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Biomedical subjects

M Mahler

Publications and source records attributed to M Mahler.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Radioimmunological analysis of cyproterone acetate in human serum. Comparison with a gas chromatographic/mass spectrometric method and influence of each method on the outcome of a bioequivalence trial.

Cyproterone acetate (CAS 427-51-0, CPA) is a steroid hormone with antiandrogenic and progestogenic properties, which has been used in the therapy of prostate carcinoma in men, and for the treatment of severe acne and hirsutism in women. The aim of the present study was to compare two equally sensitive analytical methods, a radioimmunoassay (RIA) and a gas chromatographic/mass spectrometric method (GC/MS), for the quantitative determination of CPA in human serum samples and to assess their suitability for bioequivalence trials. To this end, serum samples which had been collected during a study on the bioequivalence oaf two CPA-containing formulations (Androcur 100 and Androcur 50) were analysed using both methods. Basic pharmacokinetic parameters, like Cmax, tmax, t1/2 and AUC were calculated from each data set and corresponding parameters were compared by statistical methods. A comparison of the drug concentration-time curves obtained with both analytical methods revealed that in particular at later sampling times (48 to 120 h post dose) concentration values generated by RIA were slightly higher by about 20-40% than those measured with GC/MS. This indicates the presence of cross-reacting metabolite(s), most likely the 15 beta-hydroxy-cyproterone acetate. Accordingly, the values of Cmax, AUC(0-120 h) and AUC were overestimated by the RIA method by about 10-20%, 5% and 10%, respectively. However, there was a high correlation between corresponding parameters derived from RIA and GC/MS analysis. Although AUC values were slightly overestimated with the RIA method was used, this had no influence on the decision about bioequivalence because the mean ratio of the target variables Cmax and AUC was not affected. The variance of the pharmacokinetic parameters which is relevant for the bioequivalence test were even lower for RIA based values than those calculated after GC/MS analysis. In conclusion, it was found that although the GC/MS method is superior to RIA in terms of specificity, both methods were equally suited to demonstrate the bioequivalence of the two CPA-containing formulations. Thus, in future studies of this kind, the more simple RIA may be used instead of GC/MS.

Adult↗

Increase of interleukin-6 plasma concentrations and HLA-DR positive T-lymphocytes after hypotensive anaesthesia with sodium nitroprusside.

Interleukin-6 (IL-6), a cytokine involved in the pathogenesis of sepsis and septic shock, and lymphocyte subpopulations were measured in blood circulation of patients receiving sodium nitroprusside (SNP) for induction of hypotension. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether this procedure influences distribution of lymphocyte subsets and IL-6 response. 30 patients of ASA physical status I and II scheduled for nose-septum correction were randomly assigned to the SNP- or control group (without SNP). Patients were anaesthetized with fentanyl, etomidate and isoflurane in 66% nitrous oxide. SNP was administered continuously during 60 min and mean arterial blood pressure was reduced to 50 mmHg. Before and after induction of anaesthesia, 60 min after the beginning of the operation (end of SNP-infusion) and on the first postoperative day, IL-6 plasma concentrations were determined by ELISA. The percentages of B-, T-lymphocytes, T-helper, T-suppressor cells and HLA-DR positive (activated) T-lymphocytes were examined by direct immunofluorescence using monoclonal antibodies. On the first day after surgery IL-6 plasma concentrations were significantly elevated in the SNP-group compared to preoperative values. In this group the values were higher than in control patients [30.5 (10.9-47.5) pg/ml vs. 17.4 (8.5-21.5) pg/ml]. The percentage of HLA-DR positive T-cells was 25.8 +/- 4.9% in the patients with SNP on the first postoperative day; it was significantly higher than in control patients [16.5 +/- 3.7%]. We conclude that SNP-administration increases percentage of activated T-cells and IL-6 secretion.

Adolescent↗

[Dealing with adverse effects in phase I trials].

A questionnaire was completed by members of the Association for Applied Human Pharmacology (AGAH) in Germany with the aim of assessing the present situation regarding management of adverse events (AEs). A recommendation for documentation and evaluation of AEs was to be presented after discussion within the AGAH. The questionnaire referred to general questions, documentation of AEs, intensity and causality, coding and serious adverse events (SAE). Percentage return of answered questionnaires was 54.5%. Of the people contacted, 9.1% said they did not carry out phase I trials, and 36.4% did not reply. The survey in the 24 institutes convers an estimated 11200 volunteers who are included in clinical trials each year. The discussion about commencement of AEs documentation and its duration was contentious. Of the respondents, 38.5% AEs only after application of the trial substance, while 61.5% also make a documentation during the pre-trial phase (recruitment, pre-examination, supervision before application). 13.6% document only up to the post-examination and half of those questioned until AE symptoms have disappeared. 22.7% document until disappearance of symptoms only when AEs are definitely associated with the trial substance. A 3-point scale is used by most people questioned for evaluation of the intensity of an AE. Evaluation of causality, mostly undertaken by the examining physician and the director of the clinical trial, is not carried out homogeneously. There are several categories, but four classifications are most commonly used. 62.5% of codings of AEs are carried out according to the WHO Adverse Reaction Terminology.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adverse Drug Reaction Reporting Systems↗

Systemic availability of levonorgestrel after single oral administration of a norgestimate-containing combination oral contraceptive to 12 young women.

Norgestimate is a novel progestin which undergoes both in vivo and in vitro metabolic conversions to a number of metabolites, of which the most important are levonorgestrel acetate, levonorgestrel oxime and levonorgestrel itself. It has been claimed that the progestogenic activity of norgestimate in clinical studies is almost exclusively based on the parent drug and its major metabolite, levonorgestrel oxime, and that levonorgestrel does not make an important contribution. However, to date, no data on the presence of levonorgestrel in the serum of women who have received oral doses of norgestimate have been presented. In the present study, 12 young female volunteers received single oral doses of 250 micrograms levonorgestrel in combination with 50 micrograms ethinylestradiol and 250 micrograms norgestimate in combination with 35 micrograms ethinylestradiol in an open, randomized, intraindividual comparison. Blood samples were taken at regular time intervals after each treatment, and the serum samples were analyzed for their content of levonorgestrel. Basic pharmacokinetic parameters of levonorgestrel were calculated and from the ratio of the AUC values obtained after both administrations, the bioavailability of norgestimate-derived levonorgestrel was calculated. About 22 +/- 6% of the dose of norgestimate administered became systemically available as levonorgestrel. Thus, it was concluded that levonorgestrel is a major metabolite of orally administered norgestimate, and that at least part of the pharmacologic activity of norgestimate in women is due to the presence of levonorgestrel.

Adolescent↗

Repetitive and compulsive behavior in frontal lobe degenerations.

The authors review the relationship of repetitive behaviors to frontal lobe degenerations and report the repetitive and compulsive behaviors, radiologic imaging findings, and neuropathology of 3 patients with dementia secondary to frontal lobe degeneration. These 3 patients and 78% of 46 proven pathologic cases of frontal lobe degeneration described in the literature demonstrate repetitive behaviors ranging from motor stereotypies to complex obsessive-compulsive disorder. This review suggests that combined damage to the frontal lobe, caudate nucleus, and globus pallidus may account for the repetitive behaviors seen in frontal lobe degenerations, idiopathic obsessive-compulsive disorder, and other neuropsychiatric diseases.

Adult↗

DNA repair and cell cycle interactions in radiation sensitization by the topoisomerase II poison etoposide.

The interactions between ionizing radiation and etoposide were probed using asynchronous growing V-79 fibroblasts. Synergistic cell kill was observed as gamma-rays were applied prior to or concomitantly with the drug. Three major determinants of enhanced cytotoxicity in combined treatment were identified. The kinetic analysis of radiation recovery bore evidence of two repair interaction mechanisms. First, rapidly repairable radiation-induced DNA damage was fixed into lethal lesions by etoposide, thus giving rise to marked supra-additive interaction under concomitant radiation-drug exposure. Second, cells arrested in G2 phase following radiation proved hypersensitive to the cytotoxic effect of etoposide. It is proposed that either topoisomerase II alpha is closely involved in some rapid DNA repair pathway operating during all phases of the cell cycle, and even further involved in DNA repair acting within the radiation-induced G2 block, or that the lesions induced by etoposide are able to impair these processes. The shoulder of the radiation survival curve was abolished as gamma-rays and drug were applied at 1-h intervals. This effect, corresponding to mode II additivity from isobologram determinations, appeared to be correlated with a differential sensitivity of the various phases of the cell cycle to drug and radiation.

Animals↗

Pharmacokinetics of nocloprost in human volunteers and its relation to dose.

The pharmacokinetics and absolute bioavailability of nocloprost, a synthetic PGE2-analogue with cytoprotective properties, was investigated in human volunteers as a function of the dose. Ten young male volunteers received nocloprost 5 micrograms i.v. and 100, 200 and 400 micrograms p.o. in random order at weekly intervals. Serum nocloprost levels were monitored for up to 12 h after each dose, using a specific, validated assay. After nocloprost 5 micrograms i.v. the highest serum level of 373 pg.ml-1 was found in the first sample 5 min after injection, and the subsequent decline showed one or two phases, with half-lives of 4 and 49 min. The AUC was 89 pg.h.ml-1, the total plasma clearance was 13.2 ml.min-1.kg-1, and the volume of distribution at steady state was 0.16 l.kg-1. After oral administration the maximum serum level and AUC increased in proportion to the dose. tmax showed a wide scatter, with an average value of about 30 min independent of the dose. Although not detectable in every subject, post maximum serum levels declined biphasically, with half-lives of ca 10 and 35-40 min. The absolute bioavailability after oral administration averaged about 2% and was independent of the dose.

Administration, Oral↗

Pharmacokinetics of estradiol, free and total estrone, in young women following single intravenous and oral administration of 17 beta-estradiol.

The pharmacokinetic parameters of estradiol (E2, CAS 50-28-2), free and total estrone (E1, CAS 53-16-7) were determined in 14 young women following a single oral administration of 2, 4 and 8 mg E2 and a single intravenous administration of 0.3 mg E2 in an open, intraindividual comparison with 4 treatments. The purpose of the study was to determine the absolute bioavailability of orally administered E2 in a larger group of women and to assess the inter- and intraindividual variability of basic pharmacokinetic parameters of E2 and metabolically derived E1. In addition, the outcome of this study should provide a basis for the decision whether E2 could potentially be used in a combination oral contraceptive. There was a dose proportional increase in the AUC-values following the oral administration of 2 mg and 4 mg doses of E2. At the high dose of 8 mg, however, only about 76%, 78% and 70% of the expected values were found for E2, free and total E1, respectively. Especially the reduction in total E1 concentrations points to an incomplete absorption of E2 at the high dose level. The absolute bioavailability of orally administered E2 was calculated based on the 4 mg dose and was found to be 4.9 +/- 5.0%. The mean ratio of free E1 and E2 concentrations in the serum, following parenteral and oral administration of E2 was about 1.0 (i.v.) and between 8.8 to 19.8 (p.o.), respectively. Pharmacokinetic parameters, like AUC, derived from serum level-time curves of E2, free and total E1 showed a high intra- and interindividual variability.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Administration, Oral↗

Single and multiple administration of a new triphasic oral contraceptive to women: pharmacokinetics of ethinyl estradiol and free and total testosterone levels in serum.

Ethinyl estradiol is part of almost every combined oral contraceptive, and its pharmacokinetic characteristics have been thoroughly investigated in numerous studies. However, little is known about its pharmacokinetics during long-term administration, as compared with single-dose administration. In this study 10 women received a triphasic formulation that contained ethinyl estradiol together with the progestin gestodene over one treatment cycle. Mean area under the curve values of ethinyl estradiol were significantly higher on the last treatment day, as compared with the corresponding values obtained from the same women after single-dose administration. However, the observed increase in area under the curve was within the range of pharmacokinetic accumulation, to be expected on the basis of dosing interval and terminal half-life. Another point of interest was the effect of the triphasic preparation on testosterone concentrations in serum. Both total and free testosterone levels were suppressed by about 60% as compared with pretreatment values, and there was no correlation with corresponding sex hormone-binding globulin levels in the serum.

Adult↗

Oral iloprost in healthy volunteers.

Iloprost is a potent chemically stable PGI2-mimetic. Therapeutic efficacy was shown after i.v. infusion treatment in several states of peripheral vascular disease. For out-patient therapy an oral dosage form should be developed. Based upon dissolution profiles and in vivo data of a pig model, three different film-coated pellet formulations were selected for pharmacokinetic characterization in nine healthy volunteers. In the first part of the study groups of three test subjects were treated with increasing dosages (150-300 micrograms) of iloprost. At 300 micrograms flush and headache led to the discontinuation of those titration. All formulations exhibited dose-dependent serum level profiles. The cross-over characterization in all test subjects showed that one formulation, which exhibited a modified in vitro dissolution of 60% of the dose within 1 h in pH 7.4 phosphate buffer, was optimal from the pharmacokinetic profile. After oral administration of this formulation the bioavailable dose fraction was highest and half-maximal serum levels lasted for 2.4 h (mean); therapeutic serum levels were maintained for 2.1-5.0 h. This formulation was chosen for further investigation to imitate therapeutic serum level profiles as obtained after i.v. infusion for 4-6 h with a once-a-day dosage form.

Administration, Oral↗

Failure of 1,25-(OH)2-vitamin D3 to affect calcium flux across sheep rumen wall mucosa in vitro.

Isolated pieces of mucosa from the sheep rumen wall mounted between half-chambers were used in conventional incubation studies (1 h, 39 degrees C) with buffer solutions resembling rumen fluid (= mucosal fluid) and extracellular fluid (= serosal fluid), respectively. The mucosal-to-serosal (ms) flux of calcium was studied by use of 45CaCl2 with and without 1,25-(OH)2-vitamin D3 in the serosal incubation fluid. Different concentrations of the vitamin had no effect on Ca ms-flux.

Animals↗

Successful opacification of the left heart chambers on echocardiographic examination after intravenous injection of a new saccharide based contrast agent.

A new monosaccharide microparticle based echocardiographic contrast agent (SH U 508) was injected intravenously into five healthy male volunteers following which the heart was imaged in an apical four-chamber view. Volumes of 2, 4, 8, and 16 mL of SH U 508 were incrementally injected into each volunteer. Concentrations of 50, 100, 200, 300, and 400 mg microparticles per mL of suspension were used in five successive examinations. Left heart opacification of diagnostic value was obtained during the whole cardiac cycle with concentrations of 300 and 400 mg/mL. There was no interference in imaging of the left ventricular walls due to increased attenuation. SH U 508 showed a good tolerance. No side effect was observed and no clinical relevant changes were observed in the heart rate, blood pressure, ECG, blood chemistry, hematology or urinalysis findings. This new agent may greatly extend the role of cardiac ultrasound and may also permit the examination of the arterial circulation in other organs.

Adult↗

[A contribution to the frequency and assessment possibilities of chronic aspecific respiratory tract diseases (CARD)--an epidemiological study in the mostly agricultural district of Neubrandenburg].

A test was carried out in order to determine representative information on CNSRD prevalence in children at the age of 3 to 15 and to check possibilities of registration. A clinical examination was performed at a totality of 122,400 children of a district, a sample test of 2,927 children was carried out. 10% of the children suffer from chronic diseases of the respiratory tract. In 3 to 4% of these children it is required to apply an acute or frequent therapy. The incidence of asthma bronchiale totals 1 to 2%.

Adolescent↗