The Shiga toxin genotype rather than the amount of Shiga toxin or the cytotoxicity of Shiga toxin in vitro correlates with the appearance of the hemolytic uremic syndrome

Shiga toxins (Stx) are believed to play a key role in the pathogenesis of diseases caused by Stx-producing Escherichia coli (STEC), including the potentially life-threatening hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). In this study, 201 STEC strains collected from patients and environmental sources were investigated with regard to the stx genotypes and pathogenicity. The stx(2) and stx(2c) alleles were associated with high virulence and the ability to cause HUS, whereas stx(2d), stx(2e,)stx(1), and stx(1c) occurred in milder or asymptomatic infections. Quantification of Stx using an enzyme immunoassay and the Vero cell cytotoxicity assay showed no significant differences between the strains associated with HUS and those causing milder diseases. We hypothesize that the stx genotype and perhaps other yet unknown virulence factors rather than the amount of Stx or the in vitro cytotoxicity correlate with the development of HUS.     

Therapy for children with Shiga toxin-E. coli-associated hemolytic uremic syndrome

Hemolytic uremic syndrome(HUS) is characterized by microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and acute nephropathy. Clinical features and outcome of children with HUS initiated by infections with Shiga toxin(Stx)-producing strains of Escherichia coli(E. coli) infection are different from those of patients with the other forms of HUS or thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura(TTP). Childhood Stx-E. coli-associated HUS usually recovers spontaneously and dose not require specific treatments including plasma therapy. In contrast, a general consensus has been achieved that plasma exchange or infusion should always be tried in adult HUS/TTP to minimize the risk of death or long-term sequelae. In this paper, we briefly reviewed therapy for patients with Stx-E. coli-associated HUS.     

Shiga toxin enhances functional tissue factor on human glomerular endothelial cells: implications for the pathophysiology of hemolytic uremic syndrome.

BACKGROUND: The pathogenesis of Shiga toxin (Stx)-mediated childhood hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is not fully delineated, although current evidence implicates a prothrombotic state. We hypothesized that the tissue factor (TF) pathway plays a major role in the pathophysiology of HUS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We measured cell surface TF activity in response to tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) (20 ng mL(-1), 2-144 h), Stx-1 (10(-11) mol L(-1), 4-144 h), or their combination (TNF-alpha 22 h and Stx-1 for the last 0.5-4 h of TNF-alpha incubation) on human glomerular (microvascular) endothelial cells (HGECs) and human umbilical vein (macrovascular) endothelial cells (HUVECs). RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: We observed that while TNF-alpha caused an increase in cell surface TF activity on both cell types, the combination of TNF-alpha and Stx-1 differentially affected HGECs. On these cells, TF activity was increased further by 2.67 +/- 0.38-fold (n = 38, P < 0.001), consistent with our parallel observation that Stx-1 binds to HGECs but not to HUVECs. Anti-TF antibody abolished functional TF while anti-tissue factor pathway inhibitor antibody enhanced TF activity. Stx-1 alone did not induce TF activity on either cell type. Measurement of TF antigen levels and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction demonstrated that exposure to TNF-alpha markedly increased TF protein and TF mRNA for HGECs, but the exposure to the combination of TNF-alpha and Stx-1 did not increase further the amount of either TF protein or TF mRNA. We conclude that cytokine-activated HGECs, but not HUVECs, undergo a significant augmentation of cell surface TF activity following exposure to Stx, suggesting an important role for TF in the coagulopathy observed in HUS.     

Clinical pharmacokinetics of adefovir in human immunodeficiency virus type 1-infected patients.

The pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of adefovir [9-[2-(phosphonomethoxy)ethyl]adenine] were examined at two dose levels in three phase I/II studies in 28 human immunodeficiency type 1-infected patients. The concentrations of adefovir in serum following the intravenous infusion of 1.0 or 3.0 mg/kg of body weight were dose proportional and declined biexponentially, with an overall mean +/- standard deviation terminal half-life of 1.6 +/- 0.5 h (n = 28). Approximately 90% of the intravenous dose was recovered unchanged in the urine in 12 h, and more than 98% was recovered by 24 h postdosing. The overall mean +/- standard deviation total serum clearance of the drug (223 +/- 53 ml/h/kg; n = 25) approximated the renal clearance (205 +/- 78 ml/h/kg; n = 20), which was significantly higher (P < 0.01) than the baseline creatinine clearance in the same patients (88 +/- 18 ml/h/kg; n = 25). Since adefovir is essentially completely unbound in plasma or serum, these data indicate that active tubular secretion accounted for approximately 60% of the clearance of adefovir. The steady-state volume of distribution of adefovir (418 +/- 76 ml/kg; n = 28) suggests that the drug was distributed in total body water. Repeated daily dosing with adefovir at 1.0 mg/kg/day (n = 8) and 3.0 mg/kg/day (n = 4) for 22 days did not significantly alter the pharmacokinetics of the drug; there was no evidence of accumulation. The oral bioavailability of adefovir at a 3.0-mg/kg dose was < 12% (n = 5) on the basis of the concentrations in serum or 16.4% +/- 16.0% on the basis of urinary recovery. The subcutaneous bioavailability of adefovir at a 3.0-mg/kg dose was 102% +/- 8.3% (n = 5) on the basis of concentrations in serum or 84.8% +/- 28.5% on the basis of urinary recovery. These data are consistent with preclinical observations in various species.     

Pharmacokinetics, oral bioavailability, and metabolic disposition in rats of (-)-cis-5-fluoro-1-[2-(hydroxymethyl)-1,3-oxathiolan-5-yl] cytosine, a nucleoside analog active against human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis B virus.

The pharmacokinetics and metabolism of the potent anti-human immunodeficiency virus and anti-hepatitis B virus compound, (-)-cis-5-fluoro-1-[2-(hydroxymethyl)-1,3-oxathiolan-5-yl] cytosine (FTC), were investigated in male CD rats. Plasma clearance of 10 mg of FTC per kg of body weight was biexponential in rats, with a half-life at alpha phase of 4.7 +/- 1.1 min (mean +/- standard deviation) and a half-life at beta phase of 44 +/- 8.8 min (n = 5). The total body clearance of FTC was 1.8 +/- 0.1 liters/h/kg, and the oral bioavailability was 90% +/- 8%. The volume of distribution at steady state (Vss) was 1.5 +/- 0.1 liters/kg. Increasing the dose to 100 mg/kg slowed clearance to 1.5 +/- 0.2 liters/kg/h, lowered the Vss to 1.2 +/- 0.2 liters/kg, and reduced the oral bioavailability to 65% +/- 15%. FTC in the brains of rats was initially less than 2% of the plasma concentration but increased to 6% by 2 h postdose. Probenecid elevated levels of FTC in plasma as well as in brains but did not alter the brain-to-plasma ratio. The urinary and fecal recoveries of unchanged FTC after a 10-mg/kg intravenous dose were 87% +/- 3% and 5% +/- 1.6%, respectively. After a 10-mg/kg oral dose, respective urinary and fecal recoveries were 70% +/- 2.5% and 25% +/- 1.6%. Two sulfoxides of FTC were observed in the urine, accounting for 0.4% +/- 0.03% and 2.7% +/- 0.2% of the intravenous dose and 0.4% +/- 0.06% and 2.5% +/- 0.3% of the oral dose. Also observed were 5-fluorocytosine, representing 0.4% +/- 0.06% of the intravenous dose and 0.4% +/- 0.07% of the oral dose, and FTC glucuronide, representing 0.7% +/- 0.2% of the oral dose and 0.4% +/- 0.2% of the intravenous dose. Neither deaminated FTC nor 5-fluorouracil was observed in the urine (less than 0.2% of dose). The high oral availability and minimal metabolism of FTC encourage its further preclinical development.     

Safety and Pharmacokinetics of Urtoxazumab,a Humanized Monoclonal Antibody,against Shiga-Like Toxin 2 in Healthy Adults and in Pediatric Patients Infected with Shiga-Like Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli

Shiga-like toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) infection causes diarrhea, which is often bloody and which can result in potentially life-threatening hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS). Urtoxazumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody directed against the Shiga-like toxin 2 (Stx2) produced by STEC, has been developed as a promising agent for the prevention of HUS. Single randomized, intravenous, double-blind, placebo-controlled doses of urtoxazumab were administered to assess its safety and pharmacokinetics in healthy adults (0.1 to 3.0 mg/kg of body weight) and STEC-infected pediatric patients (1.0 and 3.0 mg/kg). No dose-related safety trends were noted, nor were antiurtoxazumab antibodies detected. The disposition of urtoxazumab showed a biexponential decline, regardless of the dose. In healthy adults, the mean terminal elimination half-life was consistent across the dose groups and ranged from 24.6 days (3.0-mg/kg dose group) to 28.9 days (0.3-mg/kg dose group). The mean maximum serum drug concentration (C_max) ranged from 2.6 μg/ml at 0.1 mg/kg to 71.7 μg/ml at 3.0 mg/kg. The disposition of urtoxazumab following the administration of doses of 1.0 and 3.0 mg/kg in pediatric patients showed mean C_maxs of 19.6 and 56.1 μg/ml, respectively. Urtoxazumab was well tolerated, appears to be safe at doses of up to 3.0 mg/kg, and is a potential candidate for the prevention of HUS in pediatric patients.Shiga-like toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) strains are major pathogens in humans, and STEC infections have been associated with severe complications, such as bloody diarrhea (BD) and hemorrhagic colitis. In 1.6 to 15% of STEC infections, serious morbidity and mortality due to the development of hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS) may occur (2, 7, 10, 11, 19, 21). HUS is a serious and life-threatening condition characterized by acute renal impairment, microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, and thrombocytopenia (2, 7, 21) and is the leading cause of acute renal failure in children (21). The utility of antibiotic therapy is controversial, and an effective treatment that would reduce the incidence or the severity of HUS is not available (7). At present, there are no specific protective measures against STEC infection, and supportive therapy is the only treatment option available.Escherichia coli O157:H7, first identified in 1982 as a human pathogen spread by contaminated beef (4), has more recently been associated with vegetable (18) and milk (3) contamination, as well as additional beef contaminations (1, 22). Non-O157 STEC strains have also been associated with the development of HUS (12). Strains of STEC (both O157 and non-O157 strains) may produce Shiga toxin 1 (Stx1) and/or Shiga-like toxin 2 (Stx2) and are associated with STEC infection and medical complications. Stx2 appears to be approximately 400-fold more toxic in mice than Stx1 (20). The Stx2 genotype is the most prevalent genotype identified in STEC isolates recovered from patients with HUS (6, 15).Urtoxazumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody (MAb) of IgG subclass IgG1 against the B subunit of Stx2, has been developed (8). It has been shown to neutralize Stx2 in vitro and to completely prevent mortality in animal models of severe STEC infection (23) and Stx2 toxin inoculation (9). We recently conducted two studies designed to examine the safety and pharmacokinetic (PK) profiles of urtoxazumab in healthy adults and STEC-infected pediatric patients. The phase 1 study with healthy adults was a first-in-human, dose-escalation, single-dose safety trial. Following its completion, a randomized placebo-controlled study with STEC-infected pediatric patients (sequential dose escalation, followed by parallel group treatment) was conducted. Here we report on the safety and PK results obtained during the course of these studies.(Parts of this study were presented at the 44th Interscience Conference on Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, Washington, DC, 30 October to 2 November 2004, and the 46th Interscience Conference on Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, San Francisco, CA, 27 to 30 September 2006.)     

Compartmental pharmacokinetics of the antifungal echinocandin caspofungin (MK-0991) in rabbits

The pharmacokinetics of the antifungal echinocandin-lipopeptide caspofungin (MK-0991) in plasma were studied in groups of three healthy rabbits after single and multiple daily intravenous administration of doses of 1, 3, and 6 mg/kg of body weight. Concentrations were measured by a validated high-performance liquid chromatography method and fitted into a three-compartment open pharmacokinetic model. Across the investigated dosage range, caspofungin displayed dose-independent pharmacokinetics. Following administration over 7 days, the mean peak concentration in plasma (C(max)) +/- standard error of the mean increased from 16.01 +/- 0.61 microg/ml at the 1-mg/kg dose to 105.52 +/- 8.92 microg/ml at the 6-mg/kg dose; the mean area under the curve from 0 h to infinity rose from 13.15 +/- 2.37 to 158.43 +/- 15.58 microg. h/ml, respectively. The mean apparent volume of distribution at steady state (Vd(ss)) was 0.299 +/- 0.011 liter/kg at the 1-mg/kg dose and 0.351 +/- 0.016 liter/kg at the 6-mg/kg dose (not significant [NS]). Clearance (CL) ranged from 0.086 +/- 0.017 liter/kg/h at the 1-mg/kg dose to 0.043 +/- 0.004 liter/kg/h at the 6-mg/kg dose (NS), and the mean terminal half-life was between 30 and 34 h (NS). Except for a trend towards an increased Vd(ss), there were no significant differences in pharmacokinetic parameters in comparison to those after single-dose administration. Caspofungin was well tolerated, displayed linear pharmacokinetics that fit into a three-compartment pharmacokinetic model, and achieved sustained concentrations in plasma that were multiple times in excess of reported MICs for susceptible opportunistic fungi.     

Prevention and treatment of enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli infections in humans

Infections with enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) result in various clinical symptoms and outcomes ranging from watery or bloody diarrhea to the life-threatening hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS). Shiga toxins (Stxs) are supposed to play a major role in the pathogenesis of EHEC infections; however, the role of other putative virulence factors is not fully elucidated. So far, there is only supportive therapy available for the treatment of both EHEC-associated diarrhea and HUS. Antibiotic therapy for the treatment of EHEC-associated diarrhea is discussed. In recent years other therapeutic strategies have been developed, including Gb3 receptor analogues, that bind Stx in the gut or in the circulation, passive immunization with Stx-neutralizing monoclonal antibodies, or active immunization with Stx1 And Stx2 toxoids as a preventive procedure. These approaches have been demonstrated to be effective in animal models but clinical trials are lacking.     

Clinical pharmacokinetics of cidofovir in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients.

The pharmacokinetics of cidofovir (HPMPC; (S)-1-[3-hydroxy-2-(phosphonylmethoxy)propyl]cytosine) were examined at five dose levels in three phase I/II studies in a total of 42 human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients (with or without asymptomatic cytomegalovirus infection). Levels of cidofovir in serum following intravenous infusion were dose proportional over the dose range of 1.0 to 10.0 mg/kg of body weight and declined biexponentially with an overall mean +/- standard deviation terminal half-life of 2.6 +/- 1.2 h (n = 25). Approximately 90% of the intravenous dose was recovered unchanged in the urine in 24 h. The overall mean +/- standard deviation total clearance of the drug from serum (148 +/- 25 ml/h/kg; n = 25) approximated renal clearance (129 +/- 42 ml/h/kg; n = 25), which was significantly higher (P < 0.001) than the baseline creatinine clearance in the same patients (83 +/- 21 ml/h/kg; n = 12). These data indicate that active tubular secretion played a significant role in the clearance of cidofovir. The steady-state volume of distribution of cidofovir was approximately 500 ml/kg, suggesting that the drug was distributed in total body water. Repeated dosing with cidofovir at 3.0 and 10.0 mg/kg/week did not alter the pharmacokinetics of the drug. Concomitant administration of intravenous cidofovir and oral probenecid to hydrated patients had no significant effect on the pharmacokinetics of cidofovir at a 3.0-mg/kg dose. At higher cidofovir doses, probenecid appeared to block tubular secretion of cidofovir and reduce its renal clearance to a level approaching glomerular filtration.     

Rifaximin does not induce toxin production or phage-mediated lysis of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli

Diarrhea in children is often caused by enteropathogen infections that might benefit from early empirical antibiotic therapy. However, when the definition of the pathogen requires sophisticated laboratory studies, the etiology of enteritis is not known early in illness. Empirical therapy may be dangerous if the child is infected with a Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) strain because antimicrobials may increase Shiga toxin (Stx) release, resulting in increased risk of microangiopathic hemolytic anemia with acute renal failure (hemolytic-uremic syndrome [HUS]) and death. There is a need for antimicrobials that would be effective against multiple bacterial enteropathogens yet not induce Stx release or increase the risk of HUS. Rifaximin has been evaluated in adults for treatment of bacterial enteritis and has a good record for safety and efficacy, but it has not been evaluated extensively in children with gastroenteritis. We therefore evaluated rifaximin's potential for phage induction, drug-induced bacteriolysis, and toxin release in 57 STEC strains (26 O157 and 31 non-O157 strains). Growth in ciprofloxacin, a known Stx phage inducer, caused bacteriolysis and release of toxin in 25/26 (96%) O157 strains and 15/31 (48%) non-O157 strains. In contrast, rifaximin did not induce phage replication or lysis in any strain. Toxin release in the presence of rifaximin was not different from release in the absence of antibiotic. Rifaximin, unlike many antibiotics used to treat pediatric gastroenteritis, does not induce phage-mediated bacteriolysis and Stx release.     

Dose-response effect of a single administration of oral hexyl-insulin monoconjugate 2 in healthy nondiabetic subjects

OBJECTIVE: 1) To evaluate the effect of a single oral dose of hexyl-insulin monoconjugate 2 (HIM2) on the rate of whole-body glucose disposal (Rd) and endogenous glucose production (EGP) in healthy nondiabetic subjects, 2) to examine the reproducibility of HIM2 on glucose metabolism, and 3) to compare the results obtained with HIM2 with those using a bioequivalent dose of subcutaneous lispro insulin. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Six healthy subjects ([means +/- SE] aged 31 +/- 5 years and BMI 23.1 +/- 3.9 kg/m2) participated in four studies performed in random order on separate days. Subjects ingested a single dose of HIM2 (0.125, 0.5, and 0.75 mg/kg) or received subcutaneous lispro insulin (0.1 units/kg). Studies were performed with [3-3H]glucose, and plasma glucose concentration was maintained at basal levels for 4 h with the euglycemic clamp technique. After 6 weeks, subjects participated in two repeat studies to examine the reproducibility of HIM2 (0.5 mg/kg) and lispro insulin (0.1 units/kg). RESULTS: Fasting plasma insulin (7 muU/ml) increased to a maximum of 102, 321, and 561 muU/ml at 60 min after all three HIM2 doses (0.125, 0.5, and 0.75 mg/kg, respectively). A dose-related decrease in basal EGP was observed as the HIM2 dosage was increased from 0 to 0.125 to 0.5 mg/kg (P <0.05 vs. each preceding dose). Suppression of EGP was similar with the 0.5- and 0.75-mg/kg HIM2 doses. A dose-related stimulation of basal Rd was observed as the HIM2 dosage was increased from 0 to 0.125 to 0.5 (P <0.05 vs. each preceding dose) to 0.75 mg/kg (P <0.10 vs. preceding dose). Rd (0-240 min) was increased by 0.5 mg/kg oral HIM2 to a value similar to 0.1 units/kg lispro insulin. The 0.125-mg/kg HIM2 dose reduced EGP (0-240 min) to a value that was similar to 0.1 units/kg lispro insulin. The variability in the effect of HIM2 and lispro on Rd (25 +/- 7 vs. 27 +/- 1%, respectively) and on suppression of EGP (19 +/- 1 vs. 19 +/- 0.7%, respectively) was similar. CONCLUSIONS: Oral HIM2 suppresses EGP and increases tissue Rd in a dose-dependent manner. The effects of HIM2 on EGP and Rd persisted at 240 min, even though plasma insulin concentration had returned to basal levels. Oral HIM2 may provide an effective and reproducible means of controlling postprandial plasma glucose excursions in diabetic patients.     

Multiple-dose pharmacokinetics and safety of rufloxacin in normal volunteers.

The pharmacokinetics and safety of rufloxacin were evaluated in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Two groups of 16 healthy volunteers were given a single oral loading dose of 400 or 600 mg of rufloxacin on day 1 of the study. A single daily maintenance dose of 200 or 300 mg was then administered for a further 9 days; in addition, four subjects in each group received placebos. Rufloxacin levels in plasma and urine were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. Following the initial dose, the mean (+/- standard error of the mean) peak concentrations of rufloxacin in plasma were 3.35 +/- 0.12 micrograms/ml in the 400-mg group and 4.54 +/- 0.19 micrograms/ml in the 600-mg group. They were generally reached 2 to 3 h after dosing. At the end of treatment, maximum levels in plasma rose to 4.51 +/- 0.15 and 7.20 +/- 0.25 micrograms/ml in the 400-mg and 600-mg groups, with a mean extent of accumulation (fold) of 3.1 +/- 0.1 and 3.3 +/- 0.1. For the 400-mg and 600-mg groups, the elimination half-lives were 40.0 +/- 1.5 and 44.0 +/- 1.3 h, mean residence times were 57.8 +/- 2.2 and 63.7 +/- 1.8 h, apparent volumes of distribution were 132 +/- 4 and 139 +/- 5 liters, and apparent total body clearance were 39 +/- 1 and 44 +/- 4 ml/min, assuming complete bioavailability. Of the total dose administered, the percentages excreted in urine were 49.6 +/- 1.3 and 51.1 +/-2.1%, with renal clearances of 21 +/- 1 and 22 +/- 2 ml/min, for the 400-mg and 600-mg groups. On the whole, the treatments were well tolerated, but some minor adverse events (mainly headache, insomnia, or abdominal discomfort) were reported for 7 subjects on abnormalities were detected in the laboratory examinations or in ocular function tests. This study shows that a 200-mg daily oral dose of rufloxacin preceded by a loading dose of 400 mg are well tolerated and produce steady-state concentrations in plasma above the MIC for most susceptible pathogens.     

Control of postprandial plasma glucose by an oral insulin product (HIM2) in patients with type 2 diabetes

OBJECTIVE: The objectives of this exploratory study were to assess the postprandial glucose-lowering effects and evaluate the safety and tolerability of single, escalating doses of an oral insulin product, hexyl-insulin monoconjugate 2 (HIM2), in patients with type 2 diabetes. Subcutaneous insulin and oral placebo were also administered for comparison. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Eighteen patients with type 2 diabetes were enrolled in this randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled, three-way crossover, dose-escalation study. A single dose of each of the following study drugs was administered to each patient on 3 separate days: oral HIM2 (at one of three dose levels: 0.375, 0.5, or 1.0 mg/kg), subcutaneous regular insulin (8 units Humulin R), and oral placebo. At 30 min after dosing, patients ingested a standardized test meal (16 oz/720 calories of Boost Plus). Serial blood samples were collected for determination of plasma glucose and insulin concentrations during the 4-h postdose period. RESULTS: The mean glucose area under the curve for 0 to 240 min (AUC(0-240)) values were lower following administration of 0.5 and 1.0 mg/kg HIM2 vs. placebo (1,097.1 vs. 1,196.9 and 801.1 vs. 992.1 mg x h(-1) x dl(-1), respectively). This difference was statistically significant at the 1.0-mg/kg HIM2 dose level. Insulin exposure, as measured by insulin AUC(0-240) values, for the 0.375-, 0.5-, and 1.0-mg/kg dose levels of HIM2 were 169.9, 193.1, and 230.8 micro U x h(-1) x ml(-1), respectively; insulin AUC(0-240) values for placebo were 165.8, 196.1, and 169.2 micro U x h(-1) x ml(-1), respectively. The mean glucose AUC(0-240) values were similar following administration of 0.5 and 1.0 mg/kg HIM2 vs. subcutaneous insulin (1,097.1 vs. 1,048.0 and 801.1 vs. 875.2 mg x h(-1) x dl(-1), respectively). For pooled data from the 0.5- and 1.0-mg/kg dose groups, the HIM2/subcutaneous insulin ratios for the 2-h postprandial glucose concentration (0.97, 95% CI 0.90-1.06), maximum postprandial glucose concentration (0.99, 95% CI 0.93-1.06), and glucose AUC(0-240) (0.98, 95% CI 0.9-1.06) were within 10% of unity, implying glucodynamic equivalence. Although HIM2 (0.5 and 1.0 mg/kg) and subcutaneous insulin (8 units) provided comparable control of postprandial plasma glucose concentrations, HIM2 resulted in peripheral insulin concentrations that were lower than subcutaneous insulin (mean insulin AUC(0-240) of 193.1 vs. 233.6 and 230.8 vs. 270.3 micro U x h(-1) x ml(-1), respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Single, oral doses of HIM2 were safe and well tolerated. HIM2 (0.5 and 1.0 mg/kg) was more effective than placebo and as effective as subcutaneous regular insulin (8 units) at controlling postprandial glycemia with respect to the following parameters: 2-h postprandial glucose concentration, maximum glucose concentration, and glucose AUC(0-240). This occurred even though peripheral insulin concentrations were lower following the administration of HIM2 (0.5 and 1.0 mg/kg) than subcutaneous insulin. Thus, HIM2 therapy may control postprandial glycemia without causing peripheral hyperinsulinemia in patients with type 2 diabetes.     

Demonstration that circulating 1 alpha, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D is loosely regulated in normal children.

The effects of vitamin D, 2.5 mg (100,000 U)/d for 4 d, on serum calcium, serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) and serum 1 alpha, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1 alpha, 25(OH)2D) were compared in 24 normal adults and 12 normal children. The daily dose of vitamin D was 1,500 U/kg body wt in children weighing less than 45 kg. Vitamin D increased mean serum calcium from 9.5 +/- 0.1 to 9.8 +/- 0.1 mg/dl (P less than 0.05), increased mean serum phosphorus from 4.6 +/- 0.1 to 5.0 +/- 0.1 mg/dl (P less than 0.01), increased mean serum 25-OHD from 25 +/- 3 to 34 +/- 4 ng/ml (P less than 0.001), and increased mean serum 1 alpha, 25(OH)2D from 34 +/- 3 to 42 +/- 4 pg/ml (P less than 0.02) in children. In contrast, vitamin D increased mean serum 25-OHD from 18 +/- 2 to 39 +/- 6 ng/ml (P less than 0.001) and did not change mean serum calcium (9.4 +/- 0.1 vs. 9.5 +/- 0.1 mg/dl), mean serum phosphorus (4.0 +/- 0.1 vs. 4.1 +/- 0.1 mg/dl), or mean serum 1 alpha, 25(OH)2D (31 +/- 2 vs. 29 +/- 3 pg/ml) in adults. Mean serum 1 alpha, 25(OH)2D was significantly higher after vitamin D in children than in adults (P less than 0.02). These results provide evidence that circulating 1 alpha, 25(OH)2D is not as tightly regulated in children as it is in adults. This difference in regulation could account in part for the higher values for serum 1 alpha, 25(OH)2D observed in children.     

Bactericidal titers of loracarbef (LY 163892) in serum and killing rates in volunteers receiving 400 versus 200 milligrams.

In a randomized crossover trial, six volunteers received 200- and 400-mg doses of loracarbef (LY 163892), a new oral cephalosporin. Mean +/- standard error of the mean concentrations in serum obtained after 1.5 and 3 h were 13.2 +/- 2.8 and 4.3 +/- 0.7 mg/liter, respectively, after the 400-mg dose and 6.9 +/- 1.0 and 1.7 +/- 0.2 mg/liter, respectively, after the 200-mg dose. Bactericidal reciprocal titers measured against respiratory pathogens in serum suggested that loracarbef would be highly effective against Streptococcus pneumoniae and Streptococcus pyogenes (median titers, 8 to 128 at 1.5 h and less than 2 to 32 at 3 h) and beta-lactamase-negative Haemophilus influenzae (median titers, 4 at 1.5 h and 2 to 4 at 3 h). Other species (Branhamella catarrhalis, Streptococcus anginosus, Staphylococcus aureus) were associated with lower bactericidal titers. Killing curves performed against 12 strains demonstrated that the bioactivity of loracarbef (measured by the reduction in the area under the control growth curve) was significantly correlated with the concentration/MIC ratio, whereas the initial rate of killing was not, once the concentration was greater than the MIC. Our results suggest that administration of 400 mg of loracarbef every 8 h might be associated with more favorable pharmacodynamic parameters against target bacteria.     

Shiga toxin binds to activated platelets

Summary. Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is associated with acute renal failure in children and can be caused by Shiga toxin (Stx)‐producing Escherichia coli. Thrombocytopenia and formation of renal thrombi are characteristic of HUS, suggesting that platelet activation is involved in its pathogenesis. However, whether Shiga toxin directly activates platelets is controversial. The present study evaluates if potential platelet sensitization during isolation by different procedures influences platelet interaction with Shiga toxin. Platelets isolated from sodium citrate anticoagulated blood were exposed during washing to EDTA and higher g forces than platelets prepared from acid‐citrate‐dextrose (ACD) plasma. Platelet binding of Stx was significantly higher in EDTA‐washed preparations relative to ACD‐derived platelets. Binding of Stx was also increased with ACD‐derived platelets when activated with thrombin (1 U mL^?1) and exposure of the Gb3 Stx receptor was detected only on platelets subjected to EDTA, higher g forces or thrombin. EDTA‐exposed platelets lost their normal discoid shape and were larger. P‐selectin (CD62P) exposure was significantly increased in EDTA‐washed preparations relative to ACD‐derived platelets, suggesting platelet activation. Taken together, these results suggest that direct binding of Stx occurs only on ‘activated’ platelets rather than on resting platelets. The ability of Stx to interact with previously activated platelets may be an important element in understanding the pathogenesis of HUS.     

Flow cytometry detection of Shiga toxins in the blood from children with hemolytic uremic syndrome

BACKGROUND: Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is the main cause of acute renal failure in early childhood. Most cases are due to intestinal infections from Escherichia coli strains (STEC) which produce by Shiga toxin (Stxs). Stx1 and Stx2 produced by STEC in the gut are absorbed into the circulation and, after binding on polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs), are targeted to renal endothelium. The aim of the present work was the development of a method to detect Stxs bound on circulating PMNs and to diagnose STEC infections in patients with HUS. METHODS: White blood cells isolated after erythrocytic lysis were incubated with anti-Stxs mouse monoclonal antibodies in the presence of human serum to saturate Fc receptors on PMNs. After incubation with fluorescein isothiocyanate-goat anti-mouse immunoglobulin G, flow cytometric analysis was used to demonstrate the cell-bound fluorescence. RESULTS: The method was quick (3 h), sensitive (femtomoles), and capable of detecting both Stxs. The presence of Stxs was detected on PMNs from six patients with HUS: four patients had serologic or microbiological evidence of STEC infection, whereas the other two patients had no evidence of STEC infection when employing the standard diagnostic methods. CONCLUSIONS: The method described is rapid, simple, and based on commercially available reagents, and it might be more sensitive than the standard methods for diagnosis of STEC infection. It also allows the detection of Stxs in blood, a key step to monitor the pathogenesis of HUS.     

Effect of dose on pharmacokinetics and serum bactericidal activity of mezlocillin.

Mezlocillin is subject to dose-dependent pharmacokinetics. Previous studies have examined the pharmacokinetic but not the pharmacodynamic aspects of this effect. The pharmacokinetic disposition of mezlocillin was determined in eight healthy volunteers in a randomized, crossover fashion after single infusions of 50 and 80 mg of mezlocillin per kg of body weight. Plasma and urine were assayed with a specific high-pressure liquid chromatography assay and analyzed by noncompartmental methods. Pharmacodynamic (bactericidal) effects were evaluated from serial serum bactericidal titers obtained after each dose by using the area under the bactericidal activity curve method. The mean mezlocillin total body clearance decreased from 203.6 +/- 36.2 ml/min after the 50-mg/kg dose to 171.7 +/- 42.1 ml/min after the 80-mg/kg dose (P, 0.01). The decreased clearance was reflected by a decrease in nonrenal clearance only (108.9 +/- 20.0 to 77.9 +/- 23.5 ml/min, respectively; P, 0.001). Mean areas under the curve for concentration in plasma versus time normalized to the 50-mg/kg dose were 314 +/- 73 and 375 +/- 64 micrograms X h/ml for the low and high doses, respectively (P, 0.01). No significant changes were observed in the steady-state volume of distribution or elimination half-life. Mean areas under the bactericidal activity curve were 100 +/- 77 and 244 +/- 143 for the 50- and 80-mg/kg doses, respectively. The decrease in mezlocillin clearance and the disproportionate increase in the area under the curve for concentration in plasma versus time, coupled with the observed prolonged bactericidal effects of the 80-mg/kg dose, lend support for administration of mezlocillin at a higher dose less frequently (e.g., 5 g every 8 h). Clinical trials with the higher-dose regimen are warranted to validate these observations.