Sample records for n-acetyl 5-aminosalicylic acid

  1. Antioxidant effects of aminosalicylates and potential new drugs for inflammatory bowel disease: assessment in cell-free systems and inflamed human colorectal biopsies.

    PubMed

    Simmonds, N J; Millar, A D; Blake, D R; Rampton, D S

    1999-03-01

    The therapeutic efficacy of 5-aminosalicylic acid in inflammatory bowel disease may be related to its antioxidant properties. To compare in vitro the antioxidant effects of conventional drugs (5-aminosalicylic acid, corticosteroids, metronidazole), with new aminosalicylates (4-aminosalicylic acid, balsalazide) and other potential therapies (ascorbate, N-acetylcysteine, glutathione, verapamil). Compounds were assessed for efficacy in reducing the in vitro production of reactive oxygen species by cell-free systems (using xanthine/xanthine oxidase, with or without myeloperoxidase) and by colorectal biopsies from patients with ulcerative colitis using luminol-amplified chemiluminescence. 5-aminosalicylic acid and balsalazide were more potent antioxidants than 4-aminosalicylic acid or N-acetyl-5-aminosalicylic acid in cell-free systems. 5-aminosalicylic acid (20 mM) and balsalazide (20 mM) inhibited rectal biopsy chemiluminescence by 93% and 100%, respectively, compared with only 59% inhibition by 4-aminosalicylic acid (20 mM). Hydrocortisone, metronidazole and verapamil had no significant effect on chemiluminescence in any system. Ascorbate (20 mM) inhibited chemiluminescence by 100% in cell-free systems and by 60% in rectal biopsies. N-acetyl cysteine (10 mM), and both oxidized and reduced glutathione (10 mM), completely inhibited chemiluminescence in cell-free systems, but not with rectal biopsies. The antioxidant effects of compounds varies between cell-free systems and inflamed colorectal biopsies. The effect of drugs on the chemiluminescence produced by these two assay systems is useful for screening potentially new antioxidant treatments for inflammatory bowel disease. Ascorbate seems worth further study as a novel therapy.

  2. Mycobacterium tuberculosis Arylamine N-Acetyltransferase Acetylates and Thus Inactivates para-Aminosalicylic Acid.

    PubMed

    Wang, Xude; Yang, Shanshan; Gu, Jing; Deng, Jiaoyu

    2016-12-01

    Mycobacterium tuberculosis arylamine N-acetyltransferase (TBNAT) is able to acetylate para-aminosalicylic acid (PAS) both in vitro and in vivo as determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) techniques. The antituberculosis activity of the acetylated PAS is significantly reduced. As a result, overexpression of TBNAT in M. tuberculosis results in PAS resistance, as determined by MIC tests and drug exposure experiments. Taken together, our results suggest that TBNAT from M. tuberculosis is able to inactivate PAS by acetylating the compound. Copyright © 2016, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

  3. Inhibitory Effect of Flavonoids on the Efflux of N-Acetyl 5-Aminosalicylic Acid Intracellularly Formed in Caco-2 Cells

    PubMed Central

    Shin, Yoshimura; Kentaro, Kawano; Ryusuke, Matsumura; Narumi, Sugihara; Koji, Furuno

    2009-01-01

    N-acetyl 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-AcASA) that was intracellularly formed from 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) at 200 μM was discharged 5.3, 7.1, and 8.1-fold higher into the apical site than into the basolateral site during 1, 2, and 4-hour incubations, respectively, in Caco-2 cells grown in Transwells. The addition of flavonols (100 μM) such as fisetin and quercetin with 5-ASA remarkably decreased the apically directed efflux of 5-AcASA. When 5-ASA (200 μM) was added to Caco-2 cells grown in tissue culture dishes, the formation of 5-AcASA decreased, and, in addition, the formed 5-AcASA was found to be accumulated within the cells in the presence of such flavonols. Thus, the decrease in 5-AcASA efflux by such flavonols was attributed not only to the inhibition of N-acetyl-conjugation of 5-ASA but to the predominant cellular accumulation of 5-AcASA. Various flavonoids also had both of the effects with potencies that depend on their specific structures. The essential structure of flavonoids was an absence of a hydroxyl substitution at the C5 position on the A-ring of flavone structure for the inhibitory effect on the N-acetyl-conjugation of 5-ASA, and a presence of hydroxyl substitutions at the C3′ or C4′ position on the B-ring of flavone structure for the promoting effect on the cellular accumulation of 5-AcASA. Both the decrease in 5-AcASA apical efflux and the increase in 5-AcASA cellular accumulation were also caused by MK571 and indomethacin, inhibitors of MRPs, but not by quinidine, cyclosporin A, P-glycoprotein inhibitors, and mitoxantrone, a BCRP substrate. These results suggest that certain flavonoids suppress the apical efflux of 5-AcASA possibly by inhibiting MRPs pumps located on apical membranes in Caco-2 cells. PMID:19688110

  4. Amino acid derivatives of 5-ASA as novel prodrugs for intestinal drug delivery.

    PubMed

    Clerici, C; Gentili, G; Boschetti, E; Santucci, C; Aburbeh, A G; Natalini, B; Pellicciari, R; Morelli, A

    1994-12-01

    In an attempt to obtain site-specific delivery of 5-ASA in the intestinal tract, we have determined the extent of absorption and metabolism of a number of novel 5-ASA derivatives, namely, (N-L-glutamyl)-amino-2-salicylic acid (1), (N-L-aspartyl)-amino-2-salicylic-acid (2), 5-aminosalicyl-L-proline-L-leucine (3), and 5-(N-L-glutamyl)-aminosalicyl-L-proline-L-leucine (4), which are selectively cleaved by intestinal brush border aminopeptidase A and carboxypeptidases. These novel prodrugs, 5-ASA, and sulfasalazine were administered to adult Fisher rats (N = 30) and to animals that had undergone prior colostomy (N = 30). Urine and feces were collected at timed intervals for 48 hr and the metabolites, 5-ASA, and N-acetyl-5-ASA were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography. The absorption and metabolism of all compounds were essentially identical in colostomized and normal animals. 5-ASA exhibited a rapid proximal intestinal absorption as evidenced by the high cumulative urinary excretion (> 65%) and low fecal excretion. Sulfasalazine, as expected, exhibited a lower urinary recovery (< 35%) and higher fecal excretion of 5-ASA and its metabolite. The novel glutamate and aspartate derivatives (1 and 2) behaved similarly to sulfasalazine, while administration of the proline-leucine derivative (3) resulted in urinary and fecal recovery values intermediate with respect to those observed with 5-ASA and sulfasalazine. 5-(N-L-Glutamyl)-aminosalicyl-L-proline-L-leucine yielded the highest fecal recovery of 5-ASA and its N-acetyl derivative, indicating a more efficient delivery to the distal bowel. Amino acid derivatives of 5-ASA appear to be potentially useful prodrugs for the site-specific delivery of 5-ASA to different regions of the intestinal tract.

  5. Determination of the pK values of 5-aminosalicylic acid and N-acetylaminosalicylic acid and comparison of the pH dependent lipid-water partition coefficients of sulphasalazine and its metabolites.

    PubMed

    Allgayer, H; Sonnenbichler, J; Kruis, W; Paumgartner, G

    1985-01-01

    Sulphasalazine (SASP), used in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease, is split into sulphapyridine (SP) and 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) in the colon. Lower plasma levels of SASP and 5-ASA as compared to those of SP may be due to different absorption rates from the colon because of different pK values and pH dependent lipid-water partition coefficients. In this study we determined the pK values of 5-ASA and its major metabolite, N-acetyl amino-salicylic acid (AcASA), by 13C-NMR spectroscopy and compared the pH dependent apparent benzene-water partition coefficients (Papp) of SASP, SP and 5-ASA with respect to their different plasma levels. The COOH group of 5-ASA had a pK value of 3.0, the -NH3+ group had 6.0, the -OH group 13.9; the -COOH group of AcASA had 2.7 and the -OH group 12.9; The Papp of SASP (0.042 +/- 0.004) and 5-ASA (0.059 +/- 0.01) were significantly lower than that of SP (0.092 +/- 0.03) (at pH 5.5).

  6. Importance of the Evaluation of N-Acetyltransferase Enzyme Activity Prior to 5-Aminosalicylic Acid Medication for Ulcerative Colitis.

    PubMed

    Matthis, Andrea L; Zhang, Bin; Denson, Lee A; Yacyshyn, Bruce R; Aihara, Eitaro; Montrose, Marshall H

    2016-08-01

    5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) is a classic anti-inflammatory drug for the treatment of ulcerative colitis. N-acetyltransferase (NAT) enzymes convert 5-ASA to its metabolite N-acetyl-5-ASA, and it is unresolved whether 5-ASA or N-acetyl-5-ASA is the effective therapeutic molecule. We previously demonstrated that colonic production of N-acetyl-5-ASA (NAT activity) is decreased in dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis. Our hypothesis is that 5-ASA is the therapeutic molecule to improve colitis, with the corollary that altered NAT activity affects drug efficacy. Since varying clinical effectiveness of 5-ASA has been reported, we also ask if NAT activity varies with inflammation in pediatric or adult patients. Acute colonic inflammation was induced in C57BL/6 NAT wild-type (WT) or knockout mice, using 3.5% dextran sulfate sodium (w/v) concurrent with 5-ASA treatment. Adult and pediatric rectosigmoid biopsies were collected from control or patients with ulcerative colitis. Tissue was analyzed for NAT and myeloperoxidase activity. Dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis was of similar severity in both NAT WT and knockout mice, and NAT activity was significantly decreased in NAT WT mice. In the setting of colitis, 5-ASA significantly restored colon length and decreased myeloperoxidase activity in NAT knockout but not in WT mice. Myeloperoxidase activity negatively correlated with NAT activity in pediatric patients, but correlation was not observed in adult patients. Inflammation decreases NAT activity in the colon of mice and human pediatric patients. Decreased NAT activity enhances the therapeutic effect of 5-ASA in mice. A NAT activity assay could be useful to help predict the efficacy of 5-ASA therapy.

  7. Molecular Characterization of a Novel N-Acetyltransferase from Chryseobacterium sp.

    PubMed Central

    Yoshida, Kenji; Tanaka, Kosei; Yoshida, Ken-ichi

    2014-01-01

    N-Acetyltransferase from Chryseobacterium sp. strain 5-3B is an acetyl coenzyme A (acetyl-CoA)-dependent enzyme that catalyzes the enantioselective transfer of an acetyl group from acetyl-CoA to the amino group of l-2-phenylglycine to produce (2S)-2-acetylamino-2-phenylacetic acid. We purified the enzyme from strain 5-3B and deduced the N-terminal amino acid sequence. The gene, designated natA, was cloned with two other hypothetical protein genes; the three genes probably form a 2.5-kb operon. The deduced amino acid sequence of NatA showed high levels of identity to sequences of putative N-acetyltransferases of Chryseobacterium spp. but not to other known arylamine and arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferases. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that NatA forms a distinct lineage from known N-acetyltransferases. We heterologously expressed recombinant NatA (rNatA) in Escherichia coli and purified it. rNatA showed high activity for l-2-phenylglycine and its chloro- and hydroxyl-derivatives. The Km and Vmax values for l-2-phenylglycine were 0.145 ± 0.026 mM and 43.6 ± 2.39 μmol · min−1 · mg protein−1, respectively. The enzyme showed low activity for 5-aminosalicylic acid and 5-hydroxytryptamine, which are reported as good substrates of a known arylamine N-acetyltransferase and an arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase. rNatA had a comparatively broad acyl donor specificity, transferring acyl groups to l-2-phenylglycine and producing the corresponding 2-acetylamino-2-phenylacetic acids (relative activity with acetyl donors acetyl-CoA, propanoyl-CoA, butanoyl-CoA, pentanoyl-CoA, and hexanoyl-CoA, 100:108:122:10:<1). PMID:24375143

  8. Quantitative determination of sulfisoxazole and its three N-acetylated metabolites using HPLC-MS/MS, and the saturable pharmacokinetics of sulfisoxazole in mice.

    PubMed

    Oh, Kyungsoo; Baek, Moon-Chang; Kang, Wonku

    2016-09-10

    Sulfisoxazole (SFX) is still used in combination with trimethoprim in cattle despite adverse drug reactions (e.g., urolithiasis). Recently, SFX is known to be a promising repositioned drug candidate for pulmonary hypertension and cancer. We developed a simultaneous determination method of SFX and its N-acetylated metabolites (N(1)-acetyl SFX, N1AS; N(4)-acetyl SFX, N4AS; diacetyl SFX, DAS) using HPLC-MS/MS for the first time, and examined the pharmacokinetics of SFX in mice. N1AS and DAS were converted rapidly to SFX and N4AS, respectively, in mouse plasma. The time courses of plasma SFX and N4AS concentrations were well-characterised following the oral administration of SFX to mice. The absorption, metabolism, and/or excretion of SFX given at >700mg/kg may be saturable, and in contrast to humans and rats, the extent of systemic exposure of mice to N4AS was much greater than that of SFX. Interestingly, the acetyl groups at both N1- and N4-positions were degraded during the ionisation required to generate precursor ions. In additional experiments the carboxyl group of N-acetyl-5-aminosalicylic acid (NA5AS) was lost instead of the acetyl group during the ionisation, and acetaminophen (AAP) appeared. As the acetyl and carboxyl groups of some substances can be degraded during ionisation in the mass spectrometer, caution is appropriate when it is sought to simultaneously quantify similar structures containing these moieties; chromatographic separation is essential. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  9. HPLC analysis of para-aminosalicylic acid and its metabolite in plasma, cerebrospinal fluid and brain tissues

    PubMed Central

    Hong, Lan; Jiang, Wendy; Zheng, Wei; Zeng, Su

    2011-01-01

    Para-aminosalicylic acid (PAS), an approved drug for treatment of tuberculosis, is a promising therapeutic agent for treatment of manganese (Mn)-induced parkinsonian syndromes. Lack of a quantifying method, however, has hindered the clinical evaluation of its efficacy and thereupon new drug development. This study was aimed at developing a simple and effective method to quantify PAS and its major metabolite, N-acetyl-para-aminosalicylic acid (AcPAS), in plasma, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and tissues. Biological samples underwent one-step protein precipitation. The supernatant was fractionated on a reversed-phase C18 column with a gradient mobile system, followed by on-line fluorescence detection. The lower limits of quantification for both PAS and AcPAS were 50 ng/ml of plasma and 17 ng/g of tissues. The intra-day and inter-day precision values did not exceed 5% and 8%, respectively, in all three matrices. The method was used to quantify PAS and AcPAS in rat plasma and brain following a single iv injection of PAS. Data showed a greater amount of PAS than AcPAS in plasma, while a greater amount of AcPAS than PAS was found in brain tissues. The method has been proven to be sensitive, reproducible, and practically useful for laboratory and clinical investigations of PAS in treatment of Mn Parkinsonism. PMID:21159459

  10. Influence of 5-aminosalicylic acid on 6-thioguanosine phosphate metabolite levels: a prospective study in patients under steady thiopurine therapy

    PubMed Central

    de Graaf, P; de Boer, NKH; Wong, DR; Karner, S; Jharap, B; Hooymans, PM; Veldkamp, AI; Mulder, CJJ; van Bodegraven, AA; Schwab, M

    2010-01-01

    Background and purpose: 5-aminosalicylate (5-ASA) raises levels of 6-thioguanine nucleotides (6-TGN), the active metabolites of thiopurines such as azathioprine (AZA). Changes in levels of each individual TGN – 6-thioguanosine mono-, di- and triphosphate (6-TGMP, 6-TGDP, 6-TGTP) – and of 6-methylmercaptopurine ribonucleotides (6-MMPR) after 5-ASA are not known. Experimental approach: Effects of increasing 5-ASA doses on AZA metabolites were investigated prospectively in 22 patients with inflammatory bowel disease in 4-week study periods. Patients started with 2 g 5-ASA daily, and then were increased to 4 g daily and followed by a washout period. Thiopurine doses remained unchanged throughout the entire study. Levels of 6-TGMP, 6-TGDP, 6-TGTP and 6-MMPR as well as of 5-ASA and N-acetyl-5-aminosalicylic acid (N-Ac-5-ASA) were determined each study period. Key results: Median baseline levels in 17 patients of 6-TGDP, 6-TGTP and 6-MMPR were 52, 319 and 1676 pmol per 8 × 108 red blood cells respectively. After co-administration of 2 g 5-ASA daily, median 6-TGDP and 6-TGTP levels increased but median 6-MMPR levels were unchanged. Increasing 5-ASA to 4 g daily did not affect median 6-TGDP and 6-TGTP levels, but median 6-MMPR levels decreased. After discontinuation of 5-ASA, both 6-TGDP and 6-TGTP levels decreased and median 6-MMPR levels increased. The 6-TGTP/(6-TGDP+6-TGTP)-ratio did not change during the study, but 6-MMPR/6-TGN ratios decreased. Conclusions and implications: Individual 6-TGN metabolites increased after addition of 5-ASA, but 6-MMPR-levels and the 6-MMPR/6-TGN ratios decreased. Further studies are needed to decide whether this pharmacokinetic interaction would result in improvement of efficacy and/or increased risk of toxicity of AZA. PMID:20590602

  11. Arylamine N-acetyltransferases: from drug metabolism and pharmacogenetics to drug discovery

    PubMed Central

    Sim, E; Abuhammad, A; Ryan, A

    2014-01-01

    Arylamine N-acetyltransferases (NATs) are polymorphic drug-metabolizing enzymes, acetylating arylamine carcinogens and drugs including hydralazine and sulphonamides. The slow NAT phenotype increases susceptibility to hydralazine and isoniazid toxicity and to occupational bladder cancer. The two polymorphic human NAT loci show linkage disequilibrium. All mammalian Nat genes have an intronless open reading frame and non-coding exons. The human gene products NAT1 and NAT2 have distinct substrate specificities: NAT2 acetylates hydralazine and human NAT1 acetylates p-aminosalicylate (p-AS) and the folate catabolite para-aminobenzoylglutamate (p-abaglu). Human NAT2 is mainly in liver and gut. Human NAT1 and its murine homologue are in many adult tissues and in early embryos. Human NAT1 is strongly expressed in oestrogen receptor-positive breast cancer and may contribute to folate and acetyl CoA homeostasis. NAT enzymes act through a catalytic triad of Cys, His and Asp with the architecture of the active site-modulating specificity. Polymorphisms may cause unfolded protein. The C-terminus helps bind acetyl CoA and differs among NATs including prokaryotic homologues. NAT in Salmonella typhimurium supports carcinogen activation and NAT in mycobacteria metabolizes isoniazid with polymorphism a minor factor in isoniazid resistance. Importantly, nat is in a gene cluster essential for Mycobacterium tuberculosis survival inside macrophages. NAT inhibitors are a starting point for novel anti-tuberculosis drugs. Human NAT1-specific inhibitors may act in biomarker detection in breast cancer and in cancer therapy. NAT inhibitors for co-administration with 5-aminosalicylate (5-AS) in inflammatory bowel disease has prompted ongoing investigations of azoreductases in gut bacteria which release 5-AS from prodrugs including balsalazide. PMID:24467436

  12. Hyaluronic acid based hydroxamate and conjugates with biologically active amines: In vitro effect on matrix metalloproteinase-2.

    PubMed

    Ponedel'kina, Irina Yu; Gaskarova, Aigul R; Khaybrakhmanova, Elvira A; Lukina, Elena S; Odinokov, Victor N

    2016-06-25

    In this study, water soluble hyaluronic acid (HA) based hydroxamate and conjugates with biologically active amines and hydrazides such as p- and o-aminophenols, anthranilic, 4- and 5-aminosalicylic acids, nicotinic, N-benzylnicotinic and isonicotinic hydrazides, p-aminobenzenesulfonamide (Streptocide), p-aminobenzoic acid diethylaminoethyl ester (Procaine), and 4-amino-2,3-dimethyl-1-phenyl-3-pyrazolin-5-one (4-aminoantipyrene) were examined as matrix metalloproteinase-2 inhibitors (MMPIs). In a dose of 0.27-270μM, the most efficient MMPIs were HA conjugates with o-aminophenol=4-aminoantipyrine>4-aminosalicylic acid>5-aminosalicylic acid. Conjugates with Streptocide, Procaine and HA hydroxamate showed 40-50% inhibitory effect at all used concentrations. Conjugates with anthranilic acid and isonicotinic hydrazide (Isoniazid) in a dose of 0.27μM inhibited enzyme activity by ∼70%, but with the concentration increase their inhibitory effect was decreased. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  13. The oxygen-centered radicals scavenging activity of sulfasalazine and its metabolites. A direct protection of the bowel.

    PubMed

    Prónai, L; Yukinobu, I; Láng, I; Fehér, J

    1992-01-01

    Oxygen-centered radicals, such as superoxide (O2-) and hydroxyl radicals (.OH) generated by phagocytes have been suggested to be involved in the pathogenesis of chronic inflammations of the bowel, such as Crohn's disease and colitis ulcerosa. Recently, sulfasalazine (SASP) and its metabolites have been reported to exert their effects as a direct scavenger of oxygen-centered radicals in the bowel. To scavenge oxygen-centered radicals in vivo, however, SASP and its metabolites have to react with O2- and/or .OH in vitro very rapidly, furthermore they have to reach an appropriate (possible millimolar) concentration range at the site of inflammation. To test this possibility, we investigated the direct O2- and .OH scavenging activity of SASP and its metabolites using the specific electron paramagnetic resonance/spin trapping method, and we compared the 50% inhibition rates of SASP and its metabolites with their known concentrations in the bowel and in the human plasma. It was found that SASP and its metabolites, such as 5-amino-salicylic acid (5-ASA), and acetyl-5-amino-salicylic acid (AC-5-ASA), but not sulfapyridine (SP) and acetyl-sulfapyridine (Ac-SP) have a direct O2- and .OH scavenging activity in vitro systems. Among the compounds, SASP and 5-ASA can reach a concentration which is appropriate to scavenge oxygen-centered radicals in the bowel but not in the human plasma. It was concluded that the in vivo antiinflammatory effects of SASP and its metabolites are, at least partly, due to the direct oxygen-centered scavenging activity of these drugs.

  14. Synthesis, kinetic studies and pharmacological evaluation of mutual azo prodrug of 5-aminosalicylic acid with D-phenylalanine for colon specific drug delivery in inflammatory bowel disease.

    PubMed

    Dhaneshwar, Suneela S; Gairola, Neha; Kandpal, Mini; Bhatt, Lokesh; Vadnerkar, Gaurav; Kadam, S S

    2007-04-01

    Mutual azo prodrug of 5-aminosalicylic acid with d-phenylalanine was synthesized by coupling D-phenylalanine with salicylic acid, for targeted drug delivery to the inflamed gut tissue in inflammatory bowel disease. The structure of synthesized prodrug was confirmed by elemental analysis, IR and NMR spectroscopy. In vitro kinetic studies in HCl buffer (pH 1.2) showed negligible release of 5-aminosalicylic acid, whereas in phosphate buffer (pH 7.4) only 15% release was observed over a period of 7h. In rat fecal matter the release of 5-aminosalicylic acid was almost complete (85%), with a half-life of 160.1 min, following first order kinetics. The azo conjugate was evaluated for its ulcerogenic potential by Rainsford's cold stress method. Therapeutic efficacy of the carrier system and the mitigating effect of the azo conjugate were evaluated in trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid-induced experimental colitis model. The synthesized prodrug was found to be equally effective in mitigating the colitis in rats as that of sulfasalazine without the ulcerogenicity of 5-aminosalicylic acid.

  15. Can 5-aminosalicylic acid suppository decrease the pain after rectal band ligation?

    PubMed

    Kayhan, Burcak; Ozer, Digdem; Akdogan, Meral; Ozaslan, Ersan; Yuksel, Osman

    2008-06-14

    To investigate the effect of 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) suppositories on rectal band ligation-induced pain. Sixty patients were randomized into two treatment groups. Our results showed that there was no difference between 5-ASA suppository group and the control group for pain control. 5-ASA may be an alternative treatment for hemorrhoids; however, it does not affect the rectal band ligation-induced pain.

  16. Homology modeling and prediction of the amino acid residues participating in the transfer of acetyl-CoA to arylalkylamine by the N-acetyltransferase from Chryseobacterium sp.

    PubMed

    Takenaka, Shinji; Ozeki, Takahiro; Tanaka, Kosei; Yoshida, Ken-Ichi

    2017-11-01

    To predict the amino acid residues playing important roles in acetyl-CoA and substrate binding and to study the acetyl group transfer mechanism of Chryseobacterium sp. 5-3B N-acetyltransferase (5-3B NatA). A 3-dimensional homology model of 5-3B NatA was constructed to compare the theoretical structure of this compound with the structures of previously reported proteins belonging to the bacterial GCN5 N-acetyltransferase family. Homology modeling of the 5-3B NatA structure and a characterization of the enzyme's kinetic parameters identified the essential amino acid residues involved in binding and acetyl-group transfer. 126 Leu, 132 Leu, and 135 Lys were implicated in the binding of phosphopantothenic acid, and 100 Tyr and 131 Lys in that of adenosyl biphosphate. The data supported the participation of 83 Glu and 133 Tyr in catalyzing acetyl-group transfer to L-2-phenylglycine. 5-3B NatA catalyzes the enantioselective N-acetylation of L-2-phenylglycine via a ternary complex comprising the enzyme, acetyl-CoA, and the substrate.

  17. Retrograde spread of 5-aminosalicylic acid enemas in patients with active ulcerative colitis

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

    Campieri, M.; Lanfranchi, G.A.; Brignola, C.

    1986-02-01

    In an attempt to know the exact retrograde spread of high-dosage 5-aminosalicylic acid enemas, we have studied eight patients with active left-sided colitis, by adding a small amount of barium sulfate to the enemas and by checking the spread radiologically after 15 minutes, 1 hour, and 6 hours. Four grams of 5-aminosalicylic acid in 100-ml enemas and 4 gm in 200-ml enemas were used. The same experiment was repeated in a subsequent attack, with enemas labeled with technetium-99m and checked by scintiscans in five of these patients. We always have observed a volume-dependent spread of enemas but, interestingly, in themore » patients studied with technetium-99m there was always a wider spread than that which was detected with barium enemas. In all five patients, 100-ml enemas reached the splenic flexure. In two patients with total colitis, a progression of 100-ml technetium-99m enemas was performed in the transverse colon, but the maximum opacity remained in the left side. We can conclude that 4 gm of 5-aminosalicylic acid in 100-ml enemas can be suitable for treating patients with left-sided colitis, and will represent a valid addition for patients with more extensive colitis.« less

  18. Absorption of 5-aminosalicylic acid from colon and rectum.

    PubMed Central

    Bondesen, S; Schou, J B; Pedersen, V; Rafiolsadat, Z; Hansen, S H; Hvidberg, E F

    1988-01-01

    In order to clarify the characteristics of absorption of 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) from the colon, a neutral solution was instilled into the right part of the colon and the rectum, respectively, in six volunteers. A laxative (bisacodyl) and liquid meals were given prior to each instillation. No significant difference could be demonstrated between the two parts of the large bowel, but the absorption was considerably restricted compared with previous results obtained from the jejunum. The results confirm in a direct manner earlier observations on 5-ASA released from sulphasalazine. PMID:3358890

  19. Transintestinal transport mechanisms of 5-aminosalicylic acid (in situ rat intestine perfusion, Caco-2 cells) and Biopharmaceutics Classification System.

    PubMed

    Smetanová, Libuše; Stětinová, Věra; Kholová, Dagmar; Kuneš, Martin; Nobilis, Milan; Svoboda, Zbyněk; Květina, Jaroslav

    2013-09-01

    The aim of the study was 1) to estimate permeability of 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA), 2) to categorize 5-ASA according to BCS (Biopharmaceutics Classification System), and 3) to contribute to determination of 5-ASA transintestinal transport and biotransformation mechanisms. The in situ rat intestine perfusion was used as an initial method to study 5-ASA transport. The amount of 5-ASA (released from tablet) transferred into portal circulation reached 5.79 ± 0.24%. During this transport, the intestinal formation of 5-ASA main metabolite (N-ac-5-ASA) occurred. N-ac-5-ASA was found in perfusate both from intestinal lumen and from v. portae. In in vitro Caco-2 monolayers, transport of 5-ASA (10-1000 µmol/l) was studied in apical-basolateral and basolateral-apical direction (iso-pH 7.4 conditions). The transport of total 5-ASA (parent drug plus intracellularly formed N-ac-5-ASA) was linear with time, concentration- and direction-dependent. Higher basolateral-apical (secretory) transport was mainly caused by higher transport of the metabolite (suggesting metabolite efflux transport). Transport of 5-ASA (only parent drug) was saturable (transepithelial carrier-mediated) at low doses, dominated by passive, paracellular process in higher doses which was confirmed by increased 5-ASA transport using Ca2+-free transport medium. The estimated low 5-ASA permeability and its low solubility enable to classify 5-ASA as BCS class IV.

  20. The pharmacological profile and clinical use of mesalazine (5-aminosalicylic acid).

    PubMed

    Klotz, U

    2012-02-01

    For more than 30 years mesalazine (5-aminosalicylic acid; 5-ASA) has been used for the treatment of chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) especially in ulcerative colitis (UC). During this time various rectal and oral formulations have been developed. The modified drug delivery systems were designed to release sufficient 5-ASA at the sites of inflammation. Such a drug targeting strategy is needed for its topical action and especially because local concentrations in the mucosa will determine the clinical outcome. The absorbed part (20-40% of the dose) of 5-ASA is rapidly and presystemically acetylated (t1/2: 1-2.5 h; CL: 300-690 mL/min). Consequently, the systemic exposure of 5-ASA is low and adverse effects are in the range of placebo treatment. The polypotent 5-ASA has a wide spectrum of pharmacological properties and its exact mode of action is not yet clear. Recent meta-analyses of randomized placebo-controlled clinical trials provide convincing data that 5-ASA is the preferred first-line therapy for the acute treatment of mild-to-moderate UC (NNT:6) and for remission management (NNT:4). There is also some clinical benefit for patients with active Crohn's disease (NNT:7) and in the prevention of postsurgical relapse (NNT:10). There is increasing evidence that 5-ASA also has some therapeutic potential for chemoprevention of colorectal cancer, diverticular disease and irritable bowel syndrome. In all clinical studies, the side effects of 5-ASA were very low (5-10%), mild and comparable to placebo. Thus, its use is very safe and 5-ASA will remain an interesting and valuable agent. It is anticipated that more selective drug targeting, including galenic innovations and an optimized dosaging schedule, could result in some improvement of the wide use of 5-ASA. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

  1. Metabolism and elimination of benzocaine by rainbow-trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Meinertz, J.R.; Gingerich, W.H.; Allen, J.L.

    1991-01-01

    1. Branchial and urinary elimination of benzocaine residues was evaluated in adult rainbow trout, oncorhynchus mykiss, given a single dorsal aortic dose of c-14-benzocaine hydrochloride.^2. Branchial elimination of benzocaine residues was rapid and accounted for 59.2% Of the dose during the first 3 h after dosing. Renal elimination of radioactivity was considerably slower; the kidney excreted 2.7% Dose within 3 h and 9.0% Within 24 h. Gallbladder bile contained 2.0% Dose 24 h after injection.^3. Of the radioactivity in radiochromatograms from water taken 3 min after injection, 87.3% Was benzocaine and 12.7% Was n-acetylated benzocaine. After 60 min, 32.7% Was benzocaine and 67.3% Was n-acetylated benzocaine.^4. Of the radioactivity in radiochromatograms from urine taken 1 h after dosing, 7.6% Was para-aminobenzoic acid, 59.7% Was n-acetylated para-aminobenzoic acid, 19.5% Was benzocaine, and 8.0% Was n-acetylated benzocaine. The proportion of the radioactivity in urine changed with time so that by 20 h, 1.0% Was para-aminobenzoic acid and 96.6% Was n-acetylated para-aminobenzoic acid.^5. Benzocaine and a more hydrophobic metabolite, n-acetylated benzocaine, were eliminated primarily through the gills; renal and biliary pathways were less significant elimination routes for benzocaine residues.

  2. A Chemical Biology Solution to Problems with Studying Biologically Important but Unstable 9-O-Acetyl Sialic Acids.

    PubMed

    Khedri, Zahra; Xiao, An; Yu, Hai; Landig, Corinna Susanne; Li, Wanqing; Diaz, Sandra; Wasik, Brian R; Parrish, Colin R; Wang, Lee-Ping; Varki, Ajit; Chen, Xi

    2017-01-20

    9-O-Acetylation is a common natural modification on sialic acids (Sias) that terminate many vertebrate glycan chains. This ester group has striking effects on many biological phenomena, including microbe-host interactions, complement action, regulation of immune responses, sialidase action, cellular apoptosis, and tumor immunology. Despite such findings, 9-O-acetyl sialoglycoconjugates have remained largely understudied, primarily because of marked lability of the 9-O-acetyl group to even small pH variations and/or the action of mammalian or microbial esterases. Our current studies involving 9-O-acetylated sialoglycans on glycan microarrays revealed that even the most careful precautions cannot ensure complete stability of the 9-O-acetyl group. We now demonstrate a simple chemical biology solution to many of these problems by substituting the oxygen atom in the ester with a nitrogen atom, resulting in sialic acids with a chemically and biologically stable 9-N-acetyl group. We present an efficient one-pot multienzyme method to synthesize a sialoglycan containing 9-acetamido-9-deoxy-N-acetylneuraminic acid (Neu5Ac9NAc) and compare it to the one with naturally occurring 9-O-acetyl-N-acetylneuraminic acid (Neu5,9Ac 2 ). Conformational resemblance of the two molecules was confirmed by computational molecular dynamics simulations. Microarray studies showed that the Neu5Ac9NAc-sialoglycan is a ligand for viruses naturally recognizing Neu5,9Ac 2 , with a similar affinity but with much improved stability in handling and study. Feeding of Neu5Ac9NAc or Neu5,9Ac 2 to mammalian cells resulted in comparable incorporation and surface expression as well as binding to 9-O-acetyl-Sia-specific viruses. However, cells fed with Neu5Ac9NAc remained resistant to viral esterases and showed a slower turnover. This simple approach opens numerous research opportunities that have heretofore proved intractable.

  3. Antimycobacterial, antimicrobial, and biocompatibility properties of para-aminosalicylic acid with zinc layered hydroxide and Zn/Al layered double hydroxide nanocomposites

    PubMed Central

    Saifullah, Bullo; El Zowalaty, Mohamed E; Arulselvan, Palanisamy; Fakurazi, Sharida; Webster, Thomas J; Geilich, Benjamin M; Hussein, Mohd Zobir

    2014-01-01

    The treatment of tuberculosis by chemotherapy is complicated due to multiple drug prescriptions, long treatment duration, and adverse side effects. We report here for the first time an in vitro therapeutic effect of nanocomposites based on para-aminosalicylic acid with zinc layered hydroxide (PAS-ZLH) and zinc-aluminum layered double hydroxides (PAS-Zn/Al LDH), against mycobacteria, Gram-positive bacteria, and Gram-negative bacteria. The nanocomposites demonstrated good antimycobacterial activity and were found to be effective in killing Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. A biocompatibility study revealed good biocompatibility of the PAS-ZLH nanocomposites against normal human MRC-5 lung cells. The para-aminosalicylic acid loading was quantified with high-performance liquid chromatography analysis. In summary, the present preliminary in vitro studies are highly encouraging for further in vivo studies of PAS-ZLH and PAS-Zn/Al LDH nanocomposites to treat tuberculosis. PMID:25114509

  4. 4-O-Acetyl-sialic acid (Neu4,5Ac2) in acidic milk oligosaccharides of the platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) and its evolutionary significance.

    PubMed

    Urashima, Tadasu; Inamori, Hiroaki; Fukuda, Kenji; Saito, Tadao; Messer, Michael; Oftedal, Olav T

    2015-06-01

    Monotremes (echidnas and platypus) retain an ancestral form of reproduction: egg-laying followed by secretion of milk onto skin and hair in a mammary patch, in the absence of nipples. Offspring are highly immature at hatching and depend on oligosaccharide-rich milk for many months. The primary saccharide in long-beaked echidna milk is an acidic trisaccharide Neu4,5Ac2(α2-3)Gal(β1-4)Glc (4-O-acetyl 3'-sialyllactose), but acidic oligosaccharides have not been characterized in platypus milk. In this study, acidic oligosaccharides purified from the carbohydrate fraction of platypus milk were characterized by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry and (1)H-nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. All identified structures, except Neu5Ac(α2-3)Gal(β1-4)Glc (3'-sialyllactose) contained Neu4,5Ac2 (4-O-acetyl-sialic acid). These include the trisaccharide 4-O-acetyl 3'-sialyllactose, the pentasaccharide Neu4,5Ac2(α2-3)Gal(β1-4)GlcNAc(β1-3)Gal(β1-4)Glc (4-O-acetyl-3'-sialyllacto-N-tetraose d) and the hexasaccharide Neu4,5Ac2(α2-3)Gal(β1-4)[Fuc(α1-3)]GlcNAc(β1-3)Gal(β1-4)Glc (4-O-acetyl-3'-sialyllacto-N-fucopentaose III). At least seven different octa- to deca-oligosaccharides each contained a lacto-N-neohexaose core (LNnH) and one or two Neu4,5Ac2 and one to three fucose residues. We conclude that platypus milk contains a diverse (≥ 20) array of neutral and acidic oligosaccharides based primarily on lactose, lacto-N-neotetraose (LNnT) and LNnH structural cores and shares with echidna milk the unique feature that all identified acidic oligosaccharides (other than 3'-sialyllactose) contain the 4-O-acetyl-sialic acid moiety. We propose that 4-O-acetylation of sialic acid moieties protects acidic milk oligosaccharides secreted onto integumental surfaces from bacterial hydrolysis via steric interference with bacterial sialidases. This may be of evolutionary significance since taxa ancestral to monotremes and other mammals are thought to have secreted milk, or a milk-like fluid containing oligosaccharides, onto skin surfaces. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

  5. Electrode Potentials of l-Tryptophan, l-Tyrosine, 3-Nitro-l-tyrosine, 2,3-Difluoro-l-tyrosine, and 2,3,5-Trifluoro-l-tyrosine.

    PubMed

    Mahmoudi, Leila; Kissner, Reinhard; Nauser, Thomas; Koppenol, Willem H

    2016-05-24

    Electrode potentials for aromatic amino acid radical/amino acid couples were deduced from cyclic voltammograms and pulse radiolysis experiments. The amino acids investigated were l-tryptophan, l-tyrosine, N-acetyl-l-tyrosine methyl ester, N-acetyl-3-nitro-l-tyrosine ethyl ester, N-acetyl-2,3-difluoro-l-tyrosine methyl ester, and N-acetyl-2,3,5-trifluoro-l-tyrosine methyl ester. Conditional potentials were determined at pH 7.4 for all compounds listed; furthermore, Pourbaix diagrams for l-tryptophan, l-tyrosine, and N-acetyl-3-nitro-l-tyrosine ethyl ester were obtained. Electron transfer accompanied by proton transfer is reversible, as confirmed by detailed analysis of the current waves, and because the slopes of the Pourbaix diagrams obey Nernst's law. E°'(Trp(•),H(+)/TrpH) and E°'(TyrO(•),H(+)/TyrOH) at pH 7 are 0.99 ± 0.01 and 0.97 ± 0.01 V, respectively. Pulse radiolysis studies of two dipeptides that contain both amino acids indicate a difference in E°' of approximately 0.06 V. Thus, in small peptides, we recommend values of 1.00 and 0.96 V for E°'(Trp(•),H(+)/TrpH) and E°'(TyrO(•),H(+)/TyrOH), respectively. The electrode potential of N-acetyl-3-nitro-l-tyrosine ethyl ester is higher, while because of mesomeric stabilization of the radical, those of N-acetyl-2,3-difluoro-l-tyrosine methyl ester and N-acetyl-2,3,5-trifluoro-l-tyrosine methyl ester are lower than that of tyrosine. Given that the electrode potentials at pH 7 of E°'(Trp(•),H(+)/TrpH) and E°'(TyrO(•),H(+)/TyrOH) are nearly equal, they would be, in principle, interchangeable. Proton-coupled electron transfer pathways in proteins that use TrpH and TyrOH are thus nearly thermoneutral.

  6. NeuA sialic acid O-acetylesterase activity modulates O-acetylation of capsular polysaccharide in group B Streptococcus.

    PubMed

    Lewis, Amanda L; Cao, Hongzhi; Patel, Silpa K; Diaz, Sandra; Ryan, Wesley; Carlin, Aaron F; Thon, Vireak; Lewis, Warren G; Varki, Ajit; Chen, Xi; Nizet, Victor

    2007-09-21

    Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a common cause of neonatal sepsis and meningitis. A major GBS virulence determinant is its sialic acid (Sia)-capped capsular polysaccharide. Recently, we discovered the presence and genetic basis of capsular Sia O-acetylation in GBS. We now characterize a GBS Sia O-acetylesterase that modulates the degree of GBS surface O-acetylation. The GBS Sia O-acetylesterase operates cooperatively with the GBS CMP-Sia synthetase, both part of a single polypeptide encoded by the neuA gene. NeuA de-O-acetylation of free 9-O-acetyl-N-acetylneuraminic acid (Neu5,9Ac(2)) was enhanced by CTP and Mg(2+), the substrate and co-factor, respectively, of the N-terminal GBS CMP-Sia synthetase domain. In contrast, the homologous bifunctional NeuA esterase from Escherichia coli K1 did not display cofactor dependence. Further analyses showed that in vitro, GBS NeuA can operate via two alternate enzymatic pathways: de-O-acetylation of Neu5,9Ac(2) followed by CMP activation of Neu5Ac or activation of Neu5,9Ac(2) followed by de-O-acetylation of CMP-Neu5,9Ac(2). Consistent with in vitro esterase assays, genetic deletion of GBS neuA led to accumulation of intracellular O-acetylated Sias, and overexpression of GBS NeuA reduced O-acetylation of Sias on the bacterial surface. Site-directed mutagenesis of conserved asparagine residue 301 abolished esterase activity but preserved CMP-Sia synthetase activity, as evidenced by hyper-O-acetylation of capsular polysaccharide Sias on GBS expressing only the N301A NeuA allele. These studies demonstrate a novel mechanism regulating the extent of capsular Sia O-acetylation in intact bacteria and provide a genetic strategy for manipulating GBS O-acetylation in order to explore the role of this modification in GBS pathogenesis and immunogenicity.

  7. Acetylation contributes to hypertrophy-caused maturational delay of cardiac energy metabolism.

    PubMed

    Fukushima, Arata; Zhang, Liyan; Huqi, Alda; Lam, Victoria H; Rawat, Sonia; Altamimi, Tariq; Wagg, Cory S; Dhaliwal, Khushmol K; Hornberger, Lisa K; Kantor, Paul F; Rebeyka, Ivan M; Lopaschuk, Gary D

    2018-05-17

    A dramatic increase in cardiac fatty acid oxidation occurs following birth. However, cardiac hypertrophy secondary to congenital heart diseases (CHDs) delays this process, thereby decreasing cardiac energetic capacity and function. Cardiac lysine acetylation is involved in modulating fatty acid oxidation. We thus investigated what effect cardiac hypertrophy has on protein acetylation during maturation. Eighty-four right ventricular biopsies were collected from CHD patients and stratified according to age and the absence (n = 44) or presence of hypertrophy (n = 40). A maturational increase in protein acetylation was evident in nonhypertrophied hearts but not in hypertrophied hearts. The fatty acid β-oxidation enzymes, long-chain acyl CoA dehydrogenase (LCAD) and β-hydroxyacyl CoA dehydrogenase (βHAD), were hyperacetylated and their activities positively correlated with their acetylation after birth in nonhypertrophied hearts but not hypertrophied hearts. In line with this, decreased cardiac fatty acid oxidation and reduced acetylation of LCAD and βHAD occurred in newborn rabbits subjected to cardiac hypertrophy due to an aortocaval shunt. Silencing the mRNA of general control of amino acid synthesis 5-like protein 1 reduced acetylation of LCAD and βHAD as well as fatty acid oxidation rates in cardiomyocytes. Thus, hypertrophy in CHDs prevents the postnatal increase in myocardial acetylation, resulting in a delayed maturation of cardiac fatty acid oxidation.

  8. Acute murine colitis reduces colonic 5-aminosalicylic acid metabolism by regulation of N-acetyltransferase-2

    PubMed Central

    Ramírez-Alcántara, Verónica

    2014-01-01

    Pharmacotherapy based on 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) is a preferred treatment for ulcerative colitis, but variable patient response to this therapy is observed. Inflammation can affect therapeutic outcomes by regulating the expression and activity of drug-metabolizing enzymes; its effect on 5-ASA metabolism by the colonic arylamine N-acetyltransferase (NAT) enzyme isoforms is not firmly established. We examined if inflammation affects the capacity for colonic 5-ASA metabolism and NAT enzyme expression. 5-ASA metabolism by colonic mucosal homogenates was directly measured with a novel fluorimetric rate assay. 5-ASA metabolism reported by the assay was dependent on Ac-CoA, inhibited by alternative NAT substrates (isoniazid, p-aminobenzoylglutamate), and saturable with Km (5-ASA) = 5.8 μM. A mouse model of acute dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) colitis caused pronounced inflammation in central and distal colon, and modest inflammation of proximal colon, defined by myeloperoxidase activity and histology. DSS colitis reduced capacity for 5-ASA metabolism in central and distal colon segments by 52 and 51%, respectively. Use of selective substrates of NAT isoforms to inhibit 5-ASA metabolism suggested that mNAT2 mediated 5-ASA metabolism in normal and colitis conditions. Western blot and real-time RT-PCR identified that proximal and distal mucosa had a decreased mNAT2 protein-to-mRNA ratio after DSS. In conclusion, an acute colonic inflammation impairs the expression and function of mNAT2 enzyme, thereby diminishing the capacity for 5-ASA metabolism by colonic mucosa. PMID:24742986

  9. Purification and characterization of enantioselective N-acetyl-β-Phe acylases from Burkholderia sp. AJ110349.

    PubMed

    Imabayashi, Yuki; Suzuki, Shun'ichi; Kawasaki, Hisashi; Nakamatsu, Tsuyoshi

    2016-01-01

    For the production of enantiopure β-amino acids, enantioselective resolution of N-acyl β-amino acids using acylases, especially those recognizing N-acetyl-β-amino acids, is one of the most attractive methods. Burkholderia sp. AJ110349 had been reported to exhibit either (R)- or (S)-enantiomer selective N-acetyl-β-Phe amidohydrolyzing activity, and in this study, both (R)- and (S)-enantioselective N-acetyl-β-Phe acylases were purified to be electrophoretically pure and determined the sequences, respectively. They were quite different in terms of enantioselectivities and in their amino acids sequences and molecular weights. Although both the purified acylases were confirmed to catalyze N-acetyl hydrolyzing activities, neither of them show sequence similarities to the N-acetyl-α-amino acid acylases reported thus far. Both (R)- and (S)-enantioselective N-acetyl-β-Phe acylase were expressed in Escherichia coli. Using these recombinant strains, enantiomerically pure (R)-β-Phe (>99% ee) and (S)-β-Phe (>99% ee) were obtained from the racemic substrate.

  10. A Core Facility for the Study of Neurotoxins of Biological Origin

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1992-02-15

    a somewhat different approach was used. TVL was incubated with or without N-acetyl-g- glucosamine (1 x 10-1 M) for 30 min. This mixture was then...galactosamine, N-acetyl-0-galactosamine, N-acetyl-cz ,lucosamine and N-acetyl-3- glucosamine . None of these lectins was a potent antagonist of botulinum...sialic acid, whereas TVL has affinity for both N-acetyl-,6- glucosamine and N-acetyl-a-sialic acid. However, the fact that the lectin from Datora

  11. Discovery and characterization of sialic acid O-acetylation in group B Streptococcus.

    PubMed

    Lewis, Amanda L; Nizet, Victor; Varki, Ajit

    2004-07-27

    Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is the leading cause of human neonatal sepsis and meningitis. The GBS capsular polysaccharide is a major virulence factor and the active principle of vaccines in phase II trials. All GBS capsules have a terminal alpha 2-3-linked sialic acid [N-acetylneuraminic acid (Neu5Ac)], which interferes with complement-mediated killing. We show here that some of the Neu5Ac residues of the GBS type III capsule are O-acetylated at carbon position 7, 8, or 9, a major modification evidently missed in previous studies. Data are consistent with initial O-acetylation at position 7, and subsequent migration of the O-acetyl ester at positions 8 and 9. O-acetylation was also present on several other GBS serotypes (Ia, Ib, II, V, and VI). Deletion of the CMP-Neu5Ac synthase gene neuA by precise, in-frame allelic replacement gave intracellular accumulation of O-acetylated Neu5Ac, whereas overexpression markedly decreased O-acetylation. Given the known GBS Neu5Ac biosynthesis pathway, these data indicate that O-acetylation occurs on free Neu5Ac, competing with the CMP-Neu5Ac synthase. O-acetylation often generates immunogenic epitopes on bacterial capsular polysaccharides and can modulate human alternate pathway complement activation. Thus, our discovery has important implications for GBS pathogenicity, immunogenicity, and vaccine design.

  12. Synthesis of novel ganglioside GM4 analogues containing N-deacetylated and lactamized sialic acid: probes for searching new ligand structures for human L-selectin.

    PubMed

    Otsubo, N; Ishida, H; Kiso, M

    2001-01-15

    Novel ganglioside GM4 analogues, which contain N-deacetylated or lactamized sialic acid instead of usual N-acetylneuraminic acid, were synthesized in a highly efficient manner. (Methyl 4,7,8,9-tetra-O-acetyl-3,5-dideoxy-5-trifluoroacetamido-D-glycero-alpha-D-galacto-2-nonulopyranosylonate)-(2-->3)-4,6-di-O-acetyl-2-O-benzoyl-D-galactopyranosyl trichloroacetimidate was coupled with 2-(tetradecyl)hexadecanol to give the desired beta-glycoside in high yield. Successive O- and N-deacylation, and saponification of the methyl ester group afforded the N-deacetylated sialyl derivative that was converted by treatment with 1-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-3-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride in Me2SO into the lactamized sialic acid-containing ganglioside GM4 analogue.

  13. Genetically Epilepsy-Prone Rats Have Increased Brain Regional Activity of an Enzyme Which Liberates Glutamate from N-acetyl-aspartyl-glutamate

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1992-01-01

    DISTRIBUTION C OOt .APPROVED FOR PUPLIC RELEASE: DISTRIBUTION UNLIMITED Ii. A STRA T (Minls.m200oids N-Acetylated-a- 1 n (’ed acidic dip cpL,2ase (N...aspartate (NAA) and the excitatory amino acid , glutamate (CLU). Although there is evidence that NAAG might be a neurotransmitter, this dipoptide could...Genetics; Itippocampus: E-ctlsatlltmt pilepsy-, Glutamate: N-Acetylated-o-1 inked acidic dipeptidasc-: Enrniatic: IIrosz:NAAG: Aspartalc N-Acetylated-a

  14. Epstein-Barr virus is related with 5-aminosalicylic acid, tonsillectomy, and CD19(+) cells in Crohn's disease.

    PubMed

    Andreu-Ballester, Juan C; Gil-Borrás, Rafael; García-Ballesteros, Carlos; Catalán-Serra, Ignacio; Amigo, Victoria; Fernández-Fígares, Virgina; Cuéllar, Carmen

    2015-04-21

    To study anti-Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) IgG antibodies in Crohn's disease in relation to treatment, immune cells, and prior tonsillectomy/appendectomy. This study included 36 CD patients and 36 healthy individuals (controls), and evaluated different clinical scenarios (new patient, remission and active disease), previous mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue removal (tonsillectomy and appendectomy) and therapeutic regimens (5-aminosalicylic acid, azathioprine, anti-tumor necrosis factor, antibiotics, and corticosteroids). T and B cells subsets in peripheral blood were analyzed by flow cytometry (markers included: CD45, CD4, CD8, CD3, CD19, CD56, CD2, CD3, TCRαβ and TCRγδ) to relate with the levels of anti-EBV IgG antibodies, determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The lowest anti-EBV IgG levels were observed in the group of patients that were not in a specific treatment (95.4 ± 53.9 U/mL vs 131.5 ± 46.2 U/mL, P = 0.038). The patients that were treated with 5-aminosalicylic acid showed the highest anti-EBV IgG values (144.3 U/mL vs 102.6 U/mL, P = 0.045). CD19(+) cells had the largest decrease in the group of CD patients that received treatment (138.6 vs 223.9, P = 0.022). The analysis of anti-EBV IgG with respect to the presence or absence of tonsillectomy showed the highest values in the tonsillectomy group of CD patients (169.2 ± 20.7 U/mL vs 106.1 ± 50.3 U/mL, P = 0.002). However, in the group of healthy controls, no differences were seen between those who had been tonsillectomized and subjects who had not been operated on (134.0 ± 52.5 U/mL vs 127.7 ± 48.1 U/mL, P = 0.523). High anti-EBV IgG levels in CD are associated with 5-aminosalicylic acid treatment, tonsillectomy, and decrease of CD19(+) cells.

  15. Genetic heterogeneity among slow acetylator N-acetyltransferase 2 phenotypes in cryopreserved human hepatocytes.

    PubMed

    Doll, Mark A; Hein, David W

    2017-07-01

    Genetic polymorphisms in human N-acetyltransferase 2 (NAT2) modify the metabolism of numerous drugs and carcinogens. These genetic polymorphisms modify both drug efficacy and toxicity and cancer risk associated with carcinogen exposure. Previous studies have suggested phenotypic heterogeneity among different NAT2 slow acetylator genotypes. NAT2 phenotype was investigated in vitro and in situ in samples of human hepatocytes obtained from various NAT2 slow and intermediate NAT2 acetylator genotypes. NAT2 gene dose response (NAT2*5B/*5B > NAT2*5B/*6A > NAT2*6A/*6A) was observed towards the N-acetylation of the NAT2-specific drug sulfamethazine by human hepatocytes both in vitro and in situ. N-acetylation of 4-aminobiphenyl, an arylamine carcinogen substrate for both N-acetyltransferase 1 and NAT2, showed the same trend both in vitro and in situ although the differences were not significant (p > 0.05). The N-acetylation of the N-acetyltransferase 1-specific substrate p-aminobenzoic acid did not follow this trend. In comparisons of NAT2 intermediate acetylator genotypes, differences in N-acetylation between NAT2*4/*5B and NAT2*4/*6B hepatocytes were not observed in vitro or in situ towards any of these substrates. These results further support phenotypic heterogeneity among NAT2 slow acetylator genotypes, consistent with differential risks of drug failure or toxicity and cancer associated with carcinogen exposure.

  16. Annotating Enzymes of Uncertain Function: The Deacylation of d-Amino Acids by Members of the Amidohydrolase Superfamily

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

    Cummings, J.; Fedorov, A; Xu, C

    The catalytic activities of three members of the amidohydrolase superfamily were discovered using amino acid substrate libraries. Bb3285 from Bordetella bronchiseptica, Gox1177 from Gluconobacter oxidans, and Sco4986 from Streptomyces coelicolor are currently annotated as d-aminoacylases or N-acetyl-d-glutamate deacetylases. These three enzymes are 22-34% identical to one another in amino acid sequence. Substrate libraries containing nearly all combinations of N-formyl-d-Xaa, N-acetyl-d-Xaa, N-succinyl-d-Xaa, and l-Xaa-d-Xaa were used to establish the substrate profiles for these enzymes. It was demonstrated that Bb3285 is restricted to the hydrolysis of N-acyl-substituted derivatives of d-glutamate. The best substrates for this enzyme are N-formyl-d-glutamate (k{sub cat}/K{sub m} =more » 5.8 x 10{sup 6} M{sup -1} s{sup -1}), N-acetyl-d-glutamate (k{sub cat}/K{sub m} = 5.2 x 10{sup 6} M{sup -1} s{sup -1}), and l-methionine-d-glutamate (k{sub cat}/K{sub m} = 3.4 x 10{sup 5} M{sup -1} s{sup -1}). Gox1177 and Sco4986 preferentially hydrolyze N-acyl-substituted derivatives of hydrophobic d-amino acids. The best substrates for Gox1177 are N-acetyl-d-leucine (k{sub cat}/K{sub m} = 3.2 x 104 M{sup -1} s-1), N-acetyl-d-tryptophan (kcat/Km = 4.1 x 104 M-1 s-1), and l-tyrosine-d-leucine (kcat/Km = 1.5 x 104 M-1 s-1). A fourth protein, Bb2785 from B. bronchiseptica, did not have d-aminoacylase activity. The best substrates for Sco4986 are N-acetyl-d-phenylalanine and N-acetyl-d-tryptophan. The three-dimensional structures of Bb3285 in the presence of the product acetate or a potent mimic of the tetrahedral intermediate were determined by X-ray diffraction methods. The side chain of the d-glutamate moiety of the inhibitor is ion-paired to Arg-295, while the {alpha}-carboxylate is ion-paired with Lys-250 and Arg-376. These results have revealed the chemical and structural determinants for substrate specificity in this protein. Bioinformatic analyses of an additional {approx}250 sequences identified as members of this group suggest that there are no simple motifs that allow prediction of substrate specificity for most of these unknowns, highlighting the challenges for computational annotation of some groups of homologous proteins.« less

  17. Pulmonary fatty acid synthesis. I. Mitochondrial acetyl transfer by rat lung in vitro.

    PubMed

    Evans, R M; Scholz, R W

    1977-04-01

    Incorporation of tritiated water into fatty acids by rat adipose tissue and lung tissue slices incubated with 5 mM glucose indicated a level of fatty acid synthesis in rat lung approximately 15% that observed in adipose tissue in vitro. (-)-Hydroxycitrate, and inhibitor of ATP citrate lyase, markedly reduced tritiated water incorporation into fatty acids by lung tissue slices. The effects of (-)-hydroxycitrate and n-butymalonate on the incorporation of 14C-labeled glucose, pyruvate, acetate, and citrate suggested that citrate is a major acetyl carrier for de novo fatty acid synthesis in lung tissue. Alternative mechanisms to citrate as an acetyl carrier were also considered. Lung mitochondrial preparations formed significant levels of acetylcarnitine in the presence of pyruvate and carnitine. However, the effect of carnitine on the incorporation of 14C-labeled glucose, pyruvate, acetate, and citrate into fatty acids by lung tissue slices indicated that acetylcarnitine may not be a significant acetyl carrier for fatty acid synthesis but may serve as an acetyl "buffer" in the control of mitochondrial acetyl-CoA levels. Additionally, it appears unlikely that either acetylaspartate or acetoacetate are of major importance in acetyl transfer in lung tissue.

  18. Histochemical study of lymphocystis disease in skin of gilthead seabream, Sparus aurata L.

    PubMed

    Sarasquete, C; González de Canales, M L; Arellano, J; Pérez-Prieto, S; García-Rosado, E; Borrego, J J

    1998-01-01

    A battery of horseradish peroxidase-conjugated lectins (Con A, WGA and DBA), as well as conventional histochemical techniques (PAS, saponification, Alcian Blue pH 0.1, 1, 2.5, chlorhydric hydrolisis, sialidase, Bromophenol blue, Tioglycollate reduction and Ferric-ferricyanide-FeIII) were used to study the content and distribution of carbohydrates, proteins and glycoconjugate sugar residues on the skin and on the lymphocystis-infected cells of gilthead seabream, Sparus aurata. Variable amounts of glycoproteins containing sialic acid, N-acetyl-D-glucosamine, N-acetyl-D-galactosamine, mannose and/or glucose residues were observed in the cuticle and mucous cells of the corporal skin, tails and fins. Germinative and epithelial cells of the epidermis contained glycogen, proteins, carboxylated groups, as well as glycoproteins with mannose and/or glucose and N-acetyl-D-galactosamine residues. Hyaline capsule of the mature lymphocystis-infected cells was strongly stained with PAS, Alcian Blue (pH 0.5 and 2.5) and weakly positive with Alcian Blue (pH 1). Con A reacted with the granular cytoplasm, specially around hyaline capsule, and with the basophilic intracytoplasmic inclusions developed in mature lymphocystis-infected cells of Sparus aurata skin. These sugar residues (mannose and/or glucose), as well as N-acetyl-D-glucosamine and/or sialic acid and N-acetyl-D-galactosamine were not detected in the hyaline capsule of the lymphocystis disease.

  19. Lifespan extension and increased resistance to environmental stressors by N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine in Caenorhabditis elegans

    PubMed Central

    Oh, Seung-Il; Park, Jin-Kook; Park, Sang-Kyu

    2015-01-01

    OBJECTIVE: This study was performed to determine the effect of N-acetyl-L-cysteine, a modified sulfur-containing amino acid that acts as a strong cellular antioxidant, on the response to environmental stressors and on aging in C. elegans. METHOD: The survival of worms under oxidative stress conditions induced by paraquat was evaluated with and without in vivo N-acetyl-L-cysteine treatment. The effect of N-acetyl-L-cysteine on the response to other environmental stressors, including heat stress and ultraviolet irradiation (UV), was also monitored. To investigate the effect on aging, we examined changes in lifespan, fertility, and expression of age-related biomarkers in C. elegans after N-acetyl-L-cysteine treatment. RESULTS: Dietary N-acetyl-L-cysteine supplementation significantly increased resistance to oxidative stress, heat stress, and UV irradiation in C. elegans. In addition, N-acetyl-L-cysteine supplementation significantly extended both the mean and maximum lifespan of C. elegans. The mean lifespan was extended by up to 30.5% with 5 mM N-acetyl-L-cysteine treatment, and the maximum lifespan was increased by 8 days. N-acetyl-L-cysteine supplementation also increased the total number of progeny produced and extended the gravid period of C. elegans. The green fluorescent protein reporter assay revealed that expression of the stress-responsive genes, sod-3 and hsp-16.2, increased significantly following N-acetyl-L-cysteine treatment. CONCLUSION: N-acetyl-L-cysteine supplementation confers a longevity phenotype in C. elegans, possibly through increased resistance to environmental stressors. PMID:26039957

  20. 5-Aminosalicylates Reduce the Risk of Colorectal Neoplasia in Patients with Ulcerative Colitis: An Updated Meta-Analysis

    PubMed Central

    Zhao, Li-Na; Li, Jie-Yao; Yu, Tao; Chen, Guang-Cheng; Yuan, Yu-Hong; Chen, Qi-Kui

    2014-01-01

    Background Although the chemopreventive effect of 5-aminosalicylates on patients with ulcerative colitis has been extensively studied, the results remain controversial. This updated review included more recent studies and evaluated the effectiveness of 5-aminosalicylates use on colorectal neoplasia prevention in patients with ulcerative colitis. Methods Up to July 2013, we searched Medline, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane CENTRAL, and SinoMed of China for all relevant observational studies (case-control and cohort) about the effect of 5-aminosalicylates on the risk of colorectal neoplasia among patients with ulcerative colitis. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to assess the quality of studies. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) were extracted from each study. A random-effects model was used to generate pooled ORs and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). Publication bias and heterogeneity were assessed. Results Seventeen studies containing 1,508 cases of colorectal neoplasia and a total of 20,193 subjects published from 1994 to 2012 were analyzed. 5-aminosalicylates use was associated with a reduced risk of colorectal neoplasia in patients with ulcerative colitis (OR 0.63; 95%CI 0.48–0.84). Pooled OR of a higher average daily dose of 5-aminosalicylates (sulfasalazine ≥ 2.0 g/d, mesalamine ≥ 1.2 g/d) was 0.51 [0.35–0.75]. Pooled OR of 5-aminosalicylates use in patients with extensive ulcerative colitis was 1.00 [0.53–1.89]. Conclusion Our pooled results indicated that 5-aminosalicylates use was associated with a reduced risk of colorectal neoplasia in patients with ulcerative colitis, especially in the cases with a higher average daily dose of 5-aminosalicylates use. However, the chemopreventive benefit of 5-aminosalicylates use in patients with extensive ulcerative colitis was limited. PMID:24710620

  1. 5-Aminosalicylates reduce the risk of colorectal neoplasia in patients with ulcerative colitis: an updated meta-analysis.

    PubMed

    Zhao, Li-Na; Li, Jie-Yao; Yu, Tao; Chen, Guang-Cheng; Yuan, Yu-Hong; Chen, Qi-Kui

    2014-01-01

    Although the chemopreventive effect of 5-aminosalicylates on patients with ulcerative colitis has been extensively studied, the results remain controversial. This updated review included more recent studies and evaluated the effectiveness of 5-aminosalicylates use on colorectal neoplasia prevention in patients with ulcerative colitis. Up to July 2013, we searched Medline, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane CENTRAL, and SinoMed of China for all relevant observational studies (case-control and cohort) about the effect of 5-aminosalicylates on the risk of colorectal neoplasia among patients with ulcerative colitis. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to assess the quality of studies. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) were extracted from each study. A random-effects model was used to generate pooled ORs and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). Publication bias and heterogeneity were assessed. Seventeen studies containing 1,508 cases of colorectal neoplasia and a total of 20,193 subjects published from 1994 to 2012 were analyzed. 5-aminosalicylates use was associated with a reduced risk of colorectal neoplasia in patients with ulcerative colitis (OR 0.63; 95%CI 0.48-0.84). Pooled OR of a higher average daily dose of 5-aminosalicylates (sulfasalazine ≥ 2.0 g/d, mesalamine ≥ 1.2 g/d) was 0.51 [0.35-0.75]. Pooled OR of 5-aminosalicylates use in patients with extensive ulcerative colitis was 1.00 [0.53-1.89]. Our pooled results indicated that 5-aminosalicylates use was associated with a reduced risk of colorectal neoplasia in patients with ulcerative colitis, especially in the cases with a higher average daily dose of 5-aminosalicylates use. However, the chemopreventive benefit of 5-aminosalicylates use in patients with extensive ulcerative colitis was limited.

  2. Human metabolism and excretion kinetics of aniline after a single oral dose.

    PubMed

    Modick, Hendrik; Weiss, Tobias; Dierkes, Georg; Koslitz, Stephan; Käfferlein, Heiko Udo; Brüning, Thomas; Koch, Holger Martin

    2016-06-01

    Aniline is an important source material in the chemical industry (e.g., rubber, pesticides, and pharmaceuticals). The general population is known to be ubiquitously exposed to aniline. Thus, assessment of aniline exposure is of both occupational and environmental relevance. Knowledge on human metabolism of aniline is scarce. We orally dosed four healthy male volunteers (two fast and two slow acetylators) with 5 mg isotope-labeled aniline, consecutively collected all urine samples over a period of 2 days, and investigated the renal excretion of aniline and its metabolites by LS-MS/MS and GC-MS. After enzymatic hydrolysis of glucuronide and sulfate conjugates, N-acetyl-4-aminophenol was the predominant urinary aniline metabolite representing 55.7-68.9 % of the oral dose, followed by the mercapturic acid conjugate of N-acetyl-4-aminophenol accounting for 2.5-6.1 %. Acetanilide and free aniline were found only in minor amounts accounting for 0.14-0.36 % of the dose. Overall, these four biomarkers excreted in urine over 48 h post-dose represented 62.4-72.1 % of the oral aniline dose. Elimination half-times were 3.4-4.3 h for N-acetyl-4-aminophenol, 4.1-5.5 h for the mercapturic acid conjugate, and 1.3-1.6 and 0.6-1.2 h for acetanilide and free aniline, respectively. Urinary maximum concentrations of N-acetyl-4-aminophenol were reached after about 4 h and maximum concentrations of the mercapturic acid conjugate after about 6 h, whereas concentrations of acetanilide and free aniline peaked after about 1 h. The present study is one of the first to provide reliable urinary excretion factors for aniline and its metabolites in humans after oral dosage, including data on the predominant urinary metabolite N-acetyl-4-aminophenol, also known as an analgesic under the name paracetamol/acetaminophen.

  3. Characterization of O-acetylation in sialoglycans by MALDI-MS using a combination of methylamidation and permethylation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wu, Zhaoguan; Li, Henghui; Zhang, Qiwei; Liu, Xin; Zheng, Qi; Li, Jianjun

    2017-04-01

    O-Acetylation of sialic acid in protein N-glycans is an important modification and can occur at either 4-, 7-, 8- or 9-position in various combinations. This modification is usually labile under alkaline reaction conditions. Consequently, a permethylation-based analytical method, which has been widely used in glycomics studies, is not suitable for profiling O-acetylation of sialic acids due to the harsh reaction conditions. Alternatively, methylamidation can be used for N-glycan analysis without affecting the base-labile modification of sialic acid. In this report, we applied both permethylation and methylamidation approaches to the analysis of O-acetylation in sialic acids. It has been demonstrated that methylamidation not only stabilizes sialic acids during MALDI processing but also allow for characterization of their O-acetylation pattern. In addition, LC-MS/MS experiments were carried out to distinguish between the O-acetylated glycans with potential isomeric structures. The repeatability of methylamidation was examined to evaluate the applicability of the approach to profiling of O-acetylation in sialic acids. In conclusion, the combination of methylamidation and permethylation methodology is a powerful MALDI-TOF MS-based tool for profiling O-acetylation in sialic acids applicable to screening of N-glycans.

  4. Systematic Review: Rectal Therapies for the Treatment of Distal Forms of Ulcerative Colitis.

    PubMed

    Cohen, Russell D; Dalal, Sushila R

    2015-07-01

    Many therapeutic options are available for patients with distal forms of ulcerative colitis (UC). Rectal therapies (e.g., suppositories, foams, gels, and enemas) may be recommended either alone or in combination with oral treatment. Compared with oral therapies, rectal therapies are underused in patients with distal forms of UC, although rectal therapies have favorable efficacy and safety profiles. This systematic review identified 48 articles for inclusion after a comprehensive PubMed search and the identification of additional relevant articles through other sources. Inclusion criteria were clinical studies examining efficacy and safety of 5-aminosalicylic acid, corticosteroid, and non-5-aminosalicylic acid rectal therapies (suppositories, foams, gels, and enemas) that induce or maintain remission in patients with ulcerative proctitis, ulcerative proctosigmoiditis, or left-sided colitis (i.e., distal forms of UC). The quality of the evidence presented was evaluated using the GRADE system. Overall, a greater percentage of patients with distal forms of UC receiving 5-aminosalicylic acids or corticosteroid rectal formulations derived greater therapeutic benefit after treatment compared with patients receiving placebo. Furthermore, most uncontrolled studies of rectal therapies reported that patients with distal forms of UC had marked improvement from baseline after treatment. The overall safety profile of rectal therapies was favorable. Treatment with second-generation corticosteroids, such as budesonide and beclomethasone dipropionate, did not increase the incidence of steroid-related adverse effects. The current literature supports the use of rectal therapies for both induction and maintenance of remission in patients with distal forms of UC.

  5. 3D printing of modified-release aminosalicylate (4-ASA and 5-ASA) tablets.

    PubMed

    Goyanes, Alvaro; Buanz, Asma B M; Hatton, Grace B; Gaisford, Simon; Basit, Abdul W

    2015-01-01

    The aim of this study was to explore the potential of fused-deposition 3-dimensional printing (FDM 3DP) to produce modified-release drug loaded tablets. Two aminosalicylate isomers used in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA, mesalazine) and 4-aminosalicylic acid (4-ASA), were selected as model drugs. Commercially produced polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) filaments were loaded with the drugs in an ethanolic drug solution. A final drug-loading of 0.06% w/w and 0.25% w/w was achieved for the 5-ASA and 4-ASA strands, respectively. 10.5mm diameter tablets of both PVA/4-ASA and PVA/5-ASA were subsequently printed using an FDM 3D printer, and varying the weight and densities of the printed tablets was achieved by selecting the infill percentage in the printer software. The tablets were mechanically strong, and the FDM 3D printing was shown to be an effective process for the manufacture of the drug, 5-ASA. Significant thermal degradation of the active 4-ASA (50%) occurred during printing, however, indicating that the method may not be appropriate for drugs when printing at high temperatures exceeding those of the degradation point. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) of the formulated blends confirmed these findings while highlighting the potential of thermal analytical techniques to anticipate drug degradation issues in the 3D printing process. The results of the dissolution tests conducted in modified Hank's bicarbonate buffer showed that release profiles for both drugs were dependent on both the drug itself and on the infill percentage of the tablet. Our work here demonstrates the potential role of FDM 3DP as an efficient and low-cost alternative method of manufacturing individually tailored oral drug dosage, and also for production of modified-release formulations. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  6. Codominant Expression of N-Acetylation and O-Acetylation Activities Catalyzed by N-Acetyltransferase 2 in Human Hepatocytes

    PubMed Central

    Doll, Mark A.; Zang, Yu; Moeller, Timothy

    2010-01-01

    Human populations exhibit genetic polymorphism in N-acetylation capacity, catalyzed by N-acetyltransferase 2 (NAT2). We investigated the relationship between NAT2 acetylator genotype and phenotype in cryopreserved human hepatocytes. NAT2 genotypes determined in 256 human samples were assigned as rapid (two rapid alleles), intermediate (one rapid and one slow allele), or slow (two slow alleles) acetylator phenotypes based on functional characterization of the NAT2 alleles reported previously in recombinant expression systems. A robust and significant relationship was observed between deduced NAT2 phenotype (rapid, intermediate, or slow) and N-acetyltransferase activity toward sulfamethazine (p < 0.0001) and 4-aminobiphenyl (p < 0.0001) and for O-acetyltransferase-catalyzed metabolic activation of N-hydroxy-4-aminobiphenyl (p < 0.0001), N-hydroxy-2-amino-3,8-dimethylimidazo[4,5-f] quinoxaline (p < 0.01), and N-hydroxy-2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b] pyridine (p < 0.0001). NAT2-specific protein levels also significantly associated with the rapid, intermediate, and slow NAT2 acetylator phenotypes (p < 0.0001). As a negative control, p-aminobenzoic acid (an N-acetyltransferase 1-selective substrate) N-acetyltransferase activities from the same samples did not correlate with the three NAT2 acetylator phenotypes (p > 0.05). These results clearly document codominant expression of human NAT2 alleles resulting in rapid, intermediate, and slow acetylator phenotypes. The three phenotypes reflect levels of NAT2 protein catalyzing both N- and O-acetylation. Our results suggest a significant role of NAT2 acetylation polymorphism in arylamine-induced cancers and are consistent with differential cancer risk and/or drug efficacy/toxicity in intermediate compared with rapid or slow NAT2 acetylator phenotypes. PMID:20430842

  7. [A case of acute pancreatitis caused by 5-aminosalicylic acid suppositories in a patient with ulcerative colitis].

    PubMed

    Kim, Kook Hyun; Kim, Tae Nyeun; Jang, Byung Ik

    2007-12-01

    Oral 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) has been known as a first-choice drug for ulcerative colitis. However, hypersensitivity reactions, including pancreatitis, hepatitis, and skin rash, have been reported with 5-ASA. Topical formulations of 5-ASA like suppositories have been rarely reported to induce adverse reactions because of their limited absorption rate. We recently experienced a case of acute pancreatitis caused by 5-ASA suppositories in a patient with ulcerative colitis. A 26-year-old male was admitted with abdominal pain and diagnosed as ulcerative colitis. Acute pancreatitis occurred soon after 24 hours of treatment with oral mesalazine. Drug-induced pancreatitis was suspected and administration of mesalazine was discontinued. Then 5-ASA suppositories were started instead of oral mesalazine. Twenty-four hours after taking 5-ASA suppositories, he experienced severe abdominal pain, fever, and elevation of amylase levels. The suppositories were immediately stopped and symptoms resolved over next 48 hours. Herein, we suggest that, in patients treated with 5-ASA suppositories who complain of severe abdominal pain, drug-induced pancreatitis should be suspected.

  8. Rabbit N-acetyltransferase 2 genotyping method to investigate role of acetylation polymorphism on N- and O-acetylation of aromatic and heterocyclic amine carcinogens.

    PubMed

    Hein, David W; Doll, Mark A

    2017-09-01

    The rabbit was the initial animal model to investigate the acetylation polymorphism expressed in humans. Use of the rabbit model is compromised by lack of a rapid non-invasive method for determining acetylator phenotype. Slow acetylator phenotype in the rabbit results from deletion of the N-acetyltransferase 2 (NAT2) gene. A relatively quick and non-invasive method for identifying the gene deletion was developed and acetylator phenotypes confirmed by measurement of N- and O-acetyltransferase activities in hepatic cytosols. Rabbit liver cytosols catalyzed the N-acetylation of sulfamethazine (p = 0.0014), benzidine (p = 0.0257), 4-aminobiphenyl (p = 0.0012), and the O-acetylation of N-hydroxy-2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (N-OH-PhIP; p = 0.002) at rates significantly higher in rabbits possessing NAT2 gene than rabbits with NAT2 gene deleted. In contrast, hepatic cytosols catalyzed the N-acetylation of p-aminobenzoic acid (an N-acetyltransferase 1 selective substrate) at rates that did not differ significantly (p > 0.05) between rabbits positive and negative for NAT2. The new NAT2 genotyping method facilitates use of the rabbit model to investigate the role of acetylator polymorphism in the metabolism of aromatic and heterocyclic amine drugs and carcinogens.

  9. Release of 5-Aminosalicylic Acid (5-ASA) from Mesalamine Formulations at Various pH Levels.

    PubMed

    Abinusawa, Adeyinka; Tenjarla, Srini

    2015-05-01

    Oral formulations of 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) for treatment of ulcerative colitis have been developed to minimize absorption prior to the drug reaching the colon. In this study, we investigate the release of 5-ASA from available oral mesalamine formulations in physiologically relevant pH conditions. Release of 5-ASA from 6 mesalamine formulations (APRISO®, Salix Pharmaceuticals, Inc., USA; ASACOL® MR, Procter & Gamble Pharmaceuticals UK Ltd.; ASACOL® HD, Procter & Gamble Pharmaceuticals, USA; MEZAVANT XL®, Shire US Inc.; PENTASA®, Ferring Pharmaceuticals, Ltd., UK; SALOFALK®, Dr. Falk Pharma UK Ltd.) was evaluated using United States Pharmacopeia apparatus I and II at pH values of 1.0 (2 h), 6.0 (1 h), and 6.8 (8 h). Dissolution profiles were determined for each formulation, respectively. Of the tested formulations, only the PENTASA formulation demonstrated release of 5-ASA at pH 1.0 (48%), with 56% cumulative release after exposure to pH 6.0 and 92% 5-ASA release after 6-8 h at pH 6.8. No other mesalamine formulation showed >1% drug release at pH 1.0. The APRISO formulation revealed 36% 5-ASA release at pH 6.0, with 100% release after 3 h at pH 6.8. The SALOFALK formulation revealed 11% 5-ASA release at pH 6.0, with 100% release after 1 h at pH 6.8. No 5-ASA was released by the ASACOL MR, ASACOL HD, and MEZAVANT XL formulations at pH 6.0. At pH 6.8, the ASACOL MR and ASACOL HD formulations exhibited complete release of 5-ASA after 4 and 2 h, respectively, and the MEZAVANT XL formulation demonstrated complete 5-ASA release over 6-7 h. 5-Aminosalicylic acid release profiles were variable among various commercially available formulations. Shire Development LLC.

  10. Unexpected Diversity of Escherichia coli Sialate O-Acetyl Esterase NanS

    PubMed Central

    Rangel, Ariel; Steenbergen, Susan M.

    2016-01-01

    ABSTRACT The sialic acids (N-acylneuraminates) are a group of nine-carbon keto-sugars existing mainly as terminal residues on animal glycoprotein and glycolipid carbohydrate chains. Bacterial commensals and pathogens exploit host sialic acids for nutrition, adhesion, or antirecognition, where N-acetyl- or N-glycolylneuraminic acids are the two predominant chemical forms of sialic acids. Each form may be modified by acetyl esters at carbon position 4, 7, 8, or 9 and by a variety of less-common modifications. Modified sialic acids produce challenges for colonizing bacteria, because the chemical alterations to N-acetylneuraminic acid (Neu5Ac) confer increased resistance to sialidase and aldolase activities essential for the catabolism of host sialic acids. Bacteria with O-acetyl sialate esterase(s) utilize acetylated sialic acids for growth, thereby gaining a presumed metabolic advantage over competitors lacking this activity. Here, we demonstrate the esterase activity of Escherichia coli NanS after purifying it as a C-terminal HaloTag fusion. Using a similar approach, we show that E. coli strain O157:H7 Stx prophage or prophage remnants invariably include paralogs of nanS often located downstream of the Shiga-like toxin genes. These paralogs may include sequences encoding N- or C-terminal domains of unknown function where the NanS domains can act as sialate O-acetyl esterases, as shown by complementation of an E. coli strain K-12 nanS mutant and the unimpaired growth of an E. coli O157 nanS mutant on O-acetylated sialic acid. We further demonstrate that nanS homologs in Streptococcus spp. also encode active esterase, demonstrating an unexpected diversity of bacterial sialate O-acetyl esterase. IMPORTANCE The sialic acids are a family of over 40 naturally occurring 9-carbon keto-sugars that function in a variety of host-bacterium interactions. These sugars occur primarily as terminal carbohydrate residues on host glycoproteins and glycolipids. Available evidence indicates that diverse bacterial species use host sialic acids for adhesion or as sources of carbon and nitrogen. Our results show that the catabolism of the diacetylated form of host sialic acid requires a specialized esterase, NanS. Our results further show that nanS homologs exist in bacteria other than Escherichia coli, as well as part of toxigenic E. coli prophage. The unexpected diversity of these enzymes suggests new avenues for investigating host-bacterium interactions. Therefore, these original results extend our previous studies of nanS to include mucosal pathogens, prophage, and prophage remnants. This expansion of the nanS superfamily suggests important, although as-yet-unknown, functions in host-microbe interactions. PMID:27481927

  11. Comparison of maintenance effect of probiotics and aminosalicylates on ulcerative colitis: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

    PubMed

    Jiang, Yong; Zhang, Zhi-Guang; Qi, Feng-Xiang; Zhang, Ying; Han, Tao

    2016-03-01

    To evaluate the maintenance effect of probiotics versus that of aminosalicylates on ulcerative colitis. MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, and the Chinese Biomedical Database were searched in English or Chinese. Data extracted were selected with strict criteria. In six randomized controlled trials (RCTs), a total of 721 participants were enrolled and the maintenance effect of probiotics ( n  = 364) versus that of aminosalicylates ( n  = 357) on ulcerative colitis was investigated. No significant difference was observed between probiotics and aminosalicylate groups (relative risk ( RR ) = 1.08; 95% confidence interval ( CI ): 0.91-1.28; P  = 0.40). Three RCTs compared the incidence of adverse events with probiotics versus those with aminosalicylates. No significant difference was observed in the incidence of adverse events between the two groups ( RR  = 1.20; 95% CI : 0.92-1.56; P  = 0.17). Probiotics and aminosalicylates both showed a maintenance effect on ulcerative colitis. However, more well-designed RCTs are required.

  12. Aromatic amine metabolism: immunochemical relationships of N-acetyltransferase and N,O-acyltransferase

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

    Land, S.; Allaben, W.T.; King, C.M.

    1986-05-01

    Mutagenic and carcinogenic aromatic amines are acetylated in most organisms. Acetyl CoA and arylhydroxamic acids can serve as acetyl donors for N-Acetylation of amines to yield stable amides, or by O-acetylation of hydroxylamine derivatives to produce reactive metabolites that can react covalently with nucleic acid. Polyclonal antibodies against rat arylhydroxamic acid, N,O-acyltransferase (AHAT) have been compared for their abilities to react with this enzyme and the acetyl CoA-dependent N-acetyltransferase (NAT) of the rat, rabbit, hamster, mouse and human. Liver cytosols were treated with increasing quantities of antibodies from immune or control rabbits. Immune complexes were removed by treatment with proteinmore » A-Sepharose before assay of nucleic acid adduct formation by AHAT activation of N-hydroxy-2-acetylaminofluorene and the acetylation of 2-aminofluorene by NAT. Both rat activities, the AHAT of the hamster and the NAT of the mouse and human were removed by this treatment. No decrease in NAT activity of hamster, or of either rabbit cytosol activity was observed. Neither mouse nor human liver has appreciable AHAT activity. These data support the idea that AHAT and NAT of rat, AHAT of hamster and NAT of mouse and human liver are immunochemically related, but that NAT of the hamster is an immunochemically distinct peptide.« less

  13. Synthesis of mutual azo prodrugs of anti-inflammatory agents and peptides facilitated by α-aminoisobutyric acid.

    PubMed

    Kennedy, David A; Vembu, Nagarajan; Fronczek, Frank R; Devocelle, Marc

    2011-12-02

    Reported is the synthesis of azo mutual prodrugs of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs) 4-aminophenylacetic acid (4-APAA) or 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) with peptides, including an antibiotic peptide temporin analogue modified at the amino terminal by an α-aminoisobutyric acid (Aib) residue. These prodrugs are designed for colonic delivery of two agents to treat infection and inflammation by the bacterial pathogen Clostridium difficile . © 2011 American Chemical Society

  14. 4-Aminobiphenyl Downregulation of NAT2 Acetylator Genotype–Dependent N- and O-acetylation of Aromatic and Heterocyclic Amine Carcinogens in Primary Mammary Epithelial Cell Cultures from Rapid and Slow Acetylator Rats

    PubMed Central

    Jefferson, Felicia A.; Xiao, Gong H.; Hein, David W.

    2009-01-01

    Aromatic and heterocyclic amine carcinogens present in the diet and in cigarette smoke induce breast tumors in rats. N-acetyltransferase 1 (NAT1) and N-acetyltransferase 2 (NAT2) enzymes have important roles in their metabolic activation and deactivation. Human epidemiological studies suggest that genetic polymorphisms in NAT1 and/or NAT2 modify breast cancer risk in women exposed to these carcinogens. p-Aminobenzoic acid (selective for rat NAT2) and sulfamethazine (SMZ; selective for rat NAT1) N-acetyltransferase catalytic activities were both expressed in primary cultures of rat mammary epithelial cells. PABA, 2-aminofluorene, and 4-aminobiphenyl N-acetyltransferase and N-hydroxy-2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b] pyridine and N-hydroxy-2-amino-3,8-dimethylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoxaline O-acetyltransferase activities were two- to threefold higher in mammary epithelial cell cultures from rapid than slow acetylator rats. In contrast, SMZ (a rat NAT1-selective substrate) N-acetyltransferase activity did not differ between rapid and slow acetylators. Rat mammary cells cultured in the medium supplemented 24 h with 10μM ABP showed downregulation in the N-and O-acetylation of all substrates tested except for the NAT1-selective substrate SMZ. This downregulation was comparable in rapid and slow NAT2 acetylators. These studies clearly show NAT2 acetylator genotype–dependent N- and O-acetylation of aromatic and heterocyclic amine carcinogens in rat mammary epithelial cell cultures to be subject to downregulation by the arylamine carcinogen ABP. PMID:18842621

  15. Acetyl transfer in arylamine metabolism

    PubMed Central

    Booth, J.

    1966-01-01

    1. N-Hydroxyacetamidoaryl compounds (hydroxamic acids) are metabolites of arylamides, and an enzyme that transfers the acetyl group from these derivatives to arylamines has been found in rat tissues. The reaction products were identified by thin-layer chromatography and a spectrophotometric method, with 4-amino-azobenzene as acetyl acceptor, was used to measure enzyme activity. 2. The acetyltransferase was in the soluble fraction of rat liver, required a thiol for maximum activity and had a pH optimum between 6·0 and 7·5. 3. The soluble fractions of various rat tissues showed decreasing activity in the following order: liver, adrenal, kidney, lung, spleen, testis, heart; brain was inactive. 4. With the exception of aniline and aniline derivatives all the arylamines tested were effective as acetyl acceptors but aromatic compounds with side-chain amino groups were inactive. 5. The N-hydroxyacetamido derivatives of 2-naphthylamine, 4-amino-biphenyl and 2-aminofluorene were active acetyl donors but N-hydroxyacetanilide showed only slight activity. Acetyl-CoA was not a donor. 6. Some properties of the enzyme are compared with those of other acetyltransferases. PMID:5969287

  16. Noninvasive Measurement of Murine Hepatic Acetyl-CoA 13C-Enrichment Following Overnight Feeding with 13C-Enriched Fructose and Glucose

    PubMed Central

    Carvalho, Filipa; Duarte, Joao; Simoes, Ana Rita; Cruz, Pedro F.; Jones, John G.

    2013-01-01

    The 13C-isotopomer enrichment of hepatic cytosolic acetyl-CoA of overnight-fed mice whose drinking water was supplemented with [U-13C]fructose, and [1-13C]glucose and p-amino benzoic acid (PABA) was quantified by 13C NMR analysis of urinary N-acetyl-PABA. Four mice were given normal chow plus drinking water supplemented with 5% [1-13C]glucose, 2.5% [U-13C]fructose, and 2.5% fructose (Solution 1) overnight. Four were given chow and water containing 17.5% [1-13C]glucose, 8.75% [U-13C]fructose and 8.75% fructose (Solution 2). PABA (0.25%) was present in both studies. Urinary N-acetyl-PABA was analyzed by 13C NMR. In addition to [2-13C]- and [1,2-13C]acetyl isotopomers from catabolism of [U-13C]fructose and [1-13C]glucose to acetyl-CoA, [1-13C]acetyl was also found indicating pyruvate recycling activity. This precluded precise estimates of [1-13C]glucose contribution to acetyl-CoA while that of [U-13C]fructose was unaffected. The fructose contribution to acetyl-CoA from Solutions 1 and 2 was 4.0 ± 0.4% and 10.6 ± 0.6%, respectively, indicating that it contributed to a minor fraction of lipogenic acetyl-CoA under these conditions. PMID:23841082

  17. Metabolism of indole-3-acetic acid by orange (Citrus sinensis) flavedo tissue during fruit development.

    PubMed

    Chamarro, J; Ostin, A; Sandberg, G

    2001-05-01

    [5-3H, 1'-14C, 13C6, 12C] Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), was applied to the flavedo (epicarp) of intact orange fruits at different stages of development. After incubation in the dark, at 25 degrees C, the tissue was extracted with MeOH and the partially purified extracts were analyzed by reversed phase HPLC-RC. Six major metabolite peaks were detected and subsequently analyzed by combined HPLC-frit-FAB MS. The metabolite peak 6 contained oxindole-3-acetic acid (OxIAA), indole-3-acetyl-N-aspartic acid (IAAsp) and also indole-3-acetyl-N-glutamic acid (IAGlu). The nature of metabolite 5 remains unknown. Metabolites 3 and 4 were diastereomers of oxindole-3-acetyl-N-aspartic acid (OxIAAsp). Metabolite 2 was identified as dioxindole-3-acetic acid and metabolite 1 as a DiOx-IAA linked in position three to a hexose, which is suggested to be 3-(-O-beta-glucosyl) dioxindole-3-acetic acid (DiOxIAGlc). Identification work as well as feeding experiments with the [5-3H]IAA labeled metabolites suggest that IAA is metabolized in flavedo tissue mainly through two pathways, namely IAA-OxIAA-DiOxIAA-DiOxIAGlc and IAA-IAAsp-OxIAAsp. The flavedo of citrus fruit has a high capacity for IAA catabolism until the beginning of fruit senescence, with the major route having DiOxIAGlc as end product. This capacity is operative even at high IAA concentrations and is accelerated by pretreatment with the synthetic auxins 2,4-D, NAA and the gibberellin GA3.

  18. Anti-inflammatory protection afforded by cyanidin-3-glucoside and resveratrol in human intestinal cells via Nrf2 and PPAR-γ: Comparison with 5-aminosalicylic acid.

    PubMed

    Serra, Diana; Almeida, Leonor M; Dinis, Teresa C P

    2016-12-25

    This study investigated the involvement of nuclear factor erythroid 2 (Nrf2) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-γ) pathways in the protection afforded by two polyphenols abundant in diet, cyanidin-3-glucoside and resveratrol, against cytokine-induced inflammation and oxidative insult in HT-29 intestinal cells, in comparison with the drug 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA). Our data show for the first time that in cytokine-challenged cells, cyanidin-3-glucoside and resveratrol induced Nrf2 activation, increased hemoxygenase-1 and glutamate cysteine ligase mRNA expression, enhanced reduced glutathione to oxidized glutathione ratio and inhibited reactive species production, at much lower concentrations than 5-ASA. Unlike cyanidin-3-glucoside, resveratrol and 5-ASA also increased nuclear levels of PPAR-γ in cytokine-stimulated cells. In conclusion, both polyphenols might be interesting as nutraceuticals, giving complementary benefits to conventional drugs against intestinal inflammation, typically present in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  19. Growth advantage of Escherichia coli O104:H4 strains on 5-N-acetyl-9-O-acetyl neuraminic acid as a carbon source is dependent on heterogeneous phage-Borne nanS-p esterases.

    PubMed

    Saile, Nadja; Schwarz, Lisa; Eißenberger, Kristina; Klumpp, Jochen; Fricke, Florian W; Schmidt, Herbert

    2018-06-01

    Enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC) are serious bacterial pathogens which are able to cause a hemorrhagic colitis or the life-threatening hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS) in humans. EHEC strains can carry different numbers of phage-borne nanS-p alleles that are responsible for acetic acid release from mucin from bovine submaxillary gland and 5-N-acetyl-9-O-acetyl neuraminic acid (Neu5,9Ac 2 ), a carbohydrate present in mucin. Thus, Neu5,9Ac 2 can be transformed to 5-N-acetyl neuraminic acid, an energy source used by E. coli strains. We hypothesize that these NanS-p proteins are involved in competitive growth of EHEC in the gastrointestinal tract of humans and animals. The aim of the current study was to demonstrate and characterize the nanS-p alleles of the 2011 E. coli O104:H4 outbreak strain LB226692 and analyze whether the presence of multiple nanS-p alleles in the LB226692 genome causes a competitive growth advantage over a commensal E. coli strain. We detected and characterized five heterogeneous phage-borne nanS-p alleles in the genome of E. coli O104:H4 outbreak strain LB226692 by in silico analysis of its genome. Furthermore, successive deletion of all nanS-p alleles, subsequent complementation with recombinant NanS-p13-His, and in vitro co-culturing experiments with the commensal E. coli strain AMC 198 were conducted. We could show that nanS-p genes of E. coli O104:H4 are responsible for growth inhibition of strain AMC 198, when Neu5,9Ac 2 was used as sole carbon source in co-culture. The results of this study let us suggest that multiple nanS-p alleles may confer a growth advantage by outcompeting other E. coli strains in Neu5,9Ac 2 rich environments, such as mucus in animal and human gut. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

  20. Characterization of a Glucosamine/Glucosaminide N-Acetyltransferase of Clostridium acetobutylicum▿†

    PubMed Central

    Reith, Jan; Mayer, Christoph

    2011-01-01

    Many bacteria, in particular Gram-positive bacteria, contain high proportions of non-N-acetylated amino sugars, i.e., glucosamine (GlcN) and/or muramic acid, in the peptidoglycan of their cell wall, thereby acquiring resistance to lysozyme. However, muramidases with specificity for non-N-acetylated peptidoglycan have been characterized as part of autolytic systems such as of Clostridium acetobutylicum. We aim to elucidate the recovery pathway for non-N-acetylated peptidoglycan fragments and present here the identification and characterization of an acetyltransferase of novel specificity from C. acetobutylicum, named GlmA (for glucosamine/glucosaminide N-acetyltransferase). The enzyme catalyzes the specific transfer of an acetyl group from acetyl coenzyme A to the primary amino group of GlcN, thereby generating N-acetylglucosamine. GlmA is also able to N-acetylate GlcN residues at the nonreducing end of glycosides such as (partially) non-N-acetylated peptidoglycan fragments and β-1,4-glycosidically linked chitosan oligomers. Km values of 114, 64, and 39 μM were determined for GlcN, (GlcN)2, and (GlcN)3, respectively, and a 3- to 4-fold higher catalytic efficiency was determined for the di- and trisaccharides. GlmA is the first cloned and biochemically characterized glucosamine/glucosaminide N-acetyltransferase and a member of the large GCN5-related N-acetyltransferases (GNAT) superfamily of acetyltransferases. We suggest that GlmA is required for the recovery of non-N-acetylated muropeptides during cell wall rescue in C. acetobutylicum. PMID:21784938

  1. Development of a Highly Biocompatible Antituberculosis Nanodelivery Formulation Based on Para-Aminosalicylic Acid—Zinc Layered Hydroxide Nanocomposites

    PubMed Central

    Arulselvan, Palanisamy; El Zowalaty, Mohamed Ezzat; Fakurazi, Sharida; Webster, Thomas J.; Geilich, Benjamin; Hussein, Mohd Zobir

    2014-01-01

    Tuberculosis is a lethal epidemic, difficult to control disease, claiming thousands of lives every year. We have developed a nanodelivery formulation based on para-aminosalicylic acid (PAS) and zinc layered hydroxide using zinc nitrate salt as a precursor. The developed formulation has a fourfold higher efficacy of PAS against mycobacterium tuberculosis with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) found to be at 1.40 μg/mL compared to the free drug PAS with a MIC of 5.0 μg/mL. The newly developed formulation was also found active against Gram-positive bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria, and Candida albicans. The formulation was also found to be biocompatible with human normal lung cells MRC-5 and mouse fibroblast cells-3T3. The in vitro release of PAS from the formulation was found to be sustained in a human body simulated phosphate buffer saline (PBS) solution at pH values of 7.4 and 4.8. Most importantly the nanocomposite prepared using zinc nitrate salt was advantageous in terms of yield and free from toxic zinc oxide contamination and had higher biocompatibility compared to one prepared using a zinc oxide precursor. In summary, these promising in vitro results are highly encouraging for the continued investigation of para-aminosalicylic acid and zinc layered hydroxide nanocomposites in vivo and eventual preclinical studies. PMID:25050392

  2. New structures and composition of cell wall teichoic acids from Nocardiopsis synnemataformans, Nocardiopsis halotolerans, Nocardiopsis composta and Nocardiopsis metallicus: a chemotaxonomic value.

    PubMed

    Tul'skaya, Elena M; Shashkov, Alexander S; Streshinskaya, Galina M; Potekhina, Natalia V; Evtushenko, Ludmila I

    2014-12-01

    The structures of the cell wall teichoic acids (TA) from some species of the genus Nocardiopsis were established by chemical and NMR spectroscopic methods. The cell walls of Nocardiopsis synnemataformans VKM Ac-2518(T) and Nocardiopsis halotolerans VKM Ac-2519(T) both contain two TA with unique structures-poly(polyol phosphate-glycosylpolyol phosphate)-belonging to the type IV TA. In both organisms, the minor TA have identical structures: poly(glycerol phosphate-N-acetyl-β-galactosaminylglycerol phosphate) with the phosphodiester bond between C-3 of glycerol and C-4 of the amino sugar. This structure is found for the first time. The major TA of N. halotolerans has a hitherto unknown structure: poly(glycerol phosphate-N-acetyl-β-galactosaminylglycerol phosphate), the N-acetyl-β-galactosamine being acetalated with pyruvic acid at positions 4 and 6. The major TA of N. synnemataformans is a poly(glycerol phosphate-N-acetyl-β-galactosaminylglycerol phosphate) with the phosphodiester bond between C-3 of glycerol and C-3 of the amino sugar. The cell walls of Nocardiopsis composta VKM Ac-2520 and N. composta VKM Ac-2521(T) contain only one TA, namely 1,3-poly(glycerol phosphate) partially substituted with N-acetyl-α-glucosamine. The cell wall of Nocardiopsis metallicus VKM Ac-2522(T) contains two TA. The major TA is 1,5-poly(ribitol phosphate), each ribitol unit carrying a pyruvate ketal group at positions 2 and 4. The structure of the minor TA is the same as that of N. composta. The results presented correlate well with the phylogenetic grouping of strains and confirm the species and strain specific features of cell wall TA in members of the genus Nocardiopsis.

  3. Mechanistic and Structural Analysis of a Drosophila melanogaster Enzyme, Arylalkylamine N-Acetyltransferase Like 7, an Enzyme That Catalyzes the Formation of N-Acetylarylalkylamides and N-Acetylhistamine.

    PubMed

    Dempsey, Daniel R; Jeffries, Kristen A; Handa, Sumit; Carpenter, Anne-Marie; Rodriguez-Ospina, Santiago; Breydo, Leonid; Merkler, David J

    2015-04-28

    Arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase like 7 (AANATL7) catalyzes the formation of N-acetylarylalkylamides and N-acetylhistamine from acetyl-CoA and the corresponding amine substrate. AANATL7 is a member of the GNAT superfamily of >10000 GCN5-related N-acetyltransferases, many members being linked to important roles in both human metabolism and disease. Drosophila melanogaster utilizes the N-acetylation of biogenic amines for the inactivation of neurotransmitters, the biosynthesis of melatonin, and the sclerotization of the cuticle. We have expressed and purified D. melanogaster AANATL7 in Escherichia coli and used the purified enzyme to define the substrate specificity for acyl-CoA and amine substrates. Information about the substrate specificity provides insight into the potential contribution made by AANATL7 to fatty acid amide biosynthesis because D. melanogaster has emerged as an important model system contributing to our understanding of fatty acid amide metabolism. Characterization of the kinetic mechanism of AANATL7 identified an ordered sequential mechanism, with acetyl-CoA binding first followed by histamine to generate an AANATL7·acetyl-CoA·histamine ternary complex prior to catalysis. Successive pH-activity profiling and site-directed mutagenesis experiments identified two ionizable groups: one with a pKa of 7.1 that is assigned to Glu-26 as a general base and a second pKa of 9.5 that is assigned to the protonation of the thiolate of the coenzyme A product. Using the data generated herein, we propose a chemical mechanism for AANATL7 and define functions for other important amino acid residues involved in substrate binding and regulation of catalysis.

  4. Identification and analysis of o-acetylated sialoglycoproteins.

    PubMed

    Mandal, Chandan; Mandal, Chitra

    2013-01-01

    5-N-acetylneuraminic acid, commonly known as sialic acid (Sia), constitutes a family of N- and O-substituted 9-carbon monosaccharides. Frequent modification of O-acetylations at positions C-7, C-8, or C-9 of Sias generates a family of O-acetylated sialic acid (O-AcSia) and plays crucial roles in many cellular events like cell-cell adhesion, proliferation, migration, etc. Therefore, identification and analysis of O-acetylated sialoglycoproteins (O-AcSGPs) are important. In this chapter, we describe several approaches for successful identification of O-AcSGPs. We broadly divide them into two categories, i.e., invasive and noninvasive methods. Several O-AcSias-binding probes are used for this purpose. Detailed methodologies for step-by-step identification using these probes have been discussed. We have also included a few invasive analytical methods for identification and quantitation of O-AcSias. Several indirect methods are also elaborated for such purpose, in which O-acetyl group from sialic acids is initially removed followed by detection of Sias by several approaches. For molecular identification, we have described methods for affinity purification of O-AcSGPs using an O-AcSias-binding lectin as an affinity matrix followed by sequencing using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight (MALDI-TOF-TOF) mass spectroscopy (MS). In spite of special attention, loss of O-acetyl groups due to its sensitivity towards alkaline pH and high temperature along with migration of labile O-acetyl groups from C7-C8-C9 during sample preparation is difficult to avoid. Therefore there is always a risk for underestimation of O-AcSias.

  5. Conformational studies of bacterial peptidoglycan: structure and stereochemistry of N-acetyl-β- D-glucosamine and N-acetyl-β- D-muramic acid

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yadav, P. N. S.; Rai, D. K.; Yadav, J. S.

    1989-03-01

    The energies of various conformations of N-acetyl-β- D-glucosamine (NAG) and its 3-O- D-lactic acid derivative N-acetyl-β- D-muramic acid (NAM) have been calculated by geometry optimization using the molecular mechanics program MM2. The geometries of these systems have been analyzed in the light of ring torsion, bond lengths, bond angles and conformational states of side groups of the pyranosyl ring and compared with available experimental data of similar pyranose derivatives. The present study indicates the presence of hydrogen bonds to stabilize the side group conformations. Discrepancies with experimental data that are seen in a few cases are ascribed to the nature of the side groups and their geometry.

  6. Meta-analysis: the efficacy of rectal beclomethasone dipropionate vs. 5-aminosalicylic acid in mild to moderate distal ulcerative colitis.

    PubMed

    Manguso, F; Balzano, A

    2007-07-01

    Beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP) is a second-generation steroid with topical effects and minimal systemic activity for patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). To review all available literature to assess the efficacy of enema/foam BDP compared with enema/foam 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) in the control of left-sided mild-moderate UC. We selected randomized controlled trials of enema/foam BDP compared with enema/foam 5-ASA treatment in patients with UC. Two reviewers assessed trial quality and extracted data independently. Four trials involving 428 UC patients, 209 treated with 5-ASA (1-4 g o.d.) and 219 with BDP (3 mg o.d.), were included. Intention-to-treat analysis showed that 5-ASA induced improvement/remission of UC in 146 (69.9%) patients, while BDP in 143 (65.3%). The test for heterogeneity (Cochran Q) was not significant and Mantel-Haenszel pooled estimate of odds ratio was 1.23 (95% CI = 0.82-1.85). The results did not change when analysis was performed on a per-protocol basis. The randomized controlled trials identified in this review showed that rectal BDP has equal effect as 5-ASA to control symptoms in UC.

  7. Ulcerative Colitis Impairs the Acylethanolamide-Based Anti-Inflammatory System Reversal by 5-Aminosalicylic Acid and Glucocorticoids

    PubMed Central

    Suárez, Juan; Romero-Zerbo, Yanina; Márquez, Lucia; Rivera, Patricia; Iglesias, Mar; Bermúdez-Silva, Francisco J.; Andreu, Montserrat; de Fonseca, Fernando Rodríguez

    2012-01-01

    Studies in animal models and humans suggest anti-inflammatory roles on the N-acylethanolamide (NAE)-peroxisome proliferators activated receptor alpha (PPARα) system in inflammatory bowel diseases. However, the presence and function of NAE-PPARα signaling system in the ulcerative colitis (UC) of humans remain unknown as well as its response to active anti-inflammatory therapies such as 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) and glucocorticoids. Expression of PPARα receptor and PPARα ligands-biosynthetic (NAPE-PLD) and -degrading (FAAH and NAAA) enzymes were analyzed in untreated active and 5-ASA/glucocorticoids/immunomodulators-treated quiescent UC patients compared to healthy human colonic tissue by RT-PCR and immunohistochemical analyses. PPARα, NAAA, NAPE-PLD and FAAH showed differential distributions in the colonic epithelium, lamina propria, smooth muscle and enteric plexus. Gene expression analysis indicated a decrease of PPARα, PPARγ and NAAA, and an increase of FAAH and iNOS in the active colitis mucosa. Immunohistochemical expression in active colitis epithelium confirmed a PPARα decrease, but showed a sharp NAAA increase and a NAPE-PLD decrease, which were partially restored to control levels after treatment. We also characterized the immune cells of the UC mucosa infiltrate. We detected a decreased number of NAAA-positive and an increased number of FAAH-positive immune cells in active UC, which were partially restored to control levels after treatment. NAE-PPARα signaling system is impaired during active UC and 5-ASA/glucocorticoids treatment restored its normal expression. Since 5-ASA actions may work through PPARα and glucocorticoids through NAE-producing/degrading enzymes, the use of PPARα agonists or FAAH/NAAA blockers that increases endogenous PPARα ligands may yield similar therapeutics advantages. PMID:22662201

  8. Drug-drug cocrystals of antituberculous 4-aminosalicylic acid: Screening, crystal structures, thermochemical and solubility studies.

    PubMed

    Drozd, Ksenia V; Manin, Alex N; Churakov, Andrei V; Perlovich, German L

    2017-03-01

    Experimental multistage cocrystal screening of the antituberculous drug 4-aminosalicylic acid (PASA) has been conducted with a number of coformers (pyrazinamide (PYR), nicotinamide (NAM), isonicotinamide (iNAM), isoniazid (INH), caffeine (CAF) and theophylline (TPH)). The crystal structures of 4-aminosalicylic acid cocrystals with isonicotinamide ([PASA+iNAM] (2:1)) and methanol solvate with caffeine ([PASA+CAF+MeOH] (1:1:1)) have been determined by single X-ray diffraction experiments. For the first time for PASA cocrystals it has been found that the structural unit of the [PASA+iNAM] cocrystal (2:1) is formed by 2 types of heterosynthons: acid-pyridine and acid-amide. The desolvation study of the [PASA+CAF+MeOH] cocrystal solvate (1:1:1) has been conducted. The correlation models linking the melting points of the cocrystals with the melting points of the coformers used in this paper have been developed. The thermochemical and solubility properties for all the obtained cocrystals have been studied. Cocrystallization has been shown to lead not only to PASA solubility improving but also to its higher stability against the chemical decomposition. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  9. First observation of N-acetyl leucine and N-acetyl isoleucine in diabetic patient hair and quantitative analysis by UPLC-ESI-MS/MS.

    PubMed

    Min, Jun Zhe; Tomiyasu, Yuki; Morotomi, Takashi; Jiang, Ying-Zi; Li, Gao; Shi, Qing; Yu, Hai-Fu; Inoue, Koichi; Todoroki, Kenichiro; Toyo'oka, Toshimasa

    2015-04-15

    Type 2 diabetes patients (DP) have significantly higher plasma levels of valine, leucine, isoleucine and alanine than the controls. Specific amino acids may acutely and chronically regulate insulin secretion from the pancreatic β-cells. We recently identified a metabolic signature of N-acetyl leucine (Ac-Leu) that strongly predicts diabetes development in mice hair. The Ac-Leu appears to be a potential biomarker candidate related to diabetes. However, the determination of Ac-Leu in human hair has not been reported. We measured the Ac-Leu, and its structure is similar to N-acetyl isoleucine (Ac-Ile) in human hair by ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS). The developed method was applied to the determination of Ac-Leu and Ac-Ile in the hair of healthy volunteers (HV) and DP. Ac-Leu, Ac-Ile and N-acetyl norleucine (Ac-Nle, IS) were extracted from human hair samples by a micropulverized extraction procedure, then separated on a C18 column by isocratic elution of acetonitrile-0.1% formic acid in water:0.1% formic acid (14:86, vol./vol.). MRM using the fragmentation transitions of m/z 174.1→86.1 in the positive ESI mode was performed to quantify the N-acetyl leucine, N-acetyl isoleucine and IS. Ac-Leu, Ac-Ile and Ac-Nle in the human hair samples were completely separated by isocratic elution of a 5.0 min duration wash program using a reversed-phase column, and sensitively detected by LC-MS/MS in the ESI(+) MRM mode. The amounts of Ac-Leu and Ac-Ile in the hairs of HV and DP were determined. When comparing the concentrations between DP and those from HV, a statistically significant correlation was observed for the Ac-Leu (p<0.001) and Ac-Ile (p<0.01). The proposed method is useful for the determination of Ac-Leu and Ac-Ile in the hairs of DP and HV. Human hair may serve as a noninvasive biosample for the diagnosis of diabetes. Crown Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  10. Acetylation of mitochondrial proteins by GCN5L1 promotes enhanced fatty acid oxidation in the heart.

    PubMed

    Thapa, Dharendra; Zhang, Manling; Manning, Janet R; Guimarães, Danielle A; Stoner, Michael W; O'Doherty, Robert M; Shiva, Sruti; Scott, Iain

    2017-08-01

    Lysine acetylation is a reversible posttranslational modification and is particularly important in the regulation of mitochondrial metabolic enzymes. Acetylation uses acetyl-CoA derived from fuel metabolism as a cofactor, thereby linking nutrition to metabolic activity. In the present study, we investigated how mitochondrial acetylation status in the heart is controlled by food intake and how these changes affect mitochondrial metabolism. We found that there was a significant increase in cardiac mitochondrial protein acetylation in mice fed a long-term high-fat diet and that this change correlated with an increase in the abundance of the mitochondrial acetyltransferase-related protein GCN5L1. We showed that the acetylation status of several mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation enzymes (long-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase, short-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase, and hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase) and a pyruvate oxidation enzyme (pyruvate dehydrogenase) was significantly upregulated in high-fat diet-fed mice and that the increase in long-chain and short-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase acetylation correlated with increased enzymatic activity. Finally, we demonstrated that the acetylation of mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation proteins was decreased after GCN5L1 knockdown and that the reduced acetylation led to diminished fatty acid oxidation in cultured H9C2 cells. These data indicate that lysine acetylation promotes fatty acid oxidation in the heart and that this modification is regulated in part by the activity of GCN5L1. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Recent research has shown that acetylation of mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation enzymes has greatly contrasting effects on their activity in different tissues. Here, we provide new evidence that acetylation of cardiac mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation enzymes by GCN5L1 significantly upregulates their activity in diet-induced obese mice. Copyright © 2017 the American Physiological Society.

  11. Colon-specific delivery of 5-aminosalicylic acid from chitosan-Ca-alginate microparticles.

    PubMed

    Mladenovska, K; Raicki, R S; Janevik, E I; Ristoski, T; Pavlova, M J; Kavrakovski, Z; Dodov, M G; Goracinova, K

    2007-09-05

    Chitosan-Ca-alginate microparticles for colon-specific delivery and controlled release of 5-aminosalicylic acid after peroral administration were prepared using spray drying method followed by ionotropic gelation/polyelectrolyte complexation. Physicochemical characterization pointed to the negatively charged particles with spherical morphology having a mean diameter less than 9 microm. Chitosan was localized dominantly in the particle wall, while for alginate, a homogeneous distribution throughout the particles was observed. (1)H NMR, FTIR, X-ray and DSC studies indicated molecularly dispersed drug within the particles with preserved stability during microencapsulation and in simulated in vivo drug release conditions. In vitro drug release studies carried out in simulated in vivo conditions in respect to pH, enzymatic and salt content confirmed the potential of the particles to release the drug in a controlled manner. The diffusional exponents according to the general exponential release equation indicated anomalous (non-Fickian) transport in 5-ASA release controlled by a polymer relaxation, erosion and degradation. Biodistribution studies of [(131)I]-5-ASA loaded chitosan-Ca-alginate microparticles, carried out within 2 days after peroral administration to Wistar male rats in which TNBS colitis was induced, confirmed the dominant localization of 5-ASA in the colon with low systemic bioavailability.

  12. Crystal structure of Helicobacter pylori pseudaminic acid biosynthesis N-acetyltransferase PseH: implications for substrate specificity and catalysis.

    PubMed

    Ud-Din, Abu I; Liu, Yu C; Roujeinikova, Anna

    2015-01-01

    Helicobacter pylori infection is the common cause of gastroduodenal diseases linked to a higher risk of the development of gastric cancer. Persistent infection requires functional flagella that are heavily glycosylated with 5,7-diacetamido-3,5,7,9-tetradeoxy-L-glycero-L-manno-nonulosonic acid (pseudaminic acid). Pseudaminic acid biosynthesis protein H (PseH) catalyzes the third step in its biosynthetic pathway, producing UDP-2,4-diacetamido-2,4,6-trideoxy-β-L-altropyranose. It belongs to the GCN5-related N-acetyltransferase (GNAT) superfamily. The crystal structure of the PseH complex with cofactor acetyl-CoA has been determined at 2.3 Å resolution. This is the first crystal structure of the GNAT superfamily member with specificity to UDP-4-amino-4,6-dideoxy-β-L-AltNAc. PseH is a homodimer in the crystal, each subunit of which has a central twisted β-sheet flanked by five α-helices and is structurally homologous to those of other GNAT superfamily enzymes. Interestingly, PseH is more similar to the GNAT enzymes that utilize amino acid sulfamoyl adenosine or protein as a substrate than a different GNAT-superfamily bacterial nucleotide-sugar N-acetyltransferase of the known structure, WecD. Analysis of the complex of PseH with acetyl-CoA revealed the location of the cofactor-binding site between the splayed strands β4 and β5. The structure of PseH, together with the conservation of the active-site general acid among GNAT superfamily transferases, are consistent with a common catalytic mechanism for this enzyme that involves direct acetyl transfer from AcCoA without an acetylated enzyme intermediate. Based on structural homology with microcin C7 acetyltransferase MccE and WecD, the Michaelis complex can be modeled. The model suggests that the nucleotide- and 4-amino-4,6-dideoxy-β-L-AltNAc-binding pockets form extensive interactions with the substrate and are thus the most significant determinants of substrate specificity. A hydrophobic pocket accommodating the 6'-methyl group of the altrose dictates preference to the methyl over the hydroxyl group and thus to contributes to substrate specificity of PseH.

  13. Identification of the urinary metabolites of 4-bromoaniline and 4-bromo-[carbonyl-13C]-acetanilide in rat.

    PubMed

    Scarfe, G B; Nicholson, J K; Lindon, J C; Wilson, I D; Taylor, S; Clayton, E; Wright, B

    2002-04-01

    1. The urinary excretion of 4-bromoaniline and its [carbonyl-(13)C]-labelled N-acetanilide, together with their corresponding metabolites, have been investigated in the rat following i.p. administration at 50 mg kg(-1). 2. Metabolite profiling was performed by reversed-phase HPLC with UV detection, whilst identification was performed using a combination of enzymic hydrolysis and directly coupled HPLC-NMR-MS analysis. The urinary metabolite profile was quantitatively and qualitatively similar for both compounds with little of either excreted unchanged. 3. The major metabolite present in urine was 2-amino-5-bromophenylsulphate, but, in addition, a number of metabolites with modification of the N-acetyl moiety were identified (from both the [(13)C]-acetanilide or produced following acetylation of the free bromoaniline). 4. For 4-bromoacetanilide, N-deacetylation was a major route of metabolism, but despite the detection of the acetanilide following the administration of the free aniline, there was no evidence of reacetylation (futile deacetylation). 5. Metabolites resulting from the oxidation of the acetyl group included a novel glucuronide of an N-glycolanilide, an unusual N-oxanilic acid and a novel N-acetyl cysteine conjugate.

  14. Lack of cross-reactivity between 5-aminosalicylic acid-based drugs: a case report and review of the literature.

    PubMed

    Kung, Shiang-Ju; Choudhary, Cuckoo; McGeady, Stephen J; Cohn, John R

    2006-09-01

    5-Aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA)-containing drugs are the mainstay of therapy in inflammatory bowel disease, but adverse reactions to these medications are relatively common. Because there may be a lack of cross-reactivity among the various 5-ASA formulations, treatment with alternative preparations is sometimes possible even after an apparent allergic reaction to a 5-ASA product. To describe a patient with a possible allergy to 2 different 5-ASA drugs who tolerated a third. A 27-year-old man with Crohn disease developed a rash while taking mesalamine (Pentasa and Asacol). Treatment with 5-ASA products was discontinued, and 6-mercaptopurine and prednisone were prescribed. He then experienced multiorgan failure secondary to herpes simplex infection, which required discontinuation of the immunosuppressive therapy. After recovery from the acute infection, he underwent successful graded challenge with balsalazide. The patient continued treatment with balsalazide for 9 months, with good control of his inflammatory bowel disease and no adverse effects. Adverse reactions to 1 or more 5-ASA medications do not necessarily preclude the use of others in the same class. A treatment algorithm for patients with adverse reactions to 5-ASA is outlined based on the case report and review of the literature.

  15. Radiolysis of N-acetyl amino acids as model compounds for radiation degradation of polypeptides

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wayne Garrett, R.; Hill, David J. T.; Ho, Sook-Ying; O'Donnell, James H.; O'Sullivan, Paul W.; Pomery, Peter J.

    Radiation chemical yields of (i) the volatile radiolysis products and (ii) the trapped free radicals from the y-radiolysis of the N-acetyl derivatives of glycine, L-valine, L-phenylalanine and L-tyrosine in the polycrystalline state have been determined at room temperature (303 K). Carbon dioxide was found to be the major molecular product for all these compounds with G(CO 2) varying from 0.36 for N-acetyl-L-tyrosine to 8 for N-acetyl-L-valine. There was evidence for some scission of the N-C α bond, indicated by the production of acetamide and the corresponding aliphatic acid, but the determination reaction was found to be of much lesser importance than the decarboxylation reaction. A protective effect of the aromatic ring in N-acetyl-L-phenylalanine and in N-acetyl-L-tyrosine was indicated by the lower yields of volatile products for these compounds. The yields of trapped free radicals were found to vary with the nature of the amino acid side chain, increasing with chain length and chain branching. The radical yields were decreased by incorporation of an aromatic moiety in the side chain, this effect being greater for the tyrosyl side chain than for the phenyl side chain. The G(R·) values showed a good correlation with G(CO 2) indicating that a common reaction may be involved in radical production and carbon dioxide formation.

  16. Increased influenza A virus sialidase activity with N-acetyl-9-O-acetylneuraminic acid-containing substrates resulting from influenza C virus O-acetylesterase action.

    PubMed

    Muñoz-Barroso, I; García-Sastre, A; Villar, E; Manuguerra, J C; Hannoun, C; Cabezas, J A

    1992-09-01

    Influenza virus type C (Johannesburg/1/66) was used as a source for the enzyme O-acetylesterase (EC 3.1.1.53) with several natural sialoglycoconjugates as substrates. The resulting products were immediately employed as substrates using influenza virus type A [(Singapore/6/86) (H1N1) or Shanghai/11/87 (H3N2)] as a source for sialidase (neuraminidase, EC 3.2.1.18). A significant increase in the percentage of sialic acid released was found when the O-acetyl group was cleaved by O-acetylesterase activity from certain substrates (bovine submandibular gland mucin, rat serum glycoproteins, human saliva glycoproteins, mouse erythrocyte stroma, chick embryonic brain gangliosides and bovine brain gangliosides). A common feature of all these substrates is that they contain N-acetyl-9-O-acetylneuraminic acid residues. By contrast, no significant increase in the release of sialic acid was detected when certain other substrates could not be de-O-acetylated by the action of influenza C esterase, either because they lacked O-acetylsialic acid (human glycophorin A, alpha 1-acid glycoprotein from human serum, fetuin and porcine submandibular gland mucin) or because the 4-O-acetyl group was scarcely cleaved by the viral O-acetylesterase (equine submandibular gland mucin). The biological significance of these facts is discussed, relative to the infective capacity of influenza C virus.

  17. Aminosalicylates for induction of remission or response in Crohn's disease.

    PubMed

    Lim, Wee-Chian; Hanauer, Stephen

    2010-12-08

    Controlled clinical trials investigating the efficacy of aminosalicylates for the treatment of mildly to moderately active Crohn's disease have yielded conflicting results. A systematic review was conducted to critically examine current available data on the efficacy of sulfasalazine and mesalamine for inducing remission or clinical response in patients with mildly to moderately active Crohn's disease. To evaluate the efficacy of aminosalicylates compared to placebo, corticosteroids, and other aminosalicylates (alone or in combination with corticosteroids) for the treatment of mildly to moderately active Crohn's disease. Separate MEDLINE (1966-July 2010), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; Issue 3, 2010) and EMBASE database searches (1985-July 2010) of all relevant English and non-English language articles were performed, followed by manual searches of the reference list from potentially relevant papers and review articles, as well as proceedings from annual meetings (1991-2010) of the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) and American College of Gastroenterology (ACG). Randomized controlled trials that evaluated the efficacy of sulfasalazine or mesalamine in the treatment of mildly to moderately active Crohn's disease compared to placebo, corticosteroids, and other aminosalicylates (alone or in combination with corticosteroids) were included. Data extraction and assessment of methodological quality of each selected study was independently performed by the investigators and any disagreement was resolved by discussion and consensus. The primary outcome measure was a well defined clinical endpoint of induction of remission or response to treatment. Nineteen studies met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed. Pooled relative risks (RR) for inducing remission or clinical response and their 95% confidence intervals were calculated (random effects model) where appropriate. Sulfasalazine was more likely to induce remission (RR 1.38; 95% CI 1.02 to 1.87; n = 263) compared to placebo with benefit confined mainly to patients with colitis. Sulfasalazine was less effective than corticosteroids (RR 0.66; 95% CI 0.53 to 0.81; n = 260). Olsalazine was less effective than placebo in a single trial. Low dose mesalamine (1 to 2 g/day) was not superior to placebo (RR = 1.46, 95% CI 0.89-2.40; n = 302) and was less effective than corticosteroids. High dose mesalamine (3 to 4.5 g/day) was not superior to placebo for induction of remission (RR 2.02; 95% CI 0.75 to 5.45) or response (Weighted Mean Difference -19.8 points; 95% CI -46.2 to 6.7; n = 615). In a single randomized controlled trial, 5-ASA was inferior to budesonide (RR 0.56; 95% CI 0.40 to 0.78). No statistically significant difference was found between high dose mesalamine and conventional corticosteroids (RR 1.04; 95% CI 0.79 to 1.36; n = 178). However, relatively few patients were available for analysis. There was a lack of good quality clinical trials comparing sulfasalazine with other mesalamine formulations. Sulfasalazine has modest efficacy compared to placebo and is inferior to corticosteroids for the treatment of mild to moderately active Crohn's disease. Olsalazine and low dose mesalamine (1 to 2 g/day) are not superior to placebo. High dose mesalamine (3 to 4.5 g/day) is not more effective than placebo for inducing response or remission. High dose mesalamine was inferior to budesonide for inducing remission in a single trial. In conclusion, sulfasalazine shows modest efficacy for the treatment of active Crohn's disease. However, the existing data show little benefit for 5-aminosalicylates.

  18. Triazine-Substituted and Acyl Hydrazones: Experiment and Computation Reveal a Stability Inversion at Low pH.

    PubMed

    Ji, Kun; Lee, Changsuk; Janesko, Benjamin G; Simanek, Eric E

    2015-08-03

    Condensation of a hydrazine-substituted s-triazine with an aldehyde or ketone yields an equivalent to the widely used, acid-labile acyl hydrazone. Hydrolysis of these hydrazones using a formaldehyde trap as monitored using HPLC reveals that triazine-substituted hydrazones are more labile than acetyl hydrazones at pH>5. The reactivity trends mirror that of the corresponding acetyl hydrazones, with hydrolysis rates increasing along the series (aromatic aldehyde

  19. Mutations in ACY1, the Gene Encoding Aminoacylase 1, Cause a Novel Inborn Error of Metabolism

    PubMed Central

    Sass, Jörn Oliver; Mohr, Verena; Olbrich, Heike; Engelke, Udo; Horvath, Judit; Fliegauf, Manfred; Loges, Niki Tomas; Schweitzer-Krantz, Susanne; Moebus, Ralf; Weiler, Polly; Kispert, Andreas; Superti-Furga, Andrea; Wevers, Ron A.; Omran, Heymut

    2006-01-01

    N-terminal acetylation of proteins is a widespread and highly conserved process. Aminoacylase 1 (ACY1; EC 3.5.14) is the most abundant of the aminoacylases, a class of enzymes involved in hydrolysis of N-acetylated proteins. Here, we present four children with genetic deficiency of ACY1. They were identified through organic acid analyses using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, revealing increased urinary excretion of several N-acetylated amino acids, including the derivatives of methionine, glutamic acid, alanine, leucine, glycine, valine, and isoleucine. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy analysis of urine samples detected a distinct pattern of N-acetylated metabolites, consistent with ACY1 dysfunction. Functional analyses of patients’ lymphoblasts demonstrated ACY1 deficiency. Mutation analysis uncovered recessive loss-of-function or missense ACY1 mutations in all four individuals affected. We conclude that ACY1 mutations in these children led to functional ACY1 deficiency and excretion of N-acetylated amino acids. Questions remain, however, as to the clinical significance of ACY1 deficiency. The ACY1-deficient individuals were ascertained through urine metabolic screening because of unspecific psychomotor delay (one subject), psychomotor delay with atrophy of the vermis and syringomyelia (one subject), marked muscular hypotonia (one subject), and follow-up for early treated biotinidase deficiency and normal clinical findings (one subject). Because ACY1 is evolutionarily conserved in fish, frog, mouse, and human and is expressed in the central nervous system (CNS) in human, a role in CNS function or development is conceivable but has yet to be demonstrated. Thus, at this point, we cannot state whether ACY1 deficiency has pathogenic significance with pleiotropic clinical expression or is simply a biochemical variant. Awareness of this new genetic entity may help both in delineating its clinical significance and in avoiding erroneous diagnoses. PMID:16465618

  20. Effects of processing on the release profiles of matrix systems containing 5-aminosalicylic acid.

    PubMed

    Korbely, Anita; Kelemen, András; Kása, Péter; Pintye-Hódi, Klára

    2012-12-01

    The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of different processing methods on the profiles of 5-aminosalicylic acid dissolution from controlled-release matrix systems based on Eudragit® RL and Eudragit® RS water-insoluble polymers. The pure polymers and their mixtures were studied as matrix formers using different processing methods, i.e., direct compression, wet granulation of the active ingredient with the addition of polymer(s) to the external phase, wet granulation with water, and wet granulation with aqueous dispersions. In comparison with the directly compressed tablets, tablets made by wet granulation with water demonstrated a 6-19% increase in final drug dissolution, whereas when polymers were applied in the external phase during compression, a 0-13% decrease was observed in the amount of drug released. Wet granulation with aqueous polymer dispersions delayed the release of the drug; this was especially marked (a 54-56% decrease in drug release) in compositions, which contained a high amount of Eudragit RL 30D. The release profiles were mostly described by the Korsmeyer-Peppas model or the Hopfenberg model.

  1. Esterification of all four monoribonucleotides with acetyl-D-L-valine proceeds with a preference for the D-isomer but the D/L ratio in the products declines as a function of the hydrophobicity of the nucleotide

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Wickramasinghe, N. S.; Lacey, J. C. Jr; Lacey JC, J. r. (Principal Investigator)

    1992-01-01

    We recently reported that esterification of 5'-AMP with N-acetyl amino acids proceeds with a preference for D-amino acids, and the D/L ratio in products declines as the hydrophobicity of the amino acid declines. Using one amino acid, Ac-Val, we now show that esterification of all four nucleotides proceeds with a preference for the D-isomer and the preference declines as the hydrophobicity of the nucleotide declines. So, in both types of experiments, the preferences seem determined by hydrophobic interactions.

  2. In-vitro characterization of 5-aminosalicylic acid release from MMX mesalamine tablets and determination of tablet coating thickness.

    PubMed

    Tenjarla, Srini; Abinusawa, Adeyinka

    2011-01-01

    Substantial variability in gastrointestinal pH is observed in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). We characterized the effect of pH on 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) release from MMX mesalamine tablets (Shire Pharmaceuticals Inc., Wayne, PA, USA), examined thickness/uniformity of tablet film coatings, and explored the influence of simulating altered gastrointestinal motility. Nondestructive, three-dimensional, terahertz pulse imaging (TPI) was used to characterize the film coating of three lots of MMX mesalamine tablets (n=36). Thereafter, 5-ASA release from these tablets was evaluated using United States Pharmacopeia (USP) apparatus II at pH 6.8 and 7.2. Onset of tablet film-coat breach and mean dissolution time were determined for each lot. 5-ASA release was also assessed at three different paddle rotation speeds (50, 75, and 100 rpm) at pH 7.2. The mean ± SD film-coating thickness of the three lots of MMX mesalamine tablets were 109.2 ± 16.8, 113.1 ± 19.5, and 113.8 ± 19.8 μM, respectively. At pH 6.8 (100 rpm), the onset of film-coat breach was 10-30 minutes, whereas at pH 7.2 this was observed within 10 minutes. 5-ASA release was uniform at both pH conditions, with minimal lot-to-lot variability. Complete drug release was achieved within 6 hours under both pH conditions. 5-ASA release increased in proportion with paddle speed, but remained prolonged at all speeds. 5-ASA release from MMX mesalamine is unaffected by normal variations in simulated intracolonic pH. The dissolution profile of 5-ASA from MMX mesalamine tablets may be attributed to consistent outer film coatings and the hydrogel-forming matrix that controls the drug release after dissolution of the film coating.

  3. A novel synthesis of acyclonucleosides via allylation of 3-[1-(phenylhydrazono)-L-threo-2,3,4-trihydroxybut-1-yl]quinoxalin-2(1H)one.

    PubMed

    Hamid, Hamida Mohamed Abdel

    2003-10-31

    The allylation of 3-[1-(phenylhydrazono)-L-threo-2,3,4-trihydroxybut-1-yl]quinoxalin-2(1H)one (1) gave, in addition to the anticipated 1-N-allyl derivative (2), a dehydrative cyclized product, 1-N-allyl-3-[5-(hydroxymethyl)-1-phenylpyrazol-3-yl]quinoxalin-2-one (4) and its isomeric O-allyl derivative 3. The O-allyl group in 3 underwent acetolysis under acetylation conditions, in addition to the acetylation of the hydroxyl group, to afford 2-acetoxy-3-[5-(acetoxymethyl)-1-phenylpyrazol-3-yl]quinoxaline (8) instead of the O-acetyl derivative of 3. Allylation of the tri-O-acetyl derivative of 1 caused the elimination of a molecule of acetic acid in addition to N-allylation to give 1-N-allyl-3-[3,4-di-O-acetyl-2-deoxy-1-(phenylhydrazono)but-2-en-1-yl]quinoxalin-2-one (11). Hydroxylation of the allyl group gave a glycerol-1-yl acyclonucleoside which can be alternatively obtained by a displacement reaction of the tosyloxy group in 2,3-O-isopropylidene-1-O-(p-tolylsulfonyl)glycerol (14), followed by deisopropylidenation. 1-N-(2,3-Dibromopropyl)-3-[5-(hydroxymethyl)-1-(4-bromophenyl)pyrazol-3-yl]quinoxalin-2-one (15) underwent azidolysis to give a 2,3-diazido derivative. The assigned structures were based on spectral analysis. The activity of compounds 2, 4, 6, and 15 against hepatitis B virus was studied.

  4. Soraphen A, an inhibitor of acetyl CoA carboxylase activity, interferes with fatty acid elongation

    PubMed Central

    Jump, Donald B.; Torres-Gonzalez, Moises; Olson, L. Karl

    2010-01-01

    Acetyl CoA carboxylase (ACC1 & ACC2) generates malonyl CoA, a substrate for de novo lipogenesis (DNL) and an inhibitor of mitochondrial fatty acid β-oxidation (FAO). Malonyl CoA is also a substrate for microsomal fatty acid elongation, an important pathway for saturated (SFA), mono- (MUFA) and polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) synthesis. Despite the interest in ACC as a target for obesity and cancer therapy, little attention has been given to the role ACC plays in long chain fatty acid synthesis. This report examines the effect of pharmacological inhibition of ACC on DNL & palmitate (16:0) and linoleate (18:2,n-6) metabolism in HepG2 and LnCap cells. The ACC inhibitor, soraphen A, lowers cellular malonyl CoA, attenuates DNL and the formation of fatty acid elongation products derived from exogenous fatty acids, i.e., 16:0 & 18:2,n-6; IC50 ~ 5 nM. Elevated expression of fatty acid elongases (Elovl5, Elovl6) or desaturases (FADS1, FADS2) failed to override the soraphen A effect on SFA, MUFA or PUFA synthesis. Inhibition of fatty acid elongation leads to the accumulation of 16- and 18-carbon unsaturated fatty acids derived from 16:0 and 18:2,n-6, respectively. Pharmacological inhibition of ACC activity will not only attenuate DNL and induce FAO, but will also attenuate the synthesis of very long chain saturated, mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids. PMID:21184748

  5. Structural determinants and cellular environment define processed actin as the sole substrate of the N-terminal acetyltransferase NAA80.

    PubMed

    Goris, Marianne; Magin, Robert S; Foyn, Håvard; Myklebust, Line M; Varland, Sylvia; Ree, Rasmus; Drazic, Adrian; Bhambra, Parminder; Støve, Svein I; Baumann, Markus; Haug, Bengt Erik; Marmorstein, Ronen; Arnesen, Thomas

    2018-04-24

    N-terminal (Nt) acetylation is a major protein modification catalyzed by N-terminal acetyltransferases (NATs). Methionine acidic N termini, including actin, are cotranslationally Nt acetylated by NatB in all eukaryotes, but animal actins containing acidic N termini, are additionally posttranslationally Nt acetylated by NAA80. Actin Nt acetylation was found to regulate cytoskeletal dynamics and motility, thus making NAA80 a potential target for cell migration regulation. In this work, we developed potent and selective bisubstrate inhibitors for NAA80 and determined the crystal structure of NAA80 in complex with such an inhibitor, revealing that NAA80 adopts a fold similar to other NAT enzymes but with a more open substrate binding region. Furthermore, in contrast to most other NATs, the substrate specificity of NAA80 is mainly derived through interactions between the enzyme and the acidic amino acids at positions 2 and 3 of the actin substrate and not residues 1 and 2. A yeast model revealed that ectopic expression of NAA80 in a strain lacking NatB activity partially restored Nt acetylation of NatB substrates, including yeast actin. Thus, NAA80 holds intrinsic capacity to posttranslationally Nt acetylate NatB-type substrates in vivo. In sum, the presence of a dominant cotranslational NatB in all eukaryotes, the specific posttranslational actin methionine removal in animals, and finally, the unique structural features of NAA80 leave only the processed actins as in vivo substrates of NAA80. Together, this study reveals the molecular and cellular basis of NAA80 Nt acetylation and provides a scaffold for development of inhibitors for the regulation of cytoskeletal properties. Copyright © 2018 the Author(s). Published by PNAS.

  6. Use of new once-daily 5-aminosalicylic acid preparations in the treatment of ulcerative colitis: Is there anything new under the sun?

    PubMed Central

    Lakatos, Peter Laszlo

    2009-01-01

    5-aminosalicylate (5-ASA) agents remain the mainstay treatment in ulcerative colitis (UC). A number of oral 5-ASA agents are commercially available, including azobond pro-drugs, as well as delayed- and controlled-release forms of mesalazine. However, poor adherence due to frequent daily dosing and a large number of tablets has been shown to be an important barrier to successful management of patients with UC. Recently, new, once-daily formulations of mesalazine, including the unique multi-matrix delivery system and mesalazine granules, were proven to be efficacious in inducing and maintaining remission in mild-to-moderate UC, with a good safety profile comparable to that of other oral mesalazine formulations. In addition, they offer the advantage of a low pill burden and might contribute to increased long-term compliance and treatment success in clinical practice. This editorial summarizes the available literature on the short- and medium-term efficacy and safety of the new once-daily mesalazine formulations. PMID:19370774

  7. Use of new once-daily 5-aminosalicylic acid preparations in the treatment of ulcerative colitis: Is there anything new under the sun?

    PubMed

    Lakatos, Peter Laszlo

    2009-04-21

    5-aminosalicylate (5-ASA) agents remain the mainstay treatment in ulcerative colitis (UC). A number of oral 5-ASA agents are commercially available, including azobond pro-drugs, as well as delayed- and controlled-release forms of mesalazine. However, poor adherence due to frequent daily dosing and a large number of tablets has been shown to be an important barrier to successful management of patients with UC. Recently, new, once-daily formulations of mesalazine, including the unique multi-matrix delivery system and mesalazine granules, were proven to be efficacious in inducing and maintaining remission in mild-to-moderate UC, with a good safety profile comparable to that of other oral mesalazine formulations. In addition, they offer the advantage of a low pill burden and might contribute to increased long-term compliance and treatment success in clinical practice. This editorial summarizes the available literature on the short- and medium-term efficacy and safety of the new once-daily mesalazine formulations.

  8. Chiral discrimination in cyclodextrin complexes of amino acid derivatives: beta-cyclodextrin/N-acetyl-L-phenylalanine and N-acetyl-D-phenylalanine complexes.

    PubMed

    Alexander, Jennifer M; Clark, Joanna L; Brett, Tom J; Stezowski, John J

    2002-04-16

    In a systematic study of molecular recognition of amino acid derivatives in solid-state beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD) complexes, we have determined crystal structures for complexes of beta-cyclodextrin/N-acetyl-L-phenylalanine at 298 and 20 K and for N-acetyl-D-phenylalanine at 298 K. The crystal structures for the N-acetyl-L-phenylalanine complex present disordered inclusion complexes for which the distribution of guest molecules at room temperature is not resolvable; however, they can be located with considerable confidence at low temperature. In contrast, the complex with N-acetyl-D-phenylalanine is well ordered at room temperature. The latter complex presents an example of a complex in this series in which a water molecule is included deeply in the hydrophobic torus of the extended dimer host. In an effort to understand the mechanisms of molecular recognition giving rise to the dramatic differences in crystallographic order in these crystal structures, we have examined the intermolecular interactions in detail and have examined insertion of the enantiomer of the D-complex into the chiral beta-CD complex crystal lattice.

  9. Lipogenesis and Redox Balance in Nitrogen-Fixing Pea Bacteroids.

    PubMed

    Terpolilli, Jason J; Masakapalli, Shyam K; Karunakaran, Ramakrishnan; Webb, Isabel U C; Green, Rob; Watmough, Nicholas J; Kruger, Nicholas J; Ratcliffe, R George; Poole, Philip S

    2016-10-15

    Within legume root nodules, rhizobia differentiate into bacteroids that oxidize host-derived dicarboxylic acids, which is assumed to occur via the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle to generate NAD(P)H for reduction of N2 Metabolic flux analysis of laboratory-grown Rhizobium leguminosarum showed that the flux from [(13)C]succinate was consistent with respiration of an obligate aerobe growing on a TCA cycle intermediate as the sole carbon source. However, the instability of fragile pea bacteroids prevented their steady-state labeling under N2-fixing conditions. Therefore, comparative metabolomic profiling was used to compare free-living R. leguminosarum with pea bacteroids. While the TCA cycle was shown to be essential for maximal rates of N2 fixation, levels of pyruvate (5.5-fold reduced), acetyl coenzyme A (acetyl-CoA; 50-fold reduced), free coenzyme A (33-fold reduced), and citrate (4.5-fold reduced) were much lower in bacteroids. Instead of completely oxidizing acetyl-CoA, pea bacteroids channel it into both lipid and the lipid-like polymer poly-β-hydroxybutyrate (PHB), the latter via a type III PHB synthase that is active only in bacteroids. Lipogenesis may be a fundamental requirement of the redox poise of electron donation to N2 in all legume nodules. Direct reduction by NAD(P)H of the likely electron donors for nitrogenase, such as ferredoxin, is inconsistent with their redox potentials. Instead, bacteroids must balance the production of NAD(P)H from oxidation of acetyl-CoA in the TCA cycle with its storage in PHB and lipids. Biological nitrogen fixation by symbiotic bacteria (rhizobia) in legume root nodules is an energy-expensive process. Within legume root nodules, rhizobia differentiate into bacteroids that oxidize host-derived dicarboxylic acids, which is assumed to occur via the TCA cycle to generate NAD(P)H for reduction of N2 However, direct reduction of the likely electron donors for nitrogenase, such as ferredoxin, is inconsistent with their redox potentials. Instead, bacteroids must balance oxidation of plant-derived dicarboxylates in the TCA cycle with lipid synthesis. Pea bacteroids channel acetyl-CoA into both lipid and the lipid-like polymer poly-β-hydroxybutyrate, the latter via a type II PHB synthase. Lipogenesis is likely to be a fundamental requirement of the redox poise of electron donation to N2 in all legume nodules. Copyright © 2016, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

  10. Lipogenesis and Redox Balance in Nitrogen-Fixing Pea Bacteroids

    PubMed Central

    Terpolilli, Jason J.; Masakapalli, Shyam K.; Karunakaran, Ramakrishnan; Webb, Isabel U. C.; Green, Rob; Watmough, Nicholas J.; Kruger, Nicholas J.; Ratcliffe, R. George

    2016-01-01

    ABSTRACT Within legume root nodules, rhizobia differentiate into bacteroids that oxidize host-derived dicarboxylic acids, which is assumed to occur via the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle to generate NAD(P)H for reduction of N2. Metabolic flux analysis of laboratory-grown Rhizobium leguminosarum showed that the flux from [13C]succinate was consistent with respiration of an obligate aerobe growing on a TCA cycle intermediate as the sole carbon source. However, the instability of fragile pea bacteroids prevented their steady-state labeling under N2-fixing conditions. Therefore, comparative metabolomic profiling was used to compare free-living R. leguminosarum with pea bacteroids. While the TCA cycle was shown to be essential for maximal rates of N2 fixation, levels of pyruvate (5.5-fold reduced), acetyl coenzyme A (acetyl-CoA; 50-fold reduced), free coenzyme A (33-fold reduced), and citrate (4.5-fold reduced) were much lower in bacteroids. Instead of completely oxidizing acetyl-CoA, pea bacteroids channel it into both lipid and the lipid-like polymer poly-β-hydroxybutyrate (PHB), the latter via a type III PHB synthase that is active only in bacteroids. Lipogenesis may be a fundamental requirement of the redox poise of electron donation to N2 in all legume nodules. Direct reduction by NAD(P)H of the likely electron donors for nitrogenase, such as ferredoxin, is inconsistent with their redox potentials. Instead, bacteroids must balance the production of NAD(P)H from oxidation of acetyl-CoA in the TCA cycle with its storage in PHB and lipids. IMPORTANCE Biological nitrogen fixation by symbiotic bacteria (rhizobia) in legume root nodules is an energy-expensive process. Within legume root nodules, rhizobia differentiate into bacteroids that oxidize host-derived dicarboxylic acids, which is assumed to occur via the TCA cycle to generate NAD(P)H for reduction of N2. However, direct reduction of the likely electron donors for nitrogenase, such as ferredoxin, is inconsistent with their redox potentials. Instead, bacteroids must balance oxidation of plant-derived dicarboxylates in the TCA cycle with lipid synthesis. Pea bacteroids channel acetyl-CoA into both lipid and the lipid-like polymer poly-β-hydroxybutyrate, the latter via a type II PHB synthase. Lipogenesis is likely to be a fundamental requirement of the redox poise of electron donation to N2 in all legume nodules. PMID:27501983

  11. Effective atomic number and electron density of amino acids within the energy range of 0.122-1.330 MeV

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    More, Chaitali V.; Lokhande, Rajkumar M.; Pawar, Pravina P.

    2016-08-01

    Photon attenuation coefficient calculation methods have been widely used to accurately study the properties of amino acids such as n-acetyl-L-tryptophan, n-acetyl-L-tyrosine, D-tryptophan, n-acetyl-L-glutamic acid, D-phenylalanine, and D-threonine. In this study, mass attenuation coefficients (μm) of these amino acids for 0.122-, 0.356-, 0.511-, 0.662-, 0.884-, 1.170, 1.275-, 1.330-MeV photons are determined using the radio-nuclides Co57, Ba133, Cs137, Na22, Mn54, and Co60. NaI (Tl) scintillation detection system was used to detect gamma rays with a resolution of 8.2% at 0.662 MeV. The calculated attenuation coefficient values were then used to determine total atomic cross sections (σt), molar extinction coefficients (ε), electronic cross sections (σe), effective atomic numbers (Zeff), and effective electron densities (Neff) of the amino acids. Theoretical values were calculated based on the XCOM data. Theoretical and experimental values are found to be in a good agreement (error<5%). The variations of μm, σt, ε, σe, Zeff, and Neff with energy are shown graphically. The values of μm, σt, ε, σe are higher at lower energies, and they decrease sharply as energy increases; by contrast, Zeff and Neff were found to be almost constant.

  12. [Analysis of constituents of essential oil from the skin of water caltrop].

    PubMed

    Liang, Rui; Peng, Qi-Jun

    2006-01-01

    To analyze the constituents of essential oil from the skin of water caltrop. Water steam distillation and GC-MS were used. 58 componds were separated respectively. 56 componds being identified which were 96. 5% of the totle essential oil. Diethyl phthalate, acetamide, N-acetyl-N, N'-1,2-ethanediylbis-, isopropyl palmitate, hexadecanoic acid, Z-11 and octadecanoic acid are the main component of essential oil from the skin of water caltrop.

  13. Putrescine catabolism in mammalian brain

    PubMed Central

    Seiler, N.; Al-Therib, M. J.

    1974-01-01

    In contrast with putrescine (1,4-diaminobutane), which is a substrate of diamine oxidase, monoacetylputrescine is oxidatively deaminated both in vitro and in vivo by monoamine oxidase. The product of this reaction is N-acetyl-γ-aminobutyrate. The existence of a degradative pathway in mammalian brain for putrescine is shown, which comprises acetylation of putrescine, oxidative deamination of monoacetylputrescine to N-acetyl-γ-aminobutyrate, transformation of N-acetyl-γ-aminobutyrate to γ-aminobutyrate and degradation of γ-aminobutyrate to CO2 via the tricarboxylic acid cycle. PMID:4156831

  14. 5-Aminosalicylic acid prevents oxidant mediated damage of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase in colon epithelial cells

    PubMed Central

    McKenzie, S; Doe, W; Buffinton, G

    1999-01-01

    Background—Reactive oxygen and nitrogen derived species produced by activated neutrophils have been implicated in the damage of mucosal proteins including the inhibition of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) in the active inflammatory lesion in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This study investigated the efficacy of currently used IBD therapeutics to prevent injury mediated by reactive oxygen and nitrogen derived species. 
Methods—GAPDH activity of human colon epithelial cells was used as a sensitive indicator of injury produced by reactive oxygen and nitrogen derived species. HCT116 cells (106/ml phosphate buffered saline; 37°C) were incubated in the presence of 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA), 6-mercaptopurine, methylprednisolone, or metronidazole before exposure to H2O2, HOCl, or NO in vitro. HCT116 cell GAPDH enzyme activity was determined by standard procedures. Cell free reactions between 5-ASA and HOCl were analysed by spectrophotometry and fluorimetry to characterise the mechanism of oxidant scavenging. 
Results—GAPDH activity of HCT116 cells was inhibited by the oxidants tested: the concentration that produced 50% inhibition (IC50) was 44.5 (2.1) µM for HOCl, 379.8 (21.3) µM for H2O2, and 685.8 (103.8) µM for NO (means (SEM)). 5-ASA was the only therapeutic compound tested to show efficacy (p<0.05) against HOCl mediated inhibition of enzyme activity; however, it was ineffective against H2O2 and NO mediated inhibition of GAPDH. Methylprednisolone, metronidazole, and the thiol-containing 6-mercaptopurine were ineffective against all oxidants. Studies at ratios of HOCl:5-ASA achievable in the mucosa showed direct scavenging to be the mechanism of protection of GAPDH activity. Mixing 5-ASA and HOCl before addition to the cells resulted in significantly greater protection of GAPDH activity than when HOCl was added to cells preincubated with 5-ASA. The addition of 5-ASA after HOCl exposure did not restore GAPDH activity. 
Conclusions—Therapies based on 5-ASA may play a direct role in scavenging the potent neutrophil oxidant HOCl, thereby protecting mucosal GAPDH from oxidative inhibition. These findings suggest that strategies for the further development of new HOCl scavenging compounds may be useful in the treatment of IBD. 

 Keywords: 5-aminosalicylic acid; 6-mercaptopurine; prednisolone; metronidazole; oxidants; glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase PMID:9895376

  15. Infrared and Raman spectra of N-acetyl- L-amino acid methylamides with aromatic side groups

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Matsuura, Hiroatsu; Hasegawa, Kodo; Miyazawa, Tatsuo

    Infrared and Raman spectra of N-acetyl- L-phenylalanine methylamide, N-acetyl- L-tyrosine methylamide and N-acetyl- L-tryptophan methylamide, as model compounds of aromatic amino acid residues in proteins, were measured in the solid state and in methanol solutions. Vibrational assignments of the spectra were made by utilizing the deuteration effect and by comparison with the spectra of related compounds which include toluene, p-cresol and 3-methylindole. The amide I, III and IV bands were strong in Raman scattering, but other characteristic amide bands were ill-defined. In the Raman spectra of methanol solutions, only the bands due to the aromatic side group vibrations were markedly observed, but those due to the peptide backbone vibrations were very weak, suggesting the coexistence of various molecular conformations in solution.

  16. Sialic acids as link to Japanese scientistsDedicated to Prof. Dr. Tamio Yamakawa.

    PubMed Central

    SCHAUER, Roland

    2016-01-01

    This manuscript is dedicated to Prof. Tamio Yamakawa and describes my cooperations on sialic acid-related topics with Japanese scientists during the last 40 years. We studied sialic acids and their O-acetylated derivatives in the sea urchin Pseudocentrotus depressus, in Halocynthia species, and in human and bovine milk. In seafood we mainly searched for N-glycolylneuraminic acid. With synthetic substrates it was shown that sialic acid O-acetylation at C-4 hinders the activity of sialidases, with the exception of viral enzymes. The biosynthesis of Neu5Gc was discussed and the distribution of this sialic acid in dogs followed in modern literature and reviewed regarding their migration. An excellent source of sialic acids is edible bird nest substance (Collocalia mucin) which was used for the synthesis of sialylation inhibitors. PMID:27063181

  17. Acetylome Profiling Reveals Extensive Lysine Acetylation of the Fatty Acid Metabolism Pathway in the Diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum.

    PubMed

    Chen, Zhuo; Luo, Ling; Chen, Runfa; Hu, Hanhua; Pan, Yufang; Jiang, Haibo; Wan, Xia; Jin, Hu; Gong, Yangmin

    2018-03-01

    N ε -lysine acetylation represents a highly dynamic and reversibly regulated post-translational modification widespread in almost all organisms, and plays important roles for regulation of protein function in diverse metabolic pathways. However, little is known about the role of lysine acetylation in photosynthetic eukaryotic microalgae. We integrated proteomic approaches to comprehensively characterize the lysine acetylome in the model diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum In total, 2324 acetylation sites from 1220 acetylated proteins were identified, representing the largest data set of the lysine acetylome in plants to date. Almost all enzymes involved in fatty acid synthesis were found to be lysine acetylated. Six putative lysine acetylation sites were identified in a plastid-localized long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase. Site-directed mutagenesis and site-specific incorporation of N-acetyllysine in acyl-CoA synthetase show that acetylation at K407 and K425 increases its enzyme activity. Moreover, the nonenzymatically catalyzed overall hyperacetylation of acyl-CoA synthetase by acetyl-phosphate can be effectively deacetylated and reversed by a sirtuin-type NAD + -dependent deacetylase with subcellular localization of both the plastid and nucleus in Phaeodactylum This work indicates the regulation of acyl-CoA synthetase activity by site-specific lysine acetylation and highlights the potential regulation of fatty acid metabolism by lysine actetylation in the plastid of the diatom Phaeodactylum . © 2018 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

  18. Antioxidant effect of vitamin E and 5-aminosalicylic acid on acrylamide induced kidney injury in rats.

    PubMed

    Rajeh, Nisreen A; Al-Dhaheri, Najlaa M

    2017-02-01

    To explore renal toxicity caused by sub-acute exposure of acrylamide and to study the protective effect of 5-Aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) and Vitamin E (vit-E)on Acrylamide (ACR) induced renal toxicity. Methods: This study was conducted at King Fahad Medical Research Centre, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, between August and November 2015. A total of 49 adult Wistar rats (250 ± 20g) aged 60 days were kept in a controlled environment and used in the present study. The rats were divided into 7 groups (control, ACR alone, ACR+5-ASA, ACR+vit-E, ACR+ASA+vit-E, vit-E alone, and ASA alone). After 5 days of ACR oral gavage treatment, the rats were observed for 24 hours then killed. Histopathology for the kidney and lactate dehydrogenase assay were carried out.  Results: Acrylamide produced significant pathological changes in the kidney with acute tubular necrosis in the distal tubules that could be reversed by concomitant injection of rat with 5-ASA. Together with vitamin E, 5-ASA, showed maximum renal protection. No statistically significant difference was observed in either body weights or lactate dehydrogenase activity of ACR treated rats.  Conclusion: Acrylamide exposure leads to adverse clinical pathologies of renal tubules, which were reversed by a concomitant treatment with 5-ASA and vitamin-E.

  19. Synthesis of pro-prodrugs L-lysine based for 5-aminosalicylic acid and 6-mercaptopurine colon specific release.

    PubMed

    Trombino, Sonia; Cassano, Roberta; Cilea, Alessia; Ferrarelli, Teresa; Muzzalupo, Rita; Picci, Nevio

    2011-11-28

    The aim of this work is to design, prepare and characterize L-lysine based prodrugs capable of targeting 6-mercaptopurine to the colon, an anti-tumor and immunosuppressant drug, and 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA), drug of choice for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). More specifically, Nɛ-feruloyl-S-(6-purinyl)-L-lysine and Nɛ-acryloyl-S-(6-purinyl)-L-lysine were synthesized and then characterized by FT-IR, (1)H-NMR and GC/MS spectroscopies. The ability of feruloyl derivative in inhibiting lipid peroxidation in rat liver microsomal membranes, induced in vitro by tert-butyl hydroperoxide as source of free radicals, was evaluated. Moreover, Nɛ-acryloyl-S-(6-purinyl)-L-lysine, polymerizable prodrug, was used to microspheres realization for 5-ASA release. These lasts, obtained by emulsion inverse technique, were characterized by light scattering and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. The microspheres equilibrium swelling degree was evaluated and showed good swelling behaviour in simulating colonic fluids. Results confirm the possibility that the application range of L-lysine prodrug can be extended to the treatment of intestinal diseases whose conventional therapy envisages medications with serious side effects that, thanks to this new strategy, can be minimized in an optimal way. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  20. Synthesis, crystal structure and DFT studies of N-(4-acetyl-5,5-dimethyl-4,5-dihydro-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl)acetamide

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gautam, P.; Gautam, D.; Chaudhary, R. P.

    2013-12-01

    The title compound N-(4-acetyl-5,5-dimethyl-4,5-dihydro-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl)acetamide ( III) was obtained from the reaction of 2-(propan-2-ylidene)hydrazinecarbothioamide ( II) with acetic anhydride instead of formation of the desired thiosemcarbazide derivative of Meldrum acid. The structures of II and III were established by elemental analysis, IR, NMR, Mass and X-ray crystallographic studies. II crystallizes in triclinic system, sp. gr. Z = 2; III crystallizes in the monoclinic system, sp. gr. P21/ c, Z = 8. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations have been carried out for III. 1H and 13C NMR of III has been calculated and correlated with experimental results.

  1. Metabolism and disposition of a novel antineoplastic JS-38 (Benzamide, N-[4-(2,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-4,5-dihydro-5-oxo-1,2-dithiolo[4,3-b]pyrrol-6-yl]-3,5-bis (trifluoromethyl)-(9Cl)) in rats.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Hong; Liu, Quanhai; Fan, Tingting; Fang, Yu; Li, Ying; Wang, Guoping

    2012-03-01

    The metabolism and catabolism of a novel antineoplastic (ID code JS-38),Benzamide, N-[4-(2,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-4,5-dihydro-5-oxo-1,2-dithiolo[4,3-b]pyrrol-6-yl]-3,5-bis (trifluoromethyl)-(9Cl), were investigated in Wistar rats (3 female, 3 male). LC/UV, LC/MS, LC/MS/MS, NMR and acid hydrolysis methods showed that the metabolic process of JS-38 consists of a series of acetylation and glucoronation that form a metabolic product with a unique pharmacologic property of accelerating bone-marrow cell formation, and also showed a novel metabolic pathway of being acetylated and glucuronated in series.

  2. Pro-opiomelanocortin messenger ribonucleic acid and posttranslational processing of beta endorphin in spleen macrophages.

    PubMed Central

    Lolait, S J; Clements, J A; Markwick, A J; Cheng, C; McNally, M; Smith, A I; Funder, J W

    1986-01-01

    We have previously demonstrated low levels of immunoreactive (ir)-beta-endorphin (beta-EP) and ir-ACTH in a subpopulation of mouse spleen macrophages, which is consistent with an involvement of opioid peptides in modulation of immune responses. Gel chromatography studies suggested the presence of an approximately 3.5,000-molecular weight (mol wt) species, putatively beta-EP, an approximately 11.5,000-mol-wt species, putatively beta-lipotropin, and a higher molecular weight species (putative beta-EP precursor, pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC). In this study we have extended our original findings by demonstrating the presence of messenger RNA for POMC by the use of a complementary DNA probe and Northern blot analysis of extracts of mouse and rat spleen. In addition, using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), we have shown that the major endorphin species in mouse spleen macrophages is beta-EP1-31, and that there are smaller amounts of each of the acetylated forms, N-acetyl-beta-EP1-16 (alpha-endorphin), N-acetyl-beta-EP1-17 (gamma-endorphin), N-acetyl-beta-EP1-27, and N-acetyl-beta-EP1-31. We interpret these studies as showing that (a) the spleen is an organ of POMC synthesis and that (b) the predominant COOH-terminal product of macrophage POMC is the opiate-receptor active species beta-EP1-31. Images PMID:2423557

  3. A novel member of the GCN5-related N-acetyltransferase superfamily from Caenorhabditis elegans preferentially catalyses the N-acetylation of thialysine [S-(2-aminoethyl)-L-cysteine

    PubMed Central

    2004-01-01

    The putative diamine N-acetyltransferase D2023.4 has been cloned from the model nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. The 483 bp open reading frame of the cDNA encodes a deduced polypeptide of 18.6 kDa. Accordingly, the recombinantly expressed His6-tagged protein forms an enzymically active homodimer with a molecular mass of approx. 44000 Da. The protein belongs to the GNAT (GCN5-related N-acetyltransferase) superfamily, and its amino acid sequence exhibits considerable similarity to mammalian spermidine/spermine-N1-acetyltransferases. However, neither the polyamines spermidine and spermine nor the diamines putrescine and cadaverine were efficiently acetylated by the protein. The smaller diamines diaminopropane and ethylenediamine, as well as L-lysine, represent better substrates, but, surprisingly, the enzyme most efficiently catalyses the N-acetylation of amino acids analogous with L-lysine. As determined by the kcat/Km values, the C. elegans N-acetyltransferase prefers thialysine [S-(2-aminoethyl)-L-cysteine], followed by O-(2-aminoethyl)-L-serine and S-(2-aminoethyl)-D,L-homocysteine. Reversed-phase HPLC and mass spectrometric analyses revealed that N-acetylation of L-lysine and L-thialysine occurs exclusively at the amino moiety of the side chain. Remarkably, heterologous expression of C. elegans N-acetyltransferase D2023.4 in Escherichia coli, which does not possess a homologous gene, results in a pronounced resistance against the anti-metabolite thialysine. Furthermore, C. elegans N-acetyltransferase D2023.4 exhibits the highest homology with a number of GNATs found in numerous genomes from bacteria to mammals that have not been biochemically characterized so far, suggesting a novel group of GNAT enzymes closely related to spermidine/spermine-N1-acetyltransferase, but with a distinct substrate specificity. Taken together, we propose to name the enzyme ‘thialysine Nε-acetyltransferase’. PMID:15283700

  4. Pre-clinical toxicity of a combination of berberine and 5-aminosalicylic acid in mice.

    PubMed

    Li, Yan-Hong; Zhang, Man; Fu, Hai-Bo; Xiao, Hai-Tao; Bian, Zhao-Xiang

    2016-11-01

    Our previous study demonstrated that a combination of alternative medicine berberine and conventional 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) showed promise to be a novel therapeutic strategy for ulcerative colitis (UC). This present study aims to sketch the pre-clinical toxicity profile of this combination (1:10 dose ratio) on mice. In acute toxicity test, the determined median lethal dose (LD 50 ) was 278.7 mg/kg berberine plus 2787 mg/kg 5-ASA. The results from subacute toxicity test demonstrated that no toxic signs of clinical symptoms, no significant changes in hematological or biochemical parameters were detected in mice treated with 14 + 140, 28 + 280 or 56 + 560 mg/kg of berberine plus 5-ASA treatment. Histological examinations revealed that accompanied with an increase in spleen weight, frequently recorded enlargement and white pulp hyperplasia of spleen were detected in mice when exposed to three doses of combination treatments. Further in vitro assessment suggested that the spleen toxicity was originated from berberine by its inhibition in cell viability and cell proliferation of lymphocytes. The results of this study indicate that the combination of berberine and 5-ASA shows a slight toxic effect on spleen, suggesting that this combination should be used with caution for patients. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  5. Double-blind, placebo-controlled evaluation of 5-ASA suppositories in active distal proctitis and measurement of extent of spread using /sup 99m/Tc-labeled 5-ASA suppositories

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

    Williams, C.N.; Haber, G.; Aquino, J.A.

    1987-12-01

    Patients with active distal proctitis received either 5-aminosalicylic (5-ASA) acid or identical placebo suppositories, 500 mg t.i.d. for 6 weeks. Activity at 3 and 6 wks was assessed using a Disease Activity Index (DAI), derived from four categories: number of daily evacuations more than usual, evacuations containing blood, sigmoidoscopy appearance, and physician's overall assessment. Each category was graded 0-3. There was thus 0-12 points scored ranging from complete remission to severe disease. A minimum score of 3 from two categories was necessary for study entry. Of 27 patients randomized, 14 received active medication and 13 placebo. Of the 14 patients,more » with initial mean DAI 7.1 +/- 1.8, 11 were in complete remission at 6 wks (78.6%). Whereas, there was no significant change in the placebo group, with initial mean DAI 7.1 +/- 1.8. An additional 6 patients with inflammatory bowel disease and 6 healthy volunteers were given /sup 99m/Tc-labelled 5-aminosalicylic acid suppositories. The extent of spread was limited to the rectum, and the suppositories were retained for 3 hours. There was no absorbed radioactivity. 5-ASA suppositories are safe, well-tolerated, and effective treatment for active distal proctitis.« less

  6. S-Nitroso-N-acetyl-L-cysteine ethyl ester (SNACET) and N-acetyl-L-cysteine ethyl ester (NACET)-Cysteine-based drug candidates with unique pharmacological profiles for oral use as NO, H2S and GSH suppliers and as antioxidants: Results and overview.

    PubMed

    Tsikas, Dimitrios; Schwedhelm, Kathrin S; Surdacki, Andrzej; Giustarini, Daniela; Rossi, Ranieri; Kukoc-Modun, Lea; Kedia, George; Ückert, Stefan

    2018-02-01

    S -Nitrosothiols or thionitrites with the general formula RSNO are formally composed of the nitrosyl cation (NO + ) and a thiolate (RS - ), the base of the corresponding acids RSH. The smallest S -nitrosothiol is HSNO and derives from hydrogen sulfide (HSH, H 2 S). The most common physiological S -nitrosothiols are derived from the amino acid L-cysteine (CysSH). Thus, the simplest S -nitrosothiol is S -nitroso-L-cysteine (CysSNO). CysSNO is a spontaneous potent donor of nitric oxide (NO) which activates soluble guanylyl cyclase to form cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). This activation is associated with multiple biological actions that include relaxation of smooth muscle cells and inhibition of platelet aggregation. Like NO, CysSNO is a short-lived species and occurs physiologically at concentrations around 1 nM in human blood. CysSNO can be formed from CysSH and higher oxides of NO including nitrous acid (HONO) and its anhydride (N 2 O 3 ). The most characteristic feature of RSNO is the S-transnitrosation reaction by which the NO + group is reversibly transferred to another thiolate. By this way numerous RSNO can be formed such as the low-molecular-mass S -nitroso- N -acetyl-L-cysteine (SNAC) and S -nitroso-glutathione (GSNO), and the high-molecular-mass S -nitrosol-L-cysteine hemoglobin (HbCysSNO) present in erythrocytes and S -nitrosol-L-cysteine albumin (AlbCysSNO) present in plasma at concentrations of the order of 200 nM. All above mentioned RSNO exert NO-related biological activity, but they must be administered intravenously. This important drawback can be overcome by lipophilic charge-free RSNO. Thus, we prepared the ethyl ester of SNAC, the S -nitroso- N -acetyl-L-cysteine ethyl ester (SNACET), from synthetic N -acetyl-L-cysteine ethyl ester (NACET). Both NACET and SNACET have improved pharmacological features over N -acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) and S -nitroso- N -acetyl-L-cysteine (SNAC), respectively, including higher oral bioavailability. SNACET exerts NO-related activities which can be utilized in the urogenital tract and in the cardiovascular system. NACET, with high oral bioavailability, is a strong antioxidant and abundant precursor of GSH, unlike its free acid N -acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC). Here, we review the chemical and pharmacological properties of SNACET and NACET as well as their analytical chemistry. We also report new results from the ingestion of S -[ 15 N]nitroso- N -acetyl-L-cysteine ethyl ester (S 15 NACET) demonstrating the favorable pharmacological profile of SNACET.

  7. Translocation of radiolabeled indole-3-acetic acid and indole-3-acetyl-myo-inositol from kernel to shoot of Zea mays L

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Chisnell, J. R.; Bandurski, R. S.

    1988-01-01

    Either 5-[3H]indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) or 5-[3H]indole-3-acetyl-myo-inositol was applied to the endosperm of kernels of dark-grown Zea mays seedlings. The distribution of total radioactivity, radiolabeled indole-3-acetic acid, and radiolabeled ester conjugated indole-3-acetic acid, in the shoots was then determined. Differences were found in the distribution and chemical form of the radiolabeled indole-3-acetic acid in the shoot depending upon whether 5-[3H]indole-3-acetic acid or 5-[3H]indole-3-acetyl-myo-inositol was applied to the endosperm. We demonstrated that indole-3-acetyl-myo-inositol applied to the endosperm provides both free and ester conjugated indole-3-acetic acid to the mesocotyl and coleoptile. Free indole-3-acetic acid applied to the endosperm supplies some of the indole-3-acetic acid in the mesocotyl but essentially no indole-3-acetic acid to the coleoptile or primary leaves. It is concluded that free IAA from the endosperm is not a source of IAA for the coleoptile. Neither radioactive indole-3-acetyl-myo-inositol nor IAA accumulates in the tip of the coleoptile or the mesocotyl node and thus these studies do not explain how the coleoptile tip controls the amount of IAA in the shoot.

  8. Acetyl-coenzyme A deacylase activity in liver is not an artifact. Subcellular distribution and substrate specificity of acetyl-coenzyme A deacylase activities in rat liver

    PubMed Central

    Grigat, Klaus-P.; Koppe, Klaus; Seufert, Claus-D.; Söling, Hans-D

    1979-01-01

    Whole liver and isolated liver mitochondria are able to release free acetate, especially under conditions of increased fatty acid oxidation. In the present paper it is shown that rat liver contains acetyl-CoA deacylase (EC 3.1.2.1) activity (0.72μmol/min per g wet wt. of liver at 30°C and 0.5mm-acetyl-CoA). At 0.5mm-acetyl-CoA 73% of total enzyme activity was found in the mitochondria, 8% in the lysosomal fraction and 19% in the postmicrosomal supernatant. Mitochondrial subfractionation shows that mitochondrial acetyl-CoA deacylase activity is restricted to the matrix space. Mitochondrial acetyl-CoA deacylase showed almost no activity with either butyryl- or hexanoyl-CoA. Acetyl-CoA hydrolase activity from purified rat liver lysosomes exhibited a very low affinity for acetyl-CoA (apparent Km>15mm compared with an apparent Km value of 0.5mm for the mitochondrial enzyme) and reacted at about the same rate with acetyl-, n-butyryl- and hexanoyl-CoA. We could not confirm the findings of Costa & Snoswell [(1975) Biochem. J. 152, 167–172] according to which mitochondrial acetyl-CoA deacylase was considered to be an artifact resulting from the combined actions of acetyl-CoA–l-carnitine acetyltransferase (EC 2.3.1.7) and acetylcarnitine hydrolase. The results are in line with the concept that free acetate released by the liver under physiological conditions stems from the intramitochondrial deacylation of acetyl-CoA. PMID:34392

  9. Mucoadhesive microparticulates based on polysaccharide for target dual drug delivery of 5-aminosalicylic acid and curcumin to inflamed colon.

    PubMed

    Duan, Haogang; Lü, Shaoyu; Gao, Chunmei; Bai, Xiao; Qin, Hongyan; Wei, Yuhui; Wu, Xin'an; Liu, Mingzhu

    2016-09-01

    In this work, thiolated chitosan/alginate composite microparticulates (CMPs) coated by Eudragit S-100 were developed for colon-specific delivery of 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) and curcumin (CUR), and the use of it as a multi drug delivery system for the treatment of colitis. The physicochemical properties of the CMPs were evaluated. In vitro release was performed in gradually pH-changing medium simulating the conditions of different parts of GIT, and the results showed that the Eudragit S-100 coating has a pH-sensitive release property, which can avoid drug being released at a pH lower than 7. An everted sac method was used to evaluate the mucoadhesion of CMPs. Ex vivo mucoadhesive tests showed CMPs have excellent mucosa adhesion for the colonic mucosa of rats. In vivo treatment effect of enteric microparticulates systems was evaluated in colitis rats. The results showed superior therapeutic efficiency of this drug delivery system for the colitis rats induced by TNBS. Therefore, the enteric microparticulates systems combined the properties of pH dependent delivery, mucoadhesive, and control release, and could be an available tool for the treatment of human inflammatory bowel disease. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  10. Biological monitoring of isocyanates and related amines. I. Determination of 1,6-hexamethylene diamine (HDA) in hydrolysed human urine after oral administration of HDA.

    PubMed

    Brorson, T; Skarping, G; Sandström, J F; Stenberg, M

    1990-01-01

    1,6-Hexamethylene diamine (HDA), used as raw material in industrial manufacturing operations, was orally administered to six healthy volunteers. After acid hydrolysis of the urine by hydrochloric acid, HDA and the metabolite 6-aminohexanoic acid were quantified. HDA was determined as an ethyl-chloroformate derivative by capillary gas chromatography using thermionic specific detection (TSD), and 6-aminohexanoic acid was quantified by ion chromatography using the ninhydrin reaction. In nonhydrolysed urine, monoacetylated HDA (N-acetyl-1,6-hexamethylene diamine) and HDA, were verified as heptafluorobutyric anhydride derivatives by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), in a chemical ionization mode using isobutane and ammonia as reagent gases. In hydrolysed urine, a mean of 0.28 mg (range 1-6%) of the administered dose (8.2 mg) was recovered as HDA, and a mean of 0.8 mg (range less than 1-27%) as 6-aminohexanoic acid. The urinary excretion of both the determined compounds was rapid, and the principal part (greater than 90%) of the elimination was completed within 10 h. There was a considerable inter-individual variation in the excreted amounts, but the intra-individual variation in the excretion of HDA was limited. The subjects N-acetylator phenotype was determined by a dapsone test. Three slow acetylators excreted lower amounts (mean 2% of given dose) of HDA than three rapid ones (mean 5%).

  11. Randomized clinical trial: pharmacokinetics and safety of multimatrix mesalamine for treatment of pediatric ulcerative colitis.

    PubMed

    Cuffari, Carmen; Pierce, David; Korczowski, Bartosz; Fyderek, Krzysztof; Van Heusen, Heather; Hossack, Stuart; Wan, Hong; Edwards, Alena Y Z; Martin, Patrick

    2016-01-01

    Limited data are available on mesalamine (5-aminosalicylic acid; 5-ASA) use in pediatric ulcerative colitis (UC). To evaluate pharmacokinetic and safety profiles of 5-ASA and metabolite acetyl-5-ASA (Ac-5-ASA) after once-daily, oral administration of multimatrix mesalamine to children and adolescents with UC. Participants (5-17 years of age; 18-82 kg, stratified by weight) with UC received multi-matrix mesalamine 30, 60, or 100 mg/kg/day once daily (to 4,800 mg/day) for 7 days. Blood samples were collected pre-dose on days 5 and 6. On days 7 and 8, blood and urine samples were collected and safety was evaluated. 5-ASA and Ac-5-ASA plasma and urine concentrations were analyzed by non-compartmental methods and used to develop a population pharmacokinetic model. Fifty-two subjects (21 [30 mg/kg]; 22 [60 mg/kg]; 9 [100 mg/kg]) were randomized. On day 7, systemic exposures of 5-ASA and Ac-5-ASA exhibited a dose-proportional increase between 30 and 60 mg/kg/day cohorts. For 30, 60, and 100 mg/kg/day doses, mean percentages of 5-ASA absorbed were 29.4%, 27.0%, and 22.1%, respectively. Simulated steady-state exposures and variabilities for 5-ASA and Ac-5-ASA (coefficient of variation approximately 50% and 40%-45%, respectively) were similar to those observed previously in adults at comparable doses. Treatment-emergent adverse events were reported by ten subjects. Events were similar among different doses and age groups with no new safety signals identified. Children and adolescents with UC receiving multimatrix mesalamine demonstrated 5-ASA and Ac-5-ASA pharmacokinetic profiles similar to historical adult data. Multimatrix mesalamine was well tolerated across all dose and age groups. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01130844.

  12. Production of Nα-acetylated thymosin α1 in Escherichia coli

    PubMed Central

    2011-01-01

    Background Thymosin α1 (Tα1), a 28-amino acid Nα-acetylated peptide, has a powerful general immunostimulating activity. Although biosynthesis is an attractive means of large-scale manufacture, to date, Tα1 can only be chemosynthesized because of two obstacles to its biosynthesis: the difficulties in expressing small peptides and obtaining Nα-acetylation. In this study, we describe a novel production process for Nα-acetylated Tα1 in Escherichia coli. Results To obtain recombinant Nα-acetylated Tα1 efficiently, a fusion protein, Tα1-Intein, was constructed, in which Tα1 was fused to the N-terminus of the smallest mini-intein, Spl DnaX (136 amino acids long, from Spirulina platensis), and a His tag was added at the C-terminus. Because Tα1 was placed at the N-terminus of the Tα1-Intein fusion protein, Tα1 could be fully acetylated when the Tα1-Intein fusion protein was co-expressed with RimJ (a known prokaryotic Nα-acetyltransferase) in Escherichia coli. After purification by Ni-Sepharose affinity chromatography, the Tα1-Intein fusion protein was induced by the thiols β-mercaptoethanol or d,l-dithiothreitol, or by increasing the temperature, to release Tα1 through intein-mediated N-terminal cleavage. Under the optimal conditions, more than 90% of the Tα1-Intein fusion protein was thiolyzed, and 24.5 mg Tα1 was obtained from 1 L of culture media. The purity was 98% after a series of chromatographic purification steps. The molecular weight of recombinant Tα1 was determined to be 3107.44 Da by mass spectrometry, which was nearly identical to that of the synthetic version (3107.42 Da). The whole sequence of recombinant Tα1 was identified by tandem mass spectrometry and its N-terminal serine residue was shown to be acetylated. Conclusions The present data demonstrate that Nα-acetylated Tα1 can be efficiently produced in recombinant E. coli. This bioprocess could be used as an alternative to chemosynthesis for the production of Tα1. The described methodologies may also be helpful for the biosynthesis of similar peptides. PMID:21513520

  13. Efficacy and safety of rectal 5-aminosalicylic acid versus corticosteroids in active distal ulcerative colitis: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

    PubMed Central

    Zhao, Xiaojing; Zhou, Changcheng; Ma, Jingjing; Zhu, Yunjuan; Sun, Min; Wang, Peixue; Zhang, Yi; Ma, Haiqin; Zhang, Hongjie

    2017-01-01

    Topical 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) and corticosteroids are used frequently in the treatment of active distal ulcerative colitis (UC). Our study aimed to determine the efficacy and safety of different topical drugs used to treat active distal UC. A random-effects model within a Bayesian framework was utilized to compare treatment effects and safety as odds ratios (ORs) with corresponding 95% credible intervals (CrI). The surface under the cumulative ranking area (SUCRA) and median rank (MR) with corresponding 95% CrI were calculated to rank the treatment outcomes. In the induction of clinical and endoscopic remission, most regimens showed significant advantages over placebo except topical budesonide 0.5 mg/d and hydrocortisone 100 mg/d. According to SUCRA and MR values, rectal 5-ASA 1.5 to 2.0 g/d + Beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP) 3 mg/d rendered the highest probability of being the best regimen to achieve clinical and endoscopic remission, followed by the separate use of 5-ASA 4 g/d and BDP 3 mg/d. The occurrence of adverse events was not significantly different between each treatments and placebo. In conclusion, the combined use of topical 5-ASA and BDP proved to be the best choice for active distal UC and further well-designed researches are warranted to assess its efficacy and safety. PMID:28440311

  14. Optimizing clinical use of mesalazine (5-aminosalicylic acid) in inflammatory bowel disease

    PubMed Central

    Williams, Chadwick; Panaccione, Remo; Ghosh, Subrata; Rioux, Kevin

    2011-01-01

    Mesalazine [5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA)] has been used for over 30 years in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It is a highly effective, safe, and well-tolerated drug for treatment of mild to moderate ulcerative colitis, which represents most patients with this disease. Recent studies of patient adherence to 5-ASA therapies in ulcerative colitis have highlighted the need for regimens that enable long-term compliance to significantly reduce the risk of troublesome and debilitating flares in the short term, and possibly colon cancer in the long term. Indeed, much of the recent innovation in clinical use of 5-ASA in colitis has come from studies of novel delivery mechanisms and simplified oral dosing schedules. These studies have provided much needed clarity on essential matters such as starting dose, dose escalation, and efficacy in terms of the ideal clinical endpoint - mucosal healing. Various manufacturers are re-evaluating their products to determine the safety and efficacy of such dosing regimens. Although once widely employed in the treatment of Crohn’s disease (CD), the accumulated body of evidence now suggests that there is a much more limited role for 5-ASA in this particular form of inflammatory bowel disease. Recent 5-ASA randomized-controlled trials, comparative studies, and outcomes research have led to refined treatment strategies and awareness for practitioners to better inform, engage and facilitate patients in optimal use of 5-ASA in inflammatory bowel disease. PMID:21765868

  15. Modification of the Campylobacter jejuni flagellin glycan by the product of the Cj1295 homopolymeric-tract-containing gene

    PubMed Central

    Hitchen, Paul; Brzostek, Joanna; Panico, Maria; Butler, Jonathan A.; Morris, Howard R.; Dell, Anne; Linton, Dennis

    2010-01-01

    The Campylobacter jejuni flagellin protein is O-glycosylated with structural analogues of the nine-carbon sugar pseudaminic acid. The most common modifications in the C. jejuni 81-176 strain are the 5,7-di-N-acetylated derivative (Pse5Ac7Ac) and an acetamidino-substituted version (Pse5Am7Ac). Other structures detected include O-acetylated and N-acetylglutamine-substituted derivatives (Pse5Am7Ac8OAc and Pse5Am7Ac8GlnNAc, respectively). Recently, a derivative of pseudaminic acid modified with a di-O-methylglyceroyl group was detected in C. jejuni NCTC 11168 strain. The gene products required for Pse5Ac7Ac biosynthesis have been characterized, but those genes involved in generating other structures have not. We have demonstrated that the mobility of the NCTC 11168 flagellin protein in SDS-PAGE gels can vary spontaneously and we investigated the role of single nucleotide repeats or homopolymeric-tract-containing genes from the flagellin glycosylation locus in this process. One such gene, Cj1295, was shown to be responsible for structural changes in the flagellin glycoprotein. Mass spectrometry demonstrated that the Cj1295 gene is required for glycosylation with the di-O-methylglyceroyl-modified version of pseudaminic acid. PMID:20338909

  16. Phenanthridine synthesis through iron-catalyzed intramolecular N-arylation of O-acetyl oxime.

    PubMed

    Deb, Indubhusan; Yoshikai, Naohiko

    2013-08-16

    O-Acetyl oximes derived from 2'-arylacetophenones undergo N-O bond cleavage/intramolecular N-arylation in the presence of a catalytic amount of iron(III) acetylacetonate in acetic acid. In combination with the conventional cross-coupling or directed C-H arylation, the reaction offers a convenient route to substituted phenanthridines.

  17. Amino acid sequences of the ribosomal proteins HL30 and HmaL5 from the archaebacterium Halobacterium marismortui.

    PubMed

    Hatakeyama, T; Hatakeyama, T

    1990-07-06

    The complete amino acid sequences of the ribosomal proteins HL30 and HmaL5 from the archaebacterium Halobacterium marismortui were determined. Protein HL30 was found to be acetylated at its N-terminal amino acid and shows homology to the eukaryotic ribosomal proteins YL34 from yeast and RL31 from rat. Protein HmaL5 was homologous to the protein L5 from Escherichia coli and Bacillus stearothermophilus as well as to YL16 from yeast. HmaL5 shows more similarities to its eukaryotic counterpart than to eubacterial ones.

  18. Chemoenzymatic Syntheses of Sialylated Oligosaccharides Containing C5-Modified Neuraminic Acids for Dual Inhibition of Hemagglutinins and Neuraminidases.

    PubMed

    Birikaki, Lémonia; Pradeau, Stéphanie; Armand, Sylvie; Priem, Bernard; Márquez-Domínguez, Luis; Reyes-Leyva, Julio; Santos-López, Gerardo; Samain, Eric; Driguez, Hugues; Fort, Sébastien

    2015-07-20

    A fast chemoenzymatic synthesis of sialylated oligosaccharides containing C5-modified neuraminic acids is reported. Analogues of GM3 and GM2 ganglioside saccharidic portions where the acetyl group of NeuNAc has been replaced by a phenylacetyl (PhAc) or a propanoyl (Prop) moiety have been efficiently prepared with metabolically engineered E. coli bacteria. GM3 analogues were either obtained by chemoselective modification of biosynthetic N-acetyl-sialyllactoside (GM3 NAc) or by direct bacterial synthesis using C5-modified neuraminic acid precursors. The latter strategy proved to be very versatile as it led to an efficient synthesis of GM2 analogues. These glycomimetics were assessed against hemagglutinins and sialidases. In particular, the GM3 NPhAc displayed a binding affinity for Maackia amurensis agglutinin (MAA) similar to that of GM3 NAc, while being resistant to hydrolysis by Vibrio cholerae (VC) neuraminidase. A preliminary study with influenza viruses also confirmed a selective inhibition of N1 neuraminidase by GM3 NPhAc, suggesting potential developments for the detection of flu viruses and for fighting them. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  19. Acetylation of aromatic cysteine conjugates by recombinant human N-acetyltransferase 8.

    PubMed

    Deol, Reema; Josephy, P David

    2017-03-01

    1. The mercapturic acid (MA) pathway is a metabolic route for the processing of glutathione conjugates to MA (N-acetylcysteine conjugates). An N-acetyltransferase enzyme, NAT8, catalyzes the transfer of an acetyl group from acetyl-CoA to the cysteine amino group, producing a MA, which is excreted in the urine. We expressed human NAT8 in HEK293T cells and developed an HPLC-MS method for the quantitation of the S-aryl-substituted cysteine conjugates and their MA. 2. We measured the activity of the enzyme for acetylation of benzyl-, 4-nitrobenzyl-, and 1-menaphthylcysteine substrates. 3. NAT8 catalyzed the acetylation of all three cysteine conjugates with similar Michaelis-Menten kinetics.

  20. Uptake, metabolism and excretion of orally and intravenously administered, 14C- and 3H-labeled N-acetylneuraminic acid mixture in the mouse and rat.

    PubMed

    Nöhle, U; Schauer, R

    1981-11-01

    N-Acetyl-D-[2-14C,9-3H]neuraminic acid, enzymically prepared from sodium [2-14C]-pyruvate and N-acetyl-D-[6-3H]mannosamine by N-acetylneuraminate lyase in 75% yield, was orally administered to 20 day old fasted mice. 90% of the administered neuraminic acid was absorbed from the intestine in the course of 4 h, at a rate depending on the retention time of neuraminic acid in the intestine and the mental conditions of the animals. Between 60 and 90% of the neuraminic acid was excreted in the urine without chemical alteration within the first 6 h. Four hours after administration 10% of the 3H- and 1.3% of the 14C-radioactivity were recovered in the whole blood and in liver, spleen, kidney and brain. After 3 days 0.5% of 3H- and 0.01% of 14C-radioactivity still remained in these tissues. The discrepancy of the 14C-amount relative to the 3H-quantity was accounted for by exhaled 14CO2. After intravenous injection of N-acetylneuraminic acid into rats, 90% of the radioactivity corresponding to the original substance was excreted in the urine within 10 min. Four hours after administration only 5% of the applied 3H- and 1.2% of the 14C-radioactivity were left in the blood and in liver, spleen, kidney and brain. The experiments show that neither orally nor intravenously applied N-acetylneuraminic acid can penetrate cell membranes to a large extent, with the exception of the intestine. The isotopic ratio and N-acetylneuraminate lyase activity suggest that the small amount of the neuraminic acid retained in tissues was largely cleaved by the lyase, followed by metabolism of the reaction products. It may be concluded from these observations that neuraminic acid occurring in food cannot directly be used for the biosynthesis of glycoconjugates on a large scale.

  1. Iron-Catalyzed Intramolecular C(sp(2))-N Cyclization of 1-(N-Arylpyrrol-2-yl)ethanone O-Acetyl Oximes toward Pyrrolo[1,2-a]quinoxaline Derivatives.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Zhiguo; Li, Junlong; Zhang, Guisheng; Ma, Nana; Liu, Qingfeng; Liu, Tongxin

    2015-07-02

    An efficient and convenient iron-catalyzed protocol has been developed for the synthesis of substituted pyrrolo[1,2-a]quinoxalines from 1-(N-arylpyrrol-2-yl)ethanone O-acetyl oximes through N-O bond cleavage and intramolecular directed C-H arylation reactions in acetic acid.

  2. Purification and properties of an O-acetyl-transferase from Escherichia coli that can O-acetylate polysialic acid sequences

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

    Higa, H.; Varki, A.

    1986-05-01

    Certain strains of bacteria synthesize an outer polysialic acid (K1) capsule. Some strains of K1/sup +/ E.coli are also capable of adding O-acetyl-esters to the exocyclic hydroxyl groups of the sialic acid residues. Both the capsule and the O-acetyl modification have been correlated with differences in antigenicity and pathogenicity. The authors have developed an assay for an O-acetyl-transferase in E.coli that transfers O-(/sup 3/H)acetyl groups from (/sup 3/H)acetyl-Coenzyme A to colominic acid (fragments of the polysialic acid capsule). Using this assay, the enzyme was solubilized, and purified approx. 600-fold using a single affinity chromatography step with Procion Red-A Agarose. Themore » enzyme also binds to Coenzyme A Sepharose, and can be eluted with high salt or Coenzyme A. The partially purified enzyme has a pH optimum of 7.0 - 7.5, is unaffected by divalent cations, is inhibited by high salt concentrations, is inhibited by Coenzyme A (50% inhibition at 100 ..mu..M), and shows an apparent Km for colominic acid of 3.7 mM (sialic acid concentration). This enzyme could be involved in the O-acetyl +/- form variation seen in some strains of K1/sup +/ E.coli.« less

  3. Quantitative determination of p-aminosalicylic acid and its degradation product m-aminophenol in pellets by ion-pair high-performance liquid chromatography applying the monolithic Chromolith Speedrod RP-18e column.

    PubMed

    Vasbinder, E; Van der Weken, G; Vander Heyden, Y; Baeyens, W R G; Debunne, A; Remon, J P; García-Campaña, A M

    2004-01-01

    An ion-pair high performance liquid chromatographic method was developed for the simultaneous determination of p-aminosalicylic acid (PAS) and its degradation product m-aminophenol (MAP) in a newly developed multiparticular drug delivery system. Owing to the concentration differences of PAS and MAP, acetanilide and sulfanilic acid were used as internal standards, respectively. The separation was performed on a Chromolith SpeedROD RP-18e column, a new packing material consisting of monolithic rods of highly porous silica. The mobile phase composition was of 20 mm phosphate buffer, 20 mm tetrabutylammonium hydrogen sulphate and 16% (v/v) methanol adjusted to pH 6.8, at a flow-rate of 1.0 mL/min, resulting in a run-time of about 6 min. Detection was by UV at 233 nm. The method was validated and proved to be useful for stability testing of the new dosage form. Separation efficiency was compared between the new packing material Chromolith SpeedROD RP-18e and the conventional reversed-phase cartridge LiChroCART 125-4 (5 microm). A robustness test was carried out on both columns and different separation parameters (retention, resolution, run time, temperature) were determined. Copyright 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  4. Simultaneous determination of isoniazid and p-aminosalicylic acid by capillary electrophoresis using chemiluminescence detection.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Xinfeng; Xuan, Yuelan; Sun, Aimin; Lv, Yi; Hou, Xiandeng

    2009-01-01

    It was found that isoniazid (ISO) or p-aminosalicylic acid (PAS) could enhance the chemiluminescence (CL) emission from Cu (II)-luminol-hydrogen peroxide system, and the increased chemiluminescence signals were proportional to their concentrations, respectively. Based on this phenomenon, a chemiluminescence method coupled to capillary electrophoresis (CE) was established for simultaneous determination of ISO and PAS. The CE conditions including running buffer and running voltage were investigated in detail. The effects of the pH of H(2)O(2) solution and the concentrations of luminol, H(2)O(2) and Cu (II) on the CL signal were also investigated carefully. Under the optimized conditions, the analysis could be accomplished within 10 min, with the limits of detection of 0.3 microg mL(-1) for ISO and 1.1 microg mL(-1) for PAS, corresponding to 7.2 and 26.4 pg per injection (24 nL), respectively. Finally, the method was validated by determining the two analytes in pharmaceutical preparation and spiked human serum samples. The results of pharmaceutical tablet analysis were in good agreement with the labeled amounts. The recoveries for ISO and PAS in human serum were in the range of 92-104% and 90-113%, respectively. Copyright 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  5. Discovery of trans-4-[1-[[2,5-Dichloro-4-(1-methyl-3-indolylcarboxamido)phenyl]acetyl]-(4S)-methoxy-(2S)-pyrrolidinylmethoxy]cyclohexanecarboxylic acid: an orally active, selective very late antigen-4 antagonist.

    PubMed

    Muro, Fumihito; Iimura, Shin; Sugimoto, Yuuichi; Yoneda, Yoshiyuki; Chiba, Jun; Watanabe, Toshiyuki; Setoguchi, Masaki; Iigou, Yutaka; Matsumoto, Keiko; Satoh, Atsushi; Takayama, Gensuke; Taira, Tomoe; Yokoyama, Mika; Takashi, Tohru; Nakayama, Atsushi; Machinaga, Nobuo

    2009-12-24

    We have focused on optimization of the inadequate pharmacokinetic profile of trans-4-substituted cyclohexanecarboxylic acid 5, which is commonly observed in many small molecule very late antigen-4 (VLA-4) antagonists. We modified the lipophilic moiety in 5 and found that reducing the polar surface area of this moiety results in improvement of the PK profile. Consequently, our efforts have led to the discovery of trans-4-[1-[[2,5-dichloro-4-(1-methyl-3-indolylcarboxamido)phenyl]acetyl]-(4S)-methoxy-(2S)-pyrrolidinylmethoxy]cyclohexanecarboxylic acid (14e) with potent activity (IC(50) = 5.4 nM) and significantly improved bioavailability in rats, dogs, and monkeys (100%, 91%, 68%), which demonstrated excellent oral efficacy in murine and guinea pig models of asthma. Based on its overall profile, compound 14e was progressed into clinical trails. In a single ascending-dose phase I clinical study, compound 14e exhibited favorable oral exposure as expected and had no serious adverse events.

  6. Arylamine N-acetyltransferase 2 genotype-dependent N-acetylation of isoniazid in cryopreserved human hepatocytes.

    PubMed

    Doll, Mark A; Salazar-González, Raúl A; Bodduluri, Srineil; Hein, David W

    2017-07-01

    Cryopreserved human hepatocytes were used to investigate the role of arylamine N -acetyltransferase 2 (NAT2; EC 2.3.1.5) polymorphism on the N -acetylation of isoniazid (INH). NAT2 genotype was determined by Taqman allelic discrimination assay and INH N -acetylation was measured by high performance liquid chromatography. INH N -acetylation rates in vitro exhibited a robust and highly significant ( P <0.005) NAT2 phenotype-dependent metabolism. N -acetylation rates in situ were INH concentration- and time-dependent. Following incubation for 24 h with 12.5 or 100 µmol/L INH, acetyl-INH concentrations varied significantly ( P = 0.0023 and P = 0.0002) across cryopreserved human hepatocytes samples from rapid, intermediate, and slow acetylators, respectively. The clear association between NAT2 genotype and phenotype supports use of NAT2 genotype to guide INH dosing strategies in the treatment and prevention of tuberculosis.

  7. Organic influences on inorganic patterns of diffusion-controlled precipitation in gels

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Barge, Laura M.; Nealson, Kenneth H.; Petruska, John

    2010-06-01

    The well-known AgNO 3/K 2CrO 4 reaction-diffusion system produces periodic bands of silver chromate precipitate in gelatin, but only randomly oriented crystals in agarose gel. We show that comparable bands can be produced in agarose gel by adding small amounts of simple organic acids (e.g., acetic acid, N-acetyl glycine, and N-acetyl alanine) that suppress crystal growth and promote formation of rounded particles of precipitate. These results indicate that α-carboxyl groups of amino acids or short peptides in gelatin under mildly acidic conditions can induce periodic band patterns in diffusion-controlled silver chromate precipitates.

  8. Crystal Structure of TDP-Fucosamine Acetyl Transferase (WECD) from Escherichia Coli, an Enzyme Required for Enterobacterial Common Antigen Synthesis

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

    Hung,M.; Rangarajan, E.; Munger, C.

    2006-01-01

    Enterobacterial common antigen (ECA) is a polysaccharide found on the outer membrane of virtually all gram-negative enteric bacteria and consists of three sugars, N-acetyl-D-glucosamine, N-acetyl-D-mannosaminuronic acid, and 4-acetamido-4,6-dideoxy-D-galactose, organized into trisaccharide repeating units having the sequence {yields}(3)-{alpha}-D-Fuc4NAc-(1{yields}4)-{beta}-D-ManNAcA-(1{yields}4)-{alpha}-D-GlcNAc-(1{yields}). While the precise function of ECA is unknown, it has been linked to the resistance of Shiga-toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) O157:H7 to organic acids and the resistance of Salmonella enterica to bile salts. The final step in the synthesis of 4-acetamido-4,6-dideoxy-D-galactose, the acetyl-coenzyme A (CoA)-dependent acetylation of the 4-amino group, is carried out by TDP-fucosamine acetyltransferase (WecD). We have determined the crystal structuremore » of WecD in apo form at a 1.95-Angstroms resolution and bound to acetyl-CoA at a 1.66-Angstroms resolution. WecD is a dimeric enzyme, with each monomer adopting the GNAT N-acetyltransferase fold, common to a number of enzymes involved in acetylation of histones, aminoglycoside antibiotics, serotonin, and sugars. The crystal structure of WecD, however, represents the first structure of a GNAT family member that acts on nucleotide sugars. Based on this cocrystal structure, we have used flexible docking to generate a WecD-bound model of the acetyl-CoA-TDP-fucosamine tetrahedral intermediate, representing the structure during acetyl transfer. Our structural data show that WecD does not possess a residue that directly functions as a catalytic base, although Tyr208 is well positioned to function as a general acid by protonating the thiolate anion of coenzyme A.« less

  9. Comparison of anti-inflammatory activities of an anthocyanin-rich fraction from Portuguese blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) and 5-aminosalicylic acid in a TNBS-induced colitis rat model

    PubMed Central

    Pereira, Sónia R.; Pereira, Rita; Figueiredo, Isabel; Freitas, Victor; Dinis, Teresa C. P.; Almeida, Leonor M.

    2017-01-01

    Despite the actual therapeutic approaches for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), efficient and secure alternative options remain a research focus. In this context, anthocyanins seem promising natural anti-inflammatory agents, but their action mechanisms and efficacy as compared with established drugs still require more clarification. The main aim of this study was to compare the anti-inflammatory action of a chemically characterized anthocyanin-rich fraction (ARF), obtained from Portuguese blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum L.), with that of 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA), a first-line drug in IBD, in a 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis rat model. Such fraction showed a high content and great molecular diversity of anthocyanins, with malvidin-3-galactoside and petunidin-3-arabinoside in the highest concentrations. After daily administration by intragastric infusion for 8 days, ARF, at a molar anthocyanin concentration about 30 times lower than 5-ASA, showed a higher effectiveness in counteracting the intestinal inflammation, as assessed by i) body weight variation and colon damage score, ii) reduction in leukocyte infiltration, iii) increase in antioxidant defenses and iv) by downregulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in colon tissue homogenates. The strong inhibition of COX-2 expression seems to be a crucial anti-inflammatory mechanism common to both ARF and 5-ASA, but the additional higher abilities of anthocyanins to downregulate iNOS and to decrease leukocytes infiltration and to increase antioxidant defenses in colon may account for the much higher anti-inflammatory action of anthocyanins. These data may contribute to the development of a promising natural approach in IBD management. PMID:28329021

  10. Comparison of anti-inflammatory activities of an anthocyanin-rich fraction from Portuguese blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) and 5-aminosalicylic acid in a TNBS-induced colitis rat model.

    PubMed

    Pereira, Sónia R; Pereira, Rita; Figueiredo, Isabel; Freitas, Victor; Dinis, Teresa C P; Almeida, Leonor M

    2017-01-01

    Despite the actual therapeutic approaches for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), efficient and secure alternative options remain a research focus. In this context, anthocyanins seem promising natural anti-inflammatory agents, but their action mechanisms and efficacy as compared with established drugs still require more clarification. The main aim of this study was to compare the anti-inflammatory action of a chemically characterized anthocyanin-rich fraction (ARF), obtained from Portuguese blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum L.), with that of 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA), a first-line drug in IBD, in a 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis rat model. Such fraction showed a high content and great molecular diversity of anthocyanins, with malvidin-3-galactoside and petunidin-3-arabinoside in the highest concentrations. After daily administration by intragastric infusion for 8 days, ARF, at a molar anthocyanin concentration about 30 times lower than 5-ASA, showed a higher effectiveness in counteracting the intestinal inflammation, as assessed by i) body weight variation and colon damage score, ii) reduction in leukocyte infiltration, iii) increase in antioxidant defenses and iv) by downregulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in colon tissue homogenates. The strong inhibition of COX-2 expression seems to be a crucial anti-inflammatory mechanism common to both ARF and 5-ASA, but the additional higher abilities of anthocyanins to downregulate iNOS and to decrease leukocytes infiltration and to increase antioxidant defenses in colon may account for the much higher anti-inflammatory action of anthocyanins. These data may contribute to the development of a promising natural approach in IBD management.

  11. N-acetyltransferase genotypes and the pharmacokinetics and tolerability of para-aminosalicylic acid in patients with drug-resistant pulmonary tuberculosis.

    PubMed

    Sy, Sherwin K B; de Kock, Lizanne; Diacon, Andreas H; Werely, Cedric J; Xia, Huiming; Rosenkranz, Bernd; van der Merwe, Lize; Donald, Peter R

    2015-07-01

    The aim of this study was to examine the relationships between N-acetyltransferase genotypes, pharmacokinetics, and tolerability of granular slow-release para-aminosalicylic acid (GSR-PAS) in tuberculosis patients. The study was a randomized, two-period, open-label, crossover design wherein each patient received 4 g GSR-PAS twice daily or 8 g once daily alternately. The PAS concentration-time profiles were modeled by a one-compartment disposition model with three transit compartments in series to describe its absorption. Patients' NAT1 and NAT2 genotypes were determined by sequencing and restriction enzyme analysis, respectively. The number of daily vomits was modeled by a Poisson probability mass function. Comparisons of other tolerability measures by regimens, gender, and genotypes were evaluated by a linear mixed-effects model. The covariate effects associated with efavirenz, gender, and NAT1*3, NAT1*14, and NAT2*5 alleles corresponded to 25, 37, -17, -48, and -27% changes, respectively, in oral clearance of PAS. The NAT1*10 allele did not influence drug clearance. The time above the MIC of 1 mg/liter was significantly different between the two regimens but not influenced by the NAT1 or NAT2 genotypes. The occurrence and intensity of intolerance differed little between regimens. Four grams of GSR-PAS twice daily but not 8 g once daily ensured concentrations exceeding the MIC (1 mg/liter) throughout the dosing interval; PAS intolerance was not related to maximum PAS concentrations over the doses studied and was not more frequent after once-daily dosing. We confirm that the slow phenotype conferred by the NAT1*14 and NAT1*3 alleles resulted in higher PAS exposure but found no evidence of increased activity of the NAT1*10 allele. Copyright © 2015, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

  12. Once daily 5-aminosalicylic acid for the treatment of ulcerative colitis; are we there yet?

    PubMed

    Lakatos, Peter Laszlo; Lakatos, Laszlo

    2008-01-01

    5-Aminosalicylate (5-ASA) agents remain the mainstay treatment in ulcerative colitis (UC). A number of oral 5-ASA agents are commercially available, including azo-bond pro-drugs such as sulfasalazine, olsalazine and balsalazide, and delayed- and controlled-release forms of mesalazine. In addition, the effectiveness of oral therapy relies on good compliance, which may be adversely affected by frequent daily dosing and a large number of tablets. Furthermore, poor adherence has been shown to be an important barrier to successful management of patients with UC. Recently, new, once daily formulations of mesalazine including the unique multi-matrix delivery system and mesalazine granules were proven to be efficacious in inducing and maintaining remission in mild-to-moderate UC, with a good safety profile comparable to that of other oral mesalazine formulations. In addition, they offer the advantage of low pill burden and may contribute to increased long-term compliance and treatment success in clinical practice and might potentially further contribute to a decline in the risk for UC-associated colon cancers. In this systematic review, the authors summarize the available literature on the short- and medium-term efficacy and safety of the new once daily mesalazine formulations.

  13. [Effectiveness of new, once-daily 5-aminosalicylic acid in the treatment of ulcerative colitis].

    PubMed

    Lakatos, Péter László; Lakatos, László

    2009-03-01

    5-aminosalicylate (5-ASA) agents remain the mainstay treatment in ulcerative colitis (UC). A number of oral 5-ASA agents is commercially available, including azo-bond pro-drugs such as sulfasalazine, olsalazine and balsalazide, and delayed- and controlled-release forms of mesalazine. In addition, the effectiveness of oral therapy relies on good compliance, which may be adversely affected by frequent daily dosing and a large number of tablets. Furthermore, poor adherence has been shown to be an important barrier to successful management of patients with UC. Recently, new, once-daily formulations of mesalazine including the unique multi-matrix delivery system and mesalazine granules were proven to be efficacious in inducing and maintaining remission in mild-to-moderate UC, with a good safety profile comparable to that of other oral mesalazine formulations. In addition, they offer the advantage of low pill burden and may contribute to increased long-term compliance and treatment success in clinical practice and might potentially further contribute to a decline in the risk for UC-associated colon cancers. In this systematic review, the authors summarize the available literature on the short- and medium-term efficacy and safety of the new once-daily mesalazine formulations.

  14. Characterization of the Metabolic Flux and Apoptotic Effects of O-Hydroxyl- and N-Acyl-Modified N-Acetylmannosamine Analogs in Jurkat Cells*

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2004-04-30

    a ketone functionality in the same position relative to the core monosaccharide structure, and both also inhibited flux through the sialic acid...12, 13), a linear polysaccharide composed of entirely of -2,8-linked sialic acid, which is implicated in the complex neural processes (14), synaptic...acetylated monosaccharides (22–25). In a previous study, we demonstrated that various acetylated ManNAc analogs are used with up to 900-fold increased

  15. Ion-exchange equilibrium of N-acetyl-D-neuraminic acid on a strong anionic exchanger.

    PubMed

    Wu, Jinglan; Ke, Xu; Zhang, Xudong; Zhuang, Wei; Zhou, Jingwei; Ying, Hanjie

    2015-09-15

    N-acetyl-D-neuraminic acid (Neu5Ac) is a high value-added product widely applied in the food industry. A suitable equilibrium model is required for purification of Neu5Ac based on ion-exchange chromatography. Hence, the equilibrium uptake of Neu5Ac on a strong anion exchanger, AD-1 was investigated experimentally and theoretically. The uptake of Neu5Ac by the hydroxyl form of the resin occurred primarily by a stoichiometric exchange of Neu5Ac(-) and OH(-). The experimental data showed that the selectivity coefficient for the exchange of Neu5Ac(-) with OH(-) was a non-constant quantity. Subsequently, the Saunders' model, which took into account the dissociation reactions of Neu5Ac and the condition of electroneutrality, was used to correlate the Neu5Ac sorption isotherms at various solution pHs and Neu5Ac concentrations. The model provided an excellent fit to the binary exchange data for Cl(-)/OH(-) and Neu5Ac(-)/OH(-), and an approximate prediction of equilibrium in the ternary system Cl(-)/Neu5Ac(-)/OH(-). This basic information combined with the general mass transfer model could lay the foundation for the prediction of dynamic behavior of fixed bed separation process afterwards. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  16. Quantification of N-acetyl- and N-glycolylneuraminic acids by a stable isotope dilution assay using high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

    PubMed

    Allevi, Pietro; Femia, Eti Alessandra; Costa, Maria Letizia; Cazzola, Roberta; Anastasia, Mario

    2008-11-28

    The present report describes a method for the quantification of N-acetyl- and N-glycolylneuraminic acids without any derivatization, using their (13)C(3)-isotopologues as internal standards and a C(18) reversed-phase column modified by decylboronic acid which allows for the first time a complete chromatographic separation between the two analytes. The method is based on high-performance liquid chromatographic coupled with electrospray ion-trap mass spectrometry. The limit of quantification of the method is 0.1mg/L (2.0ng on column) for both analytes. The calibration curves are linear for both sialic acids over the range of 0.1-80mg/L (2.0-1600ng on column) with a correlation coefficient greater than 0.997. The proposed method was applied to the quantitative determination of sialic acids released from fetuin as a model of glycoproteins.

  17. Histone acetyltransferase general control non-repressed protein 5 (GCN5) affects the fatty acid composition of Arabidopsis thaliana seeds by acetylating fatty acid desaturase3 (FAD3).

    PubMed

    Wang, Tianya; Xing, Jiewen; Liu, Xinye; Liu, Zhenshan; Yao, Yingyin; Hu, Zhaorong; Peng, Huiru; Xin, Mingming; Zhou, Dao-Xiu; Zhang, Yirong; Ni, Zhongfu

    2016-12-01

    Seed oils are important natural resources used in the processing and preparation of food. Histone modifications represent key epigenetic mechanisms that regulate gene expression, plant growth and development. However, histone modification events during fatty acid (FA) biosynthesis are not well understood. Here, we demonstrate that a mutation of the histone acetyltransferase GCN5 can decrease the ratio of α-linolenic acid (ALA) to linoleic acid (LA) in seed oil. Using RNA-Seq and ChIP assays, we identified FAD3, LACS2, LPP3 and PLAIIIβ as the targets of GCN5. Notably, the GCN5-dependent H3K9/14 acetylation of FAD3 determined the expression levels of FAD3 in Arabidopsis thaliana seeds, and the ratio of ALA/LA in the gcn5 mutant was rescued to the wild-type levels through the overexpression of FAD3. The results of this study indicated that GCN5 modulated FA biosynthesis by affecting the acetylation levels of FAD3. We provide evidence that histone acetylation is involved in FA biosynthesis in Arabidopsis seeds and might contribute to the optimization of the nutritional structure of edible oils through epigenetic engineering. © 2016 The Authors The Plant Journal © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  18. Lactose-egg yolk diluent supplemented with N-acetyl-D-glucosamine affect acrosome morphology and motility of frozen-thawed boar sperm.

    PubMed

    Yi, Y J; Im, G S; Park, C S

    2002-12-16

    These experiments were carried out to investigate the effect of N-acetyl-D-glucosamine, and to obtain additional information about the effect of orvus es paste (OEP) and egg yolk concentration in the freezing of boar sperm in the maxi-straw. The highest post-thaw acrosomes of normal apical ridge (NAR) and motility were obtained with 0.025 or 0.05% N-acetyl-D-glucosamine concentration in the first diluent. However, there were no effects of N-acetyl-D-glucosamine among the diluents with or without N-acetyl-D-glucosamine at the second dilution. The N-acetyl-D-glucosamine in the first and second diluents was added at room temperatures (20-23 degrees C) and 5 degrees C, respectively. It is suggested that the temperature of N-acetyl-D-glucosamine addition is important for the effect of boar sperm protection during freezing and thawing. When the 0.05% N-acetyl-D-glucosamine was supplemented in the first diluent, the optimum final OEP content was 0.5%. The optimum content of egg yolk in the diluent with 0.05% N-acetyl-D-glucosamine concentration was 20% and egg yolk was one of the main cryoprotective agents. In conclusion, we found out that the diluent with 0.025 or 0.05% soluble N-acetyl-D-glucosamine in the first diluent, 0.5% final orvus es paste concentration and 20% egg yolk concentration significantly enhanced NAR acrosomes and motility of boar sperm after freezing and thawing. Copyright 2002 Elsevier Science B.V.

  19. Identification of N-acetylneuraminic acid and its 9-O-acetylated derivative on the cell surface of Cryptococcus neoformans: influence on fungal phagocytosis.

    PubMed Central

    Rodrigues, M L; Rozental, S; Couceiro, J N; Angluster, J; Alviano, C S; Travassos, L R

    1997-01-01

    Sialic acids from sialoglycoconjugates present at the cell surface of Cryptococcus neoformans yeast forms were analyzed by high-performance thin-layer chromatography, binding of influenza A and C virus strains, enzymatic treatment, and flow cytofluorimetry with fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled lectins. C. neoformans yeast forms grown in a chemically defined medium contain N-acetylneuraminic acid and its 9-O-acetylated derivative. A density of 3 x 10(6) residues of sialic acid per cell was found in C. neoformans. Sialic acids in cryptococcal cells are glycosidically linked to galactopyranosyl units as inferred from the increased reactivity of neuraminidase-treated yeasts with peanut agglutinin. N-Acetylneuraminic acids are alpha-2,6 and alpha-2,3 linked, as indicated by using virus strains M1/5 and M1/5 HS8, respectively, as agglutination probes. The alpha-2,6 linkage markedly predominated. These findings were essentially confirmed by the interaction of cryptococcal cells with the lectins Sambucus nigra agglutinin and Maackia amurensis agglutinin. We also investigated whether the sialyl residues present in C. neoformans are involved in the fungal interaction with a cationic solid-phase substrate and with mouse resident macrophages. Adhesion of yeast cells to poly-L-lysine was mediated, in part, by sialic acid residues, since the number of adherent cells was markedly reduced after treatment with bacterial neuraminidase. The enzymatic removal of sialic acids also made C. neoformans yeast cells more susceptible to endocytosis by macrophages. The results show that sialic acids are components of the cryptococcal cell surface that contribute to its negative charge and protect yeast forms against phagocytosis. PMID:9393779

  20. Biosynthetic elongation of isolated teichuronic acid polymers via glucosyl- and N-acetylmannosaminuronosyltransferases from solubilized cytoplasmic membrane fragments of Micrococcus luteus.

    PubMed Central

    Hildebrandt, K M; Anderson, J S

    1990-01-01

    Cytoplasmic membrane fragments of Micrococcus luteus catalyze in vitro biosynthesis of teichuronic acid from uridine diphosphate D-glucose (UDP-glucose), uridine diphosphate N-acetyl-D-mannosaminuronic acid (UDP-ManNAcA), and uridine diphosphate N-acetyl-D-glucosamine. Membrane fragments solubilized with Thesit (dodecyl alcohol polyoxyethylene ether) can utilize UDP-glucose and UDP-ManNAcA to effect elongation of teichuronic acid isolated from native cell walls. When UDP-glucose is the only substrate supplied, the detergent-solubilized glucosyltransferase incorporates a single glucosyl residue onto each teichuronic acid acceptor. When both UDP-glucose and UDP-ManNAcA are supplied, the glucosyltransferase and the N-acetylmannosaminuronosyltransferase act cooperatively to elongate the teichuronic acid acceptor by multiple additions of the disaccharide repeat unit. As shown by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, low-molecular-weight fractions of teichuronic acid are converted to higher-molecular-weight polymers by the addition of as many as 17 disaccharide repeat units. Images PMID:2118507

  1. Biologically active cannabinoids from high-potency Cannabis sativa.

    PubMed

    Radwan, Mohamed M; Elsohly, Mahmoud A; Slade, Desmond; Ahmed, Safwat A; Khan, Ikhlas A; Ross, Samir A

    2009-05-22

    Nine new cannabinoids (1-9) were isolated from a high-potency variety of Cannabis sativa. Their structures were identified as (+/-)-4-acetoxycannabichromene (1), (+/-)-3''-hydroxy-Delta((4'',5''))-cannabichromene (2), (-)-7-hydroxycannabichromane (3), (-)-7R-cannabicoumarononic acid A (4), 5-acetyl-4-hydroxycannabigerol (5), 4-acetoxy-2-geranyl-5-hydroxy-3-n-pentylphenol (6), 8-hydroxycannabinol (7), 8-hydroxycannabinolic acid A (8), and 2-geranyl-5-hydroxy-3-n-pentyl-1,4-benzoquinone (9) through 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy, GC-MS, and HRESIMS. The known sterol beta-sitosterol-3-O-beta-d-glucopyranosyl-6'-acetate was isolated for the first time from cannabis. Compounds 6 and 7 displayed significant antibacterial and antifungal activities, respectively, while 5 displayed strong antileishmanial activity.

  2. In Vitro Studies of Interaction of Rickettsia and Macrophages: Effect of Ultraviolet Light on Coxiella burnetii Inactivation and Macrophage Enzymes

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1980-03-01

    aminoethyl ether)-N,N-tetraacetic acid and 3 mM im- data). These results suggest that exposure to UV idazole hydrochloride buffer (pH 7.5) with a syringe...acetyl-f- glucosamin - 40- idase, no detectable quantities of these macro- - Kphage marker enzyme activities were found in 20- either the phase I or the

  3. Metronidazole and 5-aminosalicylic acid enhance the contractile activity of histaminergic agonists on the guinea-pig isolated ileum

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

    Winbery, S.L.; Barker, L.A.

    1986-03-01

    The effects of metronidazole and 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) on histamine receptor-effector systems in the small intestine and right atrium of the guinea pig were studied. In an apparently all-or-none manner, both caused a sinistral shift in dose-response curves for the phasic component of the contractile response to histamine at H1 receptors on the ileum. In the presence of either, the EC50 value for histamine was reduced from 0.07 to about 0.03 microM. Similarly, in an apparently all-or-none fashion, both produced an elevation in the dose-response curve for the actions of dimaprit at H2-receptors in the ileum; the response to allmore » doses was increased about 30% with no significant change in the EC50 value. Metronidazole and 5-ASA did not alter dose-response curves for the tonic contractile response to histamine or curves generated by the cumulative addition of histamine. Also, neither altered the positive chronotropic response on isolated right atria or the phasic contractile response on isolated segments of jejunum and duodenum to histamine or dimaprit. Likewise, neither altered dose-response curves for the direct action of carbamylcholine at muscarinic receptors or for the indirect actions of dimethylphenylpiperazinium on the ileum. The effects of 5-ASA or metronidazole on the response to histamine could be prevented as well as reversed by scopolamine or tetrodotoxin. The results suggest that metronidazole and 5-ASA enhance the actions of histamine and dimaprit on the ileum by an action on myenteric plexus neurons.« less

  4. Myxospore Coat Synthesis in Myxococcus xanthus: In Vivo Incorporation of Acetate and Glycine

    PubMed Central

    Filer, D.; White, D.; Kindler, S. H.; Rosenberg, E.

    1977-01-01

    Myxospore coat synthesis in Myxococcus xanthus was studied by incorporation of [14C]acetate into intermediates in the biosynthesis of coat polysaccharide and into acid-insoluble material during vegetative growth and after glycerol induction of myxospores. During short labeling periods at 27°C, the radioactivity was shown to be located primarily in N-acetyl groups rather than sugar moieties. Two hours after glycerol induction, the pools of N-acetylglucosamine 6-phosphate and uridine 5′-diphosphate-N-acetylgalactosamine (UDPGalNAc) plus uridine 5′-diphosphate-N-glucosamine increased about twofold and were labeled at twice the rate measured for vegetative cells. The increased rate of synthesis of UDPGalNAc and its precursors could be correlated with increased enzyme activities measured in vitro. Controlled acid hydrolysis revealed that the galactosamine portion of the myxospore coat was N-acetylated. After glycerol induction, the incorporation of acetate into acid-insoluble material increased threefold. This enhanced incorporation was sensitive to neither penicillin nor d-cycloserine. In contrast, bacitracin inhibited the incorporation of [14C]acetate into acid-insoluble material more effectively 2 h after myxospore induction than during vegetative growth. Chloramphenicol added to cells 90 min after induction blocked further increase in the rate of [14C]acetate incorporation. Since the myxospore coat contains glycine, polymer synthesis was also measured by chloramphenicol-insensitive [14C]glycine incorporation into acid-insoluble material. Although protein synthesis decreased after glycerol induction, glycine incorporation increased. Two hours after induction, glycine incorporation was only 75% inhibited by chloramphenicol and rifampin. The chloramphenicol-insensitive rate of incorporation of [14C]glycine increased during the first hour after myxospore induction and reached a peak rate after 2 to 3 h. The chloramphenicol-resistant incorporation of [14C]glycine was resistant to penicillin but sensitive to bacitracin. PMID:408325

  5. Pharmacokinetics and N-acetylation metabolism of S-methyl-l-cysteine and trans-S-1-propenyl-l-cysteine in rats and dogs.

    PubMed

    Amano, Hirotaka; Kazamori, Daichi; Itoh, Kenji

    2016-11-01

    1. Pharmacokinetics and N-acetylation metabolism of S-methyl-L-cysteine (SMC) and trans-S-1-propenyl-L-cysteine (S1PC) were examined in rats and dogs. SMC and S1PC (2-5 mg/kg) were well absorbed in both species with high bioavailability (88-100%). 2. SMC and S1PC were excreted only to a small extent in the urine of rats and dogs. The small renal clearance values (<0.03 l/h/kg) indicated the extensive renal reabsorption of SMC and S1PC, which potentially contributed to their long elimination half-lives (>5 h) in dogs. 3. S1PC, but not SMC, underwent N-acetylation extensively in vivo, which can be explained by the relative activities of N-acetylation of S1PC/SMC and deacetylation of their N-acetylated forms, N-acetyl-S1PC/N-acetyl-SMC, in the liver and kidney in vitro. The activities for S1PC N-acetylation were similar to or higher than those for N-acetyl-S1PC deacetylation in liver S9 fractions of rat and dog, whereas liver and kidney S9 fractions of rat and dog had little activity for SMC N-acetylation or considerably higher activities for N-acetyl-SMC deacetylation. 4. Our study demonstrated that the pharmacokinetics of SMC and S1PC in rats and dogs was characterized by high bioavailability and extensive renal reabsorption; however, the extent of undergoing the N-acetylation metabolism was extremely different between SMC and S1PC.

  6. 5-Aminosalicylic acid and chemoprevention: does it work?

    PubMed

    Lopez, Anthony; Peyrin-Biroulet, Laurent

    2013-01-01

    5-Aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA)-containing drugs are the mainstay of therapy in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Intestinal inflammation is the main risk factor for colorectal cancer (CRC) in IBD. Hence, all drugs that are able to induce and maintain mucosal healing (MH) may prevent CRC risk in IBD. In patients with mild to moderate ulcerative colitis (UC), a recent systematic review of 5-ASA trials demonstrated that MH was achieved in nearly 50% of patients. A systematic review including 48 studies linked 5-ASA chemopreventive properties to five distinct pathways: cell cycle progression, scavenging of reactive oxygen- or nitrogen-derived metabolites, TNF-α/TGF-ss signaling, WNT/β-catenin signaling and antibacterial properties. Therefore, in addition to their overall anti-inflammatory activity on the intestinal mucosa, 5-ASA compounds have specific effects on colorectal carcinogenesis at the molecular level. In 2005, a landmark meta-analysis of observational studies found a protective association between 5-ASA and CRC or a combined end point of CRC/dysplasia in UC patients. More recently, a meta-analysis failed to identify a protective effect of 5-ASA on CRC risk in non-referral populations, but in a separate analysis of 9 clinic-based studies, the pooled odds ratio was 0.58 (95% confidence interval: 0.45-0.75), further highlighting the chemopreventive effect of 5-ASA on CRC risk. In conclusion, 5-ASA therapy may reduce CRC risk by healing the mucosa of UC patients and via specific mechanisms of action at the molecular level. Conducting a clinical trial providing the best level of evidence by comparing UC patients receiving 5-ASA treatment versus those included in a placebo arm would be unethical. © 2013 S. Karger AG, Basel.

  7. Nitric Oxide Modulates Histone Acetylation at Stress Genes by Inhibition of Histone Deacetylases.

    PubMed

    Mengel, Alexander; Ageeva, Alexandra; Georgii, Elisabeth; Bernhardt, Jörg; Wu, Keqiang; Durner, Jörg; Lindermayr, Christian

    2017-02-01

    Histone acetylation, which is an important mechanism to regulate gene expression, is controlled by the opposing action of histone acetyltransferases and histone deacetylases (HDACs). In animals, several HDACs are subjected to regulation by nitric oxide (NO); in plants, however, it is unknown whether NO affects histone acetylation. We found that treatment with the physiological NO donor S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO) increased the abundance of several histone acetylation marks in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), which was strongly diminished in the presence of the NO scavenger 2-4-carboxyphenyl-4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxyl-3-oxide. This increase was likely triggered by NO-dependent inhibition of HDAC activity, since GSNO and S-nitroso-N-acetyl-dl-penicillamine significantly and reversibly reduced total HDAC activity in vitro (in nuclear extracts) and in vivo (in protoplasts). Next, genome-wide H3K9/14ac profiles in Arabidopsis seedlings were generated by chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing, and changes induced by GSNO, GSNO/2-4-carboxyphenyl-4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxyl-3-oxide or trichostatin A (an HDAC inhibitor) were quantified, thereby identifying genes that display putative NO-regulated histone acetylation. Functional classification of these genes revealed that many of them are involved in the plant defense response and the abiotic stress response. Furthermore, salicylic acid, which is the major plant defense hormone against biotrophic pathogens, inhibited HDAC activity and increased histone acetylation by inducing endogenous NO production. These data suggest that NO affects histone acetylation by targeting and inhibiting HDAC complexes, resulting in the hyperacetylation of specific genes. This mechanism might operate in the plant stress response by facilitating the stress-induced transcription of genes. © 2017 American Society of Plant Biologists. All Rights Reserved.

  8. Nitric Oxide Modulates Histone Acetylation at Stress Genes by Inhibition of Histone Deacetylases1[OPEN

    PubMed Central

    Mengel, Alexander; Ageeva, Alexandra; Durner, Jörg

    2017-01-01

    Histone acetylation, which is an important mechanism to regulate gene expression, is controlled by the opposing action of histone acetyltransferases and histone deacetylases (HDACs). In animals, several HDACs are subjected to regulation by nitric oxide (NO); in plants, however, it is unknown whether NO affects histone acetylation. We found that treatment with the physiological NO donor S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO) increased the abundance of several histone acetylation marks in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), which was strongly diminished in the presence of the NO scavenger 2-4-carboxyphenyl-4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxyl-3-oxide. This increase was likely triggered by NO-dependent inhibition of HDAC activity, since GSNO and S-nitroso-N-acetyl-dl-penicillamine significantly and reversibly reduced total HDAC activity in vitro (in nuclear extracts) and in vivo (in protoplasts). Next, genome-wide H3K9/14ac profiles in Arabidopsis seedlings were generated by chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing, and changes induced by GSNO, GSNO/2-4-carboxyphenyl-4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxyl-3-oxide or trichostatin A (an HDAC inhibitor) were quantified, thereby identifying genes that display putative NO-regulated histone acetylation. Functional classification of these genes revealed that many of them are involved in the plant defense response and the abiotic stress response. Furthermore, salicylic acid, which is the major plant defense hormone against biotrophic pathogens, inhibited HDAC activity and increased histone acetylation by inducing endogenous NO production. These data suggest that NO affects histone acetylation by targeting and inhibiting HDAC complexes, resulting in the hyperacetylation of specific genes. This mechanism might operate in the plant stress response by facilitating the stress-induced transcription of genes. PMID:27980017

  9. Characterization of the N-Acetyl-5-neuraminic Acid-binding Site of the Extracytoplasmic Solute Receptor (SiaP) of Nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae Strain 2019

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

    Johnston, Jason W.; Coussens, Nathan P.; Allen, Simon

    Nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae is an opportunistic human pathogen causing otitis media in children and chronic bronchitis and pneumonia in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The outer membrane of nontypeable H. influenzae is dominated by lipooligosaccharides (LOS), many of which incorporate sialic acid as a terminal nonreducing sugar. Sialic acid has been demonstrated to be an important factor in the survival of the bacteria within the host environment. H. influenzae is incapable of synthesizing sialic acid and is dependent on scavenging free sialic acid from the host environment. To achieve this, H. influenzae utilizes a tripartite ATP-independent periplasmic transporter. Inmore » this study, we characterize the binding site of the extracytoplasmic solute receptor (SiaP) from nontypeable H. influenzae strain 2019. A crystal structure of N-acetyl-5-neuraminic acid (Neu5Ac)-bound SiaP was determined to 1.4 {angstrom} resolution. Thermodynamic characterization of Neu5Ac binding shows this interaction is enthalpically driven with a substantial unfavorable contribution from entropy. This is expected because the binding of SiaP to Neu5Ac is mediated by numerous hydrogen bonds and has several buried water molecules. Point mutations targeting specific amino acids were introduced in the putative binding site. Complementation with the mutated siaP constructs resulted either in full, partial, or no complementation, depending on the role of specific residues. Mass spectrometry analysis of the O-deacylated LOS of the R127K point mutation confirmed the observation of reduced incorporation of Neu5Ac into the LOS. The decreased ability of H. influenzae to import sialic acid had negative effects on resistance to complement-mediated killing and viability of biofilms in vitro, confirming the importance of sialic acid transport to the bacterium.« less

  10. Catabolism and Detoxification of 1-Aminoalkylphosphonic Acids: N-Acetylation by the phnO Gene Product

    PubMed Central

    Hove-Jensen, Bjarne; McSorley, Fern R.; Zechel, David L.

    2012-01-01

    In Escherichia coli uptake and catabolism of organophosphonates are governed by the phnCDEFGHIJKLMNOP operon. The phnO cistron is shown to encode aminoalkylphosphonate N-acetyltransferase, which utilizes acetylcoenzyme A as acetyl donor and aminomethylphosphonate, (S)- and (R)-1-aminoethylphosphonate, 2-aminoethyl- and 3-aminopropylphosphonate as acetyl acceptors. Aminomethylphosphonate, (S)-1-aminoethylphosphonate, 2-aminoethyl- and 3-aminopropylphosphonate are used as phosphate source by E. coli phn+ strains. 2-Aminoethyl- or 3-aminopropylphosphonate but not aminomethylphosphonate or (S)-1-aminoethylphosphonate is used as phosphate source by phnO strains. Neither phn+ nor phnO strains can use (R)-1-aminoethylphosphonate as phosphate source. Utilization of aminomethylphosphonate or (S)-1-aminoethylphosphonate requires the expression of phnO. In the absence of phnO-expression (S)-1-aminoethylphosphonate is bacteriocidal and rescue of phnO strains requires the simultaneous addition of d-alanine and phosphate. An intermediate of the carbon-phosphorus lyase pathway, 5′-phospho-α-d-ribosyl 1′-(2-N-acetamidoethylphosphonate), a substrate for carbon-phosphorus lyase, was found to accumulate in cultures of a phnP mutant strain. The data show that the physiological role of N-acetylation by phnO-specified aminoalkylphosphonate N-acetyltransferase is to detoxify (S)-1-aminoethylphosphonate, an analog of d-alanine, and to prepare (S)-1-aminoethylphosphonate and aminomethylphosphonate for utilization of the phosphorus-containing moiety. PMID:23056305

  11. Therapeutic potentials of Crataegus azarolus var. eu- azarolus Maire leaves and its isolated compounds.

    PubMed

    Abu-Gharbieh, Eman; Shehab, Naglaa Gamil

    2017-04-18

    Hyperglycemia is a complicated condition accompanied with high incidence of infection and dyslipidemia. This study aimed to explore the phyto-constituents of Crataegus azarolus var. eu- azarolus Maire leaves, and to evaluate the therapeutic potentials particularly antimicrobial, antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic of the extract and the isolated compound (3β-O-acetyl ursolic acid). Total phenolics and flavonoidal contents were measured by RP-HPLC analysis. Free radicals scavenging activity of different extraction solvents was tested in-vitro on DPPH free radicals. The antimicrobial activity of the ethanolic extract and its fractions as well as the isolated compounds were evaluated in-vitro on variable microorganisms. Animal models were used to evaluate the antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic activities of the ethanolic extract along with the isolated compound (3β-O acetyl ursolic acid). RP- HPLC analysis of the phenolics revealed high content of rutin, salicylic and ellagic acids. Six compounds belonging to triterpenes and phenolics were isolated from chloroform and n-butanol fractions namely: ursolic acid, 3β-O-acetyl ursolic acid, ellagic acid, quercetin 3-O-β methyl ether, rutin and apigenin7-O-rutinoside. Ethanolic extract showed the highest DPPH radical scavenger activity compared to other solvents. Ethanolic extract, hexane fraction, ursolic acid, 3β-O acetyl ursolic acid and quercetin 3-O-methyl ether showed variable antimicrobial activity against E. coli, P. aeruginosa, S. aureus, and C. albicans. Administration of the ethanolic extract or 3β-O acetyl ursolic acid orally to the mice reduced blood glucose significantly in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Ethanolic extract significantly reduced LDL-C, VLDL-C, TC and TG and increased HDL-C in rats. Ethanolic extract and 3β-O acetyl ursolic acid reduced in-vitro activity of pancreatic lipase. This study reveals that Crataegus azarolus var. eu- azarolus Maire has the efficiency to control hyperglycemia with its associated complications. This study is the first to evaluate antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic potentials of 3β-O acetyl ursolic acid.

  12. Quantitative distribution of radiolabeled 5-aminosalicylic acid enemas in patients with left-sided ulcerative colitis

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

    Vitti, R.A.; Meyers, F.; Knight, L.C.

    1989-11-01

    Rectally administered suspensions of 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) are topically effective in treating left-sided ulcerative colitis. The extent to which the contents of these enemas are distributed to inflamed mucosal linings has not previously been determined. This study was undertaken to validate a technique for labeling 5-ASA with 99mTc and to quantitate the distribution of (99mTc)5-ASA in eight patients with left-sided ulcerative colitis. Eight patients underwent three colonic scintigraphic exams within five days, receiving a 60-ml radiolabeled 5-ASA enema into the unprepared rectum for each study, with sequential anterior abdominal images obtained for 4 hr. Activity within the rectum, sigmoid, descending,more » transverse, and ascending colon was quantitated. Over 50% of the labeled enema had advanced beyond the rectum in five of eight patients and in six of eight patients by 30 min and 60 min, respectively. The distribution of (99mTc)5-ASA was quantitatively reproducible when repeated in the same patient on different days, despite apparent visual differences. By 2 hr, the amount of the enema present within the rectum decreased significantly (P less than 0.05) compared to the initial distribution. The amount of enema present within the descending colon was increased significantly at 0.5 hr (P less than 0.05) and at 2 hr (P less than 0.01). There were no significant changes in the distribution from initial values for the sigmoid, transverse, or ascending colon at any time. In each of these cases the spread of the enema to or beyond the extent of disease was documented. In patients with left-sided ulcerative colitis, small volume (99mTc)5-ASA enemas reliably reach the area of inflammation.« less

  13. Partial purification and characterization of an inducible indole-3-acetyl-L-aspartic acid hydrolase from Enterobacter agglomerans

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

    Chou, Jyh-Ching; Cohen, J.D.; Mulbry, W.W.

    1996-11-01

    Indole-3-acetyl-amino acid conjugate hydrolases are believed to be important in the regulation of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) metabolism in plants and therefore have potential uses for the alteration of plant IAA metabolism. To isolate bacterial strains exhibiting significant indole-3-acetyl-aspartate (IAA-Asp) hydrolase activity, a sewage sludge inoculation was cultured under conditions in which IAA-Asp served as the sole source of carbon and nitrogen. One isolate, Enterobacter agglomerans, showed hydrolase activity inducible by IAA-L-Asp or N-acetyl-L-Asp but not by IAA, (NH{sub 4}){sub 2}SO{sub 4}, urea, or indoleacetamide. Among a total of 17 IAA conjugates tested as potential substrates, the enzyme had an exclusivelymore » high substrate specificity for IAA-L-Asp of 13.5 mM. The optimal pH for this enzyme was between 8.0 and 8.5. In extraction buffer containing 0.8 mM Mg{sup 2+} the hydrolase activity was inhibited to 80% by 1 mM dithiothreitol and to 60% by 1 mm CuSO{sub 4}; the activity was increased by 40% with 1mM MnSO{sub 4}. However, in extraction buffer with no trace elements, the hydrolase activity was inhibited to 50% by either 1 mM dithiothreitol or 1% Triton X-100 (Sigma). These results suggest that disulfide bonding might be essential for enzyme activity. Purification of the hydrolase by hydroxyapatite and TSK-phenyl (HP-Genenchem, South San Francisco, CA) preparative high-performance liquid chromatography yielded a major 45-kD polypeptide as shown by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. 45 refs., 5 figs., 3 tabs.« less

  14. Novel levan and pNIPA temperature sensitive hydrogels for 5-ASA controlled release.

    PubMed

    Osman, Asila; Oner, Ebru Toksoy; Eroglu, Mehmet S

    2017-06-01

    Levan based cross-linker was successfully synthesized and used to prepare a series of more biocompatible and temperature responsive levan/N-isopropyl acrylamide (levan/pNIPA) hydrogels by redox polymerization at room temperature. Volume phase transition temperature (VPTT) of the hydrogels were precisely determined by derivative differential scanning calorimetry (DDSC). Incorporation of levan into the pNIPA hydrogel increased the VPTT from 32.8°C to 35.09°C, approaching to body temperature. Swelling behavior and 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) release of the hydrogels were found to vary significantly with temperature and composition. Moreover, a remarkable increase in thermal stability of levan within hydrogel with increase of pNIPA content was recorded. The biocompatibility of the hydrogels were tested against mouse fibroblast L929 cell line in phosphate buffer saline (PBS, pH 7.4). The hydrogels showed increasing biocompatibility with increasing levan ratio, indicating levan enhanced the hydrogel surface during swelling. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  15. Mechanism of the lysosomal membrane enzyme acetyl coenzyme A: alpha-glucosaminide N-acetyltransferase

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

    Bame, K.J.

    1986-01-01

    Acetyl-CoA:..cap alpha..-glucosaminide N-acetyltransferase is a lysosomal membrane enzyme, deficient in the genetic disease Sanfilippo C syndrome. The enzyme catalyzes the transfer of an acetyl group from cytoplasmic acetyl-CoA to terminal ..cap alpha..-glucosamine residues of heparan sulfate within the organelle. The reaction mechanism was examined using high purified lysosomal membranes from rat liver and human fibroblasts. The N-acetyltransferase reaction is optimal above pH 5.5 and a 2-3 fold stimulation of activity is observed in the presence of 0.1% taurodeoxycholate. Double reciprocal analysis and product inhibition studies indicate that the enzyme works by a Di-Iso Ping Pong Bi Bi mechanism. The bindingmore » of acetyl-CoA to the enzyme is measured by exchange label from (/sup 3/H)CoA to acetyl-CoA, and is optimal at pH's above 7.0. The acetyl-enzyme intermediate is formed by incubating membranes with (/sup 3/H)acetyl-CoA. The acetyl group can be transferred to glucosamine, forming (/sup 3/H)N-acetylglucosamine; the transfer is optimal between pH 4 and 5. Lysosomal membranes from Sanfilippo C fibroblasts confirm that these half reactions carried out by the N-acetyltransferase. The enzyme is inactivated by N-bromosuccinimide and diethylpyrocarbonate, indicating that a histidine is involved in the reaction. These results suggest that the histidine residue is at the active site of the enzyme. The properties of the N-acetyltransferase in the membrane, the characterization of the enzyme kinetics, the chemistry of a histidine mediated acetylation and the pH difference across the lysosomal membrane all support a transmembrane acetylation mechanism.« less

  16. Molecular and chiral analyses of some protein amino acid derivatives in the Murchison and Murray meteorite

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Pizzarello, Sandra; Cooper, George W.

    2001-07-01

    The varied organic suite extracted from the Murchison meteorite contains several amino acids that are common to the biosphere. Some of these have been found to be non-racemic, but the indigenous nature of their L-enantiomeric excesses has been subject to debate in view of possible terrestrial contamination. We have investigated two amino acids of common terrestrial and meteoritic occurrence, alanine and glutamic acid, and assessed their indigenous enantiomeric ratios in the Murchison and Murray meteorites through the ratios of some of their derivatives. Analyzed were: N-acetyl alanine, ??imino propioacetic acid, N-acetyl glutamic acid and pyroglutamic acid. Both alanine derivatives were found to be racemic, while those of glutamic acid showed L-enantiomeric excesses varying from 16% to 47.2% for pyroglutamic acid, and from 8.6% to 41% for N-acetyl glutamic acid. The ?13C was determined for the two enantiomers of Murchison pyroglutamic acid both before and after acid hydrolysis of the lactam to glutamic acid. The values of +27.7 (D-pyro), +10.0 (L-pyro), +32.2 (D-glu) and +14.6 (L-glu) were obtained. The racemic nature of alanine derivatives strongly suggests that alanine itself, as indigenous to the meteorite, is racemic. The explanation of the L-enantiomeric excesses found for glutamic acid derivatives is less direct; however, the variability of the enantiomeric ratios for these compounds and the distinctly lower ?13C values determined for pyroglutamic L-enantiomer point to a terrestrial contamination, possibly dating to the time of fall.

  17. The Influence of pH and Sodium Hydroxide Exposure Time on Glucosamine and Acrylamide Levels in California-Style Black Ripe Olives.

    PubMed

    Charoenprasert, Suthawan; Zweigenbaum, Jerry A; Zhang, Gong; Mitchell, Alyson E

    2017-07-01

    Acrylic acid, N-acetyl-glucosamine and glucosamine were investigated for their role in the formation of acrylamide in California-style black ripe olives [CBROs]. Levels of acrylic acid and glucosamine are reported for the first time in fresh (333.50 ± 21.88 and 243.59 ± 10.06 nmol/g, respectively) and in brine-stored olives (184.50 ± 6.02 and 165.88 ± 11.51 nmol/g, respectively). Acrylamide levels significantly increased when acrylic acid (35.2%), N-acetyl-glucosamine (29.9%), and glucosamine (124.0%) were added to olives prior to sterilization. However, isotope studies indicate these compounds do not contribute carbon and/or nitrogen atoms to acrylamide. The base-catalyzed degradation of glucosamine is demonstrated in olive pulp and a strong correlation (r 2 = 0.9513) between glucosamine in olives before sterilization and acrylamide formed in processed CBROs is observed. Treatment with sodium hydroxide (pH > 12) significantly reduces acrylamide levels over 1 to 5 d without impacting olive fruit texture. © 2017 Institute of Food Technologists®.

  18. A new fluorogenic sensing platform for salicylic acid derivatives based on π-π and NH-π interactions between electron-deficient and electron-rich aromatics.

    PubMed

    Pandith, Anup; Hazra, Giridhari; Kim, Hong-Seok

    2017-05-05

    A novel simple fluorescent probe was designed for the recognition of electron-rich salicylic acid derivatives (SAs). The imidazole-appended aminomethyl perylene probe 1 selectively differentiated between electron-rich amino-SAs and electron-deficient nitro-SAs in EtOH, exhibiting the highest selectivity and sensitivity toward 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) and showing strong 1:1 binding (K a =1.37×10 7 M -1 ). This high selectivity and sensitivity resulted from the synergistic multiple hydrogen bonding interactions of secondary amine and imidazole units and π-π interactions between electron-rich and electron-deficient rings, along with the unusual NH-π interactions between 5-ASA and the perylene moiety of 1. The limit of detection (LOD) for 5-ASA in EtOH was 0.012ppb. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  19. Purification, properties, and N-terminal amino acid sequence of homogeneous Escherichia coli 2-amino-3-ketobutyrate CoA ligase, a pyridoxal phosphate-dependent enzyme.

    PubMed

    Mukherjee, J J; Dekker, E E

    1987-10-25

    Starting with 100 g (wet weight) of a mutant of Escherichia coli K-12 forced to grow on L-threonine as sole carbon source, we developed a 6-step procedure that provides 30-40 mg of homogeneous 2-amino-3-ketobutyrate CoA ligase (also called aminoacetone synthetase or synthase). This ligase, which catalyzes the cleavage/condensation reaction between 2-amino-3-ketobutyrate (the presumed product of the L-threonine dehydrogenase-catalyzed reaction) and glycine + acetyl-CoA, has an apparent molecular weight approximately equal to 85,000 and consists of two identical (or nearly identical) subunits with Mr = 42,000. Computer analysis of amino acid composition data, which gives the best fit nearest integer ratio for each residue, indicates a total of 387 amino acids/subunit with a calculated Mr = 42,093. Stepwise Edman degradation provided the N-terminal sequence of the first 21 amino acids. It is a pyridoxal phosphate-dependent enzyme since (a) several carbonyl reagents caused greater than 90% loss of activity, (b) dialysis against buffer containing hydroxylamine resulted in 89% loss of activity coincident with an 86% decrease in absorptivity at 428 nm, (c) incubation of the apoenzyme with 20 microM pyridoxal phosphate showed a parallel recovery (greater than 90%) of activity and 428-nm absorptivity, and (d) reduction of the holoenzyme with NaBH4 resulted in complete inactivation, disappearance of a new absorption maximum at 333 nm. Strict specificity for glycine is shown but acetyl-CoA (100%), n-propionyl-CoA (127%), or n-butyryl-CoA (16%) is utilized in the condensation reaction. Apparent Km values for acetyl-CoA, n-propionyl-CoA, and glycine are 59 microM, 80 microM, and 12 mM, respectively; the pH optimum = 7.5. Added divalent metal ions or sulfhydryl compounds inhibited catalysis of the condensation reaction.

  20. Pharmacokinetics in Wistar Rats of 5-[(4-Carboxybutanoyl)Amino]-2-Hydroxybenzoic Acid: A Novel Synthetic Derivative of 5-Aminosalicylic Acid (5-ASA) with Possible Anti-Inflammatory Activity

    PubMed Central

    Correa-Basurto, José; Rosales Hernández, Martha Cecilia; Padilla Martínez, Itzia Irene; Mendieta-Wejebe, Jessica Elena

    2016-01-01

    5-[(4-carboxybutanoyl)amino]-2-hydroxybenzoic acid (C2) is a novel synthetic derivative of 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA), which is currently being evaluated ex vivo as an anti-inflammatory agent and has shown satisfactory results. This study aimed to obtain the pharmacokinetic profiles, tissue distribution and plasma protein binding of C2 in Wistar Rats. Additionally, an HPLC method was developed and validated to quantify C2 in rat plasma. The pharmacokinetic profiles of intragastric, intravenous and intraperitoneal administration routes at singles doses of 100, 50, and 100 mg/kg, respectively, were studied in Wistar rats. The elimination half-life of intravenously administered C2 was approximately 33 min. The maximum plasma level of C2 was reached approximately 24 min after intragastric administration, with a Cmax value of 2.5 g/mL and an AUCtot value of 157 μg min-1/mL; the oral bioavailability was approximately 13%. Following a single intragastric or oral dose (100 mg/kg), C2 was distributed and detected in all examined tissues (including the brain and colon). The results showed that C2 accumulates over time. The plasma protein binding results indicated that the unbound fraction of C2 at concentrations of 1 to 20 μg/mL ranged from 89.8% to 92.5%, meaning that this fraction of C2 is available to cross tissues. Finally, the blood-plasma partitioning (BP ratio) of C2 in rat plasma was 0.71 and 0.6 at concentrations of 5 and 10 μg/mL, respectively, which indicates that C2 is free in the plasmatic phase and not inside blood cells. The results of this study suggest that a fraction of the administered C2 dose is absorbed in the stomach, and the fraction that is not absorbed reaches the small intestine and colon. This distribution constitutes the main advantage of C2 compared with 5-ASA for the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD). PMID:27454774

  1. The effects of aminosalicylates or thiopurines on the risk of colorectal cancer in inflammatory bowel disease.

    PubMed

    Carrat, F; Seksik, P; Colombel, J-F; Peyrin-Biroulet, L; Beaugerie, L

    2017-02-01

    Whether aminosalicylates or thiopurines reduce the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) in inflammatory bowel (IBD) disease is controversial. To assess simultaneously the chemopreventive effect of aminosalicylates or thiopurines in a case-control study nested in the CESAME observational cohort that enrolled consecutive patients with IBD between May 2004 and June 2005. Patients were followed up to December 2007. Study population comprised 144 case patients who developed CRC from the diagnosis of IBD (65 and 79 cases diagnosed, respectively, before and from 2004, starting year of the prospective observational period of CESAME) and 286 controls matched for gender, age, IBD subtype and year of diagnosis, and cumulative extent of colitis. Exposure to aminosalicylates or thiopurines was defined by an exposure to the treatment during the year of the diagnosis of cancer. The propensity of receiving 5-ASA and thiopurines was quantified by a composite score taking into account patient and IBD characteristics. The role of aminosalicylates or thiopurines was assessed by multivariate analysis. Propensity scores and the history of primary sclerosing cholangitis were entered into the multivariate model for adjustment. By multivariate analysis adjusted for propensity, a significant protective effect of exposure to drugs during the year of cancer was found for aminosalicylates (OR = 0.587, 95% CI: 0.367-0.937, P = 0.0257), but not for thiopurines (OR = 0.762, 95% CI: 0.432-1.343, P = 0.3468). In a case-control study nested in the CESAME cohort, a significant decrease in the risk of colorectal cancer in IBD was associated with exposure to aminosalicylates, not to thiopurines. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  2. Micronutrients, N-Acetyl Cysteine, Probiotics and Prebiotics, a Review of Effectiveness in Reducing HIV Progression

    PubMed Central

    Hummelen, Ruben; Hemsworth, Jaimie; Reid, Gregor

    2010-01-01

    Low serum concentrations of micronutrients, intestinal abnormalities, and an inflammatory state have been associated with HIV progression. These may be ameliorated by micronutrients, N-acetyl cysteine, probiotics, and prebiotics. This review aims to integrate the evidence from clinical trials of these interventions on the progression of HIV. Vitamin B, C, E, and folic acid have been shown to delay the progression of HIV. Supplementation with selenium, N-acetyl cysteine, probiotics, and prebiotics has considerable potential, but the evidence needs to be further substantiated. Vitamin A, iron, and zinc have been associated with adverse effects and caution is warranted for their use. PMID:22254046

  3. Role of N-acetyltransferase 2 acetylation polymorphism in 4, 4'-methylene bis (2-chloroaniline) biotransformation.

    PubMed

    Hein, David W; Zhang, Xiaoyan; Doll, Mark A

    2018-02-01

    Arylamine N-acetyltransferase 1 (NAT1) and 2 (NAT2) catalyze the acetylation of arylamine carcinogens. Single nucleotide polymorphisms in the NAT2 coding exon present in NAT2 haplotypes encode allozymes with reduced N-acetyltransferase activity towards the N-acetylation of arylamine carcinogens and the O-acetylation of their N-hydroxylated metabolites. NAT2 acetylator phenotype modifies urinary bladder cancer risk following exposures to arylamine carcinogens such as 4-aminobiphenyl. 4, 4'-methylene bis (2-chloroaniline) (MOCA) is a Group 1 carcinogen for which a role of the NAT2 acetylation polymorphism on cancer risk is unknown. We investigated the role of NAT2 and the genetic acetylation polymorphism on both MOCA N-acetylation and N-hydroxy-MOCA O-acetylation. MOCA N-acetylation exhibited a robust gene dose response in rabbit liver cytosol and in cryopreserved human hepatocytes derived from individuals of rapid, intermediate and slow acetylator NAT2 genotype. MOCA exhibited about 4-fold higher affinity for recombinant human NAT2 than NAT1. Recombinant human NAT2*4 (reference) and 15 variant recombinant human NAT2 allozymes catalyzed both the N-acetylation of MOCA and the O-acetylation of N-hydroxy-MOCA. Human NAT2 5, NAT2 6, NAT2 7 and NAT2 14 allozymes catalyzed MOCA N-acetylation and N-hydroxy-O-acetylation at rates much lower than the reference NAT2 4 allozyme. In conclusion, our results show that NAT2 acetylator genotype has an important role in MOCA metabolism and suggest that risk assessments related to MOCA exposures consider accounting for NAT2 acetylator phenotype in the analysis. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  4. Effects of Biotin Supplementation in the Diet on Adipose Tissue cGMP Concentrations, AMPK Activation, Lipolysis, and Serum-Free Fatty Acid Levels.

    PubMed

    Boone-Villa, Daniel; Aguilera-Méndez, Asdrubal; Miranda-Cervantes, Adriana; Fernandez-Mejia, Cristina

    2015-10-01

    Several studies have shown that pharmacological concentrations of biotin decrease hyperlipidemia. The molecular mechanisms by which pharmacological concentrations of biotin modify lipid metabolism are largely unknown. Adipose tissue plays a central role in lipid homeostasis. In the present study, we analyzed the effects of biotin supplementation in adipose tissue on signaling pathways and critical proteins that regulate lipid metabolism, as well as on lipolysis. In addition, we assessed serum fatty acid concentrations. Male BALB/cAnN Hsd mice were fed a control or a biotin-supplemented diet (control: 1.76 mg biotin/kg; supplemented: 97.7 mg biotin/kg diet) over 8 weeks postweaning. Compared with the control group, biotin-supplemented mice showed an increase in the levels of adipose guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP) (control: 30.3±3.27 pmol/g wet tissue; supplemented: 49.5±3.44 pmol/g wet tissue) and of phosphorylated forms of adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK; 65.2%±1.06%), acetyl-coenzyme A (CoA), carboxylase-1 (196%±68%), and acetyl-CoA carboxylase-2 (78.1%±18%). Serum fatty acid concentrations were decreased (control: 1.12±0.04 mM; supplemented: 0.91±0.03 mM), and no change in lipolysis was found (control: 0.29±0.05 μmol/mL; supplemented: 0.33±0.08 μmol/mL). In conclusion, 8 weeks of dietary biotin supplementation increased adipose tissue cGMP content and protein expression of the active form of AMPK and of the inactive forms of acetyl-CoA carboxylase-1 and acetyl-CoA carboxylase-2. Serum fatty acid levels fell, and no change in lipolysis was observed. These findings provide insight into the effects of biotin supplementation on adipose tissue and support its use in the treatment of dyslipidemia.

  5. Fast transmethylation of serum lipids using microwave irradiation.

    PubMed

    Lin, Yu Hong; Loewke, James D; Hyun, Duk Y; Leazer, Jay; Hibbeln, Joseph R

    2012-11-01

    Microwave irradiation as the energy source for one-step direct transesterification of fatty acids in human serum lipids was examined in a solvent system of methanol: hexane: acetyl chloride based on a Lepage & Roy assay. Innovative and explosion proof single-mode or multimode microwave accelerated reaction system was employed. Recoveries were calculated as the percentage of fatty acid concentrations measured by microwave assay to those by the reference method of the Lepage & Roy assay that utilized conductive heating at 100 °C for 60 min. Under conditions of 100 °C for 1 min in Single-mode (S4-100 × 1), or 125 °C for 5 min in Multimode (M5-125 × 5), the recoveries were 100-103 % for the total fatty acids and 96-106 % for each categorized fatty acid, including saturates, monounsaturates, n-6 PUFA, and n-3 PUFA. For individual PUFA, the mean recoveries were 102-105 % for 18:2n-6 and 18:3n-3; 99, 109, and 95 % for 20:4n-6, 20:5n-3, and 22:6n-3, respectively. Thus, fatty acid concentrations determined by microwave fatty acid assay were accurate to those results by the reference method, when the microwave conditions were optimal. In summary, the microwave irradiation could replace conductive heating in one-step direct transesterification, and reduce the duration from 60 min to 5 min or less. This methodology may be applied in both the absolute and relative quantification of serum total fatty acids.

  6. Fast Transmethylation of Serum Lipids using Microwave Irradiation

    PubMed Central

    Lin, Yu Hong; Loewke, James D.; Hyun, Duk Y.; Leazer, Jay; Hibbeln, Joseph R.

    2012-01-01

    Microwave irradiation as the energy source for one–step direct transesterification of fatty acids in human serum lipids was examined in solvent system of methanol: hexane: acetyl chloride based on Lepage & Roy assay. Innovative and explosion proof single–mode or multimode microwave accelerate reaction system was employed. Recoveries were calculated as the percentage of fatty acid concentrations measured by microwave assay to those by reference method Lepage & Roy assay that utilized conductive heating at 100 °C for 60 min. At conditions of 100 °C for 1 min in Single–mode (S4–100×1), or 125 °C for 5 min in Multimode (M5–125×5), the recoveries were 100–103% for the total fatty acids and 96–106% for each categorized fatty acid, including saturates, monounsaturates, n-6 PUFA, and n-3 PUFA. For individual PUFA, the mean recoveries were 102–105% for 18:2n-6 and 18:3n-3; 99, 109, and 95% for 20:4n-6, 20:5n-3, and 22:6n-3, respectively. Thus, fatty acid concentrations determined by microwave fatty acid assay were accurate to those results by the reference method, when the microwave conditions were optimal. In summary, the microwave irradiation could replace conductive heating in one–step direct transesterification, and reduce duration from 60 min to 5 min or less. This methodology may be applied in both the absolute and relative quantification of serum total fatty acids. PMID:23015312

  7. Randomized clinical trial: pharmacokinetics and safety of multimatrix mesalamine for treatment of pediatric ulcerative colitis

    PubMed Central

    Cuffari, Carmen; Pierce, David; Korczowski, Bartosz; Fyderek, Krzysztof; Van Heusen, Heather; Hossack, Stuart; Wan, Hong; Edwards, Alena YZ; Martin, Patrick

    2016-01-01

    Background Limited data are available on mesalamine (5-aminosalicylic acid; 5-ASA) use in pediatric ulcerative colitis (UC). Aim To evaluate pharmacokinetic and safety profiles of 5-ASA and metabolite acetyl-5-ASA (Ac-5-ASA) after once-daily, oral administration of multimatrix mesalamine to children and adolescents with UC. Methods Participants (5–17 years of age; 18–82 kg, stratified by weight) with UC received multi-matrix mesalamine 30, 60, or 100 mg/kg/day once daily (to 4,800 mg/day) for 7 days. Blood samples were collected pre-dose on days 5 and 6. On days 7 and 8, blood and urine samples were collected and safety was evaluated. 5-ASA and Ac-5-ASA plasma and urine concentrations were analyzed by non-compartmental methods and used to develop a population pharmacokinetic model. Results Fifty-two subjects (21 [30 mg/kg]; 22 [60 mg/kg]; 9 [100 mg/kg]) were randomized. On day 7, systemic exposures of 5-ASA and Ac-5-ASA exhibited a dose-proportional increase between 30 and 60 mg/kg/day cohorts. For 30, 60, and 100 mg/kg/day doses, mean percentages of 5-ASA absorbed were 29.4%, 27.0%, and 22.1%, respectively. Simulated steady-state exposures and variabilities for 5-ASA and Ac-5-ASA (coefficient of variation approximately 50% and 40%–45%, respectively) were similar to those observed previously in adults at comparable doses. Treatment-emergent adverse events were reported by ten subjects. Events were similar among different doses and age groups with no new safety signals identified. Conclusion Children and adolescents with UC receiving multimatrix mesalamine demonstrated 5-ASA and Ac-5-ASA pharmacokinetic profiles similar to historical adult data. Multimatrix mesalamine was well tolerated across all dose and age groups. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01130844. PMID:26893546

  8. Acetaminophen toxicity and 5-oxoproline (pyroglutamic acid): a tale of two cycles, one an ATP-depleting futile cycle and the other a useful cycle.

    PubMed

    Emmett, Michael

    2014-01-01

    The acquired form of 5-oxoproline (pyroglutamic acid) metabolic acidosis was first described in 1989 and its relationship to chronic acetaminophen ingestion was proposed the next year. Since then, this cause of chronic anion gap metabolic acidosis has been increasingly recognized. Many cases go unrecognized because an assay for 5-oxoproline is not widely available. Most cases occur in malnourished, chronically ill women with a history of chronic acetaminophen ingestion. Acetaminophen levels are very rarely in the toxic range; rather, they are usually therapeutic or low. The disorder generally resolves with cessation of acetaminophen and administration of intravenous fluids. Methionine or N-acetyl cysteine may accelerate resolution and methionine is protective in a rodent model. The disorder has been attributed to glutathione depletion and activation of a key enzyme in the γ-glutamyl cycle. However, the specific metabolic derangements that cause the 5-oxoproline accumulation remain unclear. An ATP-depleting futile 5-oxoproline cycle can explain the accumulation of 5-oxoproline after chronic acetaminophen ingestion. This cycle is activated by the depletion of both glutathione and cysteine. This explanation contributes to our understanding of acetaminophen-induced 5-oxoproline metabolic acidosis and the beneficial role of N-acetyl cysteine therapy. The ATP-depleting futile 5-oxoproline cycle may also play a role in the energy depletions that occur in other acetaminophen-related toxic syndromes.

  9. Establishment and characterization of an Epstein-Barr virus-transformed B cell line, KM/C8, from a patient with infantile sialic acid storage disease.

    PubMed

    Nagatsuka, Y; Nakano, C; Nemoto, N; Jike, T; Ono, Y; Hirabayashi, Y

    1998-07-23

    Nakano et al. have recently reported a Japanese case of infantile sialic acid storage disease [C. Nakano, Y. Hirabayashi, K. Ohno, T. Yano, T. Mito, M. Sakurai, Brain Dev., 18 (1996) 153-156]. For further etiological analysis of this disease, we prepared the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-transformed cell line (LCL) from the peripheral lymphocytes of this patient and performed initial characterization of the cells. Electron microscopy of the cells showed that the cells contained many vacuoles and swelled lysosomes. Cytochemical staining with sialic acid-specific lectin, Limax flavus agglutinin (LFA), showed strong staining on membranes and subcellular organelles on the patient-derived cells, whereas LCL from a normal person was only weakly stained. The cells from the patient contained 5.5-7.3 nmol/107 cells of free N-acetyl neuraminic acid, whereas three strains of LCLs derived from normal persons contained 1 nmol/107 cells. The culture supernatant of LCL from the patient contained 144 nmol/ml of free N-acetyl neuraminic acid, whereas the LCL culture supernatant from normal persons contained 57-73 nmol/ml of free sialic acid, which was the same or only at a slightly higher level than the fresh medium. In addition, cellular acidic sialidase measured as 4-methylumbelliferyl sialidase was elevated (107 nmol 4-methylumbelliferon released/mg cellular protein/60 min). The EBV-LCL from an ISSD patient is considered to remain as the abnormality of the cell donor. Copyright 1998 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

  10. Physiological role of D-amino acid-N-acetyltransferase of Saccharomyces cerevisiae: detoxification of D-amino acids.

    PubMed

    Yow, Geok-Yong; Uo, Takuma; Yoshimura, Tohru; Esaki, Nobuyoshi

    2006-03-01

    Saccharomyces cerevisiae is sensitive to D-amino acids: those corresponding to almost all proteinous L-amino acids inhibit the growth of yeast even at low concentrations (e.g. 0.1 mM). We have determined that D-amino acid-N-acetyltransferase (DNT) of the yeast is involved in the detoxification of D-amino acids on the basis of the following findings. When the DNT gene was disrupted, the resulting mutant was far less tolerant to D-amino acids than the wild type. However, when the gene was overexpressed with a vector plasmid p426Gal1 in the wild type or the mutant S. cerevisiae as a host, the recombinant yeast, which was found to show more than 100 times higher DNT activity than the wild type, was much more tolerant to D-amino acids than the wild type. We further confirmed that, upon cultivation with D-phenylalanine, N-acetyl-D-phenylalanine was accumulated in the culture but not in the wild type and hpa3Delta cells overproducing DNT cells. Thus, D-amino acids are toxic to S. cerevisiae but are detoxified with DNT by N-acetylation preceding removal from yeast cells.

  11. First Functional and Mutational Analysis of Group 3 N-Acetylneuraminate Lyases from Lactobacillus antri and Lactobacillus sakei 23K

    PubMed Central

    García-García, María Inmaculada; Gil-Ortiz, Fernando; García-Carmona, Francisco; Sánchez-Ferrer, Álvaro

    2014-01-01

    N-acetyl neuraminate lyases (NALs) catalyze the reversible aldol cleavage of N-acetyl neuraminic acid (Neu5Ac) to pyruvate and N-acetyl-D-mannosamine (ManNAc). Previous phylogenetic studies divided NALs into four different groups. Groups 1 and 2 have been well characterized at both kinetic and molecular levels, but no NAL from group 3 has been studied to date. In this work, a functional characterization of two group 3 members was performed using the recombinant NALs from Lactobacillus antri and Lactobacillus sakei 23K, revealing an optimal pH of between 6.0 and 7.0, low stability at basic pHs (>8.0), low optimal temperatures and, especially, low catalytic efficiency compared with their counterparts in group 1 and 2. The mutational analysis carried out showed that a plausible molecular reason for the low activity shown by Lactobacillus antri and Lactobacillus sakei 23k NALs compared with group 1 and 2 NALs could be the relatively small sugar-binding pocket they contain. A functional divergence analysis concluding that group 3 is more closely related to group 2 than to group 1. PMID:24817128

  12. Some structural features of the teichuronic acid of Bacillus licheniformis N.C.T.C. 6346 cell walls

    PubMed Central

    Hughes, R. C.; Thurman, P. F.

    1970-01-01

    A teichuronic acid, containing glucuronic acid and N-acetylgalactosamine, was purified from acid extracts of Bacillus licheniformis 6346 cell walls as described by Janczura, Perkins & Rogers (1961). After reduction of the carboxyl function of glucuronic acid residues in the polysaccharide the reduced polymer contains equimolar amounts of N-acetylgalactosamine and glucose. Methylation of the reduced polysaccharide by the Hakamori (1964) technique showed the glucose residues to be substituted on C-4. A disaccharide, 3-O-glucuronosylgalactosamine, was isolated from partial acid hydrolysates of teichuronic acid. After N-acetylation the disaccharide produces chromogen readily on heating at pH7, in agreement with C-3 substitution of the reducing N-acetylamino sugar. Teichuronic acid also produces chromogen under the same conditions, with concurrent elimination of a modified polysaccharide from C-3 of reducing terminal N-acetylgalactosamine residues of the teichuronic acid chains. The number-average chain lengths of several preparations of teichuronic acid were estimated from the amounts of chromogen produced in comparison with the N-acetylated disaccharide. The values obtained are in good agreement with the weight-average molecular weight determined by ultracentrifugal analysis. The reducing terminals of teichuronic acid are shown to be exclusively N-acetylgalactosamine by reduction with sodium boro[3H]hydride. The number-average chain lengths of the teichuronic acid preparations were estimated by the extent of in corporation of tritium and are in agreement with values obtained by the other methods. PMID:5419741

  13. Arsenic Metabolites, Including N-Acetyl-4-hydroxy-m-arsanilic Acid, in Chicken Litter from a Roxarsone-Feeding Study Involving 1600 Chickens.

    PubMed

    Yang, Zonglin; Peng, Hanyong; Lu, Xiufen; Liu, Qingqing; Huang, Rongfu; Hu, Bin; Kachanoski, Gary; Zuidhof, Martin J; Le, X Chris

    2016-07-05

    The poultry industry has used organoarsenicals, such as 3-nitro-4-hydroxyphenylarsonic acid (Roxarsone, ROX), to prevent disease and to promote growth. Although previous studies have analyzed arsenic species in chicken litter after composting or after application to agricultural lands, it is not clear what arsenic species were excreted by chickens before biotransformation of arsenic species during composting. We describe here the identification and quantitation of arsenic species in chicken litter repeatedly collected on days 14, 24, 28, 30, and 35 of a Roxarsone-feeding study involving 1600 chickens of two strains. High performance liquid chromatography separation with simultaneous detection by both inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry provided complementary information necessary for the identification and quantitation of arsenic species. A new metabolite, N-acetyl-4-hydroxy-m-arsanilic acid (N-AHAA), was identified, and it accounted for 3-12% of total arsenic. Speciation analyses of litter samples collected from ROX-fed chickens on days 14, 24, 28, 30, and 35 showed the presence of N-AHAA, 3-amino-4-hydroxyphenylarsonic acid (3-AHPAA), inorganic arsenite (As(III)), arsenate (As(V)), monomethylarsonic acid (MMA(V)), dimethylarsinic acid (DMA(V)), and ROX. 3-AHPAA accounted for 3-19% of the total arsenic. Inorganic arsenicals (the sum of As(III) and As(V)) comprised 2-6% (mean 3.5%) of total arsenic. Our results on the detection of inorganic arsenicals, methylarsenicals, 3-AHPAA, and N-AHAA in the chicken litter support recent findings that ROX is actually metabolized by the chicken or its gut microbiome. The presence of the toxic metabolites in chicken litter is environmentally relevant as chicken litter is commonly used as fertilizer.

  14. Molecular dynamics simulations of trans- and cis- N-acetyl- N'-methylamides of XaaPro dipeptides

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hoon Choi, Seung; Yun Yu, Jeong; Kwang Shin, Jae; Shik Jhon, Mu

    1994-07-01

    The occurrence of cis imide bonds in proteins is much higher than that of cis amide bonds due to the unique properties of proline. In order to examine the relationship between the high occurrence of these cis imide bonds and the residues preceding the proline, we perform molecular dynamics simulations of trans- and cis- N-acetyl- N'-methylamides of XaaPro dipeptides (AcXaaProNHMe). We investigate the conformational energies and structures of trans- and cis-AcXaa where Xaa has 12 amino acids in the vacuum state and 5 amino acids in the solution state. It is found that the occurrence of the cis imide bonds is strongly affected by the residue preceding the proline, and the dihedral angles (φ,ψ) of the backbone in AcXaaProNHMe are influenced by the configuration of the imide bond. We also find that the equilibrium properties of XaaPro in solution simulations are more similar to the statistics of X-ray crystallographic data than are those in vacuum simulations and solvation causes a remarkable change in the conformation of the pyrrolidine ring from the endo to the exo form.

  15. Combined HILIC-ELSD/ESI-MS(n) enables the separation, identification and quantification of sugar beet pectin derived oligomers.

    PubMed

    Remoroza, C; Cord-Landwehr, S; Leijdekkers, A G M; Moerschbacher, B M; Schols, H A; Gruppen, H

    2012-09-01

    The combined action of endo-polygalacturonase (endo-PGII), pectin lyase (PL), pectin methyl esterase (fungal PME) and RG-I degrading enzymes enabled the extended degradation of methylesterified and acetylated sugar beet pectins (SBPs). The released oligomers were separated, identified and quantified using hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) with online electrospray ionization ion trap mass spectrometry (ESI-IT-MS(n)) and evaporative light scattering detection (ELSD). By MS(n), the structures of galacturonic acid (GalA) oligomers having an acetyl group in the O-2 and/or O-3 positions eluting from the HILIC column were elucidated. The presence of methylesterified and/or acetylated galacturonic acid units within an oligomer reduced the interaction with the HILIC column significantly compared to the unsubstituted GalA oligomers. The HILIC column enables a good separation of most oligomers present in the digest. The use of ELSD to quantify oligogalacturonides was validated using pure GalA standards and the signal was found to be independent of the chemical structure of the oligomer being detected. The combination of chromatographic and enzymatic strategies enables to distinguish SBPs having different methylesters and acetyl group distribution. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  16. Amino acid analyses of Apollo 14 samples.

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Gehrke, C. W.; Zumwalt, R. W.; Kuo, K.; Aue, W. A.; Stalling, D. L.; Kvenvolden, K. A.; Ponnamperuma, C.

    1972-01-01

    Detection limits were between 300 pg and 1 ng for different amino acids, in an analysis by gas-liquid chromatography of water extracts from Apollo 14 lunar fines in which amino acids were converted to their N-trifluoro-acetyl-n-butyl esters. Initial analyses of water and HCl extracts of sample 14240 and 14298 samples showed no amino acids above background levels.

  17. Reduced 3,4'-bipyrazoles from a simple pyrazole precursor: synthetic sequence, molecular structures and supramolecular assembly.

    PubMed

    Cuartas, Viviana; Insuasty, Braulio; Cobo, Justo; Glidewell, Christopher

    2017-10-01

    The reaction of 5-chloro-3-methyl-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazole-4-carbaldehyde and N-benzylmethylamine under microwave irradiation gives 5-[benzyl(methyl)amino]-3-methyl-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazole-4-carbaldehyde, C 19 H 19 N 3 O, (I). Subsequent reactions under basic conditions, between (I) and a range of acetophenones, yield the corresponding chalcones. These undergo cyclocondensation reactions with hydrazine to produce reduced bipyrazoles which can be N-formylated with formic acid or N-acetylated with acetic anhydride. The structures of (I) and of representative examples from this reaction sequence are reported, namely the chalcone (E)-3-{5-[benzyl(methyl)amino]-3-methyl-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl}-1-(4-bromophenyl)prop-2-en-1-one, C 27 H 24 BrN 3 O, (II), the N-formyl derivative (3RS)-5'-[benzyl(methyl)amino]-3'-methyl-1',5-diphenyl-3,4-dihydro-1'H,2H-[3,4'-bipyrazole]-2-carbaldehyde, C 28 H 27 N 5 O, (III), and the N-acetyl derivative (3RS)-2-acetyl-5'-[benzyl(methyl)amino]-5-(4-methoxyphenyl)-3'-methyl-1'-phenyl-3,4-dihydro-1'H,2H-[3,4'-bipyrazole], which crystallizes as the ethanol 0.945-solvate, C 30 H 31 N 5 O 2 ·0.945C 2 H 6 O, (IV). There is significant delocalization of charge from the benzyl(methyl)amino substituent onto the carbonyl group in (I), but not in (II). In each of (III) and (IV), the reduced pyrazole ring is modestly puckered into an envelope conformation. The molecules of (I) are linked by a combination of C-H...N and C-H...π(arene) hydrogen bonds to form a simple chain of rings; those of (III) are linked by a combination of C-H...O and C-H...N hydrogen bonds to form sheets of R 2 2 (8) and R 6 6 (42) rings, and those of (IV) are linked by a combination of O-H...N and C-H...O hydrogen bonds to form a ribbon of edge-fused R 2 4 (16) and R 4 4 (24) rings.

  18. [Study on Chemical Constituents of Petroleum Ether Fraction from Rubus alceaefolius].

    PubMed

    Chen, Pan; Fang, Zhi-jian; Yan, Han-jing; Zhou, Hong-bo; Mei, Quan-xi

    2015-01-01

    To investigate the chemical constituents of Rubus alceaefolius. Nine compounds were isolated and purified from the petroleum ether extract of 95% alcohol extract of Rubus alceaefolius by repeated column chromatography on silica, Sephadex LH-20 and structurally identified by spectral analysis. The compounds were identified as chrysophanol(1), physcion (2), β-sitosterol(3), 3-oxotirucalla-7, 24-dien-21-oic acid(4), myricadiol(5), 19-α-hydroxy-3-acetyl-ursolic acid(6), N-benzoylphenylalaninyl-N-benzoylphenylalaninate(7), aurantiamide acetate(8) and euscaphic acid(9). Compounds land 4~8 are isolated from this plant for the first time, and compounds 4 - 8 are found in plants of Rubus genus for the first time.

  19. Once daily vs multiple daily mesalamine therapy for mild to moderate ulcerative colitis: a meta-analysis.

    PubMed

    Li, W; Zhang, Z-M; Jiang, X-L

    2016-07-01

    5-Aminosalicylic acid is the first-line drug for mild to moderate ulcerative colitis (UC). The most commonly used 5-aminosalicylic acid is mesalamine. Several systematic reviews have demonstrated that mesalamine is effective in inducing and maintaining remission. Efficacy, safety and adherence to once daily (OD) and multiple daily (MD) dosing of mesalamine for the induction and maintenance of remission in mild to moderate UC were systematically reviewed and compared. PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched from inception to November 2014. Only randomized controlled trials were considered eligible. STATA software (version 12.0) was used to calculate the pooled risk ratios with 95% confidence interval. Seventeen randomized studies containing 5439 patients were identified. No significant differences were noted in comparisons between OD and MD dosing for maintenance and induction of remission. No significant differences were noted in rates of medication adherence or adverse events between OD and MD dosing. With regard to mesalamine suppository, no significant differences were noted for comparisons between dosing regimens and adverse events for induction of remission. OD dose of mesalamine is as effective and safe as MD doses for the induction and maintenance treatment of mild to moderate UC. OD mesalamine given as a suppository can attain the same effect and safety as MD mesalamine in inducing remission of mild to moderate ulcerative colitis. Colorectal Disease © 2016 The Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland.

  20. IL-6 Receptor Isoforms and Ovarian Cancer

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2013-01-01

    previously de- cribed.27 Groups of mice (n 6) were dministered acetyl salicylic acid (ASA; 00 mg/kg; Sigma, St Louis, MO), phos- hate-buffered saline...indicates P .05. SA, acetyl salicylic acid ; IL6R, interleukin-6 receptor. ath. IL-6 receptor in ovarian tumors. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2010. ause they are...tumor cell proper to increase this effect . Published studies examining IL6-/- and IL6R-/- mice demonstrated a complexity of IL6 signaling for wound

  1. Construction of Synthetic Immunogens in View of Developing Orally-Active Anti-Enterotoxigenic E. coli Vaccines

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1989-05-31

    toxin lj-chain Adjuvant materials MOP-Lys - aminocaproic murabutide 6-O-succinyl murabutide Experimental Methods and Results 5 HPLC Analysis Dosage of...containing other E.coli antigens as suggested by Ahren and Svennerholm. (49). The amino acid sequence of CFA1 is now available (50) as well as the...MOP. The method of Reissig (56) has been used. It allows to evaluate specifically the N-acetyl group substituted in the 2-position of the muramic acid

  2. A sensitive and efficient method for determination of N-acetylhexosamines and N-acetylneuraminic acid in breast milk and milk-based products by high-performance liquid chromatography via UV detection and mass spectrometry identification.

    PubMed

    Chuanxiang, Wu; Lian, Xia; Lijie, Liu; Fengli, Qu; Zhiwei, Sun; Xianen, Zhao; Jinmao, You

    2016-02-01

    A sensitive and efficient method of high performance liquid chromatography using 1-(2-naphthyl)-3-methyl-5-pyrazolone (NMP) as pre-column derivatization reagent coupled with UV detection (HPLC-UV) and online mass spectrometry identification was established for determination of the most common N-Acetylhexosamines (N-acetyl-d-glucosamine (GlcNAc) and N-acetyl-d-galactosamine (GalNAc)) and N-acetylneuraminic acid (Neu5Ac). In order to obtain the highest liberation level of the three monosaccharides without destruction of Neu5Ac or conversion of GlcNAc/GalNAc to GlcN/GalN in the hydrolysis procedure, the pivotal parameters affecting the liberation of N-acetylhexosamines/Neu5Ac from sample were investigated with response surface methodology (RSM). Under the optimized condition, maximum yield was obtained. The effects of key parameters on derivatization, separation and detection were also investigated. At optimized conditions, three monosaccharides were labeled fast and entirely, and all derivatives exhibited a good baseline resolution and high detection sensitivity. The developed method was linear over the calibration range 0.25-12μM, with R(2)>0.9991. The detection limits of the method were between 0.48 and 2.01pmol. Intra- and inter-day precisions for the three monosaccharides (GlcNAc, GalNAc and Neu5Ac) were found to be in the range of 3.07-4.02% and 3.69-4.67%, respectively. Individual monosaccharide recovery from spiked milk was in the range of 81%-97%. The sensitivity of the method, the facility of the derivatization procedure and the reliability of the hydrolysis conditions suggest the proposed method has a high potential for utilization in routine trace N-acetylhexosamines and Neu5Ac analysis in biological samples. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  3. Mass energy-absorption coefficients and average atomic energy-absorption cross-sections for amino acids in the energy range 0.122-1.330 MeV

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

    More, Chaitali V., E-mail: chaitalimore89@gmail.com; Lokhande, Rajkumar M.; Pawar, Pravina P., E-mail: pravinapawar4@gmail.com

    Mass attenuation coefficients of amino acids such as n-acetyl-l-tryptophan, n-acetyl-l-tyrosine and d-tryptophan were measured in the energy range 0.122-1.330 MeV. NaI (Tl) scintillation detection system was used to detect gamma rays with a resolution of 8.2% at 0.662 MeV. The measured attenuation coefficient values were then used to determine the mass energy-absorption coefficients (σ{sub a,en}) and average atomic energy-absorption cross sections (μ{sub en}/ρ) of the amino acids. Theoretical values were calculated based on XCOM data. Theoretical and experimental values are found to be in good agreement.

  4. Chemical constituents and their acetyl cholinesterase inhibitory and antioxidant activities from leaves of Acanthopanax henryi: potential complementary source against Alzheimer's disease.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Xiao Dan; Liu, Xiang Qian; Kim, Yang Hee; Whang, Wan Kyunn

    2014-05-01

    The aim of this study was to investigate chemical constituents of the leaves of Acanthopanax henryi, and their antioxidant, acetyl cholinesterase inhibitory activities. Caffeoyl quinic acid derivates and flavonoids were obtained from A. henry, through column chromatography technologies, and the content of major constituents was determined by the HPLC-UV method. Anti-oxidant activity of the isolated metabolites was evaluated by free radical scavenging (DPPH, ABTS radicals) and superoxide anion scavenging. The results showed that di-caffeoyl quinic acid derivates had stronger antioxidant activity than positive controls (ascorbic acid, trolox and allopurinol). Acetyl cholinesterase inhibitory activity was estimated on the constituents, among which, quercetin, 4-caffeoyl-quinic acid and 4,5-caffeoyl quinic acid were found to have strong acetyl cholinesterase inhibitory activity with IC50 values ranging from 62.6 to 121.9 μM. The present study showed that some of the tested constituents from the leaves of A. henryi exhibit strong antioxidant and acetyl cholinesterase inhibitory effects. This suggest that the leaves of A. henryi can be used as a new natural complementary source of acetyl cholinesterase inhibitors and anti-oxidant agents, thus being a promising potential complementary source against Alzheimer's disease.

  5. From Arylamine N-Acetyltransferase to Folate-Dependent Acetyl CoA Hydrolase: Impact of Folic Acid on the Activity of (HUMAN)NAT1 and Its Homologue (MOUSE)NAT2

    PubMed Central

    Laurieri, Nicola; Dairou, Julien; Egleton, James E.; Stanley, Lesley A.; Russell, Angela J.; Dupret, Jean-Marie; Sim, Edith; Rodrigues-Lima, Fernando

    2014-01-01

    Acetyl Coenzyme A-dependent N-, O- and N,O-acetylation of aromatic amines and hydrazines by arylamine N-acetyltransferases is well characterised. Here, we describe experiments demonstrating that human arylamine N-acetyltransferase Type 1 and its murine homologue (Type 2) can also catalyse the direct hydrolysis of acetyl Coenzyme A in the presence of folate. This folate-dependent activity is exclusive to these two isoforms; no acetyl Coenzyme A hydrolysis was found when murine arylamine N-acetyltransferase Type 1 or recombinant bacterial arylamine N-acetyltransferases were incubated with folate. Proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy allowed chemical modifications occurring during the catalytic reaction to be analysed in real time, revealing that the disappearance of acetyl CH 3 from acetyl Coenzyme A occurred concomitantly with the appearance of a CH 3 peak corresponding to that of free acetate and suggesting that folate is not acetylated during the reaction. We propose that folate is a cofactor for this reaction and suggest it as an endogenous function of this widespread enzyme. Furthermore, in silico docking of folate within the active site of human arylamine N-acetyltransferase Type 1 suggests that folate may bind at the enzyme’s active site, and facilitate acetyl Coenzyme A hydrolysis. The evidence presented in this paper adds to our growing understanding of the endogenous roles of human arylamine N-acetyltransferase Type 1 and its mouse homologue and expands the catalytic repertoire of these enzymes, demonstrating that they are by no means just xenobiotic metabolising enzymes but probably also play an important role in cellular metabolism. These data, together with the characterisation of a naphthoquinone inhibitor of folate-dependent acetyl Coenzyme A hydrolysis by human arylamine N-acetyltransferase Type 1/murine arylamine N-acetyltransferase Type 2, open up a range of future avenues of exploration, both for elucidating the developmental role of these enzymes and for improving chemotherapeutic approaches to pathological conditions including estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. PMID:24823794

  6. N-Acetyl cysteine and clomiphene citrate for induction of ovulation in polycystic ovary syndrome: a cross-over trial.

    PubMed

    Badawy, Ahmed; State, Omnia; Abdelgawad, Soma

    2007-01-01

    To compare clomiphene citrate plus N-acetyl cysteine versus clomiphene citrate for inducing ovulation in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome. Prospective cross-over trial. University teaching hospital and a private practice setting. Five hundred and seventy-three patients were treated with clomiphene citrate for one menstrual cycle among which 470 patients were treated with clomiphene citrate plus N-acetyl cysteine for another cycle. All women suffered from polycystic ovary syndrome. Patients had clomiphene citrate 50-mg tablets twice daily alone or with N-acetyl cysteine 1,200 mg/day orally for 5 days starting on day 3 of the menstrual cycle. Primary outcomes were number of mature follicles, serum E2, serum progesterone, and endometrial thickness. Secondary outcome was the occurrence of pregnancy. Ovulation rate improved significantly after the addition of N-acetyl cysteine (17.9% versus 52.1%). Although the number of mature follicles was more in the N-acetyl cysteine group (2.1+/-0.88 versus 3.2+/-0.93), the difference was not statistically significant. The mean E2 levels (pg/ml) at the time of human chorionic gonadotropine injection, serum progesterone levels (ng/ml) on days 21-23 of the cycle, and the endometrial thickness were significantly improved in the N-acetyl cysteine group. The overall pregnancy rate was 11.5% in the N-acetyl cysteine group. Insulin resistance occurred in 260 patients (55.4%). There was no significant difference between the insulin resistance group (n = 260) and non-insulin resistance group (n = 210) as regards ovulation rate, number of follicles, serum E2 (pg/ml), serum progesterone (ng/ml), endometrial thickness (mm), or pregnancy rate. N-Acetyl cysteine is proved effective in inducing or augmenting ovulation in polycystic ovary patients.

  7. Activation of AMP-activated Protein Kinase by Metformin Induces Protein Acetylation in Prostate and Ovarian Cancer Cells*

    PubMed Central

    Galdieri, Luciano; Gatla, Himavanth; Vancurova, Ivana; Vancura, Ales

    2016-01-01

    AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is an energy sensor and master regulator of metabolism. AMPK functions as a fuel gauge monitoring systemic and cellular energy status. Activation of AMPK occurs when the intracellular AMP/ATP ratio increases and leads to a metabolic switch from anabolism to catabolism. AMPK phosphorylates and inhibits acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), which catalyzes carboxylation of acetyl-CoA to malonyl-CoA, the first and rate-limiting reaction in de novo synthesis of fatty acids. AMPK thus regulates homeostasis of acetyl-CoA, a key metabolite at the crossroads of metabolism, signaling, chromatin structure, and transcription. Nucleocytosolic concentration of acetyl-CoA affects histone acetylation and links metabolism and chromatin structure. Here we show that activation of AMPK with the widely used antidiabetic drug metformin or with the AMP mimetic 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide increases the inhibitory phosphorylation of ACC and decreases the conversion of acetyl-CoA to malonyl-CoA, leading to increased protein acetylation and altered gene expression in prostate and ovarian cancer cells. Direct inhibition of ACC with allosteric inhibitor 5-(tetradecyloxy)-2-furoic acid also increases acetylation of histones and non-histone proteins. Because AMPK activation requires liver kinase B1, metformin does not induce protein acetylation in liver kinase B1-deficient cells. Together, our data indicate that AMPK regulates the availability of nucleocytosolic acetyl-CoA for protein acetylation and that AMPK activators, such as metformin, have the capacity to increase protein acetylation and alter patterns of gene expression, further expanding the plethora of metformin's physiological effects. PMID:27733682

  8. Co-crystal and crystal: Supramolecular arrangement obtained from 4-aminosalicylic acid, bpa ligand and cobalt ion

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Garcia, Humberto C.; Cunha, Ronaldo T.; Diniz, Renata; de Oliveira, Luiz Fernando C.

    2012-02-01

    In this study, the synthesis, spectroscopic properties (infrared and Raman) and crystal structures of two new compounds co-crystal and crystal named HASbpa (1) and [Co(bpa)(H2O)4]AS2ṡ4H2O (2) have been reported, where bpa is trans-1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethane, HAS is 4-aminosalicylic acid and AS- is aminosalicylate anion. The crystalline arrangement of the compound 1 exhibits a triclinic system with space group P1¯. The formation of a structure known as co-crystal, composed by building blocks in their neutral form; being the first work of this type involving the HAS and nitrogen ligand as bpa. For compound 2, a monoclinic system was observed with P21/c space group. The crystalline arrangement of the structure consisted of a covalent one-dimensional cationic [Co(bpa)(H2O)4]2+ chain, which interacts by hydrogen bonding, π-stacking and electrostatic interactions with aminosalicylate anions and water molecules that were trapped in the crystal. These interactions form supramolecular cavities denominated as pseudo honeycombs. For compound 1, the infrared spectrum revealed the presence of bands at 1643 and 1601 cm-1 assigned to the stretching mode of CO [ν(CO)] and CC/CN groups [ν(CC/CN)]. For the Raman spectrum, these same modes appear around 1644 and 1602 cm-1 related to HAS and bpa blocks, respectively. For compound 2, the largest displacement of the bands compared to free ligand suggested the formation of covalent bonds between bpa ligand and metallic site and loss of the proton in HAS molecule. In the infrared spectrum we can observe the presence of bands around 1635 and 1618 cm-1 attributed to the stretching ν(COO-) and ν(CC/CN), for the Raman spectrum these same modes appear around 1631 and 1619 cm-1 related to AS- and bpa ligand respectively.

  9. Antioxidative effect of melatonin, ascorbic acid and N-acetylcysteine on caerulein-induced pancreatitis and associated liver injury in rats

    PubMed Central

    Eşrefoğlu, Mukaddes; Gül, Mehmet; Ateş, Burhan; Batçıoğlu, Kadir; Selimoğlu, Mukadder Ayşe

    2006-01-01

    AIM: To investigate the role of oxidative injury in pancreatitis-induced hepatic damage and the effect of antioxidant agents such as melatonin, ascorbic acid and N-acetyl cysteine on caerulein-induced pancreatitis and associated liver injury in rats. METHODS: Thirty-eight female Wistar rats were used. Acute pancreatitis (AP) was induced by two i.p. injections of caerulein at 2-h intervals (at a total dose of 100 µg/kg b.wt). The other two groups received additional melatonin (20 mg/kg b.wt) or an antioxidant mixture containing L(+)-ascorbic acid (14.3 mg/kb.wt.) and N-acetyl cysteine (181 mg/kg b.wt.) i.p. shortly before each injection of caerulein. The rats were sacrificed by decapitation 12 h after the last injection of caerulein. Pancreatic and hepatic oxidative stress markers were evaluated by changes in the amount of lipid peroxides measured as malondialdehyde (MDA) and changes in tissue antioxidant enzyme levels, catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). Histopathological examination was performed using scoring systems. RESULTS: The degree of hepatic cell degeneration, intracellular vacuolization, vascular congestion, sinusoidal dilatation and inflammatory infiltration showed a significant difference between caerulein and caerulein + melatonin (P  = 0.001), and careulein and caerulein + L(+)-ascorbic acid + N-acetyl cysteine groups (P  = 0.002). The degree of aciner cell degeneration, pancreatic edema, intracellular vacuolization and inflammatory infiltration showed a significant difference between caerulein and caerulein + melatonin (P  = 0.004), and careulein and caerulein + L(+)-ascorbic acid + N-acetyl cysteine groups (P = 0.002). Caerulein-induced pancreatic and liver damage was accompanied with a significant increase in tissue MDA levels (P  = 0.01, P  = 0.003, respectively) whereas a significant decrease in CAT (P  = 0.002, P = 0.003, respectively) and GPx activities (P  = 0.002, P  = 0.03, respectively). Melatonin and L(+)-ascorbic acid + N-acetyl cysteine administration significantly decreased MDA levels in pancreas (P  = 0.03, P  = 0.002, respectively) and liver (P  = 0.007, P  = 0.01, respectively). Administration of these agents increased pancreatic and hepatic CAT and GPx activities. Melatonin significantly increased pancreatic and hepatic CAT (P  = 0.002, P  = 0.001, respectively) and GPx activities (P  = 0.002, P  = 0.001). Additionally, L(+)-ascorbic acid+N-acetyl cysteine significantly increased pancreatic GPx (P  = 0.002) and hepatic CAT and GPx activities (P  = 0.001, P  = 0.007, respectively) CONCLUSION: Oxidative injury plays an important role not only in the pathogenesis of AP but also in pancreatitis-induced hepatic damage. Antioxidant agents such as melatonin and ascorbic acid + N-acetyl cysteine, are capable of limiting pancreatic and hepatic damage produced during AP via restoring tissue antioxidant enzyme activities. PMID:16482627

  10. Biosynthesis of mercapturic acids from allyl alcohol, allyl esters and acrolein

    PubMed Central

    Kaye, Clive M.

    1973-01-01

    1. 3-Hydroxypropylmercapturic acid, i.e. N-acetyl-S-(3-hydroxypropyl)-l-cysteine, was isolated, as its dicyclohexylammonium salt, from the urine of rats after the subcutaneous injection of each of the following compounds: allyl alcohol, allyl formate, allyl propionate, allyl nitrate, acrolein and S-(3-hydroxypropyl)-l-cysteine. 2. Allylmercapturic acid, i.e. N-acetyl-S-allyl-l-cysteine, was isolated from the urine of rats after the subcutaneous injection of each of the following compounds: triallyl phosphate, sodium allyl sulphate and allyl nitrate. The sulphoxide of allylmercapturic acid was detected in the urine excreted by these rats. 3. 3-Hydroxypropylmercapturic acid was identified by g.l.c. as a metabolite of allyl acetate, allyl stearate, allyl benzoate, diallyl phthalate, allyl nitrite, triallyl phosphate and sodium allyl sulphate. 4. S-(3-Hydroxypropyl)-l-cysteine was detected in the bile of a rat dosed with allyl acetate. PMID:4762754

  11. Non-specific activities of the major herbicide-resistance gene BAR.

    PubMed

    Christ, Bastien; Hochstrasser, Ramon; Guyer, Luzia; Francisco, Rita; Aubry, Sylvain; Hörtensteiner, Stefan; Weng, Jing-Ke

    2017-12-01

    Bialaphos resistance (BAR) and phosphinothricin acetyltransferase (PAT) genes, which convey resistance to the broad-spectrum herbicide phosphinothricin (also known as glufosinate) via N-acetylation, have been globally used in basic plant research and genetically engineered crops 1-4 . Although early in vitro enzyme assays showed that recombinant BAR and PAT exhibit substrate preference toward phosphinothricin over the 20 proteinogenic amino acids 1 , indirect effects of BAR-containing transgenes in planta, including modified amino acid levels, have been seen but without the identification of their direct causes 5,6 . Combining metabolomics, plant genetics and biochemical approaches, we show that transgenic BAR indeed converts two plant endogenous amino acids, aminoadipate and tryptophan, to their respective N-acetylated products in several plant species. We report the crystal structures of BAR, and further delineate structural basis for its substrate selectivity and catalytic mechanism. Through structure-guided protein engineering, we generated several BAR variants that display significantly reduced non-specific activities compared with its wild-type counterpart in vivo. The transgenic expression of enzymes can result in unintended off-target metabolism arising from enzyme promiscuity. Understanding such phenomena at the mechanistic level can facilitate the design of maximally insulated systems featuring heterologously expressed enzymes.

  12. Design and synthesis of unnatural heparosan and chondroitin building blocks

    PubMed Central

    Bera, Smritilekha; Linhardt, Robert J.

    2011-01-01

    Triazole linked heparosan and chondroitin disaccharide and tetrasaccharide building blocks were synthesized in a stereoselective manner by applying a very efficient Copper Catalyzed Azide-Alkyne Cycloadditions (CuAAC) reaction of appropriately substituted azido-glucuronic acid and propargyluted N-acetyl glucosamine and N-acetyl galactosamine derivative respectively. The resulting suitably substituted tetrasaccharide analogs can be easily converted into azide and alkyne unit for further synthesis of higher oligosaccharide analogs. PMID:21438620

  13. Replacing the acetyl linkage in aspirin with choline and magnesium moieties reduces the occurrence of gastric mucosal injury.

    PubMed

    Danesh, B J; Nelson, L M; Russell, R I; Docherty, C

    1987-02-01

    The acetyl moiety in aspirin (acetyl salicylic acid: ASA) is considered to play a major part in the pathogenesis of ASA-induced mucosal injury. At equivalent salicylate doses and pH values, the induction of acute gastric mucosal haemorrhagic erosions in rats by ASA and choline magnesium trisalicylate (CMT), a new non-acetylated salicylate, with and without the potentiating damaging effect of taurodeoxycholic acid (TDCA) were compared. Test solutions were administered by per oral intubation to five groups of fasting Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 24). Gastric mucosa were examined after 4 hours and mucosal injury assessed by a lesion-scoring system. The incidence and severity (median lesion scores with quartiles) of the lesions were 83% and 13 (7:20) respectively for ASA (128 mg kg-1) compared with 17% and 0 (0:0) for CMT (128 mg kg-1) (P less than 0.001 and P less than 0.001). TDCA increased mucosal damage to 100% and 29 (20:34) for ASA compared with 30% and 0 (0:4) for CMT (P less than 0.001) and P less than 0.001). Serum salicylate levels (median values of 1.4 for ASA and 1.5 mmol litre-1 for CMT) were not significantly different. It is concluded that replacing the acetyl moiety in ASA with choline and magnesium moieties reduces the ASA-induced mucosal injury, without affecting blood salicylate concentrations.

  14. Role of long-chain fatty acyl-CoA esters in the regulation of metabolism and in cell signalling.

    PubMed Central

    Faergeman, N J; Knudsen, J

    1997-01-01

    The intracellular concentration of free unbound acyl-CoA esters is tightly controlled by feedback inhibition of the acyl-CoA synthetase and is buffered by specific acyl-CoA binding proteins. Excessive increases in the concentration are expected to be prevented by conversion into acylcarnitines or by hydrolysis by acyl-CoA hydrolases. Under normal physiological conditions the free cytosolic concentration of acyl-CoA esters will be in the low nanomolar range, and it is unlikely to exceed 200 nM under the most extreme conditions. The fact that acetyl-CoA carboxylase is active during fatty acid synthesis (Ki for acyl-CoA is 5 nM) indicates strongly that the free cytosolic acyl-CoA concentration is below 5 nM under these conditions. Only a limited number of the reported experiments on the effects of acyl-CoA on cellular functions and enzymes have been carried out at low physiological concentrations in the presence of the appropriate acyl-CoA-buffering binding proteins. Re-evaluation of many of the reported effects is therefore urgently required. However, the observations that the ryanodine-senstitive Ca2+-release channel is regulated by long-chain acyl-CoA esters in the presence of a molar excess of acyl-CoA binding protein and that acetyl-CoA carboxylase, the AMP kinase kinase and the Escherichia coli transcription factor FadR are affected by low nanomolar concentrations of acyl-CoA indicate that long-chain acyl-CoA esters can act as regulatory molecules in vivo. This view is further supported by the observation that fatty acids do not repress expression of acetyl-CoA carboxylase or Delta9-desaturase in yeast deficient in acyl-CoA synthetase. PMID:9173866

  15. Loihichelins A-F, a Suite of Amphiphilic Siderophores Produced by the Marine Bacterium Halomonas LOB-5

    PubMed Central

    Homann, Vanessa V; Sandy, Moriah; Tincu, J. Andy; Templeton, Alexis S.; Tebo, Bradley M.; Butler, Alison

    2009-01-01

    A suite of amphiphilic siderophores, loihichelins A-F, were isolated from cultures of the marine bacterium Halomonas sp. LOB-5. This heterotrophic Mn(II)-oxidizing bacterium was recently isolated from the partially weathered surfaces of submarine glassy pillow basalts and associated hydrothermal flocs of iron oxides collected from the southern rift zone of Loihi Seamount east of Hawai’i. The loihichelins contain a hydrophilic head group consisting of an octapeptide comprised of D-threo-β-hydroxyaspartic acid, D-serine, L-glutamine, L-serine, L-N(δ)-acetyl-N(δ)-hydroxy ornithine, dehydroamino-2-butyric acid, D-serine and cyclic N(δ)-hydroxy-D-ornithine, appended by one of a series of fatty acids ranging from decanoic acid to tetradecanoic acid. The structure of loihichelin C was determined by a combination of amino acid and fatty acid analyses, tandem mass spectrometry and NMR spectroscopy. The structures of the other loihichelins were inferred from the amino acid and fatty acid analyses, and tandem mass spectrometry. The role of these siderophores in sequestering Fe(III) released during basaltic rock weathering, as well as their potential role in the promotion of Mn(II) and Fe(II) oxidation, is of considerable interest. PMID:19320498

  16. Quantum Mechanics/Molecular Mechanics Study of the Sialyltransferase Reaction Mechanism.

    PubMed

    Hamada, Yojiro; Kanematsu, Yusuke; Tachikawa, Masanori

    2016-10-11

    The sialyltransferase is an enzyme that transfers the sialic acid moiety from cytidine 5'-monophospho-N-acetyl-neuraminic acid (CMP-NeuAc) to the terminal position of glycans. To elucidate the catalytic mechanism of sialyltransferase, we explored the potential energy surface along the sialic acid transfer reaction coordinates by the hybrid quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics method on the basis of the crystal structure of sialyltransferase CstII. Our calculation demonstrated that CstII employed an S N 1-like reaction mechanism via the formation of a short-lived oxocarbenium ion intermediate. The computational barrier height was 19.5 kcal/mol, which reasonably corresponded with the experimental reaction rate. We also found that two tyrosine residues (Tyr156 and Tyr162) played a vital role in stabilizing the intermediate and the transition states by quantum mechanical interaction with CMP.

  17. Dextran-5-(4-ethoxycarbonylphenylazo)salicylic acid ester, a polymeric colon-specific prodrug releasing 5-aminosalicylic acid and benzocaine, ameliorates TNBS-induced rat colitis.

    PubMed

    Nam, Joon; Kim, Wooseong; Lee, Sunyoung; Jeong, Seongkeun; Yoo, Jin-Wook; Kim, Min-Soo; Jung, Yunjin

    2016-01-01

    Local anesthetics have beneficial effects on colitis. Dextran-5-(4-ethoxycarbonylphenylazo)salicylic acid ester (Dex-5-ESA), designed as a polymeric colon-specific prodrug liberating 5-ASA and benzocaine in the large intestine, was prepared and its therapeutic activity against colitis was evaluated using a TNBS-induced rat colitis model. Dex-5-ESA liberated 5-ASA and benzocaine in the cecal contents while (bio)chemically stable in the small intestinal contents and mucosa. Oral administration of Dex-5-ESA (equivalent to 10 mg 5-ASA/kg, twice a day) alleviated colonic injury and reduced MPO activity in the inflamed colon. In parallel, pro-inflammatory mediators, COX-2, iNOS and CINC-3, elevated by TNBS-induced colitis, were substantially diminished in the inflamed colon. Dex-5-ESA was much more effective for the treatment of colitis than 5-(4-ethoxycarbonylphenylazo)salicylic acid (5-ESA) that may not deliver benzocaine to the large intestine. Our data suggest that Dex-5-ESA is a polymeric colon-specific prodrug, liberating 5-ASA and benzocaine in the target site (large intestine), probably exerting anti-colitic effects by combined action of 5-ASA and benzocaine.

  18. Synthesis and characterization of N-parinaroyl analogs of ganglioside GM3 and de-N-acetyl GM3. Interactions with the EGF receptor kinase

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Song, W.; Welti, R.; Hafner-Strauss, S.; Rintoul, D. A.; Spooner, B. S. (Principal Investigator)

    1993-01-01

    A specific plasma membrane glycosphingolipid, known as ganglioside GM3, can regulate the intrinsic tyrosyl kinase activity of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor; this modulation is not associated with alterations in hormone binding to the receptor. GM3 inhibits EGF receptor tyrosyl kinase activity in detergent micelles, in plasma membrane vesicles, and in whole cells. In addition, immunoaffinity-purified EGF receptor preparations contain ganglioside GM3 (Hanai et al. (1988) J. Biol. Chem. 263, 10915-10921), implying that the glycosphingolipid is intimately associated with the receptor kinase in cell membranes. Both the nature of this association and the molecular mechanism of kinase inhibition remain to be elucidated. In this report, we describe the synthesis of a fluorescent analog of ganglioside GM3, in which the native fatty acid was replaced with trans-parinaric acid. This glycosphingolipid inhibited the receptor kinase activity in a manner similar to that of the native ganglioside. A modified fluorescent glycosphingolipid, N-trans-parinaroyl de-N-acetyl ganglioside GM3, was also prepared. This analog, like the nonfluorescent de-N-acetyl ganglioside GM3, had no effect on receptor kinase activity. Results from tryptophan fluorescence quenching and steady-state anisotropy measurements in membranes containing these fluorescent probes and the human EGF receptor were consistent with the notion that GM3, but not de-N-acetyl GM3, interacts specifically with the receptor in intact membranes.

  19. Constituents of ophiuroidea. 1. Isolation and structure of three ganglioside molecular species from the brittle star Ophiocoma scolopendrina.

    PubMed

    Inagaki, M; Shibai, M; Isobe, R; Higuchi, R

    2001-12-01

    Three ganglioside molecular species, OSG-0 (1), OSG-1 (2), and OSG-2 (3) have been obtained from the polar lipid fraction of the chloroform/methanol extract of the brittle star Ophiocoma scolopendrina. The structures of these gangliosides have been determined on the basis of chemical and spectroscopic evidence as 1-O-[(N-glycolyl-alpha-D-neuraminosyl)-(2-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl]-ceramide (1), 1-O-[8-O-sulfo-(N-acetyl-alpha-D-neuraminosyl)-(2-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyll-ceramide (2) and 1-O-[(N-glycolyl-alpha-D-neuraminosyl)-(2-->8)-(N-acetyl- and N-glycolyl-alpha-D-neuraminosyl)-(2-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl]-ceramide (3). The ceramide moieties were composed of heterogeneous unsubstituted fatty acid, 2-hydroxy fatty acid and phytosphingosine units. Compounds 2 and 3 represent new ganglioside molecular species.

  20. Comparison of mesalazine and balsalazide in induction and maintenance of remission in patients with ulcerative colitis: a meta-analysis.

    PubMed

    Rahimi, Roja; Nikfar, Shekoufeh; Rezaie, Ali; Abdollahi, Mohammad

    2009-04-01

    5-Aminosalicylates are the standard treatment for induction and maintenance of remission in mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis. In recent years, the 5-aminosalicylic acid-containing pro-drug balsalazide has been the focus of attention. To compare the efficacy and tolerance of balsalazide and mesalazine by meta-analysis. Pubmed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched for studies comparing the efficacy and/or tolerance of balsalazide with mesalazine in the management of UC. The search terms were: "mesalazine" or "5-aminosalicylic acid" and "balsalazide" and "ulcerative colitis." Data were collected from 1966 to 2007 (up to February). There was no language restriction. "Symptomatic remission," "complete remission," "relapse rate," "total adverse events," and "withdrawals because of adverse events" were the key outcomes of interest. Six randomized placebo-controlled clinical trials met our criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. In these "symptomatic remission," "complete remission," "relapse rate," "total adverse events," and "withdrawals because of adverse events" were evaluated in three, three, two, five, and six of the trials, respectively. They included 653 patients consisting of 55.4% men and 44.6% women randomized to receive either balsalazide or mesalazine. Pooling of three trials for symptomatic remission yielded a significant relative risk (RR) of 1.23 (95% confidence interval of 1.03-1.47, P = 0.02). The summary RR for complete remission in three trials was 1.3 (95% CI of 1.002-1.68, P = 0.048). Pooling of two trials for the outcome of relapse yielded a non-significant RR of 0.77 (95% CI of 0.56-1.07, P = 0.12). Pooling five studies from which data for any adverse events were extracted, yielded a non-significant RR of 0.87 (95% CI of 0.75-1.001, P = 0.53). The summary RR for withdrawals because of adverse events in six trials was 0.69, a non-significant RR (95% CI of 0.37-1.29, P = 0.24). Balsalazide is more effective than mesalazine in induction of remission, but balsalazide has no benefit compared with mesalazine in preventing relapse in the population selected. The number of patients with any adverse events and withdrawals because of severe adverse events is similar for mesalazine and balsalazide.

  1. Acetaminophen Toxicity and 5-Oxoproline (Pyroglutamic Acid): A Tale of Two Cycles, One an ATP-Depleting Futile Cycle and the Other a Useful Cycle

    PubMed Central

    2014-01-01

    Summary The acquired form of 5-oxoproline (pyroglutamic acid) metabolic acidosis was first described in 1989 and its relationship to chronic acetaminophen ingestion was proposed the next year. Since then, this cause of chronic anion gap metabolic acidosis has been increasingly recognized. Many cases go unrecognized because an assay for 5-oxoproline is not widely available. Most cases occur in malnourished, chronically ill women with a history of chronic acetaminophen ingestion. Acetaminophen levels are very rarely in the toxic range; rather, they are usually therapeutic or low. The disorder generally resolves with cessation of acetaminophen and administration of intravenous fluids. Methionine or N-acetyl cysteine may accelerate resolution and methionine is protective in a rodent model. The disorder has been attributed to glutathione depletion and activation of a key enzyme in the γ-glutamyl cycle. However, the specific metabolic derangements that cause the 5-oxoproline accumulation remain unclear. An ATP-depleting futile 5-oxoproline cycle can explain the accumulation of 5-oxoproline after chronic acetaminophen ingestion. This cycle is activated by the depletion of both glutathione and cysteine. This explanation contributes to our understanding of acetaminophen-induced 5-oxoproline metabolic acidosis and the beneficial role of N-acetyl cysteine therapy. The ATP-depleting futile 5-oxoproline cycle may also play a role in the energy depletions that occur in other acetaminophen-related toxic syndromes. PMID:24235282

  2. Dilute acid hydrolysis of paper birch : kinetics studies of xylan and acetyl-group hydrolysis

    Treesearch

    Mark T. Maloney; Thomas W. Chapman; Andrew J. Baker

    1985-03-01

    Batch hydrolysis kinetics of paper birch (Betula papyrifera) xylan and its associated acetyl groups in dilute sulfuric acid have been measured for acid concentrations of between 0.04 and 0.18 M and temperatures of between 100 and 170°C. Only 5% of the cellulose was hydrolyzed for up to 85% xylan removal. Rate data were correlated well by a parallel reaction model based...

  3. Transport and metabolism of indole-3-acetyl-myo-inositol-galactoside in seedlings of Zea mays

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Komoszynski, M.; Bandurski, R. S.

    1986-01-01

    Indole-3-acetyl-myo-inositol galactoside labeled with 3H in the indole and 14C in the galactose moieties was applied to kernels of 5 day old germinating seedlings of Zea mays. Indole-3-acetyl-myo-inositol galactoside was not transported into either the shoot or root tissue as the intact molecule but was instead hydrolyzed to yield [3H]indole-3-acetyl-myo-inositol and [3H]indole-3-acetic acid which were then transported to the shoot with little radioactivity going to the root. With certain assumption concerning the equilibration of applied [3H]indole-3-acetyl-myo-inositol-[U-14C]galactose with the endogenous pool, it may be concluded that indole-3-acetyl-myo-inositol galactoside in the endosperm supplies about 2 picomoles per plant per hour of indole-3-acetyl-myo-inositol and 1 picomole per plant per hour of indole-3-acetic acid to the shoot and thus is comparable to indole-3-acetyl-myo-inositol as a source of indole-acetic acid for the shoot. Quantitative estimates of the amount of galactose in the kernels suggest that [3H]indole-3-acetyl-myo-inositol-[14C]galactose is hydrolyzed after the compound leaves the endosperm but before it reaches the shoot. In addition, [3H]indole-3-acetyl-myo-inositol-[14C]galactose supplies appreciable amounts of 14C to the shoot and both 14C and 3H to an uncharacterized insoluble fraction of the endosperm.

  4. Diverse point mutations in the human gene for polymorphic N-acetyltransferase

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

    Vatsis, K.P.; Martell, K.J.; Weber, W.W.

    1991-07-15

    Classification of humans as rapid or slow acetylators is based on hereditary differences in rates of N-acetylation of therapeutic and carcinogenic agents, but N-acetylation of certain arylamine drugs displays no genetic variation. Two highly homologous human genes for N-acetyltransferase NAT1 and NAT2, presumably code for the genetically invariant and variant NAT proteins, respectively. In the present investigation, 1.9-kilobase human genomic EcoRI fragments encoding NAT2 were generated by the polymerase chain reaction with liver and leukocyte DNA from seven subjects phenotyped as homozygous and heterozygous acetylators. Direct sequencing revealed multiple point mutations in the coding region of two distinct NAT2 variants.more » One of these was derived from leukocytes of a slow acetylator and was distinguished by a silent mutation (coden 94) and a separate G {r arrow} A transition (position 590) leading to replacement of Arg-197 by Gln; the mutated guanine was part of a CpG dinucleotide and a Taq I site. The second NAT2 variant originated from liver with low N-acetylation activity. It was characterized by three nucleotide transitions giving rise to a silent mutation (codon 161), accompanied by obliteration of the sole Kpn I site, and two amino acid substitutions. The results show conclusively that the genetically variant NAT is encoded by NAT2.« less

  5. Biting deterrence and insecticidal activity of hydrazide-hydrazones and their corresponding 3-acetyl-2,5-disubstituted-2,3-dihydro-1,3,4-oxadiazoles against Aedes aegypti.

    PubMed

    Tabanca, Nurhayat; Ali, Abbas; Bernier, Ulrich R; Khan, Ikhlas A; Kocyigit-Kaymakcioglu, Bedia; Oruç-Emre, Emine E; Unsalan, Seda; Rollas, Sevim

    2013-06-01

    Taking into account the improvement in insecticidal activity by the inclusion of fluorine in the hydrazone moiety, the authors synthesized new 4-fluorobenzoic acid hydrazides and 3-acetyl-2,5-disubstituted-2,3-dihydro-1,3,4-oxadiazoles, substituting a phenyl group or a heteroaryl ring carrying one or two atoms of F, Cl and Br, and investigated their biting deterrent and larvicidal activities against Aedes aegypti for the first time. The compound 3-acetyl-5-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-[4-(dimethylamino)phenyl]-2,3-dihydro-1,3,4-oxadiazole (17) produced the highest biting deterrent activity (BDI = 1.025) against Ae. Aegypti, followed by 4-fluorobenzoic acid [(phenyl)methylene] hydrazide (1). These activity results were similar to those of N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET), which showed a proportion not biting of 0.8-0.92. When compounds 1 and 17 were tested on cloth worn on human volunteers, compound 1 was not repellent for some volunteers until present in excess of 500 nmol cm(-2) , while compound 17 was not repellent at the highest concentration tested (1685 nmol cm(-2) ). In the larvicidal screening bioassays, only compounds 10, 11, 12 and 17 showed 100% mortality at the highest screening dose of 100 ppm against Ae. aegypti larvae. Compounds 11 and 12 with LD50 values of 24.1 and 30.9 ppm showed significantly higher mortality than 10 (80.3 ppm) and 17 (58.7 ppm) at 24-h post-treatment. The insecticidal and biting deterrent activities were correlated with the presence of a halogen atom on the phenyl or heteroaryl substituent of the hydrazone moiety. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry.

  6. Deficiency of N-acetyltransferase increases the interactions of isoniazid with endobiotics in mouse liver.

    PubMed

    Wang, Pengcheng; Shehu, Amina I; Lu, Jie; Joshi, Rujuta H; Venkataramanan, Raman; Sugamori, Kim S; Grant, Denis M; Zhong, Xiao-Bo; Ma, Xiaochao

    2017-12-01

    Acetylation is the major metabolic pathway of isoniazid (INH) mediated by N-acetyltransferases (NATs). Previous reports suggest that slow acetylators have higher risks of INH hepatotoxicity than rapid acetylators, but the detailed mechanisms remain elusive. The current study used Nat1/2(-/-) mice to mimic NAT slow metabolizers and to investigate INH metabolism in the liver. We found that INH acetylation is abolished in the liver of Nat1/2(-/-) mice, suggesting that INH acetylation is fully dependent on NAT1/2. In addition to the acetylation pathway, INH can be hydrolyzed to form hydrazine (Hz) and isonicotinic acid (INA). We found that INA level was not altered in the liver of Nat1/2(-/-) mice, indicating that deficiency of NAT1/2 has no effect on INH hydrolysis. Because INH acetylation was abolished and INH hydrolysis was not altered in Nat1/2(-/-) mice, we expected an extremely high level of INH in the liver. However, we only observed a modest accumulation of INH in the liver of Nat1/2(-/-) mice, suggesting that there are alternative pathways in INH metabolism in NAT1/2 deficient condition. Our further studies revealed that the conjugated metabolites of INH with endobiotics, including fatty acids and vitamin B6, were significantly increased in the liver of Nat1/2(-/-) mice. In summary, this study illustrated that deficiency of NAT1/2 decreases INH acetylation, but increases the interactions of INH with endobiotics in the liver. These findings can be used to guide future studies on the mechanisms of INH hepatotoxicity in NAT slow metabolizers. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  7. Interactions between N-acetyl-L-cysteine protected CdTe quantum dots and doxorubicin through spectroscopic method

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

    Yang, Xiupei, E-mail: xiupeiyang@163.com; College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, China West Normal University, Nanchong 637000; Lin, Jia

    2015-06-15

    Highlights: • CdTe quantum dots with the diameter of 3–5 nm were synthesized in aqueous solution. • The modified CdTe quantum dots showed well fluorescence properties. • The interaction between the CdTe quantum dots and doxorubicin (DR) was investigated. - Abstract: N-acetyl-L-cysteine protected cadmium telluride quantum dots with a diameter of 3–5 nm were synthesized in aqueous solution. The interaction between N-acetyl-L-cysteine/cadmium telluride quantum dots and doxorubicin was investigated by ultraviolet–visible absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy at physiological conditions (pH 7.2, 37 °C). The results indicate that electron transfer has occurred between N-acetyl-L-cysteine/cadmium telluride quantum dots and doxorubicin under light illumination.more » The quantum dots react readily with doxorubicin to form a N-acetyl-L-cysteine/cadmium telluride-quantum dots/doxorubicin complex via electrostatic attraction between the −NH{sub 3}{sup +} moiety of doxorubicin and the −COO{sup −} moiety of N-acetyl-L-cysteine/cadmium telluride quantum dots. The interaction of N-acetyl-L-cysteine/cadmium telluride-quantum dots/doxorubicin complex with bovine serum albumin was studied as well, showing that the complex might induce the conformation change of bovine serum due to changes in microenvironment of bovine serum.« less

  8. Human acetyl-CoA:glucosamine-6-phosphate N-acetyltransferase 1 has a relaxed donor specificity and transfers acyl groups up to four carbons in length.

    PubMed

    Brockhausen, Inka; Nair, Dileep G; Chen, Min; Yang, Xiaojing; Allingham, John S; Szarek, Walter A; Anastassiades, Tassos

    2016-04-01

    Glucosamine-6-phosphate N-acetyltransferase1 (GNA1) catalyses the transfer of an acetyl group from acetyl coenzyme A (AcCoA) to glucosamine-6-phosphate (GlcN6P) to form N-acetylglucosamine-6-phosphate (GlcNAc6P), which is an essential intermediate in UDP-GlcNAc biosynthesis. An analog of GlcNAc, N-butyrylglucosamine (GlcNBu) has shown healing properties for bone and articular cartilage in animal models of arthritis. The goal of this work was to examine whether GNA1 has the ability to transfer a butyryl group from butyryl-CoA to GlcN6P to form GlcNBu6P, which can then be converted to GlcNBu. We developed fluorescent and radioactive assays and examined the donor specificity of human GNA1. Acetyl, propionyl, n-butyryl, and isobutyryl groups were all transferred to GlcN6P, but isovaleryl-CoA and decanoyl-CoA did not serve as donor substrates. Site-specific mutants were produced to examine the role of amino acids potentially affecting the size and properties of the AcCoA binding pocket. All of the wild type and mutant enzymes showed activities of both acetyl and butyryl transfer and can therefore be used for the enzymatic synthesis of GlcNBu for biomedical applications.

  9. Skin metabolism of aminophenols: Human keratinocytes as a suitable in vitro model to qualitatively predict the dermal transformation of 4-amino-2-hydroxytoluene in vivo

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

    Goebel, C.; Hewitt, N.J.; Kunze, G.

    2009-02-15

    4-Amino-2-hydroxytolune (AHT) is an aromatic amine ingredient in oxidative hair colouring products. As skin contact occurs during hair dyeing, characterisation of dermal metabolism is important for the safety assessment of this chemical class. We have compared the metabolism of AHT in the human keratinocyte cell line HaCaT with that observed ex-vivo in human skin and in vivo (topical application versus oral (p.o.) and intravenous (i.v.) route). Three major metabolites of AHT were excreted, i.e. N-acetyl-AHT, AHT-sulfate and AHT-glucuronide. When 12.5 mg/kg AHT was applied topically, the relative amounts of each metabolite were altered such that N-acetyl-AHT product was the majormore » metabolite (66% of the dose in comparison with 37% and 32% of the same applied dose after i.v. and p.o. administration, respectively). N-acetylated products were the only metabolites detected in HaCaT cells and ex-vivo whole human skin discs for AHT and p-aminophenol (PAP), an aromatic amine known to undergo N-acetylation in vivo. Since N-acetyltransferase 1 (NAT1) is the responsible enzyme, kinetics of AHT was further compared to the standard NAT1 substrate p-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) in the HaCaT model revealing similar values for K{sub m} and V{sub max}. In conclusion NAT1 dependent dermal N-acetylation of AHT represents a 'first-pass' metabolism effect in the skin prior to entering the systemic circulation. Since the HaCaT cell model represents a suitable in vitro assay for addressing the qualitative contribution of the skin to the metabolism of topically-applied aromatic amines it may contribute to a reduction in animal testing.« less

  10. Analysis of nucleotide diphosphate sugar dehydrogenases reveals family and group-specific relationships.

    PubMed

    Freas, Nicholas; Newton, Peter; Perozich, John

    2016-01-01

    UDP-glucose dehydrogenase (UDPGDH), UDP-N-acetyl-mannosamine dehydrogenase (UDPNAMDH) and GDP-mannose dehydrogenase (GDPMDH) belong to a family of NAD (+)-linked 4-electron-transfering oxidoreductases called nucleotide diphosphate sugar dehydrogenases (NDP-SDHs). UDPGDH is an enzyme responsible for converting UDP-d-glucose to UDP-d-glucuronic acid, a product that has different roles depending on the organism in which it is found. UDPNAMDH and GDPMDH convert UDP-N-acetyl-mannosamine to UDP-N-acetyl-mannosaminuronic acid and GDP-mannose to GDP-mannuronic acid, respectively, by a similar mechanism to UDPGDH. Their products are used as essential building blocks for the exopolysaccharides found in organisms like Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. Few studies have investigated the relationships between these enzymes. This study reveals the relationships between the three enzymes by analysing 229 amino acid sequences. Eighteen invariant and several other highly conserved residues were identified, each serving critical roles in maintaining enzyme structure, coenzyme binding or catalytic function. Also, 10 conserved motifs that included most of the conserved residues were identified and their roles proposed. A phylogenetic tree demonstrated relationships between each group and verified group assignment. Finally, group entropy analysis identified novel conservations unique to each NDP-SDH group, including residue positions critical to NDP-sugar substrate interaction, enzyme structure and intersubunit contact. These positions may serve as targets for future research. UDP-glucose dehydrogenase (UDPGDH, EC 1.1.1.22).

  11. Characterisation of neuroprotective efficacy of modified poly-arginine-9 (R9) peptides using a neuronal glutamic acid excitotoxicity model.

    PubMed

    Edwards, Adam B; Anderton, Ryan S; Knuckey, Neville W; Meloni, Bruno P

    2017-02-01

    In a recent study, we highlighted the importance of cationic charge and arginine residues for the neuroprotective properties of poly-arginine and arginine-rich peptides. In this study, using cortical neuronal cultures and an in vitro glutamic acid excitotoxicity model, we examined the neuroprotective efficacy of different modifications to the poly-arginine-9 peptide (R9). We compared an unmodified R9 peptide with R9 peptides containing the following modifications: (i) C-terminal amidation (R9-NH2); (ii) N-terminal acetylation (Ac-R9); (iii) C-terminal amidation with N-terminal acetylation (Ac-R9-NH2); and (iv) C-terminal amidation with D-amino acids (R9D-NH2). The three C-terminal amidated peptides (R9-NH2, Ac-R9-NH2, and R9D-NH2) displayed neuroprotective effects greater than the unmodified R9 peptide, while the N-terminal acetylated peptide (Ac-R9) had reduced efficacy. Using the R9-NH2 peptide, neuroprotection could be induced with a 10 min peptide pre-treatment, 1-6 h before glutamic acid insult, or when added to neuronal cultures up to 45 min post-insult. In addition, all peptides were capable of reducing glutamic acid-mediated neuronal intracellular calcium influx, in a manner that reflected their neuroprotective efficacy. This study further highlights the neuroprotective properties of poly-arginine peptides and provides insight into peptide modifications that affect efficacy.

  12. Activity of influenza C virus O-acetylesterase with O-acetyl-containing compounds.

    PubMed Central

    Garcia-Sastre, A; Villar, E; Manuguerra, J C; Hannoun, C; Cabezas, J A

    1991-01-01

    Influenza C virus (strain C/Johannesburg/1/66) was grown, harvested, purified and used as source for the enzyme O-acetylesterase (N-acyl-O-acetylneuraminate O-acetylhydrolase; EC 3.1.1.53). This activity was studied and characterized with regard to some new substrates. The pH optimum of the enzyme is around 7.6, its stability at different pH values shows a result similar to that of the pH optimum, and its activity is well maintained in the pH range from 7.0 to 8.5 (all these tests were performed with 4-nitrophenyl acetate as substrate). Remarkable differences were found in the values of both Km and Vmax, with the synthetic substrates 4-nitrophenyl acetate, 2-nitrophenyl acetate, 4-methylumbelliferyl acetate, 1-naphthyl acetate and fluorescein diacetate. The use of 4-nitrophenyl acetate, 4-methylumbelliferyl acetate or 1-naphthyl acetate as substrate seems to be convenient for routine work, but it is better to carry out the measurements in parallel with those on bovine submandibular gland mucin (the latter is a natural and commercially available substrate). It was found that 4-acetoxybenzoic acid, as well as the methyl ester of 2-acetoxybenzoic acid, but not 2-acetoxybenzoic acid itself, are cleaved by this enzyme. Triacetin, di-O-acetyladenosine, tri-O-acetyladenosine, and di-O-acetyl-N-acetyladenosine phosphate, hitherto unreported as substrates for this viral esterase, are hydrolysed at different rates by this enzyme. We conclude that the O-acetylesterase from influenza C virus has a broad specificity towards both synthetic and natural non-sialic acid-containing substrates. Zn2+, Mn2+ and Pb2+ (as their chloride salts), N-acetylneuraminic acid, 4-methyl-umbelliferone and 2-acetoxybenzoic acid (acetylsalicylic acid) did not act as inhibitors. Images Fig. 1. PMID:1991039

  13. Oxidative peptide /and amide/ formation from Schiff base complexes

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Strehler, B. L.; Li, M. P.; Martin, K.; Fliss, H.; Schmid, P.

    1982-01-01

    One hypothesis of the origin of pre-modern forms of life is that the original replicating molecules were specific polypeptides which acted as templates for the assembly of poly-Schiff bases complementary to the template, and that these polymers were then oxidized to peptide linkages, probably by photo-produced oxidants. A double cycle of such anti-parallel complementary replication would yield the original peptide polymer. If this model were valid, the Schiff base between an N-acyl alpha mino aldehyde and an amino acid should yield a dipeptide in aqueous solution in the presence of an appropriate oxidant. In the present study it is shown that the substituted dipeptide, N-acetyl-tyrosyl-tyrosine, is produced in high yield in aqueous solution at pH 9 through the action of H2O2 on the Schiff-base complex between N-acetyl-tyrosinal and tyrosine and that a great variety of N-acyl amino acids are formed from amino acids and aliphatic aldehydes under similar conditions.

  14. Synthesis of the antileukemic compound N,N(11)-[5-[bis(2-chloroethyl)amino]-1, 3-phenylene]bisurea.

    PubMed

    Denny, G H; Ryder, M A; DeMarco, A M; Babson, R D

    1976-03-01

    Conversion of 5-nitro-1, 3-benzenedicarboxylic acid (1) to the diamide 2 followed by hypochlorite rearrangement to the idamine 3 and subsequent reaction with acetic anhydride gave the bisacetamide 4. Reduction to the amine 5 followed by treatment with ethylene oxide formed the diol 6. The latter was converted to the bistosylate 7, which undrewent facile displacement with lithium chloride in acetone to give the mustard 8. Removal of the acetyl groups with hydrochloric acid gave 9, which reacted with potassium cyanate to provide the bisurea 10. In an alternative, but less satisfactory synthesis of 10, the compound (5-nitro-1, 3-phenylene) biscarbamic acid diphenyl ester (11), or the corresponding diethyl ester 12, was converted by ammonolysis to 13. The nitrodiurea 13 was next reduced to the amine 14, the hydrochloride of which reacted with ethylene oxide to give the diol 15. Treatment of the latter in dimethylformamide with N-chlorosuccinimide in the presence of triphenylphosphine gave 10 in low yield. The nitrogen mustards 8, 9 and 10 showed significant antitumor activities against P388 lymphocytic leukemia in mice.

  15. Common misconceptions about 5-aminosalicylates and thiopurines in inflammatory bowel disease

    PubMed Central

    Gisbert, Javier P; Chaparro, María; Gomollón, Fernando

    2011-01-01

    Misconceptions are common in the care of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In this paper, we state the most commonly found misconceptions in clinical practice and deal with the use of 5-aminosalicylates and thiopurines, to review the related scientific evidence, and make appropriate recommendations. Prevention of errors needs knowledge to avoid making such errors through ignorance. However, the amount of knowledge is increasing so quickly that one new danger is an overabundance of information. IBD is a model of a very complex disease and our goal with this review is to summarize the key evidence for the most common daily clinical problems. With regard to the use of 5-aminosalicylates, the best practice may to be consider abandoning the use of these drugs in patients with small bowel Crohn’ s disease. The combined approach with oral plus topical 5-aminosalicylates should be the first-line therapy in patients with active ulcerative colitis; once-daily treatment should be offered as a first choice regimen due to its better compliance and higher efficacy. With regard to thiopurines, they seem to be as effective in ulcerative colitis as in Crohn’ s disease. Underdosing of thiopurines is a form of undertreatment. Thiopurines should probably be continued indefinitely because their withdrawal is associated with a high risk of relapse. Mercaptopurine is a safe alternative in patients with digestive intolerance or hepatotoxicity due to azathioprine. Finally, thiopurine methyltransferase (TPMT) screening cannot substitute for regular monitoring because the majority of cases of myelotoxicity are not TPMT-related. PMID:21941413

  16. Chemopreventive effects of 5-aminosalicylic acid on inflammatory bowel disease-associated colorectal cancer and dysplasia: a systematic review with meta-analysis.

    PubMed

    Qiu, Xinyun; Ma, Jingjing; Wang, Kai; Zhang, Hongjie

    2017-01-03

    The chemopreventive effect of 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has been widely studied; however, the results remain conflicting. The aim of this study was to systematically review the literature and update evidence concerning effects of 5-ASA on the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) and dysplasia (Dys) in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) or Crohn's disease (CD). 5-ASA showed a chemopreventive effect against CRC/Dys in IBD patients (OR = 0.58, 95% CI: 0.45-0.75). However, this effect was significant only in clinical-based studies (OR = 0.51; 95% CI: 0.39-0.65), but not in population-based studies (OR = 0.71; 95% CI: 0.46-1.09). Moreover, this effect was noticeable in patients with UC (OR = 0.46, 95% CI: 0.34-0.61), but not in CD (OR = 0.66, 95% CI: 0.42-1.03), and on the outcome of CRC (OR = 0.54, 95% CI: 0.39-0.74), but not Dys (OR = 0.47; 95% CI: 0.20-1.10). In IBD patients, mesalazine dosage ≥ 1.2 g/day showed greater protective effects against CRC/Dys than dosages < 1.2 g/day. However, Sulphasalazine therapy did not show any noticeable protective function regardless of the dosage administered. We performed a systematic review with a meta-analysis of 26 observational studies involving 15,460 subjects to evaluate the risks of developing CRC and Dys in IBD patients receiving 5-ASA treatment. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for each evaluation index. 5-ASA has a chemopreventive effect on CRC (but not Dys) in IBD patients. Moreover, UC patients can benefit more from 5-ASA than CD patients. Mesalazine maintenance dosage ≥ 1.2 g/day is an effective treatment for reducing CRC risk in IBD patients.

  17. Oral Administration of (S)-Allyl-l-Cysteine and Aged Garlic Extract to Rats: Determination of Metabolites and Their Pharmacokinetics.

    PubMed

    Park, Taehoon; Oh, Ju-Hee; Lee, Joo Hyun; Park, Sang Cheol; Jang, Young Pyo; Lee, Young-Joo

    2017-11-01

    ( S )-Allyl-l-cysteine is the major bioactive compound in garlic. ( S )-Allyl-l-cysteine is metabolized to ( S )-allyl-l-cysteine sulfoxide, N -acetyl-( S )-allyl-l-cysteine, and N -acetyl-( S )-allyl-l-cysteine sulfoxide after oral administration. An accurate LC-MS/MS method was developed and validated for the simultaneous quantification of ( S )-allyl-l-cysteine and its metabolites in rat plasma, and the feasibility of using it in pharmacokinetic studies was tested. The analytes were quantified by multiple reaction monitoring using an atmospheric pressure ionization mass spectrometer. Because significant quantitative interference was observed between ( S )-allyl-l-cysteine and N -acetyl-( S )-allyl-l-cysteine as a result of the decomposition of N -acetyl-( S )-allyl-l-cysteine at the detector source, chromatographic separation was required to discriminate ( S )-allyl-l-cysteine and its metabolites on a reversed-phase C 18 analytical column with a gradient mobile phase consisting of 0.1% formic acid and acetonitrile. The calibration curves of ( S )-allyl-l-cysteine, ( S )-allyl-l-cysteine sulfoxide, N -acetyl-( S )-allyl-l-cysteine, and N -acetyl-( S )-allyl-l-cysteine sulfoxide were linear over each concentration range, and the lower limits of quantification were 0.1 µg/mL [( S )-allyl-l-cysteine and N -acetyl-( S )-allyl-l-cysteine] and 0.25 µg/mL [( S )-allyl-l-cysteine sulfoxide and N -acetyl-( S )-allyl-l-cysteine sulfoxide]. Acceptable intraday and inter-day precisions and accuracies were obtained at three concentration levels. The method satisfied the regulatory requirements for matrix effects, recovery, and stability. The validated LC-MS/MS method was successfully used to determine the concentration of ( S )-allyl-l-cysteine and its metabolites in rat plasma samples after the administration of ( S )-allyl-l-cysteine or aged garlic extract. Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

  18. Metabonomic analysis of urine from rats after low-dose exposure to 3-chloro-1,2-propanediol using UPLC-MS.

    PubMed

    Liu, Liyan; He, Yujie; Lu, Huimin; Wang, Maoqing; Sun, Changhao; Na, Lixin; Li, Ying

    2013-05-15

    To study the toxic effect of chronic exposure to 3-chloro-1,2-propanediol (3-MCPD) at low doses, a metabonomics approach based on ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography and quadruple time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) was performed. Two different doses of 3-MCPD (1.1 and 5.5mg/kg bw/d) were administered to Wistar rats for 120 days (1.1mg/kg bw/d: lowest observed adverse effect level [LOAEL]). The metabolite profiles and biochemical parameters were obtained at five time points after treatment. For the 3-MCPD-treated groups, a significant change in urinary N-acetyl-β-d-glucosaminidase and β-d-galactosidase was detected on day 90, while some biomarkers based on the metabonomics, such as N-acetylneuraminic acid, N-acetyl-l-tyrosine, and gulonic acid, were detected on day 30. These results suggest that these biomarkers changed more sensitively and earlier than conventional biochemical parameters and were thus considered early and sensitive biomarkers of exposure to 3-MCPD; these biomarkers provide more information on toxicity than conventional biochemical parameters. These results might be helpful to investigate the toxic mechanisms of 3-MCPD and provide a scientific basis for assessing the effect of chronic exposure to low-dose 3-MCPD on human health. Crown Copyright © 2013. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  19. Systemic functional expression of N-acetyltransferase polymorphism in the F344 Nat2 congenic rat

    PubMed Central

    Hein, David W.; Bendaly, Jean; Neale, Jason R.; Doll, Mark A.

    2008-01-01

    Rat lines congenic for the rat N-acetyltransferase 2 [(RAT)Nat2] gene were constructed and characterized. F344 (homozygous Nat2 rapid) males were mated to WKY (homozygous Nat2 slow) females to produce heterozygous F1. F1 females were then backcrossed to F344 males. Heterozygous acetylator female progeny from this and each successive backcross were identified by rat Nat2 genotyping and mated with F344 rapid acetylator males. Following ten generations of backcross mating, heterozygous acetylator brother/sister progeny were mated to produce the homozgygous rapid and slow acetylator Nat2 congenic rat lines. p-Aminobenzoic acid (selective for rat NAT2) and 4-aminobiphenyl N-acetyltransferase activities were expressed in all tissues examined (liver, lung, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon, pancreas, kidney, skin, leukocytes, and urinary bladder in male and female rats and in breast of female and prostate of male rats). NAT2 expression in rat extrahepatic tissues was much higher than in liver. In each tissue, activities were Nat2-genotype dependent, with highest levels in homozygous rapid acetylators, intermediate levels in heterozygous acetylators, and lowest in homozygous slow acetylators. Sulfamethazine (selective for rat NAT1) N-acetyltransferase activities were observed in all tissues examined in both male and female rats except for breast (females), bladder and leukocytes. In each tissue, the activity was Nat2-genotype independent, with similar levels in homozygous rapid, heterozygous, and homozygous slow acetylators. These congenic rat lines are useful to investigate the role of NAT2 genetic polymorphism in susceptibility to cancers related to arylamine carcinogen exposures. PMID:18799801

  20. Critical evaluation of colon submucosal microdialysis in awake, mobile rats.

    PubMed

    Cibicek, Norbert; Ehrmann, Jiri; Proskova, Jitka; Vecera, Rostislav

    2018-01-01

    Sensors able to record large bowel physiology and biochemistry in situ in awake rodents are lacking. Microdialysis is a mini-invasive technique that may be utilized to continuously deliver or recover low-molecular substances from various tissues. In this experiment we evaluated the feasibility of in vivo microdialysis to monitor extracellular fluid chemistry in the descending colon submucosa of conscious, freely moving rodents. Following surgical implantation of a microdialysis probe, male Wistar rats were housed in metabolic cages where they were analgized and clinically followed for four days with free access to standard diet and water. To assess local microcirculation and probe function, glucose, lactate, glucose-to-lactate ratio and urea clearance were determined in the dialysates from the three postoperative days with focus on the final 24-h period. In an attempt to mitigate the expected tissue inflammatory response, one group of animals had the catheters perfused with 5-aminosalicylic acid-enriched medium with final concentration 1 μmol/L. For verification of probe position and the assessment of the surrounding foreign body reaction, standard histological and immunohistochemical methods were employed. Microdialysis of rat gut is associated with considerable technical challenges that may lead to the loss of probe function and high drop-out rate. In this setting, limited data did not allow to draw any firm conclusion regarding local anti-inflammatory effectiveness of 5-aminosalicylic acid perfusion. Although intestinal microdialysis may be suitable for larger anesthetized animals, low reproducibility of the presented method compromises its routine experimental use in awake and freely moving small-sized rodents.

  1. Glycoconjugate sugar residues in the chick embryo developing lung: a lectin histochemical study.

    PubMed

    Gheri, G; Sgambati, E; Bryk, S G

    2000-03-01

    A lectin histochemical study was performed to investigate the distribution and changes of the oligosaccharidic component of the glycoconjugates in the lung of chick embryos, of 1-day-old chick, and of the adult animal. For this purpose, a battery of seven horseradish peroxidase-conjugated lectins (PNA, SBA, DBA, WGA, Con A, LTA, and UEA I) were employed. During the first phase of parabronchi and atria formation, D-galactose-(beta1-->3)-N-acetyl-D-galactosamine, beta-N-acetyl-D-galactosamine, D-glucosamine, alpha-D-mannose, and sialic acid, present at the level of the surface and of cytoplasmic granules of the lining epithelial cells, seem to play a role in regulating morphogenetic phenomena. In the subsequent phases, the parabronchial lumen and the atrial cavities were characterized by the presence of lectin-reactive material rich in terminal D-galactose-(beta1-->3)-N-acetyl-D-galactosamine, beta-N-acetyl-D-galactosamine, D-glucosamine and alpha-D-mannose. From day 18 onwards and immediately after hatching, the free border of the cells lining the air capillaries was characterized by the presence of beta-N-acetyl-D-galactosamine and alpha-D-mannose. The appearance of these sugar residues was concomitant with the beginning of respiratory activity. Copyright 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

  2. Metabolism of vertebrate amino sugars with N-glycolyl groups: mechanisms underlying gastrointestinal incorporation of the non-human sialic acid xeno-autoantigen N-glycolylneuraminic acid.

    PubMed

    Banda, Kalyan; Gregg, Christopher J; Chow, Renee; Varki, Nissi M; Varki, Ajit

    2012-08-17

    Although N-acetyl groups are common in nature, N-glycolyl groups are rare. Mammals express two major sialic acids, N-acetylneuraminic acid and N-glycolylneuraminic acid (Neu5Gc). Although humans cannot produce Neu5Gc, it is detected in the epithelial lining of hollow organs, endothelial lining of the vasculature, fetal tissues, and carcinomas. This unexpected expression is hypothesized to result via metabolic incorporation of Neu5Gc from mammalian foods. This accumulation has relevance for diseases associated with such nutrients, via interaction with Neu5Gc-specific antibodies. Little is known about how ingested sialic acids in general and Neu5Gc in particular are metabolized in the gastrointestinal tract. We studied the gastrointestinal and systemic fate of Neu5Gc-containing glycoproteins (Neu5Gc-glycoproteins) or free Neu5Gc in the Neu5Gc-free Cmah(-/-) mouse model. Ingested free Neu5Gc showed rapid absorption into the circulation and urinary excretion. In contrast, ingestion of Neu5Gc-glycoproteins led to Neu5Gc incorporation into the small intestinal wall, appearance in circulation at a steady-state level for several hours, and metabolic incorporation into multiple peripheral tissue glycoproteins and glycolipids, thus conclusively proving that Neu5Gc can be metabolically incorporated from food. Feeding Neu5Gc-glycoproteins but not free Neu5Gc mimics the human condition, causing tissue incorporation into human-like sites in Cmah(-/-) fetal and adult tissues, as well as developing tumors. Thus, glycoproteins containing glycosidically linked Neu5Gc are the likely dietary source for human tissue accumulation, and not the free monosaccharide. This human-like model can be used to elucidate specific mechanisms of Neu5Gc delivery from the gut to tissues, as well as general mechanisms of metabolism of ingested sialic acids.

  3. High throughput HPLC-ESI(-)-MS/MS methodology for mercapturic acid metabolites of 1,3-butadiene: Biomarkers of exposure and bioactivation.

    PubMed

    Kotapati, Srikanth; Esades, Amanda; Matter, Brock; Le, Chap; Tretyakova, Natalia

    2015-11-05

    1,3-Butadiene (BD) is an important industrial and environmental carcinogen present in cigarette smoke, automobile exhaust, and urban air. The major urinary metabolites of BD in humans are 2-(N-acetyl-L-cystein-S-yl)-1-hydroxybut-3-ene/1-(N-acetyl-L-cystein-S-yl)-2-hydroxybut-3-ene (MHBMA), 4-(N-acetyl-L-cystein-S-yl)-1,2-dihydroxybutane (DHBMA), and 4-(N-acetyl-L-cystein-S-yl)-1,2,3-trihydroxybutyl mercapturic acid (THBMA), which are formed from the electrophilic metabolites of BD, 3,4-epoxy-1-butene (EB), hydroxymethyl vinyl ketone (HMVK), and 3,4-epoxy-1,2-diol (EBD), respectively. In the present work, a sensitive high-throughput HPLC-ESI(-)-MS/MS method was developed for simultaneous quantification of MHBMA and DHBMA in small volumes of human urine (200 μl). The method employs a 96 well Oasis HLB SPE enrichment step, followed by isotope dilution HPLC-ESI(-)-MS/MS analysis on a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer. The validated method was used to quantify MHBMA and DHBMA in urine of workers from a BD monomer and styrene-butadiene rubber production facility (40 controls and 32 occupationally exposed to BD). Urinary THBMA concentrations were also determined in the same samples. The concentrations of all three BD-mercapturic acids and the metabolic ratio (MHBMA/(MHBMA+DHBMA+THBMA)) were significantly higher in the occupationally exposed group as compared to controls and correlated with BD exposure, with each other, and with BD-hemoglobin biomarkers. This improved high throughput methodology for MHBMA and DHBMA will be useful for future epidemiological studies in smokers and occupationally exposed workers. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  4. Crystal structure of product-bound complex of UDP-N-acetyl-D-mannosamine dehydrogenase from Pyrococcus horikoshii OT3

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

    Pampa, K.J., E-mail: sagarikakj@gmail.com; Lokanath, N.K.; Girish, T.U.

    Highlights: • Determined the structure of UDP-D-ManNAcADH to a resolution of 1.55 Å. • First complex structure of PhUDP-D-ManNAcADH with UDP-D-ManMAcA. • The monomeric structure consists of three distinct domains. • Cys258 acting as catalytic nucleophilic and Lys204 acts as acid/base catalyst. • Oligomeric state plays an important role for the catalytic function. - Abstract: UDP-N-acetyl-D-mannosamine dehydrogenase (UDP-D-ManNAcDH) belongs to UDP-glucose/GDP-mannose dehydrogenase family and catalyzes Uridine-diphospho-N-acetyl-D-mannosamine (UDP-D-ManNAc) to Uridine-diphospho-N-acetyl-D-mannosaminuronic acid (UDP-D-ManNAcA) through twofold oxidation of NAD{sup +}. In order to reveal the structural features of the Pyrococcus horikoshii UDP-D-ManNAcADH, we have determined the crystal structure of the product-bound enzyme bymore » X-ray diffraction to resolution of 1.55 Å. The protomer folds into three distinct domains; nucleotide binding domain (NBD), substrate binding domain (SBD) and oligomerization domain (OD, involved in the dimerization). The clear electron density of the UDP-D-ManNAcA is observed and the residues binding are identified for the first time. Crystal structures reveal a tight dimeric polymer chains with product-bound in all the structures. The catalytic residues Cys258 and Lys204 are conserved. The Cys258 acts as catalytic nucleophile and Lys204 as acid/base catalyst. The product is directly interacts with residues Arg211, Thr249, Arg244, Gly255, Arg289, Lys319 and Arg398. In addition, the structural parameters responsible for thermostability and oligomerization of the three dimensional structure are analyzed.« less

  5. Escherichia coli O157:H7 Strain EDL933 Harbors Multiple Functional Prophage-Associated Genes Necessary for the Utilization of 5-N-Acetyl-9-O-Acetyl Neuraminic Acid as a Growth Substrate

    PubMed Central

    Saile, Nadja; Voigt, Anja; Kessler, Sarah; Stressler, Timo; Fischer, Lutz

    2016-01-01

    ABSTRACT Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) O157:H7 strain EDL933 harbors multiple prophage-associated open reading frames (ORFs) in its genome which are highly homologous to the chromosomal nanS gene. The latter is part of the nanCMS operon, which is present in most E. coli strains and encodes an esterase which is responsible for the monodeacetylation of 5-N-acetyl-9-O-acetyl neuraminic acid (Neu5,9Ac2). Whereas one prophage-borne ORF (z1466) has been characterized in previous studies, the functions of the other nanS-homologous ORFs are unknown. In the current study, the nanS-homologous ORFs of EDL933 were initially studied in silico. Due to their homology to the chromosomal nanS gene and their location in prophage genomes, we designated them nanS-p and numbered the different nanS-p alleles consecutively from 1 to 10. The two alleles nanS-p2 and nanS-p4 were selected for production of recombinant proteins, their enzymatic activities were investigated, and differences in their temperature optima were found. Furthermore, a function of these enzymes in substrate utilization could be demonstrated using an E. coli C600ΔnanS mutant in a growth medium with Neu5,9Ac2 as the carbon source and supplementation with the different recombinant NanS-p proteins. Moreover, generation of sequential deletions of all nanS-p alleles in strain EDL933 and subsequent growth experiments demonstrated a gene dose effect on the utilization of Neu5,9Ac2. Since Neu5,9Ac2 is an important component of human and animal gut mucus and since the nutrient availability in the large intestine is limited, we hypothesize that the presence of multiple Neu5,9Ac2 esterases provides them a nutrient supply under certain conditions in the large intestine, even if particular prophages are lost. IMPORTANCE In this study, a group of homologous prophage-borne nanS-p alleles and two of the corresponding enzymes of enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC) O157:H7 strain EDL933 that may be important to provide alternative genes for substrate utilization were characterized. PMID:27474715

  6. Aminosalicylates and colorectal cancer in IBD: a not-so bitter pill to swallow.

    PubMed

    Ryan, B M; Russel, M G V M; Langholz, E; Stockbrugger, R W

    2003-08-01

    Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is associated with an increased risk of developing intestinal cancer at sites of chronic inflammation. Aminosalicylates, including both sulfasalazine and mesalamine, are the most commonly prescribed anti-inflammatory agents prescribed in IBD. On balance, the body of literature to date suggests that aminosalicylates confer some protection against the development of colonic neoplasia in patients with IBD and in a variety of models, including in the noninflamed gut. This latter observation implies that aminosalicylates may be of chemopreventive value in normal as well as IBD individuals. The current review examines and gives an overview of the evidence from a variety of sources, including epidemiological, in vivo and in vitro studies that have investigated the potential anticancer effects of aminosalicylates.

  7. Characterization of the active site, substrate specificity and kinetic properties of acetyl-CoA:arylamine N-acetyltransferase from pigeon liver.

    PubMed

    Andres, H H; Kolb, H J; Schreiber, R J; Weiss, L

    1983-08-16

    It could be demonstrated that a sulfhydryl group is involved in the catalysis of acetyl-CoA:arylamine N-acetyltransferase from pigeon liver (EC 2.3.1.5). From ping-pong kinetics it was concluded that there is a covalent acetyl-enzyme intermediate. The respective intermediate could be isolated and chemically characterized as a cysteinyl thioester. Electrophoretically homogeneous acetyl-CoA:acylamine N-acetyltransferase from pigeon liver was able to acetylate a broad variety of aromatic and aliphatic amines from different acetyldonors such as acetyl-CoA, p-nitroacetanilide and p-nitrophenylacetate. Apparent Km values were determined for a number of acetyl donors and acetyl acceptors. Additionally, Ki values were evaluated for CoA, 3',5'-ADP and AMP. Correlation studies of basicity of acceptor amines and acetylation rate demonstrated that there is a limit of the pKa value (about pKa = 1) where the covalently-bound acetyl-enzyme intermediate can still be saponified. Testing crude liver homogenates of several animals including turkey, duck, chicken, cow, pig, horse, sheep, carp, trout and herring the outstanding nature of the pigeon liver enzyme in acetylating very weakly basic amines could be demonstrated. It is shown that the enzyme is quite flexible concerning sterically different acceptor amines, because arylamines whose amino group was effected by large o-substituents could be quantitatively acetylated. After enzymatic acetylation of the first amino group, 1,2-phenylendiamine formed the heterocyclic compound 2-methylbenzimidazole by a spontaneous condensation reaction. There is evidence that with distinct amines formation of heterocyclic compounds may also occur in vivo.

  8. Asymmetric distribution of glucose and indole-3-acetyl-myo-inositol in geostimulated Zea mays seedlings

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Momonoki, Y. S.; Bandurski, R. S. (Principal Investigator)

    1988-01-01

    Indole-3-acetyl-myo-inositol occurs in both the kernel and vegetative shoot of germinating Zea mays seedlings. The effect of a gravitational stimulus on the transport of [3H]-5-indole-3-acetyl-myo-inositol and [U-14C]-D-glucose from the kernel to the seedling shoot was studied. Both labeled glucose and labeled indole-3-acetyl-myo-inositol become asymmetrically distributed in the mesocotyl cortex of the shoot with more radioactivity occurring in the bottom half of a horizontally placed seedling. Asymmetric distribution of [3H]indole-3-acetic acid, derived from the applied [3H]indole-3-acetyl-myo-inositol, occurred more rapidly than distribution of total 3H-radioactivity. These findings demonstrate that the gravitational stimulus can induce an asymmetric distribution of substances being transported from kernel to shoot. They also indicate that, in addition to the transport asymmetry, gravity affects the steady state amount of indole-3-acetic acid derived from indole-3-acetyl-myo-inositol.

  9. Engineering cytosolic acetyl-coenzyme A supply in Saccharomyces cerevisiae: Pathway stoichiometry, free-energy conservation and redox-cofactor balancing.

    PubMed

    van Rossum, Harmen M; Kozak, Barbara U; Pronk, Jack T; van Maris, Antonius J A

    2016-07-01

    Saccharomyces cerevisiae is an important industrial cell factory and an attractive experimental model for evaluating novel metabolic engineering strategies. Many current and potential products of this yeast require acetyl coenzyme A (acetyl-CoA) as a precursor and pathways towards these products are generally expressed in its cytosol. The native S. cerevisiae pathway for production of cytosolic acetyl-CoA consumes 2 ATP equivalents in the acetyl-CoA synthetase reaction. Catabolism of additional sugar substrate, which may be required to generate this ATP, negatively affects product yields. Here, we review alternative pathways that can be engineered into yeast to optimize supply of cytosolic acetyl-CoA as a precursor for product formation. Particular attention is paid to reaction stoichiometry, free-energy conservation and redox-cofactor balancing of alternative pathways for acetyl-CoA synthesis from glucose. A theoretical analysis of maximally attainable yields on glucose of four compounds (n-butanol, citric acid, palmitic acid and farnesene) showed a strong product dependency of the optimal pathway configuration for acetyl-CoA synthesis. Moreover, this analysis showed that combination of different acetyl-CoA production pathways may be required to achieve optimal product yields. This review underlines that an integral analysis of energy coupling and redox-cofactor balancing in precursor-supply and product-formation pathways is crucial for the design of efficient cell factories. Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  10. [Characterization and comparison of interferon reference standards using UPLC-MS].

    PubMed

    Tao, Lei; Pei, De-ning; Han, Chun-mei; Chen, Wei; Rao, Chun-ming; Wang, Jun-zhi

    2015-01-01

    The study aims to characterize and compare interferon reference standards from 5 manufacturers. By testing molecular mass and trypsin-digested peptide mass mapping, the amino acid sequence was verified and post-translational modifications such as disulfide bond were identified. Results show that the molecular mass and amino acid sequence were consistent with theory; the disulfide bonds of 4 lots of interferon were Cys1-Cys98/Cys29-Cys138, 1 lot was Cys29-Cys139/Cys86-Cys99; N-terminal "+Met", acetyl N-terminal and Met oxidation were identified in part of the sample. UPLC-MS can be used to characterize and compare interferon reference standards from different manufacturers.

  11. Surface treatments and coatings to maintain fresh-cut mango quality in storage.

    PubMed

    Plotto, Anne; Narciso, Jan A; Rattanapanone, Nithiya; Baldwin, Elizabeth A

    2010-10-01

    Edible coatings may extend fresh-cut fruit storage by preventing moisture loss and decreasing gas exchange. This study evaluated the effect of an antibrowning dip (calcium ascorbate, citric acid and N-acetyl-L-cysteine), followed or not with carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) or carrageenan coatings on quality of fresh-cut mangoes stored at 5 °C for up to 20 days. A fourth treatment, only used in one of four experiments, consisted of chitosan. Treatments were applied on 'Tommy Atkins', 'Kent' and 'Keitt' mangoes harvested from Homestead (FL), and on imported store-bought mangoes. The antibrowning dips maintained the best visual quality during storage for all cultivars, as indicated by higher b*, hue and L*. The CMC coating maintained similar visual quality, but carrageenan or chitosan decreased L* and b*. The antibrowning dip containing calcium ascorbate reduced firmness loss on cut pieces of 'Keitt', 'Kent' and store-bought mangoes. The antibrowning treatment maintained higher titratable acidity for 'Kent' and 'Keitt', resulting in lower sensory sweetness. This study with repeated experiments showed that calcium ascorbate with citric acid and N-acetyl-L-cysteine maintained cut mango slices attractiveness in storage by keeping light color in both varieties. The addition of a polysaccharide coating did not consistently improve quality.

  12. In Salmonella enterica, the Gcn5-Related Acetyltransferase MddA (Formerly YncA) Acetylates Methionine Sulfoximine and Methionine Sulfone, Blocking Their Toxic Effects

    PubMed Central

    Hentchel, Kristy L.

    2014-01-01

    Protein and small-molecule acylation reactions are widespread in nature. Many of the enzymes catalyzing acylation reactions belong to the Gcn5-related N-acetyltransferase (GNAT; PF00583) family, named after the yeast Gcn5 protein. The genome of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium LT2 encodes 26 GNATs, 11 of which have no known physiological role. Here, we provide in vivo and in vitro evidence for the role of the MddA (methionine derivative detoxifier; formerly YncA) GNAT in the detoxification of oxidized forms of methionine, including methionine sulfoximine (MSX) and methionine sulfone (MSO). MSX and MSO inhibited the growth of an S. enterica ΔmddA strain unless glutamine or methionine was present in the medium. We used an in vitro spectrophotometric assay and mass spectrometry to show that MddA acetylated MSX and MSO. An mddA+ strain displayed biphasic growth kinetics in the presence of MSX and glutamine. Deletion of two amino acid transporters (GlnHPQ and MetNIQ) in a ΔmddA strain restored growth in the presence of MSX. Notably, MSO was transported by GlnHPQ but not by MetNIQ. In summary, MddA is the mechanism used by S. enterica to respond to oxidized forms of methionine, which MddA detoxifies by acetyl coenzyme A-dependent acetylation. PMID:25368301

  13. The role of lysine(100) in the binding of acetylcoenzyme A to human arylamine N-acetyltransferase 1: implications for other acetyltransferases.

    PubMed

    Minchin, Rodney F; Butcher, Neville J

    2015-04-01

    The arylamine N-acetyltransferases (NATs) catalyze the acetylation of aromatic and heterocyclic amines as well as hydrazines. All proteins in this family of enzymes utilize acetyl coenzyme A (AcCoA) as an acetyl donor, which initially binds to the enzyme and transfers an acetyl group to an active site cysteine. Here, we have investigated the role of a highly conserved amino acid (Lys(100)) in the enzymatic activity of human NAT1. Mutation of Lys(100) to either a glutamine or a leucine significantly increased the Ka for AcCoA without changing the Kb for the acetyl acceptor p-aminobenzoic acid. In addition, substrate inhibition was more marked with the mutant enzymes. Steady state kinetic analyzes suggested that mutation of Lys(100) to either leucine or glutamine resulted in a less stable enzyme-cofactor complex, which was not seen with a positively charged arginine at this position. When p-nitrophenylacetate was used as acetyl donor, no differences were seen between the wild-type and mutant enzymes because p-nitrophenylacetate is too small to interact with Lys(100) when bound to the active site. Using 3'-dephospho-AcCoA as the acetyl donor, kinetic data confirmed that Ly(100) interacts with the 3'-phosphoanion to stabilize the enzyme-cofactor complex. Mutation of Lys(100) decreases the affinity of AcCoA for the protein and increases the rate of CoA release. Crystal structures of several other unrelated acetyltransferases show a lysine or arginine residue within 3Å of the 3'-phosphoanion of AcCoA, suggesting that this mechanism for stabilizing the complex by the formation of a salt bridge may be widely applicable in nature. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  14. Degradation mechanism of alachlor during direct ozonation and O(3)/H(2)O(2) advanced oxidation process.

    PubMed

    Qiang, Zhimin; Liu, Chao; Dong, Bingzhi; Zhang, Yalei

    2010-01-01

    The degradation of alachlor by direct ozonation and advanced oxidation process O(3)/H(2)O(2) was investigated in this study with focus on identification of degradation byproducts. The second-order reaction rate constant between ozone and alachlor was determined to be 2.5+/-0.1M(-1)s(-1) at pH 7.0 and 20 degrees C. Twelve and eight high-molecular-weight byproducts (with the benzene ring intact) from alachlor degradation were identified during direct ozonation and O(3)/H(2)O(2), respectively. The common degradation byproducts included N-(2,6-diethylphenyl)-methyleneamine, 8-ethyl-3,4-dihydro-quinoline, 8-ethyl-quinoline, 1-chloroacetyl-2-hydro-3-ketone-7-acetyl-indole, 2-chloro-2',6'-diacetyl-N-(methoxymethyl)acetanilide, 2-chloro-2'-acetyl-6'-ethyl-N-(methoxymethyl)-acetanilide, and two hydroxylated alachlor isomers. In direct ozonation, four more byproducts were also identified including 1-chloroacetyl-2,3-dihydro-7-ethyl-indole, 2-chloro-2',6'-ethyl-acetanilide, 2-chloro-2',6'-acetyl-acetanilide and 2-chloro-2'-ethyl-6'-acetyl-N-(methoxymethyl)-acetanilide. Degradation of alachlor by O(3) and O(3)/H(2)O(2) also led to the formation of low-molecular-weight byproducts including formic, acetic, propionic, monochloroacetic and oxalic acids as well as chloride ion (only detected in O(3)/H(2)O(2)). Nitrite and nitrate formation was negligible. Alachlor degradation occurred via oxidation of the arylethyl group, N-dealkylation, cyclization and cleavage of benzene ring. After O(3) or O(3)/H(2)O(2) treatment, the toxicity of alachlor solution examined by the Daphnia magna bioassay was slightly reduced. 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  15. [A comparative study on hydrolase activities in Acanthamoeba culbertsoni and A. royreba

    PubMed

    Kim, Yong Kyu; Kim, Tae Ue; Joung, In Sil; Im, Kyung Il

    1988-06-01

    Specific or non-specific cytolytic processes of free-living amoebae causing meningoencephalitis have been emphasized and the cytolytic ability related to hydrolases in Entamoeba sp. and Naegleria sp. has also been reported since the latter half of 1970's. However, no information on hydrolase activities in Acanthamoeba sp. is available. Hydrolases in Acanthamoeba culbertsoni, a pathogenic species of free-living amoebae, were assayed and compared with those in a non-pathogenic species, A. royreba. Pathogenicity of these two species was confirmed through experimental infection to BALB/c mice. Hydrolase activities and cytotoxic effects between pathogenic and non-pathogenic species were compared in the trophozoites cultured in CGV media and in CHO cell line, respectively. The results are summarized as follows: The mice infected with A. culbertsoni were all dead 15 days after nasal inoculation, and the mean survival time was 8.5 days. Also the mice infected with this pathogenic species mani fested typical meningoencephalitis, whereas the mice infected with A. royreba did not. Hydrolases detected both in the cell extracts and culture media were acid phosphatase, beta-N-acetyl galactosaminidase, beta-N-acetyl glucosaminidase, alpha-mannosidase, neutral proteinase and acid proteinase, all of which were detected with remarkably higher rate in A.culbertsoni than in A. royreba. A. culbertsoni revealed strong cytotoxicity for the target CHO cells, whereas A. royreba did not show any specific cytotoxicity. About 80% of the target cells mixed with A. culbertsoni were dead 48 hours after cultivation, and more than 95% of the target cells were dead 72 hours after cultivation. Hydrolase activities in A. culbertsoni cultured with the target cell line were assayed according to the culture time. The activities of acid phosphatase, beta-N-acetyl glucosaminidase, beta-N-acetyl glucosaminidase, alpha-mannosidase and acid proteinase in this pathogenic amoeba were detected higher in amoeba extracts than in culture media up to 120 hours after cultivation, but after 120 hours of cultivation those activities were detected higher in culture media than in the amoeba lysates. Neutral proteinase activity in A. culbertsoni increased more in EBSS medium than in the lysate specimens although the activity in the extracts was generally steady according to the cultivation time. Summarizing the above results, it is concluded that there were differences in hydrolase activities between pathogenic A. culbertsoni and non-pathogenic A. royreba, and that some hydrolase activities were detected remarkably higher in A. culbertsoni which revealed strong cytotoxicity to the target CHO cell line.

  16. Efficacy of oral vs. topical, or combined oral and topical 5-aminosalicylates, in Ulcerative Colitis: systematic review and meta-analysis.

    PubMed

    Ford, Alexander C; Khan, Khurram J; Achkar, Jean-Paul; Moayyedi, Paul

    2012-02-01

    Efficacy of 5-aminosalicylic acids (5-ASAs) in ulcerative colitis (UC) has been studied previously in meta-analyses. However, no recent meta-analysis has studied the relative efficacies of differing routes of administration. MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane central register of controlled trials were searched (through May 2011). Eligible trials recruited adults with mildly to moderately active UC, or quiescent UC, and compared oral 5-ASAs with either topical 5-ASAs or a combination of oral and topical 5-ASAs. Dichotomous data were pooled to obtain relative risk (RR) of failure to achieve remission in active UC, and RR of relapse of disease activity in quiescent UC, with a 95% confidence interval (CI). The number needed to treat (NNT) was calculated from the reciprocal of the risk difference. The search identified 3,061 citations, and 12 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were eligible. Four compared topical with oral 5-ASAs in active UC remission, with an RR of no remission with topical 5-ASAs of 0.82 (95% CI=0.52-1.28). Four trials compared combined with oral 5-ASAs in active UC (RR of no remission=0.65; 95% CI=0.47-0.91; NNT=5). Three RCTs compared intermittent topical with oral 5-ASAs in preventing relapse of quiescent UC (RR=0.64; 95% CI=0.43-0.95; NNT=4), and two compared combined with oral 5-ASAs (RR of relapse=0.48; 95% CI=0.17-1.38). Combined 5-ASA therapy appeared superior to oral 5-ASAs for induction of remission of mildly to moderately active UC. Intermittent topical 5-ASAs appeared superior to oral 5-ASAs for preventing relapse of quiescent UC.

  17. Beneficial metabolic effects of 2', 3', 5'-tri-acetyl-N6-(3-hydroxylaniline) adenosine in multiple biological matrices and intestinal flora of hyperlipidemic hamsters.

    PubMed

    Li, Tianqi; Sun, Shanshan; Zhang, Jinyue; Qu, Kai; Yang, Liu; Ma, Changlu; Jin, Xiangju; Zhu, Haibo; Wang, Yinghong

    2018-06-21

    ABSTRACT:Hyperlipidemia is one of the main causes of obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and atherosclerosis. The adenosine derivative, 2', 3', 5'-tri-acetyl-N6-(3-hydroxylaniline) adenosine (IMM-H007) is an effective lipid-lowering compound that has important implications for the development of lipid-lowering drugs. Metabolomic analysis based on 1H-NMR was used to monitor dynamic changes in diverse biological media including serum, liver, urine, and feces in response to high-fat diet (HFD) and IMM-H007 treatments. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) and gas chromatography (GC) analyses were performed to quantify the bile acids and fatty acids in the liver and feces. Fecal microbiome profiling was performed using Illumina sequencing of the 16S ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA) gene. IMM-H007 improved the metabolism of carbohydrate, ketone bodies, fatty acids, amino acids and bile acids in hyperlipidemic hamsters. The correlation between metabolite changes was explored in different biological media. Significant changes in gut microbiota were observed in the HFD and IMM-H007 treatment groups. In the HFD group at the phylum level, we found high levels of the Firmicutes genus and low levels of Bacteroidetes. In contrast, the administration of IMM-H007 reversed the levels of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes. This reversal suggested that IMM-H007 may have the ability to regulate the composition of the gut flora. We also analyzed the correlation between the gut flora and the metabolites. Our results indicate that IMM-H007 treatment improves the hyperlipidemic metabolism and the structure of the gut microbiota in hyperlipidemic hamsters.

  18. Mesalamine hypersensitivity and Kounis syndrome in a pediatric ulcerative colitis patient

    PubMed Central

    Kounis, George N; Kouni, Sophia A; Hahalis, George; Kounis, Nicholas G

    2008-01-01

    5-aminosalicylic acid (mesalamine) rarely induces hypersensitivity reactions. If chest pain associated with atypical electrocardiographic changes are seen during its administration, one should always bear in mind typeIvariant of Kounis syndrome. This variant includes patients, of any age, with normal coronary arteries, without predisposing factors for coronary artery disease, in whom the acute release of inflammatory mediators from mast cells can induce either sudden coronary artery narrowing, without increase of cardiac enzymes and troponins, or coronary artery spasm that progresses to acute myocardial infarction, with elevated cardiac enzymes and troponins. PMID:19084925

  19. Acetyl group coordinated progression through the catalytic cycle of an arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase.

    PubMed

    Aboalroub, Adam A; Bachman, Ashleigh B; Zhang, Ziming; Keramisanou, Dimitra; Merkler, David J; Gelis, Ioannis

    2017-01-01

    The transfer of an acetyl group from acetyl-CoA to an acceptor amine is a ubiquitous biochemical transformation catalyzed by Gcn5-related N-acetyltransferases (GNATs). Although it is established that the reaction proceeds through a sequential ordered mechanism, the role of the acetyl group in driving the ordered formation of binary and ternary complexes remains elusive. Herein, we show that CoA and acetyl-CoA alter the conformation of the substrate binding site of an arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase (AANAT) to facilitate interaction with acceptor substrates. However, it is the presence of the acetyl group within the catalytic funnel that triggers high affinity binding. Acetyl group occupancy is relayed through a conserved salt bridge between the P-loop and the acceptor binding site, and is manifested as differential dynamics in the CoA and acetyl-CoA-bound states. The capacity of the acetyl group carried by an acceptor to promote its tight binding even in the absence of CoA, but also its mutually exclusive position to the acetyl group of acetyl-CoA underscore its importance in coordinating the progression of the catalytic cycle.

  20. Acetyl group coordinated progression through the catalytic cycle of an arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase

    PubMed Central

    Aboalroub, Adam A.; Bachman, Ashleigh B.; Zhang, Ziming; Keramisanou, Dimitra; Merkler, David J.

    2017-01-01

    The transfer of an acetyl group from acetyl-CoA to an acceptor amine is a ubiquitous biochemical transformation catalyzed by Gcn5-related N-acetyltransferases (GNATs). Although it is established that the reaction proceeds through a sequential ordered mechanism, the role of the acetyl group in driving the ordered formation of binary and ternary complexes remains elusive. Herein, we show that CoA and acetyl-CoA alter the conformation of the substrate binding site of an arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase (AANAT) to facilitate interaction with acceptor substrates. However, it is the presence of the acetyl group within the catalytic funnel that triggers high affinity binding. Acetyl group occupancy is relayed through a conserved salt bridge between the P-loop and the acceptor binding site, and is manifested as differential dynamics in the CoA and acetyl-CoA-bound states. The capacity of the acetyl group carried by an acceptor to promote its tight binding even in the absence of CoA, but also its mutually exclusive position to the acetyl group of acetyl-CoA underscore its importance in coordinating the progression of the catalytic cycle. PMID:28486510

  1. Studies on N-Acetyltransferase (NAT2) Genotype Relationships in Emiratis: Confirmation of the Existence of Phenotype Variation among Slow Acetylators.

    PubMed

    Al-Ahmad, Mohammad M; Amir, Naheed; Dhanasekaran, Subramanian; John, Anne; Abdulrazzaq, Yousef M; Ali, Bassam R; Bastaki, Salim

    2017-09-01

    Individuals with slow N-acetylation phenotype often experience toxicity from drugs such as isoniazid, sulfonamides, procainamide, and hydralazine, whereas rapid acetylators may not respond to these medications. The highly polymorphic N-acetyltransferase 2 enzyme encoded by the NAT2 gene is one of the N-acetylators in humans with a clear impact on the metabolism of a significant number of important drugs. However, there are limited studies on N-acetylation phenotypes and NAT2 genotypes among Emiratis, and thus this study was carried out to fill this gap. Five hundred seventy-six Emirati subjects were asked to consume a soft drink containing caffeine (a nontoxic and reliable probe for predicting the acetylation phenotype) and then provide a buccal swab along with a spot urine sample. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) was used to determine the genotype of each individual. Phenotyping was carried out by analyzing the caffeine metabolites using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis. We found that 78.5%, 19.1%, and 2.4% of the Emirati subjects were slow, intermediate, and rapid acetylators, respectively. In addition, we found that 77.4% of the subjects were homozygous or heterozygous for two nonreference alleles, whereas 18.4% and 4.2% were heterozygous or homozygous for the reference allele (NAT2*4), respectively. The most common genotypes found were NAT2*5B/*7B, NAT2*5B/*6A, NAT2*7B/*14B, and NAT2*4/*5B, with frequencies of 0.255, 0.135, 0.105, and 0.09, respectively. The degree of phenotype/genotype concordance was 96.2%. The NAT2*6A/*6A, NAT2*6A/*7B, NAT2*7B/*7B, and NAT2*5A/*5B genotypes were found to be associated with the lowest 5-acetylamino-6-formylamino-3-methyluracil/1-methylxanthine (AFMU/1X) ratios. There is a high percentage of slow acetylators among Emiratis, which correlates with the presence of nonreference alleles for the NAT2 gene. Individuals who carried NAT2*6A/*6A, NAT2*6A/*7B, NAT2*7B/*7B, or NAT2*5A/*5B genotypes might be at higher risk of toxicity with some drugs and some diseases compared to others, as these genotypes are associated with the slowest acetylation status. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons Ltd/University College London.

  2. Inhibition of fatty acid synthesis in isolated adipocytes by 5-(tetradecyloxy)-2-furoic acid.

    PubMed

    Halvorson, D L; McCune, S A

    1984-11-01

    The compound 5-(tetradecyloxy)-2-furoic acid (TOFA), a hypolipidemic agent, inhibits fatty acid synthesis, lactate and pyruvate accumulation and CO2 release in isolated rat adipocytes. TOFA stimulates the accumulation of citrate. ATP levels are not lowered by TOFA. In comparison with the natural fatty acid, oleate, TOFA exhibited a much greater inhibitory effect on lipogenesis. TOFyl-CoA formation within intact adipocytes was demonstrated. Although not inhibited by TOFA, acetyl-CoA carboxylase is inhibited by TOFyl-CoA. It is proposed that many of the metabolic effects of TOFA in isolated adipocytes can be explained by TOFyl-CoA inhibition of acetyl-CoA carboxylase. TOFA inhibits glycolysis as a secondary event with the primary event of inhibition of fatty acid synthesis causing an accumulation of citrate which is an inhibitor of phosphofructokinase.

  3. Preparation and investigation of acetyl salicylic acid-caffeine complex for rectal administration.

    PubMed

    Fouad, Ehab A; El-Badry, Mahmoud; Alanazi, Fars K; Arafah, Maha M; Al-Ashban, Riyadh; Alsarra, Ibrahim A

    2010-06-01

    An acetyl salicylic acid-caffeine complex was prepared and evaluated for the potential use in rectal administration. The results revealed the formation of a complex between acetyl salicylic acid and caffeine in a 1:1 molar ratio by a charge transfer mechanism. The effects of acetyl salicylic acid and complex on the rectal tissues showed destruction in the mucosal epithelium in case of acetyl salicylic acid; however, no change in the rectal tissues was noticed upon the administration of the complex. The effect of suppository bases on the release of the complex was studied using Witepsol H15 as fatty base and polyethylene glycols (PEG) 1000 and 4000 as a water soluble suppository base. The release profiles of acetyl salicylic acid and the complex were faster from PEG than from that of Witepsol H15. The percent release for the complex and acetyl salicylic acid from PEG base were 45.8, and 34.9%, respectively. However, it was 8.7 and 7.8%, respectively, from Witepsol H15 fatty base. The release kinetic was found to follow the non-Fickian diffusion model for complex from the suppository bases. It was concluded that acetyl salicylic acid caffeine complex can be used safely for rectal administration.

  4. Preparation and investigation of acetyl salicylic acid-caffeine complex for rectal administration.

    PubMed

    Fouad, Ehab A; El-Badry, Mahmoud; Alanazi, Fars K; Arafah, Maha M; Al-Ashban, Riyadh; Alsarra, Ibrahim A

    2009-07-30

    An acetyl salicylic acid-caffeine complex was prepared and evaluated for the potential use in rectal administration. The results revealed the formation of a complex between acetyl salicylic acid and caffeine in a 1:1 molar ratio by a charge transfer mechanism. The effects of acetyl salicylic acid and complex on the rectal tissues showed destruction in the mucosal epithelium in case of acetyl salicylic acid; however, no change in the rectal tissues was noticed upon the administration of the complex. The effect of suppository bases on the release of the complex was studied using Witepsol H15 as fatty base and polyethylene glycols (PEG) 1000 and 4000 as a water soluble suppository base. The release profiles of acetyl salicylic acid and the complex were faster from PEG than from that of Witepsol H15. The percent release for the complex and acetyl salicylic acid from PEG base were 45.8, and 34.9%, respectively. However, it was 8.7 and 7.8%, respectively, from Witepsol H15 fatty base. The release kinetic was found to follow the non-Fickian diffusion model for complex from the suppository bases. It was concluded that acetyl salicylic acid caffeine complex can be used safely for rectal administration.

  5. A precursor to the beta-pyranosides of 3-amino-3,6-dideoxy-D-mannose (mycosamine).

    PubMed

    Alais, J; David, S

    1992-06-04

    SN2-type reaction of 3-O-(1-imidazyl)sulfonyl-1,2:5,6-di-O-isopropylidene-alpha-D-gluco furanose with benzoate gave the 3-O-benzoyl-alpha-D-allo derivative 2, which was hydrolysed to give the 5,6-diol 3. Compound 3 was converted into the 6-deoxy-6-iodo derivative 4 which was reduced with tributylstannane, and then position 5 was protected by benzyloxymethylation, to give 3-O-benzoyl-5-O-benzyloxymethyl-6-deoxy-1,2-O-isopropylidene-alpha -D- allofuranose (6). Debenzoylation of 6 gave 7, (1-imidazyl)sulfonylation gave 8, and azide displacement gave 3-azido-5-O-benzyloxymethyl-3,6-dideoxy- 1,2-O-isopropylidene-alpha-D-glucofuranose (9, 85%). Acetolysis of 9 gave 1,2,4-tri-O-acetyl-3-azido-3,6-dideoxy-alpha,beta-D-glucopyranose (10 and 11). Selective hydrolysis of AcO-1 in the mixture of 10 and 11 with hydrazine acetate (----12), followed by conversion into the pyranosyl chloride 13, treatment with N,N-dimethylformamide dimethyl acetal in the presence of tetrabutylammonium bromide, and benzylation gave 3-azido-4-O-benzyl-3,6-dideoxy-1,2-O-(1-methoxyethylidene)-alpha-D -glucopyranose (15). Treatment of 15 with dry acetic acid gave 1,2-di-O-acetyl-3-azido-4-O-benzyl-3,6-dideoxy-beta-D-glucopyranose (16, 86% yield) that was an excellent glycosyl donor in the presence of trimethylsilyl triflate, allowing the synthesis of cyclohexyl 2-O-acetyl-3-azido-4-O-benzyl-3,6-dideoxy-beta-D-glucopyranoside (17, 90%).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

  6. Comparison of bee products based on assays of antioxidant capacities.

    PubMed

    Nakajima, Yoshimi; Tsuruma, Kazuhiro; Shimazawa, Masamitsu; Mishima, Satoshi; Hara, Hideaki

    2009-02-26

    Bee products (including propolis, royal jelly, and bee pollen) are popular, traditional health foods. We compared antioxidant effects among water and ethanol extracts of Brazilian green propolis (WEP or EEP), its main constituents, water-soluble royal jelly (RJ), and an ethanol extract of bee pollen. The hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-, superoxide anion (O2.-)-, and hydroxyl radical (HO.)- scavenging capacities of bee products were measured using antioxidant capacity assays that employed the reactive oxygen species (ROS)-sensitive probe 5-(and-6)-chloromethyl-2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate, acetyl ester (CM-H2DCFDA) or aminophenyl fluorescein (APF). The rank order of antioxidant potencies was as follows: WEP > EEP > pollen, but neither RJ nor 10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid (10-HDA) had any effects. Concerning the main constituents of WEP, the rank order of antioxidant effects was: caffeic acid > artepillin C > drupanin, but neither baccharin nor coumaric acid had any effects. The scavenging effects of caffeic acid were as powerful as those of trolox, but stronger than those of N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) or vitamin C. On the basis of the present assays, propolis is the most powerful antioxidant of all the bee product examined, and its effect may be partly due to the various caffeic acids it contains. Pollen, too, exhibited strong antioxidant effects.

  7. Gene encoding acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase

    DOEpatents

    Roessler, P.G.; Ohlrogge, J.B.

    1996-09-24

    A DNA encoding an acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase (ACCase) from a photosynthetic organism and functional derivatives are disclosed which are resistant to inhibition from certain herbicides. This gene can be placed in organisms to increase their fatty acid content or to render them resistant to certain herbicides. 5 figs.

  8. Metabolomic Analysis of Blood Plasma after Oral Administration of N-acetyl-d-Glucosamine in Dogs

    PubMed Central

    Osaki, Tomohiro; Kurozumi, Seiji; Sato, Kimihiko; Terashi, Taro; Azuma, Kazuo; Murahata, Yusuke; Tsuka, Takeshi; Ito, Norihiko; Imagawa, Tomohiro; Minami, Saburo; Okamoto, Yoshiharu

    2015-01-01

    N-acetyl-d-glucosamine (GlcNAc) is a monosaccharide that polymerizes linearly through (1,4)-β-linkages. GlcNAc is the monomeric unit of the polymer chitin. GlcNAc is a basic component of hyaluronic acid and keratin sulfate found on the cell surface. The aim of this study was to examine amino acid metabolism after oral GlcNAc administration in dogs. Results showed that plasma levels of ectoine were significantly higher after oral administration of GlcNAc than prior to administration (p < 0.001). To our knowledge, there have been no reports of increased ectoine concentrations in the plasma. The mechanism by which GlcNAc administration leads to increased ectoine plasma concentration remains unclear; future studies are required to clarify this mechanism. PMID:26262626

  9. Differential association for N-acetyltransferase 2 genotype and phenotype with bladder cancer risk in Chinese population.

    PubMed

    Quan, Lei; Chattopadhyay, Koushik; Nelson, Heather H; Chan, Kenneth K; Xiang, Yong-Bing; Zhang, Wei; Wang, Renwei; Gao, Yu-Tang; Yuan, Jian-Min

    2016-06-28

    N-acetyltransferase 2 (NAT2) is involved in both carcinogen detoxification through hepatic N-acetylation and carcinogen activation through local O-acetylation. NAT2 slow acetylation status is significantly associated with increased bladder cancer risk among European populations, but its association in Asian populations is inconclusive. NAT2 acetylation status was determined by both single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and caffeine metabolic ratio (CMR), in a population-based study of 494 bladder cancer patients and 507 control subjects in Shanghai, China. The CMR, a functional measure of hepatic N-acetylation, was significantly reduced in a dose-dependent manner among both cases and controls possessing the SNP-inferred NAT2 slow acetylation status (all P-values<5.0×10-10). The CMR-determined slow N-acetylation status (CMR<0.34) was significantly associated with a 50% increased risk of bladder cancer (odds ratio = 1.50, 95% confidence interval = 1.10-2.06) whereas the SNP-inferred slow acetylation statuses were significantly associated with an approximately 50% decreased risk of bladder cancer. The genotype-disease association was strengthened after the adjustment for CMR and was primarily observed among never smokers. The apparent differential associations for phenotypic and genetic measures of acetylation statuses with bladder cancer risk may reflect dual functions of NAT2 in bladder carcinogenesis because the former only measures the capacity of carcinogen detoxification pathway while the latter represents both carcinogen activation and detoxification pathways. Future studies are warranted to ascertain the specific role of N- and O-acetylation in bladder carcinogenesis, particularly in populations exposed to different types of bladder carcinogens.

  10. Nitrogen isotopic analyses by isotope-ratio-monitoring gas chromatography/mass spectrometry

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Merritt, D. A.; Hayes, J. M.

    1994-01-01

    Amino acids containing natural-abundance levels of 15N were derivatized and analyzed isotopically using a technique in which individual compounds are separated by gas chromatography, combusted on-line, and the product stream sent directly to an isotope-ratio mass spectrometer. For samples of N2 gas, standard deviations of ratio measurement were better than 0.1% (Units for delta are parts per thousand or per million (%).) for samples larger than 400 pmol and better than 0.5% for samples larger than 25 pmol (0.1% 15N is equivalent to 0.00004 atom % 15N). Results duplicated those of conventional, batchwise analyses to within 0.05%. For combustion of organic compounds yielding CO2/N2 ratios between 14 and 28, in particular for N-acetyl n-propyl derivatives of amino acids, delta values were within 0.25% of results obtained using conventional techniques and standard deviations were better than 0.35%. Pooled data for measurements of all amino acids produced an accuracy and precision of 0.04 and 0.23%, respectively, when 2 nmol of each amino acid was injected on column and 20% of the stream of combustion products was delivered to the mass spectrometer.

  11. Mobile contingency locus controlling Escherichia coli K1 polysialic acid capsule acetylation.

    PubMed

    Vimr, Eric R; Steenbergen, Susan M

    2006-05-01

    Escherichia coli K1 is part of a reservoir of adherent, invasive facultative pathogens responsible for a wide range of human and animal disease including sepsis, meningitis, urinary tract infection and inflammatory bowel syndrome. A prominent virulence factor in these diseases is the polysialic acid capsular polysaccharide (K1 antigen), which is encoded by the kps/neu accretion domain inserted near pheV at 67 map units. Some E. coli K1 strains undergo form (phase) variation involving loss or gain of O-acetyl esters at carbon positions 7 or 9 of the individual sialic acid residues of the polysialic acid chains. Acetylation is catalysed by the receptor-modifying acetyl coenzyme-A-dependent O-acetyltransferase encoded by neuO, a phase variable locus mapping near the integrase gene of the K1-specific prophage, CUS-3, which is inserted in argW at 53.1 map units. As the first E. coli contingency locus shown to operate by a translational switch, further investigation of neuO should provide a better understanding of the invasive K1 pathotype. Minimal estimates of morbidity and economic costs associated with human infections caused by extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli strains such as K1 indicate at least 6.5 million cases with attendant medical costs exceeding 2.5 billion US dollars annually in the United States alone.

  12. Mineralization of the sulfonated azo dye Mordant Yellow 3 by a 6-aminonaphthalene-2-sulfonate-degrading bacterial consortium.

    PubMed Central

    Haug, W; Schmidt, A; Nörtemann, B; Hempel, D C; Stolz, A; Knackmuss, H J

    1991-01-01

    Under anaerobic conditions the sulfonated azo dye Mordant Yellow 3 was reduced by the biomass of a bacterial consortium grown aerobically with 6-aminonaphthalene-2-sulfonic acid. Stoichiometric amounts of the aromatic amines 6-aminonaphthalene-2-sulfonate and 5-aminosalicylate were generated and excreted into the medium. After re-aeration of the culture, these amines were mineralized by different members of the bacterial culture. Thus, total degradation of a sulfonated azo dye was achieved by using an alternating anaerobic-aerobic treatment. The ability of the mixed bacterial culture to reduce the azo dye was correlated with the presence of strain BN6, which possessed the ability to oxidize various naphthalenesulfonic acids. It is suggested that strain BN6 has a transport system for naphthalenesulfonic acids which also catalyzes uptake of sulfonated azo dyes. These dyes are then gratuitously reduced in the cytoplasm by unspecific reductases. PMID:1781678

  13. para-Aminosalicylic acid is a prodrug targeting dihydrofolate reductase in Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

    PubMed

    Zheng, Jun; Rubin, Eric J; Bifani, Pablo; Mathys, Vanessa; Lim, Vivian; Au, Melvin; Jang, Jichan; Nam, Jiyoun; Dick, Thomas; Walker, John R; Pethe, Kevin; Camacho, Luis R

    2013-08-09

    para-Aminosalicylic acid (PAS) is one of the antimycobacterial drugs currently used for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis. Although it has been in clinical use for over 60 years, its mechanism(s) of action remains elusive. Here we report that PAS is a prodrug targeting dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) through an unusual and novel mechanism of action. We provide evidences that PAS is incorporated into the folate pathway by dihydropteroate synthase (DHPS) and dihydrofolate synthase (DHFS) to generate a hydroxyl dihydrofolate antimetabolite, which in turn inhibits DHFR enzymatic activity. Interestingly, PAS is recognized by DHPS as efficiently as its natural substrate para-amino benzoic acid. Chemical inhibition of DHPS or mutation in DHFS prevents the formation of the antimetabolite, thereby conferring resistance to PAS. In addition, we identified a bifunctional enzyme (riboflavin biosynthesis protein (RibD)), a putative functional analog of DHFR in a knock-out strain. This finding is further supported by the identification of PAS-resistant clinical isolates encoding a RibD overexpression mutation displaying cross-resistance to genuine DHFR inhibitors. Our findings reveal that a metabolite of PAS inhibits DHFR in the folate pathway. RibD was shown to act as a functional analog of DHFR, and as for DHFS, both were shown to be associated in PAS resistance in laboratory strains and clinical isolates.

  14. Lectin activity in mycelial extracts of Fusarium species.

    PubMed

    Bhari, Ranjeeta; Kaur, Bhawanpreet; Singh, Ram S

    2016-01-01

    Lectins are non-immunogenic carbohydrate-recognizing proteins that bind to glycoproteins, glycolipids, or polysaccharides with high affinity and exhibit remarkable ability to agglutinate erythrocytes and other cells. In the present study, ten Fusarium species previously not explored for lectins were screened for the presence of lectin activity. Mycelial extracts of F. fujikuroi, F. beomiformii, F. begoniae, F. nisikadoi, F. anthophilum, F. incarnatum, and F. tabacinum manifested agglutination of rabbit erythrocytes. Neuraminidase treatment of rabbit erythrocytes increased lectin titers of F. nisikadoi and F. tabacinum extracts, whereas the protease treatment resulted in a significant decline in agglutination by most of the lectins. Results of hapten inhibition studies demonstrated unique carbohydrate specificity of Fusarium lectins toward O-acetyl sialic acids. Activity of the majority of Fusarium lectins exhibited binding affinity to d-ribose, l-fucose, d-glucose, l-arabinose, d-mannitol, d-galactosamine hydrochloride, d-galacturonic acid, N-acetyl-d-galactosamine, N-acetyl-neuraminic acid, 2-deoxy-d-ribose, fetuin, asialofetuin, and bovine submaxillary mucin. Melibiose and N-glycolyl neuraminic acid did not inhibit the activity of any of the Fusarium lectins. Mycelial extracts of F. begoniae, F. nisikadoi, F. anthophilum, and F. incarnatum interacted with most of the carbohydrates tested. F. fujikuroi and F. anthophilum extracts displayed strong interaction with starch. The expression of lectin activity as a function of culture age was investigated. Most species displayed lectin activity on the 7th day of cultivation, and it varied with progressing of culture age. Copyright © 2016 Sociedade Brasileira de Microbiologia. Published by Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.

  15. Novel selective kappa-opioid ligands.

    PubMed

    Peeters, O M; Jamroz, D; Blaton, N M; De Ranter, C J

    1999-03-15

    The single-crystal X-ray structures of (-)-dimethyl[(2S)-1-(5,6,7,8- tetrahydro-5-oxonaphthalene-2-acetyl)piperidin-2-ylmethyl ]ammonium chloride, C20H29N2O2+.Cl-(BRL-53001A), and (-)-ethylmethyl[(2S)-1-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5-oxonaphthalene- 2- acetyl)piperidin-2-ylmethyl]-ammonium chloride dihydrate, C21H31N2O2+.Cl-.2H2O (BRL-53188A), have been determined. The two molecules have different conformations in the 1-tetralon-6-ylacetyl residue but the same conformation in the 1-acetyl-2-(dialkylaminomethyl)piperidine moiety. The conformations found are in agreement with the required chemical features for kappa affinity and antinociceptive potency.

  16. N-Acetyl-S-(N,N-diethylcarbamoyl) cysteine in rat nucleus accumbens, medial prefrontal cortex, and in RAT and human plasma after disulfiram administration

    PubMed Central

    Winefield, Robert D.; Heemskerk, Anthonius A.M.; Kaul, Swetha; Williams, Todd D.; Caspers, Michael J.; Prisinzano, Thomas E.; McCance-Katz, Elinore F.; Lunte, Craig E.

    2015-01-01

    Disulfiram (DSF), a treatment for alcohol use disorders, has shown some clinical effectiveness in treating addiction to cocaine, nicotine, and pathological gambling. The mechanism of action of DSF for treating these addictions is unclear but it is unlikely to involve the inhibition of liver aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH2). DSF is a pro-drug and forms a number of metabolites, one of which is N-acetyl-S-(N,N-diethylcarbamoyl) cysteine (DETC-NAC). Here we describe a LCMS/MS method on a QQQ type instrument to quantify DETC-NAC in plasma and intracellular fluid from mammalian brain. An internal standard, the N,N-di-isopropylcarbamoyl homolog (MIM: 291 > 128) is easily separable from DETC-NAC (MIM: 263 > 100) on C18 RP media with a methanol gradient. The method's linear range is 0.5–500 nM from plasma and dialysate salt solution with all precisions better than 10% RSD. DETC-NAC and internal standards were recovered at better than 95% from all matrices, perchloric acid precipitation (plasma) or formic acid addition (salt) and is stable in plasma or salt at low pH for up to 24 h. Stability is observed through three freeze-thaw cycles per day for 7 days. No HPLC peak area matrix effect was greater than 10%. A human plasma sample from a prior analysis for S-(N,N-diethylcarbamoyl) glutathione (CARB) was found to have DETC NAC as well. In other human plasma samples from 62.5 mg/d and 250mg/d dosing, CARB concentration peaks at 0.3 and 4 nM at 3 h followed by DETC-NAC peaks of 11 and 70 nM 2 h later. Employing microdialysis sampling, DETC-NAC levels in the nucleus accumbens (NAc), medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), and plasma of rats treated with DSF reached 1.1, 2.5 and 80 nM at 6 h. The correlation between the appearance and long duration of DETC-NAC concentration in rat brain and the persistence of DSF-induced changes in neurotransmitters observed by Faiman et al. (Neuropharmacology, 2013, 75C, 95–105) is discussed. PMID:25720821

  17. Melatonin and its precursors scavenge nitric oxide

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

    Noda, Y.; Mori, A.; Liburdy, R.

    Nitric oxide (NO) scavenging activity of melatonin, N-acetyl-5-hydroxytryptamine, serotonin, 5-hydroxytryptophan and L-tryptophan was examined by the Griess reaction using flow injection analysis. 1-Hydroxy-2-oxo-3-(N-methyl-3-aminopropyl)-3-methyl-1-triazene(NOC-7) was used as NO generator. The Griess reagent stoichiometrically reacts with NO2-, which was converted by a cadmium-copper reduction column from the stable end products of NO oxidation. Except for tryptophan, all the compounds examined scavenged NO in a dose-dependent manner. Melatonin, which has a methoxy group in the 5-position and an acetyl side chain, exhibited the most potent scavenging activity among the compounds tested. Serotonin, N-acetyl-5-hydroxytryptamine, and 5-hydroxytryptophan, respectively, showed moderate scavenging activity compared to melatonin.more » Tryptophan, which has neither a methoxy nor a hydroxyl group in the 5-position, exhibited the least NO scavenging activity.« less

  18. Oxidizing action of purine N-oxide esters.

    PubMed

    Stöhrer, G; Salemnick, G

    1975-01-01

    A technique involving O-acetylation of purine N-oxide derivatives in buffered aqueous solutions has permitted studies of the reactivity of many compounds for which the O-acetyl derivatives are not otherwise available. The oxidizing properties of a variety of N-acetoxypurines have been measured through their ability to oxidize iodide ion ot iodine, a reaction which is representative of a more general oxidizing ability. Those esters that oxidize iodide ion also catalyze the autoxidation of sulfite, a property characteristic of radicals. The same esters also oxidize cysteine to cysteic acid and tryptophan, tyrosine, and uric acid to yet uncharacterized products. Their oxidizing reactivity was compared with the ability of the same esters to react as electrophiles in another assay that measured the rate of formation of pyridine substitution products. The sulfate ester of 3-hydroxyxanthine has been synthesized. Its reactivity is qualitatively the same as that of 3-acetoxyxanthine but proceeds at a higher rate. Syntheses of S-(8-xanthyl)-N-acetylcysteine, 8-(2-hydroxyethylthio)xanthine, and 1-methyl-8-mehtylmercaptoguanine are also described.

  19. Antigenic determinants of Staphylococcus aureus type 5 and type 8 capsular polysaccharide vaccines.

    PubMed

    Fattom, A I; Sarwar, J; Basham, L; Ennifar, S; Naso, R

    1998-10-01

    Bacterial capsular polysaccharides (CP) are carbohydrate polymers comprised of repeating saccharide units. Several of these CP have side chains attached to their backbone structures. The side chains may include O-acetyl, phosphate, sialic acid, and other moieties. Those moieties represent the immunodominant epitopes and the most functional ones. The clinically significant Staphylococcus aureus type 5 CP (CP 5) and type 8 CP (CP 8) are comprised of a trisaccharide repeat unit with one O-acetyl group attached to each repeat unit. The immunogenicity of these CP and the functionality of antibodies to the backbone and the O-acetyl moieties were investigated. Immunization with the native CP conjugates (CP with 75% O-acetylation) elicited a high proportion of antibodies directed against the O-acetyl moiety. Nonetheless, all of the vaccinees produced antibodies to the backbone moieties as well. Conjugate vaccines made of de-O-acetylated CP elicited backbone antibodies only. Antibodies to both backbone and O-acetyl groups were found to be opsonic against S. aureus strains which varied in their O-acetyl content. Absorption studies with O-acetylated and de-O-acetylated CP showed that (i) native CP conjugates generated antibodies to both backbone and O-acetyl groups and (ii) O-acetylated isolates were opsonized by both populations of antibodies while the non-O-acetylated strains were predominantly opsonized by the backbone antibodies. These results suggest that S. aureus CP conjugate vaccines elicit multiple populations of antibodies with diverse specificities. Moreover, the antibodies of different specificities (backbone or O-acetyl) are all functional and efficient against the variations in bacterial CP that may occur among clinically significant S. aureus pathogenic isolates.

  20. Urinary mutagenicity and N-acetylation phenotype in textile industry workers exposed to arylamines

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

    Sinues, B.; Perez, J.; Bernal, M.L.

    1992-09-15

    Primary aromatic amines have been identified epidemiologically as human carcinogens. It has been suggested that the target organ affected by aromatic amines is dependent on the rate of metabolic activation. Epidemiological studies have shown an association between low acetyl transferase activity and bladder cancer risk. On this basis, our working hypothesis was that the slow acetylators could follow in a higher extent the metabolic pathway independent of N-acetylation, leading to the excretion of conjugates of electrophyles with glucuronic acid. The instability of these glucuronides could be responsible for the association between arylamine-induced bladder cancer and slow acetylator phenotype. A totalmore » of 153 individuals were included in this study: 70 exposed to arylamines (working in textile industry) and 83 nonexposed. The following parameters were determined in urine: mutagenic index in the absence of metabolic activation, S9; mutagenic index in the presence of S9; and the mutagenic index after incubation of the urine with beta-glucuronidase. All individuals were phenotyped according to their capacity of N-acetylation by using isoniazid as drug test. The results show that the mutagenic index after incubation of the urine with beta-glucuronidase is statistically higher in exposed subjects when compared with nonexposed individuals (P less than 0.001), this parameter being statistically higher among exposed subjects who were slow acetylators than among rapid metabolizers, independent of the fact that they were smokers or nonsmokers. There were no significant differences between groups for the mutagenicity in urine not incubated with beta-glucuronidase.« less

  1. Acetylation of bacterial cellulose catalyzed by citric acid: Use of reaction conditions for tailoring the esterification extent.

    PubMed

    Ávila Ramírez, Jhon Alejandro; Gómez Hoyos, Catalina; Arroyo, Silvana; Cerrutti, Patricia; Foresti, María Laura

    2016-11-20

    Bacterial cellulose (BC) nanoribbons were partially acetylated by a simple direct solvent-free route catalyzed by citric acid. The assay of reaction conditions within chosen intervals (i.e. esterification time (0.5-7h), catalyst content (0.08-1.01mmol/mmol AGU), and temperature (90-140°C)), illustrated the flexibility of the methodology proposed, with reaction variables which can be conveniently manipulated to acetylate BC to the required degree of substitution (DS) within the 0.20-0.73 interval. Within this DS interval, characterization results indicated a surface-only process in which acetylated bacterial cellulose with tunable DS, preserved fibrous structure and increased hydrophobicity could be easily obtained. The feasibility of reusing the catalyst/excess acylant in view of potential scale-up was also illustrated. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  2. Chemopreventive effects of 5-aminosalicylic acid on inflammatory bowel disease-associated colorectal cancer and dysplasia: a systematic review with meta-analysis

    PubMed Central

    Qiu, Xinyun; Ma, Jingjing; Wang, Kai; Zhang, Hongjie

    2017-01-01

    Background and Aims The chemopreventive effect of 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has been widely studied; however, the results remain conflicting. The aim of this study was to systematically review the literature and update evidence concerning effects of 5-ASA on the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) and dysplasia (Dys) in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) or Crohn's disease (CD). Results 5-ASA showed a chemopreventive effect against CRC/Dys in IBD patients (OR = 0.58, 95% CI: 0.45−0.75). However, this effect was significant only in clinical-based studies (OR = 0.51; 95% CI: 0.39−0.65), but not in population-based studies (OR = 0.71; 95% CI: 0.46−1.09). Moreover, this effect was noticeable in patients with UC (OR = 0.46, 95% CI: 0.34−0.61), but not in CD (OR = 0.66, 95% CI: 0.42−1.03), and on the outcome of CRC (OR = 0.54, 95% CI: 0.39−0.74), but not Dys (OR = 0.47; 95% CI: 0.20−1.10). In IBD patients, mesalazine dosage ≥ 1.2 g/day showed greater protective effects against CRC/Dys than dosages < 1.2 g/day. However, Sulphasalazine therapy did not show any noticeable protective function regardless of the dosage administered. Materials and Methods We performed a systematic review with a meta-analysis of 26 observational studies involving 15,460 subjects to evaluate the risks of developing CRC and Dys in IBD patients receiving 5-ASA treatment. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for each evaluation index. Conclusions 5-ASA has a chemopreventive effect on CRC (but not Dys) in IBD patients. Moreover, UC patients can benefit more from 5-ASA than CD patients. Mesalazine maintenance dosage ≥ 1.2 g/day is an effective treatment for reducing CRC risk in IBD patients. PMID:27906680

  3. 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.

  4. Cocrystals and alloys of nitazoxanide: enhanced pharmacokinetics.

    PubMed

    Suresh, Kuthuru; Mannava, M K Chaitanya; Nangia, Ashwini

    2016-03-18

    Two isomorphous cocrystals of nitazoxanide (NTZ) with p-aminosalicylic acid (PASA) and p-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) as well as their alloys were prepared by slurry and grinding techniques. The cocrystals exhibit faster dissolution rates and higher pharmacokinetic properties compared to the reference drug, and surprisingly the cocrystal alloy NTZ-PABA : NTZ-PASA (0.75 : 0.25) exhibited 4 fold higher bioavailability of NTZ in Sprague Dawley rats. This study opens the opportunity for cocrystal alloys as improved medicines.

  5. Factors influencing palmitoyl-CoA oxidation by rat liver peroxisomal fractions. Substrate concentration, organelle integrity and ATP.

    PubMed Central

    Thomas, J; Debeer, L J; De Schepper, P J; Mannaerts, G P

    1980-01-01

    1. The first dehydrogenation step of peroxisomal beta-oxidation involves the reduction of O2 to H2O2. Production rates of H2O2 and acetyl units by purified rat liver peroxisomes oxidizing palmitoyl-CoA were equal, indicating that H2O2 production is a reliable index for the release of acetyl units during peroxisomal fatty-acid oxidation. 2. Measurements of H2O2 and acid-soluble oxidation products during [1-14C]palmitoyl-CoA oxidation by purified peroxisomes revealed that the number of acetyl units released per molecule of palmitoyl-CoA oxidized rapidly decreased with increasing unbound palmitoyl-CoA concentrations. Structural damage to the peroxisomes caused by detergents or other treatments also decreased the number of acetyl units released. Under conditions where oxidation proceeded linearly with time the theoretical maximum of 5 acetyl units released per molecule of palmitoyl-CoA oxidized [Lazarow (1978) J. Biol. Chem. 253, 1522--1528] was never reached. 3. Expressed in terms of acetyl units produced and measured at low unbound-palmitoyl-CoA concentrations, mitochondrial oxidation was 10--20-fold higher than peroxisomal oxidation. 4. ATP stimulated peroxisomal palmitoyl-CoA oxidation approx. 2-fold. The ATP effect required the presence of Mg2+ and was lost when peroxisomal membranes were disrupted by Triton X-100 or high concentrations of unbound palmitoyl-CoA. 5. Disruption of peroxisomes by detergents, freeze--thawing, osmotic or mechanical treatment did not stimulate palmitoyl-CoA oxidation in the presence of ATP, indicating that peroxisomal fatty-acid-CoA oxidation was not latent. In the absence of ATP, Triton X-100 stimulated peroxisomal palmitoyl-CoA oxidation approx. 2-fold. PMID:7470063

  6. Arylamine N-acetyltransferase 1 in situ N-acetylation on CD3+ peripheral blood mononuclear cells correlate with NATb mRNA and NAT1 haplotype.

    PubMed

    Salazar-González, Raúl A; Turiján-Espinoza, Eneida; Hein, David W; Niño-Moreno, Perla C; Romano-Moreno, Silvia; Milán-Segovia, Rosa C; Portales-Pérez, Diana P

    2018-02-01

    Human arylamine N-acetyltransferase 1 (NAT1) is responsible for the activation and elimination of xenobiotic compounds and carcinogens. Genetic polymorphisms in NAT1 modify both drug efficacy and toxicity. Previous studies have suggested a role for NAT1 in the development of several diseases. The aim of the present study was to evaluate NAT1 protein expression and in situ N-acetylation capacity in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), as well as their possible associations with the expression of NAT1 transcript and NAT1 genotype. We report NAT1 protein, mRNA levels, and N-acetylation in situ activity for PBMC obtained from healthy donors. NAT1-specific protein expression was higher in CD3+ cells than other major immune cell subtypes (CD19 or CD56 cells). N-acetylation of pABA varied markedly among the PBMC of participants, but correlated very significantly with levels of NAT1 transcripts. NAT1*4 subjects showed significantly (p = 0.017) higher apparent pABA V max of 71.3 ± 3.7 versus the NAT1*14B subjects apparent V max of 58.5 ± 2.5 nmoles Ac-pABA/24 h/million cells. Levels of pABA N-acetylation activity at each concentration of substrate evaluated also significantly correlated with NAT1 mRNA levels for all samples (p < 0.0001). This highly significant correlation was maintained for samples with the NAT1*4 (p = 0.002) and NAT1*14B haplotypes (p = 0.0106). These results provide the first documentation that NAT1-catalyzed N-acetylation in PBMC is higher in T cell than in other immune cell subtypes and that individual variation in N-acetylation capacity is dependent upon NAT1 mRNA and NAT1 haplotype.

  7. Optimization of Clonazepam Therapy Adjusted to Patient’s CYP3A Status and NAT2 Genotype

    PubMed Central

    Tóth, Katalin; Csukly, Gábor; Sirok, Dávid; Belic, Ales; Kiss, Ádám; Háfra, Edit; Déri, Máté; Menus, Ádám; Bitter, István

    2016-01-01

    Background: The shortcomings of clonazepam therapy include tolerance, withdrawal symptoms, and adverse effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, and confusion leading to increased risk of falls. Inter-individual variability in the incidence of adverse events in patients partly originates from the differences in clonazepam metabolism due to genetic and nongenetic factors. Methods: Since the prominent role in clonazepam nitro-reduction and acetylation of 7-amino-clonazepam is assigned to CYP3A and N-acetyl transferase 2 enzymes, respectively, the association between the patients’ CYP3A status (CYP3A5 genotype, CYP3A4 expression) or N-acetyl transferase 2 acetylator phenotype and clonazepam metabolism (plasma concentrations of clonazepam and 7-amino-clonazepam) was evaluated in 98 psychiatric patients suffering from schizophrenia or bipolar disorders. Results: The patients’ CYP3A4 expression was found to be the major determinant of clonazepam plasma concentrations normalized by the dose and bodyweight (1263.5±482.9 and 558.5±202.4ng/mL per mg/kg bodyweight in low and normal expressers, respectively, P<.0001). Consequently, the dose requirement for the therapeutic concentration of clonazepam was substantially lower in low-CYP3A4 expresser patients than in normal expressers (0.029±0.011 vs 0.058±0.024mg/kg bodyweight, P<.0001). Furthermore, significantly higher (about 2-fold) plasma concentration ratio of 7-amino-clonazepam and clonazepam was observed in the patients displaying normal CYP3A4 expression and slower N-acetylation than all the others. Conclusion: Prospective assaying of CYP3A4 expression and N-acetyl transferase 2 acetylator phenotype can better identify the patients with higher risk of adverse reactions and can facilitate the improvement of personalized clonazepam therapy and withdrawal regimen. PMID:27639091

  8. Recent trends and future directions for the medical treatment of ulcerative colitis.

    PubMed

    Naganuma, Makoto; Mizuno, Shinta; Nanki, Kosaku; Sugimoto, Shinya; Kanai, Takanori

    2016-12-01

    Recently, several medical treatments for ulcerative colitis (UC) have been developed, including 5-aminosalicylic acids (5-ASAs), corticosteroids, thiopurine, calcineurin inhibitors, and anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) α treatments. Treatment options including calcineurin inhibitors and anti-TNF treatment for refractory UC are discussed in this article. Furthermore, upcoming treatments are introduced, such as golimumab, vedolizumab, AJM300, tofacitinib. Budesonide foamwill be used as one treatment option in patients with distal colitis. Herbal medicine, such as Qing-Dai is also effective for active UC and may be useful for patients who are refractory to anti-TNFα treatments. In the near future, physicians will able to use many different treatments for UC patients. However, we should not forget 5-ASA and corticosteroids as the fundamental treatments for UC patients.

  9. Synthesis and biological activity of hydrazide hydrazones and their corresponding 3-acetyl-2,5-disubstituted-2,3-dihydro-1,3,4-oxadiazoles

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Various new 3-acetyl-2,5-disubstituted-2,3-dihydro-1,3,4-oxadiazoles (11-20) were prepared by the reaction of aryl substituted hydrazones of 4-fluorobenzoic acid hydrazide (1-10) with acetic anhydride. The structures of the newly synthesized compounds 11-20, were confirmed by UV, IR and 1H NMR spec...

  10. Enzymatic synthesis of novel quercetin sialyllactoside derivatives.

    PubMed

    Darsandhari, Sumangala; Bae, Jae Yoon; Shrestha, Biplav; Yamaguchi, Tokutaro; Jung, Hye Jin; Han, Jang Mi; Rha, Chan-Su; Pandey, Ramesh Prasad; Sohng, Jae Kyung

    2018-06-06

    Quercetin and its derivatives are important flavonols that show diverse biological activity, such as antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral activities. Adding different substituents to quercetin may change the biochemical activity and bioavailability of molecules, when compared to the aglycone. Here, we have synthesised two novel derivatives of quercetin, quercetin-3-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl, 4''-O-d-galactopyranosyl 3'''-O-α-N-acetyl neuraminic acid i.e. 3'-sialyllactosyl quercetin (3'SL-Q) and quercetin-3-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl, 4''-O-β-d-galactopyranosyl 6'''-O-α-N-acetyl neuraminic acid i.e. 6'-sialyllactosyl quercetin (6'SL-Q) with the use of glycosyltransferases and sialyltransferases enzymes. These derivatives of quercetin were characterised by high-resolution quadrupole-time-of-flight electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry (HR-QTOF-ESI/MS) and 1 H and 13 C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analyses.

  11. Syntheses of nicotinamide riboside and derivatives: effective agents for increasing nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide concentrations in mammalian cells.

    PubMed

    Yang, Tianle; Chan, Noel Yan-Ki; Sauve, Anthony A

    2007-12-27

    A new two-step methodology achieves stereoselective synthesis of beta-nicotinamide riboside and a series of related amide, ester, and acid nucleosides. Compounds were prepared through a triacetylated-nicotinate ester nucleoside, via coupling of either ethylnicotinate or phenylnicotinate with 1,2,3,5-tetra-O-acetyl-beta-D-ribofuranose. Nicotinamide riboside, nicotinic acid riboside, O-ethylnicotinate riboside, O-methylnicotinate riboside, and several N-alkyl derivatives increased NAD+ concentrations from 1.2-2.7-fold in several mammalian cell lines. These findings establish bioavailability and potent effects of these nucleosides in stimulating the increase of NAD+ concentrations in mammalian cells.

  12. Acetyl coenzyme A synthetase is acetylated on multiple lysine residues by a protein acetyltransferase with a single Gcn5-type N-acetyltransferase (GNAT) domain in Saccharopolyspora erythraea.

    PubMed

    You, Di; Yao, Li-Li; Huang, Dan; Escalante-Semerena, Jorge C; Ye, Bang-Ce

    2014-09-01

    Reversible lysine acetylation (RLA) is used by cells of all domains of life to modulate protein function. To date, bacterial acetylation/deacetylation systems have been studied in a few bacteria (e.g., Salmonella enterica, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Erwinia amylovora, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and Geobacillus kaustophilus), but little is known about RLA in antibiotic-producing actinomycetes. Here, we identify the Gcn5-like protein acetyltransferase AcuA of Saccharopolyspora erythraea (SacAcuA, SACE_5148) as the enzyme responsible for the acetylation of the AMP-forming acetyl coenzyme A synthetase (SacAcsA, SACE_2375). Acetylated SacAcsA was deacetylated by a sirtuin-type NAD(+)-dependent consuming deacetylase (SacSrtN, SACE_3798). In vitro acetylation/deacetylation of SacAcsA enzyme was studied by Western blotting, and acetylation of lysine residues Lys(237), Lys(380), Lys(611), and Lys(628) was confirmed by mass spectrometry. In a strain devoid of SacAcuA, none of the above-mentioned Lys residues of SacAcsA was acetylated. To our knowledge, the ability of SacAcuA to acetylate multiple Lys residues is unique among AcuA-type acetyltransferases. Results from site-specific mutagenesis experiments showed that the activity of SacAcsA was controlled by lysine acetylation. Lastly, immunoprecipitation data showed that in vivo acetylation of SacAcsA was influenced by glucose and acetate availability. These results suggested that reversible acetylation may also be a conserved regulatory posttranslational modification strategy in antibiotic-producing actinomycetes. Copyright © 2014, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

  13. A new double coupling system: synthesis of citronellyl acetate via transacetylation to citronellol from acetyl coenzyme A produced from glucose and free fatty acids.

    PubMed

    Oda, S; Ohta, H

    2001-08-01

    A double coupling system, which couples metabolism of glucose and transacetylation, is a unique procedure for the production of acetic esters. In the novel coupling system described in this article, acetyl coenzyme A (acetyl-CoA) was supplied via metabolism of both glucose and exogenous saturated fatty acids. While short and middle chain fatty acids having C4-8 were very biotoxic, myristic acid (C14) was effectively used as a source of acetyl-CoA.

  14. Effects of Oral Glucosamine Hydrochloride Administration on Plasma Free Amino Acid Concentrations in Dogs

    PubMed Central

    Azuma, Kazuo; Osaki, Tomohiro; Tsuka, Takeshi; Imagawa, Tomohiro; Okamoto, Yoshiharu; Takamori, Yoshimori; Minami, Saburo

    2011-01-01

    We examined the effects of oral glucosamine hydrochloride (GlcN), N-acetyl-d-glucosamine (GlcNAc) and d-glucose (Glc) administration on plasma total free amino acid (PFAA) concentrations in dogs. The PFAA concentrations increased in the control group and the GlcNAc group at one hour after feeding, and each amino acid concentration increased. On the other hand, in the GlcN group and the Glc group PFAA concentrations decreased at one hour after feeding. A significant decrease in amino acid concentration was observed for glutamate, glycine and alanine. Our results suggest the existence of differences in PFAA dynamics after oral administration of GlcN and GlcNAc in dogs. PMID:21673884

  15. 3-Fluoro­benzoic acid–4-acetyl­pyridine (1/1) at 100 K

    PubMed Central

    Craig, Gavin A.; Thomas, Lynne H.; Adam, Martin S.; Ballantyne, Angela; Cairns, Andrew; Cairns, Stephen C.; Copeland, Gary; Harris, Clifford; McCalmont, Eve; McTaggart, Robert; Martin, Alan R. G.; Palmer, Sarah; Quail, Jenna; Saxby, Harriet; Sneddon, Duncan J.; Stewart, Graeme; Thomson, Neil; Whyte, Alex; Wilson, Chick C.; Parkin, Andrew

    2009-01-01

    In the title compound, C7H5FO2·C7H7NO, a moderate-strength hydrogen bond is formed between the carboxyl group of one mol­ecule and the pyridine N atom of the other. The benzoic acid mol­ecule is observed to be disordered over two positions with the second orientation only 4% occupied. This disorder is also reflected in the presence of diffuse scattering in the diffraction pattern. PMID:21581976

  16. Acetylation within the N- and C-Terminal Domains of Src Regulates Distinct Roles of STAT3-Mediated Tumorigenesis.

    PubMed

    Huang, Chao; Zhang, Zhe; Chen, Lihan; Lee, Hank W; Ayrapetov, Marina K; Zhao, Ting C; Hao, Yimei; Gao, Jinsong; Yang, Chunzhang; Mehta, Gautam U; Zhuang, Zhengping; Zhang, Xiaoren; Hu, Guohong; Chin, Y Eugene

    2018-06-01

    Posttranslational modifications of mammalian c-Src N-terminal and C-terminal domains regulate distinct functions. Myristoylation of G 2 controls its cell membrane association and phosphorylation of Y419/Y527 controls its activation or inactivation, respectively. We provide evidence that Src-cell membrane association-dissociation and catalytic activation-inactivation are both regulated by acetylation. In EGF-treated cells, CREB binding protein (CBP) acetylates an N-terminal lysine cluster (K5, K7, and K9) of c-Src to promote dissociation from the cell membrane. CBP also acetylates the C-terminal K401, K423, and K427 of c-Src to activate intrinsic kinase activity for STAT3 recruitment and activation. N-terminal domain phosphorylation (Y14, Y45, and Y68) of STAT3 by c-Src activates transcriptionally active dimers of STAT3. Moreover, acetyl-Src translocates into nuclei, where it forms the Src-STAT3 enhanceosome for gene regulation and cancer cell proliferation. Thus, c-Src acetylation in the N-terminal and C-terminal domains play distinct roles in Src activity and regulation. Significance: CBP-mediated acetylation of lysine clusters in both the N-terminal and C-terminal regions of c-Src provides additional levels of control over STAT3 transcriptional activity. Cancer Res; 78(11); 2825-38. ©2018 AACR . ©2018 American Association for Cancer Research.

  17. Urinalysis of MMX-mesalazine as a tool to monitor 5-ASA adherence in daily IBD practice.

    PubMed

    Römkens, Tessa E H; Te Morsche, Rene; Peters, Wilbert; Burger, David M; Hoentjen, Frank; Drenth, Joost P H

    2018-03-01

    Adherence is pivotal but challenging in ulcerative colitis (UC) treatment. Many methods to assess adherence are subjective or have limitations. (Nac-)5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) urinalysis by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) seems feasible and reproducible in healthy volunteers. We performed a prospective study in adult quiescent UC patients to evaluate the feasibility of spot (Nac-)5-ASA urinalysis by HPLC to assess adherence in daily inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) care. Twenty-nine patients (51.7% male, mean age 52 ± 11 years) were included (median FU 9 months) and weekly spot urine samples were collected. We found large variation in spot (Nac-)5-ASA urinary excretion that was unrelated to brand, dosing schedule or dosage of 5-ASA. In conclusion, spot (Nac-)5-ASA urinalysis is not applicable to assess 5-ASA adherence in daily IBD care. © 2017 The British Pharmacological Society.

  18. Ulcerative proctitis: a review of pharmacotherapy and management.

    PubMed

    Lakatos, Peter Laszlo; Lakatos, Laszlo

    2008-04-01

    Ulcerative proctitis (UP) is a common presentation of ulcerative colitis (UC). To summarize available literature on up-to-date management and pharmacotherapy of UP patients. Extensive Medline/Embase literature search was performed to identify relevant articles. Topical medication with rectally administered 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA)/corticosteroid suppositories or enemas is effective treatment for most UP patients. Locally administered 5-ASA is more efficacious than oral compounds. The combination of topical 5-ASA and oral 5-ASA or topical steroids should be considered for escalation of treatment. Maintenance treatment is indicated in all UC cases. 5-ASA suppositories are suggested as first-line maintenance therapy if accepted by patients, although oral 5-ASA as maintenance therapy might prevent proximal extension of the disease. After re-assessment, chronically active patients refractory or intolerant to 5-ASAs and corticosteroids may require immunomodulators or biological therapy. Exceptional cases may require a proctocolectomy.

  19. Histone deacetylase inhibitors: Isoform selectivity improves survival in a hemorrhagic shock model.

    PubMed

    Chang, Panpan; Weykamp, Michael; Dennahy, Isabel S; Williams, Aaron M; Bhatti, Umar F; Liu, Baoling; Nikolian, Vahagn C; Li, Yongqing; Alam, Hasan B

    2018-05-01

    Hemorrhage is a leading preventable cause of death. Nonselective histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACIs), such as valproic acid (VPA), have been shown to improve outcomes in hemorrhagic shock (HS). The HDACs can be divided into four functional classes (I, IIa/IIb, III, and IV). Classes I, IIa/IIb, and III have previously been implicated in the pathophysiology of HS. This study aimed to determine which HDAC class, or classes, are responsible for the survival benefit observed with nonselective HDACIs. Survival study: Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to lethal HS (50% hemorrhage) and randomized to the following groups (n = 8): (1) no treatment, (2) normal saline vehicle, (3) cyclodextrin vehicle, (4) MS275 (class I HDACI), (5) VPA (class I/IIa HDACI), (6) MC1568 (class IIa HDACI), (7) ACY1083 (class IIb HDACI), and (8) EX527 (class III HDACI). Survival was monitored for 24 hours. Mechanistic study: Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to sublethal HS (40% hemorrhage) and randomized to the same groups (n = 3), excluding EX527, based on results of the survival study. Tissues were harvested at 3 hours posttreatment, and expression of phosphorylated-AKT, β-catenin, acetylated histones H3 and H4, and acetylated α-tubulin were analyzed in myocardial tissue. Survival rate was 12.5% in the untreated group, and did not improve with vehicle or MS275 treatment. EX527 improved survival to 50%, although this did not achieve statistical significance (p = 0.082). However, treatment with VPA, MC1568, and ACY1083 improved survival rates to 87.5%, 75%, and 75%, respectively (p < 0.05). The VPA-induced acetylation of both histones H3 and H4, while MC1568 and ACY1083 increased acetylation of histone H4. ACY1083 also induced acetylation of α-tubulin. All treatment groups, except MS275, increased phosphorylated-AKT, and β-catenin. Inhibition of HDAC classes IIa or IIb, but not class I, activates prosurvival pathways, which may be responsible for the improved outcomes in rodent models of HS.

  20. Structural characterization of ribT from Bacillus subtilis reveals it as a GCN5-related N-acetyltransferase.

    PubMed

    Srivastava, Ritika; Kaur, Amanpreet; Sharma, Charu; Karthikeyan, Subramanian

    2018-04-01

    In bacteria, biosynthesis of riboflavin occurs through a series of enzymatic steps starting with one molecule of GTP and two molecules of ribulose-5-phosphate. In Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis) the genes (ribD/G, ribE, ribA, ribH and ribT) which are involved in riboflavin biosynthesis are organized in an operon referred as rib operon. All the genes of rib operon are characterized functionally except for ribT. The ribT gene with unknown function is found at the distal terminal of rib operon and annotated as a putative N-acetyltransferase. Here, we report the crystal structure of ribT from B. subtilis (bribT) complexed with coenzyme A (CoA) at 2.1 Å resolution determined by single wavelength anomalous dispersion method. Our structural study reveals that bribT is a member of GCN5-related N-acetyltransferase (GNAT) superfamily and contains all the four conserved structural motifs that have been in other members of GNAT superfamily. The members of GNAT family transfers the acetyl group from acetyl coenzyme A (AcCoA) to a variety of substrates. Moreover, the structural analysis reveals that the residues Glu-67 and Ser-107 are suitably positioned to act as a catalytic base and catalytic acid respectively suggesting that the catalysis by bribT may follow a direct transfer mechanism. Surprisingly, the mutation of a non-conserved amino acid residue Cys-112 to alanine or serine affected the binding of AcCoA to bribT, indicating a possible role of Cys-112 in the catalysis. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  1. The crystal structure of N-acetyl-L-glutamate synthase from Neisseria gonorrhoeae provides insights into mechanisms of catalysis and regulation.

    PubMed

    Shi, Dashuang; Sagar, Vatsala; Jin, Zhongmin; Yu, Xiaolin; Caldovic, Ljubica; Morizono, Hiroki; Allewell, Norma M; Tuchman, Mendel

    2008-03-14

    The crystal structures of N-acetylglutamate synthase (NAGS) in the arginine biosynthetic pathway of Neisseria gonorrhoeae complexed with acetyl-CoA and with CoA plus N-acetylglutamate have been determined at 2.5- and 2.6-A resolution, respectively. The monomer consists of two separately folded domains, an amino acid kinase (AAK) domain and an N-acetyltransferase (NAT) domain connected through a 10-A linker. The monomers assemble into a hexameric ring that consists of a trimer of dimers with 32-point symmetry, inner and outer ring diameters of 20 and 100A, respectively, and a height of 110A(.) Each AAK domain interacts with the cognate domains of two adjacent monomers across two 2-fold symmetry axes and with the NAT domain from a second monomer of the adjacent dimer in the ring. The catalytic sites are located within the NAT domains. Three active site residues, Arg316, Arg425, and Ser427, anchor N-acetylglutamate in a position at the active site to form hydrogen bond interactions to the main chain nitrogen atoms of Cys356 and Leu314, and hydrophobic interactions to the side chains of Leu313 and Leu314. The mode of binding of acetyl-CoA and CoA is similar to other NAT family proteins. The AAK domain, although catalytically inactive, appears to bind arginine. This is the first reported crystal structure of any NAGS, and it provides insights into the catalytic function and arginine regulation of NAGS enzymes.

  2. The Crystal Structure of N-Acetyl-L-glutamate Synthase from Neisseria gonorrhoeae Provides Insights into Mechanisms of Catalysis and Regulation

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

    Shi, Dashuang; Sagar, Vatsala; Jin, Zhongmin

    2010-01-07

    The crystal structures of N-acetylglutamate synthase (NAGS) in the arginine biosynthetic pathway of Neisseria gonorrhoeae complexed with acetyl-CoA and with CoA plus N-acetylglutamate have been determined at 2.5- and 2.6-A resolution, respectively. The monomer consists of two separately folded domains, an amino acid kinase (AAK) domain and an N-acetyltransferase (NAT) domain connected through a 10-A linker. The monomers assemble into a hexameric ring that consists of a trimer of dimers with 32-point symmetry, inner and outer ring diameters of 20 and 100A, respectively, and a height of 110A(.) Each AAK domain interacts with the cognate domains of two adjacent monomersmore » across two 2-fold symmetry axes and with the NAT domain from a second monomer of the adjacent dimer in the ring. The catalytic sites are located within the NAT domains. Three active site residues, Arg316, Arg425, and Ser427, anchor N-acetylglutamate in a position at the active site to form hydrogen bond interactions to the main chain nitrogen atoms of Cys356 and Leu314, and hydrophobic interactions to the side chains of Leu313 and Leu314. The mode of binding of acetyl-CoA and CoA is similar to other NAT family proteins. The AAK domain, although catalytically inactive, appears to bind arginine. This is the first reported crystal structure of any NAGS, and it provides insights into the catalytic function and arginine regulation of NAGS enzymes.« less

  3. Effective Treatment of Manganese-Induced Occupational Parkinsonism With p-Aminosalicylic Acid: A Case of 17-Year Follow-Up Study

    PubMed Central

    Jiang, Yue-Ming; Mo, Xue-An; Du, Feng-Qi; Fu, Xue; Zhu, Xia-Yan; Gao, Hong-Yu; Xie, Jin-Lan; Liao, Feng-Ling; Pira, Enrico; Zheng, Wei

    2014-01-01

    Objective Chronic manganese (Mn) intoxication induces syndromes resembling Parkinson disease. The clinical intervention has largely been unsuccessful. We report a 17-year follow-up study of effective treatment of occupational Mn parkinsonism with sodium para-aminosalicylic acid (PAS). Methods The patient, female and aged 50 at the time of treatment, was exposed to airborne Mn for 21 years (1963–1984). The patient had palpitations, hand tremor, lower limb myalgia, hypermyotonia, and a distinct festinating gait. She received 6 g PAS per day through an intravenous drip infusion for 4 days and rested for 3 days as one therapeutic course. Fifteen such courses were carried out between March and June 1987. Results At the end of PAS treatment, her symptoms were significantly alleviated, and handwriting recovered to normal. Recent follow-up examination at age 67 years (in 2004) showed a general normal presentation in clinical, neurologic, brain magnetic resonance imaging, and handwriting examinations with a minor yet passable gait. Conclusions This case study suggests that PAS appears to be an effective drug for treatment of severe chronic Mn poisoning with a promising prognosis. PMID:16766929

  4. Surface modification and antimicrobial properties of cellulose nanocrystals

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bespalova, Yulia A.

    Surface modification of cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) was performed by acetylation and subsequent reaction with various tertiary amines with different lengths of alkyl groups. Chloroacetic anhydride (95%) was used for acetylation. The acetylation of CNC was confirmed using IR spectroscopy. The bands associated with C=0 stretching (1740 cm-1) and C-Cl stretching (793 cm -1) was present in the acetylated CNC but they were absent in the neat CNC. It has been suggested that the primary hydroxyl groups of CNC are substituted by chloro acetyl groups during acetylation reaction. Subsequent reaction of chloro acetylated CNC with N, N - Dimethyl ethylamine, N, N - Dimethyl hexylamine, N, N - Dimethyl dodecylamine, N, N - Dimethyl hexadecylamine and N, N - Dimethyl decylamine formed quaternary ammonium salts. These quaternary ammonium salts were characterized by FTIR and solid state13C NMR spectroscopy. FTIR spectra of five types of quaternary ammonium salts of CNC are similar and they showed infrared bands at 2905 -1 and 2850 cm-1, attributed to symmetrical and unsymmetrical C-H stretching vibration. The absence of C-Cl band at 793 cm-1 proves that quaternary salt formation was successful. The 13C NMR spectrum of quaternary ammonium modified CNC with N, N - Dimethyl dodecylamine shows several additional resonances ranging from 14.5 ppm to 58.0 ppm when compared to 13C NMR spectrum of pure CNC. This evidence proves that long alkyl chains have been added to the pure CNC. The disc diffusion method confirmed that quaternary ammonium modified CNCs with a chain longer than ten carbons are effective antimicrobial agents against Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli bacteria. Pure CNC and quaternary ammonium modified CNCs with an alkyl chain length of ten or less were not able to inhibit bacteria growth.

  5. Characterization and origin of the 'B' and 'C' compounds in the acid/neutral forensic signatures of heroin - products from the acylation of porphyroxine and subsequent hydrolysis.

    PubMed

    Casale, John F; Casale, Ellen S; Toske, Steven G; Hays, Patrick A; Panicker, Sini

    2017-03-01

    Two significant compounds often found in the gas chromatographic analysis of the acid/neutral extracts from illicit heroin have remained uncharacterized for 30 years. The unknown compounds are referred to as the 'B' and 'C' compounds. It has been postulated that these compounds arise from acetylation of porphyroxine, a rhoeadine alkaloid found at trace levels in the opium poppy, Papaver somniferum. Porphyroxine was isolated from opium and acetylated to produce N,O 8 -diacetylporphyroxine. Mild hydrolysis produced N,O 8 -diacetyl-O 14 -desmethyl-epi-porphyroxine (the C compound) and N-acetyl-O 14 -desmethyl-epi-porphyroxine (the B compound). Both N,O 8 -diacetyl-O 14 -desmethyl-epi-porphyroxine and N-acetyl-O 14 -desmethyl-epi-porphyroxine were determined to be C-14 epimers of porphyroxine and N,O 8 -diacetylporphyroxine. The non-epimerized isomers of the B and C compounds were also detected in illicit heroin, but at much lower levels. Chromatographic and spectroscopic data are presented for the aforementioned compounds. The presence/absence and relative concentrations of these compounds is presented for the four types of heroin (Southwest Asian, South American, Southeast Asian, and Mexican). The prevalence of detection for the B and C compounds are Southwest Asian = 92-93%, South American = 64-72%, Southeast Asian = 45-49%, and Mexican ≤ 3%. When detected, the overall trend of relative concentrations of dicaetylporhyroxine, the B-compound, and C-compound is Southwest Asian > South American > Southeast Asian, each by an order of magnitude. These compounds were rarely detected in Mexican heroin. The presence/absence and relative concentrations of these compounds provide pertinent forensic signature characteristics that significantly enhance the final regional classifications. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  6. Improved fermentative production of gamma-aminobutyric acid via the putrescine route: Systems metabolic engineering for production from glucose, amino sugars, and xylose.

    PubMed

    Jorge, João M P; Nguyen, Anh Q D; Pérez-García, Fernando; Kind, Stefanie; Wendisch, Volker F

    2017-04-01

    Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a non-protein amino acid widespread in Nature. Among the various uses of GABA, its lactam form 2-pyrrolidone can be chemically converted to the biodegradable plastic polyamide-4. In metabolism, GABA can be synthesized either by decarboxylation of l-glutamate or by a pathway that starts with the transamination of putrescine. Fermentative production of GABA from glucose by recombinant Corynebacterium glutamicum has been described via both routes. Putrescine-based GABA production was characterized by accumulation of by-products such as N-acetyl-putrescine. Their formation was abolished by deletion of the spermi(di)ne N-acetyl-transferase gene snaA. To improve provision of l-glutamate as precursor 2-oxoglutarate dehydrogenase activity was reduced by changing the translational start codon of the chromosomal gene for 2-oxoglutarate dehydrogenase subunit E1o to the less preferred TTG and by maintaining the inhibitory protein OdhI in its inhibitory form by changing amino acid residue 15 from threonine to alanine. Putrescine-based GABA production by the strains described here led to GABA titers up to 63.2 g L -1 in fed-batch cultivation at maximum volumetric productivities up to 1.34 g L -1  h -1 , the highest volumetric productivity for fermentative GABA production reported to date. Moreover, GABA production from the carbon sources xylose, glucosamine, and N-acetyl-glucosamine that do not have competing uses in the food or feed industries was established. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2017;114: 862-873. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  7. Thiolsubtilisin acts as an acetyltransferase in organic solvents.

    PubMed

    Tai, Dar Fu; Liaw, Wen Chen

    2002-04-24

    The catalytic mechanism of arylamine N-acetyltransferase has been proposed to involve Cys-His-Asp as its catalytic triad. Thiolsubtilisin, a chemically modified enzyme that has a catalytic triad of Cys-His-Asp at the active site, mimics the catalysis of arylamine N-acetyltransferase, serotonin N-acetyltransferase, histone N-acetyltransferase and amino acid N-acetyltransferase. Thiolsubtilisin not only can catalyze amino acid transacetylation, but is also able to catalyze amine transacetylation. Ethyl acetate was used as the acylating reagent to form N-acetyl amino acids and amines in organic solvents with moderate yield. Hence, these findings broaden our understanding of the structural features required for N-acetyltransferases activity as well as provide a structural relationship between cysteine protease and other N-acyltransferases.

  8. Selective Methylmagnesium Chloride Mediated Acetylations of Isosorbide: A Route to Powerful Nitric Oxide Donor Furoxans.

    PubMed

    Kielty, Patrick; Smith, Dennis A; Cannon, Peter; Carty, Michael P; Kennedy, Michael; McArdle, Patrick; Singer, Richard J; Aldabbagh, Fawaz

    2018-04-26

    Isosorbide was functionalized with furoxan for the first time to give adducts that release nitric oxide up to 7.5 times faster than the commercial vasodilator, isosorbide-5-mononitrate (Is5N). The synthesis was facilitated by MeMgCl-mediated selective acetylation of isosorbide or selective deacetylation of isosorbide-2,5-diacetate, which was rationalized in terms of a more stable 5-alkoxide magnesium salt using DFT. Isosorbide-furoxans are safer to handle than Is5N due to greater thermal stability.

  9. Rapid and reliable quantitation of amino acids and myo-inositol in mouse brain by high performance liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry.

    PubMed

    Bathena, Sai P; Huang, Jiangeng; Epstein, Adrian A; Gendelman, Howard E; Boska, Michael D; Alnouti, Yazen

    2012-04-15

    Amino acids and myo-inositol have long been proposed as putative biomarkers for neurodegenerative diseases. Accurate measures and stability have precluded their selective use. To this end, a sensitive liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method based on multiple reaction monitoring was developed to simultaneously quantify glutamine, glutamate, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), aspartic acid, N-acetyl aspartic acid, taurine, choline, creatine, phosphocholine and myo-inositol in mouse brain by methanol extractions. Chromatography was performed using a hydrophilic interaction chromatography silica column within in a total run time of 15 min. The validated method is selective, sensitive, accurate, and precise. The method has a limit of quantification ranging from 2.5 to 20 ng/ml for a range of analytes and a dynamic range from 2.5-20 to 500-4000 ng/ml. This LC-MS/MS method was validated for biomarker discovery in models of human neurological disorders. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  10. Acetaminophen analog N-acetyl-m-aminophenol, but not its reactive metabolite, N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine induces CYP3A activity via inhibition of protein degradation.

    PubMed

    Santoh, Masataka; Sanoh, Seigo; Ohtsuki, Yuya; Ejiri, Yoko; Kotake, Yaichiro; Ohta, Shigeru

    2017-05-06

    Cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A subfamily members are known to metabolize various types of drugs, highlighting the importance of understanding drug-drug interactions (DDI) depending on CYP3A induction or inhibition. While transcriptional regulation of CYP3A members is widely understood, post-translational regulation needs to be elucidated. We previously reported that acetaminophen (APAP) induces CYP3A activity via inhibition of protein degradation and proposed a novel DDI concept. N-Acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine (NAPQI), the reactive metabolite of APAP formed by CYP, is known to cause adverse events related to depletion of intracellular reduced glutathione (GSH). We aimed to inspect whether NAPQI rather than APAP itself could cause the inhibitory effects on protein degradation. We found that N-acetyl-l-cysteine, the precursor of GSH, and 1-aminobenzotriazole, a nonselective CYP inhibitor, had no effect on CYP3A1/23 protein levels affected by APAP. Thus, we used APAP analogs to test CYP3A1/23 mRNA levels, protein levels, and CYP3A activity. We found N-acetyl-m-aminophenol (AMAP), a regioisomer of APAP, has the same inhibitory effects of CYP3A1/23 protein degradation, while p-acetamidobenzoic acid (PAcBA), a carboxy-substituted form of APAP, shows no inhibitory effects. AMAP and PAcBA cannot be oxidized to quinone imine forms such as NAPQI, so the inhibitory effects could depend on the specific chemical structure of APAP. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  11. Molecular modeling and multispectroscopic studies of the interaction of mesalamine with bovine serum albumin

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Shahabadi, Nahid; Fili, Soraya Moradi

    2014-01-01

    The interaction of mesalamine (5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA)) with bovine serum albumin (BSA) was investigated by fluorescence quenching, absorption spectroscopy, circular dichroism (CD) techniques, and molecular docking. Thermodynamic parameters (ΔH < 0 and ΔS 0) indicated that the hydrogen bond and electrostatic forces played the major role in the binding of 5-ASA to BSA. The results of CD and UV-vis spectroscopy showed that the binding of this drug to BSA induces some conformational changes in BSA. Displacement experiments predicted that the binding of 5-ASA to BSA is located within domain III, Sudlows site 2, that these observations were substantiated by molecular docking studies. In addition, the docking result shows that the 5-ASA in its anionic form mainly interacts with Gln-416 residue through one hydrogen bond between H atom of 5-ASA anion and the adjacent O atom of the hydroxyl group of Gln-416.

  12. Oligodendrocytes Do Not Export NAA-Derived Aspartate In Vitro.

    PubMed

    I Amaral, Ana; Hadera, Mussie Ghezu; Kotter, Mark; Sonnewald, Ursula

    2017-03-01

    Oligodendroglial cells are known to de-acetylate the N-acetylaspartate (NAA) synthesized and released by neurons and use it for lipid synthesis. However, the role of NAA regarding their intermediary metabolism remains poorly understood. Two hypotheses were proposed regarding the fate of aspartate after being released by de-acetylation: (1) aspartate is metabolized in the mitochondria of oligodendrocyte lineage cells; (2) aspartate is released to the medium. We report here that aspartoacylase mRNA expression increases when primary rat oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) differentiate into mature cells in culture. Moreover, characterising metabolic functions of acetyl coenzyme A and aspartate from NAA catabolism in mature oligodendrocyte cultures after 5 days using isotope-labelled glucose after 5-days of differentiation we found evidence of extensive NAA metabolism. Incubation with [1,6- 13 C]glucose followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and high performance liquid chromatography analyses of cell extracts and media in the presence and absence of NAA established that the acetate moiety produced by hydrolysis of NAA does not enter mitochondrial metabolism in the form of acetyl coenzyme A. We also resolved the controversy concerning the possible release of aspartate to the medium: aspartate is not released to the medium by oligodendrocytes in amounts detectable by our methods. Therefore we propose that: aspartate released from NAA joins the cytosolic aspartate pool rapidly and takes part in the malate-aspartate shuttle, which transports reducing equivalents from glycolysis into the mitochondria for ATP production and enters the tricarboxylic acid cycle at a slow rate.

  13. The role of amino acid side chains in stabilizing dipeptides: the laser ablation Fourier transform microwave spectrum of Ac-Val-NH2.

    PubMed

    León, I; Alonso, E R; Mata, S; Cabezas, C; Rodríguez, M A; Grabow, J-U; Alonso, J L

    2017-09-20

    The steric effects imposed by the isopropyl group of valine in the conformational stabilization of the capped dipeptide N-acetyl-l-valinamide (Ac-Val-NH 2 ) have been studied by laser ablation molecular beam Fourier transform microwave (LA-MB-FTMW) spectroscopy. The rotational and quadrupole coupling constants of the two 14 N nuclei determined in this work show that this dipeptide exists as a mixture of C 7 and C 5 conformers in the supersonic expansion. The conformers are stabilized by a C[double bond, length as m-dash]OH-N intramolecular hydrogen bond closing a seven- or a five-membered ring, respectively. The observation of both conformers is in good agreement with previous results on the related dipeptides containing different residues, confirming that the polarity/non-polarity of the side chains of the amino acid is responsible for the conformational locking/unlocking. The voluminous isopropyl group is not able to prevent the less stable C 5 conformer from forming but it destabilizes the C[double bond, length as m-dash]OH-N interaction.

  14. Detection of N-acetylated forms of alpha-MSH and beta-endorphin in the intermediate pituitary of the holostean fishes, Lepisosteus spatula, Lepisosteus osseus, and Amia calva.

    PubMed

    Dores, R M; Keller, H; White, Y; Marra, L E; Youson, J H

    1994-01-01

    Acid extracts of the intermediate pituitaries of the gars, L. spatula and L. osseus, were fractionated by Sephadex G-50 column chromatography and analyzed by radioimmunoassay. This procedure revealed that immunoreactive forms of N-acetylated beta-endorphin- and alpha-MSH-sized material were present in equimolar amounts and represented the major end products of the POMC biosynthetic pathway in these species. Cation-exchange chromatography indicated that multiple N-acetylated forms of beta-endorphin were present in the intermediate pituitaries of the two species of gar, and that these forms differed in their net positive charge and in their apparent molecular weight. Reversed-phase HPLC analysis of the alpha-MSH-related material indicated that up to 90% of the total MSH in the pituitary of the gar was N-acetylated. Furthermore, the predominant form of alpha-MSH in both species of gar was N,O-diacetyl-ACTH(1-13)-NH2. Nearly identical results were obtained following the analysis of alpha-MSH-related peptides in the intermediate pituitary of the bowfin, A. calva. The pattern of posttranslational processing of POMC observed in the intermediate pituitaries of holostean fishes is very similar to the processing events observed in lungfishes, turtles, and mammals; hence, the processing of POMC has been remarkably conserved during vertebrate evolution.

  15. The extracellular release of Schistosoma mansoni HMGB1 nuclear protein is mediated by acetylation

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

    Coutinho Carneiro, Vitor; Moraes Maciel, Renata de; Caetano de Abreu da Silva, Isabel

    2009-12-25

    Schistosoma mansoni HMGB1 (SmHMGB1) was revealed to be a substrate for the parasite histone acetyltransferases SmGCN5 and SmCBP1. We found that full-length SmHMGB1, as well as its HMG-box B (but not HMG-box A) were acetylated in vitro by SmGCN5 and SmCBP1. However, SmCBP1 was able to acetylate both substrates more efficiently than SmGCN5. Interestingly, the removal of the C-terminal acidic tail of SmHMGB1 (SmHMGB1{Delta}C) resulted in increased acetylation of the protein. We showed by mammalian cell transfection assays that SmHMGB1 and SmHMGB1{Delta}C were transported from the nucleus to the cytoplasm after sodium butyrate (NaB) treatment. Importantly, after NaB treatment, SmHMGB1more » was also present outside the cell. Together, our data suggest that acetylation of SmHMGB1 plays a role in cellular trafficking, culminating with its secretion to the extracellular milieu. The possible role of SmHMGB1 acetylation in the pathogenesis of schistosomiasis is discussed.« less

  16. Studies on the Role of N-Acetylaspartic Acid in Mammalian Brain

    PubMed Central

    Jacobson, K. Bruce

    1959-01-01

    N-Acetylaspartic acid (NAA) occurs at relatively high concentrations exclusively in the mammalian and avian brain and undergoes rapid rise in level soon after birth (Tallan, 1957). The amount of NAA in brains of mentally abnormal human beings and of young human beings was measured. The route by which NAA is synthesized was shown to involve a direct acetylation of aspartic acid. The degradative activity of the brain toward NAA is slight. Some experiments indicate that NAA in the brain is a physiologically and metabolically active compound. PMID:14406413

  17. [A novel gene (Aa-accA ) encoding acetyl-CoA carboxyltransferase alpha-subunit of Alkalimonas amylolytica N10 enhances salt and alkali tolerance of Escherichia coli and tobacco BY-2 cells].

    PubMed

    Xian, Mingjie; Zhai, Lei; Zhong, Naiqin; Ma, Yiwei; Xue, Yanfen; Ma, Yanhe

    2013-08-04

    Acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) catalyzes the first step of fatty acid synthesis. In most bacteria, ACC is composed of four subunits encoded by accA, accB, accC, and accD. Of them, accA encodes acetyl-CoA carboxyltransferase alpha-subunit. Our prior work on proteomics of Alkalimonas amylolytica N10 showed that the expression of the Aa-accA has a remarkable response to salt and alkali stress. This research aimed to find out the Aa-accA gene contributing to salt and alkali tolerance. The Aa-accA was amplified by PCR from A. amylolytica N10 and expressed in E. coli K12 host. The effects of Aa-accA expression on the growth of transgenic strains were examined under different NaCl concentration and pH conditions. Transgenic tobacco BY-2 cells harboring Aa-accA were also generated via Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. The viability of BY-2 cells was determined with FDA staining method after salt and alkali shock. The Aa-accA gene product has 318 amino acids and is homologous to the carboxyl transferase domain of acyl-CoA carboxylases. It showed 76% identity with AccA (acetyl-CoA carboxylase carboxyltransferase subunit alpha) from E. coli. Compared to the wild-type strains, transgenic E. coli K12 strain containing Aa-accA showed remarkable growth superiority when grown in increased NaCl concentrations and pH levels. The final cell density of the transgenic strains was 2.6 and 3.5 times higher than that of the control type when they were cultivated in LB medium containing 6% (W/V) NaCl and at pH 9, respectively. Complementary expression of Aa-accA in an accA-depletion E. coli can recover the tolerance of K12 delta accA to salt and alkali stresses to some extent. Similar to the transgenic E. coli, transgenic tobacco BY-2 cells showed higher percentages of viability compared to the wild BY-2 cells under the salt or alkali stress condition. We found that Aa-accA from A. amylolytica N10 overexpression enhances the tolerance of both transgenic E. coli and tobacco BY-2 cells to NaCl and alkali stresses.

  18. Neuroprotection in rabbit retina with N-acetyl-aspartylglutamate and 2-phosphonyl-methyl pentanedioic acid

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hacker, Henry D.; Yourick, Debra L.; Koenig, Michael K.; Slusher, Barbara S.; Meyerhoff, James L.

    1999-06-01

    Retinal tissue is subject to ischemia from diabetic retinopathy and other conditions that affect the retinal vasculature such as lupus erythematosus and temporal arteritis. There is evidence in animal models of reversible ischemia that a therapeutic window exists during early recovery when agents that reduce glutamate activity at its receptor sites can rescue neurons from injury. To model ischemia, we used sodium cyanide (NaCN), to inhibit oxidative metabolism, and 2-deoxyglucose (2-DG) to inhibit glycolysis. Dissociated rabbit retina cells were studied to evaluate the potential neuroprotective effects of N-acetyl-aspartyl-glutamate (MAAG), which competes with glutamate as a low-potency agonist at the NMDA receptor complex. N-acetylated α-linked acidic dipeptidase (NAALADase; the NAAG-hydrolyzing enzyme) is responsible for the hydrolysis of NAAG into glutamate, a neurotransmitter and potent excitotoxin, and N-acetylaspartate. 2-Phosphonyl-methyl pentanedioic acid (PMPA) and β-linked NAAG (β-NAAG), inhibitors of NAALADase, were also tested, since inhibition of NAALADase could reduce synaptic glutamate and increase the concentration of NAAG. We found that metabolic inhibition with NaCN/2-DG for 1 hour caused 50% toxicity as assessed with the MTT assay. Co-treatment with NAAG resulted in dose-dependent protection of up to 55% (p<0.005). When the non-hydrolyzable, NAALADase inhibitor β-NAAG was employed dose-dependent protection of up to 37% was observed (p<0.001). PMPA also showed 48% protection (p<.05-.001) against these insults. These data suggest that NAAG may antagonize the effect of glutamate at the NMDA receptor complex in retina. Inhibition of NAALADase by PMPA and β-NAAG may increase the activity of endogenous NAAG.

  19. Histochemical Characterization of Oocytes in the Pink Cuskeel (Genypterus blacodes).

    PubMed

    Cohen, Stefanía; Petcoff, Gladys; Freijo, Roberto O; Portiansky, Enrique L; Barbeito, Claudio G; Macchi, Gustavo J; Díaz, Alcira O

    2015-08-01

    In the present study we histochemically and lectinhistochemically characterized the growing oocytes of the pink cuskeel (Genypterus blacodes). We used histochemical methods for the localization and characterization of glycoconjugates (GCs) and lectin histochemical techniques for the identification of specific sugar residues. We analyzed presence and distribution of GCs in the different structures of the growing follicles (cortical alveoli, globules, yolk granules and zona radiata). During the initial stage of vitellogenesis, the oocytes presented small yolk granules composed of GCs that gradually increased during exogenous vitellogenesis. These GCs contained moderate quantities of α-D-mannose, D-glucose, N-acetylglucosamine and N-acetyl-neuraminic acid. The cortical alveoli contained both neutral and carboxylated GCs, and lectin techniques detected N-acetylgalactosamine, galactose and L-fucose. The zona radiata showed a strong positive reaction to PAS and it reacted weakly with more specific techniques, such as KOH/PA*S and PA/Bh/KOH/PAS. This structure showed GCs with oxidizable vicinal diols, O-acyl sugars and sialic acid residues with different substitution types and presented N-acetylgalactosamine and L-fucose specific residues. The oocytes follicular envelope evidenced neutral and acidic non-sulfated GCs and high concentrations of α-D-mannose, D-glucose, galactose and N-acetylgalactosamine. The intergranular cytoplasmic GCs were mainly rich in α-D-mannose, D-glucose, N-acetylgalactosamine, N-acetylglucosamine and N-acetyl-neuraminic acid. These results enhance the comprehension of the structure and functionality of the pink cuskeel ovarian follicles, and provide a useful tool for the study of this tissue in other teleost species.

  20. Pinonaldehyde and some other organics in rain and snow in central Japan.

    PubMed

    Satsumabayashi, H; Nishizawa, H; Yokouchi, Y; Ueda, H

    2001-11-01

    Solvent-extractable organic compounds in the rain and snow collected at local cities in the mountainous region in central Japan, were analyzed by GC/MS and GC. Pinonaldehyde (2,2-dimethyl-3-acetyl-cyclobutyl-ethanal), an atmospheric reaction product of alpha-pinene, was detected in the rain and snow for the first time, and n-alkanes (C17-C33), fatty acids (C8-C23), and benzoic acid were also detected as major organic components. Concentrations of pinonaldehyde, C17-C33 n-alkanes, C8-C11 fatty acids, C12-C23 fatty acids and benzoic acid ranged between <0.02-13, 0.10-35, 0.55-5.7, 4.2-19 and <0.02-6.0 microg/l, respectively. Their composition showed some difference in summer and winter. In summer, fatty acids and benzoic acid were more abundant, while pinonaldehyde and n-alkanes were much less. Higher photochemical reactivity and higher bioactivity in summer could explain these seasonal changes except for pinonaldehyde, which would suffer from further oxidation in the atmosphere after its photochemical production from alpha-pinene. Predominance of pinonaldehyde and C12-C23 fatty acids in the rain and snow showed a remarkable contrast to n-alkanes in aerosol phase, which were the most abundant components. It indicated that oxygenated products from biogenic compounds might be important as cloud condensation nuclei in forest areas.

  1. Molecular Characteristics of Multicorn, a New Large Proteolytic Assembly and Potential Anti-Cancer Drug Target, in Human Breast Cancer Cells

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2005-05-01

    modifications: peptide N-terminal glutamine to pyroglutamic transformation, oxidation of methionine, acetylation of protein N-terminus, and...or identical with human tripeptidyl peptidase II (TPPII) with a sequence of 1249 amino acids , accession number CAH72179, GI:55661755, derived from the...34In- Gel" Digestion Procedure for the Micropreparation of Internal Protein Fragments for Amino Acid Sequencing. Anal. Biochem., 224, 451-455. Osmulski

  2. [Medical therapy of inflammatory bowel diseases: ulcerative colitis].

    PubMed

    Lakatos, László; Lakatos, Péter László

    2007-06-24

    There are fewer significant changes in the medical therapy of ulcerative colitis (UC) compared to Crohn's disease. The most important factors that determine therapy are disease extent and severity. 5-aminosalicylates (5-ASA) constitute the treatment of choice in mild-to-moderate UC. The efficacy of new compounds (e.g. mesalazine) is only mildly improved compared to sulphasalazine; however, their use has become more frequent due to a more favorable side effects profile. Topical medication is more effective in proctitis and distal colitis, and the combination of topical and orally-administered drugs is superior to oral therapy alone also in extensive disease. Thus, this latter regimen should be considered for cases where the escalation of treatment is required. Systemic steroids still represent the first line therapy in acute, severe UC, while in patients who do not respond to steroids, cyclosporine and infliximab should be considered as a second line therapy and as alternatives for colectomy. Maintenance treatment is indicated in all UC cases. 5-ASA compounds are suggested as first line maintenance therapy with the optimal dose still being under investigation. Topical compounds are effective also for maintenance in distal colitis or proctitis, if accepted by the patients. Immunosuppressives, especially azathioprine, should be considered in chronically active, steroid dependent or resistant patients. According to recent publications, azathioprine is almost equally effective in UC and CD. The question of chemoprevention is important during maintenance. There are increasing data supporting the notion that aminosalicylates may lower the risk for UC-associated colorectal cancer. The most important changes in the management of UC are the more frequent use of topical aminosalicylates and azathioprine, the availability of infliximab in severe UC, and increasing use of aminosalicylates for chemoprevention of colorectal carcinoma. Furthermore, adequate attention is needed to better organize the patient-doctor relationship and for greater adherence to medical therapy.

  3. Insulin-induced inhibition of gluconeogenesis genes, including glutamic pyruvic transaminase 2, is associated with reduced histone acetylation in a human liver cell line.

    PubMed

    Honma, Kazue; Kamikubo, Michiko; Mochizuki, Kazuki; Goda, Toshinao

    2017-06-01

    Hepatic glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT; also known as alanine aminotransferase) is a gluconeogenesis enzyme that catalyzes conversions between alanine and pyruvic acid. It is also used as a blood biomarker for hepatic damage. In this study, we investigated whether insulin regulates GPT expression, as it does for other gluconeogenesis genes, and if this involves the epigenetic modification of histone acetylation. Human liver-derived HepG2 cells were cultured with 0.5-100nM insulin for 8h, and the mRNA expression of GPT, glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT), γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT), PCK1, G6PC and FBP1 was measured. We also investigated the extent of histone acetylation around these genes. Insulin suppressed the mRNA expression of gluconeogenesis genes (GPT2, GOT1, GOT2, GGT1, GGT2, G6PC, and PCK1) in HepG2 cells in a dose-dependent manner. mRNA levels of GPT2, but not GPT1, were decreased by insulin. Histone acetylation was also reduced around GPT2, G6PC, and PCK1 in response to insulin. The expression of GPT2 and other gluconeogenesis genes such as G6PC and PCK1 was suppressed by insulin, in association with decreases in histone H3 and H4 acetylation surrounding these genes. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  4. Characterization of Escherichia coli K1 colominic acid-specific murine antibodies that are cross-protective against Neisseria meningitidis groups B, C, and Y.

    PubMed

    Park, In Ho; Lin, Jisheng; Choi, Ji Eun; Shin, Jeon-Soo

    2014-06-01

    The capsular polysaccharide (PS) of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B (NMGB) is α(2-8)-linked N-acetylneuraminic acid (Neu5Ac), which is almost identical to the O-acetylated colominic acid (CA) of Escherichia coli K1 Although E. coli K1 has long been known to elicit cross-protective antibodies against NMGB, limited information on these highly cross-reactive antibodies is available. In the present study, six new monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) specific to both E. coli K1 CA and NMGB PS were produced by immunizing Balb/c mice with E. coli K1, and their serological and molecular properties were characterized, together with 12 previously reported hybridoma mAbs. Among the bactericidal mAbs against NMGB, both HmenB5 and HmenB18, which are genetically identical though of different mouse origins, were able to kill serogroup C and Y meningococci. Based on SPR sensograms, the binding affinity of HmenB18 for PS was suggested to be associated with at least two different binding forces: the polyanionicity of Neu5Ac and an interaction with the O-acetyl groups of Neu5Ac. Molecular analysis showed that similar to most mAbs presenting a few restricted V region germline genes, the V region genes of HmenB18 were 979% and 986% identical to the closest IGHV1-1401 and IGLV15-10301 germline gene alleles, respectively, and V-D-J editing in this mAb generated an unusually long VH-CDR3 sequence (17 amino acid residues), containing one basic arginine, two hydrophobic isoleucine residues and a 'YAMDY' motif. Models of the mAb combining sites demonstrate that most of the mAbs exhibited a wide, shallow groove with a high overall positive charge, as seen in mAb735, which is specific for a polyanionic helical epitope. In contrast, the combining site of HmenB18 was shown to be wide but to present a relatively weak positive charge, consistent with the extensive recognition by HmenB18 of the various structural epitopes formed with the Neu5Ac residue and its O-acetylation. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  5. Molecular Structure of WlbB, a Bacterial N-Acetyltransferase Involved in the Biosynthesis of 2,3-Diacetamido-2,3-dideoxy-d-mannuronic Acid

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

    Thoden, James B.; Holden, Hazel M.

    2010-09-08

    The pathogenic bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bordetella pertussis contain in their outer membranes the rare sugar 2,3-diacetamido-2,3-dideoxy-D-mannuronic acid. Five enzymes are required for the biosynthesis of this sugar starting from UDP-N-acetylglucosamine. One of these, referred to as WlbB, is an N-acetyltransferase that converts UDP-2-acetamido-3-amino-2,3-dideoxy-D-glucuronic acid (UDP-GlcNAc3NA) to UDP-2,3-diacetamido-2,3-dideoxy-D-glucuronic acid (UDP-GlcNAc3NAcA). Here we report the three-dimensional structure of WlbB from Bordetella petrii. For this analysis, two ternary structures were determined to 1.43 {angstrom} resolution: one in which the protein was complexed with acetyl-CoA and UDP and the second in which the protein contained bound CoA and UDP-GlcNAc3NA. WlbB adopts a trimericmore » quaternary structure and belongs to the L{beta}H superfamily of N-acyltransferases. Each subunit contains 27 {beta}-strands, 23 of which form the canonical left-handed {beta}-helix. There are only two hydrogen bonds that occur between the protein and the GlcNAc3NA moiety, one between O{sup {delta}1} of Asn 84 and the sugar C-3{prime} amino group and the second between the backbone amide group of Arg 94 and the sugar C-5{prime} carboxylate. The sugar C-3{prime} amino group is ideally positioned in the active site to attack the si face of acetyl-CoA. Given that there are no protein side chains that can function as general bases within the GlcNAc3NA binding pocket, a reaction mechanism is proposed for WlbB whereby the sulfur of CoA ultimately functions as the proton acceptor required for catalysis.« less

  6. Preferential hydrophobic interactions are responsible for a preference of D-amino acids in the aminoacylation of 5'-AMP with hydrophobic amino acids

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Lacey, J. C. Jr; Wickramasinghe, N. S.; Sabatini, R. S.

    1992-01-01

    We have studied the chemistry of aminoacyl AMP to model reactions at the 3' terminus of aminoacyl tRNA for the purpose of understanding the origin of protein synthesis. The present studies relate to the D, L preference in the esterification of 5'-AMP. All N-acetyl amino acids we studied showed faster reaction of the D-isomer, with a generally decreasing preference for D-isomer as the hydrophobicity of the amino acid decreased. The beta-branched amino acids, Ile and Val, showed an extreme preference for D-isomer. Ac-Leu, the gamma-branched amino acid, showed a slightly low D/L ratio relative to its hydrophobicity. The molecular basis for these preferences for D-isomer is understandable in the light of our previous studies and seems to be due to preferential hydrophobic interaction of the D-isomer with adenine. The preference for hydrophobic D-amino acids can be decreased by addition of an organic solvent to the reaction medium. Conversely, peptidylation with Ac-PhePhe shows a preference for the LL isomer over the DD isomer.

  7. Reduced fat mass in rats fed a high oleic acid-rich safflower oil diet is associated with changes in expression of hepatic PPARalpha and adipose SREBP-1c-regulated genes.

    PubMed

    Hsu, Shan-Ching; Huang, Ching-Jang

    2006-07-01

    PPARs and sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c (SREPB-1c) are fatty acid-regulated transcription factors that control lipid metabolism at the level of gene expression. This study compared a high oleic acid-rich safflower oil (ORSO) diet and a high-butter diet for their effect on adipose mass and expressions of genes regulated by PPAR and SREPB-1c in rats. Four groups of Wistar rats were fed 30S (30% ORSO), 5S (5% ORSO), 30B (29% butter + 1% ORSO), or 5B (4% butter plus 1% ORSO) diets for 15 wk. Compared with the 30B group, the 30S group had less retroperitoneal white adipose tissue (RWAT) mass and lower mRNA expressions of lipoprotein lipase, adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein, fatty acid synthase, acetyl CoA carboxylase, and SREBP-1c in the RWAT, higher mRNA expressions of acyl CoA oxidase, carnitine palmitoyl-transferase 1A, fatty acid binding protein, and mitochondrial 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA synthase in the liver (P < 0.05). The 18:2(n-6) and 20:4(n-6) contents in the liver and RWAT of the 30S group were >2 fold those of the 30B group (P < 0.05). These results suggested that the smaller RWAT mass in rats fed the high-ORSO diet might be related to the higher tissue 18:2(n-6) and 20:4(n-6). This in turn could upregulate the expressions of fatty acid catabolic genes through the activation of PPARalpha in the liver and downregulate the expressions of lipid storage and lipogenic gene through the suppression of SREBP-1c in the RWAT.

  8. Structure of a putative acetyltransferase (PA1377) from Pseudomonas aeruginosa

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

    Davies, Anna M.; Tata, Renée; Chauviac, François-Xavier

    2008-05-01

    The crystal structure of an acetyltransferase encoded by the gene PA1377 from Pseudomonas aeruginosa has been determined at 2.25 Å resolution. Comparison with a related acetyltransferase revealed a structural difference in the active site that was taken to reflect a difference in substrate binding and/or specificity between the two enzymes. Gene PA1377 from Pseudomonas aeruginosa encodes a 177-amino-acid conserved hypothetical protein of unknown function. The structure of this protein (termed pitax) has been solved in space group I222 to 2.25 Å resolution. Pitax belongs to the GCN5-related N-acetyltransferase family and contains all four sequence motifs conserved among family members. Themore » β-strand structure in one of these motifs (motif A) is disrupted, which is believed to affect binding of the substrate that accepts the acetyl group from acetyl-CoA.« less

  9. Cacao pod husks as a source of low-methoxyl, highly acetylated pectins able to gel in acidic media.

    PubMed

    Vriesmann, Lúcia Cristina; de Oliveira Petkowicz, Carmen Lúcia

    2017-08-01

    Cacao pod husks, the main by-product from cocoa production, have been investigated for pectin isolation. In the present study, the rheological properties of two low-methoxyl (LM) pectins isolated from cacao pod husks using different extraction conditions were evaluated. One pectin was obtained from optimized conditions employing aqueous nitric acid as an extractant, and the other one was extracted with boiling water. Pectin gels (0.99% galacturonic acid equivalent, w/w) were prepared at pH 2.5-3.0 in the presence of 60% sucrose (w/w) and subjected to rheological analysis. Dynamic oscillatory experiments at 25°C indicated that better gels were obtained at the lowest pH (2.5). Steady shear measurements revealed a shear-thinning behavior. The apparent viscosities of the samples increased as pH decreased. Gelation with calcium ions was not observed for either of the highly acetylated LM pectins analyzed. The rheological analysis results showed that despite their high acetyl content, LM pectins extracted by different methods from cacao pod husks were able to form gels at low pH under reduced water activity, suggesting a possible application in acidic products. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  10. Optimization of Clonazepam Therapy Adjusted to Patient's CYP3A Status and NAT2 Genotype.

    PubMed

    Tóth, Katalin; Csukly, Gábor; Sirok, Dávid; Belic, Ales; Kiss, Ádám; Háfra, Edit; Déri, Máté; Menus, Ádám; Bitter, István; Monostory, Katalin

    2016-12-01

    The shortcomings of clonazepam therapy include tolerance, withdrawal symptoms, and adverse effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, and confusion leading to increased risk of falls. Inter-individual variability in the incidence of adverse events in patients partly originates from the differences in clonazepam metabolism due to genetic and nongenetic factors. Since the prominent role in clonazepam nitro-reduction and acetylation of 7-amino-clonazepam is assigned to CYP3A and N-acetyl transferase 2 enzymes, respectively, the association between the patients' CYP3A status (CYP3A5 genotype, CYP3A4 expression) or N-acetyl transferase 2 acetylator phenotype and clonazepam metabolism (plasma concentrations of clonazepam and 7-amino-clonazepam) was evaluated in 98 psychiatric patients suffering from schizophrenia or bipolar disorders. The patients' CYP3A4 expression was found to be the major determinant of clonazepam plasma concentrations normalized by the dose and bodyweight (1263.5±482.9 and 558.5±202.4ng/mL per mg/kg bodyweight in low and normal expressers, respectively, P<.0001). Consequently, the dose requirement for the therapeutic concentration of clonazepam was substantially lower in low-CYP3A4 expresser patients than in normal expressers (0.029±0.011 vs 0.058±0.024mg/kg bodyweight, P<.0001). Furthermore, significantly higher (about 2-fold) plasma concentration ratio of 7-amino-clonazepam and clonazepam was observed in the patients displaying normal CYP3A4 expression and slower N-acetylation than all the others. Prospective assaying of CYP3A4 expression and N-acetyl transferase 2 acetylator phenotype can better identify the patients with higher risk of adverse reactions and can facilitate the improvement of personalized clonazepam therapy and withdrawal regimen. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of CINP.

  11. Structure of the LPS O-chain from Fusobacterium nucleatum strain 10953, containing sialic acid

    PubMed Central

    Vinogradov, Evgeny; St. Michael, Frank; Homma, Kiyonobu; Sharma, Ashu; Cox, Andrew D.

    2017-01-01

    Fusobacterium nucleatum is an anaerobic bacterium found in the human mouth where it causes periodontitis. Recently, it has been gaining attention as a potential causative agent for colorectal cancer and is strongly linked with pregnancy complications including pre-term and still births. Little is known about virulence factors of this organism and thus we have initiated studies to examine the bacterial surface glycochemistry. Consistent with a recent paper suggesting that F. nucleatum strain 10593 can synthesize sialic acid, a staining technique identified sialic acid on the bacterial surface. We isolated lipopolysaccharide from this F. nucleatum strain and performed structural analysis on the O-antigen. Our studies identified a trisaccharide repeating unit of the O-antigen with the following structure: -[→4)-α-Neup5Ac-(2→4)-β-D-Galp-(1→3)-α-D-FucpNAc4NAc-(1-]-where Ac indicates 4-N-acetylation of ∼30% FucNAc4N residues. The presence of sialic acid as a constituent of the O-antigen is consistent with recent data identifying de novo sialic acid synthesis in this strain. PMID:28199859

  12. l-Pyroglutamate Spontaneously Formed from l-Glutamate Inhibits Growth of the Hyperthermophilic Archaeon Sulfolobus solfataricus

    PubMed Central

    Park, Chan B.; Lee, Sun Bok; Ryu, Dewey D. Y.

    2001-01-01

    Identification of physiological and environmental factors that limit efficient growth of hyperthermophiles is important for practical application of these organisms to the production of useful enzymes or metabolites. During fed-batch cultivation of Sulfolobus solfataricus in medium containing l-glutamate, we observed formation of l-pyroglutamic acid (PGA). PGA formed spontaneously from l-glutamate under culture conditions (78°C and pH 3.0), and the PGA formation rate was much higher at an acidic or alkaline pH than at neutral pH. It was also found that PGA is a potent inhibitor of S. solfataricus growth. The cell growth rate was reduced by one-half by the presence of 5.1 mM PGA, and no growth was observed in the presence of 15.5 mM PGA. On the other hand, the inhibitory effect of PGA on cell growth was alleviated by addition of l-glutamate or l-aspartate to the medium. PGA was also produced from the l-glutamate in yeast extract; the PGA content increased to 8.5% (wt/wt) after 80 h of incubation of a yeast extract solution at 78°C and pH 3.0. In medium supplemented with yeast extract, cell growth was optimal in the presence of 3.0 g of yeast extract per liter, and higher yeast extract concentrations resulted in reduced cell yields. The extents of cell growth inhibition at yeast extract concentrations above the optimal concentration were correlated with the PGA concentration in the culture broth. Although other structural analogues of l-glutamate, such as l-methionine sulfoxide, glutaric acid, succinic acid, and l-glutamic acid γ-methyl ester, also inhibited the growth of S. solfataricus, the greatest cell growth inhibition was observed with PGA. We also observed that unlike other glutamate analogues, N-acetyl-l-glutamate enhanced the growth of S. solfataricus. This compound was stable under cell culture conditions, and replacement of l-glutamate with N-acetyl-l-glutamate in the medium resulted in increased cell density. PMID:11472943

  13. [Photosensitization and photoprotection by some drugs, metabolites and other compounds].

    PubMed

    Lozovskaia, E L; Makareeva, E N; Makedonov, I U

    1997-01-01

    Photosensitizing and photoprotecting efficiency of about a hundred of compounds, mainly drugs, was studied. The method based on chemiluminescence occurred along with photooxidation of glycyltryptophan under irradiation in UVB range in solution was used for testing. As a measure of photosensitizing efficiency the concentration of photosensitizer which induced two-fold increase of chemiluminescence intensity was chosen. The most effective photosensitizers are riboflavin, FAD, furagin, psoralene, vicasol, benzobarbital, mydocalm, angelicyn, furadonin, ethacridin, diazolin, folic acid. With regard to pharmacological doses of drugs in organism more dangerous sensitizers (in descending order) are p-aminosalicylic acid, furagin, riboflavin, benzobarbital, thiopental, chloramphenicol, nicodin, mydocalm, furadonin, oxolonic acid, furazolidone, psoralene, nicotinamide and diazolin. Photoprotecting effect was described by the concentration at which chemiluminescence intensity decreased twice. The most effective photoprotectors are etamsilat, quercetin, ftivazid, chlorpromazine, diprazine, thioridazine, aminophenazone, oxaphenamide. Concentration dependence for some of these drugs (etamsilat, chlorpromazine, diprazine, thioridazine) is non-monotonous: they inhibit photooxidation in low concentration (about 10(-7)-10(-6) M), but at higher concentrations (10(-5)-10(-4) M) photosensitization dominates over photoprotection.

  14. Detection of Aspergillus fumigatus mycotoxins: immunogen synthesis and immunoassay development.

    PubMed

    Fox, M; Gray, G; Kavanagh, K; Lewis, C; Doyle, S

    2004-02-01

    Immunological detection of secreted low molecular weight toxins represents a potentially novel means of diagnosing infection by the fungus Aspergillus fumigatus. Two such metabolites, gliotoxin and helvolic acid, were selected and conjugated to thyroglobulin for antisera generation in rabbits. Gliotoxin was initially activated using N-[p-maleimidophenyl] isocyanate (PMPI) and subsequently conjugated to S-acetyl thioglycolic acid N-hydroxysuccinimide-activated thyroglobulin, whereas helvolic acid was activated with N-(3-Dimethylaminopropyl)-N'-ethylcarbodiimide (EDC) in the presence of thyroglobulin prior to immunisation. To facilitate subsequent antisera evaluation, both toxins were similarly conjugated to bovine serum albumin (BSA). Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionisation-Time Of Flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry and SDS-PAGE analysis confirmed covalent attachment of toxins to BSA in the ratios of 15 and 2.4 mol per mol BSA for gliotoxin and helvolic acid, respectively. Resultant high titer antisera were capable of detecting both BSA-conjugated toxins (inhibitory concentration (IC)(50): 4-5 microg/ml). Free toxins were also detectable by competitive immunoassay, whereby 10 microg/ml free gliotoxin (30 microM) and helvolic acid (17 microM), respectively, inhibited antibody binding to cognate toxin-BSA previously immobilised on microwells. This work confirms that sensitive and specific antisera can be raised against fungal toxins and may have an application in diagnosing fungal infection.

  15. Antidepressant-like effect of folic acid: Involvement of NMDA receptors and L-arginine-nitric oxide-cyclic guanosine monophosphate pathway.

    PubMed

    Brocardo, Patrícia de Souza; Budni, Josiane; Lobato, Kelly Ribas; Kaster, Manuella Pinto; Rodrigues, Ana Lúcia S

    2008-11-19

    Antidepressant-like activity of folic acid in forced swimming test and in the tail suspension test was demonstrated previously by our group. In this study we investigated the involvement of N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors and l-arginine-nitric oxide (NO)-cyclic guanosine monophosphate pathway in its antidepressant-like effect in the forced swimming test in mice. The antidepressant-like effect of folic acid (10 nmol/site, i.c.v.) was prevented by the pretreatment of mice with NMDA (0.1 pmol/site, i.c.v.), l-arginine (750 mg/kg, i.p., substrate for nitric oxide synthase), S-nitroso-N-acetyl-penicillamine (SNAP, 25 microg/site, i.c.v, a NO donor) or sildenafil (5 mg/kg, i.p., phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor). The administration of 7-nitroindazole (25 and 50 mg/kg, i.p., a specific neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) inhibitor) or methylene blue (20 mg/kg, i.p., direct inhibitor of both nitric oxide synthase and soluble guanylate cyclase) in combination with a sub-effective dose of folic acid (1 nmol/site, i.c.v.) reduced the immobility time in the FST as compared with either drug alone. Together the results suggest that the antidepressant-like effect of folic acid in the forced swimming test is dependent on an inhibition of either NMDA receptors or NO and cGMP synthesis.

  16. Improved L-ornithine production in Corynebacterium crenatum by introducing an artificial linear transacetylation pathway.

    PubMed

    Shu, Qunfeng; Xu, Meijuan; Li, Jing; Yang, Taowei; Zhang, Xian; Xu, Zhenghong; Rao, Zhiming

    2018-05-04

    L-Ornithine is a non-protein amino acid with extensive applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries. In this study, we performed metabolic pathway engineering of an L-arginine hyper-producing strain of Corynebacterium crenatum for L-ornithine production. First, we amplified the L-ornithine biosynthetic pathway flux by blocking the competing branch of the pathway. To enhance L-ornithine synthesis, we performed site-directed mutagenesis of the ornithine-binding sites to solve the problem of L-ornithine feedback inhibition for ornithine acetyltransferase. Alternatively, the genes argA from Escherichia coli and argE from Serratia marcescens, encoding the enzymes N-acetyl glutamate synthase and N-acetyl-L-ornithine deacetylase, respectively, were introduced into Corynebacterium crenatum to mimic the linear pathway of L-ornithine biosynthesis. Fermentation of the resulting strain in a 5-L bioreactor allowed a dramatically increased production of L-ornithine, 40.4 g/L, with an overall productivity of 0.673 g/L/h over 60 h. This demonstrates that an increased level of transacetylation is beneficial for L-ornithine biosynthesis.

  17. Synthesis of aryl azide derivatives of UDP-GlcNAc and UDP-GalNAc and their use for the affinity labeling of glycosyltransferases and the UDP-HexNAc pyrophosphorylase.

    PubMed

    Zeng, Y; Shabalin, Y; Szumilo, T; Pastuszak, I; Drake, R R; Elbein, A D

    1996-07-15

    The chemical synthesis and utilization of two photoaffinity analogs, 125I-labeled 5-[3-(p-azidosalicylamido)-1-propenyl]-UDP-GlcNAc and -UDP-GalNAc, is described. Starting with either UDP-GlcNAc or UDP-GalNAc, the synthesis involved the preparation of the 5-mercuri-UDP-HexNAc and then attachment of an allylamine to the 5 position to give 5-(3-amino)allyl-UDP-HexNAc. This was followed by acylation with N-hydroxysuccinimide p-aminosalicylic acid to form the final product, i.e., 5-[3-(p-azidosalicylamido)-1-propenyl]-UDP-GlcNAc or UDP-GalNAc. These products could then be iodinated with chloramine T to give the 125I-derivatives. Both the UDP-GlcNAc and the UDP-GalNAc derivatives reacted in a concentration-dependent manner with a highly purified UDP-HexNAc pyrophosphorylase, and both specifically labeled the subunit(s) of this protein. The labeling of the protein by the UDP-GlcNAc derivative was inhibited in dose-dependent fashion by either unlabeled UDP-GlcNAc or unlabeled UDP-GalNAc. Likewise, labeling with the UDP-GalNAc probe was blocked by either UDP-GlcNAc or UDP-GalNAc. The UDP-GlcNAc probe also specifically labeled a partially purified preparation of GlcNAc transferase I.

  18. Heparosan-glucuronate 5-epimerase: Molecular cloning and characterization of a novel enzyme.

    PubMed

    Mochizuki, Hideo; Yamagishi, Kiwamu; Suzuki, Kiyoshi; Kim, Yeong Shik; Kimata, Koji

    2015-07-01

    Iduronic acid (IdoA) is a critical component of heparan sulfate in its interaction with functional proteins. Heparosan-N-sulfate-glucuronate 5-epimerase (HNSG-5epi) converts d-glucuronic acid (GlcA) residues in N-sulfated heparosan (NS-heparosan), as an intermediate in heparan sulfate biosynthesis, to IdoA. In the present study, the authors discovered a different 5-epimerase, designated HG-5epi (heparosan-glucuronate 5-epimerase), that is involved in acharan sulfate biosynthesis and possesses novel substrate specificity. A candidate cDNA of HG-5epi was cloned from the cDNA library of Achatina fulica. The cloned cDNA contained a whole coding region that predicts a type II transmembrane protein composed of 601 amino acid residues. The amino acid sequence of HG-5epi is homologous to that of HNSG-5epi. Recombinant HG-5epi was expressed in insect cells and its enzymatic properties characterized. As expected, HG-5epi epimerizes GlcA residues in heparosan, but not in NS-heparosan. Conversion of IdoA to GlcA was also catalyzed by HG-5epi when completely desulfated N-acetylated heparin was used as the substrate, indicating a reversible reaction mechanism. At equilibrium of the epimerization, the proportion of IdoA in the reaction product reached up to 30% of total hexuronic acid. To our knowledge, this is the first report to describe an enzyme that catalyzes the epimerization of non-sulfated heparosan. This new enzyme may be applied to the study of synthetic heparan sulfate-related polysaccharides having certain biological and pharmacological activities. In addition, a new method using anion-exchange HPLC connected to a post-column fluorescent labeling system was developed for analyzing hexuronic acid isomers. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

  19. TNF-alpha antagonists and thalidomide for the management of gastrointestinal Behçet's syndrome refractory to the conventional treatment modalities: a case series and review of the literature.

    PubMed

    Hatemi, Ibrahim; Hatemi, Gulen; Pamuk, Omer Nuri; Erzin, Yusuf; Celik, Aykut Ferhat

    2015-01-01

    Gastrointestinal involvement of Behçet's syndrome is usually treated with glucocorticoids, 5-aminosalicylic acid compounds and azathioprine. However, some patients are refractory to these conventional therapy modalities. In this paper we report our experience on 13 patients with gastrointestinal involvement of Behçet's syndrome who were refractory to the conventional therapy and who were treated with TNF-alpha antagonists and/or thalidomide. We reviewed the charts of our Behçet's syndrome patients with gastrointestinal involvement and identified those who were treated with TNF-alpha antagonists and/or thalidomide. Demographic features, previous and concomitant drugs, previous surgery, time to remission and duration of remission were tabulated. We also performed a systematic review of publications on gastrointestinal involvement of Behçet's syndrome patients treated with TNF-alpha antagonists and/or thalidomide. Among our 64 patients with gastrointestinal involvement of Behçet's syndrome, we identified 13 (20%) (7 women, 6 men, mean age 27.4±9.4) who had been treated with TNF-alpha antagonists and/or thalidomide. Their previous medications were glucocorticoids (13/13), azathioprine (13/13), 5-aminosalicylic acid derivatives (3/13) and budesonide (1/13). Clinical and endoscopic remission was obtained in 10 patients. One patient died with sepsis. The systematic literature search revealed 91 cases who had used TNF-alpha antagonists and 15 who had used thalidomide. Among the patients who had received TNF-alpha antagonists, clinical remission was obtained in 47/91 patients (51%), while endoscopic remission was observed in 21/46 (45%) who had a control colonoscopy. One fifth of our Behçet's syndrome patients with gastrointestinal involvement were refractory to conventional treatment modalities. Remission was obtained with TNF-alpha antagonists and/or thalidomide in about 75% of the cases.

  20. Influence of the coating formulation on enzymatic digestibility and drug release from 5-aminosalicylic acid pellets coated with mixtures of high-amylose starch and Surelease intended for colon-specific drug delivery.

    PubMed

    Freire, Cristina; Podczeck, Fridrun; Veiga, Francisco; Sousa, João

    2010-02-01

    Colon-specific delivery of drugs can be achieved with dosage forms coated with biopolymers that are metabolized selectively by the colonic microflora and yet resistant to enzymatic digestion in the small intestine. The aim of this study was to study the influence of formulation factors on the performance of mixed films from high-amylose starches and Surelease((R)), applied using a spray-coating process, as potential colon-specific delivery devices. 5-Aminosalicylic acid-loaded pellets were prepared by an extrusion-spheronization process and film coated with mixtures of the starches and Surelease((R)). Optimization of the coating formulation, that is, starch-to-Surelease((R)) ratio, film-coating thickness, and type of starch, was undertaken first in enzyme-free media resembling the conditions in the stomach and small intestine. The effect of curing of the film coating on the drug release profile upon storage was also evaluated. Optimized coating formulations were further assessed for enzymatic digestibility using artificial gastric and intestinal juices containing commercially available pepsin and pancreatin or alpha-amylase from hog pancreas, respectively. Finally, drug release was assessed in fluid-simulating conditions in the colon (SCF) containing Bacillus licheniformis alpha-amylase. Film coatings comprising high-amylose starches and Surelease((R)) in a ratio of 1:2 (w/w) and film thickness of approximately 45 microm were able to withstand the chemical and enzymatic environment of the upper gastrointestinal tract, in particular, resisted degradation by the pancreatic alpha-amylases. Stability of the coatings during storage was achieved with additional curing. In SCF, these coatings were susceptible to enzymatic degradation. This study showed that high amylose starch-mixed films can be successfully used as colon-specific delivery devices. The preparation of the coating dispersions described is simple and rapid, without the need to extract the amylose component of starch.

  1. Mixed anhydrides (phosphoric-carboxyl) are also formed in the esterification of 5'-amp with n-acetylaminoacyl imidazolides - Implications regarding the origin of protein synthesis

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Wickramasinghe, Nalinie S. M. D.; Lacey, James C., Jr.

    1992-01-01

    Procedure for the formation of aminoacyl esters of monoribonucleotides with aminoacyl imidazolides were first reported by Gottikh et al. (1970) and summarized in 1970. This reaction has been widely used by us and numbers of other workers as a convenient means of preparing aminoacyl esters of nucleotides. We have previously reported that, under conditions of excess imidazolide, large amounts of bis 2', 3' esters are formed in addition to the monoesters. However, to our knowledge, no one has reported that in addition to the esters, relatively large amounts of the mixed anhydride, with the amino acid carboxyl attached to the phosphate, are also formed at short reaction times. We report here on the relative amounts of anhydride and esters formed in this reaction of racemic mixtures of eleven N-acetyl amino acid imidazolides with 5'-AMP and discuss the relevance of the findings to the origin of protein synthesis.

  2. Modelling and shadowgraph imaging of cocrystal dissolution and assessment of in vitro antimicrobial activity for sulfadimidine/4-aminosalicylic acid cocrystals.

    PubMed

    Serrano, Dolores R; Persoons, Tim; D'Arcy, Deirdre M; Galiana, Carolina; Dea-Ayuela, Maria Auxiliadora; Healy, Anne Marie

    2016-06-30

    The aim of this work was to evaluate the influence of crystal habit on the dissolution and in vitro antibacterial and anitiprotozoal activity of sulfadimidine:4-aminosalicylic acid cocrystals. Cocrystals were produced via milling or solvent mediated processes. In vitro dissolution was carried out in the flow-through apparatus, with shadowgraph imaging and mechanistic mathematical models used to observe and simulate particle dissolution. In vitro activity was tested using agar diffusion assays. Cocrystallisation via milling produced small polyhedral crystals with antimicrobial activity significantly higher than sulfadimidine alone, consistent with a fast dissolution rate which was matched only by cocrystals which were milled following solvent evaporation. Cocrystallisation by solvent evaporation (ethanol, acetone) or spray drying produced flattened, plate-like or quasi-spherical cocrystals, respectively, with more hydrophobic surfaces and greater tendency to form aggregates in aqueous media, limiting both the dissolution rate and in vitro activity. Deviation from predicted dissolution profiles was attributable to aggregation behaviour, supported by observations from shadowgraph imaging. Aggregation behaviour during dissolution of cocrystals with different habits affected the dissolution rate, consistent with in vitro activity. Combining mechanistic models with shadowgraph imaging is a valuable approach for dissolution process analysis. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  3. Chemistry of anti-AIDS and anticancer compounds

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

    Yan, S.

    1992-01-01

    Several types of prodrugs of 2[prime], 3[prime]-dideoxynucleosides were designed and synthesized for evaluation as anti-AIDS drugs. These prodrugs include 5[prime]-O-acyl-2[prime], 3[prime]-dideoxynucleosides, in which the acyl groups are derived from both aromatic and aliphatic acids, [alpha]-amino acids, diacylglycerol carbonic acids, and diacylglycerol carbamic acids. By applying the pyridium-dihydropyridine redox delivery system to deliver 2[prime], 3[prime]-dideoxynucleosides to the central nervous system, 1,4-dihydropyridine-2[prime], 3[prime]-dideoxy-inosine and -adenosine compounds were synthesized. 5[prime]-Esters of 2[prime], 3[prime]-dideoxyinosine and 2[prime], 3[prime]-dideoxyadenosine were evaluated for their activity against the HIV-1 virus and for delivery to the central nervous system (CNS). The isomerization, hydrolysis, and oxidation of alkyl 1,4-dihydro-N-methylpyridine-3-carboxylates weremore » studied by [sup 1]H and [sup 13]C NMR spectroscopy. Three intermediates, 1,4-dihydro-N-methylpyridine-3-carboxylic acid, alkyl (methyl or isopropyl) 1,6-dihydro-N-methylpyridine-3-carboxylate, and 1,6-dihydro-N-methylpyridine-3-carboxylic acid, were observed by [sup 1]H and [sup 13]C NMR spectroscopy, and their percentages in solution were determined. The structures of the 1,6-dihydropyridine intermediates were confirmed by comparison of the NMR spectra with those of an authentic model compound, methyl N-(4-chlorobenzyl)-1,6-dihydropyridine-3-carboxylate. The rate of hydrolysis of alkyl 1,4-dihydro-N-methylpyridine-3-carboxylates depends on the steric bulk of the O-alkyl group. A new type of 1,4-dihydropyridine drug delivery system with a three-carbon spacer group, 9-[2,3-di-O-acetyl-5-O-[3-(1,4-dihydro-N-methylpyridine-3-carboxamido)propionyl]-[beta]-D-arabinofuranosyl]adenine was designed, synthesized, and evaluated to deliver ara-ADA to the CNS for treatment of herpes encephalitis.« less

  4. Fourier transform infrared spectra and molecular structure of 5-methoxytryptamine, N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine and N-phenylsulfonamide-5-methoxytryptamine

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bayari, S.; Ide, S.

    2003-04-01

    5-Methoxytryptamine (5-MT) is a potent antioxidant and has radioprotective action. N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine (melatonin, NA-5-MT) is a free radical scavenger and antioxidant, which protects against oxidative damage due to a variety of toxicants. The infrared spectra of 5-MT, NA-5-MT and new synthesized N-phenylsulfonamide-5-methoxytryptamine (PS-5-MT) were investigated in the region between 4000 and 400 cm -1. Vibrational assignments of the molecules have been made for fundamental modes on the basis of the group vibrational concept, infrared intensity and comparison with the assignments for related molecules. X-ray powder diffraction patterns of molecules were also recorded. In order to optimize the geometries of the molecules, molecular mechanic calculations (MM3) were performed. Conformational analysis of 5-MT, NA-5-MT and PS-5-MT was also established by the using PM3 method.

  5. Chemically Modified N-Acylated Hyaluronan Fragments Modulate Proinflammatory Cytokine Production by Stimulated Human Macrophages*

    PubMed Central

    Babasola, Oladunni; Rees-Milton, Karen J.; Bebe, Siziwe; Wang, Jiaxi; Anastassiades, Tassos P.

    2014-01-01

    Low molecular mass hyaluronans are known to induce inflammation. To determine the role of the acetyl groups of low molecular mass hyaluronan in stimulating the production of proinflammatory cytokines, partial N-deacetylation was carried out by hydrazinolysis. This resulted in 19.7 ± 3.5% free NH2 functional groups, which were then acylated by reacting with an acyl anhydride, including acetic anhydride. Hydrazinolysis resulted in bond cleavage of the hyaluronan chain causing a reduction of the molecular mass to 30–214 kDa. The total NH2 and N-acetyl moieties in the reacetylated hyaluronan were 0% and 98.7 ± 1.5% respectively, whereas for butyrylated hyaluronan, the total NH2, N-acetyl, and N-butyryl moieties were 0, 82.2 ± 4.6, and 22.7 ± 3.8%, respectively, based on 1H NMR. We studied the effect of these polymers on cytokine production by cultured human macrophages (THP-1 cells). The reacetylated hyaluronan stimulated proinflammatory cytokine production to levels similar to LPS, whereas partially deacetylated hyaluronan had no stimulatory effect, indicating the critical role of the N-acetyl groups in the stimulation of proinflammatory cytokine production. Butyrylated hyaluronan significantly reduced the stimulatory effect on cytokine production by the reacetylated hyaluronan or LPS but had no stimulatory effect of its own. The other partially N-acylated hyaluronan derivatives tested showed smaller stimulatory effects than reacetylated hyaluronan. Antibody and antagonist experiments suggest that the acetylated and partially butyrylated lower molecular mass hyaluronans exert their effects through the TLR-4 receptor system. Selectively N-butyrylated lower molecular mass hyaluronan shows promise as an example of a novel semisynthetic anti-inflammatory molecule. PMID:25053413

  6. The folding of acetyl(Ala)28NH2 and acetyl(Ala)40NH2 extended strand peptides into antiparallel β-sheets. A density functional theory study of β-sheets with β-turns.

    PubMed

    Ali-Torres, Jorge; Dannenberg, J J

    2012-12-06

    We report ONIOM calculations using B3LYP/D95** and AM1 on β-sheet formation from acetyl(Ala)(N)NH(2) (N = 28 or 40). The sheets contain from one to four β-turns for N = 28 and up to six for N = 40. We have obtained four types of geometrically optimized structures. All contain only β-turns. They differ from each other in the types of β-turns formed. The unsolvated sheets containing two turns are most stable. Aqueous solvation (using the SM5.2 and CPCM methods) reduces the stabilities of the folded structures compared to the extended strands.

  7. Deliberate ROS production and auxin synergistically trigger the asymmetrical division generating the subsidiary cells in Zea mays stomatal complexes.

    PubMed

    Livanos, Pantelis; Galatis, Basil; Apostolakos, Panagiotis

    2016-07-01

    Subsidiary cell generation in Poaceae is an outstanding example of local intercellular stimulation. An inductive stimulus emanates from the guard cell mother cells (GMCs) towards their laterally adjacent subsidiary cell mother cells (SMCs) and triggers the asymmetrical division of the latter. Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) immunolocalization in Zea mays protoderm confirmed that the GMCs function as local sources of auxin and revealed that auxin is polarly accumulated between GMCs and SMCs in a timely-dependent manner. Besides, staining techniques showed that reactive oxygen species (ROS) exhibit a closely similar, also time-dependent, pattern of appearance suggesting ROS implication in subsidiary cell formation. This phenomenon was further investigated by using the specific NADPH-oxidase inhibitor diphenylene iodonium, the ROS scavenger N-acetyl-cysteine, menadione which leads to ROS overproduction, and H2O2. Treatments with diphenylene iodonium, N-acetyl-cysteine, and menadione specifically blocked SMC polarization and asymmetrical division. In contrast, H2O2 promoted the establishment of SMC polarity and subsequently subsidiary cell formation in "younger" protodermal areas. Surprisingly, H2O2 favored the asymmetrical division of the intervening cells of the stomatal rows leading to the creation of extra apical subsidiary cells. Moreover, H2O2 altered IAA localization, whereas synthetic auxin analogue 1-napthaleneacetic acid enhanced ROS accumulation. Combined treatments with ROS modulators along with 1-napthaleneacetic acid or 2,3,5-triiodobenzoic acid, an auxin efflux inhibitor, confirmed the crosstalk between ROS and auxin functioning during subsidiary cell generation. Collectively, our results demonstrate that ROS are critical partners of auxin during development of Z. mays stomatal complexes. The interplay between auxin and ROS seems to be spatially and temporarily regulated.

  8. Structural annotation of Beta-1,4-N-acetyl galactosaminyltransferase 1 (B4GALNT1) causing Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia 26.

    PubMed

    Dad, Rubina; Malik, Uzma; Javed, Aneela; Minassian, Berge A; Hassan, Muhammad Jawad

    2017-08-30

    Beta-1,4-N-acetyl galactosaminyltransferase 1, B4GALNT1, is a GM2/GD2 synthase, involved in the expression of glycosphingolipids (GSLs) containing sialic acid. Mutations in the gene B4GALNT1 cause Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia 26 (HSP26). In present study we have made attempt to predict the potential structural of the human B4GALNT1 protein. The results illustrated that the amino acid sequences of B4GALNT1 are not 100% conserved among selected twenty species. One signal peptide and one transmembrane domain predicted in human wild type B4GALNT1 protein with aliphatic index of 92.76 and theoretical (iso-electric point) pI of 8.93. It was a kind of unstable protein with Grand average of hydropathicity (GRAVY) of -0.127. Various post-translational modifications were also predicted to exist in B4GALNT1 and predicted to interact with different proteins including ST8SIA5, SLC33A1, GLB1 and others. In the final round, reported missense mutations have shown the further decrease in stability of the protein. This in-silico analysis of B4GALNT1 protein will provide the basis for the further studies on structural variations and biological pathways involving B4GALNT1 in the HSP26. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

  9. Role of Protein Dimeric Interface in Allosteric Inhibition of N-Acetyl-Aspartate Hydrolysis by Human Aspartoacylase.

    PubMed

    Kots, Ekaterina D; Lushchekina, Sofya V; Varfolomeev, Sergey D; Nemukhin, Alexander V

    2017-08-28

    The results of molecular modeling suggest a mechanism of allosteric inhibition upon hydrolysis of N-acetyl-aspartate (NAA), one of the most abundant amino acid derivatives in brain, by human aspartoacylase (hAsp). Details of this reaction are important to suggest the practical ways to control the enzyme activity. Search for allosteric sites using the Allosite web server and SiteMap analysis allowed us to identify substrate binding pockets located at the interface between the subunits of the hAsp dimer molecule. Molecular docking of NAA to the pointed areas at the dimer interface predicted a specific site, in which the substrate molecule interacts with the Gly237, Arg233, Glu290, and Lys292 residues. Analysis of multiple long-scaled molecular dynamics trajectories (the total simulation time exceeded 1.5 μs) showed that binding of NAA to the identified allosteric site induced significant rigidity to the protein loops with the amino acid side chains forming gates to the enzyme active site. Application of the protein dynamical network algorithms showed that substantial reorganization of the signal propagation pathways of intersubunit communication in the dimer occurred upon allosteric NAA binding to the remote site. The modeling approaches provide an explanation to the observed decrease of the reaction rate of NAA hydrolysis by hAsp at high substrate concentrations.

  10. Photocontrol of the mitotic kinesin Eg5 using a novel S-trityl-L-cysteine analogue as a photochromic inhibitor.

    PubMed

    Ishikawa, Kumiko; Tohyama, Kanako; Mitsuhashi, Shinya; Maruta, Shinsaku

    2014-04-01

    Because the mitotic kinesin Eg5 is essential for the formation of bipolar spindles during eukaryotic cell division, it has been considered as a potential target for cancer treatment. A number of specific and potent inhibitors of Eg5 are known. S-trityl-L-cysteine is one of the inhibitors of Eg5 whose molecular mechanism of inhibition was well studied. The trityl group of S-trityl-L-cysteine was shown to be a key moiety required for potent inhibition. In this study, we synthesized a novel photochromic S-trityl-L-cysteine analogue, 4-(N-(2-(N-acetylcysteine-S-yl) acetyl) amino)-4'- (N-(2-(N-(triphenylmethyl)amino)acetyl)amino)azobenzene (ACTAB), composed of a trityl group, azobenzene and N-acetyl-L-cysteine, which exhibits cis-trans photoisomerization in order to photocontrol the function of Eg5. ACTAB exhibited cis-trans photoisomerization upon alternating irradiation at two different wavelengths in the visible range, 400 and 480 nm. ACTAB induced reversible changes in the inhibitory activity of ATPase and motor activities correlating with the cis-trans photoisomerization. Compared with cis-ACTAB, trans-ACTAB reduced ATPase activity and microtubule gliding velocity more significantly. These results suggest that ACTAB could be used as photochromic inhibitor of Eg5 to achieve photocontrol of living cells.

  11. Structural and functional analysis of the yeast N-acetyltransferase Mpr1 involved in oxidative stress tolerance via proline metabolism

    PubMed Central

    Nasuno, Ryo; Hirano, Yoshinori; Itoh, Takafumi; Hakoshima, Toshio; Hibi, Takao; Takagi, Hiroshi

    2013-01-01

    Mpr1 (sigma1278b gene for proline-analog resistance 1), which was originally isolated as N-acetyltransferase detoxifying the proline analog l-azetidine-2-carboxylate, protects yeast cells from various oxidative stresses. Mpr1 mediates the l-proline and l-arginine metabolism by acetylating l-Δ1-pyrroline-5-carboxylate, leading to the l-arginine–dependent production of nitric oxide, which confers oxidative stress tolerance. Mpr1 belongs to the Gcn5-related N-acetyltransferase (GNAT) superfamily, but exhibits poor sequence homology with the GNAT enzymes and unique substrate specificity. Here, we present the X-ray crystal structure of Mpr1 and its complex with the substrate cis-4-hydroxy-l-proline at 1.9 and 2.3 Å resolution, respectively. Mpr1 is folded into α/β-structure with eight-stranded mixed β-sheets and six α-helices. The substrate binds to Asn135 and the backbone amide of Asn172 and Leu173, and the predicted acetyl-CoA–binding site is located near the backbone amide of Phe138 and the side chain of Asn178. Alanine substitution of Asn178, which can interact with the sulfur of acetyl-CoA, caused a large reduction in the apparent kcat value. The replacement of Asn135 led to a remarkable increase in the apparent Km value. These results indicate that Asn178 and Asn135 play an important role in catalysis and substrate recognition, respectively. Such a catalytic mechanism has not been reported in the GNAT proteins. Importantly, the amino acid substitutions in these residues increased the l-Δ1-pyrroline-5-carboxylate level in yeast cells exposed to heat stress, indicating that these residues are also crucial for its physiological functions. These studies provide some benefits of Mpr1 applications, such as the breeding of industrial yeasts and the development of antifungal drugs. PMID:23818613

  12. The formation of 2-hydroxypropylmercapturic acid from 1-halogenopropanes in the rat.

    PubMed

    Barnsley, E A

    1966-08-01

    1. 2-Hydroxypropylmercapturic acid, i.e. N-acetyl-S-(2-hydroxypropyl)-l-cysteine, has been isolated, as the dicyclohexylammonium salt, from the urine of rats dosed with 1-bromopropane. 2. The formation of the same metabolite from 1-chloropropane, 1-iodopropane, 1,2-epoxypropane and 1-chloropropan-2-ol has been demonstrated by chromatographic examination of the urine excreted by rats after they had been dosed with these compounds. 3. (+)- and (-)-Dicyclohexylammonium 2-hydroxypropylmercapturate have been prepared by fractional crystallization of the mixture of isomers obtained by two methods: the reaction of 1,2-epoxypropane with l-cysteine followed by acetylation, and the reduction of 2-oxopropylmercapturic acid. 4. The following compounds have also been prepared: S-(3-hydroxypropyl)-l-cysteine, (+)- and (-)-S-(2-hydroxypropyl)-l-cysteine, dicyclohexylammonium 3-hydroxypropylmercapturate, (+)- and (-)-dicyclohexylammonium 2-hydroxy-1-methylethylmercapturate, and (+)- and (-)-dicyclohexylammonium 1-(ethoxycarbonyl)ethylmercapturate.

  13. The formation of 2-hydroxypropylmercapturic acid from 1-halogenopropanes in the rat

    PubMed Central

    Barnsley, E. A.

    1966-01-01

    1. 2-Hydroxypropylmercapturic acid, i.e. N-acetyl-S-(2-hydroxypropyl)-l-cysteine, has been isolated, as the dicyclohexylammonium salt, from the urine of rats dosed with 1-bromopropane. 2. The formation of the same metabolite from 1-chloropropane, 1-iodopropane, 1,2-epoxypropane and 1-chloropropan-2-ol has been demonstrated by chromatographic examination of the urine excreted by rats after they had been dosed with these compounds. 3. (+)- and (−)-Dicyclohexylammonium 2-hydroxypropylmercapturate have been prepared by fractional crystallization of the mixture of isomers obtained by two methods: the reaction of 1,2-epoxypropane with l-cysteine followed by acetylation, and the reduction of 2-oxopropylmercapturic acid. 4. The following compounds have also been prepared: S-(3-hydroxypropyl)-l-cysteine, (+)- and (−)-S-(2-hydroxypropyl)-l-cysteine, dicyclohexylammonium 3-hydroxypropylmercapturate, (+)- and (−)-dicyclohexylammonium 2-hydroxy-1-methylethylmercapturate, and (+)- and (−)-dicyclohexylammonium 1-(ethoxycarbonyl)ethylmercapturate. PMID:5968536

  14. Aberrant levels of histone H3 acetylation induce spermatid anomaly in mouse testis.

    PubMed

    Dai, Lei; Endo, Daisuke; Akiyama, Naotaro; Yamamoto-Fukuda, Tomomi; Koji, Takehiko

    2015-02-01

    Histone acetylation is involved in the regulation of chromatin structure and gene function. We reported previously that histone H3 acetylation pattern is subject to dynamic changes and limited to certain stages of germ cell differentiation during murine spermatogenesis, suggesting a crucial role for acetylation in the process. In the present study, we investigated the effects of hyper- and hypo-acetylation on spermatogenesis. Changes in acetylation level were induced by either in vivo administration of sodium phenylbutyrate, a histone deacetylase inhibitor, or by knockdown of histone acetyltransferases using short hairpin RNA plasmids transfection. Administration of sodium phenylbutyrate induced accumulation of acetylated histone H3 at lysine 9 and lysine 18 in round spermatids, together with spermatid morphological abnormalities and induction of apoptosis through a Bax-related pathway. Knockdown of steroid receptor coactivator 1, a member of histone acetyltransferases, but not general control of amino acid synthesis 5 nor elongator protein 3 by in vivo electroporation of shRNA plasmids, reduced acetylated histone H3 at lysine 9 in round spermatids, and induced morphological abnormalities. We concluded that the proper regulation of histone H3 acetylation levels is important for spermatid differentiation and complex chromatin remodeling during spermiogenesis.

  15. Membrane topology and identification of key residues of EaDAcT, a plant MBOAT with unusual substrate specificity.

    PubMed

    Tran, Tam N T; Shelton, Jennifer; Brown, Susan; Durrett, Timothy P

    2017-10-01

    Euonymus alatus diacylglycerol acetyltransferase (EaDAcT) catalyzes the transfer of an acetyl group from acetyl-CoA to the sn-3 position of diacylglycerol to form 3-acetyl-1,2-diacyl-sn-glycerol (acetyl-TAG). EaDAcT belongs to a small, plant-specific subfamily of the membrane bound O-acyltransferases (MBOAT) that acylate different lipid substrates. Sucrose gradient density centrifugation revealed that EaDAcT colocalizes to the same fractions as an endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-specific marker. By mapping the membrane topology of EaDAcT, we obtained an experimentally determined topology model for a plant MBOAT. The EaDAcT model contains four transmembrane domains (TMDs), with both the N- and C-termini orientated toward the lumen of the ER. In addition, there is a large cytoplasmic loop between the first and second TMDs, with the MBOAT signature region of the protein embedded in the third TMD close to the interface between the membrane and the cytoplasm. During topology mapping, we discovered two cysteine residues (C187 and C293) located on opposite sides of the membrane that are important for enzyme activity. In order to identify additional amino acid residues important for acetyltransferase activity, we isolated and characterized acetyltransferases from other acetyl-TAG-producing plants. Among them, the acetyltransferase from Euonymus fortunei possessed the highest activity in vivo and in vitro. Mutagenesis of conserved amino acids revealed that S253, H257, D258 and V263 are essential for EaDAcT activity. Alteration of residues unique to the acetyltransferases did not alter the unique acyl donor specificity of EaDAcT, suggesting that multiple amino acids are important for substrate recognition. © 2017 The Authors The Plant Journal © 2017 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  16. Mechanistic and Structural Analysis of Drosophila melanogaster Arylalkylamine N-Acetyltransferases

    PubMed Central

    2015-01-01

    Arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase (AANAT) catalyzes the penultimate step in the biosynthesis of melatonin and other N-acetylarylalkylamides from the corresponding arylalkylamine and acetyl-CoA. The N-acetylation of arylalkylamines is a critical step in Drosophila melanogaster for the inactivation of the bioactive amines and the sclerotization of the cuticle. Two AANAT variants (AANATA and AANATB) have been identified in D. melanogaster, in which AANATA differs from AANATB by the truncation of 35 amino acids from the N-terminus. We have expressed and purified both D. melanogaster AANAT variants (AANATA and AANATB) in Escherichia coli and used the purified enzymes to demonstrate that this N-terminal truncation does not affect the activity of the enzyme. Subsequent characterization of the kinetic and chemical mechanism of AANATA identified an ordered sequential mechanism, with acetyl-CoA binding first, followed by tyramine. We used a combination of pH–activity profiling and site-directed mutagenesis to study prospective residues believed to function in AANATA catalysis. These data led to an assignment of Glu-47 as the general base in catalysis with an apparent pKa of 7.0. Using the data generated for the kinetic mechanism, structure–function relationships, pH–rate profiles, and site-directed mutagenesis, we propose a chemical mechanism for AANATA. PMID:25406072

  17. Identification of Bacillus anthracis by Using Monoclonal Antibody to Cell Wall Galactose-N-Acetylglucosamine Polysaccharide

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1990-02-01

    which appear to be directed to an epitope associated with the galactose-N-acetyl-D- glucosamine polysaccharide. Both demonstrated specificity in their...liquid composed primarily of D-galactose and N-acetyl-D-glu - R medium (28) buffered with 50 mM Tris hydrochloride , pH cosamine (12, 13) (Gal-NAG...Ascites fluid (5 ml) was dialyzed (Cel-Line Associates, Inc., Newfield, N.J.). Suspensions against 20 mM Tris hydrochloride (pH 8.0) for 18 to 20 h, were

  18. Structural and functional effects of nucleotide variation on the human TB drug metabolizing enzyme arylamine N-acetyltransferase 1.

    PubMed

    Cloete, Ruben; Akurugu, Wisdom A; Werely, Cedric J; van Helden, Paul D; Christoffels, Alan

    2017-08-01

    The human arylamine N-acetyltransferase 1 (NAT1) enzyme plays a vital role in determining the duration of action of amine-containing drugs such as para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) by influencing the balance between detoxification and metabolic activation of these drugs. Recently, four novel single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified within a South African mixed ancestry population. Modeling the effects of these SNPs within the structural protein was done to assess possible structure and function changes in the enzyme. The use of molecular dynamics simulations and stability predictions indicated less thermodynamically stable protein structures containing E264K and V231G, while the N245I change showed a stabilizing effect. Coincidently the N245I change displayed a similar free energy landscape profile to the known R64W amino acid substitution (slow acetylator), while the R242M displayed a similar profile to the published variant, I263V (proposed fast acetylator), and the wild type protein structure. Similarly, principal component analysis indicated that two amino acid substitutions (E264K and V231G) occupied less conformational clusters of folded states as compared to the WT and were found to be destabilizing (may affect protein function). However, two of the four novel SNPs that result in amino acid changes: (V231G and N245I) were predicted by both SIFT and POLYPHEN-2 algorithms to affect NAT1 protein function, while two other SNPs that result in R242M and E264K substitutions showed contradictory results based on SIFT and POLYPHEN-2 analysis. In conclusion, the structural methods were able to verify that two non-synonymous substitutions (E264K and V231G) can destabilize the protein structure, and are in agreement with mCSM predictions, and should therefore be experimentally tested for NAT1 activity. These findings could inform a strategy of incorporating genotypic data (i.e., functional SNP alleles) with phenotypic information (slow or fast acetylator) to better prescribe effective treatment using drugs metabolized by NAT1. Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  19. Differential effects of lipopolysaccharide on energy metabolism in murine microglial N9 and cholinergic SN56 neuronal cells.

    PubMed

    Klimaszewska-Łata, Joanna; Gul-Hinc, Sylwia; Bielarczyk, Hanna; Ronowska, Anna; Zyśk, Marlena; Grużewska, Katarzyna; Pawełczyk, Tadeusz; Szutowicz, Andrzej

    2015-04-01

    There are significant differences between acetyl-CoA and ATP levels, enzymes of acetyl-CoA metabolism, and toll-like receptor 4 contents in non-activated microglial N9 and non-differentiated cholinergic SN56 neuroblastoma cells. Exposition of N9 cells to lipopolysaccharide caused concentration-dependent several-fold increases of nitrogen oxide synthesis, accompanied by inhibition of pyruvate dehydrogenase complex, aconitase, and α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase complex activities, and by nearly proportional depletion of acetyl-CoA, but by relatively smaller losses in ATP content and cell viability (about 5%). On the contrary, SN56 cells appeared to be insensitive to direct exposition to high concentration of lipopolysaccharide. However, exogenous nitric oxide resulted in marked inhibition pyruvate dehydrogenase and aconitase activities, depletion of acetyl-CoA, along with respective loss of SN56 cells viability. These data indicate that these two common neurodegenerative signals may differentially affect energy-acetyl-CoA metabolism in microglial and cholinergic neuronal cell compartments in the brain. Moreover, microglial cells appeared to be more resistant than neuronal cells to acetyl-CoA and ATP depletion evoked by these neurodegenerative conditions. Together, these data indicate that differential susceptibility of microglia and cholinergic neuronal cells to neurotoxic signals may result from differences in densities of toll-like receptors and degree of disequilibrium between acetyl-CoA provision in mitochondria and its utilization for energy production and acetylation reactions in each particular group of cells. There are significant differences between acetyl-CoA and ATP levels and enzymes of acetyl-CoA metabolism in non-activated microglial N9 and non-differentiated cholinergic SN56 neuroblastoma cells. Pathological stimulation of microglial toll-like receptors (TLRs) triggered excessive synthesis of microglia-derived nitric oxide (NO)/NOO radicals that endogenously inhibited pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDHC), aconitase, and α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase complex. However, it caused none or small suppressions of acetyl-CoA and microglial viability, respectively. Microglia-derived NO inhibited same enzymes in cholinergic neuronal cells causing marked viability loss because of acetyl-CoA deficits evoked by its competitive consumption by energy producing and acetylcholine/N-acetyl-l-aspartate (NAA) synthesizing pathways. © 2014 International Society for Neurochemistry.

  20. Acetyl-CoA carboxylase-alpha inhibitor TOFA induces human cancer cell apoptosis.

    PubMed

    Wang, Chun; Xu, Canxin; Sun, Mingwei; Luo, Dixian; Liao, Duan-Fang; Cao, Deliang

    2009-07-31

    Acetyl-CoA carboxylase-alpha (ACCA) is a rate-limiting enzyme in long chain fatty acid synthesis, playing a critical role in cellular energy storage and lipid synthesis. ACCA is upregulated in multiple types of human cancers and small interfering RNA-mediated ACCA silencing in human breast and prostate cancer cells results in oxidative stress and apoptosis. This study reports for the first time that TOFA (5-tetradecyloxy-2-furoic acid), an allosteric inhibitor of ACCA, is cytotoxic to lung cancer cells NCI-H460 and colon carcinoma cells HCT-8 and HCT-15, with an IC(50) at approximately 5.0, 5.0, and 4.5 microg/ml, respectively. TOFA at 1.0-20.0 microg/ml effectively blocked fatty acid synthesis and induced cell death in a dose-dependent manner. The cell death was characterized with PARP cleavage, DNA fragmentation, and annexin-V staining, all of which are the features of the apoptosis. Supplementing simultaneously the cells with palmitic acids (100 microM), the end-products of the fatty acid synthesis pathway, prevented the apoptosis induced by TOFA. Taken together, these data suggest that TOFA is a potent cytotoxic agent to lung and colon cancer cells, inducing apoptosis through disturbing their fatty acid synthesis.

  1. Acetyl-CoA Carboxylase-α Inhibitor TOFA Induces Human Cancer Cell Apoptosis

    PubMed Central

    Wang, Chun; Xu, Canxin; Sun, Mingwei; Luo, Dixian; Liao, Duan-fang; Cao, Deliang

    2009-01-01

    Acetyl-CoA carboxylase-α (ACCA) is a rate-limiting enzyme in long chain fatty acid synthesis, playing a critical role in cellular energy storage and lipid synthesis. ACCA is upregulated in multiple types of human cancers and small interfering RNA-mediated ACCA silencing in human breast and prostate cancer cells results in oxidative stress and apoptosis. This study reports for the first time that TOFA (5-tetradecyloxy-2-furoic acid), an allosteric inhibitor of ACCA, is cytotoxic to lung cancer cells NCI-H460 and colon carcinoma cells HCT-8 and HCT-15, with an IC50 at approximately 5.0, 5.0, and 4.5 μg/ml, respectively. TOFA at 1.0–20.0 μg/ml effectively blocked fatty acid synthesis and induced cell death in a dose-dependent manner. The cell death was characterized with PARP cleavage, DNA fragmentation, and annexin-V staining, all of which are the features of the apoptosis. Supplementing simultaneously the cells with palmitic acids (100 μM), the end-products of the fatty acid synthesis pathway, prevented the apoptosis induced by TOFA. Taken together, these data suggest that TOFA is a potent cytotoxic agent to lung and colon cancer cells, inducing apoptosis through disturbing their fatty acid synthesis. PMID:19450551

  2. High-performance liquid chromatographic analysis of vigabatrin enantiomers in human serum by precolumn derivatization with o-phthaldialdehyde-N-acetyl-L-cysteine and fluorescence detection.

    PubMed

    Vermeij, T A; Edelbroek, P M

    1998-09-25

    A rapid and simple method is presented for the determination of vigabatrin enantiomers in human serum by high-performance liquid chromatography. Serum is deproteinized with trichloroacetic acid and aliquots of the supernatant are precolumn derivatized with o-phthaldialdehyde and N-acetyl-L-cysteine, resulting in the formation of diastereomeric isoindoles. Separation was achieved on a Spherisorb 3ODS2 column using a gradient solvent program and the column eluent is monitored using fluorescence detection. L-Homoarginine was used as an internal standard. Within-day precisions (C.V.; n=8) were 2.8 and 1.1%, respectively, for the (R)-(-)- and (S)-(+)-enantiomer in serum containing 15.4 mg/l (RS)-vigabatrin. The method was linear in the 0-45 mg/l range for both enantiomers and the minimum quantitation limit was 0.20 mg/l for (R)-(-)-vigabatrin and 0.14 mg/l for (S)-(+)-vigabatrin. No interferences were found from commonly co-administered antiepileptic drugs and from endogenous amino acids. The method is suitable for routine therapeutic drug monitoring and for pharmacokinetic studies.

  3. Remediation of an acidic mine spoil: Miscanthus biochar and lime amendment affects metal availability, plant growth, and soil enzyme activity.

    PubMed

    Novak, Jeffrey M; Ippolito, James A; Ducey, Thomas F; Watts, Donald W; Spokas, Kurt A; Trippe, Kristin M; Sigua, Gilbert C; Johnson, Mark G

    2018-08-01

    Biochar may be a tool for mine spoil remediation; however, its mechanisms for achieving this goal remain unclear. In this study, Miscanthus (Miscanthus giganteus) biochar was evaluated for its ability to reclaim acidic mine spoils (pH < 3) through reducing metal availability, improving soil microbial enzymatic activity, and initial growth of grass seedlings. Biochar was applied at 0, 1, 2.5 and 5% (w/w) along with lime/no lime and fertilizer additions. Blue Wildrye (Elymus glaucus cv. 'Elkton') was planted and later the shoots and roots were collected and metal concentrations determined. Afterwards, each pot was leached with deionized water, and the leachate analyzed for pH, electrical conductivity (EC), dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and soluble metal concentrations. After drying, the spoil was extracted with 0.01 M CaCl 2 and Mehlich 3 (M3) to determine extractable Al, Cu, and Zn concentrations. Additionally, microbial activity was measured using a fluorescent β-glucosidase and N-acetyl-β-d-glucosaminidase assay. Spoil treated with lime and biochar had significantly greater pH and EC values. Significantly greater β-glucosidase activity occurred only in the 5% biochar plus lime treatment, while N-acetyl-β-d-glucosaminidase activities were not altered. Metal concentrations in rye shoot and roots were mixed. Lime additions significantly reduced extractable metal concentrations. Increasing biochar rates alone significantly reduced leachate DOC concentrations, and subsequently reduced leachable metal concentrations. Surprisingly, miscanthus biochar, by itself, was limited at mitigation, but when combined with lime, the combination was capable of further reducing extractable metal concentrations and improving β-glucosidase enzyme activity. Copyright © 2018 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

  4. Overexpression of acetyl-CoA synthetase in Saccharomyces cerevisiae increases acetic acid tolerance

    PubMed Central

    Ding, Jun; Holzwarth, Garrett; Penner, Michael H.; Patton-Vogt, Jana; Bakalinsky, Alan T.

    2015-01-01

    Acetic acid-mediated inhibition of the fermentation of lignocellulose-derived sugars impedes development of plant biomass as a source of renewable ethanol. In order to overcome this inhibition, the capacity of Saccharomyces cerevisiae to synthesize acetyl-CoA from acetic acid was increased by overexpressing ACS2 encoding acetyl-coenzyme A synthetase. Overexpression of ACS2 resulted in higher resistance to acetic acid as measured by an increased growth rate and shorter lag phase relative to a wild-type control strain, suggesting that Acs2-mediated consumption of acetic acid during fermentation contributes to acetic acid detoxification. PMID:25673654

  5. Rational design of aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase specific for p-acetyl-L-phenylalanine.

    PubMed

    Sun, Renhua; Zheng, Heng; Fang, Zhengzhi; Yao, Wenbing

    2010-01-01

    The Methanococcus jannaschii tRNA(Tyr)/tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase pair has been engineered to incorporate unnatural amino acids into proteins in Escherichia coli site-specifically. In order to add other unnatural amino acids into proteins by this approach, the amino acid binding site of M. jannaschii tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase need to be mutated. The crystal structures of M. jannaschii tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase and its mutations were determined, which provided an opportunity to design aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases specific for other unnatural amino acids. In our study, we attempted to design aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases being able to deliver p-acetyl-L-phenylalanine into proteins. p-Acetyl-L-phenylalanine was superimposed on tyrosyl in M. jannaschii tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase-tyrosine complex. Tyr32 needed to be changed to non-polar amino acid with shorter side chain, Val, Leu, Ile, Gly or Ala, in order to reduce steric clash and provide hydrophobic environment to acetyl on p-acetyl-L-phenylalanine. Asp158 and Ile159 would be changed to specific amino acids for the same reason. So we designed 60 aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases. Binding of these aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases with p-acetyl-L-phenylalanine indicated that only 15 of them turned out to be able to bind p-acetyl-L-phenylalanine with reasonable poses. Binding affinity computation proved that the mutation of Tyr32Leu and Asp158Gly benefited p-acetyl-L-phenylalanine binding. And two of the designed aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases had considerable binding affinities. They seemed to be very promising to be able to incorporate p-acetyl-L-phenylalanine into proteins in E. coli. The results show that the combination of homology modeling and molecular docking is a feasible method to filter inappropriate mutations in molecular design and point out beneficial mutations. Copyright 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  6. METHOD FOR PREPARING NORMORPHINE

    DOEpatents

    Rapoport, H.; Look, M.

    1959-06-01

    An improved method is presented for producing normorphine from morphine. Morphine as the starting material is acetylated by treatment with acetylating agents to produce di-acetyl morphine (heroin). The acetylated compound is reacted with cyanating agents to produce di-acetyl-cyanonormorphine (cyanonorheroin). The di-acetyl-cyanonormorphine compound is then treated in accordance with the improved hydrolysis reactions of the present invention in which concentrated hydrochloric acid is employed for a limited time period to hydrolyze the acetyl group therefrom forming cyanonormorphine. Subsequently, the reaction mixture is diluted and hydrolysis of the cyano groups from the cyanonormorphine is effected with a longer contact time with dilute hydrochloric acid thereby producing normorphine. A high over-all conversion and production of a high purity product which may be radioactlvely labeled, if desired, is obtained by operation of the process.

  7. Role of chirality in peptide-induced formation of cholesterol-rich domains

    PubMed Central

    2005-01-01

    The chiral specificity of the interactions of peptides that induce the formation of cholesterol-rich domains has not been extensively investigated. Both the peptide and most lipids are chiral, so there is a possibility that interactions between peptide and lipid could require chiral recognition. On the other hand, in our models with small peptides, the extent of folding of the peptide to form a specific binding pocket is limited. We have determined that replacing cholesterol with its enantiomer, ent-cholesterol, alters the modulation of lipid organization by peptides. The phase-transition properties of SOPC (1-stearoyl-2-oleoylphosphatidylcholine):cholesterol [in a 6:4 ratio with 0.2 mol% PtdIns(4,5)P2] are not significantly altered when ent-cholesterol replaces cholesterol. However, in the presence of 10 mol% of a 19-amino-acid, N-terminally myristoylated fragment (myristoyl-GGKLSKKKKGYNVNDEKAK-amide) of the protein NAP-22 (neuronal axonal membrane protein), the lipid mixture containing cholesterol undergoes separation into cholesterol-rich and cholesterol-depleted domains. This does not occur when ent-cholesterol replaces cholesterol. In another example, when N-acetyl-Leu-Trp-Tyr-Ile-Lys-amide (N-acetyl-LWYIK-amide) is added to SOPC:cholesterol (7:3 ratio), there is a marked increase in the transition enthalpy of the phospholipid, indicating separation of a cholesterol-depleted domain of SOPC. This phenomenon completely disappears when ent-cholesterol replaces cholesterol. The all-D-isomer of N-acetyl-LWYIK-amide also induces the formation of cholesterol-rich domains with natural cholesterol, but does so to a lesser extent with ent-cholesterol. Thus specific peptide chirality is not required for interaction with cholesterol-containing membranes. However, a specific chirality of membrane lipids is required for peptide-induced formation of cholesterol-rich domains. PMID:15929726

  8. [Topical therapy of ulcerative colitis].

    PubMed

    Rogler, G; Beglinger, C; Mottet, C; Seibold, F; Gross, V

    2011-11-16

    The availability of new topical preparations for the treatment of left sided ulcerative colitis ulcerosa offers a therapy optimization for many patients. Rectal application of steroids and 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) is associated with fewer side effects and has a higher therapeutic efficacy in mild to moderate-active left-sided colitis as compared to a systemic therapy. Often it is argued that the patients' compliance is insufficient with a rectal therapy. However, with sufficient information on the proven advantages this is usually not the case. The rectal application of drugs in distal ulcerative colitis is suitable also for the maintenance of remission. Therefore the new therapy guidelines recommend topical therapy more than in former times. Subsequently, these manuscripts focussed specifically on the topical therapy of distal colitis, to elucidate that clear treatment advantages are present in daily practice.

  9. [Long-term therapy of idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease].

    PubMed

    Lukáš, K; Dastych, M; Novotný, A; Prokopová, L; Zbořil, V

    2012-01-01

    Crohns disease and ulcerative colitis are chronic inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Both can be treated with medications that induce and maintain remission. The choice of medication is influenced by the balance between drug potency and potential side-effects, previous response to treatment, and the presence of extraintestinal manifestations or complications. After remission has been achieved, the goal of treatment is to maintain the symptom-free status. 5-aminosalicylic acid derivatives have efficacy for maintenance of remission in patients with distal disease. Thiopurines are recommended for the long-term therapy. For the patients who do not have a response to immunosuppressive therapy or cannot tolerate it, anti-TNF-α agents are gradually being adopted. Effective in the remission maintenance are thiopurines, infliximab and adalimumab.

  10. An improved procedure, involving mass spectrometry, for N-terminal amino acid sequence determination of proteins which are N alpha-blocked.

    PubMed Central

    Rose, K; Kocher, H P; Blumberg, B M; Kolakofsky, D

    1984-01-01

    A modification to a previously described procedure [Gray & del Valle (1970) Biochemistry 9, 2134-2137; Rose, Simona & Offord (1983) Biochem. J. 215, 261-272] for mass-spectral identification of the N-terminal regions of proteins is shown to be useful in cases where the N-terminus is blocked. Three proteins were studied: vesicular-stomatitis-virus N protein, Sendai-virus NP protein, and a rabbit immunoglobulin lambda-light chain. These proteins, found to be blocked at the N-terminus with either the acetyl group or a pyroglutamic acid residue, had all failed to yield to attempted Edman degradation, in one case even after attempted enzymic removal of the pyroglutamic acid residue. The N-terminal regions of all three proteins were sequenced by using the new procedure. PMID:6421284

  11. N-Acetyl and Glutamatergic Neurometabolites in Perisylvian Brain Regions of Methamphetamine Users.

    PubMed

    Tang, Jinsong; O'Neill, Joseph; Alger, Jeffry R; Shen, Zhiwei; Johnson, Maritza C; London, Edythe D

    2018-05-21

    Methamphetamine induces neuronal N-acetyl-aspartate synthesis in preclinical studies. In a preliminary human proton magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging investigation, we also observed that N-acetyl-aspartate+N-acetyl-aspartyl-glutamate in right inferior frontal cortex correlated with years of heavy methamphetamine abuse. In the same brain region, glutamate+glutamine is lower in methamphetamine users than in controls and is negatively correlated with depression. N-acetyl and glutamatergic neurochemistries therefore merit further investigation in methamphetamine abuse and the associated mood symptoms. Magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging was used to measure N-acetyl-aspartate+N-acetyl-aspartyl-glutamate and glutamate+glutamine in bilateral inferior frontal cortex and insula, a neighboring perisylvian region affected by methamphetamine, of 45 abstinent methamphetamine-dependent and 45 healthy control participants. Regional neurometabolite levels were tested for group differences and associations with duration of heavy methamphetamine use, depressive symptoms, and state anxiety. In right inferior frontal cortex, N-acetyl-aspartate+N-acetyl-aspartyl-glutamate correlated with years of heavy methamphetamine use (r = +0.45); glutamate+glutamine was lower in methamphetamine users than in controls (9.3%) and correlated negatively with depressive symptoms (r = -0.44). In left insula, N-acetyl-aspartate+N-acetyl-aspartyl-glutamate was 9.1% higher in methamphetamine users than controls. In right insula, glutamate+glutamine was 12.3% lower in methamphetamine users than controls and correlated negatively with depressive symptoms (r = -0.51) and state anxiety (r = -0.47). The inferior frontal cortex and insula show methamphetamine-related abnormalities, consistent with prior observations of increased cortical N-acetyl-aspartate in methamphetamine-exposed animal models and associations between cortical glutamate and mood in human methamphetamine users.

  12. Green acetylation of solketal and glycerol formal by heterogeneous acid catalysts to form a biodiesel fuel additive.

    PubMed

    Dodson, Jennifer R; Leite, Thays d C M; Pontes, Nathália S; Peres Pinto, Bianca; Mota, Claudio J A

    2014-09-01

    A glut of glycerol has formed from the increased production of biodiesel, with the potential to integrate the supply chain by using glycerol additives to improve biodiesel properties. Acetylated acetals show interesting cold flow and viscosity effects. Herein, a solventless heterogeneously catalyzed process for the acetylation of both solketal and glycerol formal to new products is demonstrated. The process is optimized by studying the effect of acetylating reagent (acetic acid and acetic anhydride), reagent molar ratios, and a variety of commercial solid acid catalysts (Amberlyst-15, zeolite Beta, K-10 Montmorillonite, and niobium phosphate) on the conversion and selectivities. High conversions (72-95%) and selectivities (86-99%) to the desired products results from using acetic anhydride as the acetylation reagent and a 1:1 molar ratio with all catalysts. Overall, there is a complex interplay between the solid catalyst, reagent ratio, and acetylating agent on the conversion, selectivities, and byproducts formed. The variations are discussed and explained in terms of reactivity, thermodynamics, and reaction mechanisms. An alternative and efficient approach to the formation of 100% triacetin involves the ring-opening, acid-catalyzed acetylation from solketal or glycerol formal with excesses of acetic anhydride. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  13. Arylamine N-acetyltransferase (NAT2) mutations and their allelic linkage in unrelated caucasian individuals: Correlation with phenotypic activity

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

    Cascorbi, I.; Drakoulis, N.; Brockmoeller, J.

    1995-09-01

    The polymorphic arylamine N-acetyltransferase (NAT2; EC2.3.1.5) is supposed to be a susceptibility factor for several drug side effects and certain malignancies. A group of 844 unrelated German subjects was genotyped for their acetylation type, and 563 of them were also phenotyped. Seven mutations of the NAT2 gene were evaluated by allele-specific PCR (mutation 341C to T) and PCR-RFLP for mutations at nt positions 191, 282, 481, 590, 803, and 857. From the mutation pattern eight different alleles, including the wild type coding for rapid acetylation and seven alleles coding for slow phenotype, were determined. Four hundred ninety-seven subjects had amore » genotype of slow acetylation (58.9%; 95% confidence limits 55.5%-62.2%). Phenotypic acetylation capacity was expressed as the ratio of 5-acetylamino-6-formylamino-3-methyluracil and 1-methylxanthine in urine after caffeine intake. Some 6.7% of the cases deviated in genotype and phenotype, but sequencing DNA of these probands revealed no new mutations. Furthermore, linkage pattern of the mutations was always confirmed, as tested in 533 subjects. In vivo acetylation capacity of homozygous wild-type subjects (NAT2{sup *}4/{sup *}4) was significantly higher than in heterozygous genotypes (P = .001). All mutant alleles showed low in vivo acetylation capacities, including the previously not-yet-defined alleles {sup *}5A, {sup *}5C, and {sup *}13. Moreover, distinct slow genotypes differed significantly among each other, as reflected in lower acetylation capacity of {sup *}6A, {sup *}7B, and {sup *}13 alleles than the group of {sup *}5 alleles. The study demonstrated differential phenotypic activity of various NAT2 genes and gives a solid basis for clinical and molecular-epidemiological investigations. 34 refs., 4 figs., 7 tabs.« less

  14. Aspirin increases mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation

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

    Uppala, Radha; Dudiak, Brianne; Beck, Megan E.

    The metabolic effects of salicylates are poorly understood. This study investigated the effects of aspirin on fatty acid oxidation. Aspirin increased mitochondrial long-chain fatty acid oxidation, but inhibited peroxisomal fatty acid oxidation, in two different cell lines. Aspirin increased mitochondrial protein acetylation and was found to be a stronger acetylating agent in vitro than acetyl-CoA. However, aspirin-induced acetylation did not alter the activity of fatty acid oxidation proteins, and knocking out the mitochondrial deacetylase SIRT3 did not affect the induction of long-chain fatty acid oxidation by aspirin. Aspirin did not change oxidation of medium-chain fatty acids, which can freely traverse themore » mitochondrial membrane. Together, these data indicate that aspirin does not directly alter mitochondrial matrix fatty acid oxidation enzymes, but most likely exerts its effects at the level of long-chain fatty acid transport into mitochondria. The drive on mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation may be a compensatory response to altered mitochondrial morphology and inhibited electron transport chain function, both of which were observed after 24 h incubation of cells with aspirin. These studies provide insight into the pathophysiology of Reye Syndrome, which is known to be triggered by aspirin ingestion in patients with fatty acid oxidation disorders. - Highlights: • Aspirin increases mitochondrial—but inhibits peroxisomal—fatty acid oxidation. • Aspirin acetylates mitochondrial proteins including fatty acid oxidation enzymes. • SIRT3 does not influence the effect of aspirin on fatty acid oxidation. • Increased fatty acid oxidation is likely due to altered mitochondrial morphology and respiration.« less

  15. Sample preparation techniques for the determination of natural 15N/14N variations in amino acids by gas chromatography-combustion-isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GC-C-IRMS).

    PubMed

    Hofmann, D; Gehre, M; Jung, K

    2003-09-01

    In order to identify natural nitrogen isotope variations of biologically important amino acids four derivatization reactions (t-butylmethylsilylation, esterification with subsequent trifluoroacetylation, acetylation and pivaloylation) were tested with standard mixtures of 17 proteinogenic amino acids and plant (moss) samples using GC-C-IRMS. The possible fractionation of the nitrogen isotopes, caused for instance by the formation of multiple reaction products, was investigated. For biological samples, the esterification of the amino acids with subsequent trifluoroacetylation is recommended for nitrogen isotope ratio analysis. A sample preparation technique is described for the isotope ratio mass spectrometric analysis of amino acids from the non-protein (NPN) fraction of terrestrial moss. 14N/15N ratios from moss (Scleropodium spec.) samples from different anthropogenically polluted areas were studied with respect to ecotoxicologal bioindication.

  16. Leishmanicidal compounds of Nectria pseudotrichia, an endophytic fungus isolated from the plant Caesalpinia echinata (Brazilwood).

    PubMed

    Cota, Betania Barros; Tunes, Luiza Guimarães; Maia, Daniela Nabak Bueno; Ramos, Jonas Pereira; Oliveira, Djalma Menezes de; Kohlhoff, Markus; Alves, Tânia Maria de Almeida; Souza-Fagundes, Elaine Maria; Campos, Fernanda Fraga; Zani, Carlos Leomar

    2018-02-01

    BACKGROUND In a screen of extracts from plants and fungi to detect antileishmanial activity, we found that the ethyl acetate extract of the fungus Nectria pseudotrichia, isolated from the tree Caesalpinia echinata (Brazilwood), is a promising source of bioactive compounds. OBJECTIVES The aims of this study were to isolate and determine the chemical structures of the compounds responsible for the antileishmanial activity of the organic extract from N. pseudotrichia. METHODS Compounds were isolated by chromatographic fractionation using semi-preparative high-performance liquid chromatography, and their chemical structures were determined by analytical and spectral data and by comparison with published data. The antileishmanial activity of the isolated compounds was evaluated in intracellular amastigote forms of Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis expressing firefly luciferase as reporter gene, and cytotoxicity was determined in Vero and THP-1 mammalian cell lines by MTT assay. FINDINGS Fractionation of the extract yielded seven compounds: 10-acetyl trichoderonic acid A (1), 6'-acetoxy-piliformic acid (2), 5',6'-dehydropiliformic acid (3), piliformic acid (4), hydroheptelidic acid (5), xylaric acid D (6), and cytochalasin D (7). Compounds 1, 2 and 3 are reported here for the first time. Compounds 1, 2, and 5 were more active, with IC50 values of 21.4, 28.3, and 24.8 µM, respectively, and showed low toxicity to Vero and THP-1 cells. MAIN CONCLUSIONS N. pseudotrichia produces secondary metabolites that are more toxic to intracellular amastigote forms of L. (V.) braziliensis than to mammalian cells.

  17. Catalytic properties and heat stabilities of novel recombinant human N-acetyltransferase 2 allozymes support existence of genetic heterogeneity within the slow acetylator phenotype.

    PubMed

    Hein, David W; Doll, Mark A

    2017-08-01

    Human N-acetyltransferase 2 (NAT2) catalyzes the N-acetylation of numerous aromatic amine drugs such as sulfamethazine (SMZ) and hydrazine drugs such as isoniazid (INH). NAT2 also catalyzes the N-acetylation of aromatic amine carcinogens such as 2-aminofluorene and the O- and N,O-acetylation of aromatic amine and heterocyclic amine metabolites. Genetic polymorphism in NAT2 modifies drug efficacy and toxicity as well as cancer risk. Acetyltransferase catalytic activities and heat stability associated with six novel NAT2 haplotypes (NAT2*6C, NAT2*14C, NAT2*14D, NAT2*14E, NAT2*17, and NAT2*18) were compared with that of the reference NAT2*4 haplotype following recombinant expression in Escherichia coli. N-acetyltransferase activities towards SMZ and INH were significantly (p < 0.0001) lower when catalyzed by the novel recombinant human NAT2 allozymes compared to NAT2 4. SMZ and INH N-acetyltransferase activities catalyzed by NAT2 14C and NAT2 14D were significantly lower (p < 0.001) than catalyzed by NAT2 6C and NAT2 14E. N-Acetylation catalyzed by recombinant human NAT2 17 was over several hundred-fold lower than by recombinant NAT2 4 precluding measurement of its kinetic or heat inactivation constants. Similar results were observed for the O-acetylation of N-hydroxy-2-aminofluorene and N-hydroxy-2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo [4,5-b] pyridine and the intramolecular N,O-acetylation of N-hydroxy-N-acetyl-2-aminofluorene. The apparent V max of the novel recombinant NAT2 allozymes NAT2 6C, NAT2 14C, NAT2 14D, and NAT2 14E towards AF, 4-aminobiphenyl (ABP), and 3,2'-dimethyl-4-aminobiphenyl (DMABP) were each significantly (p < 0.001) lower while their apparent K m values did not differ significantly (p > 0.05) from recombinant NAT2 4. The apparent V max catalyzed by NAT2 14C and NAT2 14D were significantly lower (p < 0.05) than the apparent V max catalyzed by NAT2 6C and NAT2 14E towards AF, ABP, and DMABP. Heat inactivation rate constants for recombinant human NAT2 14C, 14D, 14E, and 18 were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than NAT2 4. These results provide further evidence of genetic heterogeneity within the NAT2 slow acetylator phenotype.

  18. 1H-NMR, 1H-NMR T2-edited, and 2D-NMR in bipolar disorder metabolic profiling.

    PubMed

    Sethi, Sumit; Pedrini, Mariana; Rizzo, Lucas B; Zeni-Graiff, Maiara; Mas, Caroline Dal; Cassinelli, Ana Cláudia; Noto, Mariane N; Asevedo, Elson; Cordeiro, Quirino; Pontes, João G M; Brasil, Antonio J M; Lacerda, Acioly; Hayashi, Mirian A F; Poppi, Ronei; Tasic, Ljubica; Brietzke, Elisa

    2017-12-01

    The objective of this study was to identify molecular alterations in the human blood serum related to bipolar disorder, using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and chemometrics. Metabolomic profiling, employing 1 H-NMR, 1 H-NMR T 2 -edited, and 2D-NMR spectroscopy and chemometrics of human blood serum samples from patients with bipolar disorder (n = 26) compared with healthy volunteers (n = 50) was performed. The investigated groups presented distinct metabolic profiles, in which the main differential metabolites found in the serum sample of bipolar disorder patients compared with those from controls were lipids, lipid metabolism-related molecules (choline, myo-inositol), and some amino acids (N-acetyl-L-phenyl alanine, N-acetyl-L-aspartyl-L-glutamic acid, L-glutamine). In addition, amygdalin, α-ketoglutaric acid, and lipoamide, among other compounds, were also present or were significantly altered in the serum of bipolar disorder patients. The data presented herein suggest that some of these metabolites differentially distributed between the groups studied may be directly related to the bipolar disorder pathophysiology. The strategy employed here showed significant potential for exploring pathophysiological features and molecular pathways involved in bipolar disorder. Thus, our findings may contribute to pave the way for future studies aiming at identifying important potential biomarkers for bipolar disorder diagnosis or progression follow-up.

  19. A multi-matrix HILIC-MS/MS method for the quantitation of endogenous small molecule neurological biomarker N-acetyl aspartic acid (NAA).

    PubMed

    Sangaraju, Dewakar; Shahidi-Latham, Sheerin K; Burgess, Braydon L; Dean, Brian; Ding, Xiao

    2017-06-05

    A multi-matrix hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometric method (HILIC-MS/MS) was developed for the quantitation of N-Acetyl Aspartic acid (NAA) using stable isotope labeled internal standard, D3-NAA in various biological matrices such as human plasma, human CSF, mouse plasma, brain and spinal cord. A high throughput 96-well plate format supported liquid extraction (SLE) procedure was developed and used for sample preparation. Mass spectrometric analysis of NAA was performed using selected reaction monitoring transitions in positive electrospray ionization mode. As NAA is endogenously present, a surrogate matrix approach was used for quantitation of NAA and the method was qualified over linear calibration curve range of 0.01-10μg/mL. Intra and inter assay precision indicated by percent relative standard deviation (%RSD) was less than 7.1% for low, medium, medium high and high QCs. The accuracy of the method ranged from 92.6-107.0% of nominal concentration for within-run and between-run for the same QCs. Extraction recovery of NAA and D3-NAA was greater than 76%. Stability of NAA was established in the above biological matrices under bench top (RT, 5h), freeze thaw (-20±10°C, 3 cycles) and moues/human plasma sample collection (Wet ice, RT) conditions. HILIC-MS/MS method was then used to quantify and compare the NAA levels in human plasma and CSF of ALS patients versus control human subjects. NAA CSF levels in control human subjects (73.3±31.0ng/mL,N=10) were found to be slightly higher than ALS patients (46.1±22.6ng/mL, N=10) (P=0.04). No differences were observed in NAA plasma levels in human control subjects (49.7±13.8ng/mL,N=9) as compared to ALS patients (49.6±8.1ng/mL, N=10) (P=0.983). NAA endogenous concentrations in mouse plasma, brain and spinal cord were found to be 243.8±56.8ng/mL (N=6), 1029.8±115.2μg/g tissue weight (N=5) and 487.6±178.4μg/g tissue weight (N=5) respectively. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  20. A Proteomic Approach to Analyze the Aspirin-mediated Lysine Acetylome*

    PubMed Central

    Tatham, Michael H.; Cole, Christian; Scullion, Paul; Wilkie, Ross; Westwood, Nicholas J.; Stark, Lesley A.; Hay, Ronald T.

    2017-01-01

    Aspirin, or acetylsalicylic acid is widely used to control pain, inflammation and fever. Important to this function is its ability to irreversibly acetylate cyclooxygenases at active site serines. Aspirin has the potential to acetylate other amino acid side-chains, leading to the possibility that aspirin-mediated lysine acetylation could explain some of its as-yet unexplained drug actions or side-effects. Using isotopically labeled aspirin-d3, in combination with acetylated lysine purification and LC-MS/MS, we identified over 12000 sites of lysine acetylation from cultured human cells. Although aspirin amplifies endogenous acetylation signals at the majority of detectable endogenous sites, cells tolerate aspirin mediated acetylation very well unless cellular deacetylases are inhibited. Although most endogenous acetylations are amplified by orders of magnitude, lysine acetylation site occupancies remain very low even after high doses of aspirin. This work shows that while aspirin has enormous potential to alter protein function, in the majority of cases aspirin-mediated acetylations do not accumulate to levels likely to elicit biological effects. These findings are consistent with an emerging model for cellular acetylation whereby stoichiometry correlates with biological relevance, and deacetylases act to minimize the biological consequences of nonspecific chemical acetylations. PMID:27913581

  1. Four new triterpene saponins from the seeds of Aesculus chinensis.

    PubMed

    Zhao, Jing; Yang, Xiu-Wei

    2003-09-01

    Two pairs of new geometrically isomeric triterpenoid saponins were isolated from the seeds of Aesculus chinensis and characterized as 28-acetyl-21-tigloylprotoaescigenin 3-O-[beta-D-xylopyranosyl (1 --> 2)] [beta-D-glucopyranosyl (1 --> 4)] [beta-D-glucopyranosiduronic acid (isoescin IIa, 1) and 28-acetyl-21-angeloylprotoaescigenin 3-O-[-beta-D-xylopyranosyl (1 --> 2)] [beta-D-glucopyranosyl (1 --> 4)] beta-D-glucopyranosiduronic acid (isoescin IIb, 2); 28-acetyl-21-tigloylbarringtogenol C 3-O-[beta-D-galactopyranosyl (1 --> 2)] [beta-D-glucopyranosyl (1 --> 4)] beta-D-glucopyranosiduronic acid (isoescin IIIa, 3) and 28-acetyl-21-angeloylbarringtogenol C 3-O-[beta-D-galactopyranosyl (1 --> 2)] [beta-D-glucopyranosyl (1 --> 4)] beta-D-glucopyranosiduronic acid (isoescin IIIb, 4). Their structures were established on the basis of spectroscopic and chemical evidence.

  2. HPLC analysis of functionalized poly(amidoamine) dendrimers and the interaction between a folate-dendrimer conjugate and folate binding protein.

    PubMed

    Shi, Xiangyang; Bi, Xiangdong; Ganser, T Rose; Hong, Seungpyo; Myc, Lukasz A; Desai, Ankur; Holl, Mark M Banaszak; Baker, James R

    2006-07-01

    Poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) dendrimers of different generations with carboxyl, acetyl, and hydroxyl terminal groups and a folic acid (FA)-dendrimer conjugate were separated and analyzed using reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Analysis of both the individual PAMAM derivatives and the separation of mixed generations can be achieved using a linear gradient 0-50% acetonitrile (ACN) (balance water) within 40 min. We also show that PAMAMs with defined acetylation and carboxylation degrees can be analyzed using HPLC. Furthermore, a generation 5 dendrimer-FA conjugate (G5.75Ac-FA4; Ac denotes acetyl) was analyzed and its specific binding with a bovine folic acid binding protein (FBP) was monitored. The HPLC and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) results indicate the formation of three complexes after the binding of G5.75Ac-FA4 with FBP. Dendrimers with FA moieties show much higher specific binding capability with FBP than those without FA moieties. Findings from this study indicate that HPLC is an effective technique not only for characterization and separation of functionalized PAMAM dendrimers and conjugates but also for investigation of the interaction between dendrimers and biomolecules.

  3. Molecular modeling and multispectroscopic studies of the interaction of mesalamine with bovine serum albumin.

    PubMed

    Shahabadi, Nahid; Fili, Soraya Moradi

    2014-01-24

    The interaction of mesalamine (5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA)) with bovine serum albumin (BSA) was investigated by fluorescence quenching, absorption spectroscopy, circular dichroism (CD) techniques, and molecular docking. Thermodynamic parameters (ΔH<0 and ΔS 0) indicated that the hydrogen bond and electrostatic forces played the major role in the binding of 5-ASA to BSA. The results of CD and UV-vis spectroscopy showed that the binding of this drug to BSA induces some conformational changes in BSA. Displacement experiments predicted that the binding of 5-ASA to BSA is located within domain III, Sudlows site 2, that these observations were substantiated by molecular docking studies. In addition, the docking result shows that the 5-ASA in its anionic form mainly interacts with Gln-416 residue through one hydrogen bond between H atom of 5-ASA anion and the adjacent O atom of the hydroxyl group of Gln-416. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  4. LAL (Lysosomal Acid Lipase) Promotes Reverse Cholesterol Transport In Vitro and In Vivo.

    PubMed

    Bowden, Kristin L; Dubland, Joshua A; Chan, Teddy; Xu, You-Hai; Grabowski, Gregory A; Du, Hong; Francis, Gordon A

    2018-05-01

    To explore the role of LAL (lysosomal acid lipase) in macrophage cholesterol efflux and whole-body reverse cholesterol transport. Immortalized peritoneal macrophages from lal -/- mice showed reduced expression of ABCA1 (ATP-binding cassette transporter A1) and ABCG1 (ATP-binding cassette transporter G1), reduced production of the regulatory oxysterol 27-hydroxycholesterol, and impaired suppression of cholesterol synthesis on exposure to acetylated low-density lipoprotein when compared with lal +/+ macrophages. LAL-deficient mice also showed reduced hepatic ABCG5 (ATP-binding cassette transporter G5) and ABCG8 (ATP-binding cassette transporter G8) expression compared with lal +/+ mice. LAL-deficient macrophages loaded with [ 3 H]-cholesteryl oleate-labeled acetylated low-density lipoprotein showed impaired efflux of released [ 3 H]-cholesterol to apoA-I (apolipoprotein A-I), with normalization of [ 3 H]-cholesteryl ester levels and partial correction of ABCA1 expression and cholesterol efflux to apoA-I when treated with exogenous rhLAL (recombinant human LAL protein). LAL-deficient mice injected intraperitoneally with lal -/- macrophages cholesterol loaded and labeled in the same way exhibited only 1.55±0.35% total injected [ 3 H]-cholesterol counts appearing in the feces for 48 h (n=30), compared with 5.38±0.92% in lal +/+ mice injected with labeled lal +/+ macrophages (n=27), P <0.001. To mimic the therapeutic condition of delivery of supplemental LAL in vivo, injection of labeled lal -/- macrophages into lal +/+ mice resulted in a significant increase in reverse cholesterol transport (2.60±0.46% of 3 H-cholesterol counts in feces at 48 hours [n=19]; P <0.001 when compared with injection into lal -/- mice). These results indicate a critical role for LAL in promoting both macrophage and whole-body reverse cholesterol transport and the ability of supplemental LAL to be taken up and correct reverse cholesterol transport in vivo. © 2018 American Heart Association, Inc.

  5. Overexpression of acetyl-CoA synthetase in Saccharomyces cerevisiae increases acetic acid tolerance.

    PubMed

    Ding, Jun; Holzwarth, Garrett; Penner, Michael H; Patton-Vogt, Jana; Bakalinsky, Alan T

    2015-01-01

    Acetic acid-mediated inhibition of the fermentation of lignocellulose-derived sugars impedes development of plant biomass as a source of renewable ethanol. In order to overcome this inhibition, the capacity of Saccharomyces cerevisiae to synthesize acetyl-CoA from acetic acid was increased by overexpressing ACS2 encoding acetyl-coenzyme A synthetase. Overexpression of ACS2 resulted in higher resistance to acetic acid as measured by an increased growth rate and shorter lag phase relative to a wild-type control strain, suggesting that Acs2-mediated consumption of acetic acid during fermentation contributes to acetic acid detoxification. © FEMS 2014. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

  6. METHOD FOR PREPARING NORMORPHINE

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

    Rapoport, H.; Look, M.

    1959-06-01

    An improved method is presented for producing normorphine from morphine. Morphine as the starting material is acetylated by treatment with acetylating agents to produce di-acetyl morphine (heroin). The acetylated compound is reacted with cyanating agents to produce di-acetyl-cyanonormorphine (cyanonorheroin). The di-acetyl-cyanonormorphine compound is then treated in accordance with the improved hydrolysis reactions of the present invention in which concentrated hydrochloric acid is employed for a limited time period to hydrolyze the acetyl group therefrom forming cyanonormorphine. Subsequently, the reaction mixture is diluted and hydrolysis of the cyano groups from the cyanonormorphine is effected with a longer contact time with dilutemore » hydrochloric acid thereby producing normorphine. A high over-all conversion and production of a high purity product which may be radioactlvely labeled, if desired, is obtained by operation of the process.« less

  7. The Bromodomain of Gcn5 Regulates Site Specificity of Lysine Acetylation on Histone H3*

    PubMed Central

    Cieniewicz, Anne M.; Moreland, Linley; Ringel, Alison E.; Mackintosh, Samuel G.; Raman, Ana; Gilbert, Tonya M.; Wolberger, Cynthia; Tackett, Alan J.; Taverna, Sean D.

    2014-01-01

    In yeast, the conserved histone acetyltransferase (HAT) Gcn5 associates with Ada2 and Ada3 to form the catalytic module of the ADA and SAGA transcriptional coactivator complexes. Gcn5 also contains an acetyl-lysine binding bromodomain that has been implicated in regulating nucleosomal acetylation in vitro, as well as at gene promoters in cells. However, the contribution of the Gcn5 bromodomain in regulating site specificity of HAT activity remains unclear. Here, we used a combined acid-urea gel and quantitative mass spectrometry approach to compare the HAT activity of wild-type and Gcn5 bromodomain-mutant ADA subcomplexes (Gcn5-Ada2-Ada3). Wild-type ADA subcomplex acetylated H3 lysines with the following specificity; H3K14 > H3K23 > H3K9 ≈ H3K18 > H3K27 > H3K36. However, when the Gcn5 bromodomain was defective in acetyl-lysine binding, the ADA subcomplex demonstrated altered site-specific acetylation on free and nucleosomal H3, with H3K18ac being the most severely diminished. H3K18ac was also severely diminished on H3K14R, but not H3K23R, substrates in wild-type HAT reactions, further suggesting that Gcn5-catalyzed acetylation of H3K14 and bromodomain binding to H3K14ac are important steps preceding H3K18ac. In sum, this work details a previously uncharacterized cross-talk between the Gcn5 bromodomain “reader” function and enzymatic HAT activity that might ultimately affect gene expression. Future studies of how mutations in bromodomains or other histone post-translational modification readers can affect chromatin-templated enzymatic activities will yield unprecedented insight into a potential “histone/epigenetic code.” MS data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD001167. PMID:25106422

  8. Aspirin Increases Mitochondrial Fatty Acid Oxidation

    PubMed Central

    Uppala, Radha; Dudiak, Brianne; Beck, Megan E.; Bharathi, Sivakama S.; Zhang, Yuxun; Stolz, Donna B.; Goetzman, Eric S.

    2016-01-01

    The metabolic effects of salicylates are poorly understood. This study investigated the effects of aspirin on fatty acid oxidation. Aspirin increased mitochondrial long-chain fatty acid oxidation, but inhibited peroxisomal fatty acid oxidation, in two different cell lines. Aspirin increased mitochondrial protein acetylation and was found to be a stronger acetylating agent in vitro than acetyl-CoA. However, aspirin-induced acetylation did not alter the activity of fatty acid oxidation proteins, and knocking out the mitochondrial deacetylase SIRT3 did not affect the induction of long-chain fatty acid oxidation by aspirin. Aspirin did not change oxidation of medium-chain fatty acids, which can freely traverse the mitochondrial membrane. Together, these data indicate that aspirin does not directly alter mitochondrial matrix fatty acid oxidation enzymes, but most likely exerts its effects at the level of long-chain fatty acid transport into mitochondria. The drive on mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation may be a compensatory response to altered mitochondrial morphology and inhibited electron transport chain function, both of which were observed after 24 hr incubation of cells with aspirin. These studies provide insight into the pathophysiology of Reye Syndrome, which is known to be triggered by aspirin ingestion in patients with fatty acid oxidation disorders. PMID:27856258

  9. Detoxification of toxins by bacillithiol in Staphylococcus aureus

    PubMed Central

    Newton, Gerald L.; Fahey, Robert C.

    2012-01-01

    Bacillithiol (BSH), an α-anomeric glycoside of l-cysteinyl-d-glucosaminyl-l-malate, is a major low-molecular-mass thiol found in bacteria such as Bacillus sp., Staphylococcus aureus and Deinococcus radiodurans. Like other low-molecular-mass thiols such as glutathione and mycothiol, BSH is likely to be involved in protection against environmental toxins including thiol-reactive antibiotics. We report here a BSH-dependent detoxification mechanism in S. aureus. When S. aureus Newman strain was treated with monobromobimane and monochlorobimane, the cellular BSH was converted to the fluorescent S-conjugate BS-bimane. A bacillithiol conjugate amidase activity acted upon the BS-bimane to produce Cys-bimane, which was then acetylated by an N-acetyltransferase to generate N-acetyl-Cys-bimane, a mercapturic acid. An S. aureus mutant lacking BSH did not produce mercapturic acid when treated with monobromobimane and monochlorobimane, confirming the involvement of bacillithiol. Furthermore, treatment of S. aureus Newman with rifamycin, the parent compound of the first-line anti-tuberculosis drug, rifampicin, indicated that this thiol-reactive antibiotic is also detoxified in a BSH-dependent manner, since mercapturic acids of rifamycin were observed in the culture medium. These data indicate that toxins and thiol-reactive antibiotics are detoxified to less potent mercapturic acids in a BSH-dependent manner and then exported out of the cell in S. aureus. PMID:22262099

  10. Nature and chlorine reactivity of organic constituents from reclaimed water in groundwater, Los Angeles County, California

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Leenheer, J.A.; Rostad, C.E.; Barber, L.B.; Schroeder, R.A.; Anders, R.; Davisson, M.L.

    2001-01-01

    The nature and chlorine reactivity of organic constituents in reclaimed water (tertiary-treated municipal wastewater) before, during, and after recharge into groundwater at the Montebello Forebay in Los Angeles County, CA, was the focus of this study. Dissolved organic matter (DOM) in reclaimed water from this site is primarily a mixture of aromatic sulfonates from anionic surfactant degradation, N-acetyl amino sugars and proteins from bacterial activity, and natural fulvic acid, whereas DOM from native groundwaters in the aquifer to which reclaimed water was recharged consists of natural fulvic acids. The hydrophilic neutral N-acetyl amino sugars that constitute 40% of the DOM in reclaimed water are removed during the first 3 m of vertical infiltration in the recharge basin. Groundwater age dating with 3H and 3He isotopes, and determinations of organic and inorganic C isotopes, enabled clear differentiation of recent recharged water from older native groundwater. Phenol structures in natural fulvic acids in DOM isolated from groundwater produced significant trihalomethanes (THM) and total organic halogen (TOX) yields upon chlorination, and these structures also were responsible for the enhanced SUVA and specific fluorescence characteristics relative to DOM in reclaimed water. Aromatic sulfonates and fulvic acids in reclaimed water DOM produced minimal THM and TOX yields.

  11. The role of loop ZA and Pro371 in the function of yeast Gcn5p bromodomain revealed through molecular dynamics and experiment.

    PubMed

    Pizzitutti, Francesco; Giansanti, Andrea; Ballario, Paola; Ornaghi, Prisca; Torreri, Paola; Ciccotti, Giovanni; Filetici, Patrizia

    2006-01-01

    Biological experiments were combined with molecular dynamics simulations to understand the importance of amino acidic residues present in the bromodomain of the yeast histone acetyltransferase Gcn5p. It was found that residue Pro371 plays an important role in the molecular recognition of the acetylated histone H4 tail by Gcn5p bromodomain. Crystallographic analysis of the complex showed that this residue does not directly interact with the histone substrate. It has been demonstrated that a double mutation Pro371Thr and Met372Ala in the Gcn5p bromodomain impairs chromatin remodeling activity. It is demonstrated here that, in this double mutant and in the fully deleted bromodomain strain, there is lower growth under amino acid deprivation conditions. By in vitro surface plasmon resonance (Biacore) experiments it is shown that the binding affinity of the double mutation to acetyl lysine 16 histone H4 peptide decreases. Molecular dynamics simulations were used to explain this loss in acetyl lysine-Gcn5p bromodomain affinity, in the double mutant. By comparing nanosecond molecular dynamics trajectories of the native as well as the single and doubly mutated bromodomain, it is concluded that the presence of Pro371 is important to the functionality of the Gcn5p bromodomain. In the simulation a point mutation involving this highly conserved residue induced an increase in the flexibility of the ZA loop, which in turn modulated the exposure of the binding pocket to the acetyl lysine. The combined double mutations (Pro371Thr-Met372Ala) not only markedly perturb the motion of the ZA loop but also destabilize the entire structure of the bromodomain. Copyright 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  12. Quantification of paracetamol and 5-oxoproline in serum by capillary electrophoresis: Implication for clinical toxicology.

    PubMed

    Hložek, Tomáš; Křížek, Tomáš; Tůma, Petr; Bursová, Miroslava; Coufal, Pavel; Čabala, Radomír

    2017-10-25

    High anion gap metabolic acidosis frequently complicates acute paracetamol overdose and is generally attributed to lactic acidosis or compromised hepatic function. However, metabolic acidosis can also be caused by organic acid 5-oxoproline (pyroglutamic acid). Paracetamol's toxic intermediate, N-acetyl-p-benzoquinoneimine irreversibly binds to glutathione and its depletion leads to subsequent disruption of the gamma glutamyl cycle and an excessive 5-oxoproline generation. This is undoubtedly an underdiagnosed condition because measurement of serum 5-oxoproline level is not readily available. A simple, cost effective, and fast capillary electrophoresis method with diode array detection (DAD) for simultaneous measurement of both paracetamol (acetaminophen) and 5-oxoproline in serum was developed and validated. This method is highly suitable for clinical toxicology laboratory diagnostic, allowing rapid quantification of acidosis inducing organic acid 5-oxoproline present in cases of paracetamol overdose. The calibration dependence of the method was proved to be linear in the range of 1.3-250μgmL -1 , with adequate accuracy (96.4-107.8%) and precision (12.3%). LOQ equaled 1.3μgmL -1 for paracetamol and 4.9μgmL -1 for 5-oxoproline. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  13. Isolation and structure elucidation of pectic polysaccharide from rose hip fruits (Rosa canina L.).

    PubMed

    Ognyanov, Manol; Remoroza, Connie; Schols, Henk A; Georgiev, Yordan; Kratchanova, Maria; Kratchanov, Christo

    2016-10-20

    A pectic polysaccharide from rose hip (RH) fruits has been obtained by extraction with 1% aqueous citric acid. It was found that the polysaccharide fraction mainly consisted of galacturonic acid (45.5%) next to galactose (5.5%) and arabinose (4.7%). RH pectin is having a relatively high degree of methylesterification (62%) and acetylation (10%) and consists of different molecular weight populations in the range of 10-100kDa. Enzymatic fingerprinting was performed using a combination of pectin lyase (PL) and endo-polygalacturonase. Detailed information about the structure and level of galacturonic acid oligomers released was obtained using LC-HILIC-MS/ELSD and HPAEC. Predominantly, unsaturated and methyl-esterified oligomers (DP 3-5) were released indicating that high proportions of methylesterified 'PL degradable' areas were present within the pectin. The data revealed that homogalacturonan is the main building block of the extracted pectin and consists of long methylesterified/acetylated GalA sequences interspersed with small blocks of non-methyl-esterified GalA units. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  14. Sodium p-Aminosalicylic Acid Reverses Sub-Chronic Manganese-Induced Impairments of Spatial Learning and Memory Abilities in Rats, but Fails to Restore γ-Aminobutyric Acid Levels.

    PubMed

    Li, Shao-Jun; Ou, Chao-Yan; He, Sheng-Nan; Huang, Xiao-Wei; Luo, Hai-Lan; Meng, Hao-Yang; Lu, Guo-Dong; Jiang, Yue-Ming; Vieira Peres, Tanara; Luo, Yi-Ni; Deng, Xiang-Fa

    2017-04-10

    Excessive manganese (Mn) exposure is not only a health risk for occupational workers, but also for the general population. Sodium para-aminosalicylic acid (PAS-Na) has been successfully used in the treatment of manganism, but the involved molecular mechanisms have yet to be determined. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of PAS-Na on sub-chronic Mn exposure-induced impairments of spatial learning and memory, and determine the possible involvements of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) metabolism in vivo. Sprague-Dawley male rats received daily intraperitoneal injections MnCl₂ (as 6.55 mg/kg Mn body weight, five days per week for 12 weeks), followed by daily subcutaneous injections of 100, 200, or 300 mg/kg PAS-Na for an additional six weeks. Mn exposure significantly impaired spatial learning and memory ability, as noted in the Morris water maze test, and the following PAS-Na treatment successfully restored these adverse effects to levels indistinguishable from controls. Unexpectedly, PAS-Na failed to recover the Mn-induced decrease in the overall GABA levels, although PAS-Na treatment reversed Mn-induced alterations in the enzyme activities directly responsible for the synthesis and degradation of GABA (glutamate decarboxylase and GABA-transaminase, respectively). Moreover, Mn exposure caused an increase of GABA transporter 1 (GAT-1) and decrease of GABA A receptor (GABA A ) in transcriptional levels, which could be reverted by the highest dose of 300 mg/kg PAS-Na treatment. In conclusion, the GABA metabolism was interrupted by sub-chronic Mn exposure. However, the PAS-Na treatment mediated protection from sub-chronic Mn exposure-induced neurotoxicity, which may not be dependent on the GABA metabolism.

  15. Sodium p-Aminosalicylic Acid Reverses Sub-Chronic Manganese-Induced Impairments of Spatial Learning and Memory Abilities in Rats, but Fails to Restore γ-Aminobutyric Acid Levels

    PubMed Central

    Li, Shao-Jun; Ou, Chao-Yan; He, Sheng-Nan; Huang, Xiao-Wei; Luo, Hai-Lan; Meng, Hao-Yang; Lu, Guo-Dong; Jiang, Yue-Ming; Vieira Peres, Tanara; Luo, Yi-Ni; Deng, Xiang-Fa

    2017-01-01

    Excessive manganese (Mn) exposure is not only a health risk for occupational workers, but also for the general population. Sodium para-aminosalicylic acid (PAS-Na) has been successfully used in the treatment of manganism, but the involved molecular mechanisms have yet to be determined. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of PAS-Na on sub-chronic Mn exposure-induced impairments of spatial learning and memory, and determine the possible involvements of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) metabolism in vivo. Sprague-Dawley male rats received daily intraperitoneal injections MnCl2 (as 6.55 mg/kg Mn body weight, five days per week for 12 weeks), followed by daily subcutaneous injections of 100, 200, or 300 mg/kg PAS-Na for an additional six weeks. Mn exposure significantly impaired spatial learning and memory ability, as noted in the Morris water maze test, and the following PAS-Na treatment successfully restored these adverse effects to levels indistinguishable from controls. Unexpectedly, PAS-Na failed to recover the Mn-induced decrease in the overall GABA levels, although PAS-Na treatment reversed Mn-induced alterations in the enzyme activities directly responsible for the synthesis and degradation of GABA (glutamate decarboxylase and GABA-transaminase, respectively). Moreover, Mn exposure caused an increase of GABA transporter 1 (GAT-1) and decrease of GABA A receptor (GABAA) in transcriptional levels, which could be reverted by the highest dose of 300 mg/kg PAS-Na treatment. In conclusion, the GABA metabolism was interrupted by sub-chronic Mn exposure. However, the PAS-Na treatment mediated protection from sub-chronic Mn exposure-induced neurotoxicity, which may not be dependent on the GABA metabolism. PMID:28394286

  16. A comparative study of monosaccharide composition analysis as a carbohydrate test for biopharmaceuticals.

    PubMed

    Harazono, Akira; Kobayashi, Tetsu; Kawasaki, Nana; Itoh, Satsuki; Tada, Minoru; Hashii, Noritaka; Ishii, Akiko; Arato, Teruyo; Yanagihara, Shigehiro; Yagi, Yuki; Koga, Akiko; Tsuda, Yuriko; Kimura, Mikiko; Sakita, Masashi; Kitamura, Satoshi; Yamaguchi, Hideto; Mimura, Hisashi; Murata, Yoshimi; Hamazume, Yasuki; Sato, Takayuki; Natsuka, Shunji; Kakehi, Kazuaki; Kinoshita, Mitsuhiro; Watanabe, Sakie; Yamaguchi, Teruhide

    2011-05-01

    The various monosaccharide composition analysis methods were evaluated as monosaccharide test for glycoprotein-based pharmaceuticals. Neutral and amino sugars were released by hydrolysis with 4-7N trifluoroacetic acid. The monosaccharides were N-acetylated if necessary, and analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with fluorometric or UV detection after derivatization with 2-aminopyridine, ethyl 4-aminobenzoate, 2-aminobenzoic acid or 1-phenyl-3-methyl-5-pyrazolone, or high pH anion exchange chromatography with pulsed amperometric detection (HPAEC-PAD). Sialic acids were released by mild acid hydrolysis or sialidase digestion, and analyzed by HPLC with fluorometric detection after derivatization with 1,2-diamino-4,5-methylenedioxybenzene, or HPAEC-PAD. These methods were verified for resolution, linearity, repeatability, and accuracy using a monosaccharide standard solution, a mixture of epoetin alfa and beta, and alteplase as models. It was confirmed that those methods were useful for ensuring the consistency of glycosylation. It is considered essential that the analytical conditions including desalting, selection of internal standards, release of monosaccharides, and gradient time course should be determined carefully to eliminate interference of sample matrix. Various HPLC-based monosaccharide analysis methods were evaluated as a carbohydrate test for glycoprotein pharmaceuticals by an inter-laboratory study. Copyright © 2011 The International Association for Biologicals. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  17. Experimental and Theoretical Investigation of Effects of Ethanol and Acetic Acid on Carcinogenic NDMA Formation in Simulated Gastric Fluid.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Ou; Zou, Xuan; Li, Qi-Hong; Sun, Zhi; Liu, Yong Dong; Zhong, Ru Gang

    2016-07-07

    N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), as a representative of endogenously formed N-nitroso compounds (NOCs), has become the focus of considerable research interest due to its unusually high carcinogenicity. In this study, effects of ethanol and acetic acid on the formation of NDMA from dimethylamine (DMA) and nitrite in simulated gastric fluid (SGF) were investigated. Experimental results showed that ethanol in the concentrations of 1-8% (v/v) and acetic acid in the concentrations of 0.01-8% (v/v) exhibit inhibitory and promotion effects on the formation of NDMA, respectively. Moreover, they are both in a dose-dependent manner with the largest inhibition/promotion rate reaching ∼70%. Further experimental investigations indicate that ethanol and acetic acid are both able to scavenge nitrite in SGF. It implies that there are interactions of ethanol and acetic acid with nitrite or nitrite-related nitrosating agents rather than DMA. Theoretical calculations confirm the above experimental results and demonstrate that ethanol and acetic acid can both react with nitrite-related nitrosating agents to produce ethyl nitrite (EtONO) and acetyl nitrite (AcONO), respectively. Furthermore, the reactivities of ethyl nitrite, acetyl nitrite, and dinitrogen trioxide reacting with DMA were found in the order of AcONO > N2O3 ≫ EtONO. This is probably the main reason why there are completely different effects of ethanol and acetic acid on NDMA formation. On the basis of the above results, two requirements for a potential inhibitor of NOCs formation in SGF were provided. The results obtained in this study will be helpful in better understanding the inhibition/promotion mechanisms of compounds on NDMA formation in SGF and searching for protective substances to prevent carcinogenic NOCs formation.

  18. The composition of peptidochitodextrins from sarcophagid puparial cases

    PubMed Central

    Lipke, H.; Geoghegan, T.

    1971-01-01

    1. N-Bromosuccinimide cleaved proteins and pigments from fly puparia, increasing the chitin:protein ratio from 0.5 to 1.5. The product afforded subfractions (ratio 5:1) of molecular weights of 1200 and 1600 devoid of aromatic residues and N-terminal β-alanine, direct aryl links between polysaccharide chains being discounted. 2. The chitin–protein complex decreased in molecular weight when treated with Pronase, which suggested polypeptide bridges within the native chitin micelle. The limit dextrins generated by chitinase were mixtures of unsubstituted dextrins and peptidylated oligosaccharides, with the former predominating. 3. Peptidochitodextrins of similar molecular weight but markedly different solubility were prepared, which were indistinguishable with respect to amino acid, glucosamine, acetyl, X-ray or infrared characteristics. It is suggested that physical interactions contribute to the stability of the integument in addition to the covalent bonds that form during sclerotization. PMID:5145884

  19. Acetyl diacylglycerol produced by modified camelina (Camelina sativa)

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Acetyl diacylglyceride (Acetyl-TAG) is a component of a commercial product, ACETEM, manufactured by transesterification reaction of triglycerides, glycerol, and triacetin or by acetylation of mono- and diglycerides with acetic acid anhydride. ACETEM is commonly used as foaming agents and coatings in...

  20. Forms of immunoreactive beta-endorphin in the intermediate pituitary of the holostean fish, Amia calva.

    PubMed

    Dores, R M; Sei, C A; Morrissey, M A; Crim, J W; Kawauchi, H

    1988-01-01

    Acid extracts of the intermediate pituitary of the holostean fish, Amia calva, were fractionated by gel filtration chromatography and analyzed with radioimmunoassays specific for N-acetylated beta-endorphin and C-terminally amidated alpha-MSH. In these extracts beta-endorphin-related immunoreactive material and alpha-MSH-related immunoreactive material were present in roughly equimolar amounts. The immunoreactive beta-endorphin-sized material was tested for opiate receptor binding activity using a beta-endorphin radioreceptor assay. The results of these studies were negative. The immunoreactive beta-endorphin-sized material was further analyzed by cation exchange chromatography at pH 2.5. Two major and three minor peaks of immunoreactive material were isolated. Peak 5 exhibited a net charge of +7 at pH 2.5 and represented 53% of the total immunoreactivity recovered. Peak 2 with a net charge of +3 at this pH represented 38% of the total immunoreactivity recovered. The minor forms, Peaks 1, 3 and 4, exhibited net charges of +2, +4 and +6, respectively. The apparent molecular weights of Peaks 2 and 5 were determined on a Sephadex G-50 column. Peak 2 had an apparent molecular weight of 2.7 Kd and Peak 5 had an apparent molecular weight of 3.5 Kd. Reverse phase HPLC analysis of Peak 5 indicates that this form of Amia beta-endorphin had chromatographic properties similar to salmon beta-endorphin II. These results would suggest that N-terminal acetylation and C-terminal proteolytic cleavage are important post-translational modifications of the forms of Amia beta-endorphin.

  1. Utilization of carbon sources by clinical isolates of Aeromonas.

    PubMed

    Prediger, Karoline C; Surek, Monica; Dallagassa, Cibelle B; Assis, Flávia E A; Piantavini, Mario S; Souza, Emanuel M; Pedrosa, Fábio O; Farah, Sônia M S S; Alberton, Dayane; Fadel-Picheth, Cyntia M T

    2017-04-01

    Bacteria in the genus Aeromonas are primarily aquatic organisms; however, some species can cause diseases in humans, ranging from wound infections to septicemia, of which diarrhea is the most common condition. The ability to use a variety of carbon substrates is advantageous for pathogenic bacteria. Therefore, we used Biolog GN2 microplates to analyze the ability of 103 clinical, predominantly diarrheal, isolates of Aeromonas to use various carbon sources, and we verified whether, among the substrates metabolized by these strains, there were some endogenous to the human intestine. The results indicate that Aeromonas present great diversity in the utilization of carbon sources, and that they preferentially use carbohydrates and amino acids as carbon sources. Among the carbon sources metabolized by Aeromonas in vitro, some were found to be components of intestinal mucin, including aspartic acid, glutamic acid, l-serine, galactose, N-acetyl-glucosamine, and glucose, which were used by all strains tested. Additionally, mannose, d-serine, proline, threonine, and N-acetyl-galactosamine were used by several strains. The potential to metabolize substrates endogenous to the intestine may contribute to Aeromonas' capacity to grow in and colonize the intestine. We speculate that this may help explain the ability of Aeromonas to cause diarrhea.

  2. New indole, aminoindole and pyranoindole derivatives with anti-inflammatory activity.

    PubMed

    Nakkady, S S; Fathy, M M; Hishmat, O H; Mahmond, S S; Ebeid, M Y

    2000-01-01

    6-Methoxy-1-methyl-2,3-diphenyl indol-5-carboxaldehyde (2) was demethylated to give the 6-hydroxy derivative (3) which was cyclized to the pyrano[3,2-f]indole derivatives (4a-d) by the action of ethyl acetoacetate, diethyl malonate, malononitrile, ethyl cyanoacetate. When 4c was boiled in acetic acid, it gave 4d. Reduction of 4c by sodium borohydride yielded the orthoaminonitrile (5). Friedel Craft's acetylation of 1b yielded the 5-acetyl derivative (6), which reacted with hydrazine hydrate, o-toluidine and o-aminophenol to afford (7a-c). Demethylation of (1b) yielded the hydroxyl derivative (8), which differs from compound (9) obtained by demethylation of 6-methoxy-2,3-diphenyl-indole (1a). Friedel Craft's acetylation of 9 gave the 7-acetyl compound (10) which yielded the hydrazone (11). The reaction of primary aromatic amines, (i.e. p-nitroaniline, p-anisidine and p-bromo aniline) with 6-methoxy-1-methyl-2,3-diphenyl-indol-5-carboxaldehyde (2) gave the Schiff bases (12a-c). The latter compounds were reduced by sodium borohydride to yield the corresponding Mannich bases (13a-c). Treatment of 12a-c with thioglycolic acid led to the thiazolidin-4-one-derivatives (14a-c). When (12a-c) reacted with cyanoacetamide, the amino group was replaced by the active methylene to form the cyano compound (15). The structure was confirmed by reacting the carboxaldehyde (2) with cyanoacetamide to yield (15). Pharmacological screening was has been carried out to test the anti-inflammatory activity, ulcerogenecity, effect on the isolated rabbit intestine and the antispasmodic activity.

  3. Renal Involvement in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases.

    PubMed

    Corica, Domenico; Romano, Claudio

    2016-02-01

    The prevalence of extraintestinal manifestations in inflammatory bowel diseases varies from 6% to 46%. The aetiology of extraintestinal manifestations remains unclear. There are theories based on an immunological response influenced by genetic factors. Extraintestinal manifestations can involve almost every organ system. They may originate from the same pathophysiological mechanism of intestinal disease, or as secondary complications of inflammatory bowel diseases, or autoimmune diseases susceptibility. The most frequently involved organs are the joints, skin, eyes, liver and biliary tract. Renal involvement has been considered as an extraintestinal manifestation and has been described in both Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. The most frequent renal involvements in patients with inflammatory bowel disease are nephrolithiasis, tubulointerstitial nephritis, glomerulonephritis and amyloidosis. The aim of this review is to evaluate and report the most important data in the literature on renal involvement in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Bibliographical searches were performed of the MEDLINE electronic database from January 1998 to January 2015 with the following key words (all fields): (inflammatory bowel disease OR Crohn's disease OR ulcerative colitis) AND (kidney OR renal OR nephrotoxicity OR renal function OR kidney disease OR renal disease OR glomerulonephritis OR interstitial nephritis OR amyloidosis OR kidney failure OR renal failure) AND (5-aminosalicylic acid OR aminosalicylate OR mesalazine OR TNF-α inhibitors OR cyclosporine OR azathioprine OR drugs OR pediatric). Copyright © 2015 European Crohn’s and Colitis Organisation (ECCO). Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

  4. Identification of Furan Metabolites Derived from Cysteine-cis-2-Butene-1,4-Dial-Lysine Crosslinks

    PubMed Central

    Lu, Ding; Peterson, Lisa A.

    2010-01-01

    Furan is a rodent hepatotoxicant and carcinogen. Since this compound is an important industrial intermediate and has been detected in heat-processed foods and smoke, humans are likely exposed to this toxic compound. Characterization of urinary metabolites of furan will lead to the development of biomarkers to assess human health risks associated with furan exposure. Previous studies indicate that furan is oxidized to a reactive α, β-unsaturated dialdehyde, cis-2-butene-1,4-dial (BDA), in a reaction catalyzed by cytochrome P450. Five previously characterized metabolites are derived from the reaction of BDA with cellular nucleophiles such as glutathione and protein. They include the mono-glutathione reaction product, N-[4-carboxy-4-(3-mercapto-1H-pyrrol-1-yl)-1-oxobutyl]-L-cysteinylglycine cyclic sulfide and its downstream metabolite, S-[1-(1,3-dicarboxypropyl)-1H-pyrrol-3-yl]methylthiol as well as R-2-acetylamino-6-(2,5-dihydro-2-oxo-1H-pyrrol-1-yl)-1-hexanoic acid and N-acetyl-S-[1-(5-acetylamino-5-carboxypentyl)-1H-pyrrol-3-yl]-L-cysteine and its sulfoxide. The last two compounds are downstream metabolites of a BDA-derived cysteine-lysine crosslink, S-[1-(5-amino-5-carboxypentyl)-1H-pyrrol-3-yl]-L-cysteine. In this report, we present the characterization of seven additional urinary furan metabolites, all of which are derived from this crosslink. The cysteinyl residue is subject to several biotransformation reactions, including N-acetylation and S-oxidation. Alternatively, it can undergo β-elimination followed by S-methylation to a methylthiol intermediate that is further oxidized to a sulfoxide. The lysine portion of the crosslink is either N-acetylated or undergoes an oxidative transamination reaction to generate an α-ketoacid metabolite that undergoes oxidative decarboxylation. Some of these metabolites are among the most abundant furan metabolites present in urine as judged by LC-MS/MS analysis, indicating that the oxidation of furan to BDA and BDA’s subsequent reaction with cellular cysteine and lysine residues may represent a significant in vivo pathway of furan biotransformation. Since they are derived from cellular BDA reaction products, these metabolites are markers of furan exposure and bioactivation and could be explored as potential biomarkers in human studies. PMID:20043645

  5. Comparative analysis of pharmacological treatments with N-acetyl-DL-leucine (Tanganil) and its two isomers (N-acetyl-L-leucine and N-acetyl-D-leucine) on vestibular compensation: Behavioral investigation in the cat.

    PubMed

    Tighilet, Brahim; Leonard, Jacques; Bernard-Demanze, Laurence; Lacour, Michel

    2015-12-15

    Head roll tilt, postural imbalance and spontaneous nystagmus are the main static vestibular deficits observed after an acute unilateral vestibular loss (UVL). In the UVL cat model, these deficits are fully compensated over 6 weeks as the result of central vestibular compensation. N-Acetyl-dl-leucine is a drug prescribed in clinical practice for the symptomatic treatment of acute UVL patients. The present study investigated the effects of N-acetyl-dl-leucine on the behavioral recovery after unilateral vestibular neurectomy (UVN) in the cat, and compared the effects of each of its two isomers N-acetyl-L-leucine and N-acetyl-D-leucine. Efficacy of these three drug treatments has been evaluated with respect to a placebo group (UVN+saline water) on the global sensorimotor activity (observation grids), the posture control (support surface measurement), the locomotor balance (maximum performance at the rotating beam test), and the spontaneous vestibular nystagmus (recorded in the light). Whatever the parameters tested, the behavioral recovery was strongly and significantly accelerated under pharmacological treatments with N-acetyl-dl-leucine and N-acetyl-L-leucine. In contrast, the N-acetyl-D-leucine isomer had no effect at all on the behavioral recovery, and animals of this group showed the same recovery profile as those receiving a placebo. It is concluded that the N-acetyl-L-leucine isomer is the active part of the racemate component since it induces a significant acceleration of the vestibular compensation process similar (and even better) to that observed under treatment with the racemate component only. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  6. Involvement of autolysin in cellular lysis of Bacillus subtilis induced by short- and medium-chain fatty acids.

    PubMed Central

    Tsuchido, T; Hiraoka, T; Takano, M; Shibasaki, I

    1985-01-01

    The addition of saturated C6, C8, C10, and C12 fatty acids appeared to lyse actively growing cells of Bacillus subtilis 168, as judged by a decrease in the optical density of the culture. Of these fatty acids, dodecanoic acid was the most effective, with 50% lysis occurring in about 30 min at a concentration of 0.5 mM. These conditions also decreased the amount of peptidoglycan estimated by the incorporated radioactivity of N-acetyl-D-[1-14C]glucosamine. At concentrations above 1 mM, however, bacterial lysis was not extensive. Dodecanoic acid did not affect autolysis of the cell wall. The lytic action of dodecanoic acid was greatly diminished in cells in which protein synthesis was inhibited and in an autolytic enzyme-deficient mutant. The results suggest that fatty acid-induced lysis of B. subtilis 168 is due to the induction of autolysis by an autolytic enzyme rather than massive solubilization of the cell membrane by the detergent-like action of the fatty acids. PMID:2858469

  7. N-Acetyl-4-aminophenol (paracetamol), N-acetyl-2-aminophenol and acetanilide in urine samples from the general population, individuals exposed to aniline and paracetamol users.

    PubMed

    Dierkes, Georg; Weiss, Tobias; Modick, Hendrik; Käfferlein, Heiko Udo; Brüning, Thomas; Koch, Holger M

    2014-01-01

    Epidemiological studies suggest associations between the use of N-acetyl-4-aminophenol (paracetamol) during pregnancy and increased risks of reproductive disorders in the male offspring. Previously we have reported a ubiquitous urinary excretion of N-acetyl-4-aminophenol in the general population. Possible sources are (1) direct intake of paracetamol through medication, (2) paracetamol residues in the food chain and (3) environmental exposure to aniline or related substances that are metabolized into N-acetyl-4-aminophenol. In order to elucidate the origins of the excretion of N-acetyl-4-aminophenol in urine and to contribute to the understanding of paracetamol and aniline metabolism in humans we developed a rapid, turbulent-flow HPLC-MS/MS method with isotope dilution for the simultaneous quantification of N-acetyl-4-aminophenol and two other aniline related metabolites, N-acetyl-2-aminophenol and acetanilide. We applied this method to three sets of urine samples: (1) individuals with no known exposure to aniline and also no recent paracetamol medication; (2) individuals after occupational exposure to aniline but no paracetamol medication and (3) paracetamol users. We confirmed the omnipresent excretion of N-acetyl-4-aminophenol. Additionally we revealed an omnipresent excretion of N-acetyl-2-aminophenol. In contrast, acetanilide was only found after occupational exposure to aniline, not in the general population or after paracetamol use. The results lead to four preliminary conclusions: (1) other sources than aniline seem to be responsible for the major part of urinary N-acetyl-4-aminophenol in the general population; (2) acetanilide is a metabolite of aniline in man and a valuable biomarker for aniline in occupational settings; (3) aniline baseline levels in the general population measured after chemical hydrolysis do not seem to originate from acetanilide and hence not from a direct exposure to aniline itself and (4) N-acetyl-2-aminophenol does not seem to be related to aniline nor to N-acetyl-4-aminophenol in man. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

  8. Clinical course of ulcerative colitis patients who develop acute pancreatitis

    PubMed Central

    Kim, Jong Wook; Hwang, Sung Wook; Park, Sang Hyoung; Song, Tae Jun; Kim, Myung-Hwan; Lee, Ho-Su; Ye, Byong Duk; Yang, Dong-Hoon; Kim, Kyung-Jo; Byeon, Jeong-Sik; Myung, Seung-Jae; Yang, Suk-Kyun

    2017-01-01

    AIM To investigate the clinical course of ulcerative colitis (UC) patients who develop acute pancreatitis. METHODS We analyzed 3307 UC patients from the inflammatory bowel disease registry at Asan Medical Center from June 1989 to May 2015. The clinical course of UC patients who developed acute pancreatitis was compared with that of non-pancreatitis UC patients. RESULTS Among 51 patients who developed acute pancreatitis, 13 (0.40%) had autoimmune, 10 (0.30%) had aminosalicylate-induced, and 13 (1.73%) had thiopurine-induced pancreatitis. All 13 patients with autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) had type 2 AIP. Two (15.4%) patients had pre-existing AIP, and three (23.1%) patients developed AIP and UC simultaneously. Compared to non-pancreatitis patients, AIP patients had UC diagnosed at a significantly younger age (median, 22.9 years vs 36.4 years; P = 0.001). AIP and aminosalicylate-induced pancreatitis patients had more extensive UC compared to non-pancreatitis patients. All patients with pancreatitis recovered uneventfully, and there were no recurrences. Biologics were used more frequently in aminosalicylate- and thiopurine-induced pancreatitis patients compared to non-pancreatitis patients [adjusted OR (95%CI), 5.16 (1.42-18.67) and 6.90 (1.83-25.98), respectively]. Biologic utilization rate was similar among AIP and non-pancreatitis patients [OR (95%CI), 0.84 (0.11-6.66)]. Colectomy rates for autoimmune, aminosalicylate-induced, and thiopurine-induced pancreatitis, and for non-pancreatitis patients were 15.4% (2/13), 20% (2/10), 15.4% (2/13), and 7.3% (239/3256), respectively; the rates were not significantly different after adjusting for baseline disease extent. CONCLUSION Pancreatitis patients show a non-significant increase in colectomy, after adjusting for baseline disease extent. PMID:28596686

  9. Clinical course of ulcerative colitis patients who develop acute pancreatitis.

    PubMed

    Kim, Jong Wook; Hwang, Sung Wook; Park, Sang Hyoung; Song, Tae Jun; Kim, Myung-Hwan; Lee, Ho-Su; Ye, Byong Duk; Yang, Dong-Hoon; Kim, Kyung-Jo; Byeon, Jeong-Sik; Myung, Seung-Jae; Yang, Suk-Kyun

    2017-05-21

    To investigate the clinical course of ulcerative colitis (UC) patients who develop acute pancreatitis. We analyzed 3307 UC patients from the inflammatory bowel disease registry at Asan Medical Center from June 1989 to May 2015. The clinical course of UC patients who developed acute pancreatitis was compared with that of non-pancreatitis UC patients. Among 51 patients who developed acute pancreatitis, 13 (0.40%) had autoimmune, 10 (0.30%) had aminosalicylate-induced, and 13 (1.73%) had thiopurine-induced pancreatitis. All 13 patients with autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) had type 2 AIP. Two (15.4%) patients had pre-existing AIP, and three (23.1%) patients developed AIP and UC simultaneously. Compared to non-pancreatitis patients, AIP patients had UC diagnosed at a significantly younger age (median, 22.9 years vs 36.4 years; P = 0.001). AIP and aminosalicylate-induced pancreatitis patients had more extensive UC compared to non-pancreatitis patients. All patients with pancreatitis recovered uneventfully, and there were no recurrences. Biologics were used more frequently in aminosalicylate- and thiopurine-induced pancreatitis patients compared to non-pancreatitis patients [adjusted OR (95%CI), 5.16 (1.42-18.67) and 6.90 (1.83-25.98), respectively]. Biologic utilization rate was similar among AIP and non-pancreatitis patients [OR (95%CI), 0.84 (0.11-6.66)]. Colectomy rates for autoimmune, aminosalicylate-induced, and thiopurine-induced pancreatitis, and for non-pancreatitis patients were 15.4% (2/13), 20% (2/10), 15.4% (2/13), and 7.3% (239/3256), respectively; the rates were not significantly different after adjusting for baseline disease extent. Pancreatitis patients show a non-significant increase in colectomy, after adjusting for baseline disease extent.

  10. Surface treatments and coatings to maintain fresh-cut mango quality in storage

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Edible coatings may improve quality of fresh cut fruit by preventing moisture loss and decreasing gas exchange in storage. This study evaluated the effect of an antioxidant dip made of calcium ascorbate, citric acid and N-acetyl-L-cysteine, followed or not with carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) or carrag...

  11. Polymorphism in sulfadimidine/4-aminosalicylic acid cocrystals: solid-state characterization and physicochemical properties.

    PubMed

    Grossjohann, Christine; Serrano, Dolores R; Paluch, Krzysztof J; O'Connell, Peter; Vella-Zarb, Liana; Manesiotis, Panagiotis; Mccabe, Thomas; Tajber, Lidia; Corrigan, Owen I; Healy, Anne Marie

    2015-04-01

    Polymorphism of crystalline drugs is a common phenomenon. However, the number of reported polymorphic cocrystals is very limited. In this work, the synthesis and solid-state characterization of a polymorphic cocrystal composed of sulfadimidine (SD) and 4-aminosalicylic acid (4-ASA) is reported for the first time. By liquid-assisted milling, the SD:4-ASA 1:1 form I cocrystal, the structure of which has been previously reported, was formed. By spray drying, a new polymorphic form (form II) of the SD:4-ASA 1:1 cocrystal was discovered which could also be obtained by solvent evaporation from ethanol and acetone. Structure determination of the form II cocrystal was calculated using high-resolution X-ray powder diffraction. The solubility of the SD:4-ASA 1:1 cocrystal was dependent on the pH and predicted by a model established for a two amphoteric component cocrystal. The form I cocrystal was found to be thermodynamically more stable in aqueous solution than form II, which showed transformation to form I. Dissolution studies revealed that the dissolution rate of SD from both cocrystals was enhanced when compared with a physical equimolar mixture and pure SD. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association J Pharm Sci 104:1385-1398, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association.

  12. Enantiomeric Excesses of Acid Labile Amino Acid Precursors of the Murchison Meteorite

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Pizzarello, Sandra

    1998-10-01

    Amino acids present in carbonaceous chondrite are extracted in water in part as free compounds and in approximately equal part as acid labile precursors. On the assumption that they would be free of contamination, the precursors of two Murchison amino acids that have terrestrial occurrence, alanine and glutamic acid, have been targeted for analysis of their enantiomeric ratios. Pyroglutamic acid, the precursor of glutamic acid, was found with an L-enantiomeric excess comparable to that of the free acid, while alanine's precursor, N-acetyl alanine, appears approximately racemic. Also alpha-imino propioacetic acid, a proposed end product of alanine synthesis in the meteorite, was analyzed and found racemic.

  13. Enantiomeric Excesses of Acid Labile Amino Acid Precursors of the Murchison Meteorite

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Pizzarello, Sandra

    1998-01-01

    Amino acids present in carbonaceous chondrite are extracted in water in part as free compounds and in approximately equal part as acid labile precursors. On the assumption that they would be free of contamination, the precursors of two Murchison amino acids that have terrestrial occurrence, alanine and glutamic acid, have been targeted for analysis of their enantiomeric ratios. Pyroglutamic acid, the precursor of glutamic acid, was found with an L-enantiomeric excess comparable to that of the free acid, while alanine's precursor, N-acetyl alanine, appears approximately racemic. Also alpha-imino propioacetic acid, a proposed end product of alanine synthesis in the meteorite, was analyzed and found racemic.

  14. Effects of olsalazine in the jejunum of the rat.

    PubMed Central

    Mohsen, A Q; Mulvey, D; Priddle, J D; Parsons, D S; Jewell, D P

    1987-01-01

    Olsalazine (ADS) is the azo-linked dimer of 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA). It is of value for the management of patients with ulcerative colitis but may be associated with increasing diarrhoea in a few. This study examines the effect of 5-ASA and ADS on small intestinal transport systems of the rat. Krebs-Ringer-bicarbonate solution was circulated through the lumen of a jejunal segment and the appearance of fluid, glucose and lactate on the serosal surface was shown to be linear over a two hour period. Addition of 5-ASA (10 mmol/l) or ADS (5 mmol/l and 10 mmol/l) caused a significant inhibition both of fluid transport (p less than 0.001), and of the appearance of glucose (p less than 0.001) and lactate (p less than 0.001 for 5 mmol/l and 10 mmol/l ADS, p less than 0.01 for 10 mmol/l 5-ASA). The uptake of glucose by rings of rat jejunum was shown to be markedly reduced by ADS. Experiments substituting glucose with either sucrose of 2-aminoisobutyric acid showed that ADS (5 mmol/l, 10 mmol/l) also inhibited the serosal appearance of fructose and the amino acid. These results show that 5-ASA and ADS, at concentrations which could be expected in the jejunum of patients receiving therapeutic doses, are able to inhibit small intestinal transport systems. The resulting increase in load on the diseased colon could be important for the pathogenesis of diarrhoea. PMID:3570038

  15. The oligosaccharidic content of the glycoconjugates of the prepubertal descended and undescended testis: lectin histochemical study.

    PubMed

    Gheri, Gherardo; Sgambati, Eleonora; Thyrion, Giorgia D Zappoli; Vichi, Debora; Orlandini, Giovanni E

    2004-01-01

    The saccharidic content of the glycoconjugates has been studied in the descended the undescended testes of a 8 years old boy. For this purpose, a battery of seven HRP-conjugated lectins (SBA, DBA,PNA,WGA,UEAI, LTA and ConA) was used. D-galactose-N-acetyl-D-galactosamine and alpha-L-fucose sugar residues, which were present in the cytoplasm of the Sertoli cells of the normally positioned prepubertal testis, were not detected in the same cells of the undescended testis. The Leydig's cells of the descended testis appeared characterized by N-acetyl-D-glucosamine which was absent in the rare and atrophic Leydig's cells of the cryptorchid testis. Differences in sugar residues distribution between the descended and the undescended testis were also detected in the lamina propria of the seminiferous tubules. Peritubular myoid cells in the undescended testis only reacted with PNA, after neuraminidase digestion, thus revealing the presence of D-galactose (beta1-->3)-N-acetyl-D-galactosamine and sialic acid. In this study a complete distributional map of the sugar residues of the glycoconjugates in the descended and undescended prepubertal testis is reported.

  16. Gene cloning and characterization of arylamine N-acetyltransferase from Bacillus cereus strain 10-L-2.

    PubMed

    Takenaka, Shinji; Cheng, Minyi; Mulyono; Koshiya, Atsushi; Murakami, Shuichiro; Aoki, Kenji

    2009-01-01

    Bacillus cereus strain 10-L-2 synthesizes two arylamine N-acetyltransferases (Nat-a and Nat-b) with broad substrate specificities toward aniline and its derivatives. In southern blot analysis using probes encoding the NH2-terminus of Nat-b and a conserved region of N-acetyltransferases, digested total DNA of strain 10-L-2 showed one positive band. We cloned and sequenced the gene encoding Nat-b. The NH2-terminal amino acid sequence predicted from the open reading frame (768 base pairs) corresponded to that of purified Nat-b. The cloned Nat-b gene was expressed in Escherichia coli. The expressed enzyme (BcNAT) from the recombinant strain was partially purified and characterized. Nat-b from strain 10-L-2 and BcNAT from the recombinant strain were slightly different from each others in substrate specificity and thermo-stability. We examined the biotransformations of 2-aminophenols and phenylenediamines by the whole cells of the recombinant strain. The cells converted these compounds into their corresponding acetanilides. Only one amino group of phenylenediamines was acetylated. The cells utilized 4-nitroacetanilide as an acetyl donor instead of acetyl-CoA. 4-Aminoacetanilide was produced and 4-nitroaniline was released almost stoichiometrically.

  17. Production and Characterization of the Slime Polysaccharide of Pseudomonas aeruginosa

    PubMed Central

    Evans, Leigh R.; Linker, Alfred

    1973-01-01

    The slime polysaccharides produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from a variety of human infections were investigated. Slime production in culture seemed optimal when adequate amounts of carbohydrate were present and under conditions of either high osmotic pressure or inadequate protein supply. The polysaccharides produced by the organisms were similar to each other, to the slime of Azotobacter vinelandii, and to seaweed alginic acids. They were composed of β-1,4-linked d-mannuronic acid residues and variable amounts of its 5-epimer l-guluronic acid. All bacterial polymers contained o-acetyl groups which are absent in the alginates. The polysaccharides differed considerably in the ratio of mannuronic to guluronic acid content and in the number of o-acetyl groups. The particular composition of the slime was not found to be characteristic for the disease process from which the mucoid variants of P. aeruginosa were obtained. PMID:4200860

  18. Acetylation Suppresses the Proapoptotic Activity of GD3 Ganglioside

    PubMed Central

    Malisan, Florence; Franchi, Luigi; Tomassini, Barbara; Ventura, Natascia; Condò, Ivano; Rippo, Maria Rita; Rufini, Alessandra; Liberati, Laura; Nachtigall, Claudia; Kniep, Bernhard; Testi, Roberto

    2002-01-01

    GD3 synthase is rapidly activated in different cell types after specific apoptotic stimuli. De novo synthesized GD3 accumulates and contributes to the apoptotic program by relocating to mitochondrial membranes and inducing the release of apoptogenic factors. We found that sialic acid acetylation suppresses the proapoptotic activity of GD3. In fact, unlike GD3, 9-O-acetyl-GD3 is completely ineffective in inducing cytochrome c release and caspase-9 activation on isolated mitochondria and fails to induce the collapse of mitochondrial transmembrane potential and cellular apoptosis. Moreover, cells which are resistant to the overexpression of the GD3 synthase, actively convert de novo synthesized GD3 to 9-O-acetyl-GD3. The coexpression of GD3 synthase with a viral 9-O-acetyl esterase, which prevents 9-O-acetyl-GD3 accumulation, reconstitutes GD3 responsiveness and apoptosis. Finally, the expression of the 9-O-acetyl esterase is sufficient to induce apoptosis of glioblastomas which express high levels of 9-O-acetyl-GD3. Thus, sialic acid acetylation critically controls the proapoptotic activity of GD3. PMID:12486096

  19. Identification and Functional Characterization of N-Terminally Acetylated Proteins in Drosophila melanogaster

    PubMed Central

    Gerrits, Bertran; Roschitzki, Bernd; Mohanty, Sonali; Niederer, Eva M.; Laczko, Endre; Timmerman, Evy; Lange, Vinzenz; Hafen, Ernst; Aebersold, Ruedi; Vandekerckhove, Joël; Basler, Konrad; Ahrens, Christian H.; Gevaert, Kris; Brunner, Erich

    2009-01-01

    Protein modifications play a major role for most biological processes in living organisms. Amino-terminal acetylation of proteins is a common modification found throughout the tree of life: the N-terminus of a nascent polypeptide chain becomes co-translationally acetylated, often after the removal of the initiating methionine residue. While the enzymes and protein complexes involved in these processes have been extensively studied, only little is known about the biological function of such N-terminal modification events. To identify common principles of N-terminal acetylation, we analyzed the amino-terminal peptides from proteins extracted from Drosophila Kc167 cells. We detected more than 1,200 mature protein N-termini and could show that N-terminal acetylation occurs in insects with a similar frequency as in humans. As the sole true determinant for N-terminal acetylation we could extract the (X)PX rule that indicates the prevention of acetylation under all circumstances. We could show that this rule can be used to genetically engineer a protein to study the biological relevance of the presence or absence of an acetyl group, thereby generating a generic assay to probe the functional importance of N-terminal acetylation. We applied the assay by expressing mutated proteins as transgenes in cell lines and in flies. Here, we present a straightforward strategy to systematically study the functional relevance of N-terminal acetylations in cells and whole organisms. Since the (X)PX rule seems to be of general validity in lower as well as higher eukaryotes, we propose that it can be used to study the function of N-terminal acetylation in all species. PMID:19885390

  20. Analysis of the aac(3)-VIa gene encoding a novel 3-N-acetyltransferase.

    PubMed Central

    Rather, P N; Mann, P A; Mierzwa, R; Hare, R S; Miller, G H; Shaw, K J

    1993-01-01

    Biochemical analysis (G. A. Papanicolaou, R. S. Hare, R. Mierzwa, and G. H. Miller, abstr. 152, Program Abstr. 29th Intersci. Conf. Antimicrob. Agents Chemother., 1989) demonstrated the presence of a novel 3-N-acetyltransferase in Enterobacter cloacae 88020217. This organism was resistant to gentamicin, and the MIC of 2'-N-ethylnetilmicin for it was fourfold lower than that of 6'-N-ethylnetilmicin, a resistance pattern which suggested 2'-acetylating activity. However, high-pressure liquid chromatography analysis demonstrated that the enzyme acetylated sisomicin in the 3 position. We have cloned the structural gene for this enzyme from a large (> 70-kb) conjugative plasmid present in E. cloacae. Subcloning experiments have localized the aac(3)-VIa gene to a 2.1-kb Sau3A fragment. The deduced AAC(3)-VIa protein showed 48% amino acid identity to the AAC(3)-IIa protein and 39% identity to the AAC(3)-VII protein. Examination of the 5'-flanking sequences demonstrated that the aac(3)-VIa gene was located 167 bp downstream of the aadA1 gene and was present in an integron. In addition, the aac(3)-VIa gene is also downstream of a 59-base element often seen in an integron environment. Primer extension analysis has identified a promoter for the aac(3)-VIa gene downstream of both the aadA1 gene and a 59-base element. Images PMID:8257126

  1. 13C Metabolic Flux Analysis for Systematic Metabolic Engineering of S. cerevisiae for Overproduction of Fatty Acids

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

    Ghosh, Amit; Ando, David; Gin, Jennifer

    Efficient redirection of microbial metabolism into the abundant production of desired bioproducts remains non-trivial. Here, we used flux-based modeling approaches to improve yields of fatty acids in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We combined 13C labeling data with comprehensive genome-scale models to shed light onto microbial metabolism and improve metabolic engineering efforts. We concentrated on studying the balance of acetyl-CoA, a precursor metabolite for the biosynthesis of fatty acids. A genome-wide acetyl-CoA balance study showed ATP citrate lyase from Yarrowia lipolytica as a robust source of cytoplasmic acetyl-CoA and malate synthase as a desirable target for downregulation in terms of acetyl-CoA consumption. Thesemore » genetic modifications were applied to S. cerevisiae WRY2, a strain that is capable of producing 460 mg/L of free fatty acids. With the addition of ATP citrate lyase and downregulation of malate synthase, the engineered strain produced 26% more free fatty acids. Further increases in free fatty acid production of 33% were obtained by knocking out the cytoplasmic glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, which flux analysis had shown was competing for carbon flux upstream with the carbon flux through the acetyl-CoA production pathway in the cytoplasm. In total, the genetic interventions applied in this work increased fatty acid production by ~70%.« less

  2. 13C Metabolic Flux Analysis for Systematic Metabolic Engineering of S. cerevisiae for Overproduction of Fatty Acids

    DOE PAGES

    Ghosh, Amit; Ando, David; Gin, Jennifer; ...

    2016-10-05

    Efficient redirection of microbial metabolism into the abundant production of desired bioproducts remains non-trivial. Here, we used flux-based modeling approaches to improve yields of fatty acids in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We combined 13C labeling data with comprehensive genome-scale models to shed light onto microbial metabolism and improve metabolic engineering efforts. We concentrated on studying the balance of acetyl-CoA, a precursor metabolite for the biosynthesis of fatty acids. A genome-wide acetyl-CoA balance study showed ATP citrate lyase from Yarrowia lipolytica as a robust source of cytoplasmic acetyl-CoA and malate synthase as a desirable target for downregulation in terms of acetyl-CoA consumption. Thesemore » genetic modifications were applied to S. cerevisiae WRY2, a strain that is capable of producing 460 mg/L of free fatty acids. With the addition of ATP citrate lyase and downregulation of malate synthase, the engineered strain produced 26% more free fatty acids. Further increases in free fatty acid production of 33% were obtained by knocking out the cytoplasmic glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, which flux analysis had shown was competing for carbon flux upstream with the carbon flux through the acetyl-CoA production pathway in the cytoplasm. In total, the genetic interventions applied in this work increased fatty acid production by ~70%.« less

  3. Recovery of active N-acetyl-D-glucosamine 2-epimerase from inclusion bodies by solubilization with non-denaturing buffers.

    PubMed

    Lu, Shih-Chin; Lin, Sung-Chyr

    2012-01-05

    Overexpression of recombinant N-acetyl-D-glucosamine 2-epimerase, one of the key enzymes for the synthesis of N-acetylneuraminic acid, in E. coli led to the formation of protein inclusion bodies. In this study we report the recovery of active epimerase from inclusion bodies by direct solubilization with Tris buffer. At pH 7.0, 25% of the inclusion bodies were solubilized with Tris buffer. The specific activity of the solubilized proteins, 2.08±0.02 U/mg, was similar to that of the native protein, 2.13±0.01 U/mg. The result of circular dichroism spectroscopy analysis indicated that the structure of the solubilized epimerase obtained with pH 7.0 Tris buffer was similar to that of the native epimerase purified from the clarified cell lysate. As expected, the extent of deviation in CD spectra increased with buffer pH. The total enzyme activity recovered by solubilization from inclusion bodies, 170.41±10.06 U/l, was more than 2.5 times higher than that from the clarified cell lysate, 67.32±5.53 U/l. The results reported in this study confirm the hypothesis that the aggregation of proteins into inclusion bodies is reversible and suggest that direct solubilization with non-denaturing buffers is a promising approach for the recovery of active proteins from inclusion bodies, especially for aggregation-prone multisubunit proteins. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  4. Studies on the defect underlying the lysosomal storage of sialic acid in Salla disease. Lysosomal accumulation of sialic acid formed from N-acetyl-mannosamine or derived from low density lipoprotein in cultured mutant fibroblasts.

    PubMed Central

    Renlund, M; Kovanen, P T; Raivio, K O; Aula, P; Gahmberg, C G; Ehnholm, C

    1986-01-01

    Salla disease is a lysosomal storage disorder characterized by mental retardation and disturbed sialic acid metabolism. To study endogenous synthesis and breakdown of sialic acid, fibroblasts were incubated for 5 d in the presence and then in the absence of N-[3H]acetylmannosamine. Labeling of free sialic acid was 5-10 times higher in mutant than in normal cells. Radioactivity decreased in 4 d by 75% in normal but only by 30% in mutant fibroblasts. The labeling pattern was not normalized upon coculture of mutant and normal cells. To study the metabolism of extracellular sialic acid, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) was labeled in the sialic acid moiety (periodate-NaB3H4) or in the protein moiety (125I). Binding, internalization, lysosomal degradation, and exit of products of protein catabolism were similar in normal and mutant fibroblasts. Upon incubation with LDL labeled in the sialic acid moiety, mutant cells accumulated 2-3 times more free sialic acid radioactivity than normal fibroblasts, mostly in the lysosomal fraction. After a 24-h chase incubation, radioactivity in free sialic acid decreased by 70-80% in normal but only by 10-30% in mutant cells. In mutant fibroblasts, 40% of the radioactivity remained in lysosomes, whereas no labeled free sialic acid was detected in lysosomes from normal fibroblasts. We conclude that in Salla disease, fibroblast endogenous synthesis of sialic acid and lysosomal cleavage of exogenous glycoconjugates is normal, but free sialic acid cannot leave the lysosome. These findings suggest that the basic defect in Salla disease is deficient transport of free sialic acid through the lysosomal membrane. PMID:3944269

  5. The Folding of Acetyl(Ala)28NH2 and Acetyl(Ala)40NH2 Extended Strand Peptides into Antiparallel β-Sheets. A Density Functional Theory Study of β-Sheets with β-Turns

    PubMed Central

    Ali-Torres, Jorge

    2012-01-01

    We report ONIOM calculations using B3LYP/D95** and AM1 on β-sheet formation from acetyl(Ala)NNH2 (N=28 or 40). The sheets contain from one to four β-turns for N=28 and up to six for N=40. We have obtained four types of geometrically optimized structures. All contain only β-turns. They differ from each other in the types of β-turns formed. The unsolvated sheets containing two turns are most stable. Aqueous solvation (using the SM5.2 and CPCM methods) reduces the stabilities of the folded structures compared to the extended strands. PMID:23157432

  6. Recent advances in the treatment of colonic diverticular disease and prevention of acute diverticulitis

    PubMed Central

    Elisei, Walter; Tursi, Antonio

    2016-01-01

    The incidence of diverticulosis and diverticular disease of the colon is increasing worldwide. Although the majority of patients remains asymptomatic long-life, the prevalence of diverticular disease of the colon, including acute diverticulitis, is substantial and is becoming a significant burden on National Health Systems in terms of direct and indirect costs. Focus is now being drawn on identifying the correct therapeutic approach by testing various treatments. Fiber, non-absorbable antibiotics and probiotics seem to be effective in treating symptomatic and uncomplicated patients, and 5-aminosalicylic acid might help prevent acute diverticulitis. Unfortunately, robust evidence on the effectiveness of a medical strategy to prevent acute diverticulitis recurrence is still lacking. We herein provide a concise review on the effectiveness and future perspectives of these treatments. PMID:26752946

  7. Treatment of Crohn's disease in pregnant women: drug and multidisciplinary approaches.

    PubMed

    Cury, Didia Bismara; Moss, Alan C

    2014-07-21

    Inflammatory bowel disease affects a substantial number of women in their reproductive years. Pregnancy presents a number of challenges for clinicians and patients; the health of the baby needs to be balanced with the need to maintain remission in the mother. Historically, treatments for Crohn's disease (CD) were often discontinued during the pregnancy, or nursing period, due to concerns about teratogenicity. Fortunately, observational data has reported the relative safety of many agents used to treat CD, including 5-aminosalicylic acid, thiopurines, and tumor necrosis factor. Data on the long-term development outcomes of children exposed to these therapies in utero are still limited. It is most important that physicians educate the patient regarding the optimal time to conceive, discuss the possible risks, and together decide on the best management strategy.

  8. Infliximab to treat severe ulcerative colitis

    PubMed Central

    Cury, Dídia Bisamra; de Souza Cury, Marcelo; Elias, Geraldo Vinicius Hemerly; Mizsputen, Sender Jankiel

    2009-01-01

    A 48-year-old female with severe ulcerative colitis refractory to conventional therapy was referred to our facility for management. The patient showed extensive ulcerative colitis since the age of 20 years and had failed therapy with 5-aminosalicylic acid agents and azathioprine. The disease remained active despite treatment with steroids and cyclosporine. The clinical and endoscopic parameters were consistent with severe disease. Infectious precipitants were ruled out. Given the severity of the disease and in order to avoid a colectomy, we started the patient on infliximab therapy. A dramatic clinical and endoscopic response was observed and she remained in remission at the end of a 1-year follow-up period. We discuss findings in the literature regarding the use of infliximab therapy in patients with ulcerative colitis who have failed steroids and cyclosporine. PMID:19360923

  9. Reactions of benzene oxide with thiols including glutathione.

    PubMed

    Henderson, Alistair P; Barnes, Martine L; Bleasdale, Christine; Cameron, Richard; Clegg, William; Heath, Sarah L; Lindstrom, Andrew B; Rappaport, Stephen M; Waidyanatha, Suramya; Watson, William P; Golding, Bernard T

    2005-02-01

    S-Phenylmercapturic acid is a minor metabolite of benzene used as a biomarker for human benzene exposures. The reaction of intracellular glutathione with benzene oxide-oxepin, the initial metabolite of benzene, is presumed to give 1-(S-glutathionyl)-cyclohexa-3,5-dien-2-ol, which undergoes dehydration to S-phenylglutathione, the precursor of S-phenylmercapturic acid. To validate the proposed route to S-phenylglutathione, reactions of benzene oxide-oxepin with glutathione and other sulfur nucleophiles have been studied. The reaction of benzene oxide with an excess of aqueous sodium sulfide, followed by acetylation, gave bis-(6-trans-5-acetoxycyclohexa-1,3-dienyl)sulfide, the structure of which was proved by X-ray crystallography. Reactions of benzene oxide-oxepin in a 95:5 (v/v) mixture of phosphate buffer in D2O with (CD3)2SO were monitored by 1H NMR spectroscopy. In the absence of glutathione, the half-life of benzene oxide-oxepin was ca. 34 min at 25 degrees C and pD 7.0. The half-life was not affected in the range of 2-15 mM glutathione in the presence and absence of a commercial sample of human glutathione S-transferase (at pH 7.0, 8.0, 8.5, or 10.0). The adduct 1-(S-glutathionyl)-cyclohexa-3,5-diene-2-ol was identified in these reaction mixtures, especially at higher pH, by mass spectrometry and by its acid-catalyzed decomposition to S-phenylglutathione. Incubation of benzene oxide with N-acetyl-L-cysteine at 37 degrees C and pH 10.0 and subsequent mass spectrometric analysis of the mixture showed formation of pre-S-phenylmercapturic acid and the dehydration product, S-phenylmercapturic acid. The data validate the premise that benzene oxide-oxepin can be captured by glutathione to give (1R,2R)- and/or (1S,2S)-1-(S-glutathionyl)-cyclohexa-3,5-dien-2-ol, which dehydrate to S-phenylglutathione. The capture is a relatively inefficient process at pH 7 that is accelerated at higher pH. These studies account for the observation that the metabolism of benzene is dominated by the formation of phenol. The pathway leading to S-phenylmercapturic acid is necessarily minor on account of the low efficiency of benzene oxide capture by glutathione at pH 7 vs spontaneous rearrangement to phenol.

  10. Ultrastructure and Glycoconjugate Pattern of the Foot Epithelium of the Abalone Haliotis tuberculata (Linnaeus, 1758) (Gastropoda, Haliotidae)

    PubMed Central

    Bravo Portela, I.; Martinez-Zorzano, V. S.; Molist- Perez, I.; Molist García, P.

    2012-01-01

    The foot epithelium of the gastropod Haliotis tuberculata is studied by light and electron microscopy in order to contribute to the understanding of the anatomy and functional morphology of the mollusks integument. Study of the external surface by scanning electron microscopy reveals that the side foot epithelium is characterized by a microvillus border with a very scant presence of small ciliary tufts, but the sole foot epithelium bears a dense field of long cilia. Ultrastructural examination by transmission electron microscopy of the side epithelial cells shows deeply pigmented cells with high electron-dense granular content which are not observed in the epithelial sole cells. Along the pedal epithelium, seven types of secretory cells are present; furthermore, two types of subepithelial glands are located just in the sole foot. The presence and composition of glycoconjugates in the secretory cells and subepithelial glands are analyzed by conventional and lectin histochemistry. Subepithelial glands contain mainly N-glycoproteins rich in fucose and mannose whereas secretory cells present mostly acidic sulphated glycoconjugates such as glycosaminoglycans and mucins, which are rich in galactose, N-acetyl-galactosamine, and N-acetyl-glucosamine. No sialic acid is present in the foot epithelium. PMID:22645482

  11. Effects of N-acetyl-L-cysteine and hyaluronic acid on HBOC-201-induced systemic and cerebral vasoconstriction in the rat.

    PubMed

    Abutarboush, Rania; Scultetus, Anke; Pappas, Georgina; Arnaud, Francoise; Auker, Charles; McCarron, Richard; Moon-Massat, Paula F

    2013-12-01

    Hemoglobin-based oxygen carrier-201 (HBOC) was developed as a resuscitative fluid but concerns exist over potentially adverse vasoconstriction. This study evaluated whether concurrent IV (intra venous) N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) or hyaluronic acid (HA) would attenuate HBOC-associated vasoconstriction, assessed by systemic blood pressures and cerebral pial microvasculature, when administered to healthy, anesthetized rats. Rats (8-9/group) received a 30 min infusion of 3 ml/kg HBOC, HBOC plus 600 mg/kg NAC (HBOC/NAC), HBOC plus 1.5 mg/kg HA (HBOC/HA) or 3 ml/kg Albumin. Mean (MAP) and systolic (SBP) blood pressures, blood chemistries and cerebral pial vessel diameters were measured at baseline, end of infusion, and intermittently for an additional 90 min. HBOC caused immediate and sustained increases in SBP and MAP (35.3 ± 3.6 and 29.1 ± 2.5 mm Hg peak increases above baseline, respectively; mean ± SEM) and immediate but progressive vasoconstriction (11 µm maximum reduction) in medium-sized (50-100 µm) pial arterioles. When NAC was co-administered, blood pressure changes were attenuated and vessel changes were abolished. Similar trends were noted with co-administration of HA but were not statistically different from HBOC-alone. Small-sized (< 50 µm) pial vessels and blood parameters showed no differences from baseline or among groups. No adverse clinical signs were observed. We demonstrated that it is possible for adjuvant drugs to reduce the vasoconstriction associated with HBOC-201. Coinfusion of the anti-oxidant NAC mitigated HBOC-201-associated increases in blood pressures and vasoconstriction in medium-sized cerebral pial vessels. The drag-reducing polymer HA may be more effective at a higher dose as a similar but non-significant trend was observed.

  12. N-Acetylcysteine Prevents Retrograde Motor Neuron Death after Neonatal Peripheral Nerve Injury.

    PubMed

    Catapano, Joseph; Zhang, Jennifer; Scholl, David; Chiang, Cameron; Gordon, Tessa; Borschel, Gregory H

    2017-05-01

    Neuronal death may be an overlooked and unaddressed component of disability following neonatal nerve injuries, such as obstetric brachial plexus injury. N-acetylcysteine and acetyl-L-carnitine improve survival of neurons after adult nerve injury, but it is unknown whether they improve survival after neonatal injury, when neurons are most susceptible to retrograde neuronal death. The authors' objective was to examine whether N-acetylcysteine or acetyl-L-carnitine treatment improves survival of neonatal motor or sensory neurons in a rat model of neonatal nerve injury. Rat pups received either a sciatic nerve crush or transection injury at postnatal day 3 and were then randomized to receive either intraperitoneal vehicle (5% dextrose), N-acetylcysteine (750 mg/kg), or acetyl-L-carnitine (300 mg/kg) once or twice daily. Four weeks after injury, surviving neurons were retrograde-labeled with 4% Fluoro-Gold. The lumbar spinal cord and L4/L5 dorsal root ganglia were then harvested and sectioned to count surviving motor and sensory neurons. Transection and crush injuries resulted in significant motor and sensory neuron loss, with transection injury resulting in significantly less neuron survival. High-dose N-acetylcysteine (750 mg/kg twice daily) significantly increased motor neuron survival after neonatal sciatic nerve crush and transection injury. Neither N-acetylcysteine nor acetyl-L-carnitine treatment improved sensory neuron survival. Proximal neonatal nerve injuries, such as obstetric brachial plexus injury, produce significant retrograde neuronal death after injury. High-dose N-acetylcysteine significantly increases motor neuron survival, which may improve functional outcomes after obstetrical brachial plexus injury.

  13. Sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) Protein Regulates Long-chain Acyl-CoA Dehydrogenase by Deacetylating Conserved Lysines Near the Active Site

    PubMed Central

    Bharathi, Sivakama S.; Zhang, Yuxun; Mohsen, Al-Walid; Uppala, Radha; Balasubramani, Manimalha; Schreiber, Emanuel; Uechi, Guy; Beck, Megan E.; Rardin, Matthew J.; Vockley, Jerry; Verdin, Eric; Gibson, Bradford W.; Hirschey, Matthew D.; Goetzman, Eric S.

    2013-01-01

    Long-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (LCAD) is a key mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation enzyme. We previously demonstrated increased LCAD lysine acetylation in SIRT3 knockout mice concomitant with reduced LCAD activity and reduced fatty acid oxidation. To study the effects of acetylation on LCAD and determine sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) target sites, we chemically acetylated recombinant LCAD. Acetylation impeded substrate binding and reduced catalytic efficiency. Deacetylation with recombinant SIRT3 partially restored activity. Residues Lys-318 and Lys-322 were identified as SIRT3-targeted lysines. Arginine substitutions at Lys-318 and Lys-322 prevented the acetylation-induced activity loss. Lys-318 and Lys-322 flank residues Arg-317 and Phe-320, which are conserved among all acyl-CoA dehydrogenases and coordinate the enzyme-bound FAD cofactor in the active site. We propose that acetylation at Lys-318/Lys-322 causes a conformational change which reduces hydride transfer from substrate to FAD. Medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase and acyl-CoA dehydrogenase 9, two related enzymes with lysines at positions equivalent to Lys-318/Lys-322, were also efficiently deacetylated by SIRT3 following chemical acetylation. These results suggest that acetylation/deacetylation at Lys-318/Lys-322 is a mode of regulating fatty acid oxidation. The same mechanism may regulate other acyl-CoA dehydrogenases. PMID:24121500

  14. Early Treatment With Zofenopril and Ramipril in Combination With Acetyl Salicylic Acid in Patients With Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction After Acute Myocardial Infarction: Results of a 5-Year Follow-up of Patients of the SMILE-4 Study.

    PubMed

    Borghi, Claudio; Omboni, Stefano; Novo, Salvatore; Vinereanu, Dragos; Ambrosio, Giuseppe; Ambrosioni, Ettore

    2017-05-01

    The SMILE-4 study showed that in patients with left ventricular dysfunction (LVD) after acute myocardial infarction, early treatment with zofenopril plus acetyl salicylic acid is associated with an improved 1-year survival, free from death or hospitalization for cardiovascular (CV) causes, as compared to ramipril plus acetyl salicylic acid. We now report CV outcomes during a 5-year follow-up of the patients of the SMILE-4 study. Three hundred eighty-six of the 518 patients completing the study (51.2%) could be tracked after the study end and 265 could be included in the analysis. During the 5.5 (±2.1) years of follow-up, the primary endpoint occurred in 27.8% of patients originally randomized and treated with zofenopril and in 43.8% of patients treated with ramipril [odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval, 0.65 (0.43-0.98), P = 0.041]. Such a result was achieved through a significantly larger reduction in CV hospitalization under zofenopril [OR: 0.61 (0.37-0.99), P = 0.047], whereas reduction in mortality rate with zofenopril did not achieve statistical significance versus ramipril [OR: 0.75 (0.36-1.59), P = 0.459]. These results were in line with those achieved during the initial 1-year follow-up. Benefits of early treatment of patients with LVD after acute myocardial infarction with zofenopril are sustained over many years as compared to ramipril.

  15. Nitroreductase-dependent mutagenicity of p-nitrophenylhydroxylamine and its N-acetyl and N-formyl hydroxamic acids.

    PubMed

    Corbett, M D; Wei, C; Corbett, B R

    1985-05-01

    p-Nitrophenylhydroxylamine (NPH) and two hydroxamic acids derived from it were synthesized and subjected to mutagenicity testing in Salmonella typhimurium strains TA98, TA98NR, TA1538 and TA1538NR. In addition, p-dinitrobenzene (DNB), p-nitroaniline (NA) and p-nitroacetanilide (AcNA) were simultaneously examined for mutagenic action against these four tester strains. NPH, its N-acetyl (AcNPH) and N-formyl (FoNPH) derivatives, and also DNB displayed strong mutagenic action to the nitroreductase-containing strains, TA98 and TA1538. NPH was the most potent chemical in this series against both of these strains, while the two hydroxamic acids AcNPH and FoNPH, and also DNB displayed approximately the same degree of mutagenicity. In the nitroreductase-deficient strains, TA98NR and TA1538NR, the mutagenicity of these four compounds was markedly reduced. The necessity for nitroreduction in order to activate these promutagens is fairly certain; however, the lack of mutagenicity of NA and AcNA towards all four tester strains made the interpretation of these data somewhat more complicated. Several possible bioactivation pathways were presented, with one mechanism in particular being proposed. This mechanism requires only that the strong electron-withdrawing nitro group be converted to an electron-donating group by bacterial nitroreductase. Such a mechanism is unique for the bioactivation of nitro aromatics by nitroreductase, since the enzymatic reduction need not produce the intermediary hydroxylamine metabolite.

  16. γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) concentration inversely correlates with basal perfusion in human occipital lobe

    PubMed Central

    Donahue, Manus J; Rane, Swati; Hussey, Erin; Mason, Emily; Pradhan, Subechhya; Waddell, Kevin W; Ally, Brandon A

    2014-01-01

    Commonly used neuroimaging approaches in humans exploit hemodynamic or metabolic indicators of brain function. However, fundamental gaps remain in our ability to relate such hemo-metabolic reactivity to neurotransmission, with recent reports providing paradoxical information regarding the relationship among basal perfusion, functional imaging contrast, and neurotransmission in awake humans. Here, sequential magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) measurements of the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA+macromolecules normalized by the complex N-acetyl aspartate-N-acetyl aspartyl glutamic acid: [GABA+]/[NAA–NAAG]), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measurements of perfusion, fractional gray-matter volume, and arterial arrival time (AAT) are recorded in human visual cortex from a controlled cohort of young adult male volunteers with neurocognitive battery-confirmed comparable cognitive capacity (3 T; n=16; age=23±3 years). Regression analyses reveal an inverse correlation between [GABA+]/[NAA–NAAG] and perfusion (R=−0.46; P=0.037), yet no relationship between AAT and [GABA+]/[NAA–NAAG] (R=−0.12; P=0.33). Perfusion measurements that do not control for AAT variations reveal reduced correlations between [GABA+]/[NAA–NAAG] and perfusion (R=−0.13; P=0.32). These findings largely reconcile contradictory reports between perfusion and inhibitory tone, and underscore the physiologic origins of the growing literature relating functional imaging signals, hemodynamics, and neurotransmission. PMID:24398941

  17. The origin of free brain malonate

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

    Riley, K.M.; Dickson, A.C.; Koeppen, A.H.

    Rat brain contains substantial concentrations of free malonate (192 nmol/g wet weight) but origin and biological importance of the dicarboxylic acid are poorly understood. A dietary source has been excluded. A recently described malonyl-CoA decarboxylase deficiency is associated with malonic aciduria and clinical manifestations, including mental retardation. In an effort to study the metabolic origin of free malonate, several labeled acetyl-CoA precursors were administered by intracerebral injection. (2-14C)pyruvate or (1,5-14C)citrate produced radioactive glutamate but failed to label malonate. In contrast, (1-14C)acetate, (2-14C)acetate, and (1-14C)butyrate were converted to labeled glutamate and malonate after the same route of administration. The intracerebral injectionmore » of (1-14C)-beta-alanine as a precursor of malonic semialdehyde and possibly free malonate did not give rise to radioactivity in the dicarboxylate. The labeling pattern of malonic acid is compatible with the reaction sequence: acetyl-CoA----malonyl-CoA----malonate. The final step is thought to occur by transfer of the CoA-group from malonyl-CoA to succinate and/or acetoacetate. Labeling of malonate from acetate is most effective at the age of 7 days when the net concentration of the dicarboxylic acid in rat brain is still very low. At this age, butyrate was a better precursor of malonate than acetate. It is proposed that fatty acid oxidation provides the acetyl-CoA which functions as the precursor of free brain malonate. Compartmentation of malonate biosynthesis is likely because the acetyl-CoA precursors citrate and pyruvate are ineffective.« less

  18. Preparation and characterization of N-benzoyl-O-acetyl-chitosan.

    PubMed

    Cai, Jinping; Dang, Qifeng; Liu, Chengsheng; Fan, Bing; Yan, Jingquan; Xu, Yanyan; Li, Jingjing

    2015-01-01

    A novel amphipathic chitosan derivative, N-benzoyl-O-acetyl-chitosan (BACS), was prepared by using the selective partial acylation of chitosan (CS), benzoyl chloride, and acetic acid under high-intensity ultrasound. The chemical structure and physical properties of BACS were characterized by FTIR, (1)H NMR, TGA, and XRD techniques. The degrees of substitution of benzoyl and acetyl for the chitosan derivatives were 0.26 and 1.15, respectively, which were calculated from the peak areas in NMR spectra by using the combined integral methods. The foaming properties of CS and BACS were determined and the results suggested BACS had better foam capacity and stability than those of chitosan. In addition, the antimicrobial activities of CS and BACS were also investigated against two species of bacteria (Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus) and a fungus (Aspergillus niger), the results indicated that the antibacterial and antifungal activities of BACS were much stronger than those of the parent chitosan. These findings suggested that BACS was preferable for use as a food additive with a dual role of both foaming agent and food preservative. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  19. Leishmanicidal compounds of Nectria pseudotrichia, an endophytic fungus isolated from the plant Caesalpinia echinata (Brazilwood)

    PubMed Central

    Cota, Betania Barros; Tunes, Luiza Guimarães; Maia, Daniela Nabak Bueno; Ramos, Jonas Pereira; de Oliveira, Djalma Menezes; Kohlhoff, Markus; Alves, Tânia Maria de Almeida; Souza-Fagundes, Elaine Maria; Campos, Fernanda Fraga; Zani, Carlos Leomar

    2018-01-01

    BACKGROUND In a screen of extracts from plants and fungi to detect antileishmanial activity, we found that the ethyl acetate extract of the fungus Nectria pseudotrichia, isolated from the tree Caesalpinia echinata (Brazilwood), is a promising source of bioactive compounds. OBJECTIVES The aims of this study were to isolate and determine the chemical structures of the compounds responsible for the antileishmanial activity of the organic extract from N. pseudotrichia. METHODS Compounds were isolated by chromatographic fractionation using semi-preparative high-performance liquid chromatography, and their chemical structures were determined by analytical and spectral data and by comparison with published data. The antileishmanial activity of the isolated compounds was evaluated in intracellular amastigote forms of Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis expressing firefly luciferase as reporter gene, and cytotoxicity was determined in Vero and THP-1 mammalian cell lines by MTT assay. FINDINGS Fractionation of the extract yielded seven compounds: 10-acetyl trichoderonic acid A (1), 6′-acetoxy-piliformic acid (2), 5′,6′-dehydropiliformic acid (3), piliformic acid (4), hydroheptelidic acid (5), xylaric acid D (6), and cytochalasin D (7). Compounds 1, 2 and 3 are reported here for the first time. Compounds 1, 2, and 5 were more active, with IC50 values of 21.4, 28.3, and 24.8 µM, respectively, and showed low toxicity to Vero and THP-1 cells. MAIN CONCLUSIONS N. pseudotrichia produces secondary metabolites that are more toxic to intracellular amastigote forms of L. (V.) braziliensis than to mammalian cells. PMID:29236928

  20. N-Acetyl-L-Leucine Accelerates Vestibular Compensation after Unilateral Labyrinthectomy by Action in the Cerebellum and Thalamus

    PubMed Central

    Xiong, Guoming; Potschka, Heidrun; Jahn, Klaus; Bartenstein, Peter; Brandt, Thomas; Dutia, Mayank; Dieterich, Marianne; Strupp, Michael; la Fougère, Christian; Zwergal, Andreas

    2015-01-01

    An acute unilateral vestibular lesion leads to a vestibular tone imbalance with nystagmus, head roll tilt and postural imbalance. These deficits gradually decrease over days to weeks due to central vestibular compensation (VC). This study investigated the effects of i.v. N-acetyl-DL-leucine, N-acetyl-L-leucine and N-acetyl-D-leucine on VC using behavioural testing and serial [18F]-Fluoro-desoxyglucose ([18F]-FDG)-μPET in a rat model of unilateral chemical labyrinthectomy (UL). Vestibular behavioural testing included measurements of nystagmus, head roll tilt and postural imbalance as well as sequential whole-brain [18F]-FDG-μPET was done before and on days 1,3,7 and 15 after UL. A significant reduction of postural imbalance scores was identified on day 7 in the N-acetyl-DL-leucine (p < 0.03) and the N-acetyl-L-leucine groups (p < 0.01), compared to the sham treatment group, but not in the N-acetyl-D-leucine group (comparison for applied dose of 24 mg i.v. per rat, equivalent to 60 mg/kg body weight, in each group). The course of postural compensation in the DL- and L-group was accelerated by about 6 days relative to controls. The effect of N-acetyl-L-leucine on postural compensation depended on the dose: in contrast to 60 mg/kg, doses of 15 mg/kg and 3.75 mg/kg had no significant effect. N-acetyl-L-leucine did not change the compensation of nystagmus or head roll tilt at any dose. Measurements of the regional cerebral glucose metabolism (rCGM) by means of μPET revealed that only N-acetyl-L-leucine but not N-acetyl-D-leucine caused a significant increase of rCGM in the vestibulocerebellum and a decrease in the posterolateral thalamus and subthalamic region on days 3 and 7. A similar pattern was found when comparing the effect of N-acetyl-L-leucine on rCGM in an UL-group and a sham UL-group without vestibular damage. In conclusion, N-acetyl-L-leucine improves compensation of postural symptoms after UL in a dose-dependent and specific manner, most likely by activating the vestibulocerebellum and deactivating the posterolateral thalamus. PMID:25803613

  1. N-acetyl-L-leucine accelerates vestibular compensation after unilateral labyrinthectomy by action in the cerebellum and thalamus.

    PubMed

    Günther, Lisa; Beck, Roswitha; Xiong, Guoming; Potschka, Heidrun; Jahn, Klaus; Bartenstein, Peter; Brandt, Thomas; Dutia, Mayank; Dieterich, Marianne; Strupp, Michael; la Fougère, Christian; Zwergal, Andreas

    2015-01-01

    An acute unilateral vestibular lesion leads to a vestibular tone imbalance with nystagmus, head roll tilt and postural imbalance. These deficits gradually decrease over days to weeks due to central vestibular compensation (VC). This study investigated the effects of i.v. N-acetyl-DL-leucine, N-acetyl-L-leucine and N-acetyl-D-leucine on VC using behavioural testing and serial [18F]-Fluoro-desoxyglucose ([18F]-FDG)-μPET in a rat model of unilateral chemical labyrinthectomy (UL). Vestibular behavioural testing included measurements of nystagmus, head roll tilt and postural imbalance as well as sequential whole-brain [18F]-FDG-μPET was done before and on days 1,3,7 and 15 after UL. A significant reduction of postural imbalance scores was identified on day 7 in the N-acetyl-DL-leucine (p < 0.03) and the N-acetyl-L-leucine groups (p < 0.01), compared to the sham treatment group, but not in the N-acetyl-D-leucine group (comparison for applied dose of 24 mg i.v. per rat, equivalent to 60 mg/kg body weight, in each group). The course of postural compensation in the DL- and L-group was accelerated by about 6 days relative to controls. The effect of N-acetyl-L-leucine on postural compensation depended on the dose: in contrast to 60 mg/kg, doses of 15 mg/kg and 3.75 mg/kg had no significant effect. N-acetyl-L-leucine did not change the compensation of nystagmus or head roll tilt at any dose. Measurements of the regional cerebral glucose metabolism (rCGM) by means of μPET revealed that only N-acetyl-L-leucine but not N-acetyl-D-leucine caused a significant increase of rCGM in the vestibulocerebellum and a decrease in the posterolateral thalamus and subthalamic region on days 3 and 7. A similar pattern was found when comparing the effect of N-acetyl-L-leucine on rCGM in an UL-group and a sham UL-group without vestibular damage. In conclusion, N-acetyl-L-leucine improves compensation of postural symptoms after UL in a dose-dependent and specific manner, most likely by activating the vestibulocerebellum and deactivating the posterolateral thalamus.

  2. Paviosides A-H, eight new oleane type saponins from Aesculus pavia with cytotoxic activity.

    PubMed

    Lanzotti, Virginia; Termolino, Pasquale; Dolci, Marcello; Curir, Paolo

    2012-05-15

    A phytochemical analysis of Aesculus pavia has led to the isolation of eight novel triterpenoid saponins, based on oleane type skeleton and named paviosides A-H (1a, 1b-4a, 4b). On the basis of chemical, and 2D NMR and mass spectrometry data, the structures of the new compounds were elucidated as 3-O-[β-D-xylopyranosyl (1 → 2)] [-β-d-glucopyranosyl (1 → 4)]-β-D-glucopyranosiduronic acid 21-tigloyl-22-acetyl barringtogenol C (1a), 3-O-[β-D-xylopyranosyl (1 → 2)] [-β-D-glucopyranosyl (1 → 4)]-β-D-glucopyranosiduronic acid 21-angeloyl-22-acetyl barringtogenol C (1b), 3-O-[β-D-xylopyranosyl (1 → 2)] [-β-D-galactopyranosyl (1 → 4)]-β-D-glucopyranosiduronic acid 21-tigloyl-22-acetyl barringtogenol C (2a), 3-O-[β-D-xylopyranosyl (1 → 2)] [-β-D-galactopyranosyl (1 → 4)]-β-D-glucopyranosiduronic acid 21-angeloyl-22-acetyl barringtogenol C (2b), 3-O-[β-D-xylopyranosyl (1 → 2)] [-β-D-xylopyranosyl (1 → 4)]-β-D-glucopyranosiduronic acid 21-tigloyl-22-acetyl barringtogenol C (3a), 3-O-[β-D-xylopyranosyl (1 → 2)] [-β-D-xylopyranosyl (1 → 4)]-β-d-glucopyranosiduronic acid 21-angeloyl-22-acetyl barringtogenol C (3b), 3-O-[β-D-xylopyranosyl (1 → 2)] [-β-D-xylopyranosyl (1 → 4)]-β-D-glucopyranosiduronic acid 21-tigloyl-22-acetyl protoaescigenin (4a), and 3-O-[β-D-xylopyranosyl (1 → 2)] [-β-D-xylopyranosyl (1 → 4)]-β-D-glucopyranosiduronic acid 21-angeloyl-22-acetyl protoaescigenin (4b). The compounds showed cytotoxic activity on J-774, murine monocyte/macrophage, and WEHI-164, murine fibrosarcoma, cell lines. Among them, paviosides E-H (3a, 3b and 4a, 4b) showed higher activity with values ranging from 2.1 to 3.6 μg/mL. Structure-activity relationship studies indicated the positive effect on the activity of xylose unit in the place of glucose, while a little detrimental effect is observed when glucose is substituted by galactose. The aglycone structure and the presence of a tigloyl or an angeloyl group at C-21 do not affect significantly the inhibitory activity on both tested cell lines. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  3. Rational design of a dual-mode optical and chemical prodrug.

    PubMed

    McCoy, Colin P; Rooney, Clare; Jones, David S; Gorman, Sean P; Nieuwenhuyzen, Mark

    2007-01-01

    The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the rational design and behaviour of the first dual-mode optical and chemical prodrug, exemplified by an acetyl salicylic acid-based system. A cyclic 1,4-benzodioxinone prodrug was synthesised by reaction of 3,5-dimethoxybenzoin and acetyl salicoyl chloride with pyridine. After purification by column chromatography and recrystallization, characterization was achieved using infrared and NMR spectroscopies, mass spectrometry, elemental analysis and single crystal X-ray diffraction. Light-triggered drug liberation was characterised via UV-visible spectroscopy following low-power 365 nm irradiation for controlled times. Chemical drug liberation was characterised via UV-visible spectroscopy in pH 5.5 solution. The synthetic method yielded pure prodrug, with full supporting characterisation. Light-triggered drug liberation proceeded at a rate of 8.30x10(-2) s-1, while chemical, hydrolytic liberation proceeded independently at 1.89x10(-3) s-1. The photochemical and hydrolytic reactions were both quantitative. This study demonstrates the first rational dual-mode optical and chemical prodrug, using acetyl salicylic acid as a model, acting as a paradigm for future dual-mode systems. Photochemical drug liberation proceeds 44 times faster than chemical liberation, suggesting potential use in drug-eluting medical devices where an additional burst of drug is required at the onset of infection.

  4. D-stat culture for studying the metabolic shifts from oxidative metabolism to lipid accumulation and citric acid production in Yarrowia lipolytica.

    PubMed

    Ochoa-Estopier, Abril; Guillouet, Stéphane E

    2014-01-20

    Lipid accumulation in oleaginous yeasts is triggered by nutrient imbalance in the culture medium between the carbon source in excess and the nitrogen source in limiting concentration. However Yarrowia lipolytica when cultivated on glucose as the sole carbon source, mainly produces citric acid upon nitrogen limitation over lipid accumulation (only 5-10% triacylglycerol). Therefore for developing bioprocess for the production of triacylglycerol from renewable carbon source as glucose it is of first importance to control this imbalance in order to avoid citric acid production during TAG accumulation. Using D-stat cultivation system, where the N/C was linearly decreased using a constant change rate we were able to identify the N/C ratio inducing TAG accumulation (0.085NmolCmol(-1)) and citric acid (0.021NmolCmol(-1)). We therefore demonstrated that it was possible to accumulate lipids without excretion citric acid as long as the N/C was within this indicated range. Moreover enzyme specific activities measurement during the D-stat indicated that ATP-citrate lyase, malic enzyme and acetyl-coA carboxylase were strongly induced at the onset of lipid accumulation and showed different patterns when citric acid was excreted. Our results give relevant information for future industrial bioprocess development concerning the production of lipids using renewable carbohydrate substrates as an alternative way to produce synthons for fuel or chemical industry. By controlling the N/C over the fermentation process on glucose Y. lipolytica can accumulate lipids without excreting citric acid. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  5. Polyspecific pyrrolysyl-tRNA synthetases from directed evolution.

    PubMed

    Guo, Li-Tao; Wang, Yane-Shih; Nakamura, Akiyoshi; Eiler, Daniel; Kavran, Jennifer M; Wong, Margaret; Kiessling, Laura L; Steitz, Thomas A; O'Donoghue, Patrick; Söll, Dieter

    2014-11-25

    Pyrrolysyl-tRNA synthetase (PylRS) and its cognate tRNA(Pyl) have emerged as ideal translation components for genetic code innovation. Variants of the enzyme facilitate the incorporation >100 noncanonical amino acids (ncAAs) into proteins. PylRS variants were previously selected to acylate N(ε)-acetyl-Lys (AcK) onto tRNA(Pyl). Here, we examine an N(ε)-acetyl-lysyl-tRNA synthetase (AcKRS), which is polyspecific (i.e., active with a broad range of ncAAs) and 30-fold more efficient with Phe derivatives than it is with AcK. Structural and biochemical data reveal the molecular basis of polyspecificity in AcKRS and in a PylRS variant [iodo-phenylalanyl-tRNA synthetase (IFRS)] that displays both enhanced activity and substrate promiscuity over a chemical library of 313 ncAAs. IFRS, a product of directed evolution, has distinct binding modes for different ncAAs. These data indicate that in vivo selections do not produce optimally specific tRNA synthetases and suggest that translation fidelity will become an increasingly dominant factor in expanding the genetic code far beyond 20 amino acids.

  6. A new look at acid catalyzed deacetylation of carbohydrates: A regioselective synthesis and reactivity of 2-O-acetyl aryl glycopyranosides.

    PubMed

    Stepanova, Elena V; Nagornaya, Marina O; Filimonov, Victor D; Valiev, Rashid R; Belyanin, Maxim L; Drozdova, Anna K; Cherepanov, Victor N

    2018-03-22

    In the present work we report that acetyl groups of per - acetylated aryl glycosides have different reactivity during the acidic deacetylation using HCl/EtOH in CHCl 3, which leads to preferential deacetylation at O-3, O-4 and O-6. Thereby, the one-step preparation of 2-O-acetyl aryl glycosides with simple aglycon was accomplished for the first time. It was proved that the found reagent is to be general and unique for the preparation of series of 2-О-acetyl aryl glycosides. We have determined the influence of both carbohydrate moiety and the aglycon on the selectivity of deacetylation reaction by kinetic experiments. Using DFT/B3LYP/6-31G(d,p) and semi-empirical АМ1 methods we have found that the highest activation barrier is for 2-О-acetyl group. This completely explains the least reactivity of 2-О-acetyl group. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  7. Isotopomer enrichment assay for very short chain fatty acids and its metabolic applications.

    PubMed

    Tomcik, Kristyen; Ibarra, Rafael A; Sadhukhan, Sushabhan; Han, Yong; Tochtrop, Gregory P; Zhang, Guo-Fang

    2011-03-01

    The present work illustrated an accurate GC/MS measurement for the low isotopomer enrichment assay of formic acid, acetic acid, propionic aicd, butyric acid, and pentanoic acid. The pentafluorobenzyl bromide derivatives of these very short chain fatty acids have high sensitivity of isotopoic enrichment due to their low natural isotopomer distribution in negative chemical ionization mass spectrometric mode. Pentafluorobenzyl bromide derivatization reaction was optimized in terms of pH, temperature, reaction time, and the amount of pentafluorobenzyl bromide versus sample. The precision, stability, and accuracy of this method for the isotopomer analysis were validated. This method was applied to measure the enrichments of formic acid, acetic acid, and propionic acid in the perfusate from rat liver exposed to Krebs-Ringer bicarbonate buffer only, 0-1mM [3,4-(13)C(2)]-4-hydroxynonanoate, and 0-2mM [5,6,7-(13)C(3)]heptanoate. The enrichments of acetic acid and propionic acid in the perfusate are comparable to the labeling pattern of acetyl-CoA and propionyl-CoA in the rat liver tissues. The enrichment of the acetic acid assay is much more sensitive and precise than the enrichment of acetyl-CoA by LC-MS/MS. The reversibility of propionyl-CoA from succinyl-CoA was confirmed by the low labeling of M1 and M2 of propionic acid from [5,6,7-(13)C(3)]heptanoate perfusates. 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  8. N-Carbamoyl-β-alanine amidohydrolase from Agrobacterium tumefaciens C58: a promiscuous enzyme for the production of amino acids.

    PubMed

    Martínez-Gómez, A I; Andújar-Sánchez, M; Clemente-Jiménez, J M; Neira, J L; Rodríguez-Vico, F; Martínez-Rodríguez, S; Las Heras-Vázquez, F J

    2011-11-01

    The availability of enzymes with a high promiscuity/specificity relationship permits the hydrolysis of several substrates with a view to obtaining a certain product or using one enzyme for several productive lines. N-Carbamoyl-β-alanine amidohydrolase from Agrobacterium tumefaciens (Atβcar) has shown high versatility to hydrolyze different N-carbamoyl-, N-acetyl- and N-formyl-amino acids to produce different α, β, γ and δ amino acids. We have calculated the promiscuity index for the enzyme, obtaining a value of 0.54, which indicates that it is a modestly promiscuous enzyme. Atβcar presented the highest probability of hydrolysis for N-carbamoyl-amino acids, being the enzyme more efficient for the production of α-amino acids. We have also demonstrated by mutagenesis, modelling, kinetic and binding experiments that W218 and A359 indirectly influence the plasticity of the enzyme due to interaction with the environment of R291, the key residue for catalytic activity. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  9. N-acetyl Aspartate Levels in Adolescents With Bipolar and/or Cannabis Use Disorders

    PubMed Central

    Bitter, Samantha M.; Weber, Wade A.; Chu, Wen-Jang; Adler, Caleb M.; Eliassen, James C.; Strakowski, Stephen M.; DelBello, Melissa P.

    2014-01-01

    Objective Bipolar and cannabis use disorders commonly co-occur during adolescence, and neurochemical studies may help clarify the pathophysiology underlying this co-occurrence. This study compared metabolite concentrations in the left ventral lateral prefrontal cortex among: adolescents with bipolar disorder (bipolar group; n=14), adolescents with a cannabis use disorder (cannabis use group, n=13), adolescents with cannabis use and bipolar disorders (bipolar and cannabis group, n=25), and healthy adolescents (healthy controls, n=15). We hypothesized that adolescents with bipolar disorder (with or without cannabis use disorder) would have decreased N-acetyl aspartate levels in the ventral lateral prefrontal cortex compared to the other groups, and that the bipolar and cannabis group would have the lowest N-acetyl aspartate levels of all groups. Methods N-acetyl aspartate concentrations in the left ventral lateral prefrontal cortex were obtained using Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy. Results Adolescents with bipolar disorder showed significantly lower left ventral lateral prefrontal cortex N-acetyl aspartate levels, but post-hoc analyses indicated that this was primarily due to increased N-acetyl aspartate levels in the cannabis group. The cannabis use disorder group had significantly higher N-acetyl aspartate levels compared to the bipolar disorder and the bipolar and cannabis groups (p=0.0002 and p=0.0002, respectively). Pearson correlations revealed a significant positive correlation between amount of cannabis used and N-acetyl aspartate concentrations. Conclusions Adolescents with cannabis use disorder showed higher levels of N-acetyl aspartate concentrations that were significantly positively associated with the amount of cannabis used; however, this finding was not present in adolescents with comorbid bipolar disorder. PMID:24729763

  10. Study of Photoisomerization and Separation of Spermidine Conjugate Photoisomers by HPLC

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    A new spermidine triamide derivative has been isolated from peanut flowers and identified as N1-acetyl-N5, N10-di-p-(EE)-coumaroylspermidine on the basis of detailed analysis of NMR, MS, and UV data. Two other spermidine conjugates, N1, N5, N10-tri-p-(EEE)-coumaroylspermidine and di-p-(EE)-coumaroyl...

  11. Determination of the structure of lecithins via the formation of acetylated 1,2-diglycerides.

    PubMed

    Privett, O S; Nutter, L J

    1967-03-01

    A detailed procedure for quantitative determinations of molecular species of lecithins is described and applied to several lecithins isolated from natural sources. The method is based on the conversion of lecithin to acetylated 1,2-diglycerides and analysis of these compounds by methodology used for the determination of triglyceride structure.The preparation of the acetylated 1,2-diglycerides was carried out via hydrolysis with phospholipase C and acetylation of the resultant, 1,2-diglycerides with pyridine-acetic anhydride. Preparation of acetylated 1,2-diglycerides from lecithin by acetolysis with acetic acid-acetic anhydride was shown to be accompanied by intermolecular as well as intramolecular rearrangement of the fatty acids.The structure of the acetylated 1,2-diglycerides was determined by a combination of argentation-TLC and pancreatic lipase hydrolysis using internal standards for quantification. The method was applied to lecithins isolated from milk serum, egg, soybean, safflower seed and wheat germ lipids.

  12. Biochemical activities in Chlorella sp. and Nannochloropsis salina during lipid and sugar synthesis in a lab-scale open pond simulating reactor.

    PubMed

    Bellou, Stamatia; Aggelis, George

    2012-12-15

    Chlorella sp. and Nannochloropsis salina cultivated in a lab-scale open pond simulating reactor grew well and produced 350-500mgL(-1) of biomass containing approximately 40% and 16% of lipids, respectively, while different trends in storage material (lipid and sugar) synthesis were identified for the two strains. In continuous culture the highest biomass and lipid productivity was respectively 0.7 and 0.06mgL(-1)h(-1) at D=0.0096h(-1), for Chlorella sp. and 0.8 and 0.09mgL(-1)h(-1) at D=0.007h(-1) for N. salina. The major polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) in the lipid of Chlorella sp. was α-linolenic acid, found at a percentage of 23.0%, w/w, while N. salina synthesized eicosapentaenoic acid at a percentage of 27.0%, w/w. Glycolipids plus sphingolipids were predominant and richer in PUFA, compared to neutral lipids and phospholipids. Activities of some key enzymes, such as pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDC), ATP-citrate lyase (ATP:CL), malic enzyme (ME) and NAD-isocitrate dehydrogenase (ICDH), which are implicated in acetyl-CoA and NADPH biosynthesis, were studied in cells grown in batch and continuous modes. PDC involved in the conversion of pyruvate to acetyl-CoA presented a constant activity in all growth phases. The high ATP:CL activity observed in algal cells, combined with low or zero ICDH activity, indicated the algae ability to generate acetyl-CoA from sugar via citrate. However, the lipogenic capacity of the strains under investigation seemed to be restricted by the low ME activity resulting to limited NADPH synthesis. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  13. Screening of melatonin, α-tocopherol, folic acid, acetyl-L-carnitine and resveratrol for anti-dengue 2 virus activity.

    PubMed

    Paemanee, Atchara; Hitakarun, Atitaya; Roytrakul, Sittiruk; Smith, Duncan R

    2018-05-16

    Infections with the mosquito transmitted dengue virus (DENV) are a significant public health burden in many parts of the world. Despite the introduction of a commercial vaccine in some parts of the world, the majority of the populations at risk of infection remain unprotected against this disease, and there is currently no treatment for DENV infection. Natural compounds offer the prospect of cheap and sustainable therapeutics to reduce the disease burden during infection, and thus potentially alleviate the risk of more severe disease. This study evaluated the potential anti-DENV 2 activity of five natural compounds namely melatonin, α-tocopherol, folic acid, acetyl-L-carnitine and resveratrol in two different cell lines. Screening of the compounds showed that one compound (acetyl-L-carnitine) showed no effect on DENV infection, three compounds (melatonin, α-tocopherol and folic acid) slightly increased levels of infection, while the 5th compound, resveratrol, showed some limited anti-DENV activity, with resveratrol reducing virus output with an EC 50 of less than 25 μM. These results suggest that some commonly taken natural compounds may have beneficial effects on DENV infection, but that others may potentially add to the disease burden.

  14. Arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase 1 gene (TcAANAT1) is required for cuticle morphology and pigmentation of the adult red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum.

    PubMed

    Noh, Mi Young; Koo, Bonwoo; Kramer, Karl J; Muthukrishnan, Subbaratnam; Arakane, Yasuyuki

    2016-12-01

    In the insect cuticle tanning pathway (sclerotization and pigmentation), the enzyme arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase (AANAT) catalyzes the acetylation of dopamine to form N-acetyldopamine (NADA), which is one of the major precursors for quinone-mediated tanning. In this study we characterized and investigated the function of TcAANAT1 in cuticle pigmentation of the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum. We isolated a full length TcAANAT1 cDNA that encodes a protein of 256 amino acid residues with a predicted GCN5-related acetyltransferase domain containing an acetyl-CoA binding motif. TcAANAT1 transcripts were detected at all stages of development with lowest expressions at the embryonic and pharate pupal stages. We expressed and purified the encoded recombinant TcAANAT1 protein (rTcAANAT1) that exhibited highest activity at slightly basic pH values (for example, pH 7.5 to 8.5 using dopamine as the substrate). In addition, rTcAANAT1 acts on a wide range of substrates including tryptamine, octopamine and norepinephrine with similar substrate affinities with K m values in the range of 0.05-0.11 mM except for tyramine (K m  = 0.56 mM). Loss of function of TcAANAT1 caused by RNAi had no effect on larval and pupal development. The tanning of pupal setae, gin traps and urogomphi proceeded normally. However, the resulting adults (∼70%) exhibited a roughened exoskeletal surface, separated elytra and improperly folded hindwings. The body wall, elytra and veins of the hindwing of the mature adults were significantly darker than those of control insects probably due to the accumulation of dopamine melanin. A dark pigmentation surrounding the bristles located on the inter-veins of the elytron was evident primarily because of the underlying darkly pigmented trabeculae that partition the dorsal and ventral layers of the elytron. These results support the hypothesis that TcAANAT1 acetylates dopamine and plays a role in development of the morphology and pigmentation of T. castaneum adult cuticle. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  15. Molecular cloning and characterization of two genes for the biotin carboxylase and carboxyltransferase subunits of acetyl coenzyme A carboxylase in Myxococcus xanthus.

    PubMed

    Kimura, Y; Miyake, R; Tokumasu, Y; Sato, M

    2000-10-01

    We have cloned a DNA fragment from a genomic library of Myxococcus xanthus using an oligonucleotide probe representing conserved regions of biotin carboxylase subunits of acetyl coenzyme A (acetyl-CoA) carboxylases. The fragment contained two open reading frames (ORF1 and ORF2), designated the accB and accA genes, capable of encoding a 538-amino-acid protein of 58.1 kDa and a 573-amino-acid protein of 61.5 kDa, respectively. The protein (AccA) encoded by the accA gene was strikingly similar to biotin carboxylase subunits of acetyl-CoA and propionyl-CoA carboxylases and of pyruvate carboxylase. The putative motifs for ATP binding, CO(2) fixation, and biotin binding were found in AccA. The accB gene was located upstream of the accA gene, and they formed a two-gene operon. The protein (AccB) encoded by the accB gene showed high degrees of sequence similarity with carboxyltransferase subunits of acetyl-CoA and propionyl-CoA carboxylases and of methylmalonyl-CoA decarboxylase. Carboxybiotin-binding and acyl-CoA-binding domains, which are conserved in several carboxyltransferase subunits of acyl-CoA carboxylases, were found in AccB. An accA disruption mutant showed a reduced growth rate and reduced acetyl-CoA carboxylase activity compared with the wild-type strain. Western blot analysis indicated that the product of the accA gene was a biotinylated protein that was expressed during the exponential growth phase. Based on these results, we propose that this M. xanthus acetyl-CoA carboxylase consists of two subunits, which are encoded by the accB and accA genes, and occupies a position between prokaryotic and eukaryotic acetyl-CoA carboxylases in terms of evolution.

  16. Characterizing the glycocalyx of poultry spermatozoa: I. Identification and distribution of carbohydrate residues using flow cytometry and epifluorescence microscopy.

    PubMed

    Peláez, Jesús; Long, Julie A

    2007-01-01

    The aim of the present work was to use a battery of lectins to 1) delineate the carbohydrate content of sperm glycocalyx in the turkey and chicken using flow cytometry analysis, and 2) evaluate the distribution of existing sugars over the sperm plasma membrane surface with epifluorescent microscopy. Carbohydrate groups (corresponding lectins) that were investigated included galactose (GS-I, Jacalin, RCA-I, PNA), glucose and/or mannose (Con A, PSA, GNA), N-acetyl-glucosamine (GS-II, s-WGA, STA), N-acetyl-galactosamine (SBA, WFA), fucose (Lotus, UEA-I), sialic acid (LFA, LPA), and N-acetyl-lactosamine (ECA). Spermatozoa were assessed before and after treatment with neuraminidase to remove sialic acid. Mean fluorescence intensity (MnFI) was used as indicator of lectin binding for flow cytometry analysis. Nontreated spermatozoa from both species showed high MnFI when incubated with RCA-I, Con A, LFA, and LPA, as did chicken spermatozoa incubated with s-WGA. Neuraminidase treatment increased the MnFI for most lectins except LFA and LPA, as expected. Differences in MnFI between species included higher values for s-WGA and ECA in chicken spermatozoa and for WFA in turkey spermatozoa. Microscopy revealed segregation of some sugar residues into membrane-specific domains; however, the 2 staining techniques (cell suspension vs fixed preparation) differed in identifying lectin binding patterns, with fixed preparations yielding a high degree of nonspecific binding. We conclude that 1) the glycocalyx of turkey and chicken spermatozoa contains a diversity of carbohydrate groups, 2) these residues are extensively masked by sialic acid, 3) the glycocalyx composition is species-specific, and 4) some glycoconjugates appear to be segregated into membrane-specific domains. Characterization of the poultry sperm glycocalyx is the first step in identifying the physiological impact of semen storage on sperm function.

  17. New series of aromatic/ five-membered heteroaromatic butanesulfonyl hydrazones as potent biological agents: Synthesis, physicochemical and electronic properties

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hamurcu, Fatma; Mamaş, Serhat; Ozdemir, Ummuhan Ozmen; Gündüzalp, Ayla Balaban; Senturk, Ozan Sanlı

    2016-08-01

    The aromatic/five-membered heteroaromatic butanesulfonylhydrazone derivatives; 5-bromosalicylaldehydebutanesulfonylhydrazone(1), 2-hydroxy-1-naphthaldehydebutane sulfonylhydrazone(2), indole-3-carboxaldehydebutanesulfonylhydrazone (3), 2-acetylfuran- carboxyaldehydebutanesulfonylhydrazone(4), 2-acetylthiophenecarboxyaldehydebutane- sulfonylhydrazone(5) and 2-acetyl-5-chlorothiophenecarboxyaldehydebutanesulfonyl hydrazone (6) were synthesized by the reaction of butane sulfonic acid hydrazide with aldehydes/ketones and characterized by using elemental analysis, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and FT-IR technique. Their geometric parameters and electronic properties consist of global reactivity descriptors were also determined by theoretical methods. The electrochemical behavior of the butanesulfonylhydrazones were investigated by using cyclic voltammetry (CV), controlled potential electrolysis and chronoamperometry (CA) techniques. The number of electrons transferred (n), diffusion coefficient (D) and standard heterogeneous rate constants (ks) were determined by electrochemical methods.

  18. Low-dose D-methionine and N-acetyl-L-cysteine for protection from permanent noise-induced hearing loss in chinchillas.

    PubMed

    Clifford, Royce E; Coleman, John K M; Balough, Ben J; Liu, Jianzhong; Kopke, Richard D; Jackson, Ronald L

    2011-12-01

    Despite efforts at public health awareness and stringent industrial standards for hearing protection, noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) remains a formidable public health concern. Although many antioxidants have proven to be beneficial in the laboratory for prevention of permanent NIHL, low-dose combinations of compounds with different biochemical mechanisms of action may allow long-term administration with fewer side effects and equal efficacy. The mixture of D-methionine and N-acetyl-L-cysteine administered at levels less than 10% of standard dosing has not been previously reported. Twenty-six female adult Chinchilla laniger were placed in 4 study groups, consisting of (1) a group receiving combination 12.5 mg/kg each D-methionine and N-acetyl-L-cysteine (DMET/NAC group), (2) a group receiving 12.5 mg/kg D-methionine (DMET-only group), (3) a group receiving 12.5 mg/kg N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC-only group), and (4) saline controls. Laboratory. All groups received twice-daily intraperitoneal injections 2 days prior to noise exposure, 1 hour before and after exposure on day 3, and for 2 days subsequently, totaling 10 doses of 125 mg/kg for each antioxidant over 5 days. Although NAC-only animals paralleled saline control recovery during 3 weeks, the DMET-only group revealed gradual improvement with statistically significant recovery in the middle frequencies. The DMET/NAC group showed significant improvement at most frequencies compared with controls (P < .001 and P < .05). Significant recovery of hearing was observed following continuous noise exposure with either DMET only or a combination of low-dose DMET/NAC, demonstrating a considerably lower dose of antioxidants required than previously reported for hearing recovery following acoustic trauma.

  19. J-Refocused Coherence Transfer Spectroscopic Imaging at 7 T in Human Brain

    PubMed Central

    Pan, J.W.; Avdievich, N.; Hetherington, H.P.

    2013-01-01

    Short echo spectroscopy is commonly used to minimize signal modulation due to J-evolution of the cerebral amino acids. However, short echo acquisitions suffer from high sensitivity to macromolecules which make accurate baseline determination difficult. In this report, we describe implementation at 7 T of a double echo J-refocused coherence transfer sequence at echo time (TE) of 34 msec to minimize J-modulation of amino acids while also decreasing interfering macromolecule signals. Simulation of the pulse sequence at 7 T shows excellent resolution of glutamate, glutamine, and N-acetyl aspartate. B1 sufficiency at 7 T for the double echo acquisition is achieved using a transceiver array with radiofrequency (RF) shimming. Using an alternate RF distribution to minimize receiver phase cancellation in the transceiver, accurate phase determination for the coherence transfer is achieved with rapid single scan calibration. This method is demonstrated in spectroscopic imaging mode with n = 5 healthy volunteers resulting in metabolite values consistent with literature and in a patient with epilepsy. PMID:20648684

  20. Prolonged Fasting Identifies Heat Shock Protein 10 as a Sirtuin 3 Substrate

    PubMed Central

    Lu, Zhongping; Chen, Yong; Aponte, Angel M.; Battaglia, Valentina; Gucek, Marjan; Sack, Michael N.

    2015-01-01

    Although Sirtuin 3 (SIRT3), a mitochondrially enriched deacetylase and activator of fat oxidation, is down-regulated in response to high fat feeding, the rate of fatty acid oxidation and mitochondrial protein acetylation are invariably enhanced in this dietary milieu. These paradoxical data implicate that additional acetylation modification-dependent levels of regulation may be operational under nutrient excess conditions. Because the heat shock protein (Hsp) Hsp10-Hsp60 chaperone complex mediates folding of the fatty acid oxidation enzyme medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase, we tested whether acetylation-dependent mitochondrial protein folding contributes to this regulatory discrepancy. We demonstrate that Hsp10 is a functional SIRT3 substrate and that, in response to prolonged fasting, SIRT3 levels modulate mitochondrial protein folding. Acetyl mutagenesis of Hsp10 lysine 56 alters Hsp10-Hsp60 binding, conformation, and protein folding. Consistent with Hsp10-Hsp60 regulation of fatty acid oxidation enzyme integrity, medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase activity and fat oxidation are elevated by Hsp10 acetylation. These data identify acetyl modification of Hsp10 as a nutrient-sensing regulatory node controlling mitochondrial protein folding and metabolic function. PMID:25505263

  1. New spectrophotometric and radiochemical assays for acetyl-CoA: arylamine N-acetyltransferase applicable to a variety of arylamines

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

    Andres, H.H.; Klem, A.J.; Szabo, S.M.

    1985-03-01

    Simple and sensitive spectrophotometric and radiochemical procedures are described for the assay of acetyl-CoA:arylamine N-acetyltransferase (NAT), which catalyzes the reaction acetyl-CoA + arylamine----N-acetylated arylamine + CoASH. The methods are applicable to crude tissue homogenates and blood lysates. The spectrophotometric assay is characterized by two features: (i) NAT activity is measured by quantifying the disappearance of the arylamine substrate as reflected by decreasing Schiff's base formation with dimethylaminobenzaldehyde. (ii) During the enzymatic reaction, the inhibitory product CoASH is recycled by the system acetyl phosphate/phosphotransacetylase to the substrate acetyl-CoA. The radiochemical procedure depends on enzymatic synthesis of (/sup 3/H)acetyl-CoA in the assaymore » using (/sup 3/H)acetate, ATP, CoASH, and acetyl-CoA synthetase. NAT activity is measured by quantifying N-(/sup 3/H)acetylarylamine after separation from (/sup 3/H)acetate by extraction. Product inhibition by CoASH is prevented in this system by the use of acetyl-CoA synthetase.« less

  2. The structure of the acidic exopolysaccharide produced by Pseudomonas "gingeri" strain Pf9.

    PubMed

    Cescutti, P; Osman, S F; Fett, W F; Weisleder, D

    1995-10-02

    The structure of the acidic exopolysaccharide produced by the mushroom pathogen Pseudomonas "gingeri" strain Pf9, a bacterium which causes ginger blotch, was investigated by chemical analysis, mass spectrometry and 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy. The polysaccharide consists of the linear trisaccharide repeating unit [formula: see text] where the cyclic pyruvic acetal groups at O-4 and O-6 of the mannopyranosyl residues have the S-configuration. Methylation analysis under neutral conditions and NMR data showed that the mannose residues are acetylated at O-2. This exopolysaccharide has the same structure as the E. coli K55 capsular polysaccharide and differs from the Klebsiella K5 capsular polysaccharide only in the position of acetylation (C-2 of the glucopyranose residue).

  3. Propolis prevents diet-induced hyperlipidemia and mitigates weight gain in diet-induced obesity in mice.

    PubMed

    Koya-Miyata, Satomi; Arai, Norie; Mizote, Akiko; Taniguchi, Yoshifumi; Ushio, Shimpei; Iwaki, Kanso; Fukuda, Shigeharu

    2009-12-01

    We examined the hypolipidemic effect of propolis in a mouse obesity model induced by a high fat-diet. C57BL/6N mice were fed a high-fat diet ad libitum and given propolis extract intragastrically at 0 mg/kg (control), 5 mg/kg or 50 mg/kg twice daily for 10 d. Compared with mice in the control group, mice in the propolis extract-administrated groups displayed a reduction in all of the following parameters: body weight gain, weight of visceral adipose tissue, liver and serum triglycerides, cholesterol, and non-esterified fatty acids. Real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis of the liver showed down-regulation of mRNA expression associated with fatty acid biosynthesis, including fatty acid synthase, acetyl-CoA carboxylase alpha, and sterol regulatory element binding protein in the propolis-administrated mice. Subsequently, obese C57BL/6N mice that had been administered a high-fat diet were given propolis extract at 0 mg/kg (control), 2.5 mg/kg or 25 mg/kg for 4 weeks. The propolis extract treated mice showed a decrease in weight gain, a reduction of serum non-esterified fatty acids, and lipid accumulation in the liver. These results suggest that propolis extract prevented and mitigated high-fat diet-induced hyperlipidemia by down-regulating the expression of genes associated with lipid metabolism.

  4. Combined untargeted and targeted fingerprinting by comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography: revealing fructose-induced changes in mice urinary metabolic signatures.

    PubMed

    Bressanello, Davide; Liberto, Erica; Collino, Massimo; Chiazza, Fausto; Mastrocola, Raffaella; Reichenbach, Stephen E; Bicchi, Carlo; Cordero, Chiara

    2018-04-01

    This study exploits the information potential of comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography configured with a parallel dual secondary column-dual detection by mass spectrometry and flame ionization (GC×2GC-MS/FID) to study changes in urinary metabolic signatures of mice subjected to high-fructose diets. Samples are taken from mice fed with normal or fructose-enriched diets provided either in aqueous solution or in solid form and analyzed at three stages of the dietary intervention (1, 6, and 12 weeks). Automated Untargeted and Targeted fingerprinting for 2D data elaboration is adopted for the most inclusive data mining of GC×GC patterns. The UT fingerprinting strategy performs a fully automated peak-region features fingerprinting and combines results from pre-targeted compounds and unknowns across the sample-set. The most informative metabolites, with statistically relevant differences between sample groups, are obtained by unsupervised multivariate analysis (MVA) and cross-validated by multi-factor analysis (MFA) with external standard quantitation by GC-MS. Results indicate coherent clustering of mice urine signatures according to dietary manipulation. Notably, the metabolite fingerprints of mice fed with liquid fructose exhibited greater derangement in fructose, glucose, citric, pyruvic, malic, malonic, gluconic, cis-aconitic, succinic and 2-keto glutaric acids, glycine acyl derivatives (N-carboxy glycine, N-butyrylglycine, N-isovaleroylglycine, N-phenylacetylglycine), and hippuric acid. Untargeted fingerprinting indicates some analytes which were not a priori pre-targeted which provide additional insights: N-acetyl glucosamine, N-acetyl glutamine, malonyl glycine, methyl malonyl glycine, and glutaric acid. Visual features fingerprinting is used to track individual variations during experiments, thereby extending the panorama of possible data elaboration tools. Graphical abstract ᅟ.

  5. Protective effects of ebselen (Ebs) and para-aminosalicylic acid (PAS) against manganese (Mn)-induced neurotoxicity

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

    Marreilha dos Santos, A.P., E-mail: apsantos@ff.ul.pt; Lucas, Rui L.; Andrade, Vanda

    2012-02-01

    Chronic, excessive exposure to manganese (Mn) may induce neurotoxicity and cause an irreversible brain disease, referred to as manganism. Efficacious therapies for the treatment of Mn are lacking, mandating the development of new interventions. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the efficacy of ebselen (Ebs) and para-aminosalicylic acid (PAS) in attenuating the neurotoxic effects of Mn in an in vivo rat model. Exposure biomarkers, inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers, as well as behavioral parameters were evaluated. Co-treatment with Mn plus Ebs or Mn plus PAS caused a significant decrease in blood and brain Mn concentrations (compared tomore » rats treated with Mn alone), concomitant with reduced brain E{sub 2} prostaglandin (PGE{sub 2}) and enhanced brain glutathione (GSH) levels, decreased serum prolactin (PRL) levels, and increased ambulation and rearing activities. Taken together, these results establish that both PAS and Ebs are efficacious in reducing Mn body burden, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress and locomotor activity impairments in a rat model of Mn-induced toxicity. -- Highlights: ► The manuscript is unique in its approach to the neurotoxicity of Mn. ► The manuscript incorporates molecular, cellular and functional (behavioral) analyses. ► Both PAS and Ebs are effective in restoring Mn behavioral function. ► Both PAS and Ebs are effective in reducing Mn-induced oxidative stress. ► Both PAS and Ebs led to a decrease in Mn-induced neuro-inflammation.« less

  6. Herbaspirillum seropedicae rfbB and rfbC genes are required for maize colonization.

    PubMed

    Balsanelli, Eduardo; Serrato, Rodrigo V; de Baura, Valter A; Sassaki, Guilherme; Yates, Marshall G; Rigo, Liu Un; Pedrosa, Fábio O; de Souza, Emanuel M; Monteiro, Rose A

    2010-08-01

    In this study we disrupted two Herbaspirillum seropedicae genes, rfbB and rfbC, responsible for rhamnose biosynthesis and its incoporation into LPS. GC-MS analysis of the H. seropedicae wild-type strain LPS oligosaccharide chain showed that rhamnose, glucose and N-acetyl glucosamine are the predominant monosaccharides, whereas rhamnose and N-acetyl glucosamine were not found in the rfbB and rfbC strains. The electrophoretic pattern of the mutants LPS was drastically altered when compared with the wild type. Knockout of rfbB or rfbC increased the sensitivity towards SDS, polymyxin B sulfate and salicylic acid. The mutants attachment capacity to maize root surface plantlets was 100-fold lower than the wild type. Interestingly, the wild-type capacity to attach to maize roots was reduced to a level similar to that of the mutants when the assay was performed in the presence of isolated wild-type LPS, glucosamine or N-acetyl glucosamine. The mutant strains were also significantly less efficient in endophytic colonization of maize. Expression analysis indicated that the rfbB gene is upregulated by naringenin, apigenin and CaCl(2). Together, the results suggest that intact LPS is required for H. seropedicae attachment to maize root and internal colonization of plant tissues. © 2010 Society for Applied Microbiology and Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

  7. A new acylamidase from Rhodococcus erythropolis TA37 can hydrolyze N-substituted amides.

    PubMed

    Lavrov, K V; Zalunin, I A; Kotlova, E K; Yanenko, A S

    2010-08-01

    A new acylamidase was isolated from Rhodococcus erythropolis TA37 and characterized. N-Substituted acrylamides (isopropyl acrylamide, N,N-dimethyl-aminopropyl acrylamide, and methylene-bis-acrylamide), acid para-nitroanilides (4'-nitroacetanilide, Gly-pNA, Ala-pNA, Leu-pNA), and N-acetyl derivatives of glycine, alanine, and leucine are good substrates for this enzyme. Aliphatic amides (acetamide, acrylamide, isobutyramide, n-butyramide, and valeramide) are also used as substrates but with less efficiency. The enzyme subunit mass by SDS-PAGE is 55 kDa. Maximal activity is exhibited at pH 7-8 and 55°C. The enzyme is stable for 15 h at 22°C and for 0.5 h at 45°C. The Michaelis constant (K(m)) is 0.25 mM with Gly-pNA and 0.55 mM with Ala-pNA. The acylamidase activity is suppressed by inhibitors of serine proteases (phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride and diisopropyl fluorophosphate) but is not suppressed by inhibitors of aliphatic amidases (acetaldehyde and nitrophenyl disulfides). The N-terminal amino acid sequence of the acylamidase is highly homologous to those of two putative amidases detected from sequenced R. erythropolis genomes. It is suggested that the acylamidase together with the detected homologs forms a new class within the amidase signature family.

  8. A mechanistic investigation into the irreversible protein binding and antigenicity of p-phenylenediamine.

    PubMed

    Jenkinson, Claire; Jenkins, Rosalind E; Maggs, James L; Kitteringham, Neil R; Aleksic, Maja; Park, B Kevin; Naisbitt, Dean J

    2009-06-01

    Exposure to the skin sensitizer p-phenylenediamine (PPD) is associated with allergic contact dermatitis; however, the ability of PPD to modify protein has not been fully investigated. The aims of this study were to characterize the reactions of PPD and the structurally related chemical 2,5-dimethyl-1,4-benzoquinonediamine with model nucleophiles, a synthetic peptide (DS3) containing each of the naturally occurring amino acids and His-tagged glutathione-S-transferase pi (GSTP), and to explore the effect of dimethyl substitution on PPD-specific T-cell responses using lymphocytes from allergic patients. The reductive soft nucleophiles N-acetyl cysteine and glutathione prevented PPD self-conjugation reactions and Bandrowski's base formation, but no adducts were detected. N-Acetyl lysine, a hard nucleophile, did not alter the rate of PPD degradation or form PPD adducts. With PPD and 2,5-dimethyl-1,4-benzoquinonediamine, only cysteine was targeted in the DS3 peptide. PPD and 2,5-dimethyl-1,4-benzoquinonediamine were also found to selectively modify the reactive Cys 47 residue of GSTP, which has a pK(a) of 3.5-4.2 and therefore exists in a largely protonated form. Glutathione formed mixed disulfides with the DS3 peptide, reducing levels of PPD binding. Lymphocytes from PPD allergic patients proliferated in the presence of PPD but not with 2,5-dimethyl-1,4-benzoquinonediamine. These results reveal that PPD and 2,5-dimethyl-1,4-benzoquinonediamine bind selectively to specific cysteine residues in peptides and proteins. Lymphocytes from PPD allergic patients were capable of discriminating between the different haptenic structures, suggesting that the hapten, but not the peptide moiety associated with MHC, is an important determinant for T-cell recognition.

  9. Low dose tubulin-binding drugs rescue peroxisome trafficking deficit in patient-derived stem cells in Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia

    PubMed Central

    Fan, Yongjun; Wali, Gautam; Sutharsan, Ratneswary; Bellette, Bernadette; Crane, Denis I.; Sue, Carolyn M.; Mackay-Sim, Alan

    2014-01-01

    ABSTRACT Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia (HSP) is a genetically heterogeneous group of disorders, diagnosed by progressive gait disturbances with muscle weakness and spasticity, for which there are no treatments targeted at the underlying pathophysiology. Mutations in spastin are a common cause of HSP. Spastin is a microtubule-severing protein whose mutation in mouse causes defective axonal transport. In human patient-derived olfactory neurosphere-derived (ONS) cells, spastin mutations lead to lower levels of acetylated α-tubulin, a marker of stabilised microtubules, and to slower speed of peroxisome trafficking. Here we screened multiple concentrations of four tubulin-binding drugs for their ability to rescue levels of acetylated α-tubulin in patient-derived ONS cells. Drug doses that restored acetylated α-tubulin to levels in control-derived ONS cells were then selected for their ability to rescue peroxisome trafficking deficits. Automated microscopic screening identified very low doses of the four drugs (0.5 nM taxol, 0.5 nM vinblastine, 2 nM epothilone D, 10 µM noscapine) that rescued acetylated α-tubulin in patient-derived ONS cells. These same doses rescued peroxisome trafficking deficits, restoring peroxisome speeds to untreated control cell levels. These results demonstrate a novel approach for drug screening based on high throughput automated microscopy for acetylated α-tubulin followed by functional validation of microtubule-based peroxisome transport. From a clinical perspective, all the drugs tested are used clinically, but at much higher doses. Importantly, epothilone D and noscapine can enter the central nervous system, making them potential candidates for future clinical trials. PMID:24857849

  10. Suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid treatment reveals crosstalks among proteome, ubiquitylome and acetylome in non-small cell lung cancer A549 cell line.

    PubMed

    Wu, Quan; Cheng, Zhongyi; Zhu, Jun; Xu, Weiqing; Peng, Xiaojun; Chen, Chuangbin; Li, Wenting; Wang, Fengsong; Cao, Lejie; Yi, Xingling; Wu, Zhiwei; Li, Jing; Fan, Pingsheng

    2015-03-31

    Suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA) is a well-known histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor and has been used as practical therapy for breast cancer and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). It is previously demonstrated that SAHA treatment could extensively change the profile of acetylome and proteome in cancer cells. However, little is known about the impact of SAHA on other protein modifications and the crosstalks among different modifications and proteome, hindering the deep understanding of SAHA-mediated cancer therapy. In this work, by using SILAC technique, antibody-based affinity enrichment and high-resolution LC-MS/MS analysis, we investigated quantitative proteome, acetylome and ubiquitylome as well as crosstalks among the three datasets in A549 cells toward SAHA treatment. In total, 2968 proteins, 1099 acetylation sites and 1012 ubiquitination sites were quantified in response to SAHA treatment, respectively. With the aid of intensive bioinformatics, we revealed that the proteome and ubiquitylome were negatively related upon SAHA treatment. Moreover, the impact of SAHA on acetylome resulted in 258 up-regulated and 99 down-regulated acetylation sites at the threshold of 1.5 folds. Finally, we identified 55 common sites with both acetylation and ubiquitination, among which ubiquitination level in 43 sites (78.2%) was positive related to acetylation level.

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

    Crosby, Heidi A; Pelletier, Dale A; Hurst, Gregory

    Background: Protein acetylation is widespread in prokaryotes. Results: Six new acyl-CoA synthetases whose activities are controlled by acetylation were identified, and their substrate preference established. A new protein acetyltransferase was also identified and its substrate specificity determined. Conclusion: Protein acetyltransferases acetylate a conserved lysine residue in protein substrates. Significance: The R. palustris Pat enzyme specifically acetylates AMP-forming acyl-CoA synthetases and regulates fatty acid metabolism.

  12. Treatment of Crohn’s disease in pregnant women: Drug and multidisciplinary approaches

    PubMed Central

    Cury, Didia Bismara; Moss, Alan C

    2014-01-01

    Inflammatory bowel disease affects a substantial number of women in their reproductive years. Pregnancy presents a number of challenges for clinicians and patients; the health of the baby needs to be balanced with the need to maintain remission in the mother. Historically, treatments for Crohn’s disease (CD) were often discontinued during the pregnancy, or nursing period, due to concerns about teratogenicity. Fortunately, observational data has reported the relative safety of many agents used to treat CD, including 5-aminosalicylic acid, thiopurines, and tumor necrosis factor. Data on the long-term development outcomes of children exposed to these therapies in utero are still limited. It is most important that physicians educate the patient regarding the optimal time to conceive, discuss the possible risks, and together decide on the best management strategy. PMID:25083053

  13. Reactions of the melatonin metabolite N(1)-acetyl-5-methoxykynuramine with carbamoyl phosphate and related compounds.

    PubMed

    Kuesel, Jana T; Hardeland, Rüdiger; Pfoertner, Henrike; Aeckerle, Nelia

    2010-01-01

    N-[2-(6-methoxyquinazolin-4-yl)-ethyl] acetamide (MQA) is a compound formed from the melatonin metabolite N(1)-acetyl-5-methoxykynuramine (AMK). We followed MQA production in reaction systems containing various putative reaction partners, in the absence and presence of hydrogen peroxide and/or copper(II). Although MQA may be formally described as a condensation product of either N(1)-acetyl-N(2)-formyl-5-methoxykynuramine (AFMK) with ammonia, or AMK with formamide, none of these combinations led to substantial quantities of MQA. However, MQA formation was observed in mixtures containing AMK, hydrogen peroxide, hydrogen carbonate and ammonia, or AMK, hydrogen peroxide, copper(II) and potentially carbamoylating agents, such as potassium cyanate or, more efficiently, carbamoyl phosphate. In the presence of hydrogen peroxide, copper(II) and carbamoyl phosphate, MQA was the major product obtained from AMK, but the omission of copper(II) mainly led to another metabolite, 3-acetamidomethyl-6-methoxycinnolinone (AMMC). This was caused by nitric oxide (NO) generated under oxidative conditions from carbamoyl phosphate, as shown by an NO spin trap. MQA formation with carbamoyl phosphate was not due to the possible decomposition product, formamide. The reaction of AMK with carbamoyl phosphate under oxidative conditions, in which inorganic phosphate and water are released and which differs from the typical process of carbamoylation via isocyanate, may be considered as a new physiological route of MQA formation.

  14. Kinetics of de-N-acetylation of the chitin disaccharide in aqueous sodium hydroxide solution.

    PubMed

    Khong, Thang Trung; Aachmann, Finn L; Vårum, Kjell M

    2012-05-01

    Chitosan is prepared from chitin, a process which is carried out at highly alkaline conditions, and that can be performed either on chitin in solution (homogeneous deacetylation) or heterogeneously with the chitin as a solid throughout the reaction. We report here a study of the de-N-acetylation reaction of the chitin dimer (GlcNAc-GlcNAc) in solution. The reaction was followed by (1)H NMR spectroscopy in deuterated aqueous sodium hydroxide solution as a function of time, sodium-hydroxide concentration and temperature. The (1)H NMR spectrum of GlcNAc-GlcNAc in 2.77 M deuterated aqueous sodium hydroxide solution was assigned. The interpretation of the (1)H NMR spectra allowed us to determine the rates of de-N-acetylation of the reducing and non-reducing ends, showing that the reaction rate at the reducing end is twice the rate at the non-reducing end. The total deacetylation reaction rate was determined as a function of the hydroxide ion concentration, showing for the first time that this de-N-acetylation reaction is second order with respect to hydroxide ion concentration. No significant difference in the deacetylation rates in deuterated water compared to water was observed. The activation energy for the reaction (26-54 °C) was determined to 114.4 and 98.6 kJ/mol at 2.77 and 5.5 M in deuterated aqueous sodium hydroxide solution, respectively. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  15. Ecdysteroid-stimulated synthesis and secretion of an N-acetyl-D-glucosamine-rich glycopeptide in a lepidopteran cell line derived from imaginal discs.

    PubMed

    Porcheron, P; Morinière, M; Coudouel, N; Oberlander, H

    1991-01-01

    Hormone-regulated processing of N-acetyl-D-glucosamine was studied in an insect cell line derived from imaginal wing discs of the Indian meal moth, Plodia interpunctella (Hübner). The cell line, IAL-PID2, responded to treatment with 20-hydroxyecdysone with increased incorporation of GlcNAc into glycoproteins. Cycloheximide and tunicamycin counteracted the action of the hormone. In particular, treatment with 20-hydroxyecdysone resulted in the secretion of a 5,000 dalton N-acetyl-D-glucosamine-rich glycopeptide by the IAL-PID2 cells. Accumulation of this peptide was prevented by the use of teflubenzuron, a potent chitin synthesis inhibitor. A glycopeptide of similar molecular weight was observed in imaginal discs of P. interpunctella treated with 20-hydroxyecdysone in vitro, under conditions that induce chitin synthesis. Although the function of the 5,000 dalton glycopeptide is not known, we believe that the PID2 cell line is a promising model for molecular analysis of ecdysteroid-regulated processing of aminosugars by epidermal cells during insect development.

  16. Trapping of NAPQI, the intermediate toxic paracetamol metabolite, by aqueous sulfide (S²⁻) and analysis by GC-MS/MS.

    PubMed

    Trettin, Arne; Batkai, Sandor; Thum, Thomas; Jordan, Jens; Tsikas, Dimitrios

    2014-07-15

    NAPQI, i.e., N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine, is considered the toxic metabolite of the widely used analgesic drug paracetamol (acetaminophen, APAP). Due to its high reactivity towards nucleophiles both in low- and high-molecular-mass biomolecules, NAPQI is hardly detectable in its native form. Upon conjugation with glutathione, NAPQI is finally excreted in the urine as the paracetamol mercapturic acid. Thus, determination of paracetamol mercapturate may provide a measure of in vivo NAPQI formation. In this work, we propose the use of Na2S in aqueous solution to trap NAPQI and to analyze the reaction product, i.e., 3-thio-paracetamol, together with paracetamol by GC-MS/MS in the electron-capture negative-ion chemical ionization mode after solvent extraction with ethyl acetate and derivatization with pentafluorobenzyl bromide. In mechanistic studies, we used newly synthesized N-acetyl-p-[2,3,5,6-(2)H4]benzoquinone imine (d4-NAPQI). In quantitative analyses, N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-[2,3,5,6-(2)H4]acetamide (d4-APAP) was used as the internal standard both for NAPQI and APAP. 3-Thio-d3-paracetamol, prepared from d4-NAPQI and Na2S, may also be useful as an internal standard. We showed NAPQI in vitro formation from APAP by recombinant cyclooxygenase-1 as well as by dog liver homogenate. In vivo formation of NAPQI was demonstrated in mice given paracetamol intraperitoneally (about 150 mg/kg). Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  17. Synthesis and biological characterization of novel charge-deficient spermine analogues.

    PubMed

    Weisell, Janne; Hyvönen, Mervi T; Häkkinen, Merja R; Grigorenko, Nikolay A; Pietilä, Marko; Lampinen, Anita; Kochetkov, Sergey N; Alhonen, Leena; Vepsäläinen, Jouko; Keinänen, Tuomo A; Khomutov, Alex R

    2010-08-12

    Biogenic polyamines, spermidine and spermine, are positively charged at physiological pH. They are present in all cells and essential for their growth and viability. Here we synthesized three novel derivatives of the isosteric charge-deficient spermine analogue 1,12-diamino-3,6,9-triazadodecane (SpmTrien, 5a) that are N(1)-Ac-SpmTrien (5c), N(12)-Ac-SpmTrien (5b), and N(1),N(12)-diethyl-1,12-diamino-3,6,9-triazadodecane (N(1),N(12)-Et(2)-SpmTrien, 5d). 5a and 5d readily accumulated in DU145 cells at the same concentration range as natural polyamines and moderately competed for the uptake with putrescine (1) but not with spermine (4a) or spermidine (2). 5a efficiently down-regulated ornithine decarboxylase and decreased polyamine levels, while 5d proved to be inefficient, compared with N(1),N(11)-diethylnorspermine (6). None of the tested analogues were substrates for human recombinant spermine oxidase, but those having free aminoterminus, including 1,8-diamino-3,6-diazaoctane (Trien, 3a), were acetylated by mouse recombinant spermidine/spermine N(1)-acetyltransferase. 5a was acetylated to 5c and 5b, and the latter was further metabolized by acetylpolyamine oxidase to 3a, a drug used to treat Wilson's disease. Thus, 5a is a bioactive precursor of 3a with enhanced bioavailability.

  18. Circulating AST, H-FABP, and NGAL are early and accurate biomarkers of graft injury and dysfunction in a preclinical model of kidney transplantation.

    PubMed

    Jochmans, Ina; Lerut, Evelyne; van Pelt, Jos; Monbaliu, Diethard; Pirenne, Jacques

    2011-11-01

    To investigate circulating biomarkers of initial graft injury in a porcine kidney autotransplant model. Injury endured by kidney grafts early posttransplant determines their outcome. However, creatinine (clearance) is a poor surrogate of tissue injury and urinary biomarkers are limited by graft anuria or persistent native kidney diuresis. No validated circulating biomarkers quantifying initial graft injury exist. Minimally injured porcine kidney grafts (n = 6) were cold stored (18 hours) and autotransplanted. Moderately (n = 6) and severely injured grafts (n = 7) were exposed to 30 or 60 minutes warm ischemia before storage and autotransplantation. Four biomarkers [aspartate transaminase (AST), heart-type fatty acid-binding protein (H-FABP), neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), and N-acetyl-β-glucosaminidase (NAG)] were measured posttransplant and compared with creatinine (clearance) and histology. Diuresis was delayed in moderately [2.5 days (2-3)] and severely [4 days (4-5)] versus minimally injured grafts (P < 0.001). Creatinine peaked later than AST, H-FABP, and NGAL [4 days (3-5) vs 3 hours (3-6), 6 hours (6-24), 2 days (1-3), respectively] and only differentiated minimally from severely injured grafts. Peak AST and H-FABP distinguished all injury grades. Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin discriminated initial graft injury 2 days posttransplant. Peak AST, H-FABP, and NGAL correlated with peak creatinine [Pearson coefficients: 0.70 (P = 0.001), 0.85 (P < 0.0001), 0.80 (P < 0.0001)]. N-acetyl-β-glucosaminidase was not different. Decreased clearance accounted for a small percentage of H-FABP and NGAL increase. Histology was not different among transplanted groups. Plasma AST, H-FABP, and NGAL reflect the severity of initial kidney graft injury and predict graft dysfunction earlier and more accurately than creatinine (clearance) and histology. They represent promising tools to improve patient care after kidney transplantation.

  19. Alterations in histone acetylation following exposure to 60Co γ-rays and their relationship with chromosome damage in human lymphoblastoid cells.

    PubMed

    Tian, Xue-Lei; Lu, Xue; Feng, Jiang-Bin; Cai, Tian-Jing; Li, Shuang; Tian, Mei; Liu, Qing-Jie

    2018-05-17

    Chromosome damage is related to DNA damage and erroneous repair. It can cause cell dysfunction and ultimately induce carcinogenesis. Histone acetylation is crucial for regulating chromatin structure and DNA damage repair. Ionizing radiation (IR) can alter histone acetylation. However, variations in histone acetylation in response to IR exposure and the relationship between histone acetylation and IR-induced chromosome damage remains unclear. Hence, this study investigated the variation in the total acetylation levels of H3 and H4 in human lymphocytes exposed to 0-2 Gy 60 Co γ-rays. Suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA), a histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor, was added to modify the histone acetylation state of irradiated cells. Then, the total acetylation level, enzyme activity, dicentric plus centric rings (dic + r) frequencies, and micronucleus (MN) frequencies of the treated cells were analyzed. Results indicated that the acetylation levels of H3 and H4 significantly decreased at 1 and 24 h, respectively, after radiation exposure. The acetylation levels of H3 and H4 in irradiated groups treated with SAHA were significantly higher than those in irradiated groups that were not treated with SAHA. SAHA treatment inhibited HDAC activity in cells exposed to 0-1 Gy 60 Co γ-rays. SAHA treatment significantly decreased dic + r/cell and MN/cell in cells exposed to 0.5 or 1.0 Gy 60 Co γ-rays relative to that in cells that did not receive SAHA treatment. In conclusion, histone acetylation is significantly affected by IR and is involved in chromosome damage induced by 60 Co γ-radiation.

  20. Metabolism, excretion, and pharmacokinetics of S-allyl-L-cysteine in rats and dogs.

    PubMed

    Amano, Hirotaka; Kazamori, Daichi; Itoh, Kenji; Kodera, Yukihiro

    2015-05-01

    The metabolism, excretion, and pharmacokinetics of S-allyl-l-cysteine (SAC), an active key component of garlic supplements, were examined in rats and dogs. A single dose of SAC was administered orally or i.v. to rats (5 mg/kg) and dogs (2 mg/kg). SAC was well absorbed (bioavailability >90%) and its four metabolites-N-acetyl-S-allyl-l-cysteine (NAc-SAC), N-acetyl-S-allyl-l-cysteine sulfoxide (NAc-SACS), S-allyl-l-cysteine sulfoxide (SACS), and l-γ-glutamyl-S-allyl-l-cysteine-were identified in the plasma and/or urine. Renal clearance values (<0.01 l/h/kg) of SAC indicated its extensive renal reabsorption, which contributed to the long elimination half-life of SAC, especially in dogs (12 hours). The metabolism of SAC to NAc-SAC, principal metabolite of SAC, was studied in vitro and in vivo. Liver and kidney S9 fractions of rats and dogs catalyzed both N-acetylation of SAC and deacetylation of NAc-SAC. After i.v. administration of NAc-SAC, SAC appeared in the plasma and its concentration declined in parallel with that of NAc-SAC. These results suggest that the rate and extent of the formation of NAc-SAC are determined by the N-acetylation and deacetylation activities of liver and kidney. Also, NAc-SACS was detected in the plasma after i.v. administration of either NAc-SAC or SACS, suggesting that NAc-SACS could be formed via both N-acetylation of SACS and S-oxidation of NAc-SAC. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that the pharmacokinetics of SAC in rats and dogs is characterized by its high oral bioavailability, N-acetylation and S-oxidation metabolism, and extensive renal reabsorption, indicating the critical roles of liver and kidney in the elimination of SAC. Copyright © 2015 by The American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics.

  1. Transcriptome sequencing and metabolic pathways of astaxanthin accumulated in Haematococcus pluvialis mutant under 15% CO2.

    PubMed

    Cheng, Jun; Li, Ke; Zhu, Yanxia; Yang, Weijuan; Zhou, Junhu; Cen, Kefa

    2017-03-01

    Transcriptome sequencing and annotation was performed on Haematococcus pluvialis mutant red cells induced with high light under 15% CO 2 to demonstrate why astaxanthin yield of the mutant was 1.7 times higher than that of a wild strain. It was found that 56% of 1947 differentially expressed genes were upregulated in mutant cells. Most significant differences were found in unigenes related to photosynthesis, carotenoid biosynthesis and fatty acid biosynthesis pathways. The pyruvate kinase increased by 3.5-fold in mutant cells. Thus, more pyruvate, which was beneficial to carotenoids and fatty acid biosynthesis, was generated. Phytoene synthase, zeta-carotene desaturase, lycopene beta-cyclase involved in β-carotene biosynthesis in mutant cells were upregulated by 10.4-, 4.4-, and 5.8-fold, respectively. Beta-carotene 3-hydroxylase catalyzing conversion of β-carotene into astaxanthin was upregulated by 18.4-fold. The fatty acid biosynthesis was promoted because of the upregulation of acetyl-CoA synthetase and acetyl-CoA carboxylase, thus increasing astaxanthin esterification and accumulation in mutant cells. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  2. Enhanced daidzin production from jasmonic and acetyl salicylic acid elicited hairy root cultures of Psoralea corylifolia L. (Fabaceae).

    PubMed

    Zaheer, Mohd; Reddy, Vudem Dashavantha; Giri, Charu Chandra

    2016-07-01

    Daidzin (7-O-glucoside of daidzein) has several pharmacological benefits in herbal remedy, as antioxidant and shown antidipsotropic activity. Hairy root culture of Psoralea corylifolia L. was developed for biomass and enhanced daidzin production using signalling compounds such as jasmonic acid (JA) and acetyl salicylic acid (ASA). Best response of 2.8-fold daidzin (5.09% DW) with 1 μM JA treatment after second week and 7.3-fold (3.43% DW) with 10 μM JA elicitation after 10th week was obtained from hairy roots compared to untreated control. ASA at 10 μM promoted 1.7-fold increase in daidzin (1.49% DW) content after seventh week compared to control (0.83% DW). Addition of 25 μM ASA resulted in 1.44% DW daidzin (1.5-fold increase) with 0.91% DW in control after fifth week and 1.44% DW daidzin (2.3-fold increase) after eighth week when compared to untreated control (0.62% DW). Reduced biomass with increased daidzin content was facilitated by elicited hairy root cultures.

  3. Discovery of phenylsulfonylfuroxan derivatives as gamma globin inducers by histone acetylation.

    PubMed

    Melo, Thais Regina Ferreira de; Kumkhaek, Chutima; Fernandes, Guilherme Felipe Dos Santos; Lopes Pires, Maria Elisa; Chelucci, Rafael Consolin; Barbieri, Karina Pereira; Coelho, Fernanda; Capote, Ticiana Sidorenko de Oliveira; Lanaro, Carolina; Carlos, Iracilda Zeppone; Marcondes, Sisi; Chegaev, Konstantin; Guglielmo, Stefano; Fruttero, Roberta; Chung, Man Chin; Costa, Fernando Ferreira; Rodgers, Griffin P; Dos Santos, Jean Leandro

    2018-05-28

    N-oxide derivatives 5(a-b), 8(a-b), and 11(a-c) were designed, synthesized and evaluated in vitro and in vivo as potential drugs that are able to ameliorate sickle cell disease (SCD) symptoms. All of the compounds demonstrated the capacity to releasing nitric oxide at different levels ranging from 0.8 to 30.1%, in vivo analgesic activity and ability to reduce TNF-α levels in the supernatants of monocyte cultures. The most active compound (8b) protected 50.1% against acetic acid-induced abdominal constrictions, while dipyrone, which was used as a control only protected 35%. Compounds 8a and 8b inhibited ADP-induced platelet aggregation by 84% and 76.1%, respectively. Both compounds increased γ-globin in K562 cells at 100 μM. The mechanisms involved in the γ-globin increase are related to the acetylation of histones H3 and H4 that is induced by these compounds. In vitro, the most promising compound (8b) was not cytotoxic, mutagenic and genotoxic. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

  4. Bacterial conversion of phenylalanine and aromatic carboxylic acids into dihydrodiols.

    PubMed Central

    Wegst, W; Tittmann, U; Eberspächer, J; Lingens, F

    1981-01-01

    Strain E of chloridazon-degrading bacteria, when grown on L-phenylalanine accumulates cis-2,3-dihydro-2,3-dihydroxyphenylalanine. In experiments with resting cells and during growth the bacterium converts the aromatic carboxylic acids phenylacetate, phenylpropionate, phenylbutyrate and phenyl-lactate into the corresponding cis-2,3-dihydrodiol compounds. The amino acids L-phenylalanine, N-acetyl-L-phenylalanine and t-butyloxycarbonyl-L-phenylalanine were also transformed into dihydrodiols. All seven dihydrodiols, thus obtained, were characterized both by conventional analytical techniques and by the ability to serve as substrates for a cis-dihydrodiol dehydrogenase. PMID:7306016

  5. Characterization of proflavine metabolites in rainbow trout.

    PubMed

    Yu, Z; Hayton, W L; Chan, K K

    1997-04-01

    Proflavine (3,6-diaminoacridine) has potential for use as an antiinfective in fish, and its metabolism by rainbow trout was therefore studied. Fourteen hours after intraarterial bolus administration of 10 mg/kg of proflavine, three metabolites were found in liver and bile, and one metabolite was found in plasma using reversed-phase HPLC with UV detection at 262 nm. Treatment with hydrochloric acid converted the three metabolites to proflavine, which suggested that the metabolites were proflavine conjugates. Treatment with beta-glucuronidase and saccharic acid 1,4-lactone, a specific beta-glucuronidase inhibitor, revealed that two metabolites were proflavine glucuronides. For determination of UV-VIS absorption and mass spectra, HPLC-purified metabolites were isolated from liver. Data from these experiments suggested that the proflavine metabolites were 3-N-glucuronosyl proflavine (PG), 3-N-glucuronosyl,6-N-acetyl proflavine (APG), and 3-N-acetylproflavine (AP). The identities of the metabolites were verified by chemical synthesis. When synthetic PG and AP were compared with the two metabolites isolated from trout, they had the same molecular weight as determined by matrix-assisted, laser desorption ionization, time-of-flight MS. In addition, they coeluted on HPLC under different mobile phase conditions. Finally, the in vitro incubation with liver subcellular preparations confirmed this characterization and provided the evidence that APG can be formed by glucuronidation of AP or acetylation of PG.

  6. N-acetylglucosamine-6-phosphate deacetylase (NagA) of Listeria monocytogenes EGD, an essential enzyme for the metabolism and recycling of amino sugars.

    PubMed

    Popowska, Magdalena; Osińska, Magdalena; Rzeczkowska, Magdalena

    2012-04-01

    The main aim of our study was to determine the physiological function of NagA enzyme in the Listeria monocytogenes cell. The primary structure of the murein of L. monocytogenes is very similar to that of Escherichia coli, the main differences being amidation of diaminopimelic acid and partial de-N-acetylation of glucosamine residues. NagA is needed for the deacetylation of N-acetyl-glucosamine-6 phosphate to glucosamine-6 phosphate and acetate. Analysis of the L. monocytogenes genome reveals the presence of two proteins with NagA domain, Lmo0956 and Lmo2108, which are cytoplasmic putative proteins. We introduced independent mutations into the structural genes for the two proteins. In-depth characterization of one of these mutants, MN1, deficient in protein Lmo0956 revealed strikingly altered cell morphology, strongly reduced cell wall murein content and decreased sensitivity to cell wall hydrolase, mutanolysin and peptide antibiotic, colistin. The gene products of operon 150, consisting of three genes: lmo0956, lmo0957, and lmo0958, are necessary for the cytosolic steps of the amino-sugar-recycling pathway. The cytoplasmic de-N-acetylase Lmo0956 of L. monocytogenes is required for cell wall peptidoglycan and teichoic acid biosynthesis and is also essential for bacterial cell growth, cell division, and sensitivity to cell wall hydrolases and peptide antibiotics.

  7. N-acetyl-L-tryptophan, a substance-P receptor antagonist attenuates aluminum-induced spatial memory deficit in rats.

    PubMed

    Fernandes, Joylee; Mudgal, Jayesh; Rao, Chamallamudi Mallikarjuna; Arora, Devinder; Basu Mallik, Sanchari; Pai, K S R; Nampoothiri, Madhavan

    2018-06-01

    Neuroinflammation plays an important role in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease. Neurokinin substance P is a key mediator which modulates neuroinflammation through neurokinin receptor. Involvement of substance P in Alzheimer's disease is still plausible and various controversies exist in this hypothesis. Preventing the deleterious effects of substance P using N-acetyl-L-tryptophan, a substance P antagonist could be a promising therapeutic strategy. This study was aimed to evaluate the effect of N-acetyl-L-tryptophan on aluminum induced spatial memory alterations in rats. Memory impairment was induced using aluminum chloride (AlCl 3 ) at a dose of 10 mg/kg for 42 d. After induction of dementia, rats were exposed to 30 and 50 mg/kg of N-acetyl-L-tryptophan for 28 d. Spatial memory alterations were measured using Morris water maze. Acetylcholinesterase activity and antioxidant enzyme glutathione level were assessed in hippocampus, frontal cortex and striatum. The higher dose of N-acetyl-L-tryptophan (50 mg/kg) significantly improved the aluminum induced memory alterations. N-acetyl-L-tryptophan exposure resulted in significant increase in acetylcholinesterase activity and glutathione level in hippocampus. The neuroprotective effect of N-acetyl-L-tryptophan could be due to its ability to block substance P mediated neuroinflammation, reduction in oxidative stress and anti-apoptotic properties. To conclude, N-acetyl-L-tryptophan may be considered as a novel neuroprotective therapy in Alzheimer's disease.

  8. A meta-analysis of the efficacy of sulfasalazine in comparison with 5-aminosalicylates in the induction of improvement and maintenance of remission in patients with ulcerative colitis.

    PubMed

    Nikfar, Shekoufeh; Rahimi, Roja; Rezaie, Ali; Abdollahi, Mohammad

    2009-06-01

    Historically, sulfasalazine (SSZ) and 5-aminosalicylates (5-ASAs) have been a mainstay of mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis (UC) remission induction and maintenance therapy. Considering the pivotal role of intestinal microbial flora in pathophysiology of UC and antimicrobial activity of sulfapyridine, we hypothesized that SSZ might be more effective than 5-ASAs in the management of UC. To compare the efficacy and tolerability of SSZ with each of the 5-ASAs (mesalamine, olsalazine, and balsalazide) by a meta-analysis technique. Pubmed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched for studies compared efficacy and/or tolerability of SSZ with 5-ASAs in the management of UC. The search terms were: "sulfasalazine" or "sulfasalazine" and "5-aminosalicylic acid," "mesalazine," "mesalamine," "olsalazine" or "balsalazide" and "ulcerative colitis." Data were collected from 1966 to April 2008. There was no language restriction. "Overall improvement," "relapse rate," "total adverse events," and "withdrawals because of adverse events" were the key outcomes of interest. Twenty randomized placebo controlled trials met our criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. Comparison of SSZ with mesalamine yielded a nonsignificant relative risk (RR) of 1.04 (95% confidence interval of 0.89-1.21, P = 0.63) for overall improvement, a nonsignificant RR of 0.98 (95% CI 0.78-1.23, P = 0.85) for relapse, a nonsignificant RR of 0.76 (95% CI 0.54-1.07, P = 0.11) for any adverse events, and a nonsignificant RR of 0.78 (95% CI 0.46-1.3, P = 0.33) for withdrawals due to adverse events. Comparison of SSZ with olsalazine yielded a nonsignificant RR of 1.14 (95% CI 0.91-1.43, P = 0.25) for overall improvement, a nonsignificant RR of 0.93 (95% CI 0.77-1.12, P = 0.42) for relapse, a nonsignificant RR of 1.21 (95% CI 0.9-1.61, P = 0.20) for any adverse events, and a nonsignificant RR of 1.53 (95% CI 0.93-2.52, P = 0.09) for withdrawals due to adverse events. Comparison of SSZ with balsalazide yielded a nonsignificant RR of 1.3 (95% CI 0.93-1.81, P = 0.12) for overall improvement, and a significant RR of 0.17 (95% CI 0.06-0.49, P = 0.001) for withdrawals because of adverse events. SSZ does not differ from mesalamine or olsalazine in terms of efficacy and tolerability in UC. Withdrawal from study due to adverse events was significantly lower for balsalazide compared with SSZ. Convincing conclusions on the comparison of effectiveness and safety of balsalazide and SSZ in UC remains to be elucidated by further clinical trials. Considering the lower cost of treatment with SSZ and the equal rate of adverse events with other 5-ASAa, it is not surprising to suggest SSZ as a first-choice treatment for UC and reserve 5-ASAs for when SSZ intolerability occurs.

  9. Vitamin-loaded electrospun cellulose acetate nanofiber mats as transdermal and dermal therapeutic agents of vitamin A acid and vitamin E.

    PubMed

    Taepaiboon, Pattama; Rungsardthong, Uracha; Supaphol, Pitt

    2007-09-01

    The present contribution reports the use of mats of electrospun cellulose acetate (CA; acetyl content=39.8%; Mw=30,000 Da) nanofibers as carriers for delivery of the model vitamins, all-trans retinoic acid or vitamin A acid (Retin-A) and alpha-tocopherol or vitamin E (Vit-E). The amounts of Vit-E and Retin-A loaded in the base CA solution [17% w/v in 2:1 v/v acetone/N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMAc)] were 5 and 0.5 wt% (based on the weight of CA), respectively. Cross-sectionally round and smooth fibers were obtained. The average diameters of these fibers ranged between 247 and 265 nm. The total immersion of the vitamin-loaded as-spun CA fiber mats in the acetate buffer solutions containing either 0.5 vol % Tween 80 or 0.5 vol % Tween 80 and 10 vol % methanol was used to arrive at the cumulative release of the vitamins from the fiber mat samples. The same was also conducted on the vitamin-loaded solution-cast CA films for comparison. In most cases, the vitamin-loaded as-spun fiber mats exhibited a gradual and monotonous increase in the cumulative release of the vitamins over the test periods (i.e., 24 h for Vit-E-loaded samples and 6 h for Retin-A-loaded ones), while the corresponding as-cast films exhibited a burst release of the vitamins.

  10. Cloning, expression profiling, and acetylation identification of alpha-tubulin N-acetyltransferase 1 from Bombyx mori.

    PubMed

    Zhou, Huaixiang; Cheng, Xusheng; Xu, Xiaoyuan; Jiang, Tianlong; Zhou, Haimeng; Sheng, Qing; Nie, Zuoming

    2018-03-22

    Alpha-tubulin N-acetyltransferase 1 (ATAT1) is an acetyltransferase specific to α-tubulin and performs important functions in many cellular processes. Bombyx mori is an economic insect and also known as a model lepidoptera insect. In this study, we cloned a B. mori ATAT1 gene (BmATAT1) (Gen Bank accession number: XP_004932777.1). BmATAT1 contained an open reading frame (ORF) of 1,065 bp encoding 355 amino acids (aa). Expression profiling of BmATAT1 protein showed that the expression levels of BmATAT1 at different developmental stages and different tissues in fifth-instar larvae differ. BmATAT1 was highly expressed at the egg stage and in the head of the fifth-instar larvae. Subcellular localization showed that BmATAT1 was distributed in the cytoplasm and nucleus. Furthermore, BmATAT1 may lead to time-dependent induction of cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase by flow cytometry analysis. Interestingly, using site-specific mutation, immunoprecipitation, and Western blotting, we further found a BmATAT1 acetylated site at K156, suggesting that this acetyltransferase could be regulated by acetylation itself. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  11. Efficient removal of heavy metal ions from aqueous solution using salicylic acid type chelate adsorbent.

    PubMed

    An, Fuqiang; Gao, Baojiao; Dai, Xin; Wang, Min; Wang, Xiaohua

    2011-09-15

    In this study, 5-aminosalicylic acid was successfully grafted onto the poly(glycidyl methacrylate) (PGMA) macromolecular chains of PGMA/SiO(2) to obtain a novel adsorbent designated as ASA-PGMA/SiO(2). The adsorption properties of ASA-PGMA/SiO(2) for heavy metal ions were studied through batch and column methods. The experimental results showed that ASA-PGMA/SiO(2) possesses strong chelating adsorption ability for heavy metal ions, and its adsorption capacity for Cu(2+), Cd(2+), Zn(2+), and Pb(2+) reaches 0.42, 0.40, 0.35, and 0.31 mmol g(-1), respectively. In addition, pH has a great influence on the adsorption capacity in the studied pH range. The adsorption isotherm data greatly obey the Langmuir and Freundlich model. The desorption of metal ions from ASA-PGMA/SiO(2) is effective using 0.1 mol l(-1) of hydrochloric acid solution as eluent. Consecutive adsorption-desorption experiments showed that ASA-PGMA/SiO(2) could be reused almost without any loss in the adsorption capacity. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

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

    Bae, Brian; Cobb, Ryan E.; DeSieno, Matthew A.

    The enzyme FrbF from Streptomyces rubellomurinus has attracted significant attention due to its role in the biosynthesis of the antimalarial phosphonate FR-900098. The enzyme catalyzes acetyl transfer onto the hydroxamate of the FR-900098 precursors cytidine 5'-monophosphate-3-aminopropylphosphonate and cytidine 5'-monophosphate-N-hydroxy-3-aminopropylphosphonate. Despite the established function as a bona fide N-acetyltransferase, FrbF shows no sequence similarity to any member of the GCN5-like N-acetyltransferase (GNAT) superfamily. Here, we present the 2.0 {angstrom} resolution crystal structure of FrbF in complex with acetyl-CoA, which demonstrates a unique architecture that is distinct from those of canonical GNAT-like acetyltransferases. We also utilized the co-crystal structure to guide structure-functionmore » studies that identified the roles of putative active site residues in the acetyltransferase mechanism. The combined biochemical and structural analyses of FrbF provide insights into this previously uncharacterized family of N-acetyltransferases and also provide a molecular framework toward the production of novel N-acyl derivatives of FR-900098.« less

  13. Side-chain to backbone interactions dictate the conformational preferences of a cyclopentane arginine analogue

    PubMed Central

    Revilla-López, Guillem; Torras, Juan; Jiménez, Ana I.; Cativiela, Carlos; Nussinov, Ruth; Alemán, Carlos

    2009-01-01

    The intrinsic conformational preferences of the non-proteinogenic amino acids constructed by incorporating the arginine side chain in the β position of 1-aminocyclopentane-1-carboxylic acid (either in a cis or a trans orientation relative to the amino group) have been investigated using computational methods. These compounds may be considered as constrained analogues of arginine (denoted as c5Arg) in which the orientation of the side chain is fixed by the cyclopentane moiety. Specifically, the N-acetyl-N′-methylamide derivatives of cis and trans-c5Arg have been examined in the gas phase and in solution using B3LYP/6-311+G(d,p) calculations and Molecular Dynamics simulations. Results indicate that the conformational space available to these compounds is highly restricted, their conformational preferences being dictated by the ability of the guanidinium group in the side chain to establish hydrogen-bond interactions with the backbone. A comparison with the behavior previously described for the analogous phenylalanine derivatives is presented. PMID:19236034

  14. Human skin levels of retinoic acid and cytochrome P-450-derived 4-hydroxyretinoic acid after topical application of retinoic acid in vivo compared to concentrations required to stimulate retinoic acid receptor-mediated transcription in vitro.

    PubMed Central

    Duell, E A; Aström, A; Griffiths, C E; Chambon, P; Voorhees, J J

    1992-01-01

    Metabolism of retinoic acid to a less active metabolite, 4-hydroxyretinoic acid, occurs via cytochrome P-450 isozyme(s). Effect of a pharmacological dose of retinoic acid on the level of retinoic acid in skin and on cytochrome P-450 activity was investigated. A cream containing 0.1% retinoic acid or cream alone was applied topically to adult human skin for four days under occlusion. Treated areas were removed by a keratome and a microsomal fraction was isolated from each biopsy. In vitro incubation of 3H-retinoic acid with microsomes from in vivo retinoic acid treated sites resulted in a 4.5-fold increase (P = 0.0001, n = 13) in its transformation to 4-hydroxyretinoic acid in comparison to in vitro incubations with microsomes from in vivo cream alone treated sites. This cytochrome P-450 mediated activity was oxygen- and NADPH-dependent and was inhibited 68% by 5 microM ketoconazole (P = 0.0035, n = 8) and 51% by carbon monoxide (P = 0.02, n = 6). Cotransfection of individual retinoic acid receptors (RARs) or retinoid X receptor-alpha (RXR-alpha) and a chloramphenicol acetyl transferase (CAT) reporter plasmid containing a retinoic acid responsive element into CV-1 cells was used to determine the ED50 values for stimulation of CAT activity by retinoic acid and its metabolites. Levels of all trans and 13-cis RA in RA-treated tissues were greater than the ED50 values determined for all three RARs with these compounds. Furthermore, the level of all trans RA was greater than the ED50 for RXR-alpha whereas the 4-OH RA level was greater than the ED50 for RAR-beta and RAR-gamma but less than for RAR-alpha and RXR-alpha. These data suggest that there are sufficient amounts of retinoic acid in treated skin to activate gene transcription over both RARs and RXR-alpha. PMID:1328295

  15. Analysis of Umami Taste Compounds in a Fermented Corn Sauce by Means of Sensory-Guided Fractionation.

    PubMed

    Charve, Joséphine; Manganiello, Sonia; Glabasnia, Arne

    2018-02-28

    Corn sauce, an ingredient obtained from the fermentation of enzymatically hydrolyzed corn starch and used in culinary applications to provide savory taste, was investigated in this study. The links between its sensory properties and taste compounds were assessed using a combination of analytical and sensory approaches. The analyses revealed that glutamic acid, sodium chloride, and acetic acid were the most abundant compounds, but they could not explain entirely the savory taste. The addition of other compounds, found at subthreshold concentrations (alanine, glutamyl peptides, and one Amadori compound), contributed partly to close the sensory gap between the re-engineered sample and the original product. Further chemical breakdown, by a sensory-guided fractionation approach, led to the isolation of two fractions with taste-modulating effects. Analyses by mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance showed that the fractions contained glutamyl peptides, pyroglutamic acid, glutamic acid, valine, N-formyl-glutamic acid, and N-acetyl-glutamine.

  16. N-Acetylchitooligosaccharide is a potent angiogenic inhibitor both in vivo and in vitro

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

    Wang, Zheng; Graduate School of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100039; Zheng, Lanhong

    2007-05-25

    N-Acetylchitooligosaccharide (N-acetyl-COs) was prepared by N-acetylation of chitooligosaccharide (COs). In vitro study using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) revealed that both N-acetyl-COs and COs inhibited the proliferation of HUVECs by inducing apoptosis. Treatment of HUVECs by N-acetyl-COs resulted in a significant reduction of density of the migration cells and repressed tubulogenesis process. The antiangiogenic effects of the oligosaccharides were further evaluated using in vivo zebrafish angiogenesis model, and the results showed that both oligosaccharides inhibited the growth of subintestinal vessels (SIV) of zebrafish embryos in a dose-dependent manner, as observed by endogenous alkaline phosphatase (EAP) staining assay. In contrast,more » no cytotoxicity was found when treating the NIH3T3 and several other cancer cells with the oligosaccharides. Our results also confirmed the antiangiogenic activity of N-acetyl-COs was significantly stronger than the parent oligosaccharide, COs.« less

  17. Pro-oxidant effects of Ecstasy and its metabolites in mouse brain synaptosomes

    PubMed Central

    Barbosa, Daniel José; Capela, João Paulo; Oliveira, Jorge MA; Silva, Renata; Ferreira, Luísa Maria; Siopa, Filipa; Branco, Paula Sério; Fernandes, Eduarda; Duarte, José Alberto; de Lourdes Bastos, Maria; Carvalho, Félix

    2012-01-01

    BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA or ‘Ecstasy’) is a worldwide major drug of abuse known to elicit neurotoxic effects. The mechanisms underlying the neurotoxic effects of MDMA are not clear at present, but the metabolism of dopamine and 5-HT by monoamine oxidase (MAO), as well as the hepatic biotransformation of MDMA into pro-oxidant reactive metabolites is thought to contribute to its adverse effects. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Using mouse brain synaptosomes, we evaluated the pro-oxidant effects of MDMA and its metabolites, α-methyldopamine (α-MeDA), N-methyl-α-methyldopamine (N-Me-α-MeDA) and 5-(glutathion-S-yl)-α-methyldopamine [5-(GSH)-α-MeDA], as well as those of 5-HT, dopamine, l-DOPA and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC). KEY RESULTS 5-HT, dopamine, l-DOPA, DOPAC and MDMA metabolites α-MeDA, N-Me-α-MeDA and 5-(GSH)-α-MeDA, concentration- and time-dependently increased H2O2 production, which was significantly reduced by the antioxidants N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC), ascorbic acid and melatonin. From experiments with MAO inhibitors, it was observed that H2O2 generation induced by 5-HT was totally dependent on MAO-related metabolism, while for dopamine, it was a minor pathway. The MDMA metabolites, dopamine, l-DOPA and DOPAC concentration-dependently increased quinoproteins formation and, like 5-HT, altered the synaptosomal glutathione status. Finally, none of the compounds modified the number of polarized mitochondria in the synaptosomal preparations, and the compounds’ pro-oxidant effects were unaffected by prior mitochondrial depolarization, excluding a significant role for mitochondrial-dependent mechanisms of toxicity in this experimental model. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS MDMA metabolites along with high levels of monoamine neurotransmitters can be major effectors of neurotoxicity induced by Ecstasy. PMID:21506960

  18. NAT2 genotype guided regimen reduces isoniazid-induced liver injury and early treatment failure in the 6-month four-drug standard treatment of tuberculosis: a randomized controlled trial for pharmacogenetics-based therapy.

    PubMed

    Azuma, Junichi; Ohno, Masako; Kubota, Ryuji; Yokota, Soichiro; Nagai, Takayuki; Tsuyuguchi, Kazunari; Okuda, Yasuhisa; Takashima, Tetsuya; Kamimura, Sayaka; Fujio, Yasushi; Kawase, Ichiro

    2013-05-01

    This study is a pharmacogenetic clinical trial designed to clarify whether the N-acetyltransferase 2 gene (NAT2) genotype-guided dosing of isoniazid improves the tolerability and efficacy of the 6-month four-drug standard regimen for newly diagnosed pulmonary tuberculosis. In a multicenter, parallel, randomized, and controlled trial with a PROBE design, patients were assigned to either conventional standard treatment (STD-treatment: approx. 5 mg/kg of isoniazid for all) or NAT2 genotype-guided treatment (PGx-treatment: approx. 7.5 mg/kg for patients homozygous for NAT2 4: rapid acetylators; 5 mg/kg, patients heterozygous for NAT2 4: intermediate acetylators; 2.5 mg/kg, patients without NAT2 4: slow acetylators). The primary outcome included incidences of 1) isoniazid-related liver injury (INH-DILI) during the first 8 weeks of therapy, and 2) early treatment failure as indicated by a persistent positive culture or no improvement in chest radiographs at the 8th week. One hundred and seventy-two Japanese patients (slow acetylators, 9.3 %; rapid acetylators, 53.5 %) were enrolled in this trial. In the intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis, INH-DILI occurred in 78 % of the slow acetylators in the STD-treatment, while none of the slow acetylators in the PGx-treatment experienced either INH-DILI or early treatment failure. Among the rapid acetylators, early treatment failure was observed with a significantly lower incidence rate in the PGx-treatment than in the STD-treatment (15.0 % vs. 38 %). Thus, the NAT2 genotype-guided regimen resulted in much lower incidences of unfavorable events, INH-DILI or early treatment failure, than the conventional standard regimen. Our results clearly indicate a great potential of the NAT2 genotype-guided dosing stratification of isoniazid in chemotherapy for tuberculosis.

  19. Acetyl-L-carnitine and alpha-lipoic acid: possible neurotherapeutic agents for mood disorders?

    PubMed

    Soczynska, Joanna K; Kennedy, Sidney H; Chow, Cindy S M; Woldeyohannes, Hanna O; Konarski, Jakub Z; McIntyre, Roger S

    2008-06-01

    Mood disorders are associated with decrements in cognitive function, which are insufficiently treated with contemporary pharmacotherapies. To evaluate the putative neurotherapeutic effects of the mitochondrial cofactors, L-carnitine, acetyl-L-carnitine, and alpha-lipoic acid; and to provide a rationale for investigating their efficacy in the treatment of neurocognitive deficits associated with mood disorders. A PubMed search of English-language articles published between January 1966 and March 2007 was conducted using the search terms carnitine and lipoic acid. L-carnitine and alpha-lipoic acid may offer neurotherapeutic effects (e.g., neurocognitive enhancement) via disparate mechanisms including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic regulation. Preliminary controlled trials in depressed geriatric populations also suggest an antidepressant effect with acetyl-L-carnitine. L-carnitine and alpha-lipoic acid are pleiotropic agents capable of offering neuroprotective and possibly cognitive-enhancing effects for neuropsychiatric disorders in which cognitive deficits are an integral feature.

  20. Influence of calcium on fungal growth, hyphal morphology and citric acid production in Aspergillus niger.

    PubMed

    Pera, L M; Callieri, D A

    1997-01-01

    Addition of 0.5 g/L CaCl2 to the fermentation medium lowered the final biomass dry mass by 35% and increased the uptake of phosphate and sucrose, and the production of citric acid by 15, 35 and 50%, respectively. In a medium deprived of Ca2+ the microorganism displayed both a pelleted and a filamentous form of growth, the hyphae being scarcely branched, without bulbous cells. An addition of Ca2+ induced a pelleted form of growth, highly branched hyphae and numerous bulbous cells. Bulbous cells growing in the presence of Ca2+ exhibited cell walls composed of laminated layers, and featured vesicles associated with the wall and/or the cell membrane, containing numerous inclusions. The cytotoxic effect of high concentrations of citric acid in the medium as well as an increase of the activity of N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase, a lytic enzyme, might be involved in these morphological changes.

  1. L-cysteine, N-acetyl-L-cysteine, and glutathione protect xenopus laevis embryos against acrylamide-induced malformations and mortality in the frog embryo teratogenesis assay (FETAX)

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Dietary acrylamide is largely derived from heat-induced reactions between the amino group of the free amino acid asparagine and carbonyl groups of glucose and fructose during heat processing (baking, frying) of plant-derived foods such as potato fries and cereals. After consumption, acrylamide is a...

  2. Effect of protonation of the N-acetyl neuraminic acid residue of sialyl Lewis(X): a molecular orbital study with insights into its binding properties toward the carbohydrate recognition domain of E-selectin.

    PubMed

    Pichierri, Fabio; Matsuo, Yo

    2002-08-01

    Semiempirical molecular orbital (MO) calculations with an implicit treatment of the water environment were employed in order to assess whether the sialyl Lewis(X) (sLe(X)) tetrasaccharide binds to E-selectin in the anionic or neutral (i.e., protonated) state. The analysis of the frontier molecular orbitals, electrostatic potential surfaces, and conformational behavior of the sugar indicates that its neutral form possesses the necessary characteristics for binding. In particular, the LUMO level of the neutral sLe(X) molecule is localized both on the carboxylic group of the N-acetyl neuraminic acid (NeuNAc) residue and on the nearby glycosidic linkage. These two moieties interact with the Arg97 residue of E-selectin, as revealed by a recent crystal structure analysis of the E-selectin/sLe(X) complex. The energetics of this specific interaction was investigated with the aid of ab initio Hartree-Fock MO calculations, which resulted in a BSSE-corrected binding energy of 16.63 kcal/mol. Our observations could open up new perspectives in the design of sLe(X) mimics.

  3. Formation of the thioester, N-acetyl, S-lactoylcysteine, by reaction of N-acetylcysteine with pyruvaldehyde in aqueous solution. [in prebiotic evolution

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Weber, A. L.

    1982-01-01

    N-acetylcysteine reacts efficiently with pyruvaldehyde (methylglyoxal) in aqueous solution (pH 7.0) in the presence of a weak base, like imidazole or phosphate, to give the thioester, N-acetyl, S-lactoylcysteine. Reactions of 100 mM N-acetylcysteine with 14 mM, 24 mM and 41 mM pyruvaldehyde yield, respectively, 86%, 76% and 59% N-acetyl, S-lactoylcysteine based on pyruvaldehyde. The decrease in the percent yield at higher pyruvaldehyde concentrations suggests that during its formation the thioester is not only consumed by hydrolysis, but also by reaction with some substance in the pyruvaldehyde preparation. Indeed, purified N-acetyl, S-lactoylcysteine disappears much more rapidly in the presence of pyruvaldehyde than in its absence. Presumably, N-acetyl, S-lactoylcysteine synthesis occurs by rearrangement of the hemithioacetal of N-acetylcysteine and pyruvaldehyde. The significance of this pathway of thioester formation to molecular evolution is discussed.

  4. Determination of yeast assimilable nitrogen content in wine fermentations by sequential injection analysis with spectrophotometric detetection.

    PubMed

    Muik, Barbara; Edelmann, Andrea; Lendl, Bernhard; Ayora-Cañada, María José

    2002-09-01

    An automated method for measuring the primary amino acid concentration in wine fermentations by sequential injection analysis with spectrophotometric detection was developed. Isoindole-derivatives from the primary amino acid were formed by reaction with o-phthaldialdehyde and N-acetyl- L-cysteine and measured at 334 nm with respect to a baseline point at 700 nm to compensate the observed Schlieren effect. As the reaction kinetic was strongly matrix dependent the analytical readout at the final reaction equilibrium has been evaluated. Therefore four parallel reaction coils were included in the flow system to be capable of processing four samples simultaneously. Using isoleucine as the representative primary amino acid in wine fermentations a linear calibration curve from 2 to 10 mM isoleucine, corresponding to 28 to 140 mg nitrogen/L (N/L) was obtained. The coefficient of variation of the method was 1.5% at a throughput of 12 samples per hour. The developed method was successfully used to monitor two wine fermentations during alcoholic fermentation. The results were in agreement with an external reference method based on high performance liquid chromatography. A mean-t-test showed no significant differences between the two methods at a confidence level of 95%.

  5. Toxicokinetics of novel psychoactive substances: characterization of N-acetyltransferase (NAT) isoenzymes involved in the phase II metabolism of 2C designer drugs.

    PubMed

    Meyer, Markus R; Robert, Anja; Maurer, Hans H

    2014-06-05

    The 2,5-dimethoxyphenethylamine-derived designer drugs (so-called "2Cs") recently became of great importance on the illicit drug market as stimulating hallucinogens. They are distributed and consumed as "novel psychoactive substances" (NPS) without any safety testing at the forefront. As previous studies have shown, the 2Cs are mainly metabolized by O-demethylation, N-acetylation, or deamination. Therefore, the aim of this study was to elucidate the role of the recombinant human N-acetyltransferase (NAT) isoforms 1 and 2 in the phase II metabolism of 2Cs. For these studies, cDNA-expressed recombinant human NATs were used and formation of metabolites after incubation was measured using GC-MS. NAT2 could be shown to be the only isoform catalyzing the reaction in vitro, hence it should be the only relevant enzyme for in vivo acetylation. In general, all metabolite formation reactions followed classic Michaelis-Menten kinetics and the affinity to human NAT2 was increasing with the volume of the 4-substituent. In consequence, a slow acetylator phenotype or inhibition of NAT2 could lead to decreased N-acetylation and might lead to an increased risk of side effects caused by these novel psychoactive substances. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  6. Immobilization of sugars in supermacroporous cryogels for the purification of lectins by affinity chromatography.

    PubMed

    Gonçalves, Gabriel Ramos Ferreira; Gandolfi, Olga Reinert Ramos; Santos, Leandro Soares; Bonomo, Renata Cristina Ferreira; Veloso, Cristiane Martins; Veríssimo, Lizzy Ayra Alcântara; Fontan, Rafael da Costa Ilhéu

    2017-11-15

    Lectins are glycoproteins that bind to carbohydrates or glycoconjugates by specific interactions. The specificity of lectins to various carbohydrates is a determinant factor in the choice of ligand for the chromatographic matrix when using chromatography as a lectin purification technique. In this work, the immobilization of three different aminated carbohydrates on the surface of macroporous polymeric cryogels was evaluated. Carbohydrates were immobilized on cryogel surfaces via the glutaraldehyde method to create spacer arms, reducing steric hindrance. The immobilized N-acetyl-d-glucosamine and N-acetyl-d-mannosamine concentrations contained approximately 130mg of carbohydrate/g dehydrated cryogel, while the N-acetyl-d-galactosamine contained 105mg of carbohydrate/g dehydrated cryogel. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the physical structure and porosity of the chromatographic columns were not affected by the immobilization process, maintaining an elevated hydration capacity and the macroporous structure of the cryogels. Adsorption of concanavalin A on cryogels functionalized with N-acetyl-d-glucosamine (cryo-d-GlcNAc) was tested, as well as its reuse capability. After 5 cycles of use, cryo-d-GlcNAc was shown to be stable, with an adsorptive capacity of around 50mg/g. Carbohydrate immobilization in polyacrylamide cryogels was satisfactory, with promise for applications in lectin purification processes. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  7. Formation of difluorothionoacetyl-protein adducts by S-(1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethyl)-L-cysteine metabolites: Nucleophilic catalysis of stable lysyl adduct formation by histidine and tyrosine

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

    Hayden, P.J.; McCann, D.J.; Stevens, J.L.

    1991-06-18

    {sup 19}F NMR spectorscopy was used in conjunction with isotopic labeling to demonstrate that difluorothionoacetyl-protein adducts are formed by metabolites of the nephrotoxic cysteine conjugate S(1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethyl)-L-cysteine (TFEC). To determine which amino acid residues can be involved in adduct formation, the reactivity of TFEC metabolites with a variety of N-acetyl amino acids was also investigated. An N{sup {alpha}}-acetyl-N{sup {epsilon}}-(difluorothionoacetyl)lysine (DFTAL) adduct was isolated and characterized by {sup 19}F and {sup 13}C NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. N{sup {alpha}}-Acetylhistidine and N-acetyltyrosine were found to act as nucleophilic catalysts to facilitate the formation of both the protein and DFTAL adducts. Adduct formation wasmore » greatly reduced when lysyl-modified protein was used as the substrate, indicating that lysyl residues are primary sites of adduct formation. However, N{sup a}-acetyllysine, at concentrations of >100-fold in excess compared to protein lysyl residues, was not effective in preventing binding of metabolites to protein. Therefore, nucleophilic catalysis at the surface of the protein may be an important mechanism for the binding of TFEC metabolites to specific lysyl residues in protein. TFEC metabolites were very reactive with the thiol nucleophiles glutathione and N-acetylcysteine. However, the predicted difluorodithioesters could not be isolated. Bothe stable difluorothioacetamide and less stable difluorodithioester protein adducts may play a role in TFEC-mediated enphrotoxicity.« less

  8. Epigenetic hierarchy governing Nestin expression.

    PubMed

    Han, Dong Wook; Do, Jeong Tae; Araúzo-Bravo, Marcos J; Lee, Sung Ho; Meissner, Alexander; Lee, Hoon Taek; Jaenisch, Rudolf; Schöler, Hans R

    2009-05-01

    Nestin is an intermediate filament protein expressed specifically in neural stem cells and progenitor cells of the central nervous system. DNA demethylation and histone modifications are two types of epigenetic modifications working in a coordinate or synergistic manner to regulate the expression of various genes. This study investigated and elucidated the epigenetic regulation of Nestin gene expression during embryonic differentiation along the neural cell lineage. Nestin exhibits differential DNA methylation and histone acetylation patterns in Nestin-expressing and nonexpressing cells. In P19 embryonic carcinoma cells, activation of Nestin expression is mediated by both trichostatin A and 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine treatment, concomitant with histone acetylation, but not with DNA demethylation. Nestin transcription is also mediated by treatment with retinoic acid, again in the absence of DNA demethylation. Thus, histone acetylation is sufficient to mediate the activation of Nestin transcription. This study proposed that the regulation of Nestin gene expression can be used as a model to study the epigenetic regulation of gene expression mediated by histone acetylation, but not by DNA demethylation.

  9. Interrelations between C4 Ketogenesis, C5 Ketogenesis, and Anaplerosis in the Perfused Rat Liver*

    PubMed Central

    Deng, Shuang; Zhang, Guo-Fang; Kasumov, Takhar; Roe, Charles R.; Brunengraber, Henri

    2009-01-01

    We investigated the interrelations between C4 ketogenesis (production of β-hydroxybutyrate + acetoacetate), C5 ketogenesis (production of β-hydroxypentanoate + β-ketopentanoate), and anaplerosis in isolated rat livers perfused with 13C-labeled octanoate, heptanoate, or propionate. Mass isotopomer analysis of C4 and C5 ketone bodies and of related acyl-CoA esters reveal that C4 and C5 ketogenesis share the same pool of acetyl-CoA. Although the uptake of octanoate and heptanoate by the liver are similar, the rate of C5 ketogenesis from heptanoate is much lower than the rate of C4 ketogenesis from octanoate. This results from the channeling of the propionyl moiety of heptanoate into anaplerosis of the citric acid cycle. C5 ketogenesis from propionate is virtually nil because acetoacyl-CoA thiolase does not favor the formation of β-ketopentanoyl-CoA from propionyl-CoA and acetyl-CoA. Anaplerosis and gluconeogenesis from heptanoate are inhibited by octanoate. The data have implications for the design of diets for the treatment of long chain fatty acid oxidation disorders, such as the triheptanoin-based diet. PMID:19666922

  10. Fluorescent molecularly imprinted polymers as plastic antibodies for selective labeling and imaging of hyaluronan and sialic acid on fixed and living cells.

    PubMed

    Panagiotopoulou, Maria; Kunath, Stephanie; Medina-Rangel, Paulina Ximena; Haupt, Karsten; Tse Sum Bui, Bernadette

    2017-02-15

    Altered glycosylation levels or distribution of sialic acids (SA) or hyaluronan in animal cells are indicators of pathological conditions like infection or malignancy. We applied fluorescently-labeled molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) particles for bioimaging of fixed and living human keratinocytes, to localize hyaluronan and sialylation sites. MIPs were prepared with the templates D-glucuronic acid (GlcA), a substructure of hyaluronan, and N-acetylneuraminic acid (NANA), the most common member of SA. Both MIPs were found to be highly selective towards their target monosaccharides, as no cross-reactivity was observed with other sugars like N-acetyl-D-glucosamine, N-acetyl-D-galactosamine, D-glucose and D-galactose, present on the cell surface. The dye rhodamine and two InP/ZnS quantum dots (QDs) emitting in the green and in the red regions were used as fluorescent probes. Rhodamine-MIPGlcA and rhodamine-MIPNANA were synthesized as monodispersed 400nm sized particles and were found to bind selectively their targets located in the extracellular region, as imaged by epifluorescence and confocal microscopy. In contrast, when MIP-GlcA and MIP-NANA particles with a smaller size (125nm) were used, the MIPs being synthesized as thin shells around green and red emitting QDs respectively, it was possible to stain the intracellular and pericellular regions as well. In addition, simultaneous dual-color imaging with the two different colored QDs-MIPs was demonstrated. Importantly, the MIPs were not cytotoxic and did not affect cell viability; neither was the cells morphology affected as demonstrated by live cell imaging. These synthetic receptors could offer a new and promising imaging tool to monitor disease progression. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  11. Novel Peak Assignments of in Vivo 13C MRS in Human Brain at 1.5 T

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Blüml, Stefan; Hwang, Jong-Hee; Moreno, Angel; Ross, Brian D.

    2000-04-01

    13C MRS studies at natural abundance and after intravenous 1-13C glucose infusion were performed on a 1.5-T clinical scanner in four subjects. Localization to the occipital cortex was achieved by a surface coil. In natural abundance spectra glucose C3β,5β, myo-inositol, glutamate C1,2,5, glutamine C1,2,5, N-acetyl-aspartate C1-4,Cdbnd O, creatine CH2, CH3, and CCdbnd N, taurine C2,3, bicarbonate HCO-3 were identified. After glucose infusion 13C enrichment of glucose C1α,1β, glutamate C1-4, glutamine C1-4, aspartate C2,3, N-acetyl-aspartate C2,3, lactate C3, alanine C3, and HCO-3 were observed. The observation of 13C enrichment of resonances resonating at >150 ppm is an extension of previously published studies and will provide a more precise determination of metabolic rates and substrate decarboxylation in human brain.

  12. Biocatalytic separation of N-7/N-9 guanine nucleosides.

    PubMed

    Singh, Sunil K; Sharma, Vivek K; Olsen, Carl E; Wengel, Jesper; Parmar, Virinder S; Prasad, Ashok K

    2010-11-19

    Vorbrüggen coupling of trimethylsilylated 2-N-isobutanoylguanine with peracetylated pentofuranose derivatives generally gives inseparable N-7/N-9 glycosyl mixtures. We have shown that the two isomers can be separated biocatalytically by Novozyme-435-mediated selective deacetylation of the 5'-O-acetyl group of peracetylated N-9 guanine nucleosides.

  13. Blocking an N-terminal acetylation–dependent protein interaction inhibits an E3 ligase

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

    Scott, Daniel C.; Hammill, Jared T.; Min, Jaeki

    N-terminal acetylation is an abundant modification influencing protein functions. Because ~80% of mammalian cytosolic proteins are N-terminally acetylated, this modification is potentially an untapped target for chemical control of their functions. Structural studies have revealed that, like lysine acetylation, N-terminal acetylation converts a positively charged amine into a hydrophobic handle that mediates protein interactions; hence, this modification may be a druggable target. We report the development of chemical probes targeting the N-terminal acetylation–dependent interaction between an E2 conjugating enzyme (UBE2M or UBC12) and DCN1 (DCUN1D1), a subunit of a multiprotein E3 ligase for the ubiquitin-like protein NEDD8. The inhibitors aremore » highly selective with respect to other protein acetyl-amide–binding sites, inhibit NEDD8 ligation in vitro and in cells, and suppress anchorage-independent growth of a cell line with DCN1 amplification. Overall, our data demonstrate that N-terminal acetyl-dependent protein interactions are druggable targets and provide insights into targeting multiprotein E2–E3 ligases.« less

  14. Concise chemical synthesis of a tetrasaccharide repeating unit of the O-antigen of Hafnia alvei 10457.

    PubMed

    Kumar, Rishi; Maulik, Prakas R; Misra, Anup Kumar

    2008-08-01

    Concise chemical synthesis of a tetrasaccharide repeating unit of the O-antigen of Hafnia alvei 10457 is reported. Construction of the tetrasaccharide as its 4-methoxyphenyl glycoside was achieved by condensation of less abundant monosaccharide units such as, D-galactofuranose, N-acetyl-D-galactosamine and N-acetylneuraminic acid. The synthetic strategy consists of the preparation of suitably protected required monosaccharide intermediates from the commercially available reducing sugars and high yielding glycosylation reactions.

  15. Clostridium botulinum serotype D neurotoxin and toxin complex bind to bovine aortic endothelial cells via sialic acid.

    PubMed

    Yoneyama, Tohru; Miyata, Keita; Chikai, Tomoyuki; Mikami, Akifumi; Suzuki, Tomonori; Hasegawa, Kimiko; Ikeda, Toshihiko; Watanabe, Toshihiro; Ohyama, Tohru; Niwa, Koichi

    2008-12-01

    Botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) is produced as a large toxin complex (L-TC) associated with nontoxic nonhemagglutinin (NTNHA) and three hemagglutinin subcomponents (HA-70, -33 and -17). The binding properties of BoNT to neurons and L-TC to intestinal epithelial cells are well documented, while those to other tissues are largely unknown. Here, to obtain novel insights into the pathogenesis of foodborne botulism, we examine whether botulinum toxins bind to vascular endothelial cells. BoNT and 750 kDa L-TC (a complex of BoNT, NTNHA and HAs) of Clostridium botulinum serotype D were incubated with bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAECs), and binding to the cells was assessed using sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and Western blot. Both BoNT and L-TC bound to BAECs, with L-TC showing stronger binding. Binding of BoNT and L-TC to BAECs was significantly inhibited by N-acetyl neuraminic acid in the cell culture medium or by treatment of the cells with neuraminidase. However, galactose, lactose or N-acetyl galactosamine did not significantly inhibit toxin binding to the cells. This is the first report demonstrating that BoNT and L-TC bind to BAECs via sialic acid, and this mechanism may be important in the trafficking pathway of BoNT in foodborne botulism.

  16. Arabidopsis HOOKLESS1 Regulates Responses to Pathogens and Abscisic Acid through Interaction with MED18 and Acetylation of WRKY33 and ABI5 Chromatin

    PubMed Central

    Liao, Chao-Jan; Lee, Sanghun; Mengiste, Tesfaye

    2016-01-01

    Arabidopsis thaliana HOOKLESS1 (HLS1) encodes a putative histone acetyltransferase with known functions in seedling growth. Here, we show that HLS1 regulates plant responses to pathogens and abscisic acid (ABA) through histone acetylation at chromatin of target loci. The hls1 mutants show impaired responses to bacterial and fungal infection, accelerated senescence, and impaired responses to ABA. HLS1 modulates the expression of WRKY33 and ABA INSENSITIVE5 (ABI5), known regulators of pathogen and ABA responses, respectively, through direct association with these loci. Histone 3 acetylation (H3Ac), a positive mark of transcription, at WRKY33 and ABI5 requires HLS1 function. ABA treatment and pathogen infection enhance HLS1 recruitment and H3Ac at WRKY33. HLS1 associates with Mediator, a eukaryotic transcription coregulatory complex, through direct interaction with mediator subunit 18 (MED18), with which it shares multiple functions. HLS1 recruits MED18 to the WRKY33 promoter, boosting WKRY33 expression, suggesting the synergetic action of HLS1 and MED18. By contrast, MED18 recruitment to ABI5 and transcriptional activation are independent of HLS1. ABA-mediated priming of resistance to fungal infection was abrogated in hls1 and wrky33 mutants but correlated with ABA-induced HLS1 accumulation. In sum, HLS1 provides a regulatory node in pathogen and hormone response pathways through interaction with the Mediator complex and important transcription factors. PMID:27317674

  17. 78 FR 5501 - Manufacturer of Controlled Substances; Notice of Registration; Cerilliant Corporation

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-01-25

    ...) I indole (7200). Alpha-ethyltryptamine (7249) I 5-(1,1-Dimethylheptyl)-2-[(1R,3S)-3- I...).... I 4-Methoxyamphetamine (7411) I 5-Methoxy-N-N-dimethyltryptamine (7431)..... I Alpha... 3-Methylfentanyl (9813) I Alpha-Methylfentanyl (9814) I Acetyl-alpha-methylfentanyl (9815) I Beta...

  18. Enrichment of the amino acid l-isovaline by aqueous alteration on CI and CM meteorite parent bodies

    PubMed Central

    Glavin, Daniel P.; Dworkin, Jason P.

    2009-01-01

    The distribution and enantiomeric composition of the 5-carbon (C5) amino acids found in CI-, CM-, and CR-type carbonaceous meteorites were investigated by using liquid chromatography fluorescence detection/TOF-MS coupled with o-phthaldialdehyde/N-acetyl-l-cysteine derivatization. A large l-enantiomeric excess (ee) of the α-methyl amino acid isovaline was found in the CM meteorite Murchison (lee = 18.5 ± 2.6%) and the CI meteorite Orgueil (lee = 15.2 ± 4.0%). The measured value for Murchison is the largest enantiomeric excess in any meteorite reported to date, and the Orgueil measurement of an isovaline excess has not been reported previously for this or any CI meteorite. The l-isovaline enrichments in these two carbonaceous meteorites cannot be the result of interference from other C5 amino acid isomers present in the samples, analytical biases, or terrestrial amino acid contamination. We observed no l-isovaline enrichment for the most primitive unaltered Antarctic CR meteorites EET 92042 and QUE 99177. These results are inconsistent with UV circularly polarized light as the primary mechanism for l-isovaline enrichment and indicate that amplification of a small initial isovaline asymmetry in Murchison and Orgueil occurred during an extended aqueous alteration phase on the meteorite parent bodies. The large asymmetry in isovaline and other α-dialkyl amino acids found in altered CI and CM meteorites suggests that amino acids delivered by asteroids, comets, and their fragments would have biased the Earth's prebiotic organic inventory with left-handed molecules before the origin of life. PMID:19289826

  19. Evaluation of the inhibitory effect of N-acetyl-L-cysteine on Babesia and Theileria parasites.

    PubMed

    Rizk, Mohamed Abdo; El-Sayed, Shimaa Abd El-Salam; AbouLaila, Mahmoud; Yokoyama, Naoaki; Igarashi, Ikuo

    2017-08-01

    N-acetyl-L-cysteine is known to have antibacterial, antiviral, antimalarial, and antioxidant activities. Therefore, the in vitro inhibitory effect of this hit was evaluated in the present study on the growth of Babesia and Theileria parasites. The in vitro growth of Babesia bovis, Babesia bigemina, Babesia divergens, Theileria equi, and Babesia caballi that were tested was significantly inhibited (P < 0.05) by micromolar concentrations of N-acetyl-L-cysteine. The inhibitory effect of N-acetyl-L-cysteine was synergistically potentiated when used in combination with diminazene aceturate on B. bovis and B. caballi cultures. These results indicate that N-acetyl-L-cysteine might be used as a drug for the treatment of babesiosis, especially when used in combination with diminazene aceturate. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  20. Biotransformation of 2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene with Phanerochaete chrysosporium in Agitated Cultures at pH 4.5†

    PubMed Central

    Hawari, Jalal; Halasz, Annamaria; Beaudet, Sylvie; Paquet, Louise; Ampleman, Guy; Thiboutot, Sonia

    1999-01-01

    The biotransformation of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) (175 μM) by Phanerochaete chrysosporium with molasses and citric acid at pH 4.5 was studied. In less than 2 weeks, TNT disappeared completely, but mineralization (liberated 14CO2) did not exceed 1%. A time study revealed the presence of several intermediates, marked by the initial formation of two monohydroxylaminodinitrotoluenes (2- and 4-HADNT) followed by their successive transformation to several other products, including monoaminodinitrotoluenes (ADNT). A group of nine acylated intermediates were also detected. They included 2-N-acetylamido-4,6-dinitrotoluene and its p isomer, 2-formylamido-4,6-dinitrotoluene and its p isomer (as acylated ADNT), 4-N-acetylamino-2-amino-6-nitrotoluene and 4-N-formylamido-2-amino-6-nitrotoluene (as acetylated DANT), 4-N-acetylhydroxy-2,6-dinitrotoluene and 4-N-acetoxy-2,6-dinitrotoluene (as acetylated HADNT), and finally 4-N-acetylamido-2-hydroxylamino-6-nitrotoluene. Furthermore, a fraction of HADNTs were found to rearrange to their corresponding phenolamines (Bamberger rearrangement), while another group dimerized to azoxytoluenes which in turn transformed to azo compounds and eventually to the corresponding hydrazo derivatives. After 30 days, all of these metabolites, except traces of 4-ADNT and the hydrazo derivatives, disappeared, but mineralization did not exceed 10% even after the incubation period was increased to 120 days. The biotransformation of TNT was accompanied by the appearance of manganese peroxidase (MnP) and lignin-dependent peroxidase (LiP) activities. MnP activity was observed almost immediately after TNT disappearance, which was the period marked by the appearance of the initial metabolites (HADNT and ADNT), whereas the LiP activity was observed after 8 days of incubation, corresponding to the appearance of the acyl derivatives. Both MnP and LiP activities reached their maximum levels (100 and 10 U/liter, respectively) within 10 to 15 days after inoculation. PMID:10388692

Top