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T Fotsis

Publications and source records attributed to T Fotsis.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

Analysis of tamoxifen and its metabolites in human plasma by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) using selected ion monitoring (SIM).

A method for the analysis of tamoxifen and its metabolites in plasma from tamoxifen treated breast cancer patients, by capillary GC-MS using selected ion monitoring has been developed. Metabolite extraction was carried out on a Sep-pak C18 cartridge and metabolite purification by selective ion exchange chromatographic steps. Satisfactory recovery of radioactive standards through the extraction and purification steps was obtained. The method was shown to be accurate and precise with precision coefficient of variation values ranging from 4.3-11% for tamoxifen and its metabolites. Tamoxifen, 4-hydroxytamoxifen, metabolite Y and N-desmethyltamoxifen were identified with certainty in patient plasma on the basis of GC relative retention times and mass spectral comparison with authentic standards; because of their low abundance in plasma cis-metabolite E and 3,4-dihydroxytamoxifen could only be tentatively identified but identical GC behaviour and a satisfactory comparison of the abundance of key fragment ions was achieved. The tamoxifen and metabolite concentration ranges (ng X ml-1) in the group of patients who received 40 or 80 ng tamoxifen for 14 days were tamoxifen, 307-745; N-desmethyltamoxifen, 185-491; 4-hydroxytamoxifen, 1.4-2.5; 3,4-dihydroxytamoxifen, 0.7-2.0; metabolite Y, 19.0-112; and metabolite E1, 0.9-2.0.

Aged↗

Effect of dietary components, including lignans and phytoestrogens, on enterohepatic circulation and liver metabolism of estrogens and on sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG).

A brief account of our present knowledge on the enterohepatic metabolism of estrogens and on the origin, metabolism and biological effects of mammalian lignans and phytoestrogens is undertaken. Furthermore, recently published results on the effects of dietary fiber, fat and carbohydrates on estrogen metabolism are reviewed. New preliminary results are presented on quantitative assays of lignans and phytoestrogens in urine of women belonging to various dietary and population groups and in a group of chimpanzees. The highest values of lignans and phytoestrogens were found in the non-human primates, and in macrobiotic, lactovegetarian and Japanese women, all groups considered having a low risk for the development of breast and other hormone-dependent cancer. New results on correlations between intake of various fibers, lignan and phytoestrogen excretion and plasma levels of estrogens, free testosterone and SHBG in women are presented. There is a significant positive correlation between the intake of fiber and urinary excretion of lignans and phytoestrogens, and the concentration of plasma SHBG. Fiber intake and urinary excretion of lignans and equol correlated negatively with plasma percentage free estradiol. Enterolactone excretion correlated negatively with plasma free testosterone. It is concluded that dietary macro- and micronutrients seem to play an important role in estrogen metabolism.

Animals↗

The multicomponent analysis of estrogens in urine by ion exchange chromatography and GC-MS--I. Quantitation of estrogens after initial hydrolysis of conjugates.

A method for the multicomponent analysis of estrogens in urine after initial hydrolysis of the conjugates is described. Following protection of the carbonyl functions by ethoximation, estrogen conjugates were extracted on Sep-Pak C18 cartridges and purified on the acetate form of DEAE-Sephadex. The samples were subsequently hydrolysed by Helix pomatia juice and the hydrolysate was purified on the acetate form of QAE-Sephadex. Estrogens with vicinal cis-hydroxyls and diphenolic compounds were fractionated on the borate and bicarbonate form of QAE-Sephadex, respectively. Neutral steroids were removed by the free base form of DEAE-Sephadex after which estrogens were separated into two groups using Lipidex 5000 in a straight phase system. Following trimethylsilyl ether derivatization estrogens were analysed by selected ion monitoring (SIM). The method allows the quantitation of all the important estrogen metabolites including catechol estrogens. It is precise, accurate and sensitive permitting the quantitation of estrogens in urine of males and non-pregnant females.

Chromatography, Ion Exchange↗

The multicomponent analysis of estrogens in urine by ion exchange chromatography and GC-MS--II. Fractionation and quantitation of the main groups of estrogen conjugates.

A method for the metabolic profiling of estrogen conjugates in urine is described. It mainly involves protection of carbonyl functions by ethoximation, solid extraction on Sep-Pak C18 cartridges, a number of ion exchange chromatographic steps and quantitation by capillary GC or GC-MS. The acetate form of DEAE-Sephadex is used to initially separate estrogen conjugates into four groups; unconjugated, monoglucuronides, monosulfates and double conjugates. Monoglucuronides are further subfractionated to A- and D-ring glucuronides by carbodiimide methylation of the carboxylic functions and chromatography on the free base form of DEAE-Sephadex. Double conjugates are subfractionated to disulfates and sulfoglucuronides by solvolysis and chromatography on the acetate form of DEAE-Sephadex. After the appropriate enzymatic hydrolysis or solvolysis procedures the liberated free estrogens are purified and fractionated by a series of anion exchange chromatographic steps. Finally, following trimethylsilyl ether derivatization estrogens are analysed by capillary GC or GC-MS. The method permits the quantitation of the main conjugates of all the important estrogen metabolites including catechol estrogens. The method is precise, the sensitivity depending on the quantitation mode employed GC or SIM GC-MS. The method was applied to seven late pregnancy urines the values of which are presented.

Chromatography, Ion Exchange↗

Analysis of tamoxifen, N-desmethyltamoxifen and 4-hydroxytamoxifen levels in cytosol and KCl-nuclear extracts of breast tumours from tamoxifen treated patients by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) using selected ion monitoring (SIM).

Tamoxifen, 4-hydroxytamoxifen and desmethyltamoxifen levels were measured in cytosolic and 0.5 M KCl extracted nuclear fractions from a small series of breast tumours from tamoxifen treated patients by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) using selected ion monitoring (SIM). Tamoxifen and desmethyltamoxifen were the most abundant metabolites. There was a small increment in the relative abundance of 4-hydroxytamoxifen in the nuclear extract over cytosol relative to both tamoxifen and desmethyltamoxifen. Further, there was a selective retention of tamoxifen relative to desmethyltamoxifen in the nuclear extract relative to the cytosol. It is concluded that all three compounds could potentially contribute to estrogen receptor mediated antiestrogenic effects in this target tissue.

Breast Neoplasms↗

Analysis of tamoxifen and 4-hydroxytamoxifen levels in immature rat uterine cytoplasm and KCl-nuclear extracts by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) using selected ion monitoring (SIM).

A GC-MS (SIM) method has been developed which allows the measurement of tamoxifen and its metabolites in uterine cytosol and 0.5 M KCl-extracts of uterine nuclei from groups of immature rats. The method was shown to be specific, precise and accurate. Using this procedure tamoxifen and 4-hydroxytamoxifen were tentatively identified and measured in uterine extracts after tamoxifen administration. When tamoxifen and 4-hydroxytamoxifen levels in uterine cytosol and 0.5 M KCl nuclear extracts were compared a relative enrichment in the nuclear fraction of 4-hydroxytamoxifen (relative to tamoxifen) was consistently seen. These observations are supportive of a role for 4-hydroxytamoxifen in mediating the antiestrogenic actions of tamoxifen in the immature rat uterus. In some of the uterine cytosolic fractions desmethyltamoxifen and metabolite Y could also be detected.

Animals↗

Identification of lignans and phytoestrogens in urine of chimpanzees.

It was recently observed that the urinary excretion of animal lignans is low in postmenopausal breast cancer patients compared to normal omnivorous and vegetarian women. In addition, the mean excretion of the isoflavonic phytoestrogen equol tended to be lower. Because nonhuman primates appear to be remarkably resistant to the carcinogenic effect of estrogens, we investigated the possible occurrence of lignans and phytoestrogens in the urine of chimpanzees on their regular diet. Five major diphenols were isolated and identified by capillary gas chromatography and mass spectrometry by comparison with synthesized authentic reference compounds. Three of these compounds, the phytoestrogen equol and its precursor daidzein, the lignan enterolactone, were according to preliminary assays excreted in very large amounts. In addition, the lignan enterodiol and the daidzein metabolite O-desmethylangolensin were identified. It is concluded that the chimpanzee excretes both isoflavonic phytoestrogens and lignans in urine, apparently in high concentrations. It is suggested that these compounds may play a role in the maintenance of the resistance against carcinogenic effects of estrogens, which nonhuman primates possess, because both equol and enterolactone have been shown to have antiestrogenic properties in animals. However, much further work is necessary before the possible biological role of these compounds may be established.

4-Butyrolactone↗

Urinary estrogen profile determination in young Finnish vegetarian and omnivorous women.

For a long time it has been postulated that diet may influence estrogen metabolism and in this way affect breast cancer risk. In order to investigate possible effects of variations of dietary fiber intake on estrogen metabolism, the urinary estrogen profile (13 estrogens), including the catecholestrogens, was determined in one 72-h summer and one winter sample collected in the midfollicular phase of the menstrual cycle by 11 lactovegetarian and 12 omnivorous young Finnish women. Urinary estrogens were purified by ion-exchange chromatography and the quantitative determination was carried out by capillary gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Detailed records of the subjects' diet during one 5-day period in summer and one in winter were obtained and dietary fiber intake calculated. The mean difference with regard to intake of total fiber in the two dietary groups was 3 g/day in the summer (not significant) and 5 g/day in the winter (P less than 0.05), the mean (geometric) consumption being 23 and 19 g/day by the vegetarian and omnivorous women, respectively. Within the groups we found seasonal variation in fiber intake only for the omnivorous women. During winter, compared to summer, the omnivorous women consumed significantly less grain (P less than 0.001), vegetable (P less than 0.02) and total fiber (P less than 0.02). The excretion of 13 estrogens was remarkably constant in the omnivoric group but a significant seasonal variation of total and individual catecholestrogens and of estrone was observed in the vegetarians (P less than 0.05-0.005). The quantitatively most important estrogen was 2-hydroxyestrone, followed by estrone, estriol, 2-hydroxyestradiol, 4-hydroxyestrone and estradiol, the three latter being excreted in similar amounts. Between the dietary groups there were no significant differences in excretion of total or individual urinary estrogens in any season or between the mean values for both seasons. However, numerous significant (P less than 0.05-0.01) negative correlations between dietary intake of total or grain fiber/kg body weight and the excretion of individual estrogens were found. These correlations disappeared if the fiber intake was not related to body weight. We conclude that dietary fiber intake significantly affects estrogen metabolism by reducing estrogen excretion in urine and that grain fiber seems to be most important in that respect. One of the mechanisms involved is a partial interruption of the enterohepatic circulation of the estrogens, due to alterations of the intestinal metabolism and reabsorption of these steroids, caused by the fiber.

Adult↗

Determination of urinary lignans and phytoestrogen metabolites, potential antiestrogens and anticarcinogens, in urine of women on various habitual diets.

Recently two groups of compounds with diphenolic structure, the lignans and the isoflavonic phytoestrogens, were detected and identified in human urine and other biological fluids. These compounds are of great biological interest because they exhibit both in vitro and in vivo weak estrogenic and sometimes also antiestrogenic activities and many plant lignans have been shown to have anticarcinogenic, antiviral, antifungal and other interesting biological effects. The compounds found in relatively large amounts (10-1000 times more than estrogens) in urine are modified by intestinal bacteria from plant lignans and phytoestrogens, which are present in fiber-rich food such as grain and beans. They bind with low affinity to estrogen receptors and preliminary results suggest that they may induce production of sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) in the liver and in this way may influence sex hormone metabolism and biological effects. Five compounds, the lignans enterolactone (Enl), enterodiol (End) and the isoflavonic phytoestrogen metabolites daidzein (Da), equol (Eq) and O-desmethylangolensin (O-Dma) were measured in urine by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (selected ion monitoring) using deuterated internal standards in 5 groups of women (total number 53). The members of three dietary groups (omnivores, lactovegetarians and macrobiotics) were living in Boston and of two groups in Helsinki (omnivores and lactovegetarians). Until now measurements have been carried out in 94 72-h samples. The highest mean excretion of the most abundant compound, enterolactone, was found in the macrobiotic group and the lowest in the omnivoric groups. Total mean 24-h excretion of enterolactone was 17,680 nmol in the macrobiotics, 4,170 nmol in the Boston lactovegetarians, 3,650 nmol in the Helsinki lactovegetarians, 2,460 nmol in the Helsinki omnivores and 2,050 nmol in the Boston omnivores. The other diphenols followed approximately the same pattern. In an earlier study the lowest excretion of enterolactone (1,040 nmol/24 h) was found in a group of postmenopausal apparently healthy breast cancer patients living in Boston. It is concluded that further studies are necessary to elucidate the possible role of these compounds in cancer and other diseases. However, the evidence obtained until now seems to justify the conclusion that these compounds may be among the dietary factors affording protection against hormone-dependent cancers in vegetarians and semivegetarians.

Animals↗

Multicomponent analysis of bile acids in faeces by anion exchange and capillary column gas-liquid chromatography: application in oxytetracycline treated subjects.

A method is described for the multicomponent analysis of bile acids in faeces. Following homogenization and extraction, bile acids are separated into several groups according to their mode of conjugation by anion exchange chromatography on DEAE-Sephadex A-25 in the acetate form. The different conjugate groups are then processed separately and quantified using capillary column gas-liquid chromatography (GC), the identity of the individual bile acid components being established by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The method permits the quantitative determination, with good precision, of unconjugated bile acids, their saponifiable derivatives, and their glycine-, taurine- and sulfated conjugates. In five healthy men the mean daily excretion of bile acids was 472 +/- 21.8 mumol (SEM) and the mean faecal concentration 7.74 +/- 1.07 mumol (SEM)/g dry weight. Free bile acids constituted 74.8% +/- 5.8% (SEM), saponifiable conjugates 23.5% +/- 5.8% (SEM) glycine-conjugates 0.7% +/- 0.2% (SEM), taurine-conjugates 0.2% +/- 0.07% (SEM), and their sulfated conjugates 0.8% +/- 0.1% (SEM) of total faecal bile acids. In addition to a detailed description of the methodology the effect of antibiotics on faecal bile acid profiles is presented. Oxytetracycline consistently decreased faecal concentrations of saponifiable derivatives of bile acids while increasing the taurine- and sulfated conjugates. The concentrations of the primary bile acids, cholic- and chenodeoxycholic acid, were higher during the course of oxytetracycline.

Adult↗

Identification of the isoflavonic phytoestrogen daidzein in human urine.

The identification by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry of the isoflavonic phytoestrogen daidzein [7-hydroxy-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one] for the first time in human urine is described. The metabolism and effect on reproduction of isoflavones in animals and the possible significance of phytoestrogens in man is discussed. Preliminary results on the quantitative excretion of daidzein in female subjects consuming different diets are also reported.

Chromans↗

Selective chromatographic fractionation of catechol estrogens on anion exchangers in borate form.

The borate form of anion exchangers has been investigated for its utility in the field of estrogen analysis. The borate form of a weak (DEAE-Sephadex A-25) and a strong (QAE-Sephadex A-25) anion exchanger was easily prepared by appropriate washing of the gels, without the need of time consuming immobilization techniques. Estrogens with vicinal cis-hydroxyls were strongly retained in both gels through formation of borate complexes and readily separated from estrogens not possessing such groups. Moreover, borate complex formation with the labile o-dihydroxyphenyl moiety of catechol estrogens fully protected them from decomposition during chromatography. Quantitative recovery of catechol estrogens was thereby obtained without use of antioxidants. The borate form of QAE-Sephadex A-25 was capable, in addition, of separating estrogens not possessing vicinal cis-hydroxyls from the corresponding neutral steroids.

Anion Exchange Resins↗

Steroid metabolism in human teratocarcinoma cell line PA 1.

Human ovarian teratocarcinoma cells of line PA 1, (Zeuthen et al., 1979[1]) used as model for early embryonic cells, were analyzed for their in vitro capacity to convert steroids. The cells were incubated for 20 h with radioactive pregnenolone, progesterone, dehydroepiandrosterone, androstenedione, testosterone or estradiol-17 beta, or with non-radioactive progesterone, 6 alpha- or 6 beta-hydroxyprogesterone, 3 beta-hydroxy-5 alpha-pregnan-20-one, dehydroepiandrosterone or estradiol-17 beta. The metabolites were analyzed by thin layer chromatography or studied by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The results indicate that PA 1 cells are able to metabolize, although to a restricted amount, a variety of steroids, most markedly progesterone. The metabolites were almost exclusively found in the medium. The main metabolite of progesterone was 3 beta, 6 alpha-dihydroxy-5 alpha-pregnan-20-one. Minor formation of progesterone from pregnenolone could be detected. Human chorionic gonadotropin did not have any effect on pregnenolone metabolism. No formation of estradiol-17 beta or estrone from dehydroepiandrosterone, androstenedione or testosterone could be detected. However, estradiol-17 beta was shown to be converted mainly to estrone. These findings indicate that undifferentiated PA 1 teratocarcinoma cells like certain mouse teratocarcinoma cells, seem not to be steroidogenic but are capable of metabolizing naturally occurring steroid hormones and their precursors.

Cell Line↗

5. Analytical methods: physiochemical assays. Use of ion exchange chromatography in steroid analysis.

Ion exchange chromatography (IXC) has been utilized in many different ways in the field of steroid analysis already for more than thirty years. Steroid conjugates can be extracted and fractionated on anion exchangers by virtue of their anionic nature, and in the same way the weakly acidic phenolic steroids are separated from the neutral ones. Anionic and cationic contaminants are removed by IXC during purification of the samples, and further, the use of lipophilic ion exchangers allow the simultaneous reversed phase chromatographic elimination of neutral lipids. Finally, certain steroids with specific functional groups can be selectively fractionated by ion exchangers converted to a suitable form. The high capacity and flexibility of IXC has made it a technique of choice in the purification of biological samples for the multicomponent analysis of steroids by GC or GC-MS during the last decade.

Chromatography, Gas↗

Excretion of the lignans enterolactone and enterodiol and of equol in omnivorous and vegetarian postmenopausal women and in women with breast cancer.

Dietary studies and assays of urinary lignans in postmenopausal women showed that lignan excretion is significantly lower in urine of women with breast cancer than in normal omnivorous and vegetarian women and confirmed that there is a significant correlation between fibre intake and lignan excretion. It is suggested that the precursors of the human lignans enterolactone and enterodiol formed by the intestinal microflora are to be found in fibre-rich foods such as grains, nuts, and legumes. Excretion of equol, which has antioestrogenic properties, was similar in all groups studied and did not correlate with fibre intake, but occasional high values were found in some subjects.

4-Butyrolactone↗

Capillary gas chromatographic method for the analysis of lignans in human urine.

We describe a capillary column gas chromatographic (GC) method for the analysis of lignans in urine. Lignans are excreted as mono-glucuronides which are first extracted on a small reversed-phase cartridge of octadecylsilane bonded silica (Sep-Pak C18) and thereafter isolated by anion exchange chromatography on DEAE-Sephadex A-25, prepared in the acetate form. Lignan mono-glucuronides are enzymatically hydrolysed and re-extracted on a Sep-Pak C18 cartridge. Quantification is carried out by capillary column GC of the trimethylsilyl ether derivatives. The specificity of the method was checked by GC/MS and the intra-assay coefficient of variation (CV) for the two lignans, enterolactone (trans-2,3-bis(3-hydroxybenzyl)butyrolactone) and enterodiol (2.3-bis(3-hydroxybenzyl)butane-1,4-diol) varied between 5 and 8%. Some values for the excretion of these lignans by normal men and women are presented.

4-Butyrolactone↗