Sign in to use this feature.

Years

Between: -

Subjects

remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline

Journals

remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline

Article Types

Countries / Regions

remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline

Search Results (1,137)

Search Parameters:
Keywords = LC-Plasma

Order results
Result details
Results per page
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
27 pages, 1630 KB  
Article
Sectoral Patterns of Arsenic, Boron, and Salinity Indicators in Groundwater from the La Yarada Los Palos Coastal Aquifer, Peru
by Luis Johnson Paúl Mori Sosa, Dante Ulises Morales Cabrera, Walter Dimas Florez Ponce De León, Hernán Rolando Salinas Palza and Edith Eva Cruz Pérez
Sustainability 2026, 18(2), 830; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18020830 - 14 Jan 2026
Viewed by 108
Abstract
Groundwater is the main water source for irrigated agriculture, accounting for an increasing share of the domestic supply in the hyper-arid district of La Yarada Los Palos (Tacna, Peru); however, at the sector scale, concerns about arsenic, boron and salinity remain poorly quantified. [...] Read more.
Groundwater is the main water source for irrigated agriculture, accounting for an increasing share of the domestic supply in the hyper-arid district of La Yarada Los Palos (Tacna, Peru); however, at the sector scale, concerns about arsenic, boron and salinity remain poorly quantified. Arsenic and boron were selected as target contaminants because of their naturally elevated concentrations associated with coastal and volcanic hydrogeological settings, and their well-documented implications for human health and irrigation suitability. This study reports a 12-month monitoring program (September 2024–August 2025) in three irrigated sectors, in which wells were sampled monthly and analyzed by inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) for total arsenic, boron, lithium and sodium, along with electrical conductivity, pH, temperature and total dissolved solids. The sector–month total arsenic means ranged from 0.0089 to 0.0143 mg L−1, with 33 of 36 exceeding the 0.010 mg L−1 drinking water benchmark recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). Total boron ranged from 1.11 to 2.76 mg L−1, meaning that all observations were above the 0.5 mg L−1 irrigation guideline for agricultural use proposed by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). A marked salinity gradient was observed from the inland Sector 1-BH (median Na ≈ 77 mg L−1; EC ≈ 1.2 mS cm−1) to the coastal Sector 3-LC (median Na ≈ 251 mg L−1; EC ≈ 3.3 mS cm−1), with Sector 2-FS showing intermediate salinity but the highest median boron and lithium levels. Spearman rank correlations indicate that sodium, electrical conductivity and total dissolved solids define the main salinity axis, whereas arsenic is only moderately associated with boron and lithium and is not a simple function of bulk salinity. Taken together, these results show that groundwater from the monitored wells is not safe for drinking without treatment and is subject to at least moderate boron-related irrigation restrictions. The sector-resolved dataset provides a quantitative baseline for La Yarada Los Palos and a foundation for future work integrating expanded monitoring, health-risk metrics and management scenarios for arsenic, boron and salinity in hyper-arid coastal aquifers. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 2350 KB  
Article
Metabolomic Subtyping and Machine Learning-Based Diagnosis Reveal Clinical Heterogeneity in Silicosis
by Jia Si, Hangju Zhu, Xinyu Ji, An-Dong Li, Ye Li, Shidan Wang, Yizhou Yang, Jianye Guo, Xinyu Li, Xiaocheng Peng, Ming Xu, Baoli Zhu, Yuanfang Chen and Lei Han
Metabolites 2026, 16(1), 67; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo16010067 - 12 Jan 2026
Viewed by 120
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Silicosis remains a major occupational health concern worldwide and is characterized by notable clinical heterogeneity in terms of disease progression and complications. However, the underlying metabolic mechanisms contributing to this heterogeneity remain poorly understood. Methods: We conducted a case–control study involving 156 [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Silicosis remains a major occupational health concern worldwide and is characterized by notable clinical heterogeneity in terms of disease progression and complications. However, the underlying metabolic mechanisms contributing to this heterogeneity remain poorly understood. Methods: We conducted a case–control study involving 156 silicosis patients and 132 silica-exposed controls. The plasma samples were analyzed via untargeted metabolomics based on liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). To explore disease subtypes and potential biomarkers, we applied non-negative matrix factorization (NMF) clustering, weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), and machine learning approaches. Results: A total of 860 differentially abundant metabolites, including elevated pathogen-associated compounds, were identified in silicosis patients. Unsupervised NMF clustering revealed two distinct metabolic subtypes with different clinical features. Patients in the NMF2 subgroup had a 5.3-fold greater risk of pulmonary infections (p = 0.026) than those in the NMF1 subgroup. Metabolomic analysis revealed that NMF2 was enriched in arachidonic acid and unsaturated fatty acid metabolism pathways, with prominent LysoPC accumulation, suggesting inflammation-related lipid peroxidation. In contrast, NMF1 was characterized by increased spermidine biosynthesis and urea cycle activity, along with suppressed saturated fatty acid metabolism and reduced LysoPC processing, potentially affecting membrane integrity and promoting fibrosis. A machine learning-derived dual-metabolite panel, tyrosocholic acid and PI (20:4/0:0), achieved AUC values above 0.85 for both silicosis detection and subtype classification. Conclusions: These findings highlight metabolic heterogeneity in silicosis and suggest clinically relevant subtypes, providing a foundation for improved stratification, early detection, and targeted interventions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Bioinformatics and Data Analysis)
Show Figures

Figure 1

27 pages, 1106 KB  
Article
Comparative Diagnostic Performance of Conventional and Novel Fatty Acid Indices in Blood Plasma as Biomarkers of Atherosclerosis Under Statin Therapy
by Nikolay Eroshchenko, Elena Danilova, Anastasiia Lomonosova, Philipp Kopylov, Svetlana Lebedeva, Andreas Tsakalof and Alexander Nosyrev
Biomedicines 2026, 14(1), 149; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines14010149 - 11 Jan 2026
Viewed by 314
Abstract
Background: Atherosclerosis and its associated chronic inflammation of the arterial wall disrupt fatty acid metabolism, leading to changes in plasma fatty acid composition. These alterations can be used to improve disease diagnosis and risk stratification by the development and application of specific lipidomic [...] Read more.
Background: Atherosclerosis and its associated chronic inflammation of the arterial wall disrupt fatty acid metabolism, leading to changes in plasma fatty acid composition. These alterations can be used to improve disease diagnosis and risk stratification by the development and application of specific lipidomic indices. Objectives: The objectives of this study are to evaluate the performance of conventional fatty acid indices and enhance diagnostic efficiency in atherosclerosis by introducing novel index based on plasma PUFA n-6 and n-3 content (Omega-6/3 Balance Index, O6/3-BI), as well as the perspective SFA/MUFA ratio (stearic/oleic acid ratio, C18:0/C18:1n-9) and a logit function combining PUFA and SFA/MUFA biomarkers. Methods: Plasma fatty acids were quantified by LC-MS/MS in healthy controls (n = 50) and patients with carotid atherosclerosis (n = 52), stratified by atorvastatin, rosuvastatin, or no statin therapy. The conventional indices (the Omega-3 Status (EPA + DHA), AA/EPA, and the omega-6/omega-3 ratio), and pathway ratios (C18:0/C18:1n-9; and C20:4n-6/C22:4n-6), as well as the newly introduced PUFA index and combined PUFA-SFA/MUFA logit function, were calculated. Their diagnostic performance for distinguishing atherosclerosis was assessed by a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis with the cross-validation and calculation of Cliff’s Δ effect size. Results: The conventional parameters demonstrated a poor to low discrimination ability of the atherosclerosis patients’ groups from healthy controls (area under the ROC curve, AUC 0.548–0.711). In statin-treated patients, these conventional markers lost significance. The newly introduced PUFA index and SFA/MUFA ratio demonstrated improved patients’ discrimination with AUC 0.734–0.780 for the former and strong predictive power with AUC 0.831–0.858 for the latter marker and maintained their diagnostic value under statin therapy. The most significant positive effect size was observed for the SFA/MUFA ratio with Cliff’s Δ = 0.67–0.71. The combined PUFA-SFA/MUFA logit function also demonstrated a strong predictive power with AUC = 0.880 (Cliff’s Δ = −0.76), outperforming any single index. Conclusions: The newly introduced lipidomic index based on the PUFA content, SFA/MUFA ratio, and a logit function combining PUFA-SFA/MUFA biomarkers demonstrated a substantially better discrimination of atherosclerosis-related fatty acid metabolic disturbances than conventional fatty acid biomarkers. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 899 KB  
Article
Analysis of Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Interactions Between Chlorpromazine and Risperidone via Simultaneous Measurement of Multiple Receptor Occupancy in the Rat Brain
by Gaku Akashita, Eriko Nakatani, Shimako Tanaka and Takashi Okura
Biomedicines 2026, 14(1), 118; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines14010118 - 6 Jan 2026
Viewed by 286
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Combination therapy for schizophrenia may exacerbate side effects mediated by multiple brain receptors. This study aimed to elucidate the pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic interactions between chlorpromazine and risperidone. We investigated dopamine 2 (D2), serotonin 2A (5-HT2A), histamine 1 (H [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Combination therapy for schizophrenia may exacerbate side effects mediated by multiple brain receptors. This study aimed to elucidate the pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic interactions between chlorpromazine and risperidone. We investigated dopamine 2 (D2), serotonin 2A (5-HT2A), histamine 1 (H1), and muscarinic acetylcholine (mACh) receptor occupancy in the brain as well as pharmacokinetic interactions after oral administration of chlorpromazine and risperidone in rats. Methods: Rats were orally administered chlorpromazine, risperidone, or their combination. A tracer cocktail solution was injected intravenously to measure multiple receptor occupancies simultaneously. Tracer and drug concentrations in the brain tissue and plasma were quantified by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Results: Receptor occupancy increased in a dose-dependent manner. The doses required for 70% D2 receptor occupancy were 4.5 mg/kg for chlorpromazine and 1.5 mg/kg for risperidone. Co-administration of chlorpromazine (4.5 mg/kg) and risperidone (1.5 mg/kg) resulted in an increase in D2 and 5-HT2A receptor occupancy to approximately 90%. Risperidone alone caused a transient increase in H1 receptor occupancy to 80%, while co-administration increased mACh receptor occupancy to 60%. Co-administration with chlorpromazine significantly increased the plasma concentrations of risperidone and its metabolite, paliperidone, and decreased the oral clearance of risperidone by 5.9-fold. Conclusions: Co-administration of chlorpromazine and risperidone increases the occupancy of D2, 5-HT2A, and mACh receptors in the rat brain and increases the plasma concentrations of risperidone and paliperidone, suggesting a potential risk of enhanced adverse effects due to both pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interactions involving target and non-target brain receptors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Drug Discovery, Development and Delivery)
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

15 pages, 4760 KB  
Article
Plasma Metabolome and Metabolite Toxicity Profiling of Moderate-Intensity Running in Human Females
by Qintong Fei, Tiantian Liang, Maodi Liang, Jing Cao, Huilin Yao, Ping Zhu and Qinghua Cui
Metabolites 2026, 16(1), 43; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo16010043 - 2 Jan 2026
Viewed by 373
Abstract
Background: Existing exercise metabolomics studies have predominantly focused on changes in the type and abundance of metabolites, while rarely addressing the toxicity risk of differential metabolites. Metabolic toxicity refers to the potential of endogenous or exogenous metabolites to induce oxidative stress, cell [...] Read more.
Background: Existing exercise metabolomics studies have predominantly focused on changes in the type and abundance of metabolites, while rarely addressing the toxicity risk of differential metabolites. Metabolic toxicity refers to the potential of endogenous or exogenous metabolites to induce oxidative stress, cell death, and other forms of biological damage when excessively accumulated and serves as a key driver of metabolic disorders. This study aims to characterize the toxicity risk of plasma differential metabolites before and after a single session of moderate-intensity running, so as to investigate the exercise-induced changes in metabolic toxicity. Methods: A single-group self-pretest–posttest control design was adopted in this study. Participants were recruited from Wuhan Sports University, China, with the inclusion criteria of healthy females aged 22–30 years and BMI 18.5–24.9. Individuals with a history of metabolic diseases or who met other exclusion criteria were excluded, and 5 females were finally enrolled. The exercise protocol consisted of a single 40 min session of moderate-intensity running on a treadmill. We collected plasma samples from five healthy females before and after exercise and performed untargeted LC-MS/MS metabolomic profiling. The gap-Δenergy algorithm was applied to calculate the toxicity scores of differential metabolites, and the proportion of metabolites with high toxic potential (score > 0.6) was compared. Results: Plasma metabolic profiles underwent notable remodeling after exercise. Thirty-two metabolites were upregulated and the phosphosphingolipid SM(d18:2(4E,14Z)/16:0) was the most significant. Meanwhile 32 metabolites were downregulated and the phosphosphingolipid PC(18:1(9Z)/14:0) was the most significant. The 64 differential metabolites were enriched in 9 KEGG pathways including amino acid metabolism and lipid metabolism. Moreover, we systematically evaluated the toxicity of these metabolites using the gap-Δenergy algorithm and found that the downregulated metabolites exhibited a significantly higher toxicity score compared to the upregulated ones. In addition, 37.5% of the downregulated metabolites had a high toxicity score, while the proportion of high toxicity in the upregulated group was only 15.6%. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that moderate-intensity running may confer metabolic health benefits to individuals by reducing metabolic toxicity, specifically through the downregulation of metabolites with high toxic potential. These findings offer novel evidence for exercise’s role in improving metabolic health. They also open a new direction for exercise-based interventions in metabolic disease–toxicity regulation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Endocrinology and Clinical Metabolic Research)
Show Figures

Figure 1

26 pages, 1516 KB  
Review
Vascular Complications of Long COVID—From Endothelial Dysfunction to Systemic Thrombosis: A Systematic Review
by Maja Stojanovic, Marko Djuric, Irina Nenadic, Suzana Bojic, Ana Andrijevic, Aleksa Popovic and Slobodan Pesic
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(1), 433; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27010433 - 31 Dec 2025
Viewed by 2050
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is associated not only with respiratory illness but also with profound vascular and coagulation disturbances. Long COVID (LC) is characterized by persistent symptoms such as fatigue, dyspnea, cognitive impairment, [...] Read more.
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is associated not only with respiratory illness but also with profound vascular and coagulation disturbances. Long COVID (LC) is characterized by persistent symptoms such as fatigue, dyspnea, cognitive impairment, and palpitations. Mechanistically, SARS-CoV-2 induces direct endothelial injury, promotes a pro-inflammatory cytokine milieu, and activates platelets, leading to immunothrombosis and impaired fibrinolysis. Consequently, patients exhibit microthrombosis, elevated plasma D-dimer, fibrinogen dysregulation, and persistent hypercoagulability. Clinically, this translates into an increased risk of venous thromboembolism, including deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, as well as arterial thrombotic events such as myocardial infarction and stroke, which may persist months after acute infection. Understanding the interplay between endothelial injury, inflammation, and coagulation is crucial for risk stratification and the development of preventive and therapeutic strategies. We conducted a systematic narrative review of the literature, including human clinical and mechanistic studies identified through PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science up to 30 September 2025. This review synthesizes current evidence on vascular complications in LC, highlighting endothelial dysfunction as a central pathophysiological nexus linking the acute phase of SARS-CoV-2 infection with chronic LC manifestations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Long-COVID and Its Complications)
Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 2263 KB  
Article
Longitudinal, Intra-Individual Stability of Untargeted Plasma and Cerebrospinal Fluid Metabolites
by Briana Rocha, Erin M. Jonaitis, Alana Hamwi and Corinne D. Engelman
Metabolites 2026, 16(1), 35; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo16010035 - 30 Dec 2025
Viewed by 315
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Longitudinal metabolomics analysis offers valuable insights into how metabolic pathways change according to age and health status. However, metabolite levels can fluctuate due to biological factors (e.g., age, diet, and health status) and technical factors (e.g., sample handling, storage times, and instrument [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Longitudinal metabolomics analysis offers valuable insights into how metabolic pathways change according to age and health status. However, metabolite levels can fluctuate due to biological factors (e.g., age, diet, and health status) and technical factors (e.g., sample handling, storage times, and instrument performance), with some metabolites exhibiting greater sensitivity to these sources of variability than others. This study aimed to characterize the longitudinal and technical stability of untargeted plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) metabolites and to identify a subset that remains reliable over the extended time scales required for epidemiological research. Methods: Untargeted ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS) metabolomic profiles were available from multiple visits in the Wisconsin Registry for Alzheimer’s Prevention (WRAP) and Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (ADRC) studies. For this analysis, we constructed a subset of generally healthy participants with samples drawn at four time points (~2.5 years apart): two visits analyzed in 2017 and two visits analyzed in 2023, corresponding to two distinct analytical waves. We computed Rothery’s intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) to quantify intra-wave and inter-wave stability, evaluated pooled quality-control (QC) variation, classified metabolite stability by established thresholds, and developed a composite score integrating longitudinal stability and susceptibility to technical variance. Results: Across all metabolites, median stability was classified as ‘fair’ (Rothery’s ρ > 0.40 to ≤0.75) for both plasma and CSF. Although analytical batches were bridged using pooled QC samples, inter-wave stability was significantly lower than intra-wave stability, reflecting increased technical variability across waves. Using the composite score, we identified subsets of metabolites with ‘excellent’ stability and low susceptibility to batch effects in plasma and CSF. Stability patterns varied across biochemical super pathways. Conclusions: This work highlights metabolites suitable for long-term epidemiological studies and informs experimental design and analytical strategies for combining data across cohorts and analytical batches. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metabolomics in Neurodegenerative Diseases, 2nd Edition)
Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 1032 KB  
Article
Liquid Chromatography with Dual Mass Spectrometry Detection: An Approach to the Determination of Br-Containing Disinfection By-Products in Drinking Water
by Sergey A. Sypalov, Ilya S. Varsegov, Eleonora V. Danilova, Nikolay V. Ulyanovskii, Dmitry S. Kosyakov, Margarita Yu. Vozhdaeva, Alfiya R. Kholova, Dmitrii M. Mazur and Albert T. Lebedev
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(1), 386; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27010386 - 30 Dec 2025
Viewed by 267
Abstract
Detecting and quantifying disinfection by-products (DBPs), especially brominated species (Br-DBPs), is analytically challenging, often necessitating multiple techniques and specific standards for each target. This complexity hinders comprehensive assessment. To overcome these limitations, we present a powerful, integrated approach combining liquid chromatography with inductively [...] Read more.
Detecting and quantifying disinfection by-products (DBPs), especially brominated species (Br-DBPs), is analytically challenging, often necessitating multiple techniques and specific standards for each target. This complexity hinders comprehensive assessment. To overcome these limitations, we present a powerful, integrated approach combining liquid chromatography with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LC-ICP-MS) and high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS). This method enables rapid, non-targeted group screening of Br-DBPs: LC-ICP-MS selectively identifies bromine-containing compounds, while LC-HRMS provides tentative structural identification. Crucially, this synergistic combination allows for the quantification of any Br-DBP without requiring individual reference standards. This study successfully demonstrates the application of this combined LC-ICP-MS and LC-HRMS strategy for the non-targeted detection, identification, and subsequent quantification of Br-DBPs in real drinking water samples, offering a significant advancement for DBP monitoring and risk assessment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Toxicology)
Show Figures

Figure 1

33 pages, 4837 KB  
Article
Stability-Indicating Assay of Novel 5-(Hydroxamic acid)methyl Oxazolidinones with 5-Lipooxygenase Inhibitory Activity
by Hessa M. Al-Mutairi, Oludotun A. Phillips and Naser F. Al-Tannak
Pharmaceuticals 2026, 19(1), 69; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph19010069 - 29 Dec 2025
Viewed by 323
Abstract
Background: Oxazolidinone derivatives are a novel class of synthetic antibacterial agents, characterized by a five-membered heterocyclic ring containing oxygen and nitrogen and a carbonyl functionality at position 2. This pharmacophore is responsible not only for antibacterial activity but also for a variety [...] Read more.
Background: Oxazolidinone derivatives are a novel class of synthetic antibacterial agents, characterized by a five-membered heterocyclic ring containing oxygen and nitrogen and a carbonyl functionality at position 2. This pharmacophore is responsible not only for antibacterial activity but also for a variety of other biological activities, including anticancer activity, anticoagulant activity, and several others. A series of novel oxazolidinone derivatives containing a hydroxamic acid moiety were synthesized in our laboratories and identified as potent inhibitors of the enzyme 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO), a key enzyme involved in the biosynthesis of leukotrienes (LTs). LTs are proinflammatory mediators implicated in allergic and inflammatory diseases. Currently, zileuton is the only FDA-approved 5-LO inhibitor, emphasizing the need to develop new agents for the treatment of such diseases. This project aims to develop validated stability-indicating analytical methods for the four most potent novel 5-(hydroxamic acid)methyl oxazolidinone derivatives (PH-211, PH-247, PH-249, and PH-251). Methods: The compounds were analyzed using Waters Acquity Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (UHPLC-UV) with an ultraviolet detector to determine their stability in human plasma and under various forced degradation conditions, including acidic, basic, oxidative, and thermal conditions. Liquid chromatography–quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-QToF-MS) was used to identify possible degradation products. Results: The compounds were found to be stable in human plasma and under thermal degradation conditions with high extraction recoveries (82–90%) but unstable in acidic, basic, and oxidative conditions. Conclusions: The findings show that the compounds are stable in biological conditions; they hold promise for the treatment of inflammatory and allergic diseases. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Medicinal Chemistry)
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

20 pages, 806 KB  
Article
Dermal Concentration Versus Systemic Bioavailability of Topical Lidocaine and Tetracaine: An Exploratory Pharmacokinetic Pilot Study in Göttingen Minipigs
by Paweł Biernat, Dawid Bursy, Dominik Marciniak, Konrad Krajewski, Jan Meler and Radosław Balwierz
Pharmaceutics 2026, 18(1), 40; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics18010040 - 28 Dec 2025
Viewed by 582
Abstract
Background: Lidocaine, classified as an amide-type agent, and tetracaine, designated as an ester-type agent, are frequently co-formulated for dermatologic procedures. Despite the extensive literature on the pharmacokinetics (PK) of these substances, there is a paucity of head-to-head comparisons of intravenous (IV) and topical [...] Read more.
Background: Lidocaine, classified as an amide-type agent, and tetracaine, designated as an ester-type agent, are frequently co-formulated for dermatologic procedures. Despite the extensive literature on the pharmacokinetics (PK) of these substances, there is a paucity of head-to-head comparisons of intravenous (IV) and topical administration in the same preclinical model. Absolute bioavailability (F%) is imperative for optimizing formulation design and safety. Methods: A single-dose, single-sequence, three-period pilot study was performed in male Göttingen mini-pigs. The first period of the study involved the intravenous bolus administration of lidocaine HCl and tetracaine HCl, with a dosage of 1 mg/kg for each agent. In Period 2, the topical application of Pliaglis (a combination of 7% lidocaine and 7% tetracaine, with a concentration of 10 g/100 cm2 and a duration of 60 min) was utilized. In Period 3, the pharmacokinetic profile of Z4T4L4 (a formulation comprising 4% lidocaine HCl and 4% tetracaine HCl) was assessed under the same experimental conditions. Blood samples were collected up to 24 h after the administration of the drug; skin biopsies were obtained 90 min after the application of the test substance. Plasma and skin concentrations were measured by means of validated liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). PK parameters were derived using a noncompartmental analysis approach, while F% was calculated through AUC comparison with IV dosing. Results: Subsequent to intravenous administration, the mean elimination half-lives of lidocaine and tetracaine were determined to be 1.62 h and 1.85 h, respectively. Pliaglis demonstrated higher skin concentrations of lidocaine (358 μg/g) and tetracaine (465 μg/g) compared to Z4T4L4 (33.6 μg/g and 46.1 μg/g, respectively). Despite lower skin levels, Z4T4L4 produced higher F% (lidocaine: 1.98% vs. 1.41%; tetracaine: 3.34% vs. 1.26%). The time to maximum plasma concentration (Tmax) for lidocaine was found to be 2–4 h (Pliaglis) and 2–8 h (Z4T4L4), while for tetracaine, it was 1–8 h (Pliaglis) and 2–8 h (Z4T4L4). Conclusions: In this preliminary study, which included three subjects, Z4T4L4 exhibited a numerical tendency towards increased systemic bioavailability in comparison with Pliaglis. This observation was noted despite the fact that Z4T4L4 resulted in markedly lower skin concentrations. Due to the exploratory nature of the pilot study (n = 3), observed differences are reported as numerical trends. The data suggest that Z4T4L4 may enhance systemic absorption while reducing skin retention, highlighting a potential formulation-dependent dissociation between local concentration and systemic bioavailability. These preliminary findings provide in vivo evidence of a divergence between eutectic-based tissue retention and enhancer-driven systemic flux. This highlights that formulation design fundamentally dictates the safety profile of local anesthetics, necessitating a balance between local efficacy and systemic safety. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 572 KB  
Article
Lipoprotein-Specific Fatty Acid Profiles in Familial Hypercholesterolemia: Associations with Cardiovascular History and Dietary Patterns
by Anallely López-Yerena, Raquel Arroyo-Olivares, Victoria Santisteban, Natalia Muñoz-Garcia, Ramón Estruch, Pedro Mata, Lina Badimon and Teresa Padro
Nutrients 2026, 18(1), 92; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18010092 - 27 Dec 2025
Viewed by 338
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is an autosomal dominant inherited disease characterised by lifelong LDL cholesterol levels and premature presentation of cardiovascular disease if left untreated. Whether fatty acid (FA) composition in lipoproteins is modified in FH patients is not known. This study [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is an autosomal dominant inherited disease characterised by lifelong LDL cholesterol levels and premature presentation of cardiovascular disease if left untreated. Whether fatty acid (FA) composition in lipoproteins is modified in FH patients is not known. This study aimed to identify FA differences in low- and high-density lipoprotein (LDL and HDL, respectively) among young Spanish individuals with FH, treated as per guidelines recommendations, compared to their unaffected relatives with similar LDL concentrations in plasma. We also evaluated associations between the occurrence of cardiovascular event (CVE), dietary patterns, and the lipoprotein FA profile in FH. Methods: Lipoprotein FA profiles were determined by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS). Results: In comparison to their non-FH relatives, FH patients showed changes in the FA profile, predominantly in LDL particles while HDL particles were only modestly changed. FH individuals exhibited higher concentrations of poly- and monounsaturated FAs, oleic, γ-linoleic, α-linoleic, arachidonic, and eicosapentaenoic acids (p < 0.05). Interestingly, FH individuals showed greater adherence to the Mediterranean diet than their non-FH relatives, with no significant differences between those with and without previous CVE. The most pronounced changes in FA profile were observed in FH patients with a history of CVE, although the event itself did not significantly modify lipoprotein FA profiles. Conclusions: Well treated FH patients showed a FA profile that responded to a healthier diet than their relatives with similar plasma LDL levels. The strict lifestyle and pharmacological treatment affected positively the lipoproteins of FH patients and needs to be recommended. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Patterns, Lipid Metabolism and Fatty Liver Disease)
Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 4160 KB  
Article
Development and Application of an LC-MS/MS Method for Simultaneous Quantification of Azathioprine and Its Metabolites: Pharmacokinetic and Microbial Metabolism Study of a Colon-Targeted Nanoparticle
by Jingjing Zhang, Jiaqi Han, Ning Sun, Yuhan Zhu, Dong Mei and Libo Zhao
Pharmaceuticals 2026, 19(1), 58; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph19010058 - 26 Dec 2025
Viewed by 271
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Given the clinical limitations of azathioprine (AZA) in treating inflammatory bowel disease, this study developed an AZA-loaded microbiota-modulating and colon-targeted nanoparticle constructed from pectin, Zein, and Eudragit®S100 (APZE), which was hypothesized to enhance efficacy while reducing toxicity. A liquid [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Given the clinical limitations of azathioprine (AZA) in treating inflammatory bowel disease, this study developed an AZA-loaded microbiota-modulating and colon-targeted nanoparticle constructed from pectin, Zein, and Eudragit®S100 (APZE), which was hypothesized to enhance efficacy while reducing toxicity. A liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method was established to simultaneously quantify AZA and its metabolites, enabling the investigation of the pharmacokinetic and microbial metabolism differences between APZE and AZA suspension (AZAS). Methods: APZE was characterized, and an LC-MS/MS method was developed for quantifying AZA and its metabolites in multiple matrices. Given the potential of APZE for colon targeting and modulation of the microbiota, which may affect drug absorption, distribution, and microbiota-mediated metabolism, we determined analyte concentrations in rat plasma, tissues, and microbial cultures at different time points following administration of APZE or AZAS. Results: AZA, 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP), 6-methylmercaptopurine (6-MMP), and 6-thioguanine (6-TG) were quantified in positive ion mode, and 6-thiouric acid (6-TU) in negative ion mode. The assay demonstrated excellent accuracy, precision, and stability over the concentration range of 5–1000 ng/mL. Orally administered APZE exhibited higher bioavailability, improved intestinal absorption, and reduced formation of the inactive metabolite 6-TU compared to AZAS. In microbial cultures, AZA was metabolized primarily to 6-MP, and APZE underwent more extensive metabolism to 6-MP than AZAS. Conclusions: This method provides accurate and precise quantification of physiologically relevant concentrations of AZA and its metabolites (6-MP, 6-MMP, 6-TG, and 6-TU), offering a bioanalytical tool for the pharmacokinetic and gut microbiota metabolism studies of AZA formulations. These findings suggest that APZE is a promising drug delivery formulation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Pharmaceutical Technology)
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

20 pages, 3910 KB  
Article
Physiological Thresholds and Adaptation Mechanisms of the Ili Perch (Perca schrenkii) to Chloride-Type Saline Water
by Kaipeng Zhang, Shixin Gao, Guanping Xing, Yichao Hao, Zhulan Nie, Jie Wei, Tao Ai, Shijing Zhang, Jiasong Zhang and Zhaohua Huang
Animals 2026, 16(1), 63; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16010063 - 25 Dec 2025
Viewed by 196
Abstract
Global freshwater scarcity necessitates the exploitation of alternative water resources for aquaculture. Chloride-type saline-alkaline water, characterized by high salinity but moderate pH, is widely distributed in arid regions worldwide and represents a vast, underutilized resource. This study comprehensively evaluated the potential of the [...] Read more.
Global freshwater scarcity necessitates the exploitation of alternative water resources for aquaculture. Chloride-type saline-alkaline water, characterized by high salinity but moderate pH, is widely distributed in arid regions worldwide and represents a vast, underutilized resource. This study comprehensively evaluated the potential of the endemic Ili perch (Perca schrenkii) for aquaculture in such environments. Through acute stress experiments, we determined its 96 h median lethal salinity (LC50) to be 12.396 ppt, with a safe concentration of 3.72 ppt. Physiological analysis revealed a critical salinity threshold of 13 ppt, beyond which osmoregulatory collapse (indicated by plasma Na+/K+ dysregulation and Na+-K+-ATPase suppression), oxidative damage (elevated malondialdehyde), and immune suppression occurred. In contrast, chronic 60-day exposure to salinities up to 7 ppt demonstrated successful long-term acclimation. Acclimated fish re-established ion homeostasis, as plasma ion levels normalized, and exhibited sustained antioxidant enzyme (SOD, CAT) and immune parameter (AKP, ACP, IgM) activities without signs of damage. Our findings establish P. schrenkii as a highly promising species for chloride-type saline-alkaline aquaculture. The study provides a physiological framework for its adaptation and offers evidence-based salinity guidelines for its sustainable cultivation, thereby contributing to the expansion of aquaculture into non-traditional water resources. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 2401 KB  
Article
Extracellular Vesicular Proteins in Plasma from Patients with Cutaneous Lupus Correlate with Disease Activity
by Mariko Ogawa-Momohara, Avital Baniel, Nilesh Kodali, Fazelinia Hossein, Hua Ding, Spruce Lynn, Julianne Kleitsch, DeAnna Diaz, Thomas Vazquez and Victoria P. Werth
Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2026, 48(1), 13; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb48010013 - 23 Dec 2025
Viewed by 243
Abstract
Cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) can occur independently of lupus erythematosus. SLE, and its responsiveness to treatment, does not necessarily align with that of coexisting SLE. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) allow communication between cells and rapid delivery throughout the body. We hypothesized that EVs may [...] Read more.
Cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) can occur independently of lupus erythematosus. SLE, and its responsiveness to treatment, does not necessarily align with that of coexisting SLE. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) allow communication between cells and rapid delivery throughout the body. We hypothesized that EVs may support disease-specific inflammation in CLE and SLE patients. Plasma EVs from healthy controls (n = 5), CLE (n = 6), and dermatomyositis (n = 17) were purified by ultracentrifugation and size-exclusion chromatography, phenotyped by flow cytometry, and profiled by LC-MS/MS. Circulating EVs were mainly platelet-, endothelial-, and antigen-presenting cell-derived examples. CLE EVs harbored four proteins absent in the controls—mimecan, IFI27, fibulin-2, and snRNP B/B′ (anti-Sm an-tigens)—and their cumulative number increased with SLEDAI. Relative to the controls, 18 proteins were upregulated and 15 downregulated in CLE EVs. The number of upregulated proteins showed a trend toward a correlation with SLEDAI (r = 0.79, p = 0.06) but not with CLASI (r = 0.21). Among upregulated proteins, lysozyme C and hyaluronan-binding protein 2 tracked with cutaneous activity (CLASI r = 0.74 and r = 0.86) but not with systemic activity (SLEDAI r = 0.52 and r = 0.31). CLE plasma EVs were enriched in antigen-presenting cell markers and disease-related cargo, including anti-Sm antigens and proinflammatory proteins. Although overall protein diversity correlated primarily with systemic disease activity, a subset of proteins appeared to reflect cutaneous activity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Research in Chronic Dermatoses, 2nd Edition)
Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 5615 KB  
Article
Plasma Levels of Food-Derived Metabolites as Biomarkers of Parkinson’s Disease
by Xiaoxue Dong, Yilong Zheng, Evelyn Ting Ying Tan, Qiao Yang Sun, Bin Xiao, Eng King Tan, Yun-Cheng Wu and Zhi Dong Zhou
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(1), 16; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27010016 - 19 Dec 2025
Viewed by 337
Abstract
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder shaped by genetic factors such as LRRK2 and GBA1 mutations, as well as dietary and metabolic influences. Food-derived plasma metabolites—including caffeine, paraxanthine, trigonelline, piperine, and sitosteryl hexoside—have emerged as promising, accessible biomarkers for early detection, [...] Read more.
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder shaped by genetic factors such as LRRK2 and GBA1 mutations, as well as dietary and metabolic influences. Food-derived plasma metabolites—including caffeine, paraxanthine, trigonelline, piperine, and sitosteryl hexoside—have emerged as promising, accessible biomarkers for early detection, progression monitoring, and therapeutic targeting, yet their longitudinal behavior and genetic interactions remain insufficiently characterized. Using the Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI) cohort (n = 455; 303 PD patients, 152 controls), we quantified plasma levels of these metabolites by quantitative LC-MS/MS with batch correction, examining sporadic PD and genetically defined subgroups (LRRK2-PD [PDL], GBA1-PD [PDG], dual-mutation PD [PDGL], and prodromal equivalents). Baseline one-way ANOVA showed significantly lower caffeine and paraxanthine in PDL (p = 0.0467, p = 0.0178) and PDG (p = 0.0408), reduced piperine in PDL (p = 0.0009), PDG (p = 0.0257), and prodromal LRRK2 (p = 0.0168), and elevated sitosteryl hexoside in PDG (p = 0.0184). Longitudinal regression analyses revealed that in sporadic PD, caffeine negatively correlated with MDS-UPDRS parts I (β = −2, p = 0.0475) and III (β = −7.2, p = 0.007), trigonelline declined over time and was inversely associated with part III (β = −1.7, p = 0.0069), and sitosteryl hexoside negatively correlated with parts II (β = −68.3, p = 0.042) and III (β = −74.1, p = 0.0425). In PDL, sitosteryl hexoside inversely correlated with part I (β = −54.2, p = 0.0049), while in PDGL, paraxanthine showed negative associations with part II (β = −18.5, p = 0.00327). These findings demonstrate subgroup-specific alterations in food-derived metabolites and consistent inverse associations with PD severity, supporting their potential as non-invasive biomarkers, particularly in LRRK2/GBA1 mutation carriers, and highlighting the need for longitudinal validation and dietary intervention trials to advance personalized PD management. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

Back to TopTop