The Clinical Significance of Interleukin–1 Receptor Antagonist +2018 Polymorphism in Rheumatoid Arthritis

ObjectiveInterleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) acts as an inhibitor of IL-1; which is one of the culprit cytokines in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Although +2018 polymorphism of IL-1Ra has been implicated in the pathogenesis of RA, its importance remains poorly understood. Hence, the purpose of this study was to determine the clinical significance of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) +2018 polymorphism in RA.MethodsPolymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing were used to determine the genotypes of the IL-1Ra +2018 for 77 RA patients and 18 healthy controls. All RA patients were assessed for the disease activity score that includes 28 joints (DAS28) and radiographic disease damage based on Modified Sharp Score (MSS).ResultsThe frequency of the T/T and C/T genotypes did not differ significantly (p = 0.893) between the RA patients and the controls. The C/T genotype had significantly higher mean disease activity (DAS 28) and disease damage (MSS) scores with p values of 0.017 and 0.004, respectively. Additionally, the ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate), CRP (C-reactive protein), the number of swollen and tender joints were higher for the C/T individuals. On multivariate analysis the CRP, swollen joint count and MSS remained significant with the following p values i.e. 0.045, 0.046 and less than 0.05.ConclusionsC/T genotype of IL-1Ra +2018 prognosticates more aggressive disease in RA.     

d-Aspartate in Human Brain

The presence of the biologically uncommon D-aspartic acid (D-aspartate) in human brain white matter has been previously reported. The earlier study has now been expanded to include D/L-aspartate ratios from 67 normal brains. The data show that the D-aspartate content increases rapidly from 1 year to approximately 35 years of age, levels off in middle age, and then appears to decrease somewhat. The D-aspartate content in gray matter remains at a consistently low level (half of that found in white matter) throughout the human life span. Within the limitations of current analytical methods, there was no detectable difference in D/L-aspartate ratios in white and gray matter of brains with Alzheimer's disease and several other pathologies when compared with brains of normal subjects. However, the presence of a significant D-aspartate level in white matter during the adult life span may lead to changes in protein configuration related to dysfunctions associated with the aging brain.     

5'-bromoacetamido-5'-deoxyadenosine. A novel reagent for labeling adenine nucleotide sites in proteins

We have synthesized and characterized 5'-bromoacetamido-5'-deoxyadenosine (5'-BADA), a new reagent for labeling adenine nucleotide binding sites in enzymatic and regulatory proteins. 5'-BADA possessed exceptionally high solubility and stability in aqueous buffers between pH 5.0 and 8.6 at 25 degrees C. A Dixon plot of data from enzyme kinetic measurements showed that 5'-BADA is a competitive inhibitor of NADH oxidation by 3 alpha,20 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase with a Ki value of 11.8 mM. This compares with a Ki value of 10 mM for adenosine under similar experimental conditions. Incubating 5'-BADA with a 3 alpha,20 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase at pH 7.0 and 25 degrees C caused simultaneous loss of both 3 alpha and 20 beta activity. The enzyme inactivation reaction proceeded by a first order kinetic process. The rates of enzyme inactivation as a function of 5'-BADA concentration obeyed saturation kinetics. 2-Bromoacetamide, at ten times the maximum concentration of 5'-BADA, had no measurable effect on enzyme activity during 25 h of incubation. NADH and AMP protected 3 alpha,20 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase against inactivation by 5'-BADA. The results suggest that 5'-BADA inactivates the enzyme by irreversibly binding to the adenine domain of the NADH cofactor binding region at the catalytic site of 3 alpha,20 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase. Irreversible binding follows from an alkylation reaction between the bromoacetamido side chain of 5'-BADA and an amino acid at or near the enzyme catalytic site. 5'-BADA is presented as a new reagent for selectively labeling amino acid residues at the adenine nucleotide binding sites of enzymatic and regulatory proteins.     

Detection and localization onDrosophila melanogaster polytene chromosomes of sequences homologous to oncogeneyes

Sequences homologous to oncogeneyes (Y73/Esh/sarcoma viral oncogene cDNA) in theDrosophila melanogaster Oregon genome were detected byin situ hybridization on salivary gland chromosomes. Three separate sites, 8D/X, 57BC/2R and 95CD/3R, were identified. Presence of sequences highly homologous toyes in the genomic DNA was confirmed by dot blot hybridization under high stringency conditions.     

Chemical constituents and biological activities of the soft corals of genus Cladiella: A review

In this review, structures of natural products isolated from the soft corals of genus Cladiella and their biological activities are described.     

Molecular docking analysis of compounds from Justica adhatoda L with glycogen synthase kinase-3 β

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is linked with Glycogen synthase kinase-3 β.Therefore, it is ofinterest to document molecular docking analysis data of compounds from Justica adhatoda L with glycogen synthase kinase-3 β. We report the binding features of ethambutol, pyrazinamide, stigmasterol and vasicoline with GSK-3 β.