Biopterin Levels Research Articles

Effects Of Endothelin-1 On Intracellular Tetrahydrobiopterin Levels In Vascular Tissue

Objective: Tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) is the essential cofactor of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and intracellular levels of BH4 is regulated by oxidative stress. The aim of this paper was to describe the influence of exogenous endothelin-1 on intracellular BH4 and its oxidation products dihydrobiopterin (BH2) and biopterin (B) in a wide range of vascular tissue.Design: Segments of internal mammary artery (IMA) and human saphenous vein (SV) from 41 patients undergoing elective surgery were incubated in ET-1 (0.1 μM). Aorta and lung from transgenic mice overexpressing ET-1 in the endothelium (ET-TG) were analysed with regards to intracellular biopterin levels. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were incubated in ET-1 (0.1 μM) and intracellular biopterin levels were analysed. From 6 healthy women undergoing caesarean section, subcutaneous fat was harvested and the resistance arteries in these biopsies were tested for ET-mediated endothelial dysfunction.Results: In HUVEC, exogenous ET-1 (0.1 μM) did not significantly change intracellular BH4, 1.54 ± 1.7 vs 1.68 ± 1.8 pmol/mg protein; p = .8. In IMA and SV, exogenous ET-1(0.1 μM) did not change intracellular BH4 n = 10, p = .4. In aorta from wild type vs ET-TG mice there was no significant difference in intracellular BH4 between the groups: 1.3 ± 0.49 vs 1.23 ± 0.3 pmol/mg protein; p = .6. In resistance arteries (n = 6) BH4 together with DTE (an antioxidant) was not able to prevent ET-mediated endothelial dysfunction.Conclusion: ET-1 did not significantly alter intracellular tetrahydrobiopterin levels in IMA, SV, HUVEC or aorta from ET-TG mice. These findings are important for future research in ET-1 mediated superoxide production and endothelial dysfunction.

Cigarette smoke constituents cause endothelial nitric oxide synthase dysfunction and uncoupling due to depletion of tetrahydrobiopterin with degradation of GTP cyclohydrolase

Cigarette smoking (CS) is a well-established risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Endothelial dysfunction (ED) with loss of nitric oxide (NO) production is a central mechanism leading to the advent of CVD. Despite many prior studies of this major health problem, the exact mechanism by which CS induces ED is not well understood. This study examines the mechanism by which CS induces ED with altered endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) function in aortic endothelial cells (AECs). Exposure of AECs to cigarette smoke extract (CSE) resulted in a marked decrease in NO production with concomitant increase in superoxide (O2.-) generation and accumulation of 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal protein adducts. CSE exposure led to depletion of the essential eNOS cofactor tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) as well as total biopterin levels and decreased the expression level of guanosine triphosphate cyclohydrolase (GTPCH), the rate limiting enzyme in BH4 biosynthesis. Moreover, exposure of AECs to CSE increased the level of ubiquitinated proteins and increased 26 S proteasomal activity in a concentration-dependent manner. Pre-treatment with MG132, a 26 S proteasome inhibitor, partially prevented CSE-induced loss of BH4, total biopterin, GTPCH, and increased NO production following CSE exposure, indicating a role of the ubiquitin-proteasome system in CSE-induced eNOS dysfunction. In conclusion, CSE-induced eNOS dysfunction and uncoupling occurs due to BH4 depletion with BH4de novo synthesis limited by diminished GTPCH expression.

Heterozygous mutations in GTP-cyclohydrolase-1 reduce BH4 biosynthesis but not pain sensitivity.

Human studies have demonstrated a correlation between noncoding polymorphisms of "the pain protective" haplotype in the GCH1 gene that encodes for GTP cyclohydrolase I (GTPCH1)-which leads to reduced tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) production in cell systems-and a diminished perception of experimental and clinical pain. Here, we investigate whether heterozygous mutations in the GCH1 gene which lead to a profound BH4 reduction in patients with dopa-responsive dystonia (DRD) have any effect on pain sensitivity. The study includes an investigation of GCH1-associated biomarkers and pain sensitivity in a cohort of 22 patients with DRD and 36 controls. The patients with DRD had, when compared with controls, significantly reduced levels of BH4, neopterin, biopterin, and GTPCH1 in their urine, blood, or cytokine-stimulated fibroblasts, but their pain response with respect to non-painful stimulation, (acute) stimulus-evoked pain, or pain response after capsaicin-induced sensitization was not significantly different. A family-specific cohort of 11 patients with DRD and 11 controls were included in this study. The patients with DRD were heterozygous for the pain protective haplotype in cis with the GCH1 disease-causing mutation, c.899T>C. No effect on pain perception was observed for this combined haplotype. In conclusion, a reduced concentration of BH4 is not sufficient to alter ongoing pain sensitivity or evoked pain responses.

Regulation of cortical and peripheral GCH1 expression and biopterin levels in schizophrenia-spectrum disorders

Tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) is an essential cofactor for dopamine, serotonin and nitric oxide synthesis. Deficits of plasma total biopterin (a measure of BH4) have been described in schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. GCH1 encodes the first and rate-limiting enzyme in BH4 synthesis. Peripheral GCH1 expression is lower in first episode psychosis patients versus controls, and we hypothesized that a GCH1 promoter polymorphism associated with psychiatric illness, contributes to regulation of both GCH1 expression and BH4 levels. We tested this hypothesis in 120 subjects (85 patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder and 35 controls): Patients with the rs10137071 A allele had significantly lower plasma biopterin than GG patients and controls. In additional samples we assessed the relationship between genotype and diagnosis (schizophrenia or control) on GCH1 expression in the prefrontal cortex (n = 67) and peripheral leukocytes (n = 53). We found a significant linear relationship between GCH1 and study group in the CNS and periphery, with A allele patients having lower expression. Finally, in antipsychotic naïve patients (n = 13) we tested for an effect of medication on GCH1: Expression rose significantly after the onset of medication, primarily in A allele patients. These data suggest the potential for personalized genetic approaches to ameliorating BH4 deficits in schizophrenia-spectrum disorders.

13C-phenylalanine breath test and serum biopterin in schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder

Phenylalanine is required for the synthesis of the neurotransmitters dopamine, noradrenaline, and adrenaline. The rate-limiting step for phenylalanine metabolism is catalyzed by phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) and its cofactor tetrahydrobiopterin. We aimed to detect altered phenylalanine metabolism in major psychiatric disorders using the l-[1-13C]phenylalanine breath test (13C-PBT) and serum biopterin levels. We also investigated association of PAH mutations with schizophrenia and phenylalanine metabolism. 13C-phenylalanine (100 mg) was orally administered, and the breath 13CO2/12CO2 ratio was monitored for 120 min in four groups: 103 patients with schizophrenia (DSM-IV), 39 with bipolar disorder, 116 with major depressive disorder (MDD), and 241 healthy controls. Serum biopterin levels were measured by high performance liquid chromatography. Mutation screening of PAH exons was performed by direct sequencing in 46 schizophrenia patients. Association analysis was performed using six tag single nucleotide polymorphisms and the PAH Arg53His mutation by TaqMan assays in 616 schizophrenia patients and 1194 healthy controls. Analyses of covariance controlling for age, sex, and body weight showed that the index for the amount of exhaled 13CO2 was significantly lower in the schizophrenia group than in the other three groups (all p < 0.05). Biopterin levels in schizophrenia and MDD were significantly lower than those in controls. Biopterin levels correlated with 13C-PBT indices in controls. PAH polymorphisms were not associated with schizophrenia or 13C-PBT indices. 13C-PBT revealed reduced phenylalanine metabolism in schizophrenia, though we obtained no evidence of involvement of PAH polymorphism. Serum biopterin levels were lower in schizophrenia and MDD, warranting further investigation.

Neopterin levels and systemic inflammatory response syndrome in pediatric critically ill patients

Abstract Introduction Neopterin and biopterin are subproducts of redox reactions, which act as cofactor of enzymes responsible for nitric oxide production. We hypothesized that plasma neopterin suffers different evolution during the first days of a critically ill child. Methods Single-center prospective observational study in patients 7 days to 14 years admitted to our PICU and that met SIRS criteria. Neopterin and biopterin levels as well as other acute phase reactants were collected at admission and at 24 h. Results A total of 28 patients were included, 78.9% male, median age 5.04 years (interquartile range [IQR] 1.47–10.26), PRISM II 2.0% (IQR 1.1–5.0). Mechanical ventilation (MV) in 90% of patients, median duration of 6.0 h (IQR 3.7–102.0); median PICU length of stay 5.0 days (IQR 2.7–18.7), maximum VIS through 0 (IQR 0–14). Baseline neopterin level 2.3 ± 1.2 nmol/l and at 24 h 2.3 ± 1.4 nmol/l. Baseline biopterin is 1.3 ± 0.5 nmol/l and 1.4 ± 0.4 nmol/l at 24 h. Neopterin levels significantly higher in patients with PICU length of stay >6 days (p = .02), patients who needed MV >24 h (p = .023) and those who developed complications (p = .05). Neopterin correlates directly and statistically significant with the duration of MV (rho = .6, p = .011), PICU length of stay (rho = .75, p Discussion There is a higher neopterin level when longer PICU stay, higher VIS score, longer MV and occurrence of complications, pointing at the involvement of an activation of the cellular immune system.

Neopterin levels and systemic inflammatory response syndrome in pediatric critically ill patients

Neopterin and biopterin are sub-products of redox reactions, which act as cofactors of enzymes responsible for nitric oxide production. The hypothesis is presented that plasma neopterin and biopterin evolve differently during the first days in a critically ill child. A single-centre prospective observational study was conducted on patients 7 days to 14 years admitted to our Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) and that met Systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) criteria. Neopterin and biopterin levels, as well as other acute phase reactants, were collected at admission and at 24 h. A total of 28 patients were included, of which 78.9% were male, The median age was 5.04 years (interquartile range [IQR] 1.47-10.26), and PRISM II 2.0% (IQR 1.1-5.0). Mechanical ventilation (MV) was used in 90% of patients, with a median duration of 6.0 hrs (IQR 3.7-102.0). The median length of stay in PICU was 5.0 days (IQR 2.7-18.7), maximum VIS mean of 0 (IQR 0-14). Baseline neopterin level was 2.3±1.2 nmol/l and at 24 h it was 2.3±1.4 nmol/l. Baseline biopterin was 1.3±0.5 nmol/l and 1.4±0.4 nmol/l at 24 h. Neopterin levels were significantly higher in patients with PICU length of stay > 6 days (P=.02), patients who needed MV >24 h (P=.023), and those who developed complications (P=.05). Neopterin correlates directly and is statistically significant with the duration of MV (rho=.6, P=.011), PICU length of stay (rho=.75, P<.0001), and VIS (rho=.73, P=.001). Additionally, biopterin directly correlates with the PRISM (rho=.61, P=.008). There is a higher neopterin level when there is a longer PICU stay, higher VIS score, longer time on MV, and occurrence of complications, indicating the involvement of an activation of the cellular immune system.

Alterations in the reduced pteridine contents in the cerebrospinal fluids of LRRK2 mutation carriers and patients with Parkinson's disease.

Tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) is a cofactor for tyrosine hydroxylase that is essential for the biosynthesis of dopamine. Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by a progressive degeneration of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons, and biomarkers reflecting the degree of neurodegeneration are important not only for basic research but also for clinical diagnosis and the treatment of the disease. Although the total neopterin and biopterin levels in the cerebrospinal fluids (CSF) of the patients with PD were reported, alterations in the composition of reduced and oxidized forms of pteridine compounds have not been examined. In this study, we first examined the time-dependent alterations in BH4 and other reduced pteridine compounds in the CSF of an MPTP-treated monkey as a primate PD model. We found that the CSF levels of BH4 and dihydroneopterin, an intermittent metabolite of BH4-biosynthesis, altered inversely with progression of neurodegeneration, whereas those of dihydrobiopterin and neopterin were relatively low and constant. Next, we assayed the amounts of reduced pteridine compounds in the CSF of 36 pre-symptomatic LRRK2-mutation (N1437H or G2019S) carriers (LRRK2-carrier), 13 patients with PD symptoms (LRRK2-PD), 46 patients with sporadic PD (sPD), and 26 non-PD individuals. The BH4 levels were significantly lower in both the LRRK2-PD and sPD patients, and the LRRK2-carriers exhibited higher BH4 levels compared with the sPD patients. The total neopterin levels in the CSF of the LRRK2-PD were significantly higher than those in the sPD and non-PD individuals, which indicated greater inflammatory responses in the brains of LRRK2-PD patients. The present results suggest that detailed analyses of pteridine levels in the CSF might be useful for understanding the pathophysiology of familial PD and for monitoring PD progression.

Levodopa-Carbidopa Intestinal Gel in a Pediatric Parkinsonism-plus Syndrome.

In Parkinson's disease, levodopa-carbidopa intestinal gel (LCIG) is indicated in control of motor fluctuations, dyskinesias1 and non-motor symptoms. We here report the first case of LCIG pediatric use. Our patient presented with upper limb tremor at 6 months and subsequently with axial hypotonia, dysphagia and generalized dystonia. He did not achieve the milestones in psychomotor development: he could not stand, walk, nor manipulate objects; verbal production was never acquired. At 14 months, brain magnetic resonance was normal and cerebrospinal fluid examination showed low levels of homovanillic acid, neopterin and biopterin. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Tetrahydrobiopterin Supplementation: Elevation of Tissue Biopterin Levels Accompanied by a Relative Increase in Dihydrobiopterin in the Blood and the Role of Probenecid-Sensitive Uptake in Scavenging Dihydrobiopterin in the Liver and Kidney of Rats.

Tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) is an essential cofactor of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and aromatic amino acid hydroxylases. BH4 and 7,8-dihydrobiopterin (BH2) are metabolically interchangeable at the expense of NADPH. Exogenously administered BH4 can be metabolized by the body, similar to vitamins. At present, synthetic BH4 is used as an orphan drug for patients with inherited diseases requiring BH4 supplementation. BH4 supplementation has also drawn attention as a means of treating certain cardiovascular symptoms, however, its application in human patients remains limited. Here, we tracked biopterin (BP) distribution in blood, bile, urine, liver, kidney and brain after BH4 administration (5 mg/kg rat, i.v.) with or without prior treatment with probenecid, a potent inhibitor of uptake transporters particularly including organic anion transporter families such as OTA1 and OAT3. The rapid excretion of BP in urine was driven by elevated blood concentrations and its elimination reached about 90% within 120 min. In the very early period, BP was taken up by the liver and kidney and gradually released back to the blood. BH4 administration caused a considerable decrease in the BH4% in blood BP as an inevitable compensatory process. Probenecid treatment slowed down the decrease in blood BP and simultaneously inhibited its initial rapid excretion in the kidney. At the same time, the BH4% was further lowered, suggesting that the probenecid-sensitive BP uptake played a crucial role in BH2 scavenging in vivo. This suggested that the overproduced BH2 was taken up by organs by means of the probenecid-sensitive process, and was then scavenged by counter-conversion to BH4 via the BH4 salvage pathway. Taken together, BH4 administration was effective at raising BP levels in organs over the course of hours but with extremely low efficiency. Since a high BH2 relative to BH4 causes NOS dysfunction, the lowering of the BH4% must be avoided in practice, otherwise the desired effect of the supplementation in ameliorating NOS dysfunction would be spoiled.

Genetic predisposition in patients with hypertension and normal ejection fraction to oxidative stress

The role of oxidative stress (OXS) due to myocardial nitric oxide synthase (NOS) uncoupling related to oxidative depletion of its cofactor tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) emerged in the pathogenesis of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. We determined the prevalence of six single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of genes encoding enzymes related to OXS, BH4 metabolism, and NOS function in ≥60-year-old 94 patients with hypertension and 18 age-matched controls with normal ejection fraction. Using echocardiography, 56/94 (60%) patients with hypertension had left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction (HTDD+ group) and 38/94 (40%) patients had normal LV diastolic function (HTDD− group). Four SNPs (rs841, rs3783641, rs10483639, and rs807267) of guanosine triphosphate cyclohydrolase-1, the rate-limiting enzyme in BH4 synthesis, one (rs4880) of manganese superoxide dismutase, and one (rs1799983) of endothelial NOS genes were genotyped using real-time polymerase chain reaction method and Taqman probes. Protein carbonylation, BH4, and total biopterin levels were measured from plasma samples. No between-groups difference in minor allele frequency of SNPs was found. We calculated a genetic score indicating risk for OXS based on the minor allele frequencies of the SNPs. A high genetic risk for OXS was significantly associated with HTDD+ even after adjustment for confounding variables (odds ratio [95% confidence interval]:4.79 [1.12–20.54]; P = .035). In both patient groups protein carbonylation (P < .05 for both), plasma BH4 (P < .01 for both) and in the HTDD+ group total biopterin (P < .05) increased versus controls. In conclusion, in patients with hypertension and normal ejection fraction, a potential precursor of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, a partly genetically determined increased OXS, seems to be associated with the presence of LV diastolic dysfunction.

Differences in pteridine urinary levels in patients with malignant and benign ovarian tumors in comparison with healthy individuals

Pteridines belong to a class of fluorescent metabolites that are excreted by humans in urine and their concentrations can reflect various pathophysiological states. We quantified the differences in urinary pteridine levels in patients with malignant and benign ovarian tumors and in healthy individuals. Urine samples were centrifuged and supernatants were oxidized by MnO2 before analysis. Levels of neopterin, biopterin, and pterin were assessed by fluorescence analysis of human urine after HPLC separation.We have revealed that the median neopterin levels were higher in urine samples from patients with malignant (0.226μmol/mmol creatinine) and benign ovarian tumors (0.150μmol/mmol creatinine) than in healthy subjects (0.056μmol/mmol creatinine). The median neopterin levels of patients with malignant tumors were higher (1.5-times) than in patients with benign tumors. The median biopterin level in urine of patients with benign ovarian tumors (0.268μmol/mmol creatinine) was found to be very close to the level in patients with malignant ovarian tumors (0.239μmol/mmol creatinine), and both were higher than in healthy samples (0.096μmol/mmol creatinine). The levels of urine pterin followed a pattern similar to neopterin levels for both ovarian tumors, but their concentrations were about three times lower than neopterin levels.

Abstract W P230: Tetrahydrobiopterin Attenuates Cerebrovascular Oxidative Stress in Tg2576 Mouse Model of Alzheimer’s Disease

Background: The present study was designed to test the hypothesis that supplementation of tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) to transgenic mice expressing the Swedish double mutation of human amyloid precursor protein (Tg2576 mice) results in restoration of BH4 levels required for activation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), and in turn, prevents oxidative stress in cerebral microvasculature. Methods: Cerebral microvessels were obtained from 4-5 months old female wild-type and Tg2576 mice. Biopterin levels, enzymatic activity of GTP cyclohydrolase I (GTPCH-I) and superoxide production were measured by HPLC. The effects of supplementation of BH4 on oxidative stress were studied by injecting wild-type and Tg2576 mice subcutaneously with 100 mol/kg (b.w.) of BH 4 ([ 6R ]-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-L-biopterin dihydrochloride; [ 6R ]-BH4). Results: Enzymatic activity of GTPCH-I, rate limiting enzyme in BH4 biosynthesis, was not different between cerebral microvessels of wild-type and Tg2576 mice. However, bioavailability of BH4, was significantly reduced in cerebral microvessels of Tg2576 mice (P&lt;0.05, n=8). Production of superoxide anions was significantly elevated in cerebral microvessels of Tg2576 mice (P&lt;0.01, n=6), indicative of oxidative stress. This increased superoxide anion production was abolished by L-NAME, a NOS inhibitor, suggestive of eNOS uncoupling (P&lt;0.05, n=6). Supplementation of [ 6R ]-BH4 to wild-type and Tg2576 mice resulted in significant increase in BH4 bioavailability (P&lt;0.05, n=6). Notably, supplementation of [ 6R ]-BH4 abrogated the increase in superoxide anion production in cerebral microvessels of Tg2576 mice (P&lt;0.05, n=5), while superoxide anion production remained unchanged in cerebral microvessels of WT mice. Furthermore, the inhibitory effects of L-NAME on superoxide anion production in cerebral microvessels of Tg2576 mice were abolished following [ 6R ]-BH4 supplementation (P&lt;0.05, n=4). Conclusion: Supplementation of [ 6R ]-BH4 restored bioavailability of BH4, thereby abrogating superoxide anion production derived from eNOS. Our results suggest that uncoupling of eNOS contributes to oxidative stress in cerebral microvessels of Tg2576 mice.

Abstract T P246: Phenotypic Characterization of Cerebral Microvasculature in Transgenic Mice With Endothelium Targeted Over-expression of GTP Cyclohydrolase I

Background: Optimal availability of tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) is a critical determinant of nitric oxide (NO) production by endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) in the vascular endothelium. Biosynthesis of BH4 is regulated by the enzymatic activation of GTP cyclohydrolase I (GTPCH-I). While the physiological role of GTPCH-I and BH4 have been extensively characterized in peripheral vasculature, their role in regulation of cerebral vascular function has not been investigated. Methods: The role of GTPCH-I in regulation of cerebral vascular function was studied in cerebral microvessels isolated from wild-type (WT) mice and from mice with endothelium-targeted overexpression of GTPCH-I (eGTPCH-I Tg) mice. Vascular protein expression, intracellular levels of biopterin and cGMP (second messenger of NO) as well as production of NO and superoxide anions were determined. Results: Endothelium targeted over-expression of GTPCH-I resulted in significant increase in levels of BH4, as well as its oxidized product, 7,8-dihydrobiopterin (7,8-BH2). Importantly, ratio of BH4 to 7,8-BH2, indicative of BH4 available for eNOS activation, was significantly increased in cerebral microvessels of eGTPCH-I Tg mice. However, protein expression of eNOS, levels of nitrate/nitrite - indicative of NO production remained unchanged between cerebral microvessels of WT mice and eGTPCH-I Tg mice. Furthermore, increased BH4 biosynthesis did not affect production of superoxide anions or expression of antioxidant enzymes. Moreover, intracellular levels of cGMP, reflective of NO signaling and activation of soluble guanylate cyclase, were not affected in eGTPCH-I Tg mice. Conclusion: Our results suggest that, despite a significant increase in BH4 bioavailability, generation of endothelial NO in cerebral microvessels remained unchanged in eGTPCH-I Tg mice. We conclude that under physiological conditions the levels of BH4 are optimal for activation of eNOS and NO/cGMP signaling in wild-type mice.

Serum Biopterin and Neopterin Levels as Predictors of Empty Follicles.

OBJECTIVEThis study measured serum and follicular fluid (FF) levels of biopterin, neopterin, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) in patients receiving mild ovarian stimulation for oocyte retrieval.PATIENTS AND METHODSInfertile patients who underwent ovarian stimulation were divided into the following: Group 1, no oocyte retrieval (n = 12), and Group 2, retrieval of more than four oocytes (n = 13). Median total gonadotropin dose in both groups was 150 IU. Biopterin and neopterin levels were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography. VEGF and M-CSF levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.RESULTSCompared to Group 2, serum and FF levels of neopterin and VEGF and serum levels of M-CSF were significantly increased, and serum and FF levels of biopterin were significantly decreased in Group 1 (P < 0.05 each).CONCLUSIONBiopterin and neopterin levels showed similar differences in FF and serum of patients with empty follicles. Decreased biopterin and increased neopterin in serum could predict poor oocyte retrieval.

Efecto de atorvastatina sobre los niveles de biopterinas y la relación bh4/bh2 en pacientes diabéticos:

ResumenEl objetivo de este estudio es evaluar el efecto de atorvastatina sobre los niveles de biopterinas y el índice BH4/BH2 en pacientes con diabetes tipo 2.Materiales y Métodos. 20 pacientes con diabetes tipo 2, sin tratamiento previo con estatinas ni inhibidores del eje renina-angiotensina, recibieron atorvastatina 10 mg una vez al día por 3 meses. En todos ellos BH4 y BH2 se midieron por cromatografía líquida de fase reversa con fluorescencia al inicio y el final del estudio. Los pacientes fueron evaluados mensualmente y se registró presión arterial, glucemia de ayuno, perfil de lípidos y efectos adversos. El análisis estadístico se realizó con las pruebas de Shapiro-Wilk y Wilcoxon. Resultados: El manejo con atorvastatina aumentó los niveles de BH4 (5.4 a 9.1, p=0.047) y redujo los de BH2 (7.4 a 6.99, p= 0.60), además de mejorar el índice BH4/BH2 (0.83 a 1.85 p= 0.016). Ningún paciente presentó efectos adversos.Conclusión: Nuestros resultados muestran que atorvastatina brinda un beneficio sobre los niveles de las biopterinas. Esto explica, al menos en parte, los efectos favorables de las estatinas en pacientes diabéticos cardiovascular.

Folinic acid treatment for schizophrenia associated with folate receptor autoantibodies

BackgroundAuto-antibodies against folate receptor alpha (FRα) at the choroid plexus that block N5-methyltetrahydrofolate (MTHF) transfer to the brain were identified in catatonic schizophrenia. Acoustic hallucinations disappeared following folinic acid treatment. Folate transport to the CNS prevents homocysteine accumulation and delivers one-carbon units for methyl-transfer reactions and synthesis of purines. The guanosine derivative tetrahydrobiopterin acts as common co-factor for the enzymes producing dopamine, serotonin and nitric oxide. MethodsOur study selected patients with schizophrenia unresponsive to conventional treatment. Serum from these patients with normal plasma homocysteine, folate and vitamin B12 was tested for FR autoantibodies of the blocking type on serial samples each week. Spinal fluid was analyzed for MTHF and the metabolites of pterins, dopamine and serotonin. The clinical response to folinic acid treatment was evaluated. ResultsFifteen of 18 patients (83.3%) had positive serum FR auto-antibodies compared to only 1 in 30 controls (3.3%) (χ2=21.6; p<0.0001). FRα antibody titers in patients fluctuated over time varying between negative and high titers, modulating folate flux to the CNS, which explained low CSF folate values in 6 and normal values in 7 patients. The mean±SD for CSF MTHF was diminished compared to previously established controls (t-test: 3.90; p=0.0002).A positive linear correlation existed between CSF MTHF and biopterin levels. CSF dopamine and serotonin metabolites were low or in the lower normal range. Administration of folinic acid (0.3–1mg/kg/day) to 7 participating patients during at least six months resulted in clinical improvement. ConclusionAssessment of FR auto-antibodies in serum is recommended for schizophrenic patients. Clinical negative or positive symptoms are speculated to be influenced by the level and evolution of FRα antibody titers which determine folate flux to the brain with up- or down-regulation of brain folate intermediates linked to metabolic processes affecting homocysteine levels, synthesis of tetrahydrobiopterin and neurotransmitters. Folinic acid intervention appears to stabilize the disease process.

Correlation between biopterin levels and intimal-media thickness in type-2 diabetic hypertensive patients

BackgroundBiopterins have a crucial role in the function of nitric oxide synthase, uncoupling of the enzyme leads to endothelial dysfunction and vascular damage, The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the levels of biopterins with carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) in hypertensive type-2 diabetic patients.MethodsWe studied 30 hypertensive type-2 diabetic patients and 30 normotensive non-diabetic age-matched subjects, in whom biopterins levels were measured by reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection. Additionally, the CIMT of both the common and internal carotid arteries was measured. The levels of biopterins and CIMT were correlated using the Pearson correlation coefficient test.ResultsWe did not find a significantly correlation between biopterins levels and CIMT. However, we found a significantly inverse correlation between the BH4/BH2 ratio and the CIMT in patients (r = -0.54, p < 0.01). A multiple regression analysis revealed that the CIMT correlated significantly and independently with the BH4/BH2 ratio.ConclusionOur results suggest that the BH4/BH2 ratio seems to be a better marker of vascular disease than biopterin levels.

Methylglyoxal modulates endothelial nitric oxide synthase-associated functions in EA.hy926 endothelial cells

BackgroundIncreased levels of the sugar metabolite methylglyoxal (MG) in vivo were shown to participate in the pathophysiology of vascular complications in diabetes. Alterations of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activity by hypophosphorylation of the enzyme and enhanced monomerization are found in the diabetic milieu, and the regulation of this still remains undefined. Using various pharmacological approaches, we elucidate putative mechanisms by which MG modulates eNOS-associated functions of MG-stimulated superoxide production, phosphorylation status and eNOS uncoupling in EA.hy926 human endothelial cells.MethodsIn cultured EA.hy926 endothelial cells, the effects of MG treatment, tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4; 100 μM) and sepiapterin (20 μM) supplementation, NOS inhibition by NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME; 50 μM), and inhibition of peroxynitrite (ONOO-) formation (300 μM Tempol plus 50 μM L-NAME) on eNOS dimer/monomer ratios, Ser-1177 eNOS phosphorylation and 3-nitrotyrosine (3NT) abundance were quantified using immunoblotting. dependent fluorescence was determined using a commercially available kit and tissue biopterin levels were measured by fluorometric HPLC analysis.ResultsIn EA.hy926 cells, MG treatment significantly enhanced generation and 3NT expression and reduced Ser-1177 eNOS phosphorylation, eNOS dimer/monomer ratio and cellular biopterin levels indicative of eNOS uncoupling. These effects were significantly mitigated by administration of BH4, sepiapterin and suppression of ONOO- formation. L-NAME treatment significantly blunted eNOS-derived generation but did not modify eNOS phosphorylation or monomerization.ConclusionMG triggers eNOS uncoupling and hypophosphorylation in EA.hy926 endothelial cells associated with generation and biopterin depletion. The observed effects of the glycolysis metabolite MG presumably account, at least in part, for endothelial dysfunction in diabetes.

Early replacement therapy in a first Japanese case with autosomal recessive guanosine triphosphate cyclohydrolase I deficiency with a novel point mutation

Autosomal recessive guanosine triphosphate cyclohydrolase I (GTPCH) deficiency is an inborn error of tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) synthesis from GTP. GTPCH deficiency causes severe reduction of BH4, resulting in hyperphenylalaninemia (HPA) and decreased dopamine and serotonin synthesis. Without treatment, a patient with GTPCH deficiency develops complex neurological dysfunctions, including dystonia and developmental delays. The first Japanese patient with GTPCH deficiency was discovered by HPA during asymptomatic newborn screening. The phenylalanine level at the age of 5days was 1273μmol/L (cutoff value, 180.0μmol/L). The high serum phenylalanine level was decreased to normal after adequate BH4 oral supplementation. Serum and urinary pteridine examination revealed very low levels of neopterin and biopterin. Sequence analysis of GCH1 revealed compound heterozygous point mutations, including a novel point mutation (p.R235W). Replacement therapy with BH4 and L-dopa/carbidopa were started at the age of 1month, and 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) was started at the age of 5months. At 10months of age, the patient showed slight dystonia but no obvious developmental delay. Cerebrospinal fluid should be examined to determine the appropriate dosage of supplement drugs. In conclusion, it is important to control the serum phenylalanine level and perform early replacement of neurotransmitters to prevent neurological dysfunction.