Simultaneous determination of prostaglandin E1, prostaglandin E0 and 15-keto-prostaglandin E0 in human plasma by gas chromatography/negative-ion chemical-ionization tandem mass spectrometry.

A sensitive and selective routine method for the simultaneous determination of prostaglandin E1 (PGE1), prostaglandin E0 (PGE0) and 15-keto-prostaglandin E0 (15-keto-PGE0) in human plasma is described using deuterated internal standards. The analytes were isolated from acidified human plasma by solid-phase extraction by means of Bond Elut C18 cartridges and derivatized to the pentafluorobenzyl (PFB) ester methoxime. The analytes were purified on Bond Elut Si cartridges and converted to the trimethylsilyl (TMS) ether. Quantitation was achieved by gas chromatography-negative-ion chemical-ionization tandem mass spectrometry. The precursor ion [M-PFB]- = [P]- carried more than 80% of the total ion current. Collision activated decomposition (CAD) of [P]- resulted in characteristic product ions of which the [P-2(CH3)3SiOH]- ion (PGE1) and the [P-(CH3)3SiOH]- ion (PGE0 and 15-keto-PGE0) were used for quantitation. The lower limit of quantitation (LLQ) was 2 pg/ml (PGE1 and PGE0) and 10 pg/ml (15-keto-PGE0) extracted from 2 ml of human plasma. Linear calibration curves were obtained over the concentration range 2-100 pg/ml (PGE1 and PGE0) and 10-500 pg/ml (15-keto-PGE0). In all cases, the precision and accuracy were < 17%. The present method has been applied successfully to pharmacokinetic and clinical studies in humans.     

Discovery of an 8-aza-5-thiaProstaglandin E1 analog as a highly selective EP4 receptor agonist

For the purpose of discovering an orally available EP4 subtype-selective agonist, a series of 8-aza prostaglandin E(1) (PGE(1)) analogs were synthesized and evaluated for their affinity for PGE(2) receptor subtypes. Additionally, the structure-activity relationships of these compounds were studied. Among the tested compounds, the 8-aza PGE(1) analog 6 and 8-aza-5-thiaPGE(1) analog 12 had highly potent EP4 receptor affinity, good functional activity, and excellent subtype-selectivity. Furthermore, these analogs demonstrated good stability in human liver microsomes. As a result, we concluded that these two series of 8-aza PGE(1) analogs could be promising chemical leads for an orally available EP4 subtype-selective agonist.     

Discovery of orally available 8-aza-5-thiaProstaglandin E1 analogs as highly selective EP4 agonists

Analogs 8-aza-16-aryl prostaglandin E(1) (PGE(1)) and 8-aza-5-thia-16-arylPGE(1) were synthesized and evaluated with respect to their subtype receptor affinity and EP4 agonist activity for the purposes of identifying subtype-selective EP4 agonists that demonstrate oral efficacy. Using an inhibition assay of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α production in rats, representative compounds were evaluated for their pharmacokinetic profiles and in vivo efficacy. Structure-activity relationships (SARs) were characterized and presented. Of the compounds tested, several demonstrated better oral exposure and/or in vivo efficacy compared with the previously reported analog 2a.     

High-performance liquid chromatographic assay for prostaglandin E1 in various ointment vehicles. Separation and stability testing

A high-performance liquid chromatographic method for the determination of prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) incorporated in white petrolatum, white ointment, hydrophilic petrolatum and Plastibase was investigated. The prostaglandin was separated from the oleaginous vehicles with n-hexane-aqueous acetonitrile. Most of white petrolatum, which is a principal component in the vehicles, remained in the n-hexane layer, and the recovery of the drug from any vehicle attained 100%. The method was applied to stability studies of PGE1 in white petrolatum and macrogol ointment. In which pure PGE1 and PGE1-alpha-cyclodextrin complex (PGE1-CD) were incorporated. The drug remained intact for up to 6 months when stored at 5 degrees C. At 25 and 40 degrees C, pure PGE1 was more stable than PGE1-CD and both PGE1 species were more stable in white petrolatum than in macrogol ointment.     

The structure of the major urinary metabolite of prostaglandin E2 in man

This letter reports the structure of the major urinary metabolite formed from prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in humans. Radiolabeled PGE2 was injected intravenously into male subjects. 50% of the radioactivity was recovered in urine during the first 5 hours and less than 3% during the following 12 hours. The urine was acidified, and this extract was subjected to reversed-phase partition chromatography. Formation of the major metabolite (depicted stereochemically in the text) from PGE2 involved 4 steps of reactions: 1) dehydrogenation of the alcohol group in the side chain; 2) reduction of the trans double bond; 3) 2 steps of beta oxidation; and 4) delta oxidation.     

Green,Black and Rooibos Tea Inhibit Prostaglandin E2 Formation in Human Monocytes by Inhibiting Expression of Enzymes in the Prostaglandin E2 Pathway

The formation of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) is associated with adverse inflammatory effects. However, long-term treatment with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) comes with risk of severe side effects. Therefore, alternative ways to inhibit PGE2 are warranted. We have investigated the effects of tea extracts and the polyphenols epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and quercetin on PGE2 formation, determined by immunoassay, and protein expression, determined by immunoblotting, of cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2), cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) and microsomal PGE synthase-1 (mPGES-1) in human monocytes. Green and black tea extracts, and with a lower potency, Rooibos tea extract, inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and calcium ionophore-induced PGE2 formation. In addition, all tea extracts inhibited the LPS-induced expression of mPGES-1, and the green and black tea extracts also inhibited, to a lesser extent, COX-2 expression. The tea extracts only marginally reduced cPLA2 expression and had no effect on COX-1 expression. EGCG, present in green and black tea, and quercetin, present in all three teas, also inhibited PGE2 formation and expression of mPGES-1, COX-2 and cPLA2. Cell-based and cell-free assays were also performed to evaluate direct effects on the enzymatic activity of COX and PGE synthases. Mainly, the cell-free assay demonstrated partial inhibition by the tea extracts and polyphenols. However, the inhibition required higher doses compared to the effects demonstrated on protein expression. In conclusion, green and black tea, and to a lesser extent Rooibos tea, are potent inhibitors of PGE2 formation in human monocytes, and mediate their effects by inhibiting the expression of the enzymes responsible for PGE2 formation, especially mPGES-1.     

Analysis of prostaglandins in SD rats by capillary zone electrophoresis with indirected UV detection

This paper reports an investigation on optimal separation and detection for animal prostaglandins, i.e. prostaglandin E(2)(PGE(2)) and thromboxane B(2)(TXB(2)) by capillary zone electrophoresis with indirect detection at 254 nm. It was found that the addition of 3 mmol l(-1) phosphomolybdic acid in 5 mmol l(-1) chromate buffer can lower the detection limits of PGE(2) and TXB(2), i.e. the calculated detection limits (k=3) with phosphomolybdic acid is 0.05 mug ml(-1), only a 1/5-fold improvement compared to that without phosphomolybdic acid. Also adding phosphomolybdic acid, the mechanism for improving detection limits was explained properly. The separation and detection of PGE(2) and TXB(2) can be completed in 4 min. The linear ranges for PGE(2) and TXB(2) were the same, i.e. 5 approximately 80 mug ml(-1), analytical precision (n=8) was 1.2 approximately 1.4% and 3.5% for the measurement of migration times and determination of peak height, respectively. The approach was demonstrated in the lung tissue of SD rats, the measurement results were in good agreement with previous investigations.     

Synthesis and anti-inflammatory activity of some benzofuran and benzopyran-4-one derivatives

New series of furosalicylic acids 3a-c, furosalicylanilides 6a-n, furobenzoxazines 8a-f, 1-benzofuran-3-arylprop-2-en-1-ones 12a,b, 6-(aryl-3-oxoprop-1-enyl)-4H-chromen-4-ones 16a-c and 6-[6-aryl-2-thioxo-2,5-dihydropyrimidin-4-yl]-4H-chromen-4-ones 17a-c were synthesized. Anti-inflammatory activity evaluation was performed using carrageenan-induced paw edema model in rats and prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) synthesis inhibition activity. Some of the tested compounds revealed comparable activity with less ulcerogenic effect than Diclofenac at a dose 100 mg/kg. All the synthesized compounds were docked on the active site of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme and most of them showed good interactions with the amino acids of the active site comparable to the interactions exhibited by Diclofenac.     

Interleukin-1beta stimulates matrix metalloproteinase-2 expression via a prostaglandin E2-dependent mechanism in human chondrocytes

IL-1beta is known promote cyclooxygenase-2 (COX- 2) and matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) expression. This study focuses on the characterization of the signaling cascade associated with IL-1beta-induced matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) regulation in human chondrocytes. The decrease in collagen levels in the conditioned media was prevented by a broad spectrum MMP inhibitor, suggesting that IL-1beta promotes the proteolytic process leading to MMP-2 activation. IL-1beta-related MMP-2 expression was found to be dependent on prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production. In addition, the induction of COX-2 and MMP-2 was inhibited by the pretreatment of chondrocytes with a SB203580 or Ro 31-8220, indicating the involvement of protein kinase C (PKC) or p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). However, there is no cross-talk between PKC and p38 MAPK in the IL-1beta-induced MMP-2 activation. Taken together, these results demonstrated that IL-1beta induces MMP-2 expression through the PGE2-dependent mechanism in human chondrocytes.     

Inhibitory effects of acetylmelodorinol, chrysin and polycarpol from Mitrella kentii on prostaglandin E₂ and Thromboxane B₂ production and platelet activating factor receptor binding

Acetylmelodorinol, chrysin and polycarpol, together with benzoic acid, benzoquinone and stigmasterol were isolated from the leaves of Mitrella kentii (Bl.) Miq. The compounds were evaluated for their ability to inhibit prostaglandin E? (PGE?) and thromboxane B? (TXB?) production in human whole blood using a radioimmunoassay technique. Their inhibitory effect on platelet activating factor (PAF) receptor binding to rabbit platelet was determined using 3H-PAF as a ligand. Among the compounds tested, chrysin showed a strong dose-dependent inhibitory activity on PGE(2) production (IC?? value of 25.5 μM), which might be due to direct inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzymatic activity. Polycarpol, acetylmelodorinol and stigmasterol exhibited significant and concentration-dependent inhibitory effects on TXB? production with IC?? values of 15.6, 19.1 and 19.4 μM, respectively, suggesting that they strongly inhibited COX-1 activity. Polycarpol and acetylmelodorinol showed strong dose-dependent inhibitory effects on PAF receptor binding with IC?? values of 24.3 and 24.5 μM, respectively.     

A new flavanone glycoside from the dried immature fruits of Poncirus trifoliata

A new flavanone glycoside, (2R)-5-hydroxy-4'-methoxyflavanone-7-O-{beta-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)-beta-glucopyranoside} (1), was isolated from the EtOAc extract of dried immature fruit of Poncirus trifoliata, together with three known compounds, (2S)-poncirin (2), (2S)-naringin (3), and (2S)-poncirenin (4). The structure of compound 1 was elucidated by spectroscopic data analysis, including 1D and 2D NMR experiments. Among the isolates, compound 2 exhibited considerable inhibitory activity against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) production, and mRNA expression in RAW 264.7 murine macrophage cells.     

Simultaneous determination of prostanoids in plasma by gas chromatography-negative-ion chemical-ionization mass spectrometry

A method for simultaneous determination of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha), 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha (6-keto-PGF1 alpha), and thromboxane B2 (TxB2) in plasma was developed. After acidification and addition of 2H- and 3H-labelled internal standards, plasma prostanoids were extracted by reversed-phase cartridges and purified by normal-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. The pentafluorobenzyl, methoxime, trimethylsilyl derivatives were formed. Negative-ion chemical-ionization mass spectra with methane as reagent gas show one intense peak at m/z (M - pentafluorobenzyl). This ion was used for selective-ion monitoring. Prostanoid plasma concentrations (pg/ml) in five healthy volunteers were: PGE2 2.0-10.4, PGF2 alpha 2.2-9.8, 6-keto-PGF1 alpha 0.6-1.8, and TxB2 3.0-45.3. However, there is evidence that the TxB2 values may frequently be falsely high because of ex vivo production during the sampling procedure.     

Methyl-beta-cyclodextrin inhibits cell growth and cell cycle arrest via a prostaglandin E(2) independent pathway

Methyl-beta-cyclodextrin, a cyclic oligosaccharide known for its interaction with the plasma membrane induces several events in cells including cell growth and anti-tumor activity. In this study, we have investigated the possible role of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) in cell growth arrest induced by methyl-beta-cyclodextrin in Raw264.7 macrophage cells. Methyl-beta-cyclodextrin inhibited cell growth and arrested the cell cycle, and this cell cycle arrest reduced the population of cells in the S phase, and concomitantly reduced cyclin A and D expressions. Methyl-beta-cyclodextrin in a dose- and time-dependent manner, also induced COX-2 expression, prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) synthesis, and COX-2 promoter activity. Pretreatment of cells with NS398, a COX-2 specific inhibitor completely blocked PGE(2) synthesis induced by methyl-beta-cyclodextrin, however inhibition on cell proliferation and cell cycle arrest was not effected, suggesting non-association of COX-2 in the cell cycle arrest. These results suggest that methyl-beta-cyclodextrin induced cell growth inhibition and cell cycle arrest in Raw264.7 cells may be mediated by cyclin A and D1 expression.     

Determination of leukotrienes and prostaglandins in [14C] arachidonic acid labelled human lung tissue by high-performance liquid chromatography and radioimmunoassay

A liquid chromatographic method for the determination of 14C-labelled prostaglandins, leukotrienes and other lipoxygenase products formed by human lung tissue is described. In this paper we report our problems identifying these substances when 3H- or 14C-labelled compounds are compared with measurements of the mass by absorption or radioimmunoassay. Furthermore, some preliminary results of [14C] arachidonic acid labelled human lung tissue, stimulated by the Ca-ionophore A23187, show that, of the lipoxygenase products, mostly leukotriene B4 like compounds are formed and less leukotriene C4, E4 and D4. Relatively large amounts of hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids are present. The main cyclooxygenase products are thromboxane B2, 6-ketoprostaglandin F1 alpha and prostaglandin D2.     

Structural and catalytic studies of zinc complexes containing amido-oxazolinate ligands

Several zinc complexes bearing amido-oxazolinate ligands are described. Reactions of ligand precursors, HNC(2)(E)Oxa (HNC(2)(E)Oxa = HNC(2)(Me)Oxa, HNC(2)(OMe)Oxa, HNC(2)(StBu)Oxa and HNC(2)(NMe2)Oxa) or HNPh(SMe)Oxa, with half or one molar equivalent of ZnEt(2) afford bis(chelate) zinc complexes, (NC(2)(E)Oxa)(2)Zn [C(2)(E) = propyl, (1); C(2)(E) = 2-methoxyethyl, (2); C(2)(E) = 2-N,N'-dimethylethyl, (3)] or zinc ethyl complexes, (NC(2)(StBu)Oxa)ZnEt(4) and (NPh(SMe)Oxa)ZnEt(5), using tetrahydrofuran or hexane as solvents. The zinc benzyl oxide complexes, [(NC(2)(E)Oxa)Zn(μ-OBn)](2) [C(2)(E) = propyl, (6); C(2)(E) = 2-methoxyethyl, (7); C(2)(E) = 2-tert-butylthioethyl, (8)], are obtained from the reactions of ligand precursors, HNC(2)(E)Oxa, with one molar equivalent of ZnEt(OBn) (generated in situ on 1:1 ratio of ZnEt(2) and BnOH) in tetrahydrofuran. The molecular structures are reported for compounds 1, 3, 5, 6 and 7. All eight compounds were assessed as efficient catalyst precursors towards the ring-opening polymerization of L-lactide and ε-caprolactone.     

The synthesis of prostaglandin E1 and related substances

The authors describe in detail the conversion of 4 isometric exo-substituted bicyclo (3.1.0) hexanones 1a, 1b, 2a and 2b (R=CH3) to 4 prostaglandins of the E series, including crystalline dl-prostaglandin E1 (PGE1). Oxidative solvolysis of the keto esters 1a and 2a and of the desired keto acids 1a and 2a (R=H) according to the method of Just and Simonovitch resulted in a good yield of the mixture of vic-glycols of unrearranged carbon skeleton. The presence of dl-PGE1, or dl-8-iso PGE1 or their methyl esters was not detected in either case. Analysis of the unalkylated ketones 5a and 5b under the same and other conditions yielded unrearranged vic-glycols 6 as essentially the only product. A reaction sequence produced dl-8-isoprostaglandin E1, the 15-epimers of these prostaglandins, and dl-PGA1 and dl-PGB1 methyl esters.     

Synthesis and inhibitory effect of novel glycyrrhetinic acid derivatives on IL-1 beta-induced prostaglandin E(2) production in normal human dermal fibroblasts

Olean-11,13(18)-dien-3beta,30-diol dihemiphthalate (3), which was derived from glycyrrhetinic acid (GA), has been reported to produce a potent of anti-inflammatory effect in in vivo assays. Using 3 as a lead compound, we attempted to synthesize some modified compounds which varied in the following; i) the position of a carboxyl group in the phthalate moiety, ii) the number of carboxyls attached to the benzoyl group, iii) conversion of benzene ring to another ring system, iv) the linkage form between the benzene ring and oleanene skeleton at position 3 and/or 30. These were screened for their inhibitory activity against interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta)-induced prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) production in normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDF). Although conversion of the ortho-carboxyl group of 3 into the meta-position or the para-position led to an increase in inhibitory activity, the elimination or increase of the carboxyl group resulted in loss of the inhibitory activity. Conversion of the ester bond to the amide bond at position 3 and/or 30 of 3 did not contribute to a significant increase in inhibitory activity. On the other hand, among the derivatives possessing an anthranilic acid moiety at position 30 of 3beta-O-acetyl-olean-11,13(18)-dien-30-oic acid (20), 3beta-hydroxy-30-nor-olean-11,13(18)-dien-20 beta-[N-(2-carboxyphenyl)]carboxamide (30) showed the most potent inhibitory activity (IC(50) 1.0 microM) in this series.     

Release of prostaglandin E(1) from N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide copolymer conjugates by bone cells

Bone-targeting N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide (HPMA) copolymer-PGE(1) conjugates, containing cathepsin K sensitive spacers, were incubated with induced osteoclasts and osteoblasts, their precursors, and control non-skeletal cells. The release of PGE(1) was monitored by an HPLC assay. In both murine and human cell lines, osteoclasts appeared to be the most active cells in the cleavage (PGE(1) release). Incubation with osteoblasts also resulted in fast PGE(1) release, whereas precursor and control cells released PGE(1) with a substantially slower rate than bone cells (apparently through ester bond cleavage). Experiments in the presence of inhibitors revealed that other enzymes, in addition to cathepsin K, were participating in the cleavage of the conjugate. Confocal fluorescence studies exposed internalization of the conjugate by endocytosis with ultimate localization in the lysosomal/endosomal compartment.     

Total synthesis of natural (levo) and enantiomeric (dextro) forms of prostaglandin El

1 newly-discovered method of synthesizing PGE1 (prostaglandin E1) is explained and diagrammed chemically. Recrystallization of the synthetic product produced material identical in all respects with natural PGE1. The synthetic product showed the same infrared spectrum and chromatographic values as racemic and natural forms of PGE1. The biological activity of the synthetic product was found to be .1% of that of the naturally-occurring PGE1 in the stimulation of smooth muscle contraction. This is the 1st report of a total synthesis of PGE1. Research continues on improvements in this synthesizing method and on discovering other synthetic approaches to PGs.