Intraerythrocytic organic phosphates of fetal and adult seaperch (Embiotoca lateralis): Their role in maternal-fetal oxygen transport

Summary The viviparous seaperch,Embiotoca lateralis, has unique fetal and adult hemoglobins. Stripped fetal hemoglobin has a higher oxygen affinity than stripped adult hemoglobin at pH 6.5–7.1. The oxygen affinities of both adult and fetal hemoglobins are lowered allosterically by ATP at pH 7.1. Both fetal and adult seaperch erythrocytes include approximately 82% ATP and 18% GTP of the total nucleotide triphosphates (NTP) with a trace of AMP. No 2,3-diphosphoglycerate or inositol polyphosphate was detected. Mid- and late-gestation erythrocytes contain less NTP/mole hemoglobin tetramer than do adult cells. The effective NTP concentration in adult cells is higher than that of the fetal erythrocytes even when the intracellular concentration of Mg²⁺, which complexes with NTP, is accounted for. The difference in adult and fetal intraerythrocytic NTP concentration should enhance transfer of oxygen from maternal to fetal blood. Thus, the teleostEmbiotoca lateralis may employ a dual mechanism in maternal-fetal oxygen transfer. A difference in fetal and maternal hemoglobin structure and oxygen affinities is enhanced by a difference in their respective intraerythrocytic organic phosphate concentrations.     

In situ magnetic separation and immobilization of dibenzothiophene-desulfurizing bacteria

In situ cell separation and immobilization of bacterial cells for biodesulfurization were developed by using superparamagnetic Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles (NPs). The Fe₃O₄ NPs were synthesized by coprecipitation followed by modification with ammonium oleate. The surface-modified NPs were monodispersed and the particle size was about 13 nm with 50.8 emu/g saturation magnetization. After adding the magnetic fluids to the culture broth, Rhodococcus erythropolis LSSE8-1 cells were immobilized by adsorption and then separated with an externally magnetic field. The maximum amount of cell mass adsorbed was about 530 g dry cell weight/g particles to LSSE8-1 cells. Analysis showed that the nanoparticles were strongly absorbed to the surface and coated the cells. Compared to free cells, the coated cells not only had the same desulfurizing activity but could also be easily separated from fermentation broth by magnetic force. Based on the adsorption isotherms and Zeta potential analysis, it was believed that oleate-modified Fe₃O₄ NPs adsorbed bacterial cells mainly because of the nano-size effect and hydrophobic interaction.     

Absence of messenger RNA and gene DNA for β-globin chains in hereditary persistence of fetal hemoglobin

The relative amounts of α- and β-globin mRNA and globin gene DNA were measured in reticulocyte RNA and lymphocyte DNA of an individual with homozygous hereditary persistence of fetal hemoglobin whose red blood cells contain 100% fetal hemoglobin (Hb F: α₂γ₂). Molecular hybridization assays used as probes full-length DNA copies of human α- and β-globin messenger RNA. The results of these hybridization assays demonstrated the expected amounts of α-globin mRNA and gene DNA, but absence of β-globin mRNA and absence of β-globin gene DNA. In the individual studied, hereditary persistence of fetal hemoglobin is associated with total deletion of the β-globin structural gene.     

Distinct composition of human fetal HDL attenuates its anti-oxidative capacity

In human high-density lipoprotein (HDL) represents the major cholesterol carrying lipoprotein class in cord blood, while cholesterol is mainly carried by low-density lipoprotein in maternal serum. Additionally, to carrying cholesterol, HDL also associates with a range of proteins as cargo. We tested the hypothesis that fetal HDL carries proteins qualitatively and quantitatively different from maternal HDL. These differences then contribute to distinct HDL functionality in both circulations. Shotgun proteomics and biochemical analyses were used to assess composition/function of fetal and maternal HDL isolated from uncomplicated human pregnancies at term of gestation. The pattern of analyzed proteins that were statistically elevated in fetal HDL (apoE, proteins involved in coagulation, transport processes) suggests a particle characteristic for the light HDL₂ sub-fraction. In contrast, proteins that were enriched in maternal HDL (apoL, apoF, PON1, apoD, apoCs) have been described almost exclusively in the dense HDL₃ fraction and relevant to its anti-oxidative function and role in innate immunity. Strikingly, PON1 mass and activity were 5-fold lower (p < 0.01) in the fetus, which was accompanied by attenuation of anti-oxidant capacity of fetal HDL. Despite almost equal quantity of CETP in maternal and fetal HDL, its enzymatic activity was 55% lower (p < 0.001) in the fetal circulation, whereas LCAT activity was not altered. These findings indicate that maternally derived HDL differs from fetal HDL with respect to its proteome, size and function. Absence of apoA-1, apoL and PON1 on fetal HDL is associated with decreased anti-oxidative properties together with deficiency in innate immunity collectively indicating distinct HDLs in fetuses.     

Unique monoclonal antibodies specifically bind surface structures on human fetal erythroid blood cells

Background

Continuing efforts in development of non-invasive prenatal genetic tests have focused on the isolation of fetal nucleated red blood cells (NRBCs) from maternal blood for decades. Because no fetal cell-specific antibody has been described so far, the present study focused on the development of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to antigens that are expressed exclusively on fetal NRBCs.Methods: Mice were immunized with fetal erythroid cell membranes and hybridomas screened for Abs using a multi-parameter fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). Selected mAbs were evaluated by comparative FACS analysis involving Abs known to bind erythroid cell surface markers (CD71, CD36, CD34), antigen-i, galactose, or glycophorin-A (GPA). Specificity was further confirmed by extensive immunohistological and immunocytological analyses of NRBCs from umbilical cord blood and fetal and adult cells from liver, bone marrow, peripheral blood, and lymphoid tissues.Results: Screening of 690 hybridomas yielded three clones of which Abs from 4B8 and 4B9 clones demonstrated the desired specificity for a novel antigenic structure expressed on fetal erythroblast cell membranes. The antigenic structure identified is different from known surface markers (CD36, CD71, GPA, antigen-i, and galactose), and is not present on circulating adult erythroid cells, except for occasional detectability in adult bone marrow cells.Conclusions:The new mAbs specifically bind the same or highly overlapping epitopes of a surface antigen that is almost exclusively expressed on fetal erythroid cells. The high specificity of the mAbs should facilitate development of simple methods for reliable isolation of fetal NRBCs and their use in non-invasive prenatal diagnosis of fetal genetic status.     

Synthesis and characterization of [Fe(III)(qsal)2][M(III)(pds)2] (M = Cu, Au)

Salts of the Fe(III) spin crossover cation [Fe^III(qsal)₂]⁺ (qsalH = N-(8-quinolyl)salicylaldimine) and monoanions [M^III(pds)₂]⁻ (M = Cu, Au; pds = pirazine-2,3-diselenolate) with formula [Fe^III(qsal)₂][M^III(pds)₂] were prepared and characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction and magnetic measurements. These two salts present magnetic properties essentially due to the Fe^III centres in the high-spin state (S = 5/2), and do not have any spin transition.     

Methylglyoxal and other carbohydrate metabolites induce lanthanum-sensitive Ca2+ transients and inhibit growth in E. coli

The results here are the first demonstration of a family of carbohydrate fermentation products opening Ca²⁺ channels in bacteria. Methylglyoxal, acetoin (acetyl methyl carbinol), diacetyl (2,3 butane dione), and butane 2,3 diol induced Ca²⁺ transients in Escherichia coli, monitored by aequorin, apparently by opening Ca²⁺ channels. Methylglyoxal was most potent (K_1/2 = 1 mM, 50 mM for butane 2,3 diol). Ca²⁺ transients depended on external Ca²⁺ (0.1-10 mM), and were blocked by La³⁺ (5 mM). The metabolites affected growth, methylglyoxal being most potent, blocking growth completely up to 5 h without killing the cells. But there was no affect on the number of viable cells after 24 h. These results were consistent with carbohydrate products activating a La³⁺-sensitive Ca²⁺ channel, rises in cytosolic Ca²⁺ possibly protecting against certain toxins. They have important implications in bacterial-host cell signalling, and where numbers of different bacteria compete for the same substrates, e.g., the gut in lactose and food intolerance.     

Effect of estrus induction on prostaglandin content and prostaglandin synthesis enzyme expression in the uterus of early pregnant pigs

Prostaglandins (PGs) play a pivotal role in maternal recognition of pregnancy and implantation in pigs. In the present study, PGE₂, PGF_2α, and PGFM (PGF_2α metabolite) content, as well as PGE₂ synthase (mPGES-1) and PGF_2α synthase (PGFS) expression was investigated in early pregnant gilts with natural (n = 21) and PMSG/hCG-stimulated (n = 19) estrus. Endometrial tissue samples, uterine luminal flushings (ULFs), and blood serum were collected on days 10-11, 12, and 15 after insemination. Additionally, day 15 conceptuses were collected for mPGES-1 and PGFS protein expression. Effect of estrus induction was observed on day 15 of pregnancy, when the content of PGE₂ in the uterine lumen was fourfold lower in gonadotropin-stimulated gilts in comparison to controls (P < 0.001). Decreased PGE₂ content in ULFs of gonadotropin-treated pigs was preceded by lower endometrial mPGES-1 gene expression in hormonally-stimulated animals in comparison to control gilts (P < 0.01). On the other hand, estrus induction with PMSG/hCG resulted in higher PGE₂ accumulation in the endometrial tissue on day 15 of pregnancy (P < 0.01). Furthermore, PGF_2α content in the endometrium and PGFM levels in blood serum were lower in gonadotropin-treated gilts, especially on day 12 after insemination when compared to control gilts (P < 0.01). Finally, PGFS expression in day 15 conceptuses was decreased in animals with hormonally-induced estrus. We conclude that PMSG/hCG stimulation of prepubertal gilts to induce estrus results in changes of PG production and secretion during early pregnancy, which, in turn, may affect conceptus development, implantation, and the course of pregnancy.     

A novel tetranuclear lanthanide(III)-copper(II) complex of the macrocyclic oxamide [PrCu3] (macrocyclic oxamide = 1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotradecanne-2,3-dione): synthesis, structure and magnetism

A novel tetranuclear lanthanide(III)-copper(II) complex of macrocyclic oxamide, [Pr(CuL)₃(H₂O)₂](SCN)₃ · 1.5H₂O (L = 1,4,8,11-tatraazacyclotradecanne-2,3-dione) (1), has been synthesized, structurally characterized and preliminary investigated by magnetic studies. The structure of the title complex consists of a cationic PrCu₃ core, noncoordinated monovalent SCN⁻ anions and H₂O molecules; the packing diagram shows open channels formed through intermolecular weak interactions. The temperature-dependent magnetic susceptibilities were analyzed by an approximate treatment being enlightened by Matsumoto et al. leading to J = −1.62 × 10⁻² cm⁻¹, Δ = 3.12 cm⁻¹, g_Cu = 2.13, respectively.     

Enhanced 2,3-butanediol production by Klebsiella oxytoca using a two-stage agitation speed control strategy

Batch fermentative production of 2,3-butanediol by Klebsiella oxytoca was investigated using various oxygen supply methods though varying agitation speed. Based on the analysis of three kinetic parameters including specific cell growth rate (μ), specific glucose consumption rate (q_s) and specific 2,3-butanediol formation rate (q_p), a two-stage agitation speed control strategy, aimed at achieving high concentration, high yield and high productivity of 2,3-butanediol, was proposed. At the first 15 h, agitation speed was controlled at 300 rpm to obtain high μ for cell growth, subsequently agitation speed was controlled at 200 rpm to maintain high q_p for high 2,3-butanediol accumulation. Finally, the maximum concentration of 2,3-butanediol reached 95.5 g l⁻¹ with the yield of 0.478 g g⁻¹ and the productivity of 1.71 g l⁻¹ h⁻¹, which were 6.23%, 6.22% and 22.14% over the best results controlled by constant agitation speeds.     

Cytotoxic activity of acetogenins and styryl lactones isolated from Goniothalamus undulatus Ridl. root extracts against a lung cancer cell line (COR-L23)

An investigation of the chemical constituents in a dichloromethnae extract of Goniothalamus undulatus root led to the isolation of three known styryl lactones (5-acetoxyisogoniothalamin oxide, O-acetylaltholactone and altholactone), and four known annonaceous acetogenins (annonacin, cis-annonacin, goniothalamicin and cis-goniothalamicin). These compounds were subjected to a sulphorhodamine B (SRB) cytotoxicity assay against human large cell lung carcinoma (COR-L23), and normal human fetal fibroblast (MRC-5), cell lines. The isolated acetogenins showed higher cytotoxic activity against COR-L23 compared to the styryl lactones, with IC₅₀ values in the range of 0.5-1.7 μM and 7.4-15.4 μM, respectively. A similar pattern of cytotoxicity was also observed against the other cell line (MRC-5); acetogenins IC₅₀ values were in the range of 11.8-31.4 μM, and those for styryl lactones were in the range of 48.7-102.8 μM. This is the first report of a bioassay-guided isolation of chemical constituents from G. undulatus and on cytotoxic studies of the isolated compounds using these particular lung cancer cell lines.     

1-D coordination chains of Cu(hfac)2 and Mn(hfac)2 bridged by phenyl-nitronylnitroxide derivatives

Two alternating 1-D metal-radical linear [L:Cu(hfac)₂]_n and zig-zag [L:Mn(hfac)₂]_n chains (where L = 4-trimethylsilylethynyl-1-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-3-oxylimidazoline-1-oxide)benzene) and hfac = hexafluoroacetylacetonate) are described and characterized by X-ray diffraction of their crystals. Bulk magnetic measurements of L:Cu(hfac)₂ indicated a ferromagnetic interaction with J = 6 cm⁻¹ and L:Mn(hfac)₂ yielded ferrimagnetic interactions with J = −95 cm⁻¹. For the latter, a strong increase of their magnetic moment at lowest temperatures was observed only at very low static magnetic field, while for H_dc > 0.05 T saturation effect led to a downward slope after reaching a maximum.     

Expression and Properties of Recombinant HbA2 (α2δ2) and Hybrids Containing δ-β Sequences

Hemoglobin A₂ (α₂δ₂), which is present at low concentration (1–2%) in the circulating red cells of normal individuals, has two important features that merit its study, i.e., it inhibits polymerization of sickle HbS and its elevated concentration in some thalassemias is a useful clinical diagnostic. However, reports on its functional properties regarding O₂ binding are conflicting. We have attempted to resolve these discrepancies by expressing, for the first time, recombinant hemoglobin A₂ and systematically studying its functional properties. The construct expressing HbA₂ contains only α and δ genes so that the extensive purification required to isolate natural HbA₂ is circumvented. Although natural hemoglobin A₂ is expressed at low levels in vivo, the amount of recombinant α₂δ₂ expressed in yeast is similar to that found for adult hemoglobin A and for fetal hemoglobin F when the α + β or the α + γ genes, respectively, are present on the construct. Recombinant HbA₂ is stable, i.e., not easily oxidized, and it is a cooperative functional hemoglobin with tetramer-dimer dissociation properties like those of adult HbA. However, its intrinsic oxygen affinity and response to the allosteric regulators chloride and 2,3-diphosphoglycerate are lower than the corresponding properties for adult hemoglobin. Molecular modeling studies which attempt to understand these properties of HbA₂ are described.     

Development of a Förster resonance energy transfer assay for monitoring bacterial collagenase triple-helical peptidase activity

Due to their efficiency in the hydrolysis of the collagen triple helix, Clostridium histolyticum collagenases are used for isolation of cells from various tissues, including isolation of the human pancreatic islets. However, the instability of clostridial collagenase I (Col G) results in a degraded Col G that has weak collagenolytic activity and an adverse effect on islet isolation and viability. A Förster resonance energy transfer triple-helical peptide substrate (fTHP) has been developed for selective evaluation of bacterial collagenase activity. The fTHP [sequence: Gly-mep-Flp-(Gly-Pro-Hyp)₄-Gly-Lys(Mca)-Thr-Gly-Pro-Leu-Gly-Pro-Pro-Gly-Lys(Dnp)-Ser-(Gly-Pro-Hyp)₄-NH₂] had a melting temperature (T_m) of 36.2 °C and was hydrolyzed efficiently by bacterial collagenase (k_cat/K_M = 25,000 s⁻¹ M⁻¹) but not by clostripain, trypsin, neutral protease, thermolysin, or elastase. The fTHP bacterial collagenase assay allows for rapid and specific assessment of enzyme activity toward triple helices and, thus, potential application for evaluating the efficiency of cell isolation by collagenases.     

Systematic coordination chemistry and cytotoxicity of copper(II) complexes with methyl substituted 4-nitropyridine N-oxides

Three new nitrato copper(II) complexes of dimethyl substituted 4-nitropyridine N-oxide were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, magnetic, spectroscopic, thermal and X-ray methods, respectively. They were isolated as trans isomers, mononuclear (μ = 1.70-1.88 BM), five (1-2) and four (3) coordinate species of general formula [Cu(NO₃)₂(H₂O)L₂] where L = 2,3-dimethyl-, 2,5-dimethyl-4-nitropyridine N-oxide and [Cu (NO₃)₂L₂], L = 3,5-dimethyl-4-nitropyridine N-oxide, respectively. The X-ray crystal structure of (1) (L = 2,3-dimethyl-4-nitropyridine N-oxide) was determined. The organic ligands, the complexes and copper hexaqua ion as a reference were tested in vitro on the cytotoxic activity against human cancer cell lines: MCF-7 (breast), SW-707 (colon) and P-388 (murine leukemia). The complexes are relatively strong cytotoxic agents towards P-388 cell line. Comparative analysis was performed for all known copper(II) complexes containing methyl derivatives of the 4-nitropyridine N-oxide on the basis of their composition, structure and cytotoxic activities. To obtain the typical structure for these species (i.e., 4-coordinate mononuclear of the type trans-[Cu(inorganic anion)₂L₂]), two methyl groups must be situated on both sides of nitrogen atom(s) (i.e., NO and NO₂) in the ligand. The biological activity was found to be strongly dependent upon the number of the methyl groups and the type of cell line. The best cytotoxic results were found for the complexes without substituents or with one methyl group. Generally, for all cell lines, the complexation increased cytotoxicity when compared with the free ligands.     

Anandamide levels in human female reproductive tissues: Solid-phase extraction and measurement by ultraperformance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry

Anandamide (N-arachidonoylethanolamide), a bioactive lipid, is reported to play a role in pregnancy maintenance and parturition. Our aims were to (1) evaluate AEA levels at the human maternal:fetal interface and (2) validate the use of solid-phase extraction of AEA from tissues. AEA was analyzed in cord and maternal blood, amniotic fluid, placenta, and fetal membranes collected during Caesarean section (n = 14). Extraction efficiencies were 42 and 36% for the placenta and the fetal membranes, respectively. Tissue AEA was quantified using an isotope-dilution method and UPLC-ESI-MS/MS giving intra- and inter-day variability for tissues spiked with 0.2, 1, and 5 pmol/g AEA of less than 12%. Accuracy for these spiked samples was between 95% and 103% for fetal membranes and between 99% and 114% for placenta. Mean AEA concentrations were 2.72 ± 1.04 pmol/g for placenta and 1.19 ± 0.68 pmol/g for fetal membranes, and 0.93 ± 0.28, 0.88 ± 0.33, 0.77 ± 0.30, and 0.06 ± 0.04 nM for maternal, umbilical vein, and umbilical artery plasma and amniotic fluid. Higher AEA concentrations were found in placenta compared to fetal membranes (P < 0.0001), in umbilical vein compared with umbilical artery (P = 0.0015), and in plasma from maternal circulation compared with umbilical artery (P = 0.0152). The relevance of these changes in AEA concentrations at the maternal:fetal interface requires further investigation.     

Synthesis, characterization and magnetic properties of new homotrinuclear copper(II) complexes

Two new mononuclear bis(oxamato) complexes with the formula [nBu₄N]₂[M(nabo)] M = Ni (4), Cu (5), with nabo = 2,3-naphthalene-bis(oxamato) have been synthesized as precursors for trinuclear oxamato-bridged transition metal complexes. Starting from 5 the homo-trinuclear complex [Cu₃(nabo)(pmdta)₂(BF₄)](BF₄) · MeCN · Et₂O (7), with pmdta = N,N,N′,N″,N″-pentamethyldiethylenetriamine, has been prepared. The central N,N′-2,3-naphthalene bridge of 7 is so far the most extended π-conjugated bridge of trinuclear bis(oxamato) type transition metal complexes. The goal of this work was to verify the N,N′-2,3-naphthalene bridge of 7 on its magnetic properties in comparison to the N,N′-o-phenylene bridge of the related homo-trinuclear complex [Cu₃(opba)(pmdta)₂(NO₃)](NO₃) · 2MeCN (6) (opba = o-phenylene-bis(oxamato)). The crystal structures of 4-7 were solved. The magnetic properties of 6 and 7 were studied by susceptibility measurements versus temperature. For the intramolecular J parameter, values of −89 cm⁻¹ (6) and −113 cm⁻¹ (7) were obtained. The different J values are discussed based on the crystal structures of 6 and 7.     

A new cyano-bridged one-dimensional GdFe coordination polymer with o-phenanthroline as the blocking ligand: synthesis, structure, and magnetic properties

Synthesis, structural characterization, and magnetic properties of a new cyano-bridged one-dimensional iron (III)-gadolinium (III) compound, trans-[Gd(o-phen)₂(H₂O)₂(μ-CN)₂Fe(CN)₄]_n · 2no-phen (o-phen = 1,10-phenanthroline), have been described. The compound crystallizes in the triclinic space group with the following unit cell parameters: a = 10.538(14) Å, b = 12.004(14) Å, c = 20.61(2) Å, α = 92.41(1)°, β = 92.76(1)°, γ = 112.72(1)°, and Z = 2. In this complex, each gadolinium (III) is coordinated to two nitrile nitrogens of the CN groups coming from two different ferricyanides, the mutually trans cyanides of each of which links another different Gd^III to create -NC-Fe(CN)₄-CN-Gd-NC- type 1-D chain structure. The one-dimensional chains are self-assembled in two-dimensions via weak C-H?N hydrogen bonds. Both the variable-temperature (2-300 K, 0.01 T and 0.8 T) and variable-field (0-50 000 Gauss, 2 K) magnetic measurements reveal the existence of very weak interaction in this molecule. The temperature dependence of the susceptibilities has been analyzed using a model for a chain of alternating classic (7/2) and quantum (1/2) spins.     

Crystal structure and magnetic behavior of a copper(II)-(pyrazine 2,3-dicarboxylate) coordination polymer: 3D architecture stabilized by H-bonding

Reaction of Cu(ClO₄)₂ · 6H₂O and pyrazine 2,3-dicarboxylate (pzdc) in aqueous ammonia medium results [Cu(pyrazine 2,3-dicarboxylate)(H₂O)₂] · H₂O (1). The X-ray single crystal structure reveals that the compound is a 1D polymeric sinusoidal infinite chain which through intra- and inter-molecular hydrogen bonding interactions, involving lattice and coordinated water molecules with dicarboxylate oxygens and pyrazine nitrogens, gives rise to a 3D architecture. The variable temperature magnetic measurements show weak antiferromagnetic interactions between the Cu(II) centers. The best fit parameters through the typical equation for a uniform copper (II) chain are: J=−0.25 cm⁻¹, g=2.17, R=1.3×10−6. The EPR spectrum does not alter with temperature (from r.t. to 4 K). The spectra are typical for square-pyramidal geometry of copper(II) ions, g_∥=2.24 and g_⊥=2.10 (average g=2.15, in good agreement to the value obtained by susceptibility fit).