LC-MS/MS determination of tideglusib, a novel GSK-3ß inhibitor in mice plasma and its application to a pharmacokinetic study in mice.

A sensitive, specific and rapid LC-ESI-MS/MS method has been developed and validated for the quantification of tideglusib in mice plasma using warfarin as an internal standard (I.S.) as per regulatory guidelines. Sample preparation was accomplished through liquid-liquid extraction process. Chromatographic separation was performed on Atlantis dC18 column using mobile phase A (acetonitrile) and B (5mM ammonium acetate in water) in a flow-gradient mode. Elution of tideglusib and the I.S. occurred at ∼2.06 and 1.29min, respectively. The total chromatographic run time was 3.2min. A linear response function was established in the concentration range of 20.2-1008ng/mL. The intra- and inter-day accuracy and precision were in the range of 4.61-12.6 and 6.04-11.8%, respectively. This novel method has been applied to a pharmacokinetic study in mice.

Review of HPLC and LC-MS/MS assays for the determination of various nonsteroidal anti-androgens used in the treatment of prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer and one of the leading causes of cancer deaths in men. One of the commonly used approaches to treat metastatic prostate cancer was via first-generation nonsteroidal anti-androgens (NSAAs), namely flutamide, nilutamide, bicalutamide and topilutamide. Most prostate cancer patients who are initially responsive develop the most aggressive form of disease called castration-resistant prostate cancer. Second-generation NSAA receptor antagonists (enzalutamide, apalutamide and darolutamide) are emerging as additional new options to treat castration-resistant prostate cancer. The objective of this work was to review the literature on the bioanalytical methods for the quantification of first- and second-generation NSAA inhibitors in clinical (human plasma) and preclinical (mouse plasma, rat plasma, urine and tissue homogenates etc.) studies along with relevant case studies for some chosen drugs. Based on the review, it was concluded that the published methodologies using either HPLC or LC-MS/MS are well suited for the quantification of NSAA inhibitors in various biological fluids to delineate pharmacokinetic data.

Validated LC-MS-MS Method for Determination of SF0034 in Mice Plasma: Application to a Pharmacokinetic Study in Mice.

A rapid and sensitive assay method has been developed and validated using liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry with electrospray ionization in the positive-ion mode for the estimation of SF0034 in mice plasma. The assay procedure involves a simple protein precipitation of SF0034 and tolbutamide (internal standard, IS) from mice plasma. Chromatographic separation was performed on an Atlantis dC18 column using an isocratic mobile phase comprising 0.2% formic acid:acetonitrile (10:90, v/v) at a flow rate of 0.60 mL/min. The total run time was 2.5 min. For mass spectrometric detection, the multiple reaction monitoring was used and ion transitions monitored were m/z 322 → 248 for SF0034 and 271 → 155 for IS. Method validation was performed as per regulatory guidelines and the results met the acceptance criteria. A calibration curve was constructed in the range of 2.08-2,078 ng/mL. The intra- and inter-day precision was in the range of 1.06-14.4% and 7.16-11.7%, respectively. This novel method has been applied to a pharmacokinetic study in mice.

Validation of an LC-MS/MS method for simultaneous detection of four HDAC inhibitors - belinostat, panobinostat, rocilinostat and vorinostat in mouse plasma and its application to a mouse pharmacokinetic study.

A sensitive and rapid LC-MS/MS method was developed and validated for the simultaneous quantitation of four HDAC inhibitors, namely belinostat (BST), panobinostat (PST), rocilinostat (RST) and vorinostat (VST), in mouse plasma as per regulatory guidelines. The analytes and internal standard were extracted from 50 µL mouse plasma by protein precipitation, followed by chromatographic separation using an Atlantis C18 column with an isocratic mobile phase comprising 0.1% formic acid-acetonitrile (25:75, v/v) at a flow rate of 0.5 mL/min within 2.5 min. Detection and quantitation were done by multiple reaction monitoring on a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer following the transitions: m/z 319 → 93, 350 → 158, 434 → 274 and 265 → 232 for BST, PST, RST and VST, respectively, in the positive ionization mode. The calibration curves were linear from 2.92 to 2921 ng/mL for BST and PST and from 1.01 to 1008 ng/mL for RST and VST with r2 ≥ 0.99 for all of the analytes. The intra- and inter-batch accuracy and precision (CV) across quality controls varied from 85.5 to 112% and from 2.30 to 12.5, respectively, for all of the analytes. Analytes were found to be stable under different stability conditions. The method was applied to an i.v. pharmacokinetic study in mice.

Review of bioanalytical assays for the quantitation of various HDAC inhibitors such as vorinostat, belinostat, panobinostat, romidepsin and chidamine.

Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDAC inhibitors) are used to treat malignancies such as cutaneous T cell lymphoma and peripheral T cell lymphoma. Only four drugs are approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, namely vorinostat, romidepsin, panobinostat and belinostat, while chidamide has been approved in China. There are a number of bioanalytical methods reported for the measurement of HDAC inhibitors in clinical (human plasma and serum) and preclinical (mouse plasma, rat plasma, urine and tissue homogenates, etc.) studies. This review covers various HDAC inhibitors such as vorinostat, romidepsin, panobinostat, belinostat and chidamide. In addition to providing a comprehensive review of the available methods for the above mentioned HDAC inhibitors, it also provides case studies with perspectives for chosen drugs. Based on the review, it is concluded that the published methodologies using either HPLC or LC-MS/MS are well suited for the quantification of HDAC inhibitors in various biological fluids to delineate pharmacokinetic data.

Infusion Rate Dependent Pharmacokinetics of Bendamustine with Altered Formation of γ-hydroxybendamustine (M3) Metabolite Following 30- and 60-min Infusion of Bendamustine in Rats.

Bendamustine is an alkylating agent administered as 1 h intravenous infusion in the clinic for the treatment of malignant haematological cancers. The aim of the study was to evaluate the pharmacokinetics of bendamustine and its key cytochrome P 450 (CYP) 1A2 mediated γ-hydroxybendamustine (M3) metabolite after 30- and 60-min intravenous infusion of bendamustine in rats. 2 groups were assigned to receive bendamustine either as 30- or 60-min infusion and doses were normalized to 15 mg/kg for the sake of statistical evaluation. Serial pharmacokinetic samples were collected and were analysed for the circulatory levels of bendamustine and its M3 metabolite. Standard pharmacokinetic parameters were generated for bendamustine and its M3 metabolite. Regardless of the intravenous regimens, Cmax coincided with end of infusion for both bendamustine and its M3 metabolite. Immediately after stoppage of infusion, a rapid decline in the plasma levels occurred for both bendamustine and M3 metabolite. The Cmax and AUC0-∞ parameters for bendamustine after 60-min infusion were 1.90 and 1.34-fold higher; while CL was lower by 1.32-fold as compared to the 30-min infusion. In contrast, the Cmax and AUC0-∞ after 30-min infusion for the M3 metabolite was 2.15- and 2.78-fold greater; while CL was 2.32-fold lower when compared to the 60-min infusion. However, T1/2 and Vz values were similar between the 2 intravenous treatments for bendamustine or the M3 metabolite. The data unequivocally confirmed the existence of differential pharmacokinetics of bendamustine and its M3 metabolite as the function of the duration of intravenous infusion.

Determination of ulixertinib in mice plasma by LC-MS/MS and its application to a pharmacokinetic study in mice.

A sensitive, specific and rapid LC-ESI-MS/MS method has been developed and validated for the quantification of ulixertinib in mice plasma using phenacetin as an internal standard (I.S.) as per regulatory guidelines. Sample preparation was accomplished through a protein precipitation procedure with acetonitrile:methanol mixture. Chromatographic separation was performed on Atlantis dC18 column using a binary gradient using mobile phase A (0.2% formic acid in water) and B (acetonitrile) at a flow rate of 0.60mL/min. Elution of ulixertinib and I.S. occurred at ∼1.07 and 1.20min, respectively. The total chromatographic run time was 2.5min. A linear response function was established in the concentration range of 1.58-2054ng/mL. The intra- and inter-day accuracy and precisions were in the range of 2.11-11.8 and 5.80-11.4%, respectively. This novel method has been applied to a pharmacokinetic study in mice.

A concise review of the bioanalytical methods for the quantitation of sitagliptin, an important dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4) inhibitor, utilized for the characterization of the drug.

Inhibition of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4) is an emerging therapeutic approach for treating type 2 diabetes and has revolutionized the concept of diabetes management. Sitagliptin is the first approved orally active, potent, selective and nonpeptidomimetic DPP4 inhibitor. Incidence of hypoglycemia and weight gain is negligible with sitagliptin treatment. It is used as monotherapy or in combination with other anti-diabetic drugs to treat type 2 diabetes. There are numerous bioanalytical methods published for the analysis of sitagliptin in preclinical and clinical samples. This review focuses on the various HPLC and LC-MS/MS methods that have been used to analyze sitagliptin in various biological matrices. A small section is devoted to the bioanalysis of other DPP4 inhibitors such as vildagliptin, saxagliptin and linagliptin. This review provides key information in a concise manner regarding sample processing options, chromatographic/detection conditions and validation parameters of the chosen methods for sitagliptin and other DPP4 inhibitors.

Quantitation of VEGFR2 (vascular endothelial growth factor receptor) inhibitors--review of assay methodologies and perspectives.

The introduction of small-molecule tyrosine kinase VEGFR2 (vascular endothelial growth factor receptor) inhibitors has added another dimension in the treatment of several oncology indications as they offer a unique mechanism. The VEGFR2 inhibitors have demonstrated superior benefits in treating certain types of cancer, such as renal cell carcinoma and hepatocellular carcinoma, as a monotherapy option. Many of the approved VEGFR2 inhibitors have also shown promise when used in combination with other anticancer agents. There are numerous bioanalytical methods published for the analysis of VEGFR2 inhibitors in preclinical and clinical samples. This review covers VEGFR2 inhibitors such as sunitinib, sorafenib, pazopanib and JI-101. In addition to providing a comprehensive review of the available methods for the above-mentioned VRGFR2 inhibitors, it also provides information on assays that can simultaneously measure multiple tyrosine kinase inhibitors, including VEGFR2 molecules. Based on the review, the published methodologies using LC/MS-MS or HPLC-UV are adequate for the quantification of the VEGFR2 inhibitors and can easily be established in a modern day bioanalytical laboratory. The availability of a plethora of assays for multiple tyrosine kinase inhibitors makes it easy to analyze a panel of compounds to support either therapeutic drug monitoring and/or clinical pharmacokinetics.

Highly sensitive LC-MS/MS method for determination of galantamine in rat plasma: application to pharmacokinetic studies in rats.

A rapid and highly sensitive assay method has been developed and validated for the estimation of galantamine (GLM) in rat plasma using liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry with electrospray ionization in the positive-ion mode. The assay procedure involves a simple liquid-liquid extraction of GLM and phenacetin (internal standard, IS) from rat plasma using acetonitrile. Chromatographic separation was achieved with 0.2% formic acid:acetonitrile (50:50, v/v) at a flow rate of 0.60 mL/min on an Atlantis dC18 column with a total run time 2.5 min. The MS/MS ion transitions monitored were 288.10 → 213.10 for GLM and 180.10 → 110.10 for IS. Method validation was performed as per United States Food and Drug Administration guidelines and the results met the acceptance criteria. The lower limit of quantitation achieved was 0.12 ng/mL and linearity was observed from 0.12 to 525 ng/mL. The intra- and inter-day precision were in the ranges of 4.73-11.7 and 5.83-8.64%, respectively. This novel method has been applied to a pharmacokinetic study in rats.

Development and validation of a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method for quantitation of indomethacin in rat plasma and its application to a pharmacokinetic study in rats.

A highly sensitive and rapid bioanalytical method has been developed and validated for the estimation of indomethacin in rat plasma with liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry with electrospray ionization in the positive-ion mode. The assay procedure involves a simple liquid-liquid extraction of indomethacin and phenacetin (internal standard, IS) from rat plasma with acetonitrile. Chromatographic separation was achieved with 0.2% formic acid-acetonitrile (25:75, v/v) at a flow rate of 0.60 mL/min on an Atlantis dC18 column with a total run time 3.0 min. The MS/MS ion transitions monitored were 357.7 → 139.1 for indomethacin and 180.20 → 110.10 for IS. Method validation and pharmacokinetic study plasma analysis were performed as per FDA guidelines and the results met the acceptance criteria. The lower limit of quantitation achieved was 0.51 ng/mL and the linearity was observed from 0.51 to 25.5 ng/mL. The intra- and inter-day precisions were in the range of 1.00-10.2 and 5.88-9.80%, respectively. This novel method has been applied to an oral pharmacokinetic study in rats.

A highly sensitive LC-MS/MS method for the determination of S-raclopride in rat plasma: application to a pharmacokinetic study in rats.

A highly sensitive and rapid assay method has been developed and validated for the estimation of S-(-)-raclopride (S-RCP) in rat plasma with liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry with electrospray ionization in the positive ion mode. The assay procedure involves a simple liquid-liquid extraction technique for extraction of S-RCP and phenacetin (internal standard, IS) from rat plasma. Chromatographic separation was achieved with 0.2% formic acid : acetonitrile (80:20, v/v) at a flow rate of 0.30 mL/min on a Phenomenex Prodigy C(18) column with a total run time of 4.5 min. The MS/MS ion transitions monitored were 347.2 → 112.1 for S-RCP and 180.1 → 110.1 for IS. Method validation and pre-clinical sample analysis were performed as per FDA guidelines and the results met the acceptance criteria. The lower limit of quantitation achieved was 0.05 ng/mL and the linearity range was extended from 0.05 to 152 ng/mL in rat plasma. The intra-day and inter-day precisions were 0.23-10.5 and 3.74-7.29%, respectively. This novel method was applied to a pharmacokinetic study of S-RCP in rats.

A highly sensitive LC-MS/MS method for the determination of S-citalopram in rat plasma: application to a pharmacokinetic study in rats.

A highly sensitive, rapid assay method has been developed and validated for the estimation of S-citalopram (S-CPM) in rat plasma with liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry with electrospray ionization in the positive-ion mode. The assay procedure involves a simple liquid-liquid extraction of S-CPM and phenacetin (internal standard, IS) from rat plasma with t-butyl methyl ether. Chromatographic separation was operated with 0.2% formic acid:acetonitrile (20:80, v/v) at a flow rate of 0.50 mL/min on a Symmetry Shield RP(18) column with a total run time of 3.0 min. The MS/MS ion transitions monitored were 325.26 → 109.10 for S-CPM and 180.10 → 110.10 for IS. Method validation and pre-clinical sample analysis were performed as per FDA guidelines and the results met the acceptance criteria. The lower limit of quantitation achieved was 0.5 ng/mL and the linearity was observed from 0.5 to 5000 ng/mL. The intra- and inter-day precisions were in the range of 1.14-5.56 and 0.25-12.3%, respectively. This novel method has been applied to a pharmacokinetic study and to estimate brain-to-plasma ratio of S-CPM in rats.

Dynamics of circulating concentrations of gonadotropins and ovarian hormones throughout the menstrual cycle in the bonnet monkey: role of inhibin A in the regulation of follicle-stimulating hormone secretion.

In higher primates, increased circulating follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels seen during late menstrual cycle and during menstruation has been suggested to be necessary for initiation of follicular growth, recruitment of follicles and eventually culminating in ovulation of a single follicle. With a view to establish the dynamics of circulating FSH secretion with that of inhibin A (INH A) and progesterone (P(4)) secretions during the menstrual cycle, blood was collected daily from bonnet monkeys beginning day 1 of the menstrual cycle up to 35 days. Serum INH A levels were low during early follicular phase, increased significantly coinciding with the mid cycle luteinizing hormone (LH) surge to reach maximal levels during the mid luteal phase before declining at the late luteal phase, essentially paralleling the pattern of P(4) secretion seen throughout the luteal phase. Circulating FSH levels were low during early and mid luteal phases, but progressively increased during the late luteal phase and remained high for few days after the onset of menses. In another experiment, lutectomy performed during the mid luteal phase resulted in significant decrease in INH A concentration within 2 hr (58.3+/-2 vs. 27.3+/-3 pg/mL), and a 2- to 3-fold rise in circulating FSH levels by 24 hr (0.20+/-0.02 vs. 0.53+/-0.14 ng/mL) that remained high until 48 hr postlutectomy. Systemic administration of Cetrorelix (150 microg/kg body weight), a gonadotropin releasing hormone receptor antagonist, at mid luteal phase in monkeys led to suppression of serum INH A and P(4) concentrations 24 hr post treatment, but circulating FSH levels did not change. Administration of exogenous LH, but not FSH, significantly increased INH A concentration. The results taken together suggest a tight coupling between LH and INH A secretion and that INH A is largely responsible for maintenance of low FSH concentration seen during the luteal phase.

Cross-linked and chemically functionalized polymer supports by reactive reversal nanoimprint lithography.

A new format of polymer support having cross-linked polymeric micro- and nanoarrays has been fabricated via reactive reversal nanoimprint lithography. Reactive reversal nanoimprint lithography is a relatively simple method to imprint highly cross-linked and chemically tunable polymers. An array of chloromethyl-functionalized cross-linked polystyrene has been imprinted on hard (silicon) and soft (polymer) substrates, and a model esterification reaction is demonstrated. The imprints have been found to be relatively stable under both static and dynamic stability tests carried out in various organic solvents. The chemical functionality is evenly distributed over the imprinted array. This method of fabricating polymer supports offers a high degree of freedom in terms of the choice of chemical functionality, the types of polymer matrix, and the size of the polymer support. The functional polymer support has potential applications for chemical and biological assays.

Phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation in patients with uveitis.

PURPOSE: To investigate the safety and efficacy of phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation in eyes affected by uveitis. METHODS: A retrospective case series is presented including casenote review and update patient examinations. Patient data were withdrawn from the Uveitis Clinic database. All uveitis patients undergoing phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation from August 1995 to November 2000 were included. A pre-operative preparation protocol was used. Operative and post-operative complications, degree of postoperative inflammation, best-corrected and final visual acuity were the main outcome measures. RESULTS: Eighty-six eyes of 75 patients underwent surgery, which in 11 cases was combined with trabeculectomy. Mean follow-up was 24.1 months. Eight eyes (10%) had severe or fibrinous uveitis post-operatively. The mean delay between surgery and return to baseline treatment was 8.6 weeks. Posterior capsule opacification occurred in 42% of eyes and Nd-YAG capsulotomy was required in 21%. Cystoid macular oedema was seen in 2 eyes. Seventy-two per cent of eyes retain a visual acuity of 6/9 or better, and 87% of eyes retain a post-operative improvement of 2 or more lines of Snellen acuity. CONCLUSIONS: With careful patient selection, appropriate pre-operative preparation, diligent surgery and close post-operative supervision, phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation is safe and effective in the great majority of eyes with uveitis.

Herpes simplex keratitis.

Chronic infection of the cornea by Herpes simplex virus (HSV) continues to be an important cause of unilateral blindness. Despite considerable progress in the understanding of the virus at cellular and molecular levels, the prospect of prevention still appears to be long way off. The development of non-toxic topical antiviral agents has been an important step forward in management. However, correct diagnosis and treatment, in particular, the avoidance of inappropriate use of topical steroid remains as important as ever. This article reviews the virological and clinical aspects of HSV keratitis including the current concepts of pathogenesis and management.