Influence of MDR1 C1236T polymorphism on lopinavir plasma concentration and virological response in HIV-1-infected children

Background

Variability in MDR1 and PXR has been associated with differences in drug plasma levels and response to antiretroviral therapy. We investigated whether polymorphisms in MDR1 (T-129C, C1236T and C3435T) and PXR (C63396T) affect lopinavir plasma concentration and the virological or immunological response to HAART in HIV-1-infected children.

Methods

Genotypes were identified in 100 blood donors and 38 HIV-1-infected children. All children received HAART with lopinavir boosted with ritonavir (LPV/r) at the time of LPV plasma level quantification, before (C_trough) and between 1 and 2 h after (C_post-dose) the administration of the next dose of drug. CD4⁺ T-cell counts and plasma viral load were analyzed before and after the initiation of LPV/r.

Results

MDR1 1236T, MDR1 3435T and PXR 63396T alleles showed a frequency of ~ 50% while the MDR1 -129C allele only reached 5%. Children heterozygotes 1236CT showed a significantly lower LPV C_post-dose than homozygotes 1236TT (median C_post-dose = 3.04 μg/ml and 6.50 μg/ml, respectively; p = 0.016). Children heterozygotes 1236CT also had a lower decrease of viral load after 36 weeks of LPV/r exposure compared with homozygotes 1236CC (median viral load changes = − 0.50 log₁₀ copies/ml and − 2.08 log₁₀ copies/ml, respectively; p = 0.047). No effect on the immunological response was observed for polymorphisms of MDR1 or PXR.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that the MDR1 C1236T SNP significantly reduces LPV plasma concentration affecting the virological response to HAART. Heterozygotes 1236CT might have an altered level of P-gp expression/activity in enterocytes and CD4⁺ T lymphocytes that limits the absorption of LPV leading to an impaired virological suppression.     

Urinary free cortisone, but not cortisol, is associated with urine volume in severe obesity

Background

High urine volume enhances urinary free cortisol (UFF) and cortisone (UFE) excretion rates in normal-weight adults and children. Renal excretion rates of glucocorticoids (GC) and their metabolites are frequently altered in obesity. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether UFF and UFE excretion is also affected by urine volume in severely obese subjects.

Experimental

In 24-h urine samples of 59 extremely obese subjects (mean BMI 45.3 ± 8.9 kg/m²) and 20 healthy lean subjects (BMI 22.1 ± 1.8 kg/m²), UFF and UFE, tetrahydrocortisol (THF), 5α-tetrahydrocortisol (5α-THF), and tetrahydrocortisone (THE) were quantified by RIA. The sum of THF, 5α-THF, and THE (GC3), the three major GC metabolites, reflects daily cortisol secretion. 11β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11β-HSD2) activity was assessed by the ratio UFE/UFF. Daily GC excretion rates were corrected for urine creatinine and adjusted for gender and body weight.

Results

In extremely obese subjects, urine volume was significantly associated with creatinine-corrected UFE and 11β-HSD2 activity after adjustment for gender and BMI (r = 0.47, p = 0.0002 and r = 0.31, p = 0.02, respectively). However, urine volume was not associated with creatinine-corrected UFF and GC3 (p = 0.4 and p = 0.6, respectively). In lean controls, urine volume was significantly associated with creatinine-corrected UFE and UFF (r = 0.58, p = 0.01 and r = 0.55, p = 0.02, respectively), whereas urine volume was not associated with 11β-HSD2 activity after appropriate adjustment (p = 0.3).

Conclusions

In severe obesity, in contrast to normal weight, renal excretion of UFE, but not of UFF is affected by fluid intake. This discrepancy may be due to the increased renal 11β-HSD2 activity in obesity.     

Mono, di and polynuclear Cu(II)-azido complexes incorporating N,N,N reduced schiff base: syntheses, structure and magnetic behavior

Three kinds of copper(II) azide complexes have been synthesised in excellent yields by reacting Cu(ClO₄)₂ · 6H₂O with N,N-bis(2-pyridylmethyl)amine (L¹); N-(2-pyridylmethyl)-N′,N′-dimethylethylenediamine (L²); and N-(2-pyridylmethyl)-N′,N′-diethylethylenediamine (L³), respectively, in the presence of slight excess of sodium azide. They are the monomeric Cu(L¹)(N₃)(ClO₄) (1), the end-to-end diazido-bridged Cu₂(L²)₂(μ-1,3-N₃)₂(ClO₄)₂ (2) and the single azido-bridged (μ-1,3-) 1D chain [Cu(L³)(μ-1,3-N₃)]_n(ClO₄)_n (3). The crystal and molecular structures of these complexes have been solved. The variable temperature magnetic moments of type 2 and type 3 complexes were studied. Temperature dependent susceptibility for 2 was fitted using the Bleaney-Bowers expression which led to the parameters J = −3.43 cm⁻¹ and R = 1 × 10⁻⁵. The magnetic data for 3 were fitted to Baker’s expression for S = 1/2 and the parameters obtained were J = 1.6 cm⁻¹ and R = 3.2 × 10⁻⁴. Crystal data are as follows. Cu(L¹)(N₃)(ClO₄): Chemical formula, C₁₂H₁₃ClN₆O₄Cu; crystal system, monoclinic; space group, P2₁/c; a = 8.788(12), b = 13.045(15), c = 14.213(15) Å; β = 102.960(10)°; Z = 4. Cu(L²)(μ-N₃)(ClO₄): Chemical formula, C₁₀H₁₇ClN₆O₄Cu: crystal system, monoclinic; space group, P2₁/c; a = 10.790(12), b = 8.568(9), c = 16.651(17) Å; β = 102.360(10)°; Z = 4. [Cu(L³)(μ-N₃)](ClO₄): Chemical formula, C₁₂H₂₁ClN₆O₄Cu; crystal system, monoclinic; space group, P2₁/c; a = 12.331(14), b = 7.804(9), c = 18.64(2) Å; β = 103.405(10)°; Z = 4.     

Cytochrome P450 3A gene variation, steroid hormone serum levels and prostate cancer--The Rotterdam Study

Purpose

To study if polymorphisms in genes encoding for CYP3A enzymes, that play a role in steroid hormone metabolism, affect steroid hormone serum levels and prostate cancer incidence or mortality.

Methods

3048 male participants of The Rotterdam Study were included. Prostate cancer cases and non-cases were studied for differences in baseline hormone levels with Student's t-test. General linear models were performed on different random subsets of hormone levels to study associations with genotype. Cox’ proportional hazard models were used to study prostate cancer incidence and mortality among genotypes.

Results

Both DHEAS sulphate as free-testosterone were significantly increased at baseline in males who developed a prostate cancer within the study period. CYP3A4 G-allele carriage was associated with lower levels of estrone sulphate (p = 0.005) and higher levels of estradiol (p = 0.04) compared to non-carriers. CYP3A5 A-allele carriage was associated with increased levels of estrone sulphate (p = 0.02). CYP3A7 G-allele carriage was associated with the highest number of significant differences in steroid hormone levels. Carriers of the allele resulting in continued enzyme expression during adulthood had decreased levels of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) sulphate (p = 0.05), androstenedione (p = 0.006), estrone (p = 0.0001) and estrone sulphate (p = 0.003) compared to mean levels of these hormones in homozygous wild type carriers. CYP3A43 genotype was not associated with any of the studied hormone levels. However, carriers of the CYP3A43 G-allele showed a significant 5-fold increase in mortality among early onset diagnosed prostate cancers.

Conclusion

Increased levels of free testosterone and DHEA sulphate were associated with prostate cancer incidence along the study period. Primarily the amount of CYP3A7 expression seemed to affect steroid hormone levels. Nevertheless, testosterone, a precursor of the prostate growth and differentiation stimulating dehydrotestosterone, was not influenced by CYP3A genotype. In line with this, no significant associations were observed for CYP3A genotypes and prostate cancer incidence.     

Nitrilotris(methylenephosphonates) in aqueous solution and solid state - dilatometric, potentiometric and NMR investigations

Dissociation and alkali complex formation equilibria of nitrilotris(methylenephosphonic acid) (NTMP, H₆L) have been studied by dilatometric, potentiometric and ³¹P NMR-controlled titrations. Dilatometry indicated the formation of alkali complexes ML (M=Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs) at high pH with a stability decreasing from Li to Cs. An efficient combination of potentiometric and NMR methods confirmed two types of alkali metal complexes MHL and ML. Stability constants for the equilibria following M⁺ + HL⁵⁻ ? MHL⁴⁻ and M⁺ + L⁶⁻ ? ML⁵⁻, respectively, were determined: logK_NaHL=1.08(0.07), logK_KHL=0.86(0.08), logK_NaL=2.24(0.03). Systematic errors are introduced by using alkali metal hydroxides as titrants for routine potentiometric determinations of dissociation constants pK_a5^app and pK_a6^app. Correction formulae were derived to convert actual dissociation constants pK_a into apparent dissociation constants pK_a^app (or vice versa). The actual dissociation constants were found: pK_a5(H₂L⁴⁻ ? H⁺ + HL⁵⁻)=7.47(0.03) and pK_a6(HL⁵⁻ ? H⁺ + L⁶⁻)=14.1(0.1). The anisotropy of ³¹P chemical shifts of salts M_nH_6 − nL (M=Li, Na, n=0-5) is more sensitive towards titration (n) than isotropic solution state chemical shifts.     

Lewis-base copper(I) formates: Synthesis, reaction chemistry, structural characterization and their use as spin-coating precursors for copper deposition

Consecutive synthesis methodologies for the preparation of a series of copper(I) formates [L_mCuO₂CH] (L = ⁿBu₃P: 4a, m = 1; 4b, m = 2; 5, L = [Ti](CCSiMe₃)₂, m = 1, [Ti] = (η⁵-C₅H₄SiMe₃)₂Ti) and [L_mCuO₂CH·HO₂CR] (L = ⁿBu₃P: 7a, m = 1, R = H; 7b, m = 2, R = H; 7c, m = 2, R = Me; 7d, m = 2, R = CF₃; 7e, m = 2, R = Ph. L = (^cC₆H₁₁)₃P, R = H: 8a, m = 2; 8b, m = 3. L = (CF₃CH₂O)₃P, R = H: 9a, m = 2; 9b, m = 3. L = (CH₃CH₂O)₃P, R = H: 10a, m = 2; 10b, m = 3. L = [Ti](CCSiMe₃)₂; m = 1: 11a, R = H; 11b, R = Ph) is reported using [CuO₂CH] (1) and L (2a, L = ⁿBu₃P; 2b, L (^cC₆H₁₁)₃P; 2c, L = (CF₃CH₂O)₃P; 2d, L = (CH₃CH₂O)₃P; 3, L = [Ti](CCSiMe₃)₂) as key starting materials. Addition of formic acid (6a) or carboxylic acid HO₂CR (6b, R = Me; 6c, R = CF₃; 6d, R = Ph) to the afore itemized copper(I) formates 4 and 5 gave metal-organic or organometallic 7-11. The molecular structures of 8a and 11a in the solid state are reported showing a threefold coordinated copper(I) ion, setup by either two coordinatively-bonded phosphorus atoms and one formate oxygen atom (8a) or two π-bonded alkyne ligands and one oxygen atom (11a). A formic acid molecule is additionally hydrogen-bonded to the CuO₂CH moiety. The use of 7b as suitable precursor for the deposition of copper onto TiN-coated oxidized silicon wafers by the spin-coating process below 300 °C is described. Complex 7b offers an appropriate transformation behavior into metal phase by an elimination-decarboxylation mechanism. The morphology of the copper films strongly depends on the annealing conditions. A closed grain network densified by a post-treatment is obtained (8 °C min⁻¹, N₂/H₂ carrier gas). Hydrogen post-anneal to 420 °C after film deposition gave a copper film showing resistivities from 2.5 to 3.7 μΩ cm. This precursor was also used for gap-filling processes.     

Synthesis and characterization of new coordination polymers generated from oxadiazole-containing ligands and IIB metal ions

The coordination chemistry of the oxadiazole-containing rigid bidentate ligands 2,5-bis(4-pyridyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole (L1) and 2,5-bis(3-pyridyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole (L2) with inorganic IIB metal salts have been investigated. Five new coordination polymers (1-5) were prepared by solution reactions and fully characterized by infrared spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Cd(L1)₂(CH₃CN)₂](ClO₄)₂ · (CH₃CN)₂ (1) crystallized in the monoclinic space group P2₁/c, a = 8.4028(5) Å, b = 21.3726(13) Å, c = 10.5617(7) Å, β = 95.1200(10)°, and Z = 2. In the solid state, it adopts an infinite two-dimensional polymeric structural motif with effective cross section of ca. 14.31 × 14.31 Å. Cd(L2)(H₂O)(NO₃)₂ (2) crystallized in the monoclinic space group Ia, a = 7.1203(5) Å, b = 22.2475(15) Å, c = 20.2652(16) Å, β = 90.6080(10)°, and Z = 8. In the solid state, the two Cd(II) centers are connected to each other by L2 ligands and bridging nitrates into a two-dimensional network. [ZnCl₂(L1)] (3) and [HgI₂(L1)] · CH₃CN (4) crystallized in the monoclinic crystal system (3: P2₁/c, a = 5.3702(3) Å, b = 20.4800(11) Å, c = 12.4093(7) Å, β = 94.7930(10)°, and Z = 4; 4: P2/n, a = 17.2733(11) Å, b = 5.2173(3) Å, c = 20.4069(13) Å, β = 102.8690(10)°, and Z = 4). In the solid state, Zn(II) and Hg(II) metal centers are connected to each other by L1 ligands into a zigzag chain motif. Compound 5 (HgBr₂(L2) is different from 3 and 4, monoclinic, P2(1)/n, a = 5.470(4) Å, b = 16.271(13) Å, c = 16.486(12) Å, β = 93.197(15)°, and Z = 4) adopts a novel one-dimensional helical chain motif which resulted from the relative different coordinated orientation of the two N-donors on L2 ligand.     

Hydrothermal synthesis and structure of a Cu(I) bromide coordination polymer, [(tpyprz)3Cu10Br10] (tpyprz = tetra-2-pyridylpyrazine)

The hydrothermal reaction of CuBr₂ and tpyprz in the presence of NH₄VO₃ and HF for 72 h at 170 °C provided [(tpyprz)₃Cu₁₀Br₁₀] (1) in 20% yield. The two-dimensional structure of 1 may be described as Cu(I)-tpyprz chains, linked through {Cu₄Br₅}⁻ clusters in the ac-plane and decorated with {Cu₃Br₅}²⁻ clusters projecting from one face of the layer in the b-direction. The Cu(I) sites exhibit distorted trigonal coordination {CuBr₃} and distorted tetrahedral geometries, {CuBr₂N₂} and {CuN₄}. Crystal data for 1: monoclinic space group C2, a = 12.7561(8) Å, b = 19.359(1) Å, c = 15.860(1) Å, β = 97.178(1)°, V = 3885.8(4) Å³, Z = 2, D_calc = 2.222 g cm⁻³, μ(Mo Kα) = 78.75 cm⁻¹.     

Phosphane- and phosphite-silver(I) phenolates: Synthesis, characterization and their use as CVD precursors

The silver(I) salts [AgOR] (3a, R = C₉H₆N; 3b, R = C₆H₄-2-CHO, 3c, R = C₆H₄-2-Cl; 3d, R = C₆H₄-2-CN; 3e, R = C₆H₄-2-NO₂) are accessible by the stoichiometric reaction of [AgNO₃] (1) with HOR (2a, R = C₉H₆N; 2b, R = C₆H₄-2-CHO; 2c, R = C₆H₄-2-Cl; 2d, R = C₆H₄-2-CN; 2e, R = C₆H₄-2-NO₂) in presence of NEt₃. Treatment of 3a-3e with PⁿBu₃ (4), P(OMe)₃ (5a) or P(OCH₂CF₃)₃ (5b) in the ratios of 1:1 and 1:2, respectively, produced complexes [L_mAgOR] (L = PⁿBu₃, m = 1: 6a, R = C₉H₆N; 6b, R = C₆H₄-2-CHO; 6c, R = C₆H₄-2-Cl; 6d, R = C₆H₄-2-CN; 6e, R = C₆H₄-2-NO₂. m = 2: 7a, R = C₉H₄; 7b, R = C₆H₄-2-CHO; 7c, R = C₆H₄-2-Cl; 7d, R = C₆H₄-2-CN; 7e, R = C₆H₄-2-NO₂. L = P(OMe)₃, m = 1: 8a, R = C₆H₄-2-CHO; 8b, R = C₆H₄-2-NO₂. m = 2: 9, R = C₆H₄-2-NO₂. L = P(OCH₂CF₃)₃, m = 1: 10, R = C₆H₄-2-NO₂). Based on TGA, temperature-programmed and in situ molecular beam mass spectrometry metal-organic 7e was applied as CVD precursor in the deposition of silver onto glass substrates. The resulting silver films were characterized by XRD. The SEM image of a film grown from 7e at 350 °C showed a homogeneous surface with grain sizes of 40 nm. The molecular structures of 8b and 10 in the solid state were determined. They are isostructural and are cubane-like structured. Low-temperature ³¹P{¹H} NMR studies showed that the title complexes are dynamic in solution and exchange at room temperature their ligands.     

Influence of inflammatory response,infection, and pulmonary function in cystic fibrosis

Aims

Recurrent infections and activation of the inflammatory response affect the prognosis of cystic fibrosis (CF). We investigated the relationship between inflammatory response, infection, and pulmonary function in CF.

Main methods

A clinical-cross-sectional study was conducted with 86 subjects: control group (CG, n = 31, the same age and sex of the CF group), and CF group (CFG, n = 55, age: 1–16 years), further distributed into CFG negative or positive bacteriology (CFGB⁻/CFGB⁺), and CFG negative or positive Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CFGPa⁻/CFGPa⁺). Using the Wald test, multiple linear regression (95% confidence interval) was performed between CG and CFG, and between CG and each of the CF subgroups (CFGB⁻/CFGB⁺ and CFGPa⁻/CFGPa⁺). The inflammatory markers evaluated were myeloperoxidase (MPO), adenosine deaminase (ADA) activities, interleukin-1beta (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), C-reactive protein (CRP), nitric oxide metabolites (NOx) levels, and total and differential leukocyte counts.

Key findings

After adjusting for sex and age, CFG compared to CG revealed an increase of MPO, IL-1β (P < 0.001 in all subgroups), and CRP: CFG (P = 0.002), CFGB⁻ (P = 0.007), CFGB⁺ (P = 0.009), CFGPa⁻ (P = 0.004) and CFGPa⁺ (P = 0.020). NOx (P = 0.001, P < 0.001), leukocytes (P = 0.002, P = 0.001), and neutrophils (P = 0.003, P < 0.001) were increased in CFGB⁺ and CFGPa⁺, respectively. A negative correlation between FEV₁ and leukocytes (P = 0.008) and FEV₁ and neutrophils (P = 0.031) resulted in CFG.

Significance

The inflammatory response characterized by the increase of MPO, IL-1β, and CRP is determinant for CF. Also leukocytosis due to neutrophilia determines the pulmonary function deficiency in this disease.     

The reactivity of NbX5 (X = F, Cl) with lactons, lactams, and the synthesis of the first nucleobase-containing niobium complex

NbX₅ (X = F, 1a; X = Cl, 1b) reacted with γ-butyrolactone (but), ε-caprolactam (cap), δ-valerolactam (val) in 1:1 M ratio in chlorinated solvent, affording either the neutral coordination adducts NbCl₅L (L = but, 2a; L = val, 2b) or the ionic ones [NbX₄L₂][NbX₆] (X = F, L = but, 3a; X = F, L = val, 3b; X = F, L = cap, 3c; X = Cl, L = cap, 3d). The reaction of 1a with equimolar amount of guanine (gua) in CH₃CN resulted in the formation of the complex [NbF₄(gua)₂][NbF₆], 3e. The addition of two equivalents of organic substrate to 1 gave selectively the compounds NbCl₅L₂ (L = but, 4a; L = val, 4b) or [NbF₄L₄][NbF₆] (L = but, 5a; L = val, 5b; L = cap, 5c). The 1:2 M reaction of 1b with ε-caprolactam proceeded with C-N bond activation and afforded the derivative , 6, in high yield.     

Synthesis, characterization and cytotoxic properties of platinum(II) complexes containing the nucleosides adenosine and cytidine

Cytidine (cyt) and adenosine (ado) react with cis-[L₂Pt(μ-OH)]₂(NO₃)₂ (L = PMe₃, PPh₃) in various solvents to give the nucleoside complexes cis-[L₂Pt{cyt(− H),N³N⁴}]₃(NO₃)₃ (L = PMe₃, 1),cis-[L₂Pt{cyt(− H),N⁴}(cyt,N³)]NO₃ (L = PPh₃, 2), cis-[L₂Pt{ado(− H),N¹N⁶}]₂(NO₃)₂ (L = PMe₃, 3) and cis-[L₂Pt{ado(− H),N⁶N⁷}]NO₃ (L = PPh₃, 4). When the condensation reaction is carried out in solution of nitriles (RCN, R = Me, Ph) the amidine derivatives cis-[(PPh₃)₂PtNH=C(R){cyt(− 2H)}]NO₃ (R = Me, 5a; R = Ph, 5b) and cis-[(PPh₃)₂PtNH=C(R){ado(− 2H)}]NO₃ (R = Me, 6a: R = Ph, 6b) are quantitatively formed. The coordination mode of these nucleosides, characterized in solution by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry, is similar to that previously observed for the nucleobases 1-methylcytosine (1-MeCy) and 9-methyladenine (9-MeAd). The cytotoxic properties of the new complexes, and those of the nucleobase analogs, cis-[(PPh₃)₂PtNH=C(R){1-MeCy(− 2H)}]NO₃ (R = Me, 7a: R = Ph, 7b), cis-[(PPh₃)₂PtNH=C(R){9-MeAd(− 2H)}]NO₃ (R = Me, 8a: R = Ph, 8b) have been investigated in a wide panel of human cancer cells. Interestingly, whereas the Pt(II) nucleoside complexes (1-4) did not show appreciable cytotoxicity, the corresponding amidine derivatives (7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 5b, and 6b) exhibited a significant in vitro antitumor activity.     

Regulatory T cells (CD4CD25FoxP3) expansion in systemic sclerosis correlates with disease activity and severity

Background

The role and function of T regulatory (Treg) cells have not been fully investigated in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc).

Methods

Ten patients with SSc donated 20 ml of peripheral blood. Activity (Valentini) and severity (Medsger) scores for SSc were calculated for all patients. Healthy volunteers (controls) were matched to each patient by gender and age. CD4⁺ cells were separated using the MACS system. The numbers of Treg cells were estimated by flow cytometry after staining for CD4, CD25, and FoxP3 and calculated as patient-to-control ratio separately for each experiment. Correlations with activity and severity indices of the disease were performed. Twenty-four-hour production of TGF-β and IL-10 by activated CD4⁺ cells was measured by ELISA in culture supernatants.

Results

The numbers of Treg cells, expressed as patient-to-control ratio, correlated significantly with both activity and severity indices (r = 0.71, p = 0.034 and r = 0.67, p = 0.044, respectively). ELISA-measured production of TGF-β and IL-10 by CD4⁺ cells was similar in patients and controls.

Conclusions

Increased numbers of Treg cells are present in patients with SSc, correlating with activity and severity of the disease. This expansion of Treg cells was not accompanied, however, by heightened TGF-β or IL-10 production. Further studies to elaborate the causes and functional significance of Treg cell expansion in SSc are needed.     

Synthesis, characterization, and luminescence properties of magnesium coordination networks using a thiophene-based linker

By varying the solvents and temperatures under solvothermal conditions, two new magnesium based coordination networks were synthesized using 2,5-thiophenedicarbxoylate as a linker. Mg₃(TDC)₃(DMF)₃ [1; TDC = 2,5 thiophenedicarboxylate; space group P2₁/c, a = 17.747(4) Å, b = 9.805(2) Å, c = 21.359(4) Å, β = 103.13(3)°] is constructed by a combination of magnesium polyhedral trimers, which are connected by the TDC²⁻ linkers to form a 3-D network. Coordinated DMF molecules are present within the channels. Mg(TDC)(H₂O)₂ [2; space group Pnma, a = 7.296(4) Å, b = 17.760(4) Å, c = 6.6631(3) Å] is formed by 1-D chains of magnesium octahedra connected by the TDC²⁻ linker. Water molecules are coordinated at the axial positions of the magnesium octahedra. Compound 1 is formed using DMF as the synthesis solvent at 180 °C, while compound 2 is formed using ethanol as the synthesis solvent at 100 °C. Both compounds show enhanced photoluminescence intensity when excited at 397 nm compared to the free TDC ligand, suggesting a charge transfer between the ligand and the magnesium metal center.     

Association of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-γ gene with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in Asian Indians residing in north India

Background

Genetics of non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFLD) in Asian Indians has been inadequately studied. We investigated the association of polymorphisms C161T and Pro12Ala of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) with clinical and biochemical parameters in Asian Indians with NAFLD.

Methods

In this case–control study, 162 NAFLD cases and 173 controls were recruited. Abdominal ultrasound, clinical and biochemical profiles, fasting insulin levels and value of homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance were determined. Polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphisms of two polymorphisms were performed. The association of these polymorphisms with clinical and biochemical parameters was analysed.

Results

Higher frequency of Ala and T alleles of PPARγ was obtained in cases. Ala/Ala genotype of PPARγ (Pro12Ala) was associated with significantly higher serum triglycerides (TG), alkaline phosphatase (ALK) and waist–hip ratio in cases as compared to controls. In C161T polymorphism, TT genotype was significantly increased TG (p = 0.04), total cholesterol (p = 0.01), ALK (p = 0.04) and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (p = 0.007) in cases. The linkage disequilibrium for these two single-nucleotide polymorphisms of PPARγ was differed in cases (D1 = 0.1; p = 0.006) and controls (D1 = 0.07; p = 0.1). Using a multivariate analysis after adjusting for age, sex and body mass index, the presence of NAFLD was linked to these two polymorphisms (odds ratio 1.64 (95% CI: 1.09–2.45, p = 0.05)].

Conclusion

Asian Indians in north India carrying the alleles Ala and T of PPARγ (Pro12Ala and C161T) polymorphisms are predisposed to develop NAFLD.     

Homochiral metal-organic coordination networks from l-typtophan

Three homochiral metal-organic coordination networks [Co₂(l-Trp)₂(Py)₆] · Py · (ClO₄)₂ (1), [Ni(l-Trp)(Py)₃] · H₂O · ClO₄ (2) and [Co₂(l-Trp)(INT)₂(H₂O)₂(ClO₄)] (3), all containing natural amino acid l-HTrp (l-typtophan), were hydrothermally synthesized and structurally characterized. The compounds 1 and 2 crystallize in the orthorhombic space group C222₁, with a = 10.731(2) Å, b = 19.709(4) Å, c = 27.365(6) Å and Z = 4 for 1 and a = 10.710(10) Å, b = 20.088(18) Å, c = 27.63(3) Å and Z = 8 for 2, respectively. The compound 3 has the monoclinic space group P2₁, with a = 8.1934(14) Å, b = 13.209(2) Å, c = 12.464(2) Å, β = 104.107(3)° and Z = 2. Both 1 and 2 consist of 1D helical chains. Compound 3 is composed of 2D networks, which further assemble into a 3D supramolecular structure via weak interlayer interactions. The optically pure amino acid l-HTrp plays an important role leading to homochiral structures reported here.     

Octahedral cyanohydroxo cluster complex trans-[Re6Se8(CN)4(OH)2]: Synthesis, crystal structure, and properties

A hexarhenium cyanohydroxo anionic cluster complex [Re₆Se₈(CN)₄(OH)₂]⁴⁻ was synthesized for the first time starting from [Re₆Se₈(OH)₆]⁴⁻, which was crystallized as a salt of the composition Cs_2.75K_1.25[Re₆Se₈(CN)₄(OH)₂]·H₂O (1). The reaction of the complex with Cu²⁺ in an aqueous ammonia or methylamine solutions afforded [Cu(NH₃)₅]₂[Re₆Se₈(CN)₄(OH)₂]·8H₂O (2) or [{Cu(CH₃NH₂)₄}₂Re₆Se₈(CN)₄(OH)₂] (3), respectively. All of these three compounds were characterized by a single-crystal X-ray diffraction method. Compound 1 is crystallized in the tetragonal space group I4/m with eight formula units per cell (a = b = 17.4823(14) Å, c = 19.430(2) Å, V = 5938.3(10) Å³); compound 2 is crystallized in the monoclinic space group P2₁/n with two formula units per cell (a = 12.1845(13) Å, b = 8.6554(9) Å, c = 19.2568(19) Å, β = 91.081(2)°, V = 2030.5(4) Å³); compound 3 is crystallized in the orthorhombic space group Cmcm with four formula units per cell (a = 19.816(4) Å, b = 14.611(3) Å, c = 13.751(3) Å, V = 3981.2(13) Å³). The luminescence properties of 1 were studied in both aqueous solution and solid state. In addition, the electronic structure of [Re₆Se₈(CN)₄(OH)₂]⁴⁻ was elucidated by DFT calculations.     

Effects of summer- and winter-like acclimation on the thermoregulatory behavior of fed and fasted desert hamsters, Phodopus roborovskii

1.

Thermoregulatory behavior of fed and fasted desert hamsters (Phodopus roborovskii) acclimated to summer- [16 light (L):8 dark (D), ambient temperature (T_a)=26.5 °C] and winter-like (8L:16D, T_a=10 °C) conditions was studied. Body temperature (T_b), selected temperature and activity were measured in hamsters placed in a thermal gradient system for 48 h.     

Are glutathione S-transferase polymorphisms (GSTM1, GSTT1) associated with primary open angle glaucoma? A meta-analysis

Background

Glutathione S-transferase (GST) variants have been considered as risk factors for the pathogenesis of primary open angle glaucoma (POAG). However, the results have been inconsistent. In this study, we performed a meta-analysis to assess the association between GSTM1 and GSTT1 null genotypes and the risk for POAG.

Methods

Published literature from PubMed and EMBASE databases was retrieved. All studies evaluating the association between GSTM1/GSTT1 variants and POAG were included. Pooled odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using fixed- or random-effects model.

Results

14 studies (1711 POAG cases and 1537 controls) were included in the meta-analysis of GSTM1 genotypes and 10 studies (1306 POAG cases and 1114 controls) were included in the meta-analysis of GSTT1 genotypes. The overall result showed that the association between GSTM1 and GSTT1 null genotypes and risk for POAG was not statistically significant (GSTM1: OR = 1.19, 95% CI = 0.82–1.73, p = 0.361; GSTT1: OR = 1.26, 95% CI = 0.77–2.06, p = 0.365). The results by ethnicity showed that the association between the GSTM1 null genotype and risk for POAG is statistically significant in East Asians (OR = 1.41, 95% CI = 1.04–1.90, p = 0.026), but not in Caucasians (OR = 1.13, 95% CI = 0.69–1.84, p = 0.638) and Latin-American (OR = 1.09, 95% CI = 0.62–1.92, p = 0.767). In addition, there was no significant association of GSTT1 null genotype with risk for POAG in either ethnic population.

Conclusions

The present meta-analysis suggested that there might be a significant association of GSTM1 null genotype with POAG risk in East Asians.     

Diiron and diruthenium aminocarbyne complexes containing pseudohalides: stereochemistry and reactivity

Acetonitrile is easily displaced from [Fe₂{μ-CN(Me)(R)}(μ-CO)(CO)(MeCN)(Cp)₂][SO₃CF₃] (R = 2,6-Me₂C₆H₃ (Xyl) (1a); Me (1b)) upon stirring in THF at room temperature in the presence of [NBu₄][SCN]. The resulting complexes trans-[Fe₂{μ-CN(Me)(R)}(μ-CO)(CO)(NCS)(Cp)₂] (R = Xyl (trans-2a); Me (trans-2b)) are completely isomerised to cis-[Fe₂{μ-CN(Me)(R)}(μ-CO)(CO)(NCS)(Cp)₂] (R = Xyl (cis-2a); Me (cis-2b)) when heated at reflux temperature. Similarly, the complexes cis-[M₂{μ-CN(Me)(R)}(μ-CO)(CO)(NCO)(Cp)₂] (M = Fe, R = Me (4a); M = Ru, R = Xyl (4b); M = Ru, R = Me (4c)) and cis-[M₂{μ-CN(Me)(R)}(μ-CO)(CO)(N₃)(Cp)₂] (M = Fe, R = Xyl (5a); M = Fe, R = Me (5b); M = Ru, R = Xyl (5c)) can be obtained by heating at reflux temperature a THF solution of [M₂{μ-CN(Me)(R)}(μ-CO)(CO)(MeCN)(Cp)₂][SO₃CF₃] (M = Fe, R = Xyl (1a); M = Fe, Me (1b); M = Ru, R = Xyl (1c); M = Ru, R = Me (1d)) in the presence of NaNCO and NaN₃, respectively. The reactions of 5 with MeO₂CCCCO₂Me, HCCCO₂Me and (NC)(H)CC(H)(CN) afford the triazolato complexes [M₂{μ-CN(Me)(R)}(μ-CO)(CO){N₃C₂(CO₂Me)₂}(Cp)₂] (M = Fe, R = Xyl (6a); M = Fe, R = Me (6b); M = Ru, R = Xyl (6c)), [M₂{μ-CN(Me)(R)}(μ- CO)(CO){N₃C₂(H)(CO₂Me)}(Cp)₂] (M = Fe, R = Me (7a); M = Ru, R = Xyl (7b)) and [Fe₂{μ-CN(Me)(Xyl)}(μ-CO)(CO){N₃C₂(H)(CN)}(Cp)₂] (8), respectively. The asymmetrically substituted triazolato complexes 7-8 are obtained as mixtures of N(1) and N(2) bonded isomers, whereas 6 exists only in the N(2) form. Methylation of 6-8 results in the formation of the triazole complexes [Fe₂{μ-CN(Me)(Xyl)}(μ-CO)(CO){N₃(Me)C₂(CO₂Me)₂}(Cp)₂][CF₃SO₃] (9), [M₂{μ-CN(Me)(R)}(μ-CO)(CO){N₃(Me)C₂(H)(CO₂Me)}(Cp)₂][CF₃SO₃] (M = Fe, R = Me (10a); M = Ru, R = Xyl (10b)) and [Fe₂{μ-CN(Me)(Xyl)}(μ-CO)(CO){N₃(Me)C₂(H)(CN)}(Cp)₂][CF₃SO₃], 11. The crystal structures of trans-2b, 4b · CH₂Cl₂, 5a, 6b · 0.5CH₂Cl₂ and 8 · CH₂Cl₂ have been determined.