Gossypol toxicity and detoxification in Helicoverpa armigera and Heliothis virescens

Gossypol is a polyphenolic secondary metabolite produced by cotton plants, which is toxic to many organisms. Gossypol's aldehyde groups are especially reactive, forming Schiff bases with amino acids of proteins and cross-linking them, inhibiting enzyme activities and contributing to toxicity. Very little is known about gossypol's mode of action and its detoxification in cotton-feeding insects that can tolerate certain concentrations of this compound. Here, we tested the toxicity of gossypol and a gossypol derivative lacking free aldehyde groups (SB-gossypol) toward Helicoverpa armigera and Heliothis virescens, two important pests on cotton plants. Larval feeding studies with these two species on artificial diet supplemented with gossypol or SB-gossypol revealed no detectable toxicity of gossypol, when the aldehyde groups were absent. A cytochrome P450 enzyme, CYP6AE14, is upregulated in H. armigera feeding on gossypol, and has been claimed to directly detoxify gossypol. However, using in vitro assays with heterologously expressed CYP6AE14, no metabolites of gossypol were detected, and further studies suggest that gossypol is not a direct substrate of CYP6AE14. Furthermore, larvae feeding on many other plant toxins also upregulate CYP6AE14. Our data demonstrate that the aldehyde groups are critical for the toxicity of gossypol when ingested by H. armigera and H. virescens larvae, and suggest that CYP6AE14 is not directly involved in gossypol metabolism, but may play a role in the general stress response of H. armigera larvae toward plant toxins.     

The antifertility agent,gossypol, changes several mitochondrial functions in the presence of Mg2+

1. The effect of gossypol in the presence of K⁺ or Mg²⁺, or both, was studied on ATPase activity and respiration of rat liver mitochondria.2. Respiration was uncoupled in the presence of gossypol, Mg²⁺, and K⁺, whereas in the presence of gossypol and Mg²⁺ a partial inhibition was observed.3. Gossypol stimulated ATPase activity in the presence of K⁺ or Mg²⁺, but maximal activity was observed when both cations were in the incubation medium.4. Stimulation of ATPase activity in the presence of Mg²⁺ was dose related.5. EDTA reverted the stimulation produced by gossypol on ATPase activity.6. Gossypol had no effect on the ATPase activity of submitochondrial particles, which suggests an indirect action of gossypol on the enzyme.7. Mitochondrial membrane potential showed a higher collapse in the presence of gossypol and 1mM MgCl₂.8. The observed effects of gossypol could be explained by the collapse of the mitochondrial membrane potential.     

BH3-mimetic gossypol-induced autophagic cell death in mutant BRAF melanoma cells with high expression of p21

Aims

The aim of the present study was to identify the potential therapeutic effects of BH3-mimetic gossypol on melanoma cells with acquired resistance to BRAF inhibitors.

Main methods

The IC₅₀ values of gossypol were determined using MTT assays in three melanoma cell lines with different resistances to BRAF inhibitor. The effects of gossypol on three melanoma cell lines were further examined by immunoblotting analysis, cell cycle analysis, flow cytometric apoptotic assay and autophagy assay. The functional role of autophagy in gossypol-induced growth inhibition was investigated using siRNA-mediated knockdown of Beclin-1.

Key findings

Gossypol retained its efficacy in BRAF-V600E melanoma clones with acquired resistance to BRAF inhibitors through a mechanism independent of MEK–ERK inhibition. Gossypol caused G₂/M arrest in both BRAF mutant A375P and A375P/Mdr cells with high expression of p21^Cip1, regardless of their drug resistance. Interestingly, we determined that the lack of gossypol-induced mitotic arrest in BRAF-WT-harboring SK-MEL-2 cells was associated with a low level of p21^Cip1 expression. In addition, gossypol preferentially induced autophagy and apoptosis in the gossypol-sensitive cells and not in the gossypol-resistant SK-MEL-2 cells. In particular, alleviation of autophagy by knockdown of Beclin-1 partially caused a resistance to gossypol-induced cell cycle arrest at G₂/M in BRAF-V600E cells with a concomitant decreased induction of apoptosis.

Significance

Taken together, these results suggest that gossypol may exhibit potential for the treatment of BRAF inhibitor-resistant tumors, but a functional p21^Cip1 is a prerequisite for a positive response to its clinical application.     

Enzymes involved in vinyl acetate decomposition by Pseudomonas fluorescens PCM 2123 strain

Esterases are widely used in food processing industry, but there is little information concerning enzymes involved in decompositions of esters contributing to pollution of environment. Vinyl acetate (an ester of vinyl alcohol and acetic acid) is a representative of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in decomposition, of which hydrolyses and oxidoreductases are mainly involved. Their activities under periodically changing conditions of environment are essential for the removal of dangerous VOCs. Esterase and alcohol/aldehyde dehydrogenase activities were determined in crude cell extract from Pseudomonas fluorescens PMC 2123 after vinyl acetate induction. All examined enzymes exhibit their highest activity at 30–35 °C and pH 7.0–7.5. Esterase preferably hydrolyzed ester bonds with short fatty chains without plain differences for C₂ or C₄. Comparison of Km values for alcohol and aldehyde dehydrogenases for acetaldehyde suggested that this metabolite was preferentially oxidized than reduced. Activity of alcohol dehydrogenase reducing acetaldehyde to ethanol suggested that one mechanism of defense against the elevated concentration of toxic acetaldehyde could be its temporary reduction to ethanol. Esterase activity was inhibited by phenylmethanesulfonyl fluoride, while β-mercaptoethanol, dithiothreitol, and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid had no inhibitor effect. From among metal ions, only Mg²⁺ and Fe²⁺ stimulated the cleavage of ester bond.     

高效棉酚降解枯草芽孢杆菌M-4菌株的常压室温等离子体诱变及发酵工艺优化

【背景】棉粕中游离棉酚的存在制约了棉粕作为饲料蛋白源的利用,棉酚的微生物降解问题成为研究热点。本实验室前期发现枯草芽孢杆菌(Bacillus subtilis) M-4菌株具有较强的降解棉酚能力,而且已经应用于棉粕脱毒工业。【目的】进一步提高枯草芽孢杆菌M-4菌株降解棉粕中棉酚的能力,扩大棉粕在养殖业的应用领域。【方法】采用常压室温等离子体诱变(atmospheric and room temperature plasma,ARTP)技术对菌株M-4进行诱变,以液体培养条件下的棉酚降解率为初筛指标,筛选获得正向突变株。以棉粕固体发酵条件下的棉酚降解率为复筛指标,测定初筛获得的正向突变株实际降解棉粕中游离棉酚的能力。以棉酚残存量和棉酚降解率为检测指标,采用单因素试验优化固体条件下棉粕发酵条件,获得突变株发酵棉粕的最适工艺参数。【结果】初筛获得正向突变株19株。复筛得到一株高效的突变株MY-4-17,在棉粕固体发酵条件下其棉酚降解率高达97.15%,比菌株M-4的棉酚降解率提高了2.55%。经过5次传代培养,突变株MY-4-17的遗传稳定性良好。突变株MY-4-17发酵棉粕的最适工艺参数为...     

Gossypol affects ion transport in the isolated intestine of the seawater adapted eel, Anguilla anguilla

Cottonseed (Gossypium sp.) meals are protein rich and inexpensive, but the presence of the polyphenolic dialdehyde, gossypol, is responsible of many toxic effects in animals including fishes. Recently an effect on the transepithelial ion transport in rat colon has been demonstrated. In this study we investigated the effect of gossypol on the transepithelial electrical parameters of the isolated intestine of seawater adapted eel, Anguilla anguilla, by employing a Ussing chamber technique. We showed that the addition of gossypol to the perfusion media reduced short circuit current (I(sc)), a measure of Cl- active absorption in this tissue, and increased tissue conductance (g(t)). The observation that the effect of gossypol on both I(sc) and g(t) was modified by the pretreatment with TFP, a calmodulin inhibitor, suggests that the substance acts via a Ca2+ calmodulin pathway and excludes the possibility that the observed effects were due to a cytotoxic action. In addition, experiments performed in the presence of verapamil suggest that the polyphenolic pigment increases Ca2+ influx. It is likely that gossypol stimulates a basolateral quinine sensitive K+ conductance producing a K+ flux in absorptive direction that explains the reduction of I(sc). In addition dilution potential experiments showed that the polyphenolic aldehyde increases the anion conductance of the paracellular pathway. In conclusion our study suggests that gossypol alters ion transport in eel intestine by acting on both transcellular and paracellular pathways. Since the intestine is an important organ for maintaining the water and ion balance in seawater adapted fish, it is conceivable that gossypol could impair the ability of the animals to adapt to the environment.     

Oxidation of phenyl compounds using strongly stable immobilized-stabilized laccase from Trametes versicolor

The hydrolysis of phenolic compounds using an immobilized and highly active and stable derivative of laccase from Trametes versicolor is presented. The enzyme was immobilized on aldehyde supports. For this, the enzyme was enriched in amino groups by chemical modification of its carboxyl groups. The aminated enzyme was immobilized with a high recovered activity (over 60%). Aldehyde derivatives were more stable than soluble or aminated-soluble enzyme and the reference derivatives after incubation in different inactivating conditions (high temperatures, different pH values or presence of organic cosolvents). The most stable derivative was obtained immobilizing the chemically aminated enzyme at pH 10 on aldehyde supports with a stabilization factor approximately 280 fold after incubation at pH 7 and 55 °C. In addition, it was possible to prepare immobilized derivatives with a maximal enzyme loading of 60 mg g^?1 of support. This derivative could be reused for 10 reaction cycles with negligible lost of activity.     

Ultrastructural, fertility, and spermicidal studies with isomers and derivatives of gossypol in male hamsters

The effects of fourteen new, orally administered synthetic analogs of gossypol on testicular ultrastructure and fertility in hamsters and the spermicidal properties of these compounds, as well as of the optical isomers of gossypol against hamster and human sperm in vitro, are reported in this study. Test compounds were administered to adult male hamsters by daily gavage for 9 weeks at doses ranging from 15 to 50 mg/kg. The results of this study have demonstrated that the fourteen new gossypol analogs evaluated herein are not effective as male antifertility agents and their in vitro activity or lack of activity as spermicides is unrelated to their in vivo contraceptive potential. In addition, the results of the study suggest that (1) the isopropyl moiety of the gossypol molecule, like the aldehyde group, is essential for its mechanism of action and (2) the pathognomonic defect in the mitochondrial sheath induced by gossypol appears to be related to its unique activity as a male antifertility agent. The significance of these findings is discussed.     

A New Toxic Substance,Teleocidin, Produced by Streptomyces

The production and isolation of a new toxic substance, Teleocidin, and its biological properties were previously reported^1,2). Thereafter it has been found that an other strain of Streptomyces produced such specific toxic substance as Teleocidin in its cultured mycellium. Comparative tests of these two purified crystalline powders showed the new toxic substance resembles Teleocidin closely though differs in certain chemical properties. Therefore, the original Teleocidin is designated Teleocidin A, whereas that produced by a new strain of Streptomyces is named Teleocidin B, which had been tentatively called as the SK-toxic substance.

From the results of the chemical studies of Teleocidin B and its hydrogenated derivative, which was easily obtained as a crystalline form by the catalytic hydrogenation of Teleocidin B with Adam’s catalyst, molecular formula, C₂₈H_39~41N₃O₂ was postulated for Teleocidin B.

It was also recognized that an alcoholic hydroxyl, a lactam ring and a heterocyclic ring like indole or pyrrole structure existed as the functional groups of Teleocidin B.     

δ-Aminolaevulinic Acid Uptake, Toxicity, and Effect on [14C]γ-Aminobutyric Acid Uptake into Neurons and Glia in Culture

δ-Aminolaevulinic acid (ALA) uptake into neurons and glia in primary culture as well as ALA toxicity and its effects on γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) uptake were examined. [4-¹⁴C]ALA uptake into neurons and glia was nonsaturable, partially Na⁺- and temperature-dependent, and appeared to comprise mainly diffusion into the cell. 2,4-Dinitrophenol caused some inhibition of [4-¹⁴C]ALA uptake whereas ouabain, KCN, or amino acids at 1 mM concentration were without effect. ALA (1 mM) caused a slight inhibition of [U-¹⁴C]GABA uptake into neurons (14%) and glia (9%), but was without effect at lower concentrations. It is unlikely that, in acute porphyria, ALA reaches sufficiently high levels in nervous tissue to interfere with the reuptake of GABA into neurons or glia. ALA was shown to be toxic, judged by the loss of cells, to both neurons and glia at concentrations as low as 10 μM. Such a concentration of ALA may be expected to occur in the CSF of porphyric patients in the acute attack. However, results obtained with dispersed cells in culture may not necessarily reflect the situation in vivo where the cell may have a far greater resistance to the effects of toxic agents.     

Gossypol inhibits estrogen binding to rat alpha-fetoprotein

We find that gossypol, a male anti-fertility compound, is a reversible competitive inhibitor of estrogen binding to rat alpha-fetoprotein (AFP). The Kd of gossypol for rat AFP is 1.75 microM, which is similar to gossypol's affinity for lactate dehydrogenase isozyme X, the putative site where gossypol exerts its anti-fertility effects. Reacting sodium cyanoborohydride with gossypol reduces its affinity for AFP, showing that intact aldehyde groups on gossypol are important for binding to rat AFP and indicating that gossypol is specifically inter-acting with a nucleophilic site on AFP that influences estrogen binding.     

Some biological properties of traversianal,a strongly molluscicidal diterpenoid aldehyde from Cercospra traversiana

The diterpenoid aldehyde traversianal, a metabolite of the fenugreek pathogen Cercospora traversiana, has been shown to be highly toxic to brine shrimp and snails, and to lyse human red blood cells at concentrations as low as 5 × 10^–7 M. The compound also induced betacyanin leakage from beetroot slices but was essentially inactive in other standard tests for phytotoxicity despite its structural similarities to known phytotoxins. It was inactive in the chick bioassay.     

Gossypol Increases Expression of the Pro-apoptotic BH3-only Protein NOXA through a Novel Mechanism Involving Phospholipase A2, Cytoplasmic Calcium,and Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress

Gossypol is a putative BH3 mimetic proposed to inhibit BCL2 and BCLXL based on cell-free assays. We demonstrated previously that gossypol failed to directly inhibit BCL2 in cells or induce apoptosis in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cells or platelets, which require BCL2 or BCLXL, respectively, for survival. Here, we demonstrate that gossypol rapidly increased activity of phospholipase A2 (PLA2), which led to an increase in cytoplasmic calcium, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and up-regulation of the BH3-only protein NOXA. Pretreatment with the PLA2 inhibitor, aristolochic acid, abrogated the increase in calcium, ER stress, and NOXA. Calcium chelation also abrogated the gossypol-induced increase in calcium, ER stress, and NOXA, but not the increase in PLA2 activity, indicating that PLA2 is upstream of these events. In addition, incubating cells with the two products of PLA2 (lysophosphatidic acid and arachidonic acid) mimicked treatment with gossypol. NOXA is a pro-apoptotic protein that functions by binding the BCL2 family proteins MCL1 and BFL1. The BCL2 inhibitor ABT-199 is currently in clinical trials for CLL. Resistance to ABT-199 can occur from up-regulation of other BCL2 family proteins, and this resistance can be mimicked by culturing CLL cells on CD154⁺ stroma cells. We report here that AT-101, a derivative of gossypol in clinical trials, overcomes stroma-mediated resistance to ABT-199 in primary CLL cells, suggesting that a combination of these drugs may be efficacious in the clinic.     

Antifungal activity of alkyl and heterocyclic aza-derivatives of gossypol as well as their complexes with NaClO4 against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lupini

Eight alkyl and six heterocyclic aza-derivatives of gossypol (2–15) have been synthesized using gossypol (1) extracted from Gossypium Herbaceum cottonseeds. The ability of gossypol aza-derivatives to form complexes with NaClO₄ has been investigated by electrospray ionisation (ESI) mass spectra recorded in the positive and negative ion detection modes. The gossypol aza-derivatives have been characterized by FT-IR, ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopic methods and subsequently tested for their antifungal properties against Fusarium oxysporum. Four alkyl aza-derivatives (2–5), present in the enamine–enamine tautomeric form, have shown activity comparable or higher than that of gossypol against this fungus. To improve the antifungal activity the complexes of the most active compounds 2–5 with NaClO₄ were prepared. Complexes of 2 and 5 with NaClO₄ have shown antifungal activity higher than that of the uncomplexed compounds.     

Acaricidal effects of natural six-carbon and nine-carbon aldehydes on stored-product mites

The toxicities of three plant volatiles, (2E)-hexenal, (2E, 6Z)-nonadienal and (2E)-nonenal, intermediate products of the oxylipin biosynthesis pathway, were tested on three mites of importance for medical purposes and as pests. The aldehydes were diluted in hexane separately and incorporated into diets in ranges of 4–143 mg g⁻¹. The final density of mites in control and aldehyde-enriched diets was compared after 21 days. The aldehydes were toxic to the mites, whose final density showed an inverse correlation with aldehyde concentration. In addition to the effects of aldehyde concentration, the final density of mites was also influenced by the different aldehydes tested and the interaction among aldehyde concentration and chemical structure. In a functional combination of aldehydes and species, the doses calculated for growth inhibition and eradication of mites ranged from 4 to 35 mg g⁻¹ and from 36 to 314 mg g⁻¹, respectively. Due to the protective role displayed by natural six-carbon and nine-carbon aldehydes, these compounds are potential candidates for controlling stored-product mites in stored food and feed products.     

Synthesis and Spectral Characterization of Asymmetric Azines Containing a Coumarin Moiety: The Discovery of New Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Agents

Nine unsymmetrical azines containing a coumarin moiety were prepared by the reaction of the hydrazone of 4‐hydroxy‐3‐acetylcoumarin with differently substituted aromatic aldehydes. The azines were fully spectrally characterized, including a complete assignment of ¹H‐ and ¹³C‐NMR resonances, and were assessed for their acute toxicities in the Artemia salina model. Their free radical scavenging activities were tested in the DPPH assay, and in vitro antimicrobial activities were determined against seven bacterial and two fungal strains. The azines containing a p‐hydroxyphenyl group were shown to be the most effective antimicrobial agents, and in the case of resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus and Acinetobacter baumannii, the activity was comparable to that of chloramphenicol. The derivative having a 3,5‐dimethoxy‐4‐hydroxyphenyl group exhibited pronounced antioxidant power reacting rapidly and in 1 : 1 mol ratio with the DPPH radical.     

Sesquiterpenoid aldehyde quinones and derivatives in pigment glands of Gossypium

The resistance of Gossypium species to insects is enhanced by compounds in their lysigenous pigment glands. In cultivated cottons, glands in achlorophyllous plant parts contained predominately the terpenoid aldehyde gossypol in G. hirsutum, and gossypol and its methyl and dimethyl ethers in G. barbadense. Glands in young green tissues, however, contained hemigossypolone as the predominant terpenoid aldehyde in G. hirsutum, and a new quinone, hemigossypolone-7-methyl ether, in G. barbadense. As glands aged in green tissues, the sesquiterpenoid quinones were replaced by several C₂₅-terpenoids formed by the Diels-Alder reaction of the quinones with myrcene or trans-β-ocimene. Two C₂₅-terpenoids isolated from G. barbadense, but not G. hirsutum, were the methyl ethers of heliocides H₁ and H₄ and were designated heliocides B₁ and B₄, respectively. A dark red pigment, gossyrubilone, from glands of young leaves of both species is the isopentylimine of hemigossypolone. Similar red imines, formed from sesquiterpenoid quinones and amino acids, resembled the red coloration of the envelope cells surrounding the gland sac. The terpenoid quinones of Gossypium had physical characteristics different from quinones in Bombax which apparently were incorrectly identified as being the same. A survey of the terpenoid quinones and their heliocide derivates in wild Gossypium species and related genera in the Gossypieae showed considerable diversity which may be used for establishing biochemical and phylogenetic relationships.     

Potential detoxification of gossypol by UDP-glycosyltransferases in the two Heliothine moth species Helicoverpa armigera and Heliothis virescens

The cotton bollworm Helicoverpa armigera and the tobacco budworm Heliothis virescens are closely related generalist insect herbivores and serious pest species on a number of economically important crop plants including cotton. Even though cotton is well defended by its major defensive compound gossypol, a toxic sesquiterpene dimer, larvae of both species are capable of developing on cotton plants. In spite of severe damage larvae cause on cotton plants, little is known about gossypol detoxification mechanisms in cotton-feeding insects. Here, we detected three monoglycosylated and up to five diglycosylated gossypol isomers in the feces of H. armigera and H. virescens larvae fed on gossypol-supplemented diet. Candidate UDP-glycosyltransferase (UGT) genes of H. armigera were selected by microarray studies and in silico analyses and were functionally expressed in insect cells. In enzymatic assays, we show that UGT41B3 and UGT40D1 are capable of glycosylating gossypol mainly to the diglycosylated gossypol isomer 5 that is characteristic for H. armigera and is absent in H. virescens feces. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that gossypol is partially metabolized by UGTs via glycosylation, which might be a crucial step in gossypol detoxification in generalist herbivores utilizing cotton as host plant.     

A simple colorimetric method for determination of hydrogen peroxide in plant tissues

A simple colorimetric method for determination of hydrogen peroxide in plant materials is described. The method is based on hydrogen peroxide producing a stable red product in reaction with 4-aminoantipyrine and phenol in the presence of peroxidase. Plant tissues was ground with trichloroacetic acid (5% w/v) and extracts were adjusted to pH 8.4 with ammonia solution. Activated charcoal was added to the homogenate to remove pigments, antioxidants and other interfering substances. The colorimetric reagent (pH 5.6) consisted of 4-aminoantipyrine, phenol, and peroxidase. With this method, we have determined the hydrogen peroxide concentration in leaves of eight species which ranged from 0.2 to 0.8 μmol g⁻¹ FW. Changes in hydrogen peroxide concentration of Stylosanthes guianensis in response to heat stress are also analyzed using this method.     

Specific inhibition of alkane synthesis with accumulation of very long chain compounds by dithioerythritol, dithiothreitol, and mercaptoethanol in Pisum sativum

Sodium [1-¹⁴C]acetate and [1-¹⁴C]stearic acid were readily incorporated into hydrocarbons, secondary alcohols, wax esters, aldehydes, primary alcohols, and fatty acids in young pea leaves (Pisum sativum). Dithioerythritol, dithiothreitol, and mercaptoethanol (but not glutathione and cysteine) severely inhibited the incorporation of labeled acetate into alkanes and secondary alcohols with accumulation of label in wax ester and aldehyde fractions. Detailed radio gas-chromatographic analyses of the fatty acids of both the surface lipid components and internal lipids showed that dithioerythritol and mercaptoethanol specifically inhibited n-hentriacontane (C₃₁) synthesis and caused accumulation of C₃₂ aldehyde, suggesting that the inhibition was at or near the terminal step in alkane biosynthesis, presumably decarboxylation. Trichloroacetate, at a concentration that inhibited C₃₁ alkane synthesis but not the synthesis of alcohols (C₂₆ and C₂₈) specifically inhibited the formation of C₃₂ aldehyde but not that of the C₂₆ or C₂₈ aldehyde. From these results, it is concluded that the C₃₂ aldehyde is derived from the C₃₂ acyl derivative which is the precursor of C₃₁ alkane.