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Biomedical subjects

J A Awad

Publications and source records attributed to J A Awad.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Effect of oxygen tension on the generation of F2-isoprostanes and malondialdehyde in peroxidizing rat liver microsomes.

Although numerous methods have been developed for the detection of lipid peroxidation, it is generally recognized that most of these lack specificity and/or sensitivity, particularly when applied to in vivo situations. We have reported recently that a series of prostaglandin F2-like compounds, termed F2-isoprostanes, are formed in vivo from the free radical catalyzed peroxidation of arachidonic acid and appear to be a useful marker of oxidant stress. Because of formation of other products of lipid peroxidation, such as alkanes and malondialdehyde (MDA), are affected by oxygen tension, which may influence their usefulness as markers of oxidant stress, we carried out a systematic study of the generation of F2-isoprostanes at various oxygen concentrations and compared these changes with the generation of MDA. The disappearance of the F2-isoprostane precursor, arachidonic acid, was used as a reference measure. Rat liver microsomes were peroxidized using an iron-ascorbate system. The incubations were carried out in sealed flasks at 37 degrees under N2 and various concentrations of O2 up to 100%. F2-isoprostanes were quantified by mass spectrometry and MDA by the thiobarbituric acid reaction. Microsomal fatty acids were measured by gas chromatography. Both MDA and F2-isoprostane formation increased in a time-dependent manner up to 15 min. Their formation correlated with a loss of polyunsaturated fatty acid and with an increase in O2 tension up to 21% O2. At oxygen tensions above 21%, MDA generation continued to increase, while F2-isoprostane generation and arachidonic acid loss did not. Levels of MDA and F2-isoprostanes increased a maximum of 65 and 9.4 times baseline values, respectively. These studies, therefore, define factors that influence the formation of F2-isoprostanes in an in vitro model of lipid peroxidation. Further, they demonstrate that higher O2 tensions do not block formation of F2-isoprostanes and validate their usefulness for assessing lipid peroxidation under high, as well as low, oxygen tension.

Animals↗

Detection of the major urinary metabolite of prostaglandin D2 in the circulation: demonstration of elevated levels in patients with disorders of systemic mast cell activation.

The symptoms and hemodynamic alterations that accompany episodes of systemic mast cell activation have been largely attributed to excessive prostaglandin (PG)D2 release. Quantification of the major urinary metabolite of PGD2 has been invaluable in elucidating a role for PGD2 in these clinical entities and in the biochemical evaluation of systemic mastocytosis. With the use of a modified mass spectrometric assay for the major urinary metabolite of PGD2, this metabolite was detected in plasma from 10 normal volunteers (3.5 +/- 1.4 pg/ml). Ingestion of niacin, which induces endogenous release of PGD2, increased plasma levels of this metabolite 6.3 to 33 times above the upper limit of normal by 2 hours. Thereafter, levels declined gradually but remained elevated for up to 6 to 8 hours. In contrast, circulating levels of 9 alpha, 11 beta-PGF2, the initial metabolite of PGD2, peaked by 30 minutes and returned to baseline by 2 hours. The clinical utility of measuring the major urinary metabolite in the circulation was demonstrated by detection of markedly increased levels in plasma and serum from patients with systemic mastocytosis and a patient with a severe type I allergic reaction. Thus in the biochemical evaluation of episodes of systemic mast cell activation and endeavors to further elucidate the role of PGD2 in human disease, there are kinetic advantages of measuring the major urinary metabolite of PGD2 in the circulation. One particular advantage is the evaluation of clinical events, which only in retrospect are suspected to be associated with excessive release of PGD2, yet plasma or serum was obtained proximate to the event.

Anaphylaxis↗

Detection and localization of lipid peroxidation in selenium- and vitamin E-deficient rats using F2-isoprostanes.

Data on the effect of vitamin E and selenium deficiency on lipid peroxidation in vivo have been limited. F2-isoprostanes are novel prostanoids that, free in plasma and esterified to phospholipids in tissues, are markers of lipid peroxidation in vivo. To address the importance of vitamin E and selenium in defense against lipid peroxidation in vivo, we determined F2-isoprostane concentrations in the plasma and organs of rats fed diets deficient in one or both nutrients. Weanling rats were fed a vitamin E- and selenium-deficient diet for 12 wk and then divided into four groups. One group continued to receive the doubly deficient diet, and the other three groups were fed the diet supplemented with vitamin E, selenium or both nutrients (control diet) for 4 wk. Plasma F2-isoprostanes in rats fed the doubly deficient diet were 5.2-fold higher than in animals changed to a control diet. In addition, there were significant differences in liver, lung, kidney, heart and skeletal muscle phospholipid-esterified F2-isoprostanes between these two groups. Lesser increases were noted in the group fed the vitamin E-deficient diet. Selenium deficiency alone was not associated with greater lipid peroxidation. Lipid peroxidation occurs in tissues of rats fed a vitamin E-deficient diet and is increased by concomitant selenium deficiency.

Animals↗

Cloning and characterization of a growth factor-inducible cyclooxygenase gene from rat intestinal epithelial cells.

Growth factors have been shown to play a role in intestinal epithelial growth regulation and transformation. Utilizing standard differential cloning techniques, we have isolated a growth factor-inducible gene (RS-2) from rat intestinal epithelial cells that has approximately 95% homology to the mouse mitogen-inducible cyclooxygenase (COX-2) at the amino acid level. This cDNA hybridizes to a approximately 4.5-kb mRNA from transforming growth factor (TGF)-alpha-stimulated rat intestinal epithelial (RIE-1) cells and is constitutively expressed in vivo in adult rat kidney and brain. Nuclear run-on experiments demonstrate that the increase of RS-2 mRNA after TGF-alpha stimulation is in part due to an increased transcription rate of the gene. The coding region for RS-2 was subcloned into a pCMV-2 expression vector, and the RS-2 protein was expressed in COS-1 cells. Microsomal fractions isolated from the COS-1 cells transfected with the RS-2 expression vector contained cyclooxygenase activity. In addition to the production of prostaglandins, the recombinant RS-2 protein also catalyzed the formation of three other eicosanoid products. In summary, we have cloned a mitogen-inducible cyclooxygenase gene from rat intestinal cells that is induced following growth factor stimulation.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Effect of selenium deficiency and glutathione-modulating agents on diquat toxicity and lipid peroxidation in rats.

The dipyridyl herbicide diquat undergoes redox cycling in vivo resulting in superoxide generation. Diquat administration causes hepatic and renal toxicity in rodents. Selenium deficiency worsens this injury and lipid peroxidation is a prominent feature of the toxicity. However, there is limited data regarding the role of lipid peroxidation in diquat-induced toxicity in selenium-adequate animals. In addition, little is known about the effect of glutathione-modulating agents on diquat-induced toxicity and lipid peroxidation in vivo. F2-isoprostanes are novel prostanoids which, both free in plasma and esterified to phospholipids in tissues, are markers of lipid peroxidation in vivo. By using F2-isoprostane quantitation, we examined the effects of selenium deficiency and modulation of glutathione status with 1,3-bis (2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea, phorone or buthionine sulfoximine on diquat-induced toxicity and lipid peroxidation. F2-isoprostanes increased 2- to 9-fold in plasma, liver, kidney and lung in selenium-adequate Fischer 344 rats with liver injury after receiving 100 mumol of diquat per kg. Selenium deficiency or modulation of glutathione status increased diquat toxicity. This was accompanied by 10- to 100-fold increases in plasma and kidney F2-isoprostane levels. Liver F2-isoprostanes were increased 2- to 5-fold. These studies suggest that glutathione, in addition to selenium, is an important defense against diquat-induced toxicity and lipid peroxidation.

Animals↗

Release of markedly increased quantities of prostaglandin D2 from the skin in vivo in humans following the application of sorbic acid.

BACKGROUND AND DESIGN: Sorbic acid is a preservative that can induce cutaneous vasodilation characterized by erythema, urticaria, and stinging when applied topically to humans. Previous studies have suggested that prostaglandins may mediate the vasodilation, but the prostaglandin responsible has not been established. Recently, we have shown that cutaneous erythema similar to that associated with the application of sorbic acid is induced by topical administration of methylnicotinate and is mediated by the release of prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) from the skin. Therefore, we examined whether the cutaneous vasodilation induced by sorbic acid is also mediated by this prostaglandin in humans. RESULTS: Topical application of 1% sorbic acid to the forearms of four human volunteers resulted in 250- to 620-fold increases in levels of PGD2 and 15- to 58-fold increases in levels of the metabolite of PGD2, 9 alpha,11 beta-PGF2, in blood drawn from the antecubital vein draining the treated sites. There were no increases in the release of the other vasodilatory prostaglandins, PGE2 or prostacyclin (PGI2). The release of PGD2 in response to topically applied sorbic acid occurred in a dose-dependent manner and was not accompanied by a release of histamine, suggesting that the release of PGD2 was not from the mast cell. CONCLUSIONS: The cutaneous vasodilation that occurs following the administration of sorbic acid is primarily due to a release of PGD2 from a cellular source in the skin.

Administration, Topical↗

Simplification of the mass spectrometric assay for the major urinary metabolite of prostaglandin D2.

The symptoms and hemodynamic alterations that accompany systemic mast cell activation have been attributed in large part to an excessive release of prostaglandin D2 (PGD2). Further, PGD2 has been implicated in the adverse effects of some pharmacologic agents (e.g. nicotinic acid). Quantitation of the major urinary metabolite of PGD2 has been invaluable in elucidating a role for PGD2 in these clinical entities and in the biochemical diagnosis of the disease systemic mastocytosis. However, the stable-isotope mass spectrometric assay originally developed for quantification of this metabolite has been too cumbersome for routine use. We now report improvements in the assay that greatly increase its utility by shortening sample processing and eliminating the need for purification using thin-layer chromatography. The precision and accuracy of the modified assay was evaluated and found to be comparable with the previously described assay. These modifications potentially allow wider use of the assay to explore the role of PGD2 in human disease and in the routine biochemical diagnosis of systemic mastocytosis and other disorders of mast cell activation.

Female↗

Identification of non-cyclooxygenase-derived prostanoid (F2-isoprostane) metabolites in human urine and plasma.

Free radicals are thought to play an important role in many types of tissue injury. Recently, we reported that a series of prostaglandin F2-like compounds (F2-isoprostanes) capable of exerting potent biological activity are produced in vivo by free radical-induced lipid peroxidation. Their formation is independent of the cyclooxygenase enzyme and has been shown to increase profoundly in animal models of free radical injury and lipid peroxidation. We now report the identification of F-ring isoprostane metabolites in human urine and plasma utilizing a gas chromatographic/mass spectrometric assay for the major urinary metabolite of prostaglandin D2 (9 alpha,11 beta-dihydroxy-15-oxo-2,3, 18,19-tetranorprost-5-ene-1,20-dioic acid). Evidence confirming these metabolites as tetranor, dicarboxylic acid compounds containing one double bond, cis-cyclopentane ring hydroxyls, and one keto group similar in structure to the major urinary metabolite of prostaglandin D2 was obtained by analysis of human urine by electron ionization mass spectrometry. Levels of these metabolites in normal human urine were determined and found to be unaffected by cyclooxygenase inhibitors. Evidence that these metabolites arise from F2-isoprostanes was obtained by demonstrating that (a) marked increases in plasma levels and urinary excretion of these metabolites, which were unaffected by coadministration of indomethacin, occurred in rats administered CCl4 to induce F2-isoprostane formation and (b) marked increases in levels of these metabolites in plasma and urine resulted from the intravenous infusion of F2-isoprostanes into a rat. Quantification of these isoprostane metabolites in urine and plasma may provide a reliable index of endogenous isoprostane production which could prove to be an important advance in our ability to assess oxidant stress in vivo in humans.

Animals↗

Gamma-linolenic acid suppression of hepatic Ito cell mitogenesis: post-PDGF receptor prostaglandin-independent mechanism.

Ito cell mitogenesis occurs during liver injury and fibrogenesis in vivo. Platelet-derived-growth factor (PDGF)-induced mitogenesis was studied in cultured rat hepatic Ito cells, which resemble the myofibroblast associated with liver injury. Pretreatment with gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an essential fatty acid prostanoid precursor, markedly suppressed the PDGF response in a dose-dependent reversible fashion. Prostaglandins E1 and E2 were found to be the predominant prostanoids formed by cultured Ito cells. GLA depressed endogenous PG production, suggesting that the antimitogenic effect was independent of GLA conversion to a prostanoid metabolite. The PDGF-induced cascade was studied with and without GLA to determine the level of regulation that induced the observed suppression. GLA caused no apparent diminution in the abundance of the surface PDGF-beta receptor nor its subsequent activation and tyrosine phosphorylation after PDGF stimulation. Raf kinase activation and Raf perinuclear translocation were also intact despite the presence of GLA. PDGF induction of nuclear Egr and Fos also occurred with or without GLA. Activation of the serine threonine kinase c-Raf has previously been found to be sufficient to activate egr and fos and to induce mitogenesis. Therefore, the GLA suppressive effect is likely to be operative at a parallel non-Raf pathway or distal to Raf-induced early gene expression.

Animals↗

Non-cyclooxygenase-derived prostanoids (F2-isoprostanes) are formed in situ on phospholipids.

We recently reported the discovery of a series of bioactive prostaglandin F2-like compounds (F2-isoprostanes) that are produced in vivo by free radical-catalyzed peroxidation of arachidonic acid independent of the cyclooxygenase enzyme. Inasmuch as phospholipids readily undergo peroxidation, we examined the possibility that F2-isoprostanes may be formed in situ on phospholipids. Initial support for this hypothesis was obtained by the finding that levels of free F2-isoprostanes measured after hydrolysis of lipids extracted from livers of rats treated with CCl4 to induce lipid peroxidation were more than 100-fold higher than levels in untreated animals. Further, increased levels of lipid-associated F2-isoprostanes in livers of CCl4-treated rats preceded the appearance of free compounds in the circulation, suggesting that the free compounds arose from hydrolysis of peroxidized lipids. This concept was supported by demonstrating that free F2-isoprostanes were released after incubation of lipid extracts with bee venom phospholipase A2 in vitro. When these lipid extracts were analyzed by HPLC, fractions that yielded large quantities of free F2-isoprostanes after hydrolysis eluted at a much more polar retention volume than nonoxidized phosphatidylcholine. Analysis of these polar lipids by fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry established that they were F2-isoprostane-containing species of phosphatidylcholine. Thus, unlike cyclooxygenase-derived prostanoids, F2-isoprostanes are initially formed in situ on phospholipids, from which they are subsequently released preformed, presumably by phospholipases. Molecular modeling of F2-isoprostane-containing phospholipids reveals them to be remarkably distorted molecules. Thus, the formation of these phospholipid species in lipid bilayers may contribute in an important way to alterations in fluidity and integrity of cellular membranes, well-known sequelae of oxidant injury.

Animals↗

Identification of skin as a major site of prostaglandin D2 release following oral administration of niacin in humans.

Oral administration of niacin (nicotinic acid) at pharmacologic doses that reduce serum cholesterol levels induces intense flushing in humans. We have recently shown that the vasodilation following ingestion of niacin is due to the release of prostaglandin (PG) D2. However, the site from which PGD2 is released is not known. It has previously been shown that topical application of methylnicotinate causes local cutaneous erythema. Thus, we investigated whether topical methylnicotinate causes a release of PGD2 locally from skin and the possibility that skin may be a major contributor to the release of PGD2 when niacin is administered by mouth. Topical administration of methylnicotinate (10(-1) M) to the forearms of human volunteers resulted in 58- to 122-times increases in levels of PGD2 and 25- to 33-times increases in levels of the metabolite of PGD2, 9 alpha,11 beta-PGF2, in blood drawn from the antecubital vein draining the treated sites. Increased levels of PGD2 and 9 alpha,11 beta-PGF2 were not found in blood drawn simultaneously from veins in the contralateral arm, indicating that the PGD2 was released from the site of methylnicotinate application. The release of PGD2 in response to topically applied methylnicotinate occurred in a dose-dependent manner over the concentration range of 10(-3) to 10(-1) M. The release of PGD2 was not accompanied by a release of histamine, suggesting that the release of PGD2 was not from the mast cell. Following oral ingestion of niacin, levels of PGD2 in superficial venous blood draining the skin were 14 to 1200 times higher than the level in arterial blood supplying the skin of the same arm. This finding indicates that the skin is a major site from which PGD2 is released following oral ingestion of niacin. These studies thus indicate that the cutaneous vasodilation that occurs following oral administration of niacin is primarily due to a release of PGD2 from a niacin responsive cell that resides in the skin.

Administration, Oral↗

Transforming growth factor alpha protection against drug-induced injury to the rat gastric mucosa in vivo.

This study was designed to determine whether transforming growth factor alpha (TGF alpha) protects rat gastric mucosa against ethanol- and aspirin-induced injury. Systemic administration of TGF alpha dose-dependently decreased 100% ethanol-induced gastric mucosal injury; a dose of 50 micrograms/kg delivered intraperitoneally 15 min before ethanol decreased macroscopic mucosal injury by > 90%. At the microscopic level, TGF alpha prevented deep gastric necrotic lesions and reduced disruption of surface epithelium. Pretreatment with orogastric TGF alpha (200 micrograms/kg) only partially (40%) decreased macroscopic ethanol damage. Intraperitoneal administration of TGF alpha at a dose of 10 micrograms/kg, which does not significantly inhibit gastric acid secretion, decreased aspirin-induced macroscopic damage by > 80%. TGF alpha protection does not seem to be mediated by prostaglandin, glutathione, or ornithine decarboxylase-related events, as evidenced by lack of influence of the inhibition of their production. Pretreatment with the sulfhydryl blocking agent N-ethylmaleimide partially abolished (40%) the protective effect of TGF alpha. In addition, systemic administration of TGF alpha resulted in a two-fold increase in tyrosine phosphorylation of phospholipase C-gamma 1 and in a time- and dose-dependent increase in levels of immunoreactive insoluble gastric mucin; these events occurred in a time frame consistent with their participation in the protective effect of TGF alpha.

Animals↗

Formation of novel non-cyclooxygenase-derived prostanoids (F2-isoprostanes) in carbon tetrachloride hepatotoxicity. An animal model of lipid peroxidation.

These studies examine the in vivo formation of a unique series of PGF2-like compounds (F2-isoprostanes) derived from free radical-catalyzed nonenzymatic peroxidation of arachidonic acid. We have previously shown that levels of these compounds increase up to 50-fold in rats administered CCl4. To understand further the formation of these compounds in vivo, we carried out a series of experiments assessing factors influencing their generation. After CCl4 (2 ml/kg) was administered to rats, plasma F2-isoprostanes increased 55-fold by 4 h. Levels declined thereafter, but at 24 h, they were still elevated 21-fold, indicating continued lipid peroxidation. Pretreatment of rats with isonicotinic acid hydrazide and phenobarbital to induce cytochrome P-450 enhanced the production of F2-isoprostanes after CCl4 administration eightfold and fivefold, respectively, whereas inhibition of the cytochrome P-450 system with SKF-525A and 4-methylpyrazole decreased formation of F2-isoprostanes after CCl4 by 55 and 82%, respectively. Further, the glutathione-depleting agents buthionine sulfoximine and phorone augmented the F2-isoprostane response to CCl4 by 22- and 11-fold, respectively. F2-isoprostanes are formed in situ esterified to lipids and, in addition to increases in levels of free F2-isoprostanes in the circulation, levels of F2-isoprostanes esterified to lipids in various organs and plasma also increase sharply during CCl4 poisoning. The measurement of F2-isoprostanes may facilitate investigation of the role of lipid peroxidation in human diseases.

Acetaminophen↗

Quantification of the major urinary metabolite of prostaglandin D2 by a stable isotope dilution mass spectrometric assay.

Prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) has been found to be an important pathophysiological mediator in a number of human disorders. Thus a means to assess the endogenous production of PGD2 is of considerable clinical value. To accomplish this goal, we developed a method for the quantification of the major urinary metabolite of PGD2, 9 alpha, 11 beta-dihydroxy-15-oxo-2,3,18,19-tetranorprost-5-ene-1,20-dioic acid, by gas chromatography/negative ion chemical ionization mass spectrometry. This metabolite was chemically synthesized and converted to an 18O4-labeled derivative for use as an internal standard. Novel derivatization and purification procedures were incorporated in the assay taking advantage of the ability of the lower side chain of this molecule to undergo cyclization at acidic pH to form a hemiketal, gamma-lactone, and uncyclization with methoximation. Precision of the assay is +/- 7% and accuracy is 96%. The lower limit of sensitivity is approximately 50 pg. Normal levels for the urinary excretion of this metabolite in 18 normal adults was found to be 1.08 +/- 0.72 ng/mg creatinine (mean +/- 2SD). Substantial elevations in the urinary excretion of the metabolite were found in clinical situations in which prostaglandin D2 has been shown to be released in increased quantities. Thus, this assay provides a sensitive and accurate method to assess endogenous production of prostaglandin D2 as a means to explore the pathophysiological role of prostaglandin D2 in human disease.

Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry↗

Prolonged pumpless arteriovenous perfusion for carbon dioxide extraction.

A method of extracorporeal carbon dioxide extraction from the blood using an efficient microporous membrane oxygenator or membrane gas exchanger was evaluated during pumpless arteriovenous perfusions with a view to its application for partial respiratory support. The first study carried out in dogs revealed some increase in cardiac output, cardiac index, and cardiac work, although this increase was less than that normally expected from the added extracorporeal blood flow. In sheep during 3 to 7 days of continuous bypass, there was practically no hemolysis and relatively stable hemoglobin and hematocrit levels, and the platelet counts remained within safe levels. The maximum extracorporeal blood flow tended to decrease from a mean of 1.55 L/min on day 1 to 1.34 L/min on day 3 to 1.28 L/min on day 7. Carbon dioxide extraction remained efficient throughout the perfusion, but there was a minimal decrease from the first day (10.92 mmol/L) to the third day (8.46 mmol/L) at the higher blood carbon dioxide concentrations; it remained stable thereafter at 9.0 mmol/L.

Animals↗

Effect of mucosal thickening near gastric carcinoma on the endoscopic diagnosis of malignancy.

Gastric mucosal thickening of variable degree occurs in the vicinity of gastric carcinomas and is possibly related to simultaneous tumor expression of epidermal growth factor and its receptor. Seventeen cases in which both endoscopic biopsy and subsequent resection for gastric carcinoma had been performed were studied to see if putative tumor-related mucosal thickening had an effect on endoscopic biopsy sensitivity. Biopsy fragment positivity rate was greater in cases with exophytic, protruding tumor masses (46.8 +/- 8.5%) than in all other cases (17.0 +/- 4.7%; P = 0.02). Thickness of nontumorous mucosa adjacent to carcinomas did not significantly affect the biopsy fragment positivity rate in cases with exophytic masses ("thin" subgroup, 51.0 +/- 16.2%; "thick" subgroup, 44.0 +/- 10.8%; P = 0.7) but did reduce the positivity rate significantly (P = 0.05) in ulcerative or infiltrative tumors without exophytic components ("thin" subgroup, 23.3 +/- 4.1%; "thick" subgroup, 8.4 +/- 2.1%). This reduction in biopsy sensitivity related to mucosal thickening occurring adjacent to nonprotuberant lesions may explain, at least in part, the variable rates of positive biopsies observed with gastric cancers.

Aged↗

Effect of diabetes on the healing process of synthetic grafts implanted in dogs: a preliminary study.

The deleterious effects of diabetes in peripheral vascular surgery and blood access are generally considered to be associated with the greater failure rate of vascular prostheses. To understand better these phenomena, we investigated the healing characteristics of an ePTFE graft in dogs. The animals were made diabetic after total pancreatectomy and the grafts implanted for scheduled periods of 24 h, 48 h, 1 wk and 1 month, either as thoracic (series I) or abdominal (series II) aortic substitutes. The same implantations were performed in non-diabetic dogs used as controls. The luminal surfaces of grafts implanted in diabetic dogs, either as thoracic or abdominal bypasses, proved to be more invaded by platelets as a result of the blood's increased platelet aggregation properties. The presence of endothelial-like cells spreading over the pannus after 1 month implantation was strikingly different in diabetic versus non-diabetic dogs. In the first group, the cells were fragile and less abundant, whereas in the second they were more adhesive, elongated and orientated in the direction of the blood flow.

Animals↗