Rapid quantitative analysis of 8-iso-prostaglandin-F(2alpha) using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and comparison with an enzyme immunoassay method

Comparison of Five Oxidative Stress Biomarkers in Vegans and Omnivores from Germany and Finland

When the amount of reactive oxygen species produced by human metabolism cannot be balanced by antioxidants, this phenomenon is commonly referred to as oxidative stress. It is hypothesised that diets with high amounts of plant food products may have a beneficial impact on oxidative stress status. However, few studies have examined whether a vegan diet is associated with lower oxidative stress compared to an omnivorous diet. The present cross-sectional study aimed to compare the levels of five oxidative stress biomarkers in vegans and omnivores. Data of 36 vegans and 36 omnivores from Germany and of 21 vegans and 18 omnivores from Finland were analysed. HPLC coupled with mass spectrometry or fluorescence detection and ELISA methods were used to measure the oxidative stress biomarkers malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyls and 3-nitrotyrosine in plasma and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α (8-iso-PGF2α) in 24 h urine. Analyses of variance and covariance, considering potential confounders, were used. Vegans and omnivores showed no differences in MDA and protein carbonyl concentrations. In Finnish but not in German vegans, the concentrations of 3-nitrotyrosine were lower compared to those in omnivores (p = 0.047). In Germany, vegans showed lower excretion levels of 8-iso-PGF2α than omnivores (p = 0.002) and with a trend also of 8-OHdG (p = 0.05). The sensitivity analysis suggests lower 8-iso-PGF2α excretion levels in women compared to men, independently of the dietary group. The present study contributes to expanding our knowledge of the relationship between diet and oxidative stress and showed that 3-nitrotyrosine, 8-OHdG and 8-iso-PGF2α tended to be lower in vegans. Furthermore, studies are recommended to validate the present findings.

Moving forward with isoprostanes, neuroprostanes and phytoprostanes: where are we now?

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are essential components in eukaryotic cell membrane. They take part in the regulation of cell signalling pathways and act as precursors in inflammatory metabolism. Beside these, PUFAs auto-oxidize through free radical initiated mechanism and release key products that have various physiological functions. These products surfaced in the early nineties and were classified as prostaglandin isomers or isoprostanes, neuroprostanes and phytoprostanes. Although these molecules are considered robust biomarkers of oxidative damage in diseases, they also contain biological activities in humans. Conceptual progress in the last 3 years has added more understanding about the importance of these molecules in different fields. In this chapter, a brief overview of the past 30 years and the recent scope of these molecules, including their biological activities, biosynthetic pathways and analytical approaches are discussed.

Isoprostanes in Veterinary Medicine: Beyond a Biomarker

Oxidative stress has been associated with many pathologies, in both human and animal medicine. Damage to tissue components such as lipids is a defining feature of oxidative stress and can lead to the generation of many oxidized products, including isoprostanes (IsoP). First recognized in the early 1990s, IsoP are formed in numerous biological fluids and tissues, chemically stable, and easily measured by noninvasive means. Additionally, IsoP are highly specific indicators of lipid peroxidation and thereby are regarded as excellent biomarkers of oxidative stress. Although there have been many advancements in the detection and use of IsoP as a biomarker, there is still a paucity of knowledge regarding the biological activity of these molecules and their potential roles in pathology of oxidative stress. Furthermore, the use of IsoP has been limited in veterinary species thus far and represents an avenue of opportunity for clinical applications in veterinary practice. Examples of clinical applications of IsoP in veterinary medicine include use as a novel biomarker to guide treatment recommendations or as a target to mitigate inflammatory processes. This review will discuss the history, biosynthesis, measurement, use as a biomarker, and biological action of IsoP, particularly in the context of veterinary medicine.

The Role of Urine F2-ISOPROSTANE CONcentration in Delayed Cerebral Ischemia after Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Haemorrhage-A Poor Prognostic Factor

Background: The pathophysiology of delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) remains unclear. One of the hypotheses suggests that reactive oxygen species play a role in its onset. Thus, we studied F2-isoprostanes (F2-IsoPs)—oxidative stress biomarkers. Our goal was to improve the early diagnosis of DCI in a non-invasive way. Methods: We conducted a prospective single center analysis of 38 aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage patients. We assessed urine F2-IsoP concentration using immunoenzymatic arrays between the first and fifth day after bleeding. A correlation between urine F2-IsoP concentration and DCI occurrence was examined regarding clinical conditions and outcomes. Results: The urine F2-IsoP concentrations were greater than those in the control groups (p < 0.001). The 3rd day urine F2-IsoPs concentrations were correlated with DCI occurrence (p < 0.001) and long term outcomes after 12 months (p < 0.001). Conclusions: High levels of urine F2-IsoPs on day 3 can herald DCI.

Mass Spectrometry in Advancement of Redox Precision Medicine

Redox (portmanteau of reduction-oxidation) reactions involve the transfer of electrons between chemical species in biological processes fundamental to life. It is of outmost importance that cells maintain a healthy redox state by balancing the action of oxidants and antioxidants; failure to do so leads to a multitude of diseases including cancer, diabetes, fibrosis, autoimmune diseases, and cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. From the perspective of precision medicine, it is therefore beneficial to interrogate the redox phenotype of the individual-similar to the use of genomic sequencing-in order to design tailored strategies for disease prevention and treatment. This chapter provides an overview of redox metabolism and focuses on how mass spectrometry (MS) can be applied to advance our knowledge in redox biology and precision medicine.

Isoprostanes as potential cerebral vasospasm biomarkers

Despite enormous progress in medicine, symptomatic cerebral vasospasm (CVS), remains an unexplained clinical problem, which leaves both physicians and patients helpless and relying on chance, due to the lack of specific marker indicative of imminent danger as well as the lack of specific treatment. In our opinion CVS occurrence depends on dynamic disbalance between free radicals' formation (oxidative stress) and antioxidant activity. Isoprostanes are products of free-radical peroxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids, and seem to mark a promising path for the research aiming to unravel its possible mechanism. Not only are they the biomarkers of oxidative stress in vivo and in vitro, but also have manifold biological effects (including vasoactive, inflammatory and mitogenic) via activation of the thromboxane A2 receptor (TBXA2R), both in physiological and pathophysiological processes. This review addresses the importance of isoprostanes in CVS in quest of appropriate biomarkers.

Isoprostanes, neuroprostanes and phytoprostanes: An overview of 25years of research in chemistry and biology

Since the beginning of the 1990's diverse types of metabolites originating from polyunsaturated fatty acids, formed under autooxidative conditions were discovered. Known as prostaglandin isomers (or isoprostanoids) originating from arachidonic acid, neuroprostanes from docosahexaenoic acid, and phytoprostanes from α-linolenic acid proved to be prevalent in biology. The syntheses of these compounds by organic chemists and the development of sophisticated mass spectrometry methods has boosted our understanding of the isoprostanoid biology. In recent years, it has become accepted that these molecules not only serve as markers of oxidative damage but also exhibit a wide range of bioactivities. In addition, isoprostanoids have emerged as indicators of oxidative stress in humans and their environment. This review explores in detail the isoprostanoid chemistry and biology that has been achieved in the past three decades.

Oxidative stress in patients with endodontic pathologies

BACKGROUND

Apical periodontitis (AP) is an inflammatory disease affecting periradicular tissues. It is a widespread condition but its etiopathogenetic mechanisms have not been completely elucidated and the current treatment options are not always successful.

PURPOSE

To compare oxidative stress (OxS) levels in the saliva and the endodontium (root canal [RC] contents) in patients with different endodontic pathologies and in endodontically healthy subjects.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The study group of this comparison study included 22 subjects with primary chronic apical periodontitis (pCAP), 26 with posttreatment or secondary chronic apical periodontitis (sCAP), eight with acute periapical abscess, 13 with irreversible pulpitis, and 17 healthy controls. Resting saliva samples were collected before clinical treatment. Pulp samples (remnants of the pulp, tooth tissue, and/or previous root filling material) were collected under strict aseptic conditions using the Hedström file. The samples were frozen to -80°C until analysis. OxS markers (myeloperoxidase [MPO], oxidative stress index [OSI], 8-isoprostanes [8-EPI]) were detected in the saliva and the endodontium.

RESULTS

The highest MPO and 8-EPI levels were seen in pCAP and pulpitis, while the highest levels of OSI were seen in pCAP and abscess patients, as well as the saliva of sCAP patients. Controls showed the lowest OxS levels in both RC contents and saliva. Significant positive correlations between OxS markers, periapical index, and pain were revealed. Patients with pain had significantly higher OxS levels in both the endodontium (MPO median 27.9 vs 72.6 ng/mg protein, p=0.004; OSI 6.0 vs 10.4, p<0.001; 8-EPI 50.0 vs 75.0 pg/mL, p<0.001) and saliva (MPO 34.2 vs 117.5 ng/mg protein, p<0.001; 8-EPI 50.0 vs 112.8 pg/mL, p<0.001) compared to pain-free subjects.

CONCLUSION

OxS is an important pathomechanism in endodontic pathologies that is evident at both the local (RC contents) and systemic (saliva) level. OxS is significantly associated with dental pain and bone destruction.

Classifying oxidative stress by F2-isoprostane levels across human diseases: A meta-analysis

The notion that oxidative stress plays a role in virtually every human disease and environmental exposure has become ingrained in everyday knowledge. However, mounting evidence regarding the lack of specificity of biomarkers traditionally used as indicators of oxidative stress in human disease and exposures now necessitates re-evaluation. To prioritize these re-evaluations, published literature was comprehensively analyzed in a meta-analysis to quantitatively classify the levels of systemic oxidative damage across human disease and in response to environmental exposures.

In this meta-analysis, the F₂-isoprostane, 8-iso-PGF_2α, was specifically chosen as the representative marker of oxidative damage. To combine published values across measurement methods and specimens, the standardized mean differences (Hedges’ g) in 8-iso-PGF_2α levels between affected and control populations were calculated.

The meta-analysis resulted in a classification of oxidative damage levels as measured by 8-iso-PGF_2α across 50 human health outcomes and exposures from 242 distinct publications. Relatively small increases in 8-iso-PGF_2α levels (g<0.8) were found in the following conditions: hypertension (g=0.4), metabolic syndrome (g=0.5), asthma (g=0.4), and tobacco smoking (g=0.7). In contrast, large increases in 8-iso-PGF_2α levels were observed in pathologies of the kidney, e.g., chronic renal insufficiency (g=1.9), obstructive sleep apnoea (g=1.1), and pre-eclampsia (g=1.1), as well as respiratory tract disorders, e.g., cystic fibrosis (g=2.3).

In conclusion, we have established a quantitative classification for the level of 8-iso-PGF_2α generation in different human pathologies and exposures based on a comprehensive meta-analysis of published data. This analysis provides knowledge on the true involvement of oxidative damage across human health outcomes as well as utilizes past research to prioritize those conditions requiring further scrutiny on the mechanisms of biomarker generation.

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Oxidative damage is highly variable in human conditions as measured by F₂-isoprostanes.

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Respiratory tract and urogenital diseases have the highest F₂-isoprostanes.

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Cancer and cardiovascular diseases have surprisingly low F₂-isoprostanes.

Determination of ultra-trace amounts of chlorophenols in rain, tap and river water by an electrochemically controlled in-tube solid phase microextraction method

A nanostructured copolymer coating consisting of PPy doped with Naf was electrochemically synthesized on the inner surface of a stainless steel capillary tube. It was utilized to extract trace pollutants from water samples.

A comprehensive quantification method for eicosanoids and related compounds by using liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry with high speed continuous ionization polarity switching

Fatty acids and related metabolites, comprising several hundreds of molecular species, are an important target in disease metabolomics, as they are involved in various mammalian pathologies and physiologies. Selected reaction monitoring (SRM) analysis, which is capable of monitoring hundreds of compounds in a single run, has been widely used for comprehensive quantification. However, it is difficult to monitor a large number of compounds with different ionization polarity, as polarity switching requires a sub-second period per cycle in classical mass spectrometers. In the present study, we developed and evaluated a comprehensive quantification method for eicosanoids and related compounds by using LC/MS with high-speed continuous ionization polarity switching. The new method employs a fast (30ms/cycle) continuous ionization polarity switching, and differentiates 137 targets either by chromatography or by SRM transition. Polarity switching did not affect the lower limits of quantification, which ranged similarly from 0.5 to 200pg on column. Lipid extracts from mouse tissues were analyzed by this method, and 65 targets were quantitatively detected in the brain, including 6 compounds analyzed in the positive ion mode. We demonstrated that a fast continuous ionization polarity switching enables the quantification of a wide variety of lipid mediator species without compromising the sensitivity and reliability.

Glycemic Variability: Assessing Glycemia Differently and the Implications for Dietary Management of Diabetes

The primary therapeutic target for diabetes management is the achievement of good glycemic control, of which glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) remains the standard clinical marker. However, glycemic variability (GV; the amplitude, frequency, and duration of glycemic fluctuations around mean blood glucose) is an emerging target for blood glucose control. A growing body of evidence supports GV as an independent risk factor for diabetes complications. Several techniques have been developed to assess and quantify intraday and interday GV. Additionally, GV can be influenced by several nutritional factors, including carbohydrate quality, quantity; and distribution; protein intake; and fiber intake. These factors have important implications for clinical nutrition practice and for optimizing blood glucose control for diabetes management. This review discusses the available evidence for GV as a marker of glycemic control and risk factor for diabetes complications. GV quantification techniques and the influence of nutritional considerations for diabetes management are also discussed.

Targeted lipidomic strategies for oxygenated metabolites of polyunsaturated fatty acids

Oxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) through enzymatic or non-enzymatic free radical-mediated reactions can yield an array of lipid metabolites including eicosanoids, octadecanoids, docosanoids and related species. In mammals, these oxygenated PUFA mediators play prominent roles in the physiological and pathological regulation of many key biological processes in the cardiovascular, renal, reproductive and other systems including their pivotal contribution to inflammation. Mass spectrometry-based technology platforms have revolutionized our ability to analyze the complex mixture of lipid mediators found in biological samples, with increased numbers of metabolites that can be simultaneously quantified from a single sample in few analytical steps. The recent development of high-sensitivity and high-throughput analytical tools for lipid mediators affords a broader view of these oxygenated PUFA species, and facilitates research into their role in health and disease. In this review, we illustrate current analytical approaches for a high-throughput lipidomic analysis of eicosanoids and related mediators in biological samples. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled "Oxygenated metabolism of PUFA: analysis and biological relevance."

Bioanalytical insights into mediator lipidomics

The importance of lipids in health and disease has been widely acknowledged. Lipids are well known to undergo enzymatic and/or non-enzymatic conversions to lipid mediators (LMs), which demonstrate potent actions in various biological events, such as the regulation of cellular signaling pathways and the promotion and resolution of inflammation. LMs activate G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) to exert various functions. Monitoring these mediators in disease is essential to uncover the mechanisms of pathogenesis for many diseases, such as asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer's disease, and cancer. Along with technical developments in mass spectrometry, highly sensitive and multiplexed analyses of LMs in the human periphery and other tissues have become available. These advancements enable the temporal and spatial profiling of LMs; therefore, the findings obtained from LM profiling are expected to decode pathology. As trace amounts of LMs can exert functions, the development of a highly sensitive, accurate, and robust analytical method is necessary. Although not mandatory, mediator lipidomics validation is becoming popular and remains challenging. Because LMs already exist in biological matrices, evaluations of the matrix effect and extraction efficiencies are important issues. Thus, more careful analyses are required. In this review, we focus on mediator lipidomics, including polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), such as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, and LMs derived from PUFAs, such as eicosanoids, lipoxins and resolvins. In addition to the recent progress in human mediator lipidomics, bioanalytical insights derived from this field (i.e., effective sample preparation from biological matrices and evaluation of the matrix effect) are described herein.

Nano-LC-MS/MS for the quantitation of prostanoids in immune cells

Prostanoids, derivatives of arachidonic acid, are involved in inflammation and immune reactions. To understand the role of prostanoids produced by diverse immune cells, a highly sensitive quantitation method for prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), prostaglandin D2 (PGD2), 6-keto prostaglandin F1α (6-keto PGF1α), prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α), and thromboxane B2 (TXB2) by means of nano-liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry has been developed. It was validated according to the guidelines of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in terms of linearity, precision, accuracy, recovery, stability, and lower limit of quantitation (LLOQ). The LLOQ were 25 pg/mL in the injected solution (75 fg on column (o.c.)) for PGE2 and PGD2 and 37.5 pg/mL (112.5 fg on column) for 6-keto PGF1α, PGF2α, and TXB2, respectively. It was successfully applied to murine mast cells isolated from paws after zymosan injection and to CD4(+) and CD8(+) T lymphocytes from blood of sensitized versus non-sensitized mice in context of a delayed type hypersensitivity model. About 5,000 (T cells) to 40,000 (mast cells) cells were sufficient for quantitation. In the mast cells, the production of PGE2 increased at a significantly higher extent than the synthesis of the other prostanoids. The T lymphocytes did not show any difference in prostanoid production, no matter whether they were obtained from sensitized mice or non-sensitized mice.

Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis of eicosanoids and related compounds in cell models

Enzyme- and free radical-catalyzed oxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) produces the eicosanoids, docosanoids and octadecanoids. This large family of potent bioactive lipids is involved in many biochemical and signaling pathways which are implicated in physiological and pathophysiological processes and can be viable therapeutic targets. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) offers selectivity, sensitivity, robustness and high resolution and is able to analyze a large number of eicosanoids in biological samples in a short time. The present article reviews and discusses reported LC-MS/MS methods and the results obtained from their application in cell models. Reliable analytical outcomes are critically important for understanding physiological and pathophysiological cellular processes, such as inflammation, diseases with inflammatory components (e.g., cardiovascular disease, diabetes, metabolic syndrome), as well as cancer. Reported findings obtained by using the LC-MS/MS methodology in cell systems may have important predictive as well as nutritional and pharmacological implications. We conclude that the LC-MS/MS methodology is a versatile and reliable analytical tool for the simultaneous analysis of multiple PUFA-derived metabolites including the eicosanoids in cell culture samples at concentrations on the pM/nM threshold, i.e. at baseline and after stimulation.

Non-enzymatic lipid oxidation products in biological systems: assessment of the metabolites from polyunsaturated fatty acids

Metabolites of non-enzymatic lipid peroxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids notably omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids have become important biomarkers of lipid products. Especially the arachidonic acid-derived F2-isoprostanes are the classic in vivo biomarker for oxidative stress in biological systems. In recent years other isoprostanes from eicosapentaenoic, docosahexaenoic, adrenic and α-linolenic acids have been evaluated, namely F3-isoprostanes, F4-neuroprostanes, F2-dihomo-isoprostanes and F1-phytoprostanes, respectively. These have been gaining interest as complementary specific biomarkers in human diseases. Refined extraction methods, robust analysis and elucidation of chemical structures have improved the sensitivity of detection in biological tissues and fluids. Previously the main reliable instrumentation for measurement was gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), but now the use of liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and immunological techniques is gaining much attention. In this review, the types of prostanoids generated from non-enzymatic lipid peroxidation of some important omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and biological samples that have been determined by GC-MS and LC-MS/MS are discussed.

An efficient sample preparation method for high-throughput analysis of 15(S)-8-iso-PGF2α in plasma and urine by enzyme immunoassay

Although several methods have been reported on the analysis of the oxidative stress marker 15(S)-8-iso-prostaglandin-F2alpha (8-iso-PGF2α) in biological fluids, they either involve extensive sample preparation and costly technology or require high sample volume. This study presents a sample preparation method that utilizes low sample volume for 8-iso-PGF2α analysis in plasma and urine by an enzyme immunoassay (EIA). In brief, 8-iso-PGF2α in deproteinized plasma or native urine sample is complexed with an antibody and then captured by molecular weight cut-off filtration. This method was compared with two other sample preparation methods that are typically used in the analysis of 8-iso-PGF2α by EIA: Cayman's affinity column purification method and solid-phase extraction on C-18. The immunoaffinity purification method described here was superior to the other two sample preparation methods and yielded recovery values of 99.8 and 54.1% for 8-iso-PGF2α in plasma and urine, respectively. Analytical precision (relative standard deviation) was ±5% for plasma and ±15% for urine. The analysis of healthy human plasma and urine resulted in basal 8-iso-PGF2α levels of 31.8 ± 5.5 pg/mL and 2.9 ± 2.0 ng/mg creatinine, respectively. The robustness and analytical performance of this method makes it a promising tool for high-throughput screening of biological samples for 8-iso-PGF2α.

Profiling eicosanoids and phospholipids using LC-MS/MS: principles and recent applications

Eicosanoids are potent lipid mediators involved in numerous physiological and pathophysiological processes. Precursors are polyunsaturated fatty acids liberated from membrane phospholipids. Thus, profiling and quantification of these molecules has gained a lot of attention during last years. Eicosanoids and phospholipids are commonly profiled by LC-MS/MSbecause this technique allows accurate quantification within acceptable run-times. This article therefore focuses on liquid chromatography and the ESI-MS/MS analysis of proinflammatory lipid mediators, particularly arachidonic acid (C20:4) derived eicosanoids and their precursors phospholipids. Recent analytical developments for quantification of these compounds are highlighted and analytical challenges are discussed. Furthermore, applications such as the use of these molecules as biomarkers are presented.

A ultra-pressure liquid chromatography/triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry method for the analysis of 13 eicosanoids in human urine and quantitative 24 hour values in healthy volunteers in a controlled constant diet

RATIONALE

Isoprostanes (IsoPs) are a series of prostaglandin (PG)-like compounds formed non-enzymatically through free-radical-induced peroxidation of arachidonic acid. They are considered as 'gold-standard' biomarkers for oxidative stress, in general, and lipid peroxidation, in particular.

METHODS

A new qualitative and quantitative analytical method for the determination of 13 eicosanoids in human urine using solid-phase extraction (SPE) and ultra-pressure liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC/MS/MS) has been developed. The SPE was optimized by comparison of the extraction efficiency and recoveries of three distinct cartridges: Strata X-AW, C18 Sep-Pak, and Oasis HLB. The UPLC/MS/MS approach in the multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode was developed using negative electrospray ionization (ESI).

RESULTS

The validated method provides a high-throughput assay with an adequate linearity from 0.16 to 330 ng mL(-1). The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) for each analyte showed low intervals (0.021-0.64 ng mL(-1) and 0.042-1.28 ng mL(-1), respectively). Urinary IsoPs were determined in 24 healthy volunteers and ranged from 685 to 3480 ng 24 h(-1) and from 864 to 7511 ng 24 h(-1) in urine from women and men, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

This analytical method could constitute a useful tool for the determination of oxidative stress biomarkers in clinical studies in which IsoPs may evidence early pathological conditions, as suggested by the determination of the baseline IsoPs content in human urine, since it improves upon the detection capacity of previously described methods. The quantity of IsoPs excreted in urine was higher than that found in previous reports due to the total hydrolysis of the conjugated forms.

A simple and robust UPLC-SRM/MS method to quantify urinary eicosanoids

Eicosanoids are key mediators and regulators of inflammation and oxidative stress often used as biomarkers for diseases and pathological conditions such as cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases and cancer. Analytically, comprehensive and robust quantification of different eicosanoid species in a multi-method approach is problematic because most of these compounds are relatively unstable and may differ in their chemical properties. Here we describe a novel ultra-performance liquid chromatography-selected reaction monitoring mass spectroscopy (UPLC-SRM/MS) method for simultaneous quantification of key urinary eicosanoids, including the prostaglandins (PG) tetranor PGE-M, 8-iso-, and 2,3-dinor-8-iso-PGF(2α); the thromboxanes (TXs) 11-dehydro- and 2,3-dinor-TXB₂; leukotriene E₄; and 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid. In contrast to previous methods, which used time-consuming and complex solid phase extraction, we prepared samples with a simple liquid/liquid extraction procedure. Because collision-induced dissociation produced characteristic product ions for all analytes, no derivatization step for SRM/MS analysis was necessary. Analytes were separated with a short UPLC reversed-phase column (1.7 µm particles), allowing shorter run times than conventional HPLC columns. The method was validated and applied to human urine samples showing excellent precision, accuracy, detection limits, and robustness. In summary, the developed method allows robust and sensitive profiling of urinary eicosanoid species, making it a useful and valuable tool for biomarker profiling in clinical/toxicological studies.

Using biomarkers in sewage to monitor community-wide human health: isoprostanes as conceptual prototype

Timely assessment of the aggregate health of small-area human populations is essential for guiding the optimal investment of resources needed for preventing, avoiding, controlling, or mitigating exposure risks. Seeking those interventions yielding the greatest benefit with respect to allocation of resources is essential for making progress toward community sustainability, promoting social justice, and maintaining or improving health and well-being. More efficient approaches are needed for revealing cause-effect linkages between environmental stressors and human health and for measuring overall aggregate health of small-area populations. A new concept is presented--community health assessment via Sewage Chemical Information Mining (SCIM)--for quickly gauging overall, aggregate health status or trends for entire small-area populations. The approach--BioSCIM--would monitor raw sewage for specific biomarkers broadly associated with human disease, stress, or health. A wealth of untapped chemical information resides in raw sewage, a portion comprising human biomarkers of exposure and effects. BioSCIM holds potential for capitalizing on the presence of biomarkers in sewage for accomplishing any number of objectives. One of the many potential applications of BioSCIM could use various biomarkers of stress resulting from the collective excretion from all individuals in a local population. A prototype example is presented using a class of biomarkers that measures collective, systemic oxidative stress--the isoprostanes (prostaglandin-like free-radical catalyzed oxidation products from certain polyunsaturated fatty acids). Sampling and analysis of raw sewage hold great potential for quickly determining aggregate biomarker levels for entire communities. Presented are the basic principles of BioSCIM, together with its anticipated limitations, challenges, and potential applications in assessing community-wide health. Community health assessment via BioSCIM could allow rapid assessments and intercomparisons of health status among distinct populations, revealing hidden or emerging trends or disparities and aiding in evaluating correlations (or hypotheses) between stressor exposures and disease.

Associations between functional polymorphisms in antioxidant defense genes and urinary oxidative stress biomarkers in healthy, premenopausal women

Functional polymorphisms in endogenous antioxidant defense genes including manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPX-1) have been linked with risk of cancer at multiple sites. Although it is presumed that these germline variants impact disease risk by altering the host's ability to detoxify mutagenic reactive oxygen species, very few studies have directly examined this hypothesis. Concentrations of 8-isoprostane F2α (8-iso-PGF2α) and 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-oxoxdG)-sensitive indicators of lipid peroxidation and DNA oxidation, respectively-were measured in 24-h urine samples obtained from 93 healthy, premenopausal women participating in a dietary intervention trial. In addition, DNA was extracted from blood for genotyping of MnSOD Val16Ala, CAT-262 C > T, and GPX1 Pro198Leu genotypes by Taqman assay. Although geometric mean concentrations of 8-iso-PGF2(α) and 8-oxoxdG varied across several study characteristics including race, education level, body mass index, and serum antioxidant levels, there was little evidence that these biomarkers differed across any of the examined genotypes. In summary, functional polymorphisms in endogenous antioxidant defense genes do not appear to be strongly associated with systemic oxidative stress levels in young, healthy women.

Competitive enzymatic interactions determine the relative amounts of prostaglandins E2 and D2

Prostaglandins (PGs) are a family of cellular messengers exerting diverse homeostatic and pathophysiologic effects. Recently, several studies reported significant increases of PGI(2) and PGF(2α) after the inhibition of microsomal PGE synthase-1 (mPGES-1) expression, which indicated that PGH(2) metabolism might be redistributed when the PGE(2) pathway is blocked. To address the determinants that govern the relative amounts of PGs, we developed an in vitro cell-free method, based on liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, to measure the exact amounts of these PGs formed in response to the addition of recombinant isomerases and their selective inhibitors. Our in vitro cell-free assay results were confirmed in cells using bone marrow-derived macrophage. Initially, we determined the in vitro stability of PGH(2) and noted that there was spontaneous nonenzymatic conversion to PGD(2) and PGE(2). mPGES-1 markedly increased the conversion to PGE(2) and decreased conversion to PGD(2). Reciprocally, the addition of hematopoietic or lipocalin PGD synthase resulted in a relative increase of PGD(2) and decrease of PGE(2). A detailed titration study showed that the ratio of PGE(2)/PGD(2) was closely correlated with the ratio of PGE synthase/PGD synthase. Our redistribution results also provide the foundation for understanding how PGH(2) metabolism is redistributed by the presence of distal isomerases or by blocking the major metabolic outlet, which could determine the relative benefits and risks resulting from interdiction in nonrated-limiting components of PG synthesis pathways.