Development of lattice-inserted 5-Fluorouracil-hydroxyapatite nanoparticles as a chemotherapeutic delivery system.

PubMed

Tseng, Ching-Li; Chen, Jung-Chih; Wu, Yu-Chun; Fang, Hsu-Wei; Lin, Feng-Huei; Tang, Tzu-Piao

2015-10-01

Developing an effective vehicle for cancer treatment, hydroxyapatite nanoparticles were fabricated for drug delivery. When 5-Fluorouracil, a major chemoagent, is combined with hydroxyapatite nanocarriers by interclay insertion, the modified hydroxyapatite nanoparticles have superior lysosomal degradation profiles, which could be leveraged as controlled drug release. The decomposition of the hydroxyapatite nanocarriers facilitates the release of 5-Fluorouracil into the cytoplasm causing cell death. Hydroxyapatite nanoparticles with/without 5-Fluorouracil were synthesized and analyzed in this study. Their crystallization properties and chemical composition were examined by X-ray diffraction and Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy. The 5-Fluorouracil release rate was determined by UV spectroscopy. The biocompatibility of hydroxyapatite-5-Fluorouracil extraction solution was assessed using 3T3 cells via a WST-8 assay. The effect of hydroxyapatite-5-Fluorouracil particles which directly work on the human lung adenocarcinoma (A549) cells was evaluated by a lactate dehydrogenase assay via contact cultivation. A 5-Fluorouracil-absorbed hydroxyapatite particles were also tested. Overall, hydroxyapatite-5-Fluorouracils were prepared using a co-precipitation method wherein 5-Fluorouracil was intercalated in the hydroxyapatite lattice as determined by X-ray diffraction. Energy dispersive scanning examination showed the 5-Fluorouracil content was higher in hydroxyapatite-5-Fluorouracil than in a prepared absorption formulation. With 5-Fluorouracil insertion in the lattice, the widths of the a and c axial constants of the hydroxyapatite crystal increased. The extraction solution of hydroxyapatite-5-Fluorouracil was nontoxic to 3T3 cells, in which 5-Fluorouracil was not released in a neutral phosphate buffer solution. In contrast, at a lower pH value (2.5), 5-Fluorouracil was released by the acidic decomposition of hydroxyapatite. Finally, the results of the lactate

Oxaliplatin, fluorouracil, and leucovorin versus fluorouracil and leucovorin as adjuvant chemotherapy for locally advanced rectal cancer after preoperative chemoradiotherapy (ADORE): an open-label, multicentre, phase 2, randomised controlled trial.

PubMed

Hong, Yong Sang; Nam, Byung-Ho; Kim, Kyu-Pyo; Kim, Jeong Eun; Park, Seong Joon; Park, Young Suk; Park, Joon Oh; Kim, Sun Young; Kim, Tae-You; Kim, Jee Hyun; Ahn, Joong Bae; Lim, Seok-Byung; Yu, Chang Sik; Kim, Jin Cheon; Yun, Seong Hyeon; Kim, Jong Hoon; Park, Jin-Hong; Park, Hee Chul; Jung, Kyung Hae; Kim, Tae Won

2014-10-01

The role of adjuvant chemotherapy for patients with rectal cancer is controversial, especially when used after preoperative chemoradiotherapy. Fluoropyrimidine-based adjuvant chemotherapy, including fluorouracil and leucovorin, has been widely used; however, the addition of oxaliplatin to fluorouracil and leucovorin (FOLFOX), a standard adjuvant regimen for colon cancer, has not been tested in rectal cancer. We aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of adjuvant fluorouracil and leucovorin with that of FOLFOX in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer after preoperative chemoradiotherapy. In this open-label, multicentre, phase 2, randomised trial, patients with postoperative pathological stage II (ypT3-4N0) or III (ypTanyN1-2) rectal cancer after preoperative fluoropyrimidine-based chemoradiotherapy and total mesorectal excision were recruited and randomly assigned (1:1) via a web-based software platform to receive adjuvant chemotherapy with either four cycles of fluorouracil and leucovorin (fluorouracil 380 mg/m(2) and leucovorin 20 mg/m(2) on days 1-5, every 4 weeks) or eight cycles of FOLFOX (oxaliplatin 85 mg/m(2), leucovorin 200 mg/m(2), and fluorouracil bolus 400 mg/m(2) on day 1, and fluorouracil infusion 2400 mg/m(2) for 46 h, every 2 weeks). Stratification factors were pathological stage (II vs III) and centre. Neither patients nor investigators were masked to group assignment. The primary endpoint was 3-year disease-free survival, analysed by intention to treat. This study is fully enrolled, is in long-term follow-up, and is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00807911. Between Nov 19, 2008, and June 12, 2012, 321 patients were randomly assigned to fluorouracil and leucovorin (n=161) and FOLFOX (n=160). 141 (95%) of 149 patients in the fluorouracil plus leucovorin group and 141 (97%) of 146 in the FOLFOX group completed all planned cycles of adjuvant treatment. Median follow-up was 38·2 months (IQR 26·4-50·6). 3-year disease

SSR240612 [(2R)-2-[((3R)-3-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-3-[[(6-methoxy-2-naphthyl)sulfonyl]amino]propanoyl)amino]-3-(4-[[2R,6S)-2,6-dimethylpiperidinyl]methyl]phenyl)-N-isopropyl-N-methylpropanamide hydrochloride], a new nonpeptide antagonist of the bradykinin B1 receptor: biochemical and pharmacological characterization.

PubMed

Gougat, Jean; Ferrari, Bernard; Sarran, Lionel; Planchenault, Claudine; Poncelet, Martine; Maruani, Jeanne; Alonso, Richard; Cudennec, Annie; Croci, Tiziano; Guagnini, Fabio; Urban-Szabo, Katalin; Martinolle, Jean-Pierre; Soubrié, Philippe; Finance, Olivier; Le Fur, Gérard

2004-05-01

The biochemical and pharmacological properties of a novel non-peptide antagonist of the bradykinin (BK) B(1) receptor, SSR240612 [(2R)-2-[((3R)-3-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-3-[[(6-methoxy-2-naphthyl)sulfonyl]amino]propanoyl)amino]-3-(4-[[2R,6S)-2,6-dimethylpiperidinyl]methyl]phenyl)-N-isopropyl-N-methylpropanamide hydrochloride] were evaluated. SSR240612 inhibited the binding of [(3)H]Lys(0)-des-Arg(9)-BK to the B(1) receptor in human fibroblast MRC5 and to recombinant human B(1) receptor expressed in human embryonic kidney cells with inhibition constants (K(i)) of 0.48 and 0.73 nM, respectively. The compound selectivity for B(1) versus B(2) receptors was in the range of 500- to 1000-fold. SSR240612 inhibited Lys(0)-desAr(9)-BK (10 nM)-induced inositol monophosphate formation in human fibroblast MRC5, with an IC(50) of 1.9 nM. It also antagonized des-Arg(9)-BK-induced contractions of isolated rabbit aorta and mesenteric plexus of rat ileum with a pA(2) of 8.9 and 9.4, respectively. Antagonistic properties of SSR240612 were also demonstrated in vivo. SSR240612 inhibited des-Arg(9)-BK-induced paw edema in mice (3 and 10 mg/kg p.o. and 0.3 and 1 mg/kg i.p.). Moreover, SSR240612 reduced capsaicin-induced ear edema in mice (0.3, 3 and 30 mg/kg p.o.) and tissue destruction and neutrophil accumulation in the rat intestine following splanchnic artery occlusion/reperfusion (0.3 mg/kg i.v.). The compound also inhibited thermal hyperalgesia induced by UV irradiation (1 and 3 mg/kg p.o.) and the late phase of nociceptive response to formalin in rats (10 and 30 mg/kg p.o.). Finally, SSR240612 (20 and 30 mg/kg p.o.) prevented neuropathic thermal pain induced by sciatic nerve constriction in the rat. In conclusion, SSR240612 is a new, potent, and orally active specific non-peptide bradykinin B(1) receptor antagonist.

Chrysin Attenuates Cell Viability of Human Colorectal Cancer Cells through Autophagy Induction Unlike 5-Fluorouracil/Oxaliplatin.

PubMed

Lin, Yueh-Ming; Chen, Chih-I; Hsiang, Yi-Ping; Hsu, Yung-Chia; Cheng, Kung-Chuan; Chien, Pei-Hsuan; Pan, Hsiao-Lin; Lu, Chien-Chang; Chen, Yun-Ju

2018-06-14

Chemotherapeutic 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) combined with oxaliplatin is often used as the standard treatment for colorectal cancer (CRC). The disturbing side effects and drug resistance commonly observed in chemotherapy motivate us to develop alternative optimal therapeutic options for CRC treatment. Chrysin, a natural and biologically active flavonoid abundant in propolis, is reported to have antitumor effects on a few CRCs. However, whether and how chrysin achieves similar effectiveness to the 5-FU combination is not clear. In this study, 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT), western blotting, fluorescence microscopy, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production were assayed. We found that chrysin exhibited similar inhibition of cell viability as the 5-FU combination in a panel of human CRC cells. Furthermore, the results showed that chrysin significantly increased the levels of LC3-II, an autophagy-related marker, in CRC cells, which was not observed with the 5-FU combination. More importantly, blockage of autophagy induction restored chrysin-attenuated CRC cell viability. Further mechanistic analysis revealed that chrysin, not the 5-FU combination, induced ROS generation, and in turn, inhibited the phosphorylation of protein kinase B (Akt) and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). Collectively, these results imply that chrysin may be a potential replacement for the 5-FU and oxaliplatin combination to achieve antitumor activity through autophagy for CRC treatment in the future.

Noncompetitive inhibition of indolethylamine-N-methyltransferase by N,N-dimethyltryptamine and N,N-dimethylaminopropyltryptamine.

PubMed

Chu, Uyen B; Vorperian, Sevahn K; Satyshur, Kenneth; Eickstaedt, Kelsey; Cozzi, Nicholas V; Mavlyutov, Timur; Hajipour, Abdol R; Ruoho, Arnold E

2014-05-13

Indolethylamine-N-methyltransferase (INMT) is a Class 1 transmethylation enzyme known for its production of N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT), a hallucinogen with affinity for various serotonergic, adrenergic, histaminergic, dopaminergic, and sigma-1 receptors. DMT is produced via the action of INMT on the endogenous substrates tryptamine and S-adenosyl-l-methionine (SAM). The biological, biochemical, and selective small molecule regulation of INMT enzyme activity remain largely unknown. Kinetic mechanisms for inhibition of rabbit lung INMT (rabINMT) by the product, DMT, and by a new novel tryptamine derivative were determined. After Michaelis-Menten and Lineweaver-Burk analyses had been applied to study inhibition, DMT was found to be a mixed competitive and noncompetitive inhibitor when measured against tryptamine. The novel tryptamine derivative, N-[2-(1H-indol-3-yl)ethyl]-N',N'-dimethylpropane-1,3-diamine (propyl dimethyl amino tryptamine or PDAT), was shown to inhibit rabINMT by a pure noncompetitive mechanism when measured against tryptamine with a Ki of 84 μM. No inhibition by PDAT was observed at 2 mM when it was tested against structurally similar Class 1 methyltransferases, such as human phenylethanolamine-N-methyltransferase (hPNMT) and human nicotinamide-N-methyltransferase (hNNMT), indicating selectivity for INMT. The demonstration of noncompetitive mechanisms for INMT inhibition implies the presence of an inhibitory allosteric site. In silico analyses using the computer modeling software Autodock and the rabINMT sequence threaded onto the human INMT (hINMT) structure (Protein Data Bank entry 2A14 ) identified an N-terminal helix-loop-helix non-active site binding region of the enzyme. The energies for binding of DMT and PDAT to this region of rabINMT, as determined by Autodock, were -6.34 and -7.58 kcal/mol, respectively. Assessment of the allosteric control of INMT may illuminate new biochemical pathway(s) underlying the biology of INMT.

The impact of N- and O-glycosylation on the functions of Glut-1 transporter in human thyroid anaplastic cells.

PubMed

Samih, Nezha; Hovsepian, Sonia; Notel, Frédéric; Prorok, Maëlle; Zattara-Cannoni, Hélène; Mathieu, Sylvie; Lombardo, Dominique; Fayet, Guy; El-Battari, Assou

2003-04-07

It has been previously shown that glucose transporter Glut-1 expression was detectable by immunostaining in tissue sections from anaplastic carcinoma, but not in normal thyroid tissue. Using human thyroid anaplastic carcinoma cells, we studied the mechanism by which Glut-1 molecules are translocated from the endoplasmic reticulum to the cell surface. The contribution of N- and O-linked glycans for the translocation and activity of Glut-1 transporter is emphasized. The inhibition of N-glycosylation with tunicamycin (TM) led to a 50% decrease in glucose transport while glycosylated and unglycosylated forms of Glut-1 were found at the cell surface. However, the inhibition of N-linked oligosaccharide processing with deoxymannojirimycin (dMJ) and swainsonine (SW) influenced neither the intracellular trafficking nor the activity of the transporter. On the other hand, Glut-1 bound to the O-linked glycan-specific lectin jacalin and the O-glycosylation inhibitor benzyl-N-acetylgalactosamine dramatically inhibited glucose transport. These results show that O- and N-linked oligosaccharides arbored by Glut-1 are essential for glucose transport in anaplastic carcinoma cells. The quantitative and qualitative alterations of Glut-1 glycosylation and the increase in glucose transport are associated with the anaplastic phenotype of human thyroid cells.

Intake of Fish and Omega-3 (n-3) Fatty Acids: Effect on Humans During Actual and Simulated Weightlessness

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smith, S. M.; Pierson, D. L.; Mehta, S. K.; Zwart, S. R.

2011-01-01

Space flight has many negative effects on human physiology, including bone and muscle loss. Bone and muscle are two systems that are positively affected by dietary intake of fish and n-3 fatty acids. The mechanism is likely to be related to inhibition by n-3 fatty acids of inflammatory cytokines (such as TNF) and thus inhibition of downstream NF-kB activation. We have documented this effect in a 3-dimensional cell culture model, where NF-kB activation in osteoclasts was inhibited by eicosapentaenoic acid, an n-3 fatty acid. We have also indentified that NF-kB activation in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of Space Shuttle crews. We found that after Shuttle flights of 2 wk, expression of the protein p65 (evidence of NF-kB activation) was increased at landing (P less than 0.001). When evaluating the effects of n-3 fatty acid intake on bone breakdown after 60 d of bed rest (a weightlessness analog). We found that after 60 d of bed rest, greater intake of n-3 fatty acids was associated with less N-telopeptide excretion (Pearson r = -0.62, P less than 0.05). We also evaluated the relationship of fish intake and bone loss in astronauts after 4 to 6 mo missions on the International Space Station. Higher consumption of fish during flight was associated with higher bone mineral density (Pearson r = 0.46, P less than 0.05). Together, these findings provide evidence of the cellular mechanism by which n-3 fatty acids can inhibit bone loss, and preliminary human evidence of the potential for n-3 fatty acids to counteract bone loss associated with space flight. This study was supported by the NASA Human Research Program.

A Transmetalation Reaction Enables the Synthesis of [ 18F]5-Fluorouracil from [ 18F]Fluoride for Human PET Imaging

DOE PAGES

Hoover, Andrew J.; Lazari, Mark; Ren, Hong; ...

2016-02-14

Translation of new 18F-fluorination reactions to produce radiotracers for human positron emission tomography (PET) imaging is rare because the chemistry must have useful scope and the process for 18F-labeled tracer production must be robust and simple to execute. The application of transition metal mediators has enabled impactful 18F-fluorination methods, but to date none of these reactions have been applied to produce a human-injectable PET tracer. In this article we present chemistry and process innovations that culminate in the first production from [ 18F]fluoride of human doses of [ 18F]5-fluorouracil, a PET tracer for cancer imaging in humans. Here, the firstmore » preparation of nickel σ-aryl complexes by transmetalation from arylboronic acids or esters was developed and enabled the synthesis of the [ 18F]5-fluorouracil precursor. Routine production of >10 mCi doses of [ 18F]5-fluorouracil was accomplished with a new instrument for azeotrope-free [ 18F]fluoride concentration in a process that leverages the tolerance of water in nickel-mediated 18F-fluorination.« less

A Transmetalation Reaction Enables the Synthesis of [18F]5-Fluorouracil from [18F]Fluoride for Human PET Imaging

PubMed Central

2016-01-01

Translation of new 18F-fluorination reactions to produce radiotracers for human positron emission tomography (PET) imaging is rare because the chemistry must have useful scope and the process for 18F-labeled tracer production must be robust and simple to execute. The application of transition metal mediators has enabled impactful 18F-fluorination methods, but to date none of these reactions have been applied to produce a human-injectable PET tracer. In this article we present chemistry and process innovations that culminate in the first production from [18F]fluoride of human doses of [18F]5-fluorouracil, a PET tracer for cancer imaging in humans. The first preparation of nickel σ-aryl complexes by transmetalation from arylboronic acids or esters was developed and enabled the synthesis of the [18F]5-fluorouracil precursor. Routine production of >10 mCi doses of [18F]5-fluorouracil was accomplished with a new instrument for azeotrope-free [18F]fluoride concentration in a process that leverages the tolerance of water in nickel-mediated 18F-fluorination. PMID:27087736

A Transmetalation Reaction Enables the Synthesis of [18F]5-Fluorouracil from [18F]Fluoride for Human PET Imaging.

PubMed

Hoover, Andrew J; Lazari, Mark; Ren, Hong; Narayanam, Maruthi Kumar; Murphy, Jennifer M; van Dam, R Michael; Hooker, Jacob M; Ritter, Tobias

2016-04-11

Translation of new 18 F-fluorination reactions to produce radiotracers for human positron emission tomography (PET) imaging is rare because the chemistry must have useful scope and the process for 18 F-labeled tracer production must be robust and simple to execute. The application of transition metal mediators has enabled impactful 18 F-fluorination methods, but to date none of these reactions have been applied to produce a human-injectable PET tracer. In this article we present chemistry and process innovations that culminate in the first production from [ 18 F]fluoride of human doses of [ 18 F]5-fluorouracil, a PET tracer for cancer imaging in humans. The first preparation of nickel σ-aryl complexes by transmetalation from arylboronic acids or esters was developed and enabled the synthesis of the [ 18 F]5-fluorouracil precursor. Routine production of >10 mCi doses of [ 18 F]5-fluorouracil was accomplished with a new instrument for azeotrope-free [ 18 F]fluoride concentration in a process that leverages the tolerance of water in nickel-mediated 18 F-fluorination.

A Transmetalation Reaction Enables the Synthesis of [ 18F]5-Fluorouracil from [ 18F]Fluoride for Human PET Imaging

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

Hoover, Andrew J.; Lazari, Mark; Ren, Hong

Translation of new 18F-fluorination reactions to produce radiotracers for human positron emission tomography (PET) imaging is rare because the chemistry must have useful scope and the process for 18F-labeled tracer production must be robust and simple to execute. The application of transition metal mediators has enabled impactful 18F-fluorination methods, but to date none of these reactions have been applied to produce a human-injectable PET tracer. In this article we present chemistry and process innovations that culminate in the first production from [ 18F]fluoride of human doses of [ 18F]5-fluorouracil, a PET tracer for cancer imaging in humans. Here, the firstmore » preparation of nickel σ-aryl complexes by transmetalation from arylboronic acids or esters was developed and enabled the synthesis of the [ 18F]5-fluorouracil precursor. Routine production of >10 mCi doses of [ 18F]5-fluorouracil was accomplished with a new instrument for azeotrope-free [ 18F]fluoride concentration in a process that leverages the tolerance of water in nickel-mediated 18F-fluorination.« less

Prediction of in vivo drug-drug interactions based on mechanism-based inhibition from in vitro data: inhibition of 5-fluorouracil metabolism by (E)-5-(2-Bromovinyl)uracil.

PubMed

Kanamitsu, S I; Ito, K; Okuda, H; Ogura, K; Watabe, T; Muro, K; Sugiyama, Y

2000-04-01

The fatal drug-drug interaction between sorivudine, an antiviral drug, and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) has been shown to be caused by a mechanism-based inhibition. In this interaction, sorivudine is converted by gut flora to (E)-5-(2-bromovinyl)uracil (BVU), which is metabolically activated by dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD), and the activated BVU irreversibly binds to DPD itself, thereby inactivating it. In an attempt to predict this interaction in vivo from in vitro data, inhibition of 5-FU metabolism by BVU was investigated by using rat and human hepatic cytosol and human recombinant DPD. Whichever enzyme was used, increased inhibition was observed that depended on the preincubation time of BVU and enzyme in the presence of NADPH and BVU concentration. The kinetic parameters obtained for inactivation represented by k(inact) and K'(app) were 2.05 +/- 1.52 min(-1), 69.2 +/- 60.8 microM (rat hepatic cytosol), 2.39 +/- 0.13 min(-1), 48.6 +/- 11.8 microM (human hepatic cytosol), and 0.574 +/- 0.121 min(-1), 2.20 +/- 0.57 microM (human recombinant DPD). The drug-drug interaction in vivo was predicted quantitatively based on a physiologically based pharmacokinetic model, using pharmacokinetic parameters obtained from the literature and kinetic parameters for the enzyme inactivation obtained in the in vitro studies. In rats, DPD was predicted to be completely inactivated by administration of BVU and the area under the curve of 5-FU was predicted to increase 11-fold, which agreed well with the reported data. In humans, a 5-fold increase in the area under the curve of 5-FU was predicted after administration of sorivudine, 150 mg/day for 5 days. Mechanism-based inhibition of drug metabolism is supposed to be very dangerous. We propose that such in vitro studies should be carried out during the drug-developing phase so that in vivo drug-drug interactions can be predicted.

Ammonium sorption and ammonia inhibition of nitrite-oxidizing bacteria explain contrasting soil N2O production

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Venterea, R. T.; Sadowsky, M.; Breuillin-Sessoms, F.; Wang, P.; Clough, T. J.; Coulter, J. A.

2015-12-01

Better understanding of process controls over nitrous oxide (N2O) production in urine-impacted 'hot spots' and fertilizer bands is needed to improve mitigation strategies and emission models. Following amendment with bovine (Bos taurus) urine (Bu) or urea (Ur), we measured inorganic N, pH, N2O, and genes associated with nitrification in two soils ('L' and 'W') having similar texture, pH, C, and C/N ratio. Solution-phase ammonia (slNH3) was also calculated accounting for non-linear ammonium (NH4+) sorption capacities (ASC). Soil W displayed greater nitrification rates and nitrate (NO3-) levels than soil L, but was more resistant to nitrite (NO2-) accumulation and produced two to ten times less N2O than soil L. Genes associated with NO2- oxidation (nxrA) increased substantially in soil W but remained static in soil L. Soil NO2- was strongly correlated with N2O production, and cumulative (c-) slNH3 explained 87% of the variance in c-NO2-. Differences between soils were explained by greater slNH3 in soil L which inhibited NO2- oxidization leading to greater NO2- levels and N2O production. This is the first study to correlate the dynamics of soil slNH3, NO2-, N2O and nitrifier genes, and the first to show how ASC can regulate NO2- levels and N2O production.

Ammonium sorption and ammonia inhibition of nitrite-oxidizing bacteria explain contrasting soil N2O production.

PubMed

Venterea, Rodney T; Clough, Timothy J; Coulter, Jeffrey A; Breuillin-Sessoms, Florence; Wang, Ping; Sadowsky, Michael J

2015-07-16

Better understanding of process controls over nitrous oxide (N2O) production in urine-impacted 'hot spots' and fertilizer bands is needed to improve mitigation strategies and emission models. Following amendment with bovine (Bos taurus) urine (Bu) or urea (Ur), we measured inorganic N, pH, N2O, and genes associated with nitrification in two soils ('L' and 'W') having similar texture, pH, C, and C/N ratio. Solution-phase ammonia (slNH3) was also calculated accounting for non-linear ammonium (NH4(+)) sorption capacities (ASC). Soil W displayed greater nitrification rates and nitrate (NO3(-)) levels than soil L, but was more resistant to nitrite (NO2(-)) accumulation and produced two to ten times less N2O than soil L. Genes associated with NO2(-) oxidation (nxrA) increased substantially in soil W but remained static in soil L. Soil NO2(-) was strongly correlated with N2O production, and cumulative (c-) slNH3 explained 87% of the variance in c-NO2(-). Differences between soils were explained by greater slNH3 in soil L which inhibited NO2(-) oxidization leading to greater NO2(-) levels and N2O production. This is the first study to correlate the dynamics of soil slNH3, NO2(-), N2O and nitrifier genes, and the first to show how ASC can regulate NO2(-) levels and N2O production.

Ammonium sorption and ammonia inhibition of nitrite-oxidizing bacteria explain contrasting soil N2O production

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Venterea, Rodney T.; Clough, Timothy J.; Coulter, Jeffrey A.; Breuillin-Sessoms, Florence

2015-07-01

Better understanding of process controls over nitrous oxide (N2O) production in urine-impacted ‘hot spots’ and fertilizer bands is needed to improve mitigation strategies and emission models. Following amendment with bovine (Bos taurus) urine (Bu) or urea (Ur), we measured inorganic N, pH, N2O, and genes associated with nitrification in two soils (‘L’ and ‘W’) having similar texture, pH, C, and C/N ratio. Solution-phase ammonia (slNH3) was also calculated accounting for non-linear ammonium (NH4+) sorption capacities (ASC). Soil W displayed greater nitrification rates and nitrate (NO3-) levels than soil L, but was more resistant to nitrite (NO2-) accumulation and produced two to ten times less N2O than soil L. Genes associated with NO2- oxidation (nxrA) increased substantially in soil W but remained static in soil L. Soil NO2- was strongly correlated with N2O production, and cumulative (c-) slNH3 explained 87% of the variance in c-NO2-. Differences between soils were explained by greater slNH3 in soil L which inhibited NO2- oxidization leading to greater NO2- levels and N2O production. This is the first study to correlate the dynamics of soil slNH3, NO2-, N2O and nitrifier genes, and the first to show how ASC can regulate NO2- levels and N2O production.

N-acetylcysteine inhibits muscle fatigue in humans.

PubMed Central

Reid, M B; Stokić, D S; Koch, S M; Khawli, F A; Leis, A A

1994-01-01

N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a nonspecific antioxidant that selectively inhibits acute fatigue of rodent skeletal muscle stimulated at low (but not high) tetanic frequencies and that decreases contractile function of unfatigued muscle in a dose-dependent manner. The present experiments test the hypothesis that NAC pretreatment can inhibit acute muscular fatigue in humans. Healthy volunteers were studied on two occasions each. Subjects were pretreated with NAC 150 mg/kg or 5% dextrose in water by intravenous infusion. The subject then sat in a chair with surface electrodes positioned over the motor point of tibialis anterior, an ankle dorsiflexor of mixed-fiber composition. The muscle was stimulated to contract electrically (40-55 mA, 0.2-ms pulses) and force production was measured. Function of the unfatigued muscle was assessed by measuring the forces produced during maximal voluntary contractions (MVC) of ankle dorsiflexor muscle groups and during electrical stimulation of tibialis anterior at 1, 10, 20, 40, 80, and 120 Hz (protocol 1). Fatigue was produced using repetitive tetanic stimulations at 10 Hz (protocol 1) or 40 Hz (protocol 2); intermittent stimulations subsequently were used to monitor recovery from fatigue. The contralateral leg then was studied using the same protocol. Pretreatment with NAC did not alter the function of unfatigued muscle; MVC performance and the force-frequency relationship of tibialis anterior were unchanged. During fatiguing contractions stimulated at 10 Hz, NAC increased force output by approximately 15% (P < 0.0001), an effect that was evident after 3 min of repetitive contraction (P < 0.0125) and persisted throughout the 30-min protocol. NAC had no effect on fatigue induced using 40 Hz stimuli or on recovery from fatigue. N-acetylcysteine pretreatment can improve performance of human limb muscle during fatiguing exercise, suggesting that oxidative stress plays a causal role in the fatigue process and identifying antioxidant

Ammonium sorption and ammonia inhibition of nitrite-oxidizing bacteria explain contrasting soil N2O production

PubMed Central

Venterea, Rodney T.; Clough, Timothy J.; Coulter, Jeffrey A.; Breuillin-Sessoms, Florence

2015-01-01

Better understanding of process controls over nitrous oxide (N2O) production in urine-impacted ‘hot spots’ and fertilizer bands is needed to improve mitigation strategies and emission models. Following amendment with bovine (Bos taurus) urine (Bu) or urea (Ur), we measured inorganic N, pH, N2O, and genes associated with nitrification in two soils (‘L’ and ‘W’) having similar texture, pH, C, and C/N ratio. Solution-phase ammonia (slNH3) was also calculated accounting for non-linear ammonium (NH4+) sorption capacities (ASC). Soil W displayed greater nitrification rates and nitrate (NO3−) levels than soil L, but was more resistant to nitrite (NO2−) accumulation and produced two to ten times less N2O than soil L. Genes associated with NO2− oxidation (nxrA) increased substantially in soil W but remained static in soil L. Soil NO2− was strongly correlated with N2O production, and cumulative (c-) slNH3 explained 87% of the variance in c-NO2−. Differences between soils were explained by greater slNH3 in soil L which inhibited NO2− oxidization leading to greater NO2− levels and N2O production. This is the first study to correlate the dynamics of soil slNH3, NO2−, N2O and nitrifier genes, and the first to show how ASC can regulate NO2− levels and N2O production. PMID:26179972

Noncompetitive Inhibition of Indolethylamine-N-methyltransferase by N,N-Dimethyltryptamine and N,N-Dimethylaminopropyltryptamine

PubMed Central

2015-01-01

Indolethylamine-N-methyltransferase (INMT) is a Class 1 transmethylation enzyme known for its production of N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT), a hallucinogen with affinity for various serotonergic, adrenergic, histaminergic, dopaminergic, and sigma-1 receptors. DMT is produced via the action of INMT on the endogenous substrates tryptamine and S-adenosyl-l-methionine (SAM). The biological, biochemical, and selective small molecule regulation of INMT enzyme activity remain largely unknown. Kinetic mechanisms for inhibition of rabbit lung INMT (rabINMT) by the product, DMT, and by a new novel tryptamine derivative were determined. After Michaelis–Menten and Lineweaver–Burk analyses had been applied to study inhibition, DMT was found to be a mixed competitive and noncompetitive inhibitor when measured against tryptamine. The novel tryptamine derivative, N-[2-(1H-indol-3-yl)ethyl]-N′,N′-dimethylpropane-1,3-diamine (propyl dimethyl amino tryptamine or PDAT), was shown to inhibit rabINMT by a pure noncompetitive mechanism when measured against tryptamine with a Ki of 84 μM. No inhibition by PDAT was observed at 2 mM when it was tested against structurally similar Class 1 methyltransferases, such as human phenylethanolamine-N-methyltransferase (hPNMT) and human nicotinamide-N-methyltransferase (hNNMT), indicating selectivity for INMT. The demonstration of noncompetitive mechanisms for INMT inhibition implies the presence of an inhibitory allosteric site. In silico analyses using the computer modeling software Autodock and the rabINMT sequence threaded onto the human INMT (hINMT) structure (Protein Data Bank entry 2A14) identified an N-terminal helix–loop–helix non-active site binding region of the enzyme. The energies for binding of DMT and PDAT to this region of rabINMT, as determined by Autodock, were −6.34 and −7.58 kcal/mol, respectively. Assessment of the allosteric control of INMT may illuminate new biochemical pathway(s) underlying the biology of INMT

Intake of Fish and Omega-3 (N-3) Fatty Acid: Effect on Humans during Actual and Simulated Weightlessness

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smith, Scott M.; Mehta, Satish K.; Pierson, Duane L.; Zwart, Sara R.

2009-01-01

Space flight has many negative effects on human physiology, including bone and muscle loss. These are some of the systems on which intakes of fish and n-3 fatty acids have positive effects. These effects are likely to occur through inhibition of inflammatory cytokines (such as TNFalpha) and thus inhibition of downstream NF-KB activation. We documented this effect in a 3D cell culture model, where NF-KB activation in osteoclasts was inhibited by eicosapentaenoic acid, an n-3 fatty acid. We have extended these studies and report here (a) NF-KB expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of Space Shuttle crews on 2-wk missions, (b) the effects of n-3 fatty acid intake after 60 d of bed rest (a weightlessness analog), and (c) the effects of fish intake in astronauts after 4 to 6 mo on the International Space Station. After Shuttle flights of 2 wk, NFKB p65 expression at landing was increased (P less than 0.001). After 60 d of bed rest, higher intake of n-3 fatty acids was associated with less N-telopeptide excretion (Pearson r = -0.62, P less than 0.05). Higher consumption of fish during flight was associated with higher bone mineral density (Pearson r = -0.46, P less than 0.05). Together with our earlier findings, these data provide mechanistic cellular and preliminary human evidence of the potential for n-3 fatty acids to counteract bone loss associated with spaceflight. This study was supported by the NASA Human Research Program.

The luminescent properties of polyethylene films with admixtures of luminophores based on europium compounds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kalinovskaya, I. V.; Zadorozhnaya, A. N.; Karasev, V. E.

2008-11-01

Polyethylene films activated with europium(III) complexes with carboxylic acids and Eu(L)3 · nD · xH2O + ANT compositions, where L is the trifluoroacetic, toluyl, or cinnamic acid anion and ANT is anthranilic acid, were prepared. The intensity of luminescence of the polymeric compositions depended on the content of luminophores (molar ratio between europium compounds and anthranilic acid). An analysis of the excitation spectra showed that, in polymer—Eu(L)3 · nPhen · xH2O + ANT compositions, there was effective energy transfer from phenanthroline to anthranilic acid levels.

Inhibition of PI3K suppresses propagation of drug-tolerant cancer cell subpopulations enriched by 5-fluorouracil.

PubMed

Ishida, Kaoru; Ito, Chie; Ohmori, Yukimi; Kume, Kohei; Sato, Kei A; Koizumi, Yuka; Konta, Akari; Iwaya, Takeshi; Nukatsuka, Mamoru; Kobunai, Takashi; Takechi, Teiji; Nishizuka, Satoshi S

2017-05-23

Drug-tolerant cancer cell subpopulations are responsible for relapse after chemotherapy. By continuously exposing the gastric cancer cell line MKN45 to 5-FU for >100 passages, we established a 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-tolerant line, MKN45/5FU. Orthotopic xenografts of MKN45/5FU cells in the stomach of nude mice revealed that these cells had a high potential to metastasize to sites such as the liver. Levels of phosphorylated phosphatidylinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) increased both in 5-FU-tolerant subpopulations according to the 5-FU dose, and in gastric submucosal orthotopic xenografts of MKN45/5FU cells. Sequential administration of 5-FU and a PI3K inhibitor, GDC-0941, targeted the downstream ribosomal S6 kinase phosphorylation to significantly suppress 5-FU-tolerant subpopulations and tumor propagation of orthotopic MKN45/5FU xenografts. These results suggest that administration of 5-FU followed by GDC-0941 may suppress disease relapse after 5-FU-based gastric cancer chemotherapy.

GR-891: a novel 5-fluorouracil acyclonucleoside prodrug for differentiation therapy in rhabdomyosarcoma cells

PubMed Central

Marchal, J A; Prados, J; Melguizo, C; Gómez, J A; Campos, J; Gallo, M A; Espinosa, A; Arena, N; Aránega, A

1999-01-01

Differentiation therapy provides an alternative treatment of cancer that overcomes the undesirable effects of classical chemotherapy, i.e. cytotoxicity and resistance to drugs. This new approach to cancer therapy focuses on the development of specific agents designed to selectively engage the process of terminal differentiation, leading to the elimination of tumorigenic cells and recovery of normal cell homeostasis. A series of new anti-cancer pyrimidine acyclonucleoside-like compounds were designed and synthesized by structural modifications of 5-fluorouracil, a drug which causes considerable cell toxicity and morbidity, and we evaluated their applicability for differentiation therapy in human rhabdomyosarcoma cells. We tested the pyrimidine derivative GR-891, (RS)-1-{[3-(2-hydroxyethoxy)-1-isopropoxy]propyl}-5-fluorouracil, an active drug which shows low toxicity in vivo and releases acrolein which is an aldehyde with anti-tumour activity. Both GR-891 and 5-fluorouracil caused time- and dose-dependent growth inhibition in vitro; however, GR-891 showed no cytotoxicity at low doses (22.5 μmol l−1 and 45 μmol l−1) and induced terminal myogenic differentiation in RD cells (a rhabdomyosarcoma cell line) treated for 6 days. Changes in morphological features and in protein organization indicated re-entry in the pathway of muscular maturation. Moreover, GR-891 increased adhesion capability mediated by the expression of fibronectin, and did not induce overexpression of P-glycoprotein, the mdr1 gene product, implicated in multidrug resistance. New acyclonucleoside-like compounds such as GR-891 have important potential advantages over 5-fluorouracil because of their lower toxicity and their ability to induce myogenic differentiation in rhabdomyosarcoma cells. Our results suggest that this drug may be useful for differentiation therapy in this type of tumour. 1999 Cancer Research Campaign PMID:10070873

Human Ozone (O3) Exposure Alters Serum Profile of Lipid Metabolites

EPA Science Inventory

HUMAN OZONE (O3) EXPOSURE ALTERS SERUM PROFILE OF LIPID METABOLITES Miller, D B.1; Kodavanti, U P.2 Karoly, E D.3; Cascio W.E2, Ghio, A J. 21. UNC-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, N.C., United States. 2. NHEERL, U.S. EPA, RTP, N.C., United States. 3. METABOLON INC., Durham, N.C., United...

Novel histone deacetylase inhibitor N25 exerts anti-tumor effects and induces autophagy in human glioma cells by inhibiting HDAC3

PubMed Central

Sun, Xin-Yuan; Qu, Yue; Ni, An-Ran; Wang, Gui-Xiang; Huang, Wei-Bin; Chen, Zhong-Ping; Lv, Zhu-Fen; Zhang, Song; Lindsay, Holly; Zhao, Sibo; Li, Xiao-Nan; Feng, Bing-Hong

2017-01-01

N25, a novel histone deacetylase inhibitor, was created through structural modification of suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid. To evaluate the anti-tumor activity of N25 and clarify its molecular mechanism of inducing autophagy in glioma cells, we investigated its in vitro anti-proliferative effect and in vivo anticancer effect. Moreover, we detected whether N25 induces autophagy in glioma cells by transmission electron microscope and analyzed the protein expression level of HDAC3, Tip60, LC3 in glioma samples by western blot. We additionally analyzed the protein expression level of HDAC3, Tip60, ULK1 (Atg1), and Beclin-1 (Atg6) after treatment with N25 in glioma cells. Our results showed that the anti-tumor activity of N25 in glioma cells is slightly stronger than SAHA both in vitro and in vivo. We found that N25 induced autophagy, and HDAC3 was significantly elevated and Tip60 and LC3 significantly decreased in glioma samples compared with normal brain tissues. Nevertheless, N25 inhibited HDAC3 and up-regulated the protein expression of Tip60, ULK1 (Atg1), and Beclin-1 (Atg6) after treatment of glioma cells with N25. In conclusion, these data suggest that N25 has striking anti-tumor activity in part due to inhibition of HDAC3. Additionally, N25 may induce autophagy through inhibiting HDAC3. PMID:29088860

Bcl-XL small interfering RNA suppresses the proliferation of 5-fluorouracil-resistant human colon cancer cells.

PubMed

Zhu, Hongbo; Guo, Wei; Zhang, Lidong; Davis, John J; Teraishi, Fuminori; Wu, Shuhong; Cao, Xiaobo; Daniel, Jonathan; Smythe, W Roy; Fang, Bingliang

2005-03-01

5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is commonly used to treat human colon cancers but resistance to this compound is frequently observed in clinics. To characterize mechanisms of resistance to 5-FU and to develop new strategies for overcoming it, we established two cell lines that were resistant to 5-FU but not other chemotherapeutic agents from parental 5-FU-sensitive cell lines. Western blot analysis revealed that these resistant cells overexpressed the proteins Bcl-XL, Bcl-Xs, and Bik, and further data showed that the cells were resistant to 5-FU-induced DNA damage and cell cycle disorder. However, in parental cells, enforced expression of Bcl-XL protein provided only limited protection from 5-FU-induced apoptosis and overexpression of Bcl-XL protein did not affect 5-FU-induced DNA damage or cell cycle changes; these findings suggested that overexpression of Bcl-XL protein was not the major contributor to 5-FU resistance in any of our cells lines. Even so, knockdown of Bcl-XL protein expression by Bcl-XL-specific small interfering RNA could inhibit proliferation more effectively in 5-FU-resistant cells than in 5-FU-sensitive cells, and the combination of Bcl-XL-specific small interfering RNA and 5-FU had additive effect on the inhibition of 5-FU-resistant cells. These results suggest that down-regulation of Bcl-XL protein expression might provide a new treatment strategy for human 5-FU-resistant colon cancer therapy.

Phase III noninferiority trial comparing irinotecan with oxaliplatin, fluorouracil, and leucovorin in patients with advanced colorectal carcinoma previously treated with fluorouracil: N9841.

PubMed

Kim, George P; Sargent, Daniel J; Mahoney, Michelle R; Rowland, Kendrith M; Philip, Philip A; Mitchell, Edith; Mathews, Abraham P; Fitch, Tom R; Goldberg, Richard M; Alberts, Steven R; Pitot, Henry C

2009-06-10

The primary goal of this multicenter phase III trial was to determine whether overall survival (OS) of fluorouracil (FU) -refractory patients was noninferior when treated with second-line infusional fluorouracil, leucovorin, and oxaliplatin (FOLFOX4; arm B) versus irinotecan (arm A). Cross-over to the other treatment on disease progression was mandated. Patients who experienced treatment failure with one prior FU-based therapy and had not received prior irinotecan or oxaliplatin, either for metastatic disease or within 6 months of adjuvant FU therapy, were randomly assigned to arm A (irinotecan 350 or 300 mg/m(2) every 3 weeks) or arm B (FOLFOX4). A total of 491 patients were randomly assigned (arm A, n = 245; arm B, n = 246); 288 (59%) had experienced treatment failure with FU for metastatic colorectal cancer. Two hundred twenty-seven patients (46%) received protocol-mandated third-line therapy (arm A, 43%; arm B, 57%). Median survival was 13.8 months (95% CI, 12.2 to 15.0 months) for initial treatment with FOLFOX4 and 14.3 months (95% CI, 12.0 to 15.9 months) for irinotecan (P = .38; hazard ratio = 0.92; 95% CI, 0.8 to 1.1). Response rates (RR; 28% v 15.5%; P = .0009) and time to progression (TTP; 6.2 v 4.4 months; P = .0009) were significantly superior with FOLFOX4. In the nonrandom subset of patients who crossed over, RR and TTP improvements with FOLFOX4 continued into third-line treatment. Irinotecan therapy was associated with more grade 3 nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and febrile neutropenia; FOLFOX4 was associated with more neutropenia and paresthesias. In patients who experienced treatment failure with front-line FU therapy, OS does not significantly differ whether second-line therapy begins with irinotecan or FOLFOX4. FOLFOX4 produces higher RR and longer TTP. Both arms had notable OS in patients who experienced treatment failure with first-line FU therapy.

Phase III Noninferiority Trial Comparing Irinotecan With Oxaliplatin, Fluorouracil, and Leucovorin in Patients With Advanced Colorectal Carcinoma Previously Treated With Fluorouracil: N9841

PubMed Central

Kim, George P.; Sargent, Daniel J.; Mahoney, Michelle R.; Rowland, Kendrith M.; Philip, Philip A.; Mitchell, Edith; Mathews, Abraham P.; Fitch, Tom R.; Goldberg, Richard M.; Alberts, Steven R.; Pitot, Henry C.

2009-01-01

Purpose The primary goal of this multicenter phase III trial was to determine whether overall survival (OS) of fluorouracil (FU) -refractory patients was noninferior when treated with second-line infusional fluorouracil, leucovorin, and oxaliplatin (FOLFOX4; arm B) versus irinotecan (arm A). Cross-over to the other treatment on disease progression was mandated. Patients and Methods Patients who experienced treatment failure with one prior FU-based therapy and had not received prior irinotecan or oxaliplatin, either for metastatic disease or within 6 months of adjuvant FU therapy, were randomly assigned to arm A (irinotecan 350 or 300 mg/m2 every 3 weeks) or arm B (FOLFOX4). Results A total of 491 patients were randomly assigned (arm A, n = 245; arm B, n = 246); 288 (59%) had experienced treatment failure with FU for metastatic colorectal cancer. Two hundred twenty-seven patients (46%) received protocol-mandated third-line therapy (arm A, 43%; arm B, 57%). Median survival was 13.8 months (95% CI, 12.2 to 15.0 months) for initial treatment with FOLFOX4 and 14.3 months (95% CI, 12.0 to 15.9 months) for irinotecan (P = .38; hazard ratio = 0.92; 95% CI, 0.8 to 1.1). Response rates (RR; 28% v 15.5%; P = .0009) and time to progression (TTP; 6.2 v 4.4 months; P = .0009) were significantly superior with FOLFOX4. In the nonrandom subset of patients who crossed over, RR and TTP improvements with FOLFOX4 continued into third-line treatment. Irinotecan therapy was associated with more grade 3 nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and febrile neutropenia; FOLFOX4 was associated with more neutropenia and paresthesias. Conclusion In patients who experienced treatment failure with front-line FU therapy, OS does not significantly differ whether second-line therapy begins with irinotecan or FOLFOX4. FOLFOX4 produces higher RR and longer TTP. Both arms had notable OS in patients who experienced treatment failure with first-line FU therapy. PMID:19380443

Silencing of BAG3 inhibits the epithelial-mesenchymal transition in human cervical cancer.

PubMed

Song, Fei; Wang, Geng; Ma, Zhifang; Ma, Yuebing; Wang, Yingying

2017-11-10

Bcl2-associated athanogene 3 (BAG3) has been reported to be involved in aggressive progression of many tumors. In the present study, we examined the expression of BAG3 in human cervical cancer (CC) tissues and investigated the role of BAG3 in SiHa and HeLa cell growth, migration, and invasion. Here, we found that most of CC tissues highly expressed the protein and mRNA of BAG3, while their expression was obviously lower in paired normal tissues (all p<0.001). BAG3 expression was associated with FIGO stage and metastasis (all p<0.05). In-vitro analysis demonstrated that BAG3 siRNAs inhibited SiHa and HeLa cell growth, invasion and migration. Mechanically, BAG3 siRNAs inhibited the expression of EMT-regulating markers, involving MMP2, Slug and N-cadherin, and increased the expression of E-cadherin. In a xenograft nude model, BAG3 siRNAs inhibited tumor growth and the expression of EMT biomarkers. In conclusion, BAG3 is involved in the EMT process, including cell growth, invasion and migration in the development of CC. Thus, BAG3 target might be recommended as a novel therapeutic approach.

Silencing of BAG3 inhibits the epithelial-mesenchymal transition in human cervical cancer

PubMed Central

Song, Fei; Wang, Geng; Ma, Zhifang; Ma, Yuebing; Wang, Yingying

2017-01-01

Bcl2-associated athanogene 3 (BAG3) has been reported to be involved in aggressive progression of many tumors. In the present study, we examined the expression of BAG3 in human cervical cancer (CC) tissues and investigated the role of BAG3 in SiHa and HeLa cell growth, migration, and invasion. Here, we found that most of CC tissues highly expressed the protein and mRNA of BAG3, while their expression was obviously lower in paired normal tissues (all p<0.001). BAG3 expression was associated with FIGO stage and metastasis (all p<0.05). In-vitro analysis demonstrated that BAG3 siRNAs inhibited SiHa and HeLa cell growth, invasion and migration. Mechanically, BAG3 siRNAs inhibited the expression of EMT-regulating markers, involving MMP2, Slug and N-cadherin, and increased the expression of E-cadherin. In a xenograft nude model, BAG3 siRNAs inhibited tumor growth and the expression of EMT biomarkers. In conclusion, BAG3 is involved in the EMT process, including cell growth, invasion and migration in the development of CC. Thus, BAG3 target might be recommended as a novel therapeutic approach. PMID:29221135

Neoadjuvant Bevacizumab, Oxaliplatin, 5-Fluorouracil, and Radiation for Rectal Cancer

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

Dipetrillo, Tom; Pricolo, Victor; Lagares-Garcia, Jorge

Purpose: To evaluate the feasibility and pathologic complete response rate of induction bevacizumab + modified infusional fluorouracil, leucovorin, and oxaliplatin (FOLFOX) 6 regimen followed by concurrent bevacizumab, oxaliplatin, continuous infusion 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), and radiation for patients with rectal cancer. Methods and Materials: Eligible patients received 1 month of induction bevacizumab and mFOLFOX6. Patients then received 50.4 Gy of radiation and concurrent bevacizumab (5 mg/kg on Days 1, 15, and 29), oxaliplatin (50 mg/m{sup 2}/week for 6 weeks), and continuous infusion 5-FU (200 mg/m{sup 2}/day). Because of gastrointestinal toxicity, the oxaliplatin dose was reduced to 40 mg/m{sup 2}/week. Resection was performedmore » 4-8 weeks after the completion of chemoradiation. Results: The trial was terminated early because of toxicity after 26 eligible patients were treated. Only 1 patient had significant toxicity (arrhythmia) during induction treatment and was removed from the study. During chemoradiation, Grade 3/4 toxicity was experienced by 19 of 25 patients (76%). The most common Grade 3/4 toxicities were diarrhea, neutropenia, and pain. Five of 25 patients (20%) had a complete pathologic response. Nine of 25 patients (36%) developed postoperative complications including infection (n = 4), delayed healing (n = 3), leak/abscess (n = 2), sterile fluid collection (n = 2), ischemic colonic reservoir (n = 1), and fistula (n = 1). Conclusions: Concurrent oxaliplatin, bevacizumab, continuous infusion 5-FU, and radiation causes significant gastrointestinal toxicity. The pathologic complete response rate of this regimen was similar to other fluorouracil chemoradiation regimens. The high incidence of postoperative wound complications is concerning and consistent with other reports utilizing bevacizumab with chemoradiation before major surgical resections.« less

Potent inhibition by star fruit of human cytochrome P450 3A (CYP3A) activity.

PubMed

Hidaka, Muneaki; Fujita, Ken-ichi; Ogikubo, Tetsuya; Yamasaki, Keishi; Iwakiri, Tomomi; Okumura, Manabu; Kodama, Hirofumi; Arimori, Kazuhiko

2004-06-01

There has been very limited information on the capacities of tropical fruits to inhibit human cytochrome P450 3A (CYP3A) activity. Thus, the inhibitory effects of tropical fruits on midazolam 1'-hydroxylase activity of CYP3A in human liver microsomes were evaluated. Eight tropical fruits such as common papaw, dragon fruit, kiwi fruit, mango, passion fruit, pomegranate, rambutan, and star fruit were tested. We also examined the inhibition of CYP3A activity by grapefruit (white) and Valencia orange as controls. The juice of star fruit showed the most potent inhibition of CYP3A. The addition of a star fruit juice (5.0%, v/v) resulted in the almost complete inhibition of midazolam 1'-hydroxylase activity (residual activity of 0.1%). In the case of grape-fruit, the residual activity was 14.7%. The inhibition depended on the amount of fruit juice added to the incubation mixture (0.2-6.0%, v/v). The elongation of the preincubation period of a juice from star fruit (1.25 or 2.5%, v/v) with the microsomal fraction did not alter the CYP3A inhibition, suggesting that the star fruit did not contain a mechanism-based inhibitor. Thus, we discovered filtered extracts of star fruit juice to be inhibitors of human CYP3A activity in vitro.

Comparative cytotoxicity of Al2O3, CeO2, TiO2 and ZnO nanoparticles to human lung cells.

PubMed

Kim, In-Sun; Baek, Miri; Choi, Soo-Jin

2010-05-01

The increased applications of nanoparticles in a wide range of industrial fields raise the concern about their potential toxicity to human. The aim of this study was to assess and compare the toxicity of four different oxide nanoparticles (Al2O3, CeO2, TiO2 and ZnO) to human lung epithelial cells, A549 carcinoma cells and L-132 normal cells, in vitro. We focused on the toxicological effects of the present nanoparticles on cell proliferation, cell viability, membrane integrity and oxidative stress. The long-term cytotoxicity of nanoparticles was also evaluated by employing the clonogenic assay. Among four nanoparticles tested, ZnO exhibited the highest cytotoxicity in terms of cell proliferation, cell viability, membrane integrity and colony formation in both cell lines. Al2O3, CeO2 and TiO2 showed little adverse effects on cell proliferation and cell viability. However, TiO2 induced oxidative stress in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. CeO2 caused membrane damage and inhibited colony formation in long-term, but with different degree depending on cell lines. Al2O3 seems to be less toxic than the other nanoparticles even after long time exposure. These results highlight the need for caution during manufacturing process of nanomaterials as well as further investigation on the toxicity mechanism.

Oxaliplatin added to fluorouracil-based preoperative chemoradiotherapy and postoperative chemotherapy of locally advanced rectal cancer (the German CAO/ARO/AIO-04 study): final results of the multicentre, open-label, randomised, phase 3 trial.

PubMed

Rödel, Claus; Graeven, Ullrich; Fietkau, Rainer; Hohenberger, Werner; Hothorn, Torsten; Arnold, Dirk; Hofheinz, Ralf-Dieter; Ghadimi, Michael; Wolff, Hendrik A; Lang-Welzenbach, Marga; Raab, Hans-Rudolf; Wittekind, Christian; Ströbel, Philipp; Staib, Ludger; Wilhelm, Martin; Grabenbauer, Gerhard G; Hoffmanns, Hans; Lindemann, Fritz; Schlenska-Lange, Anke; Folprecht, Gunnar; Sauer, Rolf; Liersch, Torsten

2015-08-01

Preoperative chemoradiotherapy with infusional fluorouracil, total mesorectal excision surgery, and postoperative chemotherapy with fluorouracil was established by the German CAO/ARO/AIO-94 trial as a standard combined modality treatment for locally advanced rectal cancer. Here we compare the previously established regimen with an investigational regimen in which oxaliplatin was added to both preoperative chemoradiotherapy and postoperative chemotherapy. In this multicentre, open-label, randomised, phase 3 study we randomly assigned patients with rectal adenocarcinoma, clinically staged as cT3-4 or any node-positive disease, to two groups: a control group receiving standard fluorouracil-based combined modality treatment, consisting of preoperative radiotherapy of 50·4 Gy in 28 fractions plus infusional fluorouracil (1000 mg/m(2) on days 1-5 and 29-33), followed by surgery and four cycles of bolus fluorouracil (500 mg/m(2) on days 1-5 and 29); or to an investigational group receiving preoperative radiotherapy of 50·4 Gy in 28 fractions plus infusional fluorouracil (250 mg/m(2) on days 1-14 and 22-35) and oxaliplatin (50 mg/m(2) on days 1, 8, 22, and 29), followed by surgery and eight cycles of oxaliplatin (100 mg/m(2) on days 1 and 15), leucovorin (400 mg/m(2) on days 1 and 15), and infusional fluorouracil (2400 mg/m(2) on days 1-2 and 15-16). Randomisation was done with computer-generated block-randomisation codes stratified by centre, clinical T category (cT1-3 vs cT4), and clinical N category (cN0 vs cN1-2) without masking. The primary endpoint was disease-free survival, defined as the time between randomisation and non-radical surgery of the primary tumour (R2 resection), locoregional recurrence after R0/1 resection, metastatic disease or progression, or death from any cause, whichever occurred first. Survival and cumulative incidence of recurrence analyses followed the intention-to-treat principle; toxicity analyses included all patients treated. Enrolment of

Inhibition of UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT)-mediated glycyrrhetinic acid 3-O-glucuronidation by polyphenols and triterpenoids.

PubMed

Koyama, Mayuko; Shirahata, Tatsuya; Hirashima, Rika; Kobayashi, Yoshinori; Itoh, Tomoo; Fujiwara, Ryoichi

2017-08-01

Glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) is an active metabolite of glycyrrhizin, which is a main constituent in licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra). While GA exhibits a wide variety of pharmacological activities in the body, it is converted to a toxic metabolite GA 3-O-glucuronide by hepatic UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs). To avoid the development of the toxic metabolite-induced pseudohyperaldosteronism (pseudoaldosteronism), there is a limitation in maximum daily dosage of licorice and in combined usage of other glycyrrhizin-containing natural medicine. In this study, we investigated the inhibitory effects of various polyphenols and triterpenoids on the UGT-mediated GA 3-O-glucuronidation. In human liver microsomes, UGT-mediated GA glucuronidation was significantly inhibited by protopanaxadiol with an IC 50 value of 59.2 μM. Isoliquiritigenin, rosmarinic acid, alisol B, alisol acetate, and catechin moderately inhibited the GA glucuronidation with IC 50 values of 96.4 μM, 125 μM, 160 μM, 163 μM, and 164 μM. Other tested 19 polyphenols and triterpenoids, including liquiritigenin, did not inhibit UGT-mediated GA glucuronidation in human liver microsomes. Our data indicate that relatively higher dosage of licorice can be used without a risk of developing pseudohyperaldosteronism in combination of natural medicine containing protopanaxadiol such as Panax ginseng. Furthermore, supplemental protopanaxadiol and isoliquiritigenin might be useful in preventing licorice-inducing pseudoaldosteronism. Copyright © 2017 The Japanese Society for the Study of Xenobiotics. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Different inhibition mechanisms of gentisic acid and cyaniding-3-O-glucoside on polyphenoloxidase.

PubMed

Zhou, Lei; Xiong, Zhiqiang; Liu, Wei; Zou, Liqiang

2017-11-01

Gentisic acid and cyanidin-3-O-glucoside are important bioactive polyphenols which are widely distributed in many fruits and cereals. In this work, kinetic study, spectral analysis and computational simulation were used to compare the inhibitory effects and inhibition mechanisms of gentisic acid and cyanidin-3-O-glucoside on mushroom polyphenoloxidase (PPO). The inhibitory effect of cyanidin-3-O-glucoside on PPO was much stronger than that of gentisic acid. Gentisic acid inhibited PPO in a reversible mixed-type manner while cyanidin-3-O-glucoside was an irreversible inhibitor. Gentisic acid and cyanidin-3-O-glucoside made the thermal inactivation of PPO easier, and induced apparent conformational changes of PPO. Compared with gentisic acid, cyanidin-3-O-glucoside had stronger effects on the thermal inactivation and conformation of PPO. Molecular docking results revealed gentisic acid bound to the active site of PPO by hydrogen bonding, π-π stacking and van der Waals forces. However, cyanidin-3-O-glucoside might irreversibly interact with the Met or Cys in PPO by covalent bonds. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Interest of fluorine-19 nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy in the detection, identification and quantification of metabolites of anticancer and antifungal fluoropyrimidine drugs in human biofluids.

PubMed

Martino, Robert; Gilard, Véronique; Desmoulin, Franck; Malet-Martino, Myriam

2006-01-01

The metabolism of fluorouracil and fluorocytosine, two 5-fluoropyrimidine drugs in clinical use, was investigated. (19)F nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy was used as an analytical technique for the detection, identification and quantification of fluorinated metabolites of these drugs in intact human biofluids as well as fluorinated degradation compounds of fluorouracil in commercial vials. (19)F NMR provides a highly specific tool for the detection and absolute quantification, in a single run, of all the fluorinated species, including unexpected substances, present in biofluids of patients treated with fluorouracil or fluorocytosine. Besides the parent drug and the already known fluorinated metabolites, nine new metabolites were identified for the first time with (19)F NMR in human biofluids. Six of them can only be observed with this technique: fluoride ion, N-carboxy-alpha-fluoro-beta-alanine, alpha-fluoro-beta-alanine conjugate with deoxycholic acid, 2-fluoro-3-hydroxypropanoic acid, fluoroacetic acid, O(2)-beta-glucuronide of fluorocytosine. (19)F NMR studies of biological fluids of patients treated with anticancer fluorouracil or antifungal fluorocytosine have furthered the understanding of their catabolic pathways.

Formation and characterization of β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) - polyethyleneglycol (PEG) - polyethyleneimine (PEI) coated Fe3O4 nanoparticles for loading and releasing 5-Fluorouracil drug.

PubMed

Prabha, G; Raj, V

2016-05-01

In this work, β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) - polyethyleneglycol (PEG) - polyethyleneimine (PEI) coated iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe3O4-β-CD-PEG-PEI) were developed as drug carriers for drug delivery applications. The 5- Fluorouracil (5-FU) was chosen as model drug molecule. The developed nanoparticles (Fe3O4-β-CD-PEG-PEI) were characterized by various techniques such as Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM). The average particles size range of 5-FU loaded Fe3O4-β-CD, Fe3O4-β-CD-PEG and Fe3O4-β-CD-PEG-PEI nanoparticles were from 151 to 300nm and zeta potential value of nanoparticles were from -43mV to -20mV as measured using Malvern Zetasizer. Finally, encapsulation efficiency (EE), loading capacity (LC) and in-vitro drug release performance of 5-FU drug loaded Fe3O4-β-CD, Fe3O4-β-CD-PEG and Fe3O4-β-CD-PEG-PEI nanoparticles was evaluated by UV-vis spectroscopy. In-vitro cytotoxicity tests investigated by MTT assay indicate that 5-FU loaded Fe3O4-β-CD-PEG-PEI nanoparticles were toxic to cancer cells and non-toxic to normal cells. The in-vitro release behavior of 5-FU from drug (5-FU) loaded Fe3O4-β-CD-PEG-PEI composite at different pH values and temperature was studied. It was found that 5-FU was released faster in pH 6.8 than in the acidic mediums (pH 1.2), and the released quantity was higher. Therefore, the newly prepared Fe3O4-β-CD-PEG-PEI carrier exhibits a promising potential capability for anticancer drug delivery in tumor therapy. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Amiloride Derivatives Inhibit Coxsackievirus B3 RNA Replication▿

PubMed Central

Harrison, David N.; Gazina, Elena V.; Purcell, Damian F.; Anderson, David A.; Petrou, Steven

2008-01-01

Amiloride derivatives are known blockers of the cellular Na+/H+ exchanger and the epithelial Na+ channel. More recent studies demonstrate that they also inhibit ion channels formed by a number of viral proteins. We previously reported that 5-(N-ethyl-N-isopropyl)amiloride (EIPA) modestly inhibits intracellular replication and, to a larger extent, release of human rhinovirus 2 (HRV2) (E. V. Gazina, D. N. Harrison, M. Jefferies, H. Tan, D. Williams, D. A. Anderson and S. Petrou, Antiviral Res. 67:98-106, 2005). Here, we demonstrate that amiloride and EIPA strongly inhibit coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) RNA replication and do not inhibit CVB3 release, in contrast to our previous findings on HRV2. Passaging of plasmid-derived CVB3 in the presence of amiloride generated mutant viruses with amino acid substitutions in position 299 or 372 of the CVB3 polymerase. Introduction of either of these mutations into the CVB3 plasmid produced resistance to amiloride and EIPA, suggesting that they act as inhibitors of CVB3 polymerase, a novel mechanism of antiviral activity for these compounds. PMID:18032495

Anti-mitotic potential of 7-diethylamino-3(2 Prime -benzoxazolyl)-coumarin in 5-fluorouracil-resistant human gastric cancer cell line SNU620/5-FU

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

Kim, Nam Hyun; Kim, Su-Nam; Oh, Joa Sub

2012-02-24

Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer DBC exerts antiproliferative potential against 5FU-resistant human gastric cancer cells. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer This effect is mediated by destabilization of microtubules and subsequent mitotic arrest. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer DBC enhances apoptosis via caspase activation and downregulation of antiapoptotic genes. -- Abstract: In this study, we investigate an anti-mitotic potential of the novel synthetic coumarin-based compound, 7-diethylamino-3(2 Prime -benzoxazolyl)-coumarin, in 5-fluorouracil-resistant human gastric cancer cell line SNU-620-5FU and its parental cell SNU-620. It exerts the anti-proliferative effects with similar potencies against both cancer cells, which is mediated by destabilization of microtubules and subsequent mitotic arrest. Furthermore, this compound enhances caspase-dependent apoptotic cell deathmore » via decreased expression of anti-apoptotic genes. Taken together, our data strongly support anti-mitotic potential of 7-diethylamino-3(2 Prime -benzoxazolyl)-coumarin against drug-resistant cancer cells which will prompt us to further develop as a novel microtubule inhibitor for drug-resistant cancer chemotherapy.« less

N2 and P3 modulation during partial inhibition in a modified go/nogo task.

PubMed

Nguyen, An T; Moyle, Jonson J; Fox, Allison M

2016-09-01

The neural response following the partial inhibition of responses can provide insight into the processes underlying response inhibition. We examined the N2 and P3 on trials where participants correctly responded to go stimuli, successfully inhibited their response to nogo stimuli, and nogo trials where they initiated but did not complete their response (partial inhibitions) in an adult sample (N=24, M(age)=21.17, SD(age)=3.52). An enhanced and delayed N2 was observed on partially inhibited compared to successfully inhibited nogo trials. Further analysis showed that this modulation was error-related. An enhanced central P3 was observed following successful inhibitions compared to correct go trials, but not following partial inhibitions. The results suggest that the central P3 enhancement is specific to the complete and successful inhibition of responses. Therefore, the absence of a central P3 on partial inhibitions could reflect insufficient inhibition or a monitored failure in inhibiting the response. Although, our findings provide support for the role of P3 in response inhibition, it raises questions about the processes involved in the subsequent inhibition or correction of the erroneous response. Further research examining the neural response following both partial and unsuccessful inhibitions could provide insight regarding these processes. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Aqua-(3-fluoro-benzoato-κO)(3-fluoro-benzoato-κO,O')(1,10-phenanthroline-κN,N')cobalt(II).

PubMed

Wang, Xiao-Hui; Sun, Li-Mei

2012-01-01

In the title compound, [Co(C(7)H(4)FO(2))(2)(C(12)H(8)N(2))(H(2)O)], the Co(II) ion is coordinated by two O atoms from one 3-fluoro-benzoate (fb) ligand and one O atom from another fb ligand, two N atoms from the 1,10-phenanthroline ligand and a water mol-ecule in a distorted octa-hedral geometry. An intra-molecular O-H⋯O hydrogen bond occurs. Inter-molecular O-H⋯O hydrogen bonds link pairs of mol-ecules into centrosymmetric dimers. Weak inter-molecular C-H⋯O and C-H⋯F hydrogen bonds and π-π inter-actions between the aromatic rings [shortest centroid-centroid distance = 3.4962 (2) Å] further stabilize the crystal packing.

Silibinin Inhibits ICAM-1 Expression via Regulation of N-Linked and O-Linked Glycosylation in ARPE-19 Cells

PubMed Central

Chen, Yi-Hao; Chen, Ching-Long; Liang, Chang-Min; Liang, Jy-Been; Tai, Ming-Cheng; Chang, Yun-Hsiang; Lu, Da-Wen; Chen, Jiann-Torng

2014-01-01

To evaluate the effects of silibinin on intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) expression, we used ARPE-19 cells as a model in which tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) and interferon (IFN-γ) enhanced ICAM-1 expression. This upregulation was inhibited by silibinin. In an adherence assay using ARPE-19 and THP-1 cells, silibinin inhibited the cell adhesion function of ICAM-1. The inhibitory effects of silibinin on ICAM-1 expression were mediated via the blockage of nuclear translocation of p65 proteins in TNF-α and phosphorylation of STAT1 in IFN-γ-stimulated cells. In addition, silibinin altered the degree of N-linked glycosylation posttranslationally in ARPE-19 cells by significantly enhancing MGAT3 gene expression. Silibinin can increase the O-GlcNAc levels of glycoproteins in ARPE-19 cells. In a reporter gene assay, PUGNAc, which can also increase O-GlcNAc levels, inhibited NF-κB reporter activity in TNF-α-induced ARPE-19 cells and this process was augmented by silibinin treatment. Overexpression of OGT gene was associated with reduced TNF-α-induced ICAM-1 levels, which is consistent with that induced by silibinin treatment. Taken together, silibinin inhibits ICAM-1 expression and its function through altered O-linked glycosylation in NF-κB and STAT1 signaling pathways and decreases the N-linked glycosylation of ICAM-1 transmembrane protein in proinflammatory cytokine-stimulated ARPE-19 cells. PMID:25032222

Moderate mammalian target of rapamycin inhibition induces autophagy in HTR8/SVneo cells via O-linked β-N-acetylglucosamine signaling.

PubMed

Zhang, Qiuxia; Na, Quan; Song, Weiwei

2017-10-01

Autophagy, a highly regulated process with a dual role (pro-survival or pro-death), has been implicated in adverse pregnancy outcomes. The aim of this study was to explore the mechanism whereby mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling regulates autophagy by modulating protein O-GlcNAcylation in human trophoblasts. HTR8/SVneo cells were incubated in serum-free medium for different time intervals or treated with varying doses of Torin1. Protein expression and cell apoptosis were detected by immunoblotting and flow cytometry, respectively. Short-term serum starvation or slight suppression of mTOR signaling promoted autophagy and decreased apoptosis in HTR8/SVneo cells. Conversely, prolonged serum starvation or excessive inhibition of mTOR reduced autophagy and enhanced cell apoptosis. Both serum starvation and mTOR signaling suppression reduced protein O-GlcNAcylation. Upregulation and downregulation of O-linked β-N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAc) levels attenuated and augmented autophagy, respectively. Moderate mTOR inhibition-induced autophagy was blocked by upregulation of protein O-GlcNAcylation. Furthermore, immunoprecipitation studies revealed that Beclin1 and synaptosome associated protein 29 (SNAP29) could be O-GlcNAcylated, and that slight mTOR inhibition resulted in decreased O-GlcNAc modification of Beclin1 and SNAP29. Notably, we observed an inverse correlation between phosphorylation (Ser15) and O-GlcNAcylation of Beclin1. mTOR signaling inhibition played dual roles in regulating autophagy and apoptosis in HTR8/SVneo cells. Moderate mTOR suppression might induce autophagy via modulating O-GlcNAcylation of Beclin1 and SNAP29. Moreover, the negative interplay between Beclin1 O-GlcNAcylation and phosphorylation (Ser15) may be involved in autophagy regulation by mTOR signaling. © 2017 Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

O-sulfated bacterial polysaccharides with low anticoagulant activity inhibit metastasis.

PubMed

Borgenström, Marjut; Wärri, Anni; Hiilesvuo, Katri; Käkönen, Rami; Käkönen, Sanna; Nissinen, Liisa; Pihlavisto, Marjo; Marjamäki, Anne; Vlodavsky, Israel; Naggi, Annamaria; Torri, Giangiacomo; Casu, Benito; Veromaa, Timo; Salmivirta, Markku; Elenius, Klaus

2007-07-01

Heparin-like polysaccharides possess the capacity to inhibit cancer cell proliferation, angiogenesis, heparanase-mediated cancer cell invasion, and cancer cell adhesion to vascular endothelia via adhesion receptors, such as selectins. The clinical applicability of the antitumor effect of such polysaccharides, however, is compromised by their anticoagulant activity. We have compared the potential of chemically O-sulfated and N,O-sulfated bacterial polysaccharide (capsular polysaccharide from E. COLI K5 [K5PS]) species to inhibit metastasis of mouse B16-BL6 melanoma cells and human MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells in two in vivo models. We demonstrate that in both settings, O-sulfated K5PS was a potent inhibitor of metastasis. Reducing the molecular weight of the polysaccharide, however, resulted in lower antimetastatic capacity. Furthermore, we show that O-sulfated K5PS efficiently inhibited the invasion of B16-BL6 cells through Matrigel and also inhibited the in vitro activity of heparanase. Moreover, treatment with O-sulfated K5PS lowered the ability of B16-BL6 cells to adhere to endothelial cells, intercellular adhesion molecule-1, and P-selectin, but not to E-selectin. Importantly, O-sulfated K5PSs were largely devoid of anticoagulant activity. These findings indicate that O-sulfated K5PS polysaccharide should be considered as a potential antimetastatic agent.

New solid state forms of antineoplastic 5-fluorouracil with anthelmintic piperazine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moisescu-Goia, C.; Muresan-Pop, M.; Simon, V.

2017-12-01

The aim of the present study was to asses the formation of solid forms between the 5-fluorouracil chemotherapy drug and the anthelmintic piperazine. Two new solid forms of antineoplastic agent 5-fluorouracil with anthelmintic piperazine were obtained by liquid assisted ball milling and slurry crystallization methods. The Nsbnd H hydrogen bonding donors and C = O hydrogen bonding acceptors of 5-fluorouracil allow to form co-crystals with other drugs delivering improved properties for medical applications, as proved for other compounds of pharmaceutical interest. Both new solid forms were investigated using X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), differential thermal analysis (DTA) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The XRD results show that by both methods were successfully synthesized new solid forms of 5-fluorouracil with piperazine. According to FTIR results the form prepared by lichid assisted grinding process was obtained as co-crystal and the other one, prepared by slurry method, resulted as a salt.

Microbial N Transformations and N2O Emission after Simulated Grassland Cultivation: Effects of the Nitrification Inhibitor 3,4-Dimethylpyrazole Phosphate (DMPP).

PubMed

Duan, Yun-Feng; Kong, Xian-Wang; Schramm, Andreas; Labouriau, Rodrigo; Eriksen, Jørgen; Petersen, Søren O

2017-01-01

Grassland cultivation can mobilize large pools of N in the soil, with the potential for N leaching and N 2 O emissions. Spraying with the nitrification inhibitor 3,4-dimethylpyrazole phosphate (DMPP) before cultivation was simulated by use of soil columns in which the residue distribution corresponded to plowing or rotovation to study the effects of soil-residue contact on N transformations. DMPP was sprayed on aboveground parts of ryegrass and white clover plants before incorporation. During a 42-day incubation, soil mineral N dynamics, potential ammonia oxidation (PAO), denitrifying enzyme activity (DEA), nitrifier and denitrifier populations, and N 2 O emissions were investigated. The soil NO 3 - pool was enriched with 15 N to trace sources of N 2 O. Ammonium was rapidly released from decomposing residues, and PAO was stimulated in soil near residues. DMPP effectively reduced NH 4 + transformation irrespective of residue distribution. Ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA) and bacteria (AOB) were both present, but only the AOB amoA transcript abundance correlated with PAO. DMPP inhibited the transcription of AOB amoA genes. Denitrifier genes and transcripts (nirK, nirS, and clades I and II of nosZ) were recovered, and a correlation was found between nirS mRNA and DEA. DMPP showed no adverse effects on the abundance or activity of denitrifiers. The 15 N enrichment of N 2 O showed that denitrification was responsible for 80 to 90% of emissions. With support from a control experiment without NO 3 - amendment, it was concluded that DMPP will generally reduce the potential for leaching of residue-derived N, whereas the effect of DMPP on N 2 O emissions will be significant only when soil NO 3 - availability is limiting. Residue incorporation following grassland cultivation can lead to mobilization of large pools of N and potentially to significant N losses via leaching and N 2 O emissions. This study proposed a mitigation strategy of applying 3,4-dimethylpyrazole phosphate

Human cytochrome-P450 enzymes metabolize N-(2-methoxyphenyl)hydroxylamine, a metabolite of the carcinogens o-anisidine and o-nitroanisole, thereby dictating its genotoxicity.

PubMed

Naiman, Karel; Martínková, Markéta; Schmeiser, Heinz H; Frei, Eva; Stiborová, Marie

2011-12-24

N-(2-Methoxyphenyl)hydroxylamine is a component in the human metabolism of two industrial and environmental pollutants and bladder carcinogens, viz. 2-methoxyaniline (o-anisidine) and 2-methoxynitrobenzene (o-nitroanisole), and it is responsible for their genotoxicity. Besides its capability to form three deoxyguanosine adducts in DNA, N-(2-methoxyphenyl)-hydroxylamine is also further metabolized by hepatic microsomal enzymes. To investigate its metabolism by human hepatic microsomes and to identify the major microsomal enzymes involved in this process are the aims of this study. N-(2-Methoxyphenyl)hydroxylamine is metabolized by human hepatic microsomes predominantly to o-anisidine, one of the parent carcinogens from which N-(2-methoxyphenyl)hydroxylamine is formed, while o-aminophenol and two N-(2-methoxyphenyl)hydroxylamine metabolites, whose exact structures have not been identified as yet, are minor products. Selective inhibitors of microsomal CYPs, NADPH:CYP reductase and NADH:cytochrome-b(5) reductase were used to characterize human liver microsomal enzymes reducing N-(2-methoxyphenyl)hydroxylamine to o-anisidine. Based on these studies, we attribute the main activity for this metabolic step in human liver to CYP3A4, 2E1 and 2C (more than 90%). The enzymes CYP2D6 and 2A6 also partake in this N-(2-methoxyphenyl)hydroxylamine metabolism in human liver, but only to ∼6%. Among the human recombinant CYP enzymes tested in this study, human CYP2E1, followed by CYP3A4, 1A2, 2B6 and 2D6, were the most efficient enzymes metabolizing N-(2-methoxyphenyl)hydroxylamine to o-anisidine. The results found in this study indicate that genotoxicity of N-(2-methoxyphenyl)hydroxylamine is dictated by its spontaneous decomposition to nitrenium/carbenium ions generating DNA adducts, and by its susceptibility to metabolism by CYP enzymes. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Reactions of CH3SH and CH3SSCH3 with gas-phase hydrated radical anions (H2O)n(•-), CO2(•-)(H2O)n, and O2(•-)(H2O)n.

PubMed

Höckendorf, Robert F; Hao, Qiang; Sun, Zheng; Fox-Beyer, Brigitte S; Cao, Yali; Balaj, O Petru; Bondybey, Vladimir E; Siu, Chi-Kit; Beyer, Martin K

2012-04-19

The chemistry of (H(2)O)(n)(•-), CO(2)(•-)(H(2)O)(n), and O(2)(•-)(H(2)O)(n) with small sulfur-containing molecules was studied in the gas phase by Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry. With hydrated electrons and hydrated carbon dioxide radical anions, two reactions with relevance for biological radiation damage were observed, cleavage of the disulfide bond of CH(3)SSCH(3) and activation of the thiol group of CH(3)SH. No reactions were observed with CH(3)SCH(3). The hydrated superoxide radical anion, usually viewed as major source of oxidative stress, did not react with any of the compounds. Nanocalorimetry and quantum chemical calculations give a consistent picture of the reaction mechanism. The results indicate that the conversion of e(-) and CO(2)(•-) to O(2)(•-) deactivates highly reactive species and may actually reduce oxidative stress. For reactions of (H(2)O)(n)(•-) with CH(3)SH as well as CO(2)(•-)(H(2)O)(n) with CH(3)SSCH(3), the reaction products in the gas phase are different from those reported in the literature from pulse radiolysis studies. This observation is rationalized with the reduced cage effect in reactions of gas-phase clusters. © 2012 American Chemical Society

Adjuvant chemotherapy with fluorouracil plus folinic acid vs gemcitabine following pancreatic cancer resection: a randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Neoptolemos, John P; Stocken, Deborah D; Bassi, Claudio; Ghaneh, Paula; Cunningham, David; Goldstein, David; Padbury, Robert; Moore, Malcolm J; Gallinger, Steven; Mariette, Christophe; Wente, Moritz N; Izbicki, Jakob R; Friess, Helmut; Lerch, Markus M; Dervenis, Christos; Oláh, Attila; Butturini, Giovanni; Doi, Ryuichiro; Lind, Pehr A; Smith, David; Valle, Juan W; Palmer, Daniel H; Buckels, John A; Thompson, Joyce; McKay, Colin J; Rawcliffe, Charlotte L; Büchler, Markus W

2010-09-08

Adjuvant fluorouracil has been shown to be of benefit for patients with resected pancreatic cancer. Gemcitabine is known to be the most effective agent in advanced disease as well as an effective agent in patients with resected pancreatic cancer. To determine whether fluorouracil or gemcitabine is superior in terms of overall survival as adjuvant treatment following resection of pancreatic cancer. The European Study Group for Pancreatic Cancer (ESPAC)-3 trial, an open-label, phase 3, randomized controlled trial conducted in 159 pancreatic cancer centers in Europe, Australasia, Japan, and Canada. Included in ESPAC-3 version 2 were 1088 patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma who had undergone cancer resection; patients were randomized between July 2000 and January 2007 and underwent at least 2 years of follow-up. Patients received either fluorouracil plus folinic acid (folinic acid, 20 mg/m(2), intravenous bolus injection, followed by fluorouracil, 425 mg/m(2) intravenous bolus injection given 1-5 days every 28 days) (n = 551) or gemcitabine (1000 mg/m(2) intravenous infusion once a week for 3 of every 4 weeks) (n = 537) for 6 months. Primary outcome measure was overall survival; secondary measures were toxicity, progression-free survival, and quality of life. Final analysis was carried out on an intention-to-treat basis after a median of 34.2 (interquartile range, 27.1-43.4) months' follow-up after 753 deaths (69%). Median survival was 23.0 (95% confidence interval [CI], 21.1-25.0) months for patients treated with fluorouracil plus folinic acid and 23.6 (95% CI, 21.4-26.4) months for those treated with gemcitabine (chi(1)(2) = 0.7; P = .39; hazard ratio, 0.94 [95% CI, 0.81-1.08]). Seventy-seven patients (14%) receiving fluorouracil plus folinic acid had 97 treatment-related serious adverse events, compared with 40 patients (7.5%) receiving gemcitabine, who had 52 events (P < .001). There were no significant differences in either progression-free survival or

Photocatalytic decomposition of N2O over TiO2/g-C3N4 photocatalysts heterojunction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kočí, K.; Reli, M.; Troppová, I.; Šihor, M.; Kupková, J.; Kustrowski, P.; Praus, P.

2017-02-01

TiO2/g-C3N4 photocatalysts with the various TiO2/g-C3N4 weight ratios from 1:2 to 1:6 were fabricated by mechanical mixing in water suspension followed by calcination. Pure TiO2 was prepared by thermal hydrolysis and pure g-C3N4 was prepared from commercial melamine by thermal annealing at 620 °C. All the nanocomposites were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, photoelectrochemical measurements and nitrogen physisorption. The prepared mixtures along with pure TiO2 and g-C3N4 were tested for the photocatalytic decomposition of nitrous oxide under UVC (λ = 254 nm), UVA (λ = 365 nm) and Vis (λ > 400 nm) irradiation. The TiO2/g-C3N4 nanocomposites showed moderate improvement compared to pure g-C3N4 but pure TiO2 proved to be a better photocatalyst under UVC irradiation. However, under UVA irradiation conditions, the photocatalytic activity of TiO2/g-C3N4 (1:2) nanocomposite exhibited an increase compared to pure TiO2. Nevertheless, further increase of g-C3N4 amount leads/led to a decrease in reactivity. These results are suggesting the nanocomposite with the optimal weight ratio of TiO2 and g-C3N4 have shifted absorption edge energy towards longer wavelengths and decreased the recombination rate of charge carriers compared to pure g-C3N4. This is probably due to the generation of heterojunction on the TiO2/g-C3N4 interface.

Synthesis of mononuclear copper(II) complexes of N3O2 and N4O2 donors containing Schiff base ligands: Theoretical and biological observations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mancha Madha, K.; Gurumoorthy, P.; Arul Antony, S.; Ramalakshmi, N.

2017-09-01

A new series of six mononuclear copper(II) complexes were synthesized from N3O2 and N4O2 donors containing Schiff base ligands, and characterized by various spectral methods. The geometry of the complexes was determined using UV-Vis, EPR and DFT calculations. The complexes of N3O2 donors (1-3) adopted square pyramidal geometry and the remaining complexes of N4O2 donors (4-6) show distorted octahedral geometry around copper(II) nuclei. Redox properties of the complexes show a one-electron irreversible reduction process in the cathodic potential (Epc) region from -0.74 to -0.98 V. The complexes show potent antioxidant activity against DPPH radicals. Molecular docking studies of complexes showed σ-π interaction, hydrogen bonding, electrostatic and van der Waals interactions with VEGFR2 kinase receptor. In vitro cytotoxicity of the complexes was tested against human breast cancer (MDA-MB-231) cell lines and one normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDF) cell line through MTT assay. The morphological assessment data obtained by Hoechst 33258 and AO/EB staining revealed that the complexes induce apoptosis pathway of cell death.

Comparative evaluation of PLGA nanoparticle delivery system for 5-fluorouracil and curcumin on squamous cell carcinoma.

PubMed

Masloub, Shaimaa M; Elmalahy, Mohamed H; Sabry, Dina; Mohamed, Wael S; Ahmed, Sahar H

2016-04-01

The purpose of this study is to assess the effect of 5-fluorouracil nanoparticles and curcumin naoparticles on cell proliferation and the expression of the apoptotic marker (caspase 3) in squamous cell carcinoma cell line. PLGA 5-fluorouracil nanopartciles and PLGA curcumin nanoparticles were prepared and applied for 24 and 48h on human laryngeal squamous carcinoma cell line (Hep-2) as regard IC 50 concentration. MTT assay was used for evaluation of cytotoxicity of prepared nanoparticles. Quantitaive reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (QRT-PCR) was used for the assessment of caspase-3 expression in the treated cell line. The drug release rate profiles was dependent upon polymer to drug ratio, noting that the higher PLGA polymer ratio to 5-fluprouracil or curcumin drug showed faster release rates. On the other hand, the least PLGA polymer ratio to 5-fluprouracil or curcumin drug showed the slowest release rates. MTT assay revelaed that 5-fluorouracil nanoparticels or curcumin nanoparticels showed a clear cytotoxic effect on Hep-2 cell line compared to non treated cancer cells. The RT-PCR assessment of caspase-3 expression revealed that there was a significant increase in caspase-3 expression in Hep-2 cell line treated with 5-fluorouracil nanoparticles or curcumin compared to non treated cancer cells. Curcumin nanoparticles could be more active in inducing apoptosis in short term assays (24h) than long term assays (48h) due to differential cellular uptake. While 5-fluorouracil nanoparticles induced higher significant apoptosis in long term (48h) compared to curcumin group. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

SSR126768A (4-chloro-3-[(3R)-(+)-5-chloro-1-(2,4-dimethoxybenzyl)-3-methyl-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-3-yl]-N-ethyl-N-(3-pyridylmethyl)-benzamide, hydrochloride): a new selective and orally active oxytocin receptor antagonist for the prevention of preterm labor.

PubMed

Serradeil-Le Gal, Claudine; Valette, Gérard; Foulon, Loïc; Germain, Guy; Advenier, Charles; Naline, Emmanuel; Bardou, Marc; Martinolle, Jean-Pierre; Pouzet, Brigitte; Raufaste, Danielle; Garcia, Corinne; Double-Cazanave, Eléonore; Pauly, Maxime; Pascal, Marc; Barbier, Alain; Scatton, Bernard; Maffrand, Jean-Pierre; Le Fur, Gérard

2004-04-01

4-chloro-3-[(3R)-(+)-5-chloro-1-(2,4-dimethoxybenzyl)-3-methyl-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-3-yl]-N-ethyl-N-(3-pyridylmethyl)benzamide, hydrochloride (SSR126768A), a new potent and selective, orally active oxytocin (OT) receptor antagonist was characterized in several biochemical and pharmacological models. In binding studies, SSR126768A showed nanomolar affinity for rat and human recombinant and native OT receptors (K(i) = 0.44 nM) and exhibited much lower affinity for V(1a), V(1b), and V(2) receptors. In addition, it did not interact with a large number of other receptors, enzymes, and ion channels (1 microM). In autoradiographic experiments performed on at-term human pregnant uterus sections, SSR126768A dose dependently displaced [I(125)]d(CH(2))(5)[Tyr(Me)(2), Thr(4), Orn(8) (125)I-Tyr-NH(2)(9)]VT in situ labeling to OT receptors highly expressed in these tissues. In functional studies, SSR126768A behaved as a full antagonist and potently antagonized OT-induced intracellular Ca(2+) increase (K(i) = 0.50 nM) and prostaglandin release (K(i) = 0.45 nM) in human uterine smooth muscle cells. In rat isolated myometrium, OT-induced uterine contractions were competitively antagonized by SSR126768A (pA(2) = 8.47). Similarly, in human pregnant myometrial strips, SSR126768A inhibited the contractile uterine response to OT. In conscious telemetrated rats, oral administration of SSR126768A (1-10 mg/kg) produced a competitive inhibition of the dose response to OT on uterine contractions up to 24 h at 3 mg/kg p.o.; no tachyphylaxis was observed after 4-day repeated treatment. Finally, SSR126768A (30 mg/kg p.o.) significantly delayed parturition in pregnant rats in labor similar to ritodrine (10 mg/kg p.o.). Thus, SSR126768A is a potent, highly selective, orally active OT receptor antagonist with a long duration of action. This molecule could find therapeutic application as a tocolytic agent for acute and chronic oral management of preterm labor.

Application of 5-Fluorouracil-Polycaprolactone Sustained-Release Film in Ahmed Glaucoma Valve Implantation Inhibits Postoperative Bleb Scarring in Rabbit Eyes.

PubMed

Bi, Xiu-Zeng; Pan, Wei-Hua; Yu, Xin-Ping; Song, Zong-Ming; Ren, Zeng-Jin; Sun, Min; Li, Cong-Hui; Nan, Kai-Hui

2015-01-01

This study was designed to investigate whether 5-fluorouracil (5-Fu)-polycaprolactone sustained-release film in Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation inhibits postoperative bleb scarring in rabbit eyes. Eighteen New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into three groups (A, B and C; n = 6 per group). Group A received combined 5-Fu-polycaprolactone sustained-release film application and Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation, group B received local infiltration of 5-Fu and Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation, and group C received Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation. Postoperative observations were made of the anterior segment, intraocular pressure, central anterior chamber depth, blebs, drainage tube, and accompanying ciliary body detachment. The pathology of the blebs and surrounding tissues were observed at month 3 postoperatively. We revealed that the 5-Fu-polycaprolactone sustained-release film maintained a release concentration range of 13.7 ± 0.12 to 37.41 ± 0.47 μg/ml over three months in vitro. Postoperatively, diffuse blebs with ridges were found in all eyes in group A, two blebs were observed in group B, and no bleb formation was present in group C. The postoperative central anterior chamber depth in group A was significantly less than that of the other two groups. The postoperative intraocular pressure of group A stabilized at 6.33-8.67 mmHg, whereas that of group C gradually remained at 7.55-10.02 mmHg. The histopathology showed that the fibrous tissue thickness of the blebs in group A was significantly thinner than that of the other groups. We conclude that the 5-Fu-polycaprolactone sustained-release film had a sustained drug release effect, which promoted the inhibition of bleb scarring after Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation.

Arsenic trioxide inhibits cell proliferation and human papillomavirus oncogene expression in cervical cancer cells

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

Wang, Hongtao; Gao, Peng; Zheng, Jie, E-mail: jiezheng54@126.com

Highlights: • As{sub 2}O{sub 3} inhibits growth of cervical cancer cells and expression of HPV oncogenes in these cells. • HPV-negative cervical cancer cells are more sensitive to As{sub 2}O{sub 3} than HPV-positive cervical cancer cells. • HPV-18 positive cervical cancer cells are more sensitive to As{sub 2}O{sub 3} than HPV-16 positive cancer cells. • Down-regulation of HPV oncogenes by As{sub 2}O{sub 3} is partially due to the diminished AP-1 binding. - Abstract: Arsenic trioxide (As{sub 2}O{sub 3}) has shown therapeutic effects in some leukemias and solid cancers. However, the molecular mechanisms of its anticancer efficacy have not been clearlymore » elucidated, particularly in solid cancers. Our previous data showed that As{sub 2}O{sub 3} induced apoptosis of human papillomavirus (HPV) 16 DNA-immortalized human cervical epithelial cells and cervical cancer cells and inhibited the expression of HPV oncogenes in these cells. In the present study, we systemically examined the effects of As{sub 2}O{sub 3} on five human cervical cancer cell lines and explored the possible molecular mechanisms. MTT assay showed that HPV-negative C33A cells were more sensitive to growth inhibition induced by As{sub 2}O{sub 3} than HPV-positive cervical cancer cells, and HPV 18-positive HeLa and C4-I cells were more sensitive to As{sub 2}O{sub 3} than HPV 16-positive CaSki and SiHa cells. After As{sub 2}O{sub 3} treatment, both mRNA and protein levels of HPV E6 and E7 obviously decreased in all HPV positive cell lines. In contrast, p53 and Rb protein levels increased in all tested cell lines. Transcription factor AP-1 protein expression decreased significantly in HeLa, CaSki and C33A cells with ELISA method. These results suggest that As{sub 2}O{sub 3} is a potential anticancer drug for cervical cancer.« less

2′-O-[2-[(N,N-dimethylamino)oxy]ethyl]-modified oligonucleotides inhibit expression of mRNA in vitro and in vivo

PubMed Central

Prakash, Thazha P.; Johnston, Joseph F.; Graham, Mark J.; Condon, Thomas P.; Manoharan, Muthiah

2004-01-01

Synthesis and antisense activity of oligonucleotides modified with 2′-O-[2-[(N,N-dimethylamino)oxy] ethyl] (2′-O-DMAOE) are described. The 2′-O-DMAOE-modified oligonucleotides showed superior metabolic stability in mice. The phosphorothioate oligonucleotide ‘gapmers’, with 2′-O-DMAOE- modified nucleoside residues at the ends and 2′-deoxy nucleosides residues in the central region, showed dose-dependent inhibition of mRNA expression in cell culture for two targets. ‘Gapmer’ oligonucleotides have one or two 2′-O-modified regions and a 2′-deoxyoligonucleotide phosphorothioate region that allows RNase H digestion of target mRNA. To determine the in vivo potency and efficacy, BalbC mice were treated with 2′-O-DMAOE gapmers and a dose-dependent reduction in the targeted C-raf mRNA expression was observed. Oligonucleotides with 2′-O-DMAOE modifications throughout the sequences reduced the intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) protein expression very efficiently in HUVEC cells with an IC50 of 1.8 nM. The inhibition of ICAM-1 protein expression by these uniformly modified 2′-O-DMAOE oligonucleotides may be due to selective interference with the formation of the translational initiation complex. These results demonstrate that 2′-O-DMAOE- modified oligonucleotides are useful for antisense-based therapeutics when either RNase H-dependent or RNase H-independent target reduction mechanisms are employed. PMID:14762210

Psychotropic and nonpsychotropic cannabis derivatives inhibit human 5-HT(3A) receptors through a receptor desensitization-dependent mechanism.

PubMed

Xiong, W; Koo, B-N; Morton, R; Zhang, L

2011-06-16

Δ⁹ tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are the principal psychoactive and nonpsychoactive components of cannabis. While most THC-induced behavioral effects are thought to depend on endogenous cannabinoid 1 (CB1) receptors, the molecular targets for CBD remain unclear. Here, we report that CBD and THC inhibited the function of human 5-HT(3A) receptors (h5-HT(3A)Rs) expressed in HEK 293 cells. The magnitude of THC and CBD inhibition was maximal 5 min after a continuous incubation with cannabinoids. The EC₅₀ values for CBD and THC-induced inhibition were 110 nM and 322 nM, respectively in HEK 293 cells expressing h5-HT(3A)Rs. In these cells, CBD and THC did not stimulate specific [³⁵S]-GTP-γs binding in membranes, suggesting that the inhibition by cannabinoids is unlikely mediated by a G-protein dependent mechanism. On the other hand, both CBD and THC accelerated receptor desensitization kinetics without significantly changing activation time. The extent of cannabinoid inhibition appeared to depend on receptor desensitization. Reducing receptor desensitization by nocodazole, 5-hydroxyindole and a point-mutation in the large cytoplasmic domain of the receptor significantly decreased CBD-induced inhibition. Similarly, the magnitude of THC and CBD-induced inhibition varied with the apparent desensitization rate of h5-HT(3A)Rs expressed in Xenopus oocytes. For instance, with increasing amount of h5-HT(3A)R cRNA injected into the oocytes, the receptor desensitization rate at steady state decreased. THC and CBD-induced inhibition was correlated with the change in the receptor desensitization rate. Thus, CBD and THC inhibit h5-HT(3A) receptors through a mechanism that is dependent on receptor desensitization. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Psychotropic and Nonpsychotropic Cannabis Derivatives Inhibit Human 5-HT3A receptors through a Receptor Desensitization-Dependent Mechanism

PubMed Central

Xiong, Wei; Koo, Bon-Nyeo; Morton, Russell; Zhang, Li

2011-01-01

Δ9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are the principal psychoactive and non-psychoactive components of cannabis. While most THC-induced behavioral effects are thought to depend on endogenous cannabinoid 1 (CB1) receptors, the molecular targets for CBD remain unclear. Here, we report that CBD and THC inhibited the function of human 5-HT3A receptors (h5-HT3ARs) expressed in HEK 293 cells. The magnitude of THC and CBD inhibition was maximal 5 min after a continuous incubation with cannabinoids. The EC50 values for CBD and THC-induced inhibition were 110 nM and 322 nM respectively in HEK 293 cells expressing h5-HT3ARs. In these cells, CBD and THC did not stimulate specific [35S]-GTP-γs binding in membranes, suggesting that the inhibition by cannabinoids is unlikely mediated by a G-protein dependent mechanism. On the other hand, both CBD and THC accelerated receptor desensitization kinetics without significantly changing activation time. The extent of cannabinoid inhibition appeared to depend on receptor desensitization. Reducing receptor desensitization by nocodazole, 5-hydroxyindole and a point-mutation in the large cytoplasmic domain of the receptor significantly decreased CBD-induced inhibition. Similarly, the magnitude of THC and CBD-induced inhibition varied with the apparent desensitization rate of h5-HT3ARs expressed in Xenopus oocytes. For instance, with increasing amount of h5-HT3AR cRNA injected into the oocytes, the receptor desensitization rate at steady state decreased. THC and CBD-induced inhibition was correlated with the change in the receptor desensitization rate. Thus, CBD and THC inhibit h5-HT3A receptors through a mechanism that is dependent on receptor desensitization. PMID:21477640

5-fluorouracil Toxicity Mechanism Determination in Human Keratinocytes: in vitro Study on HaCaT Cell Line.

PubMed

Hartinger, Jan; Veselý, Pavel; Šíma, Martin; Netíková, Irena; Matoušková, Eva; Petruželka, Luboš

5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and capecitabine therapy is often accompanied by palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia (PPE) which is manifestation of 5-FU toxicity in keratinocytes. The main mechanisms of 5-FU action are thymidylate synthase (TS) inhibition which can be abrogated by thymidine and strengthened by calciumfolinate (CF) and incorporation of fluorouridinetriphosphate into RNA which can be abrogated by uridine. For proper PPE treatment 5-FU mechanism of action in keratinocytes needs to be elucidated. We used the 5-FU toxicity modulators uridine, thymidine and CF to discover the mechanism of 5-FU action in human keratinocyte cell line HaCaT. To measure the cellular viability, we used MTT test and RTCA test. CF did not augment 5-FU toxicity and 5-FU toxicity was weakened by uridine. Therefore, the primary mechanism of 5-FU toxicity in keratinocytes is 5-FU incorporation into RNA. The uridine protective effect cannot fully develop in the presence of CF. Thymidine addition to 5-FU and uridine treated cells not only prevents the toxicity-augmenting CF effect but it also prolongs the 5-FU treated cells survival in comparison to uridine only. Therefore, it can be assumed that in the presence of uridine the 5-FU toxicity mechanism is switched from RNA incorporation to TS inhibition. Although particular 5-FU toxicity mechanisms were previously described in various cell types, this is the first time when various combinations of pyrimidine nucleosides and CF were used for 5-FU toxicity mechanism elucidation in human keratinocytes. We suggest that for PPE treatment ointment containing uridine and thymidine should be further clinically tested.

PAQR3 inhibits the proliferation, migration and invasion in human glioma cells.

PubMed

Tang, Shi-Lei; Gao, Yuan-Lin; Hu, Wen-Zhong

2017-08-01

Progestin and AdipoQ Receptor 3 (PAQR3), a member of the PAQR family, is down-regulated in several types of cancers and has been closely associated with tumor progression and development. However, little is known about the functions of PAQR3 in the tumorigenesis of human glioma. Therefore, in this report, we investigated the role of PAQR3 in human glioma. Our results showed that the expression of PAQR3 was significantly reduced in human glioma tissues and cell lines. PAQR3 overexpression inhibited the proliferation of glioma cells in vitro and attenuated tumor xenograft growth in vivo. In addition, PAQR3 overexpression suppressed the migration and invasion of glioma cells, as well as prevented the EMT process. Mechanistic studies demonstrated that PAQR3 overexpression significantly down-regulated the levels of phosphorylated PI3K and Akt in U251 cells. In conclusion, these results demonstrated that PAQR3 inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion in glioma cells, at least in part, through the inactivation of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Therefore, PAQR3 may be a therapeutic target for the treatment of glioma. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

MEK5/ERK5 signaling inhibition increases colon cancer cell sensitivity to 5-fluorouracil through a p53-dependent mechanism

PubMed Central

Pereira, Diane M.; Simões, André E. S.; Gomes, Sofia E.; Castro, Rui E.; Carvalho, Tânia; Rodrigues, Cecília M. P.; Borralho, Pedro M.

2016-01-01

The MEK5/ERK5 signaling pathway is emerging as an important contributor to colon cancer onset, progression and metastasis; however, its relevance to chemotherapy resistance remains unknown. Here, we evaluated the impact of the MEK5/ERK5 cascade in colon cancer cell sensitivity to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). Increased ERK5 expression was correlated with poor overall survival in colon cancer patients. In colon cancer cells, 5-FU exposure impaired endogenous KRAS/MEK5/ERK5 expression and/or activation. In turn, MEK5 constitutive activation reduced 5-FU-induced cytotoxicity. Using genetic and pharmacological approaches, we showed that ERK5 inhibition increased caspase-3/7 activity and apoptosis following 5-FU exposure. Mechanistically, this was further associated with increased p53 transcriptional activation of p21 and PUMA. In addition, ERK5 inhibition increased the response of HCT116 p53+/+ cells to 5-FU, but failed to sensitize HCT116 p53−/− cells to the cytotoxic effects of this chemotherapeutic agent, suggesting a p53-dependent axis mediating 5-FU sensitization. Finally, ERK5 inhibition using XMD8-92 was shown to increase the antitumor effects of 5-FU in a murine subcutaneous xenograft model, enhancing apoptosis while markedly reducing tumor growth. Collectively, our results suggest that ERK5-targeted in hibition provides a promising therapeutic approach to overcome resistance to 5-FU-based chemotherapy and improve colon cancer treatment. PMID:27144434

Insulin-induced enhancement of MCF-7 breast cancer cell response to 5-fluorouracil and cyclophosphamide.

PubMed

Agrawal, Siddarth; Łuc, Mateusz; Ziółkowski, Piotr; Agrawal, Anil Kumar; Pielka, Ewa; Walaszek, Kinga; Zduniak, Krzysztof; Woźniak, Marta

2017-06-01

The study was designed to evaluate the potential use of insulin for cancer-specific treatment. Insulin-induced sensitivity of MCF-7 breast cancer cells to chemotherapeutic agents 5-fluorouracil and cyclophosphamide was evaluated. To investigate and establish the possible mechanisms of this phenomenon, we assessed cell proliferation, induction of apoptosis, activation of apoptotic and autophagic pathways, expression of glucose transporters 1 and 3, formation of reactive oxygen species, and wound-healing assay. Additionally, we reviewed the literature regarding theuse of insulin in cancer-specific treatment. We found that insulin increases the cytotoxic effect of 5-fluorouracil and cyclophosphamide in vitro up to two-fold. The effect was linked to enhancement of apoptosis, activation of apoptotic and autophagic pathways, and overexpression of glucose transporters 1 and 3 as well as inhibition of cell proliferation and motility. We propose a model for insulin-induced sensitization process. Insulin acts as a sensitizer of cancer cells to cytotoxic therapy through various mechanisms opening a possibility for metronomic insulin-based treatments.

The N-terminal neurotensin fragment, NT1-11, inhibits cortisol secretion by human adrenocortical cells.

PubMed

Sicard, Flavie; Contesse, Vincent; Lefebvre, Hervé; Ait-Ali, Djida; Gras, Marjorie; Cartier, Dorthe; Decker, Annick; Chartrel, Nicolas; Anouar, Youssef; Vaudry, Hubert; Delarue, Catherine

2006-08-01

Neurotensin (NT) modulates corticosteroid secretion from the mammalian adrenal gland. The objective of this study was to investigate the possible involvement of NT in the control of cortisol secretion in the human adrenal gland. In vitro studies were conducted on cultured human adrenocortical cells. This study was conducted in a university research laboratory. Adrenal explants from patients undergoing expanded nephrectomy for kidney cancer were studied. Cortisol secretion from cultured adrenocortical cells was measured. NT1-11, the N-terminal fragment of NT, dose-dependently inhibited basal and ACTH-stimulated cortisol production by human adrenocortical cells in primary culture. In contrast, NT had no influence on cortisol output at concentrations up to 10(-6) m. HPLC and RT-PCR analyses failed to detect any significant amounts of NT and NT mRNA, respectively, in adrenal extracts. Molecular and pharmacological studies were performed to determine the type of NT receptor involved in the corticostatic effect of NT1-11. RT-PCR analysis revealed the expression of NT receptor type (NTR) 3 mRNA but not NTR1 and NTR2 mRNAs in the human adrenal tissue. However, the pharmacological profile of the adrenal NT1-11 receptor was different from that of NTR3, indicating that this receptor type is not involved in the action of NT1-11 on corticosteroidogenesis. Our results indicate that NT1-11 may act as an endocrine factor to inhibit cortisol secretion through activation of a receptor distinct from the classical NTR1, NTR2, and NTR3.

A novel drug delivery of 5-fluorouracil device based on TiO2/ZnS nanotubes.

PubMed

Faria, Henrique Antonio Mendonça; de Queiroz, Alvaro Antonio Alencar

2015-11-01

The structural and electronic properties of titanium oxide nanotubes (TiO2) have attracted considerable attention for the development of therapeutic devices and imaging probes for nanomedicine. However, the fluorescence response of TiO2 has typically been within ultraviolet spectrum. In this study, the surface modification of TiO2 nanotubes with ZnS quantum dots was found to produce a red shift in the ultra violet emission band. The TiO2 nanotubes used in this work were obtained by sol-gel template synthesis. The ZnS quantum dots were deposited onto TiO2 nanotube surface by a micelle-template inducing reaction. The structure and morphology of the resulting hybrid TiO2/ZnS nanotubes were investigated by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction techniques. According to the results of fluorescence spectroscopy, pure TiO2 nanotubes exhibited a high emission at 380nm (3.26eV), whereas TiO2/ZnS exhibited an emission at 410nm (3.02eV). The TiO2/ZnS nanotubes demonstrated good bio-imaging ability on sycamore cultured plant cells. The biocompatibility against mammalian cells (Chinese Hamster Ovarian Cells-CHO) suggesting that TiO2/ZnS may also have suitable optical properties for use as biological markers in diagnostic medicine. The drug release characteristic of TiO2/ZnS nanotubes was explored using 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), an anticancer drug used in photodynamic therapy. The results show that the TiO2/ZnS nanotubes are a promising candidate for anticancer drug delivery systems. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

AO 1535 inhibits O2- production by human macrophages.

PubMed

Spampinato, G; Messina, L; Malaguarnera, L; Arcidiacono, A; Giuffrida, M A; Guarniera, E; Geremia, E; Rastrelli, A; Messina, A

1992-01-01

AO 1535 is a semisynthetic monoglycosylceramide derived from O-glycosilated sphingosine, with a chemical structure similar to the glycolipids present in many mammalian tissues. In the epidermis monoglycosylceramides contribute to consolidate the structure of cutaneous layers. It has been recently shown that sphingosine and its derivatives are potent inhibitors of Protein kinase C, and block the 'respiratory burst' of phagocitic cells. In macrophages, like in neutrophils, the reactive oxygen intermediates are produced by a membrane associated enzymatic complex, NADPH-oxidase, which is activated by Protein kinase C. This study demonstrates that AO 1535 is able to inhibit the production of reactive oxygen intermediates in human monocytes and macrophages stimulated by phorbol ester and chemotactic tetrapeptide, suggesting a potential clinical application of AO 1535 in the treatment of inflammatory dermatoses.

Apple juice inhibits human low density lipoprotein oxidation.

PubMed

Pearson, D A; Tan, C H; German, J B; Davis, P A; Gershwin, M E

1999-01-01

Dietary phenolic compounds, ubiquitous in vegetables and fruits and their juices possess antioxidant activity that may have beneficial effects on human health. The phenolic composition of six commercial apple juices, and of the peel (RP), flesh (RF) and whole fresh Red Delicious apples (RW), was determined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and total phenols were determined by the Folin-Ciocalteau method. HPLC analysis identified and quantified several classes of phenolic compounds: cinnamates, anthocyanins, flavan-3-ols and flavonols. Phloridzin and hydroxy methyl furfural were also identified. The profile of phenolic compounds varied among the juices. The range of concentrations as a percentage of total phenolic concentration was: hydroxy methyl furfural, 4-30%; phloridzin, 22-36%; cinnamates, 25-36%; anthocyanins, n.d.; flavan-3-ols, 8-27%; flavonols, 2-10%. The phenolic profile of the Red Delicious apple extracts differed from those of the juices. The range of concentrations of phenolic classes in fresh apple extracts was: hydroxy methyl furfural, n.d.; phloridzin, 11-17%; cinnamates, 3-27%; anthocyanins, n.d.-42%; flavan-3-ols, 31-54%; flavonols, 1-10%. The ability of compounds in apple juices and extracts from fresh apple to protect LDL was assessed using an in vitro copper catalyzed human LDL oxidation system. The extent of LDL oxidation was determined as hexanal production using static headspace gas chromatography. The apple juices and extracts, tested at 5 microM gallic acid equivalents (GAE), all inhibited LDL oxidation. The inhibition by the juices ranged from 9 to 34%, and inhibition by RF, RW and RP was 21, 34 and 38%, respectively. Regression analyses revealed no significant correlation between antioxidant activity and either total phenolic concentration or any specific class of phenolics. Although the specific components in the apple juices and extracts that contributed to antioxidant activity have yet to be identified, this study

The Li–Si–(O)–N system revisited: Structural characterization of Li{sub 21}Si{sub 3}N{sub 11} and Li{sub 7}SiN{sub 3}O

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

Casas-Cabanas, M.; Santner, H.; Palacín, M.R., E-mail: rosa.palacin@icmab.es

2014-05-01

A systematic study of the Li–Si–(O)–N system is presented. The synthetic conditions to prepare Li{sub 2}SiN{sub 2}, Li{sub 5}SiN{sub 3}, Li{sub 18}Si{sub 3}N{sub 10}, Li{sub 21}Si{sub 3}N{sub 11} and Li{sub 7}SiN{sub 3}O are described and the structure of the last two compounds has been solved for the first time. While Li{sub 21}Si{sub 3}N{sub 11} crystallizes as a superstructure of the anti-fluorite structure with Li and Si ordering, Li{sub 7}SiN{sub 3}O exhibits the anti-fluorite structure with both anion and cation disorder. - Graphical abstract: A systematic study of the Li–Si–(O)–N system is presented. Li{sub 21}Si{sub 3}N{sub 11} crystallizes as a superstructuremore » of the anti-fluorite structure with Li and Si ordering, Li{sub 7}SiN{sub 3}O exhibits the anti-fluorite structure with both anion and cation disorder. - Highlights: • Li{sub 2}SiN{sub 2}, Li{sub 5}SiN{sub 3}, Li{sub 18}Si{sub 3}N{sub 10}, Li{sub 21}Si{sub 3}N{sub 11} and Li{sub 7}SiN{sub 3}O are prepared. • The structures of Li{sub 21}Si{sub 3}N{sub 11} and Li{sub 7}SiN{sub 3}O are presented. • Li{sub 21}Si{sub 3}N{sub 11} exhibits an anti-fluorite superstructure with Li and Si ordering.« less

Competitive binding of (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate and 5-fluorouracil to human serum albumin: A fluorescence and circular dichroism study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yuan, Lixia; Liu, Min; Liu, Guiqin; Li, Dacheng; Wang, Zhengping; Wang, Bingquan; Han, Jun; Zhang, Min

2017-02-01

Combination therapy with more than one therapeutic agent can improve therapeutic efficiency and decrease drug resistance. In this study, the interactions of human serum albumin (HSA) with individual or combined anticancer drugs, (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) and 5-fluorouracil (FU), were investigated by fluorescence and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy. The results demonstrated that the interaction of EGCG or FU with HSA is a process of static quenching and EGCG formed a more stable complex. The competitive experiments of site markers suggested that both anti-carcinogens mainly bound to site I (subdomain IIA). The interaction forces which play important roles in the binding process were discussed based on enthalpy and entropy changes. Moreover, the competition binding model for a ternary system was proposed so as to precisely calculate the binding parameters. The results demonstrated that one drug decreased the binding affinity of another drug with HSA, resulting in the increasing free drug concentration at the action sites. CD studies indicated that there was an alteration in HSA secondary structure due to the binding of EGCG and FU. It can be concluded that the combination of EGCG with FU may enhance anticancer efficacy. This finding may provide a theoretical basis for clinical treatments.

Hsp90 N- and C-terminal double inhibition synergistically suppresses Bcr-Abl-positive human leukemia cells

PubMed Central

Chen, Xianling; Chen, Xiaole; Li, Ding; Fan, Yingjuan; Xu, Jianhua; Chen, Yuanzhong; Wu, Lixian

2017-01-01

Heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) contains amino (N)–terminal domain, carboxyl(C)-terminal domain, and middle domains, which activate Hsp90 chaperone function cooperatively in tumor cells. One terminal occupancy might influence another terminal binding with inhibitor. The Bcr-Abl kinase is one of the Hsp90 clients implicated in the pathogenesis of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Present studies demonstrate that double inhibition of the N- and C-terminal termini can disrupt Hsp90 chaperone function synergistically, but not antagonistically, in Bcr-Abl-positive human leukemia cells. Furthermore, both the N-terminal inhibitor 17-AAG and the C-terminal inhibitor cisplatin (CP) have the capacity to suppress progenitor cells; however, only CP is able to inhibit leukemia stem cells (LSCs) significantly, which implies that the combinational treatment is able to suppress human leukemia in different mature states. PMID:28036294

Curcumin Inhibits 5-Fluorouracil-induced Up-regulation of CXCL1 and CXCL2 of the Colon Associated with Attenuation of Diarrhoea Development.

PubMed

Sakai, Hiroyasu; Kai, Yuki; Oguchi, Aya; Kimura, Minami; Tabata, Shoko; Yaegashi, Miyabi; Saito, Taiki; Sato, Ken; Sato, Fumiaki; Yumoto, Tetsuro; Narita, Minoru

2016-12-01

The compound 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) is used in cancer chemotherapy and is known to cause diarrhoea. We recently reported that chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 1 (CXCL1) and neutrophils in the colonic mucosa were markedly increased by the administration of 5-FU in mice. Curcumin has anti-inflammatory, antitumour and antioxidant properties. Therefore, we examined the effect of curcumin on 5-FU-induced diarrhoea development and CXCL1 and CXCL2 up-regulation in the colon. Mice were given 5-FU (50 mg/kg, i.p.) daily for 4 days. Curcumin (100 or 300 mg/kg, p.o.) was administered on the day before the first administration of 5-FU and administered 30 min. before the administration of 5-FU. Gene expression levels of CXCL1 and CXCL2 in the colon were examined by real-time RT-PCR. Curcumin reduced the 5-FU-induced diarrhoea development. Under this condition, the CXCL1 and CXCL2 gene up-regulated by 5-FU administration was inhibited by curcumin. The gene expression of CXCL1 and CXCL2 was also enhanced by 5-FU application in vitro. The 5-FU-induced up-regulated CXCL1 and CXCL2 gene expressions were inhibited by curcumin, Bay-117082 and bortezomib, nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) inhibitors, C646, a p300/cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element-binding protein-histone acetyltransferase (HAT) inhibitor. In conclusion, these findings suggested that curcumin prevented the development of diarrhoea by inhibiting NF-κB and HAT activation. © 2016 Nordic Association for the Publication of BCPT (former Nordic Pharmacological Society).

Smad4 sensitizes colorectal cancer to 5-fluorouracil through cell cycle arrest by inhibiting the PI3K/Akt/CDC2/survivin cascade.

PubMed

Zhang, Binhao; Leng, Chao; Wu, Chao; Zhang, Zhanguo; Dou, Lei; Luo, Xin; Zhang, Bixiang; Chen, Xiaoping

2016-03-01

5-Fluorouracil (5-FU), a cell cycle-specific antimetabolite, is one of the most commonly used chemotherapeutic agents for colorectal cancer (CRC). Yet, resistance to 5-FU-based chemotherapy is still an obstacle to the treatment of this malignancy. Mutation or loss of Smad4 in CRC is pivotal for chemoresistance. However, the mechanism by which Smad4 regulates the chemosensitivity of CRC remains unclear. In the present study, we investigated the role of Smad4 in the chemosensitivity of CRC to 5-FU, and whether Smad4-regulated cell cycle arrest is involved in 5-FU chemoresistance. We used Smad4-expressing CT26 and Smad4-null SW620 cell lines as experimental models, by knockdown or transgenic overexpression. Cells or tumors were treated with 5-FU to determine chemosensitivity by cell growth, tumorigenicity assay and a mouse model. Cell cycle distribution was examined with flow cytometric analysis, and cell cycle-related proteins were examined by western blotting. Smad4 deficiency in CT26 and SW620 cells induced chemoresistance to 5-FU both in vitro and in vivo. Smad4 deficiency attenuated G1 or G2 cell cycle arrest by activating the PI3K/Akt/CDC2/survivin pathway. The PI3K inhibitor, LY294002, reversed the activation of the Akt/CDC2/survivin cascade in the Smad4-deficient cells, while it had little effect on cells with high Smad4 expression. In conclusion, we discovered a novel mechanism mediated by Smad4 to trigger 5-FU chemosensitivity through cell cycle arrest by inhibiting the PI3K/Akt/CDC2/survivin cascade. The present study also implies that LY294002 has potential therapeutic value to reverse the chemosensitivity of CRC with low Smad4 expression.

Investigation of N2O Production from 266 and 532 nm Laser Flash Photolysis of O3/N2/O2 Mixtures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Estupinan, E. G.; Nicovich, J. M.; Li, J.; Cunnold, D. M.; Wine, P. H.

2002-01-01

Tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy has been employed to measure the amount of N2O produced from laser flash photolysis of O3/N2/O2 mixtures at 266 and 532 nm. In the 532 nm photolysis experiments very little N2O is observed, thus allowing an upper limit yield of 7 x 10(exp -8) to be established for the process O3 + N2 yield N2O + O2, where O3 is nascent O3 that is newly formed via O(3P(sub J)) + O2 recombination (with vibrational excitation near the dissociation energy of O3). The measured upper limit yield is a factor of approx. 600 smaller than a previous literature value and is approximately a factor of 10 below the threshold for atmospheric importance. In the 266 nm photolysis experiments, significant N2O production is observed and the N2O quantum yield is found to increase linearly with pressure over the range 100 - 900 Torr in air bath gas. The source of N2O in the 266 nm photolysis experiments is believed to be the addition reaction O(1D(sub 2)) + N2 + M yields (k(sub sigma)) N2O + M, although reaction of (very short-lived) electronically excited O3 with N2 cannot be ruled out by the available data. Assuming that all observed N2O comes from the O(1D(sub 2)) + N2 + M reaction, the following expression describes the temperature dependence of k(sub sigma) (in its third-order low-pressure limit) that is consistent with the N2O yield data: k(sub sigma) = (2.8 +/- 0.1) x 10(exp -36)(T/300)(sup -(0-88+0.36)) cm(sup 6) molecule(sup -2)/s, where the uncertainties are 2(sigma) and represent precision only. The accuracy of the reported rate coefficients at the 95% confidence level is estimated to be 30 - 40% depending on the temperature. Model calculations suggest that gas phase processes initiated by ozone absorption of a UV photon represent about 1.4% of the currently estimated global source strength of atmospheric N2O. However, these processes could account for a significant fraction of the oxygen mass-independent enrichment observed in atmospheric N2O, and

Functional contributions of N- and O-glycans to L-selectin ligands in murine and human lymphoid organs.

PubMed

Arata-Kawai, Hanayo; Singer, Mark S; Bistrup, Annette; Zante, Annemieke van; Wang, Yang-Qing; Ito, Yuki; Bao, Xingfeng; Hemmerich, Stefan; Fukuda, Minoru; Rosen, Steven D

2011-01-01

L-selectin initiates lymphocyte interactions with high endothelial venules (HEVs) of lymphoid organs through binding to ligands with specific glycosylation modifications. 6-Sulfo sLe(x), a sulfated carbohydrate determinant for L-selectin, is carried on core 2 and extended core 1 O-glycans of HEV-expressed glycoproteins. The MECA-79 monoclonal antibody recognizes sulfated extended core 1 O-glycans and partially blocks lymphocyte-HEV interactions in lymphoid organs. Recent evidence has identified the contribution of 6-sulfo sLe(x) carried on N-glycans to lymphocyte homing in mice. Here, we characterize CL40, a novel IgG monoclonal antibody. CL40 equaled or surpassed MECA-79 as a histochemical staining reagent for HEVs and HEV-like vessels in mouse and human. Using synthetic carbohydrates, we found that CL40 bound to 6-sulfo sLe(x) structures, on both core 2 and extended core 1 structures, with an absolute dependency on 6-O-sulfation. Using transfected CHO cells and gene-targeted mice, we observed that CL40 bound its epitope on both N-glycans and O-glycans. Consistent with its broader glycan-binding, CL40 was superior to MECA-79 in blocking lymphocyte-HEV interactions in both wild-type mice and mice deficient in forming O-glycans. This superiority was more marked in human, as CL40 completely blocked lymphocyte binding to tonsillar HEVs, whereas MECA-79 inhibited only 60%. These findings extend the evidence for the importance of N-glycans in lymphocyte homing in mouse and indicate that this dependency also applies to human lymphoid organs. Copyright © 2011 American Society for Investigative Pathology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

3-O-galloylated procyanidins from Rumex acetosa L. inhibit the attachment of influenza A virus.

PubMed

Derksen, Andrea; Hensel, Andreas; Hafezi, Wali; Herrmann, Fabian; Schmidt, Thomas J; Ehrhardt, Christina; Ludwig, Stephan; Kühn, Joachim

2014-01-01

Infections by influenza A viruses (IAV) are a major health burden to mankind. The current antiviral arsenal against IAV is limited and novel drugs are urgently required. Medicinal plants are known as an abundant source for bioactive compounds, including antiviral agents. The aim of the present study was to characterize the anti-IAV potential of a proanthocyanidin-enriched extract derived from the aerial parts of Rumex acetosa (RA), and to identify active compounds of RA, their mode of action, and structural features conferring anti-IAV activity. In a modified MTT (MTTIAV) assay, RA was shown to inhibit growth of the IAV strain PR8 (H1N1) and a clinical isolate of IAV(H1N1)pdm09 with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 2.5 µg/mL and 2.2 µg/mL, and a selectivity index (SI) (half-maximal cytotoxic concentration (CC50)/IC50)) of 32 and 36, respectively. At RA concentrations>1 µg/mL plaque formation of IAV(H1N1)pdm09 was abrogated. RA was also active against an oseltamivir-resistant isolate of IAV(H1N1)pdm09. TNF-α and EGF-induced signal transduction in A549 cells was not affected by RA. The dimeric proanthocyanidin epicatechin-3-O-gallate-(4β→8)-epicatechin-3'-O-gallate (procyanidin B2-di-gallate) was identified as the main active principle of RA (IC50 approx. 15 µM, SI≥13). RA and procyanidin B2-di-gallate blocked attachment of IAV and interfered with viral penetration at higher concentrations. Galloylation of the procyanidin core structure was shown to be a prerequisite for anti-IAV activity; o-trihydroxylation in the B-ring increased the anti-IAV activity. In silico docking studies indicated that procyanidin B2-di-gallate is able to interact with the receptor binding site of IAV(H1N1)pdm09 hemagglutinin (HA). In conclusion, the proanthocyanidin-enriched extract RA and its main active constituent procyanidin B2-di-gallate protect cells from IAV infection by inhibiting viral entry into the host cell. RA and procyanidin B2-di-gallate appear to

Catalytic performance of V2O5-MoO3/γ-Al2O3 catalysts for partial oxidation of n-hexane1

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mahmoudian, R.; Khodadadi, Z.; Mahdavi, Vahid; Salehi, Mohammed

2016-01-01

In the current study, a series of V2O5-MoO3 catalyst supported on γ-Al2O3 with various V2O5 and MoO3 loadings was prepared by wet impregnation technique. The characterization of prepared catalysts includes BET surface area, powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), and oxygen chemisorptions. The partial oxidation of n-hexane by air over V2O5-MoO3/γ-Al2O3 catalysts was carried out under flow condition in a fixed bed glass reactor. The effect of V2O5 loading, temperature, MoO3 loading, and n-hexane LHSV on the n-hexane conversion and the product selectivity were investigated. The partial oxygenated products of n-hexane oxidation were ethanol, acetic anhydride, acetic acid, and acetaldehyde. The 10% V2O5-1%MoO3/γ-Al2O3 was found in most active and selective catalyst during partial oxidation of n-hexane. The results indicated that by increasing the temperature, the n-hexane conversion increases as well, although the selectivity of the products passes through a maximum by increasing the temperature.

[Exposure of normal Tenon's capsule fibroblasts from pterygium to 5-fluorouracil and mitomycin C].

PubMed

Viveiros, Magda Massae Hata; Schellini, Silvana Artioli; Candeias, João; Padovani, Carlos Roberto

2007-01-01

To evaluate the fibroblast proliferation activity of normal Tenon's capsule from primary and recurrent patients with pterygium. A randomized prospective study was performed with 41 normal Tenon's capsule fragments from 21 primary and 20 recurrent patients with pterygium. The sample was collected from the inferior cul-de-sac. Proliferation rate from fibroblasts were evaluated after mitomycin C and 5-fluorouracil exposition. Data were submitted to statistical analysis. Of the 41 cultivated normal Tenon's capsules, only 1 from primary and 2 from recurrent pterygium patients proliferated. After antimitotic exposition, the proliferation rate was similar with both drugs. Mitomycin and 5-fluorouracil promote similar inhibition regarding proliferation of normal Tenon's fibroblast cultures.

Visible Light-Driven Photocatalytic Performance of N-Doped ZnO/g-C3N4 Nanocomposites.

PubMed

Kong, Ji-Zhou; Zhai, Hai-Fa; Zhang, Wei; Wang, Shan-Shan; Zhao, Xi-Rui; Li, Min; Li, Hui; Li, Ai-Dong; Wu, Di

2017-09-06

N-doped ZnO/g-C 3 N 4 composites have been successfully prepared via a facile and cost-effective sol-gel method. The nanocomposites were systematically characterized by XRD, FE-SEM, HRTEM, FT-IR, XPS, and UV-vis DRS. The results indicated that compared with the pure N-doped ZnO, the absorption edge of binary N-doped ZnO/g-C 3 N 4 shifted to a lower energy with increasing the visible-light absorption and improving the charge separation efficiency, which would enhance its photocatalytic activity. Compared with the pure g-C 3 N 4 , ZnO, N-doped ZnO and the composite ZnO/g-C 3 N 4 , the as-prepared N-doped ZnO/g-C 3 N 4 exhibits a greatly enhanced photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue and phenol under visible-light irradiation. Meanwhile, N-doped ZnO/g-C 3 N 4 possesses a high stability. Finally, a proposed mechanism for N-doped ZnO/g-C 3 N 4 is also discussed. The improved photocatalysis can be attributed to the synergistic effect between N-doped ZnO and g-C 3 N 4 , including the energy band structure and enhanced charge separation efficiency.

Vibrational spectroscopy of NO + (H2O)n: Evidence for the intracluster reaction NO + (H2O)n --> H3O + (H2O)n - 2 (HONO) at n => 4

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Choi, Jong-Ho; Kuwata, Keith T.; Haas, Bernd-Michael; Cao, Yibin; Johnson, Matthew S.; Okumura, Mitchio

1994-05-01

Infrared spectra of mass-selected clusters NO+(H2O)n for n=1 to 5 were recorded from 2700 to 3800 cm-1 by vibrational predissociation spectroscopy. Vibrational frequencies and intensities were also calculated for n=1 and 2 at the second-order Møller-Plesset (MP2) level, to aid in the interpretation of the spectra, and at the singles and doubles coupled cluster (CCSD) level energies of n=1 isomers were computed at the MP2 geometries. The smaller clusters (n=1 to 3) were complexes of H2O ligands bound to a nitrosonium ion NO+ core. They possessed perturbed H2O stretch bands and dissociated by loss of H2O. The H2O antisymmetric stretch was absent in n=1 and gradually increased in intensity with n. In the n=4 clusters, we found evidence for the beginning of a second solvation shell as well as the onset of an intracluster reaction that formed HONO. These clusters exhibited additional weak, broad bands between 3200 and 3400 cm-1 and two new minor photodissociation channels, loss of HONO and loss of two H2O molecules. The reaction appeared to go to completion within the n=5 clusters. The primary dissociation channel was loss of HONO, and seven vibrational bands were observed. From an analysis of the spectrum, we concluded that the n=5 cluster rearranged to form H3O+(H2O)3(HONO), i.e., an adduct of the reaction products.

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

Glycogen synthase kinase-3 inhibition sensitizes human induced pluripotent stem cells to thiol-containing antioxidants induced apoptosis.

PubMed

Tu, Chengyi; Xu, Robert; Koleti, Meghana; Zoldan, Janet

2017-08-01

Inhibition of glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) is an extensively used strategy to activate Wnt pathway for pluripotent stem cell (PSC) differentiation. However, the effects of such inhibition on PSCs, besides upregulating the Wnt pathway, have rarely been investigated despite that GSK3 is broadly involved in other cellular activities such as insulin signaling and cell growth/survival regulation. Here we describe a previously unknown synergistic effect between GSK3 inhibition (e.g., Chir99021 and LY2090314) and various normally non-toxic thiol-containing antioxidants (e.g., N-acetylcysteine, NAC) on the induction of apoptosis in human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Neither Chir99021 nor the antioxidants individually induced significant apoptosis, whereas their combined treatment resulted in rapid and extensive apoptosis, with substantial caspase 3 activity observed within 3h and over 90% decrease in cell viability after 24h. We confirmed the generality of this phenomenon with multiple independent iPSCs lines, various thiol-based antioxidants and distinct GSK3 inhibitors. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that rapamycin treatment could substantially reduce cell death, suggesting the critical role of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). Akt dysregulation was also found to partially contribute to cell apoptosis but was not the primary cause. Further, this coordinated proapoptotic effect was not detected in mouse ESCs but was present in another human cells line: a breast cancer cell line (MDA-MB-231). Given the wide use of GSK3 inhibition in biomedical research: from iPSC differentiation to cancer intervention and the treatment of neuronal diseases, researchers can potentially take advantage of or avoid this synergistic effect for improved experimental or clinical outcome. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Corilagin from longan seed: Identification, quantification, and synergistic cytotoxicity on SKOv3ip and hey cells with ginsenoside Rh2 and 5-fluorouracil.

PubMed

Li, Ni; Lin, Zhican; Chen, Wei; Zheng, Yi; Ming, Yanlin; Zheng, Zhizhong; Huang, Wen; Chen, Lianghua; Xiao, Jianbo; Lin, Hetong

2018-05-08

Corilagin content from different parts of longan (Dimocarpus longan Lour.) was determined by ultra performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) method. Additionally, the potential synergistic effects of corilagin + ginsenoside Rh2 (Rh2), and corilagin + 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) on ovarian cancer cells, and cancer-preventing activities, including inhibition of tyrosinase, properties of antioxidant and nitrite-scavenging, and blocking of nitrosamine synthesis were investigated. The results showed the content of corilagin from different parts of longan varied widely, while corilagin content in longan seed was high with a value of 542.15 ± 10.30 μg/g. Then the corilagin from longan seed was chosen for further study, since longan seed was easily obtained from by-product of longan fruit processing with low cost. Furthermore, the combinations of corilagin + Rh2, and corilagin + 5-FU showed an increased synergistic cytotoxicity on SKOv3ip and Hey cells. Moreover, corilagin inhibited exhibited effects of inhibiting tyrosinase, antioxidation, scavenging nitrite and blocking nitrosamine synthesis. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Adjuvant fluorouracil, epirubicin and cyclophosphamide in early breast cancer: is it cost-effective?

PubMed

Norum, Jan; Holtmon, Mari

2005-01-01

Adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT) in breast cancer exposes patients to morbidity, but improves survival. The FEC (fluorouracil, epirubicin, cyclophosphamide) regimen has taken over the prior role of CMF (cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, fluorouracil). In this model, efficacy, tolerability and quality of life (QoL) data from the literature were incorporated with Norwegian practice and cost data in a cost-effectiveness approach. The FEC efficacy was calculated 3-7% superior CMF. There was no difference in quality of life. An 80-100% dose intensity range was employed, one Euro was calculated NOK 8.78 and a 3% discount rate was used. The total cost of FEC employing the friction cost method on production loss, including amount spent on drugs, administration and travelling ranged between 3,278-3,850 Euros (human capital approach 12,143-12,715 Euros). Money spent on drugs alone constituted 15-48%, depending on method chosen. A cost-effectiveness analysis revealed a cost per life year (LY) saved replacing FEC by CMF of 3,575-15,125 Euros. Adjuvant FEC is cost effective in Norway.

Spectral Weight Redistribution in ( LaNiO 3 ) n / ( LaMnO 3 ) 2 Superlattices from Optical Spectroscopy

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

Di Pietro, P.; Hoffman, J.; Bhattacharya, A.

2015-04-01

We have studied the optical properties of four (LaNiO3)(n)/(LaMnO3)(2) superlattices (SL) (n = 2, 3, 4, 5) on SrTiO3 substrates. We have measured the reflectivity at temperatures from 20 to 400 K, and extracted the optical conductivity through a fitting procedure based on a Kramers-Kronig consistent Lorentz-Drude model. With increasing LaNiO3 thickness, the SLs undergo an insulator-to-metal transition (IMT) that is accompanied by the transfer of spectral weight from high to low frequency. The presence of a broad midinfrared band, however, shows that the optical conductivity of the (LaNiO3)(n)/(LaMnO3)(2) SLs is not a linear combination of the LaMnO3 and LaNiO3more » conductivities. Our observations suggest that interfacial charge transfer leads to an IMT due to a change in valence at the Mn and Ni sites.« less

Momordica charantia polysaccharides could protect against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury through inhibiting oxidative stress mediated c-Jun N-terminal kinase 3 signaling pathway.

PubMed

Gong, Juanjuan; Sun, Fumou; Li, Yihang; Zhou, Xiaoling; Duan, Zhenzhen; Duan, Fugang; Zhao, Lei; Chen, Hansen; Qi, Suhua; Shen, Jiangang

2015-04-01

Momordica charantia (MC) is a medicinal plant for stroke treatment in Traditional Chinese Medicine, but its active compounds and molecular targets are unknown yet. M. charantia polysaccharide (MCP) is one of the important bioactive components in MC. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that MCP has neuroprotective effects against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury through scavenging superoxide (O2(-)), nitric oxide (NO) and peroxynitrite (ONOO(-)) and inhibiting c-Jun N-terminal protein kinase (JNK3) signaling cascades. We conducted experiments with in vivo global and focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion rat models and in vitro oxygen glucose deprivation (OGD) neural cells. The effects of MCP on apoptotic cell death and infarction volume, the bioactivities of scavenging O2(-), NO and ONOO(-), inhibiting lipid peroxidation and modulating JNK3 signaling pathway were investigated. Major results are summarized as below: (1) MCP dose-dependently attenuated apoptotic cell death in neural cells under OGD condition in vitro and reduced infarction volume in ischemic brains in vivo; (2) MCP had directing scavenging effects on NO, O2(-) and ONOO(-) and inhibited lipid peroxidation; (3) MCP inhibited the activations of JNK3/c-Jun/Fas-L and JNK3/cytochrome C/caspases-3 signaling cascades in ischemic brains in vivo. Taken together, we conclude that MCP could be a promising neuroprotective ingredient of M. charantia and its mechanisms could be at least in part attributed to its antioxidant activities and inhibiting JNK3 signaling cascades during cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Theoretical studies on the electronic structures and photoelectron spectra of tri-rhenium oxide clusters: Re3O(n)(-) and Re3O(n) (n=1-6).

PubMed

Zhou, Qi; Gong, Wei-Chao; Xie, Lu; Zheng, Cun-Gong; Zhang, Wei; Wang, Bin; Zhang, Yong-Fan; Huang, Xin

2014-01-03

Density functional theory (DFT) calculations are performed to study the structural and electronic properties of tri-rhenium oxide clusters Re3On(-/0) (n=1-6). Generalized Koopmans' theorem is applied to predict the vertical detachment energies (VDEs) and simulate the photoelectron spectra (PES). Theoretical calculations at the B3LYP level are carried out to search for the global minima for both the anions and the neutrals. For the anions, the first two O atoms prefer the same corner position of a Re3 triangle. Whereas, Re3O3(-) possesses a C2v symmetry with one bridging and two terminal O atoms. The next three O atoms (n=4-6) are adding sequentially on the basis of Re3O3(-) motif, i.e., adding one terminal O atom for Re3O4(-), one terminal and one bridging O atoms for Re3O5(-), and one terminal and two bridging O atoms for Re3O6(-), respectively. Their corresponding neutral species are similar to the anions in geometry except Re3O4 and Re3O5. Molecular orbital analyses are employed to investigate the chemical bonding and structural evolution in these tri-rhenium oxide clusters. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Postjunctional inhibition of contractor responses in the mouse vas deferens by rat and human calcitonin gene-related peptides (CGRP).

PubMed Central

Al-Kazwini, S. J.; Craig, R. K.; Marshall, I.

1986-01-01

The effects of rat and human alpha-calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) were compared in the mouse and rabbit isolated vas deferens preparation contracted by either field stimulation or acetylcholine. The peptides were about equipotent at inhibiting twitch responses of the mouse vas deferens to field stimulation at 0.2 Hz (IC50 12 +/- 4 nM and 15 +/- 3 nM, rat and human alpha-CGRP respectively). Rat alpha-CGRP was less potent at inhibiting responses to 10 Hz than to either 0.2 Hz or 1.0 Hz stimulation. The potency of rat alpha-CGRP at 1.0 Hz was unaltered by halving the calcium concentration of the Krebs solution. The inhibitory effect of human alpha-CGRP was not antagonized by either propranolol (300 nM) or idazoxan (300 nM), although in the same tissues these latter two drugs reduced responses to isoprenaline and clonidine respectively. Rat alpha-CGRP (100 nM) and human alpha-CGRP (1.0 microM) did not alter the uptake of [3H]-noradrenaline (30 nM) into mice isolated vasa deferentia. Rat alpha-CGRP (3-100 nM) did not alter the fractional release per pulse (1.0 Hz, 100 pulses) of tritium from vasa preloaded with [3H]-noradrenaline, although at the same time the peptide inhibited responses of the smooth muscle to field stimulation. Rat and human alpha-CGRP were equipotent at inhibiting contractions of the mouse vas deferens evoked by acetylcholine although the peptides were less potent than against twitch responses. In the rabbit vas deferens neither rat nor human alpha-CGRP (3 nM-1 microM) inhibited either twitch responses or acetylcholine contractions.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) PMID:3486688

ERP44 inhibits human lung cancer cell migration mainly via IP3R2.

PubMed

Huang, Xue; Jin, Meng; Chen, Ying-Xiao; Wang, Jun; Zhai, Kui; Chang, Yan; Yuan, Qi; Yao, Kai-Tai; Ji, Guangju

2016-06-01

Cancer cell migration is involved in tumour metastasis. However, the relationship between calcium signalling and cancer migration is not well elucidated. In this study, we used the human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cell line to examine the role of endoplasmic reticulum protein 44 (ERP44), which has been reported to regulate calcium release inside of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), in cell migration. We found that the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors (IP3Rs/ITPRs) inhibitor 2-APB significantly inhibited A549 cell migration by inhibiting cell polarization and pseudopodium protrusion, which suggests that Ca2+ is necessary for A549 cell migration. Similarly, the overexpression of ERP44 reduced intracellular Ca2+ release via IP3Rs, altered cell morphology and significantly inhibited the migration of A549 cells. These phenomena were primarily dependent on IP3R2 because wound healing in A549 cells with IP3R2 rather than IP3R1 or IP3R3 siRNA was markedly inhibited. Moreover, the overexpression of ERP44 did not affect the migration of the human neuroblastoma cell line SH-SY5Y, which mainly expresses IP3R1. Based on the above observations, we conclude that ERP44 regulates A549 cell migration mainly via an IP3R2-dependent pathway.

ERP44 inhibits human lung cancer cell migration mainly via IP3R2

PubMed Central

Zhai, Kui; Chang, Yan; Yuan, Qi; Yao, Kai-Tai; Ji, Guangju

2016-01-01

Cancer cell migration is involved in tumour metastasis. However, the relationship between calcium signalling and cancer migration is not well elucidated. In this study, we used the human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cell line to examine the role of endoplasmic reticulum protein 44 (ERP44), which has been reported to regulate calcium release inside of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), in cell migration. We found that the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors (IP3Rs/ITPRs) inhibitor 2-APB significantly inhibited A549 cell migration by inhibiting cell polarization and pseudopodium protrusion, which suggests that Ca2+ is necessary for A549 cell migration. Similarly, the overexpression of ERP44 reduced intracellular Ca2+ release via IP3Rs, altered cell morphology and significantly inhibited the migration of A549 cells. These phenomena were primarily dependent on IP3R2 because wound healing in A549 cells with IP3R2 rather than IP3R1 or IP3R3 siRNA was markedly inhibited. Moreover, the overexpression of ERP44 did not affect the migration of the human neuroblastoma cell line SH-SY5Y, which mainly expresses IP3R1. Based on the above observations, we conclude that ERP44 regulates A549 cell migration mainly via an IP3R2-dependent pathway. PMID:27347718

Bimetallic-organic framework derived porous Co3O4/Fe3O4/C-loaded g-C3N4 nanocomposites as non-enzymic electrocatalysis oxidization toward ascorbic acid, dopamine acid, and uric acid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, Bin; Liu, Yongkang; Wang, Zhuo-Wei; Song, Yingpan; Wang, Minghua; Zhang, Zhihong; Liu, Chun-Sen

2018-05-01

We report on the synthesis of Co- and Fe-based bimetallic nanocatalysts embedded in mesoporous carbon and g-C3N4 nanosheets (denoted as Co3O4/Fe3O4/mC@g-C3N4) for selectively simultaneous determination of ascorbic acid (AA), dopamine acid (DA), and uric acid (UA). These electrocatalysts consisting of bimetallic Co-Fe alloy nanoparticles encapsulated in N-doped carbon matrix were prepared via pyrolysis of Co/Fe-MOFs after grinding with high amounts of melamine. Chemical/crystal structures suggest high contents of mesoporous carbon in calcinated Co3O4/Fe3O4/mC nanocomposites, which exhibited enhanced electrocatalytic activity toward small biomolecules. The intrinsic performances of Co/Fe-MOFs with large specific surface area and regular nodes in the two-dimensional nanostructured g-C3N4 nanosheets endowed the as-prepared series of Co3O4/Fe3O4/mC@g-C3N4 nanocomposites with remarkable electrocatalytic activities and high adsorption ability toward oxidation of AA, DA, and UA. The developed biosensors also showed long-term stability and high selectivity for targeted analytes, with satisfactory results on actual samples in human urine. The results indicate that the as-synthesized Co3O4/Fe3O4/mC@g-C3N4 nanostructure exhibits good electrocatalytic activity and potential applications in clinical diagnosis and biosensing.

Fluorouracil Injection

MedlinePlus

Fluorouracil is also sometimes used to treat cancer of the cervix (opening of the uterus) and esophagus, head and neck cancer (including cancer of the mouth, lip, cheek, tongue, palate, throat, tonsils, and sinuses), ...

Fluorouracil Topical

MedlinePlus

... caused by years of too much exposure to sunlight). Fluorouracil cream and topical solution are also used ... plan to avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight and UV light (such as tanning booths) and ...

/sup 3/H-PAF-acether displacement and inhibition of binding in intact human platelets by BN 52021

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

Korth, R.; Le Couedic, J.P.; Benveniste, J.

1986-03-05

Intact washed human platelets incubated at 20/sup 0/C in Tyrode's buffer containing 0.25% (w/v) bovine serum albumin bound /sup 3/H paf-acether in a concentration (0-6.5 nM) and time (0-60 min) dependent manner (n=3). BN 52021 (60 ..mu..M) a chemically defined extract from Ginkgo biloba inhibited the binding of increasing concentrations of /sup 3/H paf-acether. Calculated differences between /sup 3/H paf-acether binding in the presence or absence of BN 52021 (60 ..mu..M) reached nearly a plateau in concentrations higher than 0.65 nM /sup 3/H paf-acether. Increasing concentrations of BN 52021 (0-60 ..mu..M) as well as of unlabelled paf-acether (0-50 nM) preventedmore » within 15 min /sup 3/H paf-acether binding (0.65 nM) to platelets in a concentration-dependent way. Increasing BN 52021 concentrations (0-60 ..mu..M) also displaced platelet-bound /sup 3/H paf-acether (0.65 nM) in a concentration-dependent way. Displacement increased with the time length of platelet incubation with BN 52021 and reached a plateau at 15 min. Platelet-bound /sup 3/H paf-acether displacement of 28.3 +/- 6.3%, 31.1 +/- 4.0% and 26.7 +/- 5.6% was observed using 50 nM unlabelled paf-acether, 60 ..mu..M BN 52021 or both substances together (vs 4.3 +/- 7.2% for vehicle alone). No degradation of /sup 3/H paf-acether occurred as assessed by high pressure liquid chromatography. These results demonstrate that BN 52021 competes directly with paf-acether binding sites on human platelets.« less

Trends in (LaMnO3)n/(SrTiO3)m superlattices with varying layer thicknesses

PubMed Central

Jilili, J.; Cossu, F.; Schwingenschlögl, U.

2015-01-01

We investigate the thickness dependence of the structural, electronic, and magnetic properties of (LaMnO3)n/(SrTiO3)m (n, m = 2, 4, 6, 8) superlattices using density functional theory. The electronic structure turns out to be highly sensitive to the onsite Coulomb interaction. In contrast to bulk SrTiO3, strongly distorted O octahedra are observed in the SrTiO3 layers with a systematic off centering of the Ti atoms. The systems favour ferromagnetic spin ordering rather than the antiferromagnetic spin ordering of bulk LaMnO3 and all show half-metallicity, while a systematic reduction of the minority spin band gaps as a function of the LaMnO3 and SrTiO3 layer thicknesses originates from modifications of the Ti dxy states. PMID:26323361

Inhibition effect of zinc in wastewater on the N2O emission from coastal loam soils.

PubMed

Huang, Yan; Ou, Danyun; Chen, Shunyang; Chen, Bin; Liu, Wenhua; Bai, Renao; Chen, Guangcheng

2017-03-15

The effects of zinc (Zn) on nitrous oxide (N 2 O) fluxes from coastal loam soil and the abundances of soil nitrifier and denitrifier were studied in a tidal microcosm receiving livestock wastewater with different Zn levels. Soil N 2 O emission significantly increased due to discharge of wastewater rich in ammonia (NH 4 + -N) while the continuous measurements of gas flux showed a durative reduction in N 2 O flux by high Zn input (40mgL -1 ) during the low tide period. Soil inorganic nitrogen concentrations increased at the end of the experiment and even more soil NH 4 + -N was measured in the high-Zn-level treatment, indicating an inhibition of ammonia oxidation by Zn input. Quantitative PCR of soil amoA, narG and nirK genes encoding ammonia monooxygenase, nitrate reductase and nitrite reductase, respectively, showed that the microbial abundances involved in these metabolisms were neither affected by wastewater discharge nor Zn contamination. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Crystal structure of bis-(μ-3-nitro-benzoato)-κ3O,O':O;κ3O:O,O'-bis-[bis-(3-cyano-pyridine-κN1)(3-nitro-benzoato-κ2O,O')cadmium].

PubMed

Hökelek, Tuncer; Akduran, Nurcan; Özen, Azer; Uğurlu, Güventürk; Necefoğlu, Hacali

2017-03-01

The asymmetric unit of the title compound, [Cd 2 (C 7 H 4 NO 4 ) 4 (C 6 H 4 N 2 ) 4 ], contains one Cd II atom, two 3-nitro-benzoate (NB) anions and two 3-cyano-pyridine (CPy) ligands. The two CPy ligands act as monodentate N(pyridine)-bonding ligands, while the two NB anions act as bidentate ligands through the carboxyl-ate O atoms. The centrosymmetric dinuclear complex is generated by application of inversion symmetry, whereby the Cd II atoms are bridged by the carboxyl-ate O atoms of two symmetry-related NB anions, thus completing the distorted N 2 O 5 penta-gonal-bipyramidal coordination sphere of each Cd II atom. The benzene and pyridine rings are oriented at dihedral angles of 10.02 (7) and 5.76 (9)°, respectively. In the crystal, C-H⋯N hydrogen bonds link the mol-ecules, enclosing R 2 2 (26) ring motifs, in which they are further linked via C-H⋯O hydrogen bonds, resulting in a three-dimensional network. In addition, π-π stacking inter-actions between parallel benzene rings and between parallel pyridine rings of adjacent mol-ecules [shortest centroid-to-centroid distances = 3.885 (1) and 3.712 (1) Å, respectively], as well as a weak C-H⋯π inter-action, may further stabilize the crystal structure.

Different neuraminidase inhibitor susceptibilities of human H1N1, H1N2, and H3N2 influenza A viruses isolated in Germany from 2001 to 2005/2006.

PubMed

Bauer, Katja; Richter, Martina; Wutzler, Peter; Schmidtke, Michaela

2009-04-01

In the flu season 2005/2006 amantadine-resistant human influenza A viruses (FLUAV) of subtype H3N2 circulated in Germany. This raises questions on the neuraminidase inhibitor (NAI) susceptibility of FLUAV. To get an answer, chemiluminescence-based neuraminidase inhibition assays were performed with 51 H1N1, H1N2, and H3N2 FLUAV isolated in Germany from 2001 to 2005/2006. According to the mean IC(50) values (0.38-0.91 nM for oseltamivir and 0.76-1.13 nM for zanamivir) most H1N1 and H3N2 FLUAV were NAI-susceptible. But, about four times higher zanamivir concentrations were necessary to inhibit neuraminidase activity of H1N2 viruses. Two H1N1 isolates were less susceptible to both drugs in NA inhibition as well as virus yield reduction assays. Results from sequence analysis of viral hemagglutinin and neuraminidase genes and evolutionary analysis of N2 gene revealed (i) different subclades for N2 in H1N2 and H3N2 FLUAV that could explain the differences in zanamivir susceptibility among these viruses and (ii) specific amino acid substitutions in the neuraminidase segment of the two less NAI-susceptible H1N1 isolates. One H3N2 was isolate proved to be a mixture of a NA deletion mutant and full-length NA viruses.

Cyanidin-3-O-β-glucoside inhibits lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory response in mouse mastitis model

PubMed Central

Fu, Yunhe; Wei, Zhengkai; Zhou, Ershun; Zhang, Naisheng; Yang, Zhengtao

2014-01-01

Cyanidin-3-O-β-glucoside (C3G) (CAS number 7084-24-4), a typical anthocyanin pigment that exists in the human diet, has been reported to have anti-inflammatory properties. However, the effect of C3G on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced mastitis and the molecular mechanisms have not been investigated. In this study, we detected the protective effects of C3G on a LPS-induced mouse mastitis model and investigated the molecular mechanisms in LPS-stimulated mouse mammary epithelial cells (MMECs). Our results showed that C3G could attenuate mammary histopathologic changes and myeloperoxidase activity, and inhibit TNF-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6 production caused by LPS. Meanwhile, C3G dose-dependently inhibited TNF-α and IL-6 in LPS-stimulated MMECs. C3G suppressed LPS-induced nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) activation. Furthermore, C3G disrupted the formation of lipid rafts by depleting cholesterol. Moreover, C3G activated liver X receptor (LXR)-ABCG1-dependent cholesterol efflux. Knockdown of LXRα abrogated the anti-inflammatory effects of C3G. In conclusion, C3G has a protective effect on LPS-induced mastitis. The promising anti-inflammatory mechanisms of C3G are associated with upregulation of the LXRα-ABCG1 pathway which result in disrupting lipid rafts by depleting cholesterol, thereby suppressing toll-like receptor 4-mediated NF-κB and IRF3 signaling pathways induced by LPS. PMID:24752550

Syntheses and multi-NMR study of fac- and mer-OsO(3)F(2)(NCCH(3)) and the X-ray crystal structure (n = 2) and Raman spectrum (n = 0) of fac-OsO(3)F(2)(NCCH(3)).nCH(3)CN.

PubMed

Hughes, Michael J; Gerken, Michael; Mercier, Hélène P A; Schrobilgen, Gary J

2010-06-07

Dissolution of the infinite chain polymer, (OsO(3)F(2))(infinity), in CH(3)CN solvent at -40 degrees C followed by solvent removal under vacuum at -40 degrees C yielded fac-OsO(3)F(2)(NCCH(3)).nCH(3)CN (n >/= 2). Continued pumping at -40 degrees C with removal of uncoordinated CH(3)CN yielded fac-OsO(3)F(2)(NCCH(3)). Both fac-OsO(3)F(2)(NCCH(3)).nCH(3)CN and fac-OsO(3)F(2)(NCCH(3)) are yellow-brown solids and were characterized by low-temperature (-150 degrees C) Raman spectroscopy. The crystal structure (-173 degrees C) of fac-OsO(3)F(2)(NCCH(3)).2CH(3)CN consists of two co-crystallized CH(3)CN molecules and a pseudo-octahedral OsO(3)F(2).NCCH(3) molecule in which three oxygen atoms are in a facial arrangement and CH(3)CN is coordinated trans to an oxygen atom in an end-on fashion. The Os---N bond length (2.205(3) A) is among the shortest M---N adduct bonds observed for a d(0) transition metal oxide fluoride. The (19)F NMR spectrum of (OsO(3)F(2))(infinity) in CH(3)CN solvent (-40 degrees C) is a singlet (-99.6 ppm) corresponding to fac-OsO(3)F(2)(NCCH(3)). The (1)H, (15)N, (13)C, and (19)F NMR spectra of (15)N-enriched OsO(3)F(2)(NCCH(3)) were recorded in SO(2)ClF solvent (-84 degrees C). Nitrogen-15 enrichment resulted in splitting of the (19)F resonance of fac-OsO(3)F(2)((15)NCCH(3)) into a doublet ((2)J((15)N-(19)F), 21 Hz). In addition, a doublet of doublets ((2)J((19)F(ax)-(19)F(eq)), 134 Hz; (2)J((15)N-(19)F(eq)), 18 Hz) and a doublet ((2)J((19)F(ax)-(19)F(eq)), 134 Hz) were observed in the (19)F NMR spectrum that have been assigned to mer-OsO(3)F(2)((15)NCCH(3)); however, coupling of (15)N to the axial fluorine-on-osmium environment could not be resolved. The nitrogen atom of CH(3)CN is coordinated trans to a fluorine ligand in the mer-isomer. Quantum-chemical calculations at the SVWN and B3LYP levels of theory were used to calculate the energy-minimized gas-phase geometries, vibrational frequencies of fac- and mer-OsO(3)F(2)(NCCH(3)) and of CH(3)CN. The

Gomisin N Inhibits Melanogenesis through Regulating the PI3K/Akt and MAPK/ERK Signaling Pathways in Melanocytes

PubMed Central

Chae, Jae Kyoung; Subedi, Lalita; Jeong, Minsun; Park, Yong Un; Kim, Chul Young; Kim, Hakwon; Kim, Sun Yeou

2017-01-01

Gomisin N, one of the lignan compounds found in Schisandra chinensis has been shown to possess anti-oxidative, anti-tumorigenic, and anti-inflammatory activities in various studies. Here we report, for the first time, the anti-melenogenic efficacy of Gomisin N in mammalian cells as well as in zebrafish embryos. Gomisin N significantly reduced the melanin content without cellular toxicity. Although it was not capable of modulating the catalytic activity of mushroom tyrosinase in vitro, Gomisin N downregulated the expression levels of key proteins that function in melanogenesis. Gomisin N downregulated melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R), adenylyl cyclase 2, microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF), tyrosinase, tyrosinase-related protein-1 (TRP-1), and tyrosinase-related protein-2 (TRP-2). In addition, Gomisin N-treated Melan-A cells exhibited increased p-Akt and p-ERK levels, which implies that the activation of the PI3K/Akt and MAPK/ERK pathways may function to inhibit melanogenesis. We also validated that Gomisin N reduced melanin production by repressing the expression of MITF, tyrosinase, TRP-1, and TRP-2 in mouse and human cells as well as in developing zebrafish embryos. Collectively, we conclude that Gomisin N inhibits melanin synthesis by repressing the expression of MITF and melanogenic enzymes, probably through modulating the PI3K/Akt and MAPK/ERK pathways. PMID:28241436

3-Hydroxypyrimidine-2,4-dione-5-N-benzylcarboxamides potently inhibit HIV-1 integrase and RNase H

PubMed Central

Wu, Bulan; Tang, Jing; Wilson, Daniel J.; Huber, Andrew D.; Casey, Mary C.; Ji, Juan; Kankanala, Jayakanth; Xie, Jiashu; Sarafianos, Stefan G.; Wang, Zhengqiang

2016-01-01

Resistance selection by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) towards known drug regimens necessitates the discovery of structurally novel antivirals with a distinct resistance profile. Based on our previously reported 3-hydroxypyrimidine-2,4-dione (HPD) core we have designed and synthesized a new integrase strand transfer (INST) inhibitor type featuring a 5-N-benzylcarboxamide moiety. Significantly, the 6-alkylamino variant of this new chemotype consistently conferred low nanomolar inhibitory activity against HIV-1. Extended antiviral testing against a few raltegravir-resistant HIV-1 clones revealed a resistance profile similar to that of the second generation INST inhibitor (INSTIs) dolutegravir. Although biochemical testing and molecular modeling also strongly corroborate the inhibition of INST as the antiviral mechanism of action, selected antiviral analogues also potently inhibited reverse transcriptase (RT) associated RNase H, implying potential dual target inhibition. In vitro ADME assays demonstrated that this novel chemotype possesses largely favorable physicochemical properties suitable for further development. PMID:27283261

Diagnosing ozone recovery using the O3-N2O relationship

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Butler, A. H.; Gao, R. S.; Maycock, A.; Portmann, R. W.; Thornberry, T. D.; Rosenlof, K. H.; Fahey, D. W.

2016-12-01

The ubiquitous compact correlation between collocated values of stratospheric ozone (O3) and the tracer nitrous oxide (N2O) results from the stratospheric photochemical processes that produce ozone and destroy N2O combined with common transport and mixing processes. Changes in the correlation slope under certain circumstances reflect changes in the production and loss balance of ozone. This approach has been used extensively to diagnose and quantify ozone loss in polar spring. Using a coupled atmosphere-ocean model with interactive chemistry (CESM/WACCM), we show that this relationship can be used to diagnose ozone recovery in the lower extratropical stratosphere. We then consider in situ measurements of O3 and N2O from ATTREX, GloPac, and HIPPO as well as satellite measurements from ACE and Aura MLS to consider whether ozone recovery can be detected in observations during the period 2004-2016.

3-Bromopyruvate inhibits cell proliferation and induces apoptosis in CD133+ population in human glioma.

PubMed

Xu, Dong-Qiang; Tan, Xiao-Yu; Zhang, Bao-Wei; Wu, Tao; Liu, Ping; Sun, Shao-Jun; Cao, Yin-Guang

2016-03-01

The study was aimed to investigate the role of 3-bromopyruvate in inhibition of CD133+ U87 human glioma cell population growth. The results demonstrated that 3-bromopyruvate inhibited the viability of both CD133+ and parental cells derived from U87 human glioma cell line. However, the 3-bromopyruvate-induced inhibition in viability was more prominent in CD133+ cells at 10 μM concentration after 48 h. Treatment of CD133+ cells with 3-bromopyruvate caused reduction in cell population and cell size, membrane bubbling, and degradation of cell membranes. Hoechst 33258 staining showed condensation of chromatin material and fragmentation of DNA in treated CD133+ cells after 48 h. 3-Bromopyruvate inhibited the migration rate of CD133+ cells significantly compared to the parental cells. Flow cytometry revealed that exposure of CD133+ cells to 3-bromopyruvate increased the cell population in S phase from 24.5 to 37.9 % with increase in time from 12 to 48 h. In addition, 3-bromopyruvate significantly enhanced the expression of Bax and cleaved caspase 3 in CD133+ cells compared to the parental cells. Therefore, 3-bromopyruvate is a potent chemotherapeutic agent for the treatment of glioma by targeting stem cells selectively.

N-3 poly-unsaturated fatty acids shift estrogen signaling to inhibit human breast cancer cell growth.

PubMed

Cao, Wenqing; Ma, ZhiFan; Rasenick, Mark M; Yeh, ShuYan; Yu, JiangZhou

2012-01-01

Although evidence has shown the regulating effect of n-3 poly-unsaturated fatty acid (n-3 PUFA) on cell signaling transduction, it remains unknown whether n-3 PUFA treatment modulates estrogen signaling. The current study showed that docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, C22:6), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, C20:5) shifted the pro-survival and proliferative effect of estrogen to a pro-apoptotic effect in human breast cancer (BCa) MCF-7 and T47D cells. 17 β-estradiol (E2) enhanced the inhibitory effect of n-3 PUFAs on BCa cell growth. The IC50 of DHA or EPA in MCF-7 cells decreased when combined with E2 (10 nM) treatment (from 173 µM for DHA only to 113 µM for DHA+E2, and from 187 µm for EPA only to 130 µm for EPA+E2). E2 also augmented apoptosis in n-3 PUFA-treated BCa cells. In contrast, in cells treated with stearic acid (SA, C18:0) as well as cells not treated with fatty acid, E2 promoted breast cancer cell growth. Classical (nuclear) estrogen receptors may not be involved in the pro-apoptotic effects of E2 on the n-3 PUFA-treated BCa cells because ERα agonist failed to elicit, and ERα knockdown failed to block E2 pro-apoptotic effects. Subsequent studies reveal that G protein coupled estrogen receptor 1 (GPER1) may mediate the pro-apoptotic effect of estrogen. N-3 PUFA treatment initiated the pro-apoptotic signaling of estrogen by increasing GPER1-cAMP-PKA signaling response, and blunting EGFR, Erk 1/2, and AKT activity. These findings may not only provide the evidence to link n-3 PUFAs biologic effects and the pro-apoptotic signaling of estrogen in breast cancer cells, but also shed new insight into the potential application of n-3 PUFAs in BCa treatment.

Fatty acid synthase inhibition activates AMP-activated protein kinase in SKOV3 human ovarian cancer cells.

PubMed

Zhou, Weibo; Han, Wan Fang; Landree, Leslie E; Thupari, Jagan N; Pinn, Michael L; Bililign, Tsion; Kim, Eun Kyoung; Vadlamudi, Aravinda; Medghalchi, Susan M; El Meskini, Rajaa; Ronnett, Gabriele V; Townsend, Craig A; Kuhajda, Francis P

2007-04-01

Fatty acid synthase (FAS), the enzyme responsible for the de novo synthesis of fatty acids, is highly expressed in ovarian cancers and most common human carcinomas. Inhibition of FAS and activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) have been shown to be cytotoxic to human cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. In this report, we explore the cytotoxic mechanism of action of FAS inhibition and show that C93, a synthetic FAS inhibitor, increases the AMP/ATP ratio, activating AMPK in SKOV3 human ovarian cancer cells, which leads to cytotoxicity. As a physiologic consequence of AMPK activation, acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), the rate-limiting enzyme of fatty acid synthesis, was phosphorylated and inhibited whereas glucose oxidation was increased. Despite these attempts to conserve energy, the AMP/ATP ratio increased with worsening cellular redox status. Pretreatment of SKOV3 cells with compound C, an AMPK inhibitor, substantially rescued the cells from C93 cytotoxicity, indicating its dependence on AMPK activation. 5-(Tetradecyloxy)-2-furoic acid, an ACC inhibitor, did not activate AMPK despite inhibiting fatty acid synthesis pathway activity and was not significantly cytotoxic to SKOV3 cells. This indicates that substrate accumulation from FAS inhibition triggering AMPK activation, not end-product depletion of fatty acids, is likely responsible for AMPK activation. C93 also exhibited significant antitumor activity and apoptosis against SKOV3 xenografts in athymic mice without significant weight loss or cytotoxicity to proliferating cellular compartments such as bone marrow, gastrointestinal tract, or skin. Thus, pharmacologic FAS inhibition selectively activates AMPK in ovarian cancer cells, inducing cytotoxicity while sparing most normal human tissues from the pleiotropic effects of AMPK activation.

Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3 (GSK3) Inhibition Induces Prosurvival Autophagic Signals in Human Pancreatic Cancer Cells*

PubMed Central

Marchand, Benoît; Arsenault, Dominique; Raymond-Fleury, Alexandre; Boisvert, François-Michel; Boucher, Marie-Josée

2015-01-01

Glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK3) are ubiquitously expressed serine-threonine kinases involved in a plethora of functions ranging from the control of glycogen metabolism to transcriptional regulation. We recently demonstrated that GSK3 inhibition triggers JNK-cJUN-dependent apoptosis in human pancreatic cancer cells. However, the comprehensive picture of downstream GSK3-regulated pathways/functions remains elusive. Herein, counterbalancing the death signals, we show that GSK3 inhibition induces prosurvival signals through increased activity of the autophagy/lysosomal network. Our data also reveal a contribution of GSK3 in the regulation of the master transcriptional regulator of autophagy and lysosomal biogenesis, transcription factor EB (TFEB) in pancreatic cancer cells. Similarly to mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibition, GSK3 inhibitors promote TFEB nuclear localization and leads to TFEB dephosphorylation through endogenous serine/threonine phosphatase action. However, GSK3 and mTOR inhibition impinge differently and independently on TFEB phosphorylation suggesting that TFEB is regulated by a panel of kinases and/or phosphatases. Despite their differential impact on TFEB phosphorylation, both GSK3 and mTOR inhibitors promote 14-3-3 dissociation and TFEB nuclear localization. Quantitative mass spectrometry analyses further reveal an increased association of TFEB with nuclear proteins upon GSK3 and mTOR inhibition suggesting a positive impact on TFEB transcriptional function. Finally, a predominant nuclear localization of TFEB is unveiled in fully fed pancreatic cancer cells, whereas a reduction in TFEB expression significantly impairs their capacity for growth in an anchorage-independent manner. In addition, TFEB-restricted cells are more sensitive to apoptosis upon GSK3 inhibition. Altogether, our data uncover new functions under the control of GSK3 in pancreatic cancer cells in addition to providing key insight into TFEB regulation. PMID:25561726

Controlling n-type doping in MoO 3

DOE PAGES

Peelaers, H.; Chabinyc, M. L.; Van de Walle, C. G.

2017-02-27

Here, we study the electronic properties of native defects and intentional dopant impurities in MoO 3, a widely used transparent conductor. Using first-principles hybrid functional calculations, we show that electron polarons can be self-trapped, but they can also bind to defects; thus, they play an important role in understanding the properties of doped MoO 3. Our calculations show that oxygen vacancies can cause unintentional n-type doping in MoO 3. Mo vacancies are unlikely to form. Tc and Re impurities on the Mo site and halogens (F, Cl, and Br) on the O site all act as shallow donors but trapmore » electron polarons. Fe, Ru, and Os impurities are amphoteric and will compensate n-type MoO 3. Mn dopants are also amphoteric, and they show interesting magnetic properties. These results support the design of doping approaches that optimally exploit functionality.« less

Potent inhibition of human neutrophil activations by bractelactone, a novel chalcone from Fissistigma bracteolatum

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

Wu, Yang-Chang; Graduate Institute of Integrated Medicine, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan; Sureshbabu, Munisamy

Fissistigma bracteolatum is widely used in traditional medicine to treat inflammatory diseases. However, its active components and mechanisms of action remain unclear. In this study, (3Z)-6,7-dihydroxy-4-methoxy-3-(phenylmethylidene)-5-(3-phenylpropanoyl) -1-benzofuran-2(3H) (bractelactone), a novel chalcone from F. bracteolatum, showed potent inhibitory effects against superoxide anion (O{sub 2}{sup ·−}) production, elastase release, and CD11b expression in formyl-L-methionyl-L-leucyl-L-phenylalanine (FMLP)-induced human neutrophils. However, bractelactone showed only weak inhibition of phorbol myristate acetate-caused O{sub 2}{sup ·−} production. The peak cytosolic calcium concentration ([Ca{sup 2+}]{sub i}) was unaltered by bractelactone in FMLP-induced neutrophils, but the decay time of [Ca{sup 2+}]{sub i} was significantly shortened. In a calcium-free solution, changesmore » in [Ca{sup 2+}]{sub i} caused by the addition of extracellular Ca{sup 2+} were inhibited by bractelactone in FMLP-activated cells. In addition, bractelactone did not alter the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK, ERK, JNK, or AKT or the concentration of cAMP. These results suggest that bractelactone selectively inhibits store-operated calcium entry (SOCE). In agreement with this concept, bractelactone suppressed sustained [Ca{sup 2+}]{sub i} changes in thapsigargin-activated neutrophils. Furthermore, bractelactone did not alter FMLP-induced formation of inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate. Taken together, our results demonstrate that the anti-inflammatory effects of bractelactone, an active ingredient of F. bracteolatum, in human neutrophils are through the selective inhibition of SOCE. Highlights: ► Bractelactone isolated from Fissistigma bracteolatum. ► Bractelactone inhibited FMLP-induced human neutrophil activations. ► Bractelactone had no effect on IP3 formation. ► Bractelactone did not alter MAPKs, AKT, and cAMP pathways. ► Bractelactone inhibited store-operated calcium entry.« less

Enhanced photocatalytic activity of electrospun nanofibrous TiO2/g-C3N4 heterojunction photocatalyst under simulated solar light

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Chunlei; Hu, Liming; Chai, Bo; Yan, Juntao; Li, Jianfen

2018-02-01

Electrospun nanofibrous TiO2/g-C3N4 heterojunction photocatalysts with different TiO2 content have been synthesized via a facile electrospinning and subsequent in situ evaporation and calcination process for the first time, which are examined in terms of morphology, component content, optical properties, PL spectra, photocurrent response, EIS measurement, photocatalytic activity and mechanism. SEM images exhibit TiO2/g-C3N4-4 heterojunction photocatalyst possesses the excellent 1D structure. HRTEM and element mapping images confirm the formation of heterojunction structure. DRS tests identify that TiO2/g-C3N4-4 heterojunction exhibits the intensitive absorption in both UV and visible light region. The photoelectrochemical tests prove that the recombination between electrons and holes are effectively inhibited. Based on TG analysis and photodegradation experiments, TiO2/g-C3N4-4 heterojunction photocatalyst with TiO2 content of 29.30 wt% possesses the best photocatalytic degradation efficiency for the RhB among the g-C3N4, TiO2 and their mixture under simulated sunlight irradiation. Moreover, 1D morphology of TiO2/g-C3N4-4 heterojunction photocatalyst is in favor of separating from solution for reuse and transferring the electrons, and maintains a very high photocatalytic degradation efficiency of 96% even after four recycles experiments, which is beneficial for practical application.

Visible spectrum photofragmentation of O{sub 3}{sup −}(H{sub 2}O){sub n}, n ≤ 16

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

Lehman, Julia H.; Lineberger, W. Carl, E-mail: wcl@jila.colorado.edu

2014-10-21

Photofragmentation of ozonide solvated in water clusters, O{sub 3}{sup −}(H{sub 2}O){sub n}, n ≤ 16, has been studied as a function of photon energy as well as the degree of solvation. Using mass selection, the effect of the presence of the solvent molecule on the O{sub 3}{sup −} photodissociation process is assessed one solvent molecule at a time. The O{sub 3}{sup −} acts as a visible light chromophore within the water cluster, namely the O{sub 3}{sup −}(H{sub 2}O) total photodissociation cross-section exhibits generally the same photon energy dependence as isolated O{sub 3}{sup −} throughout the visible wavelength range studied (430–620more » nm). With the addition of a single solvent molecule, new photodissociation pathways are opened, including the production of recombined O{sub 3}{sup −}. As the degree of solvation of the parent anion increases, recombination to O{sub 3}{sup −}-based products accounts for close to 40% of photoproducts by n = 16. The remainder of the photoproducts exist as O{sup −}-based; no O{sub 2}{sup −}-based products are observed. Upper bounds on the O{sub 3}{sup −} solvation energy (530 meV) and the O{sup −}-OO bond dissociation energy in the cluster (1.06 eV) are derived.« less

Expansion of antimonato polyoxovanadates with transition metal complexes: (Co(N3C5H15)2)2[{Co(N3C5H15)2}V15Sb6O42(H2O)]·5H2O and (Ni(N3C5H15)2)2[{Ni(N3C5H15)2}V15Sb6O42(H2O)]·8H2O.

PubMed

Antonova, Elena; Näther, Christian; Kögerler, Paul; Bensch, Wolfgang

2012-02-20

Two new polyoxovanadates (Co(N(3)C(5)H(15))(2))(2)[{Co(N(3)C(5)H(15))(2)}V(15)Sb(6)O(42)(H(2)O)]·5H(2)O (1) and (Ni(N(3)C(5)H(15))(2))(2)[{Ni(N(3)C(5)H(15))(2)}V(15)Sb(6)O(42)(H(2)O)]·8H(2)O (2) (N(3)C(5)H(15) = N-(2-aminoethyl)-1,3-propanediamine) were synthesized under solvothermal conditions and structurally characterized. In both structures the [V(15)Sb(6)O(42)(H(2)O)](6-) shell displays the main structural motif, which is strongly related to the {V(18)O(42)} archetype cluster. Both compounds crystallize in the triclinic space group P1 with a = 14.3438(4), b = 16.6471(6), c = 18.9186(6) Å, α = 87.291(3)°, β = 83.340(3)°, γ = 78.890(3)°, and V = 4401.4(2) Å(3) (1) and a = 14.5697(13), b = 15.8523(16), c = 20.2411(18) Å, α = 86.702(11)°, β = 84.957(11)°, γ = 76.941(11)°, and V = 4533.0(7) Å(3) (2). In the structure of 1 the [V(15)Sb(6)O(42)(H(2)O)](6-) cluster anion is bound to a [Co(N(3)C(5)H(15))(2)](2+) complex via a terminal oxygen atom. In the Co(2+)-centered complex, one of the amine ligands coordinates in tridentate mode and the second one in bidentate mode to form a strongly distorted CoN(5)O octahedron. Similarly, in compound 2 an analogous NiN(5)O complex is joined to the [V(15)Sb(6)O(42)(H(2)O)](6-) anion via the same attachment mode. A remarkable difference between the two compounds is the orientation of the noncoordinated propylamine group leading to intermolecular Sb···O contacts in 1 and to Sb···N interactions in 2. In the solid-state lattices of 1 and 2, two additional [M(N(3)C(5)H(15))(2)](2+) complexes act as countercations and are located between the [{M(N(3)C(5)H(15))(2)}V(15)Sb(6)O(42)(H(2)O)](4-) anions. Between the anions and cations strong N-H···O hydrogen bonds are observed. In both compounds the clusters are stacked along the b axis in an ABAB fashion with cations and water molecules occupying the space between the clusters. Magnetic characterization demonstrates that the Ni(2+) and Co(2+) cations do not

The trans-[Ru(PPh3)2(N,N-dimethyl-N'-thiophenylthioureato-k2O,S)(bipy)]PF6 complex has pro-apoptotic effects on triple negative breast cancer cells and presents low toxicity in vivo.

PubMed

Becceneri, Amanda Blanque; Popolin, Cecília Patrícia; Plutin, Ana Maria; Maistro, Edson Luis; Castellano, Eduardo Ernesto; Batista, Alzir Azevedo; Cominetti, Márcia Regina

2018-05-24

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a heterogeneous subtype of breast tumors that does not exhibit the expression of estrogen and progesterone receptors, neither the amplification of the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2) gene. Despite all the advances in cancer treatments, the development of new anticancer drugs for TNBC tumors is still a challenge. There is an increasing interest in new agents to be used in cancer treatment. Ruthenium is a metal that has unique characteristics and important in vivo and in vitro results achieved for cancer treatment. Thus, in this work, with the aim to develop anticancer drugs, three new ruthenium complexes containing acylthiourea ligands have been synthesized and characterized: trans-[Ru(PPh 3 ) 2 (N,N-dibutyl-N'-benzoylthioureato-k 2 O,S)(2,2'-bipyridine (bipy))]PF 6 (1), trans-[Ru(PPh 3 ) 2 (N,N-dimethyl-N'-thiophenylthioureato-k 2 O,S)(bipy)]PF 6 (2) and trans-[Ru(PPh 3 ) 2 (N,N-dimethyl-N'-benzoylthioureato-k 2 O,S)(bipy)]PF 6 (3). Then, the cytotoxicity of these three new ruthenium complexes was investigated in TNBC MDA-MB-231 and in non-tumor MCF-10A cells. Complex (2) was the most selective complex and was chosen for further studies to verify its effects on cell morphology, adhesion, migration, invasion, induction of apoptosis and DNA damage in vitro, as well as its toxicity and capacity of causing DNA damage in vivo. Complex (2) inhibited proliferation, migration, invasion, adhesion, changed morphology and induced apoptosis, DNA damage and nuclear fragmentation of TNBC cells at lower concentrations compared to non-tumor MCF-10A cells, suggesting an effective action for this complex on tumor cells. Finally, complex (2) did not induce toxicity or caused DNA damage in vivo when low doses were administered to mice. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Effect of Si3N4 powder reactivity on the preparation of the Si2N2O-Al2O3 silicon aluminum oxynitride solid solution

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sekercioglu, I.; Wills, R. R.

1979-01-01

Dense high-purity silicon aluminum oxynitride was prepared by reactive hot-pressing of an Si3N4-Al2O3-SiO2 mixture. The formation of a single-phase material was found to be critically dependent on the Si3N4 powder in the starting mixture. It is suggested that evolution of a chlorine- and nitrogen-containing species may enhance the reactivity of Si3N4 in this reaction. Densities of O prime sialons are very similar to that of Si2N2O, the widely quoted value in the ceramics literature of 3.1 g/cu cm for the density of Si2N2O being incorrect.

{μ-2-[(3-Amino-2,2-dimethyl-prop-yl)imino-meth-yl]-6-meth-oxy-phenolato-1:2κ(5)O(1),O(6):N,N',O(1)}{2-[(3-amino-2,2-dimethyl-prop-yl)imino-meth-yl]-6-meth-oxy-phenolato-1κ(3)N,N',O(1)}-μ-azido-1:2κ(2)N:N-azido-2κN-methanol-2κO-dinickel(II).

PubMed

Ghaemi, Akbar; Rayati, Saeed; Fayyazi, Kazem; Ng, Seik Weng; Tiekink, Edward R T

2012-08-01

Two distinct coordination geometries are found in the binuclear title complex, [Ni(2)(C(13)H(19)N(2)O(2))(2)(N(3))(2)(CH(3)OH)], as one Schiff base ligand is penta-dentate, coordinating via the anti-cipated oxide O, imine N and amine N atoms (as for the second, tridentate, ligand) but the oxide O is bridging and coordination also occurs through the meth-oxy O atom. The Ni(II) atoms are linked by a μ(2)-oxide atom and one end of a μ(2)-azide ligand, forming an Ni(2)ON core. The coordination geometry for the Ni(II) atom coordinated by the tridentate ligand is completed by the meth-oxy O atom derived from the penta-dentate ligand, with the resulting N(3)O(3) donor set defining a fac octa-hedron. The second Ni(II) atom has its cis-octa-hedral N(4)O(2) coordination geometry completed by the imine N and amine N atoms of the penta-dentate Schiff base ligand, a terminally coordinated azide N and a methanol O atom. The arrangement is stabilized by an intra-molecular hydrogen bond between the methanol H and the oxide O atom. Linear supra-molecular chains along the a axis are formed in the crystal packing whereby two amine H atoms from different amine atoms hydrogen bond to the terminal N atom of the monodentate azide ligand.

Neuroprotective effects of corn silk maysin via inhibition of H2O2-induced apoptotic cell death in SK-N-MC cells.

PubMed

Choi, Doo Jin; Kim, Sun-Lim; Choi, Ji Won; Park, Yong Il

2014-07-25

Neuroprotective effects of maysin, which is a flavone glycoside that was isolated from the corn silk (CS, Zea mays L.) of a Korean hybrid corn Kwangpyeongok, against oxidative stress (H2O2)-induced apoptotic cell death of human neuroblastoma SK-N-MC cells were investigated. Maysin cytotoxicity was determined by measuring cell viability using MTT and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assays. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured using a 2,7-dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCF-DA) assay. Apoptotic cell death was monitored by annexin V-FITC/PI double staining and by a TUNEL assay. Antioxidant enzyme mRNA levels were determined by real-time PCR. The cleavage of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) was measured by western blotting. Maysin pretreatment reduced the cytotoxic effect of H2O2 on SK-N-MC cells, as shown by the increase in cell viability and by reduced LDH release. Maysin pretreatment also dose-dependently reduced the intracellular ROS level and inhibited PARP cleavage. In addition, DNA damage and H2O2-induced apoptotic cell death were significantly attenuated by maysin pretreatment. Moreover, maysin pretreatment (5-50 μg/ml) for 2h significantly and dose-dependently increased the mRNA levels of antioxidant enzymes (CAT, GPx-1, SOD-1, SOD-2 and HO-1) in H2O2 (200 μM)-insulted cells. These results suggest that CS maysin has neuroprotective effects against oxidative stress (H2O2)-induced apoptotic death of human brain SK-N-MC cells through its antioxidative action. This report is the first regarding neuroprotective health benefits of corn silk maysin by its anti-apoptotic action and by triggering the expression of intracellular antioxidant enzyme systems in SK-N-MC cells. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Human milk glycoconjugates that inhibit pathogens.

PubMed

Newburg, D S

1999-02-01

Breast-fed infants have lower incidence of diarrhea, respiratory disease, and otitis media. The protection by human milk has long been attributed to the presence of secretory IgA. However, human milk contains large numbers and amounts of complex carbohydrates, including glycoproteins, glycolipids, glycosaminoglycans, mucins, and especially oligosaccharides. The oligosaccharides comprise the third most abundant solid constituent of human milk, and contain a myriad of structures. Complex carbohydrate moieties of glycoconjugates and oligosaccharides are synthesized by the many glycosyltransferases in the mammary gland; those with homology to cell surface glycoconjugate pathogen receptors may inhibit pathogen binding, thereby protecting the nursing infant. Several examples are reviewed: A fucosyloligosaccharide inhibits the diarrheagenic effect of stable toxin of Escherichia coli. A different fucosyloligosaccharide inhibits infection by Campylobacter jejuni. Binding of Streptococcus pneumoniae and of enteropathogenic E. coli to their respective receptors is inhibited by human milk oligosaccharides. The 46-kD glycoprotein, lactadherin, inhibits rotavirus binding and infectivity. Low levels of lactadherin in human milk are associated with a higher incidence of symptomatic rotavirus in breast-fed infants. A mannosylated glycopeptide inhibits binding by enterohemorrhagic E. coli. A glycosaminoglycan inhibits binding of gp120 to CD4, the first step in HIV infection. Human milk mucin inhibits binding by S-fimbriated E. coli. The ganglioside, GM1, reduces diarrhea production by cholera toxin and labile toxin of E. coli. The neutral glycosphingolipid, Gb3, binds to Shigatoxin. Thus, many complex carbohydrates of human milk may be novel antipathogenic agents, and the milk glycoconjugates and oligosaccharides may be a major source of protection for breastfeeding infants.

Rational design of human metapneumovirus live attenuated vaccine candidates by inhibiting viral mRNA cap methyltransferase.

PubMed

Zhang, Yu; Wei, Yongwei; Zhang, Xiaodong; Cai, Hui; Niewiesk, Stefan; Li, Jianrong

2014-10-01

The paramyxoviruses human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV), human metapneumovirus (hMPV), and human parainfluenza virus type 3 (hPIV3) are responsible for the majority of pediatric respiratory diseases and inflict significant economic loss, health care costs, and emotional burdens. Despite major efforts, there are no vaccines available for these viruses. The conserved region VI (CR VI) of the large (L) polymerase proteins of paramyxoviruses catalyzes methyltransferase (MTase) activities that typically methylate viral mRNAs at positions guanine N-7 (G-N-7) and ribose 2'-O. In this study, we generated a panel of recombinant hMPVs carrying mutations in the S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) binding site in CR VI of L protein. These recombinant viruses were specifically defective in ribose 2'-O methylation but not G-N-7 methylation and were genetically stable and highly attenuated in cell culture and viral replication in the upper and lower respiratory tracts of cotton rats. Importantly, vaccination of cotton rats with these recombinant hMPVs (rhMPVs) with defective MTases triggered a high level of neutralizing antibody, and the rats were completely protected from challenge with wild-type rhMPV. Collectively, our results indicate that (i) amino acid residues in the SAM binding site in the hMPV L protein are essential for 2'-O methylation and (ii) inhibition of mRNA cap MTase can serve as a novel target to rationally design live attenuated vaccines for hMPV and perhaps other paramyxoviruses, such as hRSV and hPIV3. Human paramyxoviruses, including hRSV, hMPV, and hPIV3, cause the majority of acute upper and lower respiratory tract infections in humans, particularly in infants, children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals. Currently, there is no licensed vaccine available. A formalin-inactivated vaccine is not suitable for these viruses because it causes enhanced lung damage upon reinfection with the same virus. A live attenuated vaccine is the most promising

5-Fluorouracil-induced apoptosis in cultured oral cancer cells.

PubMed

Tong, D; Poot, M; Hu, D; Oda, D

2000-03-01

Chemotherapy is commonly used to treat advanced oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and is known to kill cancer cells through apoptosis. Our hypothesis states that 5-fluorouracil (5FU) also kills cultured oral epithelial cells through programmed cell death or apoptosis. Cultured oral cancer cells were exposed to an optimum dose of 20 mg/ml of 5FU. Cells were analyzed for changes in cell cycle distribution and induction of cell death including apoptosis. Normal control, human papilloma virus-immortalized (PP), ATCC SCC cell line (CA1) and two primary oral SCC cell lines (CA3 and -4) were studied. Inhibition of apoptosis by a pan-caspase inhibitor was used. SYTO 11 flow cytometry showed increased apoptosis in all 5FU-treated cell cultures compared to untreated controls. The results show biological variation in apoptotic response. CA1 had the lowest apoptotic rate of the cancer cell lines at 1.5%. Next lowest was CA3, followed by CA4 and PP. In addition, alteration in the G1 and S phase fractions were found. Untreated CA1 showed 28% G1, 53% S compared to 43% G1, and 40% S of treated. We investigated the pathway of apoptosis using the pan-caspase inhibitor IDN-1529 by methylthiazolyl diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) colorimetric analysis. Results showed mild inhibition of cell death when cells were incubated with 50 microM IDN-1529 for 24 h. This suggests a probable caspase-dependent apoptotic pathway. In conclusion, our data suggest that 5FU induces oral cancer cell death through apoptosis and that biological variation exists between normal and cancer cells and between different types of cancer cells themselves. Our data indicate that cultures of a useful in vitro model for chemosensitivity assays are possible. Our results also suggest a caspase-dependent pathway for chemocytotoxicity in oral SCC.

Evaluation of the efficacy and tolerability of 0.5% fluorouracil cream and 5% fluorouracil cream applied to each side of the face in patients with actinic keratosis.

PubMed

Loven, Keith; Stein, Linda; Furst, Katharine; Levy, Sharon

2002-06-01

A new 0.5% fluorouracil cream has been developed that provides an alternative to the more highly concentrated topical formulations of fluorouracil that are currently available. This was a comparison of the tolerability and efficacy of the 0.5% and 5% fluorouracil creams in the treatment of actinic keratosis (AK). During this single-blind, randomized study, patients with > or =6 AK lesions were treated for 4 weeks with the 0.5% (once daily) and 5% (twice daily) fluorouracil creams applied to opposite sides of the face. After the end of treatment, patients were followed for an additional 4 weeks. Efficacy variables included absolute and percent reductions in AK lesions from baseline and total clearance of AK lesions. A questionnaire was used to evaluate patients' treatment preferences. Tolerability was evaluated through continuous monitoring of adverse events. Treatment with 0.5% fluorouracil cream reduced the number of AK lesions from 11.3 at baseline to 2.5 at the end of the 4-week follow-up phase, compared with a reduction from 10.3 to 4.2 lesions after treatment with 5% fluorouracil cream. The reduction was significantly greater with the 0.5% cream compared with the 5% cream (P = 0.044). The 0.5% cream was as effective as the 5% cream in terms of the percent reduction in AK lesions from baseline (67% and 47%, respectively) and in achieving total clearance of AK lesions (both treatments, approximately 43% of patients). Both treatments were associated with similar degrees of investigator-rated irritation; however, patients preferred the 0.5% cream because they felt it was more tolerable (P = 0.003), easier to apply, and had a once-daily application schedule. Although all patients experienced facial irritation in association with both creams, fewer patients treated with the 0.5% cream reported symptoms of facial irritation. In this study, 0.5% fluorouracil cream once daily was at least as effective as 5% fluorouracil cream twice daily in terms of the percent

TES/Aura L2 Ozone (O3) Nadir V6 (TL2O3N)

Atmospheric Science Data Center

2018-01-18

TES/Aura L2 Ozone (O3) Nadir (TL2O3N) News:  TES News Join ... Project Title:  TES Discipline:  Tropospheric Composition Version:  V6 Level:  L2 Platform:  TES/Aura L2 Ozone Spatial Coverage:  5.3 x 8.5 km nadir ...

Decursin chemosensitizes human multiple myeloma cells through inhibition of STAT3 signaling pathway.

PubMed

Kim, Hyun Jung; Kim, Sung-Moo; Park, Kyung-Ran; Jang, Hyeung-Jin; Na, Young-Soon; Ahn, Kyoo Seok; Kim, Sung-Hoon; Ahn, Kwang Seok

2011-02-01

Recent reports have indicated that decursin can induce apoptosis, suppress tumor growth, and inhibit angiogenesis. In this experiment, we investigated how decursin could potentiate the cytotoxic effects of bortezomib in human multiple myeloma cells. We found that decursin inhibited cell viability in U266, MM.1S and ARH77 cells, but not in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Decursin-induced apoptosis through the activation of caspase-8, -9, and -3 in U266 cells. This correlated with the down-regulating of cyclin D1, bcl-2, bcl-xL, survivin, and the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which are all regulated by the activation of signal transducers and the activator of transcription 3 (STAT3). Indeed, decursin inhibited constitutive STAT3 activation through inhibition of the activation of Janus-activated kinase 2 (JAK2) in U266 cells. In addition, decursin inhibited interleukin-6-inducible STAT3 activation in a time-dependent manner in MM.1S cells. Interestingly, decursin significantly potentiated the apoptotic effects of bortezomib in U266 cells. These effects of decursin were correlated with the suppression of constitutive STAT3 activation in U266 cells. Overall, these results suggest that decursin is a novel blocker of STAT3 activation and it may be a potential candidate for overcoming chemo-resistance through suppression of this signaling. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

A[Bi(3)Ti(4)O(13)] and A[Bi(3)PbTi(5)O(16)] (A = K, Cs): New n = 4 and n = 5 Members of the Layered Perovskite Series, A[A'(n)()(-)(1)B(n)()O(3)(n)()(+1)], and Their Hydrates.

PubMed

Gopalakrishnan, J.; Sivakumar, T.; Thangadurai, V.; Subbanna, G. N.

1999-06-14

We describe the synthesis and structural characterization of new layered bismuth titanates, A[Bi(3)Ti(4)O(13)] and A[Bi(3)PbTi(5)O(16)] for A = K, Cs, corresponding to n = 4 and 5 members of the Dion-Jacobson series of layered perovskites of the general formula, A[A'(n)()(-)(1)B(n)()O(3)(n)()(+1)]. These materials have been prepared by solid state reaction of the constituents containing excess alkali, which is required to suppress the formation of competitive Aurivillius phases. Unlike the isostructural niobates and niobium titanates of the same series, the new phases reported here are spontaneously hydrated-a feature which could make them potentially useful as photocatalysts for water splitting reaction. On hydration of the potassium compounds, the c axis expands by ca. 2 Å and loses its doubling [for example, the tetragonal lattice parameters of K[Bi(3)Ti(4)O(13)] and its dihydrate are respectively a = 3.900(1) Å, c = 37.57(2) Å; a = 3.885(1) Å, c = 20.82(4) Å]; surprisingly, the cesium analogues do not show a similar change on hydration.

siRNA targeting decoy receptor 3 enhances the sensitivity of gastric carcinoma cells to 5-fluorouracil.

PubMed

Xu, Xiao-Tao; Tao, Ze-Zhang; Song, Qi-Bin; Yao, Yi; Ruan, Peng

2012-09-01

In order to investigate the effects of RNA interference of decoy receptor 3 (DcR3) on the sensitivity of gastric cancer cells to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and the relevant mechanisms, siRNA against DcR3 was transfected into the gastric cancer cell line AGS. AGS cells were treated with different doses of 5-FU or for different time periods. The sensitivity of AGS cells to 5-FU was determined. The cell survival rate was detected by MTT assay. The apoptotic rate was determined by DAPI staining, and the expression of related proteins were detected by western blot analysis. The results showed that the cell survival rate was significanlty decreased in the knockdown group compared to the control group at different doses of 5-FU (P<0.01). After different time periods of treatment with 5-FU, the cell survival rate in the knockdown group was significantly decreased compared to the control group, respectively (P<0.01). The apoptotic rate of AGS cells in the knockdown group was increased along with the increasing dose of siRNA. The siRNA against DcR3 enhanced the expression of Fas, FasL, caspase-3 and caspase-8. In conclusion, knockdown of DcR3 by RNA interference enhances apoptosis and inhibits the growth of gastric cancer cells. Downregulation of DcR3 enhances the sensitivity of gastric cancer cells to 5-FU and increased the expression of Fas, FasL and caspase-3/8.

Differential modulation of the N2 and P3 event-related potentials by response conflict and inhibition.

PubMed

Groom, Madeleine J; Cragg, Lucy

2015-07-01

Developing reliable and specific neural markers of cognitive processes is essential to improve understanding of healthy and atypical brain function. Despite extensive research there remains uncertainty as to whether two electrophysiological markers of cognitive control, the N2 and P3, are better conceptualised as markers of response inhibition or response conflict. The present study aimed to directly compare the effects of response inhibition and response conflict on the N2 and P3 event-related potentials, within-subjects. A novel hybrid go/no-go flanker task was performed by 19 healthy adults aged 18-25 years while EEG data were collected. The response congruence of a central target stimulus and 4 flanking stimuli was manipulated between trials to vary the degree of response conflict. Response inhibition was required on a proportion of trials. N2 amplitude was measured at two frontal electrode sites; P3 amplitude was measured at 4 midline electrode sites. N2 amplitude was greater on incongruent than congruent trials but was not enhanced by response inhibition when the stimulus array was congruent. P3 amplitude was greater on trials requiring response inhibition; this effect was more pronounced at frontal electrodes. P3 amplitude was also enhanced on incongruent compared with congruent trials. The findings support a role for N2 amplitude as a marker of response conflict and for the frontal shift of the P3 as a marker of response inhibition. This paradigm could be applied to clinical groups to help clarify the precise nature of impaired action control in disorders such as attention deficit/hyperactivity disorders (ADHD). Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Nitrification and N2O production processes in soil incubations after ammonium fertilizer application at high concentrations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deppe, Marianna; Well, Reinhard; Giesemann, Anette; Flessa, Heinz

2016-04-01

High concentrations of ammonium as they occur, e.g., after point-injection of ammonium fertilizer solution according to the CULTAN fertilization technique may retard nitrification. Potential advantages in comparison to conventional fertilization include a higher N efficiency of crops, reduced nitrate leaching, and lower N2O and N2 emissions. Dynamics of nitrification due to plant uptake and dilution processes, leading to decreasing ammonium concentrations in fertilizer depots, has only poorly been studied before. Furthermore, there is little information about the relative contribution of different N2O production processes under these conditions. To elucidate the process dynamics a laboratory incubation study was conducted. After fertilization with ammonium sulfate at 5 levels (from 0 to 5000 mg NH4+-N kg-1; 20mg NO3--N kg-1 each), sandy loam soil was incubated in dynamic soil microcosms for 21 days. N2O, CH4 and CO2 fluxes as well as isotope signatures of N2O and, at three dates, NO3- and NH4+ were measured. To identify N2O production processes, acetylene inhibition (0.01 vol.%), 15N tracer approaches, and isotopomer data (15N site preference and δ18O) were used. N2O emissions were highest at 450mg NH4+-N kg-1 and declined with further increasing concentrations. At 5000 mg NH4+-N kg-1 nitrification was completely inhibited. However, approximately 90% of N2O production was inhibited by acetylene application, and there was no change in the relative contribution of nitrification and denitrification to N2O production with N level. Applying the non-equilibrium technique to our 15N tracer data revealed heterogeneous distribution of denitrification in soil, with at least two distinct NO3- pools, and spatial separation of NO3- formation and consumption. In comparison with the acetylene inhibition and 15N tracer approaches the results of the isotopomer approach were reasonable and indicated substantial contribution of nitrifier-denitrification (10-40%) to total N2O

Cortisone and hydrocortisone inhibit human Kv1.3 activity in a non-genomic manner.

PubMed

Yu, Jing; Park, Mi-Hyeong; Choi, Se-Young; Jo, Su-Hyun

2015-06-01

Glucocorticoids are hormones released in response to stress that are involved in various physiological processes including immune functions. One immune-modulating mechanism is achieved by the Kv1.3 voltage-dependent potassium channel, which is expressed highly in lymphocytes including effector memory T lymphocytes (TEM). Although glucocorticoids are known to inhibit Kv1.3 function, the detailed inhibitory mechanism is not yet fully understood. Here we studied the rapid non-genomic effects of cortisone and hydrocortisone on the human Kv1.3 channel expressed in Xenopus oocytes. Both cortisone and hydrocortisone reduced the amplitude of the Kv1.3 channel current in a concentration-dependent manner. Both cortisone and hydrocortisone rapidly and irreversibly inhibited Kv1.3 currents, eliminating the possibility of genomic regulation. Inhibition rate was stable relative to the degree of depolarization. Kinetically, cortisone altered the activating gate of Kv1.3 and hydrocortisone interacted with this channel in an open state. These results suggest that cortisone and hydrocortisone inhibit Kv1.3 currents via a non-genomic mechanism, providing a mechanism for the immunosuppressive effects of glucocorticoids.

The Human Antimicrobial Protein Bactericidal/Permeability-Increasing Protein (BPI) Inhibits the Infectivity of Influenza A Virus

PubMed Central

Pinkenburg, Olaf; Meyer, Torben; Bannert, Norbert; Norley, Steven; Bolte, Kathrin; Czudai-Matwich, Volker; Herold, Susanne; Gessner, André; Schnare, Markus

2016-01-01

In addition to their well-known antibacterial activity some antimicrobial peptides and proteins (AMPs) display also antiviral effects. A 27 aa peptide from the N-terminal part of human bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein (BPI) previously shown to harbour antibacterial activity inhibits the infectivity of multiple Influenza A virus strains (H1N1, H3N2 and H5N1) the causing agent of the Influenza pneumonia. In contrast, the homologous murine BPI-peptide did not show activity against Influenza A virus. In addition human BPI-peptide inhibits the activation of immune cells mediated by Influenza A virus. By changing the human BPI-peptide to the sequence of the mouse homologous peptide the antiviral activity was completely abolished. Furthermore, the human BPI-peptide also inhibited the pathogenicity of the Vesicular Stomatitis Virus but failed to interfere with HIV and measles virus. Electron microscopy indicate that the human BPI-peptide interferes with the virus envelope and at high concentrations was able to destroy the particles completely. PMID:27273104

Human beta-defensin 3 inhibits cell wall biosynthesis in Staphylococci.

PubMed

Sass, Vera; Schneider, Tanja; Wilmes, Miriam; Körner, Christian; Tossi, Alessandro; Novikova, Natalia; Shamova, Olga; Sahl, Hans-Georg

2010-06-01

Human beta-defensin 3 (hBD3) is a highly charged (+11) cationic host defense peptide, produced by epithelial cells and neutrophils. hBD3 retains antimicrobial activity against a broad range of pathogens, including multiresistant Staphylococcus aureus, even under high-salt conditions. Whereas antimicrobial host defense peptides are assumed to act by permeabilizing cell membranes, the transcriptional response pattern of hBD3-treated staphylococcal cells resembled that of vancomycin-treated cells (V. Sass, U. Pag, A. Tossi, G. Bierbaum, and H. G. Sahl, Int. J. Med. Microbiol. 298:619-633, 2008) and suggested that inhibition of cell wall biosynthesis is a major component of the killing process. hBD3-treated cells, inspected by transmission electron microscopy, showed localized protrusions of cytoplasmic contents, and analysis of the intracellular pool of nucleotide-activated cell wall precursors demonstrated accumulation of the final soluble precursor, UDP-MurNAc-pentapeptide. Accumulation is typically induced by antibiotics that inhibit membrane-bound steps of cell wall biosynthesis and also demonstrates that hBD3 does not impair the biosynthetic capacity of cells and does not cause gross leakage of small cytoplasmic compounds. In in vitro assays of individual membrane-associated cell wall biosynthesis reactions (MraY, MurG, FemX, and penicillin-binding protein 2 [PBP2]), hBD3 inhibited those enzymes which use the bactoprenol-bound cell wall building block lipid II as a substrate; quantitative analysis suggested that hBD3 may stoichiometrically bind to lipid II. We report that binding of hBD3 to defined, lipid II-rich sites of cell wall biosynthesis may lead to perturbation of the biosynthesis machinery, resulting in localized lesions in the cell wall as demonstrated by electron microscopy. The lesions may then allow for osmotic rupture of cells when defensins are tested under low-salt conditions.

Human β-Defensin 3 Inhibits Cell Wall Biosynthesis in Staphylococci▿

PubMed Central

Sass, Vera; Schneider, Tanja; Wilmes, Miriam; Körner, Christian; Tossi, Alessandro; Novikova, Natalia; Shamova, Olga; Sahl, Hans-Georg

2010-01-01

Human β-defensin 3 (hBD3) is a highly charged (+11) cationic host defense peptide, produced by epithelial cells and neutrophils. hBD3 retains antimicrobial activity against a broad range of pathogens, including multiresistant Staphylococcus aureus, even under high-salt conditions. Whereas antimicrobial host defense peptides are assumed to act by permeabilizing cell membranes, the transcriptional response pattern of hBD3-treated staphylococcal cells resembled that of vancomycin-treated cells (V. Sass, U. Pag, A. Tossi, G. Bierbaum, and H. G. Sahl, Int. J. Med. Microbiol. 298:619-633, 2008) and suggested that inhibition of cell wall biosynthesis is a major component of the killing process. hBD3-treated cells, inspected by transmission electron microscopy, showed localized protrusions of cytoplasmic contents, and analysis of the intracellular pool of nucleotide-activated cell wall precursors demonstrated accumulation of the final soluble precursor, UDP-MurNAc-pentapeptide. Accumulation is typically induced by antibiotics that inhibit membrane-bound steps of cell wall biosynthesis and also demonstrates that hBD3 does not impair the biosynthetic capacity of cells and does not cause gross leakage of small cytoplasmic compounds. In in vitro assays of individual membrane-associated cell wall biosynthesis reactions (MraY, MurG, FemX, and penicillin-binding protein 2 [PBP2]), hBD3 inhibited those enzymes which use the bactoprenol-bound cell wall building block lipid II as a substrate; quantitative analysis suggested that hBD3 may stoichiometrically bind to lipid II. We report that binding of hBD3 to defined, lipid II-rich sites of cell wall biosynthesis may lead to perturbation of the biosynthesis machinery, resulting in localized lesions in the cell wall as demonstrated by electron microscopy. The lesions may then allow for osmotic rupture of cells when defensins are tested under low-salt conditions. PMID:20385753

Suppression of autophagy augments the radiosensitizing effects of STAT3 inhibition on human glioma cells

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

Yuan, Xiaopeng; Du, Jie; Hua, Song

Radiotherapy is an essential component of the standard therapy for newly diagnosed glioblastoma. To increase the radiosensitivity of glioma cells is a feasible solution to improve the therapeutic effects. It has been suggested that inhibition of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) can radiosensitize glioma cells, probably via the activation of mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. In this study, human malignant glioma cells, U251 and A172, were treated with an STAT3 inhibitor, WP1066, or a short hairpin RNA plasmid targeting STAT3 to suppress the activation of STAT3 signaling. The radiosensitizing effects of STAT3 inhibition were confirmed in glioma cells. Intriguingly,more » combination of ionizing radiation exposure and STAT3 inhibition triggered a pronounced increase of autophagy flux. To explore the role of autophagy, glioma cells were treated with 3-methyladenine or siRNA for autophagy-related gene 5, and it was demonstrated that inhibition of autophagy further strengthened the radiosensitizing effects of STAT3 inhibition. Accordingly, more apoptotic cells were induced by the dual inhibition of autophagy and STAT3 signaling. In conclusion, our data revealed a protective role of autophagy in the radiosensitizing effects of STAT3 inhibition, and inhibition of both autophagy and STAT3 might be a potential therapeutic strategy to increase the radiosensitivity of glioma cells. - Highlights: • Inactivation of STAT3 signaling radiosensitizes malignant glioma cells. • STAT3 inhibition triggers a significant increase of autophagy flux induced by ionizing radiation in glioma cells. • Suppression of autophagy further strengthens the radiosensitizing effects of STAT3 inhibition in glioma cells. • Dual inhibition of autophagy and STAT3 induce massive apoptotic cells upon exposure to ionizing radiation.« less

Analysis of grain boundary phase devitrification of Y2O3- and Al2O3-doped Si3N4

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hench, L. L.; Vaidyanathan, P. N.

1983-01-01

The present study has the objective to show that a Fourier Transform IR (FTIR) spectrometer in a single-beam reflection mode can be used for direct comparison of fractured vs nonfractured Si3N4 surfaces. This can be done because the FTIR method permits a digital summation of nearly 1000 scans of the fracture surface. Commercial-grade Si3N4, Y2O3, and Al2O3 were used in the study. The samples were heat treated in a vacuum induction heating furnace at either 1000 C for 10 h or 1200 C for 10 h each. Use of Fourier transform IR reflection spectroscopic analysis and X-ray diffraction shows that 10 h at 1200 C is sufficient to devitrify the amorphous grain boundary phase of Si3N4 containing 15 percent Y2O3 + 2 percent Al2O3 densification aids.

Formation mechanisms of Si3N4 and Si2N2O in silicon powder nitridation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yao, Guisheng; Li, Yong; Jiang, Peng; Jin, Xiuming; Long, Menglong; Qin, Haixia; Kumar, R. Vasant

2017-04-01

Commercial silicon powders are nitrided at constant temperatures (1453 K; 1513 K; 1633 K; 1693 K). The X-ray diffraction results show that small amounts of Si3N4 and Si2N2O are formed as the nitridation products in the samples. Fibroid and short columnar Si3N4 are detected in the samples. The formation mechanisms of Si3N4 and Si2N2O are analyzed. During the initial stage of silicon powder nitridation, Si on the outside of sample captures slight amount of O2 in N2 atmosphere, forming a thin film of SiO2 on the surface which seals the residual silicon inside. And the oxygen partial pressure between the SiO2 film and free silicon is decreasing gradually, so passive oxidation transforms to active oxidation and metastable SiO(g) is produced. When the SiO(g) partial pressure is high enough, the SiO2 film will crack, and N2 is infiltrated into the central section of the sample through cracks, generating Si2N2O and short columnar Si3N4 in situ. At the same time, metastable SiO(g) reacts with N2 and form fibroid Si3N4. In the regions where the oxygen partial pressure is high, Si3N4 is oxidized into Si2N2O.

GATA3 Inhibits Lysyl Oxidase Mediated Metastases of Human Basal Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells

PubMed Central

Chu, Isabel M.; Michalowski, Aleksandra M.; Hoenerhoff, Mark; Szauter, Kornelia M.; Luger, Dror; Sato, Misako; Flanders, Kathy; Oshima, Akira; Csiszar, Katalin; Green, Jeffrey E.

2011-01-01

Discovery of mechanisms that impede the aggressive and metastatic phenotype of human basal triple-negative type breast cancers (BTNBC) could provide novel targets for therapy for this form of breast cancer that has a relatively poor prognosis. Previous studies have demonstrated that the expression of GATA3, the master transcriptional regulator of mammary luminal differentiation, can reduce the tumorigenicity and metastatic propensity of the human BTNBC MDA-MB-231 cell line (MB231), although the mechanism for reduced metastases was not elucidated. We demonstrate through gene expression profiling that GATA3 expression in 231 cells resulted in the dramatic reduction in the expression of Lysyl oxidase (LOX), a metastasis-promoting matrix remodeling protein, in part, through methylation of the LOX promoter. Suppression of LOX expression by GATA3 was further confirmed in the BTNBC Hs578T cell line. Conversely, reduction of GATA3 expression by siRNA in luminal BT474 cells increased LOX expression. Reconstitution of LOX expression in 231-GATA3 cells restored metastatic propensity. A strong inverse association between high LOX and low GATA3 expression was confirmed in a panel of 51 human breast cancer cell lines. Similarly, human breast cancer microarray data demonstrated that high LOX/low GATA3 expression is associated with the BTNBC subtype of breast cancer and poor patient prognosis. Expression of GATA3 reprograms BTNBC to a less aggressive phenotype and inhibits a major mechanism of metastasis through inhibition of LOX. Induction of GATA3 in BTNBC cells or novel approaches that inhibit LOX expression or activity could be important strategies for treating BTNBC. PMID:21892208

Selective inhibition of KCa3.1 channels mediates adenosine regulation of the motility of human T cells.

PubMed

Chimote, Ameet A; Hajdu, Peter; Kucher, Vladimir; Boiko, Nina; Kuras, Zerrin; Szilagyi, Orsolya; Yun, Yeo-Heung; Conforti, Laura

2013-12-15

Adenosine, a purine nucleoside, is present at high concentrations in tumors, where it contributes to the failure of immune cells to eliminate cancer cells. The mechanisms responsible for the immunosuppressive properties of adenosine are not fully understood. We tested the hypothesis that adenosine's immunosuppressive functions in human T lymphocytes are in part mediated via modulation of ion channels. The activity of T lymphocytes relies on ion channels. KCa3.1 and Kv1.3 channels control cytokine release and, together with TRPM7, regulate T cell motility. Adenosine selectively inhibited KCa3.1, but not Kv1.3 and TRPM7, in activated human T cells. This effect of adenosine was mainly mediated by A2A receptors, as KCa3.1 inhibition was reversed by SCH58261 (selective A2A receptor antagonist), but not by MRS1754 (A2B receptor antagonist), and it was mimicked by the A2A receptor agonist CGS21680. Furthermore, it was mediated by the cAMP/protein kinase A isoform (PKAI) signaling pathway, as adenylyl-cyclase and PKAI inhibition prevented adenosine effect on KCa3.1. The functional implication of the effect of adenosine on KCa3.1 was determined by measuring T cell motility on ICAM-1 surfaces. Adenosine and CGS21680 inhibited T cell migration. Comparable effects were obtained by KCa3.1 blockade with TRAM-34. Furthermore, the effect of adenosine on cell migration was abolished by pre-exposure to TRAM-34. Additionally, adenosine suppresses IL-2 secretion via KCa3.1 inhibition. Our data indicate that adenosine inhibits KCa3.1 in human T cells via A2A receptor and PKAI, thereby resulting in decreased T cell motility and cytokine release. This mechanism is likely to contribute to decreased immune surveillance in solid tumors.

Structure of human IFIT1 with capped RNA reveals adaptable mRNA binding and mechanisms for sensing N1 and N2 ribose 2′-O methylations

PubMed Central

Laudenbach, Beatrice Theres; Martínez-Montero, Saúl; Cencic, Regina; Habjan, Matthias; Pichlmair, Andreas; Damha, Masad J.; Pelletier, Jerry; Nagar, Bhushan

2017-01-01

IFIT1 (IFN-induced protein with tetratricopeptide repeats-1) is an effector of the host innate immune antiviral response that prevents propagation of virus infection by selectively inhibiting translation of viral mRNA. It relies on its ability to compete with the translation initiation factor eIF4F to specifically recognize foreign capped mRNAs, while remaining inactive against host mRNAs marked by ribose 2′-O methylation at the first cap-proximal nucleotide (N1). We report here several crystal structures of RNA-bound human IFIT1, including a 1.6-Å complex with capped RNA. IFIT1 forms a water-filled, positively charged RNA-binding tunnel with a separate hydrophobic extension that unexpectedly engages the cap in multiple conformations (syn and anti) giving rise to a relatively plastic and nonspecific mode of binding, in stark contrast to eIF4E. Cap-proximal nucleotides encircled by the tunnel provide affinity to compete with eIF4F while allowing IFIT1 to select against N1 methylated mRNA. Gel-shift binding assays confirm that N1 methylation interferes with IFIT1 binding, but in an RNA-dependent manner, whereas translation assays reveal that N1 methylation alone is not sufficient to prevent mRNA recognition at high IFIT1 concentrations. Structural and functional analysis show that 2′-O methylation at N2, another abundant mRNA modification, is also detrimental for RNA binding, thus revealing a potentially synergistic role for it in self- versus nonself-mRNA discernment. Finally, structure-guided mutational analysis confirms the importance of RNA binding for IFIT1 restriction of a human coronavirus mutant lacking viral N1 methylation. Our structural and biochemical analysis sheds new light on the molecular basis for IFIT1 translational inhibition of capped viral RNA. PMID:28251928

Interface Structure, Band Alignment, and Built-In Potentials at LaFeO 3 / n - SrTiO 3 Heterojunctions

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

Comes, Ryan; Chambers, Scott

We demonstrate that LaFeO 3/n-SrTiO 3(001) heterojunctions engineered to have opposite interface polarities exhibit very similar band offsets and built-in potentials within the LaFeO 3 layer of the same sign. However, heterojunctions with the TiO20-LaO+ interface structure attract electronic charge from the n-STO substrate, whereas those with the SrO0-FeO2-1 interface structure do not. These results suggest that the latter would more effectively facilitate photogenerated electron-hole pair separation than the former, an important result for photoelectrochemical water splitting

BROMODICHLOROMETHANE INHIBITS HUMAN PLACENTAL TROPHOBLAST DIFFERENTIATION

EPA Science Inventory

BROMODICHLOROMETHANE INHIBITS HUMAN PLACENTAL
TROPHOBLAST DIFFERENTIATION
Jiangang Chen, Twanda L. Thirkill, Peter N. Lohstroh, Susan R. Bielmeier, Michael
G. Narotsky, Deborah S. Best, Randy A. Harrison, Kala Natarajan, Rex A. Pegram,
Bill L. Lasley, and Gordon C. Do...

5-Fluorouracil-resistant strain of Methanobacterium thermoautotrophicum.

PubMed

Nagle, D P; Teal, R; Eisenbraun, A

1987-09-01

Growth of Methanobacterium thermoautotrophicum Marburg is inhibited by the pyrimidine, 5-fluorouracil (FU). It was shown previously that methanogenesis is not inhibited to the same extent as growth. A spontaneously occurring FU-resistant strain (RTAE-1) was isolated from a culture of strain Marburg. The growth of both strains was inhibited by 5-fluorodeoxyuridine but not 5-fluorocytosine, and the wild type was more susceptible to inhibition by 5-azauracil and 6-azauracil than was strain RTAE-1. The cellular targets for the pyrimidine analogs are not known. When the accumulation of 14C-labeled uracil or FU by the two strains was compared, the wild type took up 15-fold more radiolabel per cell than did the FU-resistant strain. In the wild type, radiolabel from uracil was incorporated into the soluble pool, RNA, and DNA. The metabolism of uracil appeared to involve a uracil phosphoribosyltransferase activity. Strain Marburg extracts contained this enzyme, whereas FU-resistant strain RTAE-1 extracts had less than 1/10 as much activity. Although it is possible that a change in permeability to the compounds plays a role in the stable resistance of strain RTAE-1, the fact that it lacks the ability to metabolize pyrimidines to nucleotides is sufficient to account for its phenotype.

5-Fluorouracil-resistant strain of Methanobacterium thermoautotrophicum.

PubMed Central

Nagle, D P; Teal, R; Eisenbraun, A

1987-01-01

Growth of Methanobacterium thermoautotrophicum Marburg is inhibited by the pyrimidine, 5-fluorouracil (FU). It was shown previously that methanogenesis is not inhibited to the same extent as growth. A spontaneously occurring FU-resistant strain (RTAE-1) was isolated from a culture of strain Marburg. The growth of both strains was inhibited by 5-fluorodeoxyuridine but not 5-fluorocytosine, and the wild type was more susceptible to inhibition by 5-azauracil and 6-azauracil than was strain RTAE-1. The cellular targets for the pyrimidine analogs are not known. When the accumulation of 14C-labeled uracil or FU by the two strains was compared, the wild type took up 15-fold more radiolabel per cell than did the FU-resistant strain. In the wild type, radiolabel from uracil was incorporated into the soluble pool, RNA, and DNA. The metabolism of uracil appeared to involve a uracil phosphoribosyltransferase activity. Strain Marburg extracts contained this enzyme, whereas FU-resistant strain RTAE-1 extracts had less than 1/10 as much activity. Although it is possible that a change in permeability to the compounds plays a role in the stable resistance of strain RTAE-1, the fact that it lacks the ability to metabolize pyrimidines to nucleotides is sufficient to account for its phenotype. PMID:3624203

Tris(5,6-dimethyl-1H-benzimidazole-κN(3))(pyridine-2,6-dicarboxyl-ato-κ(3)O(2),N,O(6))nickel(II).

PubMed

Li, Yue-Hua; Li, Feng-Feng; Liu, Xin-Hua; Zhao, Ling-Yan

2012-06-01

The title mononuclear complex, [Ni(C(7)H(3)NO(4))(C(9)H(10)N(2))(3)], shows a central Ni(II) atom which is coordinated by two carboxyl-ate O atoms and the N atom from a pyridine-2,6-dicarboxyl-ate ligand and by three N atoms from different 5,6-dimethyl-1H--benzimidazole ligands in a distorted octa-hedral geometry. The crystal structure shows intermolecular N-H⋯O hydrogen bonds.

Controlled carrier screening in p-n NiO/GaN piezoelectric generators by an Al2O3 insertion layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Johar, Muhammad Ali; Jeong, Dae Kyung; Afifi Hassan, Mostafa; Kang, Jin-Ho; Ha, Jun-Seok; Key Lee, June; Ryu, Sang-Wan

2017-12-01

The performance of a piezoelectric generator (PG) depends significantly on the internal screening process inside the device. As piezoelectric charges appear on both ends of the piezoelectric crystal, internal screening starts to decrease the piezoelectric bias. Therefore, the piezoelectric energy generated by external stress is not fully utilized by external circuit, which is the most challenging aspect of high-efficiency PGs. In this work, the internal screening effect of a NiO/GaN p-n PG was analyzed and controlled with an Al2O3 insertion layer. Internal screening in the p-n diode PG was categorized into free-carrier screening in neutral regions and junction screening due to charge drift across the junction. It was observed that junction screening could be significantly suppressed by inserting an Al2O3 layer and that effect was dominant in a leaky diode PG. With this implementation, the piezoelectric bias of the NiO/GaN PG was improved by a factor of ~100 for high-leakage diodes and a factor of ~1.6 for low-leakage diodes. Consequently, NiO/Al2O3/GaN PGs under a stress of 5 MPa provided a piezoelectric bias of 12.1 V and a current density of 2.25 µA cm-2. The incorporation of a highly resistive Al2O3 layer between p-NiO and n-GaN layers in NiO/GaN heterojunctions provides an efficient means of improving the piezoelectric performance by controlling the internal screening of the piezoelectric field.

2-Aryl-8-aza-3-deazaadenosine Analogues of 5’-O-[N-(Salicyl)sulfamoyl]adenosine: Nucleoside Antibiotics that Block Siderophore Biosynthesis in Mycobacterium tuberculosis

PubMed Central

Krajczyk, Anna; Zeidler, Joanna; Januszczyk, Piotr; Dawadi, Surendra; Boshoff, Helena I.; Barry, Clifton E.; Ostrowski, Tomasz; Aldrich, Courtney C.

2016-01-01

A series of 5’-O-[N-(salicyl)sulfamoyl]-2-aryl-8-aza-3-deazaadenosines were designed to block mycobactin biosynthesis in Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) through inhibition of the essential adenylating enzyme MbtA. The synthesis of the 2-aryl-8-aza-3-deazaadenosine nucleosides featured sequential copper-free palladium-catalyzed Sonogashira coupling of a precursor 4-cyano-5-iodo-1,2,3-triazolonucleoside with terminal alkynes and Minakawa-Matsuda annulation reaction. These modified nucleosides were shown to inhibit MbtA with apparent Ki values ranging from 6.1 to 25 nM and to inhibit Mtb growth under iron-deficient conditions with minimum inhibitory concentrations ranging from 12.5 to >50 μM. PMID:27265685

Interface science of virtual GaN substrates on Si(111) via Sc2O3/Y2O3 buffers: Experiment and theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tarnawska, L.; Dabrowski, J.; Grzela, T.; Lehmann, M.; Niermann, T.; Paszkiewicz, R.; Storck, P.; Schroeder, T.

2013-06-01

The final film quality of GaN on foreign substrates is known to crucially depend on the initial GaN interface and nucleation characteristics. To shed light on these characteristics of recently pioneered virtual, hexagonal GaN(0001) substrates on Si(111) via step graded Sc2O3(111)/Y2O3(111) buffers, a complex GaN(0001)/Sc2O3(111) interface structure model and the initial nucleation scenario is derived from a combined experimental (reflection high energy electron diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy) and theoretical ab initio study. It is shown that the GaN/Sc2O3 interface chemistry is determined by a N-Ga-O-Sc atomic arrangement leading to N-polar GaN films. However, the atomic GaN(0001)/Sc2O3(111) interface configuration is complex and local perturbations might be at the origin of Ga-polar inversion domains in the mainly N-polar GaN films. The initial growth of GaN on Sc2O3 is characterized by an ultrathin N-Ga-O-Sc wetting layer which carries tensile strain and relaxes with increasing thickness. Further GaN deposition results in the formation of 3D islands which fully relax before island coalescence occurs. The implications of the GaN/Sc2O3 interface configuration, the 3D nucleation growth mode, and the coalescence process of misaligned islands are discussed with respect to the defect characteristics (inversion domains, cubic inclusions, threading dislocations) of the final GaN layer.

Accidental and experimentally induced 5-fluorouracil toxicity in dogs.

PubMed

Sayre, Rebecca S; Barr, James W; Bailey, E Murl

2012-10-01

To summarize the literature involving 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) toxicosis in dogs. 5-Fluorouracil's mechanism of action revolves around the metabolism of 5-FU into fluorouridine triphosphate which then interferes with RNA synthesis and function as well as the inhibition of thymidylate synthase which ultimately impairs DNA stability. Toxicity of 5-FU is the most pronounced on rapidly dividing cells. Toxicity manifests itself mainly in the neurologic, gastrointestinal, respiratory, or hematopoietic systems. History of accidental exposure to 5-FU-containing products. Therapy for 5-FU toxicosis involves typical decontamination procedures and symptomatic therapy for the subsequent toxicity. Seizure control and treatment of the severe gastrointestinal signs that follow are the primary goals in the acute setting. As the disease progresses, management of the sequelae to bone marrow suppression and pulmonary complications are essential. The prognosis for dogs with ingestion of 5-FU is dependent on the amount consumed, with severe intoxication carrying a poor prognosis. Toxic doses can be as little as 5 mg/kg, and doses ≥40 mg/kg are reported to be uniformly fatal. © Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society 2012.

C. elegans EAK-3 inhibits dauer arrest via nonautonomous regulation of nuclear DAF-16/FoxO activity

PubMed Central

Zhang, Yanmei; Xu, Jinling; Puscau, Cristina; Kim, Yongsoon; Wang, Xi; Alam, Hena; Hu, Patrick J.

2008-01-01

SUMMARY Insulin regulates development, metabolism, and lifespan via a conserved PI3K/Akt pathway that promotes cytoplasmic sequestration of FoxO transcription factors. The regulation of nuclear FoxO is poorly understood. In the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, insulin-like signaling functions in larvae to inhibit dauer arrest and acts during adulthood to regulate lifespan. In a screen for genes that modulate C. elegans insulin-like signaling, we identified eak-3, which encodes a novel protein that is specifically expressed in the two endocrine XXX cells. The dauer arrest phenotype of eak-3 mutants is fully suppressed by mutations in daf-16/FoxO, which encodes the major target of C. elegans insulin-like signaling, and daf-12, which encodes a nuclear receptor regulated by steroid hormones known as dafachronic acids. eak-3 mutation does not affect DAF-16/FoxO subcellular localization but enhances expression of the direct DAF-16/FoxO target sod-3 in a daf-16/FoxO- and daf-12-dependent manner. eak-3 mutants have normal lifespans, suggesting that EAK-3 decouples insulin-like regulation of development and longevity. We propose that EAK-3 activity in the XXX cells promotes the synthesis and/or secretion of a hormone that acts in parallel to AKT-1 to inhibit the expression of DAF-16/FoxO target genes. Similar hormonal pathways may regulate FoxO target gene expression in mammals. PMID:18241854

Study of GaN nanorods converted from β-Ga2O3

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Yuewen; Xiong, Zening; Zhang, Dongdong; Xiu, Xiangqian; Liu, Duo; Wang, Shuang; Hua, Xuemei; Xie, Zili; Tao, Tao; Liu, Bin; Chen, Peng; Zhang, Rong; Zheng, Youdou

2018-05-01

We report here high-quality β-Ga2O3 nanorods (NRs) grown on sapphire substrates by hydrothermal method. Ammoniating the β-Ga2O3 NRs results in strain-free wurtzite gallium nitride (GaN) NRs. It was shown by XRD and Raman spectroscopy that β-Ga2O3 was partially converted to GaN/β-Ga2O3 at 1000 °C and then completely converted to GaN NRs at 1050 °C, as confirmed by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). There is no band-edge emission of β-Ga2O3 in the cathodoluminescence spectrum, and only a deep-level broad emission observed at 3.68-3.73 eV. The band edge emission (3.39 eV) of GaN NRs converted from β-Ga2O3 can also be observed.

Human GIP(3-30)NH2 inhibits G protein-dependent as well as G protein-independent signaling and is selective for the GIP receptor with high-affinity binding to primate but not rodent GIP receptors.

PubMed

Gabe, Maria Buur Nordskov; Sparre-Ulrich, Alexander Hovard; Pedersen, Mie Fabricius; Gasbjerg, Lærke Smidt; Inoue, Asuka; Bräuner-Osborne, Hans; Hartmann, Bolette; Rosenkilde, Mette Marie

2018-04-01

GIP(3-30)NH 2 is a high affinity antagonist of the GIP receptor (GIPR) in humans inhibiting insulin secretion via G protein-dependent pathways. However, its ability to inhibit G protein-independent signaling is unknown. Here we determine its action on arrestin-recruitment and receptor internalization in recombinant cells. As GIP is adipogenic, we evaluate the inhibitory actions of GIP(3-30)NH 2 in human adipocytes. Finally, we determine the receptor selectivity of GIP(3-30)NH 2 among other human and animal GPCRs. cAMP accumulation and β-arrestin 1 and 2 recruitment were studied in transiently transfected HEK293 cells and real-time internalization in transiently transfected HEK293A and in HEK293A β-arrestin 1 and 2 knockout cells. Furthermore, human subcutaneous adipocytes were assessed for cAMP accumulation following ligand stimulation. Competition binding was examined in transiently transfected COS-7 cells using human 125 I-GIP(3-30)NH 2 . The selectivity of human GIP(3-30)NH 2 was examined by testing for agonistic and antagonistic properties on 62 human GPCRs. Human GIP(3-30)NH 2 inhibited GIP(1-42)-induced cAMP and β-arrestin 1 and 2 recruitment on the human GIPR and Schild plot analysis showed competitive antagonism with a pA 2 and Hill slope of 16.8 nM and 1.11 ± 0.02 in cAMP, 10.6 nM and 1.15 ± 0.05 in β-arrestin 1 recruitment, and 10.2 nM and 1.06 ± 0.05 in β-arrestin 2 recruitment. Efficient internalization of the GIPR was dependent on the presence of either β-arrestin 1 or 2. Moreover, GIP(3-30)NH 2 inhibited GIP(1-42)-induced internalization in a concentration-dependent manner and notably also inhibited GIP-mediated signaling in human subcutaneous adipocytes. Finally, the antagonist was established as GIPR selective among 62 human GPCRs being species-specific with high affinity binding to the human and non-human primate (Macaca fascicularis) GIPRs, and low affinity binding to the rat and mouse GIPRs (K d values of 2.0, 2.5, 31

P-type ZnO:N Films Prepared by Thermal Oxidation of Zn3N2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Bin; Li, Min; Wang, Jian-Zhong; Shi, Li-Qun

2013-02-01

We prepare p-type ZnO:N films by annealing Zn3N2 films in oxygen over a range of temperatures. The prepared films are characterized by various techniques, such as Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction, x-ray photoemission spectroscopy, the Hall effect and photoluminescence spectra. The results show that the Zn3N2 films start to transform to ZnO at 300°C and the N content decreases with an increase in annealing temperature. N has two local chemical states: zinc oxynitride (ZnO1-xNx) and substitutional NO in O-rich local environments (α -NO). The conduction type changes from n-type to p-type upon oxidation at 400-600°C, indicating that N is an effective acceptor in the ZnO film. The photoluminescence spectra show the UV emission and defect-related emissions of ZnO:N films. The mechanism and efficiency of p-type doping are briefly discussed.

Biochar reduces efficiency of nitrification inhibitor 3,4-dymethylpyrazole phospate (DMPP) mitigating N2O emissions.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fuertes-Mendizábal, Teresa; Huérfano, Ximena; Menéndez, Sergio; González-Murua, Carmen; Begoña González-Moro, Mª; Ippolito, James; Kamann, Claudia; Wrage-Mönnig, Nicole; Borchard, Nils; Cayuela, Maria Luz; Spokas, Kurt; Sigua, Gilbert; Novak, Jeff; Estavillo, José Mª

2017-04-01

Nitrous oxide (N2O) is the strongest greenhouse gas associated with agricultural soils. Current agricultural practices, based on the use of N fertilizers, can lead to environmental N losses, with some losses occurring as N2O emissions. Among the strategies suggested by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change to decrease N losses through agriculture is the utilization of nitrification inhibitors, such as DMPP (3,4-dimethylpyrazole phosphate). This compound inhibits nitrification, thus reducing N2O emissions. However, the efficiency of DMPP might be affected by soil amendments. One soil amendment is biochar, which typically increases soil C, can reduce N2O emissions, affect the retention of water, and alter the C and N cycle. Nevertheless, these effects are not uniformly observed across varying soil types, N fertilization schemes and biochar properties. Assuming that both DMPP and biochars with C/N > 30 ratios are presumably able to reduce soil N2O emissions, the aim of this study was to evaluate the synergic effect of a woody biochar applied in combination with DMPP on N2O emissions. For this purpose, a laboratory incubation study was conducted with a silt loam grassland soil and a biochar obtained from Pinus taeda at 500°C. The experimental design consisted of an arrangement including two biochar levels (0 and 2% (w/w)), three fertilization levels (unfertilized, fertilized and fertilized+DMPP) and two soil water content levels (40% and 80% of water filled pore space, WFPS), giving rise to 12 different individual treatments with four replications of each treatment. Soil N2O emissions were monitored over the incubation period (163 days). Results showed that DMPP reduced N2O emissions to levels comparable to the unfertilized controls. Biochar showed ability to mitigate N2O emissions only at the low soil water content (40% WFPS). However, when DMPP was applied to the biochar amended soil, a counteracting effect was observed, since the reduction in N2O emissions

The neuraminidases of MDCK grown human influenza A(H3N2) viruses isolated since 1994 can demonstrate receptor binding.

PubMed

Mohr, Peter G; Deng, Yi-Mo; McKimm-Breschkin, Jennifer L

2015-04-22

The neuraminidases (NAs) of MDCK passaged human influenza A(H3N2) strains isolated since 2005 are reported to have dual functions of cleavage of sialic acid and receptor binding. NA agglutination of red blood cells (RBCs) can be inhibited by neuraminidase inhibitors (NAIs), thus distinguishing it from haemagglutinin (HA) binding. We wanted to know if viruses prior to 2005 can demonstrate this property. Pairs of influenza A(H3N2) isolates ranging from 1993-2008 passaged in parallel only in eggs or in MDCK cells were tested for inhibition of haemagglutination by various NAIs. Only viruses isolated since 1994 and cultured in MDCK cells bound chicken RBCs solely through their NA. NAI inhibition of agglutination of turkey RBCs was seen for some, but not all of these same MDCK grown viruses. Efficacy of inhibition of enzyme activity and haemagglutination differed between NAIs. For many viruses lower concentrations of oseltamivir could inhibit agglutination compared to zanamivir, although they could both inhibit enzyme activity at comparable concentrations. An E119V mutation reduced sensitivity to oseltamivir and 4-aminoDANA for both the enzyme assay and inhibition of agglutination. Sequence analysis of the NAs and HAs of some paired viruses revealed mutations in the haemagglutinin of all egg passaged viruses. For many of the paired egg and MDCK cultured viruses we found no differences in their NA sequences by Sanger sequencing. However, deep sequencing of MDCK grown isolates revealed low levels of variant populations with mutations at either D151 or T148 in the NA, suggesting mutations at either site may be able to confer this property. The NA active site of MDCK cultured human influenza A(H3N2) viruses isolated since 1994 can express dual enzyme and receptor binding functions. Binding correlated with either D151 or T148 mutations. The catalytic and receptor binding sites do not appear to be structurally identical since relative concentrations of the NAIs to inhibit

Inhibition of protein synthesis by N-methyl-N-nitrosourea in vivo

PubMed Central

Kleihues, P.; Magee, P. N.

1973-01-01

1. The intraperitoneal injection of N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (100mg/kg) caused a partial inhibition of protein synthesis in several organs of the rat, the maximum effect occurring after 2–3h. 2. In the liver the inhibition of protein synthesis was paralleled by a marked disaggregation of polyribosomes and an increase in ribosome monomers and ribosomal subunits. No significant breakdown of polyribosomes was found in adult rat brains although N-methyl-N-nitrosourea inhibited cerebral and hepatic protein synthesis to a similar extent. In weanling rats N-methyl-N-nitrosourea caused a shift in the cerebral polyribosome profile similar to but less marked than that in rat liver. 3. Reaction of polyribosomal RNA with N-[14C]methyl-N-nitrosourea in vitro did not lead to a disaggregation of polyribosomes although the amounts of 7-methylguanine produced were up to twenty times higher than those found after administration of sublethal doses in vivo. 4. It was concluded that changes in the polyribosome profile induced by N-methyl-N-nitrosourea may reflect the mechanism of inhibition of protein synthesis rather than being a direct consequence of the methylation of polyribosomal mRNA. PMID:4774397

Response inhibition in psychopathy: the frontal N2 and P3.

PubMed

Munro, Gillian E S; Dywan, Jane; Harris, Grant T; McKee, Shari; Unsal, Ayse; Segalowitz, Sidney J

2007-05-17

Psychopathy has been associated with atypical function of the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and adjacent brain regions and with abnormalities in performance monitoring, which is thought to rely on these structures. The ACC and adjacent regions are also involved in the generation of two characteristic components of the event-related potential: the frontal N2 and P3. Both components are enhanced when a response is withheld (NoGo trial) within a series of positive-responses (Go trials) and are considered an index of response inhibition. We recorded event-related potentials while violent offenders who varied on the dimension of psychopathy and non-offender controls performed a Go/NoGo task. The offenders made more errors of commission on NoGo trials but this effect was unrelated to level of psychopathy within the group and, inconsistent with a previous report, they produced the enhanced frontal N2 and P3 effect in response to NoGo relative to Go conditions. We conclude that the neural processes involved in response inhibition are not abnormal in psychopaths when both stimuli and context are affectively neutral and suggest that a more nuanced perspective regarding impulsivity in this population be considered.

Inhibition of human UDP-glucuronosyltransferase enzymes by lapatinib, pazopanib, regorafenib and sorafenib: Implications for hyperbilirubinemia.

PubMed

Miners, John O; Chau, Nuy; Rowland, Andrew; Burns, Kushari; McKinnon, Ross A; Mackenzie, Peter I; Tucker, Geoffrey T; Knights, Kathleen M; Kichenadasse, Ganessan

2017-04-01

Kinase inhibitors (KIs) are a rapidly expanding class of drugs used primarily for the treatment of cancer. Data relating to the inhibition of UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) enzymes by KIs is sparse. However, lapatinib (LAP), pazopanib (PAZ), regorafenib (REG) and sorafenib (SOR) have been implicated in the development of hyperbilirubinemia in patients. This study aimed to characterise the role of UGT1A1 inhibition in hyperbilirubinemia and assess the broader potential of these drugs to perpetrate drug-drug interactions arising from UGT enzyme inhibition. Twelve recombinant human UGTs from subfamilies 1A and 2B were screened for inhibition by LAP, PAZ, REG and SOR. IC 50 values for the inhibition of all UGT1A enzymes, except UGT1A3 and UGT1A4, by the four KIs were <10μM. LAP, PAZ, REG and SOR inhibited UGT1A1-catalysed bilirubin glucuronidation with mean IC 50 values ranging from 34nM (REG) to 3734nM (PAZ). Subsequent kinetic experiments confirmed that REG and SOR were very potent inhibitors of human liver microsomal β-estradiol glucuronidation, an established surrogate for bilirubin glucuronidation, with mean K i values of 20 and 33nM, respectively. K i values for LAP and PAZ were approximately 1- and 2-orders of magnitude higher than those for REG and SOR. REG and SOR were equipotent inhibitors of human liver microsomal UGT1A9 (mean K i 678nM). REG and SOR are the most potent inhibitors of a human UGT enzyme identified to date. In vitro-in vivo extrapolation indicates that inhibition of UGT1A1 contributes significantly to the hyperbilirubinemia observed in patients treated with REG and SOR, but not with LAP and PAZ. Inhibition of other UGT1A1 substrates in vivo is likely. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Analysis of SAW properties in ZnO/AlxGa1-xN/c-Al2O3 structures.

PubMed

Chen, Ying; Emanetoglu, Nuri William; Saraf, Gaurav; Wu, Pan; Lu, Yicheng; Parekh, Aniruddh; Merai, Vinod; Udovich, Eric; Lu, Dong; Lee, Dong S; Armour, Eric A; Pophristic, Milan

2005-07-01

Piezoelectric thin films on high acoustic velocity nonpiezoelectric substrates, such as ZnO, AlN, or GaN deposited on diamond or sapphire substrates, are attractive for high frequency and low-loss surface acoustic wave devices. In this work, ZnO films are deposited on AlxGa1-xN/c-Al2O3 (0 < or = chi < or = 1) substrates using the radio frequency (RF) sputtering technique. In comparison with a single AlxGa1-xN layer deposited on c-Al2O3 with the same total film thickness, a ZnO/AlxGa1-xN/c-Al2O3 multilayer structure provides several advantages, including higher order wave modes with higher velocity and larger electromechanical coupling coefficient (K2). The surface acoustic wave (SAW) velocities and coupling coefficients of the ZnO/AlxGa1-xN/c-Al2O3 structure are tailored as a function of the Al mole percentage in AlxGa1-xN films, and as a function of the ZnO (h1) to AlxGa1-xN (h2) thickness ratio. It is found that a wide thickness-frequency product (hf) region in which coupling is close to its maximum value, K(2)max, can be obtained. The K(2)max of the second order wave mode (h1 = h2) is estimated to be 4.3% for ZnO/GaN/c-Al2O3, and 3.8% for ZnO/AlN/c-Al2O3. The bandwidth of second and third order wave modes, in which the coupling coefficient is within +/- 0.3% of K(2)max, is calculated to be 820 hf for ZnO/GaN/c-Al2O3, and 3620 hf for ZnO/AlN/c-Al2O3. Thus, the hf region in which the coupling coefficient is close to the maximum value broadens with increasing Al content, while K(2)max decreases slightly. When the thickness ratio of AlN to ZnO increases, the K(2)max and hf bandwidth of the second and third higher wave modes increases. The SAW test devices are fabricated and tested. The theoretical and experimental results of velocity dispersion in the ZnO/AlxGa1-xN/c-Al2O3 structures are found to be well matched.

The mononuclear nickel(II) complex bis(azido-κN)bis[2,5-bis(pyridin-2-yl)-1,3,4-thiadiazole-κ2 N2 ,N3 ]nickel(II) protects tomato from Verticillium dahliae by inhibiting fungal growth and activating plant defences.

PubMed

Zine, Hanane; Rifai, Lalla Aicha; Koussa, Tayeb; Bentiss, Fouad; Guesmi, Salaheddine; Laachir, Abdelhakim; Makroum, Kacem; Belfaiza, Malika; Faize, Mohamed

2017-01-01

The antifungal properties of the nickel(II) complex bis(azido-κN)bis[2,5-bis(pyridin-2-yl)-1,3,4-thiadiazole-κ 2 N 2 ,N 3 ]nickel(II) [NiL 2 (N 3 ) 2 ] and its parental ligand 2,5-bis(pyridin-2-yl)-1,3,4-thiadiazole were examined to evaluate their ability to protect tomato plants against Verticillium dahliae. Our main objectives were to determine their effects on the in vitro growth of the pathogen, and their aptitude for controlling verticillium wilt and activating plant defence responses in the greenhouse. NiL 2 (N 3 ) 2 exhibited in vitro an elevated inhibition of radial growth of three strains of the pathogen. According to the strain, the EC 50 values ranged from 10 to 29 µg mL -1 for NiL 2 (N 3 ) 2 . In the greenhouse, it induced an elevated protection against V. dahliae when it was applied twice as foliar sprays at 50 µg mL -1 . It reduced the leaf alteration index by 85% and vessel browning by 96%. In addition, its protective ability was associated with the accumulation of H 2 O 2 and the activation of total phenolic content, as well as potentiation of the activity of peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase. These results demonstrated that the coordination of the ligand with Ni associated with the azide as a coligand resulted in an improvement in its biological activity by both inhibiting the growth of V. dahliae and activating plant defence responses. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

Novel exon 1 protein-coding regions N-terminally extend human KCNE3 and KCNE4.

PubMed

Abbott, Geoffrey W

2016-08-01

The 5 human (h)KCNE β subunits each regulate various cation channels and are linked to inherited cardiac arrhythmias. Reported here are previously undiscovered protein-coding regions in exon 1 of hKCNE3 and hKCNE4 that extend their encoded extracellular domains by 44 and 51 residues, which yields full-length proteins of 147 and 221 residues, respectively. Full-length hKCNE3 and hKCNE4 transcript and protein are expressed in multiple human tissues; for hKCNE4, only the longer protein isoform is detectable. Two-electrode voltage-clamp electrophysiology revealed that, when coexpressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes with various potassium channels, the newly discovered segment preserved conversion of KCNQ1 by hKCNE3 to a constitutively open channel, but prevented its inhibition of Kv4.2 and KCNQ4. hKCNE4 slowing of Kv4.2 inactivation and positive-shifted steady-state inactivation were also preserved in the longer form. In contrast, full-length hKCNE4 inhibition of KCNQ1 was limited to 40% at +40 mV vs. 80% inhibition by the shorter form, and augmentation of KCNQ4 activity by hKCNE4 was entirely abolished by the additional segment. Among the genome databases analyzed, the longer KCNE3 is confined to primates; full-length KCNE4 is widespread in vertebrates but is notably absent from Mus musculus Findings highlight unexpected KCNE gene diversity, raise the possibility of dynamic regulation of KCNE partner modulation via splice variation, and suggest that the longer hKCNE3 and hKCNE4 proteins should be adopted in future mechanistic and genetic screening studies.-Abbott, G. W. Novel exon 1 protein-coding regions N-terminally extend human KCNE3 and KCNE4. © FASEB.

(LaTiO3)n/(LaVO3)n as a model system for unconventional charge transfer and polar metallicity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weng, Yakui; Zhang, Jun-Jie; Gao, Bin; Dong, Shuai

2017-04-01

At interfaces between oxide materials, lattice and electronic reconstructions always play important roles in exotic phenomena. In this study, the density functional theory and maximally localized Wannier functions are employed to investigate the (LaTiO3)n/(LaVO3)n magnetic superlattices. The electron transfer from Ti3 + to V3 + is predicted, which violates the intuitive band alignment based on the electronic structures of LaTiO3 and LaVO3. Such unconventional charge transfer quenches the magnetism of LaTiO3 layer mostly and leads to metal-insulator transition in the n =1 superlattice when the stacking orientation is altered. In addition, the compatibility among the polar structure, ferrimagnetism, and metallicity is predicted in the n =2 superlattice.

Memantine Inhibits α3β2-nAChRs-Mediated Nitrergic Neurogenic Vasodilation in Porcine Basilar Arteries

PubMed Central

Wu, Celeste Yin-Chieh; Chen, Po-Yi; Chen, Mei-Fang; Kuo, Jon-Son; Lee, Tony Jer-Fu

2012-01-01

Memantine, an NMDA receptor antagonist used for treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), is known to block the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in the central nervous system (CNS). In the present study, we examined by wire myography if memantine inhibited α3β2-nAChRs located on cerebral perivascular sympathetic nerve terminals originating in the superior cervical ganglion (SCG), thus, leading to inhibition of nicotine-induced nitrergic neurogenic dilation of isolated porcine basilar arteries. Memantine concentration-dependently blocked nicotine-induced neurogenic dilation of endothelium-denuded basilar arteries without affecting that induced by transmural nerve stimulation, sodium nitroprusside, or isoproterenol. Furthermore, memantine significantly inhibited nicotine-elicited inward currents in Xenopous oocytes expressing α3β2-, α7- or α4β2-nAChR, and nicotine-induced calcium influx in cultured rat SCG neurons. These results suggest that memantine is a non-specific antagonist for nAChR. By directly inhibiting α3β2-nAChRs located on the sympathetic nerve terminals, memantine blocks nicotine-induced neurogenic vasodilation of the porcine basilar arteries. This effect of memantine is expected to reduce the blood supply to the brain stem and possibly other brain regions, thus, decreasing its clinical efficacy in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. PMID:22792283

Perovskite-structured CaTiO3 coupled with g-C3N4 as a heterojunction photocatalyst for organic pollutant degradation

PubMed Central

Kumar, Ashish; Schuerings, Christian; Kumar, Suneel; Kumar, Ajay

2018-01-01

A novel graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4)–CaTiO3 (CTCN) organic–inorganic heterojunction photocatalyst was synthesized by a facile mixing method, resulting in the deposition of CaTiO3 (CT) nanoflakes onto the surface of g-C3N4 nanosheets. The photocatalytic activity of the as-synthesized heterojunction (along with the controls) was evaluated by studying the degradation of an aqueous solution of rhodamine B (RhB) under UV, visible and natural sunlight irradiation. The CTCN heterojunction with 1:1 ratio of g-C3N4/CT showed the highest photocatalytic activity under sunlight irradiation and was also demonstrated to be effective for the degradation of a colorless, non-photosensitizing pollutant, bisphenol A (BPA). The superior photocatalytic performance of the CTCN heterojunction could be attributed to the appropriate band positions, close interfacial contact between the constituents and extended light absorption (both UV and visible region), all of which greatly facilitate the transfer of photogenerated charges across the heterojunction and inhibit their fast recombination. In addition, the two-dimensional (2D) morphology of g-C3N4nanosheets and CT nanoflakes provides enough reaction sites due to their larger surface area and enhances the overall photocatalytic activity. Furthermore, the active species trapping experiments validate the major role played by superoxide radicals (O2 −•) in the degradation of pollutants. Based on scavenger studies and theoretically calculated band positions, a plausible mechanism for the photocatalytic degradation of pollutants has been proposed and discussed. PMID:29527441

Respiratory Syncytial Virus Inhibits Ciliagenesis in Differentiated Normal Human Bronchial Epithelial Cells: Effectiveness of N-Acetylcysteine

PubMed Central

Mata, Manuel; Sarrion, Irene; Armengot, Miguel; Carda, Carmen; Martinez, Isidoro; Melero, Jose A.; Cortijo, Julio

2012-01-01

Persistent respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections have been associated with the exacerbation of chronic inflammatory diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This virus infects the respiratory epithelium, leading to chronic inflammation, and induces the release of mucins and the loss of cilia activity, two factors that determine mucus clearance and the increase in sputum volume. These alterations involve reactive oxygen species-dependent mechanisms. The antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC) has proven useful in the management of COPD, reducing symptoms, exacerbations, and accelerated lung function decline. NAC inhibits RSV infection and mucin release in human A549 cells. The main objective of this study was to analyze the effects of NAC in modulating ciliary activity, ciliagenesis, and metaplasia in primary normal human bronchial epithelial cell (NHBEC) cultures infected with RSV. Our results indicated that RSV induced ultrastructural abnormalities in axonemal basal bodies and decreased the expression of β-tubulin as well as two genes involved in ciliagenesis, FOXJ1 and DNAI2. These alterations led to a decrease in ciliary activity. Furthermore, RSV induced metaplastic changes to the epithelium and increased the number of goblet cells and the expression of MUC5AC and GOB5. NAC restored the normal functions of the epithelium, inhibiting ICAM1 expression, subsequent RSV infection through mechanisms involving nuclear receptor factor 2, and the expression of heme oxygenase 1, which correlated with the restoration of the antioxidant capacity, the intracellular H2O2 levels and glutathione content of NHBECs. The results presented in this study support the therapeutic use of NAC for the management of chronic respiratory diseases, including COPD. PMID:23118923

Inhibition of STAT-3 Results in Radiosensitization of Human Squamous Cell Carcinoma

PubMed Central

Bonner, James A.; Trummell, Hoa Q.; Willey, Christopher D.; Plants, Brian A.; Raisch, Kevin P.

2009-01-01

Background Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription – 3 (STAT-3) is a downstream component of the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFr) signaling process that may facilitate the resistance of tumor cells to conventional cancer treatments. Studies were performed to determine if inhibition of this downstream protein may produce radiosensitization. Methods/Results A431 cells (human squamous cell carcinoma cells with EGFr overexpression) were found to be sensitized to radiation after treatment with STAT-3 small interfering RNA (siRNA). Therefore, a short hairpin RNA (shRNA) against STAT-3 was designed and cloned into a pBABE vector system modified for shRNA expression. Following transfection, clone 2.1 was selected for further study as it showed a dramatic reduction of STAT-3 protein (and mRNA) when compared to A431 parental cells or a negative control shRNA cell line (transfected with STAT-3 shRNA with 2 base pairs mutated). A431 2.1 showed doubling times of 25-31 h as compared to 18-24 h for the parental cell line. The A431 shRNA knockdown STAT-3 cells A431 were more sensitive to radiation than A431 parental or negative STAT-3 control cells. Conclusion A431 cells stably transfected with shRNA against STAT-3 resulted in enhanced radiosensitivity. Further work will be necessary to determine whether inhibition of STAT-3 phosphorylation is a necessary step for the radiosensitization that is induced by inhibition of EGFr. PMID:19616333

Cyanidin-3-o-β-Glucoside Induces Megakaryocyte Apoptosis via PI3K/Akt- and MAPKs-Mediated Inhibition of NF-κB Signalling.

PubMed

Ya, Fuli; Li, Qing; Wang, Dongliang; Xie, Shuangfeng; Song, Fenglin; Gallant, Reid C; Tian, Zezhong; Wan, Jianbo; Ling, Wenhua; Yang, Yan

2018-06-04

Apoptotic-like phase is an essential step in thrombopoiesis from megakaryocytes. Anthocyanins are natural flavonoid pigments that possess a wide range of biological activities, including protection against cardiovascular diseases and induction of tumour cell apoptosis. We investigated the effects and underlying mechanisms of cyanidin-3-o-β-glucoside (Cy-3-g, the major bioactive compound in anthocyanins) on the apoptosis of human primary megakaryocytes and Meg-01 cell line in vitro . We found that Cy-3-g dose-dependently increased the dissipation of the mitochondrial membrane potential, caspase-9 and caspase-3 activity in megakaryocytes from patients with newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukaemia but not in those from healthy volunteers. In Meg-01 cells, Cy-3-g regulated the distribution of Bak, Bax and Bcl-xL proteins in the mitochondria and cytosol, subsequently increasing cytochrome c release and stimulating caspase-9 and caspase-3 activation and phosphatidylserine exposure. However, Cy-3-g did not exert significant effects on factor-associated suicide (Fas), Fas ligand, caspase-8 or Bid expression. Cy-3-g inhibited nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) p65 activation by down-regulating inhibitor of NF-κB kinase (IKK)α and IKKβ expression, followed by the inhibition of inhibitor of NF-κB (IκB)α phosphorylation and degradation and subsequent inhibition of the translocation of the p65 sub-unit into the nucleus, and finally stimulating caspase-3 activation and phosphatidylserine exposure. The inhibitory effect of Cy-3-g on NF-κB activation was mediated by the activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (Erk1/2) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and the inhibition of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signalling. U0126 (Erk1/2 inhibitor), SB203580 (p38 MAPK inhibitor) and 740 Y-P (PI3K agonist) significantly reversed Cy-3-g-reduced phosphorylation of p65. Taken together, our data indicate that Cy-3-g induces megakaryocyte apoptosis via the

Low-Temperature Sintering of AlN Ceramics by Sm2O3-Y2O3-CaO Sintering Additives Formed via Decomposition of Nitrate Solutions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhan, Jun; Cao, Ye; Zhang, Hao; Guo, Jun; Zhang, Jianhua; Geng, Chunlei; Shi, Changdong; Cui, Song; Tang, Wenming

2017-01-01

The Sm, Y and Ca anhydrous nitrates were mixed with the AlN powder in ethanol and then decomposed into the Sm2O3-Y2O3-CaO sintering additives via calcining. Low-temperature sintering of the AlN ceramics was carried out at temperature range from 1675 to 1750 °C. Effects of the composition and adding amount of the sintering additives on the phases, microstructures and properties of the AlN ceramics were investigated. During sintering the AlN ceramics, main secondary phases of CaYAl3O7 and CaSmAl3O7 form. The relative density, bending strength and thermal conductivity of the AlN ceramics increase with the increase in the rare-earth oxides in them. The thermal conductivity of the sintered AlN ceramics is also greatly affected by the distribution of the secondary phases. As sintered at 1750 °C, the AlN ceramics by adding the sintering additives of 2 wt.% Sm2O3, 2 wt.% Y2O3 and 1 wt.% CaO formed via decomposition of their nitrates is fully dense and have the optimal bending strength and thermal conductivity of 402.1 MPa and 153.7 W/(m K), respectively.

Genetic polymorphisms in 5-Fluorouracil-related enzymes predict pathologic response after neoadjuvant chemoradiation for rectal cancer.

PubMed

Nelson, Bailey; Carter, Jane V; Eichenberger, Maurice R; Netz, Uri; Galandiuk, Susan

2016-11-01

Many patients with rectal cancer undergo preoperative neoadjuvant chemoradiation, with approximately 70% exhibiting pathologic downstaging in response to treatment. Currently, there is no accurate test to predict patients who are likely to be complete responders to therapy. 5-Fluorouracil is used regularly in the neoadjuvant treatment of rectal cancer. Genetic polymorphisms affect the activity of thymidylate synthase, an enzyme involved in 5-Fluorouracil metabolism, which may account for observed differences in response to neoadjuvant treatment between patients. Detection of genetic polymorphisms might identify patients who are likely to have a complete response to neoadjuvant therapy and perhaps allow them to avoid operation. DNA was isolated from whole blood taken from patients with newly diagnosed rectal cancer who received neoadjuvant therapy (n = 50). Response to therapy was calculated with a tumor regression score based on histology from the time of operation. Polymerase chain reaction was performed targeting the promoter region of thymidylate synthase. Polymerase chain reaction products were separated using electrophoresis to determine whether patients were homozygous for a double-tandem repeat (2R), a triple-tandem repeat (3R), or were heterozygous (2R/3R). A single nucleotide polymorphism, 3G or 3C, also may be present in the second repeat unit of the triple-tandem repeat allele. Restriction fragment length polymorphism assays were performed in patients with at least one 3R allele using HaeIII. Patients with at least 1 thymidylate synthase 3G allele were more likely to have a complete or partial pathologic response to 5-Fluorouracil neoadjuvant therapy (odds ratio 10.4; 95% confidence interval, 1.3-81.6; P = .01) than those without at least one 3G allele. Identification of rectal cancer patients with specific genetic polymorphisms in enzymes involved in 5-Fluorouracil metabolism seems to predict the likelihood of complete or partial pathologic response

Curcumin Chemosensitizes 5-Fluorouracil Resistant MMR-Deficient Human Colon Cancer Cells in High Density Cultures

PubMed Central

Shakibaei, Mehdi; Buhrmann, Constanze; Kraehe, Patricia; Shayan, Parviz; Lueders, Cora; Goel, Ajay

2014-01-01

Objective Treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a clinical challenge, as more than 15% of patients are resistant to 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU)-based chemotherapeutic regimens, and tumor recurrence rates can be as high as 50–60%. Cancer stem cells (CSC) are capable of surviving conventional chemotherapies that permits regeneration of original tumors. Therefore, we investigated the effectiveness of 5-FU and plant polyphenol (curcumin) in context of DNA mismatch repair (MMR) status and CSC activity in 3D cultures of CRC cells. Methods High density 3D cultures of CRC cell lines HCT116, HCT116+ch3 (complemented with chromosome 3) and their corresponding isogenic 5-FU-chemo-resistant derivative clones (HCT116R, HCT116+ch3R) were treated with 5-FU either without or with curcumin in time- and dose-dependent assays. Results Pre-treatment with curcumin significantly enhanced the effect of 5-FU on HCT116R and HCR116+ch3R cells, in contrast to 5-FU alone as evidenced by increased disintegration of colonospheres, enhanced apoptosis and by inhibiting their growth. Curcumin and/or 5-FU strongly affected MMR-deficient CRC cells in high density cultures, however MMR-proficient CRC cells were more sensitive. These effects of curcumin in enhancing chemosensitivity to 5-FU were further supported by its ability to effectively suppress CSC pools as evidenced by decreased number of CSC marker positive cells, highlighting the suitability of this 3D culture model for evaluating CSC marker expression in a close to vivo setting. Conclusion Our results illustrate novel and previously unrecognized effects of curcumin in enhancing chemosensitization to 5-FU-based chemotherapy on DNA MMR-deficient and their chemo-resistant counterparts by targeting the CSC sub-population. (246 words in abstract). PMID:24404205

Curcumin chemosensitizes 5-fluorouracil resistant MMR-deficient human colon cancer cells in high density cultures.

PubMed

Shakibaei, Mehdi; Buhrmann, Constanze; Kraehe, Patricia; Shayan, Parviz; Lueders, Cora; Goel, Ajay

2014-01-01

Treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a clinical challenge, as more than 15% of patients are resistant to 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU)-based chemotherapeutic regimens, and tumor recurrence rates can be as high as 50-60%. Cancer stem cells (CSC) are capable of surviving conventional chemotherapies that permits regeneration of original tumors. Therefore, we investigated the effectiveness of 5-FU and plant polyphenol (curcumin) in context of DNA mismatch repair (MMR) status and CSC activity in 3D cultures of CRC cells. High density 3D cultures of CRC cell lines HCT116, HCT116+ch3 (complemented with chromosome 3) and their corresponding isogenic 5-FU-chemo-resistant derivative clones (HCT116R, HCT116+ch3R) were treated with 5-FU either without or with curcumin in time- and dose-dependent assays. Pre-treatment with curcumin significantly enhanced the effect of 5-FU on HCT116R and HCR116+ch3R cells, in contrast to 5-FU alone as evidenced by increased disintegration of colonospheres, enhanced apoptosis and by inhibiting their growth. Curcumin and/or 5-FU strongly affected MMR-deficient CRC cells in high density cultures, however MMR-proficient CRC cells were more sensitive. These effects of curcumin in enhancing chemosensitivity to 5-FU were further supported by its ability to effectively suppress CSC pools as evidenced by decreased number of CSC marker positive cells, highlighting the suitability of this 3D culture model for evaluating CSC marker expression in a close to vivo setting. Our results illustrate novel and previously unrecognized effects of curcumin in enhancing chemosensitization to 5-FU-based chemotherapy on DNA MMR-deficient and their chemo-resistant counterparts by targeting the CSC sub-population. (246 words in abstract).

Monomethylarsonous acid (MMA+3) Inhibits IL-7 Signaling in Mouse Pre-B Cells

PubMed Central

Ezeh, Peace C.; Xu, Huan; Lauer, Fredine T.; Liu, Ke Jian; Hudson, Laurie G.; Burchiel, Scott W.

2016-01-01

Our previously published data show that As+3 in vivo and in vitro, at very low concentrations, inhibits lymphoid, but not myeloid stem cell development in mouse bone marrow. We also showed that the As+3 metabolite, monomethylarsonous acid (MMA+3), was responsible for the observed pre-B cell toxicity caused by As+3. Interleukin-7 (IL-7) is the primary growth factor responsible for pre-lymphoid development in mouse and human bone marrow, and Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 5 (STAT5) is a transcriptional factor in the IL-7 signaling pathway. We found that MMA+3 inhibited STAT5 phosphorylation at a concentration as low as 50 nM in mouse bone marrow pre-B cells. Inhibition of STAT5 phosphorylation by As+3 occurred only at a concentration of 500 nM. In the IL-7 dependent mouse pre-B 2E8 cell line, we also found selective inhibition of STAT5 phosphorylation by MMA+3, and this inhibition was dependent on effects on JAK3 phosphorylation. IL-7 receptor expression on 2E8 cell surface was also suppressed by 50 nM MMA+3 at 18 h. As further evidence for the inhibition of STAT5, we found that the induction of several genes required in B cell development, cyclin D1, E2A, EBF1, and PAX5, were selectively inhibited by MMA+3. Since 2E8 cells lack the enzymes responsible for the conversion of As+3 to MMA+3 in vitro, the results of these studies suggest that As+3 induced inhibition of pre-B cell formation in vivo is likely dependent on the formation of MMA+3 which in turn inhibits IL-7 signaling at several steps in mouse pre-B cells. PMID:26518055

N-/O-glycosylation analysis of human FVIIa produced in the milk of transgenic rabbits

PubMed Central

Chevreux, Guillaume; Faid, Valegh; Scohyers, Jean-Marc; Bihoreau, Nicolas

2013-01-01

Human coagulation factor VIIa is a glycoprotein that promotes haemostasis through activation of the coagulation cascade extrinsic pathway. Most haemophilia A/B patients with inhibitors are treated by injection of plasma-derived or recombinant FVIIa. The use of recombinant products raises questions about the ability of the host cell to produce efficiently post-translationally modified proteins. Glycosylation is especially critical considering that it can modulate protein safety and efficacy. The present paper reports the N-/O-glycosylation pattern of a new recombinant human factor VIIa expressed in the mammary glands of transgenic rabbits. Glycosylation was investigated by chromatography and advanced mass spectrometry techniques for glycan identification and quantitation. Mass spectrometry (MS)/MS analyses were performed to confirm the glycan structures as well as the position and branching of specific monosaccharides or substituents. The two N-glycosylation sites were found to be fully occupied mostly by mono- and bi-sialylated biantennary complex-type structures, the major form being A2G2S1. Some oligomannose/hybrid structures were retrieved in lower abundance, the major ones being GlcNAcα1,O-phosphorylated at the C6-position of a Man residue (Man-6-(GlcNAcα1,O-)phosphate motif) as commonly observed on lysosomal proteins. No immunogenic glycotopes such as Galili (Galα1,3Gal) and HD antigens (N-glycolylneuraminic acid (NeuGc)) were detected. Concerning O-glycosylation, the product exhibited O-fucose and O-glucose-(xylose)0, 1, 2 motifs as expected. The N-glycosylation consistency was also investigated by varying production parameters such as the period of lactation, the number of consecutive lactations and rabbit generations. Results show that the transgenesis technology is suitable for the long-term production of rhFVIIa with a reproducible glycosylation pattern. PMID:24092837

Identification of Interferon-Stimulated Gene Proteins That Inhibit Human Parainfluenza Virus Type 3

PubMed Central

Rabbani, M. A. G.; Ribaudo, Michael; Guo, Ju-Tao

2016-01-01

ABSTRACT A major arm of cellular innate immunity is type I interferon (IFN), represented by IFN-α and IFN-β. Type I IFN transcriptionally induces a large number of cellular genes, collectively known as IFN-stimulated gene (ISG) proteins, which act as antivirals. The IFIT (interferon-induced proteins with tetratricopeptide repeats) family proteins constitute a major subclass of ISG proteins and are characterized by multiple tetratricopeptide repeats (TPRs). In this study, we have interrogated IFIT proteins for the ability to inhibit the growth of human parainfluenza virus type 3 (PIV3), a nonsegmented negative-strand RNA virus of the Paramyxoviridae family and a major cause of respiratory disease in children. We found that IFIT1 significantly inhibited PIV3, whereas IFIT2, IFIT3, and IFIT5 were less effective or not at all. In further screening a set of ISG proteins we discovered that several other such proteins also inhibited PIV3, including IFITM1, IDO (indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase), PKR (protein kinase, RNA activated), and viperin (virus inhibitory protein, endoplasmic reticulum associated, interferon inducible)/Cig5. The antiviral effect of IDO, the enzyme that catalyzes the first step of tryptophan degradation, could be counteracted by tryptophan. These results advance our knowledge of diverse ISG proteins functioning as antivirals and may provide novel approaches against PIV3. IMPORTANCE The innate immunity of the host, typified by interferon (IFN), is a major antiviral defense. IFN inhibits virus growth by inducing a large number of IFN-stimulated gene (ISG) proteins, several of which have been shown to have specific antiviral functions. Parainfluenza virus type 3 (PIV3) is major pathogen of children, and no reliable vaccine or specific antiviral against it currently exists. In this article, we report several ISG proteins that strongly inhibit PIV3 growth, the use of which may allow a better antiviral regimen targeting PIV3. PMID:27707917

Direct stimulation of human fibroblasts by nCeO2 in vitro is attenuated with an amorphous silica coating.

PubMed

Davidson, Donna C; Derk, Raymond; He, Xiaoqing; Stueckle, Todd A; Cohen, Joel; Pirela, Sandra V; Demokritou, Philip; Rojanasakul, Yon; Wang, Liying

2016-05-04

Nano-scaled cerium oxide (nCeO2) is used in a variety of applications, including use as a fuel additive, catalyst, and polishing agent, yet potential adverse health effects associated with nCeO2 exposure remain incompletely understood. Given the increasing utility and demand for engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) such as nCeO2, "safety-by-design" approaches are currently being sought, meaning that the physicochemical properties (e.g., size and surface chemistry) of the ENMs are altered in an effort to maximize functionality while minimizing potential toxicity. In vivo studies have shown in a rat model that inhaled nCeO2 deposited deep in the lung and induced fibrosis. However, little is known about how the physicochemical properties of nCeO2, or the coating of the particles with a material such as amorphous silica (aSiO2), may affect the bio-activity of these particles. Thus, we hypothesized that the physicochemical properties of nCeO2 may explain its potential to induce fibrogenesis, and that a nano-thin aSiO2 coating on nCeO2 may counteract that effect. Primary normal human lung fibroblasts were treated at occupationally relevant doses with nCeO2 that was either left uncoated or was coated with aSiO2 (amsCeO2). Subsequently, fibroblasts were analyzed for known hallmarks of fibrogenesis, including cell proliferation and collagen production, as well as the formation of fibroblastic nodules. The results of this study are consistent with this hypothesis, as we found that nCeO2 directly induced significant production of collagen I and increased cell proliferation in vitro, while amsCeO2 did not. Furthermore, treatment of fibroblasts with nCeO2, but not amsCeO2, significantly induced the formation of fibroblastic nodules, a clear indicator of fibrogenicity. Such in vitro data is consistent with recent in vivo observations using the same nCeO2 nanoparticles and relevant doses. This effect appeared to be mediated through TGFβ signaling since chemical inhibition of the TGF�

Human recombinant alkaline phosphatase inhibits ex vivo platelet activation in humans.

PubMed

Tunjungputri, Rahajeng N; Peters, Esther; van der Ven, André; de Groot, Philip G; de Mast, Quirijn; Pickkers, Peter

2016-11-30

Sepsis-associated acute kidney injury (AKI) is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Excessive platelet activation contributes to AKI through the formation of microthrombi and amplification of systemic inflammation. Two phase II trials demonstrated that bovine-intestinal alkaline phosphatase (AP) improved renal function in critically ill patients with sepsis-associated AKI. In this study, we characterised the platelet-inhibiting effects of a human recombinant AP. Whole blood and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) of healthy volunteers (n=6) was pre-treated ex vivo with recAP, whereafter platelet reactivity to ADP, collagen-related peptide (CRP-XL) and Pam3CSK4 was determined by flow cytometry. RecAP (40 U/ml) reduced the platelet reactivity to ADP (inhibition with a median of 47 %, interquartile range 43-49 %; p<0.001) and tended to reduce platelet reactivity to CRP-XL (9 %, 2-25 %; p=0.08) in whole blood. The platelet-inhibiting effects of recAP were more pronounced in PRP both for ADP- (64 %, 54-68 %; p=0.002) and CRP-XL-stimulated samples (60 %, 46-71 %; p=0.002). RecAP rapidly converted ADP into adenosine, whereas antagonism of the A2A adenosine receptor partially reversed the platelet inhibitory effects of recAP. Platelets of septic shock patients (n=5) showed a 31% (22-34%; p=0.03) more pronounced reactivity compared to healthy volunteers, and this was completely reversed by recAP treatment. In conclusion, we demonstrate that recAP inhibits ex vivo human platelet activation through dephosphorylation of ADP and formation of adenosine as its turnover product. RecAP is able to reverse the platelet hyperreactivity present in septic shock patients. These effects may contribute to the beneficial effects of recAP as a new therapeutic candidate for sepsis-associated AKI.

Enhancement by O6-benzyl-N2-acetylguanosine of N'-[2-chloroethyl]-N-[2-(methylsulphonyl)ethyl]-N'-nitrosourea therapeutic index on nude mice bearing resistant human melanoma.

PubMed Central

Debiton, E.; Cussac-Buchdhal, C.; Mounetou, E.; Rapp, M.; Dupuy, J. M.; Maurizis, J. C.; Veyre, A.; Madelmont, J. C.

1997-01-01

The exposure of cells to O6-benzyl-N2-acetylguanosine (BNAG) and several guanine derivatives is known to reduce the activity of O6-alkylguanine-DNA alkyltransferase (MGMT) and to enhance the sensitivity of Mer+ (methyl enzyme repair positive) tumour cells to chloroethylnitrosoureas (CENUs) in vitro and in vivo. High water solubility and the pharmacokinetic properties of BNAG make it a candidate for simultaneous administration with CENUs by the i.v. route in human clinical use. In vivo we have shown previously that BNAG significantly increases the efficiency of N'-[2-chloroethyl]-N-[2-(methylsulphonyl)ethyl]-N'-nitrosourea (cystemustine) against M4Beu melanoma cells (Mer+) through its cytostatic activity by the i.p. route, but also increases its toxicity. To investigate the toxicity of BNAG and cystemustine when administered simultaneously in mice, we compared the maximum tolerated dose and LD50 doses of cystemustine alone or in combination with 40 mg kg(-1) BNAG by the i.p. route. The toxicity of cystemustine was enhanced by a factor of almost 1.44 when combined with BNAG. To compare the therapeutic index of cystemustine alone and the cystemustine/BNAG combination, pharmacological tests were carried out in nude mice bearing Mer+ M4Beu human melanoma cells. Isotoxic doses were calculated using the 1.44 ratio. The treatments were administered three times by the i.v. route on days 1, 5 and 9 after s.c. inoculation of tumour cells. Although the toxicities of the treatments were equal, BNAG strongly enhanced tumour growth inhibition. These results demonstrate the increase of the therapeutic index of cystemustine by BNAG and justify the use of BNAG to enhance nitrosourea efficiency in vivo by i.v. co-injection. PMID:9365163

Sulforaphane prevents human platelet aggregation through inhibiting the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt pathway.

PubMed

Chuang, Wen-Ying; Kung, Po-Hsiung; Kuo, Chih-Yun; Wu, Chin-Chung

2013-06-01

Sulforaphane, a dietary isothiocyanate found in cruciferous vegetables, has been shown to exert beneficial effects in animal models of cardiovascular diseases. However, its effect on platelet aggregation, which is a critical factor in arterial thrombosis, is still unclear. In the present study, we show that sulforaphane inhibited human platelet aggregation caused by different receptor agonists, including collagen, U46619 (a thromboxane A2 mimic), protease-activated receptor 1 agonist peptide (PAR1-AP), and an ADP P2Y12 receptor agonist. Moreover, sulforaphane significantly reduced thrombus formation on a collagen-coated surface under whole blood flow conditions. In exploring the underlying mechanism, we found that sulforaphane specifically prevented phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signalling, without markedly affecting other signlaling pathways involved in platelet aggregation, such as protein kinase C activation, calcium mobilisation, and protein tyrosine phosphorylation. Although sulforaphane did not directly inhibit the catalytic activity of PI3K, it caused ubiquitination of the regulatory p85 subunit of PI3K, and prevented PI3K translocation to membranes. In addition, sulforaphane caused ubiquitination and degradation of phosphoinositide-dependent kinase 1 (PDK1), which is required for Akt activation. Therefore, sulforaphane is able to inhibit the PI3K/Akt pathway at two distinct sites. In conclusion, we have demonstrated that sulforaphane prevented platelet aggregation and reduced thrombus formation in flow conditions; our data also support that the inhibition of the PI3K/Akt pathway by sulforaphane contributes it antiplatelet effects.

A large blood pressure-raising effect of nitric oxide synthase inhibition in humans

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sander, M.; Chavoshan, B.; Victor, R. G.; Blomqvist, C. G. (Principal Investigator)

1999-01-01

In experimental animals, systemic administration of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitors causes large increases in blood pressure that are in part sympathetically mediated. The aim of this study was to determine the extent to which these conclusions can be extrapolated to humans. In healthy normotensive humans, we measured blood pressure in response to two NOS inhibitors, NG-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA) and NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), the latter of which recently became available for use in humans. The major new findings are 3-fold. First, L-NAME produced robust increases in blood pressure that were more than 2 times larger than those previously reported in humans with L-NMMA and approximated those seen in experimental animals. L-NAME (4 mg/kg) raised mean arterial pressure by 24+/-2 mm Hg (n=27, P<0.001), whereas in subjects who received both inhibitors, a 12-fold higher dose of L-NMMA (50 mg/kg) raised mean arterial pressure by 15+/-2 mm Hg (n=4, P<0.05 vs L-NAME). Second, the L-NAME-induced increases in blood pressure were caused specifically by NOS inhibition because they were reversed by L-arginine (200 mg/kg, n=12) but not D-arginine (200 mg/kg, n=6) and because NG-nitro-D-arginine methyl ester (4 mg/kg, n=5) had no effect on blood pressure. Third, in humans, there is an important sympathetic component to the blood pressure-raising effect of NOS inhibition. alpha-Adrenergic blockade with phentolamine (0.2 mg/kg, n=9) attenuated the L-NAME-induced increase in blood pressure by 40% (P<0.05). From these data, we conclude that pharmacological inhibition of NOS causes large increases in blood pressure that are in part sympathetically mediated in humans as well as experimental animals.

Outcomes of Chemoradiotherapy With 5-Fluorouracil and Mitomycin C for Anal Cancer in Immunocompetent Versus Immunodeficient Patients

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

Seo, Yuji; Kinsella, Michael T.; Reynolds, Harry L.

2009-09-01

Purpose: Information is limited as to how we should treat invasive anal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in patients with chronic immunosuppression, since the majority of clinical studies to date have excluded such patients. The objective of this study is to compare treatment outcomes in immunocompetent (IC) versus immunodeficient (ID) patients with invasive anal SCC treated similarly with combined modality therapy. Methods and Materials: Between January 1999 and March 2007, a total of 36 consecutive IC and ID patients received concurrent chemoradiotherapy using three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy with infusional 5-fluorouracil and mitomycin C. The IC and ID groups consisted of 19 andmore » 17 patients, respectively, with 14 human immunodeficiency virus-positive (HIV+) and 3 post-solid organ transplant ID patients. There were no significant differences in tumor size, T stage, N stage, chemotherapy doses, or radiation doses between the two groups. Results: With a median follow-up of 3.1 years, no differences were found in overall survival, disease-specific survival, and colostomy-free survival. Three-year overall survival was 83.6% (95% CI = 68.2-100) and 91.7% (95% CI = 77.3-100) in the IC and ID groups, respectively. In addition, there were no differences in acute and late toxicity profiles between the two groups. In the human immunodeficiency virus-positive patients, Cox modeling showed no difference in overall survival by pretreatment CD4 counts (hazard ratio = 0.994, 95% CI = 0.98-1.01). No correlation was found between CD4 counts and the degree of acute toxicities. Conclusion: Our data suggest that standard combined modality therapy with three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy and 5-fluorouracil plus mitomycin C is as safe and effective for ID patients as for IC patients.« less

Noncalcemic 20-hydroxyvitamin D3 inhibits human melanoma growth in in vitro and in vivo models

PubMed Central

Kim, Tae-Kang; Yang, Chuan He; Pfeffer, Lawrence M.; Tuckey, Robert C.; Slominski, Andrzej T.

2017-01-01

A novel pathway of vitamin D3 (D3) metabolism, initiated by C20-hydroxylation of D3 by CYP11A1, has been confirmed to operate in vivo. Its major product, 20(OH)D3, exhibits antiproliferative activity in vitro comparable to that of 1,25(OH)2D3, but is noncalcemic in mice and rats. To further characterize the antimelanoma activity of 20(OH)D3, we tested its effect on colony formation of human melanoma cells in monolayer culture and anchorage-independent growth in soft agar. The migratory capabilities of the cells and cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix interactions were also evaluated using transwell cell migration and spheroid toxicity assays. To assess the antimelanoma activity of 20(OH)D3 in vivo, age-matched immunocompromised mice were subcutaneously implanted with luciferase-labelled SKMel-188 cells and were randomly assigned to be treated with either 20(OH)D3 or vehicle (n=10 per group). Tumor size was measured with caliper and live bioimaging methods, and overall health condition expressed as a total body score scale. The following results were observed: (i) 20(OH)D3 inhibited colony formation both in monolayer and soft agar conditions, (ii) 20(OH)D3 inhibited melanoma cells in both transwell migration and spheroid toxicity assays, and (iii) 20(OH)D3 inhibited melanoma tumor growth in immunocompromised mice without visible signs of toxicity. However, although the survival rate was 90% in both groups, the total body score was higher in the treatment group compared to control group (2.8 vs. 2.55). In conclusion, 20(OH)D3, an endogenously produced secosteroid, is an excellent candidate for further preclinical testing as an antimelanoma agent. PMID:28039464

Heterojunction p-Cu2O/n-Ga2O3 diode with high breakdown voltage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Watahiki, Tatsuro; Yuda, Yohei; Furukawa, Akihiko; Yamamuka, Mikio; Takiguchi, Yuki; Miyajima, Shinsuke

2017-11-01

Heterojunction p-Cu2O/n-β-Ga2O3 diodes were fabricated on an epitaxially grown β-Ga2O3(001) layer. The reverse breakdown voltage of these p-n diodes reached 1.49 kV with a specific on-resistance of 8.2 mΩ cm2. The leakage current of the p-n diodes was lower than that of the Schottky barrier diode due to the higher barrier height against the electron. The ideality factor of the p-n diode was 1.31. It indicated that some portion of the recombination current at the interface contributed to the forward current, but the diffusion current was the dominant. The forward current more than 100 A/cm2 indicated the lower conduction band offset at the hetero-interface between Cu2O and Ga2O3 layers than that predicted from the bulk properties, resulting in such a high forward current without limitation. These results open the possibility of advanced device structures for wide bandgap Ga2O3 to achieve higher breakdown voltage and lower on-resistance.

[Synthesis, characterization and antitumor activity of 5-fluorouracil-nicotinamide cocrystal].

PubMed

Min, W U; Xingang, Liu; Yu, Xue; Qi, Chen; Xiurong, H U; Jun, Zhou; Guping, Tang

2017-03-25

Objective: To synthesize 5-fluorouracil-nicotinamide (5-FU-NCT) cocrystal and to investigate its physicochemical and biological properties. Methods: The cocrystal of 5-Fu-NCT was prepared through the cooling technology. PXRD, NMR, FTIR and DSC were used to characterize the structure of 5-FU-NCT cocrystal. Solubility was measured by HPLC method. Drug resistant human liver cancer BEL-7402/5-FU cells were treated with 5-FU-NCT cocrystal, the inhibition effect was tested by MTT and HE staining, and cancer cell migration was determined by scratch test. Results: According to PXRD, NMR, FTIR and DSC results, the cocrystal of 5-Fu-NCT had been synthesized successfully. The characteristic diffraction peaks (2θ/°) of the cocrystal were 16.4, 20.4, 22.3, 27.9 and 30.1. The solubility of 5-FU-NCT was 13.5 g/L as measured by HPLC. The antitumor activity tests showed that 5-FU-NCT cocrystal enhanced anticancer effect of 5-FU, and the IC50 of 5-FU and 5-FU-NCT was 129.6 μg/mL and 42.6 μg/mL, respectively. Conclusion: 5-Fu-NCT cocrystal have been synthesized successfully through the cooling technology and it shows an enhanced anticancer effect in comparison to 5-FU on BEL-7402/5-FU cells.

Three Co(II) complexes with a sexidentate N2O4-donor bis-Schiff base ligand: Synthesis, crystal structures, DFT studies, urease inhibition and molecular docking studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Hu; Zhang, Xia; Zhao, Yu; Zhang, Dongmei; Jin, Fan; Fan, Yuhua

2017-11-01

Three new N2O4-donor bis-Schiff base Co(II) complexes, Co(C36H34N2O8)·2CH3OH (1), Co(C28H34N2O8S2)·H2O (2) and Co(C40H36N4O8)·3CH3OH (3) with distorted octahedral six-coordinate Co(II) centers were synthesized and determined by single crystal X-ray analysis. The X-ray crystallography shows that the metal atoms of three complexes are all six-coordinate with two nitrogen atoms from Cdbnd N groups, two oxygen atoms from ether groups and two carboxylic oxygen atoms in the mono-ligand, forming a distorted octahedral geometry. Theoretical studies of the three complexes were carried out by density functional theory (DFT) Becke's three-parameter hybrid (B3LYP) method employing the 6-31G basis set. The DFT studies indicate that the calculation is in accordance with the experimental results. Moreover, inhibition of jack bean urease by Co(II) complexes 1-3 have also been investigated. At the same time, a docking analysis using a DOCK program was conducted to determine the probable binding mode by inserting the complexes into the active site of jack bean urease. The experimental values and docking simulation exhibited that the complex 3 showed strong inhibitory activity (IC50 = 16.43 ± 2.35 μM) and the structure-activity relationships were further discussed.

[μ-10,21-Dimethyl-3,6,14,17-tetra-za-tricyclo-[17.3.1.1]tetra-cosa-1(23),2,6,8,10,12 (24),13,17,19,21-deca-ene-23,24-diolato-κN,N,O,O:κN,N,O,O]bis-(perchlorato-κO)dimanganese(II).

PubMed

Liu, Jing; Pan, Zhi-Quan; Zhou, Hong; Li, Yi-Zhi

2008-11-08

In the centrosymmetric and dinuclear title complex, [Mn(2)(C(22)H(22)N(4)O(2))(ClO(4))(2)], the two Mn atoms are bridged by two phenolate O atoms of the N(4)O(2) macrocycle with an Mn⋯Mn distance of 2.9228 (11) Å. The distorted square-pyramidal N(2)O(3) coordination geometry is completed by an O atom derived from a perchlorate anion.

Tautomeric equilibria of 5-fluorouracil anionic species in water.

PubMed

Markova, Nadezhda; Enchev, Venelin; Ivanova, Galya

2010-12-23

It has long been postulated that rare tautomeric or ionized forms of nucleic acid bases may play a role in mispair formation. Therefore, ab initio quantum chemical investigations on the tautomeric equilibrium in 5-fluorouracil (5FU) and its anions (deprotonated from N1, AN1, and from N3, AN3) and their tautomeric forms in water were performed. The effect of the water as solvent was introduced using solute-solvent clusters (four water molecules). The influence of the water molecules on the tautomeric reactions between different forms was considered by multiple proton transfer mechanisms. We show that when a water dimer is located in the reaction site between the two pairs of N-H and C═O groups, the assistive effect of the water molecules is strengthened. All calculations of the solute-water complexes were carried out at an MP2 level of theory and supplemented with correction for higher order correlation terms at CCSD(T) level, using the 6-31+G(d,p) basis set. The ab initio calculated frequencies and Raman intensities of 5FU and its anions AN1, AN3, and dianion are in good agreement with the experimental Raman frequencies in aqueous solution at different pH. In order to establish the pH-induced structural transformation in the molecule of 5FU, further (1)H, (19)F, and (13)C NMR spectra in water solution for pH = 6.9-13.8 were acquired and the chemical shift alterations were determined as a function of pH. On the basis of NMR spectroscopic data obtained for 5FU in aqueous solution at alkaline pH, we suggest the existence of a mixture of the anionic tautomeric forms predicted by our theoretical calculations.

Aging pathways for organophosphate-inhibited human butyrylcholinesterase, including novel pathways for isomalathion, resolved by mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Li, He; Schopfer, Lawrence M; Nachon, Florian; Froment, Marie-Thérèse; Masson, Patrick; Lockridge, Oksana

2007-11-01

Some organophosphorus compounds are toxic because they inhibit acetylcholinesterase (AChE) by phosphylation of the active site serine, forming a stable conjugate: Ser-O-P(O)-(Y)-(XR) (where X can be O, N, or S and Y can be methyl, OR, or SR). The inhibited enzyme can undergo an aging process, during which the X-R moiety is dealkylated by breaking either the P-X or the X-R bond depending on the specific compound, leading to a nonreactivatable enzyme. Aging mechanisms have been studied primarily using AChE. However, some recent studies have indicated that organophosphate-inhibited butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) may age through an alternative pathway. Our work utilized matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time-of-flight mass spectrometry to study the aging mechanism of human BChE inhibited by dichlorvos, echothiophate, diisopropylfluorophosphate (DFP), isomalathion, soman, sarin, cyclohexyl sarin, VX, and VR. Inhibited BChE was aged in the presence of H2O18 to allow incorporation of (18)O, if cleavage was at the P-X bond. Tryptic-peptide organophosphate conjugates were identified through peptide mass mapping. Our results showed no aging of VX- and VR-treated BChE at 25 degrees C, pH 7.0. However, BChE inhibited by dichlorvos, echothiophate, DFP, soman, sarin, and cyclohexyl sarin aged exclusively through O-C bond cleavage, i.e., the classical X-R scission pathway. In contrast, isomalathion aged through both X-R and P-X pathways; the main aged product resulted from P-S bond cleavage and a minor product resulted from O-C and/or S-C bond cleavage.

Rapid screening of commercially available herbal products for the inhibition of major human hepatic cytochrome P450 enzymes using the N-in-one cocktail.

PubMed

Sevior, D K; Hokkanen, J; Tolonen, A; Abass, K; Tursas, L; Pelkonen, O; Ahokas, J T

2010-04-01

Self-administration of complementary products concurrently with conventional medication is increasingly common. The potential for cytochrome P450 (CYP) inhibition requires investigation. The N-in-one assay with ten probe substrates for nine CYPs was used with human liver microsomes to investigate ten products. CYP inhibition was measured in a single liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS-MS) analysis. Estimated IC(50)-values were determined for the extracts that produced significant inhibition (less than 100 microg ml(-1)). Inhibition of CYP2C19 by dong quai (IC(50) = 13.7-14.3 microg ml(-1) for the methanolic extract) and CYP2D6 by goldenseal (IC(50) = 6.7 and 6.3 microg ml(-1) for the aqueous and methanolic extracts, respectively), are of particular concern as the potential for adverse interactions is high. The inhibition of CYP2C8 by horsetail (IC(50) = 93 microg ml(-1) for the aqueous extract) requires further investigation, as the potential for concurrent use with products that require CYP2C8 for metabolism is significant. CYP3A4 inhibition varied depending on the probe reaction being monitored. The earlier reported findings of inhibition by black cohosh, goldenseal and gotu kola were confirmed. The present work has shown that the N-in-one cocktail is a rapid and reliable method that can be used as an initial screen to help prioritize products that require more detailed investigations and it can also be applied to monitor product variability.

An evaluation of the inhibition of human butyrylcholinesterase and acetylcholinesterase by the organophosphate chlorpyrifos oxon

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

Shenouda, Josephine; Green, Paula; Sultatos, Lester, E-mail: sultatle@umdnj.ed

2009-12-01

Acetylcholinesterase (EC 3.1.1.7) and butyrylcholinesterase (EC 3.1.1.8) are enzymes that belong to the superfamily of alpha/beta-hydrolase fold proteins. While they share many characteristics, they also possess many important differences. For example, whereas they have about 54% amino acid sequence identity, the active site gorge of acetylcholinesterase is considerably smaller than that of butyrylcholinesterase. Moreover, both have been shown to display simple and complex kinetic mechanisms, depending on the particular substrate examined, the substrate concentration, and incubation conditions. In the current study, incubation of butyrylthiocholine in a concentration range of 0.005-3.0 mM, with 317 pM human butyrylcholinesterase in vitro, resulted inmore » rates of production of thiocholine that were accurately described by simple Michaelis-Menten kinetics, with a K{sub m} of 0.10 mM. Similarly, the inhibition of butyrylcholinesterase in vitro by the organophosphate chlorpyrifos oxon was described by simple Michaelis-Menten kinetics, with a k{sub i} of 3048 nM{sup -1} h{sup -1}, and a K{sub D} of 2.02 nM. In contrast to inhibition of butyrylcholinesterase, inhibition of human acetylcholinesterase by chlorpyrifos oxon in vitro followed concentration-dependent inhibition kinetics, with the k{sub i} increasing as the inhibitor concentration decreased. Chlorpyrifos oxon concentrations of 10 and 0.3 nM gave k{sub i}s of 1.2 and 19.3 nM{sup -1} h{sup -1}, respectively. Although the mechanism of concentration-dependent inhibition kinetics is not known, the much smaller, more restrictive active site gorge of acetylcholinesterase almost certainly plays a role. Similarly, the much larger active site gorge of butyrylcholinesterase likely contributes to its much greater reactivity towards chlorpyrifos oxon, compared to acetylcholinesterase.« less

The ammonium sulfate inhibition of human angiogenin.

PubMed

Chatzileontiadou, Demetra S M; Tsirkone, Vicky G; Dossi, Kyriaki; Kassouni, Aikaterini G; Liggri, Panagiota G V; Kantsadi, Anastassia L; Stravodimos, George A; Balatsos, Nikolaos A A; Skamnaki, Vassiliki T; Leonidas, Demetres D

2016-09-01

In this study, we investigate the inhibition of human angiogenin by ammonium sulfate. The inhibitory potency of ammonium sulfate for human angiogenin (IC50 = 123.5 ± 14.9 mm) is comparable to that previously reported for RNase A (119.0 ± 6.5 mm) and RNase 2 (95.7 ± 9.3 mm). However, analysis of two X-ray crystal structures of human angiogenin in complex with sulfate anions (in acidic and basic pH environments, respectively) indicates an entirely distinct mechanism of inhibition. While ammonium sulfate inhibits the ribonucleolytic activity of RNase A and RNase 2 by binding to the active site of these enzymes, sulfate anions bind only to peripheral substrate anion-binding subsites of human angiogenin, and not to the active site. © 2016 Federation of European Biochemical Societies.

Terahertz characterization of Y2O3-added AlN ceramics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kang, Seung Beom; Chung, Dong Chul; Kim, Sung-Jin; Chung, Jun-Ki; Park, Sang-Yeup; Kim, Ki-Chul; Kwak, Min Hwan

2016-12-01

Terahertz optical and dielectric properties of AlN ceramics fabricated by hot pressed sintering are investigated by THz time-domain spectroscopy in the frequency range of 0.2-3.5 THz. The measured properties of the pure AlN ceramic are compared with those of Y2O3-added AlN ceramic. Two prominent resonance modes, which are essentially responsible for the dielectric properties of the Y2O3-added AlN in terahertz regime, are characterized at ωTO1/(2π) = 2.76 THz (92 cm-1) and ωTO2/(2π) = 18.2 THz (605 cm-1) and are well described by the pseudo-harmonic oscillator model through theoretical fitting. The resonance ωTO1 at 2.76 THz is proposed to be due to the formation of a YAG (Y3Al5O12) secondary phase in Y2O3-added AlN ceramic. From the experimental results, good correlation is observed between the prominent peak of YAG secondary phase at 2.76 THz and thermal conductivity. Additionally, there is a high correlation between densification and refractive index of AlN ceramics fabricated by hot pressed sintering.

Influence of immersion cycles during n-β-Bi2O3 sensitization on the photoelectrochemical behaviour of N-F-codoped TiO2 nanotubes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hoyos, Lina J.; Rivera, Diego F.; Gualdrón-Reyes, Andrés F.; Ospina, Rogelio; Rodríguez-Pereira, Jhonatan; Ropero-Vega, Jose L.; Niño-Gómez, Martha E.

2017-11-01

Sensitization of TiO2 nanotube (TNT)-based photoanodes with narrow-band gap semiconductors is an important alternative to improving the photoelectrochemical properties of the material. However, the interaction between the sensitizer and TNT is not understood deeply enough to relate charge carrier transport into the composite photoanode with its photoactivity. In this contribution, we studied the photoelectrochemical behaviour of N-F-self codoped TiO2 nanotubes (N-F-TNTs) that were grown by anodization of titanium plates and sensitized with β-Bi2O3 by immersing the TNTs into a Bi2O3 sol solution by dip-coating. The number of immersion cycles was varied. The as-fabricated photoanodes were characterized by FESEM, GIXRD, DRS and XPS, while their photoelectrochemical and semiconducting properties were investigated by photovoltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and Mott-Schottky analysis in 0.1 M HClO4. The photoelectrocatalytic activity of the composite photoanodes was evaluated for glycerol oxidation under acidic and alkaline conditions. The N-F-TNTs exhibit a well-oriented structure after β-Bi2O3 deposition. The presence of substitutions of both N and F, identified by XPS, indicates the self-doping of the TNTs during anodization. The visible-light harvesting of the N-F-TNT photoanode was enhanced after three -immersion cycles during β-Bi2O3 sensitization, establishing an adequate n-n heterojunction at the N-F-TNT/Bi2O3 interface. In addition, bismuth migration from the sensitizer to the TNT lattice was promoted during thermal treatment, forming Bi-N-F-tridoping of TNT (Bi-N-F-TNT). The suitable band alignment between TNT and β-Bi2O3 and incorporation of the Bi3+ energy levels into TiO2 facilitate charge carrier separation and electron transport throughout the cell. Nevertheless, increasing the number of immersion cycles over three creates an excess of Bi3+ species at the N-F-TNT/β-Bi2O3 interface, producing an energetic barrier that hinders electron

Natural polymer-stabilized multiple water-in-oil-in-water emulsions: a novel dermal drug delivery system for 5-fluorouracil.

PubMed

Hoppel, Magdalena; Mahrhauser, Denise; Stallinger, Christina; Wagner, Florian; Wirth, Michael; Valenta, Claudia

2014-05-01

The aim of this study was to create multiple water-in-oil-in-water (W/O/W) emulsions with an increased long-term stability as skin delivery systems for the hydrophilic model drug 5-fluorouracil. Multiple W/O/W emulsions were prepared in a one-step emulsification process, and were characterized regarding particle size, microstructure and viscosity. In-vitro studies on porcine skin with Franz-type diffusion cells, tape stripping experiments and attenuated total reflectance-fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) were performed. The addition of Solagum AX, a natural polymer mixture of acacia and xanthan gum, led to multiple W/O/W emulsions with a remarkably increased long-term stability in comparison to formulations without a thickener. The higher skin diffusion of 5-fluorouracil from the multiple emulsions compared with an O/W-macroemulsion could be explained by ATR-FTIR. Shifts to higher wave numbers and increase of peak areas of the asymmetric and symmetric CH2 stretching vibrations confirmed a transition of parts of the skin lipids from an ordered to a disordered state after impregnation of porcine skin with the multiple emulsions. Solagum AX is highly suitable for stabilization of the created multiple emulsions. Moreover, these formulations showed superiority over a simple O/W-macroemulsion regarding skin permeation and penetration of 5-fluorouracil. © 2013 Royal Pharmaceutical Society.

Synthesis, radiolabeling, and preliminary biological evaluation of [3H]-1-[(S)-N,O-bis-(isoquinolinesulfonyl)-N-methyl-tyrosyl]-4-(o-tolyl)-piperazine, a potent antagonist radioligand for the P2X7 receptor.

PubMed

Romagnoli, Romeo; Baraldi, Pier Giovanni; Pavani, Maria Giovanna; Tabrizi, Mojgan Aghazadeh; Moorman, Allan R; Di Virgilio, Francesco; Cattabriga, Elena; Pancaldi, Cecilia; Gessi, Stefania; Borea, Pier Andrea

2004-11-15

The design, synthesis, and preliminary biological evaluation of the first potent radioligand antagonist for the P2X(7) receptor, named [(3)H]-1-[(S)-N,O-bis-(isoquinolinesulfonyl)-N-methyl-tyrosyl]-4-(o-tolyl)-piperazine (compound 13), are reported. This compound bound to human P2X(7) receptors expressed in HEK transfected cells with K(D) and B(max) value of 3.46+/-0.1 nM and 727+/-73 fmol/mg of protein, respectively. The high affinity and facile labeling makes it a promising radioligand for a further characterization of P2X(7) receptor subtype.

Characterization of Water Coordination to Ferrous Nitrosyl Complexes with fac-N2O, cis-N2O2, and N2O3 Donor Ligands.

PubMed

McCracken, John; Cappillino, Patrick J; McNally, Joshua S; Krzyaniak, Matthew D; Howart, Michael; Tarves, Paul C; Caradonna, John P

2015-07-06

Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) experiments were done on a series of S = (3)/2 ferrous nitrosyl model complexes prepared with chelating ligands that mimic the 2-His-1-carboxylate facial triad iron binding motif of the mononuclear nonheme iron oxidases. These complexes formed a comparative family, {FeNO}(7)(N2Ox)(H2O)3-x with x = 1-3, where the labile coordination sites for the binding of NO and solvent water were fac for x = 1 and cis for x = 2. The continuous-wave EPR spectra of these three complexes were typical of high-spin S = (3)/2 transition-metal ions with resonances near g = 4 and 2. Orientation-selective hyperfine sublevel correlation (HYSCORE) spectra revealed cross peaks arising from the protons of coordinated water in a clean spectral window from g = 3.0 to 2.3. These cross peaks were absent for the {FeNO}(7)(N2O3) complex. HYSCORE spectra were analyzed using a straightforward model for defining the spin Hamiltonian parameters of bound water and showed that, for the {FeNO}(7)(N2O2)(H2O) complex, a single water conformer with an isotropic hyperfine coupling, Aiso = 0.0 ± 0.3 MHz, and a dipolar coupling of T = 4.8 ± 0.2 MHz could account for the data. For the {FeNO}(7)(N2O)(H2O)2 complex, the HYSCORE cross peaks assigned to coordinated water showed more frequency dispersion and were analyzed with discrete orientations and hyperfine couplings for the two water molecules that accounted for the observed orientation-selective contour shapes. The use of three-pulse electron spin echo envelope modulation (ESEEM) data to quantify the number of water ligands coordinated to the {FeNO}(7) centers was explored. For this aspect of the study, HYSCORE spectra were important for defining a spectral window where empirical integration of ESEEM spectra would be the most accurate.

3D nanostructured N-doped TiO2 photocatalysts with enhanced visible absorption.

PubMed

Cho, Sumin; Ahn, Changui; Park, Junyong; Jeon, Seokwoo

2018-05-24

Considering the environmental issues, it is essential to develop highly efficient and recyclable photocatalysts in purification systems. Conventional TiO2 nanoparticles have strong intrinsic oxidizing power and high surface area, but are difficult to collect after use and rarely absorb visible light, resulting in low photocatalytic efficiency under sunlight. Here we develop a new type of highly efficient and recyclable photocatalyst made of a three-dimensional (3D) nanostructured N-doped TiO2 monolith with enhanced visible light absorption. To prepare the sample, an ultrathin TiN layer (∼10 nm) was conformally coated using atomic layer deposition (ALD) on 3D nanostructured TiO2. Subsequent thermal annealing at low temperature (550 °C) converted TiN to anatase phase N-doped TiO2. The resulting 3D N-doped TiO2 showed ∼33% enhanced photocatalytic performance compared to pure 3D TiO2 of equivalent thickness under sunlight due to the reduced bandgap, from 3.2 eV to 2.75 eV through N-doping. The 3D N-doped TiO2 monolith could be easily collected and reused at least 5 times without any degradation in photocatalytic performance.

Glycogen synthase kinase-3beta (GSK-3beta) inhibitors AR-A014418 and B6B3O prevent human immunodeficiency virus-mediated neurotoxicity in primary human neurons.

PubMed

Nguyen, Timothy B; Lucero, Ginger R; Chana, Gursharan; Hult, Britta J; Tatro, Erick T; Masliah, Eliezer; Grant, Igor; Achim, Cristian L; Everall, Ian P

2009-09-01

Glycogen synthase kinase-3beta (GSK3beta) role in human immunodeficiency virus(HIV)-associated neurodegeneration has been evidenced by previous investigations. In this study, we investigated the specificity of two GSK3beta-specific inhibitors, AR-A014418 (A) and B6B30 (B) to prevent direct neurotoxicity in primary human neurons exposed to HIV (BaL). Neurons were exposed to HIV (500 pg/ml) for 12-h and 6-day periods in the presence and absence of A (1 microM, 100 nM, 10 nM) and B (50 nM, 5 nM, 500 pM) to investigate acute and ongoing mechanisms of HIV neurotoxicity. Using an lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay to assess cytotoxicity, we observed a significant neurotoxic effect of HIV from control values (P < .01) that was not restored via coexposures of all concentrations of A and B. Additionally, no change in LDH levels were observed after 6 days. However, activity of the acute proapoptotic markers caspases 3 and 7 using a luminescence assay were measured and found to be increased by exposure to HIV (BaL) compared to controls (P = .022). This effect was ameliorated via coexposure to all concentrations of A and 50 nM B after 12 h (P < .01) and to all concentrations of A and B after 6 days (P < .01). Overall, the results from this study provide further evidence for the ability of GSK3beta inhibition to be neuroprotective against HIV-associated neurotoxicity by reducing HIV associated procaspase induction. These data support a role for GSK3beta as a potential therapeutic target and may have important clinical implications for treatment of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder.

Blocking the proliferation of human tumor cell lines by peptidase inhibitors from Bauhinia seeds.

PubMed

Nakahata, Adriana Miti; Mayer, Barbara; Neth, Peter; Hansen, Daiane; Sampaio, Misako Uemura; Oliva, Maria Luiza Vilela

2013-03-01

In cancer tumors, growth, invasion, and formation of metastasis at a secondary site play a pivotal role, participating in diverse processes in the development of the pathology, such as degradation of extracellular matrix. Bauhinia seeds contain relatively large quantities of peptidase inhibitors, and two Bauhinia inhibitors were obtained in a recombinant form from the Bauhinia bauhinioides species, B. bauhinoides cruzipain inhibitor, which is a cysteine and serine peptidase inhibitor, and B. bauhinioides kallikrein inhibitor, which is a serine peptidase inhibitor. While recombinant B. bauhinoides cruzipain inhibitor inhibits human neutrophil elastase cathepsin G and the cysteine proteinase cathepsin L, recombinant B. bauhinioides kallikrein inhibitor inhibits plasma kallikrein and plasmin. The effects of recombinant B. bauhinoides cruzipain inhibitor and recombinant B. bauhinioides kallikrein inhibitor on the viability of tumor cell lines with a distinct potential of growth from the same tissue were compared to those of the clinical cytotoxic drug 5-fluorouracil. At 12.5 µM concentration, recombinant B. bauhinoides cruzipain inhibitor and recombinant B. bauhinioides kallikrein inhibitor were more efficient than 5-fluorouracil in inhibiting MKN-28 and Hs746T (gastric), HCT116 and HT29 (colorectal), SkBr-3 and MCF-7 (breast), and THP-1 and K562 (leukemia) cell lines. Additionally, recombinant B. bauhinoides cruzipain inhibitor inhibited 40 % of the migration of Hs746T, the most invasive gastric cell line, while recombinant B. bauhinioides kallikrein inhibitor did not affect cell migration. Recombinant B. bauhinioides kallikrein inhibitor and recombinant B. bauhinoides cruzipain inhibitor, even at high doses, did not affect hMSC proliferation while 5-fluorouracil greatly reduced the proliferation rates of hMSCs. Therefore, both recombinant B. bauhinoides cruzipain inhibitor and recombinant B. bauhinioides kallikrein inhibitor might be considered for further studies

Identification of Interferon-Stimulated Gene Proteins That Inhibit Human Parainfluenza Virus Type 3.

PubMed

Rabbani, M A G; Ribaudo, Michael; Guo, Ju-Tao; Barik, Sailen

2016-12-15

A major arm of cellular innate immunity is type I interferon (IFN), represented by IFN-α and IFN-β. Type I IFN transcriptionally induces a large number of cellular genes, collectively known as IFN-stimulated gene (ISG) proteins, which act as antivirals. The IFIT (interferon-induced proteins with tetratricopeptide repeats) family proteins constitute a major subclass of ISG proteins and are characterized by multiple tetratricopeptide repeats (TPRs). In this study, we have interrogated IFIT proteins for the ability to inhibit the growth of human parainfluenza virus type 3 (PIV3), a nonsegmented negative-strand RNA virus of the Paramyxoviridae family and a major cause of respiratory disease in children. We found that IFIT1 significantly inhibited PIV3, whereas IFIT2, IFIT3, and IFIT5 were less effective or not at all. In further screening a set of ISG proteins we discovered that several other such proteins also inhibited PIV3, including IFITM1, IDO (indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase), PKR (protein kinase, RNA activated), and viperin (virus inhibitory protein, endoplasmic reticulum associated, interferon inducible)/Cig5. The antiviral effect of IDO, the enzyme that catalyzes the first step of tryptophan degradation, could be counteracted by tryptophan. These results advance our knowledge of diverse ISG proteins functioning as antivirals and may provide novel approaches against PIV3. The innate immunity of the host, typified by interferon (IFN), is a major antiviral defense. IFN inhibits virus growth by inducing a large number of IFN-stimulated gene (ISG) proteins, several of which have been shown to have specific antiviral functions. Parainfluenza virus type 3 (PIV3) is major pathogen of children, and no reliable vaccine or specific antiviral against it currently exists. In this article, we report several ISG proteins that strongly inhibit PIV3 growth, the use of which may allow a better antiviral regimen targeting PIV3. Copyright © 2016, American Society for Microbiology

Toxicity of xanthene food dyes by inhibition of human drug-metabolizing enzymes in a noncompetitive manner.

PubMed

Mizutani, Takaharu

2009-01-01

The synthetic food dyes studied were rose bengal (RB), phroxine (PL), amaranth, erythrosine B (ET), allura red, new coccine, acid red (AR), tartrazine, sunset yellow FCF, brilliant blue FCF, and indigo carmine. First, data confirmed that these dyes were not substrates for CYP2A6, UGT1A6, and UGT2B7. ET inhibited UGT1A6 (glucuronidation of p-nitrophenol) and UGT2B7 (glucuronidation of androsterone). We showed the inhibitory effect of xanthene dye on human UGT1A6 activity. Basic ET, PL, and RB in those food dyes strongly inhibited UGT1A6 activity, with IC(50) values = 0.05, 0.04, and 0.015 mM, respectively. Meanwhile, AR of an acidic xanthene food dye showed no inhibition. Next, we studied the inhibition of CYP3A4 of a major phase I drug-metabolizing enzyme and P-glycoprotein of a major transporter by synthetic food dyes. Human CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein were also inhibited by basic xanthene food dyes. The IC(50) values of these dyes to inhibit CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein were the same as the inhibition level of UGT1A6 by three halogenated xanthene food dyes (ET, PL, and RB) described above, except AR, like the results with UGT1A6 and UGT2B7. We also confirmed the noninhibition of CYP3A4 and P-gp by other synthetic food dyes. Part of this inhibition depended upon the reaction of (1)O(2) originating on xanthene dyes by light irradiation, because inhibition was prevented by (1)O(2) quenchers. We studied the influence of superoxide dismutase and catalase on this inhibition by dyes and we found prevention of inhibition by superoxide dismutase but not catalase. This result suggests that superoxide anions, originating on dyes by light irradiation, must attack drug-metabolizing enzymes. It is possible that red cosmetics containing phloxine, erythrosine, or rose bengal react with proteins on skin under lighting and may lead to rough skin.

Inactivation of the FoxO3a transcription factor is associated with the production of reactive oxygen species during protein kinase CK2 downregulation-mediated senescence in human colon cancer and breast cancer cells

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

Park, Seong-Yeol; Bae, Young-Seuk, E-mail: ysbae@knu.ac.kr

We previously showed that protein kinase CK2 downregulation mediates senescence through the reactive oxygen species (ROS)–p53–p21{sup Cip1/WAF1} pathway in various human cells. In the present study, we investigated whether the FoxO3a transcription factor is associated with ROS production during CK2 downregulation-induced senescence in human colon cancer HCT116 and breast cancer MCF-7 cells. FoxO3a overexpression suppressed ROS production and p53 stabilization induced by a CK2α knockdown. CK2α downregulation induced nuclear export of FoxO3a through stimulation of AKT-mediated phosphorylation of FoxO3a and decreased transcription of its target genes (Cu/ZnSOD, MnSOD, and catalase). In contrast, CK2α overexpression inhibited AKT-mediated FoxO3a phosphorylation. This resulted inmore » nuclear accumulation of FoxO3a, and elevated expression of its target genes. Therefore, these data indicate for the first time that CK2 downregulation stimulates ROS generation by inhibiting FoxO3a during premature senescence in human colon and breast cancer cells. - Highlights: • FoxO3a overexpression inhibited ROS production mediated by CK2α knockdown. • CK2α downregulation induced nuclear export of FoxO3a via AKT activation. • CK2α downregulation reduced transcription of FoxO3a target genes including SOD. • CK2α upregulation elevated nuclear import and target gene expression of FoxO3a. • This study indicates that CK2 can modulate the intracellular ROS level via FoxO3a.« less

Epitaxial growth of mixed conducting layered Ruddlesden–Popper La{sub n+1}Ni{sub n}O{sub 3n+1} (n = 1, 2 and 3) phases by pulsed laser deposition

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

Wu, Kuan-Ting; Soh, Yeong-Ah; Skinner, Stephen J., E-mail: s.skinner@imperial.ac.uk

2013-10-15

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • High quality epitaxial thin films of layered Ruddlesden–Popper nickelates were prepared. • For the first time this has been achieved by the PLD process. • n = 1, 2 and 3 films were successfully deposited on SrTiO{sub 3} and NdGaO{sub 3} substrates. • c-Axis oriented films were confirmed by XRD analysis. • In-plane and out-of-plane strain effects on lattice are discussed. - Abstract: Layered Ruddlesden–Popper phases of composition La{sub n+1}Ni{sub n}O{sub 3n+1} (n = 1, 2 and 3) have been epitaxially grown on SrTiO{sub 3} (0 0 1) or NdGaO{sub 3} (1 1 0) singlemore » crystal substrates using the pulsed laser deposition technique. X-ray diffraction analyses (θ/2θ, rocking curves, and φ-scans) and atomic force microscopy confirms the high-quality growth of the series of films with low surface roughness values (less than 1 nm). In particular, epitaxial growth of the higher order phases (n = 2 and 3) of lanthanum nickelate have been demonstrated for the first time.« less

Tris(5,6-dimethyl-1H-benzimidazole-κN 3)(pyridine-2,6-dicarboxyl­ato-κ3 O 2,N,O 6)nickel(II)

PubMed Central

Li, Yue-Hua; Li, Feng-Feng; Liu, Xin-Hua; Zhao, Ling-Yan

2012-01-01

The title mononuclear complex, [Ni(C7H3NO4)(C9H10N2)3], shows a central NiII atom which is coordinated by two carboxyl­ate O atoms and the N atom from a pyridine-2,6-dicarboxyl­ate ligand and by three N atoms from different 5,6-dimethyl-1H-­benzimidazole ligands in a distorted octa­hedral geometry. The crystal structure shows intermolecular N—H⋯O hydrogen bonds. PMID:22719301

Ethanol Inhibition of Constitutively Open N-Methyl-d-Aspartate Receptors

PubMed Central

Xu, Minfu; Smothers, C. Thetford; Trudell, James

2012-01-01

N-Methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors gate a slow and calcium-rich component of the postsynaptic glutamate response. Like all ionotropic glutamate receptors, NMDA subunits contain a highly conserved motif (SYTANLAAF) in the transmembrane (TM) 3 domain that is critically involved in channel gating. Mutation of an alanine in this domain (A7; underlined above) results in constitutively open receptors that show reduced sensitivity to several allosteric modulators. In this study, we examined the effects of ethanol, a substance that inhibits NMDA currents via an unknown mechanism, on tonically active NMDA receptors expressed in human embryonic kidney 293 cells. Ethanol (100 mM) inhibited currents from GluN1(A7R)/GluN2A and GluN1(A7R)/GluN2B receptors by approximately 50%, whereas those from GluN1/GluN2B(A7R) receptors were reduced by less than 10%. In cysteine-substituted GluN1 and GluN2 A7 mutants, estimated ethanol IC50 values for agonist-gated currents were 101, 117, 103, and 69 mM for GluN1(A7C)/GluN2A, GluN1(A7C)/GluN2B, GluN1/GluN2A(A7C), and GluN1/GluN2B(A7C) receptors, respectively. After exposure to the thiol-modifying reagent 2-(trimethylammonium)ethyl methanethiosulfonate (MTSET), A7C mutants showed robust agonist-independent currents and reduced sensitivity to ethanol (IC50 values of 371, 256, 715, and 958 mM, respectively, as above). In contrast, cysteine modification of the ligand-binding domain resulted in constitutively open receptors that showed robust ethanol inhibition. Ethanol inhibition of MTSET-treated GluN1(A7C) receptors was further reduced by TM3/TM4 mutations previously shown to reduce ethanol sensitivity of agonist-gated receptors. Overall, these results show that ethanol affects NMDA receptor function at a site distal from agonist binding and appears to exert greater effects via perturbation of GluN2 subunits. PMID:22005043

Dynamic interface rearrangement in LaFeO3/n -SrTiO3 heterojunctions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Spurgeon, Steven R.; Sushko, Peter V.; Chambers, Scott A.; Comes, Ryan B.

2017-11-01

Thin-film synthesis methods that have developed over the past decades have unlocked emergent interface properties ranging from conductivity to ferroelectricity. However, our attempts to exercise precise control over interfaces are constrained by a limited understanding of growth pathways and kinetics. Here we demonstrate that shuttered molecular beam epitaxy induces rearrangements of atomic planes at a polar/nonpolar junction of LaFeO3 (LFO)/n -SrTiO3 (STO) depending on the substrate termination. Surface characterization confirms that substrates with two different (TiO2 and SrO) terminations were prepared prior to LFO deposition; however, local electron-energy-loss spectroscopy measurements of the final heterojunctions show a predominantly LaO/TiO2 interfacial junction in both cases. Ab initio simulations suggest that the interfaces can be stabilized by trapping extra oxygen (in LaO/TiO2) and forming oxygen vacancies (in FeO2/SrO), which points to different growth kinetics in each case and may explain the apparent disappearance of the FeO2/SrO interface. We conclude that judicious control of deposition time scales can be used to modify growth pathways, opening new avenues to control the structure and properties of interfacial systems.

Dynamic interface rearrangement in LaFeO 3 / n - SrTiO 3 heterojunctions

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

Spurgeon, Steven R.; Sushko, Peter V.; Chambers, Scott A.

2017-11-06

Thin-film synthesis methods that have developed over the past decades have unlocked emergent interface properties ranging from conductivity to ferroelectricity. However, our attempts to exercise precise control over interfaces are constrained by a limited understanding of growth pathways and kinetics. In this paper, we demonstrate that shuttered molecular beam epitaxy induces rearrangements of atomic planes at a polar/nonpolar junction of LaFeO 3 (LFO)/n-SrTiO 3 (STO) depending on the substrate termination. Surface characterization confirms that substrates with two different (TiO 2 and SrO) terminations were prepared prior to LFO deposition; however, local electron-energy-loss spectroscopy measurements of the final heterojunctions show amore » predominantly LaO/TiO 2 interfacial junction in both cases. Ab initio simulations suggest that the interfaces can be stabilized by trapping extra oxygen (in LaO/TiO 2) and forming oxygen vacancies (in FeO 2/SrO), which points to different growth kinetics in each case and may explain the apparent disappearance of the FeO 2/SrO interface. Finally, we conclude that judicious control of deposition time scales can be used to modify growth pathways, opening new avenues to control the structure and properties of interfacial systems.« less

Monomethylarsonous acid (MMA+3) Inhibits IL-7 Signaling in Mouse Pre-B Cells.

PubMed

Ezeh, Peace C; Xu, Huan; Lauer, Fredine T; Liu, Ke Jian; Hudson, Laurie G; Burchiel, Scott W

2016-02-01

Our previously published data show that As(+3) in vivo and in vitro, at very low concentrations, inhibits lymphoid, but not myeloid stem cell development in mouse bone marrow. We also showed that the As(+3) metabolite, monomethylarsonous acid (MMA(+3)), was responsible for the observed pre-B cell toxicity caused by As(+3). Interleukin-7 (IL-7) is the primary growth factor responsible for pre-lymphoid development in mouse and human bone marrow, and Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 5 (STAT5) is a transcriptional factor in the IL-7 signaling pathway. We found that MMA(+3) inhibited STAT5 phosphorylation at a concentration as low as 50 nM in mouse bone marrow pre-B cells. Inhibition of STAT5 phosphorylation by As(+3) occurred only at a concentration of 500 nM. In the IL-7 dependent mouse pre-B 2E8 cell line, we also found selective inhibition of STAT5 phosphorylation by MMA(+3), and this inhibition was dependent on effects on JAK3 phosphorylation. IL-7 receptor expression on 2E8 cell surface was also suppressed by 50 nM MMA(+3) at 18 h. As further evidence for the inhibition of STAT5, we found that the induction of several genes required in B cell development, cyclin D1, E2A, EBF1, and PAX5, were selectively inhibited by MMA(+3). Since 2E8 cells lack the enzymes responsible for the conversion of As(+3) to MMA(+3) in vitro, the results of these studies suggest that As(+3) induced inhibition of pre-B cell formation in vivo is likely dependent on the formation of MMA(+3) which in turn inhibits IL-7 signaling at several steps in mouse pre-B cells. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society of Toxicology. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Low levels of Caspase-3 predict favourable response to 5FU-based chemotherapy in advanced colorectal cancer: Caspase-3 inhibition as a therapeutic approach.

PubMed

Flanagan, L; Meyer, M; Fay, J; Curry, S; Bacon, O; Duessmann, H; John, K; Boland, K C; McNamara, D A; Kay, E W; Bantel, H; Schulze-Bergkamen, H; Prehn, J H M

2016-02-04

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers in the Western world. 5-Fluorouracil (5FU)-based chemotherapy (CT) remains the mainstay treatment of CRC in the advanced setting, and activates executioner caspases in target cells. Executioner caspases are key proteins involved in cell disassembly during apoptosis. Activation of executioner caspases also has a role in tissue regeneration and repopulation by stimulating signal transduction and cell proliferation in neighbouring, non-apoptotic cells as reported recently. Tissue microarrays (TMAs) consisting of tumour tissue from 93 stage II and III colon cancer patients were analysed by immunohistochemistry. Surprisingly, patients with low levels of active Caspase-3 had an increased disease-free survival time. This was particularly pronounced in patients who received 5FU-based adjuvant CT. In line with this observation, lower serum levels of active Caspase-3 were found in patients with metastasised CRC who revealed stable disease or tumour regression compared with those with disease progression. The role of Caspase-3 in treatment responses was explored further in primary human tumour explant cultures from fresh patient tumour tissue. Exposure of explant cultures to 5FU-based CT increased the percentage of cells positive for active Caspase-3 and Terminal Deoxynucleotidyl Transferase dUTP Nick end Labelling (TUNEL), but also the expression of regeneration and proliferation markers β-Catenin and Ki-67, as well as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). Of note, selective inhibition of Caspase-3 with Ac-DNLD-CHO, a selective, reversible inhibitor of Caspase-3, significantly reduced the expression of proliferation markers as well as COX-2. Inhibition of COX-2 with aspirin or celecoxib did not affect Caspase-3 levels but also reduced Ki-67 and β-Catenin levels, suggesting that Caspase-3 acted via COX-2 to stimulate cell proliferation and tissue regeneration. This indicates that low levels of active Caspase-3 may represent a

Cyanidin-3-O-beta-glucoside inhibits LPS-induced expression of inflammatory mediators through decreasing IkappaBalpha phosphorylation in THP-1 cells.

PubMed

Zhang, Yinghui; Lian, Fuzhi; Zhu, Yanna; Xia, Min; Wang, Qing; Ling, Wenhua; Wang, Xiang-Dong

2010-09-01

As a common phytochemical, cyanidin 3-O-beta-glucoside (C3G) has a role in inhibiting inflammatory mediators; however, its mechanism of action remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of C3G on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated TNFalpha and IL-6 expression in the human monocyte/macrophage cell line THP-1, and to explore the mechanisms involved. Differentiated THP-1 cells were treated with different concentrations of C3G (0.005, 0.05, 0.5,10 microM) in the absence or presence of 1 ng/mL LPS. mRNA expression levels were detected by real time PCR, and secretion of TNFalpha and IL-6, phosphorylated IkappaBalpha, and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappaB) P65 were monitored by ELISA or Western blotting analysis. The role of an inhibitor of IkappaBalpha phosphorylation, BAY 11-7082, in C3G inhibition of LPS-induced cytokines expression was investigated. C3G (0.05-0.5 microM) treatment significantly inhibited LPS-stimulated TNFalpha and IL-6 mRNA expression and secretion of these proteins by THP-1 cells. Phosphorylation of IkappaBalpha and NF-kappaB nuclear translocation could be blocked by 0.5 microM C3G. BAY 11-7082 treatment abolished C3G-induced reduction of TNFalpha and IL-6. Our results suggest that C3G exerts its anti-inflammatory effect through inhibiting IkappaBalpha phosphorylation, thereby suppressing NF-kappaB activity in THP-1 cells.

An ingenious strategy of preparing TiO2/g-C3N4 heterojunction photocatalyst: In situ growth of TiO2 nanocrystals on g-C3N4 nanosheets via impregnation-calcination method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Guanghui; Zhang, Tianyong; Li, Bin; Jiang, Shuang; Zhang, Xia; Hai, Li; Chen, Xingwei; Wu, Wubin

2018-03-01

An ingenious method was employed to design and fabricate the TiO2/g-C3N4 heterojunction photocatalysts in this study. The thermal oxidation etching of g-C3N4 nanosheets and the in situ growth of TiO2 nanocrystal on the surface of g-C3N4 nanosheets were completed simultaneously by the calcination process. The g-C3N4 nanosheets played a crucial role in regulating and assembling the structures and morphologies of TiO2. Furthermore, the thickness and content of g-C3N4, and the crystallinity of TiO2 in TiO2/g-C3N4 composites could be regulated and controlled by the calcination temperature. Among the resultant TiO2/g-C3N4 samples, the TiO2/g-C3N4 sample with 41.6 wt% g-C3N4 exhibited the highest photocatalytic activity. It could degrade almost all MO molecules under visible light irradiation within 3 h. Moreover, it displayed higher visible light photocatalytic performance for degrading MO solution than pure g-C3N4 and D-TiO2. The synergistic effect between TiO2 and g-C3N4 makes significant contributions to the enhancement of the visible light photocatalytic activity. In addition, the favorable photocatalytic performance of TiO2/g-C3N4 nanocomposites is also attributed to the porous structures and uniform morphologies, and large surface area. Furthermore, the resultant TiO2/g-C3N4 exhibits excellent photocatalytic stability. Radical trapping experiments indicated that rad O2- and h+ were the main reactive species during the photodegradation process under visible light irradiation. Hopefully, the results can offer new design and strategy for preparing other g-C3N4-based nanocomposites for environmental and energy applications.

Inhibition of angiotensin convertin enzyme (ACE) activity by the anthocyanins delphinidin- and cyanidin-3-O-sambubiosides from Hibiscus sabdariffa.

PubMed

Ojeda, Deyanira; Jiménez-Ferrer, Enrique; Zamilpa, Alejandro; Herrera-Arellano, Armando; Tortoriello, Jaime; Alvarez, Laura

2010-01-08

The beverages of Hibiscus sabdariffa calyces are widely used in Mexico as diuretic, for treating gastrointestinal disorders, liver diseases, fever, hypercholesterolemia and hypertension. Different works have demonstrated that Hibiscus sabdariffa extracts reduce blood pressure in humans, and recently, we demonstrated that this effect is due to angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor activity. The aim of the current study was to isolate and characterizer the constituents responsible of the ACE activity of the aqueous extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa. Bioassay-guided fractionation of the aqueous extract of dried calyces of Hibiscus sabdariffa using preparative reversed-phase HPLC, and the in vitro ACE Inhibition assay, as biological monitor model, were used for the isolation. The isolated compounds were characterized by spectroscopic methods. The anthocyanins delphinidin-3-O-sambubioside (1) and cyanidin-3-O-sambubioside (2) were isolated by bioassay-guided purification. These compounds showed IC(50) values (84.5 and 68.4 microg/mL, respectively), which are similar to those obtained by related flavonoid glycosides. Kinetic determinations suggested that these compounds inhibit the enzyme activity by competing with the substrate for the active site. The competitive ACE inhibitor activity of the anthocyanins 1 and 2 is reported for the first time. This activity is in good agreement with the folk medicinal use of Hibiscus sabdariffa calyces as antihypertensive. Copyright 2009 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Reduced Autophagy in 5-Fluorouracil Resistant Colon Cancer Cells

PubMed Central

Yao, Cheng Wen; Kang, Kyoung Ah; Piao, Mei Jing; Ryu, Yea Seong; Fernando, Pattage Madushan Dilhara Jayatissa; Oh, Min Chang; Park, Jeong Eon; Shilnikova, Kristina; Na, Soo-Young; Jeong, Seung Uk; Boo, Sun-Jin; Hyun, Jin Won

2017-01-01

We investigated the role of autophagy in SNUC5/5-FUR, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) resistant SNUC5 colon cancer cells. SNUC5/5-FUR cells exhibited low level of autophagy, as determined by light microscopy, confocal microscopy, and flow cytometry following acridine orange staining, and the decreased level of GFP-LC3 puncta. In addition, expression of critical autophagic proteins such as Atg5, Beclin-1 and LC3-II and autophagic flux was diminished in SNUC5/5-FUR cells. Whereas production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was significantly elevated in SNUC5/5-FUR cells, treatment with the ROS inhibitor N-acetyl cysteine further reduced the level of autophagy. Taken together, these results indicate that decreased autophagy is linked to 5-FU resistance in SNUC5 colon cancer cells. PMID:27737524

Hawthorn extract inhibits human isolated neutrophil functions.

PubMed

Dalli, Ernesto; Milara, Javier; Cortijo, Julio; Morcillo, Esteban J; Cosín-Sales, Juan; Sotillo, José Francisco

2008-06-01

Hawthorn extract is a popular herbal medicine given as adjunctive treatment for chronic heart failure. In contrast to the cardiac properties of hawthorn extract, its anti-inflammatory effect has been scarcely investigated. This study examines the effects of a dry extract of leaves and flowers of Crataegus laevigata on various functional outputs of human neutrophils in vitro. Incubation of human neutrophils obtained from peripheral blood of healthy donors with C. laevigata extract (0.75-250 microg/ml) inhibited N-formyl-Met-Leu-Phe (FMLP)-induced superoxide anion generation, elastase release and chemotactic migration with potency values of 43.6, 21.9, and 31.6 microg/ml, respectively. By contrast, serum-opsonized zymosan-induced phagocytosis was unaltered by plant extract. C. laevigata extract (125 microg/ml) reduced FMLP-induced leukotriene B(4) production and lipopolysaccharide-induced generation of tumour necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-8. Extract inhibited FMLP-induced intracellular calcium signal with potency of 17.4 microg/ml. Extract also markedly inhibited the extracellular calcium entry into calcium-depleted neutrophils, and the thapsigargin-induced intracellular calcium response. In conclusion, C. laevigata extract inhibited various functional outputs of activated human neutrophils which may be relevant to the pathophysiology of cardiac failure.

Synthesis, Characterization, and Anti-Cancer Activity of Some New N'-(2-Oxoindolin-3-ylidene)-2-propylpentane hydrazide-hydrazones Derivatives.

PubMed

El-Faham, Ayman; Farooq, Muhammad; Khattab, Sherine N; Abutaha, Nael; Wadaan, Mohammad A; Ghabbour, Hazem A; Fun, Hoong-Kun

2015-08-13

Eight novel N'-(2-oxoindolin-3-ylidene)-2-propylpentane hydrazide-hydrazone derivatives 4a-h were synthesized and fully characterized by IR, NMR ((1)H-NMR and (13)C-NMR), elemental analysis, and X-ray crystallography. The cyto-toxicity and in vitro anti-cancer evaluation of the prepared compounds have been assessed against two different human tumour cell lines including human liver (HepG2) and leukaemia (Jurkat), as well as in normal cell lines derived from human embryonic kidney (HEK293) using MTT assay. The compounds 3e, 3f, 4a, 4c, and 4e revealed promising anti-cancer activities in tested human tumour cells lines (IC50 values between 3 and 7 μM) as compared to the known anti-cancer drug 5-Fluorouracil (IC50 32-50 μM). Among the tested compounds, 4a showed specificity against leukaemia (Jurkat) cells, with an IC50 value of 3.14 μM, but this compound was inactive in liver cancer and normal cell lines.

Use of uridine triacetate for the management of fluorouracil overdose.

PubMed

McEvilly, Margaret; Popelas, Carl; Tremmel, Bob

2011-10-01

The use of uridine triacetate for the management of fluorouracil toxicity is reported. A 55-year-old man with malignant neoplasm of the sigmoid colon (stage IIIC) was seen in an outpatient chemotherapy center for his first six-month regimen of leucovorin calcium, fluorouracil, and oxaliplatin. Fluorouracil 2400 mg/m(2) i.v. was prescribed to be given over the next 46 hours at a home infusion center. Due to a medication error, a home infusion pharmacist incorrectly programmed the 46-hour infusion of fluorouracil to be administered over 4 hours. To manage the fluorouracil overdose, the physician decided to start the patient on uridine triacetate. The patient received his first dose of uridine triacetate 18 hours after the fluorouracil overdose. He was admitted to the hospital for observation and daily laboratory tests during treatment with uridine triacetate. He received ondansetron (as the hydrochloride salt) 8 mg orally 20 minutes before each dose of uridine triacetate to prevent nausea and vomiting. Uridine triacetate 11 g every 6 hours was administered orally for a total of 20 doses. It was mixed with applesauce at the time of administration and followed with 8 oz of water. The patient's laboratory values remained stable. The patient did not experience any nausea or vomiting during treatment. He was discharged from the hospital on day 5, with no clinical complications and an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance score of 0. A patient with colon cancer who had received an overdose of fluorouracil was successfully treated with a five-day course of oral uridine triacetate.

Enhanced econazole penetration into human nail by 2-n-nonyl-1,3-dioxolane.

PubMed

Hui, Xiaoying; Chan, Thomas C K; Barbadillo, Sherry; Lee, Christine; Maibach, Howard I; Wester, Ronald C

2003-01-01

This study determines the enhancing effects of 2-n-nonyl-1,3-dioxolane on the penetration of econazole, an antifungal drug, into the deeper layers of the human nail where fungal infection resides. Aliquots (10 microL) of Econail lacquer formulation containing 0.45 mg of [(14)C]-econazole with 18% 2-n-nonyl-1,3-dioxolane (test group) or without 2-n-nonyl-1,3-dioxolane (control group) were applied twice daily for 14 days to human nails that had been washed with ethanol before each morning's application. The hydration of the nail sample was well controlled to simulate normal physiological conditions. After 14 days of dosing, the inner ventral section of the nail plate was assayed for absorbed drug content, using a micrometer-controlled drilling and nail powder removal system. The mass balance values of [(14)C]-econazole in this study were 90.8 and 96.4% for the test and control groups, respectively. The weight-normalized econazole content in the ventral/intermediate nail plate center in the test group was 6-fold greater than that in the control (p = 0.008). The total econazole absorbed into the supporting bed cotton ball in the test group was nearly 200-fold greater than that in the control group (p = 0.008) over the 14-day period. The amount of econazole after dosing in the inner part of the human nail (potential diseased area) was 11.1 +/- 2.6 (SD) microg/mg of nail powder with 2-n-nonyl-1,3-dioxolane in the lacquer and 1.78 +/- 0.32 microg/mg without 2-n-nonyl-1,3-dioxolane (p = 0.008). The surface nail contained more econazole (p = 0.004), that is, nonabsorbed drug, where 2-n-nonyl-1,3-dioxolane was not part of the dosing solution. Econazole in the support bed under the nail (the total absorbed dose) was 47.5 +/- 22.0 mg in the lacquer with 2-n-nonyl-1,3-dioxolane and 0.2 +/- 0.1 mg in the lacquer without 2-n-nonyl-1,3-dioxolane (p = 0.008). Moreover the concentration in the deep nail layer in the test group is 14,000 times higher than minimum inhibitory

Visible-light-driven N-(BiO)2CO3/Graphene oxide composites with improved photocatalytic activity and selectivity for NOx removal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Meijuan; Huang, Yu; Yao, Jie; Cao, Jun-ji; Liu, Yuan

2018-02-01

N-doped (BiO)2CO3 (NBOC)/graphene oxide (GO) composite obtained from three-dimensional hierarchical microspheres is successfully synthesized by one-pot hydrothermal method for the first time. In this synthesis, citrate ion plays a critical role in N doping. The obtained samples are used to degrade gaseous nitrogen oxides (NOx) at parts-per-billion (ppb) level under visible-light irradiation. NBOC-GO composite with 1.0 wt% graphene oxide (GO) displays the highest photocatalytic NO removal efficiency, which is 4.3 times higher than that of pristine (BiO)2CO3. Moreover, NBOC-GO composite significantly inhibits toxic NO2 intermediate production, indicating its high selectivity for NO conversion. Compared with regular GO, N doping considerably improves the catalytic performance of NBOC-GO composite, which increases NO removal by 74.6% and fully inhibits NO2 generation. The improved photocatalytic activity is mainly ascribed to extended optical absorption ability and enhanced separation efficiency of photogenerated charge carriers over NBOC-GO composite. Both results of electron spin resonance and theoretical analysis of band structure indicate that NO removal is dominated by oxidation with rad OH and rad O2- radicals. The photocatalytic activity improvement mechanism over the NBOC-GO composite is proposed accordingly based on systematic characterizations. This study demonstrates a feasible route to fabricating Bi-containing composites with high selectivity and stability for air pollution control and provides a new insight into the associated photocatalytic mechanisms.

Protectin D1n-3 DPA and resolvin D5n-3 DPA are effectors of intestinal protection

PubMed Central

Gobbetti, Thomas; Dalli, Jesmond; Colas, Romain A.; Federici Canova, Donata; Aursnes, Marius; Bonnet, Delphine; Alric, Laurent; Vergnolle, Nathalie; Deraison, Celine; Hansen, Trond V.; Serhan, Charles N.

2017-01-01

The resolution of inflammation is an active process orchestrated by specialized proresolving lipid mediators (SPM) that limit the host response within the affected tissue; failure of effective resolution may lead to tissue injury. Because persistence of inflammatory signals is a main feature of chronic inflammatory conditions, including inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), herein we investigate expression and functions of SPM in intestinal inflammation. Targeted liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry-based metabololipidomics was used to identify SPMs from n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in human IBD colon biopsies, quantifying a significant up-regulation of the resolvin and protectin pathway compared with normal gut tissue. Systemic treatment with protectin (PD)1n-3 DPA or resolvin (Rv)D5n-3 DPA protected against colitis and intestinal ischemia/reperfusion-induced inflammation in mice. Inhibition of 15-lipoxygenase activity reduced PD1n-3 DPA and augmented intestinal inflammation in experimental colitis. Intravital microscopy of mouse mesenteric venules demonstrated that PD1n-3 DPA and RvD5n-3 DPA decreased the extent of leukocyte adhesion and emigration following ischemia-reperfusion. These data were translated by assessing human neutrophil–endothelial interactions under flow: PD1n-3 DPA and RvD5n-3 DPA reduced cell adhesion onto TNF-α–activated human endothelial monolayers. In conclusion, we propose that innovative therapies based on n-3 DPA-derived mediators could be developed to enable antiinflammatory and tissue protective effects in inflammatory pathologies of the gut. PMID:28356517

Diode laser-based cavity ring-down instrument for NO3, N2O5, NO, NO2 and O3 from aircraft

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wagner, N. L.; Dubé, W. P.; Washenfelder, R. A.; Young, C. J.; Pollack, I. B.; Ryerson, T. B.; Brown, S. S.

2011-03-01

This article presents a diode laser based, cavity ring-down spectrometer for simultaneous in situ measurements of four nitrogen oxide species, NO3, N2O5, NO, NO2, as well as O3, designed for deployment on aircraft. The instrument measures NO3 and NO2 by optical extinction at 662 nm and 405 nm, respectively; N2O5 is measured by thermal conversion to NO3, while NO and O3 are measured by chemical conversion to NO2. The instrument has several advantages over previous instruments developed by our group for measurement of NO2, NO3 and N2O5 alone, based on a pulsed Nd:YAG and dye laser. First, the use of continuous wave diode lasers reduces the requirements for power and weight and eliminates hazardous materials. Second, detection of NO2 at 405 nm is more sensitive than our previously reported 532 nm instrument, and does not have a measurable interference from O3. Third, the instrument includes chemical conversion of NO and O3 to NO2 to provide measurements of total NOx (= NO + NO2) and Ox (= NO2 + O3) on two separate channels; mixing ratios of NO and O3 are determined by subtraction of NO2. Finally, all five species are calibrated against a single standard based on 254 nm O3 absorption to provide high accuracy. Disadvantages include an increased sensitivity to water vapor on the 662 nm NO3 and N2O5 channels and a modest reduction in sensitivity for these species compared to the pulsed laser instrument. The measurement precision for both NO3 and N2O5 is below 1 pptv (2σ, 1 s) and for NO, NO2 and O3 is 170, 46, and 56 pptv (2σ, 1 s) respectively. The NO and NO2 measurements are less precise than research-grade chemiluminescence instruments. However, the combination of these five species in a single instrument, calibrated to a single analytical standard, provides a complete and accurate picture of nighttime nitrogen oxide chemistry. The instrument performance is demonstrated using data acquired during a recent field campaign in California.

Construction of g-C3N4/CeO2/ZnO ternary photocatalysts with enhanced photocatalytic performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yuan, Yuan; Huang, Gui-Fang; Hu, Wang-Yu; Xiong, Dan-Ni; Zhou, Bing-Xin; Chang, Shengli; Huang, Wei-Qing

2017-07-01

Promoting the spatial separation of photoexcited charge carriers is of paramount significance for photocatalysis. In this work, binary g-C3N4/CeO2 nanosheets are first prepared by pyrolysis and subsequent exfoliation method, then decorated with ZnO nanoparticles to construct g-C3N4/CeO2/ZnO ternary nanocomposites with multi-heterointerfaces. Notably, the type-II staggered band alignments existing between any two of the constituents, as well as the efficient three-level transfer of electron-holes in unique g-C3N4/CeO2/ZnO ternary composites, leads to the robust separation of photoexcited charge carriers, as verified by its photocurrent increased by 8 times under visible light irradiation. The resulting g-C3N4/CeO2/ZnO ternary nanocomposites unveil appreciably increased photocatalytic activity, faster than that of pure g-C3N4, ZnO and g-C3N4/CeO2 by a factor of 11, 4.6 and 3.7, respectively, and good stability toward methylene blue (MB) degradation. The remarkably enhanced photocatalytic activity of g-C3N4/CeO2/ZnO ternary heterostructures can be interpreted in terms of lots of active sites of nanosheet shapes and the efficient charge separation owing to the resulting type-II band alignment with more than one heterointerface and the efficient three-level electron-hole transfer. A plausible mechanism is also elucidated via active species trapping experiments with various scavengers, which indicating that the photogenerated holes and •OH radicals play a crucial role in photodegradation reaction under visible light irradiation. This work suggest that the rational design and construction of type II multi-heterostructures is powerful for developing highly efficient and reusable visible-light photocatalysts for environmental purification and energy conversion.

Two mixed-ligand lanthanide–hydrazone complexes: [Pr(NCS)3(pbh)2]·H2O and [Nd(NCS)(NO3)(pbh)2(H2O)]NO3·2.33H2O [pbh is N′-(pyridin-2-ylmethylidene)benzo­hydrazide, C13H11N3O

PubMed Central

Paschalidis, Damianos G.; Harrison, William T. A.

2016-01-01

The gel-mediated syntheses and crystal structures of [N′-(pyridin-2-ylmethylidene-κN)benzohydrazide-κ2 N′,O]tris(thiocyanato-κN)praseodymium(III) mono­hydrate, [Pr(NCS)3(C13H11N3O)2]·H2O, (I), and aqua(nitrato-κ2 O,O′)[N′-(pyri­din-2-ylmethylidene-κN)benzohydrazide-κ2 N′,O](thiocyanato-κN)neo­dym­ium(III) nitrate 2.33-hydrate, [Nd(NCS)(NO3)(C13H11N3O)2(H2O)]NO3·2.33H2O, (II), are reported. The Pr3+ ion in (I) is coordinated by two N,N,O-tridentate N′-(pyridin-2-ylmethylidene)benzohydrazide (pbh) ligands and three N-bonded thio­cyanate ions to generate an irregular PrN7O2 coordination polyhedron. The Nd3+ ion in (II) is coordinated by two N,N,O-tridentate pbh ligands, an N-bonded thio­cyanate ion, a bidentate nitrate ion and a water mol­ecule to generate a distorted NdN5O5 bicapped square anti­prism. The crystal structures of (I) and (II) feature numerous hydrogen bonds, which lead to the formation of three-dimensional networks in each case. PMID:26958385

Inhibition of IgE-mediated secretion from human basophils with a highly selective Bruton's tyrosine kinase, Btk, inhibitor.

PubMed

MacGlashan, Donald; Honigberg, Lee A; Smith, Ashley; Buggy, Joseph; Schroeder, John T

2011-04-01

The study of receptor-mediated signaling in human basophils is often limited by the availability of selective pharmacological agents. The early signaling reaction mediated by FcεRI aggregation is thought to require the activity of Bruton's tyrosine kinase (btk), an enzyme that has been identified as important in B cells signaling because mutations lead to X-linked agammaglobulinemia. This study uses the btk selective irreversible inhibitor, PCI-32765, to explore the role of btk in a variety of functions associated with the activation of human basophils. Nine endpoints of basophil activation were examined: induced cell surface expression of CD63, CD203c, CD11b; induced secretion of histamine, LTC4, IL-4 and IL-13; the cytosolic calcium response; and the induced loss of syk kinase. Four stimuli were examined; anti-IgE antibody, formyl-met-leu-phe (FMLP), C5a and IL-3. For stimulation with anti-IgE, PCI-32765 inhibited CD63, histamine, LTC4 and IL-4 secretion with an IC50 of 3-6 nM (with 100% inhibition at 50 nM) and it inhibited CD203c and CD11b and the cytosolic calcium response with and IC50 of 30-40 nM. Fifty percent occupancy of btk with PCI-32765 occurred at ~10nM. Consistent with btk functioning downstream or in parallel to syk activation, PCI-32765 did not inhibit the loss of syk induced by anti-IgE in overnight cultures. Finally, PCI-32765 did not significantly inhibit basophil activation by FMLP or C5a and did not inhibit IL-13 release induced by IL-3. These results suggest that btk is specifically required for IgE-mediated activation of human basophils. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Inactivation of the FoxO3a transcription factor is associated with the production of reactive oxygen species during protein kinase CK2 downregulation-mediated senescence in human colon cancer and breast cancer cells.

PubMed

Park, Seong-Yeol; Bae, Young-Seuk

2016-09-09

We previously showed that protein kinase CK2 downregulation mediates senescence through the reactive oxygen species (ROS)-p53-p21(Cip1/WAF1) pathway in various human cells. In the present study, we investigated whether the FoxO3a transcription factor is associated with ROS production during CK2 downregulation-induced senescence in human colon cancer HCT116 and breast cancer MCF-7 cells. FoxO3a overexpression suppressed ROS production and p53 stabilization induced by a CK2α knockdown. CK2α downregulation induced nuclear export of FoxO3a through stimulation of AKT-mediated phosphorylation of FoxO3a and decreased transcription of its target genes (Cu/ZnSOD, MnSOD, and catalase). In contrast, CK2α overexpression inhibited AKT-mediated FoxO3a phosphorylation. This resulted in nuclear accumulation of FoxO3a, and elevated expression of its target genes. Therefore, these data indicate for the first time that CK2 downregulation stimulates ROS generation by inhibiting FoxO3a during premature senescence in human colon and breast cancer cells. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Magnolol Inhibits Human Glioblastoma Cell Migration by Regulating N-Cadherin.

PubMed

Cheng, Yu-Chen; Tsao, Min-Jen; Chiu, Chen-Yang; Kan, Po-Chieh; Chen, Ying

2018-06-01

Glioblastoma is a primary malignant brain tumor with a poor prognosis. An effective treatment for glioblastoma is needed. Magnolol is a natural compound from Magnolia officinalis suggested to have antiproliferative activity. The aim of this research was to investigate the anticancer effects of magnolol in glioma, with an emphasis on migration and the underlying mechanism. Magnolol decreased the expression of focal adhesion-related proteins and inhibited LN229 and U87MG glioma cell migration. The levels of phosphorylated myosin light chain (p-MLC), phosphorylated myosin light chain kinase and myosin phosphatase target subunit 1 were reduced in response to magnolol treatment. In addition, immunostaining and membrane fractionation showed that the distribution of N-cadherin at the glioma cell membrane was decreased by magnolol. In an orthotropic xenograft animal model, magnolol treatment not only inhibited tumor progression but also reduced p-MLC and N-cadherin protein expression. In conclusion, magnolol reduces cell migration, potentially through regulating focal adhesions and N-cadherin in glioma cells. Magnolol is a potential candidate for glioma treatment.

High glucose-induced resistance to 5-fluorouracil in pancreatic cancer cells alleviated by 2-deoxy-D-glucose.

PubMed

Cheng, Yao; Diao, Dongmei; Zhang, Hao; Guo, Qi; Wu, Xuandi; Song, Yongchun; Dang, Chengxue

2014-03-01

Abnormal glucose metabolism from hyperglycemia or diabetes aggravates the progression of pancreatic cancer. It is unknown whether high glucose has an impact on the antitumor effect of 5-fluorouracil (5-Fu) and whether targeting aberrant glucose metabolism using 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG) may reverse this effect in high-glucose microenvironments. The cell viability of AsPC-1 and Panc-1 was analyzed by MTT assay following 5-Fu treatment at different glucose concentrations. Altered sensitivity to 5-Fu by 2-DG was also analyzed. LY294002 was used to inhibit PI3K-Akt signaling to determine the mechanism involved. In response to glucose, 5-Fu-induced cell growth inhibition was attenuated in a dose-dependent manner, accompanied with activated p-Akt, while 2-DG enhanced 5-Fu-induced cell growth inhibition. Moreover, blocking the PI3K/Akt pathway by LY294002 effectively eliminated 2-DG-induced apoptosis. In conclusion, high glucose weakens the antitumor effect of 5-Fu via PI3K / Akt signaling. Using 2-DG in combination with 5-Fu significantly increased their therapeutic effectiveness in high-glucose microenvironments.

C=C bond cleavage on neutral VO3(V2O5)n clusters.

PubMed

Dong, Feng; Heinbuch, Scott; Xie, Yan; Bernstein, Elliot R; Rocca, Jorge J; Wang, Zhe-Chen; Ding, Xun-Lei; He, Sheng-Gui

2009-01-28

The reactions of neutral vanadium oxide clusters with alkenes (ethylene, propylene, 1-butene, and 1,3-butadiene) are investigated by experiments and density function theory (DFT) calculations. Single photon ionization through extreme ultraviolet radiation (EUV, 46.9 nm, 26.5 eV) is used to detect neutral cluster distributions and reaction products. In the experiments, we observe products (V(2)O(5))(n)VO(2)CH(2), (V(2)O(5))(n)VO(2)C(2)H(4), (V(2)O(5))(n)VO(2)C(3)H(4), and (V(2)O(5))(n)VO(2)C(3)H(6), for neural V(m)O(n) clusters in reactions with C(2)H(4), C(3)H(6), C(4)H(6), and C(4)H(8), respectively. The observation of these products indicates that the C=C bonds of alkenes can be broken on neutral oxygen rich vanadium oxide clusters with the general structure VO(3)(V(2)O(5))(n=0,1,2...). DFT calculations demonstrate that the reaction VO(3) + C(3)H(6) --> VO(2)C(2)H(4) + H(2)CO is thermodynamically favorable and overall barrierless at room temperature. They also provide a mechanistic explanation for the general reaction in which the C=C double bond of alkenes is broken on VO(3)(V(2)O(5))(n=0,1,2...) clusters. A catalytic cycle for alkene oxidation on vanadium oxide is suggested based on our experimental and theoretical investigations. The reactions of V(m)O(n) with C(6)H(6) and C(2)F(4) are also investigated by experiments. The products VO(2)(V(2)O(5))(n)C(6)H(4) are observed for dehydration reactions between V(m)O(n) clusters and C(6)H(6). No product is detected for V(m)O(n) clusters reacting with C(2)F(4). The mechanisms of the reactions between VO(3) and C(2)F(4)/C(6)H(6) are also investigated by calculations at the B3LYP/TZVP level.

Concurrent acetylation of FoxO1/3a and p53 due to sirtuins inhibition elicit Bim/PUMA mediated mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis in berberine-treated HepG2 cells

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

Shukla, Shatrunajay; Department of Medical Elementology and Toxicology, Jamia Hamdard; Sharma, Ankita

Post-translational modifications i.e. phosphorylation and acetylation are pivotal requirements for proper functioning of eukaryotic proteins. The current study aimed to decode the impact of acetylation/deacetylation of non-histone targets i.e. FoxO1/3a and p53 of sirtuins (NAD{sup +} dependent enzymes with lysine deacetylase activity) in berberine treated human hepatoma cells. Berberine (100 μM) inhibited sirtuins significantly (P < 0.05) at transcriptional level as well as at translational level. Combination of nicotinamide (sirtuin inhibitor) with berberine potentiated sirtuins inhibition and increased the expression of FoxO1/3a and phosphorylation of p53 tumor suppressor protein. As sirtuins deacetylate non-histone targets including FoxO1/3a and p53, berberine increasedmore » the acetylation load of FoxO1/3a and p53 proteins. Acetylated FoxO and p53 proteins transcriptionally activate BH3-only proteins Bim and PUMA (3.89 and 3.87 fold respectively, P<0.001), which are known as direct activator of pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 family protein Bax that culminated into mitochondria mediated activation of apoptotic cascade. Bim/PUMA knock-down showed no changes in sirtuins' expression while cytotoxicity induced by berberine and nicotinamide was curtailed up to 28.3% (P < 0.001) and it restored pro/anti apoptotic protein ratio in HepG2 cells. Sirtuins inhibition was accompanied by decline in NAD{sup +}/NADH ratio, ATP generation, enhanced ROS production and decreased mitochondrial membrane potential. TEM analysis confirmed mitochondrial deterioration and cell damage. SRT-1720 (1–10 μM), a SIRT-1 activator, when pre-treated with berberine (25 μM), reversed sirtuins expression comparable to control and significantly restored the cell viability (P < 0.05). Thus, our findings suggest that berberine mediated sirtuins inhibition resulting into FoxO1/3a and p53 acetylation followed by BH3-only protein Bim/PUMA activation may in part be responsible for mitochondria

The improved mechanical properties of β-CaSiO3 bioceramics with Si3N4 addition.

PubMed

Pan, Ying; Zuo, Kaihui; Yao, Dongxu; Yin, Jinwei; Xin, Yunchuan; Xia, Yongfeng; Liang, Hanqin; Zeng, Yuping

2015-03-01

The motivation of this study is to investigate the effect of Si3N4 addition on the sinterability of β-CaSiO3 ceramics. β-CaSiO3 ceramics with different content of Si3N4 were prepared at the sintering temperature ranging from 1000°C to 1150°C. The results showed that Si3N4 can be successfully used as sintering additive by being oxidized to form SiO2. The β-CaSiO3 ceramics with 3wt% Si3N4 sintered at 1100°C revealed flexural strength, hardness and fracture toughness of 157.2MPa, 4.4GPa and 2.3MPam(1/2) respectively, which was much higher than that of pure β-CaSiO3 ceramics (41.1MPa, 1.0GPa, 1.1MPam(1/2)). XRD analysis and SEM observation indicated that the main phase maintained to be β-phase after sintering. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Unconventionally prepared TiO2/g-C3N4 photocatalysts for photocatalytic decomposition of nitrous oxide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Troppová, Ivana; Šihor, Marcel; Reli, Martin; Ritz, Michal; Praus, Petr; Kočí, Kamila

2018-02-01

The TiO2/g-C3N4 nanocomposites with the various TiO2:g-C3N4 weight ratios from 1:1 to 1:3 were prepared unconventionally by pressurized hot water processing in a flow regime. The parent TiO2 and g-C3N4 was prepared by thermal hydrolysis and thermal annealing, respectively. The nanocomposites as well as parent TiO2 and g-C3N4 were characterized using several complementary characterization methods and investigated in the photocatalytic decomposition of N2O under UVA (λ = 365 nm) irradiation. All the prepared TiO2/g-C3N4 nanocomposites showed higher photocatalytic activity in comparison with the pure g-C3N4 and chiefly pure TiO2. The photocatalytic activity of TiO2/g-C3N4 nanocomposites was decreasing in the following sequence: TiO2/g-C3N4 (1:3) > TiO2/g-C3N4 (1:2) > TiO2/g-C3N4 (1:1). In comparison with the parent TiO2 or g-C3N4, the TiO2/g-C3N4 nanocomposites' photocatalytic capability was significantly enhanced by coupling TiO2 with g-C3N4. The generation of TiO2/g-C3N4 Z-scheme photocatalyst mainly benefited from the effective separation of photoinduced electron-hole pairs and the extended optical absorption range. The TiO2/g-C3N4 (1:3) nanocomposite showed the best photocatalytic behavior in a consequence of the optimal weight ratio of TiO2:g-C3N4 and the lowest band gap energy from all nanocomposites. The N2O conversion in its presence was 70.6% after 20 h of UVA irradiation.

Dl-3-n-Butylphthalide Inhibits NLRP3 Inflammasome and Mitigates Alzheimer's-Like Pathology via Nrf2-TXNIP-TrX Axis.

PubMed

Wang, Chun-Yan; Xu, Ye; Wang, Xu; Guo, Chuang; Wang, Tao; Wang, Zhan-You

2018-04-25

Oxidative stress and neuroinflammation play important roles in the pathology of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP), an endogenous inhibitor of antioxidant thioredoxin, is suspected to be an important modulator of oxidative stress and inflammation. However, the underlying mechanism involved in the abnormal homeostasis of TXNIP-thioredoxin (TrX) in AD pathogenesis remains unclear. Using the Swedish mutant form of APP (APPswe)/PSEN1dE9 transgenic mouse (APP/PS1) and human-derived neuronal cells as model systems, we disclosed the impairment of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-TXNIP-TrX signaling in Alzheimer's-like pathology. We observed that the immune staining of TXNIP was increased in postmortem AD brain. The chronic accumulation of inflammatory mediator in neuronal cells facilitates interactions of TXNIP-nucleotide binding oligomerization domain-like receptor family, pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) and NLRP3-ASC, which increases β-amyloid (Aβ) secretion. The antioxidant Dl-3-n-butylphthalide (Dl-NBP) is commonly used for cerebral ischemia treatment. In our study, we elucidated for new mechanisms by which Dl-NBP enhanced TrX activity, suppressed TXNIP, and ameliorated neuronal apoptosis in the APP/PS1 mouse brains. In human glioblastoma A172 cells and neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells, we delineated the Dl-NBP-mediated signaling pathways by which Dl-NBP-dependent upregulation of Nrf2 mediated the reciprocal regulation of reducing proinflammatory cytokine and inhibiting Aβ production in the glial and neuronal cells overexpressing APPswe. Our data provide a novel insight into the molecular mechanism that impairments of Nrf2-TXNIP-TrX system may be involved in the imbalance of cellular redox homeostasis and inflammatory damage in the AD brain. Dl-NBP treatment could suppress TXNIP-NLRP3 interaction and inhibit NLRP3 inflammasome activation via upregulating Nrf2. These findings may provide an instrumental therapeutic

Activation of rhenium(I) toward substitution in fac-[Re(N,O'-Bid)(CO)3(HOCH3)] by Schiff-base bidentate ligands (N,O'-Bid).

PubMed

Brink, Alice; Visser, Hendrik G; Roodt, Andreas

2013-08-05

A series of fac-[Re(N,O'-Bid)(CO)3(L)] (N,O'-Bid = monoanionic bidentate Schiff-base ligands with N,O donor atoms; L = neutral monodentate ligand) has been synthesized, and the methanol substitution reactions have been investigated. The complexes were characterized by NMR, IR, and UV-vis spectroscopy. X-ray crystal structures of the compounds fac-[Re(Sal-mTol)(CO)3(HOCH3)], fac-[Re(Sal-pTol)(CO)3(HOCH3)], fac-[Re(Sal-Ph)(CO)3(HOCH3)], and fac-[Re(Sal-Ph)(CO)3(Py)] (Sal-mTol = 2-(m-tolyliminomethyl)phenolato; Sal-pTol = 2-(p-tolyliminomethyl)phenolato; Sal-Ph = 2-(phenyliminomethyl)phenolato; Py = pyridine) are reported. Significant activation for the methanol substitution is induced by the use of the N,O bidentate ligand as manifested by the second order rate constants, with limiting kinetics being observed for the first time. Rate constants (25 °C) (k1 or k3) and activation parameters (ΔHk‡, kJ mol(-1); ΔSk‡, J K(-1) mol(-1)) from Eyring plots for entering nucleophiles as indicated are as follows: fac-[Re(Sal-mTol)(CO)3(HOCH3)] 3-chloropyridine: (k1) 2.33 ± 0.01 M(-1) s(-1); 85.1 ± 0.6, 48 ± 2; fac-[Re(Sal-mTol)(CO)3(HOCH3)] pyridine: (k1) 1.29 ± 0.02 M(-1) s(-1); 92 ± 2, 66 ± 7; fac-[Re(Sal-mTol)(CO)3(HOCH3)] 4-picoline: (k1) 1.27 ± 0.05 M(-1) s(-1); 88 ± 2, 53 ± 6; (k3) 3.9 ± 0.03 s(-1); 78 ± 8, 30 ± 27; (kf) 1.7 ± 0.02 M(-1) s(-1); 86 ± 2, 49 ± 6; fac-[Re(Sal-mTol)(CO)3(HOCH3)] DMAP (k3) 1.15 ± 0.02 s(-1); 88 ± 2, 52 ± 7. An interchange dissociative mechanism is proposed.

Inhibition of O-linked N-acetylglucosamine transferase activity in PC12 cells - A molecular mechanism of organophosphate flame retardants developmental neurotoxicity.

PubMed

Gu, Yuxin; Yang, Yu; Wan, Bin; Li, Minjie; Guo, Liang-Hong

2018-06-01

Organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs), as alternatives of brominated flame retardants, can cause neurodevelopmental effects similar to organophosphate pesticides. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the toxicity remain elusive. O-linked N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAc) transferase (OGT) regulates numerous neural processes through the O-GlcNAcylation modification of nuclear and cytoplasmic proteins. In this study, we aimed to investigate the molecular mechanisms accounting for the developmental neurotoxicity of OPFRs by identifying potential targets of OPFRs and the attendant effects. Twelve OPFRs were evaluated for inhibition of OGT activity using an electrochemical biosensor. Their potency differed with substituent groups. The alkyl group substituted OPFRs had no inhibitory effect. Instead, the six OPFRs substituted with aromatic or chlorinated alkyl groups inhibited OGT activity significantly, with tri-m-cresyl phosphate (TCrP) being the strongest. The six OPFRs (0-100 μM exposure) also inhibited OGT activity in PC12 cells and decreased protein O-GlcNAcylation level. Inhibition of OGT by OPFRs might be involved in the subsequent toxic effects, including intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), calcium level, as well as cell proliferation and autophagy. Molecular docking of the OGT/OPFR complexes provided rationales for the difference in their structure-dependent inhibition potency. Our findings may provide a new biological target of OPFRs in their neurotoxicological actions, which might be a major molecular mechanism of OPFRs developmental neurotoxicity. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Diode laser-based cavity ring-down instrument for NO3, N2O5, NO, NO2 and O3 from aircraft

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wagner, N. L.; Dubé, W. P.; Washenfelder, R. A.; Young, C. J.; Pollack, I. B.; Ryerson, T. B.; Brown, S. S.

2011-06-01

This article presents a diode laser-based, cavity ring-down spectrometer for simultaneous in situ measurements of four nitrogen oxide species, NO3, N2O5, NO, NO2, as well as O3, designed for deployment on aircraft. The instrument measures NO3 and NO2 by optical extinction at 662 nm and 405 nm, respectively; N2O5 is measured by thermal conversion to NO3, while NO and O3 are measured by chemical conversion to NO2. The instrument has several advantages over previous instruments developed by our group for measurement of NO2, NO3 and N2O5 alone, based on a pulsed Nd:YAG and dye laser. First, the use of continuous wave diode lasers reduces the requirements for power and weight and eliminates hazardous materials. Second, detection of NO2 at 405 nm is more sensitive than our previously reported 532 nm instrument, and does not have a measurable interference from O3. Third, the instrument includes chemical conversion of NO and O3 to NO2 to provide measurements of total NOx (= NO + NO2) and Ox (= NO2 + O3) on two separate channels; mixing ratios of NO and O3 are determined by subtraction of NO2. Finally, all five species are calibrated against a single standard based on 254 nm O3 absorption to provide high accuracy. Disadvantages include an increased sensitivity to water vapor on the 662 nm NO3 and N2O5 channels and a modest reduction in sensitivity for these species compared to the pulsed laser instrument. The in-flight detection limit for both NO3 and N2O5 is 3 pptv (2 σ, 1 s) and for NO, NO2 and O3 is 140, 90, and 120 pptv (2 σ, 1 s) respectively. Demonstrated performance of the instrument in a laboratory/ground based environment is better by approximately a factor of 2-3. The NO and NO2 measurements are less precise than research-grade chemiluminescence instruments. However, the combination of these five species in a single instrument, calibrated to a single analytical standard, provides a complete and accurate picture of nighttime nitrogen oxide chemistry. The

Structural and electrical properties of Pb(Zr ,Ti)O3 grown on (0001) GaN using a double PbTiO3/PbO bridge layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xiao, Bo; Gu, Xing; Izyumskaya, Natalia; Avrutin, Vitaliy; Xie, Jinqiao; Liu, Huiyong; Morkoç, Hadis

2007-10-01

Pb(Zr0.52Ti0.48)O3 films were deposited by rf magnetron sputtering on silicon-doped GaN(0001)/c-sapphire with a PbTiO3/PbO oxide bridge layer grown by molecular beam epitaxy. X-ray diffraction data showed the highly (111)-oriented perovskite phase in lead zirconate titanate (PZT) films with PbTiO3/PbO bridge layers, compared to the pyrochlore phase grown directly on GaN. The in-plane epitaxial relationships were found from x-ray pole figures to be PZT[112¯]‖GaN[11¯00] and PZT[11¯0]‖GaN[112¯0]. The polarization-electric field measurements revealed the ferroelectric behavior with remanent polarization of 30-40μC /cm2 and asymmetric hysteresis loops due to the depletion layer formed in GaN under reverse bias which resulted in a high negative coercive electric field (950kV/cm).

DNA polymerase gamma inhibition by vitamin K3 induces mitochondria-mediated cytotoxicity in human cancer cells.

PubMed

Sasaki, Ryohei; Suzuki, Yoko; Yonezawa, Yuko; Ota, Yosuke; Okamoto, Yoshiaki; Demizu, Yusuke; Huang, Peng; Yoshida, Hiromi; Sugimura, Kazuro; Mizushina, Yoshiyuki

2008-05-01

Among the vitamin K (VK) compounds, VK3 exhibits distinct cytotoxic activity in cancer cells and is thought to affect redox cycling; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here we demonstrate that VK3 selectively inhibits DNA polymerase (pol) gamma, the key enzyme responsible for mitochondrial DNA replication and repair. VK3 at 30 microM inhibited pol gamma by more than 80%, caused impairment of mitochondrial DNA replication and repair, and induced a significant increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to apoptosis. At a lower concentration (3 microM), VK3 did not cause a significant increase in ROS, but was able to effectively inhibit cell proliferation, which could be reversed by supplementing glycolytic substrates. The cytotoxic action of VK3 was independent of p53 tumor suppressor gene status. Interestingly, VK3 only inhibited pol gamma but did not affect other pol including human pol alpha, pol beta, pol delta, and pol epsilon. VK1 and VK2 exhibited no inhibitory effect on any of the pol tested. These data together suggest that the inhibition of pol gamma by VK3 is relatively specific, and that this compound seems to exert its anticancer activity by two possible mechanisms in a concentration-dependent manner: (1) induction of ROS-mediated cell death at high concentrations; and (2) inhibition of cell proliferation at lower concentrations likely through the suppression of mitochondrial respiratory function. These findings may explain various cytotoxic actions induced by VK3, and may pave the way for the further use of VK3.

Insulator-semiconductor interface fixed charges in AlGaN/GaN metal-insulator-semiconductor devices with Al2O3 or AlTiO gate dielectrics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Le, Son Phuong; Nguyen, Duong Dai; Suzuki, Toshi-kazu

2018-01-01

We have investigated insulator-semiconductor interface fixed charges in AlGaN/GaN metal-insulator-semiconductor (MIS) devices with Al2O3 or AlTiO (an alloy of Al2O3 and TiO2) gate dielectrics obtained by atomic layer deposition on AlGaN. Analyzing insulator-thickness dependences of threshold voltages for the MIS devices, we evaluated positive interface fixed charges, whose density at the AlTiO/AlGaN interface is significantly lower than that at the Al2O3/AlGaN interface. This and a higher dielectric constant of AlTiO lead to rather shallower threshold voltages for the AlTiO gate dielectric than for Al2O3. The lower interface fixed charge density also leads to the fact that the two-dimensional electron concentration is a decreasing function of the insulator thickness for AlTiO, whereas being an increasing function for Al2O3. Moreover, we discuss the relationship between the interface fixed charges and interface states. From the conductance method, it is shown that the interface state densities are very similar at the Al2O3/AlGaN and AlTiO/AlGaN interfaces. Therefore, we consider that the lower AlTiO/AlGaN interface fixed charge density is not owing to electrons trapped at deep interface states compensating the positive fixed charges and can be attributed to a lower density of oxygen-related interface donors.

Inhibiting glycogen synthase kinase-3 and transforming growth factor-β signaling to promote epithelial transition of human adipose mesenchymal stem cells.

PubMed

Setiawan, Melina; Tan, Xiao-Wei; Goh, Tze-Wei; Hin-Fai Yam, Gary; Mehta, Jodhbir S

2017-09-02

This study was aimed to investigate the epithelial differentiation of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) by inhibiting glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK3) and transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) signaling. STEMPRO human ADSCs at passage 2 were treated with CHIR99021 (GSK3 inhibitor), E-616452 (TGFβ1 receptor kinase inhibitor), A-83-01 (TGFβ type 1 receptor inhibitor), valproic acid (histone deacetylase inhibitor), tranylcypromine (monoamine oxidase inhibitor) and all-trans retinoic acid for 72 h. The mesenchymal-epithelial transition was shown by down-regulation of mesenchymal genes (Slug, Zinc Finger E-box Binding Homeobox 1 ZEB1, integrin α5 ITGA5 and vimentin VIM) and up-regulation of epithelial genes (E-cadherin, Epithelial Cell Adhesion Molecule EpCAM, Zonula Occludens-1 ZO-1, occludin, deltaN p63 δNp63, Transcription Factor 4 TCF4 and Twist Family bHLH Transcription Factor TWIST), compared to untreated ADSCs. Cell morphology and stress fiber pattern were examined and the treated cells became less migratory in scratch wound closure assay. The formation of cell junction complexes was observed under transmission electron microscopy. Global gene expression using GeneChip ® Human Genome U133 Array (Affymetrix) showed that the treatment up-regulated 540 genes (containing genes for cell cycle, cytoskeleton reorganization, chemotaxis, epithelium development and regulation of cell migration) and down-regulated 483 genes. Human ADSCs were transited to epithelial lineage by inhibiting GSK3 and TGFβ signaling. It can be an adult stem cell source for epithelial cell-based therapy. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Tight-Binding Inhibition of Human Monoamine Oxidase B by Chromone Analogs: A Kinetic, Crystallographic, and Biological Analysis.

PubMed

Reis, Joana; Manzella, Nicola; Cagide, Fernando; Mialet-Perez, Jeanne; Uriarte, Eugenio; Parini, Angelo; Borges, Fernanda; Binda, Claudia

2018-05-10

Monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) is a validated drug target for Parkinson's disease. Chromone derivatives were identified as novel potent and reversible MAO-B inhibitors, and herewith we report on a crystallographic and biochemical analysis to investigate their inhibition mechanism. The crystal structures of human MAO-B in complex with three chromone analogs bearing different substituents on the exocyclic aromatic ring (determined at 1.6-1.8 Å resolution) showed that they all bind in the active site cavity of the protein with the chromone moiety located in front of the FAD cofactor. These inhibitors form two hydrogen bonds with Tyr435 and Cys172 and perfectly fit the hydrophobic flat active site of human MAO-B. This is reflected in their tight-binding mechanism of inhibition with K i values of 55, 17, and 31 nM for N-(3',4'-dimethylphenyl)-4-oxo-4 H-chromene-3-carboxamide (1), N-(3'-chlorophenyl)-4-oxo-4 H-chromene-3-carboxamide (2), and N-(3'-fluorophenyl)-4-oxo-4 H-chromene-3-carboxamide (3), respectively. These compounds were also 1000-fold more effective than l-deprenyl in reducing the cellular levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS).

O-Raffinose Crosslinking Substantially Ameliorates the Vasoconstrictive and Nitric-Oxide-Inactivating Effects of Unmodified Human Hemoglobin in the Rat

DTIC Science & Technology

1997-07-11

severity of the increase in MAP and SVR is accounted for by the profound depressant effect of Ao SFH on cardie output (Table III). We have not examined...1985. N- acetylcysteine potentiates inhibition of platelet aggregation by nitroglycerin. / Clin Invest 76:703-708. 34. Mendelsohn, M., S. O’Neill...D. George, and J. Loscalzo. 1990. Inhibition of fibrinogen binding to human platelets by S-nitroso-N- acetylcysteine . / Biol Chem 265:19028-19034. 27

Spectroscopic and calorimetric studies on the interaction between PAMAM G4-OH and 5-fluorouracil in aqueous solutions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Buczkowski, Adam; Urbaniak, Pawel; Piekarski, Henryk; Palecz, Bartlomiej

2017-01-01

The results of spectroscopic measurements (an increase in solubility, equilibrium dialysis, 1H NMR titration) and calorimetric measurements (isothermal titration ITC) indicate spontaneous (ΔG < 0) binding of 5-fluorouracil molecules by PAMAM G4-OH dendrimer with terminal hydroxyl groups in an aqueous solution. PAMAM G4-OH dendrimer bonds about n = 8 ± 1 molecules of the drug with an equilibrium constant of K = 70 ± 10. The process of saturating the dendrimer active sites by the drug molecules is exothermal (ΔH < 0) and is accompanied by an advantageous change in entropy (ΔS > 0). The parameters of binding 5-fluorouracil by PAMAM G4-OH dendrimer were compared with those of binding this drug by the macromolecules of PAMAM G3-OH and G5-OH.

Modeling targeted inhibition of MEK and PI3 kinase in human pancreatic cancer.

PubMed

Junttila, Melissa R; Devasthali, Vidusha; Cheng, Jason H; Castillo, Joseph; Metcalfe, Ciara; Clermont, Anne C; Otter, Douglas Den; Chan, Emily; Bou-Reslan, Hani; Cao, Tim; Forrest, William; Nannini, Michelle A; French, Dorothy; Carano, Richard; Merchant, Mark; Hoeflich, Klaus P; Singh, Mallika

2015-01-01

Activating mutations in the KRAS oncogene occur in approximately 90% of pancreatic cancers, resulting in aberrant activation of the MAPK and the PI3K pathways, driving malignant progression. Significant efforts to develop targeted inhibitors of nodes within these pathways are underway and several are currently in clinical trials for patients with KRAS-mutant tumors, including patients with pancreatic cancer. To model MEK and PI3K inhibition in late-stage pancreatic cancer, we conducted preclinical trials with a mutant Kras-driven genetically engineered mouse model that faithfully recapitulates human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma development. Treatment of advanced disease with either a MEK (GDC-0973) or PI3K inhibitor (GDC-0941) alone showed modest tumor growth inhibition and did not significantly enhance overall survival. However, combination of the two agents resulted in a significant survival advantage as compared with control tumor-bearing mice. To model the clinical scenario, we also evaluated the combination of these targeted agents with gemcitabine, the current standard-of-care chemotherapy for pancreatic cancer. The addition of MEK or PI3K inhibition to gemcitabine, or the triple combination regimen, incrementally enhanced overall survival as compared with gemcitabine alone. These results are reminiscent of the survival advantage conferred in this model and in patients by the combination of gemcitabine and erlotinib, an approved therapeutic regimen for advanced nonresectable pancreatic cancer. Taken together, these data indicate that inhibition of MEK and PI3K alone or in combination with chemotherapy do not confer a dramatic improvement as compared with currently available therapies for patients with pancreatic cancer. ©2014 American Association for Cancer Research.

Valence and conduction band offsets of β-Ga2O3/AlN heterojunction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Haiding; Torres Castanedo, C. G.; Liu, Kaikai; Li, Kuang-Hui; Guo, Wenzhe; Lin, Ronghui; Liu, Xinwei; Li, Jingtao; Li, Xiaohang

2017-10-01

Both β-Ga2O3 and wurtzite AlN have wide bandgaps of 4.5-4.9 and 6.1 eV, respectively. We calculated the in-plane lattice mismatch between the (-201) plane of β-Ga2O3 and the (0002) plane of AlN, which was found to be 2.4%. This is the smallest mismatch between β-Ga2O3 and binary III-nitrides which is beneficial for the formation of a high quality β-Ga2O3/AlN heterojunction. However, the valence and conduction band offsets (VBO and CBO) at the β-Ga2O3/AlN heterojunction have not yet been identified. In this study, a very thin (less than 2 nm) β-Ga2O3 layer was deposited on an AlN/sapphire template to form the heterojunction by pulsed laser deposition. High-resolution X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed the core-level (CL) binding energies of Ga 3d and Al 2p with respect to the valence band maximum in individual β-Ga2O3 and AlN layers, respectively. The separation between Ga 3d and Al 2p CLs at the β-Ga2O3/AlN interface was also measured. Eventually, the VBO was found to be -0.55 ± 0.05 eV. Consequently, a staggered-gap (type II) heterojunction with a CBO of -1.75 ± 0.05 eV was determined. The identification of the band alignment of the β-Ga2O3/AlN heterojunction could facilitate the design of optical and electronic devices based on these and related alloys.

Studies on the inhibition of Moloney murine leukemia virus reverse transcriptase by N-tritylamino acids and N-tritylamino acid-nucleotide compounds.

PubMed

Hawtrey, Arthur; Pieterse, Anton; van Zyl, Johann; Van der Bijl, Pieter; Van der Merwe, Marichen; Nel, William; Ariatti, Mario

2008-09-01

N-Acylated derivatives of 8-(6-aminohexyl) amino-adenosine-5 '-phosphate were prepared and studied with regard to their effect on DNA synthesis by the Moloney leukemia virus reverse transcriptase. N-palmitoyl and N-nicotinyl derivatives and bis-8-(6-aminohexyl) amino-5'-AMP inhibited the enzyme partially using poly (rA).oligo d(pT)(16-18) as template-primer with [(3)H]dTTP. In order to increase hydrophobicity in the acyl component tethered to the 8-(6-aminohexyl) amino group on the adenine nucleotide, N-trityl-L-phenylalanine and the N-trityl derivatives of the o, m, and p-fluoro-DL-phenylalanine were initially examined for inhibition of the enzyme using the above template-primer system. The compounds all inhibited the reverse transcriptase with IC(50) values of approximately 60-80 microM. However, when N-trityl-m-fluoro-DL-phenylalanine was coupled to the nucleotide 8-(6-aminohexyl) amino-adenosine-5'-phosphate, the inhibitory activity of this compound increased significantly (IC(50) = 5 microM).

Structure of (Ga2O3)2(ZnO)13 and a unified description of the homologous series (Ga2O3)2(ZnO)(2n + 1).

PubMed

Michiue, Yuichi; Kimizuka, Noboru; Kanke, Yasushi; Mori, Takao

2012-06-01

The structure of (Ga(2)O(3))(2)(ZnO)(13) has been determined by a single-crystal X-ray diffraction technique. In the monoclinic structure of the space group C2/m with cell parameters a = 19.66 (4), b = 3.2487 (5), c = 27.31 (2) Å, and β = 105.9 (1)°, a unit cell is constructed by combining the halves of the unit cell of Ga(2)O(3)(ZnO)(6) and Ga(2)O(3)(ZnO)(7) in the homologous series Ga(2)O(3)(ZnO)(m). The homologous series (Ga(2)O(3))(2)(ZnO)(2n + 1) is derived and a unified description for structures in the series is presented using the (3+1)-dimensional superspace formalism. The phases are treated as compositely modulated structures consisting of two subsystems. One is constructed by metal ions and another is by O ions. In the (3 + 1)-dimensional model, displacive modulations of ions are described by the asymmetric zigzag function with large amplitudes, which was replaced by a combination of the sawtooth function in refinements. Similarities and differences between the two homologous series (Ga(2)O(3))(2)(ZnO)(2n + 1) and Ga(2)O(3)(ZnO)(m) are clarified in (3 + 1)-dimensional superspace. The validity of the (3 + 1)-dimensional model is confirmed by the refinements of (Ga(2)O(3))(2)(ZnO)(13), while a few complex phenomena in the real structure are taken into account by modifying the model.

Korean Red Ginseng inhibits apoptosis in neuroblastoma cells via estrogen receptor β-mediated phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase/Akt signaling

PubMed Central

Nguyen, Cuong Thach; Luong, Truc Thanh; Kim, Gyu-Lee; Pyo, Suhkneung; Rhee, Dong-Kwon

2014-01-01

Background Ginseng has been shown to exert antistress effects both in vitro and in vivo. However, the effects of ginseng on stress in brain cells are not well understood. This study investigated how Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) controls hydrogen peroxide-induced apoptosis via regulation of phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K)/Akt and estrogen receptor (ER)-β signaling. Methods Human neuroblastoma SK-N-SH cells were pretreated with KRG and subsequently exposed to H2O2. The ability of KRG to inhibit oxidative stress-induced apoptosis was assessed in MTT cytotoxicity assays. Apoptotic protein expression was examined by Western blot analysis. The roles of ER-β, PI3K, and p-Akt signaling in KRG regulation of apoptosis were studied using small interfering RNAs and/or target antagonists. Results Pretreating SK-N-SH cells with KRG decreased expression of the proapoptotic proteins p-p53 and caspase-3, but increased expression of the antiapoptotic protein BCL2. KRG pretreatment was also associated with increased ER-β, PI3K, and p-Akt expression. Conversely, ER-β inhibition with small interfering RNA or inhibitor treatment increased p-p53 and caspase-3 levels, but decreased BCL2, PI3K, and p-Akt expression. Moreover, inhibition of PI3K/Akt signaling diminished p-p53 and caspase-3 levels, but increased BCL2 expression. Conclusion Collectively, the data indicate that KRG represses oxidative stress-induced apoptosis by enhancing PI3K/Akt signaling via upregulation of ER-β expression. PMID:25535479

Nanosized As2O3/Fe2O3 complexes combined with magnetic fluid hyperthermia selectively target liver cancer cells.

PubMed

Wang, Zi-Yu; Song, Jian; Zhang, Dong-Sheng

2009-06-28

To study the methods of preparing the magnetic nano-microspheres of Fe(2)O(3) and As(2)O(3)/Fe(2)O(3) complexes and their therapeutic effects with magnetic fluid hyperthermia (MFH). Nanospheres were prepared by chemical co-precipitation and their shape and diameter were observed. Hemolysis, micronucleus, cell viability, and LD(50) along with other in vivo tests were performed to evaluate the Fe(2)O(3) microsphere biocompatibility. The inhibition ratio of tumors after Fe(2)O(3) and As(2)O(3)/Fe(2)O(3) injections combined with induced hyperthermia in xenograft human hepatocarcinoma was calculated. Fe(2)O(3) and As(2)O(3)/Fe(2)O(3) particles were round with an average diameter of 20 nm and 100 nm as observed under transmission electron microscope. Upon exposure to an alternating magnetic field (AMF), the temperature of the suspension of magnetic particles increased to 41-51 degrees C, depending on different particle concentrations, and remained stable thereafter. Nanosized Fe(2)O(3) microspheres are a new kind of biomaterial without cytotoxic effects. The LD(50) of both Fe(2)O(3) and As(2)O(3)/Fe(2)O(3) in mice was higher than 5 g/kg. One to four weeks after Fe(2)O(3) and As(2)O(3)/Fe(2)O(3) complex injections into healthy pig livers, no significant differences were found in serum AST, ALT, BUN and Cr levels among the pigs of all groups (P > 0.05), and no obvious pathological alterations were observed. After exposure to alternating magnetic fields, the inhibition ratio of the tumors was significantly different from controls in the Fe(2)O(3) and As(2)O(3)/Fe(2)O(3) groups (68.74% and 82.79%, respectively; P < 0.01). Tumors of mice in treatment groups showed obvious necrosis, while normal tissues adjoining the tumor and internal organs did not. Fe(2)O(3) and As(2)O(3)/Fe(2)O(3) complexes exerted radiofrequency-induced hyperthermia and drug toxicity on tumors without any liver or kidney damage. Therefore, nanospheres are ideal carriers for tumor-targeted therapy.

Concurrent acetylation of FoxO1/3a and p53 due to sirtuins inhibition elicit Bim/PUMA mediated mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis in berberine-treated HepG2 cells.

PubMed

Shukla, Shatrunajay; Sharma, Ankita; Pandey, Vivek Kumar; Raisuddin, Sheikh; Kakkar, Poonam

2016-01-15

Post-translational modifications i.e. phosphorylation and acetylation are pivotal requirements for proper functioning of eukaryotic proteins. The current study aimed to decode the impact of acetylation/deacetylation of non-histone targets i.e. FoxO1/3a and p53 of sirtuins (NAD(+) dependent enzymes with lysine deacetylase activity) in berberine treated human hepatoma cells. Berberine (100 μM) inhibited sirtuins significantly (P<0.05) at transcriptional level as well as at translational level. Combination of nicotinamide (sirtuin inhibitor) with berberine potentiated sirtuins inhibition and increased the expression of FoxO1/3a and phosphorylation of p53 tumor suppressor protein. As sirtuins deacetylate non-histone targets including FoxO1/3a and p53, berberine increased the acetylation load of FoxO1/3a and p53 proteins. Acetylated FoxO and p53 proteins transcriptionally activate BH3-only proteins Bim and PUMA (3.89 and 3.87 fold respectively, P<0.001), which are known as direct activator of pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 family protein Bax that culminated into mitochondria mediated activation of apoptotic cascade. Bim/PUMA knock-down showed no changes in sirtuins' expression while cytotoxicity induced by berberine and nicotinamide was curtailed up to 28.3% (P<0.001) and it restored pro/anti apoptotic protein ratio in HepG2 cells. Sirtuins inhibition was accompanied by decline in NAD(+)/NADH ratio, ATP generation, enhanced ROS production and decreased mitochondrial membrane potential. TEM analysis confirmed mitochondrial deterioration and cell damage. SRT-1720 (1-10 μM), a SIRT-1 activator, when pre-treated with berberine (25 μM), reversed sirtuins expression comparable to control and significantly restored the cell viability (P<0.05). Thus, our findings suggest that berberine mediated sirtuins inhibition resulting into FoxO1/3a and p53 acetylation followed by BH3-only protein Bim/PUMA activation may in part be responsible for mitochondria-mediated apoptosis. Copyright © 2015

Structures and biosynthesis of the N- and O-glycans of recombinant human oviduct-specific glycoprotein expressed in human embryonic kidney cells.

PubMed

Yang, Xiaojing; Tao, Shujuan; Orlando, Ron; Brockhausen, Inka; Kan, Frederick W K

2012-09-01

Oviduct-specific glycoprotein (OVGP1) is a major mucin-like glycoprotein synthesized and secreted exclusively by non-ciliated secretory cells of mammalian oviduct. In vitro functional studies showed that OVGP1 plays important roles during fertilization and early embryo development. We have recently produced recombinant human oviduct-specific glycoprotein (rhOVGP1) in human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK293) cells. The present study was undertaken to characterize the structures and determine the biosynthetic pathways of the N- and O-glycans of rhOVGP1. Treatment of the stable rhOVGP1-expressing HEK293 cells with either GalNAcα-Bn to block O-glycan extension, tunicamycin to block N-glycosylation, or neuraminidase increased the electrophoretic mobility of rhOVGP1. A detailed analysis of O- and N-linked glycans of rhOVGP1 by mass spectrometry showed a broad range of many simple and complex glycan structures. In order to identify the enzymes involved in the glycosylation of rhOVGP1, we assayed glycosyltransferase activities involved in the assembly of O- and N-glycans in HEK293 cells, and compared these to those from the immortalized human oviductal cells (OE-E6/E7). Our results demonstrate that HEK293 and OE-E6/E7 cells exhibit a similar spectrum of glycosyltransferase activities that can synthesize elongated and sialylated O-glycans with core 1 and 2 structures, as well as complex multiantennary N-glycans. It is anticipated that the knowledge gained from the present study will facilitate future studies of the role of the glycans of human OVGP1 in fertilization and early embryo development. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Allosteric Inhibition of Human Porphobilinogen Synthase*

PubMed Central

Lawrence, Sarah H.; Ramirez, Ursula D.; Selwood, Trevor; Stith, Linda; Jaffe, Eileen K.

2009-01-01

Porphobilinogen synthase (PBGS) catalyzes the first common step in tetrapyrrole (e.g. heme, chlorophyll) biosynthesis. Human PBGS exists as an equilibrium of high activity octamers, low activity hexamers, and alternate dimer configurations that dictate the stoichiometry and architecture of further assembly. It is posited that small molecules can be found that inhibit human PBGS activity by stabilizing the hexamer. Such molecules, if present in the environment, could potentiate disease states associated with reduced PBGS activity, such as lead poisoning and ALAD porphyria, the latter of which is associated with human PBGS variants whose quaternary structure equilibrium is shifted toward the hexamer (Jaffe, E. K., and Stith, L. (2007) Am. J. Hum. Genet. 80, 329–337). Hexamer-stabilizing inhibitors of human PBGS were identified using in silico prescreening (docking) of ∼111,000 structures to a hexamer-specific surface cavity of a human PBGS crystal structure. Seventy-seven compounds were evaluated in vitro; three provided 90–100% conversion of octamer to hexamer in a native PAGE mobility shift assay. Based on chemical purity, two (ML-3A9 and ML-3H2) were subjected to further evaluation of their effect on the quaternary structure equilibrium and enzymatic activity. Naturally occurring ALAD porphyria-associated human PBGS variants are shown to have an increased susceptibility to inhibition by both ML-3A9 and ML-3H2. ML-3H2 is a structural analog of amebicidal drugs, which have porphyria-like side effects. Data support the hypothesis that human PBGS hexamer stabilization may explain these side effects. The current work identifies allosteric ligands of human PBGS and, thus, identifies human PBGS as a medically relevant allosteric enzyme. PMID:19812033

Graphite-like carbon nitride (C3N4) modified N-doped LaTiO3 nanocomposite for higher visible light photocatalytic and photo-electrochemical performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rakibuddin, Md; Kim, Haekyoung; Ehtisham Khan, Mohammad

2018-09-01

A novel g-C3N4/N doped-LaTiO3 organic-inorganic hybrid (CLT) is synthesized via a sol-gel polymerized complex method followed by a facile solid state transformation route. The as synthesized hybrid is characterized using powder X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, UV-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. The results show that the band gap of LaTiO3 is narrowed and also could absorb visible light after doping of N into the LaTiO3 lattice. It is observed that N-doped LaTiO3 nanoparticles are wrapped with the g-C3N4 nano-sheet layers, forming a heterojunction structure, in the CLT hybrid. The CLT hybrid exhibits not only longer wavelength absorption in the visible region but also an enhancement in the photocatalytic and photocurrent activity under visible light compared to pure N-doped LaTiO3 and g-C3N4. Moreover, the hybrid is photo-stable and reusable. The improved visible light photocatalytic activity of the CLT hybrid is ascribed to its suitable band edge potential, better separation of photoinduced charge carriers owing to the heterojunction, and the synergistic effect of g-C3N4 and N-LaTiO3. Based on the results of photoluminescence, electrochemical impedance, and radical scavenger studies, a possible photocatalytic mechanism for the hybrid is also proposed. The g-C3N4/N-LaTiO3 hetero-structure is expected to provide new insight for the application of rare-earth-metal based perovskite oxides in environmental remediation and could be suitable for water splitting and other energy related applications as well.

Aqua­(dicyanamido-κN 1)(nitrato-κ2 O,O′)(2,3,5,6-tetra-2-pyridylpyrazine-κ3 N 2,N 1,N 6)manganese(II)

PubMed Central

Callejo, Lorena; De la Pinta, Noelia; Vitoria, Pablo; Cortés, Roberto

2009-01-01

In the title compound, [Mn(C2N3)(NO3)(C24H16N6)(H2O)], the central manganese(II) ion is hepta­coordinated to a tridentate 2,3,5,6-tetra-2-pyridylpyrazine ligand (tppz), a bidentate nitrate ligand, a terminal monodentate dicyanamide ligand (dca) and a water mol­ecule. The structure contains isolated neutral complexes, which are linked by O(water)—H⋯N hydrogen bonds generating chains along [010]. PMID:21581535

Experimental Study on the Behavior of TiN and Ti2O3 Inclusions in Contact with CaO‐Al2O3‐SiO2‐MgO Slags