Bioreducible block copolymers based on poly(ethylene glycol) and poly(γ-benzyl L-glutamate) for intracellular delivery of camptothecin

Poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(γ-benzyl L-glutamate)s bearing the disulfide bond (PEG-SS-PBLGs), which is specifically cleavable in intracellular compartments, were prepared via a facile synthetic route as a potential carrier of camptothecin (CPT). Diblock copolymers with different lengths of PBLG were synthesized by ring-opening polymerization of benzyl glutamate N-carboxy anhydride in the presence of a PEG macroinitiator (PEG-SS-NH(2)). Owing to their amphiphilic nature, the copolymers formed spherical micelles in an aqueous condition, and their particle sizes (20-125 nm in diameter) were dependent on the block length of PBLG. Critical micelle concentrations of the copolymers were in the range 0.005-0.065 mg/mL, which decreased as the block length of PBLG increased. CPT, chosen as a model anticancer drug, was effectively encapsulated up to 12 wt % into the hydrophobic core of the micelles by the solvent casting method. It was demonstrated by the in vitro optical imaging technique that the fluorescence signal of doxorubicin, quenched in the PEG-SS-PBLG micelles, was highly recovered in the presence of glutathione (GSH), a tripeptide reducing disulfide bonds in the cytoplasm. The micelles released CPT completely within 20 h under 10 mM GSH, whereas only 40% of CPT was released from the micelles in the absence of GSH. From the in vitro cytotoxicity test, it was found that CPT-loaded PEG-SS-PBLG micelles showed higher toxicity to SCC7 cancer cells than CPT-loaded PEG-b-PBLG micelles without the disulfide bond. Microscopic observation demonstrated that the disulfide-containing micelle could effectively deliver the drug into nuclei of SCC7 cells. These results suggest that PEG-SS-PBLG diblock copolymer is a promising carrier for intracellular delivery of CPT.     

Enhanced stability of polymeric micelles based on postfunctionalized poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(γ-propargyl L-glutamate): the substituent effect

One of the major obstacles that delay the clinical translation of polymeric micelle drug delivery systems is whether these self-assembled micelles can retain their integrity in blood following intravenous (IV) injection. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of core functionalization on the thermodynamic and kinetic stability of polymeric micelles. The combination of ring-opening polymerization of N-carboxyanhydride (NCA) with highly efficient "click" coupling has enabled easy and quick access to a family of poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(γ-R-glutamate)s with exactly the same block lengths, for which the substituent "R" is tuned. The structures of these copolymers were carefully characterized by (1)H NMR, FT-IR, and GPC. When pyrene is used as the fluorescence probe, the critical micelle concentrations (CMCs) of these polymers were found to be in the range of 10(-7)-10(-6) M, which indicates good thermodynamic stability for the self-assembled micelles. The incorporation of polar side groups in the micelle core leads to high CMC values; however, micelles prepared from these copolymers are kinetically more stable in the presence of serum and upon SDS disturbance. It was also observed that these polymers could effectively encapsulate paclitaxel (PTX) as a model anticancer drug, and the micelles possessing better kinetic stability showed better suppression of the initial "burst" release and exhibited more sustained release of PTX. These PTX-loaded micelles exerted comparable cytotoxicity against HeLa cells as the clinically approved Cremophor PTX formulation, while the block copolymers showed much lower toxicity compared to the cremophor-ethanol mixture. The present work demonstrated that the PEG-b-PPLG can be a uniform block copolymer platform toward development of polymeric micelle delivery systems for different drugs through the facile modification of the PPLG block.     

N,N-Bis-(8-hydroxyquinoline-5-yl methyl)-benzyl substituted amines (HQNBA): peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR-γ) agonists with neuroprotective properties

We report on the neuroprotective effects of N,N-bis-(8-hydroxyquinoline-5-yl methyl)-benzyl substituted amines (HQNBA) in a model of oxidative stress-induced nerve cell death using mouse hippocampal-derived HT22 cells. The four derivatives (JLK1472, JLK1486, JLK1522 and JLK1535) protected the HT22 cells from death at concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 1 μM. Their action is partially dependent on their ability to act as PPARγ agonists. These analogues also maintain GSH levels suggesting that they have indirect anti-oxidant effects.     

Poly(vinylferrocene)–poly(ethylene glycol) glutamate oxidase electrode for determination of L-glutamate in commercial soy sauces

An amperometric L-glutamate oxidase (GLOD) electrode based on a multilayer of polymer films was developed for the high selective determination of L-glutamate. The multilayer film consisted of three layers as the following configuration i.e., inner membrane of electropolymerized 1,3-diaminobenzene, middle layer of L-GLOD entrapped in photopolymerized poly(vinylferrocene)–poly(ethylene glycol) hydrogel polymer, and outer dialysis membrane. In this manner, the sensor could eliminate interferences and was able to work at a low potential poised at +0.085 V vs. Ag/AgCl. When used in a flow injection system, the sensor responded to L-glutamate in the range 0.5–8.0 mM, with a sensitivity of 9.48 nA mM^–1. The sensor was stable for 5 days of continuous uses (250 assays) and retained 60% activity after 16 days. When used to analyse the L-glutamate contents of a number of different off-the-shelf soy sauces, the sensor gave results in good agreement with the standard colorimetric method.     

Detection of ε(γ-glutamyl) lysine

Summary Detection of (-glutamyl) lysine crosslinks is not only necessary for establishing the importance of the dipeptide as a post-translational modification of proteins, but provides information as to the importance of the transglutaminase enzyme in a biological system. The crosslink may be detected using both indirect and direct methodology. Indirect methods for its detection include measurement of masked lysines within a protein, detection of polymer formation by gel-electrophoresis and the inhibition of crosslinking by the incorporation of small molecular weight amines into the substrate protein. Direct methods for the detection of (-glutamyl) lysine require the actual isolation of the dipeptide following its release from the sample protein by exhaustive proteolytic digestion. Separation of the dipeptide from other components of the digest may be achieved by either ion-exchange chromatography or gel filtration and its qualitative identification achieved by techniques such as paper-electrophoresis or thin layer chromatography. Quantitative estimation of (-glutamyl) lysine normally involves its further separation by ion-exchange chromatography and its post-column detection following derivatisation with ninhydrin. More recent techniques include pre-column derivatisation of the dipeptide with fluorogenic reagents such as -pthalaldehyde and separation by reverse phase HPLC. With the recent advances in liquid chromatography resulting in the improved resolution of amino acids, increased sensitivity, rapid analysis times, and small sample sizes, it appears likely that direct quantitation of (-glutamyl) lysine will be the preferred method for the future.     

Serum-γ-Glutamyltranspeptidase (γ-GT) and Aspartate-Aminotransferase (AspAT) Activities in Adult Cattle with Chronic Fasciola Hepatica Infection

Sera from adult cattle with fluke-infected and normal livers were analyzed for γ-GT and AspAT activities. The analyses revealed no significant increases in either γ-GT or AspAT values of the animals with fascioliasis as compared with the non-infected animals. The advanced chronic stage of the infection characterized by hepatic fibrosis, limited injury of parenchyma and low fluke burdens may explain the lack of enzymatic increase.     

鼠γ疱疹病毒68(MHV68):研究γ疱疹病毒感染的模型

γ疱疹病毒成员遍及自然界,可感染包括人在内的多种哺乳动物.γ疱疹病毒的生物学特性主要有:(1)能在淋巴细胞中潜伏感染;(2)可以产生淋巴增生性疾病;(3)与淋巴组织和非淋巴组织肿瘤关系密切.最开始γ疱疹病毒根据感染T或B细胞的不同而分为γ1和γ2疱疹病毒,前者主要感染B淋巴细胞,如感染人和棉顶绒猴的EBV(EpsteinBarr virus);γ2疱疹病毒则感染T淋巴细胞,以感染松鼠猴的疱疹病毒samiri(herpesvirus samiri,HVS)为代表.但后来证实γ2疱疹病毒可同时感染T、B淋巴细胞,而EBV亦可引起T淋巴细胞肿瘤.因此以后发现的γ疱疹病毒则根据其基因结构及基因组中代表性序列的特点,将其归为γ1或γ2亚类.如感染人的卡波氏肉瘤相关病毒(Kaposi's sarcomaassociated herpesvirus,KSHV)或称人疱疹病毒8(human herpesvirus-8,HHV8)就归为γ2[1].     

γ-Glutamyl conjugation of 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin) in the earthworm (Lumbricus terrestris)

The conversion of 5-hydroxytryptamine to several potential metabolites was examined in the annelid earthworm (Lumbricus terrestris). 5-hydroxytryptamine and some related amines were found to be present in several tissues of the earthworm. Injection of 5-hydroxytryptamine into the body cavity of the earthworm resulted in the production of a -glutamyl conjugate of 5-hydroxytryptamine. Incubations of the anterior nerve cord of the earthworm resulted in the accumlation of considerable amounts of 5-hydroxytryptamine and -glutamyl 5-hydroxytryptamine in the incubation medium. The earthworm did not produce any N-acetyl 5-hydroxytryptamine and only very little 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid. Experiments involving the injection of radiolabeled 5-hydroxytryptamine or coninjection of radiolabeled glutamic acid with unlabeled 5-hydroxytryptamine into the earthworm resulted in the production of radiolabeled -glutamyl 5-hydroxytryptamine. This work demonstrates that the enzymatic conversion of 5-HT in the earthworm is markedly different from that of vertebrates and insects.     

γ-氨基丁酸B型受体(GABABR)研究最新进展

有两种类型的GABA受体,一种是离子通道型的受体,GABA_AR和GABA_CR,这两者都是氯离子通道;另外一种是代谢型的受体——GABA_BR。GABA_BR的大部分生理功能都与它通过G蛋白对电压敏感型钙通道(主要是N,P/Q,L-型)和内向补偿性钾通道(Kir)的调节有关。在突触前膜,     

蝴蝶兰60Coγ射线诱变育种研究(简报)

以蝴蝶兰组培原球茎或小苗为材料进行60Coγ射线诱变(剂量15Gy)处理,得到一系列诱变苗;对诱变苗分株扩繁(培养基配方为MS 6-BA5.0mg/L CM150ml/L 蔗糖2% 琼脂1%),扩繁后的诱变苗移到生根培养基(MS NAA0.5mg/L CM150ml/L 蔗糖2% 琼脂1%)上诱导生根,炼苗后移栽到含碎砖块和水草的小盆钵中,成活率90%。     

反符合屏蔽低本底NaI(Tl)γ谱仪

本文报告了一台全NaI(T1)晶体的反符合屏蔽低本底γ谱仪。采用交替物质屏蔽,选用含放射性杂质少的结构、屏蔽材料,采用反符合、符合技术等措施降低谱仪的本底。主探测器在井形探测器反符合屏蔽条件下,在0.05—2.0兆电子伏能量范围内,谱仪的积分本底为35计数/分。对~(137)Csγ射线的康普顿减少因子为3.5。当样品和本底测量时间分别为1,000分钟,置信水平为95％时,对单一的~(137)Cs点源的探测灵敏度为7×10~(-13)居里。本谱仪较大地提高了低水平γ放射性测量工作的质量;可用于外环境生物样品和人体尿、粪、血液样品的分析,亦可用于其它弱γ放射性样品的测量。     

反义磷脂酶Dγ(Anti-PLDγ)基因转化美洲黑杨G2的研究

通过农杆菌介导法将反义磷脂酶DT(Anti-PLDγ)基因转入美洲黑杨G2中以提高其耐盐性。本研究建立了美洲黑杨G2组培再生体系,确立了美洲黑杨G2叶片分化最适宜培养基和生根培养基,进行了卡那霉素(选择性抗生素)敏感性试验,改良了传统的农杆菌介导转化法。经诱导不定芽及生根阶段卡那霉素(选择性抗生素)连续筛选,获得了21株卡那霉素抗性植株,抗性植株经PCR及PCR-Southern杂交检测,有13株均呈阳性,证明Anti-PLDγ基因成功整合到美洲黑杨G2基因组中。耐盐性实验表明,4株转基因植株抗NaCl能力比对照有不同程度提高。     

人γ干扰素突变体(rIFN-γ132-PGIL)的构建及其生物学活性的测定

利用DNA重组技术,去掉人γ干扰素(IFNγ)基因3′端含编码多肽羧基(C)端11个氨基酸的核苷酸序列,与编码P,G,I,L的DNA序列相连接,构成IFNγ突变体(rIFN-γ132-PGIL)基因,将后者插入pBV220P_RP_L串连启动子下游,转化大肠杆菌DH5α,在CIts857基因的调节下,通过升温诱导,获得了高效表达,表达量约占菌体可溶性蛋白的30％以上,抗病毒活性平均可达4.9×10~-8U/L,比母体菌株高10倍。SDS—PAGE结果表明,rIFN-γ132—PGIL分子量为17kd。     

拟南芥γ-生育酚甲基转移酶(γ-TMT)启动子的分离及表达特性分析

维生素E是一类人体所必需的脂溶性的维生素,具有重要的生理功能。γ-生育酚甲基转移酶(γ-TMT)是维生素E生物合成途径中的关键酶之一,催化γ、δ-生育酚甲基化,生成α、β-生育酚。从拟南芥中分离了γ-生育酚甲基转移酶基因1552bp的启动子序列,构建了含有该启动子和GUS报告基因的植物表达载体,通过农杆菌介导转化拟南芥,获得了转基因植株。GUS组织化学染色结果表明,在γ-TMT启动子的驱动下,报告基因GUS在拟南芥的叶、茎以及花均有表达,且在茎尖、雄蕊和幼叶中表达最强,而在根、种子和种荚中则没有检测到GUS基因的表达,表明γ-TMT基因可能仅在拟南芥某些组织中特异性高表达。     

High affinity uptake of L-glutamate and γ-aminobutyric acid inDrosophila melanogaster

Preparations having properties resembling those of synaptosomes have been isolated from whole fly homogenates ofDrosophila melanogaster using ficoll gradient floatation technique. These have been characterized by marker enzymes and electron microscopy and binding of muscarinic antagenist³H Quinuclidinyl benzilate. An uptake system for neurotransmitter, ã-Aminobutyric acid has been demonstrated in these preparations. A high affinity uptake system for L-glutamate has also been studied in these subcellular fractions. This uptake of glutamate is transport into an osmotically sensitive compartment and not due to binding of glutamate to membrane components. The transport of glutamate has an obligatory requirements for either sodium or potassium ions. Kinetic experiments show that two transport systems, withK _m values 0.33 X 10^-6M and 2.0 X 10^-6M, respectively, function in the accumulation of glutamate. ATP stimulates lower affinity transport of glutamate. Inhibition of glutamate uptake by L-aspartate but not by phenylalanine and tyrosine indicates that a common carrier mediates the transport of both glutamate and aspartate. β-N-oxalyl-L-β β-diamino propionic acid and kainic acid, both inhibitors of glutamate transport in mammalian brain preparations, strongly inhibited transport of glutamate inDrosophila preparations Comparison with uptake of ã-aminobutyric acid and glutamate in isolated larval brain is presented to show that the synaptosome-like preparations we have isolated are rich in central nervous system derived structures, and presynaptic endings from neuromuscular junctions.     

Agonism activities of lyso-phosphatidylcholines (LPC) Ligands binding to peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ)

Abstract

PPARγ is an isoform of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) belonging to a super family of nuclear receptors and is a primary target of the effective drug to treat the type II diabetes. The experiments found that Lyso-phosphatidylcholines (LPC) could bind to PPARγ, but the binding modes remain unknown. We used the Molecular Docking and Molecular Dynamic (MD) simulations to study the binding of four LPC ligands (LPC16:0, LPC18:0, LPC18:1-1 and LPC18:1-2) to PPARγ. The two-step MD simulations were employed to determine the final binding modes. The 20?ns MD simulations for four final LPC-PPARγ complexes were performed to analyze their structures, the binding key residues, and agonism activities. The results reveal that three LPC ligands (LPC16:0, LPC18:0 and LPC18:1-1) bind to Arm II and III regions of the Ligand Binding Domain (LBD) pocket, whereas they do not interact with Tyr473 of Helix 12 (H12). In contrast, LPC18:1-2 can form the hydrogen bonds with Tyr473 and bind into Arm I and II regions. Comparing with the paradigm systems of the full agonist (Rosiglitazone–PPARγ) and the partial agonist (MRL24–PPARγ), our results indicate that LPC16:0, LPC18:0 and LPC18:1-1 could be the potential partial agonists and LPC18:1-2 could be a full agonist. The in-depth analysis of the residue fluctuations and structure alignment confirm the present prediction of the LPC agonism activities.

Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma     

Monte Carlo characterizations mapping of the (γ,n) and (n,γ) photonuclear reactions in the high energy X-ray radiation therapy

Aim

The aim of this work was to map the characteristics of (n,γ) and (γ,n) reactions in a high energy photon radiation therapy.

Background

Photoneutrons produced in the high energy X-Ray radiation therapy may damage patients and staff. It is due to high RBE of the produced neutrons according to their energy and isotropic emission. Characterization of the photoneutrons can help us in appropriate shielding.

Materials and methods

This study focused on the photoneutron and capture gamma ray phenomena. Characteristics such as dose value, fluence and spectra of both the neutrons and the by produced prompt gamma ray were described.

Results and discussion

Neutron and prompt gamma spectra in different points showed the neutrons to be thermalized when increasing the distance from the linac. Energy of the neutrons changed from about 0.6 MeV at the isocentre to around 10⁻⁰⁸ MeV at the outer door position. Although the neutrons were found as fast neutrons, their spectra showed they were thermal neutrons at the outer door position. Additionally, it was seen that the energy of the gamma rays is higher than the scattered X-ray energy. The energy of gamma rays was seen to be up to 10 MeV while the linac photons had energy lower than 1 MeV. Neutron source strength obtained in this work was in good agreement with the published data, which may be a confirmation of our simulation accuracy.

Conclusion

The study showed that the Monte Carlo simulation can be applied in the radiotherapy and industrial radiation works as a useful and precise estimator. We also concluded that the dose from the prompt gamma ray at the outer door location is higher than the scattered radiation from the linac and should be considered in the shielding.     

Functional haplotypes of Fc gamma (Fcγ) receptor (FcγRIIA and FcγRIIIB) predict risk to repeated episodes of severe malarial anemia and mortality in Kenyan children

Development of protective immunity against Plasmodium falciparum is partially mediated through binding of malaria-specific IgG to Fc gamma (γ) receptors. Variations in human FcγRIIA-H/R-131 and FcγRIIIB-NA1/NA2 affect differential binding of IgG sub-classes. Since variability in FcγR may play an important role in severe malarial anemia (SMA) pathogenesis by mediating phagocytosis of red blood cells and triggering cytokine production, the relationship between FcγRIIA-H/R131 and FcγRIIIB-NA1/NA2 haplotypes and susceptibility to SMA (Hb?相似文献