Sample records for esterase ache activity

  1. Distinct Effect of Benzalkonium Chloride on the Esterase and Aryl Acylamidase Activities of Butyrylcholinesterase.

    PubMed

    Jaganathan; Boopathy

    2000-08-01

    Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) from vertebrates, other than their predominant acylcholine hydrolase (esterase) activity, display a genuine aryl acylamidase activity (AAA) capable of hydrolyzing the synthetic substrate o-nitroacetanilide to o-nitroaniline. This AAA activity is strongly inhibited by classical cholinesterase (ChE) inhibitors. In the present study, benzalkonium chloride (BAC), a cationic detergent widely used as a preservative in pharmaceutical preparations, has been shown to distinctly modulate the esterase and AAA activities of BChEs. The detergent BAC was able to inhibit the esterase activity of human serum and horse serum BChEs and AChEs from electric eel and human erythrocyte. The remarkable property of BAC was its ability to profoundly activate the AAA activity of human serum and horse serum BChEs but not the AAA activity of AChEs. Thus BAC seem to preferentially activate the AAA activity of BChEs alone. Results of the study using the ChE active site-specific inhibitor diisopropyl phosphorofluoridate indicated that BAC binds to the active site of ChEs. Furthermore, studies using a structural homolog of BAC indicated that the alkyl group of BAC is essential not only for its interaction with ChEs but also for its distinct effect on the esterase and AAA activities of BChEs. This is the first report of a compound that inhibits the esterase activity, while simultaneously activating the AAA activity, of BChEs. Copyright 2000 Academic Press.

  2. In-vivo measurements of regional acetylcholine esterase activity in degenerative dementia: comparison with blood flow and glucose metabolism.

    PubMed

    Herholz, K; Bauer, B; Wienhard, K; Kracht, L; Mielke, R; Lenz, M O; Strotmann, T; Heiss, W D

    2000-01-01

    Memory and attention are cognitive functions that depend heavily on the cholinergic system. Local activity of acetylcholine esterase (AChE) is an indicator of its integrity. Using a recently developed tracer for positron emission tomography (PET), C-11-labeled N-methyl-4-piperidyl-acetate (C11-MP4A), we measured regional AChE activity in 4 non-demented subjects, 4 patients with dementia of Alzheimer type (DAT) and 1 patient with senile dementia of Lewy body type (SDLT), and compared the findings with measurements of blood flow (CBF) and glucose metabolism (CMRGlc). Initial tracer extraction was closely related to CBF. AChE activity was reduced significantly in all brain regions in demented subjects, whereas reduction of CMRGlc and CBF was more limited to temporo-parietal association areas. AChE activity in SDLT was in the lower range of values in DAT. Our results indicate that, compared to non-demented controls, there is a global reduction of cortical AChE activity in dementia. Dementia, cholinergic system, acetylcholine esterase, positron emission tomography, cerebral blood flow, cerebral glucose metabolism.

  3. Plasma B-esterase activities in European raptors.

    PubMed

    Roy, Claudie; Grolleau, Gérard; Chamoulaud, Serge; Rivière, Jean-Louis

    2005-01-01

    B-esterases are serine hydrolases composed of cholinesterases, including acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), and carboxylesterase (CbE). These esterases, found in blood plasma, are inhibited by organophosphorus (OP) and carbamate (CB) insecticides and can be used as nondestructive biomarkers of exposure to anticholinesterase insecticides. Furthermore, B-esterases are involved in detoxification of these insecticides. In order to establish the level of these enzymes and to have reference values for their normal activities, total plasma cholinesterase (ChE), AChE and BChE activities, and plasma CbE activity were determined in 729 European raptors representing 20 species, four families, and two orders. The diurnal families of the Falconiforme order were represented by Accipitridae and Falconidae and the nocturnal families of the Strigiforme order by Tytonidae and Strigidae. Intraspecies differences in cholinesterase activities according to sex and/or age were investigated in buzzards (Buteo buteo), sparrowhawks (Accipiter nisus), kestrels (Falco tinnunculus), barn owls (Tyto alba), and tawny owls (Strix aluco). Sex-related differences affecting ChE and AChE activities were observed in young kestrels (2-3-mo-old) and age-related differences in kestrels (ChE and AChE), sparrowhawks (AChE), and tawny owls (ChE, AChE, and BChE). The interspecies analysis yielded a negative correlation between ChE activity and body mass taking into account the relative contribution of AChE and BChE to ChE activity, with the exception of the honey buzzard (Pernis apivorus). The lowest ChE activities were found in the two largest species, Bonelli's eagle (Hieraaetus fasciatus) and Egyptian vulture (Neophron percnopterus) belonging to the Accipitridae family. The highest ChE activities were found in the relatively small species belonging to the Tytonidae and Strigidae families and in honey buzzard of the Accipitridae family. Species of the Accipitridae, Tytonidae, and Strigidae families were characterized by a BChE contribution that dominated the total ChE activity, while in the species of the Falconidae family, AChE activity dominated. With the exception of the barn owl, CbE activity (eserine-insensitive alpha-naphthyl acetate esterase [alpha-NAE] activity) in all species was almost absent or very low. The values obtained in this study for ChE, AChE, and BChE activities and the AChE:BChE ratios for buzzard, kestrel, barn owl, and tawny owl provide a good estimate of the normal values in free-living individuals of these European species. They can be used as a baseline to evaluate the effect of anticholinesterase insecticides in the field.

  4. Profiling and functional classification of esterases in olive (Olea europaea) pollen during germination.

    PubMed

    Rejón, Juan D; Zienkiewicz, Agnieszka; Rodríguez-García, María Isabel; Castro, Antonio J

    2012-10-01

    A pollen grain contains a number of esterases, many of which are released upon contact with the stigma surface. However, the identity and function of most of these esterases remain unknown. In this work, esterases from olive pollen during its germination were identifided and functionally characterized. The esterolytic capacity of olive (Olea europaea) pollen was examined using in vitro and in-gel enzymatic assays with different enzyme substrates. The functional analysis of pollen esterases was achieved by inhibition assays by using specific inhibitors. The cellular localization of esterase activities was performed using histochemical methods. Olive pollen showed high levels of non-specific esterase activity, which remained steady after hydration and germination. Up to 20 esterolytic bands were identified on polyacrylamide gels. All the inhibitors decreased pollen germinability, but only diisopropyl fluorophosphate (DIFP) hampered pollen tube growth. Non-specific esterase activity is localized on the surface of oil bodies (OBs) and small vesicles, in the pollen intine and in the callose layer of the pollen tube wall. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity was mostly observed in the apertures, exine and pollen coat, and attached to the pollen tube wall surface and to small cytoplasmic vesicles. In this work, for the first time a systematic functional characterization of esterase enzymes in pollen from a plant species with wet stigma has been carried out. Olive pollen esterases belong to four different functional groups: carboxylesterases, acetylesterases, AChEs and lipases. The cellular localization of esterase activity indicates that the intine is a putative storage site for esterolytic enzymes in olive pollen. Based on inhibition assays and cellular localization of enzymatic activities, it can be concluded that these enzymes are likely to be involved in pollen germination, and pollen tube growth and penetration of the stigma.

  5. Profiling and functional classification of esterases in olive (Olea europaea) pollen during germination

    PubMed Central

    Rejón, Juan D.; Zienkiewicz, Agnieszka; Rodríguez-García, María Isabel; Castro, Antonio J.

    2012-01-01

    Background and Aims A pollen grain contains a number of esterases, many of which are released upon contact with the stigma surface. However, the identity and function of most of these esterases remain unknown. In this work, esterases from olive pollen during its germination were identifided and functionally characterized. Methods The esterolytic capacity of olive (Olea europaea) pollen was examined using in vitro and in-gel enzymatic assays with different enzyme substrates. The functional analysis of pollen esterases was achieved by inhibition assays by using specific inhibitors. The cellular localization of esterase activities was performed using histochemical methods. Key Results Olive pollen showed high levels of non-specific esterase activity, which remained steady after hydration and germination. Up to 20 esterolytic bands were identified on polyacrylamide gels. All the inhibitors decreased pollen germinability, but only diisopropyl fluorophosphate (DIFP) hampered pollen tube growth. Non-specific esterase activity is localized on the surface of oil bodies (OBs) and small vesicles, in the pollen intine and in the callose layer of the pollen tube wall. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity was mostly observed in the apertures, exine and pollen coat, and attached to the pollen tube wall surface and to small cytoplasmic vesicles. Conclusions In this work, for the first time a systematic functional characterization of esterase enzymes in pollen from a plant species with wet stigma has been carried out. Olive pollen esterases belong to four different functional groups: carboxylesterases, acetylesterases, AChEs and lipases. The cellular localization of esterase activity indicates that the intine is a putative storage site for esterolytic enzymes in olive pollen. Based on inhibition assays and cellular localization of enzymatic activities, it can be concluded that these enzymes are likely to be involved in pollen germination, and pollen tube growth and penetration of the stigma. PMID:22922586

  6. Blood cholinesterases as human biomarkers of organophosphorus pesticide exposure.

    PubMed

    Nigg, H N; Knaak, J B

    2000-01-01

    The organophosphorus pesticides of this review were discovered in 1936 during the search for a replacement for nicotine for cockroach control. The basic biochemical characteristics of RBC AChE and BChE were determined in the 1940s. The mechanism of inhibition of both enzymes and other serine esterases was known in the 1940s and, in general, defined in the 1950s. In 1949, the death of a parathion mixer-loader dictated blood enzyme monitoring to prevent acute illness from organophosphorus pesticide intoxication. However, many of the chemical and biochemical steps for serine enzyme inhibition by OP compounds remain unknown today. The possible mechanisms of this inhibition are presented kinetically beginning with simple (by comparison) Michaelis-Menten substrate enzyme interaction kinetics. As complicated as the inhibition kinetics appear here, PBPK model kinetics will be more complex. The determination of inter- and intraindividual variation in RBC ChE and BChE was recognized early as critical knowledge for a blood esterase monitoring program. Because of the relatively constant production of RBCs, variation in RBC AChE was determined by about 1970. The source of plasma (or serum) BChE was shown to be the liver in the 1960s with the change in BChE phenotype to the donor in liver transplant patients. BChE activity was more variable than RBC AChE, and only in the 1990s have BChE individual variation questions been answered. We have reviewed the chemistry, metabolism, and toxicity of organophosphorus insecticides along with their inhibitory action toward tissue acetyl- and butyrylcholinesterases. On the basis of the review, a monitoring program for individuals mixing-loading and applying OP pesticides for commercial applicators was recommended. Approximately 41 OPs are currently registered for use by USEPA in the United States. Under agricultural working conditions, OPs primarily are absorbed through the skin. Liver P-450 isozymes catalyze the desulfurization of phosphorothioates and phosphorodithioates (e.g., parathion and azinphosmethyl, respectively) to the more toxic oxons (P = O(S to O)). In some cases, P-450 isozymes catalyze the oxidative cleavage of P-O-aryl bonds (e.g., parathion, methyl parathion, fenitrothion, and diazinon) to form inactive water-soluble alkyl phosphates and aryl leaving groups that are readily conjugated with glucuronic or sulfuric acids and excreted. In addition to the P-450 isozymes, mammalian tissues contain ('A' and 'B') esterases capable of reacting with OPs to produce hydrolysis products or phosphorylated enzymes. 'A'-esterases hydrolyze OPs (i.e., oxons), while 'B'-esterases with serine at the active center are inhibited by OPs. OPs possessing carboxylesters, such as malathion and isofenphos, are hydrolyzed by the direct action of 'B'-esterases (i.e., carboxylesterase, CaE). Metabolic pathways shown for isofenphos, parathion, and malathion define the order in which these reactions occur, while Michaelis-Menten kinetics define reaction parameters (Vmax, K(m)) for the enzymes and substrates involved, and rates of inhibition of 'B'-esterases (kis, bimolecular rate constants) by OPs and their oxons. OPs exert their insecticidal action by their ability to inhibit AChE at the cholinergic synapse, resulting in the accumulation of acetylcholine. The extent to which AChE or other 'B'-esterases are inhibited in workers is dependent upon the rate the OP pesticide is activated (i.e., oxon formation), metabolized to nontoxic products by tissue enzymes, its affinity for AChE and other 'B'-esterases, and esterase concentrations in tissues. Rapid recovery of OP BChE inhibition may be related to reactivation of inhibited forms. AChE, BChE, and CaE appear to function in vivo as scavengers, protecting workers against the inhibition of AChE at synapses. Species sensitivity to OPs varies widely and results in part from binding affinities (Ka) and rates of phosphorylation (kp) rather than rates of activation and detoxif

  7. Hydrolysis of acetylthiocoline, o-nitroacetanilide and o-nitrotrifluoroacetanilide by fetal bovine serum acetylcholinesterase.

    PubMed

    Montenegro, María F; Moral-Naranjo, María T; Muñoz-Delgado, Encarnación; Campoy, Francisco J; Vidal, Cecilio J

    2009-04-01

    Besides esterase activity, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) hydrolyze o-nitroacetanilides through aryl acylamidase activity. We have reported that BuChE tetramers and monomers of human blood plasma differ in o-nitroacetanilide (ONA) hydrolysis. The homology in quaternary structure and folding of subunits in the prevalent BuChE species (G4(H)) of human plasma and AChE forms of fetal bovine serum prompted us to study the esterase and amidase activities of fetal bovine serum AChE. The k(cat)/K(m) values for acetylthiocholine (ATCh), ONA and its trifluoro derivative N-(2-nitrophenyl)-trifluoroacetamide (F-ONA) were 398 x 10(6) M(-1) min(-1), 0.8 x 10(6) M(-1) min(-1), and 17.5 x 10(6) M(-1) min(-1), respectively. The lack of inhibition of amidase activity at high F-ONA concentrations makes it unlikely that there is a role for the peripheral anionic site (PAS) in F-ONA degradation, but the inhibition of ATCh, ONA and F-ONA hydrolysis by the PAS ligand fasciculin-2 points to the transit of o-nitroacetalinides near the PAS on their way to the active site. Sedimentation analysis confirmed substrate hydrolysis by tetrameric 10.9S AChE. As compared with esterase activity, amidase activity was less sensitive to guanidine hydrochloride. This reagent led to the formation of 9.3S tetramers with partially unfolded subunits. Their capacity to hydrolyze ATCh and F-ONA revealed that, despite the conformational change, the active site architecture and functionality of AChE were partially retained.

  8. Assessment of erythrocyte acetylcholine esterase activities in painters.

    PubMed

    Khan, Mohd Imran; Mahdi, Abbas Ali; Islam, Najmul; Rastogi, Subodh Kumar; Negi, M P S

    2009-04-01

    Thirty-five male painters in the age group of 20-50 years occupationally engaged in domestic and commercial painting for 5-12 years having blood lead levels (BLL)

  9. Behavior of detoxifying enzymes of Aedes aegypti exposed to girgensohnine alkaloid analog and Cymbopogon flexuosus essential oil.

    PubMed

    Carreño Otero, Aurora L; Palacio-Cortés, Angela Maria; Navarro-Silva, Mario Antonio; Kouznetsov, Vladimir V; Duque L, Jonny E

    2018-01-01

    Because mosquito control depend on the use of commercial insecticides and resistance has been described in some of them, there is a need to explore new molecules no resistant. In vivo effects of girgensohnine analog 2-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-2-(piperidin-1-yl)acetonitrile DPPA and Cymbopogon flexuosus essential oil CFEO, on the detoxifying enzymes acetylcholinesterase (AChE), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), nonspecific esterases (α- and β-), mixed function oxidases (MFO) and p-NPA esterases were evaluated on a Rockefeller (Rock) and wild Aedes aegypti population from Santander, Colombia (WSant). The action was tested after 24h of exposure at concentrations of 20.10, 35.18 and 70.35mgL -1 of DPPA and 18.45, 30.75 and 61.50mgL -1 of CFEO, respectively. It was found that AChE activity of Rock and WSant was not influenced by the evaluated concentration of DPPA and CFEO (p>0.05), while MFO activity was significantly affected by all CFEO concentrations in WSant (p<0.05). GST, α- and β-esterase activities were affected in Rock exposed at the highest CFEO concentration, this concentration also modified β-esterases activity of WSant. DPPA and CFEO sublethal doses induced inhibition of AChE activity on untreated larvae homogenate from 12 to 20% and 18 to 26%, respectively. For untreated adult homogenate, the inhibition activity raised up to 14 to 27% for DPPA and 26 to 34% for CFEO. Elevated levels of detoxifying enzymes, found when CFEO was evaluated, showed a larval sensitivity not observed by the pure compound suggesting that DPPA, contrary to CFEO, was not recognized, transformed or eliminated by the evaluated detoxifying enzymes. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  10. Understanding the molecular mechanism of aryl acylamidase activity of acetylcholinesterase - An in silico study.

    PubMed

    Chinnadurai, Raj Kumar; Saravanaraman, Ponne; Boopathy, Rathanam

    2015-08-15

    Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) exhibits two different activities, namely esterase and aryl acylamidase (AAA). Unlike esterase, AAA activity of AChE is inhibited by the active site inhibitors while remaining unaffected by the peripheral anionic site inhibitors. This differential inhibitory pattern of active and peripheral anionic site inhibitors on the AAA activity remains unanswered. To answer this, we investigated the mechanism of binding and trafficking of AAA substrates using in silico tools. Molecular docking of serotonin and AAA substrates (o-nitroacetanilide, and o-nitrotrifluoroacetanilide,) onto AChE shows that these compounds bind at the side door of AChE. Thus, we conceived that the AAA substrates prefer the side door to reach the active site for their catalysis. Further, steered molecular dynamics simulations show that the force required for binding and trafficking of the AAA substrate through the side door is comparatively lesser than their dissociation (900kJ/mol/nm). Among the two substrates, o-nitrotrifluoroacetanilide required lesser force (380kJ/mol/nm) than o-nitroacetanilide the (550kJ/mol/nm) for its binding, thus validating o-nitrotrifluoroacetanilide as a better substrate. With these observations, we resolve that the AAA activity of AChE is mediated through its side door. Therefore, binding of PAS inhibitors at the main door of AChE remain ineffective against AAA activity. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  11. New insights on molecular interactions of organophosphorus pesticides with esterases.

    PubMed

    Mangas, Iris; Estevez, Jorge; Vilanova, Eugenio; França, Tanos Celmar Costa

    2017-02-01

    Organophosphorus compounds (OPs) are a large and diverse class of chemicals mainly used as pesticides and chemical weapons. People may be exposed to OPs in several occasions, which can produce several distinct neurotoxic effects depending on the dose, frequency of exposure, type of OP, and the host factors that influence susceptibility and sensitivity. These neurotoxic effects are mainly due to the interaction with enzyme targets involved in toxicological or detoxication pathways. In this work, the toxicological relevance of known OPs targets is reviewed. The main enzyme targets of OPs have been identified among the serine hydrolase protein family, some of them decades ago (e.g. AChE, BuChE, NTE and carboxylesterases), others more recently (e.g. lysophospholipase, arylformidase and KIA1363) and others which are not molecularly identified yet (e.g. phenylvalerate esterases). Members of this family are characterized by displaying serine hydrolase activity, containing a conserved serine hydrolase motif and having an alpha-beta hydrolase fold. Improvement in Xray-crystallography and in silico methods have generated new data of the interactions between OPs and esterases and have established new methods to study new inhibitors and reactivators of cholinesterases. Mass spectrometry for AChE, BChE and APH have characterized the active site serine adducts with OPs being useful to detect biomarkers of OPs exposure and inhibitory and postinhibitory reactions of esterases and OPs. The purpose of this review is focus specifically on the interaction of OP with esterases, mainly with type B-esterases, which are able to hydrolyze carboxylesters but inhibited by OPs by covalent phosphorylation on the serine or tyrosine residue in the active sites. Other related esterases in some cases with no-irreversible effect are also discussed. The understanding of the multiple molecular interactions is the basis we are proposing for a multi-target approach for understanding the organophosphorus toxicity. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  12. Evidence of metabolic mechanisms playing a role in multiple insecticides resistance in Anopheles stephensi populations from Afghanistan.

    PubMed

    Safi, Noor Halim Zahid; Ahmadi, Abdul Ali; Nahzat, Sami; Ziapour, Seyyed Payman; Nikookar, Seyed Hassan; Fazeli-Dinan, Mahmoud; Enayati, Ahmadali; Hemingway, Janet

    2017-03-03

    Malaria is endemic in most parts of Afghanistan and insecticide-based vector control measures are central in controlling the disease. Insecticide resistance in the main malaria vector Anopheles stephensi from Afghanistan is increasing and attempts should be made to determine the underlying resistance mechanisms for its adequate management. The contents of cytochrome P450s, esterases, glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) and acetylcholine esterase (AChE) activities were measured in the Kunar and Nangarhar populations of An. stephensi from Afghanistan and the results were compared with those of the susceptible Beech strain using the World Health Organization approved biochemical assay methods for adult mosquitoes. The cytochrome P450s enzyme ratios were 2.23- and 2.54-fold in the Kunar and Nangarhar populations compared with the susceptible Beech strain. The enzyme ratios for esterases with alpha-naphthyl acetate were 1.45 and 2.11 and with beta-naphthyl acetate were 1.62 and 1.85 in the Kunar and Nangarhar populations respectively compared with the susceptible Beech strain. Esterase ratios with para-nitrophenyl acetate (pNPA) were 1.61 and 1.75 in the Kunar and Nangarhar populations compared with the susceptible Beech strain. The GSTs enzyme ratios were 1.33 and 1.8 in the Kunar and Nangarhar populations compared with the susceptible Beech strain. The inhibition of AChE was 70.9 in the susceptible Beech strain, and 56.7 and 51.5 in the Kunar and Nangarhar populations. The differences between all values of the enzymes activities/contents and AChE inhibition rates in the Kunar and Nangarhar populations were statistically significant when compared with those of the susceptible Beech strain. Based on the results, the reported resistance to pyrethroid and organophosphate insecticides, and tolerance to bendiocarb in the Kunar and Nangarhar populations of An. stephensi from Afghanistan are likely to be caused by a range of metabolic mechanisms, including esterases, P450s and GSTs combined with target site insensitivity in AChE.

  13. Effect of lambda cyhalothrin and temephos on detoxification enzyme systems in Culex quinquefasciatus (Diptera: Culicidae).

    PubMed

    Muthusamy, R; Shivakumar, M S

    2015-01-01

    Mosquitoes serve as vector for transmitting diseases. Among mosquitoes, Culex quinquefasciatus transmits lymphatic filariasis, yellow fever Japanese encephalitis etc. Application of chemical insecticides is still the best option for vector control programmes. Continuous use of these chemicals on mosquito reduces its effects. The present study determined the baseline susceptibility of Cx. quinquefasciatus in response to λ-cyhalothrin and temephos treatments. In addition, the biochemical mechanisms and zymogram analysis involved in insecticide detoxification among larval mosquitoes were studied. The larval bioassay indicated high LC50 value for λ-cyhalothrin (0.1484ppm) as compared to temephos (0.01092ppm). While AChE assay showed increased activity in temephos treatments, glutathione reductase (GR) and esterase levels were increased at both the treatments. Esterase quantitative analysis revealed the expression of three bands at 43kDa, 67kDa and 245kDa. The findings suggest that insensitivity of AChE, esterase and high GR activity may play an important role in developing resistance to synthetic pyrethroid and organophosphate insecticides in Cx. quinquefasciatus population.

  14. Mechanisms of insecticide resistance in field populations of Aedes aegypti (L.) from Quintana Roo, Southern Mexico.

    PubMed

    Flores, Adriana E; Grajales, Jaime Salomon; Salas, Ildefonso Fernandez; Garcia, Gustavo Ponce; Becerra, Ma Haydee Loaiza; Lozano, Saul; Brogdon, William G; Black, William C; Beaty, Barry

    2006-12-01

    Potential insecticide-resistance mechanisms were studied with the use of biochemical assays in Aedes aegypti (L.) collected from 5 municipalities representing the north part of Quintana Roo: Benito Juarez, Cozumel, Isla Mujeres, Lazaro Cardenas, and Solidaridad. The activities of alpha and beta esterases, mixed-function oxidases (MFO), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), acethylcholinesterase (AChE), and insensitive acethylcholinesterase (iAChE) were assayed in microplates. Three replicates were performed for each enzyme and 60 males and 60 females were analyzed in each population. The New Orleans (NO) susceptible strain of Ae. aegypti was used as a susceptible reference and the threshold criteria for each enzyme were the highest NO absorbance values. In none of the 6 tests were absorbance values correlated in males and females. alpha esterases were elevated in Benito Juarez, Cozumel females and in Lazaro Cardenas males and females. beta esterases were elevated in Benito Juarez, Cozumel females and in Cozumel and Lazaro Cardenas males. Elevated esterases suggest potential insecticide-resistance mechanisms against organophosphate, carbamate, and some pyrethroid insecticides. Slightly elevated levels of MFOs appeared in Lazaro Cardenas females and in Cozumel, Isla Mujeres, and Solidaridad males. Mechanisms involving iAChE or GST were not apparent.

  15. Modulation of Cholinergic Pathways and Inflammatory Mediators in Blast-Induced Traumatic Brain Injury

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2013-01-01

    matic brain injury (TBI). Centrally acting acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors are also being considered as potential therapeutic candidates...repeated blast exposures [12]. AChE inhibitors are possible therapeutic candidates against Alzheimer’s disease and TBI [13–15]. In this study, we...esterase inhibitor , as described earlier [12,17–19]. Brain AChE activity was expressed as milliunits/mg protein. 2.3. Microarray analysis Various

  16. Status of insecticide resistance in Culex pipiens field populations from north-eastern areas of Italy before the withdrawal of OP compounds.

    PubMed

    Toma, Luciano; Menegon, Michela; Romi, Roberto; De Matthaeis, Elvira; Montanari, Mario; Severini, Carlo

    2011-01-01

    Heavy and constant use of organophosphorus (OP) larvicides selected Culex pipiens L. resistant populations through two main mechanisms of genetic resistance, the increased activity of detoxifying esterase and the production of alterate acetylcholinesterase-1 (AChE1) by G119S mutation. The aim of this study was the assessment of the distribution of Cx. pipiens populations resistant to temephos and chlorpyrifos in the north-eastern regions of Italy and the occurrence of the insensitive AChE in these populations. Data describe the situation in the last years before European legislation prohibited the use of OP larvicides in mosquito control, up until 2007. For the first time a high level of OP resistance in the samples from Ravenna (182-fold, 80% A4/B4 or A5/B5 esterases and 38.3% Ester(5)), Emilia Romagna region, was detected; therefore, new data from the Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia regions were obtained and reinforced existing knowledge about resistance previously studied along the Adriatic coast. Nearby, in the Villa Verucchio locality, the highest (87.5%) AChE1R was found. Cx. pipiens resistance esterases A5/B5 and A4/B4 spread southward along the Adriatic coastal plain while OPs were being used in mosquito control, as confirmed by the first molecular screening of the AChE1 gene in these populations. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry.

  17. Synergistic toxicity and physiological impact of imidacloprid alone and binary mixtures with seven representative pesticides on honey bee (Apis mellifera)

    PubMed Central

    Zhu, Yu Cheng; Yao, Jianxiu; Adamczyk, John; Luttrell, Randall

    2017-01-01

    Imidacloprid is the most widely used insecticide in the world. In this study, we used spraying methods to simulate field exposures of bees to formulated imidacloprid (Advise® 2FL) alone and binary mixtures with seven pesticides from different classes. Synergistic toxicity was detected from mixtures of Advise (58.6 mg a.i./L imidacloprid)+Domark (512.5 mg a.i. /L tetraconazole), Advise+Transform (58.5 mg a.i./L sulfoxaflor), and Advise+Vydate (68 mg a.i./L oxamyl), and mortality was significantly increased by 20%, 15%, and 26% respectively. The mixtures of Advise+Bracket (88.3 mg a.i./L acephate) and Advise+Karate (62.2 mg a.i./L L-cyhalothrin) showed additive interaction, while Advise+Belay (9.4 mg a.i./L clothianidin) and Advise+Roundup (1217.5 mg a.i./L glyphosate) had no additive/synergistic interaction. Spraying bees with the mixture of all eight pesticides increased mortality to 100%, significantly higher than all other treatments. Except Bracket which significantly suppressed esterase and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activities, other treatments of Advise-only and mixtures with other pesticides did not suppress enzyme activities significantly, including invertase, glutathione S-transferase (GST), and esterase and AChE. Immunity-related phenoloxidase (PO) activities in survivors tended to be more variable among treatments, but mostly still statistically similar to the control. By using specific enzyme inhibitors, we demonstrated that honey bees mainly rely on cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (P450s) for detoxifying Advise, while esterases and GSTs play substantially less roles in the detoxification. This study provided valuable information for guiding pesticide selection in premixing and tank mixing in order to alleviate toxicity risk to honey bees. Our findings indicated mixtures of Advise with detoxification-enzyme-inducing pesticides may help bees to detoxify Advise, while toxicity synergists may pose further risk to bees, such as the Bracket which not only suppressed esterase and AChE activities, but also increased toxicity to bees. PMID:28467462

  18. Synergistic toxicity and physiological impact of imidacloprid alone and binary mixtures with seven representative pesticides on honey bee (Apis mellifera).

    PubMed

    Zhu, Yu Cheng; Yao, Jianxiu; Adamczyk, John; Luttrell, Randall

    2017-01-01

    Imidacloprid is the most widely used insecticide in the world. In this study, we used spraying methods to simulate field exposures of bees to formulated imidacloprid (Advise® 2FL) alone and binary mixtures with seven pesticides from different classes. Synergistic toxicity was detected from mixtures of Advise (58.6 mg a.i./L imidacloprid)+Domark (512.5 mg a.i. /L tetraconazole), Advise+Transform (58.5 mg a.i./L sulfoxaflor), and Advise+Vydate (68 mg a.i./L oxamyl), and mortality was significantly increased by 20%, 15%, and 26% respectively. The mixtures of Advise+Bracket (88.3 mg a.i./L acephate) and Advise+Karate (62.2 mg a.i./L L-cyhalothrin) showed additive interaction, while Advise+Belay (9.4 mg a.i./L clothianidin) and Advise+Roundup (1217.5 mg a.i./L glyphosate) had no additive/synergistic interaction. Spraying bees with the mixture of all eight pesticides increased mortality to 100%, significantly higher than all other treatments. Except Bracket which significantly suppressed esterase and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activities, other treatments of Advise-only and mixtures with other pesticides did not suppress enzyme activities significantly, including invertase, glutathione S-transferase (GST), and esterase and AChE. Immunity-related phenoloxidase (PO) activities in survivors tended to be more variable among treatments, but mostly still statistically similar to the control. By using specific enzyme inhibitors, we demonstrated that honey bees mainly rely on cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (P450s) for detoxifying Advise, while esterases and GSTs play substantially less roles in the detoxification. This study provided valuable information for guiding pesticide selection in premixing and tank mixing in order to alleviate toxicity risk to honey bees. Our findings indicated mixtures of Advise with detoxification-enzyme-inducing pesticides may help bees to detoxify Advise, while toxicity synergists may pose further risk to bees, such as the Bracket which not only suppressed esterase and AChE activities, but also increased toxicity to bees.

  19. Acetylcholinesterase and neuropathy target esterase activities in 11 cases of symptomatic flight crew members after fume events.

    PubMed

    Heutelbeck, Astrid R R; Bornemann, Catherine; Lange, Martina; Seeckts, Anke; Müller, Michael M

    2016-01-01

    In modern aviation, so-called fume events such as exposure to an unknown mixture of chemicals introduced into the aircraft cabin with bleed air drawn off at the engines may occur. Human exposure may result in (neuro)toxic symptoms described as so-called "aerotoxic syndrome." Currently, among other agents organophosphates (OP) are regarded as a likely cause of the observed adverse effects. After fume events 11 flight crew members (9 female/2 male; ages 23-58 yr) were admitted for a medical examination within 5 d post exposure. Individual acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and neuropathy target esterase (NTE) activities were determined. Anamnesis and clinical findings confirmed prominent symptoms of an intoxication, including headache, cognitive difficulties, and neurological disorders, among others. Patient AChE activities ranged from 37 to 50 U/g hemoglobin (reference values: 26.7-50.9 U/g hemoglobin). Ten individuals showed NTE activities ranging from 3.14 to 6.3 nmol phenyl valerate/(min × mg protein) (reference values: 3.01-24), with one patient exhibiting low NTE activity of 1.4. Biochemical effect monitoring was applied to encompass a broad range of AChE-inhibiting compounds such as OP, carbamates, and isocyanates, or to detect inhibition of NTE. The measured AChE activities indicated a subordinate contribution of OP or related compounds to the observed symptoms. All noted NTE activities were clustered at low levels. Our data suggest a likely inhibition of NTE activities in patients after fume events, which warrants further investigation. The observed symptoms may be linked to known chemical compounds in fume events, and it is not possible to infer a direct correlation between manifestations and AChE -inhibiting compounds at this time.

  20. Acetylcholine esterase inhibitors and melanin synthesis inhibitors from Salvia officinalis.

    PubMed

    Sallam, Amal; Mira, Amira; Ashour, Ahmed; Shimizu, Kuniyoshi

    2016-09-15

    Salvia officinalis is a traditionally used herb with a wide range of medicinal applications. Many phytoconstituents have been isolated from S. officinalis, mainly phenolic diterpenes, which possess many biological activities. This study aimed to evaluate the ability of the phenolic diterpenes of S. officinalis to inhibit acetylcholine esterase (AChE) as well as their ability to inhibit melanin biosynthesis in B16 melanoma cells. The phenolic diterpenes isolated from the aerial parts of S. officinalis were tested for their effect on melanin biosynthesis in B16 melanoma cell lines. They were also tested for their ability to inhibit AChE using Ellman's method. Moreover, a molecular docking experiment was used to investigate the binding affinity of the isolated phenolic diterpenes to the amino acid residues at the active sites of AChE. Seven phenolic diterpenes-sageone, 12-methylcarnosol, carnosol, 7b-methoxyrosmanol, 7a-methoxyrosmanol, isorosmanol and epirosmanol-were isolated from the methanolic extract of the aerial parts of S. officinalis. Isorosmanol showed a melanin-inhibiting activity as potent as that of arbutin. Compounds 7a-methoxyrosmanol and isorosmanol inhibited AChE activity by 50% and 65%, respectively, at a concentration of 500 µM. The results suggest that isorosmanol is a promising natural compound for further studies on development of new medications which might be useful in ageing disorders such as the declining of cognitive functions and hyperpigmentation. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

  1. DOSE-RESPONSE MODELING FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF CUMULATIVE RISK DUE TO EXPOSURE TO N-METHYL CARBAMATE PESTICIDES

    EPA Science Inventory

    The US EPAs N-Methyl Carbamate Cumulative Risk Assessment (NMCRA) assesses the effect on acetylcholine esterase (AChE) activity of exposure to 10 N-methyl carbamate (NMC) pesticides through dietary, drinking water, and residential exposures.

  2. Treatment of obstructive sleep apnoea-hypopnea syndrome by mandible advanced device reduced neuron apoptosis in frontal cortex of rabbits.

    PubMed

    Lu, Hai-Yan; Wang, Wen; Zhou, Zheng; Liu, Chun-Yan; Liu, Ye; Xiao, Wei; Dong, Fu-Sheng; Wang, Jie

    2018-05-25

    To investigate effects of mandible advanced device (MAD) therapy for obstructive sleep apnoea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) on the neuron apoptosis and acetylcholine esterase activity in frontal cortex. Thirty male New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into three groups (n = 10 in each group): group OSAHS, group MAD, and control group. Hydrophilic polyacrylamide gel was injected into soft palate of the animals to induce OSAHS in group OSAHS and group MAD. The group MAD animals wore MAD to relief the obstructiveness. The control group was not given any treatment. Computed tomography (CT) examination of the upper airway and polysomnography (PSG) recordings were performed in supine position. All rabbits were induced to sleep in a supine position for 4 to 6 hours every day and were observed for consecutive 8 weeks. The frontal cortices of three groups were dissected and the neuron apoptosis was detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) and flow cytometry. Acetylcholine esterase (AchE) activity in the frontal cortex was measured by spectrophotometry. The group OSAHS exhibited high neuron apoptosis rate and low AchE activity than those of group MAD and control group. The blood oxygen saturation was negatively correlated with neuronal apoptosis rate and positively correlated with AchE activity. Applying MAD in OSAHS animals significantly improve the neuronal damage and function deficits by apnoea-hypoxia caused by narrowed upper airway. This study provided evidence that MAD therapy for OSAHS can significantly decrease neuronal apoptosis and increase AchE activity in the frontal cortex.

  3. Esterase detoxification of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors by human or rat liver in vitro

    EPA Science Inventory

    Organophosphate (OP) and N-methylcarbamate pesticides inhibit acetylcholinesterase (AChE), but differences in metabolism and detoxification can influence potency of these pesticides across and within species. Carboxylesterase (CaE) and A-esterase (paraoxonase, PON) are considered...

  4. Esterase detoxification of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors using human liver samples in vitro

    EPA Science Inventory

    Organophosphate (OP) and N-methylcarbamate pesticides inhibit acetylcholinesterase (AChE), but differences in metabolism and detoxification can influence potency of these pesticides across and within species. Carboxylesterase (CaE) and A-esterase (paraoxonase, PON1) are consider...

  5. Esterases activity in the axolotl Ambystoma mexicanum exposed to chlorpyrifos and its implication to motor activity.

    PubMed

    Robles-Mendoza, Cecilia; Zúñiga-Lagunes, Sebastian R; Ponce de León-Hill, Claudia A; Hernández-Soto, Jesús; Vanegas-Pérez, Cecilia

    2011-10-01

    The axolotl Ambystoma mexicanum is a neotenic salamander considered a good biological model due to its ability to regenerate limbs, tail, brain and heart cells. Nevertheless, severe reduction of A. mexicanum wild populations in the lacustrine area of Xochimilco, the natural habitat of the axolotl, could be related to several environmental pressures as the presence of organophosphate pesticides (OPPs), intensively applied in agricultural activities in Xochimilco. Thus the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of environmentally realistic chlorpyrifos (CPF) concentrations, a OPP commonly used in this zone, on esterases activity (acetylcholinesterase and carboxylesterase) and bioconcentration of CPF and to relate them with the motor activity of A. mexicanum juveniles. Axolotls were exposed 48 h to 0.05 and 0.1mg CPF/L, and the responses were evaluated at the end of the CPF exposure. Results suggest that CPF is bioconcentrated into axolotls and that the CPF internal concentrations are related with the observed inhibition activity of AChE (>50%) and CbE (≈ 50%). CPF concentration responsible of the inhibition of the 50% of AChE activity (IC50) was estimated in 0.04 mg CPF/L; however IC50 for CbE activity was not possible to calculate since inhibition levels were lower than 50%, results that suggest a higher resistance of CbE enzymatic activity to CPF. However, motor activity was a more sensitive endpoint to CPF poisoning since time that axolotls spent active and walking, frequency and speed of swimming, frequency of prey attack were reduced >90% of control groups. The motor activity alterations in the axolotl could be related with the registered esterases inhibition. Thus important alterations on axolotls were identified even at short time and low concentrations of CPF exposure. Also, it was possible to link biochemical responses as esterases activity with higher levels of biological organization as behavior. This study provides tools for the regulation of the use of organophosphorus pesticides in the natural habitat of the axolotl. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  6. Increased acetylcholine esterase activity produced by the administration of an aqueous extract of the seed kernel of Thevetia peruviana and its role on acute and subchronic intoxication in mice

    PubMed Central

    Marroquín-Segura, Rubén; Calvillo-Esparza, Ricardo; Mora-Guevara, José Luis Alfredo; Tovalín-Ahumada, José Horacio; Aguilar-Contreras, Abigail; Hernández-Abad, Vicente Jesús

    2014-01-01

    Background: The real mechanism for Thevetia peruviana poisoning remains unclear. Cholinergic activity is important for cardiac function regulation, however, the effect of T. peruviana on cholinergic activity is not well-known. Objective: To study the effect of the acute administration of an aqueous extract of the seed kernel of T. peruviana on the acetylcholine esterase (AChE) activity in CD1 mice as well its implications in the sub-chronic toxicity of the extract. Materials and Methods: A dose of 100 mg/kg of the extract was administered to CD1 mice and after 7 days, serum was obtained for ceruloplasmin (CP) quantitation and liver function tests. Another group of mice received a 50 mg/kg dose of the extract 3 times within 1 h time interval and AChE activity was determined for those animals. Heart tissue histological preparation was obtained from a group of mice that received a daily 50 mg/kg dose of the extract by a 30-days period. Results: CP levels for the treated group were higher than those for the control group (Student's t-test, P ≤ 0.001). AChE activity in the treated group was significantly higher than the control group (Tukey test, control vs. T. peruviana, P ≤ 0.001). Heart tissue histological preparations showed leukocyte infiltrates and necrotic areas, consistent with infarcts. Conclusion: The increased levels of AChE and the hearth tissue infiltrative lesions induced by the aqueous seed kernel extract of T. peruviana explains in part the poisoning caused by this plant, which can be related to an inflammatory process. PMID:24914300

  7. Increased acetylcholine esterase activity produced by the administration of an aqueous extract of the seed kernel of Thevetia peruviana and its role on acute and subchronic intoxication in mice.

    PubMed

    Marroquín-Segura, Rubén; Calvillo-Esparza, Ricardo; Mora-Guevara, José Luis Alfredo; Tovalín-Ahumada, José Horacio; Aguilar-Contreras, Abigail; Hernández-Abad, Vicente Jesús

    2014-01-01

    The real mechanism for Thevetia peruviana poisoning remains unclear. Cholinergic activity is important for cardiac function regulation, however, the effect of T. peruviana on cholinergic activity is not well-known. To study the effect of the acute administration of an aqueous extract of the seed kernel of T. peruviana on the acetylcholine esterase (AChE) activity in CD1 mice as well its implications in the sub-chronic toxicity of the extract. A dose of 100 mg/kg of the extract was administered to CD1 mice and after 7 days, serum was obtained for ceruloplasmin (CP) quantitation and liver function tests. Another group of mice received a 50 mg/kg dose of the extract 3 times within 1 h time interval and AChE activity was determined for those animals. Heart tissue histological preparation was obtained from a group of mice that received a daily 50 mg/kg dose of the extract by a 30-days period. CP levels for the treated group were higher than those for the control group (Student's t-test, P ≤ 0.001). AChE activity in the treated group was significantly higher than the control group (Tukey test, control vs. T. peruviana, P ≤ 0.001). Heart tissue histological preparations showed leukocyte infiltrates and necrotic areas, consistent with infarcts. The increased levels of AChE and the hearth tissue infiltrative lesions induced by the aqueous seed kernel extract of T. peruviana explains in part the poisoning caused by this plant, which can be related to an inflammatory process.

  8. Planarian cholinesterase: in vitro characterization of an evolutionarily ancient enzyme to study organophosphorus pesticide toxicity and reactivation.

    PubMed

    Hagstrom, Danielle; Hirokawa, Hideto; Zhang, Limin; Radic, Zoran; Taylor, Palmer; Collins, Eva-Maria S

    2017-08-01

    The freshwater planarian Dugesia japonica has recently emerged as an animal model for developmental neurotoxicology and found to be sensitive to organophosphorus (OP) pesticides. While previous activity staining of D. japonica, which possess a discrete cholinergic nervous system, has shown acylthiocholine catalysis, it is unknown whether this is accomplished through an acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), or a hybrid esterase and how OP exposure affects esterase activity. Here, we show that the majority of D. japonica cholinesterase (DjChE) activity departs from conventional AChE and BChE classifications. Inhibition by classic protonable amine and quaternary reversible inhibitors (ethopropazine, donepezil, tacrine, edrophonium, BW284c51, propidium) shows that DjChE is far less sensitive to these inhibitors than human AChE, suggesting discrete differences in active center and peripheral site recognition and structures. Additionally, we find that different OPs (chlorpyrifos oxon, paraoxon, dichlorvos, diazinon oxon, malaoxon) and carbamylating agents (carbaryl, neostigmine, physostigmine, pyridostigmine) differentially inhibit DjChE activity in vitro. DjChE was most sensitive to diazinon oxon and neostigmine and least sensitive to malaoxon and carbaryl. Diazinon oxon-inhibited DjChE could be reactivated by the quaternary oxime, pralidoxime (2-PAM), and the zwitterionic oxime, RS194B, with RS194B being significantly more potent. Sodium fluoride (NaF) reactivates OP-DjChE faster than 2-PAM. As one of the most ancient true cholinesterases, DjChE provides insight into the evolution of a hybrid enzyme before the separation into distinct AChE and BChE enzymes found in higher vertebrates. The sensitivity of DjChE to OPs and capacity for reactivation validate the use of planarians for OP toxicology studies.

  9. (BOSC) DOSE-RESPONSE MODELING FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF CUMULATIVE RISK DUE TO EXPOSURE TO N-METHYL CARBAMATE PRESTICIDES

    EPA Science Inventory

    THE US EPA'S N-METHYL CARBAMATE CUMULATIVE RISK ASSESSMENT (NMCRA) ASSESSES THE EFFECT ON ACETYLCHOLINE ESTERASE (AChE) ACTIVITY OF EXPOSURE TO 10 N-METHLY CARBAMATE (NMC)PESTICIDES THROUGH DIETARY, DRINKING WATER, AND RESIDENTIAL EXPOSURES. THESE DATA THUS INFORM, BUT DO NOT COM...

  10. Benchmark Dose Analysis from Multiple Datasets: The Cumulative Risk Assessment for the N-Methyl Carbamate Pesticides

    EPA Science Inventory

    The US EPA’s N-Methyl Carbamate (NMC) Cumulative Risk assessment was based on the effect on acetylcholine esterase (AChE) activity of exposure to 10 NMC pesticides through dietary, drinking water, and residential exposures, assuming the effects of joint exposure to NMCs is dose-...

  11. Insecticidal and acetylcholine esterase inhibition activity of Apiaceae plant essential oils and their constituents against adults of German cockroach (Blattella germanica).

    PubMed

    Yeom, Hwa-Jeong; Kang, Jae Soon; Kim, Gil-Hah; Park, Il-Kwon

    2012-07-25

    We evaluated the insecticidal and acetylcholine esterase (AChE) inhibition activity of 11 Apiaceae plant essential oils and their constituents in adult male and female Blattella germanica. Of the 11 Apiaceae plant essential oils tested, dill (Anethum graveolens), carvi (Carum carvi), and cumin (Cuminum cyminum) demonstrated >90% fumigant toxicity against adult male German cockroaches at a concentration of 5 mg/filter paper. In a contact toxicity test, dill (Anethum graveolens), carvi (Carum carvi), cumin (Cuminum cyminum), and ajowan (Trachyspermum ammi) produced strong insecticidal activity against adult male and female German cockroaches. Among the test compounds, (S)-(+)-carvone, 1,8-cineole, trans-dihydrocarvone, cuminaldehyde, trans-anethole, p-cymene, and γ-terpinene demonstrated strong fumigant toxicity against adult male and female B. germanica. In a contact toxicity test, carveol, cuminaldehyde, (S)-(+)-carvone, trans-anethole, thymol, and p-cymene showed strong contact toxicity against adult male and female B. germanica. IC(50) values of α-pinene, carvacrol, and dihydrocarvone against female AChE were 0.28, 0.17, and 0.78 mg/mL, respectively. The toxicity of the blends of constituents identified in 4 active oils indicated that carvone, cuminaldehyde, and thymol were major contributors to the fumigant activity or contact toxicity of the artificial blend.

  12. The level of aryl acylamidase activity displayed by human butyrylcholinesterase depends on its molecular distribution.

    PubMed

    Montenegro, M F; Moral-Naranjo, M T; Páez de la Cadena, M; Campoy, F J; Muñoz-Delgado, E; Vidal, C J

    2008-09-25

    Butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) display both esterase and aryl acylamidase (AAA) activities. Their AAA activity can be measured using o-nitroacetanilide (ONA). In human samples depleted of acetylcholinesterase, we noticed that the ratio of amidase to esterase activities varied depending on the source, despite both activities being due to BuChE. Searching for an explanation, we compared the activities of BuChE molecular forms in samples of human colon, kidney and serum, and observed that BuChE monomers (G(1)) hydrolyzed o-nitroacetanilide much faster than tetramers (G(4)). This fact suggested that association might cause differences in the AAA site between single and polymerized subunits. This and other post-translational modifications in BuChE subunits probably determine their level of AAA activity. The higher amidase activity of monomers could justify the presence of single BuChE subunits in cells as a way to preserve the AAA activity of BuChE, which could be lost by oligomerization.

  13. [Effects of cornel iridoid glycoside on activity of cholinesterases in vitro].

    PubMed

    Chu, Si-Juan; Zhang, Lan; Liu, Gang; Zhou, Wen-Xia; Li, Lin

    2013-05-01

    The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of cornel iridoid glycoside (CIG) on the activity of cholinesterases in vitro, and to investigate the mechanism of CIG's treating Alzheimer's disease (AD). The sources of cholinesterases were prepared from human blood cells, rat brain homogenate and human blood plasma, respectively. The biochemical methods were used to detect the activity of acetylcholine esterase (AChE) and butyryl cholinesterase (BuChE) to investigate the influence of CIG on cholinesterases. The results showed that CIG inhibited the activity of AChE of human blood cells and rat brain homogenate, with the 50% inhibition rate (IC50) of 1.6 g . L-1 and 3.3 g . L-1, respectively; and the inhibition of AChE of CIG is reversible. CIG also inhibited the activity of BuChE of human blood plasma, with the IC50 of 2.9 g . L-1. In conclusion, CIG can inhibit the activity of AChE and BuChE in vitro, which may be one of the mechanisms of CIG to treat AD.

  14. Mechanism of Fenpropathrin Resistance in Red Spider Mite, Oligonychus coffeae (Acarina: Tetranychidae), Infesting Tea [Camellia sinensis L. (O. Kuntze)].

    PubMed

    Amsalingam, Roobakkumar; Gajjeraman, Prabu; Sam, Nisha; Rahman, Vattakandy Jasin; Azariah, Babu

    2017-02-01

    Red spider mite (RSM), Oligonychus coffeae (Nietner) (Acarina: Tetranychidae), has gained special attention in view of their widespread occurrence as a pest on tea [Camellia sinensis L. (O. Kuntze)]. The development of acaricide (fenpropathrin) resistance has been screened in field populations (FPs) of RSMs from different tea-growing regions of south India and compared with a laboratory-susceptible population (SP) based on toxicity bioassay, detoxifying enzyme activities, analysis of acetylcholine esterase gene (AChE, 2064 bp), and their expression pattern using semiquantitative RT-PCR. The increased resistance ratio (RR, 1.39 to 2.13) in LC 50 of fenpropathrin observed in field populations of RSM provides a baseline for screening the development of resistance to fenpropathrin. This resistance developed due to hyperexpression of detoxifying enzymes, i.e., esterase (RR of 1.43 to 2.53) and glutathione S-transferase (RR of 1.11 to 1.86), and overexpression of AChE gene at 1.4 to 2.7-fold. These results necessitate molecular studies and warrant the continuous monitoring of acaricide susceptibility and resistance pattern in order to analyze the usefulness of AChE gene as target for developing alternate pest control strategies and management of pesticide resistance in tea ecosystem.

  15. Response of digestive enzymes and esterases of ecotoxicological concern in earthworms exposed to chlorpyrifos-treated soils.

    PubMed

    Sanchez-Hernandez, Juan C; Ríos, Juan Manuel; Attademo, Andrés M

    2018-03-01

    Assessment of organophosphorus (OP) pesticide exposure in non-target organisms rarely involves non-neural molecular targets. Here we performed a 30-d microcosm experiment with Lumbricus terrestris to determine whether the activity of digestive enzymes (phosphatase, β-glucosidase, carboxylesterase and lipase) was sensitive to chlorpyrifos (5 mg kg -1 wet soil). Likewise, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) activities were measured in the wall muscle and gastrointestinal tissues as indicators of OP exposure. Chlorpyrifos inhibited the acid phosphatase (34% of controls), carboxylesterase (25.6%) and lipase activities (31%) in the gastrointestinal content. However, in the gastrointestinal tissue, only the carboxylesterase and lipase activities were significantly depressed (42-67% carboxylesterase inhibition in the foregut and crop/gizzard, and 15% lipase inhibition in the foregut). Chlorpyrifos inhibited the activity of both cholinesterases in the gastrointestinal tissues, whereas the AChE activity was affected in the wall muscle. These results suggested chlorpyrifos was widely distributed throughout the earthworm body after 30 d of incubation. Interestingly, we found muscle carboxylesterase activity strongly inhibited (92% of control) compared with that detected in the gastrointestinal tissues of the same OP-exposed individuals. This finding was explained by the occurrence of pesticide-resistant esterases in the gastrointestinal tissues, which were evidenced by zymography. Our results suggest that digestive processes of L. terrestris may be altered by chlorpyrifos, as a consequence of the inhibitory action of the insecticide on some digestive enzymes.

  16. Highly Sensitive and Selective Immuno-capture/Electrochemical Assay of Acetylcholinesterase Activity in Red Blood Cells: A Biomarker of Exposure to Organophosphorus Pesticides and Nerve Agents

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Chen, Aiqiong; Du, Dan; Lin, Yuehe

    Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) enzyme activity in red blood cells (RBCs) is a useful biomarker for biomonitoring of exposures to organophosphorus (OP) pesticides and chemical nerve agents. In this paper, we reported a new method for AChE activity assay based on selective immuno-capture of AChE from biological samples followed by enzyme activity assay of captured AChE using a disposable electrochemical sensor. The electrochemical sensor is based on multiwalled carbon nanotubes-gold nanocomposites (MWCNTs-Au) modified screen printed carbon electrode (SPCE). Upon the completion of immunoreaction, the target AChE (including active and inhibited) is captured onto the electrode surface and followed by an electrochemical detectionmore » of enzymatic activity in the presence of acetylthiocholine. A linear response is obtained over standard AChE concentration range from 0.1 to 10 nM. To demonstrate the capability of this new biomonitoring method, AChE solutions dosed with different concentration of paraoxon were used to validate the new AChE assay method. AChE inhibition in OP dosed solutions was proportional to its concentration from 0.2 to 50 nM. The new AChE activity assay method for biomonitoring of OP exposure was further validated with in-vitro paraoxon-dosed RBC samples. The established electrochemical sensing platform for AChE activity assay not only avoids the problem of overlapping substrate specificity with esterases by using selective antibody, but also eliminates potential interference from other electroactive species in biological samples. It offers a new approach for sensitive, selective, and rapid AChE activity assay for biomonitoring of exposures to OPs.« less

  17. Inhibitory effects of oxytocin and oxytocin receptor antagonist atosiban on the activities of carbonic anhydrase and acetylcholinesterase enzymes in the liver and kidney tissues of rats.

    PubMed

    Kocyigit, Umit M; Taşkıran, Ahmet Şevki; Taslimi, Parham; Yokuş, Ahmet; Temel, Yusuf; Gulçin, İlhami

    2017-11-01

    The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of oxytocin (OT), atosiban, which is an OT receptor antagonist, and OT-atosiban chemicals injected to rats on the activities of carbonic anhydrase (CA) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) enzymes in liver and kidney tissues of rats. For this purpose, four different groups, each consisting of six rats (n = 6), were formed (control group, OT administered group, atosiban administered group, and both OT and atosiban administered group). The rats were necropsied 60 min after intraperitoneal injection of chemicals into the rats. Liver tissues of rats were extracted. CA and AChE enzyme activities were measured for each tissue by using hydratase, esterase, and acetylcholiniodide methods. Activity values for each enzyme obtained were statistically calculated. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  18. Influences of acephate and mixtures with other commonly used pesticides on honey bee (Apis mellifera) survival and detoxification enzyme activities.

    PubMed

    Yao, Jianxiu; Zhu, Yu Cheng; Adamczyk, John; Luttrell, Randall

    2018-07-01

    Acephate (organophosphate) is frequently used to control piercing/sucking insects in field crops in southern United States, which may pose a risk to honey bees. In this study, toxicity of acephate (formulation Bracket ® 97) was examined in honey bees through feeding treatments with sublethal (pollen residue level: 0.168 mg/L) and median-lethal (LC 50 : 6.97 mg/L) concentrations. Results indicated that adult bees treated with acephate at residue concentration did not show significant increase in mortality, but esterase activity was significantly suppressed. Similarly, bees treated with binary mixtures of acephate with six formulated pesticides (all at residue dose) consistently showed lower esterase activity and body weight. Clothianidin, λ-cyhalothrin, oxamyl, tetraconazole, and chlorpyrifos may interact with acephate significantly to reduce body weight in treated bees. The dose response data (LC50: 6.97 mg/L) revealed a relatively higher tolerance to acephate in Stoneville bee population (USA) than populations elsewhere, although in general the population is still very sensitive to the organophosphate. In addition to killing 50% of the treated bees acephate (6.97 mg/L) inhibited 79.9%, 20.4%, and 29.4% of esterase, Glutathione S-transferase (GST), and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activities, respectively, in survivors after feeding treatment for 48 h. However, P450 activity was elevated 20% in bees exposed to acephate for 48 h. Even though feeding on sublethal acephate did not kill honey bees directly, chronic toxicity to honey bee was noticeable in body weight loss and esterase suppression, and its potential risk of synergistic interactions with other formulated pesticides should not be ignored. Published by Elsevier Inc.

  19. The impact of hydroquinone on acetylcholine esterase and certain human carbonic anhydrase isoenzymes (hCA I, II, IX, and XII).

    PubMed

    Scozzafava, Andrea; Kalın, Pınar; Supuran, Claudiu T; Gülçin, İlhami; Alwasel, Saleh H

    2015-12-01

    Carbonic anhydrases (CAs) are widespread and the most studied members of a great family of metalloenzymes in higher vertebrates including humans. CAs were investigated for their inhibition of all of the catalytically active mammalian isozymes of the Zn(2+)-containing CA, (CA, EC 4.2.1.1). On the other hand, acetylcholinesterase (AChE. EC 3.1.1.7), a serine protease, is responsible for ACh hydrolysis and plays a fundamental role in impulse transmission by terminating the action of the neurotransmitter ACh at the cholinergic synapses and neuromuscular junction. In the present study, the inhibition effect of the hydroquinone (benzene-1,4-diol) on AChE activity was evaluated and effectively inhibited AChE with Ki of 1.22 nM. Also, hydroquinone strongly inhibited some human cytosolic CA isoenzymes (hCA I and II) and tumour-associated transmembrane isoforms (hCA IX, and XII), with Kis in the range between micromolar (415.81 μM) and nanomolar (706.79 nM). The best inhibition was observed in cytosolic CA II.

  20. Avoidance behaviour response and esterase inhibition in the earthworm, Lumbricus terrestris, after exposure to chlorpyrifos.

    PubMed

    Martínez Morcillo, S; Yela, J L; Capowiez, Y; Mazzia, C; Rault, M; Sanchez-Hernandez, Juan C

    2013-05-01

    The avoidance response of earthworms to polluted soils has been standardised using a simple and low-cost test, which facilitates soil toxicity screening. In this study, the avoidance response of Lumbricus terrestris was quantified in chlorpyrifos-spiked soils, depending on the pesticide concentration and exposure duration. The inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and carboxylesterase (CbE) activities was also determined as indirect measures of pesticide bioavailability. The effects of different chlorpyrifos concentrations were examined in a standardised test (two-chamber system) with 0.6, 3 and 15 mg/kg chlorpyrifos. A modification of the test involved a pre-exposure step (24, 48 or 72 h) in soils spiked with 15 mg/kg. In both protocols, earthworms were unable to avoid the contaminated soils. However, the esterase activities showed that all earthworms were exposed to chlorpyrifos. Acetylcholinesterase activity did not change in earthworms in the standardised behavioural test (0.58 ± 0.20 U/mg protein, mean ± SD; n = 72), whereas the CbE activity was significantly inhibited (62-87 % inhibition) in earthworms exposed to 3 and 15 mg/kg. In the modified test, earthworms had greatly inhibited AChE activity (0.088 ± 0.034 U/mg protein, n = 72), which was supported by reactivation of the inhibited enzyme activity in the presence of pralidoxime (2-PAM). Similarly, the CbE activity was significantly inhibited in earthworms with all treatments. This study suggests that the avoidance behaviour test for organophosphorus-contaminated soils could be supported by specific biomarkers to facilitate a better understanding of pesticide exposure and toxicity during this test.

  1. Microchip-Based Organophosphorus Detection Using Bienzyme Bioelectrocatalysis

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Han, Yong Duk; Jeong, Chi Yong; Lee, Jun Hee; Lee, Dae-Sik; Yoon, Hyun C.

    2012-06-01

    We have developed a microsystem for the detection of organophosphorus (OP) compounds using acetylcholine esterase (AchE) and choline oxidase (ChOx) bienzyme bioelectrocatalysis. Because AchE is irreversibly inhibited by OP pesticides, the change in AchE activity with OP treatment can be traced to determine OP concentration. Polymer-associated ChOx immobilization on the working electrode surface and magnetic microparticle (MP)-assisted AchE deposition methods were employed to create an AchE-ChOx bienzyme-modified biosensing system. ChOx was immobilized on the micropatterned electrodes using poly(L-lysine), glutaraldehyde, and amine-rich interfacial surface. AchE was immobilized on the MP surface via Schiff's base formation, and the enzyme-modified MPs were deposited on the working electrode using a magnet under the microfluidic channel. The bioelectrocatalytic reaction between AchE-ChOx bienzyme cascade and the ferrocenyl electron shuttle was successfully used to detect OP with the developed microchip. This provides a self-contained and relatively easy method for OP detection. It requires minimal time and a small sample size, and has potential analytic applications in pesticides and chemical warfare agents.

  2. Insecticide resistance and resistance mechanisms in bed bugs, Cimex spp. (Hemiptera: Cimicidae).

    PubMed

    Dang, Kai; Doggett, Stephen L; Veera Singham, G; Lee, Chow-Yang

    2017-06-29

    The worldwide resurgence of bed bugs [both Cimex lectularius L. and Cimex hemipterus (F.)] over the past two decades is believed in large part to be due to the development of insecticide resistance. The transcriptomic and genomic studies since 2010, as well as morphological, biochemical and behavioral studies, have helped insecticide resistance research on bed bugs. Multiple resistance mechanisms, including penetration resistance through thickening or remodelling of the cuticle, metabolic resistance by increased activities of detoxification enzymes (e.g. cytochrome P450 monooxygenases and esterases), and knockdown resistance by kdr mutations, have been experimentally identified as conferring insecticide resistance in bed bugs. Other candidate resistance mechanisms, including behavioral resistance, some types of physiological resistance (e.g. increasing activities of esterases by point mutations, glutathione S-transferase, target site insensitivity including altered AChEs, GABA receptor insensitivity and altered nAChRs), symbiont-mediated resistance and other potential, yet undiscovered mechanisms may exist. This article reviews recent studies of resistance mechanisms and the genes governing insecticide resistance, potential candidate resistance mechanisms, and methods of monitoring insecticide resistance in bed bugs. This article provides an insight into the knowledge essential for the development of both insecticide resistance management (IRM) and integrated pest management (IPM) strategies for successful bed bug management.

  3. Effect of diet on carboxylesterase activity of tadpoles (Rhinella arenarum) exposed to chlorpyrifos.

    PubMed

    Attademo, A M; Sanchez-Hernandez, J C; Lajmanovich, R C; Peltzer, P M; Junges, C

    2017-01-01

    An outdoor microcosm was performed with tadpoles (Rhinella arenarum) exposed to 125μgL -1 chlorpyrifos and fed two types of food, i.e., lettuce (Lactuca sativa) and a formulated commercial pellet. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and carboxylesterase (CbE) activities were measured in liver and intestine after 10 days of pesticide exposure. Non-exposed tadpoles fed lettuce had an intestinal AChE activity almost two-fold higher than that of pellet-fed tadpoles. No significant differences were observed, however, in liver AChE activity between diets. Likewise, intestinal CbE activity - measured using two substrates, i.e. 1-naphthyl acetate (1-NA) and 4-nitrophenyl valerate (4-NPV) - was higher in tadpoles fed lettuce than in those fed pellets. However, the diet-dependent response of liver CbE activity was opposite to that in the intestine. Chlorpyrifos caused a significant inhibition of both esterase activities, which was tissue- and diet-specific. The highest inhibition degree was found in the intestinal AChE and CbE activities of lettuce-fed tadpoles (42-78% of controls) compared with pellet-fed tadpoles (<60%). Although chlorpyrifos significantly inhibited liver CbE activity of the group fed lettuce, this effect was not observed in the group fed pellets. In general, intestinal CbE activity was more sensitive to chlorpyrifos inhibition than AChE activity. This finding, together with the high levels of basal CbE activity found in the intestine, may be understood as a detoxification system able to reduce intestinal OP uptake. Moreover, the results of this study suggest that diet is a determinant factor in toxicity testing with tadpoles to assess OP toxicity, because it modulates levels of this potential detoxifying enzyme activity. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  4. Esterase metabolism of cholinesterase inhibitors using rat liver in vitro

    EPA Science Inventory

    A variety of chemicals, such as organophosphate (OP) and carbamate pesticides, nerve agents, and industrial chemicals, inhibit acetylcholinesterase (AChE) leading to overstimulation of the cholinergic nervous system. The resultant neurotoxicity is similar across mammalian species...

  5. Decreased Spontaneous Electrical Activity and Acetylcholine at Myofascial Trigger Spots after Dry Needling Treatment: A Pilot Study.

    PubMed

    Liu, Qing-Guang; Liu, Lin; Huang, Qiang-Min; Nguyen, Thi-Tham; Ma, Yan-Tao; Zhao, Jia-Min

    2017-01-01

    The aims of this study are to investigate the changes in spontaneous electrical activities (SEAs) and in acetylcholine (ACh), acetylcholine receptor (AChR), and acetylcholine esterase (AChE) levels after dry needling at myofascial trigger spots in model rats. Forty-eight male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups. Thirty-six rats were assigned to three model groups, which underwent MTrSs modeling intervention. Twelve rats were assigned to the blank control (BC) group. After model construction, the 36 model rats were randomly subdivided into three groups according to treatment: MTrSs model control (MC) and two dry needling groups. One dry needling group received puncturing at MTrSs (DN-M), whereas the other underwent puncturing at non-MTrSs (DN-nM). Dry needling treatment will last for two weeks, once a week. SEAs and ACh, AChR, and AChE levels were measured after one-week rest of dry needling treatment. The amplitudes and frequencies of endplate noise (EPN) and endplate spike (EPS) significantly decreased after dry needling treatment in the DN-M group. Moreover, ACh and AChR levels significantly decreased, whereas AChE significantly increased after dry needling treatment in the DN-M group. Dry needling at the exact MTrSs is more effective than dry needling at non-MTrSs.

  6. Decreased Spontaneous Electrical Activity and Acetylcholine at Myofascial Trigger Spots after Dry Needling Treatment: A Pilot Study

    PubMed Central

    2017-01-01

    Objective The aims of this study are to investigate the changes in spontaneous electrical activities (SEAs) and in acetylcholine (ACh), acetylcholine receptor (AChR), and acetylcholine esterase (AChE) levels after dry needling at myofascial trigger spots in model rats. Materials and Methods Forty-eight male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups. Thirty-six rats were assigned to three model groups, which underwent MTrSs modeling intervention. Twelve rats were assigned to the blank control (BC) group. After model construction, the 36 model rats were randomly subdivided into three groups according to treatment: MTrSs model control (MC) and two dry needling groups. One dry needling group received puncturing at MTrSs (DN-M), whereas the other underwent puncturing at non-MTrSs (DN-nM). Dry needling treatment will last for two weeks, once a week. SEAs and ACh, AChR, and AChE levels were measured after one-week rest of dry needling treatment. Results The amplitudes and frequencies of endplate noise (EPN) and endplate spike (EPS) significantly decreased after dry needling treatment in the DN-M group. Moreover, ACh and AChR levels significantly decreased, whereas AChE significantly increased after dry needling treatment in the DN-M group. Conclusion Dry needling at the exact MTrSs is more effective than dry needling at non-MTrSs. PMID:28592980

  7. Decrease of insecticide resistance over generations without exposure to insecticides in Nilaparvata lugens (Hemipteran: Delphacidae).

    PubMed

    Yang, Yajun; Dong, Biqin; Xu, Hongxing; Zheng, Xusong; Tian, Junce; Heong, Kongleun; Lu, Zhongxian

    2014-08-01

    The brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens (Stål), is one of the most important insect pests on paddy rice in tropical and temperate Asia. Overuse and misuse of insecticides have resulted in the development of high resistance to many different insecticides in this pest. Studies were conducted to evaluate the change of resistance level to four insecticides over 15 generations without any exposure to insecticides in brown planthopper. After 15 generations' rearing without exposure to insecticide, brown planthopper could reverse the resistance to imidacloprid, chlorpyrifos, fipronil, and fenobucarb. The range and style of resistance reversal of brown planthopper differed when treated with four different insecticides. To monitor potential changes in insect physiological responses, we measured the activity of each of the three selected enzymes, including acetylcholinesterases (AChE), general esterases (EST), and glutathione S-transferases. After multiple generations' rearing without exposure to insecticide, AChE and EST activities of brown planthopper declined with the increased generations, suggesting that the brown planthopper population adjusted activities of EST and AChE to adapt to the non-insecticide environment. These findings suggest that the reducing, temporary stop, or rotation of insecticide application could be incorporated into the brown planthopper management.

  8. Involvement of cholinergic mechanisms in the behavioral effects of dietary fat consumption

    PubMed Central

    Morganstern, Irene; Ye, Zhiy; Liang, Sherry; Fagan, Shawn; Leibowitz, Sarah F.

    2012-01-01

    Clinical reports suggest a positive association between fat consumption and the incidence of hyperactivity, impulsivity and cognitive abnormalities. To investigate possible mechanisms underlying these disturbances under short-term conditions, we examined in Sprague-Dawley rats the influence of 7-day consumption of a high-fat diet (HFD) compared to chow on anxiety, novelty-seeking and exploratory behaviors and also on acetylcholine (ACh) neurotransmission that may mediate these behaviors. The HFD consumption, which elevated circulating fatty acids but produced no change in caloric intake or body weight, stimulated novelty-seeking and exploration in an open field, while reducing anxiety in an elevated plus maze. Using the Ellman assay to measure ACh esterase (AChE) activity that breaks down ACh, the second experiment showed HFD consumption to significantly reduce AChE activity in the frontal cortex, hypothalamus and midbrain. With measurements of [125I]-epibatidine or [125I]-bungarotoxin binding to nicotinic ACh receptors (nAChRs) containing β2 or α7 subunits, respectively, the results also showed HFD consumption to increase both β2-nAChR binding in the medial prefrontal cortex and substantia nigra and α7-nAChR binding in the lateral and ventromedial hypothalamus. When treated with an acute dose of the nicotinic antagonist, mecamylamine (0.5 mg/kg, sc), the HFD animals responded with significantly reduced exploratory and novelty-seeking behaviors, whereas the chow-consuming rats exhibited no response. These findings suggest that the exploratory and novelty-seeking behaviors induced by dietary fat may be mediated by enhanced nicotinic cholinergic activity, which is accompanied by increased density of β2-nAChRs in cortical and midbrain regions associated with impulsivity and locomotor activity and of α7-nAChRs in hypothalamic regions associated with arousal and energy balance. PMID:22765913

  9. 9-Substituted acridine derivatives as acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase inhibitors possessing antioxidant activity for Alzheimer's disease treatment.

    PubMed

    Makhaeva, Galina F; Lushchekina, Sofya V; Boltneva, Natalia P; Serebryakova, Olga G; Rudakova, Elena V; Ustyugov, Alexey A; Bachurin, Sergey O; Shchepochkin, Alexander V; Chupakhin, Oleg N; Charushin, Valery N; Richardson, Rudy J

    2017-11-01

    We investigated the inhibitory activity of 4 groups of novel acridine derivatives against acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) and carboxylesterase (CaE) using the methods of enzyme kinetics and molecular docking. Antioxidant activity of the compounds was determined using the 2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS + ) radical decolorization assay as their ability to scavenge free radicals. Analysis of the esterase profiles and antiradical activities of the acridine derivatives showed that 9-aryl(heteroaryl)-N-methyl-9,10-dihydroacridines have a high radical-scavenging activity but low potency as AChE and BChE inhibitors, whereas 9-aryl(heteroaryl)-N-methyl-acridinium tetrafluoroborates effectively inhibit cholinesterases but do not exhibit antiradical activity. In contrast, a group of derivatives of 9-heterocyclic amino-N-methyl-9,10-dihydroacridine has been found that combine effective inhibition of AChE and BChE with rather high radical-scavenging activity. The results of molecular docking well explain the observed features in the efficacy, selectivity, and mechanism of cholinesterase inhibition by the acridine derivatives. Thus, in a series of acridine derivatives we have found compounds possessing dual properties of effective and selective cholinesterase inhibition together with free radical scavenging, which makes promising the use of the acridine scaffold to create multifunctional drugs for the therapy of neurodegenerative diseases. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  10. Individual variability in esterase activity and CYP1A levels in Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) exposed to esfenvalerate and chlorpyrifos

    PubMed Central

    Wheelock, Craig E.; Eder, Kai J.; Werner, Inge; Huang, Huazhang; Jones, Paul D.; Brammell, Benjamin F.; Elskus, Adria A.; Hammock, Bruce D.

    2006-01-01

    Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity has traditionally been monitored as a biomarker of organophosphate (OP) and/or carbamate exposure. However, AChE activity may not be the most sensitive endpoint for these agrochemicals, because OPs can cause adverse physiological effects at concentrations that do not affect AChE activity. Carboxylesterases are a related family of enzymes that have higher affinity than AChE for some OPs and carbamates and may be more sensitive indicators of environmental exposure to these pesticides. In this study, carboxylesterase and AChE activity, cytochrome P4501A (CYP1A) protein levels, and mortality were measured in individual juvenile Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) following exposure to an OP (chlorpyrifos) and a pyrethroid (esfenvalerate). As expected, high doses of chlorpyrifos and esfenvalerate were acutely toxic, with nominal concentrations (100 and 1 μg/l, respectively) causing 100% mortality within 96 h. Exposure to chlorpyrifos at a high dose (7.3 μg/l), but not a low dose (1.2 μg/l), significantly inhibited AChE activity in both brain and muscle tissue (85% and 92% inhibition, respectively), while esfenvalerate exposure had no effect. In contrast, liver carboxylesterase activity was significantly inhibited at both the low and high chlorpyrifos dose exposure (56% and 79% inhibition, respectively), while esfenvalerate exposure still had little effect. The inhibition of carboxylesterase activity at levels of chlorpyrifos that did not affect AChE activity suggests that some salmon carboxylesterase isozymes may be more sensitive than AChE to inhibition by OPs. CYP1A protein levels were ∼30% suppressed by chlorpyrifos exposure at the high dose, but esfenvalerate had no effect. Three teleost species, Chinook salmon, medaka (Oryzias latipes) and Sacramento splittail (Pogonichthys macrolepidotus), were examined for their ability to hydrolyze a series of pyrethroid surrogate substrates and in all cases hydrolysis activity was undetectable. Together these data suggest that (1) carboxylesterase activity inhibition may be a more sensitive biomarker for OP exposure than AChE activity, (2) neither AChE nor carboxylesterase activity are biomarkers for pyrethroid exposure, (3) CYP1A protein is not a sensitive marker for these agrochemicals and (4) slow hydrolysis rates may be partly responsible for acute pyrethroid toxicity in fish. PMID:16011852

  11. Individual variability in esterase activity and CYP1A levels in Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) exposed to esfenvalerate and chlorpyrifos

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Wheelock, C.E.; Eder, K.J.; Werner, I.; Huang, H.; Jones, P.D.; Brammell, B.F.; Elskus, A.A.; Hammock, B.D.

    2005-01-01

    Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity has traditionally been monitored as a biomarker of organophosphate (OP) and/or carbamate exposure. However, AChE activity may not be the most sensitive endpoint for these agrochemicals, because OPs can cause adverse physiological effects at concentrations that do not affect AChE activity. Carboxylesterases are a related family of enzymes that have higher affinity than AChE for some OPs and carbamates and may be more sensitive indicators of environmental exposure to these pesticides. In this study, carboxylesterase and AChE activity, cytochrome P4501A (CYP1A) protein levels, and mortality were measured in individual juvenile Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) following exposure to an OP (chlorpyrifos) and a pyrethroid (esfenvalerate). As expected, high doses of chlorpyrifos and esfenvalerate were acutely toxic, with nominal concentrations (100 and 1 ??g/l, respectively) causing 100% mortality within 96 h. Exposure to chlorpyrifos at a high dose (7.3 ??g/l), but not a low dose (1.2 ??g/l), significantly inhibited AChE activity in both brain and muscle tissue (85% and 92% inhibition, respectively), while esfenvalerate exposure had no effect. In contrast, liver carboxylesterase activity was significantly inhibited at both the low and high chlorpyrifos dose exposure (56% and 79% inhibition, respectively), while esfenvalerate exposure still had little effect. The inhibition of carboxylesterase activity at levels of chlorpyrifos that did not affect AChE activity suggests that some salmon carboxylesterase isozymes may be more sensitive than AChE to inhibition by OPs. CYP1A protein levels were ???30% suppressed by chlorpyrifos exposure at the high dose, but esfenvalerate had no effect. Three teleost species, Chinook salmon, medaka (Oryzias latipes) and Sacramento splittail (Pogonichthys macrolepidotus), were examined for their ability to hydrolyze a series of pyrethroid surrogate substrates and in all cases hydrolysis activity was undetectable. Together these data suggest that (1) carboxylesterase activity inhibition may be a more sensitive biomarker for OP exposure than AChE activity, (2) neither AChE nor carboxylesterase activity are biomarkers for pyrethroid exposure, (3) CYP1A protein is not a sensitive marker for these agrochemicals and (4) slow hydrolysis rates may be partly responsible for acute pyrethroid toxicity in fish. ?? 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  12. The Activity of Cholinesterases in Diapausing and Flying Red Mason Bees Osmia bicornis (Megachilidae).

    PubMed

    Dmochowska-Slezak, Kamila; Zaobidna, Ewa; Domeracka, Joanna; Swiatkowska, Marta; Rusznica, Małgorzata; Zółtowska, Krystyna

    2015-01-01

    The red mason bee (Osmia bicornis) is a highly effective pollinator that is exposed to various xenobiotics. The organism's potential resistance to the toxic effects of xenobiotics can be determined based on cholinesterase activity. The activity of cholinesterases (ChEs) towards acetylcholine (ACh) and butyrylcholine (BCh) was determined in extracts of diapausing (between October and late March) and flying bees (May). In both males and females, enzyme activity was higher towards ACh than towards BCh. The ratio of ACh/BCh activity was determined in the range of 1.43 to 4.15 in diapausing females and 3.00 to 7.18 in diapausing males. No significant changes in ChE activity towards ACh were observed in females before December and in males before February. Enzyme activity towards ACh increased dynamically in the second half of March. Enzyme activity towards BCh remained stable in both sexes until mid-March, after which it increased significantly. Excluding mid-March, enzyme BCh activity was significantly higher in females than in males. The activity of carboxylesterase towards 4-p-nitrophenyl butyrate was determined in females to assess the involvement of non-specific esterases in the hydrolysis of choline esters. Carboxylesterase activity was low in comparison with cholinesterase activity, and it remained practically unchanged throughout diapause, suggesting that choline esters in female O. bicornis extracts were hydrolyzed mainly by acetylcholinesterases.

  13. In vitro functional interactions of acetylcholine esterase inhibitors and muscarinic receptor antagonists in the urinary bladder of the rat.

    PubMed

    Killi, Uday K; Wsol, Vladimir; Soukup, Ondrej; Kuca, Kamil; Winder, Michael; Tobin, Gunnar

    2014-02-01

    Obidoxime, a weak acetylcholine-esterase (AChE) inhibitor, exerts muscarinic receptor antagonism with a significant muscarinic M2 receptor selective profile. The current examinations aimed to determine the functional significance of muscarinic M2 receptors in the state of AChE inhibition, elucidating muscarinic M2 and M3 receptor interaction. In the in vitro examinations, methacholine evoked concentration-dependent bladder contractile and atrial frequency inhibitory responses. Although atropine abolished both, methoctramine (1 μmol/L) only affected the cholinergic response in the atrial preparations. However, in the presence of methoctramine, physostigmine, an AChE inhibitor, increased the basal tension of the bladder strip preparations (+68%), as well as the contractile responses to low concentrations of methacholine (< 5 μmol/L; +90-290%). In contrast to physostigmine, obidoxime alone raised the basal tension (+58%) and the responses to low concentrations of methacholine (< 5 μmol/L; +80-450%). Physostigmine concentration-dependently increased methacholine-evoked responses, similarly to obidoxime at low concentrations. However, at large concentrations (> 5 μmol/L), obidoxime, because of its unselective muscarinic receptor antagonism, inhibited the methacholine bladder responses. In conclusion, the current results show that muscarinic M2 receptors inhibit muscarinic M3 receptor-evoked contractile responses to low concentrations of acetylcholine in the synaptic cleft. The muscarinic M2 and M3 receptor crosstalk could be a counteracting mechanism in the treatment of AChE inhibition when using reactivators, such as obidoxime. © 2013 Wiley Publishing Asia Pty Ltd.

  14. Synthesis, characterization, DNA-Binding, enzyme inhibition and antioxidant studies of new N-methylated derivatives of pyridinium amine

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zafar, Muhammad Naveed; Perveen, Fouzia; Nazar, Muhammad Faizan; Mughal, Ehsan Ullah; Rafique, Humera; Tahir, Muhammad Nawaz; Akbar, Muhammad Sharif; Zahra, Sabeen

    2017-06-01

    A series of novel N-methylated derivatives of pyridinium amine, [L1][Tf]-[L5][Tf], were synthesized and characterized by FTIR, NMR, MS and XRD analyses. Preliminary biological screening of these compounds including antioxidant, enzyme inhibition and DNA (salmon sperm) interaction studies were also carried out. The targeted compounds were synthesized by a melt reaction between 4-chloro-N-methyl pyridinium triflate and corresponding amines (1-naphthyl amine, o-ansidine, 2-nitroaniline, p-ansidine and cyclohexyl amine) at temperature of 230 °C. The DPPH radical antioxidant scavenging activities of these compounds at maximum concentration of 50 μg/mL were observed in the range of 60-70%. Acetylcholine esterase (AChE) and Butylcholine esterase (BChE) inhibitory activities of synthesized compounds at 2 mM concentration were also measured to be at maximum of 79 and 71% respectively. The spectral behavior of ligand-DNA obtained from photo-luminescent measurements showed that all ligands bind with DNA via non-covalent interactions. The binding constant values were determined by UV-visible and fluorescence spectroscopy and were quite close to that obtained from molecular docking studies.

  15. Impact of insecticide exposure on the predation activity of the European earwig Forficula auricularia.

    PubMed

    Malagnoux, Laure; Capowiez, Yvan; Rault, Magali

    2015-09-01

    The European earwig Forficula auricularia is an effective predator in apple orchards. It is therefore crucial to study whether insecticides affect this natural pest control agent. Predation activity, i.e., the number of aphids eaten in 24 h, was determined under laboratory conditions after exposure of fourth-instar nymphs and adult earwigs to widely used insecticides (acetamiprid, chlorpyrifos-ethyl, deltamethrin, and spinosad), which were applied at the normal application rates. Inhibition of acetylcholinesterase and carboxylesterase activities were also measured as indicators of pesticide exposure. Predation activity decreased significantly in nymphs exposed to spinosad (62%) and chlorpyrifos-ethyl (98%) compared with controls. A similar response was found for both esterase activities. Spinosad had a stronger effect on AChE (-33%) whereas chlorpyrifos-ethyl affected CbE activity preferentially (-59%). Spinosad (20% of controls), acetamiprid (28%), and chlorpyrifos-ethyl (66%) also significantly decreased the predation behavior of adult male but not female (5 to 40%) earwigs. Adult AChE and CbE activities were also significantly reduced (28 to 67% of controls) in pesticide-exposed earwigs. Our results suggest that earwigs should be included in the environmental risk assessment framework for authorization of newly marketed plant protection products. Their predation behavior appears to be a sensitive and complementary biomarker.

  16. Evaluation of liver and brain esterases in the spotted gar fish (Lepisosteus oculatus) as biomarkers of effect in the lower Mississippi River basin

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Huang, T.L.; Obih, P.O.; Jaiswal, R.

    1997-05-01

    The responses of various xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes in fish models are rapidly evolving as important biomarkers for monitoring unacceptable levels of environmental contaminants. Ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase, a specific cytochrome P450-dependent monooxygenase, is often used as an indicator of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon pollution. Another class of enzymes which are potential biomarkers are the B-type esterases. These enzymes are sensitive to inhibition by organophosphates, and include the cholinesterases (ChE) and carboxylesterases. ChEs are further subdivided into acetylcholinesterase and butyryl cholinesterase. Among fish, AChE is predominantly localized in the brain and muscle, whereas, BuChE activity is found mainly in liver and plasma. The precisemore » physiological role of BuChE is unknown, although it has been regarded as a marker enzyme for glial or supportive cells or other non-neuronal elements. Inhibition of ChE activity has often been associated with exposure to organophosphate and carbamate insecticides and other neurotoxic xenobiotics. Chemicals other than carbarnates and organophosphates that are environmental contaminants can also affect the activity of ChEs. Carboxylesterases represent a heterogenous group of isozymes that can catalyze the hydrolysis of a wide range of xenobiotic esters, amides and thioesters. For most CaE, their natural substrates are unknown, therefore, their physiological functions remain to be elucidated. These enzymes (CaE) occur widely in most tissues and are generally found in high levels in the liver. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the liver and brain esterases in the spotted gar fish as biomarkers of effect to multiple contaminants in the lower Mississippi River basin. 15 refs., 3 figs., 2 tabs.« less

  17. Optical detection of organophosphorus compounds based on Mn-doped ZnSe d-dot enzymatic catalytic sensor.

    PubMed

    Gao, Xue; Tang, Guangchao; Su, Xingguang

    2012-01-01

    In this paper, we report a sensitive and selective method for detection of organophosphorus compounds (OPs) based on Mn:ZnSe d-dots-enzyme-hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) fluorescence quenching system. Acetylcholine esterase (AChE) can hydrolyze acetylcholine (ACh) to choline. Subsequently, choline oxidase (ChOx) oxidizes choline to generate H(2)O(2). The enzyme-generated H(2)O(2) can quench the fluorescence of Mn:ZnSe d-dots. When paraoxon are introduced in solution, it can interact with the active centers of AChE and decrease the enzyme activity. This leads to the decrease of the H(2)O(2) production and then the fluorescence quenching rate of Mn:ZnSe d-dots. Experimental results showed that the enzyme inhibition percentage of Mn:ZnSe d-dots-ChOx-AChE-ACh system was proportional to the logarithm of paraoxon in the range 4.84×10(-11) to 4.84×10(-6) mol/L with the detection limit (S/N=3) of 1.31×10(-11) mol/L. The proposed biosensor has been employed for quick determination of paraoxon in tap water and milk samples with satisfactory reproducibility and accuracy. This nano-biosensor was proved to be sensitive, rapid, simple and tolerance of most interfering substances. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  18. Site-directed decapsulation of bolaamphiphilic vesicles with enzymatic cleavable surface groups.

    PubMed

    Popov, Mary; Grinberg, Sarina; Linder, Charles; Waner, Tal; Levi-Hevroni, Bosmat; Deckelbaum, Richard J; Heldman, Eliahu

    2012-06-10

    Stable nano-sized vesicles with a monolayer encapsulating membrane were prepared from novel bolaamphiphiles with choline ester head groups. The head groups were covalently bound to the alkyl chain of the bolaamphiphiles either via the nitrogen atom of the choline moiety, or via the choline ester's methyl group. Both types of bolaamphiphiles competed with acetylthiocholine for binding to acetylcholine esterase (AChE), yet, only the choline ester head groups bound to the alkyl chain via the nitrogen atom of the choline moiety were hydrolyzed by the enzyme. Likewise, only vesicles composed of bolaamphiphiles with head groups that were hydrolyzed by AChE released their encapsulated material upon exposure to the enzyme. Injection of carboxyfluorescein (CF)-loaded vesicles with cleavable choline ester head groups into mice resulted in the accumulation of CF in tissues that express high AChE activity, including the brain. By comparison, when vesicles with choline ester head groups that are not hydrolyzed by AChE were injected into mice, there was no accumulation of CF in tissues that highly express the enzyme. These results imply that bolaamphiphilic vesicles with surface groups that are substrates to enzymes which are highly expressed in target organs may potentially be used as a drug delivery system with controlled site-directed drug release. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  19. Third International Meeting on Esterases Reacting with Organophosphorus Compounds

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1998-01-01

    cassette for negative selection, 884 bp of ACHE including exon 1, 1.6 kb of a Neor gene cassette for positive selection, 5.2 kb of the ACHE Bam HI...fragment including exon 6, and 3 kb of Bluescript. Deletion of exons 2-5 removed 80% of the ACHE coding sequence. The gene targeting vector was...expression due to environmental influences on CYP3A4 and the presence or absence of CYP3A5 which may be under genetic control in man. Plasma

  20. Regenerative capability of skeletal muscle in chicken muscular dystrophy.

    PubMed

    Nonaka, I; Fujita, T; Sugita, H

    1984-06-01

    To examine the morphological sequence of regenerating fibers after myonecrosis in dystrophic muscles, 0.5 ml of 0.5% bupivacaine hydrochloride (BPVC) (Marcaine) solution, a local anesthetic with a cytotoxic effect on the muscle fibers, was injected directly into the dystrophic (line 413) and nondystrophic (line 412) posterior latissimus dorsi (PLD) muscles of young and adult chickens. Although the dystrophic muscles after BPVC injection showed a rapid recovery with a similar tempo to that of nondystrophic ones, they showed different morphological behavior in the early phase of regeneration, including marked variability in the size of fibers and in the intracytoplasmic enzyme activities of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, reduced-tetrazolium reductase (NADH-TR), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and nonspecific esterase (NSE).

  1. Inhibition of acetylcholinesterase activity in the central nervous system of the red swamp crayfish, Procambarus clarkii, by mercury, cadmium, and lead

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Devi, M.; Fingerman, M.

    The toxicological, physiological and biochemical responses of aquatic crustaceans to heavy metals have been reported by several investigators. Levels of glucose, lactic acid, sodium, potassium, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase in the blood of the crab Scylla serrata increased, while glycogen levels in hepatopancreas and muscle decreased after a four-week exposure to mercuric chloride. In fiddler crab, Uca pugilator, enzyme activity was observed to decrease in the hepatopancreas but increased in abdominal muscle after 48 hr cadmium exposure. In the red swamp crayfish, Procambarus clarkii, exposed for 96 hr to cadmium, glutahione (GSH) level and GSH S-transferase activity deceased inmore » the midgut. In crayfish Astacus astacus exposed to sublethal concentrations of lead and cadmium, oxidative enzyme (succine dehydrogenase and NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase) activities in gills and hepatopancrease decreased. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition by organophosphates and organocarbamates in various crustaceans has bee reported. In vivo cadmium exposure caused increases in esterase activities, but mercury exposure decreases these activities in the hepatopancreas of the shrimp Callianassa tyrrhena. The freshwater crab, Barytelphusa guerini, exposed to 0.6 ppm cadmium showed reduced oxygen consumption throughout the experiment whereas AChE activity increased after 4 days but decreased after 15 days. The authors wanted to determine the effects of cadmium, lead and mercury on AChE activity in central nervous tissue of Procambarus clarkii. This enzyme has the potential for serving both as a biochemical indicator of toxic stress and a sensitive parameter for testing water for the presence of toxicants. These three biologically silent metals have, according to Schweinsberg and Karsa great toxicological significance to humans because their use is widespread. 14 refs., 4 figs.« less

  2. Physiological and biochemical effect of neem and other Meliaceae plants secondary metabolites against Lepidopteran insects

    PubMed Central

    Senthil-Nathan, Sengottayan

    2013-01-01

    This review described the physiological and biochemical effects of various secondary metabolites from Meliaceae against major Lepidopteran insect pest including, Noctuidae and Pyralidae. The biochemical effect of major Meliaceae secondary metabolites were discussed more in this review. Several enzymes based on food materials have critical roles in nutritional indices (food utilization) of the insect pest population. Several research work has been referred and the effect of Meliaceae secondary metabolites on feeding parameters of insects by demonstrating food consumption, approximate digestibility of consumed food, efficiency of converting the ingested food to body substance, efficiency of converting digested food to body substance and consumption index was reviewed in detail. Further how the digestive enzymes including a-Amylases, α and β-glucosidases (EC 3.2.1.1), lipases (EC 3.1.1) Proteases, serine, cysteine, and aspartic proteinases affected by the Meliaceae secondary metabolites was reviewed. Further effect of Meliaceae secondary metabolites on detoxifying enzymes have been found to react against botanical insecticides including general esterases (EST), glutathione S-transferase (GST) and phosphatases was reviewed. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP, E.C.3.1.3.1) and acid phosphatase (ACP, E.C.3.1.3.2) are hydrolytic enzymes, which hydrolyze phosphomonoesters under alkaline or acid conditions, respectively. These enzymes were affected by the secondary metabolites treatment. The detailed mechanism of action was further explained in this review. Acethylcholine esterase (AChE) is a key enzyme that terminates nerve impulses by catalyzing the hydrolysis of neurotransmitter, acetylcholine, in the nervous system of various organisms. How the AChE activity was altered by the Meliaceae secondary metabolites reviewed in detail. PMID:24391591

  3. Response of phase I and II detoxification enzymes, glutathione, metallothionein and acetylcholine esterase to mercury and dimethoate in signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus).

    PubMed

    Gunderson, Mark P; Nguyen, Brandon T; Cervantes Reyes, Juan C; Holden, Laura L; French, John M T; Smith, Brandon D; Lineberger, Connor

    2018-05-30

    Metals and pesticides are common pollutants and the modulation of biomarkers can indicate sub-lethal influences on the physiology of organisms inhabiting impacted aquatic systems. We examined the effects of mercury and the organophosphate pesticide dimethoate on EROD, MROD, glutathione S-transferase (GST), acetylcholine esterase (AChE), metallothionein (MT) and glutathione (GSH) in the signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus). Crayfish were injected with mercury chloride or dimethoate (0.3, 0.6, 0.9 μg kg -1 ) and dissected after 72 h. EROD activity in the hepatopancreas did not change in response to mercury chloride treatment but exhibited a dose dependent decrease at all concentrations of dimethoate tested. MROD (hepatopancreas) exhibited a significant decrease at the 0.9 μg kg -1 treatment for both chemicals. GST (hepatopancreas) demonstrated a significant dose dependent decrease at all concentrations of both mercury chloride and dimethoate. AChE (tail muscle) decreased at the 0.6 and 0.9 μg kg -1 concentrations of dimethoate and 0.9 μg kg -1 mercury chloride. In gill tissue, MT increased in response to 0.3 and 0.6 μg kg -1 of mercury chloride but no effect was observed at the 0.9 μg kg -1 concentration of mercury chloride or any concentrations of dimethoate tested. MT did not change in response to mercury or dimethoate in tail tissue. Furthermore, neither chemical modulated GSH concentrations. Our results indicate that, apart from GSH, these markers are sensitive to the pollutants tested and that animals exposed in the wild are potentially compromised in their ability to detoxify environmental contaminants and carry out normal cellular processes. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  4. Resistance management strategies in malaria vector mosquito control. Baseline data for a large-scale field trial against Anopheles albimanus in Mexico.

    PubMed

    Penilla, R P; Rodríguez, A D; Hemingway, J; Torres, J L; Arredondo-Jiménez, J I; Rodríguez, M H

    1998-07-01

    A high level of DDT resistance and low levels of resistance to organophosphorus, carbamate and pyrethroid insecticides were detected by discriminating dose assays in field populations of Anopheles albimanus in Chiapas, southern Mexico, prior to a large-scale resistance management project described by Hemingway et al. (1997). Biochemical assays showed that the DDT resistance was caused by elevated levels of glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity leading to increased rates of metabolism of DDT to DDE. The numbers of individuals with elevated GST and DDT resistance were well correlated, suggesting that this is the only major DDT resistance mechanism in this population. The carbamate resistance in this population is conferred by an altered acetylcholinesterase (AChE)-based resistance mechanism. The level of resistance observed in the bioassays correlates with the frequency of individuals homozygous for the altered AChE allele. This suggests that the level of resistance conferred by this mechanism in its heterozygous state is below the level of detection by the WHO carbamate discriminating dosage bioassay. The low levels of organophosphate (OP) and pyrethroid resistance could be conferred by either the elevated esterase or monooxygenase enzymes. The esterases were elevated only with the substrate pNPA, and are unlikely to be causing broad spectrum OP resistance. The altered AChE mechanism may also be contributing to the OP but not the pyrethroid resistance. Significant differences in resistance gene frequencies were obtained from the F1 mosquitoes resulting from adults obtained by different collection methods. This may be caused by different insecticide selection pressures on the insects immediately prior to collection, or may be an indication that the indoor- and outdoor-resting A. albimanus collections are not from a randomly mating single population. The underlying genetic variability of the populations is currently being investigated by molecular methods.

  5. Effect of environmental contaminants in the Mississippi River Basin on carboxylesterases from four aquatic species

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Jaiswal, R.; Huang, T.; Obih, P.

    1995-12-31

    The objectives of this study are to investigate the sensitivity of different classes of esterases in various aquatic species to environmental contaminants and the possible use of these enzymes as biomarkers for monitoring the effects of pollutants. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE), and the non-specific carboxylesterases (CaE) were analyzed in three fish species, Ictiobus bubalus (small mouth buffalo), Ictiobus cyprinellus (big mouth buffalo) and Lepisosteus oculatus (spotted gar) and the green tree frog, Hyla cinerea. These samples were collected from the Devil`s Swamp Site (DSS), an industrial site known to be highly contaminated at the Mississippi River Basin, and Lake Tunica,more » a nonindustrial site. ACHE and BuChE activities in the subcellular fractions of liver and brain were significantly lower in fishes and frogs obtained from DSS when compared to the same species obtained from Tunica swamp site. The greatest decrease was observed with ACHE activity in the liver and brain of Ictiobus bubalus from DSS. CaE activity analyzed with p-nitrophenyl acetate was found to be significantly lower in the liver of all three fish species collected from DSS when compared to the same fish species obtained from the Tunica swamp site.« less

  6. Protective effect of stilbenes containing extract-fraction from Cajanus cajan L. on Abeta(25-35)-induced cognitive deficits in mice.

    PubMed

    Ruan, Can-Jun; Si, Jian-Yong; Zhang, Li; Chen, Di-Hua; Du, Guan-Hua; Su, Lan

    2009-12-25

    Cajanus cajan (L.) is a traditional Chinese herb medicine which contains a lot of potential active components. In the present study, we identified the effects of the stilbenes containing extract-fraction from C. cajan L. (sECC) on Abeta(25-35)-induced cognitive deficits, oxidative stress and cholinergic dysfunction in mice. Mice were treated with sECC (100 and 200mg/kg/d) for 1-week, and then received a single intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of Abeta(25-35) (5mug/mice). Behavioral changes and neuron apoptosis in mice were evaluated using Morris water maze and TUNEL tests. Furthermore, superoxide dismutase (SOD), choline acetyl transferase (ChAT) and acetylcholine esterase (AchE) activity in hippocampus and cortex were analyzed by spectrophotometric method. The data showed that consumption of sECC (200mg/kg) significantly ameliorated the cognitive deficits and neuron apoptosis caused by i.c.v. injection of Abeta(25-35). At the same time, the decreased SOD and ChAT activity in hippocampus and cortex were markedly increased by sECC (200mg/kg). sECC has no effect on AchE activity in hippocampus and cortex. These findings suggest that sECC may be a potential candidate for the development of therapeutic agents to manage cognitive impairment associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD) through increasing the activity of ChAT and anti-oxidative mechanism.

  7. Selective activation of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor by PHA-543613 improves Aβ25-35-mediated cognitive deficits in mice.

    PubMed

    Sadigh-Eteghad, S; Talebi, M; Mahmoudi, J; Babri, S; Shanehbandi, D

    2015-07-09

    Agonists of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are currently being considered as therapeutic approaches for managing cognitive deficits in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Present study was designed to evaluate the effect of α7 nAChR selective activation by PHA-543613 (PHA) on beta-amyloid (Aβ)25-35-mediated cognitive deficits in mice. For this purpose, PHA (1mg/kg, i.p.), a selective α7 nAChR agonist, and galantamine (Gal) (3mg/kg, s.c.), an acetylcholine-esterase inhibitor (AChEI) effects on α7 nAChR were tested in Aβ25-35-received (intracerebroventricular, 10 nmol) mice model of AD. Methyllycaconitine (MLA) (1mg/kg, i.p.), a α7 nAChR antagonist, was used for receptor blockage effects evaluation. Working and reference memory in animals was assessed by the Morris water maze (MWM) task. The mRNA and protein levels of α7 subunit were analyzed by real-time PCR and Western blotting, respectively. PHA and Gal, ameliorate Aβ-impaired working and reference memory. However, Gal had less effect than PHA in this regard. Pretreatment with MLA reverses both Gal and PHA effects in MWM. PHA and Gal treatment prevent Aβ-induced α7 subunit protein reduction, but Gal has lesser effect than PHA. This effect blocked by pretreatment with MLA. In neither the pretreatment nor treatment group, the mRNA levels of nAChR α7 subunit were significantly changed. Therefore, α7 nAChR activation, reduces Aβ-induced cognitive deficits and increases the α7 protein level and subsequent neuron survival. However, blockage of receptor, increases Aβ toxicity and cognitive impairment and reduces the α7 nAChR protein level and flowing neuroprotection. Copyright © 2015 IBRO. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  8. Concomitant use of acetylcholine esterase inhibitors and urinary antispasmodics among Finnish community-dwelling persons with Alzheimer disease.

    PubMed

    Torvinen-Kiiskinen, Sanna; Taipale, Heidi; Tanskanen, Antti; Tiihonen, Jari; Hartikainen, Sirpa

    2014-12-01

    Concomitant use of acetylcholine esterase inhibitors (AChEIs) and anticholinergic drugs, such as urinary antispasmodics (UA), is generally considered as inappropriate because of their opposite pharmacological actions. However, prevalence and the duration or factors associated with concomitant use have not been previously studied among community-dwelling persons with Alzheimer disease (AD). The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence and duration of concomitant use of AChEIs and UAs among community-dwelling persons with AD and factors associated with concomitant use. Register-based data of the MEDALZ-2005 Study included all community-dwelling persons with clinically diagnosed AD at the end of year 2005 in Finland. Persons using AChEI drugs during the 4-year follow-up (2006-2009) were included in the present study (n = 20,442). Among AChEI users, 1576 persons used UA during the follow-up. Prevalence of concomitant use of AChEIs and UAs was 7.3% (n = 1491) during the 4-year follow-up. The median duration of concomitant use was 236 days. Factors associated with concomitant use were age younger than 80 years (odds ratio [OR], 1.20; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.08-1.34), male sex (OR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.04-1.30), Parkinson disease (OR, 1.98; 95% CI, 1.55-2.52), diabetes (OR, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.08-1.45), and prostatic cancer (OR, 1.54; 95% CI, 1.13-2.09). Despite their antagonizing action, concomitant use of AChEIs and UAs was quite common among Finnish community-dwelling persons with AD. In addition, duration of concomitant use was comparatively long. It is recommended to consider some other options than UAs to treat urinary incontinence among persons with AD.

  9. Potential mode of action of a novel plumbagin as a mosquito repellent against the malarial vector Anopheles stephensi, (Culicidae: Diptera).

    PubMed

    Pradeepa, Venkatraman; Senthil-Nathan, Sengottayan; Sathish-Narayanan, Subbiah; Selin-Rani, Selvaraj; Vasantha-Srinivasan, Prabhakaran; Thanigaivel, Annamalai; Ponsankar, Athirstam; Edwin, Edward-Sam; Sakthi-Bagavathy, Muthiah; Kalaivani, Kandaswamy; Murugan, Kadarkarai; Duraipandiyan, Veeramuthu; Al-Dhabi, Naif Abdullah

    2016-11-01

    Plumbagin was isolated and characterized from the roots of Plumbago zeylanica using chromatography: TLC, Column chromatogram, HPLC, FTIR and 1 H NMR. The isolated pure compounds were assayed for potency as inhibitors of: acetylcholine esterase (AchE), glutathione S-transferases (GST), superoxide dismutase (SOD), cytochrome P450 and α, β-esterase, and for repellency with Anopheles stephensi at four different concentrations (25, 50, 75 and 100ppm). The enzyme assay against the pure compound reveals that the level of esterase and SOD was decreased significantly in contrast the level of GST and cytochrome P450 was increased significantly. Our results suggests that novel Plumbagin has significantly alters the level of enzyme comparable to the control. Evaluations resulted in Plumbagin producing maximum repellency scores against An. stephensi mosquitoes in dose dependent manner with highest repellence was observed in the 100ppm. Histological examination showed that the midgut, hindgut and muscles are the most affected tissues. These tissues affected with major changes including separation and collapse of epithelial layer and cellular vacuolization. The results support the utility of plant compound Plumbagin for vector control as an alternative to synthetic insecticides, however, more vigorous field trials are needed to determine viability under natural conditions. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  10. Cross-resistance of bisultap resistant strain of Nilaparvata lugens and its biochemical mechanism.

    PubMed

    Ling, Shanfeng; Zhang, Runjie

    2011-02-01

    The resistant (R) strain of the planthopper Nilaparvata lugens (Stål) selected for bisultap resistance displayed 7.7-fold resistance to bisultap and also had cross-resistance to nereistoxin (monosultap, thiocyclam, and cartap), chlorpyrifos, dimethoate, and malathion but no cross-resistance to buprofezin, imidacloprid, and fipronil. To find out the biochemical mechanism of resistance to bisultap, biochemical assay was done. The results showed that cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (P450) activity in R strain was 2.71-fold that in susceptible strain (S strain), in which the changed activity for general esterase (EST) was 1.91 and for glutathione S-transferases only 1.32. Piperonyl butoxide (PBO) could significantly inhibit P450 activity (percentage of inhibition [PI]: 37.31%) in the R strain, with ESTs PI = 16.04% by triphenyl phosphate (TPP). The results also demonstrated that diethyl maleate had no synergism with bisultap. However, PBO displayed significant synergism in three different strains, and the synergism increased with resistance (S strain 1.42, Lab strain, 2.24 and R strain, 3.23). TPP also showed synergism for three strains, especially in R strain (synergistic ratio = 2.47). An in vitro biochemical study and in vivo synergistic study indicated that P450 might be play important role in the biochemical mechanism of bisultap resistance and that esterase might be the important factor of bisultap resistance. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) insensitivity play important role in bisultap resistance. We suggest that buprofezin, imidacloprid, and fipronil could be used in resistance management programs for N. lugens via alternation and rotation with bisultap.

  11. Structural analysis of the asparagine-linked oligosaccharides of cholinesterases. N-linked carbohydrates of cholinesterases

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Saxena, A.; Doctor, B.P.

    1995-12-31

    Cholinesterases are serine esterases that hydrolyse choline esters faster than other substrates. They are highly glycosylated proteins with up to 24% of their molecular weight constituted of carbohydrates. Here we report the results of our studies on the glycosylation of fetal bovine serum acetylcholinesterase (FBS AChE) and horse serum butyrylcholinesterase (Eq BChE). Analysis of the monosaccharide content of the two enzymes indicated that Eq BChE contained 520 nmoles of monosaccharide/mg protein, as compared to 1290 nmoles/mg protein for Eq BChE. Both enzymes contained mannose, galactose, N-acetylglucosamine and sialic acid. Fucose was present in Eq BChE only. The structures of themore » two major oligosaccharides from FBS AChE and one major oligosaccharide from Eq BChE were determined and found to be very similar except that one of the oligosaccharides from FBS AChE contained a galactose alphal-3 galactose betal-4-determinant which has been identified as a potentially immunogenic determinant.« less

  12. The impact assessment of anticancer drug imatinib on the feeding behavior of rotifers with an integrated perspective: Exposure, post-exposure and re-exposure.

    PubMed

    Yan, Zhengyu; Yan, Kun; He, Xingliang; Liu, Yanhua; Zhang, Jie; Lopez Torres, Oscar; Guo, Ruixin; Chen, Jianqiu

    2017-10-01

    The anticancer drugs are getting increasing attention as an emerging contaminant in the aquatic environments. In the present study, feeding behavior of the rotifer Brachionus calyciflorus under the impact of anticancer drug imatinib was evaluated. Traditional toxicological studies usually focus on dose-effect relationship at a given exposure time, while ignore the possible impact after the exposure. Thus, how the impact varied in the post-exposure and re-exposure was also considered in the present study. The feeding depression of the rotifers was attributed to the increased concentration of imatinib. Although the filtration and ingestion rate of the rotifers recovered to a certain extent after the exposure, the significant feeding inhibition still persisted even if the exposure was ended. In the re-exposure period, the feeding behavior was less depressed than those of the exposure period, which implied that rotifers might develop a tolerance to the same toxics. The activities of acetylcholine esterase (AchE) and the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in rotifers were also detected. Imatinib inhibited the activities of AchE in the exposure and re-exposure while ROS levels increased significantly in the re-exposure period. Our present study provided an integrated assessment the potential environmental risks of imatinib at a new perspective. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  13. Reactivity of Acetylcholine Esterase in inner Ear Maculae of Fish after Development at Hypergravity

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Feucht, I.; Hilbig, R.; Anken, R.

    It has been shown earlier that the growth of inner ear otoliths of larval fish is (among other environmental factors) guided by the gravity vector. This guidance most probably is effected by the efferent vestibular system in the brainstem, because a transection of the nervus vestibularis has been shown to effect a cessation of the supply of calcium to the otoliths. The efferent innervation of fish inner ear maculae uses the synaptic transmitter acetylcholine (ACh). Therefore, we were - in order to further assess the role of the efferent system for otolith growth - prompted to determine ACh esterase-reactivity in the sensory epithelium of the utricle and the saccule (as well as in a non-gravity relevant brain region for control) in larval cichlid fish (Oreochromis mossambicus), which had been maintained at hypergravity during their development. The respective data will be communicated at the meeting. Acknowledgement: This work was financially supported by the German Aerospace Center (DLR) (FKZ: 50 WB 9997).

  14. Benzo[a]pyrene-induced neurobehavioral function and neurotransmitter alterations in coke oven workers.

    PubMed

    Niu, Qiao; Zhang, Hongmei; Li, Xin; Li, Meiqin

    2010-07-01

    To study alterations in neurobehavioral function and neurotransmitter levels in coke oven workers occupationally exposed to benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) and explore possible biomarkers of B[a]P neurotoxicity. 176 coke oven workers occupationally exposed to B[a]P and 48 warehouse workers (controls) were investigated by questionnaire. Emotional and cognitive function was investigated using the WHO/NCTB. B[a]P concentrations in the working environment, concentrations of monoamine and amino acid neurotransmitters, and levels of urinary 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OH-Py) were assayed by HPLC. Spectrophotometry was used to determine choline neurotransmitter concentrations. Airborne B[a]P concentrations were higher in the coke oven plant than in the controls' workplace, and 1-OH-Py levels were significantly increased in coke workers compared to controls (p=0.000). Digital span and order digital span scores indicated that learning and memory were significantly decreased in coke oven workers (p=0.006). Concentrations of norepinephrine (NE), dopamine, 5-hydroxytryptamine and homovanillic acid were lower, while levels of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid were higher in the exposed group compared to controls; the difference in NE was significant (p=0.000). Aspartic acid and gamma-aminobutyric acid levels were significantly decreased in coke oven workers compared to controls (p=0.004 and p=0.004). Acetylcholine (Ach) concentration was four- to fivefold greater in coke oven workers than in controls, while acetylcholine esterase (AchE) activity was significantly decreased (p=0.000 and p=0.012). Statistical analysis showed that digital span and order digital span scores were negatively correlated to Ach and positively correlated to AchE. Occupational B[a]P exposure may reduce coke oven workers' neurobehavioral function and monoamine, amino acid and choline neurotransmitter levels. Moreover, Ach and AchE correlated with neurobehavioral function; AchE has poor specificity, but Ach is a potential biomarker of B[a]P neurotoxicity in coke oven workers.

  15. In vivo blockade of acetylcholinesterase increases intraovarian acetylcholine and enhances follicular development and fertility in the rat.

    PubMed

    Urra, Javier; Blohberger, Jan; Tiszavari, Michelle; Mayerhofer, Artur; Lara, Hernan E

    2016-07-21

    Growth and differentiation of ovarian follicles are regulated by systemic and local factors, which may include acetylcholine (ACh). Granulosa cells (GCs) of growing follicles and luteal cells produce ACh and in cultured GCs it exerts trophic actions via muscarinic receptors. However, such actions were not studied in vivo. After having established that rat ovarian GCs and luteal cells express the ACh-metabolizing enzyme ACh esterase (AChE), we examined the consequences of local application of an AChE inhibitor, huperzine A (HupA), by osmotic minipump delivery into the ovarian bursa of hemiovariectomized rats. Saline was used in the control group. Local delivery of HupA for 4 weeks increased ovarian ACh content. Estrus cyclicity was not changed indicating a locally restricted range of HupA action. The number of primordial and primary follicles was unaffected, but small secondary follicles significantly increased in the HupA group. Furthermore, a significant increase in the number of corpora lutea suggested increased ovulatory events. In support, as shown upon mating, HupA-treated females had significantly increased implantation sites and more pups. Thus the data are in support of a trophic role of ACh in follicular development and ovulation and point to an important role of ACh in female fertility.

  16. In vivo blockade of acetylcholinesterase increases intraovarian acetylcholine and enhances follicular development and fertility in the rat

    PubMed Central

    Blohberger, Jan; Tiszavari, Michelle; Mayerhofer, Artur; Lara, Hernan E.

    2016-01-01

    Growth and differentiation of ovarian follicles are regulated by systemic and local factors, which may include acetylcholine (ACh). Granulosa cells (GCs) of growing follicles and luteal cells produce ACh and in cultured GCs it exerts trophic actions via muscarinic receptors. However, such actions were not studied in vivo. After having established that rat ovarian GCs and luteal cells express the ACh-metabolizing enzyme ACh esterase (AChE), we examined the consequences of local application of an AChE inhibitor, huperzine A (HupA), by osmotic minipump delivery into the ovarian bursa of hemiovariectomized rats. Saline was used in the control group. Local delivery of HupA for 4 weeks increased ovarian ACh content. Estrus cyclicity was not changed indicating a locally restricted range of HupA action. The number of primordial and primary follicles was unaffected, but small secondary follicles significantly increased in the HupA group. Furthermore, a significant increase in the number of corpora lutea suggested increased ovulatory events. In support, as shown upon mating, HupA-treated females had significantly increased implantation sites and more pups. Thus the data are in support of a trophic role of ACh in follicular development and ovulation and point to an important role of ACh in female fertility. PMID:27440195

  17. Pharmacological Basis for Use of Armillaria mellea Polysaccharides in Alzheimer's Disease: Antiapoptosis and Antioxidation

    PubMed Central

    An, Shengshu; Lu, Wenqian; Zhang, Yongfeng; Yuan, Qingxia

    2017-01-01

    Armillaria mellea, an edible fungus, exhibits various pharmacological activities, including antioxidant and antiapoptotic properties. However, the effects of A. mellea on Alzheimer's disease (AD) have not been systemically reported. The present study aimed to explore the protective effects of mycelium polysaccharides (AMPS) obtained from A. mellea, especially AMPSc via 70% ethanol precipitation in a L-glutamic acid- (L-Glu-) induced HT22 cell apoptosis model and an AlCl3 plus D-galactose- (D-gal-) induced AD mouse model. AMPSc significantly enhanced cell viability, suppressed nuclear apoptosis, inhibited intracellular reactive oxygen species accumulation, prevented caspase-3 activation, and restored mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). In AD mice, AMPSc enhanced horizontal movements in an autonomic activity test, improved endurance times in a rotarod test, and decreased escape latency time in a water maze test. Furthermore, AMPSc reduced the apoptosis rate, amyloid beta (Aβ) deposition, oxidative damage, and p-Tau aggregations in the AD mouse hippocampus. The central cholinergic system functions in AD mice improved after a 4-week course of AMPSc administration, as indicated by enhanced acetylcholine (Ach) and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) concentrations, and reduced acetylcholine esterase (AchE) levels in serum and hypothalamus. Our findings provide experimental evidence suggesting A. mellea as a neuroprotective candidate for treating or preventing neurodegenerative diseases. PMID:29081887

  18. Tritium labeling of a powerful methylphosphonate inhibitor of cholinesterase: synthesis and biological applications

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Balan, A.; Barness, I.; Simon, G.

    1988-02-15

    7-(Methylethoxy phosphinyloxy)-1-methyl-quinolinium iodide (MEPQ), a powerful anti-cholinesterase methylphosphonate ester, was labeled with tritium (9 Ci/mmol) at the methylphosphonyl moiety (TCH2P(O)(OR)X) by an iodine-tritium replacement reaction. Kinetic measurements of the rate of inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) by (/sup 3/H)MEPQ and its rate of hydrolysis in alkaline solution confirmed the identity of (/sup 3/H)MEPQ with authentic MEPQ, which was prepared by the same reaction sequences. Gel-filtration experiments verified the radiospecificity of (/sup 3/H)MEPQ. In vitro radiolabeling of both AChE and butyrylcholinesterase along with the whole-body autoradiography of (/sup 3/H)MEPQ-treated mice suggests that (/sup 3/H)MEPQ is a convenient marker for studying biological systemsmore » containing these esterases.« less

  19. Modulated growth of nanoparticles. Application for sensing nerve gases.

    PubMed

    Virel, Ana; Saa, Laura; Pavlov, Valeri

    2009-01-01

    Hydrolysis of acetylthiocholine mediated by acetylcholine esterase yields the thiol-bearing compound thiocholine. At trace concentrations, thiocholine modulates the growth of Au-Ag nanoparticles on seeding gold nanoparticles in the presence of ascorbic acid. Inhibition of the enzyme by 1,5-bis(4-allyldimethylammoniumphenyl)pentan-3-one dibromide (BW284c51) or by diethyl p-nitrophenyl phosphate (paraoxon) produces lower yields of thiocholine, promoting the catalytic growth of Au-Ag nanoparticles. Here, we describe the development of a simple and sensitive colorimetric assay for the detection of AChE inhibitors.

  20. The human carbonic anhydrase isoenzymes I and II (hCA I and II) inhibition effects of trimethoxyindane derivatives.

    PubMed

    Taslimi, Parham; Gulcin, Ilhami; Ozgeris, Bunyamin; Goksu, Suleyman; Tumer, Ferhan; Alwasel, Saleh H; Supuran, Claudiu T

    2016-01-01

    Carbonic anhydrases (CAs, EC 4.2.1.1) had six genetically distinct families described to date in various organisms. There are 16 known CA isoforms in humans. Human CA isoenzymes I and II (hCA I and hCA II) are ubiquitous cytosolic isoforms. Acetylcholine esterase (AChE. EC 3.1.1.7) is a hydrolase that hydrolyzes the neurotransmitter acetylcholine relaying the signal from the nerve. In this study, some trimethoxyindane derivatives were investigated as inhibitors against the cytosolic hCA I and II isoenzymes, and AChE enzyme. Both hCA isozymes were inhibited by trimethoxyindane derivatives in the low nanomolar range. These compounds were good hCA I inhibitors (Kis in the range of 1.66-4.14 nM) and hCA II inhibitors (Kis of 1.37-3.12 nM) and perfect AChE inhibitors (Kis in the range of 1.87-7.53 nM) compared to acetazolamide as CA inhibitor (Ki: 6.76 nM for hCA I and Ki: 5.85 nM for hCA II) and Tacrine as AChE inhibitor (Ki: 7.64 nM).

  1. Cholinergic Neurotoxicity: Mechanisms and Prevention

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1986-10-30

    carbachol or acetylcholine (ACh) esterase inhibitors , physostigmine or neostigmine( 5,6). Systemic injection of pilo, either alone or preceded by...access to food and water, were used in all experiments. Li and pilo (Sigma Chemical, St. ~ . o. m m mm,,m 1 unmammalaa nnn a I nln l 1 ~nlnnm 1 1

  2. Connexin31.1 deficiency in the mouse impairs object memory and modulates open-field exploration, acetylcholine esterase levels in the striatum, and cAMP response element-binding protein levels in the striatum and piriform cortex.

    PubMed

    Dere, E; Zheng-Fischhöfer, Q; Viggiano, D; Gironi Carnevale, U A; Ruocco, L A; Zlomuzica, A; Schnichels, M; Willecke, K; Huston, J P; Sadile, A G

    2008-05-02

    Neuronal gap junctions in the brain, providing intercellular electrotonic signal transfer, have been implicated in physiological and behavioral correlates of learning and memory. In connexin31.1 (Cx31.1) knockout (KO) mice the coding region of the Cx31.1 gene was replaced by a LacZ reporter gene. We investigated the impact of Cx31.1 deficiency on open-field exploration, the behavioral response to an odor, non-selective attention, learning and memory performance, and the levels of memory-related proteins in the hippocampus, striatum and the piriform cortex. In terms of behavior, the deletion of the Cx31.1 coding DNA in the mouse led to increased exploratory behaviors in a novel environment, and impaired one-trial object recognition at all delays tested. Despite strong Cx31.1 expression in the peripheral and central olfactory system, Cx31.1 KO mice exhibited normal behavioral responses to an odor. We found increased levels of acetylcholine esterase (AChE) and cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) in the striatum of Cx31.1 KO mice. In the piriform cortex the Cx31.1 KO mice had an increased heterogeneity of CREB expression among neurons. In conclusion, gap-junctions featuring the Cx31.1 protein might be involved in open-field exploration as well as object memory and modulate levels of AChE and CREB in the striatum and piriform cortex.

  3. In vitro study of the neuropathic potential of the organophosphorus compounds trichlorfon and acephate.

    PubMed

    Fernandes, Laís S; Emerick, Guilherme L; dos Santos, Neife Aparecida G; de Paula, Eloísa Silva; Barbosa, Fernando; dos Santos, Antonio Cardozo

    2015-04-01

    Organophosphorus-induced delayed neuropathy (OPIDN) is a central and peripheral distal axonopathy characterized by ataxia and paralysis. Trichlorfon and acephate are two organophosphorus compounds (OPs) used worldwide as insecticide and which cause serious effects to non-target species. Despite that, the neuropathic potential of these OPs remains unclear. The present study addressed the neurotoxic effects and the neuropathic potential of trichlorfon and acephate in SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells, by evaluating inhibition and aging of neuropathy target esterase (NTE), inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), neurite outgrowth, cytotoxicity and intracellular calcium. Additionally, the effects observed were compared to those of two well-studied OPs: mipafox (known as neuropathic) and paraoxon (known as non-neuropathic). Trichlorfon and mipafox presented the lowest percentage of reactivation of inhibited NTE and the lowest ratio IC50 NTE/IC50 AChE. Moreover, they caused inhibition and aging of at least 70% of the activity of NTE at sub-lethal concentrations. All these effects have been associated with induction of OPIDN. When assayed at these concentrations, trichlorfon and mipafox reduced neurite outgrowth and increased intracellular calcium, events implicated in the development of OPIDN. Acephate caused effects similar to those caused by paraoxon (non-neuropathic OP) and was only able to inhibit 70% of NTE activity at lethal concentrations. These findings suggest that trichlorfon is potentially neuropathic, whereas acephate is not. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  4. Searching for putative binding sites of the bispyridinium compound MB327 in the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor.

    PubMed

    Wein, Thomas; Höfner, Georg; Rappenglück, Sebastian; Sichler, Sonja; Niessen, Karin V; Seeger, Thomas; Worek, Franz; Thiermann, Horst; Wanner, Klaus T

    2018-09-01

    Irreversible inhibition of the acetylcholine esterase upon intoxication with organophosphorus compounds leads to an accumulation of acetylcholine in the synaptic cleft and a subsequent desensitization of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors which may ultimately result in respiratory failure. The bispyridinium compound MB327 has been found to restore functional activity of nAChR thus representing a promising starting point for the development of new drugs for the treatment of organophosphate poisoning. In order to optimize the resensitizing effect of MB327 on nAChR, it would be very helpful to know the MB327 specific binding site to apply structure based molecular modeling. The binding site for MB327 at the nAChR is not known and so far goal of speculations, but it has been shown that MB327 does not bind to the orthosteric acetylcholine binding site. We have used docking calculations to screen the surface of nAChR for possible binding sites of MB327. The results indicate that at least two potential binding sites for MB327 at nAChR are present inside the channel pore. In these binding sites, MB327 intercalates between the γ-α and β-δ subunits of nAChR, respectively. Both putative MB327 binding sites show an unsymmetrical distribution of surrounding hydrophilic and lipophilic amino acids. This suggests that substitution of MB327-related bispyridinium compounds on one of the two pyridinium rings with polar substituents should have a favorable effect on the pharmacological function. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  5. DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Gustafsson, Helena; Runesson, Johan; Lundqvist, Jessica

    The objective of the EU-funded integrated project ACuteTox is to develop a strategy in which general cytotoxicity, together with organ-specific toxicity and biokinetic features, are used for the estimation of human acute systemic toxicity. Our role in the project is to characterise the effect of reference chemicals with regard to neurotoxicity. We studied cell membrane potential (CMP), noradrenalin (NA) uptake, acetylcholine esterase (AChE) activity, acetylcholine receptor (AChR) signalling and voltage-operated calcium channel (VOCC) function in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells after exposure to 23 pharmaceuticals, pesticides or industrial chemicals. Neurotoxic alert chemicals were identified by comparing the obtained data with cytotoxicitymore » data from the neutral red uptake assay in 3T3 mouse fibroblasts. Furthermore, neurotoxic concentrations were correlated with estimated human lethal blood concentrations (LC50). The CMP assay was the most sensitive assay, identifying eight chemicals as neurotoxic alerts and improving the LC50 correlation for nicotine, lindane, atropine and methadone. The NA uptake assay identified five neurotoxic alert chemicals and improved the LC50 correlation for atropine, diazepam, verapamil and methadone. The AChE, AChR and VOCC assays showed limited potential for detection of acute toxicity. The CMP assay was further evaluated by testing 36 additional reference chemicals. Five neurotoxic alert chemicals were generated and orphendrine and amitriptyline showed improved LC50 correlation. Due to the high sensitivity and the simplicity of the test protocol, the CMP assay constitutes a good candidate assay to be included in an in vitro test strategy for prediction of acute systemic toxicity.« less

  6. Pyrethroid resistance in the major malaria vector Anopheles arabiensis from Gwave, a malaria-endemic area in Zimbabwe.

    PubMed

    Munhenga, Givemore; Masendu, Hieronymo T; Brooke, Basil D; Hunt, Richard H; Koekemoer, Lizette K

    2008-11-28

    Insecticide resistance can present a major obstacle to malaria control programmes. Following the recent detection of DDT resistance in Anopheles arabiensis in Gokwe, Zimbabwe, the underlying resistance mechanisms in this population were studied. Standard WHO bioassays, using 0.75% permethrin, 4% DDT, 5% malathion, 0.1% bendiocarb and 4% dieldrin were performed on wild-collected adult anopheline mosquitoes and F1 progeny of An. arabiensis reared from wild-caught females. Molecular techniques were used for species identification as well as to identify knockdown resistance (kdr) and ace-1 mutations in individual mosquitoes. Biochemical assays were used to determine the relative levels of detoxifying enzyme systems including non-specific esterases, monooxygenases and glutathione-S-transferases as well as to detect the presence of an altered acetylcholine esterase (AChE). Anopheles arabiensis was the predominant member of the Anopheles gambiae complex. Of the 436 An. arabiensis females, 0.5% were positive for Plasmodium falciparum infection. WHO diagnostic tests on wild populations showed resistance to the pyrethroid insecticide permethrin at a mean mortality of 47% during February 2006 and a mean mortality of 68.2% in January 2008. DDT resistance (68.4% mean mortality) was present in February 2006; however, two years later the mean mortality was 96%. Insecticide susceptibility tests on F1 An. arabiensis families reared from material from two separate collections showed an average mean mortality of 87% (n = 758) after exposure to 4% DDT and 65% (n = 587) after exposure to 0.75% permethrin. Eight families were resistant to both DDT and permethrin. Biochemical analysis of F1 families reared from collections done in 2006 revealed high activity levels of monooxygenase (48.5% of families tested, n = 33, p < 0.05), glutathione S-transferase (25.8% of families tested, n = 31, p < 0.05) and general esterase activity compared to a reference susceptible An. arabiensis colony. Knockdown resistance (kdr) and ace-IR mutations were not detected. This study confirmed the presence of permethrin resistance in An. arabiensis populations from Gwave and emphasizes the importance of periodic and ongoing insecticide susceptibility testing of malaria vector populations whose responses to insecticide exposure may undergo rapid change over time.

  7. Activity and determinants of cholinesterases and paraoxonase-1 in blood of workers exposed to non-cholinesterase inhibiting pesticides.

    PubMed

    Lozano-Paniagua, David; Gómez-Martín, Antonio; Gil, Fernando; Parrón, Tesifón; Alarcón, Raquel; Requena, Mar; Lacasaña, Marina; Hernández, Antonio F

    2016-11-25

    Pesticide exposure has been associated with different adverse health effects which may be modulated to some extent by paraoxonase-1 (PON1) activity and genetic polymorphisms. This study assessed seasonal variations in PON1 activity (using paraoxon -POase-, phenylacetate -AREase-, diazoxon -DZOase- and dihydrocoumarin -DHCase- as substrates), erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and plasma cholinesterase (using butyrylthiocholine -BuChE- and benzoylcholine -BeChE- as substrates. The study population consisted of intensive agriculture workers regularly exposed to pesticides other than organophosphates and non-exposed controls from Almería (Southeastern Spain). The effect of common genetic polymorphisms of PON1 and BCHE on paraoxonase-1 and cholinesterase activities toward different substrates was also assessed. Linear mixed models were used to compare esterase activities in agricultural workers and control subjects over the two study periods (high and low exposure to pesticides). The significant decrease in AChE and increase in BuChE and BeChE activities observed in workers with respect to control subjects was attributed to pesticide exposure. Workers also had higher levels of AREase, DZOase and, to a lesser extent, of POase, but showed decreased DHCase activity. While PON1 Q192R and PON1 -108C/T gene polymorphisms were significantly associated with all PON1 activities, PON1 L55M showed a significant association with AREase, DZOase and DHCase. BCHE-K (Karlow variant) was significantly associated with lower BeChE activity (but not with BuChE) and BCHE-A (atypical variant) showed no significant association with any cholinesterase activity. These findings suggest that increased PON1, BuChE and BeChE activities in exposed workers might result from an adaptive response against pesticide exposure to compensate for adverse effects at the biochemical level. This response appears to be modulated by PON1 and BCHE gene polymorphisms. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  8. Regulation of synaptic acetylcholine concentrations by acetylcholine transport in rat striatal cholinergic transmission.

    PubMed

    Muramatsu, Ikunobu; Uwada, Junsuke; Masuoka, Takayoshi; Yoshiki, Hatsumi; Sada, Kiyonao; Lee, Kung-Shing; Nishio, Matomo; Ishibashi, Takaharu; Taniguchi, Takanobu

    2017-10-01

    In addition to hydrolysis by acetylcholine esterase (AChE), acetylcholine (ACh) is also directly taken up into brain tissues. In this study, we examined whether the uptake of ACh is involved in the regulation of synaptic ACh concentrations. Superfusion experiments with rat striatal segments pre-incubated with [ 3 H]choline were performed using an ultra-mini superfusion vessel, which was developed to minimize superfusate retention within the vessel. Hemicholinium-3 (HC-3) at concentrations less than 1 μM, selectively inhibited the uptake of [ 3 H]choline by the high affinity-choline transporter 1 and had no effect on basal and electrically evoked [ 3 H]efflux in superfusion experiments. In contrast, HC-3 at higher concentrations, as well as tetraethylammonium (>10 μM), which inhibited the uptake of both [ 3 H]choline and [ 3 H]ACh, increased basal [ 3 H]overflow and potentiated electrically evoked [ 3 H]efflux. These effects of HC-3 and tetraethylammonium were also observed under conditions where tissue AChE was irreversibly inactivated by diisopropylfluorophosphate. Specifically, the potentiation of evoked [ 3 H]efflux was significantly higher in AChE-inactivated preparations and was attenuated by atropine. On the other hand, striatal segments pre-incubated with [ 3 H]ACh failed to increase [ 3 H]overflow in response to electrical stimulation. These results show that synaptic ACh concentrations are significantly regulated by the postsynaptic uptake of ACh, as well as by AChE hydrolysis and modulation of ACh release mediated through presynaptic muscarinic ACh receptors. In addition, these data suggest that the recycling of ACh-derived choline may be minor in cholinergic terminals. This study reveals a new mechanism of cholinergic transmission in the central nervous system. © 2017 International Society for Neurochemistry.

  9. Quercitrin offers protection against brain injury in mice by inhibiting oxidative stress and inflammation.

    PubMed

    Ma, Jie-Qiong; Luo, Rong-Zhen; Jiang, Hai-Xia; Liu, Chan-Min

    2016-01-01

    Quercitrin is one of the primary flavonoid compounds present in vegetables and fruits. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of quercitrin against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced brain injury and further to elucidate its probable mechanisms. ICR mice received CCl4 intraperitoneally with or without quercitrin co-administration for 4 weeks. Our data showed that quercitrin significantly suppressed the elevation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and malondialdehyde (MDA) content, reduced tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) activity, enhanced the antioxidant enzyme activities and abrogated cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) induction in mouse brains. Quercitrin also prevented CCl4 induced cerebral function disorders associated with its ability to inhibit the activities of monoamine oxidase (MAO), acetylcholine esterase (AChE) and the N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor 2B subunit (NR2B). In addition, western blot analysis showed that quercitrin suppressed the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Taken together, our findings suggested that quercitrin may be a potential candidate to be developed as a neuroprotective agent.

  10. Characterizing the insecticide resistance of Anopheles gambiae in Mali.

    PubMed

    Cisse, Moussa B M; Keita, Chitan; Dicko, Abdourhamane; Dengela, Dereje; Coleman, Jane; Lucas, Bradford; Mihigo, Jules; Sadou, Aboubacar; Belemvire, Allison; George, Kristen; Fornadel, Christen; Beach, Raymond

    2015-08-22

    The impact of indoor residual spraying (IRS) and long-lasting insecticide nets (LLINs), key components of the national malaria control strategy of Mali, is threatened by vector insecticide resistance. The objective of this study was to assess the level of insecticide resistance in Anopheles gambiae sensu lato populations from Mali against four classes of insecticide recommended for IRS: organochlorines (OCs), pyrethroids (PYs), carbamates (CAs) and organophosphates (OPs). Characterization of resistance was done in 13 sites across southern Mali and assessed presence and distribution of physiological mechanisms that included target-site modifications: knockdown resistance (kdr) and altered acetycholinesterase (AChE), and/or metabolic mechanisms: elevated esterases, glutathione S-transferases (GSTs), and monooxygenases. The World Health Organization (WHO) tube test was used to determine phenotypic resistance of An. gambiae s.l. to: dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) (OC), deltamethrin (PY), lambda-cyhalothrin (PY), bendiocarb (CA), and fenitrothion (OP). Identification of sibling species and presence of the ace-1 (R) and Leu-Phe kdr, resistance-associated mutations, were determined using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology. Biochemical assays were conducted to detect increased activity of GSTs, oxidases and esterases. Populations tested showed high levels of resistance to DDT in all 13 sites, as well as increased resistance to deltamethrin and lambda-cyhalothrin in 12 out of 13 sites. Resistance to fenitrothion and bendiocarb was detected in 1 and 4 out of 13 sites, respectively. Anopheles coluzzii, An. gambiae sensu stricto and Anopheles arabiensis were identified with high allelic frequencies of kdr in all sites where each of the species were found (13, 12 and 10 sites, respectively). Relatively low allelic frequencies of ace-1 (R) were detected in four sites where this assessment was conducted. Evidence of elevated insecticide metabolism, based on oxidase, GSTs and esterase detoxification, was also documented. Multiple insecticide-resistance mechanisms have evolved in An. coluzzii, An. gambiae s.s. and An. arabiensis in Mali. These include at least two target site modifications: kdr, and ace-1 (R) , as well as elevated metabolic detoxification systems (monooxygenases and esterases). The selection pressure for resistance could have risen from the use of these insecticides in agriculture, as well as in public health. Resistance management strategies, based on routine resistance monitoring to inform insecticide-based malaria vector control in Mali, are recommended.

  11. Multi-contamination (heavy metals, polychlorinated biphenyls and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) of littoral sediments and the associated ecological risk assessment in a large lake in France (Lake Bourget).

    PubMed

    Lécrivain, Nathalie; Aurenche, Vincent; Cottin, Nathalie; Frossard, Victor; Clément, Bernard

    2018-04-01

    The lake littoral sediment is exposed to a large array of contaminants that can exhibit significant spatial variability and challenge our ability to assess contamination at lake scale. In this study, littoral sediment contamination was characterized among ten different sites in a large peri-alpine lake (Lake Bourget) regarding three groups of contaminants: 6 heavy metals, 15 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and 7 polychlorinated biphenyls. The contamination profiles significantly varied among sites and differed from those previously reported for the deepest zone of the lake. An integrative approach including chemical and biological analyses was conducted to relate site contamination to ecological risk. The chemical approach consisted in mean PEC quotient calculation (average of the ratios of the contaminants concentration to their corresponding Probable Effect Concentration values) and revealed a low and heterogeneous toxicity of the contaminant mixture along the littoral. Biological analysis including both laboratory (microcosm assays) and in situ (Acetylcholine Esterase (AChE) and Glutathione S-Transferase (GST) activity measurements) experiments highlighted significant differences among sites both in the field and in laboratory assays suggesting a spatial variation of the biota response to contamination. Linear regressions were performed between mean PEC quotients and biological results to assess whether littoral ecological risk was explained by the contamination profiles. The results highly depended on the study benthic or pelagic compartment. Regarding autochthonous Corbicula fluminea, no significant relationship between mean PEC quotients and biomarker activity was found while a significant increase in AChE was observed on autochthonous chironomids, suggesting different stress among benthic organisms. Both AChE and GST in caged pelagic Daphnia magna showed a significant positive relationship with mean PEC quotients. This study underlines the importance of accounting for spatial variations in lake littoral sediment contamination and the need for performing an integrative approach coupling chemical, field and laboratory analyses to assess the ecological risk. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  12. RNA interference of carboxyesterases causes nymph mortality in the Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri.

    PubMed

    Kishk, Abdelaziz; Anber, Helmy A I; AbdEl-Raof, Tsamoh K; El-Sherbeni, AbdEl-Hakeem D; Hamed, Sobhy; Gowda, Siddarame; Killiny, Nabil

    2017-03-01

    Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Liviidae), is an important pest of citrus. In addition, D. citri is the vector of Huanglongbing, a destructive disease in citrus, also known as citrus greening disease caused by Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus. Huanglongbing causes huge losses for citrus industries. Insecticide application for D. citri is the major strategy to prevent disease spread. The heavy use of insecticides causes development of insecticide resistance. We used RNA interference (RNAi) to silence genes implicated in pesticide resistance in order to increase the susceptibility. The activity of dsRNA to reduce the expression of carboxyesterases including esterases FE4 (EstFE4) and acetylcholinesterases (AChe) in D. citri was investigated. The dsRNA was applied topically to the fourth and fifth instars of nymphs. We targeted several EstFE4 and AChe genes using dsRNA against a consensus sequence for each of them. Five concentrations (25, 50, 75, 100, 125 ng/μl) from both dsRNAs were used. The treatments with the dsRNA caused concentration dependent nymph mortality. The highest gene expression levels of both AChe and EstFE4 were found in the fourth and fifth nymphal instars. Gene expression analysis showed that AChe genes were downregulated in emerged adults from dsRNA-AChe-treated nymphs compared to controls. However, EstFE4 genes were not affected. In the same manner, treatment with dsRNA-EstFE4 reduced expression level of EstFE4 genes in emerged adults from treated nymphs, but did not affect the expression of AChe genes. In the era of environmentally friendly control strategies, RNAi is a new promising venue to reduce pesticide applications. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  13. Selection for chlorpyrifos resistance in Liriomyza sativae Blanchard: Cross-resistance patterns, stability and biochemical mechanisms.

    PubMed

    Askari-Saryazdi, Ghasem; Hejazi, Mir Jalil; Ferguson, J Scott; Rashidi, Mohammad-Reza

    2015-10-01

    The vegetable leafminer (VLM), Liriomyza sativae (Diptera: Agromyzidae) is a serious pest of vegetable crops and ornamentals worldwide. In cropping systems with inappropriate management strategies, development of resistance to insecticides in leafminers is probable. Chlorpyrifos is a commonly used pesticide for controlling leafminers in Iran, but resistance to this insecticide in leafminers has not been characterized. In order to develop strategies to minimize resistance in the field and greenhouse, a laboratory selected chlorpyrifos resistant strain of L. sativae was used to characterize resistance and determine the rate of development and stability of resistance. Selecting for resistance in the laboratory after 23 generations yielded a chlorpyrifos resistant selected strain (CRSS) with a resistance ratio of 40.34, determined on the larval stage. CRSS exhibited no cross-resistance to other tested insecticides except for diazinon. Synergism and biochemical assays indicated that esterases (EST) had a key role in metabolic resistance to chlorpyrifos, but glutathione S-transferase (GST) and mixed function oxidase (MFO) were not mediators in this resistance. In CRSS acetylcholinesterase (AChE) was more active than the susceptible strain, Sharif (SH). AChE in CRSS was also less sensitive to inhibition by propoxur. The kinetics parameters (Km and Vmax) of AChE indicated that affinities and hydrolyzing efficiencies of this enzyme in CRSS were higher than SH. Susceptibility to chlorpyrifos in L. sativae was re-gained in the absence of insecticide pressure. Synergism, biochemical and cross-resistance assays revealed that overactivity of metabolic enzymes and reduction in target site sensitivity are probably joint factors in chlorpyrifos resistance. An effective insecticide resistance management program is necessary to prevent fast resistance development in crop systems. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  14. Cysteine-mediated aggregation of Au nanoparticles: the development of a H2O2 sensor and oxidase-based biosensors.

    PubMed

    Wang, Fuan; Liu, Xiaoqing; Lu, Chun-Hua; Willner, Itamar

    2013-08-27

    The cysteine-stimulated aggregation of Au nanoparticles (Au NPs) is used as an auxiliary reporting system for the optical detection of H2O2, for optical probing of the glucose oxidase (GOx) and the catalyzed oxidation of glucose, for probing the biocatalytic cascade composed of acetylcholine esterase/choline oxidase (AChE/ChOx), and for following the inhibition of AChE. The analytical paradigm is based on the I(-)-catalyzed oxidation of cysteine by H2O2 to cystine, a process that prohibits the cysteine-triggered aggregation of the Au NPs. The system enabled the analysis of H2O2 with a detection limit of 2 μM. As the GOx-biocatalyzed oxidation of glucose yields H2O2, and the AChE/ChOx cascade leads to the formation of H2O2, the two biocatalytic processes could be probed by the cysteine-stimulated aggregation of the Au NPs. Since AChE is inhibited by 1,5-bis(4-allyldimethylammonium phenyl)pentane-3-one dibromide, the biocatalytic AChE/ChOx cascade is inhibited by the inhibitor, thus leading to the enhanced cysteine-mediated aggregation of the NPs. The results suggest the potential implementation of the cysteine-mediated aggregation of Au NPs in the presence of AChE/ChOx as a sensing platform for the optical detection of chemical warfare agents.

  15. Biochemical basis of synergism between pathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae and insecticide chlorantraniliprole in Locusta migratoria (Meyen)

    PubMed Central

    Jia, Miao; Cao, Guangchun; Li, Yibo; Tu, Xiongbing; Wang, Guangjun; Nong, Xiangqun; Whitman, Douglas W.; Zhang, Zehua

    2016-01-01

    We challenged Locusta migratoria (Meyen) grasshoppers with simultaneous doses of both the insecticide chlorantraniliprole and the fungal pathogen, Metarhizium anisopliae. Our results showed synergistic and antagonistic effects on host mortality and enzyme activities. To elucidate the biochemical mechanisms that underlie detoxification and pathogen-immune responses in insects, we monitored the activities of 10 enzymes. After administration of insecticide and fungus, activities of glutathione-S-transferase (GST), general esterases (ESTs) and phenol oxidase (PO) decreased in the insect during the initial time period, whereas those of aryl acylamidase (AA) and chitinase (CHI) increased during the initial period and that of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) increased during a later time period. Activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POD) decreased at a later time period post treatment. Interestingly, treatment with chlorantraniliprole and M. anisopliae relieved the convulsions that normally accompany M. anisopliae infection. We speculate that locust mortality increased as a result of synergism via a mechanism related to Ca2+ disruption in the host. Our study illuminates the biochemical mechanisms involved in insect immunity to xenobiotics and pathogens as well as the mechanisms by which these factors disrupt host homeostasis and induce death. We expect this knowledge to lead to more effective pest control. PMID:27328936

  16. Multiple pharmacological targets, cytotoxicity, and phytochemical profile of Aphloia theiformis (Vahl.) Benn.

    PubMed

    Picot, Marie Carene Nancy; Bender, Onur; Atalay, Arzu; Zengin, Gokhan; Loffredo, Loïc; Hadji-Minaglou, Francis; Mahomoodally, Mohamad Fawzi

    2017-05-01

    Aphloia theiformis (Vahl.) Benn. (AT) is traditionally used in Sub-Saharan African countries including Mauritius as a biomedicine for the management of several diseases. However, there is a dearth of experimental studies to validate these claims. We endeavoured to evaluate the inhibitory effects of crude aqueous extract as traditionally used together with the crude methanol extracts of AT leaves on urease, angiotensin (I) converting enzyme (ACE), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), cholesterol esterase (CEase), glycogen phosphorylase a (GPa), and glycation in vitro. The crude extract showing potent activity against the studied enzymes was further partitioned using different solvents of increasing polarity. The enzyme inhibitory and antiglycation activities of each fraction was assessed. Kinetic of inhibition of the active crude extract/fractions on the aforementioned enzymes was consequently determined using Lineweaver-Burk plots. An ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC-UV/MS) system was used to establish the phytochemical profile of AT. The real time cell analysis system (iCELLigence™) was used to monitor any cellular cytotoxicity of AT. Crude methanolextract (CME) was a potent inhibitor of the studied enzymes, with IC 50 ranging from 696.22 to 19.73μg/mL. CME (82.5%) significantly (p<0.05) inhibited glycation and was comparable to aminoguanidine (81.5%). Ethyl acetate and n-butanol fractions of CME showed non-competitive, competitive, and uncompetitive mode of inhibition against ACE, CEase, and AChE respectively. Mangiferin, a xanthone glucoside was present in CME, ethyl acetate, and n-butanol fractions. Active extract/fractions were found to be non-cytotoxic (IC 50 >20μg/mL) according to the U.S National Cancer Institute plant screening program. This study has established baseline data that tend to justify the traditional use of AT and open new avenues for future biomedicine development. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

  17. Brahmi rasayana Improves Learning and Memory in Mice

    PubMed Central

    Joshi, Hanumanthachar; Parle, Milind

    2006-01-01

    Cure of cognitive disorders such as amnesia, attention deficit and Alzheimer's disease is still a nightmare in the field of medicine. Nootropic agents such as piracetam, aniracetam and choline esterase inhibitors like Donepezil® are being used to improve memory, mood and behavior, but the resulting side effects associated with these agents have made their use limited. The present study was undertaken to assess the potential of Brahmi rasayana (BR) as a memory enhancer. BR (100 and 200 mg kg−1 p.o.) was administered for eight successive days to both young and aged mice. Elevated plus maze and passive-avoidance paradigm were employed to evaluate learning and memory parameters. Scopolamine (0.4 mg kg−1 i.p.) was used to induce amnesia in mice. The effect of BR on whole brain AChE activity was also assessed. Piracetam (200 mg kg−1 i.p.) was used as a standard nootropic agent. BR significantly improved learning and memory in young mice and reversed the amnesia induced by both scopolamine (0.4 mg kg−1 i.p.) and natural aging. BR significantly decreased whole brain acetyl cholinesterase activity. BR might prove to be a useful memory restorative agent in the treatment of dementia seen in elderly. PMID:16550227

  18. Advances in toxicology and medical treatment of chemical warfare nerve agents

    PubMed Central

    2012-01-01

    Organophosphorous (OP) Nerve agents (NAs) are known as the deadliest chemical warfare agents. They are divided into two classes of G and V agents. Most of them are liquid at room temperature. NAs chemical structures and mechanisms of actions are similar to OP pesticides, but their toxicities are higher than these compounds. The main mechanism of action is irreversible inhibition of Acetyl Choline Esterase (AChE) resulting in accumulation of toxic levels of acetylcholine (ACh) at the synaptic junctions and thus induces muscarinic and nicotinic receptors stimulation. However, other mechanisms have recently been described. Central nervous system (CNS) depression particularly on respiratory and vasomotor centers may induce respiratory failure and cardiac arrest. Intermediate syndrome after NAs exposure is less common than OP pesticides poisoning. There are four approaches to detect exposure to NAs in biological samples: (I) AChE activity measurement, (II) Determination of hydrolysis products in plasma and urine, (III) Fluoride reactivation of phosphylated binding sites and (IV) Mass spectrometric determination of cholinesterase adducts. The clinical manifestations are similar to OP pesticides poisoning, but with more severity and fatalities. The management should be started as soon as possible. The victims should immediately be removed from the field and treatment is commenced with auto-injector antidotes (atropine and oximes) such as MARK I kit. A 0.5% hypochlorite solution as well as novel products like M291 Resin kit, G117H and Phosphotriesterase isolated from soil bacterias, are now available for decontamination of NAs. Atropine and oximes are the well known antidotes that should be infused as clinically indicated. However, some new adjuvant and additional treatment such as magnesium sulfate, sodium bicarbonate, gacyclidine, benactyzine, tezampanel, hemoperfusion, antioxidants and bioscavengers have recently been used for OP NAs poisoning. PMID:23351280

  19. Advances in toxicology and medical treatment of chemical warfare nerve agents.

    PubMed

    Moshiri, Mohammd; Darchini-Maragheh, Emadodin; Balali-Mood, Mahdi

    2012-11-28

    Organophosphorous (OP) Nerve agents (NAs) are known as the deadliest chemical warfare agents. They are divided into two classes of G and V agents. Most of them are liquid at room temperature. NAs chemical structures and mechanisms of actions are similar to OP pesticides, but their toxicities are higher than these compounds. The main mechanism of action is irreversible inhibition of Acetyl Choline Esterase (AChE) resulting in accumulation of toxic levels of acetylcholine (ACh) at the synaptic junctions and thus induces muscarinic and nicotinic receptors stimulation. However, other mechanisms have recently been described. Central nervous system (CNS) depression particularly on respiratory and vasomotor centers may induce respiratory failure and cardiac arrest. Intermediate syndrome after NAs exposure is less common than OP pesticides poisoning. There are four approaches to detect exposure to NAs in biological samples: (I) AChE activity measurement, (II) Determination of hydrolysis products in plasma and urine, (III) Fluoride reactivation of phosphylated binding sites and (IV) Mass spectrometric determination of cholinesterase adducts. The clinical manifestations are similar to OP pesticides poisoning, but with more severity and fatalities. The management should be started as soon as possible. The victims should immediately be removed from the field and treatment is commenced with auto-injector antidotes (atropine and oximes) such as MARK I kit. A 0.5% hypochlorite solution as well as novel products like M291 Resin kit, G117H and Phosphotriesterase isolated from soil bacterias, are now available for decontamination of NAs. Atropine and oximes are the well known antidotes that should be infused as clinically indicated. However, some new adjuvant and additional treatment such as magnesium sulfate, sodium bicarbonate, gacyclidine, benactyzine, tezampanel, hemoperfusion, antioxidants and bioscavengers have recently been used for OP NAs poisoning.

  20. Determination of esterase activity and characterization of cholinesterases in the reef fish Haemulon plumieri.

    PubMed

    Leticia, Alpuche-Gual; Gerardo, Gold-Bouchot

    2008-11-01

    White grunt (Haemulon plumieri) has been proposed by the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System (MBRS) Synoptic Monitoring Program as a bioindicator species. It is in this sense that the present study has a main goal to evaluate this organism's suitability as an indicator species. Individuals were captured during three seasons at the port of Sisal, Yucatan, Mexico which is located in an area that is considered to be weakly impacted by human activities such as agriculture or industry. Both cholinesterase (ChE) and carboxylesterase (CbE) activities were measured in brain, muscle, liver and eye of sampled individuals. Results indicated that ChE and CbE activities were greatest in the brain (256.3 ± 43) and in the liver (191 ± 21), respectively. Furthermore, ChEs detected in brain, liver and muscle were characterized, and results suggested that the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) type was more abundant relative to pseudocholinesterase (BChE) which was rare. In addition, K(m) and V(max) and IC(50) values were calculated from the Michaelis-Menten equation. Finally, an additional experiment in vitro showed a significant decrease in both ChE and CbE activities when different tissues were exposed to model xenobiotics, such as benzo[a]pyrene and Chlorpyrifos. In conclusion, findings from this study confirm the potential suitability of H. plumieri as an organic pollution bioindicator species, and thus of practical use for environmental biomonitoring purposes.

  1. Sustained increase of alpha7 nicotinic receptors and choline-induced improvement of learning deficit in STOP knock-out mice.

    PubMed

    Bouvrais-Veret, Caroline; Weiss, Stéphanie; Andrieux, Annie; Schweitzer, Annie; McIntosh, J Michael; Job, Didier; Giros, Bruno; Martres, Marie-Pascale

    2007-06-01

    Mice deficient in the microtubule stabilizing protein STOP (stable tubule only polypeptide) show synaptic plasticity anomalies in hippocampus, dopamine hyper-reactivity in the limbic system and severe behavioral deficits. Some of these disturbances are alleviated by long-term antipsychotic treatment. Therefore, this mouse line represents a pertinent model for some aspects of schizophrenia symptomatology. Numerous data support dysfunction of nicotinic neurotransmission in schizophrenia and epidemiological studies show increased tobacco use in schizophrenic patients, in whom nicotine has been reported to improve cognitive deficits and impairment in sensory gating. In this study, we examined potential alterations in cholinergic (ACh) and nicotinic components and functions in STOP mutant mice. STOP KO mice displayed no variation of the density of ACh esterase and beta2* nicotinic receptors (nAChRs), large reductions in the density of vesicular ACh transporter and alpha6* nAChRs and marked increases in the density of alpha7 nAChRs, in some brain areas. STOP KO mice were hypersensitive to the stimulating locomotor effect of nicotine and, interestingly, their impaired performance in learning the cued version of the water maze were improved by administration of the preferential alpha7 nAChR agonist choline. Altogether, our data show that the deletion of the ubiquitous STOP protein elicited restricted alterations in ACh components. They also suggest that nicotinic neurotransmission can be deficient in STOP KO mice and that mutant mice can represent a meaningful model to study some nicotinic dysfunctions and therapeutic treatments.

  2. Neuroprotective efficiency of Mangifera indica leaves extract on cadmium-induced cortical damage in rats.

    PubMed

    Al Omairi, Naif E; Radwan, Omyma K; Alzahrani, Yahea A; Kassab, Rami B

    2018-03-20

    Due to the high ability of cadmium to cross the blood-brain barrier, cadmium (Cd) causes severe neurological damages. Hence, the purpose of this study was to investigate the possible protective effect of Mangifera indica leaf extract (MLE) against Cd-induced neurotoxicity. Rats were divided into eight groups. Group 1 served as vehicle control group, groups 2, 3 and 4 received MLE (100, 200, 300 mg /kg b.wt, respectively). Group 5 was treated with CdCl 2 (5 mg/kg b.wt). Groups 6, 7 and 8 were co-treated with MLE and CdCl 2 using the same doses. All treatments were orally administered for 28 days. Cortical oxidative stress biomarkers [Malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), glutathione content (GSH), oxidized form of glutathione (GSSG), 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx)], inflammatory cytokines [tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) and interlukin-1β (IL-1β)], biogenic amines [norepinephrine (NE), dopamine (DA) and serotonin (5-HT)], some biogenic metabolites [3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), homovanillic acid (HVA) and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA)], acetylcholine esterase activity (AChE) and purinergic compound [adenosine triphosphate (ATP)] were determined in frontal cortex of rats. Results indicated that Cd increased levels of the oxidative biomarkers (MDA, NO, GSSG and 8-OHdG) and the inflammatory mediators (TNF-α and IL-1β), while lowered GSH, SOD, CAT, GPx and ATP levels. Also, Cd significantly decreased the AChE activity and the tested biogenic amines while elevated the tested metabolites in the frontal cortex. Levels of all disrupted cortical parameters were alleviated by MLE co-administration. The MLE induced apparent protective effect on Cd-induced neurotoxicity in concern with its medium and higher doses which may be due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.

  3. Neurochemical effects of a 20 kHz magnetic field on the central nervous system in prenatally exposed mice

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Dimberg, Y.

    1995-09-01

    C57/B1 mice were exposed during pregnancy (gestation days 0--19) to a 20 kHz magnetic field (MF). The asymmetric sawtooth-waveform magnetic field in the exposed racks had a flux density of 15 {micro}T (peak to peak). After 19 days, the exposure was terminated, and the mice were housed individually under normal laboratory conditions. On postnatal day (PD) 1, PD21, and PD308, various neurochemical markers in the brains of the offspring were investigated and the brains weighed. No significant difference was found in the whole brain weight at PD1 or PD21 between exposed offspring and control animals. However, on PD308, a significantmore » decrease in weight of the whole brain was detected in exposed animals. No significant differences were found in the weight of cortex, hippocampus, septum, or cerebellum on nay of the sampling occasions, nor were any significant differences detected in protein-, DNA-level, nerve growth factor (NGF), acetylcholine esterase- (AChE), or 2{prime},3{prime}-cyclic nucleotide 3{prime}-phosphodiesterase- (CNP; marker for oligodendrocytes) activities on PD21 in cerebellum. Cortex showed a more complex pattern of response to MF: MF treatment resulted in a decrease in DNA level and increases in the activities of CNP, AChE, and NGF protein. On PD308, the amount of DNA was significantly reduced in MF-treated cerebellum and CNP activity was still enhanced in MF-treated cortex compared to controls. Most of the effect of MF treatment during the embryonic period were similar to those induced by ionizing radiation but much weaker. However, the duration of the exposure required to elucidate the response of different markers to MF seems to be greater and effects appear later during development compared to responses to ionizing radiation.« less

  4. A multi-enzyme microreactor-based online electrochemical system for selective and continuous monitoring of acetylcholine.

    PubMed

    Lin, Yuqing; Yu, Ping; Mao, Lanqun

    2015-06-07

    This study demonstrates an online electrochemical system (OECS) for selective and continuous measurements of acetylcholine (ACh) through efficiently integrating in vivo microdialysis, a multi-enzyme microreactor and an electrochemical detector. A multi-enzyme microreactor was prepared first by co-immobilizing two kinds of enzymes, i.e. choline oxidase (ChOx) and catalase (Cat), onto magnetite nanoparticles and then confining the as-formed nanoparticles into a fused-silica capillary with the assistance of an external magnet. The multi-enzyme microreactor was settled between an in vivo microdialysis sampling system and an electrochemical detector to suppress the interference from choline toward ACh detection. Selective detection of ACh was accomplished using the electrochemical detector with ACh esterase (AChE) and ChOx as the recognition units for ACh and Prussian blue (PB) as the electrocatalyst for the reduction of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The current recorded with the OECS was linear with the concentration of ACh (I/nA = -3.90CACh/μM + 1.21, γ = 0.998) within a concentration range of 5 μM to 100 μM. The detection limit, based on a signal-to-noise ratio of 3, was calculated to be 1 μM. Interference investigation demonstrates that the OECS did not produce an observable current response toward physiological levels of common electroactive species, such as ascorbic acid (AA), dopamine (DA), 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), and uric acid (UA). The high selectivity and the good linearity in combination with the high stability may enable the OECS developed here as a potential system for continuous monitoring of cerebral ACh release in some physiological and pathological processes.

  5. Molecular Docking and Pharmacological Investigations of Rivastigmine-Fluoxetine and Coumarin-Tacrine hybrids against Acetyl Choline Esterase.

    PubMed

    Babitha, Pallikkara Pulikkal; Sahila, Mohammed Marunnan; Bandaru, Srinivas; Nayarisseri, Anuraj; Sureshkumar, Sivanpillai

    2015-01-01

    The present AChE inhibitors have been successful in the treatment of Alzheimer׳s Diseases however suffers serious side effects. Therefore in this view, the present study was sought to identify compounds with appreciable pharmacological profile targeting AChE. Analogue of Rivastigmine and Fluoxetine hybrid synthesized by Toda et al, 2003 (dataset1), and Coumarin-Tacrine hybrids synthesized by Qi Sun et al (dataset2) formed the test compounds for the present pharmacological evaluation. p-cholorophenyl substituted Rivastigmine and Fluoxetine hybrid compound (26d) from dataset 1 and -OCH3 substitute Coumarin-Tacrine hybrids (1h) from dataset 2 demonstrated superior pharmacological profile. 26 d showed superior pharmacological profile comparison to the entire compounds in either dataset owing to its better electrostatic interactions and hydrogen bonding patterns. In order to identify still better compound with pharmacological profile than 26 d and 1h, virtual screening was performed. The best docked compound (PubCId: PubCid: 68874404) showed better affinity than its parent 26 d, however showed poor ADME profile and AMES toxicity. CHEMBL2391475 (PubCid: 71699632) similar to 1h had reduced affinity in comparison to its parent compound 1h. From, our extensive analysis involving binding affinity analysis, ADMET properties predictions and pharmacophoric mappings, we report p-cholorophenyl substituted rivastigmine and fluoxetine hybrid (26d) to be a potential candidate for AcHE inhibition which in addition can overcome narrow therapeutic window of present AChE inhibitors in clinical treatment of Alzheimer׳s disease. AD - Alzheimer׳s Disease, AChE - Acetyl Choline Estarase, OPLS - Optimized Potentials for Liquid Simulations, PDB - Protein Data Bank.

  6. Galantamine and carbon monoxide protect brain microvascular endothelial cells by heme oxygenase-1 induction

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Nakao, Atsunori; Thomas E Starzl Transplantation Institute, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213; Kaczorowski, David J.

    2008-03-14

    Galantamine, a reversible inhibitor of acetylcholine esterase (AChE), is a novel drug treatment for mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia. Interestingly, it has been suggested that galantamine treatment is associated with more clinical benefit in patients with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer disease compared to other AChE inhibitors. We hypothesized that the protective effects of galantamine would involve induction of the protective gene, heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), in addition to enhancement of the cholinergic system. Brain microvascular endothelial cells (mvECs) were isolated from spontaneous hypertensive rats. Galantamine significantly reduced H{sub 2}O{sub 2}-induced cell death of mvECs in association with HO-1 induction. Thesemore » protective effects were completely reversed by nuclear factor-{kappa}B (NF-{kappa}B) inhibition or HO inhibition. Furthermore, galantamine failed to induce HO-1 in mvECs which lack inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), supplementation of a nitric oxide (NO) donor or iNOS gene transfection on iNOS-deficient mvECs resulted in HO-1 induction with galantamine. These data suggest that the protective effects of galantamine require NF-{kappa}B activation and iNOS expression, in addition to HO-1. Likewise, carbon monoxide (CO), one of the byproducts of HO, up-regulated HO-1 and protected mvECs from oxidative stress in a similar manner. Our data demonstrate that galantamine mediates cytoprotective effects on mvECs through induction HO-1. This pharmacological action of galantamine may, at least in part, account for the superior clinical efficacy of galantamine in vascular dementia and Alzheimer disease.« less

  7. Evidence for the role of histaminergic pathways in neuroprotective mechanism of ischemic postconditioning in mice.

    PubMed

    Kaur, Indresh; Kumar, Amit; Jaggi, Amteshwar S; Singh, Nirmal

    2017-08-01

    The present study has been designed to investigate the possible role of histaminergic pathway in neuroprotective mechanism of ischemic postconditioning (iPoCo). Bilateral carotid artery occlusion (BCAO) for 12 min followed by reperfusion for 24 h was employed to produce I/R-induced cerebral injury in National Institutes of Health mice mice. iPoCo involving three episodes of carotid artery occlusion and reperfusion of 10 sec each was instituted immediately after BCAO just before prolonged reperfusion. Cerebral infarct size was measured using triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining. Memory was evaluated using Morris water maze test. Rotarod test, inclined beam-walking test, and neurological severity score (NSS) were performed to assess motor incoordination and sensorimotor abilities. Brain acetylcholine esterase (AChE) activity, brain myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, brain thiobarbituric acid-reactive species (TBARS), and glutathione level (GSH) were also estimated. BCAO produced a significant rise in cerebral infarct size and NSS along with impairment of memory and motor coordination and biochemical alteration (↑AChE, ↑MPO ↓GSH, and ↑TBARS). iPoCo attenuated the deleterious effect of BCAO on infarct size, memory, NSS, motor coordination, and biochemical markers. Pretreatment of carnosine (a histamine [HA] precursor) potentiated the neuroprotective effects of iPoCo, whereas pretreatment of ketotifen (HA H1 receptor blocker and mast cell stabilizer) abolished the protective effects of iPoCo as well as that of carnosine on iPoCo. It may be concluded that neuroprotective effect of iPoCo probably involves activation of histaminergic pathways. © 2017 Société Française de Pharmacologie et de Thérapeutique.

  8. Para-nitrobenzyl esterases with enhanced activity in aqueous and nonaqueous media

    DOEpatents

    Arnold, Frances H.; Moore, Jeffrey C.

    1998-01-01

    A method for isolating and identifying modified para-nitrobenzyl esterases which exhibit improved stability and/or esterase hydrolysis activity toward selected substrates and under selected reaction conditions relative to the unmodified para-nitrobenzyl esterase. The method involves preparing a library of modified para-nitrobenzyl esterase nucleic acid segments (genes) which have nucleotide sequences that differ from the nucleic acid segment which encodes for unmodified para-nitrobenzyl esterase. The library of modified para-nitrobenzyl nucleic acid segments is expressed to provide a plurality of modified enzymes. The clones expressing modified enzymes are then screened to identify which enzymes have improved esterase activity by measuring the ability of the enzymes to hydrolyze the selected substrate under the selected reaction conditions. Specific modified para-nitrobenzyl esterases are disclosed which have improved stability and/or ester hydrolysis activity in aqueous or aqueous-organic media relative to the stability and/or ester hydrolysis activity of unmodified naturally occurring para-nitrobenzyl esterase.

  9. Para-nitrobenzyl esterases with enhanced activity in aqueous and nonaqueous media

    DOEpatents

    Arnold, Frances H.; Moore, Jeffrey C.

    1999-01-01

    A method for isolating and identifying modified para-nitrobenzyl esterases which exhibit improved stability and/or esterase hydrolysis activity toward selected substrates and under selected reaction conditions relative to the unmodified para-nitrobenzyl esterase. The method involves preparing a library of modified para-nitrobenzyl esterase nucleic acid segments (genes) which have nucleotide sequences that differ from the nucleic acid segment which encodes for unmodified para-nitrobenzyl esterase. The library of modified para-nitrobenzyl nucleic acid segments is expressed to provide a plurality of modified enzymes. The clones expressing modified enzymes are then screened to identify which enzymes have improved esterase activity by measuring the ability of the enzymes to hydrolyze the selected substrate under the selected reaction conditions. Specific modified para-nitrobenzyl esterases are disclosed which have improved stability and/or ester hydrolysis activity in aqueous or aqueous-organic media relative to the stability and/or ester hydrolysis activity of unmodified naturally occurring para-nitrobenzyl esterase.

  10. Involvement of Cholinergic Dysfunction and Oxidative Damage in the Effects of Simulated Weightlessness on Learning and Memory in Rats

    PubMed Central

    Wang, Qiong; Lv, Ke; Wang, Tingmei; Wang, Yanli; Ji, Guohua; Cao, Hongqing; Kan, Guanghan

    2018-01-01

    The present study aimed to determine how the learning and memory gradually change with the prolonged hindlimb unloading (HU) treatment in rats. Different HU durations (7 d, 14 d, 21 d, and 28 d) in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were implemented. Cognitive function was assessed using the Morris water maze (MWM) and the shuttle box test. Additionally, parameters about cholinergic activity and oxidative stress were tested. Results showed that longer-than-14 d HU led to the inferior performances in the behavioral tasks. Besides, acetylcholine esterase (AChE) activity, malondialdehyde (MDA) level in brain, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) concentrations of HU rats were significantly increased. Furthermore, choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) activity in brain were notably attenuated. Most of these effects were more pronounced after longer exposure (21 d and 28 d) to HU, although some indicators had their own characteristics of change. These results indicate that cholinergic dysfunction and oxidative damage were involved in the learning and memory impairments induced by longer-than-14 d HU. Moreover, the negative effects of HU tend to be augmented as the HU duration becomes longer. The results may be helpful to present possible biochemical targets for countermeasures development regarding the memory deficits under extreme environmental conditions. PMID:29581965

  11. Bioscavengers for the protection of humans against organophosphate toxicity.

    PubMed

    Doctor, Bhupendra P; Saxena, Ashima

    2005-12-15

    Current antidotes for organophosphorus compounds (OP) poisoning consist of a combination of pretreatment with carbamates (pyridostigmine bromide), to protect acetylcholinesterase (AChE) from irreversible inhibition by OP compounds, and post-exposure therapy with anti-cholinergic drugs (atropine sulfate) to counteract the effects of excess acetylcholine and oximes (e.g., 2-PAM chloride) to reactivate OP-inhibited AChE. These antidotes are effective in preventing lethality from OP poisoning, but they do not prevent post-exposure incapacitation, convulsions, seizures, performance decrements, or in many cases permanent brain damage. These symptoms are commonly observed in experimental animals and are likely to occur in humans. The problems intrinsic to these antidotes stimulated attempts to develop a single protective drug, itself devoid of pharmacological effects, which would provide protection against the lethality of OP compounds and prevent post-exposure incapacitation. One approach is the use of enzymes such as cholinesterases (ChEs), beta-esterases in general, as single pretreatment drugs to sequester highly toxic OP anti-ChEs before they reach their physiological targets. This approach turns the irreversible nature of the OP: ChE interaction from disadvantage to an advantage; instead of focusing on OP as an anti-ChE, one can use ChE as an anti-OP. Using this approach, it was shown that administration of fetal bovine serum AChE (FBSAChE) or equine serum butyrylcholinesterase (EqBChE) or human serum BChE (HuBChE) protected the animals from multiple LD50s of a variety of highly toxic OPs without any toxic effects or performance decrements. The bioscavengers that have been explored to date for the detoxification of OPs fall into three categories: (A) those that can catalytically hydrolyze OPs and thus render them non-toxic, such as OP hydrolase and OP anhydrase; (B) those that stoichiometrically bind to OPs, that is, 1 mol of enzyme neutralizes one or 2 mol of OP inactivating both, such as ChEs and related enzymes; and (C) and those generally termed as "pseudo catalytic", e.g., a combination of ChE and an oxime pre-treatment such that the catalytic activity of OP-inhibited ChE can rapidly and continuously be restored in the presence of an oxime. Since the biochemical mechanism underlying prophylaxis by exogenous esterases such as ChEs is established and tested in several animal species, including non-human primates, this concept should allow a reliable extrapolation of results from animal experiments to human application. Having being extensively investigated by several groups, plasma derived HuBChE is judged to be the most suitable bioscavenger for its advancement for human use. The program is being developed at the present time for conducting a safety clinical trial in human volunteers. Several other candidate bioscavengers will follow; e.g., recombinant HuBChE expressed in the milk of transgenic goats, pseudo catalytic scavenger(s), e.g., a combination of ChE and oxime, and possibly PON 1 as a catalytic scavenger in the future.

  12. Neuroprotective effect of Annona glabra extract against ethanol-induced apoptotic neurodegeneration in neonatal rats.

    PubMed

    Ma, Hongru; Han, Jianfeng; Dong, Qinchuan

    2018-04-01

    The present study aimed to investigate the neuroprotective effect of Annona glabra extract (AGE) against ethanol-induced neurodegeneration in neonatal rats. AGE is known to contain various pharmacological and therapeutic properties. Phytochemical analysis of AGE was performed to understand the presence of vital therapeutic components. Neonatal rats were assigned to the following groups: group I (normal control rats receiving normal saline), group II (control rats receiving ethanol), and group III (treated rats receiving ethanol-AGE). The lipid peroxidation, reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (Gpx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and acetylcholine esterase (AChE) levels were determined. Behavioral parameters, histological features, neuronal cell viability, and apoptosis were also investigated. The presence of flavonoids, terpenoid, glycosides, steroids, saponins, tannins, anthraquinones, and acidic compounds was noted in the AGE. Ethanol supplementation drastically increased the malondialdehyde (MDA) content to 52.17 nmol/g in the control rats (group II). However, the MDA content was reduced to 27.34 nmol/g in ethanol-AGE-treated neonatal rats (group III) compared with control rats. The GSH content was substantially reduced, to 33.68 mg/g, in control rats compared with in normal control rats. However, the GSH content was significantly increased, to 59.32 mg/g, following ethanol-AGE supplementation. Gpx, SOD, catalase, and AChE enzyme activities were increased in treated neonatal rats compared with their respective controls. Locomotor activities, such as crossing, grooming, rearing, and sniffing, were increased in ethanol-AGE-treated neonatal rats compared with controls. Reduced levels of intact pyramidal cells and cells with degenerative alterations appeared in the control rats. However, ethanol-AGE supplementation reduced degenerative alterations and hippocampal damage. Reduced cultured hippocampal neuron cell viability and increased apoptosis were noted in the control rats, whereas these impacts were significantly recovered following ethanol-AGE supplementation. Based on all these data, we concluded that the supplementation of AGE was very effective against ethanol-induced neurodegeneration in neonatal rats. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  13. Para-nitrobenzyl esterases with enhanced activity in aqueous and nonaqueous media

    DOEpatents

    Arnold, F.H.; Moore, J.C.

    1999-05-25

    A method is disclosed for isolating and identifying modified para-nitrobenzyl esterases which exhibit improved stability and/or esterase hydrolysis activity toward selected substrates and under selected reaction conditions relative to the unmodified para-nitrobenzyl esterase. The method involves preparing a library of modified para-nitrobenzyl esterase nucleic acid segments (genes) which have nucleotide sequences that differ from the nucleic acid segment which encodes for unmodified para-nitrobenzyl esterase. The library of modified para-nitrobenzyl nucleic acid segments is expressed to provide a plurality of modified enzymes. The clones expressing modified enzymes are then screened to identify which enzymes have improved esterase activity by measuring the ability of the enzymes to hydrolyze the selected substrate under the selected reaction conditions. Specific modified para-nitrobenzyl esterases are disclosed which have improved stability and/or ester hydrolysis activity in aqueous or aqueous-organic media relative to the stability and/or ester hydrolysis activity of unmodified naturally occurring para-nitrobenzyl esterase. 43 figs.

  14. Para-nitrobenzyl esterases with enhanced activity in aqueous and nonaqueous media

    DOEpatents

    Arnold, F.H.; Moore, J.C.

    1998-04-21

    A method is disclosed for isolating and identifying modified para-nitrobenzyl esterases. These enzymes exhibit improved stability and/or esterase hydrolysis activity toward selected substrates and under selected reaction conditions relative to the unmodified para-nitrobenzyl esterase. The method involves preparing a library of modified para-nitrobenzyl esterase nucleic acid segments (genes) which have nucleotide sequences that differ from the nucleic acid segment which encodes for unmodified para-nitrobenzyl esterase. The library of modified para-nitrobenzyl nucleic acid segments is expressed to provide a plurality of modified enzymes. The clones expressing modified enzymes are then screened to identify which enzymes have improved esterase activity by measuring the ability of the enzymes to hydrolyze the selected substrate under the selected reaction conditions. Specific modified para-nitrobenzyl esterases are disclosed which have improved stability and/or ester hydrolysis activity in aqueous or aqueous-organic media relative to the stability and/or ester hydrolysis activity of unmodified naturally occurring para-nitrobenzyl esterase. 43 figs.

  15. Anti-Oxidative Stress Activity Is Essential for Amanita caesarea Mediated Neuroprotection on Glutamate-Induced Apoptotic HT22 Cells and an Alzheimer’s Disease Mouse Model

    PubMed Central

    Li, Zhiping; Chen, Xia; Lu, Wenqian; Zhang, Shun; Guan, Xin; Li, Zeyu; Wang, Di

    2017-01-01

    Amanita caesarea, an edible mushroom found mainly in Asia and southern Europe, has been reported to show good antioxidative activities. In the present study, the neuroprotective effects of A. caesarea aqueous extract (AC) were determined in an l-glutamic acid (l-Glu) induced HT22 cell apoptosis model, and in a d-galactose (d-gal) and AlCl3-developed experimental Alzheimer’s disease (AD) mouse model. In 25 mM of l-Glu-damaged HT22 cells, a 3-h pretreatment with AC strongly improved cell viability, reduced the proportion of apoptotic cells, restored mitochondrial function, inhibited the over-production of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and Ca2+, and suppressed the high expression levels of cleaved-caspase-3, calpain 1, apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) and Bax. Compared with HT22 exposed only to l-Glu cells, AC enhanced the phosphorylation activities of protein kinase B (Akt) and the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and suppressed the phosphorylation activities of phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome ten (PTEN). In the experimental AD mouse, 28-day AC administration at doses of 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg/day strongly enhanced vertical movements and locomotor activities, increased the endurance time in the rotarod test, and decreased the escape latency time in the Morris water maze test. AC also alleviated the deposition of amyloid beta (Aβ) in the brain and improved the central cholinergic system function, as indicated by an increase acetylcholine (Ach) and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) concentrations and a reduction in acetylcholine esterase (AchE) levels. Moreover, AC reduced ROS levels and enhanced superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels in the brain of experimental AD mice. Taken together, our data provide experimental evidence that A. caesarea may serve as potential food for treating or preventing neurodegenerative diseases. PMID:28749416

  16. ESTERASES OF THE POLYMORPHONUCLEAR LEUKOCYTE CAPABLE OF HYDROLYZING ACETYL DL-PHENYL-ALANINE β-NAPHTHYL ESTER

    PubMed Central

    Becker, Elmer L.; Ward, Peter A.

    1969-01-01

    Previous published work has led to the hypothesis that the activatable esterase of chemotaxis is a serine esterase of the rabbit polymorphonuclear leukocyte existing in an inert, phosphonate insusceptible form, which after activation is capable of hydrolyzing aromatic amino acid esters and being inhibited by phosphonates. In the present study, directed to the testing of this hypothesis, we have shown that rabbit peritoneal polymorphonuclear leukocytes contain three esterases capable of hydrolyzing the aromatic amino acid ester, acetyl DL-phenylalanine β-naphthyl ester. Two of these esterases, esterase 1 and esterase 2, are inhibited by various p-nitrophenyl ethyl phosphonate esters. The inhibition of each esterase is irreversible and progressive with time. When the logarithm of the esterase activity remaining after cell and inhibitor have been in contact for a constant time is plotted against the concentration of inhibitor, a straight line results. These results support the conclusion that both esterases are serine esterases. The third esterase, esterase 3, differs from the other two by its inability to be inactivated by any of the phosphonates no matter how high the concentration of phosphonate or prolonged the period of incubation of cell with phosphonate. The activity of esterase 1 is at least 10,000 times more easily inhibited by phosphonates than is that of esterase 2; incubating rabbit polymorphonuclear leukocytes for 15 min at 27°C with 10–9–10–8 M concentrations of various phosphonates inactivates esterase 1, but it required 10–6–10–4 M concentrations of the same phosphonates to inhibit esterase 2. The inhibition profiles of esterase 1 are distinctly different from those of esterase 2 when the two esterases are tested with the phenylalkylphosphonates, chloroalkylphosphonates, and alkylphosphonates. The inhibition profile of esterase 1 is essentially the same as that of the activatable esterase of chemotaxis obtained previously when the same three homologous series of phosphonates were tested for their ability to protect against deactivation by the chemotactic factor or give chemotactic-dependent inhibition. It is tentatively concluded that esterase 1 of the rabbit peritoneal neutrophil is the activated form of the activatable esterase of chemotaxis. PMID:5812915

  17. [Cloning, expression and characterization of a novel esterase from marine sediment microbial metagenomic library].

    PubMed

    Xu, Shiqing; Hu, Yongfei; Yuan, Aihua; Zhu, Baoli

    2010-07-01

    To clone, express and characterize a novel esterase from marine sediment microbial metagenomic library. Using esterase segregation agar containing tributyrin, we obtained esterase positive fosmid clone FL10 from marine sediment microbial metagenomic library. This fosmid was partially digested with Sau3A I to construct the sublibrary, from which the esterase positive subclone pFLS10 was obtained. The full length of the esterase gene was amplified and cloned into the expressing vector pET28a, and the recombinant plasmid was transformed into E. coli BL21 cells. We analyse the enzyme activity and study the characterization of the esterase after its expression and purification. An ORF (Open Reading Frame) of 924 bp was identified from the subclone pFLS10. Sequence analysis indicated that it showed 71% amino acid identity to esterase (ADA70030) from a marine sediment metagenomic library. The esterase is a novel low-temperature-active esterase and had highest lipolytic activity to the substrate of 4-nitrophenyl butyrate (C4). The optimum temperature of the esterase was 20 degrees C, the optimum pH was 7.5. The esterase in this study had good thermostability at 20 degrees C and good pH stability at pH8 -10. Significant increase in lipolytic activity was observed with addition of K+ and Mg2+, while decrease with Mn2+ etc. We obtained the novel esterase gene fls10 from the marine sediment microbial metagenomic library. The esterase had good thermostability and high lipolytic activity at low temperature and under basic conditions, which laid a basis for industrial application.

  18. Biodegradation of composite resin with ester linkages: identifying human salivary enzyme activity with a potential role in the esterolytic process.

    PubMed

    Cai, Kuihua; Delaviz, Yasaman; Banh, Michael; Guo, Yi; Santerre, J Paul

    2014-08-01

    The ester linkages contained within dental resin monomers (such as Bisphenol A-glycidylmethacrylate (BisGMA) and triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA)) are susceptible to hydrolytic degradation by salivary esterases, however very little is known about the specific esterase activities implicated in this process. The objective of this work was to isolate and identify the dominant proteins from saliva that are associated with the esterase activities shown to be involved in the degradation of BisGMA. Human whole saliva was collected and processed prior to separation in a HiPrep 16/60 Sephacryl S-200 HR column. The fraction with the highest esterase activity was further separated by an anion exchange column (Mono-Q (10/100G)). Isolated fractions were then separated by gel electrophoresis, and compared to a common bench marker esterase, cholesterol esterase (CE), and commercial albumin which has been reported to express esterase activity. Proteins suspected of containing esterase activity were analyzed by Mass Spectroscopy (MS). Commercially available proteins, similar to the salivary esterase proteins identified by MS, were used to replicate the enzymatic complexes and confirm their degradation activity with respect to BisGMA. MS data suggested that the enzyme fraction with the highest esterase activity was contained among a group of proteins consisting of albumin, Zn-α2-glycoprotein, α-amylase, TALDO1 protein, transferrin, lipocalin2, and prolactin-induced protein. Studies concluded that the main esterase bands on the gels in each fraction did not overlap with CE activity, and that albumin activity emerged as a lead candidate with significant esterase activity relative to BisGMA degradation, particularly when it formed a complex with Zn-α2-glycoprotein, under slightly basic conditions. These enzyme complexes can be used as a physiologically relevant formulation to test the biostability of composite resins. Copyright © 2014 Academy of Dental Materials. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  19. Comparative Effects of Oral Chlorpyrifos Exposure on Cholinesterase Activity and Muscarinic Receptor Binding in Neonatal and Adult Rat Heart

    PubMed Central

    Howard, Marcia D.; Mirajkar, Nikita; Karanth, Subramanya; Pope, Carey N.

    2010-01-01

    Organophosphorus (OP) pesticides elicit acute toxicity by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase (AChE), the enzyme responsible for inactivating acetylcholine (ACh) at cholinergic synapses. A number of OP toxicants have also been reported to interact directly with muscarinic receptors, in particular the M2 muscarinic subtype. Parasympathetic innervation to the heart primarily regulates cardiac function by activating M2 receptors in the sinus node, atrial-ventricular node and conducting tissues. Thus, OP insecticides can potentially influence cardiac function in a receptor–mediated manner indirectly by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase and directly by binding to muscarinic M2 receptors. Young animals are generally more sensitive than adults to the acute toxicity of OP insecticides and age related differences in potency of direct binding to muscarinic receptors by some OP toxicants have been reported. We thus compared the effects of the common OP insecticide chlorpyrifos (CPF) on functional signs of toxicity and cardiac ChE activity and muscarinic receptor binding in neonatal and adult rats. Dosages were based on acute lethality (i.e., 0.5 and 1 × LD10: neonates, 7.5 and 15 mg/kg; adults, 68 and 136 mg/kg). Dose- and time-related changes in body weight and cholinergic signs of toxicity (involuntary movements) were noted in both age groups. With 1 × LD10, relatively similar maximal reductions in ChE activity (95%) and muscarinic receptor binding (≈ 30%) were noted, but receptor binding reductions appeared earlier in adults and were more prolonged in neonates. In vitro inhibition studies indicated that ChE in neonatal tissues was markedly more sensitive to inhibition by the active metabolite of chlorpyrifos (i.e., chlorpyrifos oxon, CPO) than enzyme in adult tissues (IC50 values: neonates, 17 nM; adults, 200 nM). Chelation of free calcium with EDTA had relatively little effect on in vitro cholinesterase inhibition, suggesting that differential A-esterase activity was not responsible for the age-related difference in cholinesterase sensitivity between age groups. Pre-incubation of neonatal and adult tissues with selective inhibitors of AChE and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) indicated that a majority (82–90%) of ChE activity in the heart of both neonates and adults was BChE. The rapid onset (by 4 hours after dosing) of changes in muscarinic receptor binding in adult heart may be a reflection of the more potent direct binding to muscarinic receptors by chlorpyrifos oxon previously reported in adult tissues. The results suggest that ChE activity (primarily BChE) in neonatal heart may be inherently more sensitive to inhibition by some anticholinesterases and that toxicologically significant binding to muscarinic receptors may be possible with acute chlorpyrifos intoxication, potentially contributing to age-related differences in sensitivity. PMID:17644233

  20. Soy isoflavones improve spatial delayed matching-to-place performance and reduce cholinergic neuron loss in elderly male rats.

    PubMed

    Lee, Yoon-Bok; Lee, Hyong Joo; Won, Moo Ho; Hwang, In Koo; Kang, Tae-Cheon; Lee, Jae-Yong; Nam, Sang-Yoon; Kim, Kang-Sung; Kim, Eugene; Cheon, Sang-Hee; Sohn, Heon-Soo

    2004-07-01

    To investigate the protective activity of soy isoflavones on neurons, the effects of isoflavones on cholinergic enzyme activity, immunoreactivities of cholinergic enzyme, and delayed matching-to-place (DMP) performance were measured in normal elderly rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 48; 10 mo old) were assigned to 3 groups: CD (control diet), ISO 0.3 (0.3 g/kg soy isoflavones diet), and ISO 1.2 (1.2 g/kg soy isoflavones diet). After 16 wk of consuming these diets, choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) activity in the ISO 0.3 group was greater in cortex and basal forebrain (BF; P < 0.05) than in controls. In BF, ChAT activity was also significantly greater in the ISO 1.2 group than in control rats. Acetylcholine esterase (AChE) activity in the ISO 0.3 group was significantly inhibited in cortex, BF, and hippocampus and in the ISO 1.2 group in cortex and hippocampus. Choline acetyltransferase immunoreactivity (ChAT-IR) in the ISO 1.2 group was significantly greater than in controls in the medial septum area. ChAT-IR in the ISO 0.3 and ISO 1.2 groups was significantly higher than in the CD group in the hippocampus CA1 area. Spatial DMP performance by the ISO 0.3 group showed significantly shorter swimming time than by the CD group. These findings show that soy isoflavones can influence the brain cholinergic system and reduce age-related neuron loss and cognition decline in male rats.

  1. Imperatorin ameliorates lipopolysaccharide induced memory deficit by mitigating proinflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress and modulating brain-derived neurotropic factor.

    PubMed

    Chowdhury, Amrita A; Gawali, Nitin B; Shinde, Prashant; Munshi, Renuka; Juvekar, Archana R

    2018-04-26

    Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), an endotoxin from the outer membrane of Gram negative bacteria has been reported to cause neuroinflammation and learning and memory deficits. There are reports describing the beneficial effects of Imperatorin (IMP), a naturally occurring furanocoumarin in central nervous system (CNS) disorders such as anxiety and epilepsy. In the current study, we investigated whether IMP protects against LPS mediated memory deficits and neuroinflammation. Mice pretreated with IMP (5, 10 mg/kg po) were administered LPS (250 μg/kg ip) for 7 days. Memory was evaluated in the Morris water maze (MWM) and Y maze. The mice were euthanised and different biochemical assessments were carried out to measure oxidative stress and acetyl choline esterase (AChE). Further, evaluation of proinflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels and brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in hippocampus and cortex of brain were performed. LPS administration caused poor memory retention in both, MWM and Y maze, and caused distinct oxidative stress since decrease in superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione (GSH) levels and increased lipid peroxidation were observed. Also, a significant rise was observed in the levels of AChE. Moreover, a rise in TNF-α and IL-6 levels and depleted levels of BDNF were noted. IMP pretreatment reversed LPS induced behavioral and memory disturbances and significantly decreased the oxidative stress and AChE levels. It also reduced TNF-α and IL-6 levels and caused a significant upregulation of BDNF levels. Present study highlights the potential neuroprotective role of IMP against LPS mediated cognitive impairment and neuroinflammation. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  2. [An activity of nonspecific esterases in homogenates of Lymnaea stagnalis and Lymnaea tumida snails (Gastropoda: Pulmonata) infected by trematode cercariae Echinoparyphium aconiatum and Moliniella anceps (Echinostomatidae)].

    PubMed

    Vorontsova, Ia L; Iurlova, N I; Vodianitskaia, S N; Glupov, V V

    2008-01-01

    The comparative analysis of esterase changes in homogenates of the snails Lymnaea stagnalis and L. tumida bodies was carried out. Juvenile snails with shell size 2 mm, 3-4 mm, 5-6 mm and 7-8 mm were exposed to cercariae of the trematodes Echinoparyphium aconiatum and/or Moliniella anceps. The esterase activity was detected spectrofotometrically. The highest level of esterase activity in noninfected L. stagnalis was registered in snails with shell size 3-4 mm. The invasion of snails by trematode cercariae results in a change of esterase activity in the tissues of infected snails. The activity of easterases was increased in the infected L. stagnalis snails with shell size 5-8 mm at 2 days post invasion in comparison with control. The decrease of esterase activity in tissues of infected snails L. stagnalis (3-4 mm) and L. tumida (4 mm) was observed at 26 days post invasion by E. aconiatum only. The host size and parasite species was influenced on esterase activity in the snails.

  3. Characterization of a cold-active esterase from Lactobacillus plantarum suitable for food fermentations.

    PubMed

    Esteban-Torres, María; Mancheño, José Miguel; de las Rivas, Blanca; Muñoz, Rosario

    2014-06-04

    Lactobacillus plantarum is a lactic acid bacteria that can be found in numerous fermented foods. Esterases from L. plantarum exert a fundamental role in food aroma. In the present study, the gene lp_2631 encoding a putative esterase was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) and the overproduced Lp_2631 protein has been biochemically characterized. Lp_2631 exhibited optimal esterase activity at 20 °C and more than 90% of maximal activity at 5 °C, being the first cold-active esterase described in a lactic acid bacteria. Lp_2631 exhibited 40% of its maximal activity after 2 h of incubation at 65 °C. Lp_2631 also showed marked activity in the presence of compounds commonly found in food fermentations, such as NaCl, ethanol, or lactic acid. The results suggest that Lp_2631 might be a useful esterase to be used in food fermentations.

  4. In vitro and in silico Studies of Mangiferin from Aphloia theiformis on Key Enzymes Linked to Diabetes Type 2 and Associated Complications.

    PubMed

    Picot, Marie C N; Zengin, Gokhan; Mollica, Adriano; Stefanucci, Azzurra; Carradori, Simone; Mahomoodally, Mohamad F

    2017-01-01

    Mangiferin, was identified in the crude methanol extract, ethyl acetate, and n-butanol fractions of Aphloia theiformis (Vahl.) Benn. This study aimed to analyze the plausible binding modes of mangiferin to key enzymes linked to diabetes type 2 (DT2), obesity, hypertension, Alzheimer's disease, and urolithiasis using molecular docking. Crystallographic structures of α-amylase, α-glucosidase, glycogen phosphorylase (GP), pancreatic lipase, cholesterol esterase (CEase), angiotensin-I-converting enzyme (ACE), acetyl cholinesterase (AChE), and urease available on the Protein Databank database were docked to mangiferin using Gold 6.0 software. We showed that mangiferin bound to all enzymes by π-π and hydrogen bonds mostly. Mangiferin was docked to both allosteric and orthosteric sites of α-glucosidase by π-π interactions. However, several hydrogen bonds were observed at the orthosteric position, suggesting a preference for this site. The docking of mangiferin on AChE with the catalytic pocket occupied by paraoxon could be attributed to π-π stacking involving amino acid residues, Trp341 and Trp124. This study provided an insight of the molecular interaction of mangiferin with the studied enzymes and can be considered as a valuable tool for designing new drugs for better management of these diseases. Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.org.

  5. The environment shapes microbial enzymes: five cold-active and salt-resistant carboxylesterases from marine metagenomes.

    PubMed

    Tchigvintsev, Anatoli; Tran, Hai; Popovic, Ana; Kovacic, Filip; Brown, Greg; Flick, Robert; Hajighasemi, Mahbod; Egorova, Olga; Somody, Joseph C; Tchigvintsev, Dmitri; Khusnutdinova, Anna; Chernikova, Tatyana N; Golyshina, Olga V; Yakimov, Michail M; Savchenko, Alexei; Golyshin, Peter N; Jaeger, Karl-Erich; Yakunin, Alexander F

    2015-03-01

    Most of the Earth's biosphere is cold and is populated by cold-adapted microorganisms. To explore the natural enzyme diversity of these environments and identify new carboxylesterases, we have screened three marine metagenome gene libraries for esterase activity. The screens identified 23 unique active clones, from which five highly active esterases were selected for biochemical characterization. The purified metagenomic esterases exhibited high activity against α-naphthyl and p-nitrophenyl esters with different chain lengths. All five esterases retained high activity at 5 °C indicating that they are cold-adapted enzymes. The activity of MGS0010 increased more than two times in the presence of up to 3.5 M NaCl or KCl, whereas the other four metagenomic esterases were inhibited to various degrees by these salts. The purified enzymes showed different sensitivities to inhibition by solvents and detergents, and the activities of MGS0010, MGS0105 and MGS0109 were stimulated three to five times by the addition of glycerol. Screening of purified esterases against 89 monoester substrates revealed broad substrate profiles with a preference for different esters. The metagenomic esterases also hydrolyzed several polyester substrates including polylactic acid suggesting that they can be used for polyester depolymerization. Thus, esterases from marine metagenomes are cold-adapted enzymes exhibiting broad biochemical diversity reflecting the environmental conditions where they evolved.

  6. Degeneration and regeneration of neuromuscular junction architecture in rat skeletal muscle fibers damaged by bupivacaine hydrochloride.

    PubMed

    Nishizawa, Tomie; Tamaki, Hiroyuki; Kasuga, Norikatsu; Takekura, Hiroaki

    2003-01-01

    We evaluated the degeneration and regeneration of neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) on the extensor digitorum longus muscle of Fischer 344 rats between 4 h and 3 weeks after bupivacaine hydrochloride (BPVC) injection, which induces muscle fiber necrosis, using histochemical staining by acetylcholine esterase (AchE)-silver and electron microscopy. Degeneration of muscle fibers and NMJs was observed 4 h after BPVC injection. One week after BPVC injection, some terminal axons were almost completely retracted, and the level of basal lamina-associated AchE in some NMJ regions had gradually disappeared. At that time, the depression contained a few, mostly pit-like or elongated oval invaginations: the incipient junctional folds and some NMJs did not have any secondary junctional fold. By 2 weeks after the BPVC injection, secondary junctional folds began to develop: however, the number of secondary junctional folds was clearly less than that in normal NMJs. At 3 weeks when regeneration of muscle fibers was well advanced, the staining for AchE at the end-plates became stronger and better-defined. The volume density of mitochondria in the terminal area of the terminal significantly decreased upon BPVC-induced destruction of the NMJ, and the density reached the lowest value 24 h after BPVC injection. Significant changes in the ultrastructural features of the architecture of NMJs occurred in skeletal muscle fibers damaged by BPVC during both the degeneration and regeneration processes. The changes in the ultrastructural and morphological features of the NMJ architecture during the regeneration of degenerated muscle fibers resembled those that occur during the differentiation of normal muscle fibers.

  7. Esterase Activity and Intracellular Localization in Reconstructed Human Epidermal Cultured Skin Models.

    PubMed

    Tokudome, Yoshihiro; Katayanagi, Mishina; Hashimoto, Fumie

    2015-06-01

    Reconstructed human epidermal culture skin models have been developed for cosmetic and pharmaceutical research. This study evaluated the total and carboxyl esterase activities (i.e., Km and Vmax , respectively) and localization in two reconstructed human epidermal culture skin models (LabCyte EPI-MODEL [Japan Tissue Engineering] and EpiDerm [MatTek/Kurabo]). The usefulness of the reconstruction cultured epidermis was also verified by comparison with human and rat epidermis. Homogenized epidermal samples were fractioned by centrifugation. p-nitrophenyl acetate and 4-methylumbelliferyl acetate were used as substrates of total esterase and carboxyl esterase, respectively. Total and carboxyl esterase activities were present in the reconstructed human epidermal culture skin models and were localized in the cytosol. Moreover, the activities and localization were the same as those in human and rat epidermis. LabCyte EPI-MODEL and EpiDerm are potentially useful for esterase activity prediction in human epidermis.

  8. Esterase Activity and Intracellular Localization in Reconstructed Human Epidermal Cultured Skin Models

    PubMed Central

    Katayanagi, Mishina; Hashimoto, Fumie

    2015-01-01

    Background Reconstructed human epidermal culture skin models have been developed for cosmetic and pharmaceutical research. Objective This study evaluated the total and carboxyl esterase activities (i.e., Km and Vmax, respectively) and localization in two reconstructed human epidermal culture skin models (LabCyte EPI-MODEL [Japan Tissue Engineering] and EpiDerm [MatTek/Kurabo]). The usefulness of the reconstruction cultured epidermis was also verified by comparison with human and rat epidermis. Methods Homogenized epidermal samples were fractioned by centrifugation. p-nitrophenyl acetate and 4-methylumbelliferyl acetate were used as substrates of total esterase and carboxyl esterase, respectively. Results Total and carboxyl esterase activities were present in the reconstructed human epidermal culture skin models and were localized in the cytosol. Moreover, the activities and localization were the same as those in human and rat epidermis. Conclusion LabCyte EPI-MODEL and EpiDerm are potentially useful for esterase activity prediction in human epidermis. PMID:26082583

  9. The esterase and depsidase activities of tannase

    PubMed Central

    Haslam, E.; Stangroom, J. E.

    1966-01-01

    The esterase and depsidase activities of tannase have been examined by kinetic methods. Although the esterase/depsidase ratio of tannase may be varied by cultural methods and isolation procedures, evidence has been obtained to show that tannase, esterase and depsidase are enzymes with low specificities capable of hydrolysing both esters and depsides of gallic acid. PMID:5965343

  10. Lipoamidase activity in normal and mutagenized pancreatic cholesterol esterase (bile salt-stimulated lipase).

    PubMed Central

    Hui, D Y; Hayakawa, K; Oizumi, J

    1993-01-01

    Purified human milk lipoamidase was digested with endoproteinase Lys-C and the digested peptides were subjected to gasphase microsequence analysis. The sequencing of three isolated peptides of human milk lipoamidase revealed the identity of this protein with human milk bile salt-stimulated lipase (pancreatic cholesterol esterase). The identity of the cholesterol esterase with lipoamidase was confirmed by expressing a recombinant form of rat pancreatic cholesterol esterase and testing for lipoamidase activity of the recombinant protein. The results showed that the recombinant cholesterol esterase displayed both lipolytic and lipoamidase activities and was capable of hydrolysing triacetin and lipoyl-4-aminobenzoate (LPAB). The mechanisms of the esterase and amidase activities of the enzyme were further tested by determining enzyme activity in a mutagenized cholesterol esterase with a His435-->Gln435 substitution. This mutation has been shown previously to abolish enzyme activity against esterase substrates [DiPersio, Fontaine and Hui (1991) J. Biol. Chem. 266, 4033-4036]. We showed that the mutagenized protein was effective in hydrolysing the amidase substrate LPAB and displayed similar enzyme kinetics to those of the native enzyme. These data indicate that the mechanism for the cholesterol esterase hydrolysis of lipoamides is different from that of the hydrolysis of substrates with an ester linkage. The presence of an enzyme in the gastrointestinal tract capable of both ester and amide hydrolysis suggests an important role for this protein in the digestion and absorption processes. PMID:8471055

  11. Chemotactic activity from rabbit peritoneal neutrophils. Lack of identity with N-acetyl-DL-phenylalanine beta-napthyl esterase.

    PubMed

    Tsung, P K; Showell, H J; Kegeles, S W; Becker, E L

    1976-08-12

    The chemotactic and N-acetyl-DL-phenylalanine beta-naphthyl esterase activities of rabbit peritoneal neutrophils are separable from each other by both DEAE cellulose and Sephadex G-100 column chromatography. Partially purified esterase obtained from DEAE-cellulose chromatography had molecular weight of 70 000. However, the partially purified fraction contained chemotactic activities with major activity in molecular weight of 28000 and minor activities in the molecular weights of 45000, 21900, 14500 and 10500. Esterase activity is inhibited by 10(-7) M p-nitrophenylethyl-5-chloropentylphosphonate but chemotactic activity is not.

  12. Esterase in Imported Fire Ants, Solenopsis invicta and S. richteri (Hymenoptera: Formicidae): Activity, Kinetics and Variation

    PubMed Central

    Chen, J.; Rashid, T.; Feng, G.

    2014-01-01

    Solenopsis invicta and Solenopsis richteri are two closely related invasive ants native to South America. Despite their similarity in biology and behavior, S. invicta is a more successful invasive species. Toxic tolerance has been found to be important to the success of some invasive species. Esterases play a crucial role in toxic tolerance of insects. Hence, we hypothesized that the more invasive S. invicta would have a higher esterase activity than S. richteri. Esterase activities were measured for workers and male and female alates of both ant species using α-naphthyl acetate and β-naphthyl acetate as substrates. Esterase activities in S. invicta were always significantly higher than those in S. richteri supporting our hypothesis. In S. invicta, male alates had the highest esterase activities followed by workers then female alates for both substrates. In S. richetri, for α-naphthyl acetate, male alates had the highest activity followed by female alates then workers, while for β-naphthyl acetate, female alates had the highest activity followed by male alates then workers. For workers, S. richteri showed significantly higher levels of variation about the mean esterase activity than S. invicta. However, S. invicta showed significantly higher levels of variation in both female and male alates. PMID:25408118

  13. Lactucopicrin ameliorates oxidative stress mediated by scopolamine-induced neurotoxicity through activation of the NRF2 pathway.

    PubMed

    Venkatesan, Ramu; Subedi, Lalita; Yeo, Eui-Ju; Kim, Sun Yeou

    2016-10-01

    Cholinergic activity plays a vital role in cognitive function, and is reduced in individuals with neurodegenerative diseases. Scopolamine, a muscarinic cholinergic antagonist, has been employed in many studies to understand, identify, and characterize therapeutic targets for Alzheimer's disease (AD). Scopolamine-induced dementia is associated with impairments in memory and cognitive function, as seen in patients with AD. The current study aimed to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying scopolamine-induced cholinergic neuronal dysfunction and the neuroprotective effect of lactucopicrin, an inhibitor of acetylcholine esterase (AChE). We investigated apoptotic cell death, caspase activation, generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial dysfunction, and the expression levels of anti- and pro-apoptotic proteins in scopolamine-treated C6 cells. We also analyzed the expression levels of antioxidant enzymes and nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (NRF2) in C6 cells and neurite outgrowth in N2a neuroblastoma cells. Our results revealed that 1 h scopolamine pre-treatment induced cytotoxicity by increasing apoptotic cell death via oxidative stress-mediated caspase 3 activation and mitochondrial dysfunction. Scopolamine also downregulated the expression the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase, and the transcription factor NRF2. Lactucopicrin treatment protected C6 cells from scopolamine-induced toxicity by reversing the effects of scopolamine on those markers of toxicity. In addition, scopolamine attenuated the secretion of neurotrophic nerve growth factor (NGF) in C6 cells and neurite outgrowth in N2a cells. As expected, lactucopicrin treatment enhanced NGF secretion and neurite outgrowth. Our study is the first to show that lactucopicrin, a potential neuroprotective agent, ameliorates scopolamine-induced cholinergic dysfunction via NRF2 activation and subsequent expression of antioxidant enzymes. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

  14. Assessment of some innate immune responses in dab (Limanda limanda L.) from the North Sea as part of an integrated biological effects monitoring

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Skouras, Andreas; Lang, Thomas; Vobach, Michael; Danischewski, Dirk; Wosniok, Werner; Scharsack, Jörn Peter; Steinhagen, Dieter

    2003-10-01

    The marine flatfish dab (Limanda limanda), which lives in direct contact with contaminated sediments, is frequently used as a sentinel species in international monitoring programmes on the biological effects of contaminants. In this study, immune responses were recorded as indicators of sublethal chronic effects of contaminants, in addition to measurement of the induction of mono-oxygenase ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase (EROD) in liver cells, the inhibition of acetylcholin esterase (AChE) in muscle and a quantification of grossly visible diseases and parasites. In total, 336 dab were analysed from five sampling areas in the North Sea, including the German Bight, the Dogger Bank, the Firth of Forth, and two locations close to oil and gas platforms (Ekofisk and Danfield). When considering plasma lysozyme levels, pinocytosis and respiratory burst activity of head kidney leucocytes, a clear gradient could be observed with decreased levels in individuals collected from the Firth of Forth and locations near the oil or gas platforms compared with dab from the Dogger Bank or the German Bight. Individuals with induced EROD activity displayed reduced lysozyme and respiratory burst activities. Lysozyme levels were also reduced in dab with lymphocystis or with nematodes. The data obtained indicate that the assessment of innate immune parameters in a monitoring programme provides supplementary information about immunomodulatory effects associated with the exposure of fish to contaminants. In particular, concentrations of plasma lysozyme, which can be analysed in an easy and inexpensive assay, are considered to be an appropriate parameter for use in a battery of other bioindicators.

  15. Structural Mechanism for the Temperature-Dependent Activation of the Hyperthermophilic Pf2001 Esterase.

    PubMed

    Varejão, Nathalia; De-Andrade, Rafael A; Almeida, Rodrigo V; Anobom, Cristiane D; Foguel, Debora; Reverter, David

    2018-02-06

    Lipases and esterases constitute a group of enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis or synthesis of ester bonds. A major biotechnological interest corresponds to thermophilic esterases, due to their intrinsic stability at high temperatures. The Pf2001 esterase from Pyrococcus furiosus reaches its optimal activity between 70°C and 80°C. The crystal structure of the Pf2001 esterase shows two different conformations: monomer and dimer. The structures reveal important rearrangements in the "cap" subdomain between monomer and dimer, by the formation of an extensive intertwined helical interface. Moreover, the dimer interface is essential for the formation of the hydrophobic channel for substrate selectivity, as confirmed by mutagenesis and kinetic analysis. We also provide evidence for dimer formation at high temperatures, a process that correlates with its enzymatic activation. Thus, we propose a temperature-dependent activation mechanism of the Pf2001 esterase via dimerization that is necessary for the substrate channel formation in the active-site cleft. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  16. [Susceptibility and insecticide resistance mechanisms in Anopheles albimanus from the southern Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico].

    PubMed

    Dzul, Felipe A; Patricia Penilla, R; Rodríguez, Américo D

    2007-01-01

    To diagnose susceptibility levels and insecticide resistance mechanisms in Anopheles albimanus from the southern Yucatan Peninsula (YP), Mexico. F1 generation of An. albimanus females, collected from November to December 2005 in six villages in the Othon P. Blanco municipality in Quintana Roo and the Calakmul municipality in Campeche, were exposed to deltamethrin, DDT, pirimiphos-methyl and bendiocarb in susceptibility tests, as well as to biochemical assays in order to calculate the enzyme levels related to insecticide resistance. High levels of DDT and deltamethrin resistance were found in An. albimanus collected from the six villages, and a high resistance to pirimiphos-methyl was found in those from La Union, Quintana Roo. Biochemical assays showed high levels of glutathione S-transferase (GST), cytochrome P450 and esterases (with pNPA substrate) in all villages. The frequency of An. albimanus with altered acetylcholinesterase (AChE) was high in La Union (33%). The An. albimanus populations collected in the south of the YP are resistant to DDT and deltamethrin, whereas resistance to pirimiphos-methyl was significant only in those collected from La Union. The mechanisms explaining this resistance are based on high concentrations of GST, cytochrome P450 and esterasas, the former being responsible for DDT metabolism and the others for pyrethroid metabolism. The altered AChE was the mechanism correlated to pirimiphos-methyl resistance in La Union. The results of the present study have important practical consequences for the chemical control of An. albimanus in the south of the YP.

  17. A novel, extremely alkaliphilic and cold-active esterase from Antarctic desert soil.

    PubMed

    Hu, Xiao Ping; Heath, Caroline; Taylor, Mark Paul; Tuffin, Marla; Cowan, Don

    2012-01-01

    A novel, cold-active and highly alkaliphilic esterase was isolated from an Antarctic desert soil metagenomic library by functional screening. The 1,044 bp gene sequence contained several conserved regions common to lipases/esterases, but lacked clear classification based on sequence analysis alone. Moderate (<40%) amino acid sequence similarity to known esterases was apparent (the closest neighbour being a hypothetical protein from Chitinophaga pinensis), despite phylogenetic distance to many of the lipolytic "families". The enzyme functionally demonstrated activity towards shorter chain p-nitrophenyl esters with the optimal activity recorded towards p-nitrophenyl propionate (C3). The enzyme possessed an apparent T(opt) at 20°C and a pH optimum at pH 11. Esterases possessing such extreme alkaliphily are rare and so this enzyme represents an intriguing novel locus in protein sequence space. A metagenomic approach has been shown, in this case, to yield an enzyme with quite different sequential/structural properties to known lipases. It serves as an excellent candidate for analysis of the molecular mechanisms responsible for both cold and alkaline activity and novel structure-function relationships of esterase activity.

  18. Novel choline esterase based sensor for monitoring of organophosphorus pollutants

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Wilkins, E.S.; Ghindilis, A.L.; Atanasov, P.

    1996-12-31

    Organophosphorus compounds are significant major environmental pollutants due to their intensive use as pesticides. The modern techniques based on inhibition of choline esterase enzyme activity are discussed. Potentiometric electrodes based on detection of choline esterase inhibition by analytes has been developed. The detection of choline esterase activity is based on the novel principle of molecular transduction. Immobilized peroxidase acting as the molecular transducer, catalyzes the electroreduction of hydrogen peroxide by direct (mediatorless) electron transfer. The sensing element consists of a carbon based electrode containing an assembly of co-immobilized enzymes: choline esterase, choline oxidase and peroxidase.

  19. Esterase reactions in acute myelomonocytic leukemia.

    PubMed

    Kass, L

    1977-05-01

    Specific and nonspecific esterase reactions of bone marrow cells from 14 patients with untreated acute myelomonocytic leukemia and six patients with acute histiomonocytic leukemia were examined. The technic for esterase determination permitted simultaneous visualization of both esterases on the same glass coverslip containing the marrow cells. In cases of acute histiomonocytic leukemia, monocytes, monocytoid hemohistioblasts and undifferentiated blasts stained intensely positive for nonspecific esterase, using alpha-naphthyl acetate as the substrate. No evidence of specific esterase activity using naphthol ASD-chloroacetate as the substrate and fast blue BBN as the dye coupler was apparent in these cells. In all of the cases of acute myelomonocytic leukemia, both specific and nonspecific esterases were visualized within monocytes, monocytoid cells, and granulocytic cells that had monocytoid-type nuclei. Nonspecific esterase activity was not observed in polymorphonuclear leukocytes in cases of myelomonocytic leukemia. The results support a current viewpoint that acute myelomonocytic leukemia may be a variant of acute myeloblastic leukemia, and that cytochemically, many of the leukemic cells in myelomonocytic leukemia share properties of both granulocytes and monocytes.

  20. Extracellular fluid proteins of goldfish brain: evidence for the presence of proteases and esterases.

    PubMed

    Shashoua, V E; Holmquist, B

    1986-09-01

    Preparations of enriched fractions of extracellular fluid (ECF) proteins from goldfish brain were found to contain protease(s) and esterase(s). The N-substituted furanacryloyl (FA) peptides FA-Phe-Gly-Gly and FA-Phe-OMe were used as model substrates for determining protease and esterase activity, respectively, in a spectrophotometric assay. Studies of the profile of substrate specificity and identification of the types of compounds that were effective as inhibitors showed that these ECF enzymes have some distinctive properties. GSH, but not GSSG, and EDTA inhibited the protease(s) without influencing the esterase(s), whereas L-1-tosylamide-2-phenylethylchloromethyl ketone blocked both protease and esterase activities of ECF. Most of the protease and esterase properties of ECF could be bound to concanavalin A-Sepharose affinity chromatographic columns in association with ependymin--a brain extracellular protein. These observations indicate that ECF may contain a metalloprotease(s) and raise the possibility that the ependymins might be a substrate for these ECF enzymes.

  1. Heterologous expression, purification and characterization of three novel esterases secreted by the lignocellulolytic fungus Penicillium purpurogenum when grown on sugar beet pulp.

    PubMed

    Oleas, Gabriela; Callegari, Eduardo; Sepúlveda, Romina; Eyzaguirre, Jaime

    2017-04-18

    The lignocellulolytic fungus, Penicillium purpurogenum, grows on a variety of natural carbon sources, among them sugar beet pulp. Culture supernatants of P. purpurogenum grown on sugar beet pulp were partially purified and the fractions obtained analyzed for esterase activity by zymograms. The bands with activity on methyl umbelliferyl acetate were subjected to mass spectrometry to identify peptides. The peptides obtained were probed against the proteins deduced from the genome sequence of P. purpurogenum. Eight putative esterases thus identified were chosen for future work. Their cDNAs were expressed in Pichia pastoris. The supernatants of the recombinant clones were assayed for esterase activity, and five of the proteins were active against one or more substrates: methyl umbelliferyl acetate, indoxyl acetate, methyl esterified pectin and fluorescein diacetate. Three of those enzymes were purified, further characterized and subjected to a BLAST search. Based on their amino acid sequence and properties, they were identified as follows: RAE1, pectin acetyl esterase (CAZy family CE 12); FAEA, feruloyl esterase (could not be assigned to a CAZy family) and EAN, acetyl esterase (former CAZy family CE 10). Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  2. Heterologous expression, purification and characterization of three novel esterases secreted by the lignocellulolytic fungus Penicillium purpurogenum when grown on sugar beet pulp

    PubMed Central

    Oleas, Gabriela; Callegari, Eduardo; Sepúlveda, Romina; Eyzaguirre, Jaime

    2017-01-01

    The lignocellulolytic fungus, Penicillium purpurogenum, grows on a variety of natural carbon sources, among them sugar beet pulp. Culture supernatants of P. purpurogenum grown on sugar beet pulp were partially purified and the fractions obtained analyzed for esterase activity by zymograms. The bands with activity on methyl umbelliferyl acetate were subjected to mass spectrometry to identify peptides. The peptides obtained were probed against the proteins deduced from the genome sequence of P. purpurogenum. Eight putative esterases thus identified were chosen for future work. Their cDNAs were expressed in Pichia pastoris. The supernatants of the recombinant clones were assayed for esterase activity, and five of the proteins were active against one or more substrates: methyl umbelliferyl acetate, indoxyl acetate, methyl esterified pectin and fluorescein diacetate. Three of those enzymes were purified, further characterized and subjected to a BLAST search. Based on their amino acid sequence and properties, they were identified as follows: RAE1, pectin acetyl esterase (CAZy family CE 12); FAEA, feruloyl esterase (could not be assigned to a CAZy family) and EAN, acetyl esterase (former CAZy family CE 10). PMID:28342968

  3. Effect of halogenated benzenes on acetanilide esterase, acetanilide hydroxylase and procaine esterase in rats.

    PubMed

    Carlson, G P; Dziezak, J D; Johnson, K M

    1979-07-01

    1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene, 1,3,5-trichlorobenzene, hexachlorobenzene, 1,2,4-tribromobenzene, 1,3,5-tribromobenzene and hexabromobenzene were compared for their abilities to induce acetanilide esterase, acentailide hydroxylase and procaine esterase. Except for hexabromobenzene all induced acetanilide esterase whereas the hydroxylation of acetanilide was seen only with the fully halogenated benzenes and with 1,3,5-tribromobenzene. Hepatic procaine esterase activity was increased by the three chlorinated benzenes and 1,2,4-tribromobenzene.

  4. Effect of rivastigmine on plasma butyrylcholine esterase activity and plasma ghrelin levels in patients with dementia in Alzheimer's disease.

    PubMed

    Kuroda, Atsushi; Setoguchi, Manabu; Uchino, Yasushi; Nagata, Kazuya; Hokonohara, Daisuke

    2018-02-14

    Alzheimer's disease causes loss of appetite, resulting in bodyweight reduction. This, in turn, causes progression of cognitive dysfunction and physical complications that hasten death. Earlier care for loss of appetite is essential in Alzheimer's disease management. Rivastigmine is a therapeutic agent for Alzheimer's disease that has dual inhibition effects on acetylcholine esterase and butyrylcholine esterase. Butyrylcholine esterase is known to degrade the gastric hormone, ghrelin, which regulates appetite; therefore, we considered that rivastigmine might have an effect on appetite. The present study aimed to evaluate the hypothesis that rivastigmine improves appetite in Alzheimer's disease patients. Rivastigmine was given to mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease patients for 16 weeks. We evaluated the effects of rivastigmine on food intake, bodyweight, motivation (estimated by the vitality index), cognition function (estimated by the Hasegawa Dementia Scale-Revised), plasma butyrylcholine esterase activity, active ghrelin and inactive ghrelin. Plasma butyrylcholine esterase activity significantly decreased over time (percent change: -18.9 ± 27.0%, P < 0.05 at week 8; percent change: -33.4 ± 45.4%, P < 0.05 at week 16). Negative correlations were detected between percent changes in butyrylcholine esterase activity and active ghrelin (r s  = -0.62, P = 0.033) or active/inactive ghrelin ratio (r s  = -0.73, P = 0.007). Furthermore, motivation (including appetite) improved significantly (percent change: 17.9 ± 18.6%, P < 0.05 at week 16). The present study suggests that rivastigmine might improve appetite in mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease patients by suppressing degradation of plasma active ghrelin through the inhibition of plasma butyrylcholine esterase. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2018; ••: ••-••. © 2018 Japan Geriatrics Society.

  5. Sublethal Toxicity Endpoints of Heavy Metals to the Nematode Caenorhabditis elegans

    PubMed Central

    Wu, Yue; Wang, Qiang; Li, Huixin

    2016-01-01

    Caenorhabditis elegans, a free-living nematode, is commonly used as a model organism in ecotoxicological studies. The current literatures have provided useful insight into the relative sensitivity of several endpoints, but few direct comparisons of multiple endpoints under a common set of experimental conditions. The objective of this study was to determine appropriate sublethal endpoints to develop an ecotoxicity screening and monitoring system. C. elegans was applied to explore the sublethal toxicity of four heavy metals (copper, zinc, cadmium and chromium). Two physiological endpoints (growth and reproduction), three behavioral endpoints (head thrash frequency, body bend frequency and feeding) and two enzymatic endpoints (acetylcholine esterase [AChE] and superoxide dismutase [SOD]) were selected for the assessment of heavy metal toxicity. The squared correlation coefficients (R2) between the responses observed and fitted by Logit function were higher than 0.90 and the RMSE were lower than 0.10, indicating a good significance statistically. There was no significant difference among the half effect concentration (EC50) endpoints in physiological and behavioral effects of the four heavy metals, indicating similar sensitivity of physiological and behavioral effects. AChE enzyme was more sensitive to copper, zinc, and cadmium than to other physiological and behavioral effects, and SOD enzyme was most sensitive to chromium. The EC50 of copper, zinc, and cadmium, to the AChE enzyme in the nematodes were 0.68 mg/L, 2.76 mg/L, and 0.92 mg/L respectively and the EC50 of chromium to the SOD enzyme in the nematode was 1.58 mg/L. The results of this study showed that there was a good concentration-response relationship between all four heavy metals and the sublethal toxicity effects to C. elegans. Considering these sublethal endpoints in terms of simplicity, accuracy, repeatability and costs of the experiments, feeding is the relatively ideal sublethal toxicity endpoint of heavy metals to C. elegans. PMID:26824831

  6. Arylesterase activities in the plasma of rats, rabbits and humans on low- and high-cholesterol diets.

    PubMed

    Beynen, A C; Weinans, G J; Katan, M B

    1984-01-01

    Arylesterase activities were measured with beta-naphthylpropionate and/or alpha-naphthylacetate as substrate in the plasma of rats, rabbits and humans on low- and high-cholesterol diets. The plasma esterase activities measured with alpha-naphthylacetate were similar in rats, rabbits and humans. With beta-naphthylpropionate as a substrate, rabbits were found to have a markedly higher esterase activity than rats and humans. Basal plasma esterase activity was significantly higher in an inbred rat strain which is hyporesponsive to dietary cholesterol than in a hyperresponsive strain. In rats, but not in humans and rabbits, plasma esterase activity was significantly increased by a high-cholesterol diet. In individual humans and random-bred rabbits and rats there was no association between initial plasma total esterase activity and the subsequent plasma cholesterol response to cholesterol feeding. We suggest that arylesterases are associated with cholesterol metabolism and with the response to dietary cholesterol in rats; evidence for such a role in rabbits and humans is, however, inconclusive.

  7. The search of the target of promotion: Phenylbenzoate esterase activities in hen peripheral nerve

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Moretto, A.; Nicolli, A.; Lotti, M.

    2007-03-15

    Certain esterase inhibitors, such as carbamates, phosphinates and sulfonyl halides, do not cause neuropathy as some organophosphates, but they may exacerbate chemical or traumatic insults to axons. This phenomenon is called promotion of axonopathies. Given the biochemical and toxicological characteristics of these compounds, the hypothesis was made that the target of promotion is a phenyl valerate (PV) esterase similar to neuropathy target esterase (NTE), the target of organophosphate induced delayed polyneuropathy. However, attempts to identify a PV esterase in hen peripheral nerve have been, so far, unsuccessful. We tested several esters, other than PV, as substrates of esterases from crudemore » homogenate of the hen peripheral nerve. The ideal substrate should be poorly hydrolysed by NTE but extensively by enzyme(s) that are insensitive to non-promoters, such as mipafox, and sensitive to promoters, such as phenyl methane sulfonyl fluoride (PMSF). When phenyl benzoate (PB) was used as substrate, about 65% of total activity was resistant to the non-promoter mipafox (up to 0.5 mM, 20 min, pH 8.0), that inhibits NTE and other esterases. More than 90% of this resistant activity was sensitive to the classical promoter PMSF (1 mM, 20 min, pH 8.0) with an IC{sub 50} of about 0.08 mM (20 min, pH 8.0). On the contrary, the non-promoter p-toluene sulfonyl fluoride caused only about 10% inhibition at 0.5 mM. Several esterase inhibitors including, paraoxon, phenyl benzyl carbamate, di-n-butyl dichlorovinyl phosphate and di-isopropyl fluorophosphate, were tested both in vitro and in vivo for inhibition of this PB activity. Mipafox-resistant PMSF-sensitive PB esterase activity(ies) was inhibited by promoters but not by non promoters and neuropathic compounds.« less

  8. Conserved tyrosine 182 residue in hyperthermophilic esterase EstE1 plays a critical role in stabilizing the active site.

    PubMed

    Truongvan, Ngoc; Chung, Hye-Shin; Jang, Sei-Heon; Lee, ChangWoo

    2016-03-01

    An aromatic amino acid, Tyr or Trp, located in the esterase active site wall, is highly conserved, with hyperthermophilic esterases showing preference for Tyr and lower temperature esterases showing preference for Trp. In this study, we investigated the role of Tyr(182) in the active site wall of hyperthermophilic esterase EstE1. Mutation of Tyr to Phe or Ala had a moderate effect on EstE1 thermal stability. However, a small-to-large mutation such as Tyr to His or Trp had a devastating effect on thermal stability. All mutant EstE1 enzymes showed reduced catalytic rates and enhanced substrate affinities as compared with wild-type EstE1. Hydrogen bond formation involving Tyr(182) was unimportant for maintaining EstE1 thermal stability, as the EstE1 structure is already adapted to high temperatures via increased intramolecular interactions. However, removal of hydrogen bond from Tyr(182) significantly decreased EstE1 catalytic activity, suggesting its role in stabilization of the active site. These results suggest that Tyr is preferred over a similarly sized Phe residue or bulky His or Trp residue in the active site walls of hyperthermophilic esterases for stabilizing the active site and regulating catalytic activity at high temperatures.

  9. Study of acetylcholinesterase activity and apoptosis in SH-SY5Y cells and mice exposed to ethanol.

    PubMed

    Sun, Wenjun; Chen, Liangjing; Zheng, Wei; Wei, Xiaoan; Wu, Wenqi; Duysen, Ellen G; Jiang, Wei

    2017-06-01

    Ethanol is one of the most commonly abused psychotropic substances with deleterious effects on the central nervous system. Ethanol exposure during development results in the loss of neurons in brain regions and when exposed to ethanol cultured cells undergo apoptosis. To date no information is available on whether abnormally high AChE activity is characteristic of apoptosis in animals exposed to ethanol. The aims of the present study were to determine whether induction of AChE activity is associated with ethanol-induced apoptosis and to explore the mechanism of enhanced AChE activity induced by ethanol. For this purpose, in vitro and in vivo experiments were performed. AChE activity was quantified by spectrophotometry and apoptosis by flow cytometer in SH-SY5Y cells exposed to ethanol. The results showed that cells treated with 500mM ethanol for 24h had a 9-fold increase in apoptotic cells and a 6-fold increase in AChE activity compared with controls. Mice exposed acutely to 200μl of 20% ethanol daily on days 1-4 had elevated AChE activity in plasma on days 3-7. On day 4, plasma AChE activity was 2.4-fold higher than pretreatment activity. More apoptotic cells were found in the brains of treated mice compared to controls. Cells in brain sections that were positive in the TUNEL assay stained for AChE activity. In conclusion, AChE activity and apoptosis were induced in SH-SY5Y cells and mice treated with ethanol, which may indicate that increased AChE may related to apoptosis induced by ethanol. Unusually high AChE activity may be an effect marker of exposure to ethanol. The relationship between AChE and apoptosis might represent a novel mechanism of ethanol-associated neuronal injury. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  10. Maize acetylcholinesterase is a positive regulator of heat tolerance in plants.

    PubMed

    Yamamoto, Kosuke; Sakamoto, Hikaru; Momonoki, Yoshie S

    2011-11-01

    We previously reported that native tropical zone plants showed high acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity during heat stress, and that AChE activity in endodermal cells of maize seedlings was increased by heat treatment. However, the physiological role of AChE in heat stressed plants is still unclear. Here we report (1) tissue-specific expression and subcellular localization of maize AChE, (2) elevation of AChE activity and possible post-translational modifications of this enzyme under heat stress, and (3) involvement of AChE in plant heat stress tolerance. Maize AChE was mainly expressed in coleoptile nodes and seeds. Maize AChE fused with green fluorescent protein (GFP) was localized in extracellular spaces of transgenic rice plants. Therefore, in maize coleoptile nodes and seeds AChE mainly functions in the cell wall matrix. After heat treatment, enhanced maize AChE activity was observed by in vitro activity measurement and by in situ cytochemical staining; transcript and protein levels, however, were not changed. Protein gel blot analysis revealed two AChE isoforms (upper and lower); the upper-form gradually disappeared after heat treatment. Thus, maize AChE activity might be enhanced through a post-translational modification response to heat stress. Finally, we found that overexpression of maize AChE in transgenic tobacco plants enhanced heat tolerance relative to that of non-transgenic plants, suggesting AChE plays a positive role in maize heat tolerance. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

  11. [Effects of methomyl on acetylcholinesterase in erythrocyte membrane and various brain areas].

    PubMed

    Zhao, Fei; Li, Tao; Zhang, Changchun; Xu, Yiping; Xu, Hangong; Shi, Nian

    2015-06-01

    To study the toxicity of methomyl to acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in different regions. The optimal temperature and time for measurement of AChE activity were determined in vitro. The dose- and time-response relationships of methomyl with AChE activity in human erythrocyte membrane, rat erythrocyte membrane, cortical synapses, cerebellar synapses, hippocampal synapses, and striatal synapses were evaluated. The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) and bimolecular rate constant (K) of methomyl for AChE activity in different regions were calculated, and the type of inhibition of AChE activity by methomyl was determined. AChE achieved the maximum activity at 370 °C, and the optimal time to determine initial reaction velocity was 0-17 min. There were dose- and time-response relationships between methomyl and AChE activity in the erythrocyte membrane and various brain areas. The IC50 value of methomyl for AChE activity in human erythrocyte membrane was higher than that in rat erythrocyte membrane, while the Ki value of methomyl for AChE activity in rat erythrocyte membrane was higher than that in human erythrocyte membrane. Among synapses in various brain areas, the striatum had the highest IC50 value, followed by the cerebellum, cerebral cortex, and hippocampus, while the cerebral cortex had the highest Ki value, followed by the hippocampus, striatum, and cerebellum. Lineweaver-Burk diagram demonstrated that with increasing concentration of methomyl, the maximum reaction velocity (Vmax) of AChE decreased, and the Michaelis constant (Km) remained the same. Methomyl is a reversible non-competitive inhibitor of AChE. AChE of rat erythrocyte membrane is more sensitive to methomyl than that of human erythrocyte membrane; the cerebral cortical synapses have the most sensitive AChE to methomyl among synapses in various brain areas.

  12. Esterase inhibition by synergists in the western flower thrips Frankliniella occidentalis.

    PubMed

    López-Soler, Neus; Cervera, Amelia; Quinto, Vicente; Abellán, Jaime; Bielza, Pablo; Martínez-Pardo, Rafael; Garcerá, Maria Dolores

    2011-12-01

    Western flower thrips (WFT), Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande), is among the most important crop pests in the south-eastern region of Spain. Its increasing resistance to insecticides constitutes a serious problem, and understanding the mechanisms involved is therefore of great interest. Use of synergists to inhibit the enzymes involved in insecticide detoxification is widely used to determine their responsibility for insecticide resistance. However, they do not always act as intended or expected, and caution must be exercised when interpreting synergist results. Laboratory-selected strains of WFT were used to analyse the effects of the synergists piperonyl butoxide (PBO), S,S,S-tributyl phosphorotrithioate (DEF) and methiocarb on total esterase activity. Significant differences were found, indicating esterase activity inhibition by DEF, a lower effect for methiocarb and a small inhibition of the activity by PBO. Esterase isoenzyme inhibition by these compounds showed a similar result; this assay revealed an extreme sensitivity of Triplet A (resistance-associated esterases) to DEF. In an in vivo assay carried out with these compounds at different incubation times, only DEF caused posterior in vitro esterase activity inhibition, with a maximum effect 1 h after treatment. In this work, only DEF shows true synergistic inhibition of WFT esterases. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry.

  13. Purification and characterization of the tween-hydrolyzing esterase of Mycobacterium smegmatis.

    PubMed Central

    Tomioka, H

    1983-01-01

    An esterase hydrolyzing Tween 80 (polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate) was purified from sonicated cell lysates of Mycobacterium smegmatis ATCC 14468 by DEAE-cellulose, Sephadex G-150, phenyl Sepharose, and diethyl-(2-hydroxypropyl) aminoethyl column chromatography and by subsequent preparative polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The molecular weight was estimated to be 36,000 by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and 41,000 by gel filtration on a Sephadex G-150 column. The esterase contained a single polypeptide. The esterase was stable to heat treatment at 100 degrees C and to a wide range of pH. The temperature and pH optima for the hydrolysis of Tween 80 were 50 degrees C and 8.3, respectively. The esterase had a narrow substrate specificity; it exhibited a high activity only on compounds having both polyoxyethylene and fatty acyl moieties, such as Tweens. Monoacylglyceride was hydrolyzed more slowly by this esterase and this enzyme exhibited a nonspecific esterase activity on p-nitrophenyl acyl esters, especially those having short chain acyl moieties. The Km and Vmax were 19.2 mM and 1,670 mumol/min per mg of protein for Tween 20, 6.6 mM and 278 mumol/min per mg of protein for Tween 80, and 0.25 mM and 196 mumol/min per mg of protein for p-nitrophenyl acetate, respectively. Observations of the effects of various chemical modifications on the activity of the esterase indicated that tyrosine, histidine, arginine, and methionine (with tryptophan) residues may be active amino acids which play important roles in the expression of Tween 80-hydrolyzing activity of the enzyme. PMID:6885719

  14. Ameliorative effect of propolis supplementation on alleviating bisphenol-A toxicity: Growth performance, biochemical variables, and oxidative stress biomarkers of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (L.) fingerlings.

    PubMed

    Hamed, Heba S; Abdel-Tawwab, Mohsen

    2017-11-01

    Bisphenol-A (BPA) is one of the important pollutants in aquatic ecosystems and its detrimental effect on fish has a great concern. Propolis is a natural immune-stimulant that has various biological and pharmacological activities. Thus, its capability to alleviate the toxic effect of BPA on Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (L.) performance was assessed in a study based on a 2×2 factorial design with two levels of ethanolic extract of propolis (EEP) and two waterborne BPA concentrations in triplicates. Fish (33.9±0.55g) were exposed to 0.0 or 1.64μgBPA/L for 6weeks during which fish were fed on diets containing 0.0 or 9.0gEEP/kg diet. Fish performance, biochemical variables, and oxidative stress enzymes were significantly affected by propolis supplementation, BPA exposure, and their interaction. Propolis supplementation significantly improved fish growth and feed intake, which were significantly retarded by BPA exposure. Additionally, total protein, albumin, globulin, and acetylcholine esterase (AChE) decreased significantly. Meanwhile aspartate transferase (AST), alanine transferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), creatinine, and uric acid increased significantly with exposure to BPA. Levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) as well as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities increased significantly due to BPA exposure, whereas significant reductions in the activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) were also recorded compared to the control fish. It is noticed that EEP co-administration ameliorated these parameters. The present results evoked that propolis administration improves fish growth and alleviated BPA-induced toxicity. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  15. Carboxylesterase-mediated insecticide resistance: Quantitative increase induces broader metabolic resistance than qualitative change.

    PubMed

    Cui, Feng; Li, Mei-Xia; Chang, Hai-Jing; Mao, Yun; Zhang, Han-Ying; Lu, Li-Xia; Yan, Shuai-Guo; Lang, Ming-Lin; Liu, Li; Qiao, Chuan-Ling

    2015-06-01

    Carboxylesterases are mainly involved in the mediation of metabolic resistance of many insects to organophosphate (OP) insecticides. Carboxylesterases underwent two divergent evolutionary events: (1) quantitative mechanism characterized by the overproduction of carboxylesterase protein; and (2) qualitative mechanism caused by changes in enzymatic properties because of mutation from glycine/alanine to aspartate at the 151 site (G/A151D) or from tryptophan to leucine at the 271 site (W271L), following the numbering of Drosophila melanogaster AChE. Qualitative mechanism has been observed in few species. However, whether this carboxylesterase mutation mechanism is prevalent in insects remains unclear. In this study, wild-type, G/A151D and W271L mutant carboxylesterases from Culex pipiens and Aphis gossypii were subjected to germline transformation and then transferred to D. melanogaster. These germlines were ubiquitously expressed as induced by tub-Gal4. In carboxylesterase activity assay, the introduced mutant carboxylesterase did not enhance the overall carboxylesterase activity of flies. This result indicated that G/A151D or W271L mutation disrupted the original activities of the enzyme. Less than 1.5-fold OP resistance was only observed in flies expressing A. gossypii mutant carboxylesterases compared with those expressing A. gossypii wild-type carboxylesterase. However, transgenic flies universally showed low resistance to OP insecticides compared with non-transgenic flies. The flies expressing A. gossypii W271L mutant esterase exhibited 1.5-fold resistance to deltamethrin, a pyrethroid insecticide compared with non-transgenic flies. The present transgenic Drosophila system potentially showed that a quantitative increase in carboxylesterases induced broader resistance of insects to insecticides than a qualitative change. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  16. Cell-Bound Lipase and Esterase of Brevibacterium linens

    PubMed Central

    Sørhaug, Terje; Ordal, Z. John

    1974-01-01

    The activities of glycerol ester hydrolase, lipase (EC 3.1.1.3) and carboxylesterase, and esterase (EC 3.1.1.1) were determined for whole cell preparations of Brevibacterium linens by using the pH-stat assay. The culture growth liquors were inactive against the three substrates, tributyrin emulsion, triacetin, and methyl butyrate. Cells washed in water had less activity than cells washed in 5% NaCl; the ratio of activities was close to 1:2 for all strains using tributyrin emulsion as the substrate. For the esterase substrates, this relationship varied widely and was strain dependent. The ability to hydrolyze the two esterase substrates varied independently of the level of lipase activity. PMID:4824883

  17. Some Properties of Extracellular Acetylxylan Esterase Produced by the Yeast Rhodotorula mucilaginosa†

    PubMed Central

    Lee, Hung; To, Rebecca J. B.; Latta, Roger K.; Biely, Peter; Schneider, Henry

    1987-01-01

    The red yeast Rhodotorula mucilaginosa produced an esterase that accumulated in the culture supernatant on induction with triacetin. The enzyme was specific for substrates bearing an O-acetyl group, but was relatively nonspecific for the rest of the molecule, which could consist of a phenol, a monosaccharide, a polysaccharide, or an aliphatic alcohol. The esterase was more active against acetylxylan and glucose β-d-pentaacetate than were a number of esterases from plant and animal sources, when activities on 4-nitrophenyl acetate were compared. The enzyme exhibited Michaelis-Menten kinetics and was active over a broad pH range (5.5 to 9.2), with an optimum between pH 8 and 10. In addition, the enzyme retained its activity for 2 h at 55°C. The yeast that produced the enzyme did not produce xylanase and, hence, is of interest for the production of acetylxylan esterase that is free of xylanolytic activity. PMID:16347498

  18. Kinetic characterization and fed-batch fermentation for maximal simultaneous production of esterase and protease from Lysinibacillus fusiformis AU01.

    PubMed

    Divakar, K; Suryia Prabha, M; Nandhinidevi, G; Gautam, P

    2017-04-21

    The simultaneous production of intracellular esterase and extracellular protease from the strain Lysinibacillus fusiformis AU01 was studied in detail. The production was performed both under batch and fed-batch modes. The maximum yield of intracellular esterase and protease was obtained under full oxygen saturation at the beginning of the fermentation. The data were fitted to the Luedeking-Piret model and it was shown that the enzyme (both esterase and protease) production was growth associated. A decrease in intracellular esterase and increase in the extracellular esterase were observed during late stationary phase. The appearance of intracellular proteins in extracellular media and decrease in viable cell count and biomass during late stationary phase confirmed that the presence of extracellular esterase is due to cell lysis. Even though the fed-batch fermentation with different feeding strategies showed improved productivity, feeding yeast extract under DO-stat fermentation conditions showed highest intracellular esterase and protease production. Under DO-stat fed-batch cultivation, maximum intracellular esterase activity of 820 × 10 3 U/L and extracellular protease activity of 172 × 10 3 U/L were obtained at the 16th hr. Intracellular esterase and extracellular protease production were increased fivefold and fourfold, respectively, when compared to batch fermentation performed under shake flask conditions.

  19. Design, synthesis and structure-activity relationships of dual inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase and serotonin transporter as potential agents for Alzheimer's disease.

    PubMed

    Toda, Narihiro; Tago, Keiko; Marumoto, Shinji; Takami, Kazuko; Ori, Mayuko; Yamada, Naho; Koyama, Kazuo; Naruto, Shunji; Abe, Kazumi; Yamazaki, Reina; Hara, Takao; Aoyagi, Atsushi; Abe, Yasuyuki; Kaneko, Tsugio; Kogen, Hiroshi

    2003-05-01

    We have designed and synthesized a dual inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and serotonin transporter (SERT) as a novel class of treatment drugs for Alzheimer's disease on the basis of a hypothetical model of the AChE active site. Dual inhibitions of AChE and SERT would bring about greater therapeutic effects than AChE inhibition alone and avoid adverse peripheral effects caused by excessive AChE inhibition. Compound (S)-6j exhibited potent inhibitory activities against AChE (IC(50)=101 nM) and SERT (IC(50)=42 nM). Furthermore, (S)-6j showed inhibitory activities of both AChE and SERT in mice brain following oral administration.

  20. Esterase isoenzymes and insecticide resistance in Frankliniella occidentalis populations from the south-east region of Spain.

    PubMed

    López-Soler, Neus; Cervera, Amelia; Moores, Graham D; Martínez-Pardo, Rafael; Garcerá, M Dolores

    2008-12-01

    Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) is among the most important crop pests in the south-east region of Spain; its increasing resistance to insecticides constitutes a serious problem, and understanding the mechanisms involved is therefore of great interest. To this end, F. occidentalis populations, collected from the field at different locations in south-east Spain, were studied in terms of total esterase activity and esterase isoenzyme pattern. Individual thrips extracts were analysed by native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) and stained for esterase activity with the model substrate alpha-naphthyl acetate. Significant correlations were found between resistance to the insecticides acrinathrin and methiocarb and the presence of a group of three intensely stained bands, named Triplet A. For each individual thrips extract, total esterase activity towards the substrates alpha-naphthyl acetate and alpha-naphthyl butyrate was also measured in a microplate reader. Insects possessing Triplet A showed a significantly higher alpha-naphthyl acetate specific activity and alpha-naphthyl acetate/alpha-naphthyl butyrate activity ratio. This observation allowed a reliable classification of susceptible or resistant insects either by PAGE analysis or by total esterase activity determination. The PAGE and microplate assays described can be used as a monitoring technique for detecting acrinathrin- and methiocarb-resistant individuals among F. occidentalis field populations.

  1. Comparative Study of Esterase and Hemolytic Activities in Clinically Important Candida Species, Isolated From Oral Cavity of Diabetic and Non-diabetic Individuals.

    PubMed

    Fatahinia, Mahnaz; Poormohamadi, Farzad; Zarei Mahmoudabadi, Ali

    2015-03-01

    Diabetes mellitus as a chronic metabolic disease occurs in patients with partial or complete deficiency of insulin secretion or disorder in action of insulin on tissue. The disease is known to provide conditions for overgrowth of Candida species. Candida spp. cause candidiasis by many virulence factors such as esterase, hemolysin and phospholipase. This study aimed to compare esterase and hemolytic activity in various Candida species isolated from oral cavity of diabetic and non-diabetic individuals. Swab samples were taken from 95 patients with diabetes (35 men and 60 women) and 95 normal persons (42 men and 53 women) and cultured on Sabouraud dextrose agar. Identification of isolated yeasts was performed by germ tube test, morphology on CHROMagar Candida medium, corn meal agar and ability to grow at 45°C. Hemolysin activity was evaluated using blood plate assay and esterase activity was determined using the Tween 80 opacity test. Different Candida species were isolated from 57 (60%) diabetic and 24 (25%) non-diabetic individuals. Esterase activity was detected in all Candida isolates. Only 21.6% of C. albicans from patients with diabetes had esterase activity as + 3, while it ranged from + 1 to + 2 in others. Hemolytic activity was determined in C. albicans, C. dubliniensis, C. glabrata and C. krusei as 0.79, 0.58, 0.66 and 0.74, respectively. Hemolytic activity was significantly different in the two groups of diabetics and non-diabetics. Oral carriage of C. albicans in the diabetic group (n = 42; 66.7%) was significantly greater than the control group (n = 16; 57.1%). Esterase activity of C. albicans in diabetic group was higher than non-diabetic group. Although C. albicans remains the most frequently pathogenic yeast for human, but other species are increasing.

  2. A bacterial cocaine esterase protects against cocaine-induced epileptogenic activity and lethality.

    PubMed

    Jutkiewicz, Emily M; Baladi, Michelle G; Cooper, Ziva D; Narasimhan, Diwahar; Sunahara, Roger K; Woods, James H

    2009-09-01

    Cocaine toxicity results in cardiovascular complications, seizures, and death and accounts for approximately 20% of drug-related emergency department visits every year. Presently, there are no treatments to eliminate the toxic effects of cocaine. The present study hypothesizes that a bacterial cocaine esterase with high catalytic efficiency would provide rapid and robust protection from cocaine-induced convulsions, epileptogenic activity, and lethality. Cocaine-induced paroxysmal activity and convulsions were evaluated in rats surgically implanted with radiotelemetry devices (N=6 per treatment group). Cocaine esterase was administered 1 minute after a lethal dose of cocaine or after cocaine-induced convulsions to determine the ability of the enzyme to prevent or reverse, respectively, the effects of cocaine. The cocaine esterase prevented all cocaine-induced electroencephalographic changes and lethality. This effect was specific for cocaine because the esterase did not prevent convulsions and death induced by a cocaine analog, (-)-2beta-carbomethoxy-3beta-phenyltropane. The esterase prevented lethality even after cocaine-induced convulsions occurred. In contrast, the short-acting benzodiazepine, midazolam, prevented cocaine-induced convulsions but not the lethal effects of cocaine. The data showed that cocaine esterase successfully degraded circulating cocaine to prevent lethality and that cocaine-induced convulsions alone are not responsible for the lethal effects of cocaine in this model. Therefore, further investigation into the use of cocaine esterase for treating cocaine overdose and its toxic effects is warranted.

  3. Protection from the toxicity of diisopropylfluorophosphate by adeno-associated virus expressing acetylcholinesterase

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Li Bin; Duysen, Ellen G.; Poluektova, Larisa Y.

    2006-07-15

    Organophosphorus esters (OP) are highly toxic chemicals used as pesticides and nerve agents. Their acute toxicity is attributed to inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE, EC 3.1.1.7) in nerve synapses. Our goal was to find a new therapeutic for protection against OP toxicity. We used a gene therapy vector, adeno-associated virus serotype 2 (AAV-2), to deliver murine AChE to AChE-/- mice that have no endogenous AChE activity. The vector encoded the most abundant form of AChE: exons 2, 3, 4, and 6. Two-day old animals, with an immature immune system, were injected. AChE delivered intravenously was expressed up to 5 months inmore » plasma, liver, heart, and lung, at 5-15% of the level in untreated wild-type mice. A few mice formed antibodies, but antibodies did not block AChE activity. The plasma AChE was a mixture of dimers and tetramers. AChE delivered intramuscularly had 40-fold higher activity levels than in wild-type muscle. None of the AChE was collagen-tailed. No retrograde transport through the motor neurons to the central nervous system was detected. AChE delivered intrastriatally assembled into tetramers. In brain, the AAV-2 vector transduced neurons, but not astrocytes and microglia. Vector-treated AChE-/- mice lived longer than saline-treated controls. AChE-/- mice were protected from diisopropylfluorophosphate-induced respiratory failure when the vector was delivered intravenously, but not intrastriatally. Since vector-treated animals had no AChE activity in diaphragm muscle, protection from respiratory failure came from AChE in other tissues. We conclude that AChE scavenged OP and in this way protected the activity of butyrylcholinesterase (BChE, EC 3.1.1.8) in motor endplates.« less

  4. The hydrolytic activity of esterases in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae is strain dependent.

    PubMed

    Kwolek-Mirek, Magdalena; Bednarska, Sabina; Zadrąg-Tęcza, Renata; Bartosz, Grzegorz

    2011-11-01

    Ester precursors of fluorogenic or chromogenic probes are often employed in studies of yeast cell biology. This study was aimed at a comparison of the ability of several commonly used laboratory wild-type Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains to hydrolyse the following model esters: fluorescein diacetate, 2-naphthyl acetate, PNPA (p-nitrophenyl acetate) and AMQI (7-acetoxy-1-methylquinolinum iodide). In all the strains, the esterase activity was localized mainly to the cytosol. Considerable differences in esterase activity were observed between various wild-type laboratory yeast strains. The phase of growth also contributed to the variation in esterase activity of the yeast. This diversity implies the need for caution in using intracellularly hydrolysed probes for a comparison of yeast strains with various genetic backgrounds.

  5. The secreted esterase of Propionibacterium freudenreichii has a major role in cheese lipolysis.

    PubMed

    Abeijón Mukdsi, María Claudia; Falentin, Hélène; Maillard, Marie-Bernadette; Chuat, Victoria; Medina, Roxana Beatriz; Parayre, Sandrine; Thierry, Anne

    2014-01-01

    Free fatty acids are important flavor compounds in cheese. Propionibacterium freudenreichii is the main agent of their release through lipolysis in Swiss cheese. Our aim was to identify the esterase(s) involved in lipolysis by P. freudenreichii. We targeted two previously identified esterases: one secreted esterase, PF#279, and one putative cell wall-anchored esterase, PF#774. To evaluate their role in lipolysis, we constructed overexpression and knockout mutants of P. freudenreichii CIRM-BIA1(T) for each corresponding gene. The sequences of both genes were also compared in 21 wild-type strains. All strains were assessed for their lipolytic activity on milk fat. The lipolytic activity observed matched data previously reported in cheese, thus validating the relevance of the method used. The mutants overexpressing PF#279 or PF#774 released four times more fatty acids than the wild-type strain, demonstrating that both enzymes are lipolytic esterases. However, inactivation of the pf279 gene induced a 75% reduction in the lipolytic activity compared to that of the wild-type strain, whereas inactivation of the pf774 gene did not modify the phenotype. Two of the 21 wild-type strains tested did not display any detectable lipolytic activity. Interestingly, these two strains exhibited the same single-nucleotide deletion at the beginning of the pf279 gene sequence, leading to a premature stop codon, whereas they harbored a pf774 gene highly similar to that of the other strains. Taken together, these results clearly demonstrate that PF#279 is the main lipolytic esterase in P. freudenreichii and a key agent of Swiss cheese lipolysis.

  6. The Secreted Esterase of Propionibacterium freudenreichii Has a Major Role in Cheese Lipolysis

    PubMed Central

    Abeijón Mukdsi, María Claudia; Falentin, Hélène; Maillard, Marie-Bernadette; Chuat, Victoria; Medina, Roxana Beatriz; Parayre, Sandrine

    2014-01-01

    Free fatty acids are important flavor compounds in cheese. Propionibacterium freudenreichii is the main agent of their release through lipolysis in Swiss cheese. Our aim was to identify the esterase(s) involved in lipolysis by P. freudenreichii. We targeted two previously identified esterases: one secreted esterase, PF#279, and one putative cell wall-anchored esterase, PF#774. To evaluate their role in lipolysis, we constructed overexpression and knockout mutants of P. freudenreichii CIRM-BIA1T for each corresponding gene. The sequences of both genes were also compared in 21 wild-type strains. All strains were assessed for their lipolytic activity on milk fat. The lipolytic activity observed matched data previously reported in cheese, thus validating the relevance of the method used. The mutants overexpressing PF#279 or PF#774 released four times more fatty acids than the wild-type strain, demonstrating that both enzymes are lipolytic esterases. However, inactivation of the pf279 gene induced a 75% reduction in the lipolytic activity compared to that of the wild-type strain, whereas inactivation of the pf774 gene did not modify the phenotype. Two of the 21 wild-type strains tested did not display any detectable lipolytic activity. Interestingly, these two strains exhibited the same single-nucleotide deletion at the beginning of the pf279 gene sequence, leading to a premature stop codon, whereas they harbored a pf774 gene highly similar to that of the other strains. Taken together, these results clearly demonstrate that PF#279 is the main lipolytic esterase in P. freudenreichii and a key agent of Swiss cheese lipolysis. PMID:24242250

  7. Contribution of soil esterase to biodegradation of aliphatic polyester agricultural mulch film in cultivated soils.

    PubMed

    Yamamoto-Tamura, Kimiko; Hiradate, Syuntaro; Watanabe, Takashi; Koitabashi, Motoo; Sameshima-Yamashita, Yuka; Yarimizu, Tohru; Kitamoto, Hiroko

    2015-01-01

    The relationship between degradation speed of soil-buried biodegradable polyester film in a farmland and the characteristics of the predominant polyester-degrading soil microorganisms and enzymes were investigated to determine the BP-degrading ability of cultivated soils through characterization of the basal microbial activities and their transition in soils during BP film degradation. Degradation of poly(butylene succinate-co-adipate) (PBSA) film was evaluated in soil samples from different cultivated fields in Japan for 4 weeks. Both the degradation speed of the PBSA film and the esterase activity were found to be correlated with the ratio of colonies that produced clear zone on fungal minimum medium-agarose plate with emulsified PBSA to the total number colonies counted. Time-dependent change in viable counts of the PBSA-degrading fungi and esterase activities were monitored in soils where buried films showed the most and the least degree of degradation. During the degradation of PBSA film, the viable counts of the PBSA-degrading fungi and the esterase activities in soils, which adhered to the PBSA film, increased with time. The soil, where the film was degraded the fastest, recorded large PBSA-degrading fungal population and showed high esterase activity compared with the other soil samples throughout the incubation period. Meanwhile, esterase activity and viable counts of PBSA-degrading fungi were found to be stable in soils without PBSA film. These results suggest that the higher the distribution ratio of native PBSA-degrading fungi in the soil, the faster the film degradation is. This could be due to the rapid accumulation of secreted esterases in these soils.

  8. Impacts of oxidative stress on acetylcholinesterase transcription, and activity in embryos of zebrafish (Danio rerio) following Chlorpyrifos exposure.

    PubMed

    Rodríguez-Fuentes, Gabriela; Rubio-Escalante, Fernando J; Noreña-Barroso, Elsa; Escalante-Herrera, Karla S; Schlenk, Daniel

    2015-01-01

    Organophosphate pesticides cause irreversible inhibition of AChE which leads to neuronal overstimulation and death. Thus, dogma indicates that the target of OP pesticides is AChE, but many authors postulate that these compounds also disturb cellular redox processes, and change the activities of antioxidant enzymes. Interestingly, it has also been reported that oxidative stress plays also a role in the regulation and activity of AChE. The aims of this study were to determine the effects of the antioxidant, vitamin C (VC), the oxidant, t-butyl hydroperoxide (tBOOH) and the organophosphate Chlorpyrifos (CPF), on AChE gene transcription and activity in zebrafish embryos after 72h exposure. In addition, oxidative stress was evaluated by measuring antioxidant enzymes activities and transcription, and quantification of total glutathione. Apical effects on the development of zebrafish embryos were also measured. With the exception of AChE inhibition and enhanced gene expression, limited effects of CPF on oxidative stress and apical endpoints were found at this developmental stage. Addition of VC had little effect on oxidative stress or AChE, but increased pericardial area and heartbeat rate through an unknown mechanism. TBOOH diminished AChE gene expression and activity, and caused oxidative stress when administered alone. However, in combination with CPF, only reductions in AChE activity were observed with no significant changes in oxidative stress suggesting the adverse apical endpoints in the embryos may have been due to AChE inhibition by CPF rather than oxidative stress. These results give additional evidence to support the role of prooxidants in AChE activity and expression. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  9. Design, synthesis and preliminary structure-activity relationship investigation of nitrogen-containing chalcone derivatives as acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase inhibitors: a further study based on Flavokawain B Mannich base derivatives.

    PubMed

    Liu, Haoran; Fan, Haoqun; Gao, Xiaohui; Huang, Xueqing; Liu, Xianjun; Liu, Linbo; Zhou, Chao; Tang, Jingjing; Wang, Qiuan; Liu, Wukun

    2016-08-01

    In order to study the structure-activity relationship of Flavokawain B Mannich-based derivatives as acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors in our recent investigation, 20 new nitrogen-containing chalcone derivatives (4 a-8d) were designed, synthesized, and evaluated for AChE inhibitory activity in vitro. The results suggested that amino alkyl side chain of chalcone dramatically influenced the inhibitory activity against AChE. Among them, compound 6c revealed the strongest AChE inhibitory activity (IC50 value: 0.85 μmol/L) and the highest selectivity against AChE over BuChE (ratio: 35.79). Enzyme kinetic study showed that the inhibition mechanism of compound 6c against AChE was a mixed-type inhibition. The molecular docking assay showed that this compound can both bind with the catalytic site and the peripheral site of AChE.

  10. Experimental, DFT and molecular docking studies on 2-(2-mercaptophenylimino)-4-methyl-2H-chromen-7-ol

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Singh, Ashok Kumar; Singh, Ravindra Kumar

    2016-10-01

    A new coumarin derivative 2-(2-mercaptophenylimino)-4-methyl-2H-chromen-7-ol (COMSB) was synthesized and characterized with the help of 1H,13C NMR, FT-IR, FT-Raman and mass spectrometry. All quantum calculations were performed at DFT level of theory using B3LYP functional and 6-31G (d,p) as basis set. The UV-Vis spectrum studied by TD-DFT theory, with a hybrid exchange-correlation functional using Coulomb-attenuating method (CAM-B3LYP) in solvent phase gives similar pattern of bands, at energies and is consistent with that of experimental findings. The detailed analysis of vibrational (IR and Raman) spectra and their assignments has been done by computing Potential Energy Distribution (PED) using Gar2ped. Intra-molecular interactions were analyzed by 'Atoms in molecule' (AIM) approach. Computed first static hyperpolarizability (β0 = 8.583 × 10-30 esu) indicates non-linear optical (NLO) response of the molecule. Molecular docking studies show that the title molecule may act as potential acetylcholine esterase (AChE) inhibitor.

  11. Hydrolysis of Synthetic Esters by the Antibacterial Agent in Serum

    PubMed Central

    Yotis, William W.

    1966-01-01

    Yotis, William W. (Loyola University, Chicago, Ill.). Hydrolysis of synthetic esters by the antibacterial agent in serum. J. Bacteriol. 91:488–493. 1966.—An antistaphylococcal serum agent was assayed colorimetrically, manometrically, and titrimetrically for esterase activity. p-Nitrophenol acetate, triacetin, l-lysine methyl and ethyl ester, and norleucine methyl ester were hydrolyzed by the antistaphylococcal agent. Acetylcholine and benzoylcholine esters, triolein, tristearin, and p-tosylarginine methyl ester were not attacked by this agent. With p-nitrophenol acetate as substrate, optimal activity occurred at pH 7.4. Incubation at 60 C for 30 min reduced drastically the esterase activity of the antistaphylococcal agent, and incubation at 75 C for 30 min abolished the esterase activity of this agent. Almost complete inhibition of esterase activity was observed with 0.001 m HgCl2, ZnSO4, and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). EDTA inhibition could be reversed by the addition of CaCl2, but not MgCl2. Cysteine reversed the inhibition of HgCl2. NaF, atoxyl, diisopropyl fluorophosphate, quinine, and physostigmine did not influence the esterase activity of the antibacterial agent. The demonstration of esterase activity of both the antistaphylococcal agent and coagulase may shed further light on the reported ability of coagulase to neutralize the antistaphylococcal activity of this agent, or the prevention of absorption of the agent on the staphylococcal cell surface. In addition, the colorimetric procedure described in this report may be a convenient tool in assaying the potency of the antistaphylococcal agent. Images PMID:4956776

  12. Different Cholinesterase Inhibitor Effects on CSF Cholinesterases in Alzheimer Patients

    PubMed Central

    Nordberg, Agneta; Darreh-Shori, Taher; Peskind, Elaine; Soininen, Hilkka; Mousavi, Malahat; Eagle, Gina; Lane, Roger

    2014-01-01

    Background The current study aimed to compare the effects of different cholinesterase inhibitors on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) activities and protein levels, in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of Alzheimer disease (AD) patients. Methods and Findings AD patients aged 50–85 years were randomized to open-label treatment with oral rivastigmine, donepezil or galantamine for 13 weeks. AChE and BuChE activities were assayed by Ellman’s colorimetric method. Protein levels were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Primary analyses were based on the Completer population (randomized patients who completed Week 13 assessments). 63 patients were randomized to treatment. Rivastigmine was associated with decreased AChE activity by 42.6% and decreased AChE protein levels by 9.3%, and decreased BuChE activity by 45.6% and decreased BuChE protein levels by 21.8%. Galantamine decreased AChE activity by 2.1% and BuChE activity by 0.5%, but increased AChE protein levels by 51.2% and BuChE protein levels by10.5%. Donepezil increased AChE and BuChE activities by 11.8% and 2.8%, respectively. Donepezil caused a 215.2%increase in AChE and 0.4% increase in BuChE protein levels. Changes in mean AChE-Readthrough/Synaptic ratios, which might reflect underlying neurodegenerative processes, were 1.4, 0.6, and 0.4 for rivastigmine, donepezil and galantamine, respectively. Conclusion The findings suggest pharmacologically-induced differences between rivastigmine, donepezil and galantamine. Rivastigmine provides sustained inhibition of AChE and BuChE, while donepezil and galantamine do not inhibit BuChE and are associated with increases in CSF AChE protein levels. The clinical implications require evaluation. PMID:19199870

  13. Different cholinesterase inhibitor effects on CSF cholinesterases in Alzheimer patients.

    PubMed

    Nordberg, Agneta; Darreh-Shori, Taher; Peskind, Elaine; Soininen, Hilkka; Mousavi, Malahat; Eagle, Gina; Lane, Roger

    2009-02-01

    The current study aimed to compare the effects of different cholinesterase inhibitors on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) activities and protein levels, in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of Alzheimer disease (AD) patients. AD patients aged 50-85 years were randomized to open-label treatment with oral rivastigmine, donepezil or galantamine for 13 weeks. AChE and BuChE activities were assayed by Ellman's colorimetric method. Protein levels were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Primary analyses were based on the Completer population (randomized patients who completed Week 13 assessments). 63 patients were randomized to treatment. Rivastigmine was associated with decreased AChE activity by 42.6% and decreased AChE protein levels by 9.3%, and decreased BuChE activity by 45.6% and decreased BuChE protein levels by 21.8%. Galantamine decreased AChE activity by 2.1% and BuChE activity by 0.5%, but increased AChE protein levels by 51.2% and BuChE protein levels by 10.5%. Donepezil increased AChE and BuChE activities by 11.8% and 2.8%, respectively. Donepezil caused a 215.2% increase in AChE and 0.4% increase in BuChE protein levels. Changes in mean AChE-Readthrough/Synaptic ratios, which might reflect underlying neurodegenerative processes, were 1.4, 0.6, and 0.4 for rivastigmine, donepezil and galantamine, respectively. The findings suggest pharmacologically-induced differences between rivastigmine, donepezil and galantamine. Rivastigmine provides sustained inhibition of AChE and BuChE, while donepezil and galantamine do not inhibit BuChE and are associated with increases in CSF AChE protein levels. The clinical implications require evaluation.

  14. Chitooligosaccharides suppress the level of protein expression and acetylcholinesterase activity induced by Abeta25-35 in PC12 cells.

    PubMed

    Lee, Sang-Hoon; Park, Jin-Sook; Kim, Se-Kwon; Ahn, Chang-Bum; Je, Jae-Young

    2009-02-01

    Clinical applications of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors are widespread in Alzheimer's sufferers in order to activate central cholinergic system and alleviate cognitive deficits by inhibiting the hydrolysis of acetylcholine. In this study, six kinds of chitooligosaccharides (COSs) with different molecular weight and degree of deacetylation were examined for their inhibitory effects against AChE. The 90-COSs exhibited potent AChE inhibitory activities compared to 50-COSs, while 90-MMWCOS (1000-5000 Da) in the 90-COSs showed the highest activity. Cell culture experiment revealed that 90-MMWCOS suppressed the level of AChE protein expression and AChE activity induced by Abeta(25-35) in PC12 cell lines.

  15. A Bacterial Cocaine Esterase Protects Against Cocaine-Induced Epileptogenic Activity and Lethality

    PubMed Central

    Jutkiewicz, Emily M.; Baladi, Michelle G.; Cooper, Ziva D.; Narasimhan, Diwahar; Sunahara, Roger K.; Woods, James H.

    2012-01-01

    Study objective Cocaine toxicity results in cardiovascular complications, seizures, and death and accounts for approximately 20% of drug-related emergency department visits every year. Presently, there are no treatments to eliminate the toxic effects of cocaine. The present study hypothesizes that a bacterial cocaine esterase with high catalytic efficiency would provide rapid and robust protection from cocaine-induced convulsions, epileptogenic activity, and lethality. Methods Cocaine-induced paroxysmal activity and convulsions were evaluated in rats surgically implanted with radiotelemetry devices (N=6 per treatment group). Cocaine esterase was administered 1 minute after a lethal dose of cocaine or after cocaine-induced convulsions to determine the ability of the enzyme to prevent or reverse, respectively, the effects of cocaine. Results The cocaine esterase prevented all cocaine-induced electroencephalographic changes and lethality. This effect was specific for cocaine because the esterase did not prevent convulsions and death induced by a cocaine analog, (−)-2β-carbomethoxy-3β-phenyltropane. The esterase prevented lethality even after cocaine-induced convulsions occurred. In contrast, the short-acting benzodiazepine, midazolam, prevented cocaine-induced convulsions but not the lethal effects of cocaine. Conclusion The data showed that cocaine esterase successfully degraded circulating cocaine to prevent lethality and that cocaine-induced convulsions alone are not responsible for the lethal effects of cocaine in this model. Therefore, further investigation into the use of cocaine esterase for treating cocaine overdose and its toxic effects is warranted. PMID:19013687

  16. Role of melatonin in mitigating nonylphenol-induced toxicity in frontal cortex and hippocampus of rat brain.

    PubMed

    Tabassum, Heena; Ashafaq, Mohammad; Parvez, Suhel; Raisuddin, Sheikh

    2017-03-01

    Nonylphenol (NP), an environmental endocrine disruptor mimics estrogen and is a potential toxicant both under in vitro and in vivo conditions. In this study, the effect of melatonin on NP- induced neurotoxicity and cognitive alteration was investigated in adult male Wistar rats. Melatonin supplementation has been known to protect cells from neurotoxic injury. The animals were divided into three groups namely, control (vehicle) which received olive oil orally and treated rats received NP (25 mg/kg, per os) thrice a week for 45 days while the third group i.e., NP + melatonin, animals were co-administered melatonin (10 mg/kg, i.p.) along with NP. On the 46th day, rats were assessed for anxiety, motor co-ordination, grip strength and cognitive performance using Morris water maze test and then sacrificed for biochemical and histopathological assays in brain tissues. Melatonin improved the behavioral performance in NP exposed group. The results showed that NP significantly decreased the activity of acetylcholine esterase (AchE), monoamine oxidase (MAO) and Na + /K + -ATPase, in rat brain tissue along with other enzymes of antioxidant milieu. The outcome of the study shows that NP, like other persistent endocrine disrupting pollutants, creates a potential risk of cognitive, neurochemical and histopathological perturbations as a result of environmental exposure. Taken together, our study demonstrates that melatonin is protective against NP-induced neurotoxicity. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  17. Non-specific esterases in the gustatory epithelia of man and dog.

    PubMed

    Rakhawy, M T

    1976-01-01

    (1) Simple esterase activity has been demonstrated in the gustatory epithelium of man and dog by the simultaneous coupling azo dye technique using alpha-naphthol and naphthol As acetate. Unfixed cryostat and fixed paraffin sections were used. (2) A peculiar pattern of simple esterase activity was encountered in which--contrary to what was to be expected--the taste bud-carrying papillae showed a very poor reaction while there was a gradual increase in the enzyme intensity as the epithelium was traced away from these papillae. (3) It seems that among the reported differences between simple esterases and cholinesterases is this differential activity in relation to the gemmal system. (4) A peculiar difference in the enzyme activity was reported between the unfixed cryostat and the fixed paraffin sections in the human material.

  18. Tertiary amine derivatives of chlorochalcone as acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and buthylcholinesterase (BuChE) inhibitors: the influence of chlorine, alkyl amine side chain and α,β-unsaturated ketone group.

    PubMed

    Gao, Xiao-Hui; Zhou, Chao; Liu, Hao-Ran; Liu, Lin-Bo; Tang, Jing-Jing; Xia, Xin-Hua

    2017-12-01

    A new series of tertiary amine derivatives of chlorochalcone (4a∼4l) were designed, synthesized and evaluated for the effect on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and buthylcholinesterase (BuChE). The results indicated that all compounds revealed moderate or potent inhibitory activity against AChE, and some possessed high selectivity for AChE over BuChE. The structure-activity investigation showed that the substituted position of chlorine significantly influenced the activity and selectivity. The alteration of tertiary amine group also leads to obvious change in bioactivity. Among them, IC 50 of compound 4l against AChE was 0.17 ± 0.06 µmol/L, and the selectivity was 667.2 fold for AChE over BuChE. Molecular docking and enzyme kinetic study on compound 4l suggested that it simultaneously binds to the catalytic active site (CAS) and peripheral anionic site (PAS) of AChE. Further study showed that the pyrazoline derivatives synthesized from chlorochalcones had weaker activity and lower selectivity in inhibiting AChE compared to that of chlorochalcone derivatives.

  19. A Model of Medical Countermeasures for Organophosphates

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2015-10-01

    Animal Data ................................................................. 51 6.2.1. Verifying AChE Activity ...17 Figure 4-3. Model Output for AChE Activity and Free/Stimulated Receptor Fraction with No OP Exposure...Figure 6-1. Sarin Model Output Compared to Individual AChE Activity in Acute Phase Following Tokyo Sarin Attack

  20. Differential effects of lysophosphatidylcholine and ACh on muscarinic K(+),non-selective cation and Ca(2+) currents in guinea-pig atrial cells.

    PubMed

    Li, Libing; Matsuoka, Isao; Sakamoto, Kazuho; Kimura, Junko

    2016-06-08

    We compared the effects of lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) and acetylcholine (ACh) on IK(ACh), ICa and a non-selective cation current (INSC) in guinea-pig atrial myocytes to clarify whether LPC and ACh activate similar Gi/o-coupled effector systems. IK(ACh), ICa and INSC were analyzed in single atrial myocytes by the whole cell patch-clamp. LPC induced INSC in a concentration-dependent manner in atrial cells. ACh activated IK(ACh), but failed to evoke INSC. LPC also activated IK(ACh) but with significantly less potency than ACh. The effects of both ligands on IK(ACh) were inhibited by intracellular loading of pre-activated PTX. This treatment also inhibited LPC-induced INSC, indicating that IK(ACh) and INSC induced by LPC are both mediated by Gi/o. LPC and ACh had similar potencies in inhibiting ICa, which was pre-augmented by forskolin, indicating that LPC and ACh activate similar amounts of α-subunits of Gi/o. The different effects of LPC and ACh on IK(ACh) and INSC may suggest that LPC and ACh activate Gi/o having different types of βγ subunits, and that LPC-induced INSC may be mediated by βγ subunits of Gi/o, which are less effective in inducing IK(ACh).

  1. Neurotoxic and teratogenic effects of an organophosphorus insecticide (phenyl phosphonothioic acid-O-ethyl -O-[4-nitrophenyl] ester) on mallard development

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Hoffman, D.J.; Sileo, L.

    1984-01-01

    Phenyl phosphonothioic acid-O-ethyl-O-[4-nitrophenyl] ester (EPN) is one of the 10 most frequently used organophosphorus insecticides and causes delayed neurotoxicity in adult chickens and mallards. Small amounts of organophosphorus insecticides placed on birds' eggs are embryotoxic and teratogenic. For this reason, the effects of topical egg application on EPN were examined on mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) embryo development. Mallard eggs were treated topically at 72 hr of incubation with 25 microliter of a nontoxic oil vehicle or with EPN in the vehicle at concentrations of approximately 12, 36, or 108 micrograms/g egg, equivalent to one, three, and nine times the agricultural level of application used to spray crops. Treatment with EPN resulted in 22 to 44% mortality over this dose range by 18 days of development compared with 4 and 5% for untreated and vehicle-treated controls. EPN impaired embryonic growth and was highly teratogenic: 37-42% of the surviving embryos at 18 days were abnormal with cervical and axial scoliosis as well as severe edema. Brain weights were significantly lower in EPN-treated groups at different stages of development including hatchlings. Brain neurotoxic esterase (NTE) activity was inhibited by as much as 91% at 11 days, 81% at 18 days, and 79% in hatchlings. Examination of brain NTE activity during the course of normal development revealed an increase of nearly sixfold from Day 11 through hatching. The most rapid increase occurred between Day 20 and hatching. Brain acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity was inhibited by as much as 41% at 11 days, 47% at 18 days, and 20% in hatchlings. Plasma cholinesterase and alkaline phosphatase activities were inhibited and plasma aspartate aminotransferase activity was increased at one or more stages of development. Hatchlings from EPN-treated eggs were weaker and slower to right themselves. Histopathological examination did not reveal demyelination and axonopathy of the spinal cord that was characteristic of delayed neurotoxicity in adult birds.

  2. Cell Surface Expression of Bacterial Esterase A by Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Its Enhancement by Constitutive Activation of the Cellular Unfolded Protein Response▿ †

    PubMed Central

    Breinig, Frank; Diehl, Björn; Rau, Sabrina; Zimmer, Christian; Schwab, Helmut; Schmitt, Manfred J.

    2006-01-01

    Yeast cell surface display is a powerful tool for expression and immobilization of biocatalytically active proteins on a unicellular eukaryote. Here bacterial carboxylesterase EstA from Burkholderia gladioli was covalently anchored into the cell wall of Saccharomyces cerevisiae by in-frame fusion to the endogenous yeast proteins Kre1p, Cwp2p, and Flo1p. When p-nitrophenyl acetate was used as a substrate, the esterase specific activities of yeast expressing the protein fusions were 103 mU mg−1 protein for Kre1/EstA/Cwp2p and 72 mU mg−1 protein for Kre1/EstA/Flo1p. In vivo cell wall targeting was confirmed by esterase solubilization after laminarinase treatment and immunofluorescence microscopy. EstA expression resulted in cell wall-associated esterase activities of 2.72 U mg−1 protein for Kre1/EstA/Cwp2p and 1.27 U mg−1 protein for Kre1/EstA/Flo1p. Furthermore, esterase display on the yeast cell surface enabled the cells to effectively grow on the esterase-dependent carbon source glycerol triacetate (Triacetin). In the case of Kre1/EstA/Flo1p, in vivo maturation within the yeast secretory pathway and final incorporation into the wall were further enhanced when there was constitutive activation of the unfolded protein response pathway. Our results demonstrate that esterase cell surface display in yeast, which, as shown here, is remarkably more effective than EstA surface display in Escherichia coli, can be further optimized by activating the protein folding machinery in the eukaryotic secretion pathway. PMID:16980424

  3. Cell surface expression of bacterial esterase A by Saccharomyces cerevisiae and its enhancement by constitutive activation of the cellular unfolded protein response.

    PubMed

    Breinig, Frank; Diehl, Björn; Rau, Sabrina; Zimmer, Christian; Schwab, Helmut; Schmitt, Manfred J

    2006-11-01

    Yeast cell surface display is a powerful tool for expression and immobilization of biocatalytically active proteins on a unicellular eukaryote. Here bacterial carboxylesterase EstA from Burkholderia gladioli was covalently anchored into the cell wall of Saccharomyces cerevisiae by in-frame fusion to the endogenous yeast proteins Kre1p, Cwp2p, and Flo1p. When p-nitrophenyl acetate was used as a substrate, the esterase specific activities of yeast expressing the protein fusions were 103 mU mg(-1) protein for Kre1/EstA/Cwp2p and 72 mU mg(-1) protein for Kre1/EstA/Flo1p. In vivo cell wall targeting was confirmed by esterase solubilization after laminarinase treatment and immunofluorescence microscopy. EstA expression resulted in cell wall-associated esterase activities of 2.72 U mg(-1) protein for Kre1/EstA/Cwp2p and 1.27 U mg(-1) protein for Kre1/EstA/Flo1p. Furthermore, esterase display on the yeast cell surface enabled the cells to effectively grow on the esterase-dependent carbon source glycerol triacetate (Triacetin). In the case of Kre1/EstA/Flo1p, in vivo maturation within the yeast secretory pathway and final incorporation into the wall were further enhanced when there was constitutive activation of the unfolded protein response pathway. Our results demonstrate that esterase cell surface display in yeast, which, as shown here, is remarkably more effective than EstA surface display in Escherichia coli, can be further optimized by activating the protein folding machinery in the eukaryotic secretion pathway.

  4. Evaluation of acetylcholinesterase in an animal model of maple syrup urine disease.

    PubMed

    Scaini, Giselli; de Rochi, Natália; Jeremias, Isabela C; Deroza, Pedro F; Zugno, Alexandra I; Pereira, Talita C B; Oliveira, Giovanna M T; Kist, Luiza W; Bogo, Maurício R; Schuck, Patrícia F; Ferreira, Gustavo C; Streck, Emilio L

    2012-04-01

    Maple syrup urine disease is an inherited metabolic disease predominantly characterized by neurological dysfunction. However, the mechanisms underlying the neuropathology of this disease are still not defined. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of acute and chronic administration of a branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) pool (leucine, isoleucine, and valine) on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity and gene expression in the brain and serum of rats and to assess if antioxidant treatment prevented the alterations induced by BCAA administration. Our results show that the acute administration of a BCAA pool in 10- and 30-day-old rats increases AChE activity in the cerebral cortex, striatum, hippocampus, and serum. Moreover, chronic administration of the BCAA pool also increases AChE activity in the structures studied, and antioxidant treatment prevents this increase. In addition, we show a significant decrease in the mRNA expression of AChE in the hippocampus following acute administration in 10- and 30-day-old rats. On the other hand, AChE expression increased significantly after chronic administration of the BCAA pool. Interestingly, the antioxidant treatment was able to prevent the increased AChE activity without altering AChE expression. In conclusion, the results from the present study demonstrate a marked increase in AChE activity in all brain structures following the administration of a BCAA pool. Moreover, the increased AChE activity is prevented by the coadministration of N-acetylcysteine and deferoxamine as antioxidants.

  5. Recent advances in acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors and Reactivators: an update on the patent literature (2012-2015).

    PubMed

    McHardy, Stanton F; Wang, Hua-Yu Leo; McCowen, Shelby V; Valdez, Matthew C

    2017-04-01

    Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is the major enzyme that hydrolyzes acetylcholine, a key neurotransmitter for synaptic transmission, into acetic acid and choline. Mild inhibition of AChE has been shown to have therapeutic relevance in Alzheimer's disease (AD), myasthenia gravis, and glaucoma among others. In contrast, strong inhibition of AChE can lead to cholinergic poisoning. To combat this, AChE reactivators have to be developed to remove the offending AChE inhibitor, restoring acetylcholine levels to normal. Areas covered: This article covers recent advances in the development of acetylcholinesterase modulators, including both inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase for the efforts in development of new chemical entities for treatment of AD, as well as re-activators for resurrection of organophosphate bound acetylcholinesterase. Expert opinion: Over the past three years, research efforts have continued to identify novel small molecules as AChE inhibitors for both CNS and peripheral diseases. The more recent patent activity has focused on three AChE ligand design areas: derivatives of known AChE ligands, natural product based scaffolds and multifunctional ligands, all of which have produced some unique chemical matter with AChE inhibition activities in the mid picomolar to low micromolar ranges. New AChE inhibitors with polypharmacology or dual inhibitory activity have also emerged as highlighted by new AChE inhibitors with dual activity at L-type calcium channels, GSK-3, BACE1 and H3, although most only show low micromolar activity, thus further research is warranted. New small molecule reactivators of organophosphate-inhibited AChE have also been disclosed, which focused on the design of neutral ligands with improved pharmaceutical properties and blood-brain barrier (BBB) penetration. Gratifyingly, some research in this area is moving away from the traditional quaternary pyridinium oximes AChE reactivators, while still employing the necessary reactivation group (oximes). However, selectivity over inhibition of native AChE enzyme, effectiveness of reactivation, broad-spectrum reactivation against multiple organophosphates and reactivation of aged-enzyme continue to be hurdles for this area of research.

  6. Acetylcholinesterases from Elapidae snake venoms: biochemical, immunological and enzymatic characterization.

    PubMed

    Frobert, Y; Créminon, C; Cousin, X; Rémy, M H; Chatel, J M; Bon, S; Bon, C; Grassi, J

    1997-05-23

    We analyzed 45 batches of venom from 20 different species belonging to 11 genera from the 3 main families of venomous snakes (Elapidae, Viperidae and Crotalidae). We found high acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in all venoms from Elapidae, except in those from the Dendroaspis genus. AChE was particularly abundant in Bungarus venoms which contain up to 8 mg of enzyme per gram of dried venom. We could not detect acetylcholinesterase activity in any batch of venom from Viperidae or Crotalidae. Titration of active sites with an organophosphorous agent (MPT) revealed that the AChE of all venoms have similar turnovers (6000 to 8000 s(-1)) which are clearly higher than those of Torpedo and mammalian enzymes but lower than that of Electrophorus. AChEs from the venom of elapid snakes of the Bungarus, Naja, Ophiophagus and Haemacatus genera were purified by affinity chromatography. SDS-PAGE analysis and sucrose gradient centrifugation demonstrated that AChE is exclusively present as a nonamphiphilic monomer. These enzymes are true AChEs, hydrolyzing acetylthiocholine faster than propionylthiocholine and butyrylthiocholine and exhibiting excess substrate inhibition. Twenty-seven different monoclonal antibodies directed against AChE from Bungarus fasciatus venom were raised in mice. Half of them recognized exclusively the Bungarus enzyme while the others cross-reacted with AChEs from other venoms. Polyspecific mAbs were used to demonstrate that venoms from Dendroaspis, which contain the AChE inhibitor fasciculin but lack AChE activity, were also devoid of immunoreactive AChE protein. AChE inhibitors acting at the active site (edrophonium, tacrine) and at the peripheral site (propidium, fasciculin), as well as bis-quaternary ligands (BW284C51, decamethonium), were tested against the venom AChEs from 11 different species. All enzymes had a very similar pattern of reactivity with regard to the different inhibitors, with the exception of fasciculin. AChEs from Naja and Haemacatus venoms were relatively insensitive to fasciculin inhibition (IC50 > 10(-6) M), while Bungarus (IC50 approximately 10(-8) M) and especially Ophiophagus (IC50 < 10(-10) M) AChEs were inhibited very efficiently. Ophiophagus and Bungarus AChEs were also efficiently inhibited by a monoclonal antibody (Elec-410) previously described as a specific ligand for the Electrophorus electricus peripheral site. Taken together, these results show that the venoms of most Elapidae snakes contain large amounts of a highly active non-amphiphilic monomeric AChE. All snake venom AChEs show strong immunological similarities and possess very similar enzymatic properties. However, they present quite different sensitivity to peripheral site inhibitors, fasciculin and the monoclonal antibody Elec-410.

  7. Can Salivary Acetylcholinesterase be a Diagnostic Biomarker for Alzheimer?

    PubMed

    Bakhtiari, Sedigheh; Moghadam, Nahid Beladi; Ehsani, Marjan; Mortazavi, Hamed; Sabour, Siamak; Bakhshi, Mahin

    2017-01-01

    The loss of brain cholinergic activity is a key phenomenon in the biochemistry of Alzheimer's Disease (AD). Due to the specific biosynthesis of Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) of cholinergic neurons, the enzyme has been proposed as a potential biochemical marker of cholinergic activity. AChE is expressed not only in the Central Nervous System (CNS), Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) and muscles, but also on the surface of blood cells and saliva. This study aimed to measure salivary AChE activity in AD and to determine the feasibility of creating a simple laboratory test for diagnosing such patients. In this cross-sectional study, the recorded data were obtained from 15 Alzheimer's patients on memantine therapy and 15 healthy subjects. Unstimulated whole saliva samples were collected from the participants and salivary levels of AChE activity were determined by using the Ellman colorimetric method. The Mann Whitney U test was used to compare the average (median) of AChE activity between AD and controls. In order to adjust for possible confounding factors, partial correlation coefficient and multivariate linear regressions were used. Although the average of AChE activity in the saliva of people with AD was lower compared to the control group, we found no statistically significant differences using Mann Whitney U test (138 in control group vs. 175 in Alzheimer's patients, p value=0.25). Additionally, no significant differences were observed in the activity of this enzyme in both sexes or with increased age or duration of the disease. After adjusting for age and gender, there was no association between AChE activity and AD (regression coefficient β=0.08; p value= 0.67). Saliva AChE activity was not significantly associated with AD. This study might help in introduce a new diagnostic aid for AD or monitor patients with AD.

  8. Enzymatic characterization of insecticide resistance mechanisms in field populations of Malaysian Culex quinquefasciatus say (Diptera: Culicidae).

    PubMed

    Low, Van Lun; Chen, Chee Dhang; Lee, Han Lim; Tan, Tiong Kai; Chen, Chin Fong; Leong, Cherng Shii; Lim, Yvonne Ai Lian; Lim, Phaik Eem; Norma-Rashid, Yusoff; Sofian-Azirun, Mohd

    2013-01-01

    There has been no comprehensive study on biochemical characterization of insecticide resistance mechanisms in field populations of Malaysian Culex quinquefasciatus. To fill this void in the literature, a nationwide investigation was performed to quantify the enzyme activities, thereby attempting to characterize the potential resistance mechanisms in Cx. quinquefasciatus in residential areas in Malaysia. Culex quinquefasciatus from 14 residential areas across 13 states and one federal territory were subjected to esterases, mixed function oxidases, glutathione-S-transferase and insensitive acetylcholinesterase assays. Enzyme assays revealed that α-esterases and β-esterases were elevated in 13 populations and 12 populations, respectively. Nine populations demonstrated elevated levels of mixed function oxidases and glutathione-S-transferase. Acetylcholinesterase was insensitive to propoxur in all 14 populations. Activity of α-esterases associated with malathion resistance was found in the present study. In addition, an association between the activity of α-esterases and β-esterases was also demonstrated. The present study has characterized the potential biochemical mechanisms in contributing towards insecticide resistance in Cx. quinquefasciatus field populations in Malaysia. Identification of mechanisms underlying the insecticide resistance will be beneficial in developing effective mosquito control programs in Malaysia.

  9. Biochemical Characterization and Relative Expression Levels of Multiple Carbohydrate Esterases of the Xylanolytic Rumen Bacterium Prevotella ruminicola 23 Grown on an Ester-Enriched Substrate ▿ †

    PubMed Central

    Kabel, Mirjam A.; Yeoman, Carl J.; Han, Yejun; Dodd, Dylan; Abbas, Charles A.; de Bont, Jan A. M.; Morrison, Mark; Cann, Isaac K. O.; Mackie, Roderick I.

    2011-01-01

    We measured expression and used biochemical characterization of multiple carbohydrate esterases by the xylanolytic rumen bacterium Prevotella ruminicola 23 grown on an ester-enriched substrate to gain insight into the carbohydrate esterase activities of this hemicellulolytic rumen bacterium. The P. ruminicola 23 genome contains 16 genes predicted to encode carbohydrate esterase activity, and based on microarray data, four of these were upregulated >2-fold at the transcriptional level during growth on an ester-enriched oligosaccharide (XOSFA,Ac) from corn relative to a nonesterified fraction of corn oligosaccharides (AXOS). Four of the 16 esterases (Xyn10D-Fae1A, Axe1-6A, AxeA1, and Axe7A), including the two most highly induced esterases (Xyn10D-Fae1A and Axe1-6A), were heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli, purified, and biochemically characterized. All four enzymes showed the highest activity at physiologically relevant pH (6 to 7) and temperature (30 to 40°C) ranges. The P. ruminicola 23 Xyn10D-Fae1A (a carbohydrate esterase [CE] family 1 enzyme) released ferulic acid from methylferulate, wheat bran, corn fiber, and XOSFA,Ac, a corn fiber-derived substrate enriched in O-acetyl and ferulic acid esters, but exhibited negligible activity on sugar acetates. As expected, the P. ruminicola Axe1-6A enzyme, which was predicted to possess two distinct esterase family domains (CE1 and CE6), released ferulic acid from the same substrates as Xyn10D-Fae1 and was also able to cleave O-acetyl ester bonds from various acetylated oligosaccharides (AcXOS). The P. ruminicola 23 AxeA1, which is not assigned to a CE family, and Axe7A (CE7) were found to be acetyl esterases that had activity toward a broad range of mostly nonpolymeric acetylated substrates along with AcXOS. All enzymes were inhibited by the proximal location of other side groups like 4-O-methylglucuronic acid, ferulic acid, or acetyl groups. The unique diversity of carbohydrate esterases in P. ruminicola 23 likely gives it the ability to hydrolyze substituents on the xylan backbone and enhances its capacity to efficiently degrade hemicellulose. PMID:21742923

  10. Inhibition of spicule elongation in sea urchin embryos by the acetylcholinesterase inhibitor eserine.

    PubMed

    Ohta, Kazumasa; Takahashi, Chifumi; Tosuji, Hiroaki

    2009-08-01

    The activity of acetylcholinesterase (AchE) increases rapidly after the gastrula stage of sea urchin development. In this report, changes in activity and in the molecular differentiation of AchE were investigated. AchE activity increased slightly during gastrulation and rose sharply thereafter, and was dependent on new RNA synthesis. No activity of butyrylcholinesterase was found. Morphogenesis in sea urchin embryos was inhibited by the AchE inhibitor eserine, which specifically inhibited arm rod formation but not body rod formation. Spicule formation and enzyme activity in cultured micromeres were inhibited by eserine in a dose-dependent manner. During gastrulation, two molecular forms of AchE were detected with polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The appearance of an additional band on the gel was consistent with the occurrence of a remarkable increase in the enzyme activity. This additional band appeared as a larger molecular form in Anthocidaris crassispina, Hemicentrotus pulcherrimus, Stomopneustes variolaris, and Strongylocentrotus nudus, and as a smaller form in Clypeaster japonicus and Temnopleurus hardwicki. These results suggest that the change in the molecular form of AchE induced a change in enzymatic activity that in turn may play a role in spicule elongation in sea urchin embryos.

  11. Conifer flavonoid compounds inhibit detoxification enzymes and synergize insecticides.

    PubMed

    Wang, Zhiling; Zhao, Zhong; Cheng, Xiaofei; Liu, Suqi; Wei, Qin; Scott, Ian M

    2016-02-01

    Detoxification by glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) and esterases are important mechanisms associated with insecticide resistance. Discovery of novel GST and esterase inhibitors from phytochemicals could provide potential new insecticide synergists. Conifer tree species contain flavonoids, such as taxifolin, that inhibit in vitro GST activity. The objectives were to test the relative effectiveness of taxifolin as an enzyme inhibitor and as an insecticide synergist in combination with the organophosphorous insecticide, Guthion (50% azinphos-methyl), and the botanical insecticide, pyrethrum, using an insecticide-resistant Colorado potato beetle (CPB) Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say) strain. Both taxifolin and its isomer, quercetin, increased the mortality of 1(st) instar CPB larvae after 48h when combined with Guthion, but not pyrethrum. Taxifolin had greater in vitro esterase inhibition compared with the commonly used esterase inhibitor, S, S, S-tributyl phosphorotrithioate (DEF). An in vivo esterase and GST inhibition effect after ingestion of taxifolin was measured, however DEF caused a greater suppression of esterase activity. This study demonstrated that flavonoid compounds have both in vitro and in vivo esterase inhibition, which is likely responsible for the insecticide synergism observed in insecticide-resistant CPB. Crown Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  12. Validation of ethnopharmacology of ayurvedic sarasvata ghrita and comparative evaluation of its neuroprotective effect with modern alcoholic and lipid based extracts in β-amyloid induced memory impairment.

    PubMed

    Shelar, Madhuri; Nanaware, Sadhana; Arulmozhi, S; Lohidasan, Sathiyanarayanan; Mahadik, Kakasaheb

    2018-06-12

    Sarasvata ghrita (SG), a polyherbal formulation from ayurveda, an ancient medicinal system of India, has been used to improve intelligence and memory, treat speech delay, speaking difficulties and low digestion power in children. Study aimed to validate the ethno use of SG in memory enhancement through systematic scientific protocol. The effect of SG and modern extracts of ingredients of SG was compared on cognitive function and neuroprotection in amyloid-β peptide 25-35(Aβ25-35) induced memory impairment in wistar rats. Further the underlying mechanism for neuroprotective activity was investigated. SG was prepared as per traditional method, ethanolic extract (EE) was prepared by conventional method and lipid based extract was prepared by modern extraction method. All extracts were standardised by newly developed HPLC method with respect to marker compounds. SG, EE and LE were administered orally to male Wistar rats at doses of 100,200 and 400 mg/kg Body Weight by feeding needle for a period of 21 days after the intracerebroventricular administration of Aβ25-35 bilaterally. Spatial memory of rats was tested using Morris water maze (MWM) and Radial arm maze (RAM) test. The possible underlying mechanisms for the cognitive improvement exhibited by SG, EE and LE was investigated through ex-vivo brain antioxidant effect, monoamine level estimation, acetylcholine esterase (AchE) inhibitory effect and Brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) levels estimation. SG, EE and LE were analyzed by HPLC method, results showed that EE extract has high percent of selected phytoconstituents as compared with SG and LE. SG and LE decrease escape latency and searching distance in a dose dependant manner during MWM test. In case of RAM significant decrease in number of errors and increase in number of correct choices indicate an elevation in retention and recall aspects of learning and memory after administration of SG an LE. SG and LE extract can efficiently prevent accumulation of β-amyloid plaque in hippocampus region. There was increase in SOD, GSH, CAT and NO level and decrease in MDA levels in SG and LE administered animals. SG and LE have found to exhibit AchE inhibitiory activity and significant dose-dependant increase in BDNF level in the plasma. SG and LE significantly increased the levels of noradrenaline, dopamine and 5-hydroxytryptamine in the brain. The study validated the neuroprotective activity of SG. The study concludes the extraction efficiency of SG for selected phytoconstituents is less than modern methods. However the neuroprotective activity of SG and LE was found to be greater than EE. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier B.V.

  13. Wnt3a induces the expression of acetylcholinesterase during osteoblast differentiation via the Runx2 transcription factor.

    PubMed

    Xu, Miranda L; Bi, Cathy W C; Liu, Etta Y L; Dong, Tina T X; Tsim, Karl W K

    2017-07-28

    Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) hydrolyzes acetylcholine to terminate cholinergic transmission in neurons. Apart from this AChE activity, emerging evidence suggests that AChE could also function in other, non-neuronal cells. For instance, in bone, AChE exists as a proline-rich membrane anchor (PRiMA)-linked globular form in osteoblasts, in which it is proposed to play a noncholinergic role in differentiation. However, this hypothesis is untested. Here, we found that in cultured rat osteoblasts, AChE expression was increased in parallel with osteoblastic differentiation. Because several lines of evidence indicate that AChE activity in osteoblast could be triggered by Wnt/β-catenin signaling, we added recombinant human Wnt3a to cultured osteoblasts and found that this addition induced expression of the ACHE gene and protein product. This Wnt3a-induced AChE expression was blocked by the Wnt-signaling inhibitor Dickkopf protein-1 (DKK-1). We hypothesized that the Runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), a downstream transcription factor in Wnt/β-catenin signaling, is involved in AChE regulation in osteoblasts, confirmed by the identification of a Runx2-binding site in the ACHE gene promoter, further corroborated by ChIP. Of note, Runx2 overexpression in osteoblasts induced AChE expression and activity of the ACHE promoter tagged with the luciferase gene. Moreover, deletion of the Runx2-binding site in the ACHE promoter reduced its activity during osteoblastic differentiation, and addition of 5-azacytidine and trichostatin A to differentiating osteoblasts affected AChE expression, suggesting epigenetic regulation of the ACHE gene. We conclude that AChE plays a role in osteoblastic differentiation and is regulated by both Wnt3a and Runx2. © 2017 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

  14. Brain acetycholinesterase activity in botulism-intoxicated mallards

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Rocke, T.E.; Samuel, M.D.

    1991-01-01

    Brain acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in captive-reared mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) that died of botulism was compared with euthanized controls. AChE levels for both groups were within the range reported for normal mallards, and there was no significant difference in mean AChE activity between birds that ingested botulism toxin and died and those that did not.

  15. Monitoring lipase/esterase activity by stopped flow in a sequential injection analysis system using p-nitrophenyl butyrate.

    PubMed

    Pliego, Jorge; Mateos, Juan Carlos; Rodriguez, Jorge; Valero, Francisco; Baeza, Mireia; Femat, Ricardo; Camacho, Rosa; Sandoval, Georgina; Herrera-López, Enrique J

    2015-01-27

    Lipases and esterases are biocatalysts used at the laboratory and industrial level. To obtain the maximum yield in a bioprocess, it is important to measure key variables, such as enzymatic activity. The conventional method for monitoring hydrolytic activity is to take out a sample from the bioreactor to be analyzed off-line at the laboratory. The disadvantage of this approach is the long time required to recover the information from the process, hindering the possibility to develop control systems. New strategies to monitor lipase/esterase activity are necessary. In this context and in the first approach, we proposed a lab-made sequential injection analysis system to analyze off-line samples from shake flasks. Lipase/esterase activity was determined using p-nitrophenyl butyrate as the substrate. The sequential injection analysis allowed us to measure the hydrolytic activity from a sample without dilution in a linear range from 0.05-1.60 U/mL, with the capability to reach sample dilutions up to 1000 times, a sampling frequency of five samples/h, with a kinetic reaction of 5 min and a relative standard deviation of 8.75%. The results are promising to monitor lipase/esterase activity in real time, in which optimization and control strategies can be designed.

  16. Monitoring Lipase/Esterase Activity by Stopped Flow in a Sequential Injection Analysis System Using p-Nitrophenyl Butyrate

    PubMed Central

    Pliego, Jorge; Mateos, Juan Carlos; Rodriguez, Jorge; Valero, Francisco; Baeza, Mireia; Femat, Ricardo; Camacho, Rosa; Sandoval, Georgina; Herrera-López, Enrique J.

    2015-01-01

    Lipases and esterases are biocatalysts used at the laboratory and industrial level. To obtain the maximum yield in a bioprocess, it is important to measure key variables, such as enzymatic activity. The conventional method for monitoring hydrolytic activity is to take out a sample from the bioreactor to be analyzed off-line at the laboratory. The disadvantage of this approach is the long time required to recover the information from the process, hindering the possibility to develop control systems. New strategies to monitor lipase/esterase activity are necessary. In this context and in the first approach, we proposed a lab-made sequential injection analysis system to analyze off-line samples from shake flasks. Lipase/esterase activity was determined using p-nitrophenyl butyrate as the substrate. The sequential injection analysis allowed us to measure the hydrolytic activity from a sample without dilution in a linear range from 0.05–1.60 U/mL, with the capability to reach sample dilutions up to 1000 times, a sampling frequency of five samples/h, with a kinetic reaction of 5 min and a relative standard deviation of 8.75%. The results are promising to monitor lipase/esterase activity in real time, in which optimization and control strategies can be designed. PMID:25633600

  17. An ex vivo study of nitric oxide efflux from human erythrocytes in both genders.

    PubMed

    Duarte, Catarina; Napoleão, Patrícia; Freitas, Teresa; Saldanha, Carlota

    2016-01-01

    Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is located on outer surface of erythrocyte membrane. Gender-related differences in erythrocyte AChE enzyme activity had been verified in young adults. It is also known that binding of acetylcholine (ACh) with AChE on erythrocyte membrane initiates a signal transduction mechanism that stimulates nitric oxide (NO) efflux. This ex vivo study was done to compare the amount of NO efflux obtained from erythrocytes of healthy donors in males and females. We included 66 gender age-matched healthy donors (40-60 years old). We performed quantification of erythrocyte NO efflux from erythrocytes and of the membrane AChE enzyme activity. There are no significant differences in NO efflux from erythrocytes between men and women. Regarding AChE enzyme activity values, in this range of age, no differences between genders were obtained. However, the values of AChE enzyme activity in the third quartile of NO efflux values were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in women than in men. The efflux of NO from erythrocyte of healthy humans did not change with gender. For the same range of values of NO efflux from erythrocytes, in both gender, it was verified higher values of AChE enzyme activity in women.

  18. Oximes: Inhibitors of Human Recombinant Acetylcholinesterase. A Structure-Activity Relationship (SAR) Study

    PubMed Central

    Sepsova, Vendula; Karasova, Jana Zdarova; Korabecny, Jan; Dolezal, Rafael; Zemek, Filip; Bennion, Brian J.; Kuca, Kamil

    2013-01-01

    Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) reactivators were developed for the treatment of organophosphate intoxication. Standard care involves the use of anticonvulsants (e.g., diazepam), parasympatolytics (e.g., atropine) and oximes that restore AChE activity. However, oximes also bind to the active site of AChE, simultaneously acting as reversible inhibitors. The goal of the present study is to determine how oxime structure influences the inhibition of human recombinant AChE (hrAChE). Therefore, 24 structurally different oximes were tested and the results compared to the previous eel AChE (EeAChE) experiments. Structural factors that were tested included the number of pyridinium rings, the length and structural features of the linker, and the number and position of the oxime group on the pyridinium ring. PMID:23959117

  19. Effects of hexamethonium, phenothiazines, propranolol and ephedrine on acetylcholinesterase carbamylation by physostigmine, aldicarb and carbaryl: interaction between the active site and the functionally distinct peripheral sites in acetylcholinesterase.

    PubMed

    Singh, A K; Spassova, D

    1998-01-01

    Physostigmine, aldicarb and carbaryl were potent inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase (AChE). The physostigmine-inhibited AChE fluoresced at 300 nm excitation and 500 nm emission wavelengths, but the aldicarb and carbaryl inhibited enzyme did not. This suggests that the carbamylated active center is not the fluorescing site in AChE. The fluorescence intensity of physostigmine-inhibited AChE decreased with increasing the substrate (acetylthiocholine) concentration, thus indicating that physostigmine binding to the active site is essential for the development of fluorescence. Thus, the physostigmine-inhibited AChE fluoresces due to the binding of trimethylpyrrolo[2,3-b]indol (TMPI) moiety, formed by the hydrolysis of physostigmine, to a peripheral site in AChE. The fluorescence intensity of the physostigmine-inhibited enzyme decreased when the inhibited-enzyme was dialyzed for either 30 min that poorly reactivated the enzyme or 180 min that fully reactivated the enzyme. This suggests that dialysis dissociates the AChE-TMPI complex much faster than it reactivates the carbamylated AChE. Ephedrine, propranolol and phenothiazines including trifluoparazine (TPZ) caused non-competitive inhibition, while hexamethonium caused an uncompetitive inhibition of AChE activity. TPZ, upon binding with AChE, formed a fluorescent TPZ-enzyme complex. The fluorescence intensity of TPZ-AChE complex was effectively decreased by ephedrine, but not by propranolol or hexamethonium. This indicates that TPZ and ephedrine bind to the same site in AChE which is different from the site/or sites to which propranolol or hexamethonium bind. Hexamethonium protected AChE from inhibition by carbamates and decreased the fluorescence intensity of the physostigmine-inhibited AChE. Phenothiazines and ephedrine did not modulate the enzyme inhibition or the fluorescence intensity of the physostigmine-inhibited AChE. Propranolol and TPZ potentiated the enzyme inhibition and increased the fluorescence intensity in the presence of physostigmine. These compounds, however, did not affect the inhibition of AChE by carbaryl or aldicarb. Ephedrine blocked the effects of TPZ, but did not alter the effects of propranolol on physostigmine-inhibited AChE. AChE, therefore, contains multiple peripheral binding sites which, upon binding to specific ligands, transduce differential signals to the active center.

  20. The activity of detoxifying enzymes in the infective juveniles of Heterorhabditis bacteriophora strains: Purification and characterization of two acetylcholinesterases.

    PubMed

    Mohamed, Magda A; Mahdy, El-Sayed M E; Ghazy, Abd-El-Hady M; Ibrahim, Nihal M; El-Mezayen, Hatem A; Ghanem, Manal M E

    2016-02-01

    The infectivity and detoxifying enzyme activities including glutathione-S-transferase (GST), acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and carboxylesterase (CaE) are investigated in the infective juveniles (IJs) of six different strains of Heterorhabditis bacteriophora as a biocontrol agent against insect pests. The specific activities ranged from 10.8-29.8 and 50-220units/mg protein for GST and AChE, respectively; and from 24.7-129 and 22.6-77.3units/mg protein for CaE as estimated by P-nitrophenyl and α-naphthyl acetates, respectively. H. bacteriophora EM2 strain has the highest infectivity and the highest enzymatic activities as well. AChE is the predominant detoxifying enzyme that might imply its major role in the detoxification of insecticide(s). The isoenzyme pattern demonstrated two major slow-moving isoforms in all EPN strains examined. Purification of two AChE isoforms, AChEAII and AChEBI, from H. bacteriophora EM2 strain is performed by ammonium sulfate precipitation, gel filtration on Sephacryl S-200 and chromatography on DEAE-Sepharose. AChEAII and AChEBII have specific activities of 1207 and 1560unit/mg protein, native molecular weights of 180 and 68kDa, and are found in dimeric and monomeric forms, respectively. Both isoforms showed optimum activity at pH8.5 and 35°C. AChEBI exhibited higher thermal stability and higher activation energy than AChEAII. The enzymatic activities of purified AChEs are completely inhibited by Hg(+2) and Ni(+2) and greatly enhanced by Mn(+2). The substrate specificity, the relative efficiency of substrates hydrolysis, substrate inhibition and inhibition by BW284C51, but not by iso-OMPA, clearly indicated that they are true AChEs; their properties are compared with those recorded for insects as target hosts for H. bacteriophora EM2. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  1. Crystal Structure and Functional Characterization of an Esterase (EaEST) from Exiguobacterium antarcticum.

    PubMed

    Lee, Chang Woo; Kwon, Sena; Park, Sun-Ha; Kim, Boo-Young; Yoo, Wanki; Ryu, Bum Han; Kim, Han-Woo; Shin, Seung Chul; Kim, Sunghwan; Park, Hyun; Kim, T Doohun; Lee, Jun Hyuck

    2017-01-01

    A novel microbial esterase, EaEST, from a psychrophilic bacterium Exiguobacterium antarcticum B7, was identified and characterized. To our knowledge, this is the first report describing structural analysis and biochemical characterization of an esterase isolated from the genus Exiguobacterium. Crystal structure of EaEST, determined at a resolution of 1.9 Å, showed that the enzyme has a canonical α/β hydrolase fold with an α-helical cap domain and a catalytic triad consisting of Ser96, Asp220, and His248. Interestingly, the active site of the structure of EaEST is occupied by a peracetate molecule, which is the product of perhydrolysis of acetate. This result suggests that EaEST may have perhydrolase activity. The activity assay showed that EaEST has significant perhydrolase and esterase activity with respect to short-chain p-nitrophenyl esters (≤C8), naphthyl derivatives, phenyl acetate, and glyceryl tributyrate. However, the S96A single mutant had low esterase and perhydrolase activity. Moreover, the L27A mutant showed low levels of protein expression and solubility as well as preference for different substrates. On conducting an enantioselectivity analysis using R- and S-methyl-3-hydroxy-2-methylpropionate, a preference for R-enantiomers was observed. Surprisingly, immobilized EaEST was found to not only retain 200% of its initial activity after incubation for 1 h at 80°C, but also retained more than 60% of its initial activity after 20 cycles of reutilization. This research will serve as basis for future engineering of this esterase for biotechnological and industrial applications.

  2. Mycobacteriocins produced by rapidly growing mycobacteria are Tween-hydrolyzing esterases.

    PubMed Central

    Saito, H; Tomioka, H; Watanabe, T; Yoneyama, T

    1983-01-01

    Smegmatocin, a protein produced by Mycobacterium smegmatis ATCC 14468, was found to have an esterase activity, hydrolyzing Tween 80, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate, added to the assay medium for various "bacteriocins" from mycobacteria. Because M. diernhoferi ATCC 19340 (indicator strain for smegmatocin) is highly susceptible to oleic acid and smegmatocin requires Tween 80 for manifestation of its anti-M. diernhoferi activity, it is likely that smegmatocin-mediated antimicrobial action is caused by oleic acid generated by hydrolysis of Tween 80 by the inherent esterase action of smegmatocin. Other mycobacteriocins from rapidly growing mycobacteria also have inherent esterase activity against Tween 80 and require Tween 80 for expression of antimycobacterial action. Smegmatocin was found to hydrolyze various polyoxyethylene (sorbitan) fatty acyl esters but not sorbitan monooleate and glyceryl esters. Images PMID:6826523

  3. Est10: A Novel Alkaline Esterase Isolated from Bovine Rumen Belonging to the New Family XV of Lipolytic Enzymes

    PubMed Central

    Rodríguez, María Cecilia; Loaces, Inés; Amarelle, Vanesa; Senatore, Daniella; Iriarte, Andrés; Fabiano, Elena; Noya, Francisco

    2015-01-01

    A metagenomic fosmid library from bovine rumen was used to identify clones with lipolytic activity. One positive clone was isolated. The gene responsible for the observed phenotype was identified by in vitro transposon mutagenesis and sequencing and was named est10. The 367 amino acids sequence harbors a signal peptide, the conserved secondary structure arrangement of alpha/beta hydrolases, and a GHSQG pentapeptide which is characteristic of esterases and lipases. Homology based 3D-modelling confirmed the conserved spatial orientation of the serine in a nucleophilic elbow. By sequence comparison, Est10 is related to hydrolases that are grouped into the non-specific Pfam family DUF3089 and to other characterized esterases that were recently classified into the new family XV of lipolytic enzymes. Est10 was heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli as a His-tagged fusion protein, purified and biochemically characterized. Est10 showed maximum activity towards C4 aliphatic chains and undetectable activity towards C10 and longer chains which prompted its classification as an esterase. However, it was able to efficiently catalyze the hydrolysis of aryl esters such as methyl phenylacetate and phenyl acetate. The optimum pH of this enzyme is 9.0, which is uncommon for esterases, and it exhibits an optimal temperature at 40°C. The activity of Est10 was inhibited by metal ions, detergents, chelating agents and additives. We have characterized an alkaline esterase produced by a still unidentified bacterium belonging to a recently proposed new family of esterases. PMID:25973851

  4. Est10: A Novel Alkaline Esterase Isolated from Bovine Rumen Belonging to the New Family XV of Lipolytic Enzymes.

    PubMed

    Rodríguez, María Cecilia; Loaces, Inés; Amarelle, Vanesa; Senatore, Daniella; Iriarte, Andrés; Fabiano, Elena; Noya, Francisco

    2015-01-01

    A metagenomic fosmid library from bovine rumen was used to identify clones with lipolytic activity. One positive clone was isolated. The gene responsible for the observed phenotype was identified by in vitro transposon mutagenesis and sequencing and was named est10. The 367 amino acids sequence harbors a signal peptide, the conserved secondary structure arrangement of alpha/beta hydrolases, and a GHSQG pentapeptide which is characteristic of esterases and lipases. Homology based 3D-modelling confirmed the conserved spatial orientation of the serine in a nucleophilic elbow. By sequence comparison, Est10 is related to hydrolases that are grouped into the non-specific Pfam family DUF3089 and to other characterized esterases that were recently classified into the new family XV of lipolytic enzymes. Est10 was heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli as a His-tagged fusion protein, purified and biochemically characterized. Est10 showed maximum activity towards C4 aliphatic chains and undetectable activity towards C10 and longer chains which prompted its classification as an esterase. However, it was able to efficiently catalyze the hydrolysis of aryl esters such as methyl phenylacetate and phenyl acetate. The optimum pH of this enzyme is 9.0, which is uncommon for esterases, and it exhibits an optimal temperature at 40 °C. The activity of Est10 was inhibited by metal ions, detergents, chelating agents and additives. We have characterized an alkaline esterase produced by a still unidentified bacterium belonging to a recently proposed new family of esterases.

  5. GaAs laser therapy reestablishes the morphology of the NMJ and nAChRs after injury due to bupivacaine.

    PubMed

    Pissulin, Cristiane Neves Alessi; de Souza Castro, Paula Aiello Tomé; Codina, Flávio; Pinto, Carina Guidi; Vechetti-Junior, Ivan Jose; Matheus, Selma Maria Michelin

    2017-02-01

    Local anesthetics are used to relieve pre- and postoperative pain, acting on both sodium channels and nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR) at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ). Bupivacaine acts as a non-competitive antagonist and has limitations, such as myotoxicity, neurotoxicity, and inflammation. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has anti-inflammatory, regenerative, and analgesic effects. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of a gallium arsenide laser (GaAs) on the morphology of the NMJ and nAChRs after application of bupivacaine in the sternomastoid muscle. Thirty-two adult male Wistar rats received injections of bupivacaine 0.5% (Bupi: right antimere) and 0.9% sodium chloride (Cl: left antimere). Next, the animals were divided into a Control group (C) and a Laser group (LLLT). The laser group received LLLT (GaAs 904nm, 50mW, 4,8J) in both antimeres for five consecutive days. After seven days, the animals were euthanized and the surface portion of the sternomastoid muscle was removed, frozen, and subjected to morphological and morphometric analyses of the NMJs (nonspecific esterase reaction), confocal laser scanning, and an ultrastructural analysis. The nAChRs were quantified by Western blotting. In the chloride group, the morphology and morphometry of the NMJs remained stable. The maximum diameters of the NMJs were lower in the Bupi (15.048±1.985) and LLLT/Bupi subgroups (15.456±1.983) compared to the Cl (18.502±2.058) and LLLT/Cl subgroups (19.356±2.522) (p<0.05). Ultrastructurally, LLLT reduced myonecrosis observed after application of bupivacaine, with recovery in the junctional folds and active zone. There was an increase in the perimeter of the LLLT/Bupi subgroup (150.33) compared to the Bupi subgroup (74.69) (p<0.01) observed by confocal microscopy. There was also an increase in the relative planar area of the NMJ after LBI (8.75) compared to CBupi (4.80) (p<0.01). An analysis of the protein expression of nAChRα1 showed no major differences in the groups studied. There was an increase in protein expression of the ε subunit after application of LLLT (13.055) compared to Bupi (0.251) (p<0.01). Taken together, the present experiments indicate that there was a positive association of the α and γ subunits (p<0.05). These results demonstrate that LLLT at the dose used in this study reduced structural alterations in the NMJ and molecular changes in nAChRs triggered by bupivacaine, providing important data supporting the use of LLLT in therapeutic protocols for injuries triggered by local anesthetics. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  6. Cholesterol esterase inhibitory activity of bioactives from leaves of Mangifera indica L

    PubMed Central

    Gururaja, G. M.; Mundkinajeddu, Deepak; Dethe, Shekhar M.; Sangli, Gopala K.; Abhilash, K.; Agarwal, Amit

    2015-01-01

    Background: In the earlier studies, methanolic extract of Mangifera indica L leaf was exhibited hypocholesterol activity. However, the bioactive compounds responsible for the same are not reported so far. Objective: To isolate the bioactive compounds with hypocholesterol activity from the leaf extract using cholesterol esterase inhibition assay which can be used for the standardization of extract. Materials and Methods: The leaf methanolic extract of M. indica (Sindoora variety) was partitioned with ethyl acetate and chromatographed on silica gel to yield twelve fractions and the activity was monitored by using cholesterol esterase inhibition assay. Active fractions were re-chromatographed to yield individual compounds. Results and Discussion: A major compound mangiferin present in the extract was screened along with other varieties of mango leaves for cholesterol esterase inhibition assay. However, the result indicates that compounds other than mangiferin may be active in the extract. Invitro pancreatic cholesterol esterase inhibition assay was used for bioactivity guided fractionation (BAGF) to yield bioactive compound for standardization of extract. Bioactivity guided fractionation afford the active fraction containing 3b-taraxerol with an IC50 value of 0.86μg/ml. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that M. indica methanol extract of leaf have significant hypocholesterol activity which is standardized with 3b-taraxerol, a standardized extract for hypocholesterol activity resulted in development of dietary supplement from leaves of Mangifera indica. PMID:26692750

  7. [Effect of acetylcholine and acetylcholinesterase on the activity of contractile vacuole of Amoeba proteus].

    PubMed

    Bagrov, Ia Iu; Manusova, N B

    2011-01-01

    Acetylcholine (ACh, 1 microM) stimulates activity of the contractile vacuole of proteus. The effect of ACh is not mimicked by its analogs which are not hydrolyzed by acetylcholinesterase (AChE), i. e., carbacholine and 5-methylfurmethide. The effect of ACh is not sensitive to the blocking action of M-cholinolytics, atropine and mytolone, but is suppressed by N-cholinolytic, tubocurarine. The inhibitors of AChE, eserine (0.01 microM) and armine (0.1 microM), suppress the effect of ACh on amoeba contractile vacuole. ACh does not affect activation of contractile vacuole induced by arginine-vasopressin (1 microM), but it blocks such effect of opiate receptors agonist, dynorphin A1-13 (0.01 microM). This effect of ACh is also suppressed by the inhibitors of AChE. These results suggest that, in the above-described effects of ACh, AChE acts not as an antagonist, but rather as a synergist.

  8. Acotiamide Hydrochloride, a Therapeutic Agent for Functional Dyspepsia, Enhances Acetylcholine-induced Contraction via Inhibition of Acetylcholinesterase Activity in Circular Muscle Strips of Guinea Pig Stomach.

    PubMed

    Ito, K; Kawachi, M; Matsunaga, Y; Hori, Y; Ozaki, T; Nagahama, K; Hirayama, M; Kawabata, Y; Shiraishi, Y; Takei, M; Tanaka, T

    2016-04-01

    Acotiamide is a first-in-class prokinetic drug approved in Japan for the treatment of functional dyspepsia. Given that acotiamide enhances gastric motility in conscious dogs and rats, we assessed the in vitro effects of this drug on the contraction of guinea pig stomach strips and on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in stomach homogenate following fundus removal. We also investigated the serotonin 5-HT4 receptor agonist mosapride, dopamine D2 receptor and AChE inhibitor itopride, and representative AChE inhibitor neostigmine. Acotiamide (0.3 and 1 μM) and itopride (1 and 3 μM) significantly enhanced the contraction of gastric body strips induced by electrical field stimulation (EFS), but mosapride (1 and 10 μM) did not. Acotiamide and itopride significantly enhanced the contraction of gastric body and antrum strips induced by acetylcholine (ACh), but not that induced by carbachol (CCh). Neostigmine also significantly enhanced the contraction of gastric body strips induced by ACh, but not that by CCh. In contrast, mosapride failed to enhance contractions induced by either ACh or CCh in gastric antrum strips. Acotiamide exerted mixed inhibition of AChE, and the percentage inhibition of acotiamide (100 μM) against AChE activity was markedly reduced after the reaction mixture was dialyzed. In contrast, itopride exerted noncompetitive inhibition on AChE activity. These results indicate that acotiamide enhances ACh-dependent contraction in gastric strips of guinea pigs via the inhibition of AChE activity, and that it exerts mixed and reversible inhibition of AChE derived from guinea pig stomach. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

  9. A p-coumaroyl esterase from Rhizoctonia solani with a pronounced chlorogenic acid esterase activity.

    PubMed

    Nieter, Annabel; Kelle, Sebastian; Linke, Diana; Berger, Ralf G

    2017-07-25

    Extracellular esterase activity was detected in submerged cultures of Rhizoctonia solani grown in the presence of sugar beet pectin or Tween 80. Putative type B feruloyl esterase (FAE) coding sequences found in the genome data of the basidiomycete were heterologously expressed in Pichia pastoris. Recombinant enzyme production on the 5-L bioreactor scale (Rs pCAE: 3245UL -1 ) exceeded the productivity of the wild type strain by a factor of 800. Based on substrate specificity profiling, the purified recombinant Rs pCAE was classified as a p-coumaroyl esterase (pCAE) with a pronounced chlorogenic acid esterase side activity. The Rs pCAE was also active on methyl cinnamate, caffeate and ferulate and on feruloylated saccharides. The unprecedented substrate profile of Rs pCAE together with the lack of sequence similarity to known FAEs or pCAEs suggested that the Rs pCAE represents a new type of enzyme. Hydroxycinnamic acids were released from agro-industrial side-streams, such as destarched wheat bran (DSWB), sugar beet pectin (SBP) and coffee pulp (CP). Overnight incubation of coffee pulp with the Rs pCAE resulted in the efficient release of p-coumaric (100%), caffeic (100%) and ferulic acid (85%) indicating possible applications for the valorization of food processing wastes and for the enhanced degradation of lignified biomass. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  10. Characterization of a Feruloyl Esterase from Lactobacillus plantarum

    PubMed Central

    Esteban-Torres, María; Reverón, Inés; Mancheño, José Miguel; de las Rivas, Blanca

    2013-01-01

    Lactobacillus plantarum is frequently found in the fermentation of plant-derived food products, where hydroxycinnamoyl esters are abundant. L. plantarum WCFS1 cultures were unable to hydrolyze hydroxycinnamoyl esters; however, cell extracts from the strain partially hydrolyze methyl ferulate and methyl p-coumarate. In order to discover whether the protein Lp_0796 is the enzyme responsible for this hydrolytic activity, it was recombinantly overproduced and enzymatically characterized. Lp_0796 is an esterase that, among other substrates, is able to efficiently hydrolyze the four model substrates for feruloyl esterases (methyl ferulate, methyl caffeate, methyl p-coumarate, and methyl sinapinate). A screening test for the detection of the gene encoding feruloyl esterase Lp_0796 revealed that it is generally present among L. plantarum strains. The present study constitutes the description of feruloyl esterase activity in L. plantarum and provides new insights into the metabolism of hydroxycinnamic compounds in this bacterial species. PMID:23793626

  11. Characterization of a feruloyl esterase from Lactobacillus plantarum.

    PubMed

    Esteban-Torres, María; Reverón, Inés; Mancheño, José Miguel; de Las Rivas, Blanca; Muñoz, Rosario

    2013-09-01

    Lactobacillus plantarum is frequently found in the fermentation of plant-derived food products, where hydroxycinnamoyl esters are abundant. L. plantarum WCFS1 cultures were unable to hydrolyze hydroxycinnamoyl esters; however, cell extracts from the strain partially hydrolyze methyl ferulate and methyl p-coumarate. In order to discover whether the protein Lp_0796 is the enzyme responsible for this hydrolytic activity, it was recombinantly overproduced and enzymatically characterized. Lp_0796 is an esterase that, among other substrates, is able to efficiently hydrolyze the four model substrates for feruloyl esterases (methyl ferulate, methyl caffeate, methyl p-coumarate, and methyl sinapinate). A screening test for the detection of the gene encoding feruloyl esterase Lp_0796 revealed that it is generally present among L. plantarum strains. The present study constitutes the description of feruloyl esterase activity in L. plantarum and provides new insights into the metabolism of hydroxycinnamic compounds in this bacterial species.

  12. Metformin and Its Sulfenamide Prodrugs Inhibit Human Cholinesterase Activity.

    PubMed

    Markowicz-Piasecka, Magdalena; Sikora, Joanna; Mateusiak, Łukasz; Mikiciuk-Olasik, Elżbieta; Huttunen, Kristiina M

    2017-01-01

    The results of epidemiological and pathophysiological studies suggest that type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) may predispose to Alzheimer's disease (AD). The two conditions present similar glucose levels, insulin resistance, and biochemical etiologies such as inflammation and oxidative stress. The diabetic state also contributes to increased acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, which is one of the factors leading to neurodegeneration in AD. The aim of this study was to assess in vitro the effects of metformin, phenformin, and metformin sulfenamide prodrugs on the activity of human AChE and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) and establish the type of inhibition. Metformin inhibited 50% of the AChE activity at micromolar concentrations (2.35  μ mol/mL, mixed type of inhibition) and seemed to be selective towards AChE since it presented low anti-BuChE activity. The tested metformin prodrugs inhibited cholinesterases (ChE) at nanomolar range and thus were more active than metformin or phenformin. The cyclohexyl sulfenamide prodrug demonstrated the highest activity towards both AChE (IC 50  = 890 nmol/mL, noncompetitive inhibition) and BuChE (IC 50  = 28 nmol/mL, mixed type inhibition), while the octyl sulfenamide prodrug did not present anti-AChE activity, but exhibited mixed inhibition towards BuChE (IC 50  = 184 nmol/mL). Therefore, these two bulkier prodrugs were concluded to be the most selective compounds for BuChE over AChE. In conclusion, it was demonstrated that biguanides present a novel class of inhibitors for AChE and BuChE and encourages further studies of these compounds for developing both selective and nonselective inhibitors of ChEs in the future.

  13. Balance of Activities of Alcohol Acetyltransferase and Esterase in Saccharomyces cerevisiae Is Important for Production of Isoamyl Acetate

    PubMed Central

    Fukuda, Kiyoshi; Yamamoto, Nagi; Kiyokawa, Yoshifumi; Yanagiuchi, Toshiyasu; Wakai, Yoshinori; Kitamoto, Katsuhiko; Inoue, Yoshiharu; Kimura, Akira

    1998-01-01

    Isoamyl acetate is synthesized from isoamyl alcohol and acetyl coenzyme A by alcohol acetyltransferase (AATFase) in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and is hydrolyzed by esterases at the same time. We hypothesized that the balance of both enzyme activities was important for optimum production of isoamyl acetate in sake brewing. To test this hypothesis, we constructed yeast strains with different numbers of copies of the AATFase gene (ATF1) and the isoamyl acetate-hydrolyzing esterase gene (IAH1) and used these strains in small-scale sake brewing. Fermentation profiles as well as components of the resulting sake were largely alike; however, the amount of isoamyl acetate in the sake increased with an increasing ratio of AATFase/Iah1p esterase activity. Therefore, we conclude that the balance of these two enzyme activities is important for isoamyl acetate accumulation in sake mash. PMID:9758847

  14. Synthesis, Biological Evaluation and Molecular Docking Study of Hydrazone-Containing Pyridinium Salts as Cholinesterase Inhibitors.

    PubMed

    Parlar, Sulunay; Bayraktar, Gulsah; Tarikogullari, Ayse Hande; Alptüzün, Vildan; Erciyas, Ercin

    2016-01-01

    A series of pyridinium salts bearing alkylphenyl groups at 1 position and hydrazone structure at 4 position of the pyridinium ring were synthesized and evaluated for the inhibition of both acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) enzymes. The cholinesterase (ChE) inhibitory activity studies were carried out by using the Ellman's colorimetric method. All compounds displayed considerable AChE and BuChE inhibitory activity and some of the compounds manifested remarkable anti-AChE activity compared to the reference compound, galantamine. Among the title compounds, the series including benzofuran aromatic ring exhibited the best inhibitory activity both on AChE and BuChE enzymes. Compound 3b, 4-[2-(1-(benzofuran-2-yl)ethylidene)hydrazinyl]-1-(3-phenylpropyl)pyridinium bromide, was the most active compound with IC50 value of 0.23 (0.24) µM against enantiomeric excess (ee)AChE (human (h)AChE) while compound 3a, 4-[2-(1-(benzofuran-2-yl)ethylidene)hydrazinyl]-1-phenethylpyridinium bromide, was the most active compound with IC50 value of 0.95 µM against BuChE. Moreover, 3a and b exhibited higher activity than the reference compound galantamine (eeAChE (hAChE) IC50 0.43 (0.52) µM; BuChE IC50 14.92 µM). Molecular docking studies were carried out on 3b having highest inhibitory activity against AChE.

  15. Curcumin administration suppress acetylcholinesterase gene expression in cadmium treated rats.

    PubMed

    Akinyemi, Ayodele Jacob; Oboh, Ganiyu; Fadaka, Adewale Oluwaseun; Olatunji, Babawale Peter; Akomolafe, Seun

    2017-09-01

    Curcumin, the main polyphenolic component of turmeric (Curcuma longa) rhizomes have been reported to exert anticholinesterase potential with limited information on how they regulate acetylcholinesterase (AChE) gene expression. Hence, this study sought to evaluate the effect of curcumin on cerebral cortex acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity and their mRNA gene expression level in cadmium (Cd)-treated rats. Furthermore, in vitro effect of different concentrations of curcumin (1-5μg/mL) on rat cerebral cortex AChE activity was assessed. Animals were divided into six groups (n=6): group 1 serve as control (without Cd) and receive saline/vehicle, group 2 receive saline plus curcumin at 25mg/kg, group 3 receive saline plus curcumin 50mg/kg, group 4 receive Cd plus vehicle, group 5 receive Cd plus curcumin at 25mg/kg and group 6 receive Cd plus curcumin at 50mg/kg. Rats received Cd (2.5mg/kg) and curcumin (25 and 50mg/kg, respectively) by oral gavage for 7days. Acetylcholinesterase activity was measured by Ellman's method and AChE expression was carried out by a quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) assay. We observed that acute administration of Cd increased acetylcholinesterase activity and in addition caused a significant (P<0.05) increase in AChE mRNA levels in whole cerebral cortex when compared to control group. However, co-treatment with curcumin inhibited AChE activity and alters AChE mRNA levels when compared to Cd-treated group. In addition, curcumin inhibits rat cerebral cortex AChE activity in vitro. In conclusion, curcumin exhibit anti-acetylcholinesterase activity and suppressed AChE mRNA gene expression level in Cd exposed rats, thus providing some biochemical and molecular evidence on the therapeutic effect of this turmeric-derived compound in treating neurological disorders including Alzheimer's disease. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  16. Treatment with endotracheal therapeutics after sarin microinstillation inhalation exposure increases blood cholinesterase levels in guinea pigs.

    PubMed

    Che, Magnus M; Song, Jian; Oguntayo, Samuel; Doctor, Bhupendra P; Rezk, Peter; Perkins, Michael W; Sciuto, Alfred M; Nambiar, Madhusoodana P

    2012-05-01

    Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) activities were measured in the blood and tissues of animals that are treated with a number of endotracheally aerosolized therapeutics for protection against inhalation toxicity to sarin. Therapeutics included, aerosolized atropine methyl bromide (AMB), scopolamine or combination of AMB with salbutamol, sphingosine 1-phosphate, keratinocyte growth factor, adenosine A1 receptor antisense oligonucleotide (EPI2010), 2,3-diacetyloxybenzoic acid (2,3 DABA), oxycyte, and survanta. Guinea pigs exposed to 677.4 mg/m(3) or 846.5 mg/m(3) (1.2 LCt(50)) sarin for 4 min using a microinstillation inhalation exposure technique and treated 1 min later with the aerosolized therapeutics. Treatment with all therapeutics significantly increased the survival rate with no convulsions throughout the 24 h study period. Blood AChE activity determined using acetylthiocholine as substrate showed 20% activity remaining in sarin-exposed animals compare to controls. In aerosolized AMB and scopolamine-treated animals the remaining AChE activity was significantly higher (45-60%) compared to sarin-exposed animals (p < 0.05). Similarly, treatment with all the combination therapeutics resulted in significant increase in blood AChE activity in comparison to sarin-exposed animals although the increases varied between treatments (p < 0.05). BChE activity was increased after treatment with aerosolized therapeutics but was lesser in magnitude compared to AChE activity changes. Various tissues showed elevated AChE activity after therapeutic treatment of sarin-exposed animals. Increased AChE and BChE activities in animals treated with nasal therapeutics suggest that enhanced breathing and reduced respiratory toxicity/lung injury possibly contribute to rapid normalization of chemical warfare nerve agent inhibited cholinesterases.

  17. Naturally Occurring Variations in the Human Cholinesterase Genes: Heritability and Association with Cardiovascular and Metabolic Traits

    PubMed Central

    Valle, Anne M.; Radić, Zoran; Rana, Brinda K.; Mahboubi, Vafa; Wessel, Jennifer; Shih, Pei-an Betty; Rao, Fangwen; O'Connor, Daniel T.

    2011-01-01

    Cholinergic neurotransmission in the central and autonomic nervous systems regulates immediate variations in and longer-term maintenance of cardiovascular function with acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity that is critical to temporal responsiveness. Butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), largely confined to the liver and plasma, subserves metabolic functions. AChE and BChE are found in hematopoietic cells and plasma, enabling one to correlate enzyme levels in whole blood with hereditary traits in twins. Using both twin and unrelated subjects, we found certain single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the ACHE gene correlated with catalytic properties and general cardiovascular functions. SNP discovery from ACHE resequencing identified 19 SNPs: 7 coding SNPs (cSNPs), of which 4 are nonsynonymous, and 12 SNPs in untranslated regions, of which 3 are in a conserved sequence of an upstream intron. Both AChE and BChE activity traits in blood were heritable: AChE at 48.8 ± 6.1% and BChE at 81.4 ± 2.8%. Allelic and haplotype variations in the ACHE and BCHE genes were associated with changes in blood AChE and BChE activities. AChE activity was associated with BP status and SBP, whereas BChE activity was associated with features of the metabolic syndrome (especially body weight and BMI). Gene products from cDNAs with nonsynonymous cSNPs were expressed and purified. Protein expression of ACHE nonsynonymous variant D134H (SNP6) is impaired: this variant shows compromised stability and altered rates of organophosphate inhibition and oxime-assisted reactivation. A substantial fraction of the D134H instability could be reversed in the D134H/R136Q mutant. Hence, common genetic variations at ACHE and BCHE loci were associated with changes in corresponding enzymatic activities in blood. PMID:21493754

  18. Comparative study on short- and long-term behavioral consequences of organophosphate exposure: relationship to AChE mRNA expression.

    PubMed

    López-Granero, Caridad; Cardona, Diana; Giménez, Estela; Lozano, Rafael; Barril, José; Aschner, Michael; Sánchez-Santed, Fernando; Cañadas, Fernando

    2014-01-01

    Organophosphates (OPs) affect behavior by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase (AChE). While the cognitive short-term effects may be directly attributed to this inhibition, the mechanisms that underlie OP's long-term cognitive effects remain controversial and poorly understood. Accordingly, two experiments were designed to assess the effects of OPs on cognition, and to ascertain whether both the short- and long-term effects of are AChE-dependent. A single subcutaneous dose of 250 mg/kg chlorpyrifos (CPF), 1.5mg/kg diisopropylphosphorofluoridate (DFP) or 15 mg/kg parathion (PTN) was administered to male Wistar rats. Spatial learning was evaluated 72 h or 23 weeks after exposure, and impulsive choice was tested at 10 and 30 weeks following OPs administration (experiment 1 and 2, respectively). Brain soluble and membrane-bound AChE activity, synaptic AChE-S mRNA, read-through AChE-R mRNA and brain acylpeptide hydrolase (APH) activity (as alternative non-cholinergic target) were analyzed upon completion of the behavioral testing (17 and 37 weeks after OPs exposure). Both short- and long-term CPF treatment caused statistically significant effects on spatial learning, while PTN treatment led only to statistically significant short-term effects. Neither CPF, DFP nor PTN affected the long-term impulsivity response. Long-term exposure to CPF and DFP significantly decreased AChE-S and AChE-R mRNA, while in the PTN treated group only AChE-S mRNA levels were decreased. However, after long-term OP exposure, soluble and membrane-bound AChE activity was indistinguishable from controls. Finally, no changes were noted in brain APH activity in response to OP treatment. Taken together, this study demonstrates long-term effects of OPs on AChE-S and AChE-R mRNA in the absence of changes in AChE soluble and membrane-bound activity. Thus, changes in AChE mRNA expression imply non-catalytic properties of the AChE enzyme. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  19. A selective molecularly imprinted polymer for immobilization of acetylcholinesterase (AChE): an active enzyme targeted and efficient method.

    PubMed

    Demirci, Gökhan; Doğaç, Yasemin İspirli; Teke, Mustafa

    2015-11-01

    In the present study, we immobilized acetylcholinesterase (AChE) enzyme onto acetylcholine removed imprinted polymer and acetylcholine containing polymer. First, the polymers were produced with acetylcholine, substrate of AChE, by dispersion polymerization. Then, the enzyme was immobilized onto the polymers by using two different methods: In the first method (method A), acetylcholine was removed from the polymer, and then AChE was immobilized onto this polymer (acetylcholine removed imprinted polymer). In the second method (method B), AChE was immobilized onto acetylcholine containing polymer by affinity. In method A, enzyme-specific species (binding sites) occurred by removing acetylcholine from the polymer. The immobilized AChE reached 240% relative specific activity comparison with free AChE because the active enzyme molecules bounded onto the polymer. Transmission electron microscopy results were taken before and after immobilization of AChE for the assessment of morphological structure of polymer. Also, the experiments, which include optimum temperature (25-65 °C), optimum pH (3-10), thermal stability (4-70 °C), kinetic parameters, operational stability and reusability, were performed to determine the characteristic of the immobilized AChE. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  20. Arisugacins A and B, novel and selective acetylcholinesterase inhibitors from Penicillium sp. FO-4259. I. Screening, taxonomy, fermentation, isolation and biological activity.

    PubMed

    Kuno, F; Otoguro, K; Shiomi, K; Iwai, Y; Omura, S

    1996-08-01

    An in vitro screening method for selective acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors was established. Inhibitory activity of AChE and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) was measured and the culture broths of microorganisms that showed selective inhibition against AChE were characterized. By using this method, a strain producing the novel and selective inhibitors of AChE, arisugacins A and B, was picked out among over seven thousand microorganisms tested. Arisugacins were obtained as white powders from the culture broth together with three known compounds, territrems B and C and cyclopenin that also showed selective inhibition against AChE. Arisugacins and territrems are members of the meroterpenoid compounds. They showed potent inhibitory activities against AChE with IC50 values in range of 1.0 approximately 25.8 nM. Furthermore, they showed greater than 2,000-fold more potent inhibition against AChE than BuChE.

  1. Solid-state fermentation as a potential technique for esterase/lipase production by halophilic archaea.

    PubMed

    Martin del Campo, Martha; Camacho, Rosa M; Mateos-Díaz, Juan C; Müller-Santos, Marcelo; Córdova, Jesus; Rodríguez, Jorge A

    2015-11-01

    Halophilic archaea are extremophiles, adapted to high-salt environments, showing a big biotechnological potential as enzyme, lipids and pigments producers. Four inert supports (perlite, vermiculite, polyurethane foam and glass fiber) were employed for solid-state fermentation (SSF) of the halophilic archaeon Natronococcus sp. TC6 to investigate biomass and esterase production. A very low esterase activity and high water activity were observed when perlite, vermiculite and polyurethane were used as supports. When glass fiber was employed, an important moisture loss was observed (8.6%). Moreover, moisture retention was improved by mixing polyurethane and glass fiber, resulting in maximal biomass and esterase production. Three halophilic archaea: Natronococcus sp. TC6, Halobacterium sp. NRC-1 and Haloarcula marismortui were cultured by submerged fermentation (SmF) and by SSF; an improvement of 1.3- to 6.2-fold was observed in the biomass and esterase production when SSF was used. Growth was not homogeneous in the mixture, but was predominant in the glass fiber thus was probably because the glass fiber provides a holder to the cells, while the polyurethane acts as an impregnation medium reservoir. To the best of our knowledge, this work is the first report on haloarchaea cultivation by SSF aiming biomass and esterase/lipase activity production.

  2. Isolation and characterization of novel lipases/esterases from a bovine rumen metagenome.

    PubMed

    Privé, Florence; Newbold, C Jamie; Kaderbhai, Naheed N; Girdwood, Susan G; Golyshina, Olga V; Golyshin, Peter N; Scollan, Nigel D; Huws, Sharon A

    2015-07-01

    Improving the health beneficial fatty acid content of meat and milk is a major challenge requiring an increased understanding of rumen lipid metabolism. In this study, we isolated and characterized rumen bacterial lipases/esterases using functional metagenomics. Metagenomic libraries were constructed from DNA extracted from strained rumen fluid (SRF), solid-attached bacteria (SAB) and liquid-associated rumen bacteria (LAB), ligated into a fosmid vector and subsequently transformed into an Escherichia coli host. Fosmid libraries consisted of 7,744; 8,448; and 7,680 clones with an average insert size of 30 to 35 kbp for SRF, SAB and LAB, respectively. Transformants were screened on spirit blue agar plates containing tributyrin for lipase/esterase activity. Five SAB and four LAB clones exhibited lipolytic activity, and no positive clones were found in the SRF library. Fosmids from positive clones were pyrosequenced and twelve putative lipase/esterase genes and two phospholipase genes retrieved. Although the derived proteins clustered into diverse esterase and lipase families, a degree of novelty was seen, with homology ranging from 40 to 78% following BlastP searches. Isolated lipases/esterases exhibited activity against mostly short- to medium-chain substrates across a range of temperatures and pH. The function of these novel enzymes recovered in ruminal metabolism needs further investigation, alongside their potential industrial uses.

  3. Sepsis Strengthens Antagonistic Actions of Neostigmine on Rocuronium in a Rat Model of Cecal Ligation and Puncture

    PubMed Central

    Wu, Jin; Jin, Tian; Wang, Hong; Li, Shi-Tong

    2016-01-01

    Background: The antagonistic actions of anticholinesterase drugs on non-depolarizing muscle relaxants are theoretically related to the activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in the neuromuscular junction (NMJ). However, till date the changes of AChE activity in the NMJ during sepsis have not been directly investigated. We aimed to investigate the effects of sepsis on the antagonistic actions of neostigmine on rocuronium (Roc) and the underlying changes of AChE activity in the NMJ in a rat model of cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). Methods: A total of 28 male adult Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized to undergo a sham surgery (the sham group, n = 12) or CLP (the septic group, n = 16). After 24 h, the time-response curves of the antagonistic actions of 0.1 or 0.5 μmol/L of neostigmine on Roc (10 μmol/L)-depressed diaphragm twitch tension were measured. Meanwhile, the activity of AChE in the NMJ was detected using a modified Karnovsky and Roots method. The mRNA levels of the primary transcript and the type T transcript of AChE (AChET) in the diaphragm were determined by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Results: Four of 16 rats in the septic group died within 24 h. The time-response curves of both two concentrations of neostigmine in the septic group showed significant upward shifts from those in the sham group (P < 0.001 for 0.1 μmol/L; P = 0.009 for 0.5 μmol/L). Meanwhile, the average optical density of AChE in the NMJ in the septic group was significantly lower than that in the sham group (0.517 ± 0.045 vs. 1.047 ± 0.087, P < 0.001). The AChE and AChET mRNA expression levels in the septic group were significantly lower than those in the sham group (P = 0.002 for AChE; P = 0.001 for AChET). Conclusions: Sepsis strengthened the antagonistic actions of neostigmine on Roc-depressed twitch tension of the diaphragm by inhibiting the activity of AChE in the NMJ. The reduced content of AChE might be one of the possible causes of the decreased AChE activity in the NMJ. PMID:27270546

  4. Identification of new allosteric sites and modulators of AChE through computational and experimental tools.

    PubMed

    Roca, Carlos; Requena, Carlos; Sebastián-Pérez, Víctor; Malhotra, Sony; Radoux, Chris; Pérez, Concepción; Martinez, Ana; Antonio Páez, Juan; Blundell, Tom L; Campillo, Nuria E

    2018-12-01

    Allosteric sites on proteins are targeted for designing more selective inhibitors of enzyme activity and to discover new functions. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE), which is most widely known for the hydrolysis of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, has a peripheral allosteric subsite responsible for amyloidosis in Alzheimer's disease through interaction with amyloid β-peptide. However, AChE plays other non-hydrolytic functions. Here, we identify and characterise using computational tools two new allosteric sites in AChE, which have allowed us to identify allosteric inhibitors by virtual screening guided by structure-based and fragment hotspot strategies. The identified compounds were also screened for in vitro inhibition of AChE and three were observed to be active. Further experimental (kinetic) and computational (molecular dynamics) studies have been performed to verify the allosteric activity. These new compounds may be valuable pharmacological tools in the study of non-cholinergic functions of AChE.

  5. Cholinesterase inhibitors from the roots of Harpagophytum procumbens.

    PubMed

    Bae, Yoon Ho; Cuong, To Dao; Hung, Tran Manh; Kim, Jeong Ah; Woo, Mi Hee; Byeon, Jeong Su; Choi, Jae Sue; Min, Byung Sun

    2014-01-01

    Inhibition of cholinesterase has been proposed to be a therapeutic target for the treatment of Alzheimer's diseases. In our preliminary screening study on the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activity, an ethyl acetate soluble fraction of the roots of Harpagophytum procumbens (Pedaliaceae) was found to inhibit AChE activity at the concentration of 100 μg/mL. Ten compounds (1-10) were isolated from the active fraction and evaluated for their inhibitory effect on AChE and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE). Among the isolates, verbascosides (5, 6, and 8) containing a caffeoyl and a 3,4-dihydroxyphenethyl groups in their structures, showed effective AChE inhibitory activity and also possessed BChE inhibitory activity. The findings suggest that verbascoside derivatives may be partially related to the anti-Alzheimer effect of this medicinal plant.

  6. Correlation of cholinergic drug induced quenching of acetylcholinesterase bound thioflavin-T fluorescence with their inhibition activity

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Islam, Mullah Muhaiminul; Rohman, Mostofa Ataur; Gurung, Arun Bahadur; Bhattacharjee, Atanu; Aguan, Kripamoy; Mitra, Sivaprasad

    2018-01-01

    The development of new acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs) and subsequent assay of their inhibition efficiency is considered to be a key step for AD treatment. The fluorescence intensity of thioflavin-T (ThT) bound in the active site of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) quenches substantially in presence of standard AChEI drugs due to the dynamic replacement of the fluorophore from the AChE active site as confirmed from steady state emission as well as time-resolved fluorescence anisotropy measurement and molecular dynamics simulation in conjunction with docking calculation. The parametrized % quenching data for individual system shows excellent correlation with enzyme inhibition activity measured independently by standard Ellman AChE assay method in a high throughput plate reader system. The results are encouraging towards design of a fluorescence intensity based AChE inhibition assay method and may provide a better toolset to rapidly evaluate as well as develop newer AChE-inhibitors for AD treatment.

  7. A first principle study on the interaction between acetylcholinesterase and acetylcholine, and also rivastigmine in alzheimer's disease case

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Khoirunisa, V.; Rusydi, F.; Kasai, H.; Gandaryus, A. G.; Dipojono, H. K.

    2016-08-01

    The catalytic activity of acetylcholinesterase enzyme (AChE) relates to the symptom progress in Alzheimer's disease. Interaction of AChE with rivastigmine (from the medicine) can reduce its catalytic activity toward acetylcholine to decelerate the progression of Alzheimer's disease. This research attempts to study the interaction between AChE and rivastigmine, and also acetylcholine (without the presence of rivastigmine) using density functional theory by simplifying the reaction occurs in the active site, which is assumed to be C2H5OH, C3N2H3(Ch3), and CH3COO-. The results suggest that AChE interacts easier with acetylcholine than with rivastigmine, which implies that the medicine does not effectively reduce the catalytic activity of AChE. At this stage, no experimental data is available to be compared with the calculation results. Nonetheless, this study has shown a good prospect to understand the AChE-substrate interaction using a first-principles calculation.

  8. Influence of ammonium salts on the lipase/esterase activity assay using p-nitrophenyl esters as substrates.

    PubMed

    De Yan, Hong; Zhang, Yin Jun; Liu, Hong Cai; Zheng, Jian Yong; Wang, Zhao

    2013-01-01

    p-Nitrophenyl esters with a short-chain carboxylic group, such as p-nitrophenyl acetate (p-NPA) and p-nitrophenyl butyrate (p-NPB), could be effectively hydrolyzed by ammonium salts. p-Nitrophenyl esters were usually used as substrates to assay the lipase/esterase activity. Ammonium sulfate precipitation was often used to purify proteins, and some ammonium salts were usually used as nitrogen sources or inorganic salts for the lipase/esterase production. To study the effect of ammonium salts on the assay of the lipase/esterase activity, the contributing factors of hydrolysis of p-NPA/p-NPB catalyzed by ammonium salts were investigated. The lipase activities were compared in the presence and absence of ammonium sulfate. The hydrolysis reaction could be catalyzed under neutral and alkaline circumstances. The hydrolysis rate increased with the increase in the reaction temperature or the concentration of ammonium ion. When p-NPA was employed as the substrate for the analysis of the lipase/esterase activity, the effect of ammonium sulfate on the analysis could be neutralized by setting a control when the concentration of ammonium sulfate was less than 40% saturation. However, when the concentration of ammonium sulfate increased from 40% to 100% saturation, the enzyme activities decreased about 13-40%, which could not be ignored for accurate analysis of the enzyme activity. © 2013 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

  9. Design and synthesis of dual inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase and serotonin transporter targeting potential agents for Alzheimer's disease.

    PubMed

    Kogen, Hiroshi; Toda, Narihiro; Tago, Keiko; Marumoto, Shinji; Takami, Kazuko; Ori, Mayuko; Yamada, Naho; Koyama, Kazuo; Naruto, Shunji; Abe, Kazumi; Yamazaki, Reina; Hara, Takao; Aoyagi, Atsushi; Abe, Yasuyuki; Kaneko, Tsugio

    2002-10-03

    Highly efficient acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and serotonin transporter (SERT) dual inhibitors, (S)-4 and (R)-13 were designed and synthesized on the basis of the hypothetical model of AChE active site. Both compounds showed potent inhibitory activities against AChE and SERT. [structure: see text

  10. Fucoxanthin, a Marine Carotenoid, Reverses Scopolamine-Induced Cognitive Impairments in Mice and Inhibits Acetylcholinesterase in Vitro

    PubMed Central

    Lin, Jiajia; Huang, Ling; Yu, Jie; Xiang, Siying; Wang, Jialing; Zhang, Jinrong; Yan, Xiaojun; Cui, Wei; He, Shan; Wang, Qinwen

    2016-01-01

    Fucoxanthin, a natural carotenoid abundant in edible brown seaweeds, has been shown to possess anti-cancer, anti-oxidant, anti-obesity and anti-diabetic effects. In this study, we report for the first time that fucoxanthin effectively protects against scopolamine-induced cognitive impairments in mice. In addition, fucoxanthin significantly reversed the scopolamine-induced increase of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity and decreased both choline acetyltransferase activity and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression. Using an in vitro AChE activity assay, we discovered that fucoxanthin directly inhibits AChE with an IC50 value of 81.2 μM. Molecular docking analysis suggests that fucoxanthin likely interacts with the peripheral anionic site within AChE, which is in accordance with enzymatic activity results showing that fucoxanthin inhibits AChE in a non-competitive manner. Based on our current findings, we anticipate that fucoxanthin might exhibit great therapeutic efficacy for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease by acting on multiple targets, including inhibiting AChE and increasing BDNF expression. PMID:27023569

  11. Inhibitory effect of ebselen on cerebral acetylcholinesterase activity in vitro: kinetics and reversibility of inhibition.

    PubMed

    Martini, Franciele; Bruning, César Augusto; Soares, Suelen Mendonca; Nogueira, Cristina Wayne; Zeni, Gilson

    2015-01-01

    Ebselen is a synthetic organoselenium compound that has been considered a potential pharmacological agent with low toxicity, showing antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects. It is bioavailable, blood-brain barrier permeant and safe based on cellular toxicity and Phase I-III clinical trials. There is evidence that ebselen inhibits acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, an enzyme that plays a key role in the cholinergic system by hydrolyzing acetylcholine (ACh), in vitro and ex vivo. This system has a well-known relationship with cognitive process, and AChE inhibitors, such as donepezil and galantamine, have been used to treat cognitive deficits, mainly in the Alzheimer's Disease (AD). However, these drugs have poor bioavailability and a number of side effects, including gastrointestinal upsets and hepatotoxicity. In this way, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of ebselen on cerebral AChE activity in vitro and to determine the kinetic profile and the reversibility of inhibition by dialysis. Ebselen inhibited the cerebral AChE activity with an IC50 of 29 µM, similar to IC50 found with pure AChE from electric eel, demonstrating a mixed and reversible inhibition of AChE, since it increased Km and decreased Vmax. The AChE activity was recovered within 60 min of dialysis. Therefore, the use of ebselen as a therapeutic agent for treatment of AD should be considered, although memory behavior tasks are needed to support such hypothesis.

  12. Effects of organophosphates on the regulation of mesenchymal stem cell proliferation and differentiation.

    PubMed

    Prugh, Amber M; Cole, Stephanie D; Glaros, Trevor; Angelini, Daniel J

    2017-03-25

    Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent cells located within various adult tissues. Recent literature has reported that human bone marrow-derived MSCs express active acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and that disruption of AChE activity by organophosphate (OP) chemicals decreases the ability of MSCs to differentiate into osteoblasts. The potential role of AChE in regulating MSC proliferation and differentiation is currently unknown. In the present study, we demonstrate that MSCs exposed to OPs have both decreased AChE activity and abundance. In addition, exposure to these OPs induced cellular death while decreasing cellular proliferation. Exposures to these compounds also reduced the adipogenic/osteogenic differentiation potentials of the MSCs. To elucidate the possible role of AChE in MSCs signaling following OP exposure, we captured potential AChE binding partners by performing polyhistidine (His 8 )-tagged AChE pulldowns, followed by protein identification using liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Using this method, we determined that the focal adhesion protein, vinculin, is a potential binding partner with AChE in MSCs and these initial findings were confirmed with follow-up co-immunoprecipitation experiments. Identifying AChE binding partners helps to determine potential pathways associated with MSC proliferation and differentiation, and this understanding could lead to the development of future MSC-based tissue repair therapies. Published by Elsevier B.V.

  13. Cholinesterase inhibitors modify the activity of intrinsic cardiac neurons.

    PubMed

    Darvesh, Sultan; Arora, Rakesh C; Martin, Earl; Magee, David; Hopkins, David A; Armour, J Andrew

    2004-08-01

    Cholinesterase inhibitors used to treat the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease (AD) inhibit both acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE), albeit to different degrees. Because central and peripheral neurons, including intrinsic cardiac neurons located on the surface of the mammalian heart, express both BuChE and AChE, we studied spontaneously active intrinsic cardiac neurons in the pig as a model to assess the effects of inhibition of AChE compared to BuChE. Neuroanatomical experiments showed that some porcine intrinsic cardiac neurons expressed AChE and/or BuChE. Enzyme kinetic experiments with cholinesterase inhibitors, namely, donepezil, galantamine, (+/-) huperzine A, metrifonate, rivastigmine, and tetrahydroaminoacridine, demonstrated that these compounds differentially inhibited porcine AChE and BuChE. Donepezil and (+/-) huperzine A were better reversible inhibitors of AChE, and galantamine equally inhibited both the enzymes. Tetrahydroaminoacridine was a better reversible inhibitor of BuChE. Rivastigmine caused more rapid inactivation of BuChE as compared to AChE. Neurophysiological studies showed that acetylcholine and butyrylcholine increase or decrease the spontaneous activity of the intrinsic cardiac neurons. Donepezil, galantamine, (+/-) huperzine A, and tetrahydroaminoacridine changed spontaneous neuronal activity by about 30-35 impulses per minute, while rivastigmine changed it by approximately 100 impulses per minute. It is concluded that (i) inhibition of AChE and BuChE directly affects the porcine intrinsic cardiac nervous system, (ii) the intrinsic cardiac nervous system represents a suitable model for examining the effects of cholinesterase inhibitors on mammalian neurons in vivo, and (iii) the activity of intrinsic cardiac neurons may be affected by pharmacological agents that inhibit cholinesterases.

  14. Brain region-specific effects of immobilization stress on cholinesterases in mice.

    PubMed

    Valuskova, Paulina; Farar, Vladimir; Janisova, Katerina; Ondicova, Katarina; Mravec, Boris; Kvetnansky, Richard; Myslivecek, Jaromir

    2017-01-01

    Brain acetylcholinesterase (AChE) variant AChE R expression increases with acute stress, and this persists for an extended period, although the timing, strain and laterality differences, have not been explored previously. Acute stress transiently increases acetylcholine release, which in turn may increase activity of cholinesterases. Also the AChE gene contains a glucocorticoid response element (GRE), and stress-inducible AChE transcription and activity changes are linked to increased glucocorticoid levels. Corticotropin-releasing hormone knockout (CRH-KO) mice have basal glucocorticoid levels similar to wild type (WT) mice, but much lower levels during stress. Hence we hypothesized that CRH is important for the cholinesterase stress responses, including butyrylcholinesterase (BChE). We used immobilization stress, acute (30 or 120 min) and repeated (120 min daily × 7) in 48 male mice (24 WT and 24 CRH-KO) and determined AChE R , AChE and BChE mRNA expression and AChE and BChE activities in left and right brain areas (as cholinergic signaling shows laterality). Immobilization decreased BChE mRNA expression (right amygdala, to 0.5, 0.3 and 0.4, × control respectively) and AChE R mRNA expression (to 0.5, 0.4 and 0.4, × control respectively). AChE mRNA expression increased (1.3, 1.4 and 1.8-fold, respectively) in the left striatum (Str). The AChE activity increased in left Str (after 30 min, 1.2-fold), decreased in right parietal cortex with repeated stress (to 0.5 × control). BChE activity decreased after 30 min in the right CA3 region (to 0.4 × control) but increased (3.8-fold) after 120 min in the left CA3 region. The pattern of changes in CRH-KO differed from that in WT mice.

  15. Identification of a type-D feruloyl esterase from Neurospora crassa.

    PubMed

    Crepin, V F; Faulds, C B; Connerton, I F

    2004-02-01

    Feruloyl esterases constitute an interesting group of enzymes that have the potential for use over a broad range of applications in the agri-food industries. In order to expand the range of available enzymes, we have examined the presence of feruoyl esterase genes present in the genome sequence of the filamentous fungus Neurospora crassa. We have identified an orphan gene (contig 3.544), the translation of which shows sequence identity with known feruloyl esterases. This gene was cloned and the corresponding recombinant protein expressed in Pichia pastoris to confirm that the enzyme (NcFaeD-3.544) exhibits feruloyl esterase activity. Unusually the enzyme was capable of p-coumaric acid release from untreated crude plant cell wall materials. The substrate utilisation preferences of the recombinant enzyme place it in the recently recognised type-D sub-class of feruloyl esterase.

  16. MMB-4 Inhibition of Aceylcholinesterase Is Similar across Species

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2014-11-01

    version 5.4). An IC50 value was determined for AChE from each animal species by fitting the percent of AChE activity with respect to MMB 4 concentration...in GraphPad Prism (version 5) using a nonlinear regression dose response model for inhibition (normalized response with variable slope). Assessing the...Therefore, AChE activity and inhibition studies were carried out at 435 nm to reduce interference from MMB 4. Comparison of IC50 Values for MMB 4 with AChE

  17. Three feruloyl esterases in Cellulosilyticum ruminicola H1 act synergistically to hydrolyze esterified polysaccharides.

    PubMed

    Li, Jiabao; Cai, Shichun; Luo, Yuanming; Dong, Xiuzhu

    2011-09-01

    Feruloyl esterases (Faes) constitute a subclass of carboxyl esterases that specifically hydrolyze the ester linkages between ferulate and polysaccharides in plant cell walls. Until now, the described microbial Faes were mainly from fungi. In this study, we report that Cellulosilyticum ruminicola H1, a previously described fibrolytic rumen bacterium, possesses three different active feruloyl esterases, FaeI, FaeII, and FaeIII. Phylogenetic analysis classified the described bacterial Faes into two types, FaeI and FaeII in type I and FaeIII in type II. Substrate specificity assays indicated that FaeI is more active against the ester bonds in natural hemicelluloses and FaeIII preferentially attacks the ferulate esters with a small moiety, such as methyl groups, while FaeII is active on both types of substrates. Among the three feruloyl esterase genes, faeI was the only one induced significantly by xylose and xylan, while pectin appeared to moderately induce the three genes during the late log phase to stationary phase. Western blot analysis determined that FaeI and FaeIII were secreted and cytoplasmic proteins, respectively, whereas FaeII seemed to be cell associated. The addition of FaeI and FaeII but not FaeIII enhanced the activity of a xylanase on maize cob, suggesting a synergy of the former two with xylanase. Hence, we propose that the three feruloyl esterases work in concert to hydrolyze ferulate esters in natural hemicelluloses.

  18. Anti-Alzheimer's disease activity of compounds from the root bark of Morus alba L.

    PubMed

    Kuk, Eun Bi; Jo, A Ra; Oh, Seo In; Sohn, Hee Sook; Seong, Su Hui; Roy, Anupom; Choi, Jae Sue; Jung, Hyun Ah

    2017-03-01

    The inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), and β-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) plays important roles in prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Among the individual parts of Morus alba L. including root bark, branches, leaves, and fruits, the root bark showed the most potent enzyme inhibitory activities. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-AD activity of the M. alba root bark and its isolate compounds, including mulberrofuran G (1), albanol B (2), and kuwanon G (3) via inhibition of AChE, BChE, and BACE1. Compounds 1 and 2 showed strong AChE- and BChE-inhibitory activities; 1-3 showed significant BACE1 inhibitory activity. Based on the kinetic study with AChE and BChE, 2 and 3 showed noncompetitive-type inhibition; 1 showed mixed-type inhibition. Moreover, 1-3 showed mixed-type inhibition against BACE1. The molecular docking simulations of 1-3 demonstrated negative binding energies, indicating a high affinity to AChE and BACE1. The hydroxyl group of 1-3 formed hydrogen bond with the amino acid residues located at AChE and BACE1. Consequently, these results indicate that the root bark of M. alba and its active compounds might be promising candidates for preventive and therapeutic agents for AD.

  19. The lymphocytic cholinergic system and its contribution to the regulation of immune activity.

    PubMed

    Kawashima, Koichiro; Fujii, Takeshi

    2003-12-26

    Lymphocytes express most of the cholinergic components found in the nervous system, including acetylcholine (ACh), choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), high affinity choline transporter, muscarinic and nicotinic ACh receptors (mAChRs and nAChRs, respectively), and acetylcholinesterase. Stimulation of T and B cells with ACh or another mAChR agonist elicits intracellular Ca2+ signaling, up-regulation of c-fos expression, increased nitric oxide synthesis and IL-2-induced signal transduction, probably via M3 and M5 mAChR-mediated pathways. Acute stimulation of nAChRs with ACh or nicotine causes rapid and transient Ca2+ signaling in T and B cells, probably via alpha7 nAChR subunit-mediated pathways. Chronic nicotine stimulation, by contrast, down-regulates nAChR expression and suppresses T cell activity. Activation of T cells with phytohemagglutinin or antibodies against cell surface molecules enhances lymphocytic cholinergic transmission by activating expression of ChAT and M5 mAChR, which is suggestive of local cholinergic regulation of immune system activity. This idea is supported by the facts that lymphocytic cholinergic activity reflects well the changes in immune system function seen in animal models of immune deficiency and immune acceleration. Collectively, these data provide a compelling picture in which lymphocytes constitute a cholinergic system that is independent of cholinergic nerves, and which is involved in the regulation of immune function.

  20. High aryl acylamidase activity associated with cobra venom acetylcholinesterase: biological significance.

    PubMed

    Rajesh, Ramanna V; Layer, Paul G; Boopathy, Rathanam

    2009-01-01

    Investigation of the non-classical functions of cholinesterases (ChEs) has been the subject of interest in the past three decades. One of which is aryl acylamidase (AAA) activity associated with ChEs, but characterized in in vitro, as an enzyme, splitting the artificial substrate o-nitroacetanilide with unknown physiological function. In the present study, we have compared levels of AAA activity of AChE from different sources like goat brain, electric eel organ and from venoms of different snakes. Remarkably cobra venom showed the highest AAA activity and also high AAA/AChE ratio. Both serotonergenic and cholinergic inhibitors inhibited the cobra venom AAA activity in a concentration dependent manner, which also underlines the association of AAA with AChE of cobra venom. The study becomes interesting because of i) the cobra venom AChE exists in monomeric globular forms; ii) in Alzheimer's disease too the most abundant forms of cholinesterases are monomeric globular forms, thought to be involved in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease; iii) the effect of Alzheimer's disease drugs on the AAA activity of cobra venom, indicated that AAA activity of cobra venom was more sensitive than AChE and iv) Huperzine and Tacrine showed more pronounced effect on AAA. Thus, this study elucidates the high AAA associated with cobra venom AChE may serve as one of the prominent activity to test the pharmacological effect of AD drugs, as other sources were found to have lower activity.

  1. Comparative study on the inhibitory effect of caffeic and chlorogenic acids on key enzymes linked to Alzheimer's disease and some pro-oxidant induced oxidative stress in rats' brain-in vitro.

    PubMed

    Oboh, Ganiyu; Agunloye, Odunayo M; Akinyemi, Ayodele J; Ademiluyi, Adedayo O; Adefegha, Stephen A

    2013-02-01

    This study sought to investigate and compare the interaction of caffeic acid and chlorogenic acid on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), and some pro-oxidants (FeSO(4), sodium nitroprusside and quinolinic acid) induced oxidative stress in rat brain in vitro. The result revealed that caffeic acid and chlorogenic acid inhibited AChE and BChE activities in dose-dependent manner; however, caffeic acid had a higher inhibitory effect on AChE and BChE activities than chlorogenic acid. Combination of the phenolic acids inhibited AChE and BChE activities antagonistically. Furthermore, pro-oxidants such as, FeSO(4), sodium nitroprusside and quinolinic acid caused increase in the malondialdehyde (MDA) contents of the brain which was significantly decreased dose-dependently by the phenolic acids. Inhibition of AChE and BChE activities slows down acetylcholine and butyrylcholine breakdown in the brain. Therefore, one possible mechanism through which the phenolic acids exert their neuroprotective properties is by inhibiting AChE and BChE activities as well as preventing oxidative stress-induced neurodegeneration. However, esterification of caffeic acid with quinic acid producing chlorogenic acid affects these neuroprotective properties.

  2. Is fast fiber innervation responsible for increased acetylcholinesterase activity in reinnervating soleus muscles?

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Misulis, K. E.; Dettbarn, W. D.

    1985-01-01

    An investigation was conducted as to whether the predominantly slow SOL, which is low in AChE activity, is initially reinnervated by axons that originally innervated fast muscle fibers with high AChE activity, such as those of the EDL. Local denervation of the SOL in the guinea pig was performed because this muscle is composed solely of slow (type I) fibers; thereby virtually eliminating the possibility of homologous muscle fast fiber innervation. The overshoot in this preparation was qualitatively similar to that seen with distal denervation in the guinea pig and local and distal denervation in the rat. Thus, initial fast fiber innvervation is not responsible for the patterns of change in AChE activity seen with reinnervation in the SOL. It is concluded that the neural control of AChe is different in these two muscles and may reflect specific differences in the characteristics of AChE regulation in fast and slow muscle.

  3. Effect of carbaryl (carbamate insecticide) on acetylcholinesterase activity of two strains of Daphnia magna (Crustacea, Cladocera).

    PubMed

    Toumi, Hela; Bejaoui, Mustapha; Touaylia, Samir; Burga Perez, Karen F; Ferard, Jean François

    2016-11-01

    The present study was designed to investigate the effect of carbaryl (carbamate insecticide) on the acetylcholinesterase activity in two strains (same clone A) of the crustacean cladoceran Daphnia magna. Four carbaryl concentrations (0.4, 0.9, 1.8 and 3.7 µg L(-1)) were compared against control AChE activity. Our results showed that after 48 h of carbaryl exposure, all treatments induced a significant decrease of AChE activities whatever the two considered strains. However, different responses were registered in terms of lowest observed effect concentrations (LOEC: 0.4 µg L(-1) for strain 1 and 0.9 µg L(-1) for strains 2) revealing differences in sensitivity among the two tested strains of D. magna. These results suggest that after carbaryl exposure, the AChE activity responses can be also used as a biomarker of susceptibility. Moreover, our results show that strain1 is less sensitive than strain 2 in terms of IC50-48 h of AChE activity. Comparing the EC50-48 h of standard ecotoxicity test and IC50-48 h of AChE inhibition, there is the same order of sensitivity with both strains.

  4. Effect of Short-term Quercetin, Caloric Restriction and Combined Treatment on Age-related Oxidative Stress Markers in the Rat Cerebral Cortex

    PubMed

    Alugoju, Phaniendra; Swamy, Vkd Krishan; Periyasamy, Latha

    2018-03-14

    Aging is characterized by gradual accumulation of macromolecular damage leading to progressive loss of physiological function and increased susceptibility to diverse diseases. Effective anti-aging strategies involving caloric restriction or antioxidant supplementation are receiving growing attention to attenuate macromolecular damage in age associated pathology. In the present study, we for the first time investigated the effect of quercetin, caloric restriction and combined treatment (caloric restriction with quercetin) on oxidative stress parameters, acetylcholinesterase and ATPases enzyme activities in the cerebral cortex of aged male Wistar rats. 21 months aged rats were divided into four groups (n=6-8) such as group 1-fed ad libitum (AL); group 2-quercetin supplementation of 50 mg/kg b.w/day for 45 days fed ad libitum (QUER); group 3: caloric restricted (CR) (fed 40% reduced AL for 45 days); group 4-fed 40% CR and 50 mg/kg b.w/day QUER for 45 days (CR + QUER). Group 5-three month age old rats served as young control (YOUNG). Our results demonstrate that combined treatment of caloric restriction and quercetin significantly improved the age associated decline in the activities of endogenous antioxidant enzymes [such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx)] and glutathione (GSH) content and attenuated elevated levels of protein carbonyl content (PCC), lipid peroxidation, lipofuscin, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and nitric oxide (NO). Furthermore, it is also observed that combined treatment ameliorated age associated alterations in acetylcholine esterase (AChE) and adenosine triphosphatases (ATPases) such as Na+/K+-ATPase and Ca+2-ATPase (but not Mg+2- ATPase) enzyme activities. Finally, we conclude that combined treatment of caloric restriction and quercetin (but not either treatment alone) in late life is an effective anti-aging therapy to counteract the age related accumulation of oxidative macromolecular damage. Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.org.

  5. Synthesis and discovery of highly functionalized mono- and bis-spiro-pyrrolidines as potent cholinesterase enzyme inhibitors.

    PubMed

    Kia, Yalda; Osman, Hasnah; Suresh Kumar, Raju; Basiri, Alireza; Murugaiyah, Vikneswaran

    2014-04-01

    Novel mono and bis spiropyrrolidine derivatives were synthesized via an efficient ionic liquid mediated, 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition methodology and evaluated in vitro for their AChE and BChE inhibitory activities in search for potent cholinesterase enzyme inhibitors. Most of the synthesized compounds displayed remarkable AChE inhibitory activities with IC50 values ranging from 1.68 to 21.85 μM, wherein compounds 8d and 8j were found to be most active inhibitors against AChE and BChE with IC50 values of 1.68 and 2.75 μM, respectively. Molecular modeling simulation on Torpedo californica AChE and human BChE receptors, showed good correlation between IC50 values and binding interaction template of the most active inhibitors docked into the active site of their relevant enzymes. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  6. Changes in activity of non-specific esterases in cadmium treated Lymantria dispar larvae.

    PubMed

    Vlahović, Milena; Mataruga, Vesna Perić; Ilijin, Larisa; Mrdaković, Marija; Mirčić, Dejan; Todorović, Dajana; Lazarević, Jelica

    2012-03-01

    Many biochemical, physiological and histological criteria have been used as indicators of exposures and effects of the contaminants. These changes can indicate the response of an organism to a specific environmental stressor. In the present paper, the effect of the acute and chronic exposure to cadmium as well as recovery from two cadmium concentrations (10 and 30 μgCd/g dry food) on gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar) midgut esterases was investigated. The influence of cadmium on trait plasticity was also examined. Esterases showed great sensitivity to low metal concentrations during acute and chronic treatments. Their activities during short-term exposure and after recovery significantly depended on cadmium concentrations. The esterases had greater index of plasticity during chronic treatments with 10 and 30 μgCd/dry food. Five esterase isoforms between 64 and 250 kDa were detected. Isoforms of esterases exposed to any of the two cadmium effects differed among several egg-masses. Isozymes were distinguished in one egg-mass during different cadmium treatments. We conclude that these enzymes could be considered potential and sensitive non-selective biomarkers for the presence of cadmium in food.

  7. A first continuous 4-aminoantipyrine (4-AAP)-based screening system for directed esterase evolution.

    PubMed

    Lülsdorf, Nina; Vojcic, Ljubica; Hellmuth, Hendrik; Weber, Thomas T; Mußmann, Nina; Martinez, Ronny; Schwaneberg, Ulrich

    2015-06-01

    Esterases hydrolyze ester bonds with an often high stereoselectivity as well as regioselectivity and are therefore industrially employed in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, in food processing, and in laundry detergents. Continuous screening systems based on p-nitrophenyl- (e.g., p-nitrophenyl acetate) or umbelliferyl-esters are commonly used in directed esterase evolution campaigns. Ongoing challenges in directed esterase evolution are screening formats which offer a broad substrate spectrum, especially for complex aromatic substrates. In this report, a novel continuous high throughput screening system for indirect monitoring of esterolytic activity was developed and validated by detection of phenols employing phenyl benzoate as substrate and p-nitrobenzyl esterase (pNBEBL from Bacillus licheniformis) as catalyst. The released phenol directly reacts with 4-aminoantipyrine yielding the red compound 1,5-dimethyl-4-(4-oxo-cyclohexa-2,5-dienylidenamino)-2-phenyl-1,2-dihydro-pyrazol-3-one. In this continuous B. licheniformis esterase activity detection system (cBLE-4AAP), the product formation is followed through an increase in absorbance at 509 nm. The cBLE-4AAP screening system was optimized in 96-well microtiter plate format in respect to standard deviation (5 %), linear detection range (15 to 250 μM), lower detection limit (15 μM), and pH (7.4 to 10.4). The cBLE-4AAP screening system was validated by screening a random epPCR pNBEBL mutagenesis library (2000 clones) for improved esterase activity at elevated temperatures. Finally, the variant T3 (Ser378Pro) was identified which nearly retains its specific activity at room temperature (WT 1036 U/mg and T3 929 U/mg) and shows compared to WT a 4.7-fold improved residual activity after thermal treatment (30 min incubation at 69.4 °C; WT 170 U/mg to T3 804 U/mg).

  8. Structure-activity relationship investigation of tertiary amine derivatives of cinnamic acid as acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase inhibitors: compared with that of phenylpropionic acid, sorbic acid and hexanoic acid.

    PubMed

    Gao, Xiaohui; Tang, Jingjing; Liu, Haoran; Liu, Linbo; Kang, Lu; Chen, Wen

    2018-12-01

    In the present investigation, 48 new tertiary amine derivatives of cinnamic acid, phenylpropionic acid, sorbic acid and hexanoic acid (4d-6g, 10d-12g, 16d-18g and 22d-24g) were designed, synthesized and evaluated for the effect on AChE and BChE in vitro. The results revealed that the alteration of aminoalkyl types and substituted positions markedly influences the effects in inhibiting AChE. Almost of all cinnamic acid derivatives had the most potent inhibitory activity than that of other acid derivatives with the same aminoalkyl side chain. Unsaturated bond and benzene ring in cinnamic acid scaffold seems important for the inhibitory activity against AChE. Among them, compound 6g revealed the most potent AChE inhibitory activity (IC 50 value: 3.64 µmol/L) and highest selectivity over BChE (ratio: 28.6). Enzyme kinetic study showed that it present a mixed-type inhibition against AChE. The molecular docking study suggested that it can bind with the catalytic site and peripheral site of AChE.

  9. In Search of an Effective in vivo Reactivator for Organophosphorus Nerve Agent-Inhibited Acetylcholinesterase in the Central Nervous System

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2012-01-01

    monoisonitrosoacetone (MINA) crossed BBB, provided some degree of CNS AChE reactivation, enhanced survival, and mitigated the seizure activity following nerve agent...tissues (brain regions, diaphragm, heart, skeletal muscle) were collected. AChE activity was measured using the Ellman assay. In GB exposure, pro...therapy. Protecting and/or restoring AChE activity in the brain is a major goal in the treatment of nerve agent intoxication. Our long-term goal is to

  10. Biochemical evaluation of interactions between synergistic molecules and phase I enzymes involved in insecticide resistance in B- and Q-type Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae).

    PubMed

    Panini, Michela; Tozzi, Francesco; Zimmer, Christoph T; Bass, Chris; Field, Linda; Borzatta, Valerio; Mazzoni, Emanuele; Moores, Graham

    2017-09-01

    Metabolic resistance is an important consideration in the whitefly Bemisia tabaci, where an esterase-based mechanism has been attributed to pyrethroid resistance and over-expression of the cytochrome P450, CYP6CM1, has been correlated to resistance to imidacloprid and other neonicotinoids. In vitro interactions between putative synergists and CYP6CM1, B and Q-type esterases were investigated, and structure-activity relationship analyses allowed the identification of chemical structures capable of acting as inhibitors of esterase and oxidase activities. Specifically, methylenedioxyphenyl (MDP) moieties with a polyether chain were preferable for optimum inhibition of B-type esterase, whilst corresponding dihydrobenzofuran structures were potent for the Q-esterase variation. Potent inhibition of CYP6CM1 resulted from structures which contained an alkynyl chain with a terminal methyl group. Synergist candidates could be considered for field control of B. tabaci, especially to abrogate neonicotinoid resistance. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

  11. Regiospecific Ester Hydrolysis by Orange Peel Esterase - An Undergraduate Experiment.

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bugg, Timothy D. H.; Lewin, Andrew M.; Catlin, Eric R.

    1997-01-01

    A simple but effective experiment has been developed to demonstrate the regiospecificity of enzyme catalysis using an esterase activity easily isolated from orange peel. The experiment involves the preparation of diester derivatives of para-, meta- and ortho-hydroxybenzoic acid (e.g. methyl 4-acetoxy-benzoic acid). The derivatives are incubated with orange peel esterase, as a crude extract, and with commercially available pig liver esterase and porcine pancreatic lipase. The enzymatic hydrolysis reactions are monitored by thin layer chromatography, revealing which of the two ester groups is hydrolysed, and the rate of the enzyme-catalysed reaction. The results of a group experiment revealed that in all cases hydrolysis was observed with at least one enzyme, and in most cases the enzymatic hydrolysis was specific for production of either the hydroxy-ester or acyl-acid product. Specificity towards the ortho-substituted series was markedly different to that of the para-substituted series, which could be rationalised in the case of pig liver esterase by a published active site model.

  12. Comparison of esterase gene amplification, gene expression and esterase activity in insecticide susceptible and resistant strains of the brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens (Stål).

    PubMed

    Vontas, J G; Small, G J; Hemingway, J

    2000-12-01

    Organophosphorus and carbamate insecticide resistance in Nilaparvata lugens is based on amplification of a carboxylesterase gene, Nl-EST1. An identical gene occurs in susceptible insects. Quantitative real-time PCR was used to demonstrate that Nl-EST1 is amplified 3-7-fold in the genome of resistant compared to susceptible planthoppers. Expression levels were similar to amplification levels, with 1-15-fold more Nl-EST1 mRNA in individual insects and 5-11-fold more Nl-EST1 mRNA in mass whole body homogenates of resistant females compared to susceptibles. These values corresponded to an 8-10-fold increase in esterase activity in the head and thorax of individual resistant insects. Although amplification, expression and activity levels of Nl-EST1 in resistant N. lugens were similar, the correlation between esterase activity and Nl-EST1 mRNA levels in resistant individuals was not linear.

  13. A conformational restriction approach to the development of dual inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase and serotonin transporter as potential agents for Alzheimer's disease.

    PubMed

    Toda, Narihiro; Tago, Keiko; Marumoto, Shinji; Takami, Kazuko; Ori, Mayuko; Yamada, Naho; Koyama, Kazuo; Naruto, Shunji; Abe, Kazumi; Yamazaki, Reina; Hara, Takao; Aoyagi, Atsushi; Abe, Yasuyuki; Kaneko, Tsugio; Kogen, Hiroshi

    2003-10-01

    Alzheimer's disease (AD) has been treated with acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors such as donepezil. However, the clinical usefulness of AChE inhibitors is limited mainly due to their adverse peripheral effects. Depression seen in AD patients has been treated with serotonin transporter (SERT) inhibitors. We considered that combining SERT and AChE inhibition could improve the clinical usefulness of AChE inhibitors. In a previous paper, we found a potential dual inhibitor, 1, of AChE (IC50=101 nM) and SERT (IC50=42 nM), but its AChE inhibition activity was less than donepezil (IC50=10 nM). Here, we report the conformationally restricted (R)-18a considerably enhanced inhibitory activity against AChE (IC50=14 nM) and SERT (IC50=6 nM).

  14. Gold nanoclusters-Cu(2+) ensemble-based fluorescence turn-on and real-time assay for acetylcholinesterase activity and inhibitor screening.

    PubMed

    Sun, Jian; Yang, Xiurong

    2015-12-15

    Based on the specific binding of Cu(2+) ions to the 11-mercaptoundecanoic acid (11-MUA)-protected AuNCs with intense orange-red emission, we have proposed and constructed a novel fluorescent nanomaterials-metal ions ensemble at a nonfluorescence off-state. Subsequently, an AuNCs@11-MUA-Cu(2+) ensemble-based fluorescent chemosensor, which is amenable to convenient, sensitive, selective, turn-on and real-time assay of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), could be developed by using acetylthiocholine (ATCh) as the substrate. Herein, the sensing ensemble solution exhibits a marvelous fluorescent enhancement in the presence of AChE and ATCh, where AChE hydrolyzes its active substrate ATCh into thiocholine (TCh), and then TCh captures Cu(2+) from the ensemble, accompanied by the conversion from fluorescence off-state to on-state of the AuNCs. The AChE activity could be detected less than 0.05 mU/mL within a good linear range from 0.05 to 2.5 mU/mL. Our proposed fluorescence assay can be utilized to evaluate the AChE activity quantitatively in real biological sample, and furthermore to screen the inhibitor of AChE. As far as we know, the present study has reported the first analytical proposal for sensing AChE activity in real time by using a fluorescent nanomaterials-Cu(2+) ensemble or focusing on the Cu(2+)-triggered fluorescence quenching/recovery. This strategy paves a new avenue for exploring the biosensing applications of fluorescent AuNCs, and presents the prospect of AuNCs@11-MUA-Cu(2+) ensemble as versatile enzyme activity assay platforms by means of other appropriate substrates/analytes. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  15. Design, synthesis and evaluation of some N-methylenebenzenamine derivatives as selective acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitor and antioxidant to enhance learning and memory.

    PubMed

    Shrivastava, Sushant K; Srivastava, Pavan; Upendra, T V R; Tripathi, Prabhash Nath; Sinha, Saurabh K

    2017-02-15

    Series of some 3,5-dimethoxy-N-methylenebenzenamine and 4-(methyleneamino)benzoic acid derivatives comprising of N-methylenebenzenamine nucleus were designed, synthesized, characterized, and assessed for their acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) inhibitory, and antioxidant activity thereby improving learning and memory in rats. The IC 50 values of all the compound along with standard were determined on AChE and BChE enzyme. The free radical scavenging activity was also assessed by in vitro DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl) and hydrogen peroxide radical scavenging assay. The selective inhibitions of all compounds were observed against AChE in comparison with standard donepezil. The enzyme kinetic study of the most active compound 4 indicated uncompetitive AChE inhibition. The docking studies of compound 4 exhibited the worthy interaction on active-site gorge residues Phe330 and Trp279 responsible for its high affinity towards AChE, whereas lacking of the BChE inhibition was observed due to a wider gorge binding site and absence of important aromatic amino acids interactions. The ex vivo study confirmed AChE inhibition abilities of compound 4 at brain site. Further, a considerable decrease in escape latency period of the compound was observed in comparison with standard donepezil through in vivo Spatial Reference Memory (SRM) and Spatial Working Memory (SWM) models which showed the cognition-enhancing potential of compound 4. The in vivo reduced glutathione (GSH) estimation on rat brain tissue homogenate was also performed to evaluate free radical scavenging activity substantiated the antioxidant activity in learning and memory. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  16. Interaction of Triton X-100 with acyl pocket of butyrylcholinesterase: effect on esterase activity and inhibitor sensitivity of the enzyme.

    PubMed

    Jaganathan, L; Boopathy, R

    1998-06-01

    The effect of non-ionic detergents like Triton X-100, Lubrol PX, Brij 35 and Tween 80 on the esterase activity and inhibitor sensitivity of human serum butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) were studied. The results showed that though BuChE is not a detergent dependent enzyme, the esterase activity and inhibitor sensitivity of it can be modulated by the presence of detergents. All the detergents caused a marginal activation of the esterase activity. The presence of Lubrol PX, Brij 35 or Tween 80 did not affect the 50% molar inhibition concentration (IC50) of the inhibitors tested. But in the presence of Triton X-100 the IC50 values were increased for neostigmine, eserine and tetraisopropylpyrophosphoramide (acylation site interacting inhibitors), whereas for inhibitors like ethopropazine, imipramine and procainamide (choline binding pocket specific inhibitors) the IC50 values were unaltered. In addition, in the presence of Triton X-100 the bimolecular reaction constant for phosphorylation reaction (ki) of BuChE for the acyl pocket specific tetraisopropylpyrophosphoramide was reduced. Triton X-100 partially protected BuChE against this tetraisopropylpyrophosphoramide inactivation. These results indicate that Triton X-100 by interacting with the acyl pocket hydrophobic region is able to activate the esterase activity of BuChE. Further it reduces the capacity of the enzyme to react with inhibitors that inactivate it by interacting with the serine residue of the acylation site.

  17. Comparative evaluation of lignocellulolytic activities of filamentous cultures of monocentric and polycentric anaerobic fungi.

    PubMed

    Dagar, Sumit Singh; Kumar, Sanjay; Mudgil, Priti; Puniya, Anil Kumar

    2018-04-01

    Sixteen strains of monocentric and polycentric anaerobic fungi were evaluated for cellulase, xylanase and esterase activities. Though strain level variations were observed among all genera, Neocallimastix and Orpinomyces strains exhibited the highest lignocellulolytic activities. The esterase activities of monocentric group of anaerobic fungi were better than the polycentric group. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  18. Protein-mimicking nanowire-inspired electro-catalytic biosensor for probing acetylcholinesterase activity and its inhibitors.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Qingqing; Hu, Yufang; Wu, Di; Ma, Shaohua; Wang, Jiao; Rao, Jiajia; Xu, Lihua; Xu, Huan; Shao, Huili; Guo, Zhiyong; Wang, Sui

    2018-06-01

    A highly sensitive electrochemical biosensor based on the synthetized L-Cysteine-Ag(I) coordination polymer (L-Cys-Ag(I) CP), which looks like a protein-mimicking nanowire, was constructed to detect acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity and screen its inhibitors. This sensing strategy involves the reaction of acetylcholine chloride (ACh) with acetylcholinesterase (AChE) to form choline that is in turn catalytically oxidized by choline oxidase (ChOx) to produce hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ), thus L-Cys-Ag(I) CP possesses the electro-catalytic property to H 2 O 2 reduction. Herein, the protein-mimicking nanowire-based platform was capable of investigating successive of H 2 O 2 effectively by amperometric i-t (current-time) response, and was further applied for the turn-on electrochemical detection of AChE activity. The proposed sensor is highly sensitive (limit of detection is 0.0006 U/L) and is feasible for screening inhibitors of AChE. The model for AChE inhibition was further established and two traditional AChE inhibitors (donepezil and tacrine) were employed to verify the feasibility of the system. The IC 5 0 of donepezil and tacrine were estimated to be 1.4 nM and 3.5 nM, respectively. The developed protocol provides a new and promising platform for probing AChE activity and screening its inhibitors with low cost, high sensitivity and selectivity. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  19. Erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase as biomarker of pesticide exposure: new and forgotten insights.

    PubMed

    Assis, Caio R D; Linhares, Amanda G; Cabrera, Mariana P; Oliveira, Vagne M; Silva, Kaline C C; Marcuschi, Marina; Maciel Carvalho, Elba V M; Bezerra, Ranilson S; Carvalho, Luiz B

    2018-05-24

    Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) acts on the hydrolysis of acetylcholine, rapidly removing this neurotransmitter at cholinergic synapses and neuromuscular junctions as well as in neuronal growth and differentiation, modulation of cell adhesion ("electrotactins") and aryl-acylamidase activity (AAA). This enzyme is also found in erythrocyte, as 160 kDa dimer that anchors to the plasma membrane via glycophosphatidylinositol. The function of this enzyme in erythrocytes has not yet been elucidated; however, it is suspected to participate in cell-to-cell interactions. Here, a review on erythrocyte AChE characteristics and use as biomarker for organophosphorus and carbamate insecticides is presented since it is the first specific target/barrier of the action of these pesticides, besides plasma butyrylcholinesterase (BChE). However, some past and current methods have disadvantages: (a) not discriminating the activities of AChE and BChE; (b) low accuracy due to interference of hemoglobin in whole blood samples. On the other hand, extraction methods of hemoglobin-free erythrocyte AChE allows: (a) the freezing and transporting of samples; (b) samples free of colorimetric interference; (c) data from only erythrocyte AChE activity; (d) erythrocyte AChE specific activity presents higher correlation with the central nervous system AChE than other peripheral ChEs; (e) slow spontaneous regeneration against anti-ChEs agents of AChE in comparison to BChE, thus increasing the chances of detecting such compounds following longer interval after exposure. As monitoring perspectives, hemoglobin-free methodologies may be promising alternatives to assess the degree of exposure since they are not influenced by this interfering agent.

  20. Geissoschizine methyl ether, a corynanthean-type indole alkaloid from Uncaria rhynchophylla as a potential acetylcholinesterase inhibitor.

    PubMed

    Yang, Zhong-Duo; Duan, Dong-Zhu; Du, Juan; Yang, Ming-Jun; Li, Shuo; Yao, Xiao-Jun

    2012-01-01

    Geissoschizine methyl ether (1), a newly discovered strong acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitor, along with six weakly active alkaloids, vallesiachotamine (2), hisuteine (3), hirsutine (4), isorhynchophylline (5), cisocorynoxeine (6) and corynoxeine (7) have been isolated from Uncaria rhynchophylla. Geissoschizine methyl ether (1) inhibited 50% of AChE activity at concentrations of 3.7 ± 0.3 µg mL(-1) while the IC(50) value of physostigmine as a standard was 0.013 ± 0.002 µg mL(-1). The mode of AChE inhibition by 1 was reversible and non-competitive. In addition, molecular modelling was performed to explore the binding mode of inhibitor 1 at the active site of AChE.

  1. A novel feruloyl esterase from rumen microbial metagenome: Gene cloning and enzyme characterization in the release of mono- and diferulic acids

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    A feruloyl esterase (FAE) gene was isolated from a rumen microbial metagenome, cloned into E. coli, and expressed in active form. The enzyme (RuFae4) was classified as a Type D feruloyl esterase based on its action on synthetic substrates and ability to release diferulates. The RuFae4 alone releas...

  2. Anti-Alzheimers activity and molecular mechanism of albumin-derived peptides against AChE and BChE.

    PubMed

    Yu, Zhipeng; Wu, Sijia; Zhao, Wenzhu; Ding, Long; Fan, Yue; Shiuan, David; Liu, Jingbo; Chen, Feng

    2018-02-21

    Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a global health issue affecting millions of elderly people worldwide. The aim of the present study was to identify novel anti-AD peptides isolated from albumin. Anti-AD activities of the peptides were evaluated via inhibitory activities on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE). Furthermore, the potential molecular mechanisms of the KLPGF/AChE were investigated by CDOCKER of Discovery studio 2017. The results revealed that peptide KLPGF could effectively inhibit AChE with an inhibition rate of 61.23% at a concentration of 50 μg mL -1 . In addition, the peptide KLPGF came in contact with acylation sites and peripheral anion sites of AChE. The present study demonstrates that the peptide KLPGF could become a potential functional food intervention in AD.

  3. Nebulized C1-Esterase Inhibitor does not Reduce Pulmonary Complement Activation in Rats with Severe Streptococcus Pneumoniae Pneumonia.

    PubMed

    de Beer, Friso; Lagrand, Wim; Glas, Gerie J; Beurskens, Charlotte J P; van Mierlo, Gerard; Wouters, Diana; Zeerleder, Sacha; Roelofs, Joris J T H; Juffermans, Nicole P; Horn, Janneke; Schultz, Marcus J

    2016-12-01

    Complement activation plays an important role in the pathogenesis of pneumonia. We hypothesized that inhibition of the complement system in the lungs by repeated treatment with nebulized plasma-derived human C1-esterase inhibitor reduces pulmonary complement activation and subsequently attenuates lung injury and lung inflammation. This was investigated in a rat model of severe Streptococcus pneumoniae pneumonia. Rats were intra-tracheally challenged with S. pneumoniae to induce pneumonia. Nebulized C1-esterase inhibitor or saline (control animals) was repeatedly administered to rats, 30 min before induction of pneumonia and every 6 h thereafter. Rats were sacrificed 20 or 40 h after inoculation with bacteria. Brochoalveolar lavage fluid and lung tissue were obtained for measuring levels of complement activation (C4b/c), lung injury and inflammation. Induction of pneumonia was associated with pulmonary complement activation (C4b/c at 20 h 1.24 % [0.56-2.59] and at 40 h 2.08 % [0.98-5.12], compared to 0.50 % [0.07-0.59] and 0.03 % [0.03-0.03] in the healthy control animals). The functional fraction of C1-INH was detectable in BALF, but no effect was found on pulmonary complement activation (C4b/c at 20 h 0.73 % [0.16-1.93] and at 40 h 2.38 % [0.54-4.19]). Twenty hours after inoculation, nebulized C1-esterase inhibitor treatment reduced total histology score, but this effect was no longer seen at 40 h. Nebulized C1-esterase inhibitor did not affect other markers of lung injury or lung inflammation. In this negative experimental animal study, severe S. pneumoniae pneumonia in rats is associated with pulmonary complement activation. Repeated treatment with nebulized C1-esterase inhibitor, although successfully delivered to the lungs, does not affect pulmonary complement activation, lung inflammation or lung injury.

  4. Production of Null Mutants in the Major Intestinal Esterase Gene (Ges-1) of the Nematode Caenorhabditis Elegans

    PubMed Central

    McGhee, J. D.; Birchall, J. C.; Chung, M. A.; Cottrell, D. A.; Edgar, L. G.; Svendsen, P. C.; Ferrari, D. C.

    1990-01-01

    The ges-1 gene of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans codes for a nonspecific carboxylesterase that is expressed only in the intestinal lineage. This esterase has turned out to be a convenient biochemical marker for lineage-specific differentiation. In the present paper, we describe the production of several C. elegans strains that lack detectable activity of the ges-1 esterase. To isolate these ges-1 null strains, we first produced a strain of hermaphrodites in which the wild-type copy of the ges-1 gene was stably balanced over a previously isolated isoelectric focusing allele, ges-1(ca6); this parental strain was then mutagenized with EMS and isoelectric focusing gels were used to identify progeny populations that lacked either ges-1(+) or ges-1(ca6) esterase activity. This method is a straightforward and general approach to obtaining null mutations in any gene that has a biochemical or immunological assay. The ges-1 gene is not essential to worm survival, development or reproduction. Furthermore, lack of the ges-1 product has no obvious effect on the ability of worms (containing either normal or greatly reduced levels of acetylcholinesterases) to survive exposure to esterase inhibitors. The ges-1 gene product provides roughly half of the total esterase activity measured in crude extracts of L1 larvae or mixed worm populations. However, histochemical staining of individual ges-1(0) embryos shows that the ges-1 esterase is the first and essentially the only esterase to be produced during embryonic development, from the midproliferation phase up to at least the twofold stage of morphogenesis. These ges-1(0) strains now allow us to investigate the developmental control of the ges-1 gene by DNA-mediated transformation, in which the ges-1 gene acts as its own reporter. PMID:2379823

  5. Molecular docking and ex vivo and in vitro anticholinesterase activity studies of Salvia sp. and highlighted rosmarinic acid.

    PubMed

    Demirezer, Lütfiye Ömür; Gürbüz, Perihan; Kelicen Uğur, Emine Pelin; Bodur, Mine; Özenver, Nadire; Uz, Ayse; Güvenalp, Zühal

    2015-01-01

    To evaluate acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activity and antioxidant capacity of the major molecule from Salvia sp., rosmarinic acid, as a drug candidate molecule for treatment of Alzheimer disease (AD). The AChE inhibitory activity of different extracts from Salvia trichoclada, Salvia verticillata, and Salvia fruticosa was determined by the Ellman and isolated guinea pig ileum methods, and the antioxidant capacity was determined with DPPH. The AChE inhibitory activity of the major molecule rosmarinic acid was determined by in silico docking and isolated guinea pig ileum methods. The methanol extract of Salvia trichoclada showed the highest inhibition on AChE. The same extract and rosmarinic acid showed significant contraction responses on isolated guinea pig ileum. All the extracts and rosmarinic acid showed high radical scavenging capacities. Docking results of rosmarinic acid showed high affinity to the selected target, AChE. In this study in vitro and ex vivo studies and in silico docking research of rosmarinic acid were used simultaneously for the first time. Rosmarinic acid showed promising results in all the methods tested.

  6. The lignicolous fungus Trametes versicolor (L.) Lloyd (1920): a promising natural source of antiradical and AChE inhibitory agents.

    PubMed

    Janjušević, Ljiljana; Karaman, Maja; Šibul, Filip; Tommonaro, Giuseppina; Iodice, Carmine; Jakovljević, Dragica; Pejin, Boris

    2017-12-01

    This study aimed to determine antiradical (DPPH • and • OH) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activities along with chemical composition of autochtonous fungal species Trametes versicolor (Serbia). A total of 38 phenolic compounds with notable presence of phenolic acids were identified using HPLC/MS-MS. Its water extract exhibited the highest antiradical activity against • OH (3.21 μg/mL), among the rest due to the presence of gallic, p-coumaric and caffeic acids. At the concentration of 100 μg/mL, the same extract displayed a profound AChE inhibitory activity (60.53%) in liquid, compared to donepezil (89.05%), a drug in clinical practice used as positive control. The flavonoids baicalein and quercetin may be responsible compounds for the AChE inhibitory activity observed. These findings have demonstrated considerable potential of T. versicolor water extract as a natural source of antioxidant(s) and/or AChE inhibitor(s) to be eventually used as drug-like compounds or food supplements in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

  7. Integrated Lateral Flow Test Strip with Electrochemical Sensor for Quantification of Phosphorylated Cholinesterase: Biomarker of Exposure to Organophosphorus Agents

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Du, Dan; Wang, Jun; Wang, Limin

    An integrated lateral flow test strip with electrochemical sensor (LFTSES) device with rapid, selective and sensitive response for quantification of exposure to organophosphorus (OP) pesticides and nerve agents has been developed. The principle of this approach is based on parallel measurements of post-exposure and baseline acetylcholinesterase (AChE) enzyme activity, where reactivation of the phosphorylated AChE is exploited to enable measurement of total amount of AChE (including inhibited and active) which is used as a baseline for calculation of AChE inhibition. Quantitative measurement of phosphorylated adduct (OP-AChE) was realized by subtracting the active AChE from the total amount of AChE. Themore » proposed LFTSES device integrates immunochromatographic test strip technology with electrochemical measurement using a disposable screen printed electrode which is located under the test zone. It shows linear response between AChE enzyme activity and enzyme concentration from 0.05 to 10 nM, with detection limit of 0.02 nM. Based on this reactivation approach, the LFTSES device has been successfully applied for in vitro red blood cells inhibition studies using chlorpyrifos oxon as a model OP agent. This approach not only eliminates the difficulty in screening of low-dose OP exposure because of individual variation of normal AChE values, but also avoids the problem in overlapping substrate specificity with cholinesterases and avoids potential interference from other electroactive species in biological samples. It is baseline free and thus provides a rapid, sensitive, selective and inexpensive tool for in-field and point-of-care assessment of exposures to OP pesticides and nerve agents.« less

  8. Cholinergic innervation of human mesenteric lymphatic vessels.

    PubMed

    D'Andrea, V; Bianchi, E; Taurone, S; Mignini, F; Cavallotti, C; Artico, M

    2013-11-01

    The cholinergic neurotransmission within the human mesenteric lymphatic vessels has been poorly studied. Therefore, our aim is to analyse the cholinergic nerve fibres of lymphatic vessels using the traditional enzymatic techniques of staining, plus the biochemical modifications of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity. Specimens obtained from human mesenteric lymphatic vessels were subjected to the following experimental procedures: 1) drawing, cutting and staining of tissues; 2) staining of total nerve fibres; 3) enzymatic staining of cholinergic nerve fibres; 4) homogenisation of tissues; 5) biochemical amount of proteins; 6) biochemical amount of AChE activity; 6) quantitative analysis of images; 7) statistical analysis of data. The mesenteric lymphatic vessels show many AChE positive nerve fibres around their wall with an almost plexiform distribution. The incubation time was performed at 1 h (partial activity) and 6 h (total activity). Moreover, biochemical dosage of the same enzymatic activity confirms the results obtained with morphological methods. The homogenates of the studied tissues contain strong AChE activity. In our study, the lymphatic vessels appeared to contain few cholinergic nerve fibres. Therefore, it is expected that perivascular nerve stimulation stimulates cholinergic nerves innervating the mesenteric arteries to release the neurotransmitter AChE, which activates muscarinic or nicotinic receptors to modulate adrenergic neurotransmission. These results strongly suggest, that perivascular cholinergic nerves have little or no effect on the adrenergic nerve function in mesenteric arteries. The cholinergic nerves innervating mesenteric arteries do not mediate direct vascular responses.

  9. Acetylcholinesterase inhibition in the threeridge mussel (Amblema plicata) by chlorpyrifos: implications for biomonitoring

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Doran, W.J.; Cope, W.G.; Rada, R.G.; Sandheinrich, M.B.

    2001-01-01

    The effects of chlorpyrifos, an organophosphorus insecticide, were examined on the activity of the nervous system enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in the threeridge mussel Amblema plicata in a 24-day laboratory test. Thirty-six mussels in each of seven treatments (18 mussels per duplicate) were exposed to chlorpyrifos (0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.6, and 1.2 mg/L), a solvent (acetone), and a solvent-free (well water) control for 12, 24, or 96 h. The activity of AChE was measured in the anterior adductor muscle of eight mussels from each treatment after exposure. To assess potential latent effects, six mussels from each treatment were removed after 24 h of exposure and transferred to untreated water for a 21-day holding period; AChE activity was measured on three mussels from each treatment at 7 and 21 days of the holding period. The activity of AChE in chlorpyrifos-exposed mussels did not differ from controls after 12 or 24 h of exposure (t- test, P>0.05), but was significantly less than controls after 96 h (t- test, P=0.01). AChE activity did not vary among mussels at 24 h of exposure (i.e., Day 0 of holding period) and those at Day 7 and Day 21 of the holding period. Overall changes in AChE activity of mussels during the test were unrelated to individual chlorpyrifos concentrations and exposure times (repeated measure ANOVA; (P=0.06). A power analysis revealed that the sample size must be increased from 2 to 5 replicates (8 to 20 mussels per time interval and test concentration) to increase the probability of detecting significant differences in AChE activity. This calculated increase in sample size has potential implications for future biomonitoring studies with chlorpyrifos and unionid mussels.

  10. Biochemical characterisation of the esterase activities of wine lactic acid bacteria.

    PubMed

    Matthews, Angela; Grbin, Paul R; Jiranek, Vladimir

    2007-11-01

    Esters are an important group of volatile compounds that can contribute to wine flavour. Wine lactic acid bacteria (LAB) have been shown to produce esterases capable of hydrolysing ester substrates. This study aims to characterise the esterase activities of nine LAB strains under important wine conditions, namely, acidic conditions, low temperature (to 10 degrees C) and in the presence of ethanol (2-18% v/v). Esterase substrate specificity was also examined using seven different ester substrates. The bacteria were generally found to have a broad pH activity range, with the majority of strains showing maximum activity close to pH 6.0. Exceptions included an Oenococcus oeni strain that retained most activity even down to a pH of 4.0. Most strains exhibited highest activity across the range 30-40 degrees C. Increasing ethanol concentration stimulated activity in some of the strains. In particular, O. oeni showed an increase in activity up to a maximum ethanol concentration of around 16%. Generally, strains were found to have greater activity towards short-chained esters (C2-C8) compared to long-chained esters (C10-C18). Even though the optimal physicochemical conditions for enzyme activity differed from those found in wine, these findings are of potential importance to oenology because significant activities remained under wine-like conditions.

  11. Structure—activity relationships for insecticidal carbamates*

    PubMed Central

    Metcalf, Robert L.

    1971-01-01

    Carbamate insecticides are biologically active because of their structural complementarity to the active site of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and their consequent action as substrates with very low turnover numbers. Carbamates behave as synthetic neurohormones that produce their toxic action by interrupting the normal action of AChE so that acetylcholine accumulates at synaptic junctions. The necessary properties for a suitable insecticidal carbamate are lipid solubility, suitable structural complementarity to AChE, and sufficient stability to multifunction-oxidase detoxification. The relationships between the structure and the activity of a large number of synthetic carbamates are analysed in detail, with particular attention to the second of these properties. PMID:5315358

  12. Characterization of acetylcholinesterase-inhibition by itopride.

    PubMed

    Iwanaga, Y; Kimura, T; Miyashita, N; Morikawa, K; Nagata, O; Itoh, Z; Kondo, Y

    1994-11-01

    Itopride is a gastroprokinetic benzamide derivative. This agent inhibited both electric eel acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and horse serum butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE). The IC50 of itopride with AChE (2.04 +/- 0.27 microM) was, however, 100-fold less than that with BuChE, whereas in the case of neostigmine with AChE (11.3 +/- 3.4 nM), it was 10-fold less. The recovery of AChE activity inhibited by 10(-7) M neostigmine was partial, but that inhibited by up to 3 x 10(-5) M itopride was complete when the reaction mixture was subjected to ultrafiltration. Double reciprocal plots of the experimental data showed that both Km and Vmax were affected by itopride, suggesting that the inhibition is a "mixed" type, although primarily being an uncompetitive one. The inhibitory effect of itopride on cholinesterase (ChE) activity in guinea pig gastrointestine was much weaker than that on pure AChE. However, in the presence of a low dose of diisopropyl fluorophosphate, just enough to inhibit BuChE but not AChE, the IC50s of itopride against ChE activities were found to be about 0.5 microM. In conclusion, itopride exerts reversible and a "mixed" type of inhibition preferably against AChE. The IC50 of itopride for electric eel and guinea pig gastrointestinal AChE inhibition was 200 times and 50 times as large as that of neostigmine, respectively.

  13. Ionic liquid mediated synthesis and molecular docking study of novel aromatic embedded Schiff bases as potent cholinesterase inhibitors.

    PubMed

    Abd Razik, Basma M; Osman, Hasnah; Basiri, Alireza; Salhin, Abdussalam; Kia, Yalda; Ezzat, Mohammed Oday; Murugaiyah, Vikneswaran

    2014-12-01

    Novel aromatic embedded Schiff bases have been synthesized in ionic liquid [bmim]Br and evaluated in vitro for their acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) enzymes inhibitory activities. Among the newly synthesized compounds, 5f, 5h and 7j displayed higher AChE enzyme inhibitory activities than standard drug, galanthamine, with IC50 values of 1.88, 2.05 and 2.03μM, respectively. Interestingly, all the compounds except for compound 5c displayed higher BChE inhibitories than standard with IC50 values ranging from 3.49 to 19.86μM. Molecular docking analysis for 5f and 7j possessing the most potent AChE and BChE inhibitory activities, disclosed their binding interaction templates to the active site of AChE and BChE enzymes, respectively. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  14. Effect of thermal stress and water deprivation on the acetylcholinesterase activity of the pig brain and hypophyses

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Adejumo, D. O.; Egbunike, G. N.

    1988-06-01

    The effects of direct exposure of boars to thermal stress for 1 h daily for 5 days and to acute water deprivation for 24 or 48 h were studied on the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity of porcine brain and hypophysial regions. Mean ambient temperatures, respiratory rates and rectal temperatures in the open were significantly higher than inside the pen. Heat stress induced a rise in AChE activities in the pons, cerebellum, amygdala, hippocampus, hypothalamus, mid-brain and medulla oblongata. However, no significant changes were observed in the cerebral cortex, adenohypophysis and neurohypophysis. Water deprivation significantly ( P<0.05) depressed AChE activity to varying extents depending on the duration of water restriction. Thus AChE activity in the amygdala was depressed by water deprivation for 24 h but partially restored at 48 h. The pons and medulla oblongata were comparable to the amygdala in this respect. The adenohypophysis and neurohypophysis were relatively unaffected.

  15. Chlorpyrifos and chlorpyrifos-oxon inhibit axonal growth by interfering with the morphogenic activity of acetylcholinesterase

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Yang Dongren; Howard, Angela; Bruun, Donald

    2008-04-01

    A primary role of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is regulation of cholinergic neurotransmission by hydrolysis of synaptic acetylcholine. In the developing nervous system, however, AChE also functions as a morphogenic factor to promote axonal growth. This raises the question of whether organophosphorus pesticides (OPs) that are known to selectively bind to and inactivate the enzymatic function of AChE also interfere with its morphogenic function to perturb axonogenesis. To test this hypothesis, we exposed primary cultures of sensory neurons derived from embryonic rat dorsal root ganglia (DRG) to chlorpyrifos (CPF) or its oxon metabolite (CPFO). Both OPs significantly decreased axonal length at concentrationsmore » that had no effect on cell viability, protein synthesis or the enzymatic activity of AChE. Comparative analyses of the effects of CPF and CPFO on axonal growth in DRG neurons cultured from AChE nullizygous (AChE{sup -/-}) versus wild type (AChE{sup +/+}) mice indicated that while these OPs inhibited axonal growth in AChE{sup +/+} DRG neurons, they had no effect on axonal growth in AChE{sup -/-} DRG neurons. However, transfection of AChE{sup -/-} DRG neurons with cDNA encoding full-length AChE restored the wild type response to the axon inhibitory effects of OPs. These data indicate that inhibition of axonal growth by OPs requires AChE, but the mechanism involves inhibition of the morphogenic rather than enzymatic activity of AChE. These findings suggest a novel mechanism for explaining not only the functional deficits observed in children and animals following developmental exposure to OPs, but also the increased vulnerability of the developing nervous system to OPs.« less

  16. Design, evaluation and structure-activity relationship studies of the AChE reactivators against organophosphorus pesticides.

    PubMed

    Musilek, Kamil; Dolezal, Martin; Gunn-Moore, Frank; Kuca, Kamil

    2011-07-01

    Organophosphate pesticides (OPPs; e.g. chlorpyrifos, diazinon, paraoxon) are a wide and heterogeneous group of organophosphorus compounds. Their biological activity of inhibiting acetylcholinesterase (AChE) or butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) ranks them as life endangering agents. The necessary treatment after OPP exposure involves the use of parasympatolytics (e.g. atropine), oxime reactivators (e.g. obidoxime), and anticonvulsive drugs (e.g. diazepam). Therefore, the reactivators of AChE are essential compounds in the treatment of OPP intoxications. Commercial AChE reactivators (e.g. pralidoxime, HI-6, obidoxime, trimedoxime, methoxime) were originally developed for other members of the organophosphate family, such as nerve agents (e.g. sarin, soman, tabun, VX). Pralidoxime, HI-6, and methoxime were found to be weak reactivators of OPP-inhibited AChE. Obidoxime and trimedoxime showed satisfactory reactivation against various OPPs with minor toxicity issues. During the last two decades, the treatment of OPP exposure has become more widely discussed because of growing agricultural production, industrialization, and harmful social issues (e.g. suicides). In this review is the summarized design, evaluation, and structure-activity relationship studies of recently produced AChE reactivators. Since pralidoxime, over 300 oximes have been produced or tested against OPP poisoning, and several novel compounds show very promising abilities as comparable (or higher) to commercial oximes. Some of these are highlighted for their further testing of OPP exposure and, additionally, the main structure-activity relationship of AChE reactivators against OPP is discussed. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  17. Synthesis and cholinesterase inhibition of cativic acid derivatives.

    PubMed

    Alza, Natalia P; Richmond, Victoria; Baier, Carlos J; Freire, Eleonora; Baggio, Ricardo; Murray, Ana Paula

    2014-08-01

    Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder associated with memory impairment and cognitive deficit. Most of the drugs currently available for the treatment of AD are acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors. In a preliminary study, significant AChE inhibition was observed for the ethanolic extract of Grindelia ventanensis (IC₅₀=0.79 mg/mL). This result prompted us to isolate the active constituent, a normal labdane diterpenoid identified as 17-hydroxycativic acid (1), through a bioassay guided fractionation. Taking into account that 1 showed moderate inhibition of AChE (IC₅₀=21.1 μM), selectivity over butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) (IC₅₀=171.1 μM) and that it was easily obtained from the plant extract in a very good yield (0.15% w/w), we decided to prepare semisynthetic derivatives of this natural diterpenoid through simple structural modifications. A set of twenty new cativic acid derivatives (3-6) was prepared from 1 through transformations on the carboxylic group at C-15, introducing a C2-C6 linker and a tertiary amine group. They were tested for their inhibitory activity against AChE and BChE and some structure-activity relationships were outlined. The most active derivative was compound 3c, with an IC₅₀ value of 3.2 μM for AChE. Enzyme kinetic studies and docking modeling revealed that this inhibitor targeted both the catalytic active site and the peripheral anionic site of this enzyme. Furthermore, 3c showed significant inhibition of AChE activity in SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells, and was non-cytotoxic. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  18. Antioxidant, Acetylcholinesterase, Butyrylcholinesterase, and α-glucosidase Inhibitory Activities of Corchorus depressus

    PubMed Central

    Afzal, Samina; Chaudhry, Bashir Ahmad; Ahmad, Ashfaq; Uzair, Muhammad; Afzal, Khurram

    2017-01-01

    Background: Corchorus depressus (Cd) commonly known as Boa-phalee belonging to the family Tiliaceae having 50 genera and 450 species. Cd is not among the studied medicinal agent despite its potential in ethnopharmacology. Objectives: The present study investigated antioxidant, acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities of Cd. The dichloromethane and methanolic extracts of the Cd were evaluated for biological activities such as antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory activities of AChE, BChE, and α-glucosidase. Materials and Methods: Antioxidant activity was evaluated by measuring free radical scavenging potential of Cd using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl. Enzyme inhibition activities were done by measuring optical density. Results: The methanol extract of roots of Cd showed potential free radical scavenging activity 99% at concentration 16.1 μg/ml. AChE was inhibited by aerial part of dichloromethane fraction by 46.07% ± 0.45% while dichloromethane extracts of roots of Cd possessed significant activity against BChE with 86% inhibition compared with standard drug Eserine at concentration 0.5 mg/ml. The dichloromethane extract of roots of Cd showed 79% inhibition against α-glucosidase enzyme activity with IC50 62.8 ± 1.5 μg/ml. Conclusion: These findings suggest Cd as useful therapeutic option as antioxidant and inhibition of AChE, BChE, and α-glucosidase activities. SUMMARY The aerial parts and roots of Corchorus depressus (Cd) were extracted in dichloromethane and methanolThe extract of roots of Cd showed free radical scavenging activity 99% at concentration 16.1 mg/ml, Ach inhibition by aerial parts of dichloromethane fraction by 46.07%, and 79% inhibition against a-glucosidase enzyme activity with IC50 62.8 ± 1.5 mg/mlThe dichloromethane and methanolic extracts of Cd exhibited antioxidant inhibition of acetyl cholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase, and a-glucosidase activities. Abbreviations used: DPPH: 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl, Cd: Corchorus depressus, AChE: Acetylcholinesterase, BChE: Butyrylcholinesterase, AD: Alzheimer's disease. PMID:29200727

  19. Comparison of the oxime-induced reactivation of rhesus monkey, swine and guinea pig erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase following inhibition by sarin or paraoxon, using a perfusion model for the real-time determination of membrane-bound acetylcholinesterase activity.

    PubMed

    Herkert, Nadja M; Lallement, Guy; Clarençon, Didier; Thiermann, Horst; Worek, Franz

    2009-04-28

    Recently, a dynamically working in vitro model with real-time determination of membrane-bound human acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity was shown to be a versatile model to investigate oxime-induced reactivation kinetics of organophosphate- (OP) inhibited enzyme. In this assay, AChE was immobilized on particle filters which were perfused with acetylthiocholine, Ellman's reagent and phosphate buffer. Subsequently, AChE activity was continuously analyzed in a flow-through detector. Now, it was an intriguing question whether this model could be used with erythrocyte AChE from other species in order to investigate kinetic interactions in the absence of annoying side reactions. Rhesus monkey, swine and guinea pig erythrocytes were a stable and highly reproducible enzyme source. Then, the model was applied to the reactivation of sarin- and paraoxon-inhibited AChE by obidoxime or HI 6 and it could be shown that the derived reactivation rate constants were in good agreement to previous results obtained from experiments with a static model. Hence, this dynamic model offers the possibility to investigate highly reproducible interactions between AChE, OP and oximes with human and animal AChE.

  20. Antioxidant and cholinesterase inhibitory activity of a new peptide from Ziziphus jujuba fruits.

    PubMed

    Zare-Zardini, Hadi; Tolueinia, Behnaz; Hashemi, Azam; Ebrahimi, Leila; Fesahat, Farzaneh

    2013-11-01

    Antioxidant agents and cholinesterase inhibitors are the foremost drugs for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). In this study, a new peptide from Ziziphus jujuba fruits was investigated for its inhibitory activity against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) enzymes as well as antioxidant activity. This peptide was introduced as a new peptide and named Snakin-Z. The Snakin-Z displayed considerable cholinesterase inhibition against AChE and BChE. The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of Snakin-Z against AChE and BChE are 0.58 ± 0.08 and 0.72 ± 0.085 mg/mL, respectively. This peptide has 80% enzyme inhibitory activity on AChE and BChE at 1.5 mg/mL. The Snakin-Z also had the high antioxidant activity (IC50 = 0.75 ± 0.09 mg/mL). Thus, it is suggested that Snakin-Z may be beneficial in the treatment of AD. However, more detailed researches are still required as in vivo testing its anticholinesterase and antioxidant activities.

  1. The interactions of azure B, a metabolite of methylene blue, with acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Petzer, Anél, E-mail: 12264954@nwu.ac.za; Harvey, Brian H.; Petzer, Jacobus P.

    Methylene blue (MB) is reported to possess diverse pharmacological actions and is attracting increasing attention for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease. Among the pharmacological actions of MB, is the significant inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE). These activities may, at least in part, underlie MB's beneficial effects in Alzheimer's disease. MB is metabolized to yield N-demethylated products of which azure B, the monodemethyl metabolite, is the predominant species. Azure B has been shown to be pharmacologically active and also possesses a variety of biological actions. Azure B therefore may contribute to the pharmacological profile ofmore » MB. Based on these considerations, the present study investigates the possibility that azure B may, similar to MB, act as an inhibitor of human AChE and BuChE. The results document that azure B inhibits AChE and BuChE with IC{sub 50} values of 0.486 μM and 1.99 μM, respectively. The results further show that azure B inhibits AChE and BuChE reversibly, and that the modes of inhibition are most likely competitive. Although the AChE and BuChE inhibitory activities of azure B are twofold and fivefold, respectively, less potent than those recorded for MB [IC{sub 50}(AChE) = 0.214 μM; IC{sub 50}(BuChE) = 0.389 μM] under identical conditions, azure B may be a contributor to MB's in vivo activation of the cholinergic system and beneficial effects in Alzheimer's disease. - Highlights: • Methylene blue (MB) is a known inhibitor of AChE and BuChE. • Azure B, the major metabolite of MB, also is an inhibitor of AChE and BuChE. • Azure B may be a contributor to MB's in vivo activation of the cholinergic system. • Azure B may contribute to MB's potential in Alzheimer's disease therapy.« less

  2. Rapid Screening and Characterization of Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors from Yinhuang Oral Liquid Using Ultrafiltration-liquid Chromatography-electrospray Ionization Tandem Mass Spectrometry

    PubMed Central

    Zhang, Haomin; Guo, Yinan; Meng, Lingwen; Sun, Hui; Yang, Yinping; Gao, Ying; Sun, Jiaming

    2018-01-01

    Background: At present, approximately 17–25 million people in the world suffer from Alzheimer's disease (AD). The most efficacious and acceptable therapeutic drug clinically are the acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs). Yinhuang oral liquid is a Chinese medicine preparation which contains AChEIs according to the literatures. However, no strategy has been presented for rapid screening and identification of AChEIs from Yinhuang oral liquid. Objective: To develop a method for rapid screening and identification of AChEIs from Yinhuang oral liquid using ultrafiltration–liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (UF-LC-ESI-MS/MS). Materials and Methods: In this study, UF incubation conditions such as enzyme concentration, incubation time, and incubation temperature were optimized so as to get better screening results. The AChEIs from Yinhuang oral liquid were identified by high-performance liquid chromatography-ESI-MS and the improved Ellman method was used for the AChE inhibitory activity test in vitro. Results: The results showed that Yinhuang oral liquid can inhibit the activity of AChE. We screened and identified seven compounds with potential AChE inhibitory activity from Yinhuang oral liquid, which provided experimental basis for the treatment and prevention of AD. Conclusion: The current technique was used to directly screen the active ingredients with acetylcholinesterase inhibition from complex traditional Chinese medicine, which was simple, rapid, accurate, and suitable for high-throughput screening of AChEI from complex systems. SUMMARY A UF-LC-ESI-MS/MS method for rapid screening and identification of AChEIs from Yinhuang oral liquid was developedSeven compounds were screened and identified with potential AChE inhibitory activity from Yinhuang oral liquidIt provided experimental basis of Yinhuang oral liquid for the treating and preventing AD. Abbreviations used: (AD): Alzheimer's disease; (UF-LC-ESI-MS/MS): ultrafiltration–liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry; (AChEIs): acetylcholinesterase inhibitors. PMID:29720840

  3. Oral administration of pyridostigmine bromide and huperzine A protects human whole blood cholinesterases from ex vivo exposure to soman.

    PubMed

    Gordon, Richard K; Haigh, Julian R; Garcia, Gregory E; Feaster, Shawn R; Riel, Michael A; Lenz, David E; Aisen, Paul S; Doctor, Bhupendra P

    2005-12-15

    Cholinesterases (ChEs) are classified as acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) according to their substrate specificity and sensitivity to selected inhibitors. The activities of AChE in red blood cells (RBC-AChE) and BChE in serum can be used as potential biomarkers of suppressed and/or heightened activity in the central and peripheral nervous systems. Exposure to organophosphate (OP) chemical warfare agents (CWAs), pesticides, anesthetics, and a variety of drugs such as cocaine, as well as some neurodegenerative and liver disease states, selectively reduces AChE or BChE activity. In humans, the toxicity of pesticides is well documented. Therefore, blood cholinesterase activity can be exploited as a tool for confirming exposure to these agents and possible treatments. Current assays for measurement of RBC-AChE and serum BChE require several labor-intensive processing steps, suffer from wide statistical variation, and there is no inter-laboratory conversion between methods. These methods, which determine only the serum BChE or RBC-AChE but not both, include the Ellman, radiometric, and deltapH (modified Michel) methods. In contrast, the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research Whole Blood (WRAIR WB, US Patent #6,746,850) cholinesterase assay rapidly determines the activity of both AChE and BChE in unprocessed (uncentrifuged) whole blood, uses a minimally invasive blood sampling technique (e.g., blood from a finger prick), and is semi-automated for high-throughput using the Biomek 2000 robotic system. To date, the WRAIR whole blood assay was used to measure AChE and BChE activities in human blood from volunteers in FDA clinical trials. In the first FDA study, 24 human subjects were given either 30 mg PB orally (n = 19) or placebo (n = 5). Blood samples were obtained pre-dosing and 2.5, 5, 8, and 24 h post-dosing. The samples were analyzed for AChE and BChE activity using the WRAIR WB robotic system, and for PB concentration by HPLC. We found that maximal inhibition of AChE (26.2%) and concentration of PB (17.1 ng/mL) occurred at 2.5 h post-PB dosing. AChE activity returned to almost 100% of pre-dose values by 6 h. A dose-dependent linear correlation was found between the amount of PB measured in the blood and the inhibition of AChE. Following soman (GD) exposure, recovered AChE activity was similar to levels that were reversibly protected by the PB administration. Therefore, the WRAIR ChE WB data clearly supports the conclusion that PB is an effective pre-treatment drug for nerve agent exposure (GD). In the second FDA human study for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, the WRAIR ChE WB assay was used to determine the RBC-AChE and serum BChE profile of healthy elderly volunteers receiving Huperzine A. Huperzine A is a plant-derived reversible and selective AChE inhibitor compared to BChE, and is a more potent inhibitor of AChE than PB. Huperzine A is available as a nutraceutical, a natural supplement reported to improve memory, and has a variety of neuroprotective effects. Individuals received an increasing dose regimen of huperzine A (final dose 200 microg after 4 weeks), which produced more than 50% inhibition of RBC-AChE. Huperzine A was well tolerated by these patients at doses that sequestered more RBC-AChE than PB, and thus warrants further study as a prophylaxis for OP poisoning in addition to Alzheimer's therapy. Due to the documented use of OPs by terrorists and in warfare around the globe, Federal, State, and local authorities need a reliable, fast, inexpensive, and standard method for confirming such an assault in order to initiate appropriate containment, decontamination, and treatment measures. This assay is ideal for prescreening military personnel for atypical ChE activities that would preclude their deployment to areas of potential CWA exposure. The WRAIR WB ChE assay will fulfill the requirement for rapid and reliable monitoring of such exposure in military and civilian populations.

  4. Juvenile hormone activity in Dysdercus cingulatus Fabr by juvenile hormone esterase inhibitor, OTFP.

    PubMed

    Elayidam, U Gayathri; Muraleedharan, D

    2007-10-01

    Application of juvenile hormone esterase inhibitor 3-octylthio-1,1,1- trifluropropan-2-one (OTFP) to 5th instar nymphs and virgin females of D. cingulatus revealed the profound role played by juvenile hormone esterase (JHE) in metamorphosis and reproduction. The ability of OTFP to cause delay and the formation of malformed nymphs, suggests that inhibition of JHE in vivo maintains a higher than normal hemolymph JH titer. It is obvious that OTFP does inhibit in vivo JHE activity in late instar nymphs. Further, the application of JHE inhibitor, OTFP to virgin females demonstrates that substituted trifluropropanones can indirectly stimulate egg development by inhibiting JHE activity in virgin females.

  5. Effects of hyper- and hypothyroidism on acetylcholinesterase, (Na(+), K (+))- and Mg ( 2+ )-ATPase activities of adult rat hypothalamus and cerebellum.

    PubMed

    Carageorgiou, Haris; Pantos, Constantinos; Zarros, Apostolos; Stolakis, Vasileios; Mourouzis, Iordanis; Cokkinos, Dennis; Tsakiris, Stylianos

    2007-03-01

    Thyroid hormones (THs) are recognized as key metabolic hormones, and the metabolic rate increases in hyperthyroidism, while it decreases in hypothyroidism. The aim of this work was to investigate how changes in metabolism induced by THs could affect the activities of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), (Na(+), K(+))- and Mg(2+)-ATPase in the hypothalamus and the cerebellum of adult rats. Hyperthyroidism was induced by subcutaneous administration of thyroxine (25 microg/100 g body weight) once daily for 14 days, while hypothyroidism was induced by oral administration of propylthiouracil (0.05%) for 21 days. All enzyme activities were evaluated spectrophotometrically in the homogenated brain regions of 10 three-animal pools. Neither hyper-, nor hypothyroidism had any effect on the examined hypothalamic enzyme activities. In the cerebellum, hyperthyroidism provoked a significant decrease in both the AChE (-23%, p < 0.001) and the Na(+), K(+)-ATPase activities (-26%, p < 0.001). Moreover, hypothyroidism had a similar effect on the examined enzyme activities: AChE (-17%, p < 0.001) and Na(+), K(+)-ATPase (-27%, p < 0.001). Mg(2+)-ATPase activity was found unaltered in both the hyper- and the hypothyroid brain regions. neither hyper-, nor hypothyroidism had any effect on the examined hypothalamic enzyme activities. In the cerebellum, hyperthyroidism provoked a significant decrease in both the AChE and the Na(+), K(+)-ATPase activities. The decreased (by the THs) Na(+), K(+)-ATPase activities may increase the synaptic acetylcholine release, and thus, could result in a decrease in the cerebellar AChE activity. Moreover, the above TH-induced changes may affect the monoamine neurotransmitter systems.

  6. Cracking the Betel Nut: Cholinergic Activity of Areca Alkaloids and Related Compounds.

    PubMed

    Horenstein, Nicole A; Quadri, Marta; Stokes, Clare; Shoaib, Mohammed; Papke, Roger L

    2017-10-03

    The use of betel quid is the most understudied major addiction in the world. The neuropsychological activity of betel quid has been attributed to alkaloids of Areca catechu. With the goal of developing novel addiction treatments, we evaluate the muscarinic and nicotinic activity of the four major Areca alkaloids: arecoline, arecaidine, guvacoline, and guvacine and four structurally related compounds. Acetylcholine receptors were expressed in Xenopus oocytes and studied with two-electrode voltage clamp. Both arecoline- and guvacoline-activated muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChR), while only arecoline produced significant activation of nicotinic AChR (nAChR). We characterized four additional arecoline-related compounds, seeking an analog that would retain selective activity for a α4* nAChR, with diminished effects on mAChR and not be a desensitizer of α7 nAChR. We show that this profile is largely met by isoarecolone. Three additional arecoline analogs were characterized. While the quaternary dimethyl analog had a broad range of activities, including activation of mAChR and muscle-type nAChR, the methyl analog only activated a range of α4* nAChR, albeit with low potency. The ethyl analog had no detectable cholinergic activity. Evidence indicates that α4* nAChR are at the root of nicotine addiction, and this may also be the case for betel addiction. Our characterization of isoarecolone and 1-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl) ethanone as truly selective α4*nAChR selective partial agonists with low muscarinic activity may point toward a promising new direction for the development of drugs to treat both nicotine and betel addiction. Nearly 600 million people use Areca nut, often with tobacco. Two of the Areca alkaloids are muscarinic acetylcholine receptor agonists, and one, arecoline, is a partial agonist for the α4* nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR) associated with tobacco addiction. The profile of arecoline activity suggested its potential to be used as a scaffold for developing new tobacco cessation drugs if analogs can be identified that retain the same nicotinic receptor selectivity without muscarinic activity. We report that isoarecolone is a selective partial agonist for α4* nAChR with minimal muscarinic activity and 1-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl) ethanone has similar nAChR selectivity and no detectable muscarinic action. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

  7. Red blood cell acetylcholinesterase activity among healthy dwellers of an agrarian region in Sri Lanka: a descriptive cross-sectional study.

    PubMed

    Rathish, Devarajan; Senavirathna, Indika; Jayasumana, Channa; Agampodi, Suneth

    2018-06-21

    Assessment of acetylcholinesterase-inhibitor insecticide (AChEII) toxicity depends on the measurement of red blood cell acetylcholinesterase (RBC-AChE) activity. Its interpretation requires baseline values which is lacking in scientific literature. We aim to find the measures of central tendency and variation for RBC-AChE activity among dwellers of Anuradhapura, where the use and abuse of AChEIIs were rampant for the last few decades. A descriptive cross-sectional study with a community-based sampling for 100 healthy non-farmers (male:female = 1:1) was done using pre-determined selection criteria. Duplicate measurements of RBC-AChE activity were performed according to the modified Ellman procedure. Pearson's correlation and regression analysis were sort for RBC-AChE activity against its possible determinants. RBC-AChE activity had a mean of 449.8 (SD 74.2) mU/μM Hb with a statistical power of 0.847. It was similar to values of "healthy controls" from previous Sri Lankan toxicological studies but was low against international reference value [586.1 (SD 65.1) mU/μM Hb]. None of the possible determinants showed a significant strength of relationship with RBC-AChE activity. The baseline RBC-AChE activity among people of Anuradhapura is low in comparison with international reference values. This arises a need to find a causative mechanism.

  8. Dietary Pyridoxine Protects against Stress and Maintains Immunohaematological Status in Chanos chanos Exposed to Endosulfan.

    PubMed

    Kumar, Neeraj; Ambasankar, Kondusamy; Krishnani, Kishore Kumar; Bhushan, Shashi; Minhas, Paramjit Singh

    2016-09-01

    The amelioration effect of water-soluble vitamin pyridoxine against stress was evaluated in milkfish, Chanos chanos exposed to endosulfan. Two hundred and twenty-five fish were distributed randomly into five treatments, each with three replicates. Four isocaloric and isonitrogenous diets with graded levels of pyridoxine feed were as follows: normal water and fed with control diet (En0/PY0); endosulfan-treated water and fed with control diet (En/PY0); and endosulfan-treated water and fed with 50 (En/PY 50 mg/kg), 75 (En/PY 75 mg/kg) and 100 mg/kg (En/PY 100 mg/kg) pyridoxine-supplemented feed. The endosulfan in treated water was maintained at a level of 1/40th of LC50 (0.52 ppb). The effect of dietary pyridoxine supplementation was studied in terms of antioxidative enzymes (catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione-S-transferase), stress markers [heat-shock protein 70, caspase-3, cortisol, acetylcholine esterase (AChE), blood glucose], immunohaematological parameters (total protein, albumin, globulin and A/G ratio, nitroblue tetrazolium, RBC, WBC, Hb), gill histopathology and a subsequent challenge study with Vibrio parahaemolyticus. The antioxidative enzymes, stress markers, albumin and A/G ratio were significantly (p < 0.01) elevated, brain AChE and immunohaematological parameters were significantly (p < 0.01) decreased, and chromosome aberration and gill histopathology were also altered due to endosulfan exposure. The relative survival % was reduced due to the combined effect of endosulfan stress and bacterial challenge. Fish fed the diet supplemented with pyridoxine at 75 and 100 mg/kg was found to restore the studied parameter towards normal compared with control and indicated protection against endosulfan-induced stress significantly (p < 0.01). Results obtained in the present study indicate that the supplementation of 75 and 100 mg/kg of pyridoxine in the diet has a definitive role in the mitigation of the endosulfan-induced stress in milkfish, C. chanos fingerlings. © 2016 Nordic Association for the Publication of BCPT (former Nordic Pharmacological Society).

  9. Synthesis of some new 3-coumaranone and coumarin derivatives as dual inhibitors of acetyl- and butyrylcholinesterase.

    PubMed

    Alipour, Masoumeh; Khoobi, Mehdi; Nadri, Hamid; Sakhteman, Amirhossein; Moradi, Alireza; Ghandi, Mehdi; Foroumadi, Alireza; Shafiee, Abbas

    2013-08-01

    A novel series of coumarin and 3-coumaranone derivatives encompassing the phenacyl pyridinium moiety were synthesized and evaluated for their acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) inhibitory activity using Ellman's method. All compounds presented inhibitory activity against both AChE and BuChE in the micromolar range. The molecular docking simulations revealed that all compounds were dual binding site inhibitors of AChE. A kinetic study was performed and the mechanism of enzyme inhibition was proved to be of mixed type. All compounds were tested for their antioxidant activity and no significant activity was observed. © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  10. Butyrylcholinesterase in guinea pig lung lavage: a novel biomarker to assess lung injury following inhalation exposure to nerve agent VX.

    PubMed

    Graham, Jacob R; Wright, Benjamin S; Rezk, Peter E; Gordon, Richard K; Sciuto, Alfred M; Nambiar, Madhusoodana P

    2006-06-01

    Respiratory disturbances play a central role in chemical warfare nerve agent (CWNA) induced toxicity; they are the starting point of mass casualty and the major cause of death. We developed a microinstillation technique of inhalation exposure to nerve agent VX and assessed lung injury by biochemical analysis of the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Here we demonstrate that normal guinea pig BALF has a significant amount of cholinesterase activity. Treatment with Huperzine A, a specific inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), showed that a minor fraction of BALF cholinesterase is AChE. Furthermore, treatment with tetraisopropyl pyrophosphoramide (iso-OMPA), a specific inhibitor of butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), inhibited more than 90% of BChE activity, indicating the predominance of BChE in BALF. A predominance of BChE expression in the lung lavage was seen in both genders. Substrate specific inhibition indicated that nearly 30% of the cholinesterase in lung tissue homogenate is AChE. BALF and lung tissue AChE and BChE activities were strongly inhibited in guinea pigs exposed for 5 min to 70.4 and 90.4 microg/m3 VX and allowed to recover for 15 min. In contrast, BALF AChE activity was increased 63% and 128% and BChE activity was increased 77% and 88% after 24 h of recovery following 5 min inhalation exposure to 70.4 microg/m3 and 90.4 mg/m3 VX, respectively. The increase in BALF AChE and BChE activity was dose dependent. Since BChE is synthesized in the liver and present in the plasma, an increase in BALF indicates endothelial barrier injury and leakage of plasma into lung interstitium. Therefore, a measure of increased levels of AChE and BChE in the lung lavage can be used to determine the chronology of barrier damage as well as the extent of lung injury following exposure to chemical warfare nerve agents.

  11. Effect of novel negative allosteric modulators of neuronal nicotinic receptors on cells expressing native and recombinant nicotinic receptors: implications for drug discovery.

    PubMed

    González-Cestari, Tatiana F; Henderson, Brandon J; Pavlovicz, Ryan E; McKay, Susan B; El-Hajj, Raed A; Pulipaka, Aravinda B; Orac, Crina M; Reed, Damon D; Boyd, R Thomas; Zhu, Michael X; Li, Chenglong; Bergmeier, Stephen C; McKay, Dennis B

    2009-02-01

    Allosteric modulation of nAChRs is considered to be one of the most promising approaches for drug design targeting nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). We have reported previously on the pharmacological activity of several compounds that seem to act noncompetitively to inhibit the activation of alpha3beta4(*) nAChRs. In this study, the effects of 51 structurally similar molecules on native and recombinant alpha3beta4 nAChRs are characterized. These 51 molecules inhibited adrenal neurosecretion activated via stimulation of native alpha3beta4(*) nAChR, with IC(50) values ranging from 0.4 to 13.0 microM. Using cells expressing recombinant alpha3beta4 nAChRs, these molecules inhibited calcium accumulation (a more direct assay to establish nAChR activity), with IC(50) values ranging from 0.7 to 38.2 microM. Radiolabeled nAChR binding studies to orthosteric sites showed no inhibitory activity on either native or recombinant nAChRs. Correlation analyses of the data from both functional assays suggested additional, non-nAChR activity of the molecules. To test this hypothesis, the effects of the drugs on neurosecretion stimulated through non-nAChR mechanisms were investigated; inhibitory effects ranged from no inhibition to 95% inhibition at concentrations of 10 microM. Correlation analyses of the functional data confirmed this hypothesis. Several of the molecules (24/51) increased agonist binding to native nAChRs, supporting allosteric interactions with nAChRs. Computational modeling and blind docking identified a binding site for our negative allosteric modulators near the orthosteric binding site of the receptor. In summary, this study identified several molecules for potential development as negative allosteric modulators and documented the importance of multiple screening assays for nAChR drug discovery.

  12. Effect of Novel Negative Allosteric Modulators of Neuronal Nicotinic Receptors on Cells Expressing Native and Recombinant Nicotinic Receptors: Implications for Drug Discovery

    PubMed Central

    González-Cestari, Tatiana F.; Henderson, Brandon J.; Pavlovicz, Ryan E.; McKay, Susan B.; El-Hajj, Raed A.; Pulipaka, Aravinda B.; Orac, Crina M.; Reed, Damon D.; Boyd, R. Thomas; Zhu, Michael X.; Li, Chenglong; Bergmeier, Stephen C.; McKay, Dennis B.

    2009-01-01

    Allosteric modulation of nAChRs is considered to be one of the most promising approaches for drug design targeting nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). We have reported previously on the pharmacological activity of several compounds that seem to act noncompetitively to inhibit the activation of α3β4* nAChRs. In this study, the effects of 51 structurally similar molecules on native and recombinant α3β4 nAChRs are characterized. These 51 molecules inhibited adrenal neurosecretion activated via stimulation of native α3β4* nAChR, with IC50 values ranging from 0.4 to 13.0 μM. Using cells expressing recombinant α3β4 nAChRs, these molecules inhibited calcium accumulation (a more direct assay to establish nAChR activity), with IC50 values ranging from 0.7 to 38.2 μM. Radiolabeled nAChR binding studies to orthosteric sites showed no inhibitory activity on either native or recombinant nAChRs. Correlation analyses of the data from both functional assays suggested additional, non-nAChR activity of the molecules. To test this hypothesis, the effects of the drugs on neurosecretion stimulated through non-nAChR mechanisms were investigated; inhibitory effects ranged from no inhibition to 95% inhibition at concentrations of 10 μM. Correlation analyses of the functional data confirmed this hypothesis. Several of the molecules (24/51) increased agonist binding to native nAChRs, supporting allosteric interactions with nAChRs. Computational modeling and blind docking identified a binding site for our negative allosteric modulators near the orthosteric binding site of the receptor. In summary, this study identified several molecules for potential development as negative allosteric modulators and documented the importance of multiple screening assays for nAChR drug discovery. PMID:18984653

  13. 3 Benzyl-6-chloropyrone: a suicide inhibitor of cholesterol esterase

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Saint, C.; Gallo, I.; Kantorow, M.

    Cholesterol, absorbed from the intestine, appears in lymph as the ester. Cholesterol esterase is essential for this process, since depletion of the enzyme blocks and repletion restores, absorption. Selective inhibitors of cholesterol esterase may thus prove useful in reducing cholesterol uptake. A series of potential suicide substrates were synthesized which, following cleavage by the enzyme, would attack the putative nucleophile in the active site. One of these, 3-benzyl-6-chloropyrone (3BCP), inhibited both synthesis and hydrolysis of /sup 14/C-cholesteryl oleate with an I/sub 50/ of approximately 150 ..mu..M. The inactivation was time-dependent and characteristic of a suicide mechanism. The ..cap alpha.. pyronemore » structure (lactone analog) is cleaved by a serine-hydroxyl in the active site. This generates an enoyl chloride which inactivates the imidazole believed to play a part in the catalytic function of the enzyme. Inhibition by 3BCP is selective for cholesterol esterase. The activity of pancreatic lipase as not affected by concentrations up to 1 mM.« less

  14. Isolation of an N-acetyl-DL-phenylalanine beta-naphthyl esterase from rabbit peritoneal polymorphonuclear leukocytes.

    PubMed

    Tsung, P; Kegeles, S W; Showell, H J; Becker, E L

    1975-09-22

    An N-acetyl-DL-phenylalanine beta-naphthyl esterase has been purified 26-fold from rabbit peritoneal polymorphonuclear leukocytes. The purified enzyme was inhibited by 10(-7) M p-nitrophenylethyl-5-chloropentylphosphonate. The apparent Km for hydrolysis of N-acetyl-DL-phenylalanine beta-naphthyl ester is 71 muM. Optimal reaction rates were observed at pH 6-8. No divalent cation requirement for the activation of the enzyme activity was observed. The esterase activity was neither inhibited nor stimulated by bacterial factor, complement component C5a, guanosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cyclic GMP) and adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cyclic AMP) which are attractants or repellents for polymorphonuclear leukocytes. High chemotactic activity was observed in the partially purified fraction of the enzyme. The chemotactic activity, like the enzyme activity, was completely inhibited by 10(-7) M phosphonate.

  15. Monoterpenoids (thymol, carvacrol and S-(+)-linalool) with anesthetic activity in silver catfish (Rhamdia quelen): evaluation of acetylcholinesterase and GABAergic activity

    PubMed Central

    Bianchini, A.E.; Garlet, Q.I.; da Cunha, J.A.; Bandeira, G.; Brusque, I.C.M.; Salbego, J.; Heinzmann, B.M.; Baldisserotto, B.

    2017-01-01

    This study evaluated the anesthetic potential of thymol and carvacrol, and their influence on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in the muscle and brain of silver catfish (Rhamdia quelen). The AChE activity of S-(+)-linalool was also evaluated. We subsequently assessed the effects of thymol and S-(+)-linalool on the GABAergic system. Fish were exposed to thymol and carvacrol (25, 50, 75, and 100 mg/L) to evaluate time for anesthesia and recovery. Both compounds induced sedation at 25 mg/L and anesthesia with 50–100 mg/L. However, fish exposed to carvacrol presented strong muscle contractions and mortality. AChE activity was increased in the brain of fish at 50 mg/L carvacrol and 100 mg/L thymol, and decreased in the muscle at 100 mg/L carvacrol. S-(+)-linalool did not alter AChE activity. Anesthesia with thymol was reversed by exposure to picrotoxin (GABAA antagonist), similar to the positive control propofol, but was not reversed by flumazenil (antagonist of benzodiazepine binding site), as observed for the positive control diazepam. Picrotoxin did not reverse the effect of S-(+)-linalool. Thymol exposure at 50 mg/L is more suitable than carvacrol for anesthesia in silver catfish, because this concentration did not cause any mortality or interference with AChE activity. Thymol interacted with GABAA receptors, but not with the GABAA/benzodiazepine site. In contrast, S-(+)-linalool did not act in GABAA receptors in silver catfish. PMID:29069225

  16. Monoterpenoids (thymol, carvacrol and S-(+)-linalool) with anesthetic activity in silver catfish (Rhamdia quelen): evaluation of acetylcholinesterase and GABAergic activity.

    PubMed

    Bianchini, A E; Garlet, Q I; da Cunha, J A; Bandeira, G; Brusque, I C M; Salbego, J; Heinzmann, B M; Baldisserotto, B

    2017-10-19

    This study evaluated the anesthetic potential of thymol and carvacrol, and their influence on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in the muscle and brain of silver catfish (Rhamdia quelen). The AChE activity of S-(+)-linalool was also evaluated. We subsequently assessed the effects of thymol and S-(+)-linalool on the GABAergic system. Fish were exposed to thymol and carvacrol (25, 50, 75, and 100 mg/L) to evaluate time for anesthesia and recovery. Both compounds induced sedation at 25 mg/L and anesthesia with 50-100 mg/L. However, fish exposed to carvacrol presented strong muscle contractions and mortality. AChE activity was increased in the brain of fish at 50 mg/L carvacrol and 100 mg/L thymol, and decreased in the muscle at 100 mg/L carvacrol. S-(+)-linalool did not alter AChE activity. Anesthesia with thymol was reversed by exposure to picrotoxin (GABAA antagonist), similar to the positive control propofol, but was not reversed by flumazenil (antagonist of benzodiazepine binding site), as observed for the positive control diazepam. Picrotoxin did not reverse the effect of S-(+)-linalool. Thymol exposure at 50 mg/L is more suitable than carvacrol for anesthesia in silver catfish, because this concentration did not cause any mortality or interference with AChE activity. Thymol interacted with GABAA receptors, but not with the GABAA/benzodiazepine site. In contrast, S-(+)-linalool did not act in GABAA receptors in silver catfish.

  17. Extrasynaptic accumulations of acetylcholinesterase in the rat sternocleidomastoid muscle after neonatal denervation. Light and electron microscopic localization and molecular forms.

    PubMed

    Gautron, J; Rieger, F; Blondet, B; Pinçon-Raymond, M

    1983-01-01

    Denervated neonatal rat sternocleidomastoid muscle has decreased levels of total AChE when compared to control muscle. Denervated versus control values of total muscle AChE present a three-phase curve in function of time after denervation. There is a rapid initial fall 0-3 days after denervation, an increase during about 2 weeks, then again a decrease in total AChE. Thus, there is a transitory net accumulation of AChE after the initial fall of activity in denervated developing muscle. Extrasynaptic areas of high AChE activity develop between 1 and 2 weeks after denervation and remain visible up to 1 month after denervation before vanishing. An electron microscope study shows that these accumulations are internal to the muscle fiber, close to a limited number of muscle nuclei and associated to the sarcoplasmic reticulum and nuclear envelope, but not to the T-tubule system. As found in adult rat muscle, the initial fall in AChE affects first the 16 S AChE form, and soon after, the 4 S and 10 S AChE forms. A main difference with adult muscle is the sudden increase and predominance over other forms of 10 S AChE 2 weeks after denervation at birth. Later, the decrease in AChE affects 16 S and 4 S AChE before 10 S AChE. The regions rich in extrasynaptic sites of AChE accumulation possess a very high proportion of 10 S AChE. Thus, the mechanisms of biosynthesis, intracellular transport and/or secretion of AChE may be very different in young, developing muscle compared to adult muscle.

  18. Inhibition of pectin methyl esterase activity by green tea catechins.

    PubMed

    Lewis, Kristin C; Selzer, Tzvia; Shahar, Chen; Udi, Yael; Tworowski, Dmitry; Sagi, Irit

    2008-10-01

    Pectin methyl esterases (PMEs) and their endogenous inhibitors are involved in the regulation of many processes in plant physiology, ranging from tissue growth and fruit ripening to parasitic plant haustorial formation and host invasion. Thus, control of PME activity is critical for enhancing our understanding of plant physiological processes and regulation. Here, we report on the identification of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a green tea component, as a natural inhibitor for pectin methyl esterases. In a gel assay for PME activity, EGCG blocked esterase activity of pure PME as well as PME extracts from citrus and from parasitic plants. Fluorometric tests were used to determine the IC50 for a synthetic substrate. Molecular docking analysis of PME and EGCG suggests close interaction of EGCG with the catalytic cleft of PME. Inhibition of PME by the green tea compound, EGCG, provides the means to study the diverse roles of PMEs in cell wall metabolism and plant development. In addition, this study introduces the use of EGCG as natural product to be used in the food industry and agriculture.

  19. Cigarette toxin 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK) induces experimental pancreatitis through α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in mice

    PubMed Central

    Alahmari, A. A.; Sreekumar, B.; Patel, V.; Ashat, M.; Alexandre, M.; Uduman, A. K.; Akinbiyi, E. O.; Ceplenski, A.; Shugrue, C. A.; Kolodecik, T. R.; Messenger, S. W.; Groblewski, G. E.; Gorelick, F. S.

    2018-01-01

    Clinical studies have shown that cigarette smoking is a dose-dependent and independent risk factor for acute pancreatitis. Cigarette smoke contains nicotine which can be converted to the potent receptor ligand and toxin, NNK [4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone]. Previously, we have shown that NNK induces premature activation of pancreatic zymogens in rats, an initiating event in pancreatitis, and this activation is prevented by pharmacologic inhibition of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR). In this study, we determined whether NNK mediates pancreatitis through the α7 isoform of nAChR using α7nAChR knockout mice. PCR analysis confirmed expression of non-neuronal α7nAChR in C57BL/6 (WT) mouse and human acinar cells. NNK treatment stimulated trypsinogen activation in acini from WT but not α7nAChR-/- mice. NNK also stimulated trypsinogen activation in human acini. To further confirm these findings, WT and α7nAChR-/- mice were treated with NNK in vivo and markers of pancreatitis were measured. As observed in acini NNK treatment induced trypsinogen activation in WT but not α7nAChR-/- mice. NNK also induced other markers of pancreatitis including pancreatic edema, vacuolization and pyknotic nuclei in WT but not α7nAChR-/- animals. NNK treatment led to increased neutrophil infiltration, a marker of inflammation, in WT mice and to a significantly lesser extent in α7nAChR-/- mice. We also examined downstream targets of α7nAChR activation and found that calcium and PKC activation are involved down stream of NNK stimulation of α7nAChR. In this study we used genetic deletion of the α7nAChR to confirm our previous inhibitor studies that demonstrated NNK stimulates pancreatitis by activating this receptor. Lastly, we demonstrate that NNK can also stimulate zymogen activation in human acinar cells and thus may play a role in human disease. PMID:29870540

  20. Gender-related differences in circadian rhythm of rat plasma acetyl- and butyrylcholinesterase: effects of sex hormone withdrawal.

    PubMed

    Alves-Amaral, Gracielle; Pires-Oliveira, Marcelo; Andrade-Lopes, Ana Luiza; Chiavegatti, Tiago; Godinho, Rosely Oliveira

    2010-06-07

    The role of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in the termination of the cholinergic response through acetylcholine (ACh) hydrolysis and the involvement of plasma butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE), mainly of hepatic origin, in the metabolism of xenobiotics with ester bonds is well known. Besides, BuChE has a crucial role in ACh hydrolysis, especially when selective anticholinesterases inhibit AChE. Herein, we analyzed the gender-related differences and the circadian changes of rat plasma cholinesterases. Plasma and liver cholinesterase activities were evaluated in control or 2-30-day castrated adult male and female rats. Plasma and liver AChE activities did not differ between genders and were not influenced by sex hormone deprivation. BuChE plasma activity was 7 times greater in female, reflecting gender differences in liver enzyme expression. Castration increased liver and plasma BuChE activity in male, while reduced it in female, abolishing gender differences in enzyme activity. Interestingly, female AChE and BuChE plasma activities varied throughout the day, reaching values 27% and 42% lower, respectively, between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. when compared to the morning peaks at 8 a.m. Castration attenuated daily female BuChE oscillation. On the other hand, male plasma enzymes remained constant throughout the day. In summary, our results show that liver and plasma BuChE, but not AChE, expression is influenced by sex hormones, leading to high levels of blood BuChE in females. The fluctuation of female plasma BuChE during the day should be taken into account to adjust the bioavailability and the therapeutic effects of cholinesterase inhibitors used in cholinergic-based conditions such Alzheimer's disease. Copyright (c) 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  1. Acetylcholinesterase Activity and Neurodevelopment in Boys and Girls

    PubMed Central

    Himes, John H.; Jacobs, David R.; Alexander, Bruce H.; Gunnar, Megan R.

    2013-01-01

    BACKGROUND: Organophosphate exposures can affect children’s neurodevelopment, possibly due to neurotoxicity induced by acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition, and may affect boys more than girls. We tested the hypothesis that lower AChE activity is associated with lower neurobehavioral development among children living in Ecuadorian floricultural communities. METHODS: In 2008, we examined 307 children (age: 4–9 years; 52% male) and quantified AChE activity and neurodevelopment in 5 domains: attention/executive functioning, language, memory/learning, visuospatial processing, and sensorimotor (NEPSY-II test). Associations were adjusted for demographic and socioeconomic characteristics and height-for-age, flower worker cohabitation, and hemoglobin concentration. RESULTS: Mean ± standard deviation AChE activity was 3.14 ± 0.49 U/mL (similar for both genders). The range of scores among neurodevelopment subtests was 5.9 to 10.7 U (standard deviation: 2.6–4.9 U). Girls had a greater mean attention/executive functioning domain score than boys. In boys only, there were increased odds ratios of low (<9th percentile) neurodevelopment among those in the lowest tertile versus the highest tertile of AChE activity (odds ratios: total neurodevelopment: 5.14 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.84 to 31.48]; attention/executive functioning domain: 4.55 [95% CI: 1.19 to 17.38], memory/learning domain: 6.03 [95% CI: 1.17 to 31.05]) after adjustment for socioeconomic and demographic factors, height-for-age, and hemoglobin. Within these domains, attention, inhibition and long-term memory subtests were most affected. CONCLUSIONS: Low AChE activity was associated with deficits in neurodevelopment, particularly in attention, inhibition, and memory in boys but not in girls. These critical cognitive skills affect learning and academic performance. Added precautions regarding secondary occupational pesticide exposure would be prudent. PMID:24249815

  2. Human butyrylcholinesterase components differ in aryl acylamidase activity.

    PubMed

    Montenegro, María F; María, T Moral-Naranjo; de la Cadena, María Páez; Campoy, Francisco J; Muñoz-Delgado, Encarnación; Vidal, Cecilio J

    2008-04-01

    Apart from its esterase activity, butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) displays aryl acylamidase (AAA) activity able to hydrolyze o-nitroacetanilide (ONA) and its trifluoro-derivative (F-ONA). We report here that, despite amidase and esterase sites residing in the same protein, in human samples depleted of acetylcholinesterase the ratio of amidase to esterase activity varied depending on the source of BuChE. The much faster degradation of ONA and F-ONA by BuChE monomers (G1) of colon and kidney than by the tetramers (G4) suggests aggregation-driven differences in the AAA site between single and polymerized subunits. The similar ratio of F-ONAto butyrylthiocholine hydrolysis by serum G1 and G4 forms support structural differences in the amidase site according to the source of BuChE. The changing ratios of amidase to esterase activities in the human sources probably arise from post-translational modifications in BuChE subunits, the specific proportion of monomers and oligomers and the variable capacity of the tetramers for degrading ONA and F-ONA. The elevated amidase activity of BuChE monomers and the scant activity of the tetramers justify the occurrence of single BuChE subunits in cells as a means to sustain the AAA activity of BuChE which otherwise could be lost by tetramerization.

  3. Oral intake of hydrogen-rich water ameliorated chlorpyrifos-induced neurotoxicity in rats

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Wang, Tingting; Zhao, Ling; Liu, Mengyu

    Chronic exposure to low-levels of organophosphate (OP) compounds, such as chlorpyrifos (CPF), induces oxidative stress and could be related to neurological disorders. Hydrogen has been identified as a novel antioxidant which could selectively scavenge hydroxyl radicals. We explore whether intake of hydrogen-rich water (HRW) can protect Wistar rats from CPF-induced neurotoxicity. Rats were gavaged daily with 6.75 mg/kg body weight (1/20 LD{sub 50}) of CPF and given HRW by oral intake. Nissl staining and electron microscopy results indicated that HRW intake had protective effects on the CPF-induced damage of hippocampal neurons and neuronal mitochondria. Immunostaining results showed that the increasedmore » glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expression in astrocytes induced by CPF exposure can be ameliorated by HRW intake. Moreover, HRW intake also attenuated CPF-induced oxidative stress as evidenced by enhanced level of MDA, accompanied by an increase in GSH level and SOD and CAT activity. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity tests showed significant decrease in brain AChE activity after CPF exposure, and this effect can be ameliorated by HRW intake. An in vitro study demonstrated that AChE activity was more intense in HRW than in normal water with or without chlorpyrifos-oxon (CPO), the metabolically-activated form of CPF. These observations suggest that HRW intake can protect rats from CPF-induced neurotoxicity, and the protective effects of hydrogen may be mediated by regulating the oxidant and antioxidant status of rats. Furthermore, this work defines a novel mechanism of biological activity of hydrogen by directly increasing the AChE activity. - Highlights: • Hydrogen molecules protect rats from CPF-induced damage of hippocampal neurons. • The increased GFAP expression induced by CPF can also be ameliorated by hydrogen. • Hydrogen molecules attenuated the increase in CPF-induced oxidative stress. • Hydrogen molecules attenuated AChE inhibition in vivo and in vitro. • Hydrogen molecules have direct effect on the modulation of AChE activity in vitro.« less

  4. Characterization of a cold-adapted esterase and mutants from a psychotolerant Pseudomonas sp. strain.

    PubMed

    Dong, Juan; Gasmalla, Mohammed A A; Zhao, Wei; Sun, Jingtao; Liu, Wenyu; Wang, Mingming; Han, Liang; Yang, Ruijin

    2017-09-01

    A cold-adapted esterase-producing strain named T1-39 was isolated from Glacier No. 1, Tianshan, People's Republic of China and identified as Pseudomonas sp. from 16S rRNA sequence analysis. The esterase (EstT1-39) secreted by this strain preferentially hydrolyzed esters of glycerol with short- and medium-chain fatty acids. Mutants of T1-39 were generated by the atmospheric and room temperature plasma method and screened for enhanced esterase activity. Among all the mutants, strain TB11 had 4.45-fold higher esterase productivity than T1-39, with high genetic stability over 10 generations of continuous cultivation. Maximum activity of EstT1-39 and EstTB11 was observed at 30 ℃, pH 9.0 and 25 ℃, pH 8.5, respectively. EstTB11 was thermally more stable (50 ℃ for 1 H) and active over a broader pH range than EstT1-39. EstTB11 also retained 38% of its maximal activity at 0 ℃ and was found to be able to hydrolyze milk fats into short- and medium-chain fatty acids at 4 ℃. The characteristics of EstT1-39 made it a cold-adapted enzyme and the EstTB11 from the mutant, with its higher activity at lower temperatures, may be suitable for the production of aromas and flavors in the dairy industry. © 2016 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

  5. Screening for antimalarial and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activities of some Iranian seaweeds

    PubMed Central

    Ghannadi, A; Plubrukarn, A; Zandi, K; Sartavi, K; Yegdaneh, A

    2013-01-01

    Alcoholic extracts of 8 different types of seaweeds from Iran’s Persian Gulf were tested for their antimalarial and acetylcholinesterase enzyme (AChE) inhibitory activities for the first time. A modified Ellman and Ingkaninan method was used for measuring AChE inhibitory activity in which galanthamine was used as the reference. The antimalarial assay was performed using microculture radioisotope technique. Mefloquine and dihydroartemisinin were uased as the standards. The extract of Sargassum boveanum (Sargasseae family) showed the highest AChE inhibitory activity (IC50 equals to 1 mg ml-1) while Cystoseira indica (Cystoseiraceae family) exhibited the least activity (IC50 of 11 mg ml-1). The species from Rhodophyta (Gracilaria corticata and Gracilaria salicornia) also showed moderate activities (IC509.5, 8.7 mg ml-1, respectively). All extracts were inactive in antimalarial assay. PMID:24019820

  6. Detection of carboxylesterase and esterase activity in culturable gut bacterial flora isolated from diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (Linnaeus), from India and its possible role in indoxacarb degradation.

    PubMed

    Ramya, Shanivarsanthe Leelesh; Venkatesan, Thiruvengadam; Srinivasa Murthy, Kottilingam; Jalali, Sushil Kumar; Verghese, Abraham

    2016-01-01

    Diamondback moth (DBM), Plutella xylostella (Linnaeus), is a notorious pest of brassica crops worldwide and is resistant to all groups of insecticides. The insect system harbors diverse groups of microbiota, which in turn helps in enzymatic degradation of xenobiotic-like insecticides. The present study aimed to determine the diversity of gut microflora in DBM, quantify esterase activity and elucidate their possible role in degradation of indoxacarb. We screened 11 geographic populations of DBM in India and analyzed them for bacterial diversity. The culturable gut bacterial flora underwent molecular characterization with 16S rRNA. We obtained 25 bacterial isolates from larvae (n=13) and adults (n=12) of DBM. In larval gut isolates, gammaproteobacteria was the most abundant (76%), followed by bacilli (15.4%). Molecular characterization placed adult gut bacterial strains into three major classes based on abundance: gammaproteobacteria (66%), bacilli (16.7%) and flavobacteria (16.7%). Esterase activity from 19 gut bacterial isolates ranged from 0.072 to 2.32μmol/min/mg protein. Esterase bands were observed in 15 bacterial strains and the banding pattern differed in Bacillus cereus - KC985225 and Pantoea agglomerans - KC985229. The bands were characterized as carboxylesterase with profenofos used as an inhibitor. Minimal media study showed that B. cereus degraded indoxacarb up to 20%, so it could use indoxacarb for metabolism and growth. Furthermore, esterase activity was greater with minimal media than control media: 1.87 versus 0.26μmol/min/mg protein. Apart from the insect esterases, bacterial carboxylesterase may aid in the degradation of insecticides in DBM. Copyright © 2016 Sociedade Brasileira de Microbiologia. Published by Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.

  7. The Effects of Donepezil, an Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitor, on Impaired Learning and Memory in Rodents.

    PubMed

    Shin, Chang Yell; Kim, Hae-Sun; Cha, Kwang-Ho; Won, Dong Han; Lee, Ji-Yun; Jang, Sun Woo; Sohn, Uy Dong

    2018-05-01

    A previous study in humans demonstrated the sustained inhibitory effects of donepezil on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity; however, the effective concentration of donepezil in humans and animals is unclear. This study aimed to characterize the effective concentration of donepezil on AChE inhibition and impaired learning and memory in rodents. A pharmacokinetic study of donepezil showed a mean peak plasma concentration of donepezil after oral treatment (3 and 10 mg/kg) of approximately 1.2 ± 0.4 h and 1.4 ± 0.5 h, respectively; absolute bioavailability was calculated as 3.6%. Further, AChE activity was inhibited by increasing plasma concentrations of donepezil, and a maximum inhibition of 31.5 ± 5.7% was observed after donepezil treatment in hairless rats. Plasma AChE activity was negatively correlated with plasma donepezil concentration. The pharmacological effects of donepezil are dependent upon its concentration and AChE activity; therefore, we assessed the effects of donepezil on learning and memory using a Y-maze in mice. Donepezil treatment (3 mg/kg) significantly prevented the progression of scopolamine-induced memory impairment in mice. As the concentration of donepezil in the brain increased, the recovery of spontaneous alternations also improved; maximal improvement was observed at 46.5 ± 3.5 ng/g in the brain. In conclusion, our findings suggest that the AChE inhibitory activity and pharmacological effects of donepezil can be predicted by the concentration of donepezil. Further, 46.5 ± 3.5 ng/g donepezil is an efficacious target concentration in the brain for treating learning and memory impairment in rodents.

  8. Evidence for the presence of a mammalian-like cholinesterase in Paramecium primaurelia (Protista, Ciliophora) developmental cycle.

    PubMed

    Delmonte Corrado, M U; Politi, H; Trielli, F; Angelini, C; Falugi, C

    1999-01-01

    By histochemical and immunohistochemical methods, the presence of cholinergic-like molecules has previously been demonstrated in Paramecium primaurelia, and their functional role in mating-cell pairing was suggested. In this work, both true acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) activities were electrophoretically investigated, and the presence of molecules immunologically related to BuChE was checked by immunoblotting. The AChE activity, shown in the membrane protein fraction of mating-competent cells and in the cytoplasmic fraction of immature cells, is due to a 260-kDa molecular form, similar to the membrane-bound tetrameric form present in human erythrocytes. This AChE activity does not appear in either the cytoplasmic fraction of mating-competent cells or in the membrane protein fraction of immature cells. No evidence was found for the presence or the activity of BuChE-like molecules. The role of AChE in P. primaurelia developmental cycle is discussed.

  9. Identification of novel esterase-active enzymes from hot environments by use of the host bacterium Thermus thermophilus.

    PubMed

    Leis, Benedikt; Angelov, Angel; Mientus, Markus; Li, Haijuan; Pham, Vu T T; Lauinger, Benjamin; Bongen, Patrick; Pietruszka, Jörg; Gonçalves, Luís G; Santos, Helena; Liebl, Wolfgang

    2015-01-01

    Functional metagenomic screening strategies, which are independent of known sequence information, can lead to the identification of truly novel genes and enzymes. Since E. coli has been used exhaustively for this purpose as a host, it is important to establish alternative expression hosts and to use them for functional metagenomic screening for new enzymes. In this study we show that Thermus thermophilus HB27 is an excellent screening host and can be used as an alternative provider of truly novel biocatalysts. In a previous study we constructed mutant strain BL03 with multiple markerless deletions in genes for major extra- and intracellular lipolytic activities. This esterase-diminished strain was no longer able to grow on defined minimal medium supplemented with tributyrin as the sole carbon source and could be used as a host to screen for metagenomic DNA fragments that could complement growth on tributyrin. Several thousand single fosmid clones from thermophilic metagenomic libraries from heated compost and hot spring water samples were subjected to a comparative screening for esterase activity in both T. thermophilus strain BL03 and E. coli EPI300. We scored a greater number of active esterase clones in the thermophilic bacterium than in the mesophilic E. coli. From several thousand functionally screened clones only two thermostable α/β-fold hydrolase enzymes with high amino acid sequence similarity to already characterized enzymes were identifiable in E. coli. In contrast, five further fosmids were found that conferred lipolytic activities in T. thermophilus only. Four open reading frames (ORFs) were found which did not share significant similarity to known esterase enzymes but contained the conserved GXSXG motif regularly found in lipolytic enzymes. Two of the genes were expressed in both hosts and the novel thermophilic esterases, which based on their primary structures could not be assigned to known esterase or lipase families, were purified and preliminarily characterized. Our work underscores the benefit of using additional screening hosts other than E. coli for the identification of novel biocatalysts with industrial relevance.

  10. Influence of water temperature on acetylcholinesterase activity in the pacific tree frog (Hyla regilla)

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Johnson, Catherine S.; Schwarzbach, Steven E.; Henderson, John D.; Wilson, Barry W.; Tjeerdema, Ronald S.

    2005-01-01

    This investigation evaluated whether acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in Pacific tree frogs (Hyla regilla) from different geographical locations was influenced by different temperatures during early aquatic life stages, independent of pesticide exposure. Tadpoles were collected from both a California coastal pond and a Sierra Nevada mountain range pond, USA. Groups of frogs from each location were raised in temperatures representative of either the Sierra Nevada (8°C) or the coastal (19°C) location. Metamorphs from both locations raised as tadpoles at 19°C had AChE activities of 42.3 and 38.7 nm/min/mg protein, while those raised as tadpoles at 8°C had activities of 26.9 and 28.2 nm/min/mg protein. A two-way analysis of variance revealed temperature to be the significant factor in determining AChE activity (F = 22.3, p < 0.001), although origin was not important (F = 0.09, p = 0.75). Interpretations regarding the influence of pesticides upon AChE activity in Pacific tree frogs must consider the influence of environmental temperature to enable cross-population comparisons.

  11. Demonstration of in vitro Resurrection of Aged Acetylcholinesterase after Exposure to Organophosphorus Chemical Nerve Agents.

    PubMed

    Zhuang, Qinggeng; Franjesevic, Andrew J; Corrigan, Thomas S; Coldren, William H; Dicken, Rachel; Sillart, Sydney; DeYong, Ashley; Yoshino, Nathan; Smith, Justin; Fabry, Stephanie; Fitzpatrick, Keegan; Blanton, Travis G; Joseph, Jojo; Yoder, Ryan J; McElroy, Craig A; Dogan Ekici, Ozlem; Callam, Christopher S; Hadad, Christopher M

    2018-06-05

    After inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) by organophosphorus (OP) nerve agents, a dealkylation reaction, referred to as aging, of the phosphylated serine can occur. When aged, known reactivators of OP-inhibited AChE are no longer effective. Realkylation of aged AChE may provide a route to reverse aging. We designed and synthesized a library of quinone methide precursors (QMPs) as proposed realkylators of aged AChE. Our lead compound (C8) from an in vitro screening, successfully resurrected 32.7% and 20.4% of the activity of methylphosphonate-aged and isopropyl phosphate-aged electric eel AChE, respectively, after 4 days. C8 displays properties of both resurrection (recovery from the aged to the native state) and reactivation (recovery from the inhibited to the native state). Resurrection of methylphosphonate-aged AChE by C8 was significantly pH-dependent, recovering 21% of activity at 4 mM and pH 9 after only 1 day. C8 is also effective against isopropyl phosphate-aged human AChE.

  12. Acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase inhibitory activity of Pinus species essential oils and their constituents.

    PubMed

    Bonesi, Marco; Menichini, Federica; Tundis, Rosa; Loizzo, Monica R; Conforti, Filomena; Passalacqua, Nicodemo G; Statti, Giancarlo A; Menichini, Francesco

    2010-10-01

    This study aimed to investigate the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) inhibitory activity of the essential oils from Pinus nigra subsp. nigra, P. nigra var. calabrica, and P. heldreichii subsp. leucodermis. This activity is relevant to the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD), since cholinesterase drugs are currently the only drugs available to treat AD. P. heldreichii subsp. leucodermis exhibited the most promising activity, with IC(50) values of 51.1 and 80.6 microg/mL against AChE and BChE, respectively. An interesting activity against AChE was also observed with P. nigra subsp. nigra essential oil, with an IC(50) value of 94.4 microg/mL. Essential oils were analyzed by GC and GC-MS with the purpose of investigating their relationships with the observed activities. Among the identified constituents, terpinolene, beta-phellandrene, linalyl acetate, trans-caryophyllene, and terpinen-4-ol were tested. trans-Caryophyllene and terpinen-4-ol inhibited BChE with IC(50) values of 78.6 and 107.6 microg/mL, respectively. beta-Phellandrene was selective against AChE (IC(50) value of 120.2 microg/mL).

  13. Isolation of cholinesterase and β-secretase 1 inhibiting compounds from Lycopodiella cernua.

    PubMed

    Nguyen, Van Thu; To, Dao Cuong; Tran, Manh Hung; Oh, Sang Ho; Kim, Jeong Ah; Ali, Md Yousof; Woo, Mi-Hee; Choi, Jae Sue; Min, Byung Sun

    2015-07-01

    Three new serratene-type triterpenoids (1-3) and a new hydroxy unsaturated fatty acid (13) together with nine known compounds (4-12) were isolated from Lycopodiella cernua. The chemical structures were established using NMR, MS, and Mosher's method. Compound 13 showed the most potent inhibitory activity against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) with an IC50 value of 0.22μM. For butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) inhibitory activity, 5 showed the most potent activity with an IC50 value of 0.42μM. Compound 2 showed the most potent activity with an IC50 of 0.23μM for BACE-1 inhibitory activity. The kinetic activities were investigated to determine the type of enzyme inhibition involved. The types of AChE inhibition shown by compounds 4, 5, and 13 were mixed; BChE inhibition by 5 was competitive, while 2 and 6 showed mixed-types. In addition, molecular docking studies were performed to investigate the interaction of these compounds with the pocket sites of AChE. The docking results revealed that the tested inhibitors 3, 4, and 13 were stably present in several pocket domains of the AChE residue. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  14. Lead finding for acetyl cholinesterase inhibitors from natural origin: structure activity relationship and scope.

    PubMed

    Mukherjee, P K; Satheeshkumar, N; Venkatesh, P; Venkatesh, M

    2011-03-01

    Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors are considered as promising therapeutic agents for the treatment of several neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), senile dementia, ataxia and myasthenia gravis. There are only few synthetic medicines with adverse effects, available for treatment of cognitive dysfunction and memory loss associated with these diseases. A variety of plants has been reported to possess AChE inhibitory activity and so may be relevant to the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders such as AD. Hence, developing potential AChE inhibitors from botanicals is the need of the day. This review will cover some of the promising acetylcholinesterase inhibitors isolated from plants with proven in vitro and in vivo activities with concern to their structure activity relationship.

  15. A critical examination of Escherichia coli esterase activity.

    PubMed

    Antonczak, Alicja K; Simova, Zuzana; Tippmann, Eric M

    2009-10-16

    The ability of Escherichia coli to grow on a series of acetylated and glycosylated compounds has been investigated. It is surmised that E. coli maintains low levels of nonspecific esterase activity. This observation may have ramifications for previous reports that relied on nonspecific esterases from E. coli to genetically encode nonnatural amino acids. It had been reported that nonspecific esterases from E. coli deacetylate tri-acetyl O-linked glycosylated serine and threonine in vivo. The glycosylated amino acids were reported to have been genetically encoded into proteins in response to the amber stop codon. However, it is our contention that such amino acids are not utilized in this manner within E. coli. The current results report in vitro analysis of the original enzyme and an in vivo analysis of a glycosylated amino acid. It is concluded that the amber suppression method with nonnatural amino acids may require a caveat for use in certain instances.

  16. A Critical Examination of Escherichia coli Esterase Activity*

    PubMed Central

    Antonczak, Alicja K.; Simova, Zuzana; Tippmann, Eric M.

    2009-01-01

    The ability of Escherichia coli to grow on a series of acetylated and glycosylated compounds has been investigated. It is surmised that E. coli maintains low levels of nonspecific esterase activity. This observation may have ramifications for previous reports that relied on nonspecific esterases from E. coli to genetically encode nonnatural amino acids. It had been reported that nonspecific esterases from E. coli deacetylate tri-acetyl O-linked glycosylated serine and threonine in vivo. The glycosylated amino acids were reported to have been genetically encoded into proteins in response to the amber stop codon. However, it is our contention that such amino acids are not utilized in this manner within E. coli. The current results report in vitro analysis of the original enzyme and an in vivo analysis of a glycosylated amino acid. It is concluded that the amber suppression method with nonnatural amino acids may require a caveat for use in certain instances. PMID:19666472

  17. Inhibition effect of graphene oxide on the catalytic activity of acetylcholinesterase enzyme.

    PubMed

    Wang, Yong; Gu, Yao; Ni, Yongnian; Kokot, Serge

    2015-11-01

    Variations in the enzyme activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in the presence of the nano-material, graphene oxide (GO), were investigated with the use of molecular spectroscopy UV-visible and fluorescence methods. From these studies, important kinetic parameters of the enzyme were extracted; these were the maximum reaction rate, Vm , and the Michaelis constant, Km . A comparison of these parameters indicated that GO inhibited the catalytic activity of the AChE because of the presence of the AChE-GO complex. The formation of this complex was confirmed with the use of fluorescence data, which was resolved with the use of the MCR-ALS chemometrics method. Furthermore, it was found that the resonance light-scattering (RLS) intensity of AChE changed in the presence of GO. On this basis, it was demonstrated that the relationship between AChE and GO was linear and such models were used for quantitative analyses of GO. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  18. A mid-infrared flow-through sensor for label-free monitoring of enzyme inhibition.

    PubMed

    Armenta, S; Tomischko, W; Lendl, B

    2008-12-01

    Label-free monitoring of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity was achieved with a mid-infrared flow-through sensor. The flow-through sensor comprised agarose beads, carrying covalently immobilized AChE, which were placed in a temperature-controlled (37 degrees C) CaF(2) flow cell with an optical path of 60 mum. The sensor was incorporated into a computer-controlled sequential injection (SI) system for automated liquid handling. Different mixtures of enzyme substrate acetylcholine (ACh) and inhibitor (tacrine) were prepared and fed into the flow-through sensor. The flow was stopped as soon as the prepared mixtures reached the sensor. Enzymatic hydrolysis of ACh by AChE was directly monitored as it took place in the flow-through sensor. The inhibition effect of tacrine was calculated from the reaction-induced spectral changes, revealing an important decrease in the activity of AChE, approaching zero when the inhibitor concentration is high enough. The developed mid-infrared flow-through sensor is flexible and can be used to study the inhibitor activity of different target molecules as well as different enzymes.

  19. Pterostilbene-O-acetamidoalkylbenzylamines derivatives as novel dual inhibitors of cholinesterase with anti-β-amyloid aggregation and antioxidant properties for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

    PubMed

    Li, Yuxing; Qiang, Xiaoming; Li, Yan; Yang, Xia; Luo, Li; Xiao, Ganyuan; Cao, Zhongcheng; Tan, Zhenghuai; Deng, Yong

    2016-04-15

    A series of pterostilbene-O-acetamidoalkylbenzylamines were designed, synthesized and evaluated as dual inhibitors of AChE and BuChE. To further explore the multifunctional properties of the new derivatives, their antioxidant activities and inhibitory effects on self-induced Aβ1-42 aggregation and HuAChE-induced Aβ1-40 aggregation were also tested. The results showed that most of these compounds could effectively inhibit AChE and BuChE. Particularly, compound 21d exhibited the best AChE inhibitory activity (IC50=0.06 μM) and good inhibition of BuChE (IC50=28.04 μM). Both the inhibition kinetic analysis and molecular modeling study revealed that these compounds showed mixed-type inhibition, binding simultaneously to the CAS and PAS of AChE. In addition to cholinesterase inhibitory activities, these compounds showed different levels of antioxidant activity. However, the inhibitory activities against self-induced and HuAChE-induced Aβ aggregation of these new derivatives were unsatisfied. Taking into account the results of the biological evaluation, further modifications will be designed in order to increase the potency on the different targets. The results displayed in this Letter can be a new starting point for further development of multifunctional agents for Alzheimer's disease. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  20. In-silico identification of the binding mode of synthesized adamantyl derivatives inside cholinesterase enzymes

    PubMed Central

    Al-Aboudi, Amal; Al-Qawasmeh, Raed A; Shahwan, Alaa; Mahmood, Uzma; Khalid, Asaad; Ul-Haq, Zaheer

    2015-01-01

    Aim: To investigate the binding mode of synthesized adamantly derivatives inside of cholinesterase enzymes using molecular docking simulations. Methods: A series of hybrid compounds containing adamantane and hydrazide moieties was designed and synthesized. Their inhibitory activities against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and (butyrylcholinesterase) BChE were assessed in vitro. The binding mode of the compounds inside cholinesterase enzymes was investigated using Surflex-Dock package of Sybyl7.3 software. Results: A total of 26 adamantyl derivatives were synthesized. Among them, adamantane-1-carboxylic acid hydrazide had an almost equal inhibitory activity towards both enzymes, whereas 10 other compounds exhibited moderate inhibitory activity against BChE. The molecular docking studies demonstrated that hydrophobic interactions between the compounds and their surrounding residues in the active site played predominant roles, while hydrophilic interactions were also found. When the compounds were docked inside each enzyme, they exhibited stronger interactions with BChE over AChE, possibly due to the larger active site of BChE. The binding affinities of the compounds for BChE and AChE estimated were in agreement with the experimental data. Conclusion: The new adamantly derivatives selectively inhibit BChE with respect to AChE, thus making them good candidates for testing the hypothesis that BChE inhibitors would be more efficient and better tolerated than AChE inhibitors in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. PMID:25937631

  1. Synthesis and anticholinesterase activity of coumarin-3-carboxamides bearing tryptamine moiety.

    PubMed

    Ghanei-Nasab, Samaneh; Khoobi, Mehdi; Hadizadeh, Farzin; Marjani, Azam; Moradi, Alireza; Nadri, Hamid; Emami, Saeed; Foroumadi, Alireza; Shafiee, Abbas

    2016-10-04

    A number of N-(2-(1H-indol-3-yl)ethyl)-2-oxo-2H-chromene-3-carboxamides were synthesized and tested against AChE and BuChE. The in vitro assessment of the synthesized compounds 4a-o revealed that most of them had significant activity toward AChE. The SAR study demonstrated that the introduction of benzyloxy moiety on the 7-position of coumarin scaffold can improve the anti-AChE activity. The best result was obtained with 7-(4-fluorobenzyl)oxy moiety in the case of compound 4o, displaying IC50 value of 0.16 μM. Based on the docking study of AChE, the prototype compound 4o was laid across the active site and occupied both peripheral anionic site (PAS) and catalytic anionic site (CAS). Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

  2. Naturally Occurring Genetic Variants of Human Acetylcholinesterase and Butyrylcholinesterase and Their Potential Impact on the Risk of Toxicity from Cholinesterase Inhibitors

    PubMed Central

    2016-01-01

    Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is the physiologically important target for organophosphorus toxicants (OP) including nerve agents and pesticides. Butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) in blood serves as a bioscavenger that protects AChE in nerve synapses from inhibition by OP. Mass spectrometry methods can detect exposure to OP by measuring adducts on the active site serine of plasma BChE. Genetic variants of human AChE and BChE do exist, but loss of function mutations have been identified only in the BCHE gene. The most common AChE variant, His353Asn (H322N), also known as the Yt blood group antigen, has normal AChE activity. The most common BChE variant, Ala567Thr (A539T) or the K-variant in honor of Werner Kalow, has 33% reduced plasma BChE activity. The genetic variant most frequently associated with prolonged response to muscle relaxants, Asp98Gly (D70G) or atypical BChE, has reduced activity and reduced enzyme concentration. Early studies in young, healthy males, performed at a time when it was legal to test nerve agents in humans, showed that individuals responded differently to the same low dose of sarin with toxic symptoms ranging in severity from minimal to moderate. Additionally, animal studies indicated that BChE protects from toxicants that have a higher reactivity with AChE than with BChE (e.g., nerve agents) but not from toxicants that have a higher reactivity with BChE than with AChE (e.g., OP pesticides). As a corollary, we hypothesize that individuals with genetic variants of BChE may be at increased risk of toxicity from nerve agents but not from OP pesticides. PMID:27551784

  3. Naturally Occurring Genetic Variants of Human Acetylcholinesterase and Butyrylcholinesterase and Their Potential Impact on the Risk of Toxicity from Cholinesterase Inhibitors.

    PubMed

    Lockridge, Oksana; Norgren, Robert B; Johnson, Rudolph C; Blake, Thomas A

    2016-09-19

    Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is the physiologically important target for organophosphorus toxicants (OP) including nerve agents and pesticides. Butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) in blood serves as a bioscavenger that protects AChE in nerve synapses from inhibition by OP. Mass spectrometry methods can detect exposure to OP by measuring adducts on the active site serine of plasma BChE. Genetic variants of human AChE and BChE do exist, but loss of function mutations have been identified only in the BCHE gene. The most common AChE variant, His353Asn (H322N), also known as the Yt blood group antigen, has normal AChE activity. The most common BChE variant, Ala567Thr (A539T) or the K-variant in honor of Werner Kalow, has 33% reduced plasma BChE activity. The genetic variant most frequently associated with prolonged response to muscle relaxants, Asp98Gly (D70G) or atypical BChE, has reduced activity and reduced enzyme concentration. Early studies in young, healthy males, performed at a time when it was legal to test nerve agents in humans, showed that individuals responded differently to the same low dose of sarin with toxic symptoms ranging in severity from minimal to moderate. Additionally, animal studies indicated that BChE protects from toxicants that have a higher reactivity with AChE than with BChE (e.g., nerve agents) but not from toxicants that have a higher reactivity with BChE than with AChE (e.g., OP pesticides). As a corollary, we hypothesize that individuals with genetic variants of BChE may be at increased risk of toxicity from nerve agents but not from OP pesticides.

  4. The binding sites of inhibitory monoclonal antibodies on acetylcholinesterase. Identification of a novel regulatory site at the putative "back door".

    PubMed

    Simon, S; Le Goff, A; Frobert, Y; Grassi, J; Massoulié, J

    1999-09-24

    We investigated the target sites of three inhibitory monoclonal antibodies on Electrophorus acetylcholinesterase (AChE). Previous studies showed that Elec-403 and Elec-410 are directed to overlapping but distinct epitopes in the peripheral site, at the entrance of the catalytic gorge, whereas Elec-408 binds to a different region. Using Electrophorus/rat AChE chimeras, we identified surface residues that differed between sensitive and insensitive AChEs: the replacement of a single Electrophorus residue by its rat homolog was able to abolish binding and inhibition, for each antibody. Reciprocally, binding and inhibition by Elec-403 and by Elec-410 could be conferred to rat AChE by the reverse mutation. Elec-410 appears to bind to one side of the active gorge, whereas Elec-403 covers its opening, explaining why the AChE-Elec-410 complex reacts faster than the AChE-Elec-403 or AChE-fasciculin complexes with two active site inhibitors, m-(N,N, N-trimethyltammonio)trifluoro-acetophenone and echothiophate. Elec-408 binds to the region of the putative "back door," distant from the peripheral site, and does not interfere with the access of inhibitors to the active site. The binding of an antibody to this novel regulatory site may inhibit the enzyme by blocking the back door or by inducing a conformational distortion within the active site.

  5. Screening for acetylcholinesterase inhibition and antioxidant activity of selected plants from Croatia.

    PubMed

    Jukic, Mila; Burcul, Franko; Carev, Ivana; Politeo, Olivera; Milos, Mladen

    2012-01-01

    The methanol, ethyl acetate and chloroform extracts of selected Croatian plants were tested for their acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition and antioxidant activity. Assessment of AChE inhibition was carried out using microplate reader at 1 mg mL⁻¹. Antioxidant capacities were determined by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging test and ferric reducing/antioxidant power assay (FRAP). Total phenol content (TPC) of extracts were determined using Folin-Ciocalteu colorimetric method. Out of 48 extracts, only methanolic extract of the Salix alba L. cortex exerted modest activity towards AChE, reaching 50.80% inhibition at concentration of 1 mg mL⁻¹. All the other samples tested had activity below 20%. The same extract performed the best antioxidative activity using DPPH and FRAP method, too. In essence, among all extracts used in the screening, methanolic extracts showed the best antioxidative activity as well as highest TPC.

  6. Acetylcholinesterase complexed with bivalent ligands related to huperzine a: experimental evidence for species-dependent protein-ligand complementarity.

    PubMed

    Wong, Dawn M; Greenblatt, Harry M; Dvir, Hay; Carlier, Paul R; Han, Yi-Fan; Pang, Yuan-Ping; Silman, Israel; Sussman, Joel L

    2003-01-15

    Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors improve the cognitive abilities of Alzheimer patients. (-)-Huperzine A [(-)-HupA], an alkaloid isolated from the club moss, Huperzia serrata, is one such inhibitor, but the search for more potent and selective drugs continues. Recently, alkylene-linked dimers of 5-amino-5,6,7,8-tetrahydroquinolinone (hupyridone, 1a), a fragment of HupA, were shown to serve as more potent inhibitors of AChE than (-)-HupA and monomeric 1a. We soaked two such dimers, (S,S)-(-)-bis(10)-hupyridone [(S,S)-(-)-2a] and (S,S)-(-)-bis(12)-hupyridone [(S,S)-(-)-2b] containing, respectively, 10 and 12 methylenes in the spacer, into trigonal TcAChE crystals, and solved the X-ray structures of the resulting complexes using the difference Fourier technique, both to 2.15 A resolution. The structures revealed one HupA-like 1a unit bound to the "anionic" subsite of the active-site, near the bottom of the active-site gorge, adjacent to Trp84, as seen for the TcAChE/(-)-HupA complex, and the second 1a unit near Trp279 in the "peripheral" anionic site at the top of the gorge, both bivalent molecules thus spanning the active-site gorge. The results confirm that the increased affinity of the dimeric HupA analogues for AChE is conferred by binding to the two "anionic" sites of the enzyme. Inhibition data show that (-)-2a binds to TcAChE approximately 6-7- and > 170-fold more tightly than (-)-2b and (-)-HupA, respectively. In contrast, previous data for rat AChE show that (-)-2b binds approximately 3- and approximately 2-fold more tightly than (-)-2a and (-)-HupA, respectively. Structural comparison of TcAChE with rat AChE, as represented by the closely related mouse AChE structure (1maa.pdb), reveals a narrower gorge for rat AChE, a perpendicular alignment of the Tyr337 ring to the gorge axis, and its conformational rigidity, as a result of hydrogen bonding between its hydroxyl group and that of Tyr341, relative to TcAChE Phe330. These structural differences in the active-site gorge explain the switch in inhibitory potency of (-)-2a and 2b and the larger dimer/(-)-HupA potency ratios observed for TcAChE relative to rat AChE. The results offer new insights into factors affecting protein-ligand complementarity within the gorge and should assist the further development of improved AChE inhibitors.

  7. Bacterial Cinnamoyl Esterase Activity Screening for the Production of a Novel Functional Food Product▿ †

    PubMed Central

    Guglielmetti, Simone; De Noni, Ivano; Caracciolo, Federica; Molinari, Francesco; Parini, Carlo; Mora, Diego

    2008-01-01

    Lactobacillus helveticus MIMLh5 was selected for its strong cinnamoyl esterase activity on chlorogenic acid and employed for the preparation of a food product containing a high concentration of free caffeic acid. The novel food product was demonstrated to display high total antioxidant power and potential probiotic properties. PMID:18165367

  8. Neuromodulatory propensity of Bacopa monniera against scopolamine-induced cytotoxicity in PC12 cells via down-regulation of AChE and up-regulation of BDNF and muscarnic-1 receptor expression.

    PubMed

    Pandareesh, M D; Anand, T

    2013-10-01

    Scopolamine is a competitive antagonist of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors, and thus classified as an anti-muscarinic and anti-cholinergic drug. PC12 cell lines possess muscarinic receptors and mimic the neuronal cells. These cells were treated with different concentrations of scopolamine for 24 h and were protected from the cellular damage by pretreatment with Bacopa monniera extract (BME). In current study, we have explored the molecular mechanism of neuromodulatory and antioxidant propensity of (BME) to attenuate scopolamine-induced cytotoxicity using PC12 cells. Our results elucidate that pretreatment of PC12 cells with BME ameliorates the mitochondrial and plasma membrane damage induced by 3 μg/ml scopolamine to 54.83 and 30.30 % as evidenced by MTT and lactate dehydrogenase assays respectively. BME (100 μg/ml) ameliorated scopolamine effect by down-regulating acetylcholine esterase and up-regulating brain-derived neurotropic factor and muscarinic muscarinic-1 receptor expression. BME pretreated cells also showed significant protection against scopolamine-induced toxicity by restoring the levels of antioxidant enzymes and lipid peroxidation. This result indicates that the scopolamine-induced cytotoxicity and neuromodulatory changes were restored with the pretreatment of BME.

  9. Ebselen inhibits the activity of acetylcholinesterase globular isoform G4 in vitro and attenuates scopolamine-induced amnesia in mice.

    PubMed

    Martini, Franciele; Pesarico, Ana P; Brüning, César A; Zeni, Gilson; Nogueira, Cristina W

    2018-02-05

    There is a well-known relationship between the cholinergic system and learning, memory, and other common cognitive processes. The process for researching and developing new drugs has lead researchers to repurpose older ones. This study investigated the effects of ebselen on the activity of acethylcholinesterase (AChE) isoforms in vitro and in an amnesia model induced by scopolamine in Swiss mice. In vitro, ebselen at concentrations equal or higher than 10 μM inhibited the activity of cortical and hippocampal G4/AChE, but not G1/AChE isoform. Treatment of mice with ebselen (50 mg/kg, i.p.) was effective against impairment of spatial recognition memory in both Y-maze and novel object recognition tests induced by scopolamine (1 mg/kg, i.p.). Ebselen (50 mg/kg) inhibited hippocampal AChE activity in mice. The present study demonstrates that ebselen inhibited the G4/AChE isoform in vitro and elicited an anti-amnesic effect in a mouse model induced by scopolamine. These findings reveal ebselen as a potential compound in terms of opening up valid therapeutic avenues for the treatment of memory impairment diseases. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  10. Involvement of cholinergic and adenosinergic systems on the branchial immune response of experimentally infected silver catfish with Streptococcus agalactiae.

    PubMed

    Baldissera, M D; Souza, C F; Doleski, P H; Moreira, K L S; da Veiga, M L; da Rocha, M I U M; Santos, R C V; Baldisserotto, B

    2018-01-01

    It has been recognized that the cholinergic and adenosinergic systems have an essential role in immune and inflammatory responses during bacterial fish pathogens, such as the enzymes acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and adenosine deaminase (ADA), which are responsible for catalysis of the anti-inflammatory molecules acetylcholine (ACh) and adenosine (Ado) respectively. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the involvement of the cholinergic and adenosinergic systems on the immune response and inflammatory process in gills of experimentally infected Rhamdia quelen with Streptococcus agalactiae. Acetylcholinesterase activity decreased, while ACh levels increased in gills of infected animals compared to uninfected animals. On the other hand, a significant increase in ADA activity with a concomitant decrease in Ado levels was observed in infected animals compared to uninfected animals. Based on this evidence, we concluded that infection by S. agalactiae in silver catfish alters the cholinergic and adenosinergic systems, suggesting the involvement of AChE and ADA activities on immune and inflammatory responses, regulating the ACh and Ado levels. In summary, the downregulation of AChE activity exerts an anti-inflammatory profile in an attempt to reduce or prevent the tissue damage, while the upregulation of ADA activity exerts a pro-inflammatory profile, contributing to disease pathophysiology. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  11. Discovering New Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors by Mining the Buzhongyiqi Decoction Recipe Data.

    PubMed

    Cui, Lu; Wang, Yu; Liu, Zhihong; Chen, Hongzhuan; Wang, Hao; Zhou, Xinxin; Xu, Jun

    2015-11-23

    Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a neuromuscular disease that is conventionally treated with acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors, which may not fully remove the symptom for many reasons. When AChE inhibitors do not work, Chinese patients turn to Chinese medicine, such as the Buzhongyiqi decoction (BD), to treat MG. By elucidating the relations between the herbs of the Buzhongyiqi decoction recipe and AChE inhibitors with structure-based and ligand-based drug design methods and chemoinformatics approaches, we have found the key active components of BD. Using these key active components as templates, we have discovered five new AChE inhibitors through virtual screening of a commercial compound library. The new AChE inhibitors have been confirmed with Ellman assays. This study demonstrates that lead identification can be inspired by elucidating Chinese medicine. Since BD is a mixture, further studies against other drug targets are needed.

  12. In vitro investigation of efficacy of new reactivators on OPC inhibited rat brain acetylcholinesterase.

    PubMed

    Atanasov, Vasil N; Petrova, Iskra; Dishovsky, Christophor

    2013-03-25

    Organophosphorus compounds (OPC) were developed as warfare nerve agents. They are also widely used as pesticides. The drug therapy of intoxication with OPC includes mainly combination of cholinesterase (ChE) reactivators and cholinolytics. There is no single ChE reactivator having an ability to reactivate sufficiently the inhibited enzyme due to the high variability of chemical structure of the inhibitors. The difficulties in reactivation of ChE activity and slight antidote effect regarding intoxication with some OPC are some of the reasons for continuous efforts to obtain new reactivators of ChE. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of some ChE reactivators against OPC intoxication (tabun, paraoxon and dichlorvos) in in vitro experiments and to compare their activity to that known for some currently used oximes (obidoxime, HI-6, 2-PAM). Experiments were carried out using rat brain acetylcholinesterase (AChE). Reactivators showed different activity in the reactivation of rat brain AChE after dichlorvos, paraoxon and tabun inhibition. AChE was easier reactivated after paraoxon treatment. The best effect showed BT-07-4M, obidoxime, TMB-4 and BT-08 from the group of symmetric oximes, and Toxidin, BT-05 and BT-03 from asymmetric compounds. The reactivation of brain AChE inhibited with tabun demonstrated better activity of new compound BT-07-4M, TMB-4 and obidoxime from symmetric oximes, and BT-05 and BT-03 possessing asymmetric structure. All compounds showed low activity toward inhibition of AChE caused by dichlorvos. Comparison of two main structure types (symmetric/asymmetric) showed that the symmetric compounds reactivated better AChE, inhibited with this OPC, than asymmetric ones. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  13. Asparagus cochinchinensis stimulates release of nerve growth factor and abrogates oxidative stress in the Tg2576 model for Alzheimer's disease.

    PubMed

    Lee, Hyun Ah; Kim, Ji Eun; Sung, Ji Eun; Yun, Woo Bin; Kim, Dong Seob; Lee, Hee Seob; Hong, Jin Tae; Hwang, Dae Youn

    2018-04-06

    Use of multifunctional drugs with neurotrophic supporting and oxidative stress suppressing activity may be considered a therapeutic strategy to protect or repair cellular damage caused during the progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD). In this study, we investigated the therapeutic effects of aqueous extract of A. cochinchinesis root (AEAC), particularly its role as a nerve growth factor (NGF) stimulator and anti-oxidant in Tg2576 mice showing AD phenotypes of human. Tg2576 mice were received 100 mg/kg/day AEAC via oral administration, while mice in the Vehicle treated group received dH 2 O for 4 weeks. Non-Tg littermates were used as a control group. Following AEAC treatment for 4 weeks, NGF function, anti-oxidantive status, Aβ-42 peptide level, γ-secretase expression and neuronal cell functions were analyzed in the brain of Tg2576 mice. AEAC containing flavonoids, phenols, saponins and protodioscin induced enhancement of NGF secretion and decreased intracellular ROS in the neuronal and microglial cell line. These effects as well as enhanced SOD levels were also detected in AEAC treated Tg2576 mice. The expression of p-Akt among downstream effectors of the high affinity NGF receptor was dramatically recovered in AEAC treated Tg2576 mice, while the expression of p75 NTR was slightly recovered in the same group. Significant recovery on the level of Aβ-42 peptides and the expression of γ-secretase members including PS-2, APH-1 and NCT were detected in AEAC treated Tg2576 mice. Furthermore, AEAC treated Tg2576 mice showed decreased numbers of dead cells and suppressed acetyl choline esterase (AChE) activity. These results suggest that AEAC contribute to improving the deposition of Aβ-42 peptides and neuronal cell injuries during the pathological progression stage of AD in the brain of Tg2576 mice through increased NGF secretion and suppressed oxidative stress.

  14. Comparative study of selenium and selenium nanoparticles with reference to acute toxicity, biochemical attributes, and histopathological response in fish.

    PubMed

    Kumar, Neeraj; Krishnani, Kishore Kumar; Singh, Narendra Pratap

    2018-03-01

    Recent studies have demonstrated that selenium (Se) and selenium nanoparticles (Se-NPs) exhibited toxicity at a higher concentration. The lethal concentration of Se and Se-NPs was estimated as 5.29 and 3.97 mg/L at 96 h in Pangasius hypophthalmus. However, the effect of different definite concentration of Se (4.5, 5.0, 5.5, and 6.0 mg/L) and Se-NPs (2.5, 3.0, 3.5, and 4.0 mg/L) was decided for acute experiment. Selenium and Se-NPs alter the biochemical attributes such as anti-oxidative status [catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activities], neurotransmitter enzyme, cellular metabolic enzymes, stress marker, and histopathology of P. hypophthalmus in a dose- and time-dependent manner. CAT, SOD, and GST were significantly elevated (p < 0.01) when exposed to Se and Se-NPs, and similarly, a neurotransmitter enzyme (acetylcholine esterase (AChE)) was significantly inhibited in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Further, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, and malate hydrogenase were noticeably (p < 0.01) affected by Se and Se-NPs from higher concentration to lower concentration. Stress markers such as cortisol and HSP 70 were drastically enhanced by exposure to Se and Se-NPs. All the cellular metabolic and stress marker parameters were elevated which might be due to hyperaccumulation of Se and Se-NPs in the vital organ and target tissues. The histopathology of liver and gill was also altered such as large vacuole, cloudy swelling, focal necrosis, interstitial edema, necrosis in liver, and thickening of primary lamellae epithelium and curling of secondary lamellae due to Se and Se-NP exposure. The study suggested that essential trace element in both forms (inorganic and nano) at higher concentration in acute exposure of Se and Se-NPs led to pronounced deleterious alteration on histopathology and cellular and metabolic activities of P. hypophthalmus.

  15. Muscarinic Acetylcholine Receptor Localization and Activation Effects on Ganglion Response Properties

    PubMed Central

    Renna, Jordan M.; Amthor, Franklin R.; Keyser, Kent T.

    2010-01-01

    Purpose. The activation and blockade of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs) affects retinal ganglion cell light responses and firing rates. This study was undertaken to identify the full complement of mAChRs expressed in the rabbit retina and to assess mAChR distribution and the functional effects of mAChR activation and blockade on retinal response properties. Methods. RT-PCR, Western blot analysis, and immunohistochemistry were used to identify the complement and distribution of mAChRs in the rabbit retina. Extracellular electrophysiology was used to determine the effects of the activation or blockade of mAChRs on ganglion cell response properties. Results. RT-PCR of whole neural retina resulted in the amplification of mRNA transcripts for the m1 to m5 mAChR subtypes. Western blot and immunohistochemical analyses confirmed that all five mAChR subtypes were expressed by subpopulations of bipolar, amacrine, and ganglion cells in the rabbit retina, including subsets of cells in cholinergic and glycinergic circuits. Nonspecific muscarinic activation and blockade resulted in the class-specific modulation of maintained ganglion cell firing rates and light responses. Conclusions. The expression of mAChR subtypes on subsets of bipolar, amacrine, and ganglion cells provides a substrate for both enhancement and suppression of retinal responses via activation by cholinergic agents. Thus, the muscarinic cholinergic system in the retina may contribute to the modulation of complex stimuli. Understanding the distribution and function of mAChRs in the retina has the potential to provide important insights into the visual changes that are caused by decreased ACh in the retinas of Alzheimer's patients and the potential visual effects of anticholinergic treatments for ocular diseases. PMID:20042645

  16. An in vitro AChE inhibition assay combined with UF-HPLC-ESI-Q-TOF/MS approach for screening and characterizing of AChE inhibitors from roots of Coptis chinensis Franch.

    PubMed

    Zhao, Hengqiang; Zhou, Siduo; Zhang, Minmin; Feng, Jinhong; Wang, Shanshan; Wang, Daijie; Geng, Yanling; Wang, Xiao

    2016-02-20

    In this study, an in vitro acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition assay based on microplate reader combined with ultrafiltration high performance liquid chromatography-electrospray quadrupole time of flight mass (UF-HPLC-ESI-Q-TOF/MS) was developed for the rapid screening and identification of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEI) from roots of Coptis chinensis Franch. Incubation conditions such as enzyme concentration, incubation time, incubation temperature and co-solvent was optimized so as to get better screening results. Five alkaloids including columbamine, jatrorrhizine, coptisine, palmatine and berberine were found with AChE inhibition activity in the 80% ethanol extract of C. chinensis Franch. The screened compounds were identified by HPLC-DAD-ESI-Q-TOF/MS compared with the reference stands and literatures. The screened results were verified by in vitro AChE inhibition assays, palmatine showed the best AChE inhibitory activities with IC50 values of 36.6μM among the five compounds. Results of the present study indicated that the combinative method using in vitro AChE inhibition assay and UF-HPLC-ESI-Q-TOF/MS could be widely applied for rapid screening and identification of AChEI from complex TCM extract. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  17. Distribution of intravenously administered acetylcholinesterase inhibitor and acetylcholinesterase activity in the adrenal gland: 11C-donepezil PET study in the normal rat.

    PubMed

    Watabe, Tadashi; Naka, Sadahiro; Ikeda, Hayato; Horitsugi, Genki; Kanai, Yasukazu; Isohashi, Kayako; Ishibashi, Mana; Kato, Hiroki; Shimosegawa, Eku; Watabe, Hiroshi; Hatazawa, Jun

    2014-01-01

    Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors have been used for patients with Alzheimer's disease. However, its pharmacokinetics in non-target organs other than the brain has not been clarified yet. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the whole-body distribution of intravenously administered (11)C-Donepezil (DNP) and the AChE activity in the normal rat, with special focus on the adrenal glands. The distribution of (11)C-DNP was investigated by PET/CT in 6 normal male Wistar rats (8 weeks old, body weight  = 220 ± 8.9 g). A 30-min dynamic scan was started simultaneously with an intravenous bolus injection of (11)C-DNP (45.0 ± 10.7 MBq). The whole-body distribution of the (11)C-DNP PET was evaluated based on the Vt (total distribution volume) by Logan-plot analysis. A fluorometric assay was performed to quantify the AChE activity in homogenized tissue solutions of the major organs. The PET analysis using Vt showed that the adrenal glands had the 2nd highest level of (11)C-DNP in the body (following the liver) (13.33 ± 1.08 and 19.43 ± 1.29 ml/cm(3), respectively), indicating that the distribution of (11)C-DNP was the highest in the adrenal glands, except for that in the excretory organs. The AChE activity was the third highest in the adrenal glands (following the small intestine and the stomach) (24.9 ± 1.6, 83.1 ± 3.0, and 38.5 ± 8.1 mU/mg, respectively), indicating high activity of AChE in the adrenal glands. We demonstrated the whole-body distribution of (11)C-DNP by PET and the AChE activity in the major organs by fluorometric assay in the normal rat. High accumulation of (11)C-DNP was observed in the adrenal glands, which suggested the risk of enhanced cholinergic synaptic transmission by the use of AChE inhibitors.

  18. Pro-2-PAM Therapy for Central and Peripheral Cholinesterases

    PubMed Central

    DeMar, James C.; Clarkson, Edward D.; Ratcliffe, Ruthie H.; Campbell, Amy J.; Thangavelu, Sonia G.; Herdman, Christine A.; Leader, Haim; Schulz, Susan M.; Marek, Elizabeth; Medynets, Marie A.; Ku, Theresa C.; Evans, Sarah A.; Khan, Farhat A.; Owens, Roberta R.; Nambiar, Madhusoodana P.; Gordon, Richard K.

    2010-01-01

    Novel therapeutics to overcome the toxic effects of organophosphorus (OP) chemical agents are needed due to the documented use of OPs in warfare (e.g. 1980–1988 Iran/Iraq war) and terrorism (e.g. 1995 Tokyo subway attacks). Standard OP exposure therapy in the United States consists of atropine sulfate (to block muscarinic receptors), the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) reactivator (oxime) pralidoxime chloride (2-PAM), and a benzodiazepine anticonvulsant to ameliorate seizures. A major disadvantage is that quaternary nitrogen charged oximes, including 2-PAM, do not cross the blood brain barrier (BBB) to treat brain AChE. Therefore, we have synthesized and evaluated pro-2-PAM (a lipid permeable 2-PAM derivative) that can enter the brain and reactivate CNS AChE, preventing seizures in guinea pigs after exposure to OPs. The protective effects of the pro-2-PAM after OP exposure were shown using a) surgically-implanted radiotelemetry probes for electroencephalogram (EEG) b) neurohistopathology of brain, c) cholinesterase activities in the PNS and CNS, and d) survivability. The PNS oxime 2-PAM was ineffective at reducing seizures/status epilepticus (SE) in diisopropyl-fluorophosphate (DFP)-exposed animals. In contrast, pro-2-PAM significantly suppressed and then eliminated seizure activity. In OP-exposed guinea pigs, there was a significant reduction in neurological damage with pro-2-PAM, but not 2-PAM. Distinct regional areas of the brains showed significantly higher AChE activity 1.5 h after OP exposure in pro-2-PAM treated animals compared to the 2-PAM treated ones. However, blood and diaphragm showed similar AChE activities in animals treated with either oxime, as both 2-PAM and pro 2-PAM are PNS active oximes. In conclusion, pro-2-PAM can cross the BBB, is rapidly metabolized inside the brain to 2-PAM, and protects against OP-induced SE through restoration of brain AChE activity. Pro-2-PAM represents the first non-invasive means of administering a CNS therapeutic for the deleterious effects of OP poisoning by reactivating CNS AChE. PMID:20156430

  19. Muscle-specific kinase (MuSK) autoantibodies suppress the MuSK pathway and ACh receptor retention at the mouse neuromuscular junction

    PubMed Central

    Ghazanfari, Nazanin; Morsch, Marco; Reddel, Stephen W; Liang, Simon X; Phillips, William D

    2014-01-01

    Muscle-specific kinase (MuSK) autoantibodies from myasthenia gravis patients can block the activation of MuSK in vitro and/or reduce the postsynaptic localization of MuSK. Here we use a mouse model to examine the effects of MuSK autoantibodies upon some key components of the postsynaptic MuSK pathway and upon the regulation of junctional ACh receptor (AChR) numbers. Mice became weak after 14 daily injections of anti-MuSK-positive patient IgG. The intensity and area of AChR staining at the motor endplate was markedly reduced. Pulse-labelling of AChRs revealed an accelerated loss of pre-existing AChRs from postsynaptic AChR clusters without a compensatory increase in incorporation of (newly synthesized) replacement AChRs. Large, postsynaptic AChR clusters were replaced by a constellation of tiny AChR microaggregates. Puncta of AChR staining also appeared in the cytoplasm beneath the endplate. Endplate staining for MuSK, activated Src, rapsyn and AChR were all reduced in intensity. In the tibialis anterior muscle there was also evidence that phosphorylation of the AChR β-subunit-Y390 was reduced at endplates. In contrast, endplate staining for β-dystroglycan (through which rapsyn couples AChR to the synaptic basement membrane) remained intense. The results suggest that anti-MuSK IgG suppresses the endplate density of MuSK, thereby down-regulating MuSK signalling activity and the retention of junctional AChRs locally within the postsynaptic membrane scaffold. PMID:24860174

  20. Concomitant alpha7 and beta2 nicotinic AChR subunit deficiency leads to impaired energy homeostasis and increased physical activity in mice.

    PubMed

    Somm, Emmanuel; Guérardel, Audrey; Maouche, Kamel; Toulotte, Audrey; Veyrat-Durebex, Christelle; Rohner-Jeanrenaud, Françoise; Maskos, Uwe; Hüppi, Petra S; Schwitzgebel, Valérie M

    2014-05-01

    Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are pentameric ligand-gated cation channels well characterized in neuronal signal transmission. Moreover, recent studies have revealed nAChR expression in nonneuronal cell types throughout the body, including tissues involved in metabolism. In the present study, we screen gene expression of nAChR subunits in pancreatic islets and adipose tissues. Mice pancreatic islets present predominant expression of α7 and β2 nAChR subunits but at a lower level than in central structures. Characterization of glucose and energy homeostasis in α7β2nAChR(-/-) mice revealed no major defect in insulin secretion and sensitivity but decreased glycemia apparently unrelated to gluconeogenesis or glycogenolysis. α7β2nAChR(-/-) mice presented an increase in lean and bone body mass and a decrease in fat storage with normal body weight. These observations were associated with elevated spontaneous physical activity in α7β2nAChR(-/-) mice, mainly due to elevation in fine vertical (rearing) activity while their horizontal (ambulatory) activity remained unchanged. In contrast to α7nAChR(-/-) mice presenting glucose intolerance and insulin resistance associated to excessive inflammation of adipose tissue, the present metabolic phenotyping of α7β2nAChR(-/-) mice revealed a metabolic improvement possibly linked to the increase in spontaneous physical activity related to central β2nAChR deficiency. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  1. Production and characterization of a tributyrin esterase from Lactobacillus plantarum suitable for cheese lipolysis.

    PubMed

    Esteban-Torres, M; Mancheño, J M; de las Rivas, B; Muñoz, R

    2014-11-01

    Lactobacillus plantarum is a lactic acid bacterium that can be found during cheese ripening. Lipolysis of milk triacylglycerols to free fatty acids during cheese ripening has fundamental consequences on cheese flavor. In the present study, the gene lp_1760, encoding a putative esterase or lipase, was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) and the overproduced Lp_1760 protein was biochemically characterized. Lp_1760 hydrolyzed p-nitrophenyl esters of fatty acids from C2 to C16, with a preference for p-nitrophenyl butyrate. On triglycerides, Lp_1760 showed higher activity on tributyrin than on triacetin. Although optimal conditions for activity were 45°C and pH 7, Lp_1760 retains activity under conditions commonly found during cheese making and ripening. The Lp_1760 showed more than 50% activity at 5°C and exhibited thermal stability at high temperatures. Enzymatic activity was strongly inhibited by sodium dodecyl sulfate and phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride. The Lp_1760 tributyrin esterase showed high activity in the presence of NaCl, lactic acid, and calcium chloride. The results suggest that Lp_1760 might be a useful tributyrin esterase to be used in cheese manufacturing. Copyright © 2014 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  2. Identification of molecular descriptors for design of novel Isoalloxazine derivatives as potential Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors against Alzheimer's disease.

    PubMed

    Gurung, Arun Bahadur; Aguan, Kripamoy; Mitra, Sivaprasad; Bhattacharjee, Atanu

    2017-06-01

    In Alzheimer's disease (AD), the level of Acetylcholine (ACh) neurotransmitter is reduced. Since Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) cleaves ACh, inhibitors of AChE are very much sought after for AD treatment. The side effects of current inhibitors necessitate development of newer AChE inhibitors. Isoalloxazine derivatives have proved to be promising (AChE) inhibitors. However, their structure-activity relationship studies have not been reported till date. In the present work, various quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) building methods such as multiple linear regression (MLR), partial least squares ,and principal component regression were employed to derive 3D-QSAR models using steric and electrostatic field descriptors. Statistically significant model was obtained using MLR coupled with stepwise selection method having r 2  = .9405, cross validated r 2 (q 2 ) = .6683, and a high predictability (pred_r 2  = .6206 and standard error, pred_r 2 se = .2491). Steric and electrostatic contribution plot revealed three electrostatic fields E_496, E_386 and E_577 and one steric field S_60 contributing towards biological activity. A ligand-based 3D-pharmacophore model was generated consisting of eight pharmacophore features. Isoalloxazine derivatives were docked against human AChE, which revealed critical residues implicated in hydrogen bonds as well as hydrophobic interactions. The binding modes of docked complexes (AChE_IA1 and AChE_IA14) were validated by molecular dynamics simulation which showed their stable trajectories in terms of root mean square deviation and molecular mechanics/Poisson-Boltzmann surface area binding free energy analysis revealed key residues contributing significantly to overall binding energy. The present study may be useful in the design of more potent Isoalloxazine derivatives as AChE inhibitors.

  3. White matter lesions and the cholinergic deficit in aging and mild cognitive impairment.

    PubMed

    Richter, Nils; Michel, Anne; Onur, Oezguer A; Kracht, Lutz; Dietlein, Markus; Tittgemeyer, Marc; Neumaier, Bernd; Fink, Gereon R; Kukolja, Juraj

    2017-05-01

    In Alzheimer's disease (AD), white matter lesions (WMLs) are associated with an increased risk of progression from mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to dementia, while memory deficits have, at least in part, been linked to a cholinergic deficit. We investigated the relationship between WML load assessed with the Scheltens scale, cerebral acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity measured with [ 11 C]N-methyl-4-piperidyl acetate PET, and neuropsychological performance in 17 patients with MCI due to AD and 18 cognitively normal older participants. Only periventricular, not nonperiventricular, WML load negatively correlated with AChE activity in both groups. Memory performance depended on periventricular and total WML load across groups. Crucially, AChE activity predicted memory function better than WML load, gray matter atrophy, or age. The effects of WML load on memory were fully mediated by AChE activity. Data suggest that the contribution of WML to the dysfunction of the cholinergic system in MCI due to AD depends on WML distribution. Pharmacologic studies are warranted to explore whether this influences the response to cholinergic treatment. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  4. Exposure to insecticides of brushland wildlife within the Lower Rio Grande Valley, Texas, USA

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Custer, T.W.; Mitchell, C.A.

    1987-01-01

    Brushland wildlife within the Lower Rio Grande Valley of south Texas were studied following applications of eleven insecticides to nearby sugarcane or cotton fields. During the study no wildlife were found dead. Mean brain acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity of great-tailed grackles (Quiscalus mexicanus) and mourning doves (Zenaida macroura) was significantly lower than controls following application of some organophosphorous insecticides. Brain AChE activity varied significantly among chemicals, days after exposure and application rates. Mean brain AChE activity of white-winged doves (Zenaida asiatica) and three small mammal species was not significantly different than their respective controls following application of insecticides. Mean brain AChE activity of grackles was inhibited significantly more than white-winged doves after application of Bolstar, EPN-methyl parathion, and Azodrin and significantly more than that of mourning doves after applications of Bolstar and EPN-methyl parathion. Our data indicate that there were no adverse effects on most brushland wildlife. Exposure was probably dependent upon use of the agricultural fields as feeding or resting sites and only grackles and mourning doves were regularly present in the fields.

  5. Exposure to insecticides of brushland wildlife within the lower Rio Grande valley Texas USA

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Custer, T.W.; Mitchell, C.A.

    1987-01-01

    Brushland wildlife within the Lower Rio Grande Valley of south Texas were studied following applications of eleven insecticides to nearby sugarcane or cotton fields. During the study no wildlife were found dead. Mean brain acetycholinesterase (AChE) activity of great-tailed grackles (Quiscalus mexicanus) and mourning doves (Zenaida microura) was significantly lower than controls following application of some organophosphorus insecticides. Brain AChE activity varied significantly among chemicals, days after exposure and lactin rates. Mean brain AChE activity of white-winged doves (Zenaida asiatica) and three small mammals species was not significantly different than their respective control following application of the insecticides. Mean brain AChE activity of grackles was inhibited significantly more than white-winged doves after application of Bolstar, EPN-methyl parathion, and Azodrin and significantly more than that of mourning doves after applications of Bolstar and EPN-methyl parathion. Our data indicate that there were no adverse effects on most brushland wildlife. Exposure was probably dependent upon use of the agricultural fields as feeding or resting site and only grackles and mourning doves were regularly present in the fields.

  6. Characterization of a feruloyl esterase from Aspergillus terreus facilitates the division of fungal enzymes from Carbohydrate Esterase family 1 of the carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZy) database.

    PubMed

    Mäkelä, Miia R; Dilokpimol, Adiphol; Koskela, Salla M; Kuuskeri, Jaana; de Vries, Ronald P; Hildén, Kristiina

    2018-04-26

    Feruloyl esterases (FAEs) are accessory enzymes for plant biomass degradation, which catalyse hydrolysis of carboxylic ester linkages between hydroxycinnamic acids and plant cell-wall carbohydrates. They are a diverse group of enzymes evolved from, e.g. acetyl xylan esterases (AXEs), lipases and tannases, thus complicating their classification and prediction of function by sequence similarity. Recently, an increasing number of fungal FAEs have been biochemically characterized, owing to their potential in various biotechnological applications and multitude of candidate FAEs in fungal genomes. However, only part of the fungal FAEs are included in Carbohydrate Esterase family 1 (CE1) of the carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZy) database. In this work, we performed a phylogenetic analysis that divided the fungal members of CE1 into five subfamilies of which three contained characterized enzymes with conserved activities. Conservation within one of the subfamilies was confirmed by characterization of an additional CE1 enzyme from Aspergillus terreus. Recombinant A. terreus FaeD (AtFaeD) showed broad specificity towards synthetic methyl and ethyl esters, and released ferulic acid from plant biomass substrates, demonstrating its true FAE activity and interesting features as potential biocatalyst. The subfamily division of the fungal CE1 members enables more efficient selection of candidate enzymes for biotechnological processes. © 2018 The Authors. Microbial Biotechnology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd and Society for Applied Microbiology.

  7. Acetylcholinesterase Regulates Skeletal In Ovo Development of Chicken Limbs by ACh-Dependent and -Independent Mechanisms

    PubMed Central

    Spieker, Janine; Ackermann, Anica; Salfelder, Anika; Vogel-Höpker, Astrid; Layer, Paul G.

    2016-01-01

    Formation of the vertebrate limb presents an excellent model to analyze a non-neuronal cholinergic system (NNCS). Here, we first analyzed the expression of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) by IHC and of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) by ISH in developing embryonic chicken limbs (stages HH17-37). AChE outlined formation of bones, being strongest at their distal tips, and later also marked areas of cell death. At onset, AChE and ChAT were elevated in two organizing centers of the limb anlage, the apical ectodermal ridge (AER) and zone of polarizing activity (ZPA), respectively. Thereby ChAT was expressed shortly after AChE, thus strongly supporting a leading role of AChE in limb formation. Then, we conducted loss-of-function studies via unilateral implantation of beads into chicken limb anlagen, which were soaked in cholinergic components. After varying periods, the formation of cartilage matrix and of mineralizing bones was followed by Alcian blue (AB) and Alizarin red (AR) stainings, respectively. Both acetylcholine (ACh)- and ChAT-soaked beads accelerated bone formation in ovo. Notably, inhibition of AChE by BW284c51, or by the monoclonal antibody MAB304 delayed cartilage formation. Since bead inhibition of BChE was mostly ineffective, an ACh-independent action during BW284c51 and MAB304 inhibition was indicated, which possibly could be due to an enzymatic side activity of AChE. In conclusion, skeletogenesis in chick is regulated by an ACh-dependent cholinergic system, but to some extent also by an ACh-independent aspect of the AChE protein. PMID:27574787

  8. Acetylcholinesterase Regulates Skeletal In Ovo Development of Chicken Limbs by ACh-Dependent and -Independent Mechanisms.

    PubMed

    Spieker, Janine; Ackermann, Anica; Salfelder, Anika; Vogel-Höpker, Astrid; Layer, Paul G

    2016-01-01

    Formation of the vertebrate limb presents an excellent model to analyze a non-neuronal cholinergic system (NNCS). Here, we first analyzed the expression of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) by IHC and of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) by ISH in developing embryonic chicken limbs (stages HH17-37). AChE outlined formation of bones, being strongest at their distal tips, and later also marked areas of cell death. At onset, AChE and ChAT were elevated in two organizing centers of the limb anlage, the apical ectodermal ridge (AER) and zone of polarizing activity (ZPA), respectively. Thereby ChAT was expressed shortly after AChE, thus strongly supporting a leading role of AChE in limb formation. Then, we conducted loss-of-function studies via unilateral implantation of beads into chicken limb anlagen, which were soaked in cholinergic components. After varying periods, the formation of cartilage matrix and of mineralizing bones was followed by Alcian blue (AB) and Alizarin red (AR) stainings, respectively. Both acetylcholine (ACh)- and ChAT-soaked beads accelerated bone formation in ovo. Notably, inhibition of AChE by BW284c51, or by the monoclonal antibody MAB304 delayed cartilage formation. Since bead inhibition of BChE was mostly ineffective, an ACh-independent action during BW284c51 and MAB304 inhibition was indicated, which possibly could be due to an enzymatic side activity of AChE. In conclusion, skeletogenesis in chick is regulated by an ACh-dependent cholinergic system, but to some extent also by an ACh-independent aspect of the AChE protein.

  9. Purification and characterization of novel extracellular cholesterol esterase from Acinetobacter sp.

    PubMed

    Du, Liangjun; Huo, Ying; Ge, Fanglan; Yu, Jiajun; Li, Wei; Cheng, Guiying; Yong, Bin; Zeng, Lihuang; Huang, Min

    2010-12-01

    CHE4-1, a bacterial strain that belongs to the genus Acinetobacter and expresses high level of inducible extracellular cholesterol esterase (CHE), was isolated from feces of carnivore Panthera pardus var. The cholesterol esterase of the strain CHE4-1 was purified by ultrafiltration followed with DEAE-Sepharose FF chromatography and Phenyl-Sepharose CL-4B chromatography, and then by Sephadex G-50 gel filtration. Different from other known microbial cholesterol esterase, the purified CHE from CHE4-1 strain is a monomer with molecular weight of 6.5 kD and has high activity to both long-chain and short-chain cholesterol ester. Enzymatic activity was enhanced in the presence of metal ion Ca(2+), Zn(2+) and boracic acid, and was not significantly affected by several detergents including sodium cholate, Triton X100 and Tween-80. The enzyme was found to be stable during long-term aqueous storage at 4 °C, indicating its potential as a clinical diagnostic reagent. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report regarding purification and characterization of CHE from Acinetobacter sp. The results demonstrated that this particular CHE is a novel cholesterol esterase.

  10. A benzothiazole/piperazine derivative with acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity: Improvement in streptozotocin-induced cognitive deficits in rats.

    PubMed

    Demir Özkay, Ümide; Can, Özgür Devrim; Sağlık, Begüm Nurpelin; Turan, Nazlı

    2017-12-01

    Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors are frequently prescribed to mitigate the cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease. Thus, we investigated the possible efficacy of the AChE inhibitor 2-[(6-Nitro-2-benzothiazolyl)amino]-2-oxoethyl4-[2-(N,N-dimethylamino)ethyl] piperazine-1 carbodithioate (BPCT) in a streptozotocin (STZ)-induced Alzheimer's disease model (SADM). First, we analyzed the molecular interaction of BPCT with AChE via a docking study. Then, the cognitive effects of BPCT (10 and 20mg/kg) were evaluated in intracerebroventricular STZ- and vehicle-administered rats with the elevated plus maze (EPM), Morris water maze (MWM), and active avoidance (AA) tests. Locomotor activity was also assessed. Docking analysis indicated significant binding of BPCT to the AChE active site. In behavioral tests, STZ administration impaired cognitive performance in SADM rats versus control rats. Treatment with donepezil or BPCT significantly decreased the prolonged 2nd retention transfer latency and 2nd retention latency time values of the SADM group in the EPM and MWM tests, respectively. Further, prolonged latency times were decreased and reduced frequency of avoidance events were increased in the AA test. Locomotor activity between groups was not different. BPCT appears to function as a central AChE inhibitor, and its improvement of deficits in SADM rats suggests that it has therapeutic potential in Alzheimer's disease. Copyright © 2017 Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences. Published by Elsevier Urban & Partner Sp. z o.o. All rights reserved.

  11. Aflatoxins produced by Aspergillus parasiticus present in the diet of quails increase the activities of cholinesterase and adenosine deaminase.

    PubMed

    da Silva, Aleksandro Schafer; Santurio, Janio M; Roza, Lenilson F; Bottari, Nathieli B; Galli, Gabriela M; Morsch, Vera M; Schetinger, Maria Rosa C; Baldissera, Matheus D; Stefani, Lenita M; Radavelli, Willian M; Tomasi, Thainã; Boiago, Marcel M

    2017-06-01

    The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of aflatoxins on cholinesterases (acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), and adenosine deaminase (ADA) activities in quails. For this, twenty male quails were randomly distributed into two groups (n = 10 each): the group A was composed by quails that received feed without aflatoxin (the control group); while the group B was composed by quails that received feed contaminated with 200 ppm/kg of feed of aflatoxin. On day 20, the animals were euthanized to measure the activities of AChE (total blood and brain), BChE (serum) and ADA (serum, liver, and brain), as well as for histopathological analyses (liver and intestine). AChE, BChE, and ADA levels increased in animals intoxicated by aflatoxin compared to the control group. The presence of aflatoxin lead to severe hydropic degeneration of hepatocytes and small focus of hepatocyte necrosis. In conclusion, aflatoxins poisoning increased AChE, BChE, and ADA activities, suggesting the involvement of these enzymes during this type of intoxication, in addition to the fact that they are well known molecules that participate in physiological and pathological events as inflammatory mediators. In summary, increased AChE, BChE and ADA activities contribute directly to the inflammatory process and tissue damage, and they might be involved in disease development. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  12. Association of health symptoms with low-level exposure to organophosphates, DNA damage, AChE activity, and occupational knowledge and practice among rice, corn, and double-crop farmers.

    PubMed

    Hongsibsong, Surat; Sittitoon, Nalin; Sapbamrer, Ratana

    2017-03-28

    This study aims to determine (1) total dialkylphosphate (ΣDAP) levels, occupational knowledge and practice, DNA damage, AChE activity, and health symptoms in rice, corn, and double-crop farmers; (2) the association of health symptoms with ΣDAP levels, occupational knowledge and practice, DNA damage, and AChE activity in farmers; and (3) the prevalence of health symptoms between farmers and non-farmers. A cross-sectional study was conducted by interviewing as well as analyzing urine and blood samples during July to August 2014. There were no differences in ΣDAP levels, AChE activity, and occupational knowledge and practice scores among all farmer groups. In terms of health symptoms related to ΣDAP, AChE activity, DNA damage, and occupational knowledge and practice, pesticide-related symptoms were determined, including breathlessness, chest pain, dry throat, numbness, muscle weakness, cramp, headache, dizziness, eye irritation, white/red rash, and white/red pimple, which were classified as respiratory, muscle, nervous, and epithelial symptoms. A remarkable finding was that farmers had a significantly higher prevalence of muscle weakness (odds ratio (OR)=3.79) and numbness (OR=3.45) as compared with non-farmers. Our findings, therefore, suggest that a long-term low-level exposure to organophosphates (OPs) may be associated with an increasing prevalence of muscle symptoms. However, a further cohort study incorporating sensitive health outcomes and measurement of multiple pesticides monitoring on a larger scale is warranted.

  13. Acetylcholinesterase in honey bees (Apis mellifera) exposed to neonicotinoids, atrazine and glyphosate: laboratory and field experiments.

    PubMed

    Boily, Monique; Sarrasin, Benoit; Deblois, Christian; Aras, Philippe; Chagnon, Madeleine

    2013-08-01

    In Québec, as observed globally, abnormally high honey bee mortality rates have been reported recently. Several potential contributing factors have been identified, and exposure to pesticides is of increasing concern. In maize fields, foraging bees are exposed to residual concentrations of insecticides such as neonicotinoids used for seed coating. Highly toxic to bees, neonicotinoids are also reported to increase AChE activity in other invertebrates exposed to sub-lethal doses. The purpose of this study was therefore to test if the honey bee's AChE activity could be altered by neonicotinoid compounds and to explore possible effects of other common products used in maize fields: atrazine and glyphosate. One week prior to pollen shedding, beehives were placed near three different field types: certified organically grown maize, conventionally grown maize or non-cultivated. At the same time, caged bees were exposed to increasing sub-lethal doses of neonicotinoid insecticides (imidacloprid and clothianidin) and herbicides (atrazine and glyphosate) under controlled conditions. While increased AChE activity was found in all fields after 2 weeks of exposure, bees close to conventional maize crops showed values higher than those in both organic maize fields and non-cultivated areas. In caged bees, AChE activity increased in response to neonicotinoids, and a slight decrease was observed by glyphosate. These results are discussed with regard to AChE activity as a potential biomarker of exposure for neonicotinoids.

  14. Low Dose Sarin Leads To Murine Cardiac Dysfunction

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2010-03-01

    work directly supported a grant held by Wright State University, grant # GW060050, from the United States Army Medical Research Acquisition Activity ...GB), acts as an irreversible AChE inhibitor. Sarin reacts with the serine hydroxyl residue in the active site of AChE to form a phosphate or...United States Air Force has become increasingly engaged with terrorist groups and other elusive enemies. As these activities increase, the potential for

  15. Identification and Characterization of Novel Catalytic Bioscavengers of Organophosphorus Nerve Agents

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2013-01-01

    hydrolase activity . These strains are Ammoniphilus oxalaticus, Haloarcula sp., and Micromonospora aurantiaca. Lysates from A. oxalaticus had...warfare agents [1–3]. OP nerve agents readily bind covalently to the active site serine in acetylcho- linesterase (AChE), thereby inhibiting the ability...muscarinic receptors, whereas 2-pralidoxime chloride, an oxime nucleophile, reactivates AChE by displacing the phospho- nyl group left on the active site

  16. Different sensitivities of rat skeletal muscles and brain to novel anti-cholinesterase agents, alkylammonium derivatives of 6-methyluracil (ADEMS)

    PubMed Central

    Petrov, Konstantin A; Yagodina, Lilia O; Valeeva, Guzel R; Lannik, Natalya I; Nikitashina, Alexandra D; Rizvanov, Albert A; Zobov, Vladimir V; Bukharaeva, Ellya A; Reznik, Vladimir S; Nikolsky, Eugeny E; Vyskočil, František

    2011-01-01

    BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The rat respiratory muscle diaphragm has markedly lower sensitivity than the locomotor muscle extensor digitorum longus (EDL) to the new acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors, alkylammonium derivatives of 6-methyluracil (ADEMS). This study evaluated several possible reasons for differing sensitivity between the diaphragm and limb muscles and between the muscles and the brain. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Increased amplitude and prolonged decay time of miniature endplate currents were used to assess anti-cholinesterase activity in muscles. In hippocampal slices, induction of synchronous network activity was used to follow cholinesterase inhibition. The inhibitor sensitivities of purified AChE from the EDL and brain were also estimated. KEY RESULTS The intermuscular difference in sensitivity to ADEMS is partly explained caused by a higher level of mRNA and activity of 1,3-bis[5(diethyl-o-nitrobenzylammonium)pentyl]-6-methyluracildibromide (C-547)-resistant BuChE in the diaphragm. Moreover, diaphragm AChE was more than 20 times less sensitive to C-547 than that from the EDL. Sensitivity of the EDL to C-547 dramatically decreased after treadmill exercises that increased the amount of PRiMA AChE(G4), but not ColQ AChE(A12) molecular forms. The A12 form present in muscles appeared more sensitive to C-547. The main form of AChE in brain, PRiMA AChE(G4), was apparently less sensitive because brain cholinesterase activity was almost three orders of magnitude more resistant to C-547 than that of the EDL. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Our findings suggest that ADEMS compounds could be used for the selective inhibition of AChEs and as potential therapeutic tools. PMID:21232040

  17. Analysis of the activation of acetylcholinesterase by carbon nanoparticles using a monolithic immobilized enzyme microreactor: role of the water molecules in the active site gorge.

    PubMed

    Ibrahim, Firas; Andre, Claire; Iutzeler, Anne; Guillaume, Yves Claude

    2013-10-01

    A biochromatographic system was used to study the direct effect of carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) on the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity. The AChE enzyme was covalently immobilized on a monolithic CIM-disk via its NH2 residues. Our results showed an increase in the AChE activity in presence of CNPs. The catalytic constant (k(cat)) was increased while the Michaelis constant (K(m)) was slightly decreased. This indicated an increase in the enzyme efficiency with increase of the substrate affinity to the active site. The thermodynamic data of the activation mechanism of the enzyme, i.e. ΔH* and ΔS*, showed no change in the substrate interaction mechanism with the anionic binding site. The increase of the enthalpy (ΔH*) and the entropy (ΔS*) with decrease in the free energy of activation (Ea) was related to structural conformation change in the active site gorge. This affected the stability of water molecules in the active site gorge and facilitated water displacement by substrate for entering to the active site of the enzyme.

  18. One-pot microwave assisted stereoselective synthesis of novel dihydro-2'H-spiro[indene-2,1'-pyrrolo-[3,4-c]pyrrole]-tetraones and evaluation of their antimycobacterial activity and inhibition of AChE.

    PubMed

    Bharkavi, Chelliah; Vivek Kumar, Sundaravel; Ashraf Ali, Mohamed; Osman, Hasnah; Muthusubramanian, Shanmugam; Perumal, Subbu

    2017-07-15

    An efficient one-pot microwave assisted stereoselective synthesis of novel dihydro-2'H-spiro[indene-2,1'-pyrrolo[3,4-c]pyrrole]-tetraone derivatives through three-component 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of azomethine ylides generated in situ from ninhydrin and sarcosine with a series of 1-aryl-1H-pyrrole-2,5-diones is described. The synthesised compounds were screened for their antimycobacterial and AChE inhibition activities. Compound 4b (IC 50 1.30µM) has been found to display twelve fold antimycobacterial activity compared to cycloserine and it is thirty seven times more active than pyrimethamine. Compound 4h displays maximum AchE inhibitory activity with IC 50 value of 0.78±0.01µmol/L. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  19. Decursin from Angelica gigas mitigates amnesia induced by scopolamine in mice.

    PubMed

    Kang, So Young; Lee, Ki Yong; Park, Mi Jung; Kim, Young Chul; Markelonis, George J; Oh, Tae H; Kim, Young Choong

    2003-01-01

    We previously reported that a total methanolic extract of the underground part of Angelica gigas Nakai (Umbelliferae) (here-in-after abbreviated AG) significantly inhibited acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity. We characterized 12 coumarin derivatives including both decursin and decursinol from extracts of AG. In this study, we evaluated the anti-amnestic activity of decursin, a major coumarin constituent isolated from AG, in vivo using ICR mice with amnesia induced by scopolamine (1 mg/kg body weight, s.c.). Decursin, when administered to mice at 1 and 5 mg/kg body weight i.p., significantly ameliorated scopolamine-induced amnesia as measured in both the passive avoidance test and the Morris water maze test. Moreover, decursin significantly inhibited AChE activity by 34% in the hippocampus of treated mice. These results indicate that decursin may exert anti-amnestic activity in vivo through inhibition of AChE activity in the hippocampus.

  20. Effect of methylmercury on acetylcholinestrase and serum cholinesterase activity in monkeys, Macaca fascicularis

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Petruccioli, L.; Turillazzi, P.G.

    1991-05-01

    The consumption of fish and fish-derived products is the main pathway of human exposure to methylmercury (MeHg). Methylmercury levels vary widely in fish, depending on age, size, the position of the species in the food chain, and most of all, on pollution levels. MeHg affects the Acetylcholinesterase activity (AChE) and the serum Cholinesterase activity (BChE). Histoenzymatic studies showed that 100mg Methyoxyethylmercury chloride administered for 6 days to rats caused a reduction of AChE activity in the thalamus and an increase in different parts of the nervous central system. The present study aims at verifying whether the dose permitted by F.A.O.more » and doses 10 and 100 fold higher affect the Cholinesterase activity in primates, and whether there is a correlation between AChE and BChE.« less

  1. Roles of uptake, biotransformation, and target site sensitivity in determining the differential toxicity of chlorpyrifos to second to fourth instar Chironomous riparius (Meigen)

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Buchwalter, D.B.; Sandahl, J.F.; Jenkins, J.J.; Curtis, L.R.

    2004-01-01

    Early life stages of aquatic organisms tend to be more sensitive to various chemical contaminants than later life stages. This research attempted to identify the key biological factors that determined sensitivity differences among life stages of the aquatic insect Chironomous riparius. Specifically, second to fourth instar larvae were exposed in vivo to both low and high waterborne concentrations of chlorpyrifos to examine differences in accumulation rates, chlorpyrifos biotransformation, and overall sensitivity among instars. In vitro acetylcholinesterase (AChE) assays were performed with chlorpyrifos and the metabolite, chlorpyrifos-oxon, to investigate potential target site sensitivity differences among instars. Earlier instars accumulated chlorpyrifos more rapidly than later instars. There were no major differences among instars in the biotransformation rates of chlorpyrifos to the more polar metabolites, chlorpyrifos-oxon, and chlorpyridinol (TCP). Homogenate AChE activities from second to fourth instar larvae were refractory to chlorpyrifos, even at high concentrations. In contrast, homogenate AChE activities were responsive in a dose-dependent manner to chlorpyrifos-oxon. In general, it appeared that chlorpyrifos sensitivity differences among second to fourth instar C. riparius were largely determined by differences in uptake rates. In terms of AChE depression, fourth instar homogenates were more sensitive to chlorpyrifos and chlorpyrifos-oxon than earlier instars. However, basal AChE activity in fourth instar larvae was significantly higher than basal AChE activity in second to third instar larvae, which could potentially offset the apparent increased sensitivity to the oxon. ?? 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  2. Acetylcholine-induced seizure-like activity and modified cholinergic gene expression in chronically epileptic rats.

    PubMed

    Zimmerman, Gabriel; Njunting, Marleisje; Ivens, Sebastian; Tolner, Else A; Tolner, Elsa; Behrens, Christoph J; Gross, Miriam; Soreq, Hermona; Heinemann, Uwe; Friedman, Alon

    2008-02-01

    The entorhinal cortex (EC) plays an important role in temporal lobe epilepsy. Under normal conditions, the enriched cholinergic innervation of the EC modulates local synchronized oscillatory activity; however, its role in epilepsy is unknown. Enhanced neuronal activation has been shown to induce transcriptional changes of key cholinergic genes and thus alter cholinergic responses. To examine cholinergic modulations in epileptic tissue we studied molecular and electrophysiological cholinergic responses in the EC of chronically epileptic rats following exposure to pilocarpine or kainic acid. We confirmed that while the total activity of the acetylcholine (ACh)-hydrolysing enzyme, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) was not altered, epileptic rats showed alternative splicing of AChE pre-mRNA transcripts, accompanied by a shift from membrane-bound AChE tetramers to soluble monomers. This was associated with increased sensitivity to ACh application: thus, in control rats, ACh (10-100 microm) induced slow (< 1Hz), periodic events confined to the EC; however, in epileptic rats, ACh evoked seconds-long seizure-like events with initial appearance in the EC, and frequent propagation to neighbouring cortical regions. ACh-induced seizure-like events could be completely blocked by the non-specific muscarinic antagonist, atropine, and were partially blocked by the muscarinic-1 receptor antagonist, pirenzepine; but were not affected by the non-specific nicotinic antagonist, mecamylamine. Epileptic rats presented reduced transcript levels of muscarinic receptors with no evidence of mRNA editing or altered mRNA levels for nicotinic ACh receptors. Our findings suggest that altered cholinergic modulation may initiate seizure events in the epileptic temporal cortex.

  3. Postnatal growth hormone deficiency in growing rats causes marked decline in the activity of spinal cord acetylcholinesterase but not butyrylcholinesterase.

    PubMed

    Koohestani, Faezeh; Brown, Chester M; Meisami, Esmail

    2012-11-01

    The effects of growth hormone (GH) deficiency on the developmental changes in the abundance and activity of cholinesterase enzymes were studied in the developing spinal cord (SC) of postnatal rats by measuring the specific activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), a marker for cholinergic neurons and their synaptic compartments, and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE), a marker for glial cells and neurovascular cells. Specific activities of these two enzymes were measured in SC tissue of 21- and 90 day-old (P21, weaning age; P90, young adulthood) GH deficient spontaneous dwarf (SpDwf) mutant rats which lack anterior pituitary and circulating plasma GH, and were compared with SC tissue of normal age-matched control animals. Assays were carried out for AChE and BuChE activity in the presence of their specific chemical inhibitors, BW284C51 and iso-OMPA, respectively. Results revealed that mean AChE activity was markedly and significantly reduced [28% at P21, 49% at P90, (p<0.01)] in the SC of GH deficient rats compared to age-matched controls. GH deficiency had a higher and more significant effect on AChE activity of the older (P90) rats than the younger ones (P21) ones. In contrast, BuChE activity in SC showed no significant changes in GH deficient rats at either of the two ages studied. Results imply that, in the absence of pituitary GH, the postnatal proliferation of cholinergic synapses in the rat SC, a CNS structure, where AChE activity is abundant, is markedly reduced during both the pre- and postweaning periods; more so in the postweaning than preweaning ages. In contrast, the absence of any effects on BuChE activity implies that GH does not affect the development of non-neuronal elements, e.g., glia, as much as the neuronal and synaptic compartments of the developing rat SC. Copyright © 2012 ISDN. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  4. Purification and general properties of pectin methyl esterase from Curvularia inaequalis NRRL 13884 in solid state culture using orange peels as an inducer.

    PubMed

    Afifi, A F; Fawzi, E M; Foaad, M A

    2002-01-01

    Pectin methyl esterase (PME) [E.C.3. 1.1.11] production by Curvularia inaequalis (Shear) Boedijn NRRL 13884 was investigated using solid-state culture. The highest level of extracellular pectin methyl esterase was detected with orange peels as an inducing substrate and as a sole carbon source. The enzyme was partially purified using Sephadex G-100 and DEAE-Cellulose column chromatography. It was purified about 40 fold with optimum activity at pH 4.4 and 45 degrees C. The enzyme was activated by Co++, Mg++, Na+, whereas it was slightly activated in the presence of Cu++, K+, Mn++, Zn++. On the other hand Ag++, Ca++ and Hg++ inhibited the activity of the enzyme. The Km was calculated to be 0.52 mM.

  5. Acetylcholine promotes the emergence and elongation of lateral roots of Raphanus sativus

    PubMed Central

    Sugiyama, Kou-ichi

    2011-01-01

    Radish (Raphanus sativus L.) was grown on four layers of paper towel moistened with distilled water with and without acetylcholine (ACh) for five days in the dark after sowing. ACh at 1 nM promoted the growth (emergence and elongation) of lateral roots of radish plants, but had no effect on the stems and main roots. Moreover, ACh enhanced the dry weight of roots [main (primary) + lateral roots]. Neostigmine, an inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) also promoted the emergence and elongation of lateral roots, and atropine, a competitive inhibitor of ACh receptor, suppressed the emergence and elongation. ACh promoted the activities of glyceraldehyde-3-phosephate dehydrogenase (G-3-PD), nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide-specific isocitrate dehydrogenase (NAD-ICDH), succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) and cytochrome-c oxidase (Cyt-c OD) in seedlings. Moreover, ACh suppressed the activity of AChE and increased the amount of proteins and pyridine nucleotides (NAD and NADH) in the roots of the seedlings. It also increased the activities of NAD-forming enzymes [NAD synthetase and ATP-nicotinamide mononucleotide (ATP-NMN) adenyltransferase], and enhanced the amount of DNA in the roots of the seedlings. The relationship between ACh and the emergence and growth of lateral roots was discussed from a biochemical viewpoint. PMID:21900743

  6. Novel donepezil-based inhibitors of acetyl- and butyrylcholinesterase and acetylcholinesterase-induced beta-amyloid aggregation.

    PubMed

    Camps, Pelayo; Formosa, Xavier; Galdeano, Carles; Gómez, Tània; Muñoz-Torrero, Diego; Scarpellini, Michele; Viayna, Elisabet; Badia, Albert; Clos, M Victòria; Camins, Antoni; Pallàs, Mercè; Bartolini, Manuela; Mancini, Francesca; Andrisano, Vincenza; Estelrich, Joan; Lizondo, Mònica; Bidon-Chanal, Axel; Luque, F Javier

    2008-06-26

    A novel series of donepezil-tacrine hybrids designed to simultaneously interact with the active, peripheral and midgorge binding sites of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) have been synthesized and tested for their ability to inhibit AChE, butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), and AChE-induced A beta aggregation. These compounds consist of a unit of tacrine or 6-chlorotacrine, which occupies the same position as tacrine at the AChE active site, and the 5,6-dimethoxy-2-[(4-piperidinyl)methyl]-1-indanone moiety of donepezil (or the indane derivative thereof), whose position along the enzyme gorge and the peripheral site can be modulated by a suitable tether that connects tacrine and donepezil fragments. All of the new compounds are highly potent inhibitors of bovine and human AChE and BChE, exhibiting IC50 values in the subnanomolar or low nanomolar range in most cases. Moreover, six out of the eight hybrids of the series, particularly those bearing an indane moiety, exhibit a significant A beta antiaggregating activity, which makes them promising anti-Alzheimer drug candidates.

  7. A novel cold-adapted esterase from Enterobacter cloacae: Characterization and improvement of its activity and thermostability via the site of Tyr193Cys.

    PubMed

    Gao, Haofeng; Li, Chanjuan; Bandikari, Ramesh; Liu, Ziduo; Hu, Nan; Yong, Qiang

    2018-03-19

    In industries lipolytic reactions occur in insensitive conditions such as high temperature thus novel stout esterases with unique properties are attracts to the industrial application. Protein engineering is the tool to obtain desirable characters of enzymes. A novel esterase gene was isolated from South China Sea and subjected to a random mutagenesis and site directed mutagenesis for higher activity and thermo-stability compared to wild type. A novel esterase showed the highest hydrolytic activity against p-nitrophenyl acetate (pNPA, C2) and the optimal activity at 40 °C and pH 8.5. It was a cold-adapted enzyme and retained approximately 40% of its maximum activity at 0 °C. A mutant, with higher activity and thermo-stability was obtained by random mutagenesis. Kinetic analysis indicated that the mutant Val29Ala/Tyr193Cys shown 43.5% decrease in K m , 2.6-fold increase in K cat , and 4.7-fold increase in K cat /K m relative to the wild type. Single mutants V29A and Y193C were constructed and their kinetic parameters were measured. The results showed that the values of K m , K cat , and K cat /K m of V29A were similar to those of the wild type while Y193C showed 52.7% decrease in K m , 2.7-fold increase in K cat , and 5.6-fold increase in K cat /K m compared with the wild type. The 3-D structure and docking analysis revealed that the replacement of Tyr by Cys could enlarge the binding pocket. Moreover Y193C also showed a better thermo-stability for the reason its higher hydrophobicity and retained 67% relative activity after incubation for 3 h at 50 °C. The superior quality of modified esterase suggested it has great potential application in extreme conditions and the mutational work recommended that important information for the study of esterase structure and function.

  8. Gene cloning and characterization of a novel esterase from activated sludge metagenome

    PubMed Central

    2009-01-01

    A metagenomic library was prepared using pCC2FOS vector containing about 3.0 Gbp of community DNA from the microbial assemblage of activated sludge. Screening of a part of the un-amplified library resulted in the finding of 1 unique lipolytic clone capable of hydrolyzing tributyrin, in which an esterase gene was identified. This esterase/lipase gene consists of 834 bp and encodes a polypeptide (designated EstAS) of 277 amino acid residuals with a molecular mass of 31 kDa. Sequence analysis indicated that it showed 33% and 31% amino acid identity to esterase/lipase from Gemmata obscuriglobus UQM 2246 (ZP_02733109) and Yarrowia lipolytica CLIB122 (XP_504639), respectively; and several conserved regions were identified, including the putative active site, HSMGG, a catalytic triad (Ser92, His125 and Asp216) and a LHYFRG conserved motif. The EstAS was overexpressed, purified and shown to hydrolyse p-nitrophenyl (NP) esters of fatty acids with short chain lengths (≤ C8). This EstAS had optimal temperature and pH at 35°C and 9.0, respectively, by hydrolysis of p-NP hexanoate. It also exhibited the same level of stability over wide temperature and pH ranges and in the presence of metal ions or detergents. The high level of stability of esterase EstAS with its unique substrate specificities make itself highly useful for biotechnological applications. PMID:20028524

  9. Negative correlation between phospholipase and esterase activity produced by Fusarium isolates.

    PubMed

    Ishida, K; Alviano, D S; Silva, B G; Guerra, C R; Costa, A S; Nucci, M; Alviano, C S; Rozental, S

    2012-05-01

    Fusarium species have emerged as one of the more outstanding groups of clinically important filamentous fungi, causing localized and life-threatening invasive infections with high morbidity and mortality. The ability to produce different types of hydrolytic enzymes is thought to be an important virulence mechanism of fungal pathogens and could be associated with the environment of the microorganism. Here, we have measured the production of two distinct lipolytic enzymes, phospholipase and esterase, by sixteen Fusarium isolates recovered from the hospital environment, immunocompromised patients' blood cultures, foot interdigital space scrapings from immunocompromised patients, and foot interdigital space scrapings from immunocompetent patients (4 isolates each). Fourteen of these 16 isolates were identified as Fusarium solani species complex (FSSC) and two were identified as F. oxysporum species complex (FOSC). Some relevant genus characteristics were visualized by light and electron microscopy such as curved and multicelled macroconidia with 3 or 4 septa, microconidia, phialides, and abundant chlamydospores. All Fusarium isolates were able to produce esterase and phospholipase under the experimental conditions. However, a negative correlation was observed between these two enzymes, indicating that a Fusarium isolate with high phospholipase activity has low esterase activity and vice versa. In addition, Fusarium isolated from clinical material produced more phospholipases, while environmental strains produced more esterases. These observations may be correlated with the different types of substrates that these fungi need to degrade during their nutrition processes.

  10. Negative correlation between phospholipase and esterase activity produced by Fusarium isolates

    PubMed Central

    Ishida, K.; Alviano, D.S.; Silva, B.G.; Guerra, C.R.; Costa, A.S.; Nucci, M.; Alviano, C.S.; Rozental, S.

    2012-01-01

    Fusarium species have emerged as one of the more outstanding groups of clinically important filamentous fungi, causing localized and life-threatening invasive infections with high morbidity and mortality. The ability to produce different types of hydrolytic enzymes is thought to be an important virulence mechanism of fungal pathogens and could be associated with the environment of the microorganism. Here, we have measured the production of two distinct lipolytic enzymes, phospholipase and esterase, by sixteen Fusarium isolates recovered from the hospital environment, immunocompromised patients' blood cultures, foot interdigital space scrapings from immunocompromised patients, and foot interdigital space scrapings from immunocompetent patients (4 isolates each). Fourteen of these 16 isolates were identified as Fusarium solani species complex (FSSC) and two were identified as F. oxysporum species complex (FOSC). Some relevant genus characteristics were visualized by light and electron microscopy such as curved and multicelled macroconidia with 3 or 4 septa, microconidia, phialides, and abundant chlamydospores. All Fusarium isolates were able to produce esterase and phospholipase under the experimental conditions. However, a negative correlation was observed between these two enzymes, indicating that a Fusarium isolate with high phospholipase activity has low esterase activity and vice versa. In addition, Fusarium isolated from clinical material produced more phospholipases, while environmental strains produced more esterases. These observations may be correlated with the different types of substrates that these fungi need to degrade during their nutrition processes. PMID:22415116

  11. Insect nicotinic receptor interactions in vivo with neonicotinoid, organophosphorus, and methylcarbamate insecticides and a synergist

    PubMed Central

    Shao, Xusheng; Xia, Shanshan; Durkin, Kathleen A.; Casida, John E.

    2013-01-01

    The nicotinic acetylcholine (ACh) receptor (nAChR) is the principal insecticide target. Nearly half of the insecticides by number and world market value are neonicotinoids acting as nAChR agonists or organophosphorus (OP) and methylcarbamate (MC) acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors. There was no previous evidence for in vivo interactions of the nAChR agonists and AChE inhibitors. The nitromethyleneimidazole (NMI) analog of imidacloprid, a highly potent neonicotinoid, was used here as a radioligand, uniquely allowing for direct measurements of house fly (Musca domestica) head nAChR in vivo interactions with various nicotinic agents. Nine neonicotinoids inhibited house fly brain nAChR [3H]NMI binding in vivo, corresponding to their in vitro potency and the poisoning signs or toxicity they produced in intrathoracically treated house flies. Interestingly, nine topically applied OP or MC insecticides or analogs also gave similar results relative to in vivo nAChR binding inhibition and toxicity, but now also correlating with in vivo brain AChE inhibition, indicating that ACh is the ultimate OP- or MC-induced nAChR active agent. These findings on [3H]NMI binding in house fly brain membranes validate the nAChR in vivo target for the neonicotinoids, OPs and MCs. As an exception, the remarkably potent OP neonicotinoid synergist, O-propyl O-(2-propynyl) phenylphosphonate, inhibited nAChR in vivo without the corresponding AChE inhibition, possibly via a reactive ketene metabolite reacting with a critical nucleophile in the cytochrome P450 active site and the nAChR NMI binding site. PMID:24108354

  12. Acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase and paraoxonase 1 activities in rats treated with cannabis, tramadol or both.

    PubMed

    Abdel-Salam, Omar M E; Youness, Eman R; Khadrawy, Yasser A; Sleem, Amany A

    2016-11-01

    To investigate the effect of Cannabis sativa resin and/or tramadol, two commonly drugs of abuse on acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase activities as a possible cholinergic biomarkers of neurotoxicity induced by these agents. Rats were treated with cannabis resin (5, 10 or 20 mg/kg) (equivalent to the active constituent Δ 9 -tetrahydrocannabinol), tramadol (5, 10 and 20 mg/kg) or tramadol (10 mg/kg) combined with cannabis resin (5, 10 and 20 mg/kg) subcutaneously daily for 6 weeks. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) activities were measured in brain and serum. We also measured the activity of paraoxonase-1 (PON1) in serum of rats treated with these agents. (i) AChE activity in brain increased after 10-20 mg/kg cannabis resin (by 16.3-36.5%). AChE activity in brain did not change after treatment with 5-20 mg/kg tramadol. The administration of both cannabis resin (5, 10 or 20 mg/kg) and tramadol (10 mg/kg) resulted in decreased brain AChE activity by 14.1%, 12.9% and 13.6%, respectively; (ii) BChE activity in serum was markedly and dose-dependently inhibited by cannabis resin (by 60.9-76.9%). BChE activity also decreased by 17.6-36.5% by 10-20 mg/kg tramadol and by 57.2-63.9% by the cannabis resin/tramadol combined treatment; (iii) Cannabis resin at doses of 20 mg/kg increased serum PON1 activity by 25.7%. In contrast, tramadol given at 5, 10 and 20 mg/kg resulted in a dose-dependent decrease in serum PON1 activity by 19%, 36.7%, and 46.1%, respectively. Meanwhile, treatment with cannabis resin plus tramadol resulted in 40.2%, 35.8%, 30.7% inhibition of PON1 activity compared to the saline group. These data suggest that cannabis resin exerts different effects on AChE and BChE activities which could contribute to the memory problems and the decline in cognitive function in chronic users. Copyright © 2016 Hainan Medical University. Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  13. Screening of adjunct cultures and their application in ester formation in Camembert-type cheese.

    PubMed

    Hong, Q; Liu, X M; Hang, F; Zhao, J X; Zhang, H; Chen, W

    2018-04-01

    The ethanol content and esterase and alcohol acyltransferase activities are the limiting factors in the synthesis of ethyl esters in Camembert-type cheeses. This study aimed to investigate the effects of alcohol, esterase and alcohol acyltransferase activities on ethyl ester formation in Camembert-type cheeses. Five experimental cheeses were prepared with three adjunct cultures with different enzyme activities and two levels of ethanol content (400 or 800 μg/g). The cheeses were aged for 4 weeks and analysed weekly for basic physicochemical, textural, volatile and sensory properties. The results showed that both the enzyme activity and ethanol content were limiting factors in the synthesis of ethyl esters in the Camembert-type cheeses. Variation in the esterase synthesis activity was observed among lactic acid bacteria, and the starter culture Lactococcus lactis MA 14 LYO distinguished itself through its high acidifying and esterase hydrolysis abilities. The addition of CCFM 12, a lactic acid bacteria strain with high esterase and alcohol acyltransferase activity, along with 400 or 800 μg/g of ethanol, notably enhanced the generation of ethyl esters and the corresponding fruity flavour, without causing dramatic changes in the basic physicochemical indices and microbial profile. In addition, cohesiveness was influenced by the addition of 400 and 800 μg/g of ethanol, and more resilience with 800 μg/g of ethanol had been found. The results showed that the addition of CCFM12 with 400 and 800 μg/g of ethanol may be applied in the production of Camembert cheese to enhance its fruity flavour. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  14. Characterization and purification of a bacterial chlorogenic acid esterase detected during the extraction of chlorogenic acid from arbuscular mycorrhizal tomato roots.

    PubMed

    Negrel, Jonathan; Javelle, Francine; Morandi, Dominique; Lucchi, Géraldine

    2016-12-01

    A Gram-negative bacterium able to grow using chlorogenic acid (5-caffeoylquinic acid) as sole carbon source has been isolated from the roots of tomato plants inoculated with the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus Rhizophagus irregularis. An intracellular esterase exhibiting very high affinity (K m  = 2 μM) for chlorogenic acid has been extracted and purified by FPLC from the chlorogenate-grown cultures of this bacterium. The molecular mass of the purified esterase determined by SDS-PAGE was 61 kDa and its isoelectric point determined by chromatofocusing was 7.75. The esterase hydrolysed chlorogenic acid analogues (caffeoylshikimate, and the 4- and 3-caffeoylquinic acid isomers), feruloyl esterases substrates (methyl caffeate and methyl ferulate), and even caffeoyl-CoA in vitro but all of them were less active than chlorogenic acid, demonstrating that the esterase is a genuine chlorogenic acid esterase. It was also induced when the bacterial strain was cultured in the presence of hydroxycinnamic acids (caffeic, p-coumaric or ferulic acid) as sole carbon source, but not in the presence of simple phenolics such as catechol or protocatechuic acid, nor in the presence of organic acids such as succinic or quinic acids. The purified esterase was remarkably stable in the presence of methanol, rapid formation of methyl caffeate occurring when its activity was measured in aqueous solutions containing 10-60% methanol. Our results therefore show that this bacterial chlorogenase can catalyse the transesterification reaction previously detected during the methanolic extraction of chlorogenic acid from arbuscular mycorrhizal tomato roots. Data are presented suggesting that colonisation by Rhizophagus irregularis could increase chlorogenic acid exudation from tomato roots, especially in nutrient-deprived plants, and thus favour the growth of chlorogenate-metabolizing bacteria on the root surface or in the mycorhizosphere. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

  15. Crystal Structure and Substrate Specificity Modification of Acetyl Xylan Esterase from Aspergillus luchuensis.

    PubMed

    Komiya, Dai; Hori, Akane; Ishida, Takuya; Igarashi, Kiyohiko; Samejima, Masahiro; Koseki, Takuya; Fushinobu, Shinya

    2017-10-15

    Acetyl xylan esterase (AXE) catalyzes the hydrolysis of the acetyl bonds present in plant cell wall polysaccharides. Here, we determined the crystal structure of AXE from Aspergillus luchuensis ( Al AXEA), providing the three-dimensional structure of an enzyme in the Esterase_phb family. Al AXEA shares its core α/β-hydrolase fold structure with esterases in other families, but it has an extended central β-sheet at both its ends and an extra loop. Structural comparison with a ferulic acid esterase (FAE) from Aspergillus niger indicated that Al AXEA has a conserved catalytic machinery: a catalytic triad (Ser119, His259, and Asp202) and an oxyanion hole (Cys40 and Ser120). Near the catalytic triad of A lAXEA, two aromatic residues (Tyr39 and Trp160) form small pockets at both sides. Homology models of fungal FAEs in the same Esterase_phb family have wide pockets at the corresponding sites because they have residues with smaller side chains (Pro, Ser, and Gly). Mutants with site-directed mutations at Tyr39 showed a substrate specificity similar to that of the wild-type enzyme, whereas those with mutations at Trp160 acquired an expanded substrate specificity. Interestingly, the Trp160 mutants acquired weak but significant type B-like FAE activity. Moreover, the engineered enzymes exhibited ferulic acid-releasing activity from wheat arabinoxylan. IMPORTANCE Hemicelluloses in the plant cell wall are often decorated by acetyl and ferulic acid groups. Therefore, complete and efficient degradation of plant polysaccharides requires the enzymes for cleaving the side chains of the polymer. Since the Esterase_phb family contains a wide array of fungal FAEs and AXEs from fungi and bacteria, our study will provide a structural basis for the molecular mechanism of these industrially relevant enzymes in biopolymer degradation. The structure of the Esterase_phb family also provides information for bacterial polyhydroxyalkanoate depolymerases that are involved in biodegradation of thermoplastic polymers. Copyright © 2017 American Society for Microbiology.

  16. Glucuronoyl esterases are active on polymeric substrate, methyl esterified glucuronoxylan

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Alkali extracted beechwood glucuronoxylan methyl ester prepared by esterification of 4-O-methyl-D-glucuronic acid side residues by methanol was found to serve as substrate of microbial glucuronoyl esterases from Ruminococcus flavefaciens, Schizophyllum commune and Trichoderma reesei. The enzymatic d...

  17. Phenol esterase activity of porcine skin

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    The alkyl esters of plant-derived phenols may serve as slow-release sources for cutaneous delivery of antioxidants. The ability of skin esterases to hydrolyze phenolic esters was examined. Esters of tyrosol and hydroxytyrosol were prepared from decanoic and lipoic acids. Ferulic acid was esterified ...

  18. Muscarinic Receptors Modulate Dendrodendritic Inhibitory Synapses to Sculpt Glomerular Output

    PubMed Central

    Shao, Zuoyi; Puche, Adam; Wachowiak, Matt; Rothermel, Markus

    2015-01-01

    Cholinergic [acetylcholine (ACh)] axons from the basal forebrain innervate olfactory bulb glomeruli, the initial site of synaptic integration in the olfactory system. Both nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) and muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs) are expressed in glomeruli. The activation of nAChRs directly excites both mitral/tufted cells (MTCs) and external tufted cells (ETCs), the two major excitatory neurons that transmit glomerular output. The functional roles of mAChRs in glomerular circuits are unknown. We show that the restricted glomerular application of ACh causes rapid, brief nAChR-mediated excitation of both MTCs and ETCs in the mouse olfactory bulb. This excitation is followed by mAChR-mediated inhibition, which is blocked by GABAA receptor antagonists, indicating the engagement of periglomerular cells (PGCs) and/or short axon cells (SACs), the two major glomerular inhibitory neurons. Indeed, selective activation of glomerular mAChRs, with ionotropic GluRs and nAChRs blocked, increased IPSCs in MTCs and ETCs, indicating that mAChRs recruit glomerular inhibitory circuits. Selective activation of glomerular mAChRs in the presence of tetrodotoxin increased IPSCs in all glomerular neurons, indicating action potential-independent enhancement of GABA release from PGC and/or SAC dendrodendritic synapses. mAChR-mediated enhancement of GABA release also presynaptically suppressed the first synapse of the olfactory system via GABAB receptors on sensory terminals. Together, these results indicate that cholinergic modulation of glomerular circuits is biphasic, involving an initial excitation of MTC/ETCs mediated by nAChRs followed by inhibition mediated directly by mAChRs on PGCs/SACs. This may phasically enhance the sensitivity of glomerular outputs to odorants, an action that is consistent with recent in vivo findings. PMID:25855181

  19. Muscarinic receptors modulate dendrodendritic inhibitory synapses to sculpt glomerular output.

    PubMed

    Liu, Shaolin; Shao, Zuoyi; Puche, Adam; Wachowiak, Matt; Rothermel, Markus; Shipley, Michael T

    2015-04-08

    Cholinergic [acetylcholine (ACh)] axons from the basal forebrain innervate olfactory bulb glomeruli, the initial site of synaptic integration in the olfactory system. Both nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) and muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs) are expressed in glomeruli. The activation of nAChRs directly excites both mitral/tufted cells (MTCs) and external tufted cells (ETCs), the two major excitatory neurons that transmit glomerular output. The functional roles of mAChRs in glomerular circuits are unknown. We show that the restricted glomerular application of ACh causes rapid, brief nAChR-mediated excitation of both MTCs and ETCs in the mouse olfactory bulb. This excitation is followed by mAChR-mediated inhibition, which is blocked by GABAA receptor antagonists, indicating the engagement of periglomerular cells (PGCs) and/or short axon cells (SACs), the two major glomerular inhibitory neurons. Indeed, selective activation of glomerular mAChRs, with ionotropic GluRs and nAChRs blocked, increased IPSCs in MTCs and ETCs, indicating that mAChRs recruit glomerular inhibitory circuits. Selective activation of glomerular mAChRs in the presence of tetrodotoxin increased IPSCs in all glomerular neurons, indicating action potential-independent enhancement of GABA release from PGC and/or SAC dendrodendritic synapses. mAChR-mediated enhancement of GABA release also presynaptically suppressed the first synapse of the olfactory system via GABAB receptors on sensory terminals. Together, these results indicate that cholinergic modulation of glomerular circuits is biphasic, involving an initial excitation of MTC/ETCs mediated by nAChRs followed by inhibition mediated directly by mAChRs on PGCs/SACs. This may phasically enhance the sensitivity of glomerular outputs to odorants, an action that is consistent with recent in vivo findings. Copyright © 2015 the authors 0270-6474/15/355680-13$15.00/0.

  20. Muscle-specific kinase (MuSK) autoantibodies suppress the MuSK pathway and ACh receptor retention at the mouse neuromuscular junction.

    PubMed

    Ghazanfari, Nazanin; Morsch, Marco; Reddel, Stephen W; Liang, Simon X; Phillips, William D

    2014-07-01

    Muscle-specific kinase (MuSK) autoantibodies from myasthenia gravis patients can block the activation of MuSK in vitro and/or reduce the postsynaptic localization of MuSK. Here we use a mouse model to examine the effects of MuSK autoantibodies upon some key components of the postsynaptic MuSK pathway and upon the regulation of junctional ACh receptor (AChR) numbers. Mice became weak after 14 daily injections of anti-MuSK-positive patient IgG. The intensity and area of AChR staining at the motor endplate was markedly reduced. Pulse-labelling of AChRs revealed an accelerated loss of pre-existing AChRs from postsynaptic AChR clusters without a compensatory increase in incorporation of (newly synthesized) replacement AChRs. Large, postsynaptic AChR clusters were replaced by a constellation of tiny AChR microaggregates. Puncta of AChR staining also appeared in the cytoplasm beneath the endplate. Endplate staining for MuSK, activated Src, rapsyn and AChR were all reduced in intensity. In the tibialis anterior muscle there was also evidence that phosphorylation of the AChR β-subunit-Y390 was reduced at endplates. In contrast, endplate staining for β-dystroglycan (through which rapsyn couples AChR to the synaptic basement membrane) remained intense. The results suggest that anti-MuSK IgG suppresses the endplate density of MuSK, thereby down-regulating MuSK signalling activity and the retention of junctional AChRs locally within the postsynaptic membrane scaffold. © 2014 The Authors. The Journal of Physiology © 2014 The Physiological Society.

  1. A facile stereoselective synthesis of dispiro-indeno pyrrolidine/pyrrolothiazole-thiochroman hybrids and evaluation of their antimycobacterial, anticancer and AchE inhibitory activities.

    PubMed

    Bharkavi, Chelliah; Vivek Kumar, Sundaravel; Ashraf Ali, Mohamed; Osman, Hasnah; Muthusubramanian, Shanmugam; Perumal, Subbu

    2016-11-15

    A facile stereoselective synthesis of novel dispiro indeno pyrrolidine/pyrrolothiazole-thiochroman hybrids has been achieved by 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of azomethine ylides, generated in situ from ninhydrin and sarcosine/thiaproline, on a series of 3-benzylidenethiochroman-4-ones. The synthesised compounds were screened for their antimycobacterial, anticancer and AchE inhibition activities. Compound 4l (IC 50 1.07μM) has been found to exhibit the most potent antimycobacterial activity compared to cycloserine (12 times), pyrimethamine (37 times) and ethambutol (IC 50 <1.56μM) and 6l (IC 50 =2.87μM) is more active than both cycloserine (4 times) and pyrimethamine (12 times). Three compounds, 4a, 6b and 6i, display good anticancer activity against CCRF-CEM cell lines. Compounds 6g and 4g display maximum AchE inhibitory activity with IC 50 values of 1.10 and 1.16μmol/L respectively. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  2. Mass Spectrometry to Identify New Biomarkers of Nerve Agent Exposure

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2009-04-01

    covalent bond with the active site serine in the consensus sequence GXSXG of esterases and proteases. However, the site of attachment to proteins...that have no active site serine has only recently been recognized as tyrosine. In last year’s report we provided mass spectrometry evidence that...PMID: 18502412 Lockridge O, Xue W, Gaydess A, Grigoryan H, Ding SJ, Schopfer LM, Hinrichs SH, Masson P. Pseudo- esterase activity of human albumin

  3. Understanding the conformational flexibility and electrostatic properties of curcumin in the active site of rhAChE via molecular docking, molecular dynamics, and charge density analysis.

    PubMed

    Saravanan, Kandasamy; Kalaiarasi, Chinnasamy; Kumaradhas, Poomani

    2017-12-01

    Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is an important enzyme responsible for Alzheimer's disease, as per report, keto-enol form of curcumin inhibits this enzyme. The present study aims to understand the binding mechanism of keto-enol curcumin with the recombinant human Acetylcholinesterase (rhAChE) from its conformational flexibility, intermolecular interactions, charge density distribution, and the electrostatic properties at the active site of rhAChE. To accomplish this, a molecular docking analysis of curcumin with the rhAChE was performed, which gives the structure and conformation of curcumin in the active site of rhAChE. Further, the charge density distribution and the electrostatic properties of curcumin molecule (lifted from the active site of rhAChE) were determined from the high level density functional theory (DFT) calculations coupled with the charge density analysis. On the other hand, the curcumin molecule was optimized (gas phase) using DFT method and further, the structure and charge density analysis were also carried out. On comparing the conformation, charge density distribution and the electrostatic potential of the active site form of curcumin with the corresponding gas phase form reveals that the above said properties are significantly altered when curcumin is present in the active site of rhAChE. The conformational stability and the interaction of curcumin in the active site are also studied using molecular dynamics simulation, which shows a large variation in the conformational geometry of curcumin as well as the intermolecular interactions.

  4. Competitive Inhibition Mechanism of Acetylcholinesterase without Catalytic Active Site Interaction: Study on Functionalized C60 Nanoparticles via in Vitro and in Silico Assays.

    PubMed

    Liu, Yanyan; Yan, Bing; Winkler, David A; Fu, Jianjie; Zhang, Aiqian

    2017-06-07

    Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity regulation by chemical agents or, potentially, nanomaterials is important for both toxicology and pharmacology. Competitive inhibition via direct catalytic active sites (CAS) binding or noncompetitive inhibition through interference with substrate and product entering and exiting has been recognized previously as an AChE-inhibition mechanism for bespoke nanomaterials. The competitive inhibition by peripheral anionic site (PAS) interaction without CAS binding remains unexplored. Here, we proposed and verified the occurrence of a presumed competitive inhibition of AChE without CAS binding for hydrophobically functionalized C 60 nanoparticles (NPs) by employing both experimental and computational methods. The kinetic inhibition analysis distinguished six competitive inhibitors, probably targeting the PAS, from the pristine and hydrophilically modified C 60 NPs. A simple quantitative nanostructure-activity relationship (QNAR) model relating the pocket accessible length of substituent to inhibition capacity was then established to reveal how the geometry of the surface group decides the NP difference in AChE inhibition. Molecular docking identified the PAS as the potential binding site interacting with the NPs via a T-shaped plug-in mode. Specifically, the fullerene core covered the enzyme gorge as a lid through π-π stacking with Tyr72 and Trp286 in the PAS, while the hydrophobic ligands on the fullerene surface inserted into the AChE active site to provide further stability for the complexes. The modeling predicted that inhibition would be severely compromised by Tyr72 and Trp286 deletions, and the subsequent site-directed mutagenesis experiments proved this prediction. Our results demonstrate AChE competitive inhibition of NPs without CAS participation to gain further understanding of both the neurotoxicity and the curative effect of NPs.

  5. Mono-oxime bisquaternary acetylcholinesterase reactivators with prop-1,3-diyl linkage-Preparation, in vitro screening and molecular docking.

    PubMed

    Musilek, Kamil; Komloova, Marketa; Holas, Ondrej; Horova, Anna; Pohanka, Miroslav; Gunn-Moore, Frank; Dohnal, Vlastimil; Dolezal, Martin; Kuca, Kamil

    2011-01-15

    The treatment of organophosphorus (OP) poisoning consists of the administration of a parasympatholytic agent (e.g., atropine), an anticonvulsant (e.g., diazepam) and an acetylcholinesterase (AChE) reactivator (e.g., obidoxime). The AChE reactivator is the causal treatment of OP exposure, because it cleaves the OP moiety covalently bound to the AChE active site. In this paper, fourteen novel AChE reactivators are described. Their design originated from a former promising compound K027. These compounds were synthesized, evaluated in vitro on human AChE (hAChE) inhibited by tabun, paraoxon, methylparaoxon and DFP and then compared to commercial hAChE reactivators (pralidoxime, HI-6, trimedoxime, obidoxime, methoxime) or previously prepared compounds (K027, K203). Three of these novel compounds showed a promising ability to reactivate hAChE comparable or better than the used standards. Consequently, a molecular docking study was performed for three of these promising novel compounds. The docking results confirmed the apparent influence of π-π or cation-π interactions and hydrogen bonding for reactivator binding within the hAChE active site cleft. The SAR features concerning the non-oxime part of the reactivator molecule are also discussed. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  6. Combined in Vitro and in Silico Studies for the Anticholinesterase Activity and Pharmacokinetics of Coumarinyl Thiazoles and Oxadiazoles

    PubMed Central

    Ibrar, Aliya; Khan, Ajmal; Ali, Majid; Sarwar, Rizwana; Mehsud, Saifullah; Farooq, Umar; Halimi, Syed M. A.; Khan, Imtiaz; Al-Harrasi, Ahmed

    2018-01-01

    In a continuation of our previous work for the exploration of novel enzyme inhibitors, two new coumarin-thiazole 6(a–o) and coumarin-oxadiazole 11(a–h) hybrids have been designed and synthesized. All the compounds were characterized by 1H- and 13C-NMR spectroscopy and elemental analysis. New hybrid analogs were evaluated against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) in order to know their potential for the prevention of Alzheimer's disease (AD). In coumarinyl thiazole series, compound 6b was found as the most active member against AChE having IC50 value of 0.87 ± 0.09 μM, while the compound 6j revealed the same efficacy against BuChE with an IC50 value of 11.01 ± 3.37 μM. In case of coumarinyl oxadiazole series, 11a was turned out to be the lead candidate against AChE with an IC50 value of 6.07 ± 0.23 μM, whereas compound 11e was found significantly active against BuChE with an IC50 value of 0.15 ± 0.09 μM. To realize the binding interaction of these compounds with AChE and BuChE, the molecular docking studies were performed. Compounds from coumarinyl thiazole series with potent AChE activity (6b, 6h, 6i, and 6k) were found to interact with AChE in the active site with MOE score of −10.19, −9.97, −9.68, and −11.03 Kcal.mol−1, respectively. The major interactions include hydrogen bonding, π-π stacking with aromatic residues, and interaction through water bridging. The docking studies of coumarinyl oxadiazole derivatives 11(a–h) suggested that the compounds with high anti-butyrylcholinesterase activity (11e, 11a, and 11b) provided MOE score of −9.9, −7.4, and −8.2 Kcal.mol−1, respectively, with the active site of BuChE building π-π stacking with Trp82 and water bridged interaction. PMID:29632858

  7. Combined in vitro and in silico studies for the anticholinesterase activity and pharmacokinetics of coumarinyl thiazoles and oxadiazoles

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ibrar, Aliya; Khan, Ajmal; Ali, Majid; Sarwar, Rizwana; Mehsud, Saifullah; Farooq, Umar; Halimi, Syed M. A.; Khan, Imtiaz; Al-Harrasi, Ahmed

    2018-03-01

    In a continuation of our previous work for the exploration of novel enzyme inhibitors, two new coumarin-thiazole 6(a–o) and coumarin-oxadiazole 11(a–h) hybrids have been designed and synthesized. All the compounds were characterized by 1H- and 13C-NMR spectroscopy and elemental analysis. New hybrid analogues were evaluated against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) in order to know their potential for the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In coumarinyl thiazole series, compound 6b was found as the most active member against AChE having IC50 value of 0.87 ± 0.09 µM, while the compound 6j revealed the same efficacy against BuChE with an IC50 value of 11.01 ± 3.37 µM. In case of coumarinyl oxadiazole series, 11a was turned out to be the lead candidate against AChE with an IC50 value of 6.07 ± 0.23 µM, whereas compound 11e was found significantly active against BuChE with an IC50 value of 0.15 ± 0.09 µM. To realize the binding interaction of these compounds with AChE and BuChE, the molecular docking studies were performed. Compounds from coumarinyl thiazole series with potent AChE activity (6b, 6h, 6i and 6k) were found to interact with AChE in the active site with MOE score of ‒10.19, ‒9.97, ‒9.68, and ‒11.03 Kcal.mol‒1, respectively. The major interactions include hydrogen bonding, π-π stacking with aromatic residues, and interaction through water bridging. The docking studies of coumarinyl oxadiazole derivatives 11(a-h) suggested that the compounds with high anti-butyrylcholinesterase activity (11e, 11a and 11b) provided MOE score of ‒9.9, ‒7.4 and ‒8.2 Kcal.mol‒1 respectively, with the active site of BuChE building π-π stacking with Trp82 and water bridged interaction.

  8. Blood and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid acetylcholinesterase levels following microinstillation inhalation exposure to sarin in Guinea pigs.

    PubMed

    Che, Magnus M; Conti, Michele; Boylan, Megan; Sciuto, Alfred M; Gordon, Richard K; Nambiar, Madhusoodana P

    2008-07-01

    We determined acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) inhibition in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) following inhalation exposure to chemical threat nerve agent (CTNA) sarin. Age- and weight-matched male guinea pigs were exposed to five different doses of sarin (169.3, 338.7, 508, 677.4, and 846.5 mg/m(3)) using a microinstillation inhalation exposure technique for 4 min. The technique involves aerosolization of the agent in the trachea using a microcatheter with a center hole that delivers the agent and multiple peripheral holes that pumps air to aerosolize the agent at the tip. Animals exposed to higher doses of sarin occasionally developed seizures and succumbed to death within 15 min after exposure. The LCt(50) for sarin using the microinstillation technique was determined to be close to 677.4 mg/m(3). Ear blood AChE activity showed a dose-dependent inhibition at 15 min postexposure. The inhibition of blood AChE remained constant over 35 and 55 min after sarin exposure indicating that there was no lung depot effect. Cardiac blood AChE and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) activity in surviving animals euthanized at 24 h postexposure showed a dose-dependent inhibition with an inhibition of 60% at 677.4 and 846.5 mg/m(3) sarin exposure. AChE and BChE activity in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) showed a slight increase at 338.7 to 677.4 mg/m(3) sarin exposure but a marginal inhibition at 169.3 mg/m(3). In contrast, the AChE protein levels determined by immunoblotting showed an increase at 169.3 mg/m(3) in the BALF. The BALF protein level, a biomarker of lung injury, was increased maximally at 338.7 mg/m(3) and that increase was dropped with an increase in the dose of sarin. The BALF protein levels correlated with the AChE and BChE activity. These data suggest that sarin microinstillation inhalation exposure results in respiratory toxicity and lung injury characterized by changes in lavage AChE, BChE, and protein levels.

  9. Glutamine 57 at the complementary binding site face is a key determinant of morantel selectivity for {alpha}7 nicotinic receptors.

    PubMed

    Bartos, Mariana; Price, Kerry L; Lummis, Sarah C R; Bouzat, Cecilia

    2009-08-07

    Nicotinic receptors (AChRs) play key roles in synaptic transmission. We explored activation of neuronal alpha7 and mammalian muscle AChRs by morantel and oxantel. Our results revealed a novel action of morantel as a high efficacy and more potent agonist than ACh of alpha7 receptors. The EC(50) for activation by morantel of both alpha7 and alpha7-5HT(3A) receptors is 7-fold lower than that determined for ACh. The minimum morantel concentration required to activate alpha7-5HT(3A) channels is 6-fold lower than that of ACh, and activation episodes are more prolonged than in the presence of ACh. By contrast, oxantel is a weak agonist of alpha7 and alpha7-5HT(3A), and both drugs are very low efficacy agonists of muscle AChRs. The replacement of Gln(57) in alpha7 by glycine, which is found in the equivalent position of the muscle AChR, decreases the efficacy for activation and turns morantel into a partial agonist. The reverse mutation in the muscle AChR (epsilonG57Q) increases 7-fold the efficacy of morantel. The mutations do not affect activation by ACh or oxantel, indicating that this position is selective for morantel. In silico studies show that the tetrahydropyrimidinyl group, common to both drugs, is close to Trp(149) of the principal face of the binding site, whereas the other cyclic group is proximal to Gln(57) of the complementary face in morantel but not in oxantel. Thus, position 57 at the complementary face is a key determinant of the high selectivity of morantel for alpha7. These results provide new information for further progress in drug design.

  10. Downregulated expression of microRNA-124 in pediatric intestinal failure patients modulates macrophages activation by inhibiting STAT3 and AChE

    PubMed Central

    Xiao, Yong-Tao; Wang, Jun; Lu, Wei; Cao, Yi; Cai, Wei

    2016-01-01

    Intestinal inflammation plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of intestinal failure (IF). The macrophages are essential to maintain the intestinal homeostasis. However, the underlying mechanisms of intestinal macrophages activation remain poorly understood. Since microRNAs (miRNAs) have pivotal roles in regulation of immune responses, here we aimed to investigate the role of miR-124 in the activation of intestinal macrophages. In this study, we showed that the intestinal macrophages increased in pediatric IF patients and resulted in the induction of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). The miRNA fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis showed that the expression of miR-124 significantly reduced in intestinal macrophages in IF patients. Overexpression of miR-124 was sufficient to inhibit intestinal macrophages activation by attenuating production of IL-6 and TNF-α. Further studies showed that miR-124 could directly target the 3′-untranslated region of both signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) mRNAs, and suppress their protein expressions. The AChE potentially negates the cholinergic anti-inflammatory signal by hydrolyzing the acetylcholine. We here showed that intestinal macrophages increasingly expressed the AChE and STAT3 in IF patients when compared with controls. The inhibitors against to STAT3 and AChE significantly suppressed the lipopolysaccharides-induced IL-6 and TNF-α production in macrophages. Taken together, these findings highlight an important role for miR-124 in the regulation of intestinal macrophages activation, and suggest a potential application of miR-124 in pediatric IF treatment regarding as suppressing intestinal inflammation. PMID:27977009

  11. Acotiamide hydrochloride (Z-338) enhances gastric motility and emptying by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase activity in rats.

    PubMed

    Kawachi, Masanao; Matsunaga, Yugo; Tanaka, Takao; Hori, Yuko; Ito, Katsunori; Nagahama, Kenji; Ozaki, Tomoko; Inoue, Naonori; Toda, Ryoko; Yoshii, Kazuyoshi; Hirayama, Masamichi; Kawabata, Yoshihiro; Takei, Mineo

    2011-09-01

    In clinical trials, acotiamide hydrochloride (acotiamide: Z-338) has been reported to be useful in the treatment of functional dyspepsia. Here, we investigated the effects of acotiamide on gastric contraction and emptying activities in rats in comparison with itopride hydrochloride (itopride) and mosapride citrate (mosapride). We also examined in vitro the compound's inhibitory effect on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity derived from rat stomach. In in vivo studies, acotiamide (30 and 100mg/kg s.c.) and itopride (100mg/kg s.c.) markedly enhanced normal gastric antral motility in rats. In gastric motility dysfunction models, acotiamide (100mg/kg s.c.) and itopride (100mg/kg s.c.) improved both gastric antral hypomotility and the delayed gastric emptying induced by clonidine, an α(2)-adrenoceptor agonist. In contrast, mosapride (10mg/kg s.c.) had no effect on these models. Like the AChE inhibitors itopride (30 mg/kg s.c.) and neostigmine (10 μg/kg s.c.), acotiamide (10mg/kg s.c.) also clearly enhanced gastric body contractions induced by electrical stimulation of the vagus, which were abolished by atropine and hexamethonium, whereas mosapride (3 and 10mg/kg s.c.) did not. In in vitro studies, acotiamide concentration-dependently inhibited rat stomach-derived AChE activity (IC(50)=2.3 μmol/l). In addition, stomach tissue concentrations of acotiamide after administration at 10mg/kg s.c. were sufficient to produce inhibition of AChE activity in rat stomach. These results suggest that acotiamide stimulates gastric motility and improves gastric motility dysfunction in rats by inhibiting AChE activity, and may suggest a role for acotiamide in improving gastric motility dysfunction in patients with functional dyspepsia. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  12. Biphasic photoelectrochemical sensing strategy based on in situ formation of CdS quantum dots for highly sensitive detection of acetylcholinesterase activity and inhibition.

    PubMed

    Hou, Ting; Zhang, Lianfang; Sun, Xinzhi; Li, Feng

    2016-01-15

    Herein, we reported a facile and highly sensitive biphasic photoelectrochemical (PEC) sensing strategy based on enzymatic product-mediated in situ formation of CdS quantum dots (QDs), and assayed the activity and inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in its optimal state. Upon the hydrolysis of acetylthiocholine catalyzed by AChE, the product thiocholine stabilizes the in situ formation of CdS QDs in homogenous solution. Due to the electrostatic attraction, the resulting tertiary amino group-functionalized CdS QDs are attached to the surface of the negatively charged indium tin oxide (ITO) electrode, generating significant PEC response upon illumination in the presence of electron donors. By taking full advantage of the in situ formation of CdS QDs in homogenous solution, this strategy is capable of detecting AChE activity and inhibition in its optimal state. A directly measured detection limit of 0.01mU/mL for AChE activity is obtained, which is superior to those obtained by some fluorescence methods. The inhibition of AChE activity by aldicarb is successfully detected, and the corresponding IC50 is determined to be 13μg/L. In addition to high sensitivity and good selectivity, this strategy also exhibits additional advantages of simplicity, low cost and easy operation. To the best of our knowledge, the as-proposed strategy is the first example demonstrating the application of CdS QDs formed in situ for biphasic PEC detection of enzyme activity and inhibition. More significantly, it opens up a new horizon for the development of homogenous PEC sensing platforms, and has great potential in probing many other analytes. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  13. Mouse auditory cortex differs from visual and somatosensory cortices in the laminar distribution of cytochrome oxidase and acetylcholinesterase.

    PubMed

    Anderson, L A; Christianson, G B; Linden, J F

    2009-02-03

    Cytochrome oxidase (CYO) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) staining density varies across the cortical layers in many sensory areas. The laminar variations likely reflect differences between the layers in levels of metabolic activity and cholinergic modulation. The question of whether these laminar variations differ between primary sensory cortices has never been systematically addressed in the same set of animals, since most studies of sensory cortex focus on a single sensory modality. Here, we compared the laminar distribution of CYO and AChE activity in the primary auditory, visual, and somatosensory cortices of the mouse, using Nissl-stained sections to define laminar boundaries. Interestingly, for both CYO and AChE, laminar patterns of enzyme activity were similar in the visual and somatosensory cortices, but differed in the auditory cortex. In the visual and somatosensory areas, staining densities for both enzymes were highest in layers III/IV or IV and in lower layer V. In the auditory cortex, CYO activity showed a reliable peak only at the layer III/IV border, while AChE distribution was relatively homogeneous across layers. These results suggest that laminar patterns of metabolic activity and cholinergic influence are similar in the mouse visual and somatosensory cortices, but differ in the auditory cortex.

  14. Novel Tacrine-Based Pyrano[3',4':5,6]pyrano[2,3-b]quinolinones: Synthesis and Cholinesterase Inhibitory Activity.

    PubMed

    Hariri, Roshanak; Afshar, Zahra; Mahdavi, Mohammad; Safavi, Maliheh; Saeedi, Mina; Najafi, Zahra; Sabourian, Reyhaneh; Karimpour-Razkenari, Elahe; Edraki, Najmeh; Moghadam, Farshad Homayouni; Shafiee, Abbas; Khanavi, Mahnaz; Akbarzadeh, Tahmineh

    2016-12-01

    In order to develop effective anti-cholinesterase compounds, a novel series of pyrano[3',4':5,6]pyrano[2,3-b]quinolinones were designed, synthesized, and evaluated in vitro against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE). All derivatives showed very good AChE inhibitory (AChEI) activity (IC 50  = 0.37-5.62 μM) compared with rivastigmine (IC 50  = 11.07 μM). Among them, 11-amino-12-(2,3-dichlorophenyl)-3-methyl-7,8,9,10-tetrahydropyrano[3',4':5,6]pyrano[2,3-b]quinolin-1(12H)-one (6f) displayed the best inhibitory activity. However, most of the synthesized compounds showed no anti-BChE activity and compounds 6b and 6f were found to be only moderate inhibitors. The most potent anti-AChE compound 6f had low and moderate inhibitory activity and neuroprotective effects against beta-secretase (BACE1) and oxidative stress-induced cell death, respectively. Also, kinetic and molecular docking studies of binding interactions elucidated that compound 6f bound to both the catalytic anionic site (CAS) and peripheral anionic site (PAS) of AChE. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  15. The role of the laterodorsal tegmental nucleus in methamphetamine conditioned place preference and locomotor activity.

    PubMed

    Dobbs, Lauren K; Cunningham, Christopher L

    2014-05-15

    Methamphetamine (METH) indirectly stimulates the laterodorsal tegmental nucleus (LDT) acetylcholine (ACh) neurons to increase ACh within the ventral tegmental area (VTA). LDT ACh inhibition attenuates METH and saline locomotor activity. The aim of these experiments was to determine whether LDT ACh contributes to METH conditioned place preference (CPP). C57BL/6J mice received a bilateral electrolytic or sham lesion of the LDT. After recovery, mice received alternating pairings of METH (0.5 mg/kg) and saline with distinct tactile floor cues over 8 days. During preference tests, mice were given access to both floor types and time spent on each was recorded. Mice were tested again after exposure to both extinction and reconditioning trials. Brains were then processed for choline acetyltransferase immunohistochemistry to label LDT ACh neurons. Lesioned mice had significantly fewer LDT ACh neurons and showed increased saline and METH locomotor activity during the first conditioning trial compared to sham mice. Locomotor activity (saline and METH) was negatively correlated with the number of LDT ACh neurons. Lesioned and sham mice showed similar METH CPP following conditioning, extinction and reconditioning trials. LDT ACh neurons are not necessary for METH reward as indexed by CPP, but may be important for basal and METH-induced locomotor activity. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  16. Extracts and constituents of Leontopodium alpinum enhance cholinergic transmission: Brain ACh increasing and memory improving properties

    PubMed Central

    Hornick, Ariane; Schwaiger, Stefan; Rollinger, Judith M.; Vo, Nguyen Phung; Prast, Helmut; Stuppner, Hermann

    2012-01-01

    Leontopodium alpinum (‘Edelweiss’) was phytochemically investigated for constituents that might enhance cholinergic neurotransmission. The potency to increase synaptic availability of acetylcholine (ACh) in rat brain served as key property for the bioguided isolation of cholinergically active compounds using different chromatographic techniques. The dichlormethane (DCM) extract of the root, fractions and isolated constituents were injected i.c.v. and the effect on brain ACh was detected via the push–pull technique. The DCM extract enhanced extracellular ACh concentration in rat brain and inhibited acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in vitro. The extracellular level of brain ACh was significantly increased by the isolated sesquiterpenes, isocomene and 14-acetoxyisocomene, while silphiperfolene acetate and silphinene caused a small increasing tendency. Only silphiperfolene acetate showed in vitro AChE inhibitory activity, thus suggesting the other sesquiterpenes to stimulate cholinergic transmission by an alternative mechanism of action. Isocomene was further investigated with behavioural tasks in mice. It restored object recognition in scopolamine-impaired mice and showed nootropic effects in the T-maze alternation task in normal and scopolamine-treated mice. Additionally, this sesquiterpene reduced locomotor activity of untreated mice in the open field task, while the activity induced by scopolamine was abolished. The enhancement of synaptic availability of ACh, the promotion of alternation, and the amelioration of scopolamine-induced deficit are in accordance with a substance that amplifies cholinergic transmission. Whether the mechanism of action is inhibition of AChE or another pro-cholinergic property remains to be elucidated. Taken together, isocomene and related constituents of L. alpinum deserve further interest as potential antidementia agents in brain diseases associated with cholinergic deficits. PMID:18541221

  17. Effect of chronic pyridostigmine bromide treatment on cardiovascular and behavioral parameters in mice.

    PubMed

    Bernatova, Iveta; Dubovicky, Michal; Price, William A; Grubbs, Robert D; Lucot, James B; Morris, Mariana

    2003-03-01

    Experiments were performed to determine the effect of chronic low-dose pyridostigmine bromide (PB) treatment on blood acetylcholinesterase (AChE), cardiovascular (CV) function, and behavior in C57BL/6J male mice. Chronic carotid arterial catheters were used for long-term CV measurements and for collection of blood samples. Separate groups of mice were used for behavioral open field tests. PB was administered subcutaneously using osmotic minipumps at 1 and 3 mg/kg/day for 7 days. Blood pressure and heart rate (HR) were measured continuously for 24 h before treatment and on Days 3 and 7 after minipump insertion. Blood samples were collected on the same days. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) of the control group was 108+/-2 and 104+/-2 mm Hg during the dark and light periods, respectively. HR was 510+/-18 and 493+/-19 beats/min during the dark and light periods, respectively. PB treatment had no effect on MAP or HR in either dark or light period. Basal AChE activity was 0.42+/-0.1 micromol/min/ml, with no changes observed with PB at 1 mg/kg/day. The higher PB dose (3 mg/kg/day) decreased blood AChE activity by 85% on Day 7. Despite the reduction in blood AChE activity, there were no alterations in open field behaviors (locomotor activity, rearing, distance traveled, rest time, number of entries, and pokes). In conclusion, chronic low-dose PB exposure decreased blood AChE activity but had no effect on CV function or behavior in mice.

  18. Association of health symptoms with low-level exposure to organophosphates, DNA damage, AChE activity, and occupational knowledge and practice among rice, corn, and double-crop farmers

    PubMed Central

    Hongsibsong, Surat; Sittitoon, Nalin; Sapbamrer, Ratana

    2017-01-01

    Objectives: This study aims to determine (1) total dialkylphosphate (ΣDAP) levels, occupational knowledge and practice, DNA damage, AChE activity, and health symptoms in rice, corn, and double-crop farmers; (2) the association of health symptoms with ΣDAP levels, occupational knowledge and practice, DNA damage, and AChE activity in farmers; and (3) the prevalence of health symptoms between farmers and non-farmers. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted by interviewing as well as analyzing urine and blood samples during July to August 2014. Results: There were no differences in ΣDAP levels, AChE activity, and occupational knowledge and practice scores among all farmer groups. In terms of health symptoms related to ΣDAP, AChE activity, DNA damage, and occupational knowledge and practice, pesticide-related symptoms were determined, including breathlessness, chest pain, dry throat, numbness, muscle weakness, cramp, headache, dizziness, eye irritation, white/red rash, and white/red pimple, which were classified as respiratory, muscle, nervous, and epithelial symptoms. A remarkable finding was that farmers had a significantly higher prevalence of muscle weakness (odds ratio (OR)=3.79) and numbness (OR=3.45) as compared with non-farmers. Conclusion: Our findings, therefore, suggest that a long-term low-level exposure to organophosphates (OPs) may be associated with an increasing prevalence of muscle symptoms. However, a further cohort study incorporating sensitive health outcomes and measurement of multiple pesticides monitoring on a larger scale is warranted. PMID:28077823

  19. Anti-amnesic effects of Ganoderma species: A possible cholinergic and antioxidant mechanism.

    PubMed

    Kaur, Ravneet; Singh, Varinder; Shri, Richa

    2017-08-01

    Mushrooms are valued for their nutritional as well as medicinal properties. Ganoderma species are used traditionally to treat neurological disorders but scientific evidence for this is insufficient. The present study was designed to systematically evaluate the anti-amnesic effect of selected Ganoderma species i.e. G. mediosinense and G. ramosissimum. Extracts of selected mushroom species were evaluated for their antioxidant activity and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition using in-vitro assays (DPPH and Ellman tests respectively). The anti-amnesic potential of the most active extract (i.e. 70% methanol extract of G. mediosinense) was confirmed using mouse model of scopolamine-induced amnesia. Mice were treated with bioactive extract and donepezil once orally before the induction of amnesia. Cognitive functions were evaluated using passive shock avoidance (PSA) and novel object recognition (NOR) tests. The effect on brain AChE activity, brain oxidative stress (TBARS level) and neuronal damage (H & E staining) were also assessed. In-vitro results showed strong antioxidant and AChE inhibitory activities by G. mediosinense extract (GME). Therefore, it was selected for in-vivo studies. GME pre-treatment (800mg/kg, p.o.) reversed the effect of scopolamine in mice, evident by significant decrease (p <0.05) in the transfer latency time and increase in object recognition index in PSA and NOR, respectively. GME significantly reduced the brain AChE activity and oxidative stress. Histopathological examination of brain tissues showed decrease in vacuolated cytoplasm and increase in pyramidal cells in brain hippocampal and cortical regions. GME exerts anti-amnesic effect through AChE inhibition and antioxidant mechanisms. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.

  20. Acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity of Thai traditional nootropic remedy and its herbal ingredients.

    PubMed

    Tappayuthpijarn, Pimolvan; Itharat, Arunporn; Makchuchit, Sunita

    2011-12-01

    The incidence of Alzheimer disease (AD) is increasing every year in accordance with the increasing of elderly population and could pose significant health problems in the future. The use of medicinal plants as an alternative prevention or even for a possible treatment of the AD is, therefore, becoming an interesting research issue. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors are well-known drugs commonly used in the treatment of AD. The aim of the present study was to screen for AChE inhibitory activity of the Thai traditional nootropic recipe and its herbal ingredients. The results showed that ethanolic extracts of four out of twenty-five herbs i.e. Stephania pierrei Diels. Kaempfera parviflora Wall. ex Baker, Stephania venosa (Blume) Spreng, Piper nigrum L at 0.1 mg/mL showed % AChE inhibition of 89, 64, 59, 50; the IC50 were 6, 21, 29, 30 microg/mL respectively. The other herbs as well as combination of the whole recipe had no synergistic inhibitory effect on AChE activity. However some plants revealed antioxidant activity. More research should have be performed on this local wisdom remedy to verify the uses in scientific term.

  1. Design, synthesis and evaluation of novel 7-aminoalkyl-substituted flavonoid derivatives with improved cholinesterase inhibitory activities.

    PubMed

    Luo, Wen; Chen, Ying; Wang, Ting; Hong, Chen; Chang, Li-Ping; Chang, Cong-Cong; Yang, Ya-Cheng; Xie, Song-Qiang; Wang, Chao-Jie

    2016-02-15

    A novel series of 7-aminoalkyl-substituted flavonoid derivatives 5a-5r were designed, synthesized and evaluated as potential cholinesterase inhibitors. The results showed that most of the synthesized compounds exhibited potent acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) inhibitory activities at the micromolar range. Compound 2-(naphthalen-1-yl)-7-(8-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)octyloxy)-4H-chromen-4-one (5q) showed the best inhibitory activity (IC50, 0.64μM for AChE and 0.42μM for BChE) which were better than our previously reported compounds and the commercially available cholinergic agent Rivastigmine. The results from a Lineweaver-Burk plot indicated a mixed-type inhibition for compound 5q with AChE and BChE. Furthermore, molecular modeling study showed that 5q targeted both the catalytic active site (CAS) and the peripheral anionic site (PAS) of AChE. Besides, these compounds (5a-5r) did not affect PC12 and HepG2 cell viability at the concentration of 10μM. Consequently, these flavonoid derivatives should be further investigated as multipotent agents for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  2. Improving the acetylcholinesterase inhibitory effect of Illigera henryi by solid-state fermentation with Clonostachys rogersoniana.

    PubMed

    Li, Xue-Jiao; Dong, Jian-Wei; Cai, Le; Mei, Rui-Feng; Ding, Zhong-Tao

    2017-11-01

    Illigera henryi, an endemic traditional Chinese medicine, contains abundant aporphine alkaloids that possess various bioactivities. In the present study, tubers of I. henryi were fermented by several fungi, and the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activities of non-fermented and fermented I. henryi were measured. The results showed that the fermentation of I. henryi with Clonostachys rogersoniana 828H2 is effective for improving the AChE inhibitory activity. A key biotransformation was found during the C. rogersoniana fermentation for clarifying the improvement of the AChE inhibitory activity of I. henryi: (S)-actinodaphnine (1) was converted to a new 4-hydroxyaporphine alkaloid (4R,6aS)-4-hydroxyactinodaphnine (2) that possessed a stronger AChE inhibitory activity, with an IC 50 value of 17.66±0.06 μM. This paper is the first to report that the pure strain fermentation processing of I. henryi and indicated C. rogersoniana fermentation might be a potential processing method for I. henryi. Copyright © 2017 The Society for Biotechnology, Japan. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  3. Role of aqueous extract of Cynodon dactylon in prevention of carbofuran- induced oxidative stress and acetylcholinesterase inhibition in rat brain.

    PubMed

    Rai, D K; Sharma, R K; Rai, P K; Watal, G; Sharma, B

    2011-02-12

    The present study was designed to investigate the ameliorating effect of aqueous extract of C. dactylon on carbofuran induced oxidative stress (OS) and alterations in the activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in the brain of rats. Vitamin C was used as a positive control. Wistar rats were administered with single sub-acute oral dose (1.6 mgkg-1 b.wt.) of carbofuran for 24 h. The OS parameters such as lipid peroxidation (LPO) and the activities of antioxidant enzymes including super oxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST), and that of AChE were studied in brain. Carbofuran treatment significantly increased the activities of SOD and CAT by 75 and 60%, respectively. It also induced the level of LPO by 113%. In contrast, the activities of GST and AChE were recorded to be diminished by 25 and 33%, respectively. Pretreatment of the rats with aqueous extract of C. dactylon (oral; 500mgkg-1) restored SOD activity completely but CAT activity only partially (7%). Carbofuran induced LPO was moderated by 95% in the brain of C. dactylon treated rats. The observed changes in OS parameters in C. dactylon treated group were comparable to that observed in vitamin C (200 mg-kg-1 b. wt.) treated group. Surprisingly, C. dactylon treatment significantly recovered the activity of AChE to a similar level as observed in the brain of control group. In contrast vitamin C treatment did not cause significant change in the activity of AChE in carbofuran treated group. There were no noticeable changes in the aforementioned study parameters in the brain of rats receiving C. dactylon and vitamin C, only. The results suggest that the study is extremely important in the context of development of new anticholinestesterase and antioxidant antidotes against carbofuran from C. dactylon.

  4. Acetylcholinesterases of blood-feeding flies and ticks.

    PubMed

    Temeyer, Kevin B; Tuckow, Alexander P; Brake, Danett K; Li, Andrew Y; Pérez de León, Adalberto A

    2013-03-25

    Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is the biochemical target of organophosphate (OP) and carbamate pesticides for invertebrates, vertebrate nerve agents, and AChE inhibitors used to reduce effects of Alzheimer's disease. Organophosphate pesticides (OPs) are widely used to control blood-feeding arthropods, including biting flies and ticks. However, resistance to OPs in pests affecting animal and human health has compromised control efficacy. OP resistance often results from mutations producing an OP-insensitive AChE. Our studies have demonstrated production of OP-insensitive AChEs in biting flies and ticks. Complementary DNA (cDNA) sequences encoding AChEs were obtained for the horn fly, stable fly, sand fly, and the southern cattle tick. The availability of cDNA sequences enables the identification of mutations, expression and characterization of recombinant proteins, gene silencing for functional studies, as well as in vitro screening of novel inhibitors. The southern cattle tick expresses at least three different genes encoding AChE in their synganglion, i.e. brain. Gene amplification for each of the three known cattle tick AChE genes and expression of multiple alleles for each gene may reduce fitness cost associated with OP-resistance. AChE hydrolyzes the neurotransmitter, acetylcholine, but may have additional roles in physiology and development. The three cattle tick AChEs possess significantly different biochemical properties, and are expressed in neural and non-neural tissues, which suggest separation of structure and function. The remarkable complexity of AChEs in ticks suggested by combining genomic data from Ixodes scapularis with our genetic and biochemical data from Rhipicephalus microplus is suggestive of previously unknown gene duplication and diversification. Comparative studies between invertebrate and vertebrate AChEs could enhance our understanding of structure-activity relationships. Research with ticks as a model system offers the opportunity to elucidate structure-activity relationships for AChE that are important for advances in targeted pest control, as well as potential applications for medicine and biosecurity. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd.

  5. Coumarin derivatives bearing benzoheterocycle moiety: synthesis, cholinesterase inhibitory, and docking simulation study

    PubMed Central

    Hirbod, Kimia; Jalili-baleh, Leili; Nadri, Hamid; ebrahimi, Seyed esmaeil Sadat; Moradi, Alireza; Pakseresht, Bahar; Foroumadi, Alireza; Shafiee, Abbas; Khoobi, Mehdi

    2017-01-01

    Objective(s): To investigate the efficiency of a novel series of coumarin derivatives bearing benzoheterocycle moiety as novel cholinesterase inhibitors. Materials and Methods: Different 7-hydroxycoumarin derivatives were synthesized via Pechmann or Knoevenagel condensation and conjugated to different benzoheterocycle (8-hydroxyquinoline, 2-mercaptobenzoxazole or 2-mercaptobenzimidazole) using dibromoalkanes 3a-m: Final compounds were evaluated against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) by Ellman’s method. Kinetic study of AChE inhibition and ligand-protein docking simulation were also carried out for the most potent compound 3b. Results: Some of the compounds revealed potent and selective activity against AChE. Compound 3b containing the quinoline group showed the best activity with an IC50 value of 8.80 μM against AChE. Kinetic study of AChE inhibition revealed the mixed-type inhibition of the enzyme by compound 3b. Ligand-protein docking simulation also showed that the flexibility of the hydrophobic five carbons linker allows the quinoline ring to form π-π interaction with Trp279 in the PAS. Conclusion: We suggest these synthesized compounds could become potential leads for AChE inhibition and prevention of AD symptoms. PMID:28868119

  6. An in vitro investigation of the effects of the nerve agent pretreatment pyridostigmine bromide on human peripheral blood T-cell function.

    PubMed

    Telford, Gary; Wilkinson, Lucy J; Hooi, Doreen S W; Worrall, Vivienne; Green, A Christopher; Cook, David L; Pritchard, David I; Griffiths, Gareth D

    2004-11-01

    The current pretreatment against nerve agent poisoning deployed by the UK and US armed forces is the acetylcholinesterase (EC 3.1.1.7) inhibitor pyridostigmine bromide (PB). At higher doses, PB is also used to treat the autoimmune disease myasthenia gravis. In both cases, the therapeutic effect is mediated by inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) at cholinergic synapses. However, the location of AChE is not restricted to these sites. AChE, acetylcholine (ACh) receptors and choline acetyltransferase have been reported to be expressed by T cells, suggesting that cholinergic signalling may exert some modulatory influence on T-cell function and consequently on the immune system. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of the T-cell cholinergic system in the immunological activation process and to examine whether inhibitors of AChE such as PB affect immune function. To investigate this, human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were stimulated using either mitogen, cross-linking of the T-cell receptor and co-receptors with antibodies (anti-CD3/CD28) or by antigen presentation in the presence of various AChE inhibitors and ACh receptor agonists or antagonist. Several indices were used to assess T-cell activation, including the secretion of IL-2, cell proliferation and expression of CD69. Treatment with PB had no significant effect on the immunological assays selected. Physostigmine (PHY), a carbamate compound similar to PB, consistently showed inhibition of T-cell activation, but only at concentrations in excess of those required to inhibit AChE. No evidence was found to support previously published findings showing muscarinic enhancement of cell proliferation or IL-2 secretion.

  7. Acetylcholine ameliorates endoplasmic reticulum stress in endothelial cells after hypoxia/reoxygenation via M3 AChR-AMPK signaling.

    PubMed

    Bi, Xueyuan; He, Xi; Xu, Man; Zhao, Ming; Yu, Xiaojiang; Lu, Xingzhu; Zang, Weijin

    2015-08-03

    Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is associated with various cardiovascular diseases. However, its pathophysiological relevance and the underlying mechanisms in the context of hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) in endothelial cells are not fully understood. Previous findings have suggested that acetylcholine (ACh), the major vagal nerve neurotransmitter, protected against cardiomyocyte injury by activating AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). This study investigated the role of ER stress in endothelial cells during H/R and explored the beneficial effects of ACh. Our results showed that H/R triggered ER stress and apoptosis in endothelial cells, evidenced by the elevation of glucose-regulated protein 78, cleaved caspase-12 and C/EBP homologous protein expression. ACh significantly decreased ER stress and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling positive cells and restored ER ultrastructural changes induced by H/R, possibly via protein kinase-like ER kinase and inositol-requiring kinase 1 pathways. Additionally, 4-diphenylacetoxy-N-methylpiperidine methiodide, a type-3 muscarinic ACh receptor (M3 AChR) inhibitor, abolished ACh-mediated increase in AMPK phosphorylation during H/R. Furthermore, M3 AChR or AMPK siRNA abrogated the ACh-elicited the attenuation of ER stress in endothelial cells, indicating that the salutary effects of ACh were likely mediated by M3 AChR-AMPK signaling. Overall, ACh activated AMPK through M3 AChR, thereby inhibited H/R-induced ER stress and apoptosis in endothelial cells. We have suggested for the first time that AMPK may function as an essential intermediate step between M3 AChR stimulation and inhibition of ER stress-associated apoptotic pathway during H/R, which may help to develop novel therapeutic approaches targeting ER stress to prevent or alleviate ischemia/reperfusion injury.

  8. Mannich-Benzimidazole Derivatives as Antioxidant and Anticholinesterase Inhibitors: Synthesis, Biological Evaluations, and Molecular Docking Study.

    PubMed

    Alpan, Ayşe Selcen; Sarıkaya, Görkem; Çoban, Güneş; Parlar, Sülünay; Armagan, Güliz; Alptüzün, Vildan

    2017-07-01

    A series of Mannich bases of benzimidazole derivatives having a phenolic group were designed to assess their anticholinesterase and antioxidant activities. The acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) inhibitory activities were evaluated in vitro by using Ellman's method. According to the activity results, all of the compounds exhibited moderate to good AChE inhibitory activity (except for 2a), with IC 50 values ranging from 0.93 to 10.85 μM, and generally displayed moderate BuChE inhibitory activity. Also, most of the compounds were selective against BuChE. Compound 4b was the most active molecule on the AChE enzyme and also selective. In addition, we investigated the antioxidant effects of the synthesized compounds against FeCl 2 /ascorbic acid-induced oxidative stress in the rat brain in vitro, and the activity results showed that most of the compounds are effective as radical scavengers. Molecular docking studies and molecular dynamics simulations were also carried out. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  9. Discovery of potent and selective acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors: acacetin 7-O-methyl ether Mannich base derivatives synthesised from easy access natural product naringin.

    PubMed

    Liu, Hao-Ran; Men, Xue; Gao, Xiao-Hui; Liu, Lin-Bo; Fan, Hao-Qun; Xia, Xin-Hua; Wang, Qiu-An

    2018-03-01

    Naringin, as a component universal existing in the peel of some fruits or medicinal plants, was usually selected as the material to synthesise bioactive derivates since it was easy to gain with low cost. In present investigation, eight new acacetin-7-O-methyl ether Mannich base derivatives (1-8) were synthesised from naringin. The bioactivity evaluation revealed that most of them exhibited moderate or potent acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activity. Among them, compound 7 (IC 50 for AChE = 0.82 ± 0.08 μmol•L -1 , IC 50 for BuChE = 46.30 ± 3.26 μmol•L -1 ) showed a potent activity and high selectivity compared with the positive control Rivastigmine (IC 50 for AChE = 10.54 ± 0.86 μmol•L -1 , IC 50 for BuChE = 0.26 ± 0.08 μmol•L -1 ). The kinetic study suggested that compound 7 bind to AChE with mix-type inhibitory profile. Molecular docking study revealed that compound 7 could combine both catalytic active site (CAS) and peripheral active site (PAS) of AChE with four points (Trp84, Trp279, Tyr70 and Phe330), while it could bind with BuChE via only His 20.

  10. Coconut (Cocos nucifera) Ethanolic Leaf Extract Reduces Amyloid-β (1-42) Aggregation and Paralysis Prevalence in Transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans Independently of Free Radical Scavenging and Acetylcholinesterase Inhibition.

    PubMed

    Manalo, Rafael Vincent; Silvestre, Maries Ann; Barbosa, Aza Lea Anne; Medina, Paul Mark

    2017-04-21

    Virgin coconut oil (VCO) has been the subject of several studies which have aimed to alleviate Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology, focusing on in vitro antioxidant and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activities. Here, we studied an underutilized and lesser-valued part of the coconut tree, specifically the leaves, using in vitro and in vivo approaches. Coconut leaf extract (CLE) was screened for antioxidant and AChE inhibitory properties in vitro and therapeutic effects in two strains of transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans expressing amyloid-β 1-42 (Aβ 1-42 ) in muscle cells. CLE demonstrated free radical scavenging activity with an EC 50 that is 79-fold less compared to ascorbic acid, and an AChE inhibitory activity that is 131-fold less compared to Rivastigmine. Surprisingly, in spite of its low antioxidant activity and AChE inhibition, CLE reduced Aβ deposits by 30.31% in CL2006 in a dose-independent manner, and reduced the percentage of paralyzed nematodes at the lowest concentration of CLE (159.38 μg/mL), compared to dH₂O/vehicle (control). Phytochemical analysis detected glycosides, anthocyanins, and hydrolyzable tannins in CLE, some of which are known to be anti-amyloidogenic. Taken together, these findings suggest that CLE metabolites alternatively decrease AB 1-42 aggregation and paralysis prevalence independently of free radical scavenging and AChE inhibition, and this warrants further investigation on the bioactive compounds of CLE.

  11. Chlorpyrifos and Malathion have opposite effects on behaviors and brain size that are not correlated to changes in AChE activity

    PubMed Central

    Richendrfer, Holly; Creton, Robbert

    2015-01-01

    Organophosphates, a type of neurotoxicant pesticide, are used globally for the treatment of pests on croplands and are therefore found in a large number of conventional foods. These pesticides are harmful and potentially deadly if ingested or inhaled in large quantities by causing a significant reduction in acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in the central and peripheral nervous system. However, much less is known about the effects of exposure to small quantities of the pesticides on neural systems and behavior during development. In the current study we used zebrafish larvae in order to determine the effects of two of the most widely used organophosphates, chlorpyrifos and malathion, on zebrafish behavior and AChE activity. Embryos and larvae were exposed to the organophosphates during different time points in development and then tested at 5 days post-fertilization for behavioral, neurodevelopmental and AChE abnormalities. The results of the study indicate that chlorpyrifos and malathion cause opposing behaviors in the larvae such as swim speed (hypoactivity vs. hyperactivity) and rest. Additionally, the pesticides affect only certain behaviors, such as thigmotaxis, during specific time points in development that are unrelated to changes in AChE activity. Larvae treated with malathion but not chlorpyrifos also had significantly smaller forebrain and hindbrain regions compared to controls by 5 days post-fertilization. We conclude that exposure to very low concentrations of organophosphate pesticides during development cause abnormalities in behavior and brain size. PMID:25983063

  12. Natural products as sources of new lead compounds for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

    PubMed

    Huang, Ling; Su, Tao; Li, Xingshu

    2013-01-01

    Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prevalent form of dementia and affects approximately 24 million people worldwide. One possible approach for the treatment of this disease is the restoration of the level of acetylcholine (ACh) through the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) with reversible inhibitors. Naturally occurring alkaloids are an important source of AChE inhibitors. Galantamine and huperzine A have been used for the clinical treatment of AD patients. In this review, we summarise the natural products and their derivatives that were reported to act as AChE inhibitors for the treatment of AD in 2010-2013. Several characteristics were summarised from the literature results: 1) Amongst all of the natural products with AChE inhibitory activity, alkaloids appear to be the most promising compound class. 2) Coumarins, flavonoids, stilbenes, and other natural products are also important AChE inhibitors from natural products. Among these inhibitors, 146 (IC50 = 0.573 µM) was identified as the most potent AChE inhibitor. 3) A coumarin derivative (117, IC50 = 0.11 nM) exhibited more than 100-fold superior activity compared with the reference drug donepezil hydrochloride (IC50 = 14 nM). In conclusion, natural products and their derivatives are promising leads for the development of new drugs for the future treatment of AD.

  13. Anticholinesterase and Antityrosinase Activities of Ten Piper Species from Malaysia

    PubMed Central

    Salleh, Wan Mohd Nuzul Hakimi Wan; Hashim, Nur Athirah; Ahmad, Farediah; Heng Yen, Khong

    2014-01-01

    Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) and antityrosinase activities of extracts from ten Piper species namely; P. caninum, P. lanatum, P. abbreviatum, P. aborescens, P. porphyrophyllum, P. erecticaule, P. ribesioides, P. miniatum, P. stylosum, and P. majusculum. Methods: Anticholinesterase and antityrosinase activities were evaluated against in vitro Ellman spectroscopy method and mushroom tyrosinase, respectively. Results: The EtOAc extract of P. erecticaule showed the highest AChE and BChE inhibitory with 22.9% and 70.9% inhibition, respectively. In antityrosinase activity, all extracts of P. porphyrophyllum showed the highest inhibitory effects against mushroom tyrosinase, compared to standard, kojic acid. Conclusion: This study showed that P. erecticaule and P. porphyrophyllum have potential AChE/BChE and tyrosinase inhibition activities. The respective extracts can be explored further for the development of novel lead as AChE/BChE and tyrosinase inhibitors in therapeutic management of Alzheimer’s disease. PMID:25671185

  14. Anticholinesterase inhibitory activity of quaternary alkaloids from Tinospora crispa.

    PubMed

    Yusoff, Mashitah; Hamid, Hazrulrizawati; Houghton, Peter

    2014-01-20

    Quaternary alkaloids are the major alkaloids isolated from Tinospora species. A previous study pointed to the necessary presence of quaternary nitrogens for strong acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activity in such alkaloids. Repeated column chromatography of the vine of Tinospora crispa extract led to the isolation of one new protoberberine alkaloid, 4,13-dihydroxy-2,8,9-trimethoxydibenzo[a,g]quinolizinium (1), along with six known alkaloids-dihydrodiscretamine (2), columbamine (3), magnoflorine (4), N-formylannonaine (5), N-formylnornuciferine (6), and N-trans-feruloyltyramine (7). The seven compounds were isolated and structurally elucidated by spectroscopic analysis. Two known alkaloids, namely, dihydrodiscretamine and columbamine are reported for the first time for this plant. The compounds were tested for AChE inhibitory activity using Ellman's method. In the AChE inhibition assay, only columbamine (3) showed strong activity with IC50 48.1 µM. The structure-activity relationships derived from these results suggest that the quaternary nitrogen in the skeleton has some effect, but that a high degree of methoxylation is more important for acetylcholinesterase inhibition.

  15. A Chlorogenic Acid Esterase with a Unique Substrate Specificity from Ustilago maydis

    PubMed Central

    Haase-Aschoff, Paul; Kelle, Sebastian; Linke, Diana; Krings, Ulrich; Popper, Lutz; Berger, Ralf G.

    2014-01-01

    An extracellular chlorogenic acid esterase from Ustilago maydis (UmChlE) was purified to homogeneity by using three separation steps, including anion-exchange chromatography on a Q Sepharose FF column, preparative isoelectric focusing (IEF), and, finally, a combination of affinity chromatography and hydrophobic interaction chromatography on polyamide. SDS-PAGE analysis suggested a monomeric protein of ∼71 kDa. The purified enzyme showed maximal activity at pH 7.5 and at 37°C and was active over a wide pH range (3.5 to 9.5). Previously described chlorogenic acid esterases exhibited a comparable affinity for chlorogenic acid, but the enzyme from Ustilago was also active on typical feruloyl esterase substrates. Kinetic constants for chlorogenic acid, methyl p-coumarate, methyl caffeate, and methyl ferulate were as follows: Km values of 19.6 μM, 64.1 μM, 72.5 μM, and 101.8 μM, respectively, and kcat/Km values of 25.83 mM−1 s−1, 7.63 mM−1 s−1, 3.83 mM−1 s−1 and 3.75 mM−1 s−1, respectively. UmChlE released ferulic, p-coumaric, and caffeic acids from natural substrates such as destarched wheat bran (DSWB) and coffee pulp (CP), confirming activity on complex plant biomass. The full-length gene encoding UmChlE consisted of 1,758 bp, corresponding to a protein of 585 amino acids, and was functionally produced in Pichia pastoris GS115. Sequence alignments with annotated chlorogenic acid and feruloyl esterases underlined the uniqueness of this enzyme. PMID:25548041

  16. The Aspergillus niger faeB gene encodes a second feruloyl esterase involved in pectin and xylan degradation and is specifically induced in the presence of aromatic compounds.

    PubMed

    de Vries, Ronald P; vanKuyk, Patricia A; Kester, Harry C M; Visser, Jaap

    2002-04-15

    The faeB gene encoding a second feruloyl esterase from Aspergillus niger has been cloned and characterized. It consists of an open reading frame of 1644 bp containing one intron. The gene encodes a protein of 521 amino acids that has sequence similarity to that of an Aspergillus oryzae tannase. However, the encoded enzyme, feruloyl esterase B (FAEB), does not have tannase activity. Comparison of the physical characteristics and substrate specificity of FAEB with those of a cinnamoyl esterase from A. niger [Kroon, Faulds and Williamson (1996) Biotechnol. Appl. Biochem. 23, 255-262] suggests that they are in fact the same enzyme. The expression of faeB is specifically induced in the presence of certain aromatic compounds, but not in the presence of other constituents present in plant-cell-wall polysaccharides such as arabinoxylan or pectin. The expression profile of faeB in the presence of aromatic compounds was compared with the expression of A. niger faeA, encoding feruloyl esterase A (FAEA), and A. niger bphA, the gene encoding a benzoate-p-hydroxylase. All three genes have different subsets of aromatic compounds that induce their expression, indicating the presence of different transcription activating systems in A. niger that respond to aromatic compounds. Comparison of the activity of FAEA and FAEB on sugar-beet pectin and wheat arabinoxylan demonstrated that they are both involved in the degradation of both polysaccharides, but have opposite preferences for these substrates. FAEA is more active than FAEB towards wheat arabinoxylan, whereas FAEB is more active than FAEA towards sugar-beet pectin.

  17. The Aspergillus niger faeB gene encodes a second feruloyl esterase involved in pectin and xylan degradation and is specifically induced in the presence of aromatic compounds.

    PubMed Central

    de Vries, Ronald P; vanKuyk, Patricia A; Kester, Harry C M; Visser, Jaap

    2002-01-01

    The faeB gene encoding a second feruloyl esterase from Aspergillus niger has been cloned and characterized. It consists of an open reading frame of 1644 bp containing one intron. The gene encodes a protein of 521 amino acids that has sequence similarity to that of an Aspergillus oryzae tannase. However, the encoded enzyme, feruloyl esterase B (FAEB), does not have tannase activity. Comparison of the physical characteristics and substrate specificity of FAEB with those of a cinnamoyl esterase from A. niger [Kroon, Faulds and Williamson (1996) Biotechnol. Appl. Biochem. 23, 255-262] suggests that they are in fact the same enzyme. The expression of faeB is specifically induced in the presence of certain aromatic compounds, but not in the presence of other constituents present in plant-cell-wall polysaccharides such as arabinoxylan or pectin. The expression profile of faeB in the presence of aromatic compounds was compared with the expression of A. niger faeA, encoding feruloyl esterase A (FAEA), and A. niger bphA, the gene encoding a benzoate-p-hydroxylase. All three genes have different subsets of aromatic compounds that induce their expression, indicating the presence of different transcription activating systems in A. niger that respond to aromatic compounds. Comparison of the activity of FAEA and FAEB on sugar-beet pectin and wheat arabinoxylan demonstrated that they are both involved in the degradation of both polysaccharides, but have opposite preferences for these substrates. FAEA is more active than FAEB towards wheat arabinoxylan, whereas FAEB is more active than FAEA towards sugar-beet pectin. PMID:11931668

  18. Evaluation of esterase and hemolysin activities of different Candida species isolated from vulvovaginitis cases in Lorestan Province, Iran

    PubMed Central

    Noori, Maryam; Dakhili, Mohammad; Sepahvand, Asghar; Davari, Nader

    2017-01-01

    Background and Purpose: Annually affecting millions of women, vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is commonly described by signs and symptoms of vulvovaginal inflammation in the presence of Candida species. Today, the detection of the virulence factors plays a major role in the understanding of pathogenesis of candidiasis and helps produce new anticandidial drugs to improve its treatment efficiency. Herein, we aimed to evaluate the esterase and hemolysin activities of the vaginal isolates of Candida and their relationship with the presence of VVC. Materials and Methods: One-hundred vaginal clinical specimens were randomly collected during September-December 2016. The target population consisted of married women suspected of VVC who presented to health centers in Lorestan Province, Iran. In this study, the esterase activity and hemolysin production of Candida clinical isolates were evaluated using the Tween 80 opacity test and the plate assay, respectively. Results: The most frequent Candida species was C. albicans (66; 66%), followed by C. glabrata (11; 11%) and C. tropicalis (11; 11%). The highest esterase activity was found in C. krusei (75%), followed by C. albicans (68.2%) and C. glabrata (54.5%). The greater part of the positive esterase isolates had Pz 4+ scores. Among the Candida species, C. albicans (22.7%), C. glabrata (63.6%), and C. krusei (50%) were found to have the highest rates of alpha, beta, and gamma hemolysin production, respectively. The level of hemolytic activity in 51% of the Candida species was Pz 4+ scores. Conclusion: According to our results, the higher expression rates of both enzymes in C. albicans species relative to those of non-albicans Candidate species can partly reflect the role of the virulence factors involved in C. albicans pathogenicity. PMID:29707672

  19. Evaluation of esterase and hemolysin activities of different Candida species isolated from vulvovaginitis cases in Lorestan Province, Iran.

    PubMed

    Noori, Maryam; Dakhili, Mohammad; Sepahvand, Asghar; Davari, Nader

    2017-12-01

    Annually affecting millions of women, vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is commonly described by signs and symptoms of vulvovaginal inflammation in the presence of  Candida  species. Today, the detection of the virulence factors plays a major role in the understanding of pathogenesis of candidiasis and helps produce new anticandidial drugs to improve its treatment efficiency. Herein, we aimed to evaluate the esterase and hemolysin activities of the vaginal isolates of Candida and their relationship with the presence of VVC. One-hundred vaginal clinical specimens were randomly collected during September-December 2016. The target population consisted of married women suspected of VVC who presented to health centers in Lorestan Province, Iran. In this study, the esterase activity and hemolysin production of Candida clinical isolates were evaluated using the Tween 80 opacity test and the plate assay, respectively. The most frequent Candida species was C. albicans (66; 66%), followed by C. glabrata (11; 11%) and C. tropicalis (11; 11%). The highest esterase activity was found in C. krusei (75%), followed by C. albicans (68.2%) and C. glabrata (54.5%). The greater part of the positive esterase isolates had Pz 4+ scores. Among the Candida species, C. albicans (22.7 % ), C. glabrata (63.6%), and C. krusei (50%) were found to have the highest rates of alpha, beta, and gamma hemolysin production, respectively. The level of hemolytic activity in 51% of the Candida species was Pz 4+ scores. According to our results, the higher expression rates of both enzymes in C. albicans species relative to those of non-albicans Candidate species can partly reflect the role of the virulence factors involved in C. albicans pathogenicity.

  20. Evidence of multiple/cross resistance to Bt and organophosphate insecticides in Puerto Rico population of the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda.

    PubMed

    Zhu, Yu Cheng; Blanco, Carlos A; Portilla, Maribel; Adamczyk, John; Luttrell, Randall; Huang, Fangneng

    2015-07-01

    Fall armyworm (FAW) is a damaging pest of many economic crops. Long-term use of chemical control prompted resistance development to many insecticide classes. Many populations were found to be significantly less susceptible to major Bt toxins expressed in transgenic crops. In this study, a FAW strain collected from Puerto Rico (PR) with 7717-fold Cry1F-resistance was examined to determine if it had also developed multiple/cross resistance to non-Bt insecticides. Dose response assays showed that the PR strain developed 19-fold resistance to acephate. Besides having a slightly smaller larval body weight and length, PR also evolved a deep (2.8%) molecular divergence in mitochondrial oxidase subunit II. Further examination of enzyme activities in the midgut of PR larvae exhibited substantial decreases of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aminopeptidase (APN), 1-NA- and 2-NA-specific esterase, trypsin, and chymotrypsin activities, and significant increases of PNPA-specific esterase and glutathione S-transferase (GST) activities. When enzyme preparations from the whole larval body were examined, all three esterase, GST, trypsin, and chymotrypsin activities were significantly elevated in the PR strain, while ALP and APN activities were not significantly different from those of susceptible strain. Data indicated that multiple/cross resistances may have developed in the PR strain to both Bt toxins and conventional insecticides. Consistently reduced ALP provided evidence to support an ALP-mediated Bt resistance mechanism. Esterases and GSTs may be associated with acephate resistance through elevated metabolic detoxification. Further studies are needed to clarify whether and how esterases, GSTs, and other enzymes (such as P450s) are involved in cross resistance development to Bt and other insecticide classes. Published by Elsevier Inc.

  1. Protection by pyridostigmine bromide of marmoset hemi-diaphragm acetylcholinesterase activity after soman exposure.

    PubMed

    Haigh, Julian R; Adler, Michael; Apland, James P; Deshpande, Sharad S; Barham, Charles B; Desmond, Patrick; Koplovitz, Irwin; Lenz, David E; Gordon, Richard K

    2010-09-06

    Pyridostigmine bromide (PB) was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2003 as a pretreatment in humans against the lethal effects of the irreversible nerve agent soman (GD). Organophosphate (OP) chemical warfare agents such as GD exert their toxic effects by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase (AChE) from terminating the action of acetylcholine at postsynaptic sites in cholinergic nerve terminals (including crucial peripheral muscle such as diaphragm). As part of the post-marketing approval of PB, the FDA required (under 21CFR314, the "two animal rule") the study of a non-human primate model (the common marmoset Callithrix jacchus jacchus) to demonstrate increased survival against lethal GD poisoning, and protection of physiological hemi-diaphragm function after PB pretreatment and subsequent GD exposure. Marmosets (male and female) were placed in the following experimental groups: (i) control (saline pretreatment only), (ii) low dose PB (12.5 microg/kg), or (iii) high dose (39.5 microg/kg) PB. Thirty minutes after the PB dose, animals were challenged with either saline (control) or soman (GD, 45 microg/kg), followed 1 min later by atropine (2mg/kg) and 2-PAM (25mg/kg). After a further 16 min, animals were euthanized and the complete diaphragm removed; the right hemi-diaphragm was frozen immediately at -80 degrees C, and the left hemi-diaphragm was placed in a tissue bath for 4h (to allow for decarbamylation to occur), then frozen. AChE activities were determined using the automated WRAIR cholinesterase assay. Blood samples were collected for AChE activities prior to PB, before GD challenge, and after sacrifice. RBC-AChE was inhibited by approximately 18% and 50% at the low and high doses of PB, respectively, compared to control (baseline) activity. In the absence of PB pretreatment, the inhibition of RBC-AChE by GD was 98%. The recovery of hemi-diaphragm AChE activity after the 4h wash period (decarbamylation) was approximately 8% and 17%, at the low and high PB doses, respectively, compared with the baseline (control) AChE activity prior to PB pretreatment or soman exposure. The results suggest that PB pretreatment protects a critical fraction of AChE activity in the marmoset diaphragm, which is sufficient to allow the animal to breathe despite exposure to a dose of soman that is lethal in unprotected animals. Copyright (c) 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  2. KINETIC STUDY ON THE INHIBITION OF HEN BRAIN NEUROTOXIC ESTERASE BY MIPAFOX

    EPA Science Inventory

    A direct method of assaying neurotoxic esterase (NTE) activity, using 4-nitrophenyl valerate, has been described. The technique was used to determine the biomolecular rate (ki), phosphorylation (k2), and affinity (kd) constants for the reaction of hen brain microsomal NTE with mi...

  3. Isolation of furocoumarins from bergamot fruits as HL-60 differentiation-inducing compounds.

    PubMed

    Kawaii, S; Tomono, Y; Katase, E; Ogawa, K; Yano, M

    1999-10-01

    The HL-60 differentiation-inducing compounds in bergamot fruits were isolated with column chromatography and identified as bergamottin, bergapten, and citropten by (1)H and (13)C NMR. Their HL-60 differentiation-inducing activity was measured by examining nitro blue tetrazolium (NBT) reducing, nonspecific acid esterase (NSE), specific esterase (SE), and phagocytic activities, and bergamottin showed the strongest activity among the coumarins isolated from bergamot fruits. The structure-activity relationship obtained from HL-60 differentiation assay suggests that hydrophobicity of furocoumarins is correlated with their activity.

  4. The Effects of Exercise on Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Physostigmine in Rats

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1991-02-15

    combination of the two, regulate the biosynthetic and degradative enzymes of ACh in EDL (extensor digitorum longus) - fast muscle and soleus - slow muscle...and trained exercise on ChAT activities in fast and slow muscles of rat 100 17. Effect of subacute Phy (70 4g/kg, i.m.) and endurance training on...AChE activities in EDL and soleus muscles of rat 100 18. ChAT and AChE activities (% of control) in fast (EDL) and slow (soleus) muscle in subacute Phy

  5. Purification and Characterization of Functional Human Paraoxonase-1 Expressed in Trichoplusia ni Larvae

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2010-01-01

    purified from Trichoplusia ni (T. ni) larvae infected with an orally active form of bac- ulovirus. SDS-PAGE and anti-HuPON1 Western blot analyses yielded...Organophosphorus (OP) nerve agents readily bind covalently o acetylcholinesterase (AChE) at the active site serine and inhibit he ability of AChE to terminate...The results demon- trate that T. ni larvae are capable of producing high quantities of unctionally active recombinant HuPON1, and larvae expressing

  6. Sesquiterpenes and a monoterpenoid with acetylcholinesterase (AchE) inhibitory activity from Valeriana officinalis var. latiofolia in vitro and in vivo.

    PubMed

    Chen, Heng-Wen; He, Xuan-Hui; Yuan, Rong; Wei, Ben-Jun; Chen, Zhong; Dong, Jun-Xing; Wang, Jie

    2016-04-01

    Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitor (AchEI) is the most extensive in all anti-dementia drugs. The extracts and isolated compounds from the Valeriana genus have shown anti-dementia bioactivity. Four new sesquiterpenoids (1-4) and a new monoterpenoid (5) were isolated from the root of Valeriana officinalis var. latiofolia. The acetylcholinesterase (AchE) inhibitory activity of isolates was evaluated by modified Ellman method in vitro. Learning and memory ability of compound 4 on mice was evaluated by the Morris water maze. The contents of acetylcholine (Ach), acetylcholine transferase (ChAT) and AchE in mice brains were determined by colorimetry. The results showed IC50 of compound 4 was 0.161 μM in vitro. Compared with the normal group, the learning and memory ability of mice and the contents of Ach and ChAT decreased in model group mice (P<0.01), while the AchE increased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, Ach and ChAT in the positive control group, the high-dose group and the medium-dose group increased (P<0.01), while the AchE decreased (P<0.01). Compound 4 can improve the learning and memory abilities of APPswe/PSΔE9 double-transgenic mice, and the mechanism may be related to the regulation of the relative enzyme in the cholinergic system. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  7. The Lp_3561 and Lp_3562 Enzymes Support a Functional Divergence Process in the Lipase/Esterase Toolkit from Lactobacillus plantarum

    PubMed Central

    Esteban-Torres, María; Reverón, Inés; Santamaría, Laura; Mancheño, José M.; de las Rivas, Blanca; Muñoz, Rosario

    2016-01-01

    Lactobacillus plantarum species is a good source of esterases since both lipolytic and esterase activities have been described for strains of this species. No fundamental biochemical difference exists among esterases and lipases since both share a common catalytic mechanism. L. plantarum WCFS1 possesses a protein, Lp_3561, which is 44% identical to a previously described lipase, Lp_3562. In contrast to Lp_3562, Lp_3561 was unable to degrade esters possessing a chain length higher than C4 and the triglyceride tributyrin. As in other L. plantarum esterases, the electrostatic potential surface around the active site in Lp_3561 is predicted to be basic, whereas it is essentially neutral in the Lp_3562 lipase. The fact that the genes encoding both proteins were located contiguously in the L. plantarum WCFS1 genome, suggests that they originated by tandem duplication, and therefore are paralogs as new functions have arisen during evolution. The presence of the contiguous lp_3561 and lp_3562 genes was studied among L. plantarum strains. They are located in a 8,903 bp DNA fragment that encodes proteins involved in the catabolism of sialic acid and are predicted to increase bacterial adaptability under certain growth conditions. PMID:27486450

  8. New cholinesterase inhibitors for Alzheimer's disease: Structure Activity Studies (SARs) and molecular docking of isoquinolone and azepanone derivatives.

    PubMed

    Bacalhau, Patrícia; San Juan, Amor A; Marques, Carolina S; Peixoto, Daniela; Goth, Albertino; Guarda, Cátia; Silva, Mara; Arantes, Sílvia; Caldeira, A Teresa; Martins, Rosário; Burke, Anthony J

    2016-08-01

    A library of isoquinolinone and azepanone derivatives were screened for both acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) activity. The strategy adopted included (a) in vitro biological assays, against eel AChE (EeAChE) and equine serum BuChE (EqBuChE) in order to determine the compounds IC50 and their dose-response activity, consolidated by (b) molecular docking studies to evaluate the docking poses and interatomic interactions in the case of the hit compounds, validated by STD-NMR studies. Compound (1f) was identified as one of these hits with an IC50 of 89.5μM for EeAChE and 153.8μM for EqBuChE, (2a) was identified as a second hit with an IC50 of 108.4μM (EeAChE) and 277.8μM (EqBuChE). In order to gain insights into the binding mode and principle active site interactions of these molecules, (R)-(1f) along with 3 other analogues (also as the R-enantiomer) were docked into both RhAChE and hBuChE models. Galantamine was used as the benchmark. The docking study was validated by performing an STD-NMR study of (1f) with EeAChE using galantamine as the benchmark. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  9. Effects of cholinesterase inhibitors on the activities and protein levels of cholinesterases in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with Alzheimer's disease: a review of recent clinical studies.

    PubMed

    Darreh-Shori, T; Soininen, H

    2010-02-01

    Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by cognitive decline associated with a deficit in cholinergic function. Inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and/or butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE), such as donepezil, galantamine or rivastigmine, are widely prescribed as symptomatic treatments for AD. These agents exhibit a wide variation in their pharmacological properties. Here we review clinical data from 1998 to 2009 investigating the effect of different cholinesterase inhibitor treatments on the levels and activities of cholinesterases in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of AD patients. These studies suggest that treatment with rapidly-reversible cholinesterase inhibitors (e.g. donepezil, galantamine, tacrine) are associated with marked and significant upregulation of AChE activities and protein levels in the CSF of AD patients. In contrast, pseudo-irreversible cholinesterase inhibition (e.g. rivastigmine) is associated with a significant decrease in both CSF AChE and BuChE activities, with no upregulation of CSF protein levels. Additionally, donepezil is associated with a decrease in the level of the AChE-R isoform relative to the synaptic AChE-S isoform, whereas rivastigmine seems to increase this ratio. These findings suggest that these agents exert different effects on CSF cholinesterases. The clinical effects of these pharmacological differences are yet to be fully established.

  10. Changes in acetylcholinesterase, Na+,K+-ATPase, and Mg2+-ATPase activities in the frontal cortex and the hippocampus of hyper- and hypothyroid adult rats.

    PubMed

    Carageorgiou, Haris; Pantos, Constantinos; Zarros, Apostolos; Stolakis, Vasileios; Mourouzis, Iordanis; Cokkinos, Dennis; Tsakiris, Stylianos

    2007-08-01

    The thyroid hormones (THs) are crucial determinants of normal development and metabolism, especially in the central nervous system. The metabolic rate is known to increase in hyperthyroidism and decrease in hypothyroidism. The aim of this work was to investigate how changes in metabolism induced by THs could affect the activities of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), (Na+,K+)- and Mg2+-adenosinetriphosphatase (ATPase) in the frontal cortex and the hippocampus of adult rats. Hyperthyroidism was induced by subcutaneous administration of thyroxine (25 microg/100 g body weight) once daily for 14 days, and hypothyroidism was induced by oral administration of propylthiouracil (0.05%) for 21 days. All enzyme activities were evaluated spectrophotometrically in the homogenated brain regions of 10 three-animal pools. A region-specific behavior was observed concerning the examined enzyme activities in hyper- and hypothyroidism. In hyperthyroidism, AChE activity was significantly increased only in the hippocampus (+22%), whereas Na+,K+-ATPase activity was significantly decreased in the hyperthyroid rat hippocampus (-47%) and remained unchanged in the frontal cortex. In hypothyroidism, AChE activity was significantly decreased in the frontal cortex (-23%) and increased in the hippocampus (+21%). Na+,K+-ATPase activity was significantly decreased in both the frontal cortex (-35%) and the hippocampus (-43%) of hypothyroid rats. Mg2+-ATPase remained unchanged in the regions of both hyper- and hypothyroid rat brains. Our data revealed that THs affect the examined adult rat brain parameters in a region- and state-specific way. The TH-reduced Na+,K+-ATPase activity may increase the synaptic acetylcholine release and, thus, modulate AChE activity. Moreover, the above TH-induced changes may affect the monoamine neurotransmitter systems in the examined brain regions.

  11. Cholinoceptive and cholinergic properties of cardiomyocytes involving an amplification mechanism for vagal efferent effects in sparsely innervated ventricular myocardium.

    PubMed

    Kakinuma, Yoshihiko; Akiyama, Tsuyoshi; Sato, Takayuki

    2009-09-01

    Our recent studies have shown that, as indicated by vagal stimulation, an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor donepezil, an anti-Alzheimer's disease drug, prevents progression of heart failure in rats with myocardial infarction, and activates a common cell survival signal shared by acetylcholine (ACh) in vitro. On the basis of this and evidence that vagal innervation is extremely poor in the left ventricle, we assessed the hypothesis that ACh is produced by cardiomyocytes, which promotes its synthesis via a positive feedback mechanism. Rat cardiomyocytes expressed choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) in the cytoplasm and vesicular acetylcholine transporter with the vesicular structure identified by immunogold electron microscopy, suggesting that cardiomyocytes possess components for ACh synthesis. Intracellular ACh in rat cardiomyocytes was identified with physostigmine or donepezil. However, with atropine, the basal ACh content was reduced. In response to exogenous ACh or pilocarpine, cardiomyocytes increased the transcriptional activity of the ChAT gene through a muscarinic receptor and ChAT protein expression, and, finally, the intracellular ACh level was upregulated by pilocarpine. Knockdown of ChAT by small interfering RNA accelerated cellular energy metabolism, which is suppressed by ACh. Although physostigmine had a minimal effect on the ChAT promoter activity by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase, donepezil resulted in elevation of the activity, protein expression and intracellular ACh level even in the presence of sufficient physostigmine. Orally administered donepezil in mice increased the ChAT promoter activity in a reporter gene-transferred quadriceps femoris muscle and the amount of cardiac ChAT protein. These findings suggest that cardiomyocytes possess an ACh synthesis system, which is positively modulated by cholinergic stimuli. Such an amplification system in cardiomyocytes may contribute to the beneficial effects of vagal stimulation on the ventricles.

  12. Brain regional acetylcholinesterase activity and muscarinic acetylcholine receptors in rats after repeated administration of cholinesterase inhibitors and its withdrawal

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Kobayashi, Haruo; Suzuki, Tadahiko; Sakamoto, Maki

    Activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and specific binding of [{sup 3}H]quinuclidinyl benzilate (QNB), [{sup 3}H]pirenzepine (PZP) and [{sup 3}H]AF-DX 384 to muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAChR) preparations in the striatum, hippocampus and cortex of rats were determined 1, 6 and 11 days after the last treatment with an organophosphate DDVP, a carbamate propoxur or a muscarinic agonist oxotremorine as a reference for 7 and 14 days. AChE activity was markedly decreased in the three regions 1 day after the treatment with DDVP for 7 and 14 days with a gradual recovery 6 to 11 days, and much less decreased 1, 6 andmore » 11 days after the treatment with propoxur for 7 days but not for 14 days in the hippocampus and cortex. The binding of [{sup 3}H]-QNB, PZP and AF-DX 384 in the three regions was generally decreased by the treatment with DDVP for 7 and 14 days. Such down-regulations were generally restored 6 or 11 days after the treatment for 7 but not for 14 days. The down-regulation or up-regulation as measured by [{sup 3}H]-QNB, PZP and AF-DX 384 was observed 1, 6 or 11 days after treatment with propoxur for 7 days and/or 14 days. Repeated treatment with oxotremorine produced similar effects except AChE activity to DDVP. These results suggest that repeated inhibition of AChE activity may usually cause down-regulation of mAChRs with some exception in the hippocampus when a reversible antiChE propoxur is injected.« less

  13. Electrochemical biosensor for carbofuran pesticide based on esterases from Eupenicillium shearii FREI-39 endophytic fungus.

    PubMed

    Grawe, Gregory Ferreira; de Oliveira, Tássia Regina; de Andrade Narciso, Esther; Moccelini, Sally Katiuce; Terezo, Ailton José; Soares, Marcos Antonio; Castilho, Marilza

    2015-01-15

    In this work, a biosensor was constructed by physical adsorption of the isolated endophytic fungus Eupenicillium shearii FREI-39 esterase on halloysite, using graphite powder, multi-walled carbon nanotubes and mineral oil for the determination of carbofuran pesticide by inhibition of the esterase using square-wave voltammetry (SWV). Specific esterase activities were determined each 2 days over a period of 15 days of growth in four different inoculation media. The highest specific activity was found on 6th day, with 33.08 U on PDA broth. The best performance of the proposed biosensor was obtained using 0.5 U esterase activity. The carbofuran concentration response was linear in the range from 5.0 to 100.0 µg L(-1) (r=0.9986) with detection and quantification limits of 1.69 µg L(-1) and 5.13 µg L(-1), respectively. A recovery study of carbofuran in spiked water samples showed values ranging from 103.8±6.7% to 106.7±9.7%. The biosensor showed good repeatability and reproducibility and remained stable for a period of 20 weeks. The determination of carbofuran in spiked water samples using the proposed biosensor was satisfactory when compared to the chromatographic reference method. The results showed no significant difference at the 95% confidence level with t-test statistics. The application of enzymes from endophytic fungi in constructing biosensors broadens the biotechnological importance of these microorganisms. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  14. Generation of transgenic wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) accumulating heterologous endo-xylanase or ferulic acid esterase in the endosperm.

    PubMed

    Harholt, Jesper; Bach, Inga C; Lind-Bouquin, Solveig; Nunan, Kylie J; Madrid, Susan M; Brinch-Pedersen, Henrik; Holm, Preben B; Scheller, Henrik V

    2010-04-01

    Endo-xylanase (from Bacillus subtilis) or ferulic acid esterase (from Aspergillus niger) were expressed in wheat under the control of the endosperm-specific 1DX5 glutenin promoter. Constructs both with and without the endoplasmic reticulum retention signal (Lys-Asp-Glu-Leu) KDEL were used. Transgenic plants were recovered in all four cases but no qualitative differences could be observed whether KDEL was added or not. Endo-xylanase activity in transgenic grains was increased between two and threefold relative to wild type. The grains were shrivelled and had a 25%-33% decrease in mass. Extensive analysis of the cell walls showed a 10%-15% increase in arabinose to xylose ratio, a 50% increase in the proportion of water-extractable arabinoxylan, and a shift in the MW of the water-extractable arabinoxylan from being mainly larger than 85 kD to being between 2 and 85 kD. Ferulic acid esterase-expressing grains were also shrivelled, and the seed weight was decreased by 20%-50%. No ferulic acid esterase activity could be detected in wild-type grains whereas ferulic acid esterase activity was detected in transgenic lines. The grain cell walls had 15%-40% increase in water-unextractable arabinoxylan and a decrease in monomeric ferulic acid between 13% and 34%. In all the plants, the observed changes are consistent with a plant response that serves to minimize the effect of the heterologously expressed enzymes by increasing arabinoxylan biosynthesis and cross-linking.

  15. Generation of transgenic wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) accumulating heterologous endo-xylanase or ferulic acid esterase in the endosperm

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Harholt, Jesper; Bach, Inga C; Lind-Bouquin, Solveig

    2009-12-08

    Endo-xylanase (from Bacillus subtilis) or ferulic acid esterase (from Aspergillus niger) were expressed in wheat under the control of the endosperm specific 1DX5 glutenin promoter. Constructs both with and without the endoplasmic reticulum retention signal KDEL were used. Transgenic plants were recovered in all four cases but no qualitative differences could be observed whether KDEL was added or not. Endo-xylanase activity in transgenic grains was increased between two and three fold relative to wild type. The grains were shriveled and had a 25-33% decrease in mass. Extensive analysis of the cell walls showed a 10-15% increase in arabinose to xylosemore » ratio, a 50% increase in the proportion of water extractable arabinoxylan, and a shift in the MW of the water extractable arabinoxylan from being mainly larger than 85 kD to being between 2 kD and 85 kD. Ferulic acid esterase expressing grains were also shriveled and the seed weight was decreased by 20-50%. No ferulic acid esterase activity could be detected in wild type grains whereas ferulic acid esterase activity was detected in transgenic lines. The grain cell walls had 15-40% increase in water unextractable arabinoxylan and a decrease in monomeric ferulic acid between 13 and 34%. In all the plants the observed changes are consistent with a plant response that serves to minimize the effect of the heterologously expressed enzymes by increasing arabinoxylan biosynthesis and cross-linking.« less

  16. Identification and characterization of an esterase involved in malathion resistance in the head louse Pediculus humanus capitis.

    PubMed

    Kwon, Deok Ho; Kim, Ju Hyeon; Kim, Young Ho; Yoon, Kyong Sup; Clark, J Marshall; Lee, Si Hyeock

    2014-06-01

    Enhanced malathion carboxylesterase (MCE) activity was previously reported to be involved in malathion resistance in the head louse Pediculus humanus capitis (Gao et al., 2006 [8]). To identify MCE, the transcriptional profiles of all five esterases that had been annotated to be catalytically active were determined and compared between the malathion-resistant (BR-HL) and malathion-susceptible (KR-HL) strains of head lice. An esterase gene, designated HLCbE3, exhibited approximately 5.4-fold higher transcription levels, whereas remaining four esterases did not exhibit a significant increase in their transcription in BR-HL, indicating that HLCbE3 may be the putative MCE. Comparison of the entire cDNA sequences of HLCbE3 revealed no sequence differences between the BR-HL and KR-HL strains and suggested that no single nucleotide polymorphism is associated with enhanced MCE activity. Two copies of the HLCbE3 gene were observed in BR-HL, implying that the over-transcription of HLCbE3 is due to the combination of a gene duplication and up-regulated transcription. Knockdown of HLCbE3 expression by RNA interference in the BR-HL strain led to increases in malathion susceptibility, confirming the identity of HLCbE3 as a MCE responsible for malathion resistance in the head louse. Phylogenetic analysis suggested that HLCbE3 is a typical dietary esterase and belongs to a clade containing various MCEs involved in malathion resistance. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  17. Comparative investigation of two methods for Acetylcholinesterase enzyme immobilization on modified porous silicon

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Khaldi, Khadidja; Sam, Sabrina; Lounas, Amel; Yaddaden, Chafiaa; Gabouze, Noure-Eddine

    2017-11-01

    In this work, Acetylcholinesterase enzyme (AChE) was immobilized on porous silicon (PSi) surface using two strategies. In the first method, acid chains were covalently grafted on the hydrogenated PSi by hydrosilylation reaction. The obtained acid-terminated surface was activated by a reaction with N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) in the presence of a peptide-coupling agent N-ethyl-N‧-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-carbodiimide (EDC), and then reacted with the amino linker of the lysine residues AChE to anchor the enzyme by a covalent amide bond. In the second procedure, the PSi surface was first hydroxylated in piranha solution, followed by a silanization reaction with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) to form amine-terminated surface. Finally, AChE was attached to the terminal amine groups by an aminolysis reaction with carboxylic acid groups of AChE in the presence of NHS/EDC mixture. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed the efficiency of the surface modifications. The enzymatic activity of immobilized AChE was determined by means of a colorimetric test and was discussed according to the enzyme orientation on the surface which was revealed by contact angle measurements.

  18. Monocyte esterase deficiency in malignant neoplasia.

    PubMed Central

    Markey, G M; McCormick, J A; Morris, T C; Alexander, H D; Nolan, L; Morgan, L M; Reynolds, M E; Edgar, S; Bell, A L; McCaigue, M D

    1990-01-01

    A survey of the incidence of monocyte esterase deficiency in 4000 inpatients (including 808 with malignant neoplastic disease) and 474 normal controls was performed using an automated esterase method. A highly significant excess of patients with malignant disease and the deficiency was evident when compared with normal controls or all other patients. Within the group of patients with malignant disease the demonstrable excess occurred in B chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, non-Hodgkin's and Hodgkin's lymphoma, and carcinoma of the gastrointestinal tract. There was also a significant excess of patients with the deficiency attending the renal unit, both among patients who had had renal transplants and those who had not. A familial incidence of monocyte esterase deficiency was found in 19 (35%) of first degree relatives of those patients in whom family studies were done. It is suggested that the reason for the increased prevalence of the anomaly in these disorders might be that the diminution of esterase activity has a role in their development. PMID:2341564

  19. Effects of Model Salivary Esterases and MMP Inhibition on the Restoration's Marginal Integrity and Potential Degradative Contribution of Cariogenic Bacteria

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Huang, Bo

    Enzyme-catalyzed degradation of the restoration-tooth interface compromises interfacial integrity, thereby contributing to secondary caries, which is a major cause of resin-based restoration failure. It is hypothesized that in addition to salivary esterases, the cariogenic bacterium Streptococcus mutans has specific esterases that degrade the resin-dentin interface, releasing biodegradation by- products (BBPs) such as bis-hydroxy-propoxy-phenyl-propane (BisHPPP). In turn, BisHPPP affects S. mutans by stimulating the expression of esterases. Another hypothesis is that the biostability of the resin-dentin interface is affected by simulated salivary esterases, dentinal matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibition, and restorative materials. To test the first hypothesis, putative esterase genes in S. mutans UA159 were identified, purified, and characterized. SMU_118c was identified as the dominant esterase in S. mutans UA159 and showed a similar hydrolytic activity profile to salivary esterases. BisHPPP upregulated expression of the SMU_118c gene and related protein in a concentration-dependent manner. This positive feedback process could accelerate the degradation of the restoration-tooth interface and lead to premature restoration failure. To test the second hypothesis, an in vitro model was established to evaluate the effects of salivary esterases, MMP inhibition and restorative materials on interfacial integrity. It was confirmed that interfacial integrity was compromised with time and was further deteriorated by simulated salivary esterases, as indicated by the greater depth of bacterial ingress and more bacterial biomass of biofilm along the interface. However, this process could be modulated by using different restorative materials and MMPs inhibition. This project elucidated the mechanistic interaction between oral bacteria and restorative materials and established a new, in vitro, and physiologically relevant model to assess the effect of material chemistry, properties, and application modes on bacterial penetration and biofilm formation. These findings offer the oral health community practical ways to reduce secondary caries by altering material composition and restorative procedures.

  20. Genome-wide analysis of esterase-like genes in the striped rice stem borer, Chilo suppressalis.

    PubMed

    Wang, Baoju; Wang, Ying; Zhang, Yang; Han, Ping; Li, Fei; Han, Zhaojun

    2015-06-01

    The striped rice stem borer, Chilo suppressalis, a destructive pest of rice, has developed high levels of resistance to certain insecticides. Esterases are reported to be involved in insecticide resistance in several insects. Therefore, this study systematically analyzed esterase-like genes in C. suppressalis. Fifty-one esterase-like genes were identified in the draft genomic sequences of the species, and 20 cDNA sequences were derived which encoded full- or nearly full-length proteins. The putative esterase proteins derived from these full-length genes are overall highly diversified. However, key residues that are functionally important including the serine residue in the active site are conserved in 18 out of the 20 proteins. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that most of these genes have homologues in other lepidoptera insects. Genes CsuEst6, CsuEst10, CsuEst11, and CsuEst51 were induced by the insecticide triazophos, and genes CsuEst9, CsuEst11, CsuEst14, and CsuEst51 were induced by the insecticide chlorantraniliprole. Our results provide a foundation for future studies of insecticide resistance in C. suppressalis and for comparative research with esterase genes from other insect species.

  1. Modulators of Acetylcholinesterase Activity: From Alzheimer's Disease to Anti-Cancer Drugs.

    PubMed

    Lazarevic-Pasti, Tamara; Leskovac, Andreja; Momic, Tatjana; Petrovic, Sandra; Vasic, Vesna

    2017-01-01

    Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is involved in the termination of impulse transmission by rapid hydrolysis of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine in numerous cholinergic pathways in the central and peripheral nervous systems. The enzyme inactivation leads to acetylcholine accumulation, hyperstimulation of nicotinic and muscarinic receptors, and disrupted neurotransmission. Hence, acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, interacting with the enzyme as their primary target, are applied as relevant drugs for different neurodegenerative diseases (such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's) as well as toxins. At the same time, there are increasing evidence that in non-neuronal context, AChE is involved in the regulation of cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis and cell-cell interaction. An irregular expression of AChE has been found in different types of tumors, suggesting the involvement of AChE in the regulation of tumor development. Having all this in mind, there is a possibility that some AChE inhibitors could be used as anti-cancer agents. This contribution will discuss a broad range of possible application of different AChE inhibitors as drugs, from well-known anti-Alzheimer's disease drugs to their use in cancer treatment in future. Emphasis will be put on various known AChE inhibitors classes, whose application as drugs could be controversy, as well as on newly investigated natural products, which can also modulate AChE activity. It is not clear a patient treated for neurodegenerative condition prone to increased risk for some types of cancer and vice versa. This is necessary to keep in mind during rational drug design process for all therapies, which are based on AChE as a target molecule. Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.org.

  2. New medium for detection of esterase and gelatinase activity.

    PubMed

    Pácová, Z; Kocur, M

    1984-10-01

    A new medium was developed for detecting esterase and gelatinase activities in aerobic and facultatively anaerobic bacteria. The new medium was tested with various strains of bacteria and the results showed agreement between the reactions in the new medium and those obtained by conventional techniques. The new medium is more economical and may be used for a rapid differentiation of Serratia, Aeromonas and Vibrio species from biochemically similar bacteria.

  3. Survival of Burkholderia pseudomallei on Environmental Surfaces.

    PubMed

    Shams, Alicia M; Rose, Laura J; Hodges, Lisa; Arduino, Matthew J

    2007-12-01

    The survival of the biothreat agent Burkholderia pseudomallei on the surfaces of four materials was measured by culture and esterase activity analyses. The culture results demonstrated that this organism persisted for <24 h to <7 days depending on the material, bacterial isolate, and suspension medium. The persistence determined by analysis of esterase activity, as measured with a ScanRDI solid-phase cytometer, was always longer than the persistence determined by culture analysis.

  4. Effect of chlorpyrifos and enrofloxacin on selected enzymes in rats.

    PubMed

    Barski, D; Spodniewska, A

    2018-03-01

    This study examined the effect of chlorpyrifos and/or enrofloxacin on the activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in the blood and brain, and the activity of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in serum. The experiment was conducted on Wistar strain rats. Chlorpyrifos was administered with a stomach tube at a dose of 0.04 LD50 for 28 days and enrofloxacin at a dose of 5 mg/kg bw for 5 consecutive days. The experiment found that enrofloxacin changed the activity of the enzymes under study only to a small extent. At the dose applied in the experiment, chlorpyrifos decreased the activity of AChE significantly, both in blood and in the brain, and increased the activity of ALT and AST in rat serum. The administration of chlorpyrifos in combination with enrofloxacin changed the activity of the enzymes under study only slightly. A weaker, but longer, inhibition of AChE activity in both blood and the brain was observed in this group compared to the animals exposed only to chlorpyrifos. However, although enrofloxacin, like chlorpyrifos, increases the activity of ALT and AST in serum, their combined administration did not increase the hepatotoxic effect. Copyright© by the Polish Academy of Sciences.

  5. Cholinergic microvillous cells in the mouse main olfactory epithelium and effect of acetylcholine on olfactory sensory neurons and supporting cells

    PubMed Central

    Ogura, Tatsuya; Szebenyi, Steven A.; Krosnowski, Kurt; Sathyanesan, Aaron; Jackson, Jacqueline

    2011-01-01

    The mammalian olfactory epithelium is made up of ciliated olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs), supporting cells, basal cells, and microvillous cells. Previously, we reported that a population of nonneuronal microvillous cells expresses transient receptor potential channel M5 (TRPM5). Using transgenic mice and immunocytochemical labeling, we identify that these cells are cholinergic, expressing the signature markers of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) and the vesicular acetylcholine transporter. This result suggests that acetylcholine (ACh) can be synthesized and released locally to modulate activities of neighboring supporting cells and OSNs. In Ca2+ imaging experiments, ACh induced increases in intracellular Ca2+ levels in 78% of isolated supporting cells tested in a concentration-dependent manner. Atropine, a muscarinic ACh receptor (mAChR) antagonist suppressed the ACh responses. In contrast, ACh did not induce or potentiate Ca2+ increases in OSNs. Instead ACh suppressed the Ca2+ increases induced by the adenylyl cyclase activator forskolin in some OSNs. Supporting these results, we found differential expression of mAChR subtypes in supporting cells and OSNs using subtype-specific antibodies against M1 through M5 mAChRs. Furthermore, we found that various chemicals, bacterial lysate, and cold saline induced Ca2+ increases in TRPM5/ChAT-expressing microvillous cells. Taken together, our data suggest that TRPM5/ChAT-expressing microvillous cells react to certain chemical or thermal stimuli and release ACh to modulate activities of neighboring supporting cells and OSNs via mAChRs. Our studies reveal an intrinsic and potentially potent mechanism linking external stimulation to cholinergic modulation of activities in the olfactory epithelium. PMID:21676931

  6. Design, synthesis, molecular modeling and anticholinesterase activity of benzylidene-benzofuran-3-ones containing cyclic amine side chain.

    PubMed

    Mehrabi, Farzad; Pourshojaei, Yaghoub; Moradi, Alireza; Sharifzadeh, Mohammad; Khosravani, Leila; Sabourian, Reyhaneh; Rahmani-Nezhad, Samira; Mohammadi-Khanaposhtani, Maryam; Mahdavi, Mohammad; Asadipour, Ali; Rahimi, Hamid Reza; Moghimi, Setareh; Foroumadi, Alireza

    2017-05-01

    A series of 2-benzylidene-benzofuran-3-ones were designed from the structures of Ebselen analogs and aurone derivatives and synthesized in good yields. The target compounds were prepared by the condensation reaction between appropriate benzofuranones with amino alkoxy aldehydes and evaluated as cholinesterase inhibitors by Ellman's method. The in vitro anti-acetylcholinesterase (AChE)/butyrylcholinesterase activities of the synthesized compounds revealed that 7e (IC 50 = 0.045 μM) is the most active compound against AChE. Furthermore, the docking study confirmed the results obtained through in vitro experiments and predicted the possible binding conformation. The anticholinesterase activities of benzylidene-benzofurane-3-ones as aurone analogs revealed that the compounds bearing piperidinylethoxy residue showed better activities against AChE, introducing these compounds for further drug discovery developments. [Formula: see text].

  7. Prenylated xanthones from mangosteen as promising cholinesterase inhibitors and their molecular docking studies.

    PubMed

    Khaw, K Y; Choi, S B; Tan, S C; Wahab, H A; Chan, K L; Murugaiyah, V

    2014-09-25

    Garcinia mangostana is a well-known tropical plant found mostly in South East Asia. The present study investigated acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) inhibitory activities of G. mangostana extract and its chemical constituents using Ellman's colorimetric method. Cholinesterase inhibitory-guided approach led to identification of six bioactive prenylated xanthones showing moderate to potent cholinesterases inhibition with IC50 values of lower than 20.5 μM. The most potent inhibitor of AChE was garcinone C while γ-mangostin was the most potent inhibitor of BChE with IC50 values of 1.24 and 1.78 μM, respectively. Among the xanthones, mangostanol, 3-isomangostin, garcinone C and α-mangostin are AChE selective inhibitors, 8-deoxygartanin is a BChE selective inhibitor while γ-mangostin is a dual inhibitor. Preliminary structure-activity relationship suggests the importance of the C-8 prenyl and C-7 hydroxy groups for good AChE and BChE inhibitory activities. The enzyme kinetic studies indicate that both α-mangostin and garcinone C are mixed-mode inhibitors, while γ-mangostin is a non-competitive inhibitor of AChE. In contrast, both γ-mangostin and garcinone C are uncompetitive inhibitors, while α-mangostin is a mixed-mode inhibitor of BChE. Molecular docking studies revealed that α-mangostin, γ-mangostin and garcinone C interacts differently with the five important regions of AChE and BChE. The nature of protein-ligand interactions is mainly hydrophobic and hydrogen bonding. These bioactive prenylated xanthones are worthy for further investigations. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

  8. Design and prediction of new acetylcholinesterase inhibitor via quantitative structure activity relationship of huprines derivatives.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Shuqun; Hou, Bo; Yang, Huaiyu; Zuo, Zhili

    2016-05-01

    Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is an important enzyme in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Comparative quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) analyses on some huprines inhibitors against AChE were carried out using comparative molecular field analysis (CoMFA), comparative molecular similarity indices analysis (CoMSIA), and hologram QSAR (HQSAR) methods. Three highly predictive QSAR models were constructed successfully based on the training set. The CoMFA, CoMSIA, and HQSAR models have values of r (2) = 0.988, q (2) = 0.757, ONC = 6; r (2) = 0.966, q (2) = 0.645, ONC = 5; and r (2) = 0.957, q (2) = 0.736, ONC = 6. The predictabilities were validated using an external test sets, and the predictive r (2) values obtained by the three models were 0.984, 0.973, and 0.783, respectively. The analysis was performed by combining the CoMFA and CoMSIA field distributions with the active sites of the AChE to further understand the vital interactions between huprines and the protease. On the basis of the QSAR study, 14 new potent molecules have been designed and six of them are predicted to be more active than the best active compound 24 described in the literature. The final QSAR models could be helpful in design and development of novel active AChE inhibitors.

  9. Pyridine sulfonamide as a small key organic molecule for the potential treatment of type-II diabetes mellitus and Alzheimer's disease: In vitro studies against yeast α-glucosidase, acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase.

    PubMed

    Riaz, Sadaf; Khan, Islam Ullah; Bajda, Marek; Ashraf, Muhammad; Qurat-Ul-Ain; Shaukat, Ayesha; Rehman, Tanzeel Ur; Mutahir, Sadaf; Hussain, Sajjad; Mustafa, Ghulam; Yar, Muhammad

    2015-12-01

    This paper presents the efficient high yield synthesis of novel pyridine 2,4,6-tricarbohydrazide derivatives (4a-4i) along with their α-glucosidase, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) inhibition activities. The enzymes inhibition results showed the potential of synthesized compounds in controlling both type-II diabetes mellitus and Alzheimer's disease. In vitro biological investigations revealed that most of compounds were more active against yeast α-glucosidase than the reference compound acarbose (IC50 38.25±0.12μM). Among the tested series the compound 4c bearing 4-flouro benzyl group was noted to be the most active (IC50 25.6±0.2μM) against α-glucosidase, and it displayed weak inhibition activities against AChE and BChE. Compound 4a exhibited the most desired results against all three enzymes, as it was significantly active against all the three enzymes; α-glucosidase (IC50 32.2±0.3μM), AChE (IC50 50.2±0.8μM) and BChE (IC50 43.8±0.8μM). Due to the most favorable activity of 4a against the tested enzymes, for molecular modeling studies this compound was selected to investigate its pattern of interaction with α-glucosidase and AChE targets. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  10. Antioxidant and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activities of ginger root (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) extract.

    PubMed

    Tung, Bui Thanh; Thu, Dang Kim; Thu, Nguyen Thi Kim; Hai, Nguyen Thanh

    2017-05-04

    Background Zingiber officinale Roscoe has been used in traditional medicine for the treatment of neurological disorder. This study aimed to investigate the phenolic contents, antioxidant, acetylcholinesterase enzyme (AChE) inhibitory activities of different fraction of Z. officinale root grown in Vietnam. Methods The roots of Z. officinale are extracted with ethanol 96 % and fractionated with n-hexane, ethyl acetate (EtOAc) and butanol (BuOH) solvents. These fractions evaluated the antioxidant activity by 1,1-Diphenyl -2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay and AChE inhibitory activity by Ellman's colorimetric method. Results Our data showed that the total phenolic content of EtOAc fraction was highest equivalents to 35.2±1.4 mg quercetin/g of fraction. Our data also demonstrated that EtOAc fraction had the strongest antioxidant activity with IC50 was 8.89±1.37 µg/mL and AChE inhibitory activity with an IC50 value of 22.85±2.37 μg/mL in a dose-dependent manner, followed by BuOH fraction and the n-hexane fraction is the weakest. Detailed kinetic analysis indicated that EtOAc fraction was mixed inhibition type with Ki (representing the affinity of the enzyme and inhibitor) was 30.61±1.43 µg/mL. Conclusions Our results suggest that the EtOAc fraction of Z. officinale may be a promising source of AChE inhibitors for Alzheimer's disease.

  11. Overexpression of acetylcholinesterase gene in rice results in enhancement of shoot gravitropism.

    PubMed

    Yamamoto, Kosuke; Shida, Satoshi; Honda, Yoshihiro; Shono, Mariko; Miyake, Hiroshi; Oguri, Suguru; Sakamoto, Hikaru; Momonoki, Yoshie S

    2015-09-25

    Acetylcholine (ACh), a known neurotransmitter in animals and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) exists widely in plants, although its role in plant signal transduction is unclear. We previously reported AChE in Zea mays L. might be related to gravitropism based on pharmacological study using an AChE inhibitor. Here we clearly demonstrate plant AChE play an important role as a positive regulator in the gravity response of plants based on a genetic study. First, the gene encoding a second component of the ACh-mediated signal transduction system, AChE was cloned from rice, Oryza sativa L. ssp. Japonica cv. Nipponbare. The rice AChE shared high homology with maize, siratro and Salicornia AChEs. Similar to animal and other plant AChEs, the rice AChE hydrolyzed acetylthiocholine and propionylthiocholine, but not butyrylthiocholine. Thus, the rice AChE might be characterized as an AChE (E.C.3.1.1.7). Similar to maize and siratro AChEs, the rice AChE exhibited low sensitivity to the AChE inhibitor, neostigmine bromide, compared with the electric eel AChE. Next, the functionality of rice AChE was proved by overexpression in rice plants. The rice AChE was localized in extracellular spaces of rice plants. Further, the rice AChE mRNA and its activity were mainly detected during early developmental stages (2 d-10 d after sowing). Finally, by comparing AChE up-regulated plants with wild-type, we found that AChE overexpression causes an enhanced gravitropic response. This result clearly suggests that the function of the rice AChE relate to positive regulation of gravitropic response in rice seedlings. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  12. Restitution of defective glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in diabetic GK rat by acetylcholine uncovers paradoxical stimulatory effect of beta-cell muscarinic receptor activation on cAMP production.

    PubMed

    Dolz, Manuel; Bailbé, Danielle; Giroix, Marie-Hélène; Calderari, Sophie; Gangnerau, Marie-Noelle; Serradas, Patricia; Rickenbach, Katharina; Irminger, Jean-Claude; Portha, Bernard

    2005-11-01

    Because acetylcholine (ACh) is a recognized potentiator of glucose-stimulated insulin release in the normal beta-cell, we have studied ACh's effect on islets of the Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rat, a spontaneous model of type 2 diabetes. We first verified that ACh was able to restore the insulin secretory glucose competence of the GK beta-cell. Then, we demonstrated that in GK islets 1) ACh elicited a first-phase insulin release at low glucose, whereas it had no effect in Wistar; 2) total phospholipase C activity, ACh-induced inositol phosphate production, and intracellular free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) elevation were normal; 3) ACh triggered insulin release, even in the presence of thapsigargin, which induced a reduction of the ACh-induced [Ca2+]i response (suggesting that ACh produces amplification signals that augment the efficacy of elevated [Ca2+]i on GK exocytosis); 4) inhibition of protein kinase C did not affect [Ca2+]i nor the insulin release responses to ACh; and 5) inhibition of cAMP-dependent protein kinases (PKAs), adenylyl cyclases, or cAMP generation, while not affecting the [Ca2+]i response, significantly lowered the insulinotropic response to ACh (at low and high glucose). In conclusion, ACh acts mainly through activation of the cAMP/PKA pathway to potently enhance Ca2+-stimulated insulin release in the GK beta-cell and, in doing so, normalizes its defective glucose responsiveness.

  13. Inhibition pathways of the potent organophosphate CBDP with cholinesterases revealed by X-ray crystallographic snapshots and mass spectrometry.

    PubMed

    Carletti, Eugénie; Colletier, Jacques-Philippe; Schopfer, Lawrence M; Santoni, Gianluca; Masson, Patrick; Lockridge, Oksana; Nachon, Florian; Weik, Martin

    2013-02-18

    Tri-o-cresyl-phosphate (TOCP) is a common additive in jet engine lubricants and hydraulic fluids suspected to have a role in aerotoxic syndrome in humans. TOCP is metabolized to cresyl saligenin phosphate (CBDP), a potent irreversible inhibitor of butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), a natural bioscavenger present in the bloodstream, and acetylcholinesterase (AChE), the off-switch at cholinergic synapses. Mechanistic details of cholinesterase (ChE) inhibition have, however, remained elusive. Also, the inhibition of AChE by CBDP is unexpected, from a structural standpoint, i.e., considering the narrowness of AChE active site and the bulkiness of CBDP. In the following, we report on kinetic X-ray crystallography experiments that provided 2.7-3.3 Å snapshots of the reaction of CBDP with mouse AChE and human BChE. The series of crystallographic snapshots reveals that AChE and BChE react with the opposite enantiomers and that an induced-fit rearrangement of Phe297 enlarges the active site of AChE upon CBDP binding. Mass spectrometry analysis of aging in either H(2)(16)O or H(2)(18)O furthermore allowed us to identify the inhibition steps, in which water molecules are involved, thus providing insights into the mechanistic details of inhibition. X-ray crystallography and mass spectrometry show the formation of an aged end product formed in both AChE and BChE that cannot be reactivated by current oxime-based therapeutics. Our study thus shows that only prophylactic and symptomatic treatments are viable to counter the inhibition of AChE and BChE by CBDP.

  14. Kinetics and molecular docking studies of cholinesterase inhibitors derived from water layer of Lycopodiella cernua (L.) Pic. Serm. (II).

    PubMed

    Hung, Tran Manh; Lee, Joo Sang; Chuong, Nguyen Ngoc; Kim, Jeong Ah; Oh, Sang Ho; Woo, Mi Hee; Choi, Jae Sue; Min, Byung Sun

    2015-10-05

    Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors increase the availability of acetylcholine in central cholinergic synapses and are the most promising drugs currently available for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Our screening study indicated that the water fraction of the methanolic extract of Lycopodiella cernua (L.) Pic. Serm. significantly inhibited AChE in vitro. Bioassay-guided fractionation led to the isolation of a new lignan glycoside, lycocernuaside A (12), and fourteen known compounds (1-11 and 13-15). Compound 7 exhibited the most potent AChE inhibitory activity with an IC50 value of 0.23 μM. Compound 15 had the most potent inhibitory activity against BChE and BACE1 with IC50 values of 0.62 and 2.16 μM, respectively. Compounds 4 and 7 showed mixed- and competitive-type AChE inhibition. Compound 7 noncompetitively inhibited BChE whereas 15 showed competitive and 8, 13, and 14 showed mixed-type inhibition. The docking results for complexes with AChE or BChE revealed that inhibitors 4, 7, and 15 stably positioned themselves in several pocket/catalytic domains of the AChE and BChE residues. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  15. Role of Nicotinic and Muscarinic Receptors on Synaptic Plasticity and Neurological Diseases.

    PubMed

    Fuenzalida, Marco; Pérez, Miguel Ángel; Arias, Hugo R

    2016-01-01

    The cholinergic activity in the brain is fundamental for cognitive functions. The modulatory activity of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh) is mediated by activating a variety of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR) and muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChR). Accumulating evidence indicates that both nAChR and mAChRs can modulate the release of several other neurotransmitters, modify the threshold of long-term plasticity, finally improving learning and memory processes. Importantly, the expression, distribution, and/or function of these systems are altered in several neurological diseases. The aim of this review is to discuss our current knowledge on cholinergic receptors and their regulating synaptic functions and neuronal network activities as well as their use as targets for the development of new and clinically useful cholinergic ligands. These new therapies involve the development of novel and more selective cholinergic agonists and allosteric modulators as well as selective cholinesterase inhibitors, which may improve cognitive and behavioral symptoms, and also provide neuroprotection in several brain diseases. The review will focus on two nAChR receptor subtypes found in the mammalian brain and the most commonly targeted in drug discovery programs for neuropsychiatric disorder, the ligands of α4β2 nAChR and α7 nAChRs.

  16. Assessing joint toxicity of four organophosphate and carbamate insecticides in common carp (Cyprinus carpio) using acetylcholinesterase activity as an endpoint.

    PubMed

    Wang, Yanhua; Chen, Chen; Zhao, Xueping; Wang, Qiang; Qian, Yongzhong

    2015-07-01

    Mixtures of organophosphate (OP) and carbamate (CB) pesticides are commonly detected in freshwater ecosystems. These pesticides inhibit the activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and have potential to interfere with behaviors that may be essential for the survival of species. Although the effects of individual anticholinesterase insecticides on aquatic species have been studied for decades, the neurotoxicity of mixtures is still poorly understood. In the present study, brain AChE inhibition in carp (Cyprinus carpio) exposed to a series of concentrations of the organophosphates (malathion and triazophos) as well as the carbamates (fenobucarb and carbosulfan) was measured. In equitoxic mixtures, the observed AChE activity inhibition of the malathion plus triazophos, and triazophos plus carbosulfan mixtures, was synergism. In equivalent concentration mixtures, the combination of malathion plus fenobucarb mixture conformed to synergism, while the observed AChE activity inhibition of the remaining pairings was less than additive. Single pesticide risk assessments are likely to underestimate the impacts of these insecticides on carps in aquatic environment where mixtures occur. Moreover, mixtures of pesticides that have been commonly reported in aquatic ecosystems may pose a more important challenge than previously anticipated. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  17. Continuous flow immobilized enzyme reactor-tandem mass spectrometry for screening of AChE inhibitors in complex mixtures.

    PubMed

    Forsberg, Erica M; Green, James R A; Brennan, John D

    2011-07-01

    A method is described for identifying bioactive compounds in complex mixtures based on the use of capillary-scale monolithic enzyme-reactor columns for rapid screening of enzyme activity. A two-channel nanoLC system was used to continuously infuse substrate coupled with automated injections of substrate/small molecule mixtures, optionally containing the chromogenic Ellman reagent, through sol-gel derived acetylcholinesterase (AChE) doped monolithic columns. This is the first report of AChE encapsulated in monolithic silica for use as an immobilized enzyme reactor (IMER), and the first use of such IMERs for mixture screening. AChE IMER columns were optimized to allow rapid functional screening of compound mixtures based on changes in the product absorbance or the ratio of mass spectrometric peaks for product and substrate ions in the eluent. The assay had robust performance and produced a Z' factor of 0.77 in the presence of 2% (v/v) DMSO. A series of 52 mixtures consisting of 1040 compounds from the Canadian Compound Collection of bioactives was screened and two known inhibitors, physostigmine and 9-aminoacridine, were identified from active mixtures by manual deconvolution. The activity of the compounds was confirmed using the enzyme reactor format, which allowed determination of both IC(50) and K(I) values. Screening results were found to correlate well with a recently published fluorescence-based microarray screening assay for AChE inhibitors.

  18. 2-Arylbenzofurans from Artocarpus lakoocha and methyl ether analogs with potent cholinesterase inhibitory activity.

    PubMed

    Namdaung, Umalee; Athipornchai, Anan; Khammee, Thongchai; Kuno, Mayuso; Suksamrarn, Sunit

    2018-01-01

    In vitro screening for acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) inhibitory activities of the Artocarpus lakoocha root-bark extracts revealed interesting results. Bioassay-guided fractionation resulted in the isolation of two new (1 and 2) and six known 2-arylbenzofurans 3-8, along with one stilbenoid 9 and one flavonoid 10. The structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated by UV, IR, 1D- and 2D-NMR and MS spectroscopic data analysis. Compounds 4, 6 and 7 exhibited more potent AChE inhibitory activity (IC 50  = 0.87-1.10 μM) than the reference drug, galantamine. Compounds 4, 8 and 9 displayed greater BChE inhibition than the standard drug. The preferential inhibition of BChE over AChE indicated that 4 also showed a promising dual AChE and BChE inhibitor. The synthetic mono-methylated analogs 4a-c and 6a-b were found to be good BChE inhibitors with IC 50 values ranging between 0.31 and 1.11 μM. Based on the docking studies, compounds 4 and 6 are well-fitted in the catalytic triad of AChE. Compounds 4 and 6 showed different binding orientations on BChE, and the most potent BChE inhibitor 4 occupied dual binding to both CAS and PAS more efficiently. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

  19. Black Soybean Extract Protects Against TMT-Induced Cognitive Defects in Mice

    PubMed Central

    Jeong, Ji Hee; Jo, Yu Na; Kim, Hyeon Ju; Jin, Dong Eun; Kim, Dae-Ok

    2014-01-01

    Abstract To find a neuroactive compound with a potent inhibitory effect on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and in vivo anti-amnesic activity from natural resources, we evaluated anthocyanins and nonanthocyanins from black soybean extract. Nonanthocyanins from black soybean extract were the most potent and dose-dependent AChE inhibitors. Intracellular reactive oxygen species accumulation resulting from H2O2 treatment was significantly decreased compared with cells treated with H2O2 only. Nonanthocyanins were also neuroprotective against H2O2 treated neurotoxicity by 3-[4,5-dimethythiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay. Finally, nonanthocyanins from black soybean in the preadministration group attenuated trimethyltin (TMT)-induced memory injury in both in vivo tests. AChE, prepared from mice brain tissues, was inhibited by nonanthocyanins from black soybean in a dose-dependent manner. Malondialdehyde generation in the brain homogenates of mice treated with nonanthocyanins from black soybean was decreased. We concluded that nonanthocyanins from black soybean had an efficacious in vitro AChE inhibitory activity, and protected against H2O2-induced neurotoxicity. In addition, our findings suggest that nonanthocyanins from black soybean may improve the TMT-induced learning and memory deficit because of AChE inhibition of mice brain tissue. Consequently, these results demonstrate that the nonanthocyanins from black soybean could possess a wide range of beneficial activities for neurodegenerative disorders. PMID:24456358

  20. Kinetics and molecular docking studies of loganin, morroniside and 7-O-galloyl-D-sedoheptulose derived from Corni fructus as cholinesterase and β-secretase 1 inhibitors.

    PubMed

    Bhakta, Himanshu Kumar; Park, Chan Hum; Yokozawa, Takako; Min, Byung-Sun; Jung, Hyun Ah; Choi, Jae Sue

    2016-06-01

    We evaluated the major active components isolated from Corni Fructus: loganin, morroniside, and 7-O-galloyl-D-sedoheptulose as inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), and β-site amyloid precursor protein (APP) cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) for use in Alzheimer's disease treatment. These compounds exhibited predominant cholinesterase (ChEs) inhibitory effects with IC50 values of 0.33, 3.95, and 10.50 ± 1.16 µM, respectively, for AChE, and 33.02, 37.78, and 87.94 ± 4.66 µM, respectively, for BChE. Kinetics studies revealed that loganin and 7-O-galloyl-D-sedoheptulose inhibited AChE with characteristics typical of mixed inhibitors, while morroniside was found to be a noncompetitive inhibitor against AChE and also exerted mixed BChE inhibitory activities. For BACE1, loganin showed noncompetitive type inhibitory effects, while morroniside and 7-O-galloyl-D-sedoheptulose were found to be mixed inhibitors. Furthermore, these compounds exhibited dose-dependent inhibitory activity with ONOO(-)-mediated protein tyrosine nitration. Molecular docking simulation of these compounds demonstrated negative binding energies for ChEs, and BACE1, indicating high affinity and tighter binding capacity for the active site of the enzyme. Loganin was the most potent inhibitor against both ChEs and BACE1. The data suggest that these compounds together can act as a triple inhibitor of AChE, BChE, and BACE1, providing a preventive and therapeutic strategy for Alzheimer's disease treatment.

  1. Chlorpyrifos and malathion have opposite effects on behaviors and brain size that are not correlated to changes in AChE activity.

    PubMed

    Richendrfer, Holly; Creton, Robbert

    2015-07-01

    Organophosphates, a type of neurotoxicant pesticide, are used globally for the treatment of pests on croplands and are therefore found in a large number of conventional foods. These pesticides are harmful and potentially deadly if ingested or inhaled in large quantities by causing a significant reduction in acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in the central and peripheral nervous system. However, much less is known about the effects of exposure to small quantities of the pesticides on neural systems and behavior during development. In the current study we used zebrafish larvae in order to determine the effects of two of the most widely used organophosphates, chlorpyrifos and malathion, on zebrafish behavior and AChE activity. Embryos and larvae were exposed to the organophosphates during different time points in development and then tested at 5 days post-fertilization for behavioral, neurodevelopmental and AChE abnormalities. The results of the study indicate that chlorpyrifos and malathion cause opposing behaviors in the larvae such as swim speed (hypoactivity vs. hyperactivity) and rest. Additionally, the pesticides affect only certain behaviors, such as thigmotaxis, during specific time points in development that are unrelated to changes in AChE activity. Larvae treated with malathion but not chlorpyrifos also had significantly smaller forebrain and hindbrain regions compared to controls by 5 days post-fertilization. We conclude that exposure to very low concentrations of organophosphate pesticides during development cause abnormalities in behavior and brain size. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  2. Coconut (Cocos nucifera) Ethanolic Leaf Extract Reduces Amyloid-β (1-42) Aggregation and Paralysis Prevalence in Transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans Independently of Free Radical Scavenging and Acetylcholinesterase Inhibition

    PubMed Central

    Manalo, Rafael Vincent; Silvestre, Maries Ann; Barbosa, Aza Lea Anne; Medina, Paul Mark

    2017-01-01

    Virgin coconut oil (VCO) has been the subject of several studies which have aimed to alleviate Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathology, focusing on in vitro antioxidant and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activities. Here, we studied an underutilized and lesser-valued part of the coconut tree, specifically the leaves, using in vitro and in vivo approaches. Coconut leaf extract (CLE) was screened for antioxidant and AChE inhibitory properties in vitro and therapeutic effects in two strains of transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans expressing amyloid-β1–42 (Aβ1-42) in muscle cells. CLE demonstrated free radical scavenging activity with an EC50 that is 79-fold less compared to ascorbic acid, and an AChE inhibitory activity that is 131-fold less compared to Rivastigmine. Surprisingly, in spite of its low antioxidant activity and AChE inhibition, CLE reduced Aβ deposits by 30.31% in CL2006 in a dose-independent manner, and reduced the percentage of paralyzed nematodes at the lowest concentration of CLE (159.38 μg/mL), compared to dH2O/vehicle (control). Phytochemical analysis detected glycosides, anthocyanins, and hydrolyzable tannins in CLE, some of which are known to be anti-amyloidogenic. Taken together, these findings suggest that CLE metabolites alternatively decrease AB1–42 aggregation and paralysis prevalence independently of free radical scavenging and AChE inhibition, and this warrants further investigation on the bioactive compounds of CLE. PMID:28536360

  3. Glutathione regulation-based dual-functional upconversion sensing-platform for acetylcholinesterase activity and cadmium ions.

    PubMed

    Fang, Aijin; Chen, Hongyu; Li, Haitao; Liu, Meiling; Zhang, Youyu; Yao, Shouzhuo

    2017-01-15

    A dual-functional platform for the sensing of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity and cadmium ions (Cd 2+ ) was developed based on the fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) between NaYF 4 :Yb,Er upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) via glutathione regulation. The detection mechanism is based on the fact that AuNPs can quench the fluorescence of UCNPs. AChE catalyzes the hydrolysis of acetylthiocholine (ATC) into thiocholine which reacts with AuNPs by S-Au conjunction and results the aggregation of AuNPs and change in fluorescence of UCNPs. Therefore, the AChE activity can be detected through the changes of the color of solution and fluorescence recovery of UCNPs. However, the presence of glutathione (GSH) can protect AuNPs from aggregation and enlarge the inter-particle distance between AuNPs and UCNPs. When Cd 2+ is added into the stable mixture of AuNPs, GSH and AChE/ATC, Cd 2+ could interact with GSH to form a spherical shaped (GSH) 4 Cd complex, which decreases the free GSH on the surface of AuNPs to weaken the stability of AuNPs and lead to the easily aggregation of them in the system. The aggregated-AuNPs are released from the surface of UCNPs, which results in the fluorescence of UCNPs gradually recovered. Under the optimized conditions, the detection limits of AChE activity and Cd 2+ are estimated to be 0.015mU/mL and 0.2µM, respectively. The small molecules regulated dual-functional platform based on UCNPs/AuNPs is a simple, label-free method and can be applied for the turn-on fluorescence detection of AChE activity in human serum and Cd 2+ in real water samples. The present work demonstrates a general strategy for the design of small molecules regulated multifunctional platform and will be expanded for different areas in the future. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  4. The structure-AChE inhibitory activity relationships study in a series of pyridazine analogues.

    PubMed

    Saracoglu, M; Kandemirli, F

    2009-07-01

    The structure-activity relationships (SAR) are investigated by means of the Electronic-Topological Method (ETM) followed by the Neural Networks application (ETM-NN) for a class of anti-cholinesterase inhibitors (AChE, 53 molecules) being pyridazine derivatives. AChE activities of the series were measured in IC(50) units, and relative to the activity levels, the series was partitioned into classes of active and inactive compounds. Based on pharmacophores and antipharmacophores calculated by the ETM-software as sub-matrices containing important spatial and electronic characteristics, a system for the activity prognostication is developed. Input data for the ETM were taken as the results of conformational and quantum-mechanics calculations. To predict the activity, we used one of the most well known neural networks, namely, the feed-forward neural networks (FFNNs) trained with the back propagation algorithm. The supervised learning was performed using a variant of FFNN known as the Associative Neural Networks (ASNN). The result of the testing revealed that the high ETM's ability of predicting both activity and inactivity of potential AChE inhibitors. Analysis of HOMOs for the compounds containing Ph1 and APh1 has shown that atoms with the highest values of the atomic orbital coefficients are mainly those atoms that enter into the pharmacophores. Thus, the set of pharmacophores and antipharmacophores found as the result of this study forms a basis for a system of the anti-cholinesterase activity prediction.

  5. Spinosad resistance, esterase isoenzymes and temporal synergism in Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) in Australia.

    PubMed

    Herron, Grant A; Gunning, Robin V; Cottage, Emma L A; Borzatta, Valerio; Gobbi, Carlotta

    2014-09-01

    Spinosad has been widely used in Australia to control western flower thrips Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) but spinosad usefulness is now compromised by resistance. Here we studied a highly spinosad resistant strain of F. occidentalis to explore if esterases had a role in spinosad resistance. Enhanced esterase activity in pressured spinosad-resistant F. occidentalis was confirmed via PAGE electrophoresis and estimated to be approximately three times higher than that in a susceptible strain. Spinosad-esterase inhibition data in the resistant strain, showed a concentration effect with significant esterase-spinosad binding occurring at spinosad concentrations from 6.2× 10(-7) to 1.5× 10(-5) M. Similarly, a spinosad-piperonyl butoxide (PBO) inhibition curve showed a concentration effect, with significant esterase-PBO binding occurring in the resistant strain at PBO concentrations between 3.3× 10(-5) M and 8.4× 10(-4) M. No binding of esterase to spinosad or PBO occurred in the susceptible strain. Results of bioassays in which spinosad resistant F. occidentalis were sprayed with a 4h delayed release formulation of cyclodextrin-complexed spinosad with immediately available PBO demonstrated that spinosad resistance was significantly reduced from 577 to 72-fold. With further development the PBO synergism of spinosad using a delayed release formulation, similar to that used here, may provide effective control for spinosad resistant F. occidentalis. Temporal synergism of spinosad may prove to be effective tactic for the control of spinosad resistant F. occidentalis where the main resistance mechanism involved has been confirmed to be esterase based. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  6. Differential Modulation of Spontaneous and Evoked Thalamocortical Network Activity by Acetylcholine Level In Vitro

    PubMed Central

    Wester, Jason C.

    2013-01-01

    Different levels of cholinergic neuromodulatory tone have been hypothesized to set the state of cortical circuits either to one dominated by local cortical recurrent activity (low ACh) or to one dependent on thalamic input (high ACh). High ACh levels depress intracortical but facilitate thalamocortical synapses, whereas low levels potentiate intracortical synapses. Furthermore, recent work has implicated the thalamus in controlling cortical network state during waking and attention, when ACh levels are highest. To test this hypothesis, we used rat thalamocortical slices maintained in medium to generate spontaneous up- and down-states and applied different ACh concentrations to slices in which thalamocortical connections were either maintained or severed. The effects on spontaneous and evoked up-states were measured using voltage-sensitive dye imaging, intracellular recordings, local field potentials, and single/multiunit activity. We found that high ACh can increase the frequency of spontaneous up-states, but reduces their duration in slices with intact thalamocortical connections. Strikingly, when thalamic connections are severed, high ACh instead greatly reduces or abolishes spontaneous up-states. Furthermore, high ACh reduces the spatial propagation, velocity, and depolarization amplitude of evoked up-states. In contrast, low ACh dramatically increases up-state frequency regardless of the presence or absence of intact thalamocortical connections and does not reduce the duration, spatial propagation, or velocity of evoked up-states. Therefore, our data support the hypothesis that strong cholinergic modulation increases the influence, and thus the signal-to-noise ratio, of afferent input over local cortical activity and that lower cholinergic tone enhances recurrent cortical activity regardless of thalamic input. PMID:24198382

  7. Extracellular esterases of phylloplane yeast Pseudozyma antarctica induce defect on cuticle layer structure and water-holding ability of plant leaves.

    PubMed

    Ueda, Hirokazu; Mitsuhara, Ichiro; Tabata, Jun; Kugimiya, Soichi; Watanabe, Takashi; Suzuki, Ken; Yoshida, Shigenobu; Kitamoto, Hiroko

    2015-08-01

    Aerial plant surface (phylloplane) is a primary key habitat for many microorganisms but is generally recognized as limited in nutrient resources. Pseudozyma antarctica, a nonpathogenic yeast, is commonly isolated from plant surfaces and characterized as an esterase producer with fatty acid assimilation ability. In order to elucidate the biological functions of these esterases, culture filtrate with high esterase activity (crude enzyme) of P. antarctica was applied onto leaves of tomato and Arabidopsis. These leaves showed a wilty phenotype, which is typically associated with water deficiency. Furthermore, we confirmed that crude enzyme-treated detached leaves clearly lost their water-holding ability. In treated leaves of both plants, genes associated to abscisic acid (ABA; a plant stress hormone responding osmotic stress) were activated and accumulation of ABA was confirmed in tomato plants. Microscopic observation of treated leaf surfaces revealed that cuticle layer covering the aerial epidermis of leaves became thinner. A gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis exhibited that fatty acids with 16 and 18 carbon chains were released in larger amounts from treated leaf surfaces, indicating that the crude enzyme has ability to degrade lipid components of cuticle layer. Among the three esterases detected in the crude enzyme, lipase A, lipase B, and P. antarctica esterase (PaE), an in vitro enzyme assay using para-nitrophenyl palmitate as substrate demonstrated that PaE was the most responsible for the degradation. These results suggest that PaE has a potential role in the extraction of fatty acids from plant surfaces, making them available for the growth of phylloplane yeasts.

  8. Effect of coumarins on HL-60 cell differentiation.

    PubMed

    Kawaii, S; Tomono, Y; Katase, E; Ogawa, K; Yano, M

    2000-01-01

    Twenty-eight coumarins, including 7 furocoumarins, were examined for their activity of induction of terminal differentiation of human promyelocytic leukemia cells (HL-60) by nitro blue tetrazolium (NBT) reducing, nonspecific esterase, specific esterase and phagocytic activities. Esculetin, nordalbergin, 6,7-dihydroxy-4-methylcoumarin and imperatorin had strong activity among the coumarins examined. HL-60 cells treated with these coumarins differentiated into mature monocyte/macrophage. The structure-activity relationship established from the results revealed that 6,7-dihydroxy moiety had an important role in the induction of differentiation of HL-60.

  9. Exploration of the Energy Landscape of Acetylcholinesterase by Molecular Dynamics Simulation.

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    McCammon, J. Andrew

    2002-03-01

    Proteins have rough energy landscapes. Often more states than just the ground state are occupied and have biological functions. It is essential to study these conformational substates and the dynamical transitions among them. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is an important enzyme that has biological functions including the termination of synaptic transmission signals. X-ray structures show that it has an active site that is accessible only via a long and narrow channel from its surface. Therefore the fact that acetylcholine and larger ligands can reach the active site is believed to reflect the protein's structural fluctuation. We carried out long molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the dynamics of AChE and its relation to biological function, and compared our results with experiments. The results reveal several "doors" that open intermittantly between the active site and the surface. Instead of having simple exponential decay correlation functions, the time series of these channels reveal complex, fractal gating between conformations. We also compared the AChE dynamics data with those from an AchE-fasciculin complex. (Fasciculin is a small protein that is a natural inhibitor of AChE.) The results show remarkable effects of the protein-protein interaction, including allosteric and dynamical inhibition by fasciculin besides direct steric blocking. More information and images can be found at http://mccammon.ucsd.edu

  10. Memory-Relevant Mushroom Body Output Synapses Are Cholinergic.

    PubMed

    Barnstedt, Oliver; Owald, David; Felsenberg, Johannes; Brain, Ruth; Moszynski, John-Paul; Talbot, Clifford B; Perrat, Paola N; Waddell, Scott

    2016-03-16

    Memories are stored in the fan-out fan-in neural architectures of the mammalian cerebellum and hippocampus and the insect mushroom bodies. However, whereas key plasticity occurs at glutamatergic synapses in mammals, the neurochemistry of the memory-storing mushroom body Kenyon cell output synapses is unknown. Here we demonstrate a role for acetylcholine (ACh) in Drosophila. Kenyon cells express the ACh-processing proteins ChAT and VAChT, and reducing their expression impairs learned olfactory-driven behavior. Local ACh application, or direct Kenyon cell activation, evokes activity in mushroom body output neurons (MBONs). MBON activation depends on VAChT expression in Kenyon cells and is blocked by ACh receptor antagonism. Furthermore, reducing nicotinic ACh receptor subunit expression in MBONs compromises odor-evoked activation and redirects odor-driven behavior. Lastly, peptidergic corelease enhances ACh-evoked responses in MBONs, suggesting an interaction between the fast- and slow-acting transmitters. Therefore, olfactory memories in Drosophila are likely stored as plasticity of cholinergic synapses. Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  11. [Susceptibility of Aedes aegypti to DDT, deltamethrin, and lambda-cyhalothrin in Colombia].

    PubMed

    Santacoloma Varón, Liliana; Chaves Córdoba, Bernardo; Brochero, Helena Luisa

    2010-01-01

    To assess the susceptibility status of 13 natural populations of Aedes aegypti (collected from sites in Colombia where dengue is a serious public health problem) to the pyrethroids, deltamethrin and lambda-cyhalothrin, and to the organochlorine, DDT, and to identify any biochemical mechanisms associated with resistance. Immature forms of the vector were collected from natural breeding spots at each site and then raised under controlled conditions. Using the F2 generation, bioassays were performed using the World Health Organization's 1981 methodology (impregnated paper) and United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's 1998 methodology (impregnated bottles). In populations where mortality rates were consistent with decreased susceptibility, levels of nonspecific esterases (NSE), mixed-function oxidases (MFO), and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) were measured using colorimetric tests. All of the mosquito populations that were tested showed resistance to the organochlorine DDT. In the case of the pyrethroids, widespread resistance to lambda-cyhalothrin was found, but not to deltamethrin. Assessing the biochemical resistance mechanisms showed that 7 of the 11 populations had elevated NSE, and one population, increased MFO. Physiological cross-resistance between DDT and lambda-cyhalothrin in the A. aegypti populations tested was dismissed. Physiological resistance to lambda-cyhalothrin appears to be associated with increased NSE. The differences in susceptibility levels and enzyme values among the populations were associated with genetic variations and chemicals in use locally.

  12. Inhibition of cholinesterase activity by extracts, fractions and compounds from Calceolaria talcana and C. integrifolia (Calceolariaceae: Scrophulariaceae).

    PubMed

    Cespedes, Carlos L; Muñoz, Evelyn; Salazar, Juan R; Yamaguchi, Lydia; Werner, Enrique; Alarcon, Julio; Kubo, Isao

    2013-12-01

    Extracts, fractions and compounds from Calceolaria talcana and C. integrifolia exhibited strong inhibitory effects of the activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) enzymes using the in vitro Ellman's method. The most active samples were from the ethyl acetate extract, which caused a mixed-type inhibition against AChE (69.8% and 79.5% at 100 and 200 μg/ml, respectively) and against BChE (98.5% and 99.8% at 100 and 200 μg/ml, respectively) and its major components verbascoside 8 (50.9% and 70.0% at 200 μg/ml, against AChE and BChE, respectively), martynoside 9, and fraction F-7 (which corresponds to a mixture of 8, 9, and other phenylethanoids and phenolics that remain unidentified) (80.2% and 85.3% at 100 and 200 μg/ml, against AChE, respectively and 99.1% and 99.7% at 100 and 200 μg/ml, against BChE, respectively) inhibited the acetylcholinesterase enzyme competitively. The most polar fraction F-5 from n-hexane extract (a mixture of naphthoquinones: 2-hydroxy-3-(1,1-dimethylallyl-1,4-naphthoquinone) 6, α-dunnione 7 and other polar compounds that remain unidentified) showed a mixed-type inhibition (71.5% and 72.1% against AChE and BChE at 200 μg/ml, respectively). Finally, the methanol-soluble residue presented a complex, mixed-type inhibition (39.9% and 67.9% against AChE and BChE at 200 μg/ml, respectively). The mixture F-3 with diterpenes was obtained from the n-hexane extract: (1,10-cyclopropyl-9-epi-ent-isopimarol) 1, 19-α-hydroxy-abietatriene 2, and F-4 a mixture of triterpenes α-lupeol 3, β-sitosterol 4, ursolic acid 5 together with a complex mixture of terpenes that did not show activity. In summary, extracts and natural compounds from C. talcana and C. integrifolia were isolated, identified and characterized as cholinesterase inhibitors.

  13. Therapeutic efficacy of the adenosine A1 receptor agonist N6-cyclopentyladenosine (CPA) against organophosphate intoxication.

    PubMed

    Bueters, Tjerk J H; Groen, Bas; Danhof, Meindert; IJzerman, Ad P; Van Helden, Herman P M

    2002-11-01

    The objective of the present study was to investigate whether reduction of central acetylcholine (ACh) accumulation by adenosine receptor agonists could serve as a generic treatment against organophosphate (OP) poisoning. The OPs studied were tabun ( O-ethyl- N-dimethylphosphoramidocyanidate), sarin (isopropylmethylphosphonofluoridate), VX ( O-ethyl- S-2-diisopropylaminoethylmethylphosphonothiolate) and parathion ( O, O-diethyl- O-(4-nitrophenyl)phosphorothioate). The efficacy of the adenosine A(1) receptor agonist N(6)-cyclopentyladenosine (CPA) against an OP intoxication was examined on the basis of the occurrence of clinical symptoms that are directly associated with such intoxication. CPA (1-2 mg/kg) effectively attenuated the cholinergic symptoms and prevented mortality in lethally tabun- or sarin-intoxicated rats. In contrast, CPA (2 mg/kg) proved to be ineffective against VX or parathion intoxication. Intracerebral microdialysis studies revealed that survival of sarin-poisoned and CPA-treated animals coincided with a minor elevation of extracellular ACh concentrations in the brain relative to the baseline value, whereas an 11-fold increase in transmitter levels was observed in animals not treated with CPA. In VX-intoxicated rats, however, the ACh amounts increased 18-fold, irrespective of treatment with CPA. The striatal acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity following a lethal sarin intoxication was completely abolished in the vehicle-treated animals, whereas 10% and 60% AChE activity remained in animals treated with 2 mg/kg CPA 1 min after or 2 min prior to the poisoning, respectively. In VX-intoxicated animals the AChE activity in the brain was strongly reduced (striatum 10%, hippocampus 1%) regardless of the CPA treatment. These results demonstrate that CPA is highly effective against tabun or sarin poisoning, but fails to protect against VX or parathion. Survival and attenuation of clinical signs in tabun- or sarin-poisoned animals are associated with a reduction of ACh accumulation and with protection of AChE activity in the brain.

  14. ACh-induced hyperpolarization and decreased resistance in mammalian type II vestibular hair cells.

    PubMed

    Poppi, Lauren A; Tabatabaee, Hessam; Drury, Hannah R; Jobling, Phillip; Callister, Robert J; Migliaccio, Americo A; Jordan, Paivi M; Holt, Joseph C; Rabbitt, Richard D; Lim, Rebecca; Brichta, Alan M

    2018-01-01

    In the mammalian vestibular periphery, electrical activation of the efferent vestibular system (EVS) has two effects on afferent activity: 1) it increases background afferent discharge and 2) decreases afferent sensitivity to rotational stimuli. Although the cellular mechanisms underlying these two contrasting afferent responses remain obscure, we postulated that the reduction in afferent sensitivity was attributed, in part, to the activation of α9- containing nicotinic acetylcholine (ACh) receptors (α9*nAChRs) and small-conductance potassium channels (SK) in vestibular type II hair cells, as demonstrated in the peripheral vestibular system of other vertebrates. To test this hypothesis, we examined the effects of the predominant EVS neurotransmitter ACh on vestibular type II hair cells from wild-type (wt) and α9-subunit nAChR knockout (α9 -/- ) mice. Immunostaining for choline acetyltransferase revealed there were no obvious gross morphological differences in the peripheral EVS innervation among any of these strains. ACh application onto wt type II hair cells, at resting potentials, produced a fast inward current followed by a slower outward current, resulting in membrane hyperpolarization and decreased membrane resistance. Hyperpolarization and decreased resistance were due to gating of SK channels. Consistent with activation of α9*nAChRs and SK channels, these ACh-sensitive currents were antagonized by the α9*nAChR blocker strychnine and SK blockers apamin and tamapin. Type II hair cells from α9 -/- mice, however, failed to respond to ACh at all. These results confirm the critical importance of α9nAChRs in efferent modulation of mammalian type II vestibular hair cells. Application of exogenous ACh reduces electrical impedance, thereby decreasing type II hair cell sensitivity. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Expression of α9 nicotinic subunit was crucial for fast cholinergic modulation of mammalian vestibular type II hair cells. These findings show a multifaceted efferent mechanism for altering hair cell membrane potential and decreasing membrane resistance that should reduce sensitivity to hair bundle displacements.

  15. An Antibody Biosensor Establishes the Activation of the M1 Muscarinic Acetylcholine Receptor during Learning and Memory*♦

    PubMed Central

    Butcher, Adrian J.; Bradley, Sophie J.; Prihandoko, Rudi; Brooke, Simon M.; Mogg, Adrian; Bourgognon, Julie-Myrtille; Macedo-Hatch, Timothy; Edwards, Jennifer M.; Bottrill, Andrew R.; Challiss, R. A. John; Broad, Lisa M.; Felder, Christian C.; Tobin, Andrew B.

    2016-01-01

    Establishing the in vivo activation status of G protein-coupled receptors would not only indicate physiological roles of G protein-coupled receptors but would also aid drug discovery by establishing drug/receptor engagement. Here, we develop a phospho-specific antibody-based biosensor to detect activation of the M1 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (M1 mAChR) in vitro and in vivo. Mass spectrometry phosphoproteomics identified 14 sites of phosphorylation on the M1 mAChR. Phospho-specific antibodies to four of these sites established that serine at position 228 (Ser228) on the M1 mAChR showed extremely low levels of basal phosphorylation that were significantly up-regulated by orthosteric agonist stimulation. In addition, the M1 mAChR-positive allosteric modulator, 1-(4-methoxybenzyl)-4-oxo-1,4-dihydroquinoline-3-carboxylic acid, enhanced acetylcholine-mediated phosphorylation at Ser228. These data supported the hypothesis that phosphorylation at Ser228 was an indicator of M1 mAChR activation. This was further supported in vivo by the identification of phosphorylated Ser228 on the M1 mAChR in the hippocampus of mice following administration of the muscarinic ligands xanomeline and 1-(4-methoxybenzyl)-4-oxo-1,4-dihydroquinoline-3-carboxylic acid. Finally, Ser228 phosphorylation was seen to increase in the CA1 region of the hippocampus following memory acquisition, a response that correlated closely with up-regulation of CA1 neuronal activity. Thus, determining the phosphorylation status of the M1 mAChR at Ser228 not only provides a means of establishing receptor activation following drug treatment both in vitro and in vivo but also allows for the mapping of the activation status of the M1 mAChR in the hippocampus following memory acquisition thereby establishing a link between M1 mAChR activation and hippocampus-based memory and learning. PMID:26826123

  16. An Antibody Biosensor Establishes the Activation of the M1 Muscarinic Acetylcholine Receptor during Learning and Memory.

    PubMed

    Butcher, Adrian J; Bradley, Sophie J; Prihandoko, Rudi; Brooke, Simon M; Mogg, Adrian; Bourgognon, Julie-Myrtille; Macedo-Hatch, Timothy; Edwards, Jennifer M; Bottrill, Andrew R; Challiss, R A John; Broad, Lisa M; Felder, Christian C; Tobin, Andrew B

    2016-04-22

    Establishing the in vivo activation status of G protein-coupled receptors would not only indicate physiological roles of G protein-coupled receptors but would also aid drug discovery by establishing drug/receptor engagement. Here, we develop a phospho-specific antibody-based biosensor to detect activation of the M1 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (M1 mAChR) in vitro and in vivo Mass spectrometry phosphoproteomics identified 14 sites of phosphorylation on the M1 mAChR. Phospho-specific antibodies to four of these sites established that serine at position 228 (Ser(228)) on the M1 mAChR showed extremely low levels of basal phosphorylation that were significantly up-regulated by orthosteric agonist stimulation. In addition, the M1 mAChR-positive allosteric modulator, 1-(4-methoxybenzyl)-4-oxo-1,4-dihydroquinoline-3-carboxylic acid, enhanced acetylcholine-mediated phosphorylation at Ser(228) These data supported the hypothesis that phosphorylation at Ser(228) was an indicator of M1 mAChR activation. This was further supported in vivo by the identification of phosphorylated Ser(228) on the M1 mAChR in the hippocampus of mice following administration of the muscarinic ligands xanomeline and 1-(4-methoxybenzyl)-4-oxo-1,4-dihydroquinoline-3-carboxylic acid. Finally, Ser(228) phosphorylation was seen to increase in the CA1 region of the hippocampus following memory acquisition, a response that correlated closely with up-regulation of CA1 neuronal activity. Thus, determining the phosphorylation status of the M1 mAChR at Ser(228) not only provides a means of establishing receptor activation following drug treatment both in vitro and in vivo but also allows for the mapping of the activation status of the M1 mAChR in the hippocampus following memory acquisition thereby establishing a link between M1 mAChR activation and hippocampus-based memory and learning. © 2016 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

  17. Activation of muscle nicotinic acetylcholine receptor channels by nicotinic and muscarinic agonists

    PubMed Central

    Akk, Gustav; Auerbach, Anthony

    1999-01-01

    The dose-response parameters of recombinant mouse adult neuromuscular acetylcholine receptor channels (nAChR) activated by carbamylcholine, nicotine, muscarine and oxotremorine were measured. Rate constants for agonist association and dissociation, and channel opening and closing, were estimated from single-channel kinetic analysis.The dissociation equilibrium constants were (mM): ACh (0.16)carbamylcholine (5.1)>oxotremorine M (0.6)>nicotine (0.5)>muscarine (0.15).Rat neuronal α4β2 nAChR can be activated by all of the agonists. However, detailed kinetic analysis was impossible because the recordings lacked clusters representing the activity of a single receptor complex. Thus, the number of channels in the patch was unknown and the activation rate constants could not be determined.Considering both receptor affinity and agonist efficacy, muscarine and oxotremorine are significant agonists of muscle-type nAChR. The results are discussed in terms of structure-function relationships at the nAChR transmitter binding site. PMID:10602325

  18. Two new compounds from the fruiting bodies of Ganoderma philippii.

    PubMed

    Yang, Shuang; Ma, Qing-Yun; Kong, Fan-Dong; Xie, Qing-Yi; Huang, Sheng-Zhuo; Zhou, Li-Man; Dai, Hao-Fu; Yu, Zhi-Fang; Zhao, You-Xing

    2018-03-01

    Two new compounds, philippin (1) and 3β,9α,14α-trihydroxy-(22E,24R)-ergost-22-en-7-one (2), were isolated from the fruiting bodies of Ganoderma philippii. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of the spectroscopic technologies, including 1D and 2D NMR as well as MS. The bioassay of inhibitory activity against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) showed compound 1 exhibited weak inhibitory activity against AChE.

  19. Synthesis and study of thiocarbonate derivatives of choline as potential inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase.

    PubMed

    Boyle, N A; Talesa, V; Giovannini, E; Rosi, G; Norton, S J

    1997-09-12

    Fourteen alkyl and aryl thiocarbonate derivatives of choline were synthesized and studied as potential inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase (AChE). Twelve of the compounds inhibited AChEs derived from calf forebrain, human red blood cells, and octopus brain ranging from low to moderately high inhibition potency. The concentration of each inhibitory compound giving 50% inhibition of enzyme activity (IC50 values, which ranged from 1 x 10(-2) to 8 x 10(-7) M) was determined and is reported; inhibitor constants (Ki values) for the most inhibitory compounds, (1-pentylthiocarbonyl)choline chloride and (1-heptylthiocarbonyl)choline chloride, were calculated from kinetic data and are also reported. The inhibitors are competitive with substrate, and they are not hydrolyzed by the AChE activities. Certain of these new compounds may provide direction for the development of new drugs that have anticholinesterase activity and may be used for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

  20. Acetylcholine released from T cells regulates intracellular Ca2+, IL-2 secretion and T cell proliferation through nicotinic acetylcholine receptor.

    PubMed

    Mashimo, Masato; Iwasaki, Yukari; Inoue, Shoko; Saito, Shoko; Kawashima, Koichiro; Fujii, Takeshi

    2017-03-01

    T lymphocytes synthesize acetylcholine (ACh) and express muscarinic and nicotinic ACh receptors (mAChR and nAChR, respectively) responsible for increases in the intracellular Ca 2+ concentration ([Ca 2+ ] i ). Our aim in the present study was to assess whether autocrine ACh released from T lymphocytes regulates their physiological functions. MOLT-3 human leukemic cell line and murine splenocytes were loaded with fura-2 to monitor [Ca 2+ ] i changes in the absence or presence of several AChR antagonists, including mecamylamine, methyllycaconitine and scopolamine. Real-time PCR and ELISA were performed to measure interleukin-2 (IL-2) mRNA and protein levels. T lymphocytes constitutively produce sufficient amounts of ACh to elicit autocrine changes in [Ca 2+ ] i . These autocrine ACh-evoked [Ca 2+ ] i transients were mediated by nAChRs and then influx of extracellular Ca 2+ . Mecamylamine, a nAChR inhibitor, suppressed not only these [Ca 2+ ] i transients, but also IL-2 release and T cell proliferation. Here, we confirmed that T lymphocytes utilize ACh as a tool to interact with each other and that autocrine ACh-activated nAChRs are involved in cytokine release and cell proliferation. These findings suggest the possibility that nAChR agonists and antagonists and smoking are able to modulate immune function, which in turn suggests the therapeutic potential of immune activation or suppression using nAChR agonists or antagonists. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  1. Vine Trimming Shoots as Substrate for Ferulic Acid Esterases Production.

    PubMed

    Pérez-Rodríguez, N; Outeiriño, D; Torrado Agrasar, A; Domínguez, J M

    2017-02-01

    Ferulic acid esterases (FAE) possess a large variety of biotechnological applications mainly based on their ability to release ferulic acid from lignocellulosic matrixes. The use of vine trimming shoots (VTS), an agricultural waste, as substrate for the generation of this kind of esterases represents an attractive alternative to change the consideration of VTS from residue to resource. Furthermore, xylanase, cellobiase, and cellulase activities were quantified. Six microorganisms were screened for FAE production by solid-state fermentation, and the effects of the additional supplementation and substrate size were also tested. Finally, the process was scaled-up to a horizontal bioreactor where the influence of aeration in enzymatic activities was evaluated. Thus, the optimal FAE activity (0.44 U/g dry VTS) was attained by Aspergillus terreus CECT 2808, in non-additional supplementation media, using the larger particles size of substrate (≤ 5 mm) and at a flow rate of 0.7 L/min.

  2. Xylella fastidiosa esterase rather than hydroxynitrile lyase.

    PubMed

    Torrelo, Guzman; Ribeiro de Souza, Fayene Zeferino; Carrilho, Emanuel; Hanefeld, Ulf

    2015-03-02

    In 2009, we reported that the product of the gene SCJ21.16 (XFa0032) from Xylella fastidiosa, a xylem-restricted plant pathogen that causes a range of diseases in several important crops, encodes a protein (XfHNL) with putative hydroxynitrile lyase activity. Sequence analysis and activity tests indicated that XfHNL exhibits an α/β-hydrolase fold and could be classified as a member of the family of FAD-independent HNLs. Here we provide a more detailed sequence analysis and new experimental data. Using pure heterologously expressed XfHNL we show that this enzyme cannot catalyse the cleavage/synthesis of mandelonitrile and that this protein is in fact a non-enantioselective esterase. Homology modelling and ligand docking simulations were used to study the active site and support these results. This finding could help elucidate the common ancestor of esterases and hydroxynitrile lyases with an α/β -hydrolase fold. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  3. Application of glutaraldehyde for the staining of esterase-active cells with carboxyfluorescein diacetate.

    PubMed

    Morono, Yuki; Takano, Suguru; Miyanaga, Kazuhiko; Tanji, Yasunori; Unno, Hajime; Hori, Katsutoshi

    2004-03-01

    Staining of esterase-active bacteria with carboxyfluorescein diacetate (CFDA) has been used to evaluate the viability of various types of cell. However, the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria prevents CFDA from permeating into the cell. Although EDTA can increase the permeability of the outer membrane allowing CFDA to enter the cells, it was experimentally confirmed that there is still considerable difficulty in visualizing viable cells due to passive diffusion of carboxyfluorescein (CF), a hydrolyzed product of CFDA, out of the cells. We found that glutaraldehyde enhances the discriminative recognition of esterase-active Gram-negative bacteria under microscopic observation by improving the efficacy of staining. We believe the successful staining in the presence of glutaraldehyde is due to two separate effects: an increase in the permeability of CFDA into the cell and prevention of leakage of CF out of the cell.

  4. α4α6β2* nicotinic acetylcholine receptor activation on ventral tegmental area dopamine neurons is sufficient to stimulate a depolarizing conductance and enhance surface AMPA receptor function.

    PubMed

    Engle, Staci E; Shih, Pei-Yu; McIntosh, J Michael; Drenan, Ryan M

    2013-09-01

    Tobacco addiction is a serious threat to public health in the United States and abroad, and development of new therapeutic approaches is a major priority. Nicotine activates and/or desensitizes nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) throughout the brain. nAChRs in ventral tegmental area (VTA) dopamine (DA) neurons are crucial for the rewarding and reinforcing properties of nicotine in rodents, suggesting that they may be key mediators of nicotine's action in humans. However, it is unknown which nAChR subtypes are sufficient to activate these neurons. To test the hypothesis that nAChRs containing α6 subunits are sufficient to activate VTA DA neurons, we studied mice expressing hypersensitive, gain-of-function α6 nAChRs (α6L9'S mice). In voltage-clamp recordings in brain slices from adult mice, 100 nM nicotine was sufficient to elicit inward currents in VTA DA neurons via α6β2* nAChRs. In addition, we found that low concentrations of nicotine could act selectively through α6β2* nAChRs to enhance the function of 2-amino-3-(3-hydroxy-5-methyl-isoxazol-4-yl)propanoic acid (AMPA) receptors on the surface of these cells. In contrast, α6β2* activation did not enhance N-methyl-D-aspartic acid receptor function. Finally, AMPA receptor (AMPAR) function was not similarly enhanced in brain slices from α6L9'S mice lacking α4 nAChR subunits, suggesting that α4α6β2* nAChRs are important for enhancing AMPAR function in VTA DA neurons. Together, these data suggest that activation of α4α6β2* nAChRs in VTA DA neurons is sufficient to support the initiation of cellular changes that play a role in addiction to nicotine. α4α6β2* nAChRs may be a promising target for future smoking cessation pharmacotherapy.

  5. Diacylglycerol levels modulate the cellular distribution of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor.

    PubMed

    Kamerbeek, Constanza B; Mateos, Melina V; Vallés, Ana S; Pediconi, María F; Barrantes, Francisco J; Borroni, Virginia

    2016-05-01

    Diacylglycerol (DAG), a second messenger involved in different cell signaling cascades, activates protein kinase C (PKC) and D (PKD), among other kinases. The present work analyzes the effects resulting from the alteration of DAG levels on neuronal and muscle nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (AChR) distribution. We employ CHO-K1/A5 cells, expressing adult muscle-type AChR in a stable manner, and hippocampal neurons, which endogenously express various subtypes of neuronal AChR. CHO-K1/A5 cells treated with dioctanoylglycerol (DOG) for different periods showed augmented AChR cell surface levels at short incubation times (30min-4h) whereas at longer times (18h) the AChR was shifted to intracellular compartments. Similarly, in cultured hippocampal neurons surface AChR levels increased as a result of DOG incubation for 4h. Inhibition of endogenous DAG catabolism produced changes in AChR distribution similar to those induced by DOG treatment. Specific enzyme inhibitors and Western blot assays revealed that DAGs exert their effect on AChR distribution through the modulation of the activity of classical PKC (cPKC), novel PKC (nPKC) and PKD activity. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  6. Is acetylcholinesterase a biomarker of susceptibility in Daphnia magna (Crustacea, Cladocera) after deltamethrin exposure?

    PubMed

    Toumi, Héla; Boumaiza, Moncef; Millet, Maurice; Radetski, Claudemir Marcos; Felten, Vincent; Férard, Jean François

    2015-02-01

    In the present study, we explored the possibility of using the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) as a biomarker after deltamethrin (pyrethroid insecticide) exposure with three strains of the cladoceran Daphnia magna. Four calculated time-weighted deltamethrin concentrations (20.1, 40.3, 80.6 and 161.3 ng L(-1)) were compared against control acetylcholinesterase activity. Our results showed that after 48 h of deltamethrin exposure, all treatments induced a significant decrease of AChE activities whatever the three considered strains. However, diverse responses were registered in terms of lowest observed effect concentrations (LOEC: 80.6 ng L(-1) for strain 1 and 20.1 ng L(-1) for strains 2 and 3) revealing differences in sensitivity among the three tested strains of D. magna. Our results suggest that after deltamethrin exposure, the AChE activity responses can be also used as a biomarker of susceptibility (i.e., variation of strain specific response). Moreover, our results show that strain 1 is the less sensitive in terms of IC50-48 h of AChE, whereas it became the most sensitive when considering the EC50-48 h estimated in the standard ecotoxicity test. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  7. Effects of diazinon on the lymphocytic cholinergic system of Nile tilapia fish (Oreochromis niloticus).

    PubMed

    Toledo-Ibarra, G A; Díaz-Resendiz, K J G; Pavón-Romero, L; Rojas-García, A E; Medina-Díaz, I M; Girón-Pérez, M I

    2016-08-01

    Fish rearing under intensive farming conditions can be easily disturbed by pesticides, substances that have immunotoxic properties and may predispose to infections. Organophosphorus pesticides (OPs) are widely used in agricultural activities; however, the mechanism of immunotoxicity of these substances is unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of diazinon pesticides (OPs) on the cholinergic system of immune cells as a possible target of OP immunotoxicity. We evaluated ACh levels and cholinergic (nicotinic and muscarinic) receptor concentration. Additionally, AChE activity was evaluated in mononuclear cells of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), a freshwater fish mostly cultivated in tropical regions around the world. The obtained results indicate that acute exposure to diazinon induces an increase in ACh concentration and a decrease in nAChR and mAChR concentrations and AChE activity in fish immune cells, This suggests that the non-neuronal lymphocytic cholinergic system may be the main target in the mechanism of OP immunotoxicity. This study contributes to the understanding of the mechanisms of immunotoxicity of pollutants and may help to take actions for animal health improvement. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  8. Synthesis and biological evaluation of ranitidine analogs as multiple-target-directed cognitive enhancers for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

    PubMed

    Gao, Jie; Midde, Narasimha; Zhu, Jun; Terry, Alvin V; McInnes, Campbell; Chapman, James M

    2016-11-15

    Using molecular modeling and rationally designed structural modifications, the multi-target structure-activity relationship for a series of ranitidine analogs has been investigated. Incorporation of a variety of isosteric groups indicated that appropriate aromatic moieties provide optimal interactions with the hydrophobic and π-π interactions with the peripheral anionic site of the AChE active site. The SAR of a series of cyclic imides demonstrated that AChE inhibition is increased by additional aromatic rings, where 1,8-naphthalimide derivatives were the most potent analogs and other key determinants were revealed. In addition to improving AChE activity and chemical stability, structural modifications allowed determination of binding affinities and selectivities for M1-M4 receptors and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE). These results as a whole indicate that the 4-nitropyridazine moiety of the JWS-USC-75IX parent ranitidine compound (JWS) can be replaced with other chemotypes while retaining effective AChE inhibition. These studies allowed investigation into multitargeted binding to key receptors and warrant further investigation into 1,8-naphthalimide ranitidine derivatives for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  9. A chlorogenic acid esterase with a unique substrate specificity from Ustilago maydis.

    PubMed

    Nieter, Annabel; Haase-Aschoff, Paul; Kelle, Sebastian; Linke, Diana; Krings, Ulrich; Popper, Lutz; Berger, Ralf G

    2015-03-01

    An extracellular chlorogenic acid esterase from Ustilago maydis (UmChlE) was purified to homogeneity by using three separation steps, including anion-exchange chromatography on a Q Sepharose FF column, preparative isoelectric focusing (IEF), and, finally, a combination of affinity chromatography and hydrophobic interaction chromatography on polyamide. SDS-PAGE analysis suggested a monomeric protein of ∼71 kDa. The purified enzyme showed maximal activity at pH 7.5 and at 37°C and was active over a wide pH range (3.5 to 9.5). Previously described chlorogenic acid esterases exhibited a comparable affinity for chlorogenic acid, but the enzyme from Ustilago was also active on typical feruloyl esterase substrates. Kinetic constants for chlorogenic acid, methyl p-coumarate, methyl caffeate, and methyl ferulate were as follows: Km values of 19.6 μM, 64.1 μM, 72.5 μM, and 101.8 μM, respectively, and kcat/Km values of 25.83 mM(-1) s(-1), 7.63 mM(-1) s(-1), 3.83 mM(-1) s(-1) and 3.75 mM(-1) s(-1), respectively. UmChlE released ferulic, p-coumaric, and caffeic acids from natural substrates such as destarched wheat bran (DSWB) and coffee pulp (CP), confirming activity on complex plant biomass. The full-length gene encoding UmChlE consisted of 1,758 bp, corresponding to a protein of 585 amino acids, and was functionally produced in Pichia pastoris GS115. Sequence alignments with annotated chlorogenic acid and feruloyl esterases underlined the uniqueness of this enzyme. Copyright © 2015, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

  10. Toxicological and biochemical basis of synergism between the entomopathogenic fungus Lecanicillium muscarium and the insecticide matrine against Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ali, Shaukat; Zhang, Can; Wang, Zeqing; Wang, Xing-Min; Wu, Jian-Hui; Cuthbertson, Andrew G. S.; Shao, Zhenfang; Qiu, Bao-Li

    2017-04-01

    The sweetpotato whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) was challenged with different combinations of matrine (insecticide) and Lecanicillium muscarium (entomopathogenic fungus). Our results revealed a synergistic relationship between matrine and L. muscarium on mortality and enzyme activities of B. tabaci. To illustrate the biochemical mechanisms involved in detoxification and immune responses of B. tabaci against both control agents, activities of different detoxifying and antioxidant enzymes were quantified. After combined application of matrine and L. muscarium, activities of carboxylestrease (CarE), glutathione-s-transferase (GSTs) and chitinase (CHI) decreased during the initial infection period. Acetylcholinestrase (AChE) activities increased during the entire experimental period, whereas those of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT) decreased during the later infection period. The increased mortality and suppression of enzymatic response of B. tabaci following matrine and L. muscarium application suggests a strong synergistic effect between both agents. The strong synergistic effect is possibly related to the disturbance of acetylcholine balance and changes in AchE activities of the whitefly as both matrine and L. muscarium target insect acetylcholine (Ach) receptors which in turn effects AchE production. Therefore, our results have revealed the complex biochemical processes involved in the synergistic action of matrine and L. muscarium against B. tabaci.

  11. Assessing the reactivation efficacy of hydroxylamine anion towards VX-inhibited AChE: a computational study.

    PubMed

    Khan, Md Abdul Shafeeuulla; Ganguly, Bishwajit

    2012-05-01

    Oximate anions are used as potential reactivating agents for OP-inhibited AChE because of they possess enhanced nucleophilic reactivity due to the α-effect. We have demonstrated the process of reactivating the VX-AChE adduct with formoximate and hydroxylamine anions by applying the DFT approach at the B3LYP/6-311 G(d,p) level of theory. The calculated results suggest that the hydroxylamine anion is more efficient than the formoximate anion at reactivating VX-inhibited AChE. The reaction of formoximate anion and the VX-AChE adduct is a three-step process, while the reaction of hydroxylamine anion with the VX-AChE adduct seems to be a two-step process. The rate-determining step in the process is the initial attack on the VX of the VX-AChE adduct by the nucleophile. The subsequent steps are exergonic in nature. The potential energy surface (PES) for the reaction of the VX-AChE adduct with hydroxylamine anion reveals that the reactivation process is facilitated by the lower free energy of activation (by a factor of 1.7 kcal mol(-1)) than that of the formoximate anion at the B3LYP/6-311 G(d,p) level of theory. The higher free energy of activation for the reverse reactivation reaction between hydroxylamine anion and the VX-serine adduct further suggests that the hydroxylamine anion is a very good antidote agent for the reactivation process. The activation barriers calculated in solvent using the polarizable continuum model (PCM) for the reactivation of the VX-AChE adduct with hydroxylamine anion were also found to be low. The calculated results suggest that V-series compounds can be more toxic than G-series compounds, which is in accord with earlier experimental observations.

  12. Effects of intralipid and caffeic acid phenethyl ester on neurotoxicity, oxidative stress, and acetylcholinesterase activity in acute chlorpyriphos intoxication

    PubMed Central

    Ozkan, Umit; Osun, Arif; Basarslan, Kagan; Senol, Serkan; Kaplan, Ibrahim; Alp, Harun

    2014-01-01

    Chlorpyriphos is one of the most widely used organophosphate (OP) insecticide in agriculture with potential toxicity. Current post-exposure treatments consist of anti-cholinergic drugs and oxime compounds. We studied the effects of intralipid and caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) on chlorpyriphos toxicity to compose an alternative or supportive treatment for OP poisoning. Methods: Forty-nine rats were randomly divided into seven groups. Chlorpyriphos was administered for toxicity. Intralipid (IL) and CAPE administered immediately after chlorpyriphos. Serum acetylcholinesterase (AChE) level, total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant response (TAR), and histologic examination of cerebellum and brain tissue with Hematoxylin-Eosin and immunohistochemical dyes were examined. Results: Serum enzym levels showed that chlorpyriphos and CAPE inhibited AChE while IL alone had no effect, chlorpyriphos and CAPE intensifies the inhibition effect. Significant difference at AChE levels between the chlorpyriphos+IL and chlorpyriphos+CAPE verified that IL has a protective effect on AChE inhibition. TAR levels were significantly increased in all groups except chlorpyriphos group, TOS levels revealed that CAPE and IL decrease the amount of oxidative stress. Histologic examination revealed that neuronal degeneration was slightly decreased at chlorpyriphos+IL group, but CAPE had a significant effect on protection of neuronal degeneration. Conclusion: The results of this study gave us three key points. 1) AChE activity is important for diagnosis of OP intoxication but it has no value for determining the neuro-degeneration. 2) CAPE inhibits AChE activity and may increase the muscarinic-nicotinic hyperactivation. Therefore it should not be used for treatment of OP intoxication. 3) IL decreases the severity of neurodegeneration and symptoms of OP intoxication and it can be used as a supportive agent. PMID:24955152

  13. Cholinesterase Inhibitory Activity of Some semi-Rigid Spiro Heterocycles: POM Analyses and Crystalline Structure of Pharmacophore Site.

    PubMed

    Hadda, Taibi Ben; Talhi, Oualid; Silva, Artur S M; Senol, Fatma Sezer; Orhan, Ilkay Erdogan; Rauf, Abdur; Mabkhot, Yahia N; Bachari, Khaldoun; Warad, Ismail; Farghaly, Thoraya A; Althagafi, Ismail I; Mubarak, Mohammad S

    2018-01-01

    Cholinesterase family consists of two sister enzymes; acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) which hydrolyze acetylcholine. Since deficit of acetylcholine has been evidenced in patients of Alzheimer's disease (AD), cholinesterase inhibitors are currently the most prescribed drugs for the treatment of AD. our aim in this article was to investigate the inhibitory potential of five known compounds (2-6) with spiro skeleton against AChE and BChE using ELISA microplate assays. In addition to their ChE inhibitory effect, their physico-chemical properties were also calculated. Moreover, the present work aims at investigating the charge/geometrical effect of a hypothetical pharmacophore or bidentate site in a bioactive group, on the inhibition efficiency of spiro compounds 2-6 by using Petra/Osiris/ molinspiration (POM) and X-ray analyses. In the present study, five compounds (2-6) with spiro skeleton have been synthesized and tested in vitro for their inhibitory potential against AChE and BChE using ELISA microtiter plate assays at 25 µg/mL. Results revealed that three of the spiro compounds tested exert more than 50% inhibition against one of cholinesterases. Compound 5 displayed 68.73 ± 4.73% of inhibition toward AChE, whereas compound 6 showed 56.17 ± 0.83% of inhibition toward BChE; these two previously synthesized compounds have been the most active hits. Our data obtained from screening of compounds 2-6 against the two cholinesterases indicate that three of these show good potential to selectively inhibit AChE or BChE. Spiro compounds 2, 5, and 6 exhibited the most potent activity of the series against AChE or BChE with inhibition values in the range 55-70%. Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.org.

  14. Bioactivities of decoctions from Plectranthus species related to their traditional use on the treatment of digestive problems and alcohol intoxication.

    PubMed

    Brito, Elsa; Gomes, Emma; Falé, Pedro L; Borges, Carlos; Pacheco, Rita; Teixeira, Vitor; Machuqueiro, Miguel; Ascensão, Lia; Serralheiro, Maria Luisa M

    2018-06-28

    Decoctions of Plectranthus species are traditionally ingested after large meals for treatment of food digestion and alcohol abuse. This study aims at associating the digestion-related ethno-uses of Plectranthus species decoctions to molecular mechanism that might explain them: easing digestion (AChE inhibition) and treating hangover (ADH inhibition) MATERIAL AND METHODS: Decoctions from Plectranthus species were analysed for their alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) inhibition and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition, related with alcohol metabolism and intestinal motility, respectively. Identification of the active components was carried out by LC-MS/MS and the docking studies were performed with AChE and the bioactive molecules detected. All decoctions inhibited ADH activity. This inhibition was correlated with their rosmarinic acid (RA) content, which showed an IC 50 value of 19 μg/mL, similar to the reference inhibitor CuCl 2 . The presence of RA also leads to most decoctions showing AChE inhibiting capacity. P. zuluensis decoction with an IC 50 of 80 μg/mL presented also medioresinol, an even better inhibitor of AChE, as indicated by molecular docking studies. Furthermore, all decoctions tested showed no toxicity towards two human cell lines, and a high capacity to quench free radicals (DPPH), which also play a helpful in the digestive process, related with their RA content. All activities presented by the RA-rich Plectranthus decoctions support their use in treating digestion disorders and P. barbatus could explain its use also for alleviating hangover symptoms. Medioresinol, which is present in P. zuluensis, exhibited a significant AChE inhibition and may provide, in the future, a new lead for bioactive compounds. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  15. Novel ferulate esterase from Gram-positive lactic acid bacteria and analyses of the recombinant enzyme produced in E. coli

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Using a plate containing ethyl ferulate as sole carbon source, various bacteria cultures were screened for ferulate esterase (FAE). Among a dozen of species showing positive FAE, one Lactobacillus fermentum strain NRRL 1932 demonstrated the strongest activity. Using a published sequence of ferulate ...

  16. Novel feruloyl esterase from Lactobacillus fermentum NRRL B-1932 and analysis of the recombinant enzyme produced in Escherichia coli.

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Using agar plates containing ethyl ferulate as the sole carbon source, 33 Lactobacillus strains were screened for feruloyl esterase (FE) activity. Among a dozen species showing a clearing zone on the opaque plate containing ethyl ferulate, Lactobacillus fermentum NRRL B-1932 demonstrated the stronge...

  17. Cloning, expression and characterization of a novel esterase from a South China Sea sediment metagenome

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhang, Hao; Li, Fuchao; Chen, Huaxin; Zhao, Jin; Yan, Jinfei; Jiang, Peng; Li, Ronggui; Zhu, Baoli

    2015-07-01

    Lipolytic enzymes, including esterases and lipases, represent a group of hydrolases that catalyze the cleavage and formation of ester bonds. A novel esterase gene, scsEst01, was cloned from a South China Sea sediment metagenome. The scsEst01 gene consisted of 921 bp encoding 307 amino acid residues. The predicted amino acid sequence shared less than 90% identity with other lipolytic enzymes in the NCBI nonredundant protein database. ScsEst01 was successfully co-expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) with chaperones (dnaK-dnaJ-grpE) to prevent the formation of inclusion bodies. The recombinant protein was purified on an immobilized metal ion affinity column containing chelating Sepharose charged with Ni2+. The enzyme was characterized using p -nitrophenol butyrate as a substrate. ScsEst01 had the highest lipolytic activity at 35°C and pH 8.0, indicative of a meso-thermophilic alkaline esterase. ScsEst01 was thermostable at 20°C. The lipolytic activity of scsEst01 was strongly increased by Fe2+, Mn2+ and 1% Tween 80 or Tween 20.

  18. New multipotent tetracyclic tacrines with neuroprotective activity.

    PubMed

    Marco-Contelles, José; León, Rafael; de los Ríos, Cristóbal; García, Antonio G; López, Manuela G; Villarroya, Mercedes

    2006-12-15

    The synthesis and the biological evaluation (neuroprotection, voltage dependent calcium channel blockade, AChE/BuChE inhibitory activity and propidium binding) of new multipotent tetracyclic tacrine analogues (5-13) are described. Compounds 7, 8 and 11 showed a significant neuroprotective effect on neuroblastoma cells subjected to Ca(2+) overload or free radical induced toxicity. These compounds are modest AChE inhibitors [the best inhibitor (11) is 50-fold less potent than tacrine], but proved to be very selective, as for most of them no BuChE inhibition was observed. In addition, the propidium displacement experiments showed that these compounds bind AChE to the peripheral anionic site (PAS) of AChE and, consequently, are potential agents that can prevent the aggregation of beta-amyloid. Overall, compound 8 is a modest and selective AChE inhibitor, but an efficient neuroprotective agent against 70mM K(+) and 60microM H(2)O(2). Based on these results, some of these molecules can be considered as lead candidates for the further development of anti-Alzheimer drugs.

  19. Acetylcholinesterase inhibition in cognition-relevant brain areas of mice treated with a nootropic Amazonian herbal (Marapuama).

    PubMed

    Figueiró, M; Ilha, J; Pochmann, D; Porciúncula, L O; Xavier, L L; Achaval, M; Nunes, D S; Elisabetsky, E

    2010-10-01

    The goal of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs) used to treat Alzheimer's patients is an improvement in cholinergic transmission. While currently available AChEIs have limited success, a huge impediment to the development of newer ones is access to the relevant brain areas. Promnesic, anti-amnesic and AChEI properties were identified in a standardized ethanol extract from Ptychopetalum olacoides (POEE), a medicinal plant favored by the elderly in Amazon communities. The purpose of this study was to provide conclusive evidence that orally given POEE induces AChE inhibition in brain areas relevant to cognition. Histochemistry experiments confirmed that the anticholinesterase compound(s) present in POEE are orally bioavailable, inducing meaningful AChE inhibition in the hippocampus CA1 (∼33%) and CA3 (∼20%), and striatum (∼17%). Ellman's colorimetric analysis revealed that G1 and G4 AChE isoforms activities were markedly inhibited (66 and 72%, respectively) in hippocampus and frontal cortex (50 and 63%, respectively), while G4 appeared to be selectively inhibited (72%) in the striatum. Western blotting showed that POEE did not induce significant changes in the AChE immunocontent suggesting that its synthesis is not extensively modified. This study provides definitive proof of meaningful anticholinesterase activity compatible with the observed promnesic and anti-amnesic effects of POEE in mice, reaffirming the potential of this extract for treating neurodegenerative conditions where a hypofunctioning cholinergic neurotransmission is prominent. Adequate assessment of the safety and efficacy of this extract and/or its isolated active compound(s) are warranted. 2010 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

  20. Blood cholinesterase activity levels of farmers in winter and hot season of Mae Taeng District, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand.

    PubMed

    Hongsibsong, Surat; Kerdnoi, Tanyaporn; Polyiem, Watcharapon; Srinual, Niphan; Patarasiriwong, Vanvimol; Prapamontol, Tippawan

    2018-03-01

    Organophosphate and carbamate pesticides have been widely used by farmers for crop protection and pest control. Inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in erythrocyte and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) in plasma is the predominant toxic effect of organophosphate and carbamate pesticides. Mae Taeng District, Chiang Mai Province, is one of the large areas of growing vegetables and fruits. Due to their regular exposure to these pesticides, the farmers are affected by this toxicity. The objective of the study was to examine the AChE and the BChE activity levels in the blood of 102 farmers for comparison of exposure in two cropping seasons, winter and hot. Blood samples were collected in December 2013 (winter) and April-June 2014 (hot). A total of 102 farmers joined the study, represented by 76 males (74.5 %) and 26 females (25.5 %). The age of most of the farmers was 53.4 ± 8.7 years. Out of 102, 21 farmers used carbamate pesticides. The results showed that the AChE and the BChE activity levels of all the farmers were 3.27 ± 0.84 Unit/mL and 2.15 ± 0.58 Unit/mL, respectively. The AChE and the BChE activity levels in males were 3.31 ± 0.88 Unit/mL and 1.97 ± 0.60 U/mL, respectively, during winter and 3.27 ± 0.82 Unit/mL and 2.15 ± 0.58 U/mL, respectively, during the hot season, and AChE and the BChE activity levels in females were 3.27 ± 0.82 U/mL and 2.44 ± 0.56 U/mL, respectively, during the hot season. The cholinesterase activity levels, both AChE and BChE, in the male farmers' blood had significant difference between the two seasons, while in the case of the female farmers, there was significant difference in the BChE activity levels, at p < 0.05. The BChE activity level was found to significantly correlate with self-spray (p < 0.05), which implies that the BChE activity decreased when they sprayed by themselves. The cholinesterase activity levels of the present study were lower than those of the other studies, which may be an indication of some chronic effect of exposure to anticholinesterase pesticides. Thus, it is recommended that the use of pesticides be decreased, together with increase in the awareness of the impact of pesticides on health; also recommended is regular monitoring of blood cholinesterase.

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