A new method for preventing oxidative decomposition of catechol estrogens during chromatography

Dental Adhesion Enhancement on Zirconia Inspired by Mussel’s Priming Strategy Using Catechol

Zirconia has recently become one of the most popular dental materials in prosthodontics being used in crowns, bridges, and implants. However, weak bonding strength of dental adhesives and resins to zirconia surface has been a grand challenge in dentistry, thus finding a better adhesion to zirconia is urgently required. Marine sessile organisms such as mussels use a unique priming strategy to produce a strong bonding to wet mineral surfaces; one of the distinctive chemical features in the mussel’s adhesive primer proteins is high catechol contents among others. In this study, we pursued a bioinspired adhesion strategy, using a synthetic catechol primer applied to dental zirconia surfaces to study the effect of catecholic priming to shear bond strength. Catechol priming provided a statistically significant enhancement (p < 0.05) in shear bond strength compared to the bonding strength without priming, and relatively stronger bonding than commercially available zirconia priming techniques. This new bioinspired dental priming approach can be an excellent addition to the practitioner’s toolkit to improve dental bonding to zirconia.

Sodium ascorbate improves yield of urinary steroids during hydrolysis with Helix pomatia juice

Urinary steroid profile analysis requires enzymatic hydrolysis of glucuronide and sulfate conjugates and this is achieved simultaneously using Helix pomatia juice (HPJ), but steroids with 3beta-hydroxy-5-ene structure undergo transformation and yield of 5alpha-reduced corticosteroid glucuronides is poor. We describe the use of sodium ascorbate to solve these problems and provide a basis for its mode of action. Steroid conjugates were extracted from urine, hydrolyzed in acetate buffer with HPJ and sodium ascorbate and analyzed as methyloxime-trimethylsilylether derivatives by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Ranges of temperature, pH and ascorbate, substrate and HPJ concentrations were compared for urine and pure standards. Activity of other antioxidants and that of bacterial cholesterol oxidase were examined. Helix pomatia enzyme preparations from different commercial sources were compared. Loss of 3beta-hydroxy-5-ene steroids was enzyme-dependant, since it required HPJ, was saturable, subject to substrate competition and heat-inactivated. Products were 3-oxo-4-ene steroids and 4,6-diene and 6-oxy derivatives of these but the latter were not formed from 3-oxo-4-ene precursors. Ascorbate, other antioxidants or oxygen exclusion diminished activity. These characteristics were shared by cholesterol oxidase. Yield of 5alpha-reduced steroids was diminished by pre-incubation of HPJ before ascorbate addition and this was reversed if ascorbate was added to the pre-incubation mixture. We conclude that transformation of 3beta-hydroxy-5-ene steroids by HPJ is due to cholesterol oxidase and is diminished by antioxidants or oxygen denial. Yield of 5alpha-reduced steroids is low due to oxidative damage of beta-glucuronidase during hydrolysis, prevented by ascorbate. These features are shared by most commercial Helix pomatia enzyme preparations tested.

Lower levels of urinary 2-hydroxyestrogens in polycystic ovary syndrome

CONTEXT

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have anovulation due to arrested follicular maturation. The substrate (2-hydroxyestrogen) and product (2-methoxyestrogen) of catechol-O-methyl transferase (COMT) have been shown to modulate proliferation and angiogenesis of granulosa cells.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the study was to evaluate COMT ovarian expression as well as the production of estrogen metabolites (2-hydroxyestrogen and 2-methoxyestrogen) in subjects with PCOS.

DESIGN

Immunohistochemistry was used to assess COMT expression in ovarian tissues. Urinary levels of 10 different estrogens and estrogen metabolites were measured using enzyme-labeled immunoassays and/or liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry.

SETTING

The study was conducted at a tertiary university referral center.

PATIENTS AND OTHER PARTICIPANTS

Ovarian tissues were obtained from six control subjects and six subjects with PCOS. Fasting first-void urinary samples were collected from 49 subjects with PCOS and 36 healthy control subjects.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

COMT protein expression in ovarian tissues was measured. Urinary levels of 2-hydroxyestrogen and 2-methoxyestrogen levels in PCOS patients were also measured.

RESULTS

Whereas immunohistochemistry showed that COMT was expressed in ovaries from control and PCOS subjects, its expression was significantly higher in ovaries from subjects with PCOS, in both the follicular structures and ovarian stroma. The urinary 2-hydroxyestrogen level was significantly lower in subjects with PCOS, compared with normal controls (P = 0.009). Additionally, urinary 2-hydroxyestrogen levels negatively correlated with serum insulin levels in subjects with PCOS (r = -0.333, P =0 .031).

CONCLUSIONS

Urinary 2-hydroxyestrogen is decreased in subjects with PCOS, which could be due in part to increased ovarian expression of COMT. Further studies are needed to ascertain the role of estrogen metabolism in PCOS before this information can be used in clinical settings.

HPLC-electrochemical detection of ovarian estradiol-17beta and catecholestrogens in the catfish Heteropneustes fossilis: seasonal and periovulatory changes

A high performance liquid chromatography-electrochemical (HPLC-EC) detection method was used to characterize estradiol-17beta (E2) and its metabolites (2-hydroxyE2, 4-hydroxyE2, and 2-methoxyE2) and investigate their seasonal and periovulatory changes in the ovary of the catfish Heteropneustes fossilis. The retention times in minutes of standards determined by individual and mixture applications are: 2-OHE2-6.6, 4-OHE2-7.0, 4-OHE1-11.2, E2-12.0, and 2-methoxyE2-15.2. Since the retention times of 2-OHE2 and 4-OHE2 merged at higher concentrations, the elution peaks of the sample were taken as due to both (2/4-OHE2) for analysis. The steroids were not detectable in the resting and postspawning phases and 2-methoxyE2 was not detectable in the recrudescent (preparatory, prespawning, and spawning) phases as well. E2 and 2/4-OHE2 have maintained an inverse relationship in the recrudescent phase. The E2 concentration was the highest in the preparatory phase (April) with active vitellogenic activity and declined significantly across prespawning and spawning phases (P<0.001, one way ANOVA; P<0.05, Newman-Keuls' test). On the other hand, the concentration of 2/4-OHE2, which was the lowest in the preparatory phase, increased significantly to the peak level in the spawning phase. A single intraperitoneal injection of hCG (100 IU/fish) stimulated significantly the formation of 2/4-OHE2 at 8 h with a simultaneous reduction in E2. 2-MethoxyE2 was detected only after 16 h of the hCG injection. The functional significance of catecholestrogens in the seasonal reproductive cycle and during the hCG-induced ovulation of the catfish was discussed.

Gas chromatographic determination of catecholestrogens following isolation by solid-phase extraction

A sensitive and specific assay for the determination of the catecholestrogens 2-hydroxyestradiol (2-OHE2) and 4-hydroxyestradiol (4-OHE2) using gas chromatography with electron-capture detection (GC-ECD) is described. The formation of 2- and 4-OHE2 was assessed following activation of 17beta-estradiol in the microsomal fraction of female rat livers. The analytes were isolated by solid-phase extraction, derivatized to their heptafluorobutyryl esters with heptafluorobutyric acid anhydride, and subjected to solvent exchange prior to analysis; this resulted in minimal chromatographic interference, long column life, and stable derivatized analytes. Derivatized catechols were separated and confirmed with dual column chromatography (DB-5 and DB-608) and quantitated using GC-ECD. The DB-608 column was preferred for quantitation as it provided better 4-OHE2 resolution from interference. Key validation parameters for the assay include sensitivity, intra- and inter-assay precision, and accuracy. Instrument sensitivity and limits of detection (LOD) and quantitation (LOQ) were determined statistically from fortification data approaching expected limits. For 2-OHE2 and 4-OHE2, respective values for these parameters were; instrument sensitivities of 0.4 and 0.7 pg, LODs of 0.8 and 1.3 ng/mg, and LOQs of 2.6 and 4.3 ng/mg.

Catecholestrogens are agonists of estrogen receptor dependent gene expression in MCF-7 cells

The catecholestrogens, namely 2-hydroxyestradiol (2-OH-E2) and 4-hydroxyestradiol (4-OH-E2) are important, naturally occurring metabolites of E2. Here we studied their role on estrogen dependent processes. Using the MCF-7 cell line as a model system we analyzed the potency of 2- and 4-OH-E2 on the synthesis of the 160 kDa secreted protein and on the transcription of the pS2 mRNA. Both processes are known to be E2 inducible and are mediated by the estrogen receptor. Control incubations using E2 and antiestrogens were performed to validate the assay procedure and to enable us to comparatively study the effects of the catecholestrogens. Stimulating MCF-7 cells for 2 days with 10(-8) M 2- or 4-OH-E2 resulted in an induction of the synthesis of the 160 kDa protein and in an increase in pS2 mRNA. Following hormonal stimulation with 2- or 4-OH-E2 [35S]methionine labeling of MCF-7 cells increased the level of newly synthesized and secreted 160 kDa protein 54 and 88% compared with the inductive potency of E2 (100%). The pS2 mRNA in MCF-7 cells was increased by a 2 day treatment with 10(-8) M 2- or 4-OH-E2 by 48 and 79%, respectively, compared to E2. Therefore, we conclude that the estrogen receptor is transcriptionally active in MCF-7 cells upon binding of catecholestrogens. The estrogen receptor in vivo may be active if the intracellular concentration of catecholestrogens generated is sufficient to allow occupation of the receptor. The possible action of these hormones in vivo is discussed.

Catecholestrogens are MCF-7 cell estrogen receptor agonists

Catecholestrogens are important metabolites of estradiol and estrone in the human. Considerable interest has focused on the catecholestrogens 2-hydroxy- and 4-hydroxyestradiol since they bind to the estrogen receptor with an affinity in the range of estradiol. Using the MCF-7 cell line, we analysed the capacity of purified catecholestrogens to transform the estrogen receptor into its high affinity nuclear binding form and to affect receptor-dependent processes such as proliferation and expression of the progesterone receptor (PR). Incubations with 2-hydroxy- and 4-hydroxyestradiol at 10(-8) M for 1 h resulted in tight nuclear binding of the estrogen receptor. During treatment of the cells with catecholestrogens we obtained a marked increase in proliferation rate of 36 and 76% for 2-hydroxy- and 4-hydroxyestradiol, respectively, relative to the inductive effect of estradiol (100%). The PR level, was slightly increased by treatment with 2-hydroxyestradiol (10%), whereas treatment with 4-hydroxyestradiol increased the PR level at 28%, compared to estradiol (100%). From these results we conclude that the 2- and 4-hydroxylated derivatives of estradiol are active hormones and are able to initiate estrogen receptor mediated processes in MCF-7 cells.

Influence of indole-3-carbinol on the hepatic microsomal formation of catechol estrogens

The oral administration of indole-3-carbinol (IC), present in cabbage and other members of the Cruciferae family, to female rats almost doubled their ability to convert estradiol to catechol estrogens in the liver. This was determined by the release of 3H from C-2 of the estrogen and also by isolation of the 14C-labeled catechol derivative after incubation with hepatic microsomal fractions. The yield of 4-hydroxyestradiol was also elevated and these effects were similar to those produced by 3-methylcholanthrene (MC), a well-characterized cytochrome P450 inducer. Further evidence for the involvement of a mixed-function oxidase was provided by a 70% to 80% decrease in the yield of 3H2O and water-soluble radioactivity by SKF-525A (0.1 mM) when added to the microsomal fractions isolated from the livers of control or IC-treated rats. In addition, NADPH could not be replaced by NADH in these experiments. Pretreatment with ethionine prevented the increase in estradiol metabolism brought about by oral administration of IC. Both IC and MC inhibited catechol estrogen formation when added directly to the liver microsomal system, confirming earlier findings that in vivo inducers can act as in vitro inhibitors. However, IC was less inhibitory than MC, supporting the theory that IC is converted to a more active product in the stomach. Thus, IC may be conferring protection against estrogen-dependent neoplasia by increasing the hepatic oxidation of estradiol, thereby lowering the amount of available active estrogen.

Determination of estradiol 2- and 4-hydroxylase activities by gas chromatography with electron-capture detection

A highly sensitive assay has been developed for measuring the rate of formation of 2-hydroxyestradiol and 4-hydroxyestradiol from estradiol by microsomal preparations. Catechol estrogens were converted to heptafluorobutyryl esters, which were separated by capillary column gas chromatography and quantified using electron-capture detection. 2-Hydroxyestradiol 17-acetate was used as an internal standard. The identity of catechol estrogen derivatives was verified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry using negative-ion chemical ionization. Estrogens were identified by negative molecular ions and/or by characteristic fragments. This procedure permits quantification of catechol estrogens at the subpicogram level. The assay was validated by comparing estrogen 2- and 4-hydroxylase activities in microsomes from hamster and rat liver with values reported previously.

High-performance liquid chromatography of steroid hormones

Although a considerable amount of work has been carried out in the last ten years in developing methods for the separation of steroids by HPLC, it is still not widespread for the reasons discussed above. There is however no doubt that further developments in HPLC technology, in increasing sensitivity and/or specificity of detection systems, perhaps with microbore columns, may lead to an increase in the use of this powerful analytical procedure as an additional separation method to improve specificity of assay. Solution of the problem of simple interfacing of HPLC systems with mass spectrometers (discussed in another chapter by Games) should further increase the application of HPLC. HPLC is of particular value in providing a means of separating unstable compounds prior to assay by relatively nonspecific quantitation methods. Most steroids do not fall into this category, but the steroid vitamin D and its metabolites do and HPLC has proved in this area to be invaluable (see chapter by Jones & DeLuca). There are a multiplicity of different HPLC systems for the separation of steroids, varying in column type (and manufacturer), solvent composition and method of elution, temperature of elution, etc., and only a few attempts have been made to rationalise these data. It would therefore seem that a fruitful area of future study would be the investigation of computerised systems for the selection and optimisation of HPLC systems for particular steroid separations.

Patterns and regulation of estradiol metabolism by hepatic microsomes from two species of marine teleosts

Estradiol (E2) metabolites formed in vitro by microsomes from the marine teleosts winter flounder (Pseudopleuronectes americanus) and scup (Stenotomus chrysops) included at least seven products detected by thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The least polar metabolite was shown to be estrone by chromatographic and mass spectrometric identity with authentic estrone. Chromatographic analyses coupled with dual-label experiments also indicated formation of the catecholestrogen 2-hydroxyestradiol (2-OH-E2), which was the most prominent metabolite determined by TLC. Analysis of microsomal E2 2-hydroxylase activity by measuring the specific release of 3H2O from [2-3H]E2 indicated that it is mediated by cytochrome P-450. E2 2-hydroxylase activity normalized to microsomal protein was lower in females than in males for microsomes from both mature scup and winter flounder. Activity normalized to liver weight or body weight in female winter flounder was also lower than that in males. However, activity normalized to cytochrome P-450 content did not show sex differences in either species. E2 2-hydroxylase activity per nanomole cytochrome P-450 was reduced in scup treated with beta-naphthoflavone, which induces the hydrocarbon hydroxylase cytochrome P-450E. Studies employing reconstituted P-450E and microsomes preincubated with polyclonal antibodies against P-450E confirmed that this isozyme does not catalyze E2 2-hydroxylase activity in microsomes. However, preliminary work with scup cytochrome P-450A suggests that it may be an E2 2-hydroxylase. The studies establish that catecholestrogen formation is prominent in fish liver and that it is sexually differentiated, but further investigation is required to define the catalysts as well as the significance and regulation of this function.

Carcinogenicity and metabolic activation of hexestrol

The carcinogenic activity of the synthetic estrogen hexestrol was measured in male Syrian hamsters. Between 90% and 100% of the animals treated with hexestrol or with 3',3",5',5"-tetradeuteriohexestrol, implanted subcutaneously as 25-mg pellets, were found with renal carcinoma after 6-7 months. In vitro hexestrol metabolism, mediated by phenobarbital-induced rat liver microsomes, led to the formation of 3'-hydroxyhexestrol. This metabolite was identified by comparison with authentic reference material synthesized by oxidation of hexestrol with Fremy's salt. Diethylstilbestrol could not be detected as a metabolite. In urine of male Syrian hamsters, 3'-hydroxyhexestrol, 3'-methoxyhexestrol, 1-hydroxyhexestrol, and other hydroxylated and/or methoxylated hexestrol metabolites were identified. Again, diethylstilbestrol was not detectable as a hexestrol metabolite in vivo. The reactivity of 3'-hydroxyhexestrol was then studied to determine if this catechol estrogen played a role in hexestrol carcinogenicity. Horseradish peroxidase catalyzed the oxidation of 3'-hydroxyhexestrol to 3',4'-hexestrol quinone. This oxidation reaction could also be carried out non-enzymatically using silver oxide or silver carbonate on celite as oxidants. The quinone was unstable (t1/2 in methylene chloride: 53 min). It reacted with sulfur-containing compounds such as mercaptoethanol by Michael addition to form 3'-(2-hydroxyethylthio)-5'-hydroxyhexestrol. 3',4'-Hexestrol quinone reacted with simple amines such as ethylamine to form N-ethyl-aminohexestrol. The chemical reactions described above were carried out to test the reactivity of identified or suspected metabolic intermediates of hexestrol. It was concluded that carcinogenicity of hexestrol was not based on its conversion to diethylstilbestrol. Rather, catechol estrogen formation may be necessary for the carcinogenic action of hexestrol in analogy to events observed earlier with estradiol.

Variation in hepatic microsomal cytochrome P-450 1 concentration among untreated rabbits alters the efficiency of estradiol hydroxylation

The metabolism of 17 beta-estradiol was examined using both rabbit liver microsomes and highly purified forms of rabbit liver microsomal cytochrome P-450. The predominant microsomal metabolite of 17 beta-estradiol is the 2-hydroxylated product. 2-Hydroxyestradiol is also the principal metabolite in reconstitution experiments in which P-450 1 exhibits the greatest Vmax, ca. 6 mol min-1 mol P-450 1(-1), vs less than 0.6 mol min-1 mol P-450(-1) for forms 2, 3b-, 3b+, 3c, 4, and 6. In addition P-450 1 has the lowest Km, ca. 2 microM. This suggested that microsomes which differ in their content of P-450 1 would also differ in the kinetic parameters characterizing the 2-hydroxylation of 17 beta-estradiol. Microsomes containing low amounts of P-450 1, less than 0.1 nmol/mg protein, exhibit a low-efficiency (Vmax/Km) 2-hydroxylase activity. Microsomes containing elevated concentrations of P-450 1, greater than 0.3 nmol/mg protein, exhibit a substrate dependence suggestive of an additional high-efficiency enzyme. The latter is specifically inhibited by a monoclonal antibody that recognizes P-450 1. These results indicate that the elevated expression of P-450 1 in microsomes leads to a marked increase in the apparent first-order rate constant for the 2-hydroxylation of 17 beta-estradiol, as it does for the 21-hydroxylation of progesterone. This should have a marked effect on the metabolism of these two steroid hormones at concentrations that are likely to occur in vivo.

Estrogen 2-, 4-, 6- or 16-hydroxylation by human follicles shown by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry associated with stable isotope dilution

Follicular fluid, obtained by aspiration of human Graafian follicles in cycles stimulated by clomiphene and hMG + hCG, was analyzed for estrogen content. Carefully controlled extraction and efficient preliminary chromatographic separations were set up. Deuterium labelled analogues were used as internal standards for the quantitative determination by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and some new derivatives were included in the identification procedure. The identified estrogens and their mean concentrations (ng/ml) are: 2-hydroxy-estrone (0.14), 4-hydroxy-estrone (0.12), 2-hydroxy-estradiol (0.36), 4-hydroxy-estradiol (0.34), 6 alpha-hydroxy-estradiol (13.2), 6 beta-hydroxy-estradiol (6.40), 2-methoxy-estrone (0.83), 2-methoxy-estradiol (10.5), 16-oxo-estradiol (0.41), estriol (10.2), estradiol-17 beta (1365), estradiol-17 alpha (1.91), estrone (211). Metabolism of estradiol by 6-hydroxylation seems to be predominant in the human ovary. The other data suggest that 2-hydroxylation, with subsequent O-methylation, and 16-hydroxylation may be by equivalent pathways, since the sum of the 2-methoxy-estrone and 2-methoxy estradiol concentrations is rather similar to the estriol concentration. Hence, the latter three compounds and the 6-hydroxy-estradiols may be end-products of follicular estrogen metabolism. Catechol estrogen formation by 2-hydroxylation and 4-hydroxylation is shown to be of equal importance in the ovary. These results confirm the presence in the human follicle of various competing estrogen hydroxylases and catechol-O-methyltransferase.

Estrogen synthesis and metabolism in the hamster blastocyst, uterus and liver near the time of implantation

The steroidogenic potential of hamster tissues, just prior to implantation of the blastocyst in the uterus, was characterized by incubating blastocysts (14) and pieces of endometrium with [1, 2-3H]-androstenedione for 24 h. [3H]-2-Methoxyestradiol was synthesized, but intermediate estrogens were not found. To obtain a more quantitative assessment and comparison of steroidogenic activity, especially aromatase activity, in these tissues as well as in the uterine myometrium and liver and to increase the possibility of recovering estradiol, microsomes were isolated from 244 blastocysts and portions of the other tissues. Microsomes were incubated with [1 alpha, 2 alpha-3H]-testosterone plus [1 beta,2 beta-3H]-testosterone for 6 h. During this time [3H]-metabolites were synthesized by all tissues as indicated by HPLC. [3H]-Androstenedione was noted and values were higher than control levels (medium alone or microsomes from uterine flush fluid) in all samples but liver. [3H]-Estradiol was detected at an elevated level only in the blastocyst sample; however, addition of unlabeled estradiol during the subsequent incubation of endometrial, myometrial and liver microsomes increased the recovery of [3H]-estradiol. Identities of [3H]-2-methoxyestradiol from the first experiment and [3H]-androstenedione and [3H]-estradiol from the second experiment were confirmed by recrystallization. The formation of 3H2O from [beta-3H]-testosterone was used as an index of aromatase activity. After subtracting control medium values, blastocysts were 24-fold more active (dpm/microgram protein) than the endometrium and myometrium in synthesizing 3H2O. While there was no difference in synthetic potential between endometrium and myometrium, aromatase activity in these tissues was greater than that of the liver. Microsomes from uterine flush fluid displayed no capacity for synthesizing 3H2O indicating that the elevated blastocyst levels were not caused by contaminating endometrial cells. These results indicate that all of the tissues examined have the capacity to metabolize C19-steroids to a variety of hormones, including estrogens, and further, that estrogen metabolism occurs rapidly in these tissues. This capacity may be important for providing a suitable hormonal milieu at the time of implantation.

Protection of catechol oestrogen from oxidation during enzymic hydrolysis of biliary conjugates

2-Hydroxyethynyloestradiol (2-OHEE2), a major biliary metabolite of 17 alpha-ethynyloestradiol in female rats, is conjugated largely with glucuronic acid. Accurate quantitation of [3H]2-OHEE2 deconjugated by enzymic hydrolysis depends upon co-incubation with ascorbate (5-10 mM). In the absence of ascorbate, the proportion of [3H]2-OHEE2 declines by 30 +/- 7% (x +/- SD, n = 4) during a 3 h incubation of bile with arylsulphohydrolase and beta-glucuronidase. Over 16 h, decomposition of the catechol leads to a decrease in ether-extractable 3H labelled components.

The biotransformation of 17 alpha-ethynyl[3H]estradiol in the rat: irreversible binding and biliary metabolites

1. The irreversible binding of metabolites of 17 alpha-ethynyl[6,7-3H]estradiol ([3H]EE2) to intracellular proteins, and the biliary metabolites of [3H]EE2, were studied in male rats. 2. Very low levels of irreversible binding to hepatic microsomal and soluble proteins were observed. 3. Approx. 75% of the radiolabelled material excreted in bile was present as beta-glucuronides and arylsulphate esters. 4. The compounds liberated from the biliary conjugates by enzymic hydrolysis consisted of EE2, 2-hydroxy-EE2, 16-hydroxy-EE2, 2-methoxy-EE2, 2-hydroxymestranol and at least three additional metabolites not fully identified. 2-Methoxy-EE2 was the principal metabolite. 5. EE2 and all its identified metabolites were excreted as both beta-glucuronides and arylsulphate esters. The glucuronide fraction contained a greater proportion of EE2, a lower proportion of 2-methoxy-EE2 and a lower ratio of 2-methoxy-EE2 to 2-hydroxymestranol than the arylsulphate fraction.

2-hydroxyethynyloestradiol as a substrate for catechol-O-methyltransferase--implications in the metabolism of ethynyloestradiol

Highly purified pig catechol-O-methyltransferase catalyses the methylation of 2-hydroxyethynyloestradiol (KM - 11.0 microM, Vmax = 521.2 mU/mg protein, Vmax/KM = 47.4) more efficiently than that of 2-hydroxyoestradiol (KM = 68.5 microM, Vmax = 1056.2 mU/mg protein, Vmax/Km = 15.4), 2-hydroxyoestrone (KM = 38.0 microM, Vmax = 795.0 mU/mg protein, Vmax/KM = 20.9) or 4-hydroxyoestrone (KM = 12.8 microM, Vmax = 159.7, Vmax/KM = 12.5). This efficient methylation of the principal metabolite of ethynyloestradiol substantiates the implications of the studies of Bolt et al.[1] that O-methylation is a major route of ethynyloestradiol metabolism. Furthermore, this also implies that catechol-O-methyltransferase in involved in the protection, by S-adenoysylmethionine, against the impairment of bile secretion by ethynyloestradiol, observed in female rats [2].

Separation of steroidal estrogens and their major unconjugated metabolites by high performance liquid chromatography

A high performance liquid chromatographic method is described for the rapid, non-destructive separation of a number of physiologically important steroidal estrogens, including the labile catechol estrogens. This procedures uses a "Diol" column and gradient elution to separate in a single run, estrogens ranging from 2-methoxy estrone, one of the least polar C18 steroids, to estriol, one of the most polar. Simpler, isocratic conditions, are provided for the separation of estrogens of similar polarity. A semi-preparative column of similar composition was used for the purification of samples containing 25 to 50 mg of individual steroids.

Catechol oestrogens stimulate and direct prostaglandin synthesis

We have tested the action of a catechol oestrogen -2,3,17 beta-trihydroxy oestra-1,3,5 (10)-triene (2-OH oestradiol) in stimulating prostaglandin (PG) production by an homogenate of rat uterus. Marked and dose dependent stimulation was observed in PGF2 alpha and PGE2 production using 20-250 microM concentrations of catechol oestrogen; a concentration of 250 microM 2-OH oestradiol resulted in a 23 fold increase in PGF2 alpha production with a 50% reduction in the synthesis of 6-keto PGF1 alpha. Tryptophan, catechol and glutathione were without effect on PGF2 alpha and PGE2 production whereas adrenalin stimulated the production of all PGs, although the increase was less than that seen with 2-OH oestradiol. Oestradiol had a slight stimulatory action on PGF2 alpha production which reached a maximum at around 40 microM but had a more marked stimulation of 6-keto PGF1 alpha formation. Stimulation of prostaglandin production by oestradiol and 2-OH oestradiol showed no variation at different stages of the rat oestrous cycle. The use of 5 to 100 mg of tissue/ml gave similar product distribution although the effect of catechol oestrogen both in terms of stimulation of E and F formation (expressed per mg of tissue) and in its action on product distribution was more marked at lower concentrations of tissue.

Chromatographic patterns of urinary ethynyl estrogen metabolites in various populations

Radioactive mestranol (ME) and/or ethynylestradiol (EE) were administered to women in Nigeria, Sri Lanka, and the USA, and the types and patterns of radioactive urinary conjugates examined by Sephadex LH-20 chromatography. There are no differences in the total excretion of urinary radioactivity over 3 days. Consistent geographic differences appear to be present in the proportion of 3-, 17-, and 3,17-glucuronides. If confirmed on larger population samples, these observations may indicate significant geographic differences in the hepatic metabolism of ethynyl estrogens. High performance liquid chromatographic patterns of the urinary aglycone metabolites of ME and EE were examined in a number of women. The separation was accomplished on a Chromegaprep Diol column with a gradient of isopropanol in heptane. Ethynyl estrogen metabolism shows considerable individual variation. EE is usually the principal compound escreted following ME or EE administration. Unmetabolized ME is present in the ME profiles. The profiles of EE and ME are similar, with EE demonstrating a more complex pattern. Oxidative metabolism occurs chiefly at positions 2, 6 and 16 and is fairly extensive in the USA subjects. The Sri Lankan women generally show less of the oxidative products and the Nigerian group display a notable lack of oxidative metabolism. There is no difference in the metabolic patterns of long-term oral contraceptive users vs. non-users. Using silver sulfoethylcellulose column chromatography, from 14.1 to 34.7% of the excreted radiolabeled aglycones are non-ethynyl (i.e., either D-homo or de-ethynylated estrogens).

The preparation of pregnancy urine for an estrogen profile

A method is described for purifying the estrogen content of pregnancy urine with little loss of the labile estrogens. The procedure makes use of the initial 50-fold purification effected by their precipitation whith ammonium sulphate, with simultaneous elimination of most urinary corticosteroids and 50--60% of urinary ketosteroids. It also employs the antioxident ascorbic acid as an additive in most stages of the procedure. The mild organic-solvent-HIO partition system of Brown is used for separating the strongly polar, 2including all "labile" estrogens, and of the weakly polar estrogens, from neutral steroids. The remaining neutral steroid still interfering with the assays were removed by an ascorbic acid treated ion exchange resin (AG 1). The final residues were revealed by mass-spectroscopy to consist almost solely of estrogens. Gas-liquid chromatography in which just 2 chromatograms are required yields a total of 12 "estrogen" peaks (for 12 estrogens which are excreted in amounts greater than 0.1 mg/day) in normal pregnancy urine, including all the known labile estrogens. Identification as estrogen for all but a few minor peaks of the gas chromatogram was obtained by mass-spectroscopy. The practical significance of the method lies in the fact that some labile estrogens are much more important in the estrogen metabolism of pregnant and nonpregnant women than heretofore generally thought.

Radioimmunoassay of 2-hydroxyestrone

Under the protection of ascorbic acid a 2-hydroxyestrone bovine serum albumin conjugate was prepared containing intact 2-hydroxyestrone as determined by gas chromatographymass spectometry. Using this antigen highely specific antibodies were raised in rabbits. Cross-reactivity for 2-hydroxyestradiol and 2-hydroxyestriol was 26 and 4.5%, respectively. An assay procedure of 2-hydroxyestrone in human plasma is described. Using special precautions the assay allows the determination of 2-hydroxyestrone in plasma samples of women (50-95 pg/ml), pregnant women (105-220 pg/ml), men (45-65 pg/ml) and children(20-40 pg/ml).

Studies on the metabolism of oestrone sulphate. Comparative perfusions of oestrone and oestrone sulphate through isolated rat livers

The metabolism of [4-(14)C]oestrone and of [6,7-(3)H(2)]oestrone sulphate was studied during cyclic perfusion and once-through perfusion of the isolated rat liver. The following results were obtained. 1. As shown by once-through perfusion, the two steroids are metabolized differently during the first passage through the organ. [4-(14)C]Oestrone was taken up by the liver and partly delivered as oestradiol-17beta and oestriol into the medium. After uptake of [6,7-(3)H(2)]oestrone sulphate, only oestrone, liberated by hydrolysis, was delivered into the medium; no oestradiol-17beta or oestriol could be detected in the medium after one passage through the organ. This indicates that intracellular oestrone, which was taken up as such, and oestrone, which derived from intracellular hydrolysis, may be metabolized in different compartments of the liver cell. 2. The results of the cyclic perfusion showed that intracellular oestrone is preferentially conjugated with glucuronic acid, and subsequently excreted into the bile. Intracellular oestrone sulphate is preferably reduced to oestradiol sulphate, thus indicating that oestrone sulphate is a better substrate for the 17beta-hydroxy steroid oxidoreductase than is oestrone. 3. Albumin-bound oestrone sulphate acts as a large reservoir, and in contrast with free oestrone is protected from enzyme attack by its strong binding to albumin. 4. Oestrone sulphate is partly converted into the hormonally active oestrone by liver tissue. This suggests that liver not only inactivates oestrogens, but also provides the organism with oestrone, which is subsequently readily taken up by other organs.

Synthesis of pyrogallolestrogens (2,3,4-trihydroxy-1,3,5(10)-estratrienes) and their methyl ethers

The preparation of 2,4-dihydroxyestrone, 2,4-dihydroxyestradiol-17beta and their methyl ethers (14 compounds) is described. The structures were established by nuclear magnetic resonance, infrared and mass spectra as well as by elemental analyses, microchemical reactions, alternative synthetic routes and by their chromatographic properties.

Convenient large scale preparation of catechol estrogens

2-Hydroxyestrone, 2-hydroxyestradiol-17beta, 2-hydroxy-17alpha-ethynylestradiol, 2-hydroxyestriol, 4-hydroxyestrone, 4-hydroxyestradiol-17beta, 4-hydroxy-17alpha-ethynylestradiol and 4-hydroxyestriol are prepared on a preparative scale from the corresponding aminophenols using a new inverse oxidation procedure. By the synthesis described both the 2- and 4-hydroxylated estrogens are available in high yields.

Effect of oxygen shortage on the metabolism of oestrone in the hemoglobin-free perfused rat liver

The isolated rat liver was perfused with a haemoglobin-free, albumin containing salt solution at 28 degrees and 37 degrees C, respectively, with [4-14C]oestrone as substrate. During perfusion, the functional state of the liver was checked by continuously measuring the oxygen pressure and hydrogen ion concentration in the perfusion medium, flow rate, oxygen tension at various areas of the liver surface, and oxygen consumption; in addition, the following biochemical parameters were determined: ATP, ADP, lactate and pyruvate in liver tissue, and lactate and pyruvate in the perfusion medium. After 30 min of perfusion, free steroids, steroid glucuronides, steroid sulphates and the remaining water-soluble metabolites, present in liver tissue, perfusion medium and bile, were separated from each other and characterised by thin-layer and paper chromatography. It was found that, during perfusion at 37 degrees C, less hydroxylated metabolites were formed than at 28 degrees C. In contrast, metabolites whose formation is not directly oxygen-dependent, such as glucuronides and sulphates, arose in higher amounts at 37 degrees C than at 28 degrees C. It may be concluded that the relative shortage of oxygen at 37 degrees C leads to a selective impairment of metabolic pathways requiring a sufficient supply of molecular oxygen. Since oxidative processes play an important role in the biogenesis and metabolism of steroid hormones, it is evident that results, obtained in perfusion experiments with haemoglobin-free media at 37 degrees C, must be treated with reserve.

Water-soluble metabolites of the estrogens. Quantitation of C-18 tetrols in rat feces

Several radioactive estrogens possessing one, two and three hydroxyl groups were injected orally (and in the case of estrone sulfate also intraperitoneally) into adult male rats. The rats were either intact or had ligated or cannulated bile ducts. Two unconjugated estrogen tetrols together represented 21 - 87% of the total metabolites in the intact rat. One of the tetrols was 2-hydroxyestriol (estra-1,3,5(10)-triene-2,3,16alpha,17beta-tetrol); the other may be estra-1,3,5(10)-triene-2,3,6xi,17beta-tetrol but this was not confirmed. It is concluded that poly-hydroxylated estrogens represent a very large proportion of the previously unidentified water-soluble metabolites of the estrogens in the adult male rat.

Pryogalloloestrogens -- a new group of oestrogen metabolites

After incubation of radioactive catecholoestrogen monomethyl ethers with rat liver slices the following well known metabolic pathways were observed: 1) demethylation, 2) 16alpha-hydroxylation, 3) oxidoreduction at C-atom 17, and 4) conjugation with glutathione, sulphuric acid and glucuronic acid. In addition, for the first time a further aromatic ortho-hydroxylation, leading to pyrogalloloestrogen derivatives, was detected. Thus, the incubation of 2-methoxyoestrone yielded 2,4-dihydroxyoestrone 2-methyl ether as the main metabolite of the lipophile fraction. Under the same conditions, 4-methoxyoestrone was converted to 2,4-dihydroxyoestrone 4-methyl ether and 2,4-dihydroxyoestradiol-17beta 4-methyl ether; these compounds were the quantitatively most important metabolites not only in the lipophile but also in the sulphate and glucuronide fractions. The identity of these new metabolic products was established by chromatography, microchemical reactions and recrystallisation to constant specific radioactivity.