Antimutagenicity of mono-, di-, and tricaffeoylquinic acid derivatives isolated from sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas L.) leaf

The caffeoylquinic acid derivatives, 3-mono-O-caffeoylquinic acid (chlorogenic acid, ChA), 3,4-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid (3,4-diCQA), 3,5-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid (3,5-diCQA), 4,5-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid (4,5-diCQA) and 3,4,5-tri-O-caffeoylquinic acid (3,4,5-triCQA), and caffeic acid (CA) were isolated from the sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas L.) leaf. We examined the antimutagenicity of these caffeoylquinic acid compounds to promote new uses of the sweetpotato leaf. These caffeoylquinic acid derivatives effectively inhibited the reverse mutation induced by Trp-P-1 on Salmonella typhimurium TA 98. The antimutagenicity of these derivatives was 3,4,5-triCQA > 3,4-diCQA = 3,5-diCQA = 4,5-diCQA > ChA in this order. There was no difference in the antimutagenicity of all dicaffeoylquinic acid derivatives. A comparison of the activities and structures of these compounds suggested that the number of caffeoyl groups bound to quinic acid played a role in the antimutagenicity of the caffeoylquinic acid derivatives. The sweetpotato leaves contained distinctive polyphenolic components with a high content of mono-, di-, and tricaffeoylquinic acid derivatives and could be a source of physiological functions.     

Recent advances in asymmetric synthesis of pipecolic acid and derivatives

Summary. This review covers the literature relating to asymmetric syntheses of pipecolic acid derivatives from 1997 to present. This review is organized according to the position and the degree of substitution of the piperidinic cycle. In a first section, syntheses of pipecolic acid itself are described. Then, successively, syntheses of C-3, C-4, C-5, C-6 substituted pipecolic acid derivatives are reported. Finally, syntheses of unsaturated pipecolic acid derivatives are presented before the last part devoted to the polysubstituted pipecolic acid derivatives.     

High yielding synthesis of N-ethyl dehydroamino acids

Recently we reported the use of a sequence of alkylation and dehydration methodologies to obtain N-ethyl-α, β-dehydroamino acid derivatives. The application of this N-alkylation procedure to several methyl esters of β,β-dibromo and β-bromo, β-substituted dehydroamino acids protected with standard amine protecting groups was subsequently reported. The corresponding N-ethyl, β-bromo dehydroamino acid derivatives were obtained in fair to high yields and some were used as substrates in Suzuki cross-coupling reactions to give N-ethyl, β,β-disubstituted dehydroalanine derivatives. Herein, we further explore N-ethylation of β-halo dehydroamino acid derivatives using triethyloxonium tetrafluoroborate as alkylating agent, but substituting N,N-diisopropylethylamine for potassium tert-butoxide as auxiliary base. In these conditions, for all β-halo dehydroamino acid derivatives, reactions were complete and the N-ethylated derivative could be isolated in high yield. This method was also applied for N-ethylation of non-halogenated dehydroamino acids. Again, with all compounds the reactions were complete and the N-ethyl dehydroamino acid derivatives could be isolated in high yields. Some of these N-ethyl dehydroamino acid methyl ester derivatives were converted in high yields to their corresponding acids and coupled to an amino acid methyl ester to give N-ethyl dehydrodipeptide derivatives in good yields. Thus, this method constitutes a general procedure for high yielding synthesis of N-ethylated dehydroamino acids, which can be further applied in peptide synthesis.     

Studies on 2-aziridinecarboxylic acid peptides: Their reaction and uses

The reaction of 2-aziridinecarboxylic acid derivatives with several protic reagents was used to synthesize depsipeptides, dehydroamino acid derivatives, diaminopropionic acid derivatives, and phospho peptide derivatives. The reaction of N-aminoacyl-2-aziridinecarboxylic acid benzyl ester with amino acid ester induced stereoselective transacylation.     

The oxidative damage of plasmid DNA by ascorbic acid derivatives in vitro: the first research on the relationship between the structure of ascorbic acid and the oxidative damage of plasmid DNA

To study the structure-function relationship of the oxidative-damage effect of ascorbic acid, we have focused on the interaction between plasmid DNA pUC19 and a series of ascorbic acid derivatives modified on different OH groups in the presence of transition metal ions. Some ascorbic acid derivatives can selectively cleave plasmid DNA from Form I to Form II in the presence of low concentration of Cu2+ just like ascorbic acid itself, while other derivatives oxidatively damage plasmid DNA slightly. We found that those derivatives with unattached 2-OH and 3-OH groups retain the ability to cleave the plasmid DNA. The derivatives that have been methylated on 2-OH or 3-OH can only cleave plasmid DNA softly, and those derivatives that have been protected on both 2-OH and 3-OH can hardly exert an oxidative damage on plasmid DNA under the same condition. Form these results, we can draw the conclusion that 2-OH and 3-OH groups of the ascorbic acid molecule contribute most to this biological activity.     

Effect of molecular parameters on the binding of phenoxyacetic acid derivatives to albumins

The interaction of 12 phenoxyacetic acid derivatives with human and serum albumin as well as with egg albumin was studied by charge-transfer reversed-phase (RP) thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and the relative strength of interaction was calculated. Each phenoxyacetic acid derivative interacted with human and bovine serum albumins whereas no interaction was observed with egg albumin. Stepwise regression analysis proved that the lipophilicity of the derivatives exert a significant impact on their capacity to bind to serum albumins. This result supports the hypothesis that the binding of phenoxyacetic acid derivatives to albumins may involve hydrophobic forces occurring between the corresponding apolar substructures of these derivatives and the amino acid side chains.     

Enzymatic production of caffeic acid by koji from plant resources containing caffeoylquinic acid derivatives

The effect of a koji (Aspergillus awamori mut.) extract on the caffeoylquinic acid derivatives purified from sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas L.) leaves was examined to develop the mass production of caffeic acid. A koji extract hydrolyzed the caffeoylquinic acid derivatives, chlorogenic acid, 3,4-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid, 3,5-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid, 4,5-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid and 3,4,5-tri-O-caffeoylquinic acid, to caffeic acid. Furthermore, the koji extract also converted the major polyphenolic components from sweetpotato, burdock (Arctium lappa L.), and mugwort (Artemisia indica var. maximowiczii) leaves to caffeic acid. These results suggest that the production of caffeic acid from plant resources containing caffeoylquinic acid derivatives is possible.     

N-hydroxybenzenecarboximidic acid derivatives: a new class of nitroxyl-generating prodrugs.

On the basis of the propensity of Piloty's acid to generate nitroxyl (HNO), we previously prepared a number of N,O-bisacylated Piloty's acid derivatives and showed that such prodrugs underwent a disproportionation reaction following ester hydrolysis to give an unstable intermediate that hydrolyzed to nitroxyl. To expand the versatility of this series, we desired some mixed N,O-diacylated Piloty's acid derivatives and devised a synthetic route to them. Such efforts led us, serendipitously, to a new series of heretofore unreported nitroxyl-generating compounds. Thus, benzohydroxamic acid was acylated on the hydroxylamino oxygen and the resulting product converted to its sodium salt. Treatment of this salt with arenesulfonyl chorides would be expected to give the mixed N,O-diacylated derivatives of Piloty's acid. However, the products obtained were the isomeric carboximidic acid derivatives whose structures were deduced from the IR and (13)C NMR spectral frequencies associated with the sp(2) carbons. The structures were verified by analysis of the X-ray crystal structure of a prototype compound of this series. When incubated with porcine liver esterase or mouse plasma, these N-acyloxy-O-arenesulfonylated benzenecarboximidic acid derivatives liberated HNO, measured as N(2)O, as well as the expected arenesulfinic acid and benzoic acid. Alkaline hydrolysis also produced N(2)O, but the major products were the arenesulfonic acid and benzohydroxamic acid. Thus, these N-hydroxybenzenecarboximidic acid derivatives represent a new series of nitroxyl prodrugs that require enzymatic bioactivation before nitroxyl can be liberated.     

Design, synthesis, and characterization of BK channel openers based on oximation of abietane diterpene derivatives

Oxime ether derivatives at the benzylic position of unsubstituted, dichloro, trichloro, and monobromo derivatives of the aromatic C-ring of dehydroabietic acid and podocarpic acid were synthesized and evaluated as BK channel openers in an assay system of CHO-K1 cells expressing hBKα channels. Detailed SAR analysis showed that the oximation was particularly effective in the cases of dehydroabietic acid derivatives, and some of these oxime derivatives showed more potent BK channel activities than the standard compound, NS1619. The present studies provide a new structural basis for development of efficient BK channel openers.     

Changes in bulk protein of tobacco leaves on aerobic autolysis: Hydrogenation studies and identification of bound quinic acid

During aerobic autolysis and in commercial curing, the bulk proteins of tobacco leaves become coupled with quinic acid, presumably in consequence of coupling of chlorogenic acid congeners with lysine ε-NH₂ groups. Quinic acid derivatives, prepared from acid hydrolysates of such altered proteins, were identified by GC-MS. Such proteins were also hydrogenated over Rh/Al₂O₃ with a view to stabilizing the hypothetical linkages. Difficulties in removing contaminant Al had to be overcome. Evidence was then obtained (by GLC of derivatives) for several components, in acid hydrolysates of hydrogenated altered proteins, which were neither normal hydrogenation products of the common amino acids nor derivatives of quinic acid. Details of the chromatograms and mass spectra of quinic acid derivatives are provided in a supplementary publications.     

Water extract of propolis and its main constituents, caffeoylquinic acid derivatives, exert neuroprotective effects via antioxidant actions

We investigated whether water extract of Brazilian green propolis (WEP) and its main constituents [caffeoylquinic acid derivatives (3,4-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid, 3,5-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid, chlorogenic acid) and cinnamic acid derivatives (p-coumaric acid, artepillin C, drupanin, baccharin)] exert neuroprotective effects against the retinal damage induced by oxidative stress. Additionally, their neuroprotective effects were compared with their antioxidant effects. WEP, 3,4-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid, 3,5-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid, chlorogenic acid, and p-coumaric acid (but not artepillin C, baccharin, or drupanin) concentration-dependently inhibited oxidative stress-induced neurotoxicity [achieved using L-buthionine-(S,R)-sulfoximine (BSO) to deplete glutathione in combination with glutamate to inhibit cystine uptake] in cultured retinal ganglion cells (RGC-5, a rat ganglion cell line transformed using E1A virus). At their effective concentrations against oxidative stress-induced retinal damage, WEP, 3,4-di-caffeoylquinic acid, 3,5-di-caffeoylquinic acid, and chlorogenic acid (but not cinnamic acid derivatives) inhibited lipid peroxidation (LPO) in mouse forebrain homogenates. Thus, the neuroprotective effects of WEP and caffeoylquinic acid derivatives paralleled those against LPO. These findings indicate that WEP and caffeoylquinic acid derivatives have neuroprotective effects against retinal damage in vitro, and that these effects may be partly mediated via antioxidant effects.     

Structure-activity relationships of trans-cinnamic acid derivatives on alpha-glucosidase inhibition

trans-Cinnamic acid and its derivatives were investigated for the alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activity. 4-Methoxy-trans-cinnamic acid and 4-methoxy-trans-cinnamic acid ethyl ester showed the highest potent inhibitory activity among those of trans-cinnamic acid derivatives. The presence of substituents at 4-position in trans-cinnamic acid altered the alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activity. Increasing of bulkiness and the chain length of 4-alkoxy substituents as well as the increasing of the electron withdrawing group have been shown to decrease the inhibitory activity. 4-Methoxy-trans-cinnamic acid was a noncompetitive inhibitor for alpha-glucosidase, whereas, 4-methoxy-trans-cinnamic acid ethyl ester was a competitive inhibitor. These results indicated that trans-cinnamic acid derivatives could be classified as a new group of alpha-glucosidase inhibitors.     

Synthesis of new glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) derivatives and their effects on tyrosinase activity

To synthesize glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) derivatives (3, 4, 5, 10, 13, 14, 15, and 16), we first removed the ketonic group in the C-11 position, and the carboxylic function at the C-30 position was kept intact, reduced to an alcohol, or transformed to an aldehyde corresponding derivatives 10 and 13. Glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) derivatives (3, 4, 5, 15, and 16) were coupled with 4-amino piperpyridine derivatives (12 and 14) and 4-fluorobenzyl bromide at C-30 carboxylic acid position of glycyrrhetinic acid. In subsequent tyrosinase assays, we found that GA derivatives 4, 5, and 16 were not active at early time points, but strongly inhibited tyrosinase activity at late time points. Of the GA derivatives examined, derivative 5 was most active, with an IC₅₀ value of 50 μM after 2 h reaction. IC₅₀ values of derivatives 4 and 16 were 120 and 170 μM, respectively. Further kinetic data indicated that these derivatives are slow-binding inhibitors of tyrosinase. The time-dependent inhibition was reversed when vitamin C or kojic acid was used, that is, both compounds showed active inhibition at early time points. These results suggest that GA derivatives are much more stable than vitamin C or kojic acid, although their intrinsic inhibitory potentials are relatively low. Higher stability and activity suggest that GA derivative 5 might be a useful candidate for skin whitening.     

Beta-oxidation of very-long-chain fatty acids and their coenzyme A derivatives by human skin fibroblasts

The beta-oxidation of lignoceric acid (C24:0), hexacosanoic acid (C26:0), and their coenzyme A derivatives was investigated in human skin fibroblast homogenates. The cofactor requirements for oxidation of lignoceric acid and hexacosanoic acid were identical but were different from their coenzyme A derivatives. For example, lignoceric acid and hexacosanoic acid oxidation was strictly ATP dependent whereas the oxidation of the corresponding coenzyme A derivatives was ATP independent. Also the rate of oxidation of coenzyme A derivatives of lignoceric acid or hexacosanoic acid was much higher compared to the free fatty acids. In patients with Zellweger's syndrome, X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy and infantile Refsum's disease, the beta-oxidation of lignoceric and hexacosanoic acids was defective whereas the oxidation of their corresponding coenzyme A derivatives was nearly normal. The results presented in this communication suggest strongly that the beta-oxidation of very-long-chain fatty acids occurs exclusively in peroxisomes. However, the coenzyme A derivatives of very-long-chain fatty acids can be oxidized in mitochondria as well as in peroxisomes. The inability of the mitochondrial system to oxidize free fatty acids may be due to its inability to convert them to their corresponding coenzyme A derivatives. Our results suggest that a specific very-long-chain fatty acyl CoA synthetase may be required for the activation of the free fatty acids and that this synthetase may be deficient in patients with Zellweger's syndrome and possibly X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy, as well. The results presented suggest that substrate specificity and the subcellular localization of the synthetase may regulate the beta-oxidation of very-long-chain fatty acids in the cell.     

Terahertz Time-Domain Spectroscopy of Four Hydroxycinnamic Acid Derivatives

The well-resolved absorption spectra of the hydroxycinnamic acid (HCA) derivatives, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, sinapic acid and chlorogenic acid, were measured over the frequency region from 0.3 to 2.0 THz at 294 K with terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS). Theoretical calculation was applied to assist the analysis and assignment of the individual THz absorption spectra of the HCA derivatives with density functional theory (DFT). The distinctive spectral features were originated from the collective motion of molecules held together by hydrogen bonds. The real and imaginary parts of dielectric function of the four HCA derivatives were also obtained.     

On the Manner of Cyclization of <Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>-Acylated Aspartic and Glutamic Acid Derivatives

Abstract  

When synthesizing arylpiperazine library modified with N-acylated amino acid derivatives (e.g., cyclized aspartic acid, cyclized glutamic acid, proline) we wished to rapidly determine the way of cyclization of N-acylated glutamic acid derivatives. During concomitant cleavage and cyclization two alternative routes were possible—either formation of six-member imide (glutarimide) or five-member lactam. Application of MS/MS and ¹H NMR method allowed us to establish that cyclization of N-acylated glutamic acid derivatives preceded to lactams—N-acylated pyroglutamic acid derivatives.     

氨基酸环状衍生物的合成及抑菌活性

近年来,氨基酸及其衍生物在医药和农业上已显示有广阔的应用前景。现就近十余年来,国外文献报道的具有抗病原微生物活性的氨基酸环状衍生物作一简要概述。     

Derivatization and gas chromatographic determination of some biologically important acids in cerebrospinal fluid

Halogenated derivatives of phenolic acids have been prepared by a convenient procedure. The method uses a combination of pentafluoropropionic anhydride and a halogenated alcohol to derivatize the carboxyl group, followed by reaction with pentafluoropropionic anhydride to derivatize the phenol and indole groups. The halogenated derivatives are extremely sensitive to electron capture detection and can be detected in amounts as low as 5 pg. The structures of the derivatives have been confirmed by mass spectrometry. Procedures have been developed using these derivatives for the determination of spinal fluid levels of vanillylmandelic acid, homovanillic acid, probenecid, and 2-pyrrolidone-5-carboxylic acid and for the identification of 2-pyrrolidone-5-carboxylic acid as a natural constituent of body fluids and tissues.     

Studies on Griseolic Acid Derivatives X. Synthesis and Phosphodiesterase Inhibitory Activity of 2-Substituted Derivatives of Griseolic Acid

Abstract

Griseolic acid derivatives which were modified at the 2-and/or 6-positions were first synthesized from griseolic acid by a ring opening—reclosure reaction of the adenine ring. Among these derivatives, the 2-amino-6-deamino-6-hydroxyl (guanine) derivative showed 3.3 and 45 times stronger inhibitory activity against cAMP and cGMP PDE, respectively, than those of griseolic acid. Structure-activity relationships among these derivatives are also discussed.     

Intracellular distribution and origin of pentacyclic triterpenes in Calendula officinalis leaves

In Calendula officinalis leaves the cyclization of squalene to β-amyrin and its further oxidation to oleanolic acid as well as the biosynthesis of all derivatives of oleanolic acid 3-glucoside and some derivatives of oleanolic acid 3-glucuronoside occur in the microsomal fraction. The final metabolites of oleanolic acid 3-glucoside series i.e. pentaglycosides, are translocated from this fraction, one to the cell wall and plasmalemma fraction and the other to the cytosol. The derivatives of oleanolic acid 3-glucoronoside are synthesized partially in other fractions and accumulate in the different membraneous structures of the cell.