Radical intermediates involved in the bleaching of the carotenoid crocin. Hydroxyl radicals, superoxide anions and hydrated electrons

The participation of the primary radicals in the bleaching of aqueous solutions of the carotenoid crocin by ionizing radiation was investigated, employing both X-radiolysis and pulse radiolysis. The pulse-radiolytic data demonstrated a very rapid diffusion-controlled attack by both hydroxyl radicals (.OH) and hydrated electrons (eaq-), while superoxide anions (O2-) did not react at all. The site of the initial reaction of these radicals was not limited to the polyene chromophore. Slower secondary reactions involving crocin alkyl or peroxy radicals contribute mainly to the overall bleaching, in particular during steady-state irradiation.     

Conformation of azidothymidine: an anti-AIDS drug

The nucleoside antibiotic, 3′-azido-3′-deoxythymidine, or simply, azidothymidine has shown great promise in inhibiting the human immuno deficiency virus and in reducing mortality among AIDS patients. Conformational properties of azidothymidine have been investigated by quantum-mechanical PCILO method and compared with those of the parent nucleoside, thymidine. The results indicate great similarity between them and this similarity is remarkably striking in the situations that prevail in aqueous solution. This result has important biological significance in explaining the drug action of azidothymidine.     

Peripartum Cardiomyopathy Presenting With Ventricular Tachycardia: A Rare Presentation

A 25-year-old previously asymptomatic pregnant woman at 36 weeks'' gestation was noticed to have repetitive monomorphic ventricular tachycardia. A dilated left ventricle with moderately reduced systolic function was found on echocardiographic examination. This is a very rare presentation of peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCMP) presenting with repetitive monomorphic ventricular tachycardia.     

Microbial production of 1,3-propanediol: Recent developments and emerging opportunities

1,3-Propanediol, a valuable bifunctional molecule, can be produced from renewable resources using microorganisms. It has several promising properties for many synthetic reactions, particularly for polymer and cosmetic industries. By virtue of being a natural product, relevant biochemical pathways can be harnessed into fermentation processes to produce 1,3-propanediol. Various strategies for the microbial production of 1,3-propanediol are reviewed and compared in this article with their promises and constraints. Furthermore, genetic and metabolic engineering could significantly improve product yields and overcome the limitations of fermentation technology. Present review gives an overview on 1,3-propanediol production by wild and recombinant strains. It also attempts to encompass the various issues concerned in utilization of crude glycerol for 1,3-propanediol production, with particular emphasis laid on biodiesel industries. This review also summarizes the present state of strategies studied for the downstream processing and purification of biologically produced 1,3-propanediol. The future prospect of 1,3-propanediol and its potential as a major bulk chemical are discussed under the light of the current research.     

Pacemaker Lead Induced Inferior Vena Caval Thrombosis Leading to Portal Hypertension

Inferior vena caval thrombosis is an unusual complication of permanent pacemaker implantation. The clinical presentation due to thrombosis depends on the site of thrombus. We have described here a rare case of pacemaker lead associated thrombosis of inferior vena cava, its diagnostic work up and briefly reviewed the existing literature of this uncommon complication.     

Arguments against the significance of the Fenton reaction contributing to signal pathways under in vivo conditions

One of the common explanations for oxidative stress in the physiological milieu is based on the Fenton reaction, i.e. the assumption that radical chain reactions are initiated by metal-catalyzed electron transfer to hydrogen peroxide yielding hydroxyl radicals. On the other hand — especially in the context of so-called “iron switches” — it is postulated that cellular signaling pathways originate from the interaction of reduced iron with hydrogen peroxide.

Using fluorescence detection and EPR for identification of radical intermediates, we determined the rate of iron complexation by physiological buffer together with the reaction rate of concomitant hydroxylations of aromatic compounds under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. With the obtained overall reaction rate of 1,700 M^-1s^-1 for the buffer-dependent reactions and the known rates for Fenton reactions, we derive estimates for the relative reaction probabilities of both processes.

As a consequence we suggest that under in vivo conditions initiation of chain reactions by hydroxyl radicals generated by the Fenton reaction is of minor importance and hence metal-dependent oxidative stress must be rather independent of the so-called “peroxide tone”. Furthermore, it is proposed that — in the low (subtoxic) concentration range — hydroxylated compounds derived from reactions of “non-free” (crypto) OH radicals are better candidates for iron-dependent sensing of redox-states and for explaining the origin of cellular signals than the generation of “free” hydroxyl radicals.