The electronic structure of the C2H4O···2HF tri-molecular heterocyclic hydrogen-bonded complex: a theoretical study

The geometries of three isomers of the C₂H₄O···2HF tri-molecular heterocyclic hydrogen-bonded complex were examined through B3LYP/aug-cc-pVDZ calculations. Analysis of structural parameters, determination of CHELPG (charge electrostatic potential grid) intermolecular charge transfer, interpretation of infrared stretching modes, and Bader’s atoms in molecules (AIM) theory calculations was carried out in order to characterize the hydrogen bonds in each isomer of the C₂H₄O···2HF complex. The most stable structure was determined through the identification of hydrogen bonds between C₂H₄O and HF, (O···H), as well as in the hydrofluoric acid dimer, (HF^D–R···HF^D). However, the existence of a tertiary interaction (F^λ···H^α) between the fluoride of the second hydrofluoric acid and the axial hydrogen atoms of C₂H₄O was decisive in the identification of the preferred configuration of the C₂H₄O···2HF system. Figure Geometries of three isomers of the C₂H₄O···2HF tri-molecular heterocyclic hydrogen-bonded complex     

Host-guest Interactions in Intercalates Zr(HPO4)2·2C2H5OH and VOPO4·2C2H5OH

Molecular mechanics simulations using Cerius² modelling environment combined with vibrational spectroscopy (IR and Raman) have been used to study the host-guest interactions in zirconium and vanadyl phosphate intercalated with ethanole. The strategy of investigation is based on the comparison of vibrational spectra for the host compound, intercalate and guest species. This comparison confirmed the rigidity of VOPO₄- and Zr(HPO₄)₂-layers during the intercalation and provided us with the basis for the strategy of modelling. Molecular mechanics simulations revealed the structure of intercalates and enabled to analyse the host-guest interaction energy and bonding geometry. The bilayer arrangement of ethanole molecules in the interlayer space with two differently bonded ethanole molecules has been found in both intercalates. The average interaction energy ethanole-layer for two differently bonded ethanole molecules is : 127.5 and 135.7 kcal·mol^-1 in Zr(HPO₄)₂·2C₂H₅OH, respectively 94.0 and 104.4 kcal·mol^-1 in VOPO₄·2C₂H₅OH. The Coulombic contribution to the ethanole-layer interaction energy is predominant in all cases, but the hydrogen bonding contribution is much higher in Zr(HPO₄)₂·2C₂H₅OH than in VOPO₄·2C₂H₅OH. Present results of modelling enabled the interpretation of vibrational spectra and explanation of small changes in positions and shapes of spectral bands, in infrared and Raman spectra, proceeding from the host structure to intercalates.     

The single-process biochemical reaction of Rubisco: a unified theory and model with the effects of irradiance, CO₂ and rate-limiting step on the kinetics of C₃ and C₄ photosynthesis from gas exchange

Photosynthesis is the origin of oxygenic life on the planet, and its models are the core of all models of plant biology, agriculture, environmental quality and global climate change. A theory is presented here, based on single process biochemical reactions of Rubisco, recognizing that: In the light, Rubisco activase helps separate Rubisco from the stored ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate (RuBP), activates Rubisco with carbamylation and addition of Mg²⁺, and then produces two products, in two steps: (Step 1) Reaction of Rubisco with RuBP produces a Rubisco-enediol complex, which is the carboxylase-oxygenase enzyme (Enco) and (Step 2) Enco captures CO₂ and/or O₂ and produces intermediate products leading to production and release of 3-phosphoglycerate (PGA) and Rubisco. PGA interactively controls (1) the carboxylation-oxygenation, (2) electron transport, and (3) triosephosphate pathway of the Calvin-Benson cycle that leads to the release of glucose and regeneration of RuBP. Initially, the total enzyme participates in the two steps of the reaction transitionally and its rate follows Michaelis-Menten kinetics. But, for a continuous steady state, Rubisco must be divided into two concurrently active segments for the two steps. This causes a deviation of the steady state from the transitional rate. Kinetic models are developed that integrate the transitional and the steady state reactions. They are tested and successfully validated with verifiable experimental data. The single-process theory is compared to the widely used two-process theory of Farquhar et al. (1980. Planta 149, 78-90), which assumes that the carboxylation rate is either Rubisco-limited at low CO₂ levels such as CO₂ compensation point, or RuBP regeneration-limited at high CO₂. Since the photosynthesis rate cannot increase beyond the two-process theory's Rubisco limit at the CO₂ compensation point, net photosynthesis cannot increase above zero in daylight, and since there is always respiration at night, it leads to progressively negative daily CO₂ fixation with no possibility of oxygenic life on the planet. The Rubisco-limited theory at low CO₂ also contradicts all experimental evidence for low substrate reactions, and for all known enzymes, Rubisco included.     

Isorhamnetin inhibits H₂O₂-induced activation of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway in H9c2 cardiomyocytes through scavenging reactive oxygen species and ERK inactivation

As a traditional Chinese medicine, the sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) has a long history in the treatment of ischemic heart disease and circulatory disorders. However, the active compounds responsible for and the underlying mechanisms of these effects are not fully understood. In this article, isorhamnetin pretreatment counteracted H(2)O(2)-induced apoptotic damage in H9c2 cardiomyocytes. Isorhamnetin did not inhibit the death receptor-dependent or extrinsic apoptotic pathways, as characterized by its absence in both caspase-8 inactivation and tBid downregulation along with unchanged Fas and TNFR1 mRNA levels. Instead, isorhamnetin specifically suppressed the mitochondria-dependent or intrinsic apoptotic pathways, as characterized by inactivation of caspase-9 and -3, maintenance of the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), and regulation of a series of Bcl-2 family genes upstream of ΔΨm. The anti-apoptotic effects of isorhamnetin were linked to decreased ROS generation. H(2)O(2) activated ERK and p53, whereas isorhamnetin inhibited their activation. ERK overexpression overrode the isorhamnetin-induced inhibition of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway in H9c2 cardiomyocytes, which indicated that an ERK-dependent pathway was involved. Furthermore, N-acetyl cysteine (a potent ROS scavenger) could attenuate the H(2)O(2)-induced apoptosis. However, PD98059 (an ERK-specific inhibitor) could not effectively antagonize ROS generation, which indicates that ROS may be an upstream inducer of ERK. In conclusion, isorhamnetin inhibits the H(2)O(2)-induced activation of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway via ROS scavenging and ERK inactivation. Therefore, isorhamnetin is a promising reagent for the treatment of ROS-induced cardiomyopathy.     

A B3LYP and MP2(full) theoretical investigation into the cooperativity effect between dihydrogen-bonding and H–M∙∙∙π (M = Li, Na, K) interactions among HF, MH with the π-electron donor C2H2, C2H4 or C6H6

The DFT-B3LYP/6-311++G(3df,2p) and MP2(full)/6-311++G(3df,2p) calculations were carried out on the binary complex formed by HM (M?=?Li, Na, K) and HF or the π-electron donor (C₂H₂, C₂H₄, C₆H₆), as well as the ternary system FH???HM???C₂H₂/C₂H₄/C₆H₆. The cooperativity effect between the dihydrogen-bonding and H–M???π interactions was investigated. The result shows that the equilibrium distances R _H???H and R _M???π in the ternary complex decrease and both the H???H and H–M???π interactions are strengthened when compared to the corresponding binary complex. The cooperativity effect of the dihydrogen bond on the H–M???π interaction is more pronounced than that of the M???π bond on the H???H interaction. Furthermore, the values of cooperativity effect follow the order of FH???HNa???π?>?FH???HLi???π?>?FH???HK???π and FH???HM???C₆H₆?>?FH???HM???C₂H₄?>?FH???HM???C₂H₂. The nature of the cooperativity effect was revealed by the analyses of the charge of the hydrogen atoms in H???H moiety, atom in molecule (AIM) and electron density shifts methods.

H₂S signalling through protein sulfhydration and beyond

Hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S) has recently emerged as a mammalian gaseous messenger molecule, akin to nitric oxide and carbon monoxide. H(2)S is predominantly formed from Cys or its derivatives by the enzymes cystathionine β-synthase and cystathionine γ-lyase. One of the mechanisms by which H(2)S signals is by sulfhydration of reactive Cys residues in target proteins. Although analogous to protein nitrosylation, sulfhydration is substantially more prevalent and usually increases the catalytic activity of targeted proteins. Physiological actions of sulfhydration include the regulation of inflammation and endoplasmic reticulum stress signalling as well as of vascular tension.     

Thioglycine and L-thiovaline: biologically active H₂S-donors

Thioglycine and l-thiovaline are stable under acidic and basic conditions but in the presence of bicarbonate they liberate the gasotransmitter H(2)S. In cells both thioamino acids were proven to enhance cGMP formation and promote vasorelaxation in mouse aortic rings. Given that H(2)S is known to lower arterial hypertension, reduce oxidative stress and exhibit cardioprotective effects in preclinical models, H(2)S donors hold promise as novel treatments for cardiovascular diseases.     

Protective effects of cynaroside against H₂O₂-induced apoptosis in H9c2 cardiomyoblasts

Flavonoids with potent anti-oxidative effects are the major effective components in traditional herbal medicine used in treating cardiovascular diseases. Cynaroside is a flavonoid compound that exhibits anti-oxidative capabilities. However, little is known about its effect on oxidative injury to cardiac myocytes and the underlying mechanisms. This study was designed to investigate the protective effects of cynaroside against H(2) O(2) -induced apoptosis in H9c2 cardiomyoblasts. H9c2 cells were pretreated with cynaroside for 4 h before exposure to 150 μM H(2) O(2) for 6 h. H(2) O(2) treatment caused severe injury to the H9c2 cells, which was accompanied by apoptosis, as revealed by analysis of cell nuclear morphology, through Annexin V FITC/PI staining and caspase proteases activation. Cynaroside pretreatment significantly reduced the apoptotic rate by enhancing the endogenous anti-oxidative activity of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase, thereby inhibiting intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Moreover, cynaroside moderated H(2) O(2) -induced disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential, increased the expression of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 while decreased the expression of pro-apoptotic protein Bax, and thereby inhibited the release of apoptogenic factors (cytochrome c and smac/Diablo) from mitochondria in H9c2 cells. Our data also demonstrated that cynaroside pretreatment showed an inhibitory effect on the H(2) O(2) -induced increase in c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and P53 protein expression. These results suggest that cynaroside prevents H(2) O(2) -induced apoptosis in H9c2 cell by reducing the endogenous production of ROS, maintaining mitochondrial function, and modulating the JNK and P53 pathways.     

Optical detection of choline and acetylcholine based on H₂O₂-sensitive quantum dots

In this paper, we have constructed a simple, rapid and sensitive biosensor for detection of choline and acetylcholine (ACh) based on the hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2))-sensitive quantum dots (QDs). The detection limit for choline was 0.1 μM and the linear range was 0.1-0.9 μM and 5-150 μM, respectively. The detection limit for ACh was found to be 10 μM and the linear range was 10-5000 μM. The wide linear ranges were shown to be suitable for routine analyses of choline and ACh. Possible mechanism of the fluorescence of QDs quenched by H(2)O(2) was an electron transfer (ET) process. The experimental conditions of biosensors were optimized, and anti-interference ability was also presented. We also detected the choline in milk samples and the linear range was 5-150 μM. The detection linear range of ACh in serum was 10-140 μM. Most importantly, the recovery of choline in milk and ACh in serum samples were both close to 99%. The excellent performance of this biosensor showed that the method can be used in practice detection of choline and ACh.     

A theoretical study on unusual intermolecular T-shaped X–H...π interactions between the singlet state HB=BH and HF, HCl, HCN or H2C2

The unusual T-shaped X–H...π hydrogen bonds are found between the B=B double bond of the singlet state HB=BH and the acid hydrogen of HF, HCl, HCN and H₂C₂ using MP2 and B3LYP methods at 6-311++G(2df,2p) and aug-cc-pVTZ levels. The binding energies follow the order of HB=BH...HF>HB=BH...HCl>HB=BH...HCN>HB=BH...H₂C₂. The hydrogen-bonded interactions in HB=BH...HX are found to be stronger than those in H₂C=CH₂...HX and OCB≡BCO...HX. The analyses of natural bond orbital (NBO) and the electron density shifts reveal that the nature of the T-shaped X–H...π hydrogen-bonded interaction is that much of the lost density from the π-orbital of B=B bond is shifted toward the hydrogen atom of the proton donor, leading to the electron density accumulation and the formation of the hydrogen bond. The atoms in molecules (AIM) theory have also been applied to characterize bond critical points and confirm that the B=B double bond can be a potential proton acceptor. The unusual T-shaped X–H...π hydrogen bonds are found between the B=B double bond of the singlet state HB=BH and the acid hydrogen of HF, HCl, HCN and H₂C₂     

Removal of H₂O₂ and generation of superoxide radical: role of cytochrome c and NADH

In cells, mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and peroxisomes are the major sources of reactive oxygen species (ROS) under physiological and pathophysiological conditions. Cytochrome c (cyt c) is known to participate in mitochondrial electron transport and has antioxidant and peroxidase activities. Under oxidative or nitrative stress, the peroxidase activity of Fe³⁺cyt c is increased. The level of NADH is also increased under pathophysiological conditions such as ischemia and diabetes and a concurrent increase in hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) production occurs. Studies were performed to understand the related mechanisms of radical generation and NADH oxidation by Fe³⁺cyt c in the presence of H₂O₂. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spin trapping studies using 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline-N-oxide (DMPO) were performed with NADH, Fe³⁺cyt c, and H₂O₂ in the presence of methyl-β-cyclodextrin. An EPR spectrum corresponding to the superoxide radical adduct of DMPO encapsulated in methyl-β-cyclodextrin was obtained. This EPR signal was quenched by the addition of the superoxide scavenging enzyme Cu,Zn-superoxide dismutase (SOD1). The amount of superoxide radical adduct formed from the oxidation of NADH by the peroxidase activity of Fe³⁺cyt c increased with NADH and H₂O₂ concentration. From these results, we propose a mechanism in which the peroxidase activity of Fe³⁺cyt c oxidizes NADH to NAD^•, which in turn donates an electron to O₂, resulting in superoxide radical formation. A UV-visible spectroscopic study shows that Fe³⁺cyt c is reduced in the presence of both NADH and H₂O₂. Our results suggest that Fe³⁺cyt c could have a novel role in the deleterious effects of ischemia/reperfusion and diabetes due to increased production of superoxide radical. In addition, Fe³⁺cyt c may play a key role in the mitochondrial “ROS-induced ROS-release” signaling and in mitochondrial and cellular injury/death. The increased oxidation of NADH and generation of superoxide radical by this mechanism may have implications for the regulation of apoptotic cell death, endothelial dysfunction, and neurological diseases. We also propose an alternative electron transfer pathway, which may protect mitochondria and mitochondrial proteins from oxidative damage.     

Baicalein protects Human melanocytes from H₂O₂-induced apoptosis via inhibiting mitochondria-dependent caspase activation and the p38 MAPK pathway

The removal of H(2)O(2) by antioxidants has been proven to be beneficial to patients with vitiligo. Baicalein (5,6,7-trihydroxyflavone; BE) has antioxidant activity and has been used in vitiligo therapy in Chinese traditional medicine. In this study, we investigated the potential protective effect and mechanisms of BE against H(2)O(2)-induced apoptosis in human melanocytes. Melanocytes from the PIG1 cell line were pretreated with different concentrations of BE for 1 h, followed by exposure to 1.0 mM H(2)O(2) for 24 h. Cell apoptosis, reactive oxygen species levels, and mitochondrial membrane potentials were evaluated by flow cytometry, and cell viability was determined by an MTT assay. The expressions of Bax, Bcl-2, caspase-3, total and phosphorylated ERKs, and p38 MAPK were assayed by Western blot to investigate the possible molecular mechanisms. Our results showed that BE significantly inhibited H(2)O(2)-induced apoptosis, intracellular reactive oxygen species generation, and changes in the mitochondrial membrane potential. It also reduced the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, the release of cytochrome c, the activation of caspase-3, and the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK in a concentration-dependent manner. The results demonstrate for the first time that BE exerts a cytoprotective role in H(2)O(2)-induced apoptosis by inhibiting the mitochondria-dependent caspase activation and p38 MAPK pathway.     

Catalytic conversion of xylose to furfural over the solid acid SO₄ ²⁻-/ZrO₂-Al₂O₃/SBA-15 catalysts

Al-promoted SO? 2?-/ZrO?SBA-15 catalysts were prepared and characterized by XRD, BET, ICP and NH?-TPD techniques. The influence of introducing aluminum on the structure and surface properties of the catalyst and the catalytic activity for dehydration of xylose to furfural has been investigated. The introduction of the Al stabilizes the tetragonal phase of the ZrO? and thus increases the number and intensity of acid sites. Based on the characterization of the deactivated catalyst, the accumulation of byproducts is the main reason for the deactivation of the catalyst. Regeneration with H?O? can completely recover the catalytic activity of the deactivated catalyst.     

Synthesis of functional SiO₂-coated graphene oxide nanosheets decorated with Ag nanoparticles for H₂O₂ and glucose detection

In this paper, we report on the first preparation of well-defined SiO(2)-coated graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets (SiO(2)/GO) without prior GO functionalization by combining sonication with sol-gel technique. The functional SiO(2)/GO nanocomposites (F-SiO(2)/GO) obtained by surface functionalization with NH(2) group were subsequently employed as a support for loading Ag nanoparticles (AgNPs) to synthesize AgNP-decorated F-SiO(2)/GO nanosheets (AgNP/F-SiO(2)/GO) by two different routes: (1) direct adsorption of preformed, negatively charged AgNPs; (2) in situ chemical reduction of silver salts. The morphologies of these nanocomposites were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It is found that the resultant AgNP/F-SiO(2)/GO exhibits remarkable catalytic performance for H(2)O(2) reduction. This H(2)O(2) sensor has a fast amperometric response time of less than 2s. The linear range is estimated to be from 1×10(-4) M to 0.26 M (r=0.998) and the detection limit is estimated to be 4 × 10(-6) M at a signal-to-noise ratio of 3, respectively. We also fabricated a glucose biosensor by immobilizing glucose oxidase (GOD) into AgNP/F-SiO(2)/GO nanocomposite-modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) for glucose detection. Our study demonstrates that the resultant glucose biosensor can be used for the glucose detection in human blood serum.     

H19 and Igf2--enhancing the confusion?

Genomic imprinting, whereby certain genes are expressed dependent on whether they are maternally or paternally inherited, is restricted to mammals and angiosperm plants. This unusual mode of gene regulation results from the complex interplay between cis-regulatory elements, leading to parent-of-origin-dependent epigenetic modifications and tissue-specific patterns of imprinted gene expression. Many studies of imprinting and imprinted genes have focused on epigenetic effects, such as DNA methylation and chromatin structure. However, it is equally important to explore the interconnected role of regulatory elements at imprinted domains by genetic experiments, including the use of transgenes and deletions.     

Mitochondrial aconitase knockdown attenuates paraquat-induced dopaminergic cell death via decreased cellular metabolism and release of iron and H₂O₂

Mitochondrial oxidative stress is a contributing factor in the etiology of numerous neuronal disorders. However, the precise mechanism(s) by which mitochondrial reactive oxygen species modify cellular targets to induce neurotoxicity remains unknown. In this study, we determined the role of mitochondrial aconitase (m-aconitase) in neurotoxicity by decreasing its expression. Incubation of the rat dopaminergic cell line, N27, with paraquat (PQ(2+) ) resulted in aconitase inactivation, increased hydrogen peroxide (H(2) O(2) ) and increased ferrous iron (Fe(2+) ) at times preceding cell death. To confirm the role of m-aconitase in dopaminergic cell death, we knocked down m-aconitase expression via RNA interference. Incubation of m-aconitase knockdown N27 cells with PQ(2+) resulted in decreased H(2) O(2) production, Fe(2+) accumulation, and cell death compared with cells expressing basal levels of m-aconitase. To determine the metabolic role of m-aconitase in mediating neuroprotection, we conducted a complete bioenergetic profile. m-Aconitase knockdown N27 cells showed a global decrease in metabolism (glycolysis and oxygen consumption rates) which blocked PQ(2+) -induced H(+) leak and respiratory capacity deficiency. These findings suggest that dopaminergic cells are protected from death by decreasing release of H(2) O(2) and Fe(2+) in addition to decreased cellular metabolism.     

Unexpectedly convenient and stereoselective synthesis of 4α-acyloxy-2-chloropodophyllotoxins in the presence of BF₃ ·Et₂O

Twenty-one 4α-acyloxy-2-chloropodophyllotoxin derivatives (5a-u), whose C-4 spatial configuration was mainly stereocontrolled by the configuration of C-2 chlorine atom, were unexpectedly prepared by the reaction of 2-chloropodophyllotoxin with carboxylic acids in the presence of BF₃·Et₂O. Compared with ordinary esterifications of carboxylic acids mediated by the condensation agent, for example, N,N’-diisopropylcarbodiimide (DIC), the present method made the procedure for the preparation of 4α-acyloxy-2-chloropodophyllotoxins more convenient, practical and easy. Meanwhile, the insecticidal activity of compounds 5a-u was preliminarily evaluated against the pre-third-instar larvae of Mythimna separata Walker in vivo at the concentration of 1 mg/mL.     

Caffeinated coffee, decaffeinated coffee, and the phenolic phytochemical chlorogenic acid up-regulate NQO1 expression and prevent H₂O₂-induced apoptosis in primary cortical neurons

Neurodegenerative disorders are strongly associated with oxidative stress, which is induced by reactive oxygen species including hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). Epidemiological studies have suggested that coffee may be neuroprotective, but the molecular mechanisms underlying this effect have not been clarified. In this study, we investigated the protective effects of caffeinated coffee, decaffeinated coffee, and the phenolic phytochemical chlorogenic acid (5-O-caffeoylquinic acid), which is present in both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee, against oxidative neuronal death. H₂O₂-induced apoptotic nuclear condensation in neuronal cells was strongly inhibited by pretreatment with caffeinated coffee, decaffeinated coffee, or chlorogenic acid. Pretreatment with caffeinated coffee, decaffeinated coffee, or chlorogenic acid inhibited the H₂O₂-induced down-regulation of anti-apoptotic proteins Bcl-2 and Bcl-X_L while blocking H₂O₂-induced pro-apoptotic cleavage of caspase-3 and pro-poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase. We also found that caffeinated coffee, decaffeinated coffee, and chlorogenic acid induced the expression of NADPH:quinine oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) in neuronal cells, suggesting that these substances protect neurons from H₂O₂-induced apoptosis by up-regulation of this antioxidant enzyme. The neuroprotective efficacy of caffeinated coffee was similar to that of decaffeinated coffee, indicating that active compounds present in both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee, such as chlorogenic acid, may drive the effects.