Association between nesfatin-1 levels and metabolic improvements in severely obese patients who underwent biliopancreatic derivation with duodenal switch

ContextNesfatin-1 is a neuroendocrine peptide with potent anorexigenic activity in rodents. The potential role of nesfatin-1 on the regulation of energy balance, metabolic functions and inflammation is currently debated in obese humans. In the present study, nesfatin-1 fluctuations and their associations with metabolic factors were investigated in severely obese patients who underwent biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD/DS) and severely obese controls (SOC).Basic proceduresSixty severely obese patients who underwent BPD/DS and 15 SOC (matched for BMI and age) were included in the study. Associations between nesfatin-1 levels and body composition, glucose metabolism, lipid profile as well as inflammatory markers were evaluated at baseline and over a post-surgery12-month (12 M) period.Main findingsBody weight was reduced at 6 M and at 12 M in BPD/DS patients (P < 0.001). Nesfatin-1 levels were reduced at 6 M (women: P < 0.05) and at 12 M (men and women; P < 0.001) in BPD/DS patients. At baseline, nesfatin-1 levels negatively correlated with weight, fat (FM) and fat-free mass (FFM) in the whole population (combined BPD/DS and SOC patients). At 12 M, nesfatin-1 concentrations positively correlated with weight, FM, fasting insulin, insulin resistance, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triglyceride and apoB values. At 12 M, % changes in nesfatin-1 were positively associated with% changes in weight, FM, FFM, fasting insulin, insulin resistance, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, apoB and C-reactive protein.ConclusionNesfatin-1 levels decrease following BPD/DS-induced weight loss and are significantly associated with parameters of metabolic health.     

Decreased plasma nesfatin-1 levels in patients with acute myocardial infarction

Nesfatin-1 is a novel anorexigenic hormone which has close relationship with diabetes, obese, anorexia nervosa, psychiatric disorders and neurogenic diseases. The aim of our study was to evaluate levels of plasma nesfatin-1 among patients presenting with coronary artery disease and the correlation between nesfatin-1 levels and other clinical parameters. Fasting plasma levels of nesfatin-1 were tested in 48 acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients, 74 stable angina pectoris (SAP) patients and 34 control subjects. All of them were examined by coronary angiography. The severity of coronary atherosclerosis was assessed using the Gensini score. Plasma nesfatin-1 levels were significantly lower in AMI group than SAP group or control group (0.91 ± 0.08 ng/mL vs. 0.98 ± 0.19 ng/mL and 1.09 ± 0.39 ng/mL, respectively, P < 0.05). In AMI patients, plasma nesfatin-1 levels were negatively correlated with high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, neutrophil% or Gensini scores. Such information implies that lower nesfatin-1 concentration may play a very important role in the development of AMI.     

Cord blood nesfatin-1 in large for gestational age pregnancies

ObjectiveTo investigate possible alterations in cord blood levels of adipokine nesfatin-1 (secreted by adipose tissue and pancreatic β-cells and implicated in glucose metabolism and insulin resistance), as well as insulin, in large (LGA) and appropriate for gestational age (AGA) pregnancies, granted that these groups differ in body fat mass and metabolic/endocrine mechanisms.Materials and methodsCord blood nesfatin-1 and insulin concentrations were prospectively measured in 40 LGA (9 born from diabetic and 31 from non-diabetic mothers) and 20 AGA singleton full-term infants as well as their mothers.ResultsCord blood nesfatin-1 concentrations were significantly lower in LGA compared to AGA neonates (b = ?0.206, SE 0.07, p = 0.005). However, cord blood nesfatin-1 concentrations were elevated in infants born from mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), compared to those born from non-diabetic mothers, after controlling for group (b = 0.190, SE 0.10, p = 0.05). Finally, cord blood nesfatin-1 concentrations were lower in cases of vaginal delivery (b = 0.11, SE 0.05, p = 0.042). Insulin levels were significantly elevated, as customized centiles increased (b = 0.004, SE = 0.002, p = 0.016). No significant correlation was found between insulin and nesfatin-1 in maternal and umbilical cord levels.ConclusionsIn this study nesfatin-1 levels are decreased in LGA compared to AGA fetuses. Fetal nesfatin-1 concentrations are higher in cases of GDM and cord blood nesfatin-1 concentrations are lower in cases of vaginal delivery.     

New satiety hormone nesfatin-1 protects gastric mucosa against stress-induced injury: Mechanistic roles of prostaglandins,nitric oxide,sensory nerves and vanilloid receptors

Nesfatin-1 belongs to a family of anorexigenic peptides, which are responsible for satiety and are identified in the neurons and endocrine cells within the gut. These peptides have been implicated in the control of food intake; however, very little is known concerning its contribution to gastric secretion and gastric mucosal integrity. In this study the effects of nesfatin-1 on gastric secretion and gastric lesions induced in rats by 3.5 h of water immersion and restraint stress (WRS) were determined. Exogenous nesfatin-1 (5–40 μg/kg i.p.) significantly decreased gastric acid secretion and attenuated gastric lesions induced by WRS, and this was accompanied by a significant rise in plasma NUCB2/nefatin-1 levels, the gastric mucosal blood flow (GBF), luminal NO concentration, generation of PGE₂ in the gastric mucosa, an overexpression of mRNA for NUBC2 and cNOS, as well as a suppression of iNOS and proinflammatory cytokine IL-1β and TNF-α mRNAs. Nesfatin-1-induced protection was attenuated by suppression of COX-1 and COX-2 activity, the inhibition of NOS with L-NNA, the deactivation of afferent nerves with neurotoxic doses of capsaicin, and the pretreatment with capsazepine to inhibit vanilloid VR1 receptors. This study shows for the first time that nesfatin-1 exerts a potent protective action in the stomach of rats exposed to WRS and these effects depend upon decrease in gastric secretion, hyperemia mediated by COX-PG and NOS-NO systems, the activation of vagal and sensory nerves and vanilloid receptors.     

The protective efficacy of magnolol in hind limb ischemia-reperfusion injury

We investigated the protective effects of magnolol, an active antioxidant and free radical scavenger extracted from Magnolia officinalis, in a hind limb ischemic-reperfusion animal model. Adult male Spraque-Dawley rats were subjected to hind limb ischemic insult for 2 hours and were intravenously treated with magnolol at 0.01 mg/kg (n=8), 0.3 mg/kg (n=8) mg/kg or 1 mg/kg (n=8) mg/kg, or vehicle (n=8). At 24 h post-insult, the levels of nitrite/nitrate (NOX), malondialdehyde (MDA) and myeloperoxidase (MPO), as well as the degree of muscle damage, were assessed. Relative to controls, animals treated with magnolol (0.3 and 1 mg/kg) had attenuated muscular inflammation, edema and damage. Magnolol (0.3–1 mg/kg) also effectively reduced postischemic rises in the MDA, NOx and MPO levels (p<0.05, respectively). Magnolol administrated at 0.01 mg/kg, however, failed to protect against the ischemic-perfusion limb injury. In addition, magnolol (0.01–1 mg/kg) did not affect local muscular blood reperfusion or other physiological parameters, including hematocrit, glucose, arterial blood gases and mean arterial blood pressure. Thus, intravenous administration with magnolol at 0.3–1 mg/kg protects against ischemic limb damage in rats. This cytoprotection may be attributed to its antioxidant, anti-nitrosative and anti-inflammatory actions.     

Fasting plasma levels of nesfatin-1 in patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus and the nutrient-related fluctuation of nesfatin-1 level in normal humans

The novel satiety factor nesfatin-1 has been shown to decrease food intake and body weight in rodents after i.c.v. injection. However, no further developments regarding the true patho-physiological relevance of nesfatin-1 in obesity and type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1 DM) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2 DM) have been reported. A recent study by Stengel et al. demonstrated that a down-regulation of NUCB2 mRNA in gastric endocrine cells was observed after 24-h fasting. They raised the possibility that nesfatin/NUCB2 gene expression may be regulated by nutritional status, suggesting that nesfatin-1 in the stomach might play a role in satiety. In the present study, fasting levels in plasma nesfatin-1, insulin and glucose were measured and analyzed in healthy subjects and in patients with T1 DM and T2 DM. Plasma nesfatin-1 levels were measured 6 times before and after oral glucose ingestion in healthy subjects. No sex differences in plasma nesfatin-1 were found. The mean fasting plasma nesfatin-1 levels were slightly but not significantly higher in T1 DM patients compared to healthy subjects. However, fasting plasma nesfatin-1 levels were significantly lower in T2 DM patients compared to healthy subjects and T1 DM patients. Plasma nesfatin-1 did not change acutely, although a small rise in circulating nesfatin-1 occurred within 30 min after the beginning of an oral glucose ingestion (from a mean basal value of 0.99 ± 0.23 ng/ml to a maximum of 1.08 ± 0.24 ng/ml). No significant difference in plasma nesfatin-1 before and after an oral glucose was observed. In conclusion, we showed that fasting nesfatin-1 was significantly lower in T2 DM patients compared to healthy subjects and T1 DM patients. The significance of this result is unclear but the reduction in fasting nesfatin-1 may be one of the appetite-related hormones involved in diabetic hyperphagia. In addition, neither glucose nor saline ingestions affected plasma nesfatin-1, suggesting that gastric chemosensation is not sufficient for the nesfatin-1 response under the present conditions.     

Cellular and molecular mechanisms of 17β-estradiol postconditioning protection against gastric mucosal injury induced by ischemia/reperfusion in rats

AimsTo investigate the protective effects of 17β-estradiol postconditioning against ischemia/reperfusion (I–R)-induced gastric mucosal injury in rats.Main methodsThe animal model of gastric ischemia/reperfusion was established by clamping of the celiac artery for 30 min and reperfusion for 30 min, 1 h, 3 h, 6 h, 12 h or 24 h. 17β-estradiol at doses of 5, 50 or 100 μg/kg (rat) was administered via peripheral veins 2 min before reperfusion. In a subgroup of rats, the estrogen receptor antagonist fulvestrant (Ful, 2 mg/kg) was intravenously injected prior to 17β-estradiol administration. Histological and immunohistochemical methods were employed to assess the gastric mucosal injury index and gastric mucosal cell apoptosis and proliferation. The malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, xanthine oxidase (XOD) activity and hydroxyl free radical (–OH) inhibitory ability were determined by colorimetric assays. Subsequently, the expression of Bcl-2 and Bax in rat gastric mucosa was examined by western blotting.Key findings17β-estradiol dose-dependently inhibited gastric I–R (GI–R) injury, and 17β-estradiol (50 μg/kg) markedly attenuated GI–R injury 1 h after reperfusion. 17β-estradiol inhibited gastric mucosal cell apoptosis and promoted gastric mucosal cell proliferation in addition to increasing SOD activity and –OH inhibitory ability and decreasing the MDA content and XOD activity. The Bax protein level increased 1 h after GI–R and was markedly reduced by intravenous administration of 17β-estradiol. In contrast, the level of Bcl-2 protein decreased 1 h after GI–R and was restored to normal levels by intravenous administration of 17β-estradiol. These effects of 17β-estradiol were inhibited by pretreatment with fulvestrant.Significance17β-estradiol postconditioning should be investigated further as a possible strategy against gastric mucosal injury.     

Effects of carbon monoxide releasing molecule-liberated CO on severe acute pancreatitis in rats

Recent studies have suggested that exogenously administered carbon monoxide (CO) is beneficial for resolution of acute inflammation. Severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) is an inflammatory condition which leads to a systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). In this study, we investigated the role of CO liberated from carbon monoxide releasing molecule-2 (CORM-2) in rats with SAP. SAP was induced by retrograde infusion of 5% sodium taurocholate into the pancreatobiliary duct. Forty Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups. Sham group was given normal saline after the sham operation. SAP group was treated with normal saline after the induction of SAP. CORM-2 group was injected with CORM-2 (8 mg/kg, i.v.) after the onset of SAP. iCORM-2 group was given iCORM-2 (an inactive compound used as negative control) after SAP induction. All animals were sacrificed at 12 h after the operation. Eighty rats (n = 20 for each group) were monitored for 7 days to observe their survival rates. In another set of experiments, the former three groups received the same treatment as mentioned above. The last group was given ZnPPIX (HO-1 inhibitor) by peritoneal injection at 1 h before the administration of CORM-2 (n = 10 for each group). Serum levels of amylase, tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin 1β (IL-1β), and interleukin 10 (IL-10) as well as myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity in pancreatic tissue were determined. Histological score, mRNA expression of these cytokines, heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression, HO activity, and nuclear factor κB (NF-κB)-binding activity in the pancreas were also evaluated. Our results showed that compared with SAP group, CORM-2 treatment significantly reduced the serum levels of amylase, TNF-α, and IL-1β, suppressed pancreatic tissue mRNA expression of TNF-α and IL-1β, and decreased MPO activity in the pancreas. In contrast with the pro-inflammatory cytokines, the serum level and pancreatic tissue mRNA expression of IL-10 were markedly increased by the injection of CORM-2. The severity of pancreatic histology and survival rate were also significantly improved by the administration of CORM-2. Treatment with CORM-2 was associated with an increase in HO-1 expression at 12 h after SAP induction. Pretreatment with ZnPPIX had no effect on the production and mRNA expression of these cytokines at 12 h after the development of SAP with the treatment of CORM-2 as compared to CORM-2 group. Furthermore, CORM-2 treatment inhibited the activation of NF-κB in the pancreas. These results indicate that CORM-2-liberated CO exerts protective effects on SAP in rats, and the beneficial effects may be due to the suppression of NF-κB activation and subsequent regulation of NF-κB-dependent expression of cytokines.     

Indoxyl sulfate promotes cardiac fibrosis with enhanced oxidative stress in hypertensive rats

AimsCardiovascular disease (CVD) is common in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. Indoxyl sulfate (IS) is a nephrovascular uremic toxin that induces oxidative stress in kidney and vascular system. The present study aimed to examine the effect of IS on fibrosis and oxidative stress in rat heart.Main methodsThe effects of IS on heart were examined by Masson's trichrome (MT) staining and immunohistochemistry using: (1) Dahl salt-resistant normotensive rats (DN), (2) Dahl salt-resistant normotensive IS-administered rats (DN + IS), (3) Dahl salt-sensitive hypertensive rats (DH), and (4) Dahl salt-sensitive hypertensive IS-administered rats (DH + IS).Key findingsDH + IS rats showed significantly increased heart weight and left ventricle weight compared with DN. DH and DH + IS rats showed significantly increased diameter of cardiomyocytes, increased MT-positive fibrotic area, increased staining for transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, α-smooth muscle actin (SMA), type 1 collagen, NADPH oxidase Nox 4, malondialdehyde (MDA), and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and decreased staining for nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in the heart compared with DN. More notably, DH + IS rats showed significantly increased diameter of cardiomyocytes, increased fibrotic area, increased staining for TGF-β1, SMA, type 1 collagen, Nox4, 8-OHdG and MDA, and decreased staining for Nrf2 and HO-1 in the heart compared with DH.SignificanceIS aggravates cardiac fibrosis and cardiomyocyte hypertrophy with enhanced oxidative stress and reduced anti-oxidative defense in hypertensive rats.     

Triterpene glycosides from Agrostemma gracilis

Four triterpene saponins, agrostemmosides A–D were isolated from the methanol extract of Agrostemma gracilis. The structures of the compounds were determined as 3-O-β-d-xylopyranosyloleanolic acid 28-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-[β-d-xylopyranosyl-(1 → 6)]-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 6)-β-d-glucopyranosyl ester, 3-O-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-β-d-xylopyranosyloleanolic acid 28-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-[β-d-xylopyranosyl-(1 → 6)]-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 6)-β-d-glucopyranosyl ester, 3-O-β-d-xylopyranosylechinocystic acid 28-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 6)-β-d-glucopyranosyl ester, 3-O-β-d-xylopyranosylechinocystic acid 28-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-[β-d-xylopyranosyl-(1 → 6)]-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 6)-β-d-glucopyranosyl ester by a combination of one- and two-dimensional NMR techniques, and mass spectrometry. To the best of our knowledge this is the first phytochemical report on A. gracilis, and echinocystic acid saponins were encountered for the first time in Caryophyllaceae family.     

Acylated pregnane glycosides from Caralluma quadrangula

In a previous study, the methanolic extract as well as the chloroform fraction of the aerial parts of Caralluma quadrangula (Forssk.) N.E.Br. indigenous to Saudi Arabia showed significant in vitro cytotoxic activity against breast cancer (MCF7) cell line. In a biologically-guided fractionation approach, four acylated pregnane glycosides were isolated from the chloroform fraction of C. quadrangula. The structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated by the analysis of their MS and NMR data. The compounds were identified as 12,20-di-O-benzoylboucerin 3-O-β-d-digitoxopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-β-d-canaropyranosyl-(1 → 4)-β-d-cymaropyranoside (1), 12,20-di-O-benzoylboucerin 3-O-β-d-cymaropyranosyl-(1 → 4)-β-d-canaropyranosyl-(1 → 4)-β-d-cymaropyranoside (2), 12,20-di-O-benzoylboucerin 3-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-β-d-digitoxopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-β-d-canaropyranosyl-(1 → 4)-β-d-cymaropyranoside (3) and 12,20-di-O-benzoyl-3β,5α,12β,14β,20-pentahydroxy-(20R)-pregn-6-ene 3-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-β-d-digitoxopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-β-d-canaropyranosyl-(1 → 4)-β-d-cymaropyranoside (4). The isolated compounds were tested for their cytotoxic activity against breast cancer (MCF7) cell line.     

Adaptation of rat gastric tissue against indomethacin toxicity

Indomethacin is used in the treatment of inflammatory diseases. But the drug toxicity limits its usage. This study investigated whether adaptation occurred after various dosages of repeated (chronic) indomethacin in rats to the gastro-toxic effects of indomethacin. It also examined whether the adaptation was related to oxidant–antioxidant mechanisms and oxidative DNA damage in gastric tissue. To illuminate the adaptation mechanism in the gastric tissue of rats given various dosages of chronic indomethacin, the levels of oxidants and antioxidants (GSH, MDA, NO, SOD and MPO), activities of COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes and oxidative DNA damage (8-OHd Gua/10⁵ Gua) were measured. Results were compared to 25-mg/kg single-dose indomethacin group, and the role of oxidant and antioxidant parameters and oxidative DNA damage in the adaptation mechanism was evaluated. The average ulcer areas of gastric tissue of the 0.5-, 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, and 5-mg/kg dosages of chronic indomethacin given to rats were 19.5 ± 3.7, 12.5 ± 3.3, 10 ± 5.2, 4.5 ± 3.6, 8.6 ± 2.4, and 9.5 ± 2.1 mm², respectively. This rate was measured as 21.3 ± 2.6 mm² in the single-dose indomethacin group. Consequently, after various dosages of repeated (chronic) indomethacin administration in rats, it was observed that a clear adaptation developed against gastric damage and that gastric damage was reduced. The best adaptation was observed in the gastric tissue of the 3-mg/kg chronic indomethacin group. In parallel with the damage reduction, the oxidant parameters (MDA and MPO) and oxidative DNA damage (8-OHd Gua/10⁵ Gua) were reduced, and the antioxidant parameters (GSH, NO and SOD) were increased. There is no relation between COX enzymes and adaptation mechanism. This circumstance shows that not COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes, oxidant and antioxidant parameters may play a role in the adaptation mechanism.     

Rheediinosides A and B,two antiproliferative and antioxidant triterpene saponins from Entada rheedii

Two triterpenoid saponins have been isolated from the seed kernels of Entada rheedii. Their structures have been established using 1D- and 2D-NMR and mass spectrometry as 3-O-β-d-xylopyranosyl-(1 → 3)-O-α-l-arabinopyranosyl-(1 → 6)-2-acetylamino-2-deoxy-β-d-glucopyranosylentagenic acid 28-O-β-apiofuranosyl-(1 → 3)-β-d-xylopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-β-d-glucopyranoside (Rheediinoside A, 1) and 3-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 3)-O-[β-d-xylopyranosyl-(1 → 3)-α-l-arabinopyranosyl-(1 → 6)]-2-acetylamino-2-deoxy-β-d-glucopyranosylentagenic acid 28-O-β-apiofuranosyl-(1 → 3)-β-d-xylopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-β-d-glucopyranoside (Rheediinoside B, 2). Compounds 1 and 2 were tested for their antiproliferative activity against T98G, A431, PC3 and B16-F1 cell lines, and further for their antioxidant properties. Moderate cytotoxic potency and antioxidant properties were found for these compounds whereas Rheediinoside B was in all assays more active than Rheediinoside A.     

New oleanane-type saponins: Leptocarposide B-D,from Ludwigia leptocarpa (Onagraceae)

Three new oleanane-type saponins, leptocarposide B-D (1–3), were isolated from the whole plant of Ludwigia leptocarpa (Nutt.) Hara, together with ten known compounds 4–13.The structures of these compounds were determined by interpretation of their spectral data, mainly HR-TOFESIMS, 1D-NMR (¹H, ¹³C) and 2D-NMR (¹H–¹H COSY, HSQC, HMBC, and NOESY), and by comparison with the literature data. The structures of the new compounds were established as 28-O-β-d-xylopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-[α-l-arabinopyranosyl-(1 → 3)]-4-O-(3′-hydroxybutanoyloxy-3-hydroxybutanoyloxy)-β-d-fucopyranosyl zanhic acid (1); 3-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-28-O-β-d-xylopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-4-O-(3′-hydroxybutanoyloxy-3-hydroxybutanoyloxy)-β-d-fucopyranosyl medicagenic acid (2); 3-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-β-d-glucopyranosyl-28-O-β-d-xylopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-[α-l- arabinopyranosyl-(1 → 3)]-4-O-(3′-hydroxybutanoyloxy-3-hydroxybutanoyloxy)-β-d-fucopyranosyl zanhic acid (3).     

New cytotoxic steroidal saponins from Cestrum parqui

Two new steroidal saponins, 25(R)-3β [(O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 3)-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-O-[β-d-xylopyranosyl-(1 → 3)-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-β-d-galactopyranosyl)oxy]-5α, 15β, 22R, 25R-spirostan-3,15-diol (1, named parquispiroside) and 25R-26-[(β-d-glucopyranosyl)Oxy]-(3β [(O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 3)-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-O-[β-d-xylopyranosyl-(1 → 3)-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-β-d-galactopyranosyl)oxy], 5α, 15β, 22R, 25R)-furostane-3,15,22-triol (2, named parquifuroside), along with the known saponins, capsicoside D (3) and 22-OMe-capsicoside D (4) and the known glycoside, benzyl primeveroside (5), were isolated from the leaves of Cestrum parqui. The structures of these compounds were elucidated by careful analysis of 1D and 2D NMR spectra and ESIMS data. Parquispiroside (1) exhibited moderate inhibition of Hela, HepG2, U87, and MCF7 cell lines with IC₅₀ values in the range of 3.3–14.1 μM.     

Effect of gold nanoparticles on glutathione and malondialdehyde levels in liver,lung and heart of rats

We studied the effect of gold nanoparticles (NPs) on oxidative stress markers including reduced glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in different organs of rats. Adult male Wistar-Kyoto rats were randomly divided into 3 groups of 5 animals each. One group served as control and received vehicle only. The remaining two groups were treated with 50 μl of 10 nm sized gold NPs, daily for 3 and 7 days, respectively. The rats were sacrificed 24 h after the last injection of NPs. Administration of gold NPs did not cause any significant change in GSH levels in liver, lung and heart on day 3 or day 7. There was no significant effect of gold NPs on MDA levels in lung and heart whereas significant increases in MDA levels were found in the liver of rats treated with gold nanoparticles on both 3 and 7 days post-dosing (ANOVA F = 7.113, P = 0.010). In conclusion, the findings of this preliminary study suggest that gold NPs of 10 nm diameter produce significant lipid peroxidation in rat liver however lungs and heart do not show any oxidative stress. Further studies are warranted to examine the effects of a broader dose range of gold NPs on the levels of free radical indices in different organs of rats.     

Coumarins from the roots of Prangos uloptera

Three new coumarins, 6-O-[β-d-apiofuranosyl-(1 → 6)-β-d-glucopyranosyl]-prenyletin, 3″-O-[β-d-apiofuranosyl-(1 → 6)-β-d-glucopyranosyl]-oxypeucedanin hydrate and 2″-O-[β-d-apiofuranosyl-(1 → 6)-β-d-glucopyranosyl]-oxypeucedanin hydrate, together with six known coumarins, 3″-O-[β-d-apiofuranosyl-(1 → 6)-β-d-glucopyranosyl]-heraclenol, 3″-O-(β-d-glucopyranosyl)-heraclenol, tortuoside, 3″-O-(β-d-glucopyranosyl)-oxypeucedanin hydrate, heraclenol and oxypeucedanin hydrate, have been isolated from the roots of Prangos uloptera, and the structures of these coumarins were unequivocally determined by spectroscopic means, notably UV, HRESIMS, and 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy.     

GLP-1(32–36)amide,a novel pentapeptide cleavage product of GLP-1, modulates whole body glucose metabolism in dogs

We have previously demonstrated in human subjects who under euglycemic clamp conditions GLP-1(9–36)amide infusions inhibit endogenous glucose production without substantial insulinotropic effects. An earlier report indicates that GLP-1(9–36)amide is cleaved to a nonapeptide, GLP-1(28–36)amide and a pentapeptide GLP-1(32–36)amide (LVKGR amide). Here we study the effects of the pentapeptide on whole body glucose disposal during hyperglycemic clamp studies. Five dogs underwent indwelling catheterizations. Following recovery, the dogs underwent a 180 min hyperglycemic clamp (basal glucose +98 mg/dl) in a cross-over design. Saline or pentapeptide (30 pmol kg⁻¹ min⁻¹) was infused during the last 120 min after commencement of the hyperglycemic clamp in a primed continuous manner. During the last 30 min of the pentapeptide infusion, glucose utilization (M) significantly increased to 21.4 ± 2.9 mg kg⁻¹ min⁻¹compared to M of 14.3 ± 1.1 mg kg⁻¹ min⁻¹ during the saline infusion (P = 0.026, paired t-test; P = 0.062, Mann–Whitney U test). During this interval, no significant differences in insulin (26.6 ± 3.2 vs. 23.7 ± 2.5 μU/ml, P = NS) or glucagon secretion (34.0 ± 2.1 vs. 31.7 ± 1.8 pg/ml, P = NS) were observed. These findings demonstrate that under hyperglycemic clamp studies the pentapeptide modulates glucose metabolism by a stimulation of whole-body glucose disposal. Further, the findings suggest that the metabolic benefits previously observed during GLP-1(9–36)amide infusions in humans might be due, at least in part, to the metabolic effects of the pentapeptide that is cleaved from the pro-peptide, GLP-1(9–36)amide in the circulation.     

Intravenous injection of urocortin 1 induces a CRF2 mediated increase in circulating ghrelin and glucose levels through distinct mechanisms in rats

Urocortins (Ucns) injected peripherally decrease food intake and gastric emptying through peripheral CRF₂ receptors in rodents. However, whether Ucns influence circulating levels of the orexigenic and prokinetic hormone, ghrelin has been little investigated. We examined plasma levels of ghrelin and blood glucose after intravenous (iv) injection of Ucn 1, the CRF receptor subtype involved and underlying mechanisms in ad libitum fed rats equipped with a chronic iv cannula. Ucn 1 (10 μg/kg, iv) induced a rapid onset and long lasting increase in ghrelin levels reaching 68% and 219% at 0.5 and 3 h post injection respectively and a 5-h hyperglycemic response. The selective CRF₂ agonist, Ucn 2 (3 μg/kg, iv) increased fasting acyl (3 h: 49%) and des-acyl ghrelin levels (3 h: 30%) compared to vehicle while the preferential CRF₁ agonist, CRF (3 μg/kg, iv) had no effect. <!-- no-mfc -->Ucn 1's<!-- /no-mfc --> stimulatory actions were blocked by the selective CRF₂ antagonist, astressin₂-B (100 μg/kg, iv). Hexamethonium (10 mg/kg, sc) prevented Ucn 1-induced rise in total ghrelin levels while not altering the hyperglycemic response. These data indicate that systemic injection of Ucns induces a CRF₂-mediated increase in circulating ghrelin levels likely via indirect actions on gastric ghrelin cells that involves a nicotinic pathway independently from the hyperglycemic response.