24 h microdilution test classified the isolates in agreement with the classification obtained by the NCCLS method. Results obtained by Etest were in closer NCCLS method than those obtained with the tablet test. Amphotericin B endpoints were lower for the 24 h microdilution and Etests than MICs obtained by the NCCLS broth microdilution method. Reproducibility was high for all tests; however, disadvantages of both diffusion tests were microcolonies in the inhibition zone and dependence on stringent standardization of inoculum.

Amphotericin B↗

New highly potent dipeptidic growth hormone secretagogues with low molecular weight.

Based on NN703, low molecular weight growth hormone secretagouges (GHSs) with a reduced number of hydrogen binding sites were designed by removal of the C-terminal amide group. The compounds were highly potent in combination with high efficacy in a rat pituitary cell assay, being characterized with EC(50) values down to 0.8 nM. Selected compounds were tested in in vivo animal models. The oral bioavailability in dogs was 16-44%. Also, the ED(50) values of the compounds were determined both in dog and swine.

Administration, Oral↗

Elevated plasma glucagon-like peptide 1 and 2 concentrations in ileum resected short bowel patients with a preserved colon.

BACKGROUND: The glucagon-like peptides (GLP) 1 and 2 are secreted postprandially from L cells located mainly in the ileum. Both hormones prolong intestinal transit and GLP-2 is intestinotrophic in rodents. Patients with a jejunostomy have poor adaptation, rapid gastric and intestinal transit, and impaired postprandial GLP-2 secretion. Ileum resected short bowel patients with a preserved colon show evidence of functional adaptation and have normal gastric emptying. AIM: To investigate if GLP-1 and GLP-2 contribute to the positive effects of a preserved colon in short bowel patients by measuring circulating levels of GLP-1 and GLP-2 in seven ileum resected short bowel patients with a preserved colon and seven age and sex matched controls. METHODS: GLP-1 and GLP-2 immunoreactivity was measured by specific radioimmunoassays in plasma collected at fasting and at regular intervals 180 minutes after a test meal. RESULTS: Median (25-75%) fasting GLP-2 values were 72 (69-105) pmol/l versus 23 (19-27) pmol/l (p=0.001) and meal stimulated area under the curve was 21 078 (14 811-26 610) min x pmol/l versus 11 150 (7151-12 801) min x pmol/l (p=0.01) in short bowel patients with a preserved colon compared with control subjects. Fasting GLP-1 values were 10 (6-12) pmol/l versus 5 (3-5) pmol/l (p=0.01) and meal stimulated area under the curve was 3418 (2966-6850) min x pmol/l versus 2478 (1929-3199) min x pmol/l (p=0.04), respectively. CONCLUSION: Ileum resected short bowel patients with a preserved colon had elevated fasting plasma concentrations of GLP-1 and GLP-2 and significantly larger meal stimulated areas under the curve compared with age and sex matched controls. Elevated GLP-1 and GLP-2 concentrations may contribute to the positive effects of a preserved colon on intestinal motility and functional adaptation in ileum resected short bowel patients.

Adaptation, Physiological↗

Adenosine is an agonist of the growth hormone secretagogue receptor.

Growth hormone secretagogues (GHSs) are synthetic compounds that induce GH release in several species, including man. The aim of the current study was to identify hypothalamic GHS receptor (GHS-R) agonists. This led to the discovery of adenosine as a GHS-R agonist. We demonstrate that adenosine as well as the A1 adenosine receptor agonist N6-R-phenylisopropyladenosine (R-PIA) induce calcium responses, with EC50 values of 50 nM and 0.5 nM, respectively, in cells which express recombinant human GHS-R. However, neither compound induces a calcium response in nontransfected cells. Binding experiments show that adenosine and the GHS compound MK-0677 bind to membranes from GHS-R expressing cells with nearly identical Bmax values (2.6 +/- 0.1 x 10(-10) mol/mg protein for adenosine and 2.0 +/- 0.3 x 10(-10) mol/mg protein for MK-0677). However, no binding to membranes from nontransfected cells could be detected. Furthermore, we show that the IC50 values for inhibition of the adenosine, R-PIA, and GHS induced calcium responses by the GHS-R antagonist [D-Arg1, D-Phe5, D-Trp7,9, D-Leu11]-substance P are similar. These findings strongly suggest that adenosine and R-PIA are agonists of the GHS-R. Interestingly, neither adenosine nor R-PIA were able to induce GH release from rat pituitary cells in vitro. The implications of the latter finding is discussed.

Adenosine↗

Impaired meal stimulated glucagon-like peptide 2 response in ileal resected short bowel patients with intestinal failure.

BACKGROUND: Glucagon-like peptide 2 (GLP-2) is a growth factor for the intestinal epithelium in rodents and may affect intestinal transit. AIMS: To study the GLP-2 response to nutrient ingestion in seven short bowel patients with intestinal failure and seven controls. METHODS: The patients and controls were admitted twice for two test meals after a night of fasting. Meal A was liquid (300 ml, 1.88 MJ); meal B was a regular breakfast (755 g, 3.92 MJ). Plasma samples were collected for 180 minutes; GLP-2 immunoreactivity was measured with an NH(2) terminal specific radioimmunoassay. RESULTS: Both meals elicited significant increases in plasma GLP-2 in controls. The magnitude and duration of the responses were dependent on the meal size: the maximum median (25-75%) increases after meal A and B were 24 (3-28) and 48 (33-56) pmol/l. Plasma GLP-2 returned to basal concentrations 180 minutes after meal A, but remained at 50% of peak values after meal B. In the patients neither meal significantly changed the GLP-2 concentration; the maximum median elevation after meal B was 5 (2-8) pmol/l. There were significant differences between patients and controls with respect to the GLP-2 responses to meals A and B. CONCLUSION: Identification of GLP-2 as a tissue specific intestinal growth factor and demonstration of an impaired meal stimulated GLP-2 response in short bowel patients raises the possibility that GLP-2 administration may constitute a new therapeutic strategy, enhancing jejunal adaptation in ileum resected short bowel patients with intestinal failure.

Adult↗

Pharmacological characterisation of a new oral GH secretagogue, NN703.

NN703 is a novel orally active GH secretagogue (GHS) derived from ipamorelin. NN703 stimulates GH release from rat pituitary cells in a dose-dependent manner with a potency and efficacy similar to that of GHRP-6. The effect is inhibited by known GHS antagonists, but not by a GH-releasing hormone antagonist. Binding of (35)S-MK677 to the human type 1A GHS receptor (GHS-R 1A) stably expressed on BHK cells was inhibited by GHRP-6 and MK677 as expected. NN703 was also able to inhibit the binding of (35)S-MK677. However, the observed K(i) value was lower than expected, as based on the observed potencies regarding GH release from rat pituitary cells. Similarly, the effect of NN703 on the GHS-R 1A-induced inositol phosphate turnover in these cells showed a lower potency, when compared with GHRP-6 and MK677, than that observed in rat pituitary cells. The effect of i.v. administration of NN703 on GH and cortisol release was studied in swine. The potency and efficacy of NN703 on GH release were determined to be 155+/-23 nmol/kg and 91+/-7 ng GH/ml plasma respectively. A 50% increase of cortisol, compared with basal levels, was observed for all the tested doses of NN703, but no dose-dependency was shown. The effect of NN703 on GH release after i. v. and oral dosing in beagle dogs was studied. NN703 dose-dependently increased the GH release after oral administration. At the highest dose (20 micromol/kg), a 35-fold increase in peak GH concentration was observed (49.5+/-17.8 ng/ml, mean+/-s.e.m.). After a single i.v. dose of 1 micromol/kg the peak GH plasma concentration was elevated to 38.5+/-19.6 ng/ml (mean+/-s.e.m.) approximately 30 min after dosing and returned to basal level after 360 min. The oral bioavailability was 30%. The plasma half-life of NN703 was 4.1+/-0.4 h. A long-term biological effect of NN703 was demonstrated in a rat study, where the body weight gain was measured during a 14-day once daily oral challenge with 100 micromol/kg. The body weight gain was significantly increased after 14 days as compared with a vehicle-treated group. In summary, we here describe an orally active and GH specific secretagogue, NN703. This compound acts through a similar mechanism as GHRP-6, but has a different receptor pharmacology. NN703 induced GH release in both swine and dogs after i.v. and/or p.o. administration, had a high degree of GH specificity in swine and significantly increased the body weight gain in rats.

Administration, Oral↗

Insulin action in growth hormone-deficient and age-matched control rats: effect of growth hormone treatment.

The isolated effect of growth hormone on carbohydrate metabolism in rat skeletal muscle was studied in growth hormone-deficient dwarf rats (dw/dw) treated with either recombinant human growth hormone or saline for 10 days. In addition, age-matched heterozygous (DW/dw) (normal weight and plasma IGF-I) control rats were treated with saline. Growth hormone increased weight gain from 0.1+/-0.1 (s.e.m) to 3.6+/-0.1 g/day and plasma IGF-I concentration from 364+/-23 to 451+/-32 ng/ml. Glucose metabolism in skeletal muscle perfused with basal, submaximal and maximal concentrations (0, 600 and 60 000 pmol/l respectively) of insulin was not changed by growth hormone. No change could be detected in the total number of glucose transporters (GLUT1 and GLUT4) in the skeletal muscles, except from a lower amount of GLUT4 in the soleus muscle in the heterozygous control group. However, at submaximal insulin concentrations, skeletal muscle glucose uptake and transport were significantly lower in the heterozygous control group compared with the growth hormone-deficient group. This could indicate either a direct long-term effect of growth hormone or more likely a secondary effect attributable to the difference in body weight (205.2+/-3.1 vs 361. 6+/-5.9 g for dwarf rats and heterozygous controls respectively), and thereby muscle fibre size, between the groups probably resulting in lower average interstitial insulin and glucose concentrations at a given plasma concentration in the heterozygous rats. It is concluded that restoration of subnormal growth hormone concentrations for 10 days has no effect on insulin-stimulated glucose metabolism in skeletal muscle in vitro.

Analysis of Variance↗

A new series of highly potent growth hormone-releasing peptides derived from ipamorelin.

A new series of GH secretagogues derived from ipamorelin is described. In an attempt to obtain oral bioavailability, by reducing the size and the number of potential hydrogen-bonding sites of the compounds, a strategy using the peptidomimetic fragment 3-(aminomethyl)benzoic acid and sequential backbone N-methylations was applied. Several compounds from this series release GH with high in vitro potency and efficacy in a rat pituitary cell assay and high in vivo potency and efficacy in anesthetized rats. The tetrapeptide NNC 26-0235 (3-(aminomethyl)benzoyl-D-2Nal-N-Me-D-Phe-Lys-NH2) shows, following iv administration, comparable in vivo potency to ipamorelin, GHRP-2, and GHRP-6 with an ED50 in swine at 2 nmol/kg. NNC 26-0235 demonstrated a 10% oral bioavailability in dogs, and NNC 26-0235 and ipamorelin were able to increase basal GH level by more than 10-fold after oral administration of a dose of 1.8 and 2.7 mg/kg, respectively. The tripeptide NNC 26-0323 (3-(aminomethyl)benzoic acid-N-Me-D-2Nal-N-Me-D-Phe-ol) which showed moderate in vitro potency but lacked in vivo potency demonstrated a 20% oral bioavailability in rats.

Administration, Oral↗

Novel orally active growth hormone secretagogues.

A novel class of growth hormone-releasing compounds with a molecular weight in the range from 500 to 650 has been discovered. The aim of this study was to obtain growth hormone secretagogues with oral bioavailability. By a rational approach we were able to reduce the size of the lead compound ipamorelin (4) and simultaneously to reduce hydrogen-bonding potential by incorporation of backbone isosters while retaining in vivo potency in swine. A rat pituitary assay was used for screening of all compounds and to evaluate which compounds should be tested further for in vivo potency in swine and oral bioavailability, fpo, in dogs. Most of the tested compounds had fpo in the range of 10-55%. In vivo potency in swine after iv dosing is reported, and ED50 was found to be 30 nmol/kg of body weight for the most potent compound.

Administration, Oral↗

Growth hormone induces muscle fibre type transformation in growth hormone-deficient rats.

The effect of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) on growth and composition of muscle was studied in growth hormone-deficient rats (dw/dw) treated for 10 days with either rhGH (GH) or with placebo (PLA). Age-matched control rats (DW/dw) (AGE) were treated as PLA. Growth rate increased (P < 0.05) when rats were treated with rhGH and plasma insulin-like growth factor-1 concentration was higher (P < 0.05) in GH and AGE than in PLA. The wet weight of the soleus (SOL) and the extensor digitorum longus muscles (EDL) was less in PLA compared to GH and AGE (P < 0.05). In the SOL, the amount of myosin heavy chain (MHC) I was lower (69.1 +/- 1.7%) (Mean +/- SEM) in PLA compared to both GH (85.3 +/- 2.3%) and AGE (76.4 +/- 1.6%) (P < 0.05). At the same time the amount of MHC IIA/IIX was higher (30.9 +/- 2.2%) in PLA compared to GH (14.7 +/- 2.3%) and AGE (23.6 +/- 1.6% (P < 0.05)). In EDL, treatment with rhGH did not significantly affect MHC-isoforms or the fibre type composition, but 11% more MHC IIB and 11% less MHC IIA/IIX was observed in PLA compared to AGE (P < 0.05) suggesting a long-term effect of growth hormone. MHC-isoform data were confirmed using histochemistry. In addition, in the SOL, the maximal activity of 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase (HAD) in GH and AGE was higher (22 and 27%, respectively) than in PLA (P < 0.05). In the EDL, no differences were observed in maximal activity of HAD. In conclusion, the data support a role for growth hormone in muscle fibre growth and differentiation.

Age Factors↗

Ipamorelin, the first selective growth hormone secretagogue.

The development and pharmacology of a new potent growth hormone (GH) secretagogue, ipamorelin, is described. Ipamorelin is a pentapeptide (Aib-His-D-2-Nal-D-Phe-Lys-NH2), which displays high GH releasing potency and efficacy in vitro and in vivo. As an outcome of a major chemistry programme, ipamorelin was identified within a series of compounds lacking the central dipeptide Ala-Trp of growth hormone-releasing peptide (GHRP)-1. In vitro, ipamorelin released GH from primary rat pituitary cells with a potency and efficacy similar to GHRP-6 (ECs) = 1.3+/-0.4nmol/l and Emax = 85+/-5% vs 2.2+/-0.3nmol/l and 100%). A pharmacological profiling using GHRP and growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) antagonists clearly demonstrated that ipamorelin, like GHRP-6, stimulates GH release via a GHRP-like receptor. In pentobarbital anaesthetised rats, ipamorelin released GH with a potency and efficacy comparable to GHRP-6 (ED50 = 80+/-42nmol/kg and Emax = 1545+/-250ng GH/ml vs 115+/-36nmol/kg and 1167+/-120ng GH/ml). In conscious swine, ipamorelin released GH with an ED50 = 2.3+/-0.03 nmol/kg and an Emax = 65+/-0.2 ng GH/ml plasma. Again, this was very similar to GHRP-6 (ED50 = 3.9+/-1.4 nmol/kg and Emax = 74+/-7ng GH/ml plasma). GHRP-2 displayed higher potency but lower efficacy (ED50 = 0.6 nmol/kg and Emax = 56+/-6 ng GH/ml plasma). The specificity for GH release was studied in swine. None of the GH secretagogues tested affected FSH, LH, PRL or TSH plasma levels. Administration of both GHRP-6 and GHRP-2 resulted in increased plasma levels of ACTH and cortisol. Very surprisingly, ipamorelin did not release ACTH or cortisol in levels significantly different from those observed following GHRH stimulation. This lack of effect on ACTH and cortisol plasma levels was evident even at doses more than 200-fold higher than the ED50 for GH release. In conclusion, ipamorelin is the first GHRP-receptor agonist with a selectivity for GH release similar to that displayed by GHRH. The specificity of ipamorelin makes this compound a very interesting candidate for future clinical development.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone↗

Induction of reproductive function in anestrous mares using a dopamine antagonist.

We investigated the role of dopamine in the regulation of seasonal reproductive activity in mares. Nine seasonal anestrous mares, maintained under a natural photoperiod, were treated daily with a dopamine D2 antagonist, [-]-sulpiride (200 mg/mare, im), beginning February 5 (day of year = 36) until the first ovulation of the year or for a maximum of 58. Nine untreated anestrous mares were maintained under the same conditions. The ovaries were examined by ultrasonography twice a week, and blood was collected three times a week for progesterone, LH, FSH and prolactin determinations. Mean day of first ovulation was significantly advanced for [-]-sulpiride-treated mares than control mares (mean day of year +/- SEM = 77.3 +/- 7.9 and 110.0 +/- 6.8, respectively; P < 0.01). Eight mares ovulated during [-]-sulpiride treatment while one mare failed to ovulate. Ovulation occurred 91 d after the start of treatment or on Day 127. All mares continued to have normal estrous cycles after the first ovulation. First cycle length and luteal progesterone concentrations did not differ between [-]-sulpiride-treated and control mares. Plasma prolactin concentrations were significantly increased at 2 and 9 h after [-]-sulpiride administration (P < 0.05), and had returned to basal levels by 24 h. At the time of the LH surge associated with the first ovulation, mean LH and FSH secretion was significantly higher in [-]-sulpiride-treated mares than in control mares (P < 0.05). These results suggest that dopamine plays a role in the control of reproductive seasonality in mares and exerts a tonic inhibition on reproductive activity during the anovulatory season.

Journal Article↗