Alterations in Lipid Profile Upon Uterine Fibroids and Its Recurrence

Abstract Background. Uterine fibroids (UF) is the most common (about 70% cases) type of gynecological disease, with the recurrence rate varying from 11% to 40%. Because UF has no distinct symptomatology and is often asymptomatic, the specific and sensitive diagnosis of UF as well as the assessment for the probability of UF recurrence pose considerable challenge.Aim. The aim of this study was to characterize alterations in the lipid profile of tissues associated with the first-time diagnosed UF and recurrent uterine fibroids (RUF) and to explore the potential of mass spectrometry (MS) lipidomics analysis of blood plasma samples for the sensitive and specific determination of UF and RUF with low invasiveness of analysis.Materials and methods. MS analysis of lipid levels in the myometrium tissues, fibroids tissues and blood plasma samples was carried out on 66 patients, including35 patients with first-time diagnosed UF and 31 patients with RUF. The control group consisted of 15 patients who underwent surgical treatment for the intrauterine septum. Fibroids and myometrium tissue samples were analyzed using direct MS approach. Blood plasma samples were analyzed using high performance liquid chromatography hyphened with mass spectrometry (HPLC/MS). MS data were processed by discriminant analysis with projection into latent structures (OPLS-DA).Results. Significant differences were found between the first-time UF, RUF and control group in the levels of lipids involved in the metabolism of glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids, lipids with an ether bond, triglycerides and fatty acids. Significant differences between the control group and the groups with UF and RUF were found in the blood plasma levels of cholesterol esters, triacylglycerols, (lyso) phosphatidylcholines and sphingomyelins. Significant differences between the UF and RUF groups were found in the blood plasma levels of cholesterol esters, phosphotidylcholines, sphingomyelins and triacylglycerols. Diagnostic models based on the selected differential lipids using logistic regression showed sensitivity and specificity of 88% and 86% for the diagnosis of first-time UF and 95% and 79% for RUF, accordingly.Conclusion. This study confirms the involvement of lipids in the pathogenesis of uterine fibroids. A diagnostically significant panel of differential lipid species has been identified for the diagnosis of UF and RUF by low-invasive blood plasma analysis. The developed diagnostic models demonstrated high potential for clinical use and further research in this direction.

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Alterations in lipid profile upon uterine fibroids and its recurrence

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-021-89859-0 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Narine M. Tonoyan ◽

Vitaliy V. Chagovets ◽

Natalia L. Starodubtseva ◽

Alisa O. Tokareva ◽

Konstantin Chingin ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mass Spectrometry ◽

Blood Plasma ◽

Lipid Profile ◽

Plasma Levels ◽

Uterine Fibroids ◽

Control Group ◽

Cholesterol Esters ◽

Plasma Samples ◽

Diagnostic Models ◽

First Time

AbstractUterine fibroids (UF) is the most common (about 70% cases) type of gynecological disease, with the recurrence rate varying from 11 to 40%. Because UF has no distinct symptomatology and is often asymptomatic, the specific and sensitive diagnosis of UF as well as the assessment for the probability of UF recurrence pose considerable challenge. The aim of this study was to characterize alterations in the lipid profile of tissues associated with the first-time diagnosed UF and recurrent uterine fibroids (RUF) and to explore the potential of mass spectrometry (MS) lipidomics analysis of blood plasma samples for the sensitive and specific determination of UF and RUF with low invasiveness of analysis. MS analysis of lipid levels in the myometrium tissues, fibroids tissues and blood plasma samples was carried out on 66 patients, including 35 patients with first-time diagnosed UF and 31 patients with RUF. The control group consisted of 15 patients who underwent surgical treatment for the intrauterine septum. Fibroids and myometrium tissue samples were analyzed using direct MS approach. Blood plasma samples were analyzed using high performance liquid chromatography hyphened with mass spectrometry (HPLC/MS). MS data were processed by discriminant analysis with projection into latent structures (OPLS-DA). Significant differences were found between the first-time UF, RUF and control group in the levels of lipids involved in the metabolism of glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids, lipids with an ether bond, triglycerides and fatty acids. Significant differences between the control group and the groups with UF and RUF were found in the blood plasma levels of cholesterol esters, triacylglycerols, (lyso) phosphatidylcholines and sphingomyelins. Significant differences between the UF and RUF groups were found in the blood plasma levels of cholesterol esters, phosphotidylcholines, sphingomyelins and triacylglycerols. Diagnostic models based on the selected differential lipids using logistic regression showed sensitivity and specificity of 88% and 86% for the diagnosis of first-time UF and 95% and 79% for RUF, accordingly. This study confirms the involvement of lipids in the pathogenesis of uterine fibroids. A diagnostically significant panel of differential lipid species has been identified for the diagnosis of UF and RUF by low-invasive blood plasma analysis. The developed diagnostic models demonstrated high potential for clinical use and further research in this direction.

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The Complex Biochemical Study of the Blood Plasma, Obtained by Manual Plasmapheresis

Family Medicine ◽

10.30841/2307-5112.5.2016.248853 ◽

2016 ◽

pp. 155-157

Author(s):

Andrii Korzh

Keyword(s):

Blood Plasma ◽

Biochemical Parameters ◽

Biochemical Study ◽

Plasma Samples ◽

Fluorometric Method ◽

Plasma Donation ◽

Individual Index ◽

First Time ◽

Age And Sex ◽

Donor Plasma

The plasma samples of 34 primary donors (22 men and 12 women) for the first time given the plasma by automated plasmapheresis (control surveillance), and 54 active donors of blood plasma (40 men and 14 women) being donors with non-less 14 days interval between donations, have been examined. The active male donors’ plasma averaged at 18,63±1,71 with individual index fluctuations from 2 to 78, female donors’ – 14,09±1,95 with individual index fluctuations from 2 to 45. The method of plasma obtaining is a manual plasmapheresis method. The surveyed groups were homogeneous for age and sex. Hematologic and biochemical parameters of all those persons have been examined and, basing on the conclusion of the professionals, everyone was admitted to the plasma donation. The content of middle mass molecules in plasma were determined by method of N.I. Gabrieljan, V.I. Lipatovoj (1984). The content of biogenic amines free fractions in plasma were determined by fluorometric method of B.V. Mikhailichenko, S.V. Vydyborets (1999). Analysis of the results showed that in the donor plasma samples obtained by manual plasmapheresis level of middle mass molecules, histamine, serotonin is significantly higher. The significance of obtained results has also been discussed.

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Diagnosis of Gulf War Illness Using Laser-Induced Spectra Acquired from Blood Samples

Applied Spectroscopy ◽

10.1177/00037028211042049 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 000370282110420

Author(s):

Rosalba Gaudiuso ◽

Sirui Chen ◽

Efi Kokkotou ◽

Lisa Conboy ◽

Eric Jacobson ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Blood Plasma ◽

Correct Diagnosis ◽

Difference Spectrum ◽

Gulf War ◽

Classification Model ◽

Control Group ◽

Plasma Samples ◽

Gulf War Illness ◽

Breakdown Spectroscopy ◽

The Difference

Gulf War illness (GWI) is a chronic illness with no known validated biomarkers that affects the lives of hundreds of thousands of people. As a result, there is an urgent need for the development of an untargeted and unbiased method to distinguish GWI patients from non-GWI patients. We report on the application of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) to distinguish blood plasma samples from a group of subjects with GWI and from subjects with chronic low back pain as controls. We initially obtained LIBS data from blood plasma samples of four GWI patients and four non-GWI patients. We used an analytical method based on taking the difference between a mean LIBS spectrum obtained with those of GWI patients from the mean LIBS spectrum of those of the control group, to generate a “difference” spectrum for our classification model. This model was cross-validated using different numbers of differential LIBS emission peaks. A subset of 17 of the 82 atomic and ionic transitions that provided 70% of correct diagnosis was selected test in a blinded fashion using 10 additional samples and was found to yield 90% classification accuracy, 100% sensitivity, and 83.3% specificity. Of the 17 atomic and ionic transitions, eight could be assigned unambiguously to species of Na, K, and Fe.

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Blood plasma levels of biomarkers of liver status and lipid profile among nail technicians occupationally exposed to low-level mixture of volatile organic compounds

International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health ◽

10.1007/s00420-020-01599-2 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Peter Grešner ◽

Magdalena Beata Król ◽

Radosław Świercz ◽

Jolanta Gromadzińska

Keyword(s):

Blood Plasma ◽

Lipid Profile ◽

Plasma Levels ◽

Range Limit ◽

Normal Range ◽

Low Level ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Volatile Organic ◽

Occupationally Exposed ◽

Biochemical Analyses

Abstract Purpose Nail technicians (NTs) are exposed to a low-level mixture of volatile organic solvents (VOCs), yet the health hazards related to such exposure are unknown. This study thus aimed to compare the blood plasma levels of selected biomarkers related to liver status and lipid profile among occupationally exposed NTs and unexposed controls. Associations between out-of-normal-range levels of such biomarkers and occupational exposure to VOCs mixture have also been investigated. Methods The study enrolled 145 female NTs and 152 unexposed controls. Biochemical analyses were performed using spectrophotometric assays and obtained data were analyzed using general linear model and Poisson regression modelling adjusted to multiple confounders. Results Compared to controls, NTs presented significantly increased plasma activities of ALT (2.04 ± 0.63 ln-U/l vs. 1.25 ± 0.71 ln-U/l; p < 0.0001) and AST (2.73 ± 0.25 ln-U/l vs. 2.08 ± 0.95 ln-U/l; p < 0.0001), and significantly increased plasma levels of TG (4.38 ± 0.53 ln-mg/dl vs. 4.21 ± 0.42 ln-mg/dl; p < 0.05) and TC/HDL ratio (1.18 ± 0.36 vs. 1.02 ± 0.27; p < 0.0005). Plasma levels of HDL were significantly lower among NTs (4.02 ± 0.29 ln-mg/dl vs. 4.21 ± 0.26 ln-mg/dl; p < 0.0001). Moreover, NTs were found to present significantly increased risk of occurrence of clinically relevant plasma HDL levels below 3.91 ln-mg/dl (i.e., 50 mg/dl; RR = 1.58, 95% CI 1.07–2.32, p < 0.05), as well as increased risk of clinically relevant TC/HDL ratio above the normal range limit of 3.5 (RR = 1.68, 95% CI 1.19–2.35, p < 0.005), as compared to unexposed controls. Conclusion Nail technicians are subject to adverse changes in selected plasma biomarkers related to liver functions, some of which may be of clinical relevance.

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Molecular factors involved in the hypolipidemic- and insulin-sensitizing effects of a ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) extract in rats fed a high-fat diet

Applied Physiology Nutrition and Metabolism ◽

10.1139/apnm-2016-0374 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 42 (2) ◽

pp. 209-215 ◽

Cited By ~ 21

Author(s):

Natalia de las Heras ◽

María Valero-Muñoz ◽

Beatriz Martín-Fernández ◽

Sandra Ballesteros ◽

Antonio López-Farré ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Lipid Profile ◽

Plasma Levels ◽

High Fat Diet ◽

Tissue Growth ◽

Collagen I ◽

Metabolic Effects ◽

Control Group ◽

Standard Diet ◽

High Fat ◽

Glucose Transporter 2

Hypolipidemic and hypoglycemic properties of ginger in animal models have been reported. However, information related to the mechanisms and factors involved in the metabolic effects of ginger at a hepatic level are limited. The aim of the present study was to investigate molecular factors involved in the hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of a hydroethanolic ginger extract (GE) in the liver of rats fed a high-fat diet (HFD). The study was conducted in male Wistar rats divided into the following 3 groups: (i) Rats fed a standard diet (3.5% fat), the control group; (ii) rats fed an HFD (33.5% fat); and (iii) rats fed an HFD treated with GE (250 mg·kg−1·day−1) for 5 weeks (HFD+GE). Plasma levels of glucose, insulin, lipid profile, leptin, and adiponectin were measured. Liver expression of glycerol phosphate acyltransferase (GPAT), cholesterol 7 alpha-hydroxylase, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR), PPARα and PPARγ, glucose transporter 2 (GLUT-2), liver X receptor, sterol regulatory element-binding protein (SREBP1c), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), and collagen I was measured. Data were analyzed using a 1-way ANOVA, followed by a Newman−Keuls test if differences were noted. The study showed that GE improved lipid profile and attenuated the increase of plasma levels of glucose, insulin, and leptin in HFD rats. This effect was associated with a higher liver expression of PPARα, PPARγ, and GLUT-2 and an enhancement of plasma adiponectin levels. Furthermore, GE reduced liver expression of GPAT, SREBP1c, CTGF, and collagen I. The results suggest that GE might be considered as an alternative therapeutic strategy in the management of overweight and hepatic and metabolic−related alterations.

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Сontent of Middle Mass Molecules in the Blood Plasma, Obtained by Different Plasmapheresis Methods

Family Medicine ◽

10.30841/2307-5112.4.2016.248590 ◽

2016 ◽

pp. 140-142

Author(s):

Andrii Korzh

Keyword(s):

Blood Plasma ◽

Biochemical Parameters ◽

Average Weight ◽

Plasma Samples ◽

Plasma Donation ◽

Priority Method ◽

Individual Index ◽

First Time ◽

Age And Sex ◽

Donor Plasma

The objective: the study of the content of molecules of average weight (MSM) in blood plasma obtained from donors of different methods to select the priority method. Patients and methods.The plasma samples of 34 primary donors (22 men and 12 women) for the first time given the plasma by automated plasmapheresis (control surveillance), and 152 active donors of blood plasma (110 men and 42 women) being donors with non-less 14 days interval between donations, have been examined. The active male donors’ plasma averaged at 18.63±1.71 with individual index fluctuations from 2 to 78, female donors’ – 14.09±1.95 with individual index fluctuations from 2 to 45. According to the method of plasma obtaining, the active plasma donors were divided into two groups: manual plasmapheresis method – I (first) observation group – 40 men and 14 women: method of automatic plasmapheresis – II (second) group of observations – 70 men and 28 women. The surveyed groups were homogeneous for age and sex. Results. Hematologic and biochemical parameters of all those persons have been examined and, basing on the conclusion of the professionals, everyone was admitted to the plasma donation. The content of middle mass molecules in plasma were determined by metod of Gabrieljan N. I., Lipatovoj V. I. (1984). Analysis of the results showed that in the donor plasma samples obtained by manual plasmapheresis level of middle mass molecules is significantly higher. The significance of obtained results has also been discussed. Conclusions. When manual plasmapheresis in the obtained samples of blood plasma revealed significantly higher content of molecules of average weight (MSM) compared to samples from donors who underwent automated plasmapheresis. A method of automatic plasmapheresis is pain gentle, compared with the method of manual plasmapheresis, allows to obtain the plasma with the contents of the MSM are not different from the original.

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The use of vitamin "C" as antioxidant to decrease lesions of atherosclerosis that induced experimentally by hydrogen peroxide in rabbits

The Iraqi Journal of Veterinary Medicine ◽

10.30539/iraqijvm.v29i1.863 ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 29 (1) ◽

pp. 51-63

Author(s):

D. S. Diab

Keyword(s):

Oxidative Stress ◽

Drinking Water ◽

Vitamin C ◽

Lipid Profile ◽

Experimental Period ◽

Control Group ◽

Plasma Samples ◽

Blood Samples ◽

Atherosclerotic Lesions ◽

Stress Changes

This study was designed to investigate the effect of vitamin C inalleviating the changes in lipid profile and the atherosclerotic lesions inducedexperimentally by (0.5%) H2O2 in drinking water. Twenty four adult malesrabbits were divided randomly into four equal (a control and 3 treated "T")groups for 19 weeks: 1- The Control group: Which was given normal drinkingwater. 2- Group (T1): was given 0.5% H 2O2 in drinking water. 3- Group(T2): which was handled as T1, in addition to vitamin C (100 mg /kg/day) alongthe experiment. 4- Group (T3): was treated as T1 till the atherosclerotic lesionswere established at the week 13, then the animals received 100 mg/kg of vitaminC daily for 6 weeks. Blood samples were taken at the weeks 5, 13, 16 and 19 ofthe experimental period to measure the levels of total cholesterol (TC),triglycerid (TG), HDL-C, LDL-C and VLDL-C in plasma. Samples of aortictissue were taken to study the histopatholpgical changes. The results showed thatH2O2 caused an increase in TC, TG, LDL, VLDL-C and a decrease in HDL-Cconcentration in plasma. The histopathological sections showed lesions ofatherosclerosis in the aorta as fatty streaks and foam cells. Moreover, resultsshowed that treatment with vitamin C caused a dereased in the VLDL-C, LDLC,TG and TC levels and an increase in the HDL-C concentration in plasma. andregression of atherosclerotic lesions. Results of the present study suggest that theoxidative stress (produced by 0.5% H2O2) has an important role in pathogenesisof atherosclerosis in the rabbits and vitamin C has an important effect inreducing and preventing some of the oxidative stress changes in lipid profile andatherosclerotic lesions of the aorta. It is worthed to report that this is the firststudy undertaken in using vitamin C as an antioxidant to minimize the oxidativestress effects of H2O2 in rabbits as a model for atherosclerosis in mammals.

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Pengaruh Latihan Aerobik Ringan dan Sedang terhadap Kadar Interleukin 8 dan Jumlah Netrofil pada Remaja

Berkala Kedokteran ◽

10.20527/jbk.v12i1.357 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 12 (1) ◽

pp. 61

Author(s):

Huldani Huldani

Keyword(s):

Blood Plasma ◽

Aerobic Exercise ◽

Plasma Levels ◽

Exercise Group ◽

Interleukin 8 ◽

Male Students ◽

Moderate Intensity ◽

Control Group ◽

Significant Difference ◽

And Control

Abstract: Aerobic exercise with mild to moderate intensity will improve health and fitness. Aerobic exercise stimulates an increase in the concentration of IL-8 and will attract neutrophils out of circulation and infiltrate into the damaged tissue for physical activity. To determine the effect of mild and moderate aerobic exercise on levels of interleukin 8 and the number of neutrophils in adolescents, semi-experimental research laboratory with the entire population of male students of SMAN I Banjarbaru. Determination of the sample with inclusion and exclusion criteria obtained 31 samples (9 mild aerobic exercise, moderate aerobic exercise 12 and 10 as a control). The implementation of data collection (blood plasma) immediately after the sample is finished doing aerobic exercise. Blood plasma samples were analyzed by flowcytometri to see the number of neutrophils and elisa to see the levels of Interleukin 8 (IL-8). The results showed that mean plasma levels of IL-8 in mild aerobic group (605.69 ± 123.28) and moderate (718.75 ± 132.55) is lower than the control group (720.80 ± 213.11). Kruskal Wallis statistic test in the three groups no significant difference with p = 0.320. The average number of neutrophils mild aerobic exercise group (52.42 ± 8.29) and moderate (63.60 ± 8.73) was higher than the control group (50.11 ± 5.55), which means that there is an increase in the number of neutrophils after aerobic exercise , with one-way ANOVA statistical test showed different significant with p = 0.001. LSD test found significant differences between mild and moderate aerobic group with p = 0.003, 95% CI. There is no difference between the control group mild aerobic with p = 0.519. There are differences between the groups of moderate aerobic and control with p = 0.000. It can be concluded that mild and moderate aerobic exercise did not affect the increased plasma levels of interleukin-8 in adolescents. Mild aerobic exercise had no effect on the increase in the number of neutrophils in adolescents. Moderate aerobic exercise influence on the increase in the number of neutrophils in adolescents.Keywords : Aerobic exercise, Interleukin 8, Neutrophyl Abstrak: Latihan aerobik dengan intensitas ringan sampai sedang akan meningkatkan kesehatan dan kebugaran tubuh. Latihan aerobik merangsang peningkatan konsentrasi IL-8 dan akan menarik netrofil dari sirkulasi dan menyusup kejaringan yang rusak karena aktivitas fisik. Untuk mengetahui pengaruh latihan aerobik ringan dan sedang terhadap kadar interleukin 8 dan jumlah netrofil pada remaja, dilakukan penelitian semi eksperimental laboratorik dengan populasi seluruh pelajar laki-laki SMAN I Banjarbaru. Penentuan besarnya sampel dengan kriteria inklusi dan ekslusi didapatkan 31 sampel (9 latihan aerobik ringan, 12 latihan aerobik sedang, dan 10 sebagai kontrol). Pelaksanaan pengambilan data (plasma darah) segera setelah sampel selesai melakukan latihan aerobik. Plasma darah sampel dianalisa dengan flowcytometri untuk melihat jumlah netrofil dan pemeriksaan elisa untuk melihat kadar Interleukin 8 (IL-8). Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa rerata kadar IL-8 plasma pada kelompok aerobik ringan (605,69 ± 123,28) dan sedang (718,75 ± 132,55) lebih rendah dari kelompok kontrol (720,80 ± 213,11). Secara uji statistik Kruskal Wallis ketiga kelompok tidak ada perbedaan bermakna dengan nilai p = 0,320. Jumlah rerata netrofil kelompok latihan aerobik ringan (52,42 ± 8,29) dan sedang (63,60 ± 8,73) lebih tinggi daripada kelompok kontrol (50,11 ± 5,55), artinya ada peningkatan jumlah netrofil setelah latihan aerobik. Dengan uji statistik ANOVA satu arah didapatkan hasil yang bermakna berbeda dengan nilai p = 0.001. Uji LSD didapatkan perbedaan bermakna antara kelompok aerobik ringan dan sedang dengan nilai p = 0,003, IK 95 % . Tidak terdapat perbedaan antara kelompok aerobik ringan dengan kontrol dengan nilai p = 0,519. Terdapat perbedaan antara kelompok aerobik sedang dan kontrol dengan nilai p = 0,000. Dapat disimpulkan bahwa latihan aerobik ringan dan sedang tidak berpengaruh terhadap peningkatan kadar Interleukin-8 plasma pada remaja. Latihan aerobik ringan tidak berpengaruh terhadap peningkatan jumlah netrofil pada remaja. Latihan aerobik sedang berpengaruh terhadap peningkatan jumlah netrofil pada remaja. Kata Kata Kunci : Latihan Aerobik, Interleukin 8, Netrofil

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Analysis of α- and β-amanitin in Human Plasma at Subnanogram per Milliliter Levels by Reversed Phase Ultra-High Performance Liquid Chromatography Coupled to Orbitrap Mass Spectrometry

Toxins ◽

10.3390/toxins12110671 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (11) ◽

pp. 671

Author(s):

Thomas P. Bambauer ◽

Lea Wagmann ◽

Armin A. Weber ◽

Markus R. Meyer

Keyword(s):

Mass Spectrometry ◽

Liquid Chromatography ◽

Blood Plasma ◽

Human Plasma ◽

Human Blood ◽

Reversed Phase ◽

Urine Samples ◽

Human Blood Plasma ◽

Plasma Samples ◽

Valuable Alternative

Amatoxins are known to be one of the main causes of serious to fatal mushroom intoxication. Thorough treatment, analytical confirmation, or exclusion of amatoxin intake is crucial in the case of any suspected mushroom poisoning. Urine is often the preferred matrix due to its higher concentrations compared to other body fluids. If urine is not available, analysis of human blood plasma is a valuable alternative for assessing the severity of intoxications. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a liquid chromatography (LC)-high resolution tandem mass spectrometry (HRMS/MS) method for confirmation and quantitation of α- and β-amanitin in human plasma at subnanogram per milliliter levels. Plasma samples of humans after suspected intake of amatoxin-containing mushrooms should be analyzed and amounts of toxins compared with already published data as well as with matched urine samples. Sample preparation consisted of protein precipitation, aqueous liquid-liquid extraction, and solid-phase extraction. Full chromatographical separation of analytes was achieved using reversed-phase chromatography. Orbitrap-based MS allowed for sufficiently sensitive identification and quantification. Validation was successfully carried out, including analytical selectivity, carry-over, matrix effects, accuracy, precision, and dilution integrity. Limits of identification were 20 pg/mL and calibration ranged from 20 pg/mL to 2000 pg/mL. The method was applied to analyze nine human plasma samples that were submitted along with urine samples tested positive for amatoxins. α-Amanitin could be identified in each plasma sample at a range from 37–2890 pg/mL, and β-amanitin was found in seven plasma samples ranging from <20–7520 pg/mL. A LC-HRMS/MS method for the quantitation of amatoxins in human blood plasma at subnanogram per milliliter levels was developed, validated, and used for the analysis of plasma samples. The method provides a valuable alternative to urine analysis, allowing thorough patient treatment but also further study the toxicokinetics of amatoxins.

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Effect of Blockage of the Ducts of the Vomeronasal Organ on LH Plasma Levels during the “Whitten Effect” in Does

Veterinary Medicine International ◽

10.4061/2011/305468 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 2011 ◽

pp. 1-8

Author(s):

Kenneth Kurt Booth ◽

Edward Cottington Webb

Keyword(s):

Blood Plasma ◽

South African ◽

Plasma Levels ◽

Plasma Concentrations ◽

Vomeronasal Organ ◽

Physiological Saline ◽

Control Group ◽

Blood Samples ◽

Oestrus Cycle ◽

Tonic Level

Eighteen mature, nonpregnant, and indigenous South African does were randomly divided into two groups to test if their vomeronasal organs exert an influence on LH plasma levels during a Whitten effect experimental trial. Does in the treatment (VNO ablated) group had their vomeronasal organs rendered nonfunctional by cauterization of the nasoincisive duct under surgical anesthesia. Does in the control group had their nasal civities irrigated with physiological saline under surgical anesthesia. All does were synchronized into oestrus and introduced to bucks one day prior to their expected second oestrus cycle. Successful matings were recorded. Timely blood samples were collected during each of the five days before and five days after buck introduction. Blood plasma concentrations of estradiol and LH were determined by radioimmunoassay. Analysis of variance between groups demonstrated that the does in the VNO ablated group did not demonstrate any interest in mating, did not become pregnant, and did not demonstrate the primary increase in tonic plasma levels of LH that is necessary for ovulation to occur. By contrast, all of the does in the control group demonstrated successful matings, became pregnant, and demonstrated typical primary tonic level increases and preovulation surges in LH. Thus, it was concluded that the vomeronasal organ modulates the primary increase in tonic levels of LH and thus influences ovulation that occurs during the Whitten effect in South African indigenous does.

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