Toxicodynamic effects of ciclosporin are reflected by metabolite profiles in the urine of healthy individuals after a single dose.

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THE SUBJECT * Ciclosporin's nephrotoxicity initially targets the proximal tubule and is, at least in part, driven by increased formation of oxygen radicals. * (1)H-nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR)- and mass spectrometry (MS)-based biochemical profiling (metabolomics) allows for the sensitive detection of metabolite pattern changes in urine. * In systematic studies in rats we showed that ciclosporin caused urine metabolite pattern changes typical for proximal tubule damage and that these pattern changes seemed to be more sensitive than established clinical kidney function markers such as serum creatinine concentrations. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS * This study showed that urine metabolite pattern changes as assessed by (1)H-NMR and HPLC-MS are sensitive enough to detect the effect of ciclosporin as early as 4 h after a single oral dose. * In our previous rat studies, changes in urine metabolite pattern in response to ciclosporin translated into healthy humans, indicating the involvement of the same toxicodynamic mechanisms. * The results provide proof of concept for further development of this combination molecular marker strategy into diagnostic tools for the detection and monitoring of drug nephrotoxicity. AIMS The immunosuppressant ciclosporin is an efficient prophylaxis against transplant organ rejection but its clinical use is limited by its nephrotoxicity. Our previous systematic studies in the rat indicated urine metabolite pattern changes to be sensitive indicators of the negative effects of ciclosporin on the kidney. To translate these results, we conducted an open label, placebo-controlled, crossover study assessing the time-dependent toxicodynamic effects of a single oral ciclosporin dose (5 mg kg(-1)) on the kidney in 13 healthy individuals. METHODS In plasma and urine samples, ciclosporin and 15-F(2t)-isoprostane concentrations were assessed using HPLC-MS and metabolite profiles using (1)H-NMR spectroscopy. RESULTS The maximum ciclosporin concentrations were 1489 +/- 425 ng ml(-1) (blood) and 2629 +/- 1308 ng ml(-1) (urine). The increase in urinary 15-F(2t)-isoprostane observed 4 h after administration of ciclosporin indicated an increase in oxidative stress. 15-F(2t)-isoprostane concentrations were on average 2.9-fold higher after ciclosporin than after placebo (59.8 +/- 31.2 vs. 20.9 +/- 19.9 pg mg(-1) creatinine, P < 0.02). While there were no conclusive changes in plasma 15-F(2t)-isoprostane concentrations or metabolite patterns, non-targeted metabolome analysis using principal components analysis and partial least square fit analysis revealed significant changes in urine metabolites typically associated with negative effects on proximal tubule cells. The major metabolites that differed between the 4 h urine samples after ciclosporin and placebo were citrate, hippurate, lactate, TMAO, creatinine and phenylalanine. CONCLUSION Changes in urine metabolite patterns as a molecular marker are sufficiently sensitive for the detection of the negative effects of ciclosporin on the kidney after a single oral dose.

HPLC-atmospheric pressure chemical ionization MS/MS for quantification of 15-F2t-isoprostane in human urine and plasma.

BACKGROUND: Quantification of F(2)-Isoprostanes is considered a reliable index of the oxidative stress status in vivo and is valuable in the diagnosis and monitoring of a variety of diseases. Because of complex and lengthy sample preparation procedures, current chromatography/mass spectrometry and immunoassays are impractical for measuring larger numbers of samples. Thus, we developed and validated a semiautomated high-throughput HPLC tandem mass spectrometry assay for the quantification of F(2)-Isoprostane F(2t) in human urine and plasma. METHODS: After protein precipitation (500 microL methanol/zinc sulfate added to 500 microL plasma), samples were injected into the HPLC system and extracted online. The extracts were then back-flushed onto the analytical column and detected with an atmospheric pressure chemical ionization-triple quadrupole mass spectrometer monitoring the deprotonated molecular ions [M-H](-) of 15-F(2t)-IsoP (m/z = 353-->193) and the internal standard 15-F(2t)-IsoP-d(4) (m/z = 357-->197). RESULTS: In human urine, the assay was linear from 0.025 to 80 microg/L and in human plasma from 0.0025 to 80 microg/L (r(2)>0.99). Interday accuracy and precision for concentrations above the lower limit of quantification were <10%. Concentrations of 15-F(2t)-IsoP in urine of 16 healthy individuals ranged from 55-348 ng/g creatinine. In 16 plasma samples from healthy individuals, free 15-F(2t)-IsoP was detectable in all samples and concentrations were 3-25 ng/L. CONCLUSIONS: Our assay meets all predefined method performance criteria, allows for analysis of >80 samples/day, and has sufficient sensitivity for quantifying 15-F(2t)-IsoP concentrations in plasma and urine from healthy individuals. It is, thus, suitable for clinical routine monitoring and the analysis of samples from larger clinical trials.