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Biomedical subjects

H Schweer

Publications and source records attributed to H Schweer.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Effects of short-term treatment with diclofenac-colestyramine on renal function and urinary prostanoid excretion in patients with type-2 diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of short-term administration of diclofenac-colestyramine on glomerular filtration rate (GFR), renal plasma flow (RPF) and urinary excretion of prostanoids in patients with type-2 diabetes without and with impaired renal function. METHODS: In the randomised, single-blind, placebo-controlled, two-period crossover study, 32 patients with type-2 diabetes (group 1: 16 patients without impaired renal function, creatinine clearance > or =80 ml/min and group 2: 16 patients with impaired renal function, creatinine clearance 30-79 ml/min) received 140 mg diclofenac-colestyramine (corresponding to 75 mg diclofenac sodium) or placebo twice a day on days 1 and 2 and once on day 3 with a wash-out period of 6 days between the two periods. GFR was assessed using both measurement of creatinine clearance and calculation of inulin clearance and RPF was assessed using calculation of para-aminohippurate (PAH) clearance after the short-term administration on day 3. Urinary excretion of prostanoids (PGE(2), PGE-M, 6-keto-PGF(1alpha), 2,3-dinor-6-keto-PGF(1alpha), TxB(2), 2,3-dinor-TxB(2) and 11-dehydro-TxB(2)) were measured before and after drug intake. RESULTS: Comparison with placebo showed no effect of diclofenac-colestyramine on creatinine, inulin or PAH clearance ( P>0.05) in patients with type-2 diabetes either without or with impaired renal function. The differences in creatinine, inulin and PAH clearance between the two groups of patients were not influenced by diclofenac-colestyramine. Urinary excretion of PGE(2), PGE-M, 6-keto-PGF(1alpha), 2,3-dinor-6-keto-PGF(1alpha), TxB(2), 2,3-dinor-TxB(2) ( P=1.89) and 11-dehydro-TxB(2) was significantly reduced by diclofenac-colestyramine. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that proven non-specific cyclooxygenase inhibition by short-term administration of diclofenac-colestyramine did not affect renal haemodynamic function (GFR, RPF) in patients with type-2 diabetes either without or with impaired renal function.

Aged↗

Characterization and identification of cytochrome P450 metabolites of arachidonic acid released by human peritoneal macrophages obtained from the pouch of Douglas.

Cytochrome P450 metabolism of arachidonic acid (AA) was investigated in human peritoneal macrophages which play a central role in chronic pelvic diseases in women (for example in endometriosis). The formation of eicosanoids other than prostaglandins (PGs) by these cells is still unknown. In non-activated macrophages obtained from women in the reproductive age, the main [(3)H]-AA metabolites coeluted with epoxyeicosatrienoic acids, dihydroxyeicosatrienoic acids (DHETs) and hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids (HETEs) in reverse-phase HPLC. After zymosan activation a shift to PGs pathway was observed. Treatment with low doses of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo- p -dioxin increased the formation of a metabolite coeluting with 5,6-DHET. By gas chromatography/mass spectrometry 5,6-DHET (after beta-naphthoflavone induction), and 14,15-DHET as well as 11,12-DHET (after AA stimulation) were identified as major epoxygenase metabolites, respectively. The enantioselective formation of 12(S)-HETE was demonstrated by chiral-phase HPLC. Our findings demonstrate that non-activated peritoneal macrophages produce substantial amounts of bioactive cytochrome P450 metabolites of AA.

Arachidonic Acid↗

Effect of preterm formula with and without long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids on the urinary excretion of F2-isoprostanes and 8-epi-prostaglandin F2alpha.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of conventional and long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCP)-enriched preterm formula on the endogenous formation of F2-isoprostanes and 8-epi-prostaglandin (PG) F2alpha as possible markers of lipid peroxidation in preterm infants during their first weeks of life. METHODS: In a prospective, randomized, double-blind study, infants received either formula enriched with LCP (n = 8), standard preterm formula (n = 7), or (expressed) breast milk (n = 8). Urine was sampled at study entry and after the study period of 3 weeks. The formation of F2-isoprostanes and 8-epi-PGF2alpha was evaluated by measuring the urinary excretion by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. RESULTS: No differences in the urinary excretion of F2-isoprostanes and 8-epi-PGF2alpha were observed at the end of the study period. CONCLUSIONS: This result suggests that supplementation of a preterm formula with LCP for a period of 3 weeks does not stimulate lipid peroxidation in preterm infants.

Dinoprost↗

Neonatal urinary prostanoid excretion.

Urinary excretion of prostanoids prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), PGE-M (7alpha-hydroxy-5,11-diketo-2,3,4,5,20-penta-19-carboxyprostano ic acid), 6-keto-PGF1alpha, 2,3-dinor-6-keto-PGF1alpha, thromboxane B2 (TxB2) 2,3-dinor-TxB2 and 11-dehydro-TxB2 was determined by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry in preterm and term infants to show that there is an age-dependent excretion rate of the above prostanoids in infants this young. Group I included premature children with normal postnatal development, Groups II and III included term children who were admitted in the neonatal period for observation because of feeding problems but who were subsequently found to be completely healthy. We present normal data of three primary prostanoids and four prostanoid metabolites. In Group I, excretion rates of 2,3-dinor-TxB2 were significantly lower than in Group II (P = 0.04) and in Group III (P = 0.05). Furthermore, the excretion rate of 11-dehydro-TxB2 in group I was significantly lower than in Group II (P = 0.05). We found no significant age-dependent differences between the three groups in excretion rates of PGE2, PGE-M, 6-keto-PGF1alpha, 2,3-dinor-6-keto-PGF1alpha, and TxB2.

Female↗

Determination of free and glucuronide conjugated 20-hydroxyarachidonic acid (20-HETE) in urine by gas chromatography/negative ion chemical ionization mass spectrometry.

20-Hydroxy-arachidonic acid (20-HETE) was determined in urine by an isotope dilution assay using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). After addition of 18O2-internal standard, 20-HETE was extracted from urine with hexane either directly or after treatment with glucuronidase. 20-HETE was derivatized to the pentafluorobenzylester and the sample was applied to thin layer chromatography with iso-octane/iso-propanol 9:1 (v/v) as the developing solvent. The corresponding zone was extracted and 20-HETE was hydrogenated. After derivatization to the trimethylsilylether, 20-HETE was determined by GC/MS using the [M-pentafluorobenzyl]- -ion in the negative ion chemical ionization mode. Excretion rates of free and glucuronide conjugated 20-HETE was determined in healthy children and in children with hyperprostaglandin-E-syndrome/antenatal Bartter syndrome (HPS/aBS) with or without indomethacin treatment. Compared to the controls, the HPS/aBS children showed higher excretion rates of 20-HETE, which were suppressed to normal values under indomethacin medication. Free and glucuronide conjugated 20-HETE do not correlate with PGE2 excluding any participation in HPS/aBS.

Adolescent↗

Increased production of HDL ApoA-I in homozygous familial defective ApoB-100.

Familial defective apolipoprotein (apo) B-100 (FDB) is a frequent cause of hypercholesterolemia. Hypercholesterolemia in homozygous FDB is less severe than in homozygotes for familial hypercholesterolemia. Recently, we showed decreased low density lipoprotein (LDL) apoB-100 fractional catabolism and decreased production of LDL due to an enhanced removal of apoE-containing precursors in a patient with homozygous FDB. The effects of defective apoB-100 on high density lipoprotein (HDL) metabolism are unknown. We studied HDL apoA-I metabolism in this FDB patient and in 6 control subjects by using (2)H(3)-L-leucine as a tracer. ApoA-I levels were normal in all study subjects. However, the fractional catabolic rate and the production rate of apoA-I were increased, by 79% and 70%, respectively, in FDB; the fractional catabolic rate of apoA-I in FDB was 0.34 day(-1) compared with 0.19+/-0.03 day(-1) in normal controls. The production rate of apoA-I in FDB was 18.4 mg. kg(-1). d(-1) compared with 10.8+/-2.3 mg. kg(-1). d(-1) in controls. Thus, we have shown for the first time that defective apoB-100 may influence HDL kinetics. The increase in total HDL turnover might enhance reverse cholesterol transport and could contribute to the seemingly benign clinical course of FDB compared with that of familial hypercholesterolemia.

Adult↗

Metabolic basis of high density lipoproteins and apolipoprotein A-I increase by HMG-CoA reductase inhibition in healthy subjects and a patient with coronary artery disease.

HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, such as pravastatin, are widely used as lipid lowering drugs in hypercholesterolemia. Pravastatin does not only reduce the atherogenic low density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol, but is also increasing high density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol. However, the mechanism leading to an increase of HDL are unclear. Therefore, the effects of pravastatin on the in vivo kinetics of apolipoprotein (apo) A-I were studied in six normolipidemic subjects and in a patient with coronary artery disease (CAD) utilizing stable isotope tracer techniques. Two turnover studies were performed. The first turnover study was carried out before any drug treatment, the second study after 6 weeks of 40 mg pravastatin/day. Three times deuterium labeled L-leucine (3D-leucine) was given as a primed bolus constant infusion (bolus: 1340 microg/kg; infusion: 22 microg/kg per h), and tracer uptake into HDL apoA-I was determined by gas chromatography (GC)-mass-spectrometry (MS). In the healthy subjects HDL-cholesterol increased by 13% and apoA-I increased by 12% under pravastatin treatment. The HDL in the CAD patient decreased by 3% and apoA-I increased by 2%. Prior to drug treatment the mean apoA-I fractional synthetic rate (FSR) was 0.194 per day (S.D. +/- 0.02) and apoA-I production rate (PR) was 10.8 mg/kg per day (S.D. +/- 2.1). The CAD patient had a FSR of 0.219 per day and a PR of 10.6 mg/kg per day. After treatment with pravastatin the mean apoA-I FSR was 0.204 per day (S.D. +/- 0.02) and apoA-I PR was 12.5 mg/kg per day (S.D. +/- 1.5) in the healthy subjects. Despite only minor changes of HDL and apoA-I in the CAD patient, there were significant changes of FSR (0.267 per day) and PR (13.1 mg/kg per day) with pravastatin treatment. The in vivo kinetic data demonstrate an increased FSR of apoA-I. The increase in apoA-I is due to an increased PR of apoA-I. This study demonstrates increased production of HDL apoA-I as the metabolic cause of the increase in HDL and apoA-I levels under inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase in man.

Adult↗

Improved quantification of 8-epi-prostaglandin F2 alpha and F2-isoprostanes by gas chromatography/triple-stage quadrupole mass spectrometry: partial cyclooxygenase-dependent formation of 8-epi-prostaglandin F2 alpha in humans.

F2-isoprostanes are considered to be novel markers of lipid peroxidation. To study the in vivo formation of F2-isoprostanes, an improved method was developed for isotope dilution assays involving gas chromatography/triple-stage quadrupole mass spectrometry (GC/MS/MS) including thin-layer chromatography (TLC) (sum of all F2-isoprostanes) and high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) purification (prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha) and 8-epi-PGF2 alpha). Following the addition of isotopically labeled prostaglandins to urine, the sample was acidified and applied to a C18 cartridge. After elution, prostaglandins were derivatized to pentafluorobenzyl esters and subjected to TLC. A broad zone was scratched off, isoprostanes were eluted and after formation of their trimethylsilyl ether derivatives the sum of F2-isoprostanes was determined by GC/MS/MS. For the determination of PGE2 alpha and 8-epi-PGF2 alpha prior to trimethylsilylation an additional HPLC step was performed and the fractions containing PGF2 alpha and 8-epi-PGF2 alpha were analyzed by GC/MS/MS. Using this technique, 8-epi-PGF2 alpha concentrations in urine samples as low as 5 pg ml-1 could be determined with high accuracy. The excretion rates of isoprostanes were studied in comparison with the classical prostaglandins in three different groups: healthy adults, healthy children and children with hyper-PGE syndrome (HPS), a pathological situation associated with a stimulated PGE2 synthesis. F2-isoprostanes represented the main arachidonic acid metabolites in these groups and 8-epi-PGF2 alpha excretion was comparable in its amount to the classical prostanoids. To delineate the cyclooxygenase-catalyzed contribution, the influence of indomethacin, an inhibitor of cyclooxygenases, on F2-isoprostane formation in healthy adults and in HPS children was analyzed. Significantly decreased excretion rates were observed 2 days after indomethacin administration for all prostanoids, including F2-isoprostanes and 8-epi-PGF2 alpha. However, the suppression of F2-isoprostanes and 8-epi-PGF2 alpha excretion rates was less pronounced in comparison with the classical prostanoids. An improved and reliable method for the determination of F2-isoprostanes and especially 8-epi-PGF2 alpha has been developed. The data obtained on human urine samples indicates a contribution of the cyclooxygenase pathway to the formation of isoprostanes.

Adolescent↗

Measurements of urinary prostaglandins in young ovulatory women during the menstrual cycle and in postmenopausal women.

The purpose of the present work was to study the prostaglandin excretion in young nonpregnant ovulatory women during the menstrual cycle on the one hand and in postmenopausal women on the other hand and to investigate the influence of female sex hormones (estradiol, progesterone) on urinary prostanoid excretion. Urinary excretion rates of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), 6-keto-PGF1 alpha, thromboxane B2 (TxB2) and their metabolites PGE-M (11 alpha-hydroxy-9, 15-dioxo-2,3,4,5,20-pentanor-19-carboxyprostanoic acid), 2,3-dinor-6-keto-PGF1 alpha, 2,3-dinor-TxB2 and 11-dehydro-TxB2 were determined by gas chromatography-triple stage quadrupole mass spectrometry (GC/MS/MS) in 41 young non-pregnant women during the follicular phase and during the luteal phase and in 23 postmenopausal women. Excretion rates of all urinary prostanoids were not significantly different in the follicular phase when compared with the luteal phase. In contrast to the young ovulatory women, PGE2 and TxB2 were significantly higher in postmenopausal women. Concerning the other prostaglandins significant differences between these groups of women did not exist. Although serum levels of estradiol and progesterone were different in young and postmenopausal women, sex hormones have not been shown to correlate with prostaglandins. Our data do not suggest sex hormones to be responsible for the difference in the prostaglandin excretion in women of reproductive age and in women in the menopause. Further systematic investigations into age dependency of prostaglandin excretion in women are necessary.

6-Ketoprostaglandin F1 alpha↗

Cytochrome P450 metabolites of arachidonic acid in human placenta.

Little is known about the epoxygenase pathway of the arachidonic acid cascade in uterine tissues. In this paper, we describe the formation of epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) and dihydroxyeicosatrienoic acids (DHETs) in human term placenta after uncomplicated pregnancies. Metabolism of [3H]-arachidonic acid was analyzed in short term tissue cultures of placenta by reverse phase HPLC. Major metabolites coeluted with authentic EETs and DHETs. The formation of EETs was inhibited by carbon monoxide. In non-radioactive incubations with biopsies from seven different placentas, sufficient material for GC/MS analysis was obtained. The combined media were purified by solid phase extraction and reverse phase HPLC. The fraction coeluting with DHETs was derivatized with pentafluorobenzylbromide (PFB) and bis-(trimethylsilyl)-trifluoroacetylacetamide (BSTFA) and analyzed by GC/NICI/MS/MS. 11, 12-DHET and 14, 15-DHET were identified by their mass spectra displaying specific fragments at m/z 149 and m/z 189, respectively. Our results suggest that the epoxygenase pathway is active in human term placenta.

8,11,14-Eicosatrienoic Acid↗

Homozygous familial defective apolipoprotein B-100. Enhanced removal of apolipoprotein E-containing VLDLs and decreased production of LDLs.

Familial defective apolipoprotein B-100 (FDB) is a frequently inherited disorder of lipoprotein metabolism. The glutamine-for-arginine substitution at position 3500 of apolipoprotein (apo) B-100 leads to defective binding of apo B-100 to the low density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor and accumulation of LDL in the plasma. We recently identified a patient homozygous for this mutation. His LDL cholesterol and apo B concentrations were approximately twice normal, whereas his apo E plasma level was low. Using a stable-isotope labeling technique ([2H3]leucine-primed constant infusion), we studied lipoprotein turnover in vivo in the fasting state in this patient and three clinically healthy, normolipidemic individuals not carrying the FDB mutation. The residence time of LDL apo B-100 was prolonged 3.6-fold in the FDB homozygote (8.3 vs 2.3 days). The production rate of LDL apo B-100 was decreased (7.4 vs 15 mg per kg per day). In FDB the residence time of very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) apo B-100 was longer (2.6 vs 1.3 hours), whereas the residence time of VLDL apo E was shorter (2.6 vs 4.5 hours) than normal. These data show that the in vivo metabolism of apo B-100-containing lipoproteins in FDB is different from that in familial hypercholesterolemia, in which LDL receptors are defective. In both conditions the residence times of LDL apo B-100 appear to be increased to approximately the same degree. This contrasts with the LDL apo B-100 synthetic rate, which is increased in familial hypercholesterolemia and decreased in FDB. The decreased production of LDL apo B-100 in FDB may originate from enhanced removal of apo E-containing LDL precursors by LDL receptors, which may be upregulated in response to the decreased flux of LDL-derived cholesterol into hepatocytes.

Apolipoprotein B-100↗

Prostanoid biosynthesis by blood monocytes of children with hyperprostaglandin E syndrome.

Hyperprostaglandin E syndrome (HPS), the prenatal variant of Bartter's syndrome, is characterized by a marked and selective stimulation of prostaglandin E (PGE2) synthesis. In the study group HPS patients showed increased urinary levels of PGE2, an index of renal, and of 11 alpha-hydroxy-9,15-dioxo-2,3,4,5,20-pentanor-19-carboxyprostano ic acid (PGE-M), an index of systemic PGE2 synthesis of 470% and of 570%, respectively. In addition, plasma concentration of PGE-M was also elevated 6.3-fold when compared with a control group. The urinary levels of other prostanoids were unaltered. During indomethacin treatment in both groups prostanoid excretion rates were suppressed to similar levels. To investigate the origin of stimulated prostanoid biosynthesis in HPS patients CD14+ monocytes were isolated from plasma samples, and the prostanoid synthesis was analyzed. The pattern and amounts of metabolites synthesized from endogenous arachidonic acid pools did not vary significantly between monocytes of the HPS and the control group. Thromboxane A2 (TXA2) was formed as the major prostanoid product. Using PGH2 as an exogenous substrate, again no difference in PGE2 biosynthesis was observed, indicating no difference in PGE-synthetic activity between both groups. Additionally, mRNA expression analysis of CD14+ monocytes via RT-PCR delineated the constitutive expression of cyclooxygenase-1, cyclooxygenase-2, and thromboxane synthase mRNA in cells from HPS patients and controls without statistical differences between these two groups. In conclusion, our data show that monocytes are not the source for the increased PGE2 biosynthesis in children with HPS, and a genetic defect in PGE synthesis can be excluded as the primary event in the pathogenesis in HPS.

Adolescent↗

Prostanoid formation during feeding of a preterm formula with long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in healthy preterm infants during the first weeks of life.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of conventional and long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCP)-enriched preterm formula on prostanoid formation in preterm infants during their first weeks of life. In a prospective, randomized, double-blind study, healthy infants received either formula enriched with LCP (n = 10), standard preterm formula (n = 10), or (expressed) breast milk (n = 10). Urine was sampled, and anthropometric measurements were taken at study entry and after the study period of 3 wk. In vivo formation of prostaglandin E2, thromboxane A2, and prostacyclin was evaluated by measuring the urinary excretion of the respective index metabolities by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. There were no significant differences in urinary prostanoid excretion and anthropometric data between the groups at the end of the study period. We conclude that neither conventional formula nor supplementation of a preterm formula with LCP for a period of 3 wk substantially influence prostanoid formation in healthy preterm infants.

Anthropometry↗

In vivo formation of prostaglandin E1 and prostaglandin E2 in atopic dermatitis.

Immunological and biochemical alterations in atopic dermatitis have been attributed to a deficient conversion of omega-6 fatty acids (i.e. linoleic acid, gamma-linolenic acid, and dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid) to prostaglandin (PG) E1. In patients with atopic dermatitis, however, the formation of PGE1 has not been evaluated so far. We therefore measured plasma concentrations of 15-keto-13,14-dihydro-PGE1, which reflects endogenous PGE1 release, by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry in 31 patients with atopic dermatitis (aged 18-41 years, median 26 years) and in 31 healthy, age- and sex-matched control subjects. In order to exclude a metabolic shift from PGE1 to PGE2, we also measured the plasma levels of 15-keto-13,14-dihydro-PGE2. There was no difference between patients and control subjects with respect to plasma concentrations of 15-keto-13,14-dihydro-PGE1 (3.9-49.6, median 10.3 pg/ml vs. 3.2-80.4, median 8.3 pg/ml, P = 0.22), 15-keto-13,14-dihydro-PGE2 (11.6-201.0, median 24.8 pg/ml vs. 8.6-201.0, median 19.6 pg/ml, P = 0.10), and the ratio of 15-keto-13,14-dihydro-PGE1 to 15-keto-13,14-dihydro-PGE2 (0.17-1.39, median 0.41 vs. 0.2-1.17, median 0.45, P = 0.29). These results indicate that the endogenous formation of both PGE1 and PGE2 is normal in our patients. The results do not confirm the pivotal role that other authors have attributed to a deficient PGE1 formation in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis.

Adolescent↗

Pharmacokinetics of prostaglandin E1 and its main metabolites after intracavernous injection and short-term infusion of prostaglandin E1 in patients with erectile dysfunction.

PURPOSE: Alprostadil (prostaglandin E1) is the preferred monotherapy for intracavernous injection in the diagnosis and treatment of erectile dysfunction. Our study was designed to evaluate whether there is a difference in the pharmacokinetics of prostaglandin E1 and its main metabolites after intracavernous injection or short-term intravenous infusion. In addition, we also investigated the influence of the erectile response on prostaglandin E1 kinetics after intracavernous injection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 24 patients with erectile dysfunction received, in a randomized order at an interval of 5 hours, an intracavernous injection or a 30-minute intravenous infusion of 20 microg. of alprostadil alfadex (prostaglandin E1). Venous blood samples were obtained 5 minutes before and at various times after the applications. We used highly sensitive gas chromatography/double-mass spectrometry method to measure prostaglandin E1 and its metabolites in plasma. RESULTS: We demonstrated the presence of relevant systemic blood levels of prostaglandin E1 and its metabolites immediately after intracavernous injection. We found significantly lower systemic prostaglandin E1 concentrations between 7 and 20 minutes after intracavernous injection in patients with an erectile response compared with those without. CONCLUSIONS: We found significant systemic concentrations of prostaglandin E1 and its metabolites after intracavernous injection. The systemic presence did not lead to significant changes in vital signs.

Alprostadil↗

Generation of the isoprostane 8-epi-prostaglandin F2alpha in vitro and in vivo via the cyclooxygenases.

F2-isoprostanes are isomers of the prostaglandin PGF2alpha. At least one compound of this group, 8-epi-PGF2alpha, exhibits biological activity, and therefore special interest is focused on the mechanism of isoprostane formation: enzyme catalyzed or radical mediated. We analyzed the formation of isoprostanes in vitro and in vivo. In both systems, purified cyclooxygenase isoenzymes and cell models specific for the cyclooxygenase isoenzymes, 8-epi-PGF2alpha formation could be totally suppressed by cyclooxygenase inhibitors. Indomethacin inhibited concentration-dependent 8-epi-PGF2alpha formation in platelets stimulated with calcium ionophore, arachidonic acid or thrombin. Nordihydroguaiaretic acid, an antioxidant, blocked isoprostane formation with a similar IC50 value as thromboxane B2 synthesis, pointing toward cyclooxygenase as the primary target of inhibition. Based on the turnover number, cyclooxygenase-2 formed higher levels of 8-epi-PGF2alpha than cyclooxygenase-1. Endogenous 8-epi-PGF2alpha production in rat mesangial cells correlated well with the mRNA and protein expression of cyclooxygenase-2 during interleukin-1 induction. However, in contrast to human platelets, which produced different forms of isoprostanes, rat mesangial cells appeared to form only 8-epi-PGF2alpha. Further, this indicates that mesangial cells may represent a cellular origin for renal 8-epi-PGF2alpha formation. Next, we analyzed the formation of isoprostanes in humans. A direct correlation was observed between indomethacin treatment and the decrease in 8-epi-PGF2alpha and isoprostane levels, but compared with other prostanoids the inhibition was less pronounced. In summary, based on the in vitro studies, a clear cyclooxygenase-dependent formation of isoprostanes, especially 8-epi-PGF2alpha, was observed. However, in vivo additional formation via cyclooxygenase enzyme-independent mechanisms is likely.

Adolescent↗

Determination of isotopic ratios of L-leucine and L-phenylalanine and their stable isotope labeled analogues in biological samples by gas chromatography/triple-stage quadrupole mass spectrometry.

A gas chromatographic/triple-stage quadrupole mass spectrometric (GC/MS/MS) method for measuring very low levels of enrichment of [5,5,5-2H3]-L-leucine and [ring-13C6]-L-phenylalanine in plasma and lipoprotein hydrolysates is described. The amino acids were derivatized to their N-heptafluorobutyryl isobutyl ester derivatives and the isotope ratio was determined by GC/MS/MS in the negative-ion chemical ionization mode. Parent ions were the [M-HF]- ions and fragment ions used for quantification were [P-2HF-C3H7]- (leucine) and [P-HF-OC4H9]- (phenylalanine), respectively. The limit of quantification was about 10 pg of the labeled compound co-eluting with 20 ng of the endogenous compound. The calibration curves were linear in the investigated range from 0.1% to 100% of the labeled compound. In biological samples, the higher selectivity of GC/MS/MS compared with GC/MS was demonstrated.

Apolipoprotein A-I↗