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Biomedical subjects

E Gelpí

Publications and source records attributed to E Gelpí.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Biomedical and biochemical applications of liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.

This review centres on the application of various LC-MS and LC-MS-MS techniques to the study and solution of practical problems in biomedical research. For this purpose it covers a selection of publications in this area included in the MEDLINE database for the period 1991-mid-1994. As shown herein, LC-MS is increasingly gaining in importance in the biomedical field, especially after the revolution brought about by the introduction of the new liquid-phase atmospheric pressure ionization (API) techniques, such as electrospray (ES) and ionspray. The information in this database shows that thermospray (TS), which clearly dominated LC-MS coupling in the 1980s, is on a downward trend relative to the more modern API techniques which will certainly dominate this application field in the present decade. Studies on drug metabolism, therapeutic drug monitoring and pharmacology have been traditionally carried out by GC-MS. However, LC-MS has lately been replacing classical GC-MS techniques in many of these applications. For instance, LC-ES-MS has greatly facilitated the application of both qualitative and quantitative LC-MS methods to highly polar molecules. This is possible without the need to resort to elaborate sample handling and derivatization procedures for relatively high-molecular-mass compounds such as drug conjugates, biosynthetic and natural peptides and therapeutic proteins obtained by recombinant DNA technology, all of them formerly totally inaccessible to the standard GC-MS or LC-MS methods. With regard to studies on metabolism and biochemical phenomena of endogenous compounds, LC-ES-MS is also becoming very strong in the analysis of structural biopolymers such as peptides, proteins, glycoproteins and glycolipids, and also lower molecular mass compounds such as fatty acids, vitamins, steroids and nucleic acids. For example, structural verification of post-translational modifications in proteins can be efficiently obtained in the time frame of an LC run and suitable MS methods for the location of glycopeptide-containing fractions in proteolytic digests of glycoproteins have been developed. Interesting examples are also shown of the use of LC-MS in clinical studies and the determination of biological markers of disease.

Amino Acid Sequence

Role of xanthine oxidase and eicosanoids in development of pancreatic ischemia-reperfusion injury.

The implication of different eicosanoids and oxygen free radicals in the development of pancreatic injury after an ischemia-reperfusion process has been evaluated. For this purpose we have compared the effect of allopurinol and indomethacin administration on the pancreatic levels of eicosanoids in a rat model of pancreatic ischemia-reperfusion. After 60 min of pancreatic ischemia and 2 h of reperfusion, significant increases in 6-keto-PGF1 alpha, PGE2, and LTB4 in pancreas tissue were detected. Allopurinol before the ischemic period reduced 6-keto-PGF1 alpha, PGE2, and LTB4 levels to the range of basal values, while prior indomethacin treatment significantly reduced 6-keto-PGF1 alpha and PGE2 levels, with LTB4 remaining unmodified. Increased postischemic plasma lipases were also significantly reduced by allopurinol to the range of sham-operated animals whereas indomethacin did not modify these levels. The data suggest a role for lipoxygenase metabolites in the development of pancreatic injury and the importance of the enzyme xanthine oxidase as an inductor of eicosanoid biosynthesis.

6-Ketoprostaglandin F1 alpha

Altered levels of urinary prostanoids in lead-exposed workers.

This paper describes the alteration of the urinary excretion of prostanoids in workers occupationally exposed to lead. For this purpose, the following groups were studied: Group 1 (n = 62): controls; Group 2 (n = 29): risk group; and Group 3 (n = 69): exposed group. Urine samples were collected for prostanoid analysis and lead blood levels were analyzed. Our results demonstrate that urinary excretion of prostanoids is already altered even at levels of lead in blood = 200 micrograms/l. Owing to their sensitivity, urinary prostanoids could be useful markers of early renal changes associated with lead exposure. However, underlying mechanisms should be elucidated and the health significance of such changes should be assessed before any conclusion is drawn.

Adult

In vitro release of arachidonic acid metabolites, glutathione peroxidase, and oxygen-free radicals from platelets of asthmatic patients with and without aspirin intolerance.

BACKGROUND: An abnormal platelet release of oxygen-free radicals has been described in acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin)-induced asthma, a finding which might suggest the existence of an intrinsic, specific platelet abnormality of arachidonic acid metabolism in these patients. The objective of this study was to evaluate platelet arachidonic acid metabolism in asthmatic patients with or without intolerance to aspirin. METHODS: Thirty subjects distributed into three groups were studied: group 1, 10 healthy subjects; group 2, 10 asthmatic patients with aspirin tolerance; and group 3, 10 aspirin-intolerant asthmatics. Platelets were isolated from blood, preincubated with 3H-arachidonic acid for 30 minutes and then incubated for 10 minutes with platelet activating factor (PAF) and aspirin. Cyclo-oxygenase (thromboxane, PGE2, PGF2 alpha, and HHT) and lipoxygenase (12-HETE) arachidonic acid metabolites were measured by high pressure liquid chromatography. Release of oxygen free radicals after incubation with PAF and aspirin was measured by chemiluminescence. Platelet levels of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) were also measured using spectrophotometry. RESULTS: Platelets from aspirin-intolerant asthmatic patients produced higher quantities of arachidonic acid metabolites than the control group at baseline conditions. This increase was significant only for lipoxygenase products. No differences were found amongst the three groups in the response of arachidonic acid metabolism to PAF and aspirin. Incubation with aspirin but not with PAF caused an increase in oxygen-free radical production in aspirin-intolerant patients whereas in aspirin-tolerant patients PAF, rather than aspirin, was the more potent stimulus for oxygen-free radical production. No differences in GSH-Px levels were found amongst the three groups. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the platelet lipoxygenase pathway is activated in aspirin-intolerant patients and that the production of oxygen-free radicals may differentiate aspirin-tolerant from aspirin-intolerant asthmatic subjects. Our study, however, does not support the hypothesis that an increase in lipoxygenase products may be responsible for oxygen-free radical production. Moreover, a lowered platelet GSH-Px activity does not seem to be involved in this phenomenon.

Adult

Prostaglandin D2, F2 alpha, E2, and E1 in early phase of experimental acute necrohemorrhagic pancreatitis in rats.

Changes in endogenous pancreas production of prostaglandins D2, F2 alpha, E2, and E1 in early stages of acute necrotizing pancreatitis induced by intraductal administration of 3.5% sodium taurocholate have been determined by radioimmunoassay of chromatographically purified tissue extracts. For this purpose 18 male Wistar rats were randomized in three groups: control, pancreatitis, and pancreatitis plus indomethacin. Pancreas tissue samples were obtained 5 min after pancreatitis induction. In the pancreatitis-induced group, prostaglandins D2, F2 alpha, and E2 show significantly increased tissue levels relative to the controls whereas prostaglandin E1 remains unmodified. These results suggest a role for series 2 prostaglandins in the earlier stages of pancreatitis.

Acute Disease

In vivo transformation of arachidonic acid into 12-hydroxy-5,8,10,14-eicosatetraenoic acid by human nasal mucosa.

A method for the determination of 12-hydroxy-5,8,10,14-eicosatetraenoic acid (12-HETE) by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) in samples obtained from healthy subjects by nasal lavage is presented. HETEs were extracted from samples obtained by nasal lavage using C18 solid-phase cartridges. The purification of 12-HETE and 5-HETE was carried out in two consecutive steps of purification by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. Methylated and trimethylsilylated fractions were separated by GC-MS with electron-impact ionization. The production of 12-HETE by human nasal mucosa was confirmed by GC-MS.

12-Hydroxy-5,8,10,14-eicosatetraenoic Acid

Gas chromatographic/mass spectrometric analysis of high-performance liquid chromatographic fractions reflecting arachidonic acid metabolism in mouse peritoneal macrophages.

Mouse peritoneal macrophages are used as a model for studies undertaken around the oxidative metabolism of arachidonic acid elicited by xenobiotics (N-phenyllinoleamide, related to the toxic oil syndrome, has been used as an example). A high-performance liquid chromatographic method for cyclo- and lipoxygenase metabolite fractionation has been developed. Gas chromatographic/mass spectrometric analysis of the high-performance liquid chromatographic fractions thus obtained show that the major products detected in the incubates correspond to three principal structures: monohydroxy acids (12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid being the major component), epoxyhydroxy acids and trihydroxy acids. Other minor compounds such as 12-hydroxyheptadecatrienoic acid, various dihydroxy acids and prostaglandins were also detected. Cells pre-exposed to N-phenyllinoleamide show selectively enhanced levels of 6-keto prostaglandin F1 alpha, as measured by both gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and radioimmunoassay of the corresponding high-performance liquid chromatographic fraction.

Anilides

Human and experimental studies on renal eicosanoid response to long-term cadmium exposure.

In order to assess the effects of long-term exposure to cadmium (Cd) on the renal metabolism of eicosanoids, the urinary excretion of 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha (6-keto-PGF1 alpha), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha), and thromboxane B2 (TXB2) was determined in 37 workers exposed to Cd and in female Sprague-Dawley rats given 100 ppm Cd in drinking water for 10 months. Urinary output of sodium and calcium was also determined. The Cd-exposed workers showed an increased urinary concentration of 6-keto-PGF1 alpha, PGE2, sodium, and calcium. The rise of 6-keto-PGF1 alpha was related to Cd levels in blood and weakly correlated with urinary sodium. Calcium in urine was not related to the concentration of the metal in blood and urine. A slight elevation in urinary TXB2 was also observed in workers with blood Cd higher than 5 micrograms/liter. After 10 months of exposure to Cd, female Sprague-Dawley rats presented an enhanced urinary excretion of albumin, transferrin, beta 2-microglobulin, sodium, and PGE2 in urine. The latter was significantly correlated with albuminuria and transferrinuria. In conclusion the results show that chronic exposure to Cd induces changes in the urinary excretion of some eicosanoids. The possible relation of these changes to Cd-induced kidney dysfunction are discussed.

6-Ketoprostaglandin F1 alpha

Altered systemic and tissue prostacyclin in cerulein induced acute pancreatitis in rats.

Prostacyclin metabolism in rat acute pancreatitis was evaluated by measuring the tissue levels of 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha (6-keto-PGF1 alpha) and the urinary excretion of 2, 3-dinor 6-keto-PGF1 alpha. Acute pancreatitis was induced by i.v. cerulein perfusion and was confirmed by the pancreas enzyme changes and the histological findings. Significantly enhanced tissue and urinary prostacyclin levels were found in acute pancreatitis rats, when compared to the controls. Concomitantly, an enhanced tissue phospholipase A2 (PLA2) activity was also found. These data show the importance of 2, 3-dinor PGF1 alpha as an inflammatory marker in cerulein-induced pancreatitis.

6-Ketoprostaglandin F1 alpha

Influence of N-phenyllinoleamide from toxic oil samples on the lipoxygenase metabolism of exogenous arachidonic acid in mouse peritoneal macrophages.

N-phenyllinoleamide (NPLA) is a useful marker for adulterated oil samples associated with cases of toxic oil syndrome (TOS). To date, NPLA has not reproduced the human poisoning episode in experimental animal models and, thus, its pathological role in the syndrome remains controversial. The present report describes the effect of NPLA on the lipoxygenase metabolism of exogenous arachidonic acid (AA) in mouse peritoneal macrophages (MPM). Results show that MPM cells exposed to 1mM NPLA for 2 h, when subsequently incubated with exogenous 3H-AA, undergo a significant increase in the biosynthesis of 3H-12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (3H-12-HETE) whereas levels of 3H-15-HETE are relatively stable. These data indicate that NPLA selectively potentiates the lipoxygenase metabolism of exogenous AA, supporting the possible implication of lipid peroxidative processes in the ethiopathology of TOS, although the relatively high NPLA concentration required 'in vitro' makes it unlikely that this xenobiotic could be directly related to human toxicity.

12-Hydroxy-5,8,10,14-eicosatetraenoic Acid

Release of peptide leukotriene into nasal secretions after local instillation of aspirin in aspirin-sensitive asthmatic patients.

Although the mechanism of aspirin-induced asthma and rhinitis is unknown, it has been suggested that adverse nasal and bronchial reactions are caused by an increased production of lipoxygenase products. In examining this hypothesis we have measured the release of peptide leukotrienes (PeptLTs), 15-HETE, and prostaglandins in nasal fluids obtained by nasal lavages after instillation of acetylsalycilic acid (ASA) and placebo (saline). Ten ASA-sensitive asthmatics, 10 ASA-insensitive asthmatics, and seven healthy subjects were challenged in a double-blind study with normal saline and 12 mg of ASA. Twelve mg were administered based on the results of a previous study that showed that this dose caused minor to moderate symptoms in ASA-sensitive patients. PeptLTs, LTB4, 15-HETE, PGE2, PGF2 alpha, and PGD2 were measured by radioimmunoassay methods. Significant levels of PeptLTs were detected in sensitive asthmatic patients 60 min after nasal challenge. This change was associated with a significant increase in symptoms. No increase in PeptLTs levels were found, however, in either insensitive patients or healthy subjects. Inhibition of PGE2 and PGF2 alpha release was detected in the three groups after ASA administration. ASA also inhibited PGD2 release in insensitive asthmatic patients but not in both sensitive patients and healthy subjects. These results suggest that an abnormal release of PeptLTs in ASA-sensitive asthmatic patients contributes to nasal and bronchial adverse reactions. The lack of effects on PGD2 release suggests that mast cells from ASA-insensitive patients are more sensitive to ASA than those from sensitive asthmatic patients and healthy subjects.

Administration, Intranasal

Cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase arachidonic acid metabolism by monocytes from human immune deficiency virus-infected drug users.

Prostaglandin E2, thromboxane B2 and leukotriene B4 monocyte production have been determined in human immune deficiency virus (HIV)-infected drug users (n = 36) and healthy subjects (n = 29). Eicosanoids were extracted from the incubates using C18 solid-phase cartridges and determined by radioimmunoassay. An enhanced production of prostaglandin E2 and thromboxane B2 was detected in monocytes from HIV-positive drug users whether or not they had been previously stimulated with zymosan. Concomitant leukotriene B4 increases were not observed. The results reported in this paper indicate that altered cyclooxygenase arachidonic acid metabolism in monocytes from HIV-infected drug users is associated with the severe cellular immunodysfunction characteristic of AIDS. In contrast, leukotriene B4 does not seem to play a role in AIDS-associated immunosuppression.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome

Characteristic fragmentation of thromboxane B2 in thermospray high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.

Cyclo- and lipo-oxygenase metabolites of arachidonic acid have been reported to have very simple thermospray mass spectra. However, thromboxane B2 (TXB) in ammonium acetate-methanol and at interface temperatures below the point of total vaporization shows a mass spectral pattern characterized by abundant ions at low masses. The more abundant TXB fragment ions have been characterized as adducts from four principal fragments with molecular masses of 156, 170, 196 and 326. Positive- and negative-ion mass spectra, and mass spectra obtained with an alternative thermospray buffer (butylammonium acetate) support the molecular masses of these fragments. A tentative assignment of the fragments can be made by comparison of the thermospray mass spectra of TXB, 2,3-dinor-TXB and some of their methyl ester and methyl oxime derivatives. Interface temperature and solvent composition effects on the fragmentation, as well as in the electron-capture processes observed when working in the filament-on mode, are discussed. Fragmentation mechanisms can be related to those observed for monosaccharides, and imply retro-Diels-Alder as well as retroaldolic condensation-type rearrangements.

Buffers

Tissular prostanoid release, phospholipase A2 activity, and lipid peroxidation in pancreas transplantation.

Free radical species have been implicated as important agents in ischemia-reperfusion injury associated to transplantation procedures. This study was carried out to investigate the possible relationship between phospholipase A2 activity (PLA2), lipoperoxidation, and the changes in arachidonic acid metabolism during ischemia reperfusion injury in pancreas transplantation, as well as the effect of a free radical scavenger such as superoxide dismutase on these changes. For this purpose male Lewis rat groups (n = 7) were classified as follows: group I--control; group II--syngenic pancreas transplantation after 15 min preservation in Collins solution at 4 degrees C; group III--syngenic pancreas transplantation after 18 hr preservation in the same conditions; group IV--same as III but with administration of SOD (i.v.) immediately before revascularization in the recipient rat. The results indicate that significant increases in PLA2 activity and lipoperoxide levels occur concomitantly with an increase of thromboxane B2 (TXB2) and 6-keto prostaglandin F1 alpha (6-keto PGF1 alpha) in pancreatic tissue after pancreas transplantation. The counteracting effect of a free radical scavenger such as SOD supports the role of oxygen free radicals (OFR) mediating activation of PLA2 and subsequent formation of eicosanoids in pancreas transplantation.

Animals

Simultaneous reversed-phase extraction of lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase metabolites of arachidonic acid in nasal secretions: methodological aspects.

An improved analytical method for the simultaneous solid-phase extraction of arachidonic acid metabolites in biological samples is described. The major aim of the work was to define the cause of the different recoveries reported in the literature for leukotrienes and hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids. We used nasal lavages to carry out a comparative study of solid-phase extraction parameters of practical importance in securing good recoveries of leukotrienes and hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids from biological samples. We evaluated the influence of the pH of the sample, the pH of the water used to wash the extraction cartridge before elution of the adsorbed analytes, the comparative behaviour of commercially available octadecyl adsorbents and the influence of the concentration-evaporation step on final recoveries. Data thus obtained show that there is no significant difference in results when the samples and the water used to wash the cartridge before analyte elution are adjusted to pH values ranging between 4.0 and 7.4. Below pH 4.0, losses may be significant. Furthermore, recoveries can be very much dependent on the type of solid-phase cartridge material and on the eluent evaporation method, especially with regard to aqueous phase removal.

Arachidonic Acid