Analysis of nitrite and nitrate in biological fluids by assays based on the Griess reaction: appraisal of the Griess reaction in the L-arginine/nitric oxide area of research

Methods of nitric oxide detection in plants: a commentary

Over the last decade nitric oxide (NO) has been shown to influence a range of processes in plants. However, when, where and even if NO production occurs is controversial in several physiological scenarios in plants. This arises from a series of causes: (a) doubts have arisen over the specificity of widely used 4,5-diaminofluorescein diacetate (DAF-2DA)/4-amino-5-methylamino-2,7-difluorofluorescein (DAF-FM) dyes for NO, (b) no plant nitric oxide synthase (NOS) has been cloned, so that the validity of using mammalian NOS inhibitors to demonstrate that NO is being measured is debatable, (c) the NO scavenger 2-(4-carboxyphenyl)-4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-l-oxyl-3-oxide (cPTIO) needs to be used with caution, and (d) some discrepancies between assays for in planta measurements and another based on sampling NO from the gas phase have been reported. This review will outline some commonly used methods to determine NO, attempt to reconcile differing results obtained by different laboratories and suggest appropriate approaches to unequivocally demonstrate the production of NO.

Characterization of nitrated phenolic compounds for their anti-oxidant, pro-oxidant, and nitration activities

Coffee is one of the most widely consumed beverages worldwide. Evidence of the health benefits and the important contribution of coffee brew to the intake of anti-oxidants in the diet has increased coffee consumption. Chlorogenic acid (ChA) and caffeic acid (CaA) are the major phenolic compounds in coffee. However, phenolic compounds, which are generally effective anti-oxidants, can become pro-oxidants in the presence of Cu(2+) to induce DNA damage under certain conditions. On the other hand, sodium nitrite (NaNO(2)) is widely used as a food additive to preserve and tinge color on cured meat and fish. It is possible that phenolic compounds react with NaNO(2) under acidic conditions, such as gastric juice. In this study, we identified compounds produced by the reaction between ChA or CaA in coffee and NaNO(2) in artificial gastric juice. The identified phenolic compounds and nitrated phenolic compounds were assessed for their anti-oxidant, pro-oxidant, and nitration activities by performing an in vitro assay. The nitrated phenolic compounds seemed to show increased anti-oxidant activity and decreased pro-oxidant activity. However, one nitrated CaA compound that has a furoxan ring showed the ability to release NO(2)(-) in the neutral condition.

Occupational exposure characterization in professional sprayers: clinical utility of oxidative stress biomarkers

The impact of involuntary exposure to pesticides was studied in a group of professional sprayers (S) (25±5 years old) exposed to various agrochemicals for about 10 years. The results were compared with a group of non exposed people (C). S group showed hematological, renal, pancreatic and hepatic biomarkers within the reference values established for the general population, including cholinesterase activity. In spite of that, all the biochemical tests were statistically different compared to C. On the other hand, oxidative stress biomarkers (OSB) such as plasma tocopherol and the total reducing ability of plasma were significantly decreased, while protein carbonyls, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, total glutathione and the sum of nitrites and nitrates were increased in the exposed group. Results demonstrated that screening laboratory tests could not be fully sensitive in detecting sub-clinical exposure to pesticides, and also suggest that OSB could be validated and included in health surveillance protocols.

Plasma dimethylarginines during the acute inflammatory response

INTRODUCTION

Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) concentrations are increased in critically ill patients and may play a role in multiple organ failure. However, plasma ADMA concentrations during the development of the inflammatory response have not been documented. We measured plasma ADMA, as well as urinary excretion of its major metabolite dimethylamine, and nitrate as a marker of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity, in a cohort of patients undergoing elective knee arthroplasty that is known to provoke a significant inflammatory response.

METHODS

Thirty-eight patients were recruited. Fasting venous blood samples were obtained pre-operatively and at 12h and daily until the fifth post-operative day. ADMA and symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Urinary dimethylamine and nitrate were measured pre-operatively and on each of the post-operative mornings using HPLC and expressed as a ratio to creatinine.

RESULTS

Plasma ADMA fell by a median of 31% during the post-operative period, reaching a nadir on day 2, and recovering to baseline by the end of the study. SDMA showed no significant changes. No increase in urinary dimethylamine excretion was noted until day 5 post-op, whereupon it doubled. Urinary nitrate showed a small, but nonsignificant decrease on day 2, suggesting no major activation of NOS activity.

CONCLUSIONS

Plasma ADMA concentration decreases rapidly and transiently during the first 48h of acute inflammation. This appears not be caused by increased catabolism and may reflect increased cellular partitioning. This may serve to regulate NOS activity and prevent harmful increases in inducible NOS in situations where it is not appropriate.

Measurement of nitrite in blood samples using the ferricyanide-based hemoglobin oxidation assay

Nitrite is currently recognized as a biomarker of the state of nitric oxide metabolism. Therefore, assessing nitrite levels in various organs and compartments is an important issue. As nitrite levels in most organs and tissues are low (in high nanomolar or low micromolar range) several new sensitive methods for quantifying nitrite in various biological samples have been developed. Chemiluminescence, combined with tri-iodide reducing solution, is currently considered the most sensitive method, allowing quantification in the low nanomolar range of nitrite concentrations. Here, we present an overview of chemiluminescence-based determination of nitrite in blood and blood compartments - red blood cells and plasma. We also explain how to preserve the original physiological nitrite concentration in nitrite-hostile environments, such as an excess of hemoglobin in blood.

A simple and inexpensive automated technique for measurement of serum nitrite/nitrate

OBJECTIVE

We described an automated technique for measurement of serum nitrite/nitrate (NO(x)) using the Cobas Mira clinical chemistry analyzer.

DESIGN AND METHODS

NO(x) was measured by the modified Griess method. Precision, accuracy, linearity, instrument carry-over and lower limit of quantitation (LLOQ) were assessed.

RESULTS

The automated technique for measurement of serum NO(x) was linear, precise, and accurate. It has a LLOQ of 2.0 μmol/L.

CONCLUSION

Serum NO(x) measured by the modified Griess method can be applied easily to the Cobas Mira clinical chemistry analyzer.

Nitrite biosensing via selective enzymes--a long but promising route

The last decades have witnessed a steady increase of the social and political awareness for the need of monitoring and controlling environmental and industrial processes. In the case of nitrite ion, due to its potential toxicity for human health, the European Union has recently implemented a number of rules to restrict its level in drinking waters and food products. Although several analytical protocols have been proposed for nitrite quantification, none of them enable a reliable and quick analysis of complex samples. An alternative approach relies on the construction of biosensing devices using stable enzymes, with both high activity and specificity for nitrite. In this paper we review the current state-of-the-art in the field of electrochemical and optical biosensors using nitrite reducing enzymes as biorecognition elements and discuss the opportunities and challenges in this emerging market.

Reversed-phase liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization/mass spectrometry with isotope dilution for the analysis of nitrate and nitrite in water

A new method was developed for the analysis of nitrate and nitrite in a variety of water matrices by using reversed-phase liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization/mass spectrometry in the negative ion mode. For this direct analysis method, nitrate and nitrite anions were well separated under the optimized LC conditions, detected by monitoring m/z 62 and m/z 46 ions, and quantitated by using an isotope dilution technique that utilized the isotopically labeled analogs. The method sensitivity, accuracy, and precision were investigated, along with matrix effects resulting from common inorganic matrix anions. The isotope dilution technique, along with sample pretreatment using barium, silver, and hydrogen cartridges, effectively compensated for the ionization suppression caused by the major water matrix anions, including chloride, sulfate, phosphate, and carbonate. The method detection limits, based on seven reagent water replicates fortified at 0.01 mg N/L nitrate and 0.1 mg N/L nitrite, were 0.001 mg N/L for nitrate and 0.012-0.014 mg N/L for nitrite. The mean recoveries from the replicate fortified reagent water and lab water samples containing the major water matrix anions, were 92-103% for nitrate with an imprecision (relative standard deviation, RSD) of 0.4-2.1% and 92-110% for nitrite with an RSD of 1.1-4.4%. For the analysis of nitrate and nitrite in drinking water, surface water, and groundwater samples, the obtained results were generally consistent with those obtained from the reference methods. The mean recoveries from the replicate matrix spikes were 92-123% for nitrate with an RSD of 0.6-7.7% and 105-113% for nitrite with an RSD of 0.3-1.8%.

Naturally occurring triggers that induce apoptosis-like programmed cell death in Plasmodium berghei ookinetes

Several protozoan parasites have been shown to undergo a form of programmed cell death that exhibits morphological features associated with metazoan apoptosis. These include the rodent malaria parasite, Plasmodium berghei. Malaria zygotes develop in the mosquito midgut lumen, forming motile ookinetes. Up to 50% of these exhibit phenotypic markers of apoptosis; as do those grown in culture. We hypothesised that naturally occurring signals induce many ookinetes to undergo apoptosis before midgut traversal. To determine whether nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species act as such triggers, ookinetes were cultured with donors of these molecules. Exposure to the nitric oxide donor SNP induced a significant increase in ookinetes with condensed nuclear chromatin, activated caspase-like molecules and translocation of phosphatidylserine that was dose and time related. Results from an assay that detects the potential-dependent accumulation of aggregates of JC-1 in mitochondria suggested that nitric oxide does not operate via loss of mitochondrial membrane potential. L-DOPA (reactive oxygen species donor) also caused apoptosis in a dose and time dependent manner. Removal of white blood cells significantly decreased ookinetes exhibiting a marker of apoptosis in vitro. Inhibition of the activity of nitric oxide synthase in the mosquito midgut epithelium using L-NAME significantly decreased the proportion of apoptotic ookinetes and increased the number of oocysts that developed. Introduction of a nitric oxide donor into the blood meal had no effect on mosquito longevity but did reduce prevalence and intensity of infection. Thus, nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species are triggers of apoptosis in Plasmodium ookinetes. They occur naturally in the mosquito midgut lumen, sourced from infected blood and mosquito tissue. Up regulation of mosquito nitric oxide synthase activity has potential as a transmission blocking strategy.

Quantification of (15)N-nitrate in urine with gas chromatography combustion isotope ratio mass spectrometry to estimate endogenous NO production

The use of stable isotope labeled substrates and subsequent analysis of urinary nitrate, forms a noninvasive test for evaluation of the in vivo NO metabolism. The present paper describes a new method for simultaneous quantification of (15)N-nitrate and total nitrate with gas chromatography combustion isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GC-C-IRMS). Nitrate, isolated from urine with a nitrate selective resin, was reduced to nitrite using copperized cadmium. Subsequently, Sudan I was formed by diazotation. Sudan II was added as internal standard, and both molecules were analyzed with GC-C-IRMS as tert-butyldimethylsilyl derivatives. The accuracy was determined during a recovery study of two different known nitrate concentrations and two (15)N-enrichments. A recovery of 101.6% and 103.9% for total nitrate and 107.6% and 91.2% for (15)N-nitrate was obtained, respectively. The validated method was applied on complete 72 h urine collections after intravenous administration of (15)N-nitrate and (15)N-arginine in humans. On average, 51.8% (47.0-71.0%) of administered (15)N-nitrate was excreted, while 0.68% (0.44-1.17%) of (15)N-arginine was metabolized to nitrate. In conclusion, this method can be used for accurate simultaneous determination of (15)N-nitrate and total nitrate concentrations in urine and can be applied in clinical studies for noninvasive evaluation of NO metabolism in vivo.

Association between plasma nitric oxide metabolites levels and negative symptoms of schizophrenia: a pilot study

Nitric oxide (NO) is involved in pathophysiology of psychiatric disorders such as depression and schizophrenia. We hypothesize that plasma levels of NO and its metabolites (NO(x)) are decreased in patients with schizophrenia. To examine the hypothesis, we compared plasma NO(x) levels between 30 schizophrenic patients (M/F: 18/12, age: 38 +/- 15 years) and age- and sex-matched 30 healthy controls (M/F: 18/12, age: 41 +/- 19 years), and we also examined the effects of risperidone on plasma NO(x) levels in schizophrenic patients. The baseline plasma NO(x) levels were significantly lower in the schizophrenia group (1.85 +/- 0.70 microM) than those in control group (3.37 +/- 2.27 microM). A significantly negative correlation was found between plasma NO(x) levels and PANSS-N scores before risperidone administration (rho = -0.385, p = 0.0416). Treatment with risperidone significantly increased the plasma NO(x) levels by 8 weeks (before; 1.85 +/- 0.70 microM, after; 2.25 +/- 1.00 microM, p = 0.0491). These results suggest that NO might be one of the candidates factors which are associated with the pathophysiology of negative symptoms of schizophrenia.

Lipoprotein lipase is nitrated in vivo after lipopolysaccharide challenge

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) administration down-regulates lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activity at the posttranscriptional level. Hypertriglyceridemia is the main metabolic consequence of this fall in LPL activity and is presumably involved in the innate immune response to infection. Nitric oxide (NO) has been implicated in LPS-induced down-regulation of LPL activity, but whether its effects are direct or indirect remains unclear. Here we examined the potential nitration of LPL in vivo in response to LPS challenge in rats. We found hypertriglyceridemia, iNOS expression, NO overproduction, and a generalized decrease in LPL activity in tissues 6 h after LPS administration. LPL sensitivity to nitration was first explored by in vitro exposure of bovine LPL to peroxynitrite, a reactive nitrogen species (RNS). Nitration was confirmed by anti-nitrotyrosine Western blot and subsequent identification of specific nitrotyrosine-containing LPL sequences by tandem mass spectrometry. Further analysis by targeted mass spectrometry revealed three in vivo-nitrated tyrosine residues in heart LPL from LPS-challenged rats. This is the first study to identify nitrated tyrosine residues in LPL, both in vitro and in vivo, and it demonstrates that LPL is a target for RNS in endotoxemia. These results indicate that LPL nitration may be a new mechanism of LPL activity regulation in vivo.

Antioxidant defense system in rats simultaneously intoxicated with agrochemicals

The effect of dimethoate, zineb and glyphosate administered alone or in combination on liver, kidney, brain and plasma antioxidant defense system was investigated. Lipid peroxidation, and RNS production were increased in all tissues studied, especially in those groups that received a combination of drugs. Intoxicated rats exhibited lower antioxidant ability, higher oxidized protein and glutathione levels in plasma with a decreased concentration of α-tocopherol in brain and liver, between 30% and 60% of control. Superoxide dismutase was decreased in liver and brain. Glutathione reductase was inhibited in liver while glutathione peroxidase and transferase were unaffected. Plasma lactate dehydrogenase and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase activities were both increased. The associations of drugs produce more damage than individual administration being the effects observed strongly dependent on the kind of tissue analyzed. In conclusion, the present paper evidenced both the role of the oxidative stress as a mechanism of action of some pesticides and the potential additive effects of a simultaneous exposure to more than one compound. In addition, results suggest a potential contribution of pesticide mixtures to the aetiology of some neurodegenerative diseases.

ADMA and the role of the genes: lessons from genetically modified animals and human gene polymorphisms

In large population-based cohorts, elevated plasma levels of asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) were found to be associated with cardiovascular events and mortality. Impairment of nitric oxide (NO) synthesis from l-arginine has been postulated as underlying mechanism. In the present review, we compare different experimental models of NOS deficiency or overexpression with corresponding models of altered metabolism of ADMA by dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase (DDAH). The latter models show a considerable overlap with the pathophysiological features of impaired NO synthesis, such as impaired endothelial function, elevation of blood pressure, and microvascular fibrosis. In line with these findings, first data regarding genetic variation of DDAH-metabolism in humans are reminiscent of the (rather modest) effects previously observed with polymorphisms of the eNOS gene. However, several peculiar observations suggest that ADMA- or DDAH-related pathology may extend beyond impairment of NO-mediated signalling. Notably, the complete knock out of DDAH1 appears to be lethal while triple NOS(-/-) mice are viable. Moreover, some ADMA-mediated pathology appears to respond rather to ACE-inhibition than to l-arginine. Here, a further investigation of alternative target enzymes for ADMA and other endogenous DDAH substrates is warranted.Taken together, the current data suggest that ADMA-related pathology can largely but not completely be explained by impaired NO metabolism.

Beneficial effect of Bupleurum polysaccharides on autoimmune disease induced by Campylobacter jejuni in BALB/c mice

AIM OF THE STUDY

Radix Bupleuri, is one of the most frequently prescribed crude herbs in the prescriptions of traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of inflammatory diseases and auto-immune diseases. This study was to determine whether the crude polysaccharides (BPs) isolated from the roots of Bupleurum smithii var. parvifolium, had beneficial effects on autoimmune disease.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

BALB/c mice were immunized with CJ-S(131) in Freund's complete adjuvant on day 0, and then boosted on day 14. BPs 15 or 30 mg kg(-1) day(-1), or prednisone 5 mg kg(-1) day(-1) was given to BALB/c mice intragastrically from day 0 to day 34.

RESULTS

Treatment with BPs 15 or 30 mg kg(-1) day(-1) for 35 days protected kidney from glomerular injury with reduced immunoglobulin deposition and lowered proteinuria. The increased production of serum autoantibodies and total immunoglobulin G (IgG) was also inhibited. BPs 30 mg kg(-1) day(-1) improved weight loss and spleen swelling when compared with vehicle-treated group.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggested that Bupleurum polysaccharides had a beneficial effect on systemic lupus erythematosus-like syndroma induced by CJ-S(131) in BALB/c mice.

Determination of low level nitrite and nitrate in biological, food and environmental samples by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection

Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection (LC-FL) methods have been proposed for the determination of low level nitrite and nitrate in biological, food and environmental samples. The methods include derivatization of aqueous nitrite with 2,3-diaminonaphthalene (DAN), enzymatic reduction of nitrate to nitrite, extraction with toluene and chromatographic analyses of highly fluorescent 2,3-naphthotriazole (NAT) derivative of nitrite by using GC-MS in selected-ion-monitoring (SIM) mode and LC-FL. Nitrite and nitrate ions in solid samples were extracted with 0.5M aqueous NaOH by sonication. The recoveries of nitrite and nitrate ions based on GC-MS and LC-FL results were 98.40% and 98.10% and the precision of these methods, as indicated by the relative standard deviations (RSDs) were 1.00% for nitrite and 1.20% for nitrate, respectively. The limits of detection of the GC-MS in SIM mode and LC-FL methods based on S/N=3 were 0.02 and 0.29 pg/ml for nitrite and 0.03 and 0.30 pg/ml for nitrate, respectively.

Synthesis of novel trans-stilbene derivatives and evaluation of their potent antioxidant and neuroprotective effects

A convenient synthesis and the biological properties of new amides, esters and other derivatives of trans-stilbene are described. The key synthetic strategies involve the Wittig-Horner reaction of a phosphonium salt 9 and an aldehyde 10 to generate (E)- or (Z)-olefins and a coupling reaction of an acid 12 and various amines 13a-n to give trans-stilbene derivatives 15a-n in high yields. A amide derivative 15g showed three times more in vitro free radical-scavenging activity than resveratrol, while another 15d exhibited strong inhibitory activity against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)(a)-induced NO generation. Allylamide analogue 15a showed the most potent neuroprotective activity in glutamate-induced primary cortical neuron cells.

Selective determination method for measurement of nitrite and nitrate in water samples using high-performance liquid chromatography with post-column photochemical reaction and chemiluminescence detection

A simple, sensitive and selective method for the simultaneous determination of nitrite and nitrate in water samples has been developed. The method is based on ion-exchange separation, online photochemical reaction, and luminol chemiluminescence detection. The separation of nitrite and nitrate was achieved using an anion-exchange column with a 20mM borate buffer (pH 10.0). After the separation, these ions were converted to peroxynitrite by online UV irradiation using a low-pressure mercury lamp and then mixed with a luminol solution prepared with carbonate buffer (pH 10.0). The calibration graphs of the nitrite and nitrate were linear in the range from 2.0 x 10(-9) to 2.5 x 10(-6)M and 2.0 x 10(-8) to 2.5 x 10(-5)M, respectively. Since the sensitivity of nitrite was about 10 times higher than that of nitrate, the simultaneous determination of nitrite and nitrate in the water samples could be efficiently achieved. This method was successfully applied to various water samples--river water, pond water, rain water, commercial mineral water, and tap water--with only filtration and dilution steps.

NO and sGC-stimulating NO donors

Our knowledge of nitric oxide (NO) as a crucial endogenous signalling molecule continues to expand. Many, but not all, of the actions of NO are mediated by activation of soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) in target tissues. The aim of this chapter is to encapsulate the functions of NO in mammalian biology, tied to the chemistry of this unusual signalling entity. The experimental usefulness and therapeutic potential of the most widely utilised NO donor drugs is reviewed, with special consideration given to the importance of choosing the correct NO donor for any given experiment, in vitro, in vivo or in clinical studies.

Analytical chemistry of nitric oxide

Nitric oxide (NO) is the focus of intense research primarily because of its wide-ranging biological and physiological actions. To understand its origin, activity, and regulation, accurate and precise measurement techniques are needed. Unfortunately, analytical assays for monitoring NO are challenged by NO's unique chemical and physical properties, including its reactivity, rapid diffusion, and short half-life. Moreover, NO concentrations may span the picomolar-to-micromolar range in physiological milieus, requiring techniques with wide dynamic response ranges. Despite such challenges, many analytical techniques have emerged for the detection of NO. Herein, we review the most common spectroscopic and electrochemical methods, with a focus on the underlying mechanism of each technique and on approaches that have been coupled with modern analytical measurement tools to create novel NO sensors.

The effect of iNOS inhibitors and hyperbaric oxygen treatment in a rat model of experimental colitis

AIM

Our aim was to investigate the effectiveness of aminoguanidine (AMG), an inducible nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, and hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) treatment in an experimental colitis model.

METHODS

We induced colitis in rats. In the control group, we applied 2 ml serum physiologic intraperitoneally for 7 days. In the HBO group, 100% oxygen at 2.4 atm pressure was applied for 7 days. In the AMG group, 100 mg/kg AMG was applied intraperitoneally for 7 days. In the HBO + AMG group, HBO and AMG were applied, respectively. At the end of 7 days, rats were sacrificed and the distal 10 cm part of colon was examined macro- and microscopically.

RESULTS

Severity of colitis and NO activities were reduced by AMG, HBO, and HBO + AMG application. There was histologically significant improvement, especially in the HBO + AMG group.

CONCLUSIONS

Both HBO and AMG were significantly effective in preventing weight loss, reducing NO activities, and severity of colitis, when comparing HBO and AMG separately.

A novel derivative for the assessment of urinary and salivary nitrate using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry

Previous gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) methods for determining nitrate in biological samples involve either hazardous chemicals or produce multiple isomers that can be difficult to quantitate. Modification of these methods, by the nitration of mesitylene instead of benzene and in the presence of trifluoroacetic anhydride rather than sulphuric acid, should enable simple isotopic quantitation for use in tracer studies, for example, in the measurement of nitric oxide production. Desiccated urine and saliva samples, in addition to aqueous labelled and unlabelled nitrate standards, were treated with trifluoroacetic anhydride and mesitylene at 70 degrees C for 1 h, cooled, then sequentially washed with deionised water and aqueous sodium bicarbonate. The solution of nitromesitylene in mesitylene was separated, dried and analysed by GC/MS. The full mass spectra exhibited abundant ions at m/z 165 and 166 corresponding to the unlabelled and labelled molecular species of nitromesitylene, respectively. Selected ion monitoring of these masses for a series of gravimetrically prepared standards indicated good agreement with isotopic enrichments in the range 0.0625-5 mole % excess, and at nitrate concentrations within the physiological range of 0.078-2 mmol/L. Derivatised samples were stable with respect to isotopic enrichments and nitrate concentrations at -20 degrees C for up to 21 days and exhibited excellent repeatability. Nitration of mesitylene proved to be a simple and rapid method for the measurement of isotope ratios in aqueous nitrates by GC/MS, which has applications in tracer studies and in concentration determinations by isotope dilution techniques for nitric oxide production.

The L-arginine/NO pathway in end-stage liver disease and during orthotopic liver and kidney transplantation: biological and analytical ramifications

The L-arginine/nitric oxide (L-Arg/NO) pathway is altered in liver and kidney diseases. However, the status of the L-Arg/NO pathway during and after orthotopic transplantation is insufficiently investigated and findings are uncertain because of analytical shortcomings. Also, most human studies have focused on individual members of the L-Arg/NO pathway such as nitrate or asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA). In the present article we report on a pilot study investigating extensively the status of the L-Arg/NO pathway before and during orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). By using fully validated, highly sensitive and specific GC-MS and GC-MS/MS methods nitrite, nitrate, ADMA and its hydrolysis product dimethylamine (DMA), L-arginine and L-ornithine were measured in blood and urine. Our study gives strong evidence of the exceptional importance of hepatic dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase (DDAH) activity for the elimination of systemic ADMA. In end-stage liver disease the synthesis of NO and ADMA as well as the DDAH activity are elevated. However, increase in DDAH activity is insufficient to efficiently eliminate overproduced ADMA. The transplanted liver graft is capable of clearing ADMA in a rapid and sufficient manner. In contrast to studies from other groups, our study shows that in OLT as well as in living donor kidney transplantation, the second study reported here, reperfusion of the graft does not cause drastic alterations to the L-Arg/NO pathway with regard to NO synthesis. In the OLT study the concentration of circulating L-arginine fell temporally dramatically, while L-ornithine levels increased diametrically, most likely due to elevation of arginase activity. However, the relatively long-lasting decrease in plasmatic L-arginine in OLT seems not to have affected NO synthesis after reperfusion. Our OLT study suggests that liver reperfusion is associated with greatly elevated activity of proteolytic and hydrolytic enzymes including DDAH and arginase. Suppression of proteolytic and hydrolytic activity in transplantation could be a useful measure to improve outcome and remains to be investigated in further studies on larger patient collectives. The importance of analytical chemistry in this area of research is also discussed in this article.

Reduced plasma nitric oxide metabolites before and after antipsychotic treatment in patients with schizophrenia compared to controls

BACKGROUND

Nitric oxide (NO) is believed to have a role in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. We examined plasma levels of NO metabolites in patients with schizophrenia and normal controls. We also determined the impact of 6-week risperidone treatment on circulating NO metabolites in patients with schizophrenia.

METHOD

Plasma NO metabolite (NO(x)) levels were measured in 55 schizophrenia patients before and after 6-week treatment with risperidone and in 55 normal controls. Severity of schizophrenia and response to treatment were assessed with the positive and negative syndrome scale (PANSS) for schizophrenia. NO(x) levels were estimated by the Griess method.

RESULTS

Pre-treatment plasma NO(x) levels in schizophrenia patients (8.97+/-6.74 micromol/L) were lower than those of normal controls (14.51+/-6.30 micromol/L) (p<0.01). Schizophrenia patients had lower post-treatment NO(x) levels (10.99+/-8.31 micromol/L) than those of normal controls (p<0.01). There was marginal significant change between plasma NO(x) levels before and after 6-week treatment (p=0.056). Moreover, in 37 treatment responders (> or = 30% improvement in PANSS score), post-treatment plasma NO(x) significantly increased in comparison to pre-treatment NO(x) (p=0.028).

CONCLUSIONS

Plasma levels of NO(x) in patients with schizophrenia were significantly lower than normal controls both before and after the treatment. Our findings suggest that the improvement of psychiatric symptoms can lead to partially normalize a deficiency of NO after treatment in schizophrenia patients. Our findings support the hypothesis that the NO system is dampened in schizophrenia.

Nitric oxide in the vasculature: where does it come from and where does it go? A quantitative perspective

Nitric oxide (NO) affects two key aspects of O2 supply and demand: It regulates vascular tone and blood flow by activating soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) in the vascular smooth muscle, and it controls mitochondrial O2 consumption by inhibiting cytochrome c oxidase. However, significant gaps exist in our quantitative understanding of the regulation of NO production in the vascular region. Large apparent discrepancies exist among the published reports that have analyzed the various pathways in terms of the perivascular NO concentration, the efficacy of NO in causing vasodilation (EC50), its efficacy in tissue respiration (IC50), and the paracrine and endocrine NO release. In this study, we review the NO literature, analyzing NO levels on various scales, identifying and analyzing the discrepancies in the reported data, and proposing hypotheses that can potentially reconcile these discrepancies. Resolving these issues is highly relevant to improving our understanding of vascular biology and to developing pharmaceutical agents that target NO pathways, such as vasodilating drugs.

Measurement of region-specific nitrate levels of the posterior chamber of the rat eye using low-flow push-pull perfusion

The determination of the presence of nitric oxide metabolites in the rat vitreous cavity in a regioselective manner is complicated by the size and shape of the eye as well as the diffusivity of the molecule and its metabolites. In this work, in vivo low-flow push-pull perfusion sampling was utilized with a rapid capillary electrophoretic assay to monitor levels of the major NO metabolite, nitrate, at the vitreoretinal interface (VRI) of normal and aged rat models. The sampling probe tips were placed in three different positions in the posterior chamber through a 29-gauge guide needle. Sampling was performed along the VRI over the optic nerve head and regions peripheral to the optic nerve head. Additionally, samples were collected from the middle vitreous region to compare to VRI sampling. A significant (P < 0.05) difference in the perfusate nitrate concentration was observed in each location, which may be due to the source of NO production or the clearance mechanism of the molecule from the vitreous cavity. Infusion of L-NAME with physiological saline led to a significant decrease (35%) in the observed nitrate level. LFPPP was then utilized to observe nitrate levels after an average of 4.5 months of aging. A 3-fold increase in the mean level of nitrate over the optic nerve head was observed in mature animals compared to younger control animals. Precise measurement of NO metabolites along the VRI may provide insights into the function of NO in maintaining homeostatic conditions and the molecular changes at the diseased retina.