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Biomedical subjects

H Schweer

Publications and source records attributed to H Schweer.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

Unusual metabolism of prostacyclin in infants with persistent septic pulmonary hypertension.

In urine of healthy man, the major metabolite of prostacyclin is 2,3-dinor-6-oxo-prostaglandin F1 alpha. The excretion rates of this compound as well as of 2,3-dinor-thromboxane B2, a major metabolite of thromboxane A2, in two newborns with septic persistent pulmonary hypertension were about 30- to 50-fold higher than the normal range (2,3-dinor-6-oxo-prostaglandin F1 alpha: 3-15 ng/h/1.73 m2; 2,3-dinor-thromboxane B2: 8-25 ng/h/1.73 m2). The ratios of 2,3-dinor-6-oxo-13,14-dihydro-prostaglandin F1 alpha/2,3-dinor-6-oxo-prostaglandin F1 alpha in these two infants were about 100% and 800%, respectively whereas in controls the excretion of the 13,14-dihydro metabolite was found to be about 10-25% of 2,3-dinor-6-oxo-prostaglandin F1 alpha. Thus in patients with septic persistent pulmonary hypertension and extremely high excretion rates of prostacyclin and thromboxane A2 metabolites, the pattern of metabolites differs from those of healthy man.

Chromatography, Gas↗

Simultaneous determination of the primary prostanoids prostaglandin E2, prostaglandin F2 alpha and 6-oxoprostaglandin F1 alpha by immunoaffinity chromatography in combination with negative ion chemical ionization gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

The simultaneous determination of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha) and 6-oxoprostaglandin F1 alpha (6-oxo-PGF1 alpha) in urine using immunoaffinity chromatography in combination with negative ion chemical ionization gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (NICI-GC-MS-MS) is described. Monoclonal antibodies against PGE2 (100% cross-reactivity with 6-oxo-PGF1 alpha) and PGF2 alpha were both coupled to a derivatized agarose matrix. After extraction with a C18 cartridge the sample was applied to the immunoaffinity column. The prostaglandins with eluted with acetone-water and the methoxime-pentafluorobenzyl-trimethylsilyl (MO-PFB-TMS) derivatives (PGE2 and 6-oxo-PGF1 alpha) and the PFB-TMS derivative (PGF2 alpha) were quantified by GC-MS-MS. For reproducibility experiments, spiked urine samples were analysed several times. The correlation coefficients were 0.997 (6-oxo-PGF1 alpha) and 0.999 (PGE2 and PGF2 alpha) and the slopes were 0.99 and 1.03, respectively. The inter-assay coefficient of variation ranged from 8.6 to 9.5% for the unspiked urine samples and from 2.0 to 5.2% for the spiked samples. This method offers several advantages, e.g., high specificity and sensitivity, good reproducibility and an increase in sample throughput.

6-Ketoprostaglandin F1 alpha↗

In vivo formation of metabolites of prostaglandins I2 and I3 in the marmoset monkey (Callithrix jacchus) following dietary supplementation with tuna fish oil.

Recent studies have shown that ingestion of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) in man results in the formation of 'trienoic' prostanoids which amy partly explain the potent antithrombotic/antiatherogenic properties of long-chain polyunsaturated n-3 fatty acids (PUFAs). However, endogenous formation of cyclooxygenase metabolites of EPA has not been demonstrated in an animal model, and in vitro studies indicate a clear species difference in the conversion of EPA to PGI3. Thus, in the present study, the in vivo formation of PGI3 following long-term dietary tuna fish oil supplementation was investigated in a small non-human primate - the marmoset monkey (Callithrix jacchus). The excretion of major urinary metabolites 2,3-dinor-6-keto-PGF1 alpha (PGI2-M) and delta 17-2,3-dinor-6-keto-PGF1 alpha (PGI3-M) was estimated as an index of total body synthesis of PGI2 and PGI3, respectively. Following extraction, dinor prostanoid metabolites were separated by capillary gas chromatography and identified by negative ion chemical ionization mass spectrometry. Supplementation of the standard (reference) diet with either sheep fat or sunflower seed oil did not alter the body production of PGI2-M. However, following the tuna fish oil-enriched diet, there occurred not only an increase in urinary PGI2-M (reference 70.7 +/- 9.0; tuna fish oil 115.5 +/- 12.1 ng/g creatinine, P less than 0.05), but also a considerable formation of PGI3-M (62.9 +/- 5.3 ng/g creatinine), which was not seen in any other dietary group; in addition, the urinary level of immmunoreactive 2,3-dinor-thromboxane B2/3 was reduced after ingestion of tuna fish oil. These urinary changes were accompanied by a rise in plasma phospholipid-bound EPA and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). In addition, tuna fish oil supplementation resulted in a significant reduction in plasma cholesterol (53%) and triacylglycerols (44%). The present study provides for the first time experimental evidence for the in vivo formation of PGI3 in an animal model and also confirms the earlier observations in man following dietary fish oil supplementation.

Animals↗

Pharmacologically active levels of PGE1 in neonates with congenital heart disease.

In general, prostanoids act as local mediators, not as circulating hormones. A specific exception to this rule is the infusion of prostaglandin E1 in patients with ductus arteriosus-dependent pulmonary or systemic blood flow associated with congenital heart disease. We therefore measured prostaglandin E1 plasma levels by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry during effective infusion of prostaglandin E1 in 10 neonates. Prostaglandin E1 plasma levels ranged from 22 to 530 (median 56) pg/ml in these patients. Since prostaglandin E1 is not synthesized endogenously to any significant extent, these plasma concentrations constitute genuine circulating levels not confounded by the common problem of e vivo artifacts. If endogenous prostanoids (e.g. prostaglandin E2) are suspected as circulating mediators, plasma levels detected by reliable methods ought to be in the same range as prostaglandin E1 plasma levels in the present investigation.

Alprostadil↗

Endogenous formation of prostanoids in neonates with persistent pulmonary hypertension.

Endogenous formation of thromboxane A2 and prostacyclin were evaluated in seven neonatates with persistent pulmonary hypertension by serial gas chromatographic mass spectrometric determination of their urinary metabolites dinor-thromboxane B2 and dinor-6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha, respectively. The patients were studied until their hypertension had resolved on clinical criteria. Urinary excretion of dinor-thromboxane B2 and dinor-6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha was increased when the persistent pulmonary hypertension was associated with group B streptococcal (n = 2) and pneumococcal (n = 1) sepsis. Based on urinary metabolite excretion, endogenous formation of thromboxane A2 and prostacyclin did not consistently differ from normal neonates in four patients with non-septic persistent pulmonary hypertension (hyaline membrane disease (n = 2), asphyxia, and meconium aspiration). These data suggest that thromboxane A2 is not a universal mediator of persistent pulmonary hypertension. It may, however, have a role in the pathophysiology of early onset group B streptococcal disease, and persistent pulmonary hypertension of other infectious aetiology. If these findings are confirmed by further studies, thromboxane synthetase inhibition or receptor antagonism may offer a potential therapeutic approach in neonates with persistent pulmonary hypertension associated with sepsis.

6-Ketoprostaglandin F1 alpha↗

Pharmacokinetics of rioprostil in human plasma as assayed by combined capillary gas chromatography-negative ion chemical ionization mass spectrometry.

To investigate the pharmacokinetics of rioprostil in man an assay is developed to analyse levels of rioprostil in plasma. After extraction and purification by solid-phase cartridges rioprostil is measured by negative ion chemical ionization mass spectrometry using a deuterated internal standard. The method is validated by a recovery experiment. Levels of rioprostil in the plasma of four volunteers following a single oral dose of 600 micrograms rioprostil are found as always below 100 pg/ml. The data presented here suggest that rioprostil is transformed rapidly in man to its more polar metabolites.

Adult↗

Prostaglandins E3 and F3 alpha are excreted in human urine after ingestion of n - 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Prostaglandins E3 and F3 alpha, presumably of renal origin, were characterized for the first time in urine of volunteers after ingestion of n - 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids by combined gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Quantitation of prostaglandins E3, E2, F3 alpha and F2 alpha using deuterated internal standards showed low levels of the 3 series prostaglandins in the control period. Levels of prostaglandins E3 and F3 alpha rose about 10-fold by the 12th week of the dietary trial and were still elevated 4-fold after a wash-out period of 20 weeks. Excretion of prostaglandins E2 and F2 alpha tended to be depressed in the 12th week of the dietary trial and rose again to control values after the wash-out period. Our data indicate that n - 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids are incorporated into the human kidney and are retained there for a long time. Prostaglandins E3 and F3 alpha may contribute to the observed favorable effects of marine oils rich in n - 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on certain renal diseases.

Alprostadil↗

Vasoactive and atherogenic effects of cigarette smoking: a study of monozygotic twins discordant for smoking.

The mechanism by which atherosclerotic disease is induced by cigarette smoking has not yet been identified unequivocally. Chronic cigarette smoking and the generation of vasoactive prostanoids and the size of carotid atherosclerotic plaques were studied in nine pairs of identical male twins discordant for smoking for over 20 years. The urinary excretion of 2,3-dinor-thromboxane B2 (thromboxane B2 metabolite) of the smoking twin was significantly higher (on average 1.8 times higher) in every pair and that of 2,3-dinor-6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha (prostacyclin metabolite) was significantly higher (on average 1.3 times higher) in eight of the nine pairs. The ratio of excretion of these metabolites was significantly higher, being 4.0 (95% confidence interval 2.7 to 5.4) among the smokers compared with 2.9 (2.1 to 3.8) among the non-smokers, thus favouring a mechanism of vasoconstriction. Excretion of the thromboxane B2 metabolite was related to the urinary concentrations of nicotine metabolites. Atherosclerotic plaques detected by ultrasonography in the carotid arteries were significantly larger among smokers but did not correlate with the urinary excretion of prostacyclin and thromboxane B2 metabolites or intensity of smoking. Smoking was concluded to induce activation of platelets by an effect mediated by nicotine. The increased prostacyclin production, on the other hand, suggested a compensatory mechanism for the general vasoconstrictive properties of cigarette smoking.

6-Ketoprostaglandin F1 alpha↗

The infusion of trieicosapentaenoyl-glycerol into humans and the in vivo formation of prostaglandin I3 and thromboxane A3.

Thirty ml of an emulsion containing 3 g of trieicosapentaenoyl-glycerol (90% pure, containing 5% arachidonic acid (AA)) was infused intravenously in 2 male healthy volunteers. Urine samples were collected for 24 h before and 48 h after the infusion in 5 periods. Urinary metabolites of prostaglandin (PG) I2/3 and thromboxane (TX) A2/3 (PGI2/3-M and TXB2/3-M, respectively) were extracted from the urinary samples and measured by GC-MS. Excretion of PGI3-M was markedly enhanced right after the infusion. Because PGI3 was produced without involvement of intestinal absorption of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), enhanced PGI3 formation was strongly suggested to take place in the vasculature. From the marked increment in TXB2/3-M after the infusion it was calculated that conversion rate of EPA to TXA3 was 8% of that of AA to TXA2 in this in vivo condition.

Emulsions↗

Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and gas chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry of methyl ester/methoxime/trimethylsilyl ether derivatives of prostaglandins.

Electron impact mass spectra of methyl ester/trimethylsilyl ether derivatives of prostaglandin F2 alpha and methyl ester/methoxime/trimethylsilyl ether derivatives of prostaglandin E2, prostaglandin D2, 6-oxo-prostaglandin F1 alpha and 2,3-dinor-6-oxo-prostaglandin F1 alpha are presented. Most of the prostaglandins studied have additionally been 2H-labelled at different sites in order to assign the corresponding fragment ions. Collisionally activated decomposition mass spectra of the most intense parent ions in the high-mass region were taken. High-intensity, prostaglandin-characteristic daughter fragments will allow a reliable quantification of prostaglandins in biological fluids and a reduction of sample clean-up.

Esters↗

Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry of methyl ester/methoxime/trimethylsilyl ether derivatives of thromboxanes.

Electron impact mass spectra of methyl ester/methoxime/trimethylsilyl ether derivatives of thromboxane B2 (TxB2) and 2,3-dinor-TxB2 and methyl ester/trimethylsilyl ether derivative of 11-dehydro-TxB2 are presented. Additionally, the derivatives of (2H4)-thromboxanes and methyl ester (2H3)-methoxime/trimethylsilyl ether derivatives of TxB2 and 2,3-dinor-TxB2 and (2H3)-methyl ester/trimethylsilyl ether derivative of 11-dehydro-TxB2 were investigated. Collision-induced dissociation mass spectra of the most intense parent ion in the high-mass region were taken. Collisionally activated decomposition mass spectra of the [C(12)-C(20)]+ ion of TxB2 and 2,3-dinor-TxB2 show an intense but not specific daughter ion, whereas the collision-induced dissociation mass spectrum of the [M-(C(16)-C(20)]+ ion of 11-dehydro-TxB2 results in the formation of numerous daughter ions.

Esters↗

Negative ion chemical ionization gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and gas chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry of prostanoid pentafluorobenzyl ester/methoxime/trimethylsilyl ether derivatives.

Negative ion chemical ionization mass spectra of prostaglandin F2 alpha, prostaglandin E2, prostaglandin D2, 6-oxo-prostaglandin F1 alpha, 2,3-dinor-6-oxo-prostaglandin F1 alpha, thromboxane B2, 2,3-dinor-thromboxane B2, and 11-dehydro-thromboxane B2 pentafluorobenzyl ester (PFB)/methoxime/trimethylsilyl ether derivatives are presented. Collisionally activated decomposition mass spectra of the [M-PFB]- ions at collision energies of 8-24 eV and argon collision gas pressures of 1-2m Torr almost show only fragmentation of trimethylsilanol, (CH3)2Si = CHOH, (CH3)2Si = CH2 and methanol whereas, except for carbon dioxide loss, only few low-intensity fragments from the carbon skeleton of the prostanoids are observed.

Esters↗

Excretion of primary prostanoids and their metabolites during acute volume expansion.

Simultaneous determination of urinary excretion rates of primary unmetabolized prostanoids and their enzymatic metabolites were performed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) or tandem mass spectrometry (GC/MS/MS). Changes in kidney function were induced by acute (4 h) volume expansion. Despite marked changes in urine flow, GFR, urinary pH, osmolality, sodium and potassium excretion, only a insignificant or transient rise in the enzymatic prostanoid metabolites (2,3-dinor-6-keto-PGF1 alpha, PGE-M, 2,3-dinor-TxB2 and 11-dehydro-TxB2) was observed. The excretion rates of the primary prostanoids were elevated in parallel with the rise in urine flow: PGE2 rose (p less than 0.05) from 14.2 +/- 4.0 to 86.2 +/- 20.7, PGF2 alpha from 60.0 +/- 4.9 to 119.8 +/- 24.0, 6-keto-PGF2 alpha from 7.2 +/- 1.3 to 51.5 +/- 17.0, and TxB2 from 11.2 +/- 3.3 to 13.6 +/- 3.6 ng/h/1.73 m2 (means +/- SEM) at the maximal urine flow. Except for 6-keto-PGF1 alpha and TxB2, this rise in urinary prostanoid levels was only transient despite a sustained fourfold elevated urine flow. We conclude that urine flow rate acutely affect urine prostanoid excretion rates, however, over a prolonged period of time these effects are not maintained. The present data support the concept that urinary levels of primary prostanoids mainly reflect renal concentrations whereas those of enzymatic metabolites reflect systemic prostanoid activity. From the excretion pattern of TxB2 one can assume that this prostanoid represents renal as well as systemic TxA2 activity.

6-Ketoprostaglandin F1 alpha↗

Role of prostaglandins in hyperprostaglandin E syndrome and in selected renal tubular disorders.

Renal and systemic prostanoid activity was assessed in various renal tubular disorders, using mass spectrometric determination of urinary excretion rates of primary prostaglandins (PGE2, PGF2 alpha, PGI2, and TXA2) and their systemically produced index metabolites. Only PGE2 levels (normal range: 2.0-16.4 ng/h per 1.73 m2) are elevated in Bartter syndrome (median: 43.4, range: 6.7-166.3), nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (46.2, 12.1-1290), Fanconi syndrome (96.6, 19.3-135.5), and in a complex tubular disorder in premature infants (40.7, 22.3-132.1), for which the term hyperprostaglandin E syndrome has been introduced. In this disorder with a Bartter-syndrome-like tubulopathy, the systemic features of the disease such as fever, diarrhoea and osteopenia with hypercalciuria were associated with increased systemic PGE2 activity. In most patients the urinary excretion rate of the systemic index metabolite of PGE2 (PGE-M) was markedly elevated (1028, 285-4709; normal range: 104-664 ng/h per 1.73 m2). Hypercalciuria per se was associated neither with increased renal nor with systemic PGE2 hyperactivity. Most problems in infants with hyperprostaglandin E syndrome could be controlled by long-term indomethacin treatment in contrast to the moderate and partial effect of this treatment in patients with Fanconi syndrome. Thus increased PGE2 synthesis plays a major role in the pathogenesis of hyperprostaglandin E syndrome, while in Fanconi syndrome PGE2 hyperactivity in the kidney is a secondary event and only aggravates the water and electrolyte wastage.

Bartter Syndrome↗

Tandem mass spectrometric determination of 11-dehydrothromboxane B2, an index metabolite of thromboxane B2 in plasma and urine.

11-Dehydrothromboxane B2 is one of the major enzymatic metabolites of thromboxane B2 (TXB2), a biologically inactive product of thromboxane A2. The short half-life of thromboxane A2 and ex vivo production of thromboxane B2 by platelet activation make these prostanoid metabolites inappropriate as indices of systemic thromboxane biosynthesis, whereas 11-dehydro-TXB2 has been shown to reflect the release of thromboxane A2 in the human blood circulation. Analysis of 11-dehydro-TXB2 in plasma and urine was performed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry-mass spectrometry using the chemically synthesized tetradeuterated compound as an internal standard. The high selectivity of triple-stage quadrupole mass spectrometry (tandem mass spectrometry) considerably facilitates sample purification as compared to single quadrupole mass spectrometric determination. Plasma concentrations in five healthy male volunteers were in the range 0.8-2.5 pg/ml. Urinary excretion of 11-dehydro-TXB2 was higher than that of 2,3-dinor-TXB2: 1.2 +/- 0.36 micrograms/24 h vs 0.53 +/- 0.33 micrograms/24 h (n = 5). Thus 11-dehydro-TXB2 appears at present to be the best index metabolite of systemic TXA2 activity in plasma as well as in urine.

Chromatography, Thin Layer↗

The ambulatory care parameter: a structured approach to quality assurance in the ambulatory care setting.

Assessing the quality of ambulatory care is difficult because practitioners see patients for only a short time and because the goals of care are not always clearly defined. The ambulatory care department of Methodist Hospital of Indiana, Inc, has developed a system, called ambulatory care parameters, that helps ambulatory health care professionals sort through the complexities of ambulatory care. The ten parameters provide a framework for evaluating the care provided.

Ambulatory Care↗