Urinary markers/metabolites of exposure to chemical carcinogens - New possibilities in preventive oncology.

Centuries have passed without tobacco medical evaluation, and similar catastrophes have happened from the Roman Empire to now. We are not aware when, how and how much our body is exposed to chemical carcinogens every day. As a result of such exposure, millions of people fall ill with malignant diseases every year. The objectives of this work are: 1) Determination of the main urinary markers of exposure to the most dangerous chemical carcinogens; 2) Globally raising awareness about necessity of scientific testing chemicals before widespread human use; 3) Introducing the public about ubiquity of: As, Ni, Cr(VI), Cd, Be, and necessity of maximal reducing people's exposure to them. There are well known causal relations between the most dangerous chemical carcinogens and different types of human malignant diseases. Population based studies may determine persons with high concentrations of the urinary markers/metabolites of the most dangerous chemical carcinogens. Then, such selected persons should be removed from such circumstances and/or regularly checked. Better solution is to find out the source(s) of incriminated chemical cancerogens and eliminate or mitigate their emission. These are a kind of (pre)screening (primordial prevention) for persons with high risk of developing malignant diseases causally related to the most dangerous chemical carcinogens.

Efficacy of phospholipid complex of flavonoids from persimmon leaves on atherosclerosis, and possible mechanism.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy of phospholipid complex of flavonoids from persimmon leaves (PLF-PC) on atherosclerosis, and to study its mechanism behind the action. METHODS: To clarify the constituents of the flavonoids from persimmon leaves (PLF), an ultra-performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry method was established. To enhance the anti-atherosclerotic effect of PLF, a newly emerging approach based on the combination of phospholipid complexation technique was employed. PLF-PC was prepared by the solvent-evaporation method then characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Powder X-Ray Diffractometry and Scanning electron microscopy. A model of oxidized low-density lipoprotein-induced injury on human umbilical vein endothelial cells was established to investigate the anti-atherosclerotic effect of PLF-PC versus PLF. The levels of nitric oxide, endothelial nitric oxide synthase, intracellular adhesion molecule-1, reactive oxygen species, superoxide dismutase, tumor necrosis factor-αand nuclear factor-κB were observed assay kits. RESULTS: A total of 31 compounds were identified in PLF. PLF-PC showed better anti-atherosclerotic power compared with PLF, moreover, enzyme linked immune-osorbent assay analysis showed that the PLF-PC may effect on endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis antioxidant-related mechanisms. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings elucidated that PLF-PC significantly enhanced the PLF's efficacy on atherosclerosis.

Determining the Presence of 5-Fluorouracil in Hamster Saliva by HPLC / Determinação, por CLAE, da Presença do 5-Fluorouracil em Saliva de Hamsters

Abstract Introduction: Various methods of analysis for the assay of chemotherapeutic agent 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) in human and animal biological fluids have previously been reported. However, there is no standardization for detecting 5-FU in the hamsters' saliva that received the chemotherapeutic agent. Objective: Considering that the administration of 5-FU in some way changes the morphology and function of the salivary glands, and that the presence of the chemotherapeutic agents in the oral mucosa may lead to some oral complications, the aim of this study was to determine the presence of 5-FU in the hamsters' saliva that received the chemotherapeutic agent, by means of the High Performance Liquid Chromatography technique (HPCL) since this animal model is used in studies of 5-FU induced oral mucositis and glandular hypofunction. Methods: Twelve animals were divided into 4 groups: CP and CPI, in which the animals received pilocarpine (CP) or pilocarpine + isoproterenol (CPI) and the chemotherapy vehicle intraperitoneally; and Groups QP and QPI, in which the animals received the same secretagogues listed above, and the chemotherapeutic agent 5-FU, respectively. After the secretagogue administration, saliva was collected from all the animals for a period of 60 mins. Subsequently, the saliva was frozen at -80 ˚C for later determination of the chemotherapeutic agent by HPLC. After the the chromatograms analysis, and based on the results obtained, it was possible to identify the presence of 5-FU in the saliva samples from hamsters that received the chemotherapeutic agent intraperitonally, by the HPLC technique. (AU)

Resumo Vários métodos de análise para o ensaio do quimioterápico 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) em fluidos biológicos de humanos e animais, foram previamente relatados. No entanto, não há uma padronização para detecção de 5-FU na saliva de hamsters que receberam o quimioterápico. Considerando que a administração do 5-FU altera de alguma maneira a morfologia e função das glândulas salivares, e que a presença do quimioterápico na mucosa oral pode levar a algumas complicações orais, este trabalho teve como objetivo de determinar a presença de 5-FU na saliva de hamsters que receberam o quimioterápico pela técnica de Cromatografia Líquida de Alta Eficiência (CLAE), uma vez que este modelo animal é usado nos estudos com mucosite oral e hipofunção glandular, induzidas por 5-FU. Doze animais foram divididos em 4 grupos: CP e CPI, onde os animais receberam intraperitonealmente pilocarpina (CP) ou pilocarpina + isoproterenol (CPI) e o veículo do quimioterápico, e os grupos QP e QPI, onde os animais receberam, respectivamente, os mesmos secretagogos listados acima e o quimioterápico 5-FU. Após a administração do secretagogo, foi coletada a saliva de todos os animais, por um período de 60 min. Em seguida, a saliva foi congelada a -80 ˚C para posterior determinação do quimioterápico por CLAE. Após análise dos cromatogramas, e com base nos resultados obtidos, foi possível identificar a presença do 5-FU nas amostras de saliva de hamsters que receberam o quimioterápico via intraperitoneal pela técnica da CLAE. (AU)

High peak of carbamylated hemoglobina discordant with urea level: a case report / Pico alto da hemoglobina carbamilada discordante com o nível de ureia: relato de caso

ABSTRACT Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) measurement is commonly performed in diabetes mellitus patients to monitor glycemic control over the last three to four months. Carbamylated hemoglobin, which is the hemoglobin that binds to isocyanic acid derived from urea, is one of the possible analytical interference in the uremic patient. When measured by ion-exchange high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), carbamylated hemoglobin forms a peak that overlaps the peak of HbA1c, causing a falsely elevated HbA1c result. We report a case of a 60-years-old man who had a spurious increase in HbA1c, with a high carbamylated hemoglobin peak disproportionate to the urea value. Subsequent hemoglobin analysis using hemoglobin electrophoresis and HPLC hemoglobin testing system suggested hemoglobin J (Hb J) variant. Our case highlighted the possibility of misleading HbA1c interpretation in the presence of a high carbamylated hemoglobin peak, but not proportionate to urea value. In this study, Hb J was detected. A method free from hemoglobin variant interference should be used ideally, and monitoring glycemic control should be performed using alternative methods, such as serum fructosamine or continuous glucose monitoring.

RESUMEN La prueba de la hemoglobina glicosilada A1c (HbA1c) se realiza comúnmente en pacientes con diabetes mellitus para monitorear el control glucémico durante los últimos tres o cuatro meses. La hemoglobina carbamilada, que es la hemoglobina que se une al ácido isociánico derivado de la urea, es una de las posibles interferencias analíticas en el paciente urémico. Cuando se mide mediante cromatografía líquida de alta eficacia (HPLC) de intercambio iónico, la hemoglobina carbamilada forma un pico que se superpone al pico de HbA1c, lo que provoca un resultado de HbA1c falsamente elevado. Presentamos el caso de un hombre de 60 años que tuvo un aumento espurio de HbA1c, con un pico de hemoglobina carbamilada alto desproporcionado al valor de urea. El análisis de hemoglobina posterior mediante electroforesis de hemoglobina y el sistema de prueba de hemoglobina HPLC sugirió una variante de hemoglobina J (Hb J). Nuestro caso destacó la posibilidad de una interpretación engañosa de la HbA1c en presencia de un pico de hemoglobina carbamilada alto, pero no proporcional al valor de urea. En este estudio, se detectó Hb J. Lo ideal sería utilizar un método libre de interferencia de variantes de hemoglobina, y la monitorización del control glucémico debería realizarse mediante métodos alternativos, como la fructosamina sérica o la monitorización continua de la glucosa.

RESUMO A dosagem de hemoglobina A1c (HbA1c) é comumente realizada em pacientes com diabetes mellitus para monitorar o controle glicêmico nos últimos três a quatro meses. A hemoglobina carbamilada - hemoglobina que se liga ao ácido isociânico derivado da ureia - é uma das possíveis interferências analíticas no paciente urêmico. Quando medida por cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência (HPLC) por troca iônica, a hemoglobina carbamilada forma um pico que se sobrepõe ao pico da HbA1c, causando um resultado falsamente elevado da HbA1c. Relatamos o caso de um homem de 60 anos de idade que apresentava um aumento espúrio de HbA1c, com alto pico de hemoglobina carbamilada desproporcional ao valor de ureia. A análise subsequente da hemoglobina usando eletroforese de hemoglobina e sistema de teste de hemoglobina por HPLC sugeriu a variante de hemoglobina J (Hb J). Nosso caso destacou a possibilidade de interpretação enganosa da HbA1c na presença de um pico alto de hemoglobina carbamilada, mas não proporcional ao valor da ureia. Neste estudo, foi detectada a Hb J. Um método isento de interferência de variantes da hemoglobina deve ser idealmente usado, e o monitoramento do controle glicêmico deve ser feito usando métodos alternativos, como frutosamina sérica ou monitoramento contínuo da glicose.

Development of chromatographic fingerprint for quality analysis of diploid and tetraploid Lonicera japonica.

OBJECTIVE: To develop the chromatographic fingerprint of Lonicera japonica (L. japonica) and evaluate the effects of polyploidy on the quality of L. japonica. METHODS: High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) methods used to establish the chromatographic fingerprint were developed. The quality of 11 batches of diploid L. japonica and 13 batches of tetraploid L. japonica collected from different regions across China were analyzed. The contents of five active compounds, consisting of chlorogenic acid, rutin, galuteolin, isochlorogenic acid A and quercetin, were further detected in L. japonica. RESULTS: The chromatographic fingerprint established by the optimized HPLC method was verified for qualitative analysis of L. japonica. Quantitative analysis showed that the contents of chlorogenic acid, isochlorogenic acid A, and quercetin in tetraploid plants were higher than those in diploid plants, whereas rutin and galuteolin contents in tetraploid plants were lower than those in diploid plants. CONCLUSION: The developed HPLC method is suitable for qualitative analysis of L. japonica. Polyploidy was indicated to influence the chemical properties of L. japonica. Tetraploid L. japonica shows potential for utilization as a medicinal plant with different active components.

Detección de variantes de hemoglobina en pacientes examinados por hemoglobina A1c / Detection of hemoglobin variants in patients tested for Hemoglobin A1c

Resumen Justificación: La genética en las variantes de hemoglobina en Costa Rica es resultado del cruce de caracteres autóctonos indígenas con poblaciones inmigrantes de europeos, africanos y otros, desde el periodo de la Conquista, que contribuyeron a la mezcla genética presente en la población de Costa Rica. Las hemoglobinopatías mayormente distribuidas en la población humana son: hemoglobina S, C, D y E, siendo la hemoglobina S la más frecuente y la que presenta consecuencias más graves. Objetivo: Detectar variantes de hemoglobina en pacientes examinados por hemoglobina A1c, en la sección de Química Clínica del laboratorio de la Clínica de Filadelfia de la Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social, en el Cantón de Carrillo, Guanacaste, Costa Rica, durante el período de enero a octubre de 2018. Métodos: Se analizaron 2775 muestras sanguíneas de pacientes de los nueve equipos básicos de salud que conforman el Área de Salud de Carrillo, y que además requieren estudio por hemoglobina glicosilada en el período de enero a octubre de 2018. El análisis se realizó en el Laboratorio del Área de Salud de Carrillo. Las muestras fueron recolectadas en tubos vacutainer con EDTA y analizadas en el equipo automatizado TOSOH HLC-723GX, utilizando la metodología HPLC cromatografía de intercambio catiónico con la separación y cuantificación de las diferentes fracciones de hemoglobina. Los datos se analizaron en plantilla de Microsoft Excel. Resultados: En 2775 pacientes examinados por hemoglobina A1c, 167 (6,0 %) fueron portadores de variantes de hemoglobina, con una frecuencia de 1/17, en donde el 97 % correspondió a heterocigotos para hemoglobina un 3% a heterocigotos para hemoglobina C y ninguno para la variante D. La presencia de variantes se observó en los 9 equipos básicos de atención integral en salud del área. La distribución de portadores por equipo básico de atención en el Área de Salud de Carrillo varió de un 4,0 % a un 9,3 %. Conclusiones: Un 6 % de las muestras analizadas presentó variantes de hemoglobina, siendo la hemoglobina S la predominante. Esta característica presente en la población del cantón de Carrillo merece atención a nivel de salud pública; la metodología existente a nivel de área permite estudiar a un grupo de población (costo efectivo) en riesgo que precisa vigilancia y asesoramiento genético, con el fin de concienciar a la población respecto al problema, reducir la incidencia de la enfermedad y prolongar la supervivencia de los afectados.

Abstract Background: The genetics in hemoglobin variants in Costa Rica are a result of the crossing of autochthonous indigenous characters with European, African and other immigrant populations. All of these contributed to the genetic mixture that is currently present in Costa Rica's population. The most distributed hemoglobinopathies in the human population are: hemoglobin S, C, D, and E, with hemoglobin S being the most frequent and having the most serious consequences. Objective: Detection of hemoglobin variants in patients who were examined for hemoglobin A1c in the Clinical Chemistry section of the Filadelfia Clinic Laboratory, from January to October 2018. The clinic is in Canton of Carrillo, Guanacaste (Costa Rica), and it is part of the social security system. Methods: 2775 blood samples and their respective data were analyzed from patients of the nine basic health teams that make up the Carrillo Health Area and required a study for glycosylated hemoglobin from January to October 2018. The analysis was performed in the Carrillo Health Area Laboratory. The samples were collected in vacutainer tubes containing EDTA and analyzed in the TOSOH HLC-723GX automated equipment, using the HPLC cation exchange chromatography methodology with the separation and quantification of the different hemoglobin fractions. The data was then analyzed in a Microsoft Excel template. Results: In the 2775 patients examined for hemoglobin A1c, 167 (6.0%) were found to be carriers of hemoglobin variants, with a frequency of 1/17, where 97% corresponded to heterozygotes for hemoglobin S, 3% heterozygous for hemoglobin C, and none for variant D. The presence of variants was observed in the 9 basic teams of integral health care of the area, and the distribution varied from 4% to 9,3% between them. Conclusions: A total of 6% of the samples analyzed showed a hemoglobin variant, being hemoglobin S the most predominant. This characteristic present in the population of Canton of Carrillo deserves attention at the public health level. The existing methodology at the level area allows professionals to study a population group at risk that deserves surveillance and genetic counseling, in order to raise awareness about the problem, reduce the incidence of the disease, and prolong the survival of those affected by it.

Biodecolorization and Biodegradation of Azo Dye Reactive Orange-16 by Marine Nocardiopsis sp.

BACKGROUND: Azo dyes are xenobiotic compounds that have bioaccumulated in the environment due to escalated industrial development. These are hazardous in nature, possessing carcinogenic and mutagenic effects on human beings. OBJECTIVES: The perspective of the present study was to isolate and to determine azo dye (Reactive Orange-16) degrading potential of marine actinobacteria isolated from sediment samples of Port Blair, India. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Actinobacteria with dye decolorization potential were isolated from sea sediment samples. The actinobacterial isolate with the highest dye decolorizing percentage was identified with the help of phenotypic, biochemical and molecular studies. The different physico-chemical parameters for dye decolorization were also optimized. The nature of decolorization by the potent isolate was determined with the help of High Performance Liquid chromatography (HPLC) and Fourier Transformed Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) techniques. Further the toxicity of RO-16 decolorized products was investigated with the help of phytotoxcity assay. RESULTS: Out of six actinobacterial isolates, VITVAMB 1 possessed the most efficient RO-16 decolorization property. It decolorized 85.6% of RO-16 (250 mg L-1) within 24hrs. Isolate VITVAMB 1 was identified to be Nocardiopsis sp. Maximum dye decolorization occurred at pH 8, temperature 35°C, 3% salt concentration and a dye concentration of 50 mg L-1. CONCLUSIONS: The nature of decolorization by Nocardiopsis sp. was biodegradation. Additionally, the degraded dye metabolites were found to be less toxic than pure dye. The high decolorization potential of VITVAMB 1 and the low toxicity of its degradation products make it a prospective dye removal system. The marine origin of VITVAMB 1 also makes it an attractive source for novel azo dye reducing enzymes.

Degradação do repelente DEET pelas lacases do Pleurotus ostreatus / Degradation of repellent DEET by Pleurotus ostreatus laccases

Objetivo: Avaliar a capacidade de remediação do DEET em meio líquido, pelo fungo de decomposição branca Pleurotus ostreatus usando como indutor enzimático os resíduos sólidos do cacau e realizar bioensaios de toxicidade com as amostras pós-tratamento, para aplicações em tratamentos de águas. Método: Foi realizada a produção enzimática com resíduos do Cacau. A biorremediação com o caldo enzimático foi realizada em erlenmeyers de 250mL, contendo a solução do composto, tampão acetato de sódio pH 5 e o caldo batata, incubados à 28°C, com rotação de 120 rpm, por 48 horas. Já com o fungo ativo, o mesmo foi incubado a 28 ºC e teve em seu meio a adição do composto. As amostras foram quantificados em Cromatografia líquida de alta performance (CLAE). O teste de adsorção foi feito com o fungo autoclavado e analisado após 14 dias. Resultado: O composto se apresentou possivelmente tóxico e a remediação mostrou uma tendência linear de degradação com o fungo de 39%. Conclusão: Pleurotus ostreatus é um candidato promissor para o tratamento de contimanações geradas por DEET.

Objective: We evaluated the remediation capacity of DEET in liquid medium by the white decomposition fungus Pleurotus ostreatus using the solid residues of cocoa as an enzymatic inducer and performed toxicity bioassays with the post-treatment samples, for water treatment applications. Method: Enzymatic production with cocoa residues was performed. Bioremediation with the enzyme broth was performed in a 250mL erlenmeyer flasks, containing the solution of the compound, sodium acetate buffer pH 5 and the potato broth, incubated at 28 °C, with rotation of 120 rpm, for 48 hours. With the active fungus, the same was incubated at 28 ºC and had in its culture medium the addition of the compound. The samples were quantified in high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The adsorption test was performed with the autoclaved fungus and analyzed after 14 days. Results: The compound was possibly toxic and the remediation showed a linear tendency of degradation of 39% with the fungus. Conclusion: Pleurotus ostreatus is a promising candidate for the treatment of contaminants generated by DEET.

Application of quality by design approach in RP-HPLC method development for simultaneous estimation of saxagliptin and dapagliflozin in tablet dosage form

A simple, sensitive, precise, accurate and robust high performance liquid chromatographic method has been developed for simultaneous estimation of saxagliptin (SAXA) and dapagliflozin (DAPA) in pharmaceutical formulation. Design of experiments (DoE) was applied for multivariate optimization of the experimental conditions of RP-HPLC method. Risk assessment was performed to identify the critical method parameters. Three independent factors; mobile phase composition, flow rate and column temperature were used to design mathematical models. Central composite design (CCD) was used to study the response surface methodology and to study in depth the effects of these independent factors. Desirability function was used to simultaneously optimize the retention time and resolution of SAXA and DAPA. The optimized and predicted data from contour diagram consisted of acetonitrile and ortho phosphoric acid (0.1%) in the ratio of 50:50 respectively, at a flow rate of 0.98 ml/min and column temperature 31.4 °C. Using these optimum conditions baseline separation of both drugs with good resolution and run time of less than 6 min were achieved. The optimized assay conditions were validated according to ICH guidelines. Hence, the results clearly showed that Quality by design approach could be successfully applied to optimize RP-HPLC method for simultaneous estimation of SAXA and DAPA.

[Effects of smoking on concentration of urinary 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine in coke oven workers].

Objective: To explore the influence of smoking and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) on urinary 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) in coke oven workers and investigate their dose-dependent relationships. Methods: A total of 436 workers exposed to coke oven emissions (COEs) and 132 controls were recruited in this study. Questionnaires were completed in a personal interview. Then their urine samples were also collected and the concentrations of urinary four OH-PAHs and 8-OHdG were determined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) which was used to evaluate the levels of occupational PAHs internal exposure among workers and the DNA damage. Results: The differences of concentrations of urinary 2-NAP (2-hydroxynathalene) , 2-FLU (2-hydroxyfluorene) , 9-PHE (9-hydroxyphenanthrene) , 1-OHP (1-hydroxypyrene) between exposure group and control group were statistically significant (P<0.05) . In exposure group and control group, the level of 8-OHdG in heavy smoking workers were significantly higher than that in other groups (P<0.05) . Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed high levels of urinary 8-OHdG were associated with a significantly increased risk of having higher urinary1-hydroxypyrene levels[OR=1.43 (95%CI: 1.06-1.94) , P<0.01] and heavy smoking [OR=1.44 (95%CI: 1.08-1.91) , P<0.01], respectively. Trend test showed that linear dose response relationship between smoking, 1-OHP in urine and higher concentrations of 8-OHdG (P<0.05) . Smoking could significant modify the effects of urinary 1-hydroxypyrene, while co-exposure to both heavy smoking and high urinary 1-hydroxypyrene levels[OR=5.64 (95%CI: 2.15-14.80) , P<0.05]. Conclusion: Urinary 1-hydroxypyrene is a useful biomarker for evaluating total PAHs exposure, coke oven workers with heavy smoking present more serious DNA oxditive damage.

[Size exclusionchromatography-high-performance liquid chromatography-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry for measuring the stability of cadmium telluridequantum dots].

Objective: To investigate the peak time and peak area of elements in cadmium telluride quantum dots (CdTe QDs) using size exclusion chromatography-high-performance liquid chromatography-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, as well as the biological stability of CdTe QDs in vivo and in vitro. Methods: Transmission electron microscope and ultraviolet fluorescence were used for characterization and synthesis of water-soluble CdTe QDs, and CdTe QDs were added to double-distilled water, mobile phase, or bovine serum medium to observe the change in stability after different periods of time. CdTe QDs were injected into the vein of mice, and the changes in the morphology of CdTe QDs in serum and the liver were measured at 1, 24, and 72 hours after exposure. Size exclusion chromatography-high-performance liquid chromatography was used for the elution of the compounds in the solution based on their volume, and then inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry was performed for the eluent. The flow time of (114)Cd and (130)Te and molar ratio were used for qualitative analysis of CdTe QDs, and the peak area was used to judge whether CdTe QDs were degraded. Results: CdTe QDs were diluted to a concentration of 0.5 mmol/L with double-distilled water and then placed in a dark place at room temperature; CdTe QDs were completely degraded after 60 minutes. CdTe QDs were diluted to a concentration of 0.005 mmol/L with a mobile phase, and the peak of CdTe QDs was not detected. After CdTe QDs were placed in a dark place at room temperature for 48 hours at a concentration of 0.005 mmol/L in bovine serum mediumin vitro, the peak area of (114)Cd was 6179841-7346084, and the peak area of (130)Te was 1077913-1191066. CdTe QDs had the highest peak area at 1 hour after exposure, and the peak areas of (114)Cd and (130)Te were 18183894 and 25187987, respectively. CdTe QDs were quickly degraded in the liver; at 1 hour after exposure, the degradation products of CdTe QDs containing Cd were observed in liver tissue homogenate, and CdTe QDs were largely degradedat 24 hours. Conclusion: This method can be used to investigate the biological stability of CdTe QDs. CdTe QDs are degraded in the liver and produce Cd(2+), which may cause toxic reaction.

Baicalin and rutin are major constituents in Shuanghuanglian injection involving anaphylactoid reaction.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the constituents in Shuanghuanglian injection (SHLI) that correlate with anaphylactoid reaction. METHODS: Chemical fingerprints of 10 batches SHLI samples were determined by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), and further investigated by similarity analysis. Combined with optical microscopy, both anaphylactoid experiments and confirmatory assay were displayed in Rat basophil leukemia cells (RBL-2H3) to obtain the histamine release inducing by SHLI. The content of histamine was tested by Enzyme-Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay method. Partial least squares regression (PLSR) method and HPLC-DAD-ESI-MSn technology were conducted to analyze constituents in SHLI involving anaphylactoid reaction. RESULTS: The results of spectrum and effect relationships showed that the eight constituents were positively correlated with anaphylactoid reaction. Among which, nearly 90% of them were identified as baicalin and rutin with PLSR and HPLC-DAD-ESI-MSn. This result was in accordance with confirmatory assay on RBL-2H3 cells. CONCLUSION: Baicalin and rutin from SHLI were the main constituents involving anaphylactoid reaction.

Effects of ropivacaine combined with morphine at 0.15 and 0.2 mg kg-1 in bitches undergoing epidural anesthesia

PURPOSE: To investigate cardiorespiratory effects and serum concentration of ropivacaine combined with morphine at different doses. METHODS: Sixteen healthy adult female dogs weighting 9.8±4.1 kg were included in the study. Twenty minutes after being premedicated with acepromazine and midazolam, the animals were randomly assigned to receive an epidural injection according to each group: RM0.15 = ropivacaine + morphine (0.15 mg kg-1) and RM0.2 = ropivacaine + morphine (0.2 mg kg-1). Variables recorded consisted of: heart rate and cardiac rhythm, respiratory rate, oxyhemoglobin saturation, inspired oxygen fraction, end-tidal carbon dioxide tension, systolic, mean and diastolic arterial pressures, serum cortisol, plasma ropivacaine and morphine. RESULTS: SAP, MAP and DAP were significantly increased at TPR in RM0.15 but returned to normal values at the end of the procedure. Arterial pH was decreased in T30 and TESu in both groups and also returned to acceptable ranges at TR. Both PaO2 and PaCO2 were increased along the duration period of the epidural blockade (T30 and TESu) and returned to acceptable values at TR. Serum cortisol was lower at TB, T30 and TR when compared to TESu. CONCLUSION: The procedures were performed safely and minimal changes in cardiovascular and respiratory variables. .

Validación de un método de cromatografía líquida para la determinación de rifampicina en plasma humano / Validation of a liquid chromatography method for rifampicin determination in human plasma

Objetivos: Validar un método de cromatografía líquida de alta resolución (HPLC) para la determinación de rifampicina (RFP) en plasma humano. Materiales y métodos. Se desarrolló un método HPLC para la determinación de RFP en plasma. La separación fue realizada por cromatografía de fase reversa con una columna C18 y una fase móvil compuesta por una mezcla de acetonitrilo y solución amortiguadora de fosfato de potasio monobásico 0,05 M (38:62 v/v) a 335 nm. En el cual se empleó como estándar interno rifampicina quinona (RFP-QN). Resultados. Los tiempos de retención de RFP y RFP-QN fueron 7,81 y 12,26 minutos, respectivamente. El ensayo fue lineal de 0,5 a 250 ug/mL Los parámetros evaluados de precisión, exactitud, selectividad, linealidad, recuperación cumplieron con lo establecido en las guías internacionales de validación de métodos bioanalíticos. Conclusiones. El método HPLC desarrollado es simple, específico, sensible, selectivo y lineal para un amplio rango de concentraciones de RFP en plasma.

Objectives: To validate the high-performance liquid chromatography method (HPLC) for rifampicin (RFP) determination in human plasma. Materials and methods. A HPLC method for RFP determination in plasma was developed. The separation was performed by reversed-phase chromatography with C18 column and a mobile phase composed of a mixture of acetonitrile and monobasic potassium phosphate buffer solution 0.05 M (38:62 v/v) at 335 nm in which standard rifampicin quinone (RFP-QN) was used. Results. The retention times of RFP and RFP-QN were 7.81 and 12.26 minutes, respectively. The trial was linear from 0.5 to 250 ug/mL. The evaluated parameters of precision, accuracy, selectivity, linearity, and recovery complied with the established international standards for validation of bioanalytical methods. Conclusions. The developed HPLC method is simple, specific, sensitive, selective and linear for a wide range of RFP concentrations in plasma.

Serum lipoprotein profiles and response to pegylated interferon plus ribavirin combination therapy in patients with chronic HCV genotype 1b infection.

BACKGROUND: Abnormal serum lipid profiles have been noted in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Moreover, many reports suggest that serum lipoprotein profiles are more profoundly distorted in patients with HCV G1b infection who have an unfavorable response to pegylated interferon (peg-IFN) plus ribavirin (RBV) combination therapy. However, after the discovery of single nucleotide polymorphisms near the IL28B gene (rs8099917 and rs12979860) as potent predictive factors affecting the response to peg-IFN plus RBV, lipid factors are thought to be confounding factors. OBJECTIVES: To re-examine the significance of lipoprotein profiles on virological response to peg-IFN plus RBV combination therapy in patients with chronic HCV G1b infection, we examined cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations in each lipoprotein fraction separated by high performance liquid chromatography. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Lipoprotein profiles were examined using fasting sera from 108 patients infected with HCV G1b who had chronic hepatitis, as determined by liver biopsy. Results of lipoprotein profiles and clinical data, including IL28B genotype and amino acid substitution at aa70 of HCV G1b, were compared between patients with a sustained virological response (SVR) and non-SVR or a non-virological response (NVR) and virological responses other than NVR (non-NVR). In addition, significant predictive factors independently associated with virological response to peg-IFNα-2b plus RBV were determined by logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: An increased ratio of cholesterol/triglyceride in very low-density lipoprotein (odds ratio (OR) 3.03; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01-9.44) along with a major genotype of rs8099917 (OR 9.09; 95% CI 2.94-33.33), were independent predictive factors for SVR. In contrast, lipid factors were not elucidated as independent predictive factors for NVR. CONCLUSIONS: Examination of the fasting lipid profile has clinical importance in predicting the efficacy of peg-IFN-α-2b plus RBV combination therapy for patients with HCV G1b even after the discovery of the IL28 genotype as a potent predictive factor.

Determination of serum levels of imatinib mesylate in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia: validation and application of a new analytical method to monitor treatment compliance.

OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to monitor imatinib mesylate therapeutically in the Tumor Biology Laboratory, Department of Hematology and Hemotherapy, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo (USP). A simple and sensitive method to quantify imatinib and its metabolite (CGP74588) in human serum was developed and fully validated in order to monitor treatment compliance. METHODS: The method used to quantify these compounds in serum included protein precipitation extraction followed by instrumental analysis using high performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. The method was validated for several parameters, including selectivity, precision, accuracy, recovery and linearity. RESULTS: The parameters evaluated during the validation stage exhibited satisfactory results based on the Food and Drug Administration and the Brazilian Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA) guidelines for validating bioanalytical methods. These parameters also showed a linear correlation greater than 0.99 for the concentration range between 0.500 µg/mL and 10.0 µg/mL and a total analysis time of 13 minutes per sample. This study includes results (imatinib serum concentrations) for 308 samples from patients being treated with imatinib mesylate. CONCLUSION: The method developed in this study was successfully validated and is being efficiently used to measure imatinib concentrations in samples from chronic myeloid leukemia patients to check treatment compliance. The imatinib serum levels of patients achieving a major molecular response were significantly higher than those of patients who did not achieve this result. These results are thus consistent with published reports concerning other populations.

Níveis de alfa-tocoferol no soro e colostro de lactantes e associação com variáveis maternas / Alpha-tocopherol level in serum and colostrum of breastfeeding women and association with maternal variables

OBJETIVOS: Diagnosticar bioquimicamente o estado nutricional de vitamina E de lactantes por meio da análise do alfa-tocoferol no soro e no colostro, verificar sua associação com variáveis maternas e determinar a prevalência de deficiência de vitamina E nessas mulheres. MÉTODOS: Participaram do estudo 103 puérperas que foram classificadas quanto às seguintes variáveis maternas: idade, estado nutricional pré-gestacional, ganho de peso gestacional, paridade e tipo de parto. Amostras de soro e colostro foram coletadas em jejum no pós-parto imediato e o alfa-tocoferol foi analisado por cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência (CLAE). Para definir o estado nutricional de vitamina E, foi adotado ponto de corte sérico (697,7 μg/dL). A análise estatística foi realizada com o uso do teste t de Student para amostras independentes e correlação de Pearson. As diferenças foram consideradas significativas quando p<0,05. RESULTADOS: A concentração média de alfa-tocoferol foi 1.125,1±551,0 μg/dL no colostro e 1.138,6±346,0 μg/dL no soro, indicativo de estado nutricional bioquímico adequado. Entretanto, ao analisar as puérperas individualmente, constatamos que 16% apresentaram valores abaixo do esperado para esta vitamina. As mulheres submetidas à cesárea apresentaram níveis de alfa-tocoferol no colostro (1.280±591 μg/dL) significativamente maiores em relação àquelas cuja via de parto foi a normal (961,7±370 μg/dL) (p<0,05). Verificou-se que as parturientes com excesso de peso pré-gestacional tiveram concentração da vitamina no colostro maior (1.331,5±548 μg/dL) quando comparadas às mulheres com baixo peso (982,1±374 μg/dL) ou eutrofia (992,3±346 μg/dL) (p<0,05). Entretanto, as demais variáveis estudadas não apresentaram associação com o alfa-tocoferol do colostro. Além disso, nenhuma variável mostrou estar relacionada aos níveis da vitamina no soro materno e não foi demonstrada correlação entre os níveis de alfa-tocoferol no soro e no leite. CONCLUSÕES: Apesar do diagnóstico de satisfatório estado nutricional, as lactantes apresentaram risco importante de deficiência subclínica para vitamina E. Sugere-se que a concentração de alfa-tocoferol presente no colostro esteja associada ao tipo de parto e ao estado nutricional pré-gestacional da mulher.

PURPOSE: To determine the nutritional status of vitamin E in breastfeeding women through the analysis of alpha-tocopherol concentration in serum and colostrum, to analyze its relation with maternal variables and to determine the prevalence of vitamin E deficiency in these women. METHODS: The study included 103 mothers who were classified according to maternal variables: age, nutritional status before pregnancy, gestational weight gain, parity and mode of delivery. Colostrum and serum samples were collected under fasting conditions in the immediate postpartum period. Alpha-tocopherol was analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). A serum cutoff of 697.7 μg/dL was adopted to define the nutritional status of vitamin E. Statistical analysis was performed with the Student's t test for independent samples and Pearson's correlation. Differences were significant when p<0.05. RESULTS: The average concentration of alpha-tocopherol was 1.125±551.0 μg/dL in colostrum and 1,138.6±346.0 μg/dL in serum, indicating adequate biochemical nutritional status. However, when analyzing the mothers individually, a 16% rate of subclinical vitamin E deficiency was detected. Women undergoing cesarean delivery had significantly higher alpha-tocopherol levels in colostrum (1.280±591 μg/dL) compared with those undergoing normal delivery (961.7±370 μg/dL) (p<0.05). It was found that mothers who were overweight before pregnancy had higher vitamin concentration in colostrum (1,331.5±548 μg/dL) when compared to underweight women (982.1±374 μg/dL) or women of normal weight (992.3±346 μg/dL) (p<0.05). However, the other variables were not associated with alpha-tocopherol in colostrum. Moreover, no variable showed association with vitamin E levels in maternal serum and no correlation was demonstrated between the alpha-tocopherol levels in serum and in milk. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the diagnosis of satisfactory nutritional status, breastfeeding women showed significant risk of subclinical vitamin E deficiency. We suggest that the concentration of alpha-tocopherol in colostrum be associated with type of delivery and pre-gestational nutritional status of women.

Determinação de captopril por HPLC acoplado a espectômetro de massa: aplicação em estudo de bioequivalência / Determination of captopril by hplctandem mass spectrometry: application in a bioequivalence study

Objetivo: Avaliar a bioequivalência de três diferentes formulações de captopril 25mg (Capoten® como formulação de referência e Captopril produzido pela FURP e Farmanguinhos como formulações testes) em 24 voluntários saudáveis de ambos os sexos. Métodos: Os voluntários selecionados eram livres de doenças, como confirmado pelo exame físico, psiquiátrico, ECG e exames laboratoriais. O estudo foi do tipo aberto, cruzado, em três períodos com 5 dias de intervalo entre eles. As amostras plasmáticas foram obtidas num intervalo de 24 horas e as concentrações de Captopril foram determinadas por cromatografia líquida de fase reversa acoplada à espectrometria de massa (LC-MS-MS). Resultados: A média geométrica para Capoten®/Captopril-FURP 25mg foi 96.9% para AUC0-24, 95.58 % para AUC0-?, e 98.17% for Cmax. O intervalo de confiança (IC) de 90% foi de 84.8-100.65%, 88.5-109.42% e 82.52 116.8%, respectivamente. A média geométrica para Capoten®/ Captopril-Farmanguinhos 25mg foi 99.63 % para AUClast, 98.52% para AUC0-?, e 95.52 para Cmax. O IC de 90% foi de 87.23-113.8%, 86.06-112.79% e 80.29-113.64%, respectivamente. Portanto, os IC de 90% para Cmax, AUClast, AUC0-? estavam dentro da variação de 80-125% proposta pelo Food and Drug Administration. Conclusão: Os comprimidos de 25mg Captopril-FURP e Captopril Farmanguinhos foram bioequivalentes ao Capoten® 25mg em sua taxa e extensão de absorção.

Objective: To assess three different captopril tablet formulations of 25mg for their bioavailability (Capoten® as the reference formulation and Captopril from FURP and Farmanguinhos as the test formulations) in 24 healthy volunteers of both sexes. Methods: The volunteers were free from serious disease, as assessed by physical and psychiatric examination, EKG, and laboratory tests. The study was open, with a three-period crossover design and a five-day washout period. Plasma samples were obtained over a 24-hour interval. Captopril concentrations were determined by reversed phase liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS). Results: The geometric mean for Capoten® /Captopril - FURP 25 mg was 96.9 % for AUC0-24, 95.58 % for AUC0-?, and 98.17% for Cmax. The 90% confidence intervals (CI) were 84.8-100.65%, 88.5-109.42% and 82.52-116.8%, respectively. The geometric mean for Capoten®/Captopril-Farmanguinhos 25 mg was 99.63 % for AUClast, 98.52% for AUC0-?, and 95.52 for Cmax. The 90% CI were 87.23-113.8%, 86.06-112.79% and 80.29-113.64%, respectively. Therefore, the 90% CI for Cmax, AUClast, AUC0-? were within the 80-125% interval proposed by the Food and Drug Administration. Conclusion: Captopril- FURP and Captopril-Farmanguinhos 25 mg tablets were bioequivalent to Capoten® 25 mg, according to both the rate and extent of absorption.

Molecular characterization of hemoglobin D Punjab traits and clinical-hematological profile of the patients / Caracterização molecular dos traços de hemoglobina D Punjab e perfil clínico-hematológico dos pacientes

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Hemoglobin (Hb) D hemoglobinopathies are widespread diseases in northwestern India and usually present with mild hemolytic anemia and mild to moderate splenomegaly. The heterozygous form of Hb D is clinically silent, but coinheritance of Hb D with Hb S or beta-thalassemia produces clinically significant conditions like thalassemia intermedia of moderate severity. Under heterozygous conditions with coinheritance of alpha and beta-thalassemia, patients show a degree of clinical variability. Thus, our aim was to molecularly characterize the Hb D trait among individuals who were clinically symptomatic because of co-inheritance of alpha deletions or any beta-globin gene mutations. DESIGN AND SETTING: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in an autonomous tertiary-care hospital. METHODS: Complete blood count and red cell indices were measured using an automated cell analyzer. Quantitative assessment of hemoglobin Hb F, Hb A, Hb A2 and Hb D was performed by means of high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). DNA extraction was done using the phenol-chloroform method. Molecular analyses on common alpha deletions and common beta mutations were done using the Gap polymerase chain reaction and Amplification Refractory Mutation System, respectively. RESULTS: We evaluated 30 patients and found clinical variation in the behavior of Hb D traits. In six patients, the Hb D traits were clinically symptomatic and behaved like those of thalassemia intermedia. Molecular characterization showed that three out of these six were IVS-1-5 positive. CONCLUSIONS: HPLC may not be the gold standard for diagnosing symptomatic Hb D Punjab traits. Hence, standard confirmation should include molecular studies.

CONTEXTO E OBJETIVO: Hemoglobinopatias da hemoglobina (Hb) D são doenças amplamente disseminadas no noroeste da Índia e geralmente se apresentam com anemia hemolítica leve e esplenomegalia leve a moderada. A forma heterozigótica de Hb D é clinicamente silenciosa, mas co-herança de Hb D com Hb S ou beta-talassemia produzem condições clinicamente significativas, como talassemia intermediária de gravidade moderada. Em condição heterozigótica com co-herança de alfa e beta-talassemia, pacientes mostram variabilidade clínica. Assim, nosso objetivo foi a caracterização molecular dos traços da Hb D em individuos clinicamente sintomáticos, devido à co-herança de deleções de alfa ou quaisquer mutações gênicas de beta-globina. TIPO DE ESTUDO E LOCAL: Estudo transversal; realizado em um hospital de cuidado terciário autônomo. MÉTODOS: Hemograma completo e índices de células vermelhas foram medidos pelo analisador automatizado de células. Avaliação quantitativa de hemoglobina Hb F, Hb A, Hb A2 e Hb D foi realizada por cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência. Extração de DNA foi feita pelo método de fenol-clorofórmio. Estudo molecular para deleções comuns de alfa e mutações comuns de beta foi feito por Gap-reação em cadeia da polimerase e amplificação refratária de mutação, respectivamente. RESULTADOS: Avaliamos 30 pacientes e verificamos variação clínica no comportamento dos traços da Hb D. Em seis pacientes, os traços da Hb D foram clinicamente sintomáticos e se comportavam como os de talassemia intermédia. A caracterização molecular mostrou que três desses seis pacientes eram IVS-1-5 positivos. CONCLUSÕES: HPLC pode não ser o padrão ouro para o diagnóstico de traços de Hb D Punjab sintomáticos. Assim, a confirmação padrão ouro deve incluir estudos moleculares.

Effect of leaching residual methyl methacrylate concentrations on in vitro cytotoxicity of heat polymerized denture base acrylic resin processed with different polymerization cycles

OBJECTIVES: Residual methyl methacrylate (MMA) may leach from the acrylic resin denture bases and have adverse effects on the oral mucosa. This in vitro study evaluated and correlated the effect of the leaching residual MMA concentrations ([MMA]r) on in vitro cytotoxicity of L-929 fibroblasts. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 144 heat-polymerized acrylic resin specimens were fabricated using 4 different polymerization cycles: (1) at 74ºC for 9 h, (2) at 74ºC for 9 h and terminal boiling (at 100ºC) for 30 min, (3) at 74ºC for 9 h and terminal boiling for 3 h, (4) at 74ºC for 30 min and terminal boiling for 30 min. Specimens were eluted in a complete cell culture medium at 37ºC for 1, 2, 5 and 7 days. [MMA]r in eluates was measured using high-performance liquid chromatography. In vitro cytotoxicity of eluates on L-929 fibroblasts was evaluated by means of cell proliferation using a tetrazolium salt XTT (sodium 3´-[1-phenyl-aminocarbonyl)-3,4-tetrazolium]bis(4-methoxy-6-nitro)benzenesulphonic acid) assay. Differences in [MMA]r of eluates and cell proliferation values between polymerization cycles were statistically analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis, Friedman and Dunn's multiple comparison tests. The correlation between [MMA]r of eluates and cell proliferation was analyzed by Pearson's correlation test (p<0.05). RESULTS: [MMA]r was significantly (p<0.001) higher in eluates of specimens polymerized with cycle without terminal boiling after elution of 1 and 2 days. Cell proliferation values for all cycles were significantly (p<0.01) lower in eluates of 1 day than those of 2 days. The correlation between [MMA]r and cell proliferation values was negative after all elution periods, showing significance (p<0.05) for elution of 1 and 2 days. MMA continued to leach from acrylic resin throughout 7 days and leaching concentrations markedly reduced after elution of 1 and 2 days. CONCLUSION: Due to reduction of leaching residual MMA concentrations, use of terminal boiling in the polymerization process for at least 30 min and water storage of the heat-polymerized denture bases for at least 1 to 2 days before denture delivery is clinically recommended for minimizing the residual MMA and possible cytotoxic effects.