Development of a large-scale continuous substrate feed process for the biotransformation of simvastatin by Nocardia s.p

This article describes a process for microbial hydroxylation of simvastatin by a Nocardia sp. Simvastatin (Zocor) belongs to the family of HMGCoA reductase inhibitors used as cholesterol-lowering drugs. Studies at 14 L scale showed that high substrate (simvastatin) concentrations inhibited product formation; consequently, continuous slow feeding of the substrate was introduced to maintain low residual simvastatin concentrations. Dissolved oxygen levels above 50% air saturation were desirable for the biotransformation. The process was scaled up to 19,000-L fermentors using an on-line filter sterilization system for substrate feeding. The feed rate was regulated by off-line high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) assays to keep the substrate concentration below 20 mg/L. Intermittent addition of nutrients helped to boost the bioconversion rate to give final titers of 400 mg/L 6-beta-hydroxymethyl simvastatin. Enrichment of the nutrient medium led to bioconversion titers of 800 mg/L 6-beta-hydroxymethyl simvastatin. Bioconversion efficiencies (desired product/substrate) of 22-25% with a ratio of desired product/side products of 0.7 were obtained by this process.     

Pyrano chalcones and a flavone from Neoraputia magnifica and their Trypanosoma cruzi glycosomal glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase-inhibitory activities

The fruits of Neoraptua magnifica var. magnifica afforded three new flavonoids: 2'-hydroxy-4,4',-dimethoxy-5',6'-(2',2'-dimethylpyrano)chalcone, 2'-hydroxy-3,4,4'-trimethoxy-5',6'-(2',2'-dimethylpyrano)chalcone, and 3',4'-methylenedioxy-5,7-dimethoxyflavone which were identified on the basis of spectroscopic methods. The known flavonoids 2'-hydroxy-3,4,4',5-tetramethoxy-5',6'-(2',2'-dimethylpyrano)chalcone, 2'-hydroxy-3,4,4',5,6'-pentamethoxychalcone, 3',4'-methylenedioxy-5,6,7-trimethoxyflavone, 3',4'-methylenedioxy-5',5,6,7-tetramethoxyflavone, 3',4',5',5,7-pentamethoxyflavanone and 3',4',5'5,7-pentamethoxyflavone were also identified. The latter flavone was the most active as glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase-inhibitor.     

2' Derivatives of guanosine and inosine cyclic 3',5'-phosphates. Synthesis, enzymic activity, and the effect of 8-substituents.

A series of representative derivatives of guanosine cyclic 3',5'-phosphate (cGMP) and inosine cyclic 3',5'-phosphate (cIMP) which contained modifications in either the 2' position or the 8 and 2' positions were synthesized. Three types of derivatives were investigated: (1) derivatives in which the 2' position has been altered to produce a 2'-deoxynucleoside cyclic 3',5'-phosphate or a 9-beta-D-arabinofuranosylpurine cyclic 3',5'-phosphate; (2) 2'-omicron-acyl derivatives; and (3) doubly modified derivatives containing a 2' modification [as in (1) and (2)] and an 8-substitution. 2'-Deoxyinosine cyclic 3',5'-phosphate and 9-beta-D-arabinofuranosylhypoxanthine cyclic 3',5'-phosphate were obtained by HNO2 deamination of 2'-deoxyadenosine cyclic 3',5'-phosphate and 9-beta-D-arabinofuranosyladenine cyclic 3',5'-phosphate (ara-cAMP), respectively. Treatment of 8-bromo-2'-omicron-(p-toluenesulfonyl) adenosine cyclic 3',5'-phosphate with NaSH yielded the intermediate 8,2'-anhydro-9-beta-D-arabinofuranosyl-8-mercaptoadenine cyclic 3',5-phosphate, which was converted directly to 2'-deoxyadenosine cyclic 3',5'-phosphate (dcAMP) by treatment with Raney nickel. 8-Bromo-2'-omicron-(p-toluenesulfonyl) guanosine cyclic 3',5'-phosphate was converted to 8,2'-anhydro-9-beta-D-arabinofuranosyl-8-mercaptoguanine cyclic 3',5'-phosphate, and the latter was desulfurized with Raney nickel to give 2-deoxyguanosine cyclic 3',5'-phosphate. Ara-cAMP, 9-beta-D-arabinofuranosylguanine cyclic 3',5'-phosphate, and 9-beta-D-arabinofuranosyl-8-mercaptoguanine cyclic 3',5'-phosphate have been previously reported (Mian et al. (1974), J. Med. Chem. 17, 259). 8-Bromo-2'-omicron-acetylinosine cyclic 3',5'-phosphate and 8-[(p-chlorophenyl)thio]-2'-omicron-acetylinosine cyclic 3',5'-phosphate were produced by acylation of 8-bromoinosine cyclic 3',5'-phosphate and 8-[(p-chlorophenyl)thio]inosine cyclic 3',5'-phosphate, respectively; while 8-bromo-2'-omicron-butyrylguanosine cyclic 3',5'-phosphate was synthesized by bromination of 2'-omicron-butyrylguanosine cyclic 3',5'-phosphate.     

2',3'-cyclic nucleotide 2'-phosphodiesterase from Fusarium culmorum

We describe the properties of a 2',3'-cyclic nucleotide 2'-phosphodiesterase (EC 3.1.4.16), found in Fusarium culmorum, which hydrolyzes nucleoside 2',3'-cyclic monophosphates to nucleoside 3'-phosphates. In contrast with a similar enzyme found in bacteria, the Fusarium enzyme does not exhibit nucleotidase activity and does not show a requirement for metal ions, but is inhibited by micromolar concentrations of Cu++ and Zn++, and is very stable to heat. This cyclic phosphodiesterase hydrolyzes the four major nucleoside 2',3'-cyclic monophosphates and has greater affinity for purine (Kms for Ado-2',3'-P = 0.3 mM and for Guo-2',3'-P = 0.1 mM) than for pyrimidine nucleotides (Kms for Cyd-2',3'-P = 0.6 mM and for Urd-2',3'-P = 2 mM). The respective Vmax for Urd-2',3'-P; Cyd-2',3'-P; Ado-2',3'-P; and Guo-2',3' are 100:45:16:5. The efficacy of the phosphodiesterase to hydrolyze the four major 2',3' cyclic nucleotides (based on the relative values of Vmax/Km) is not significantly different. The Fusarium enzyme differs from a previously described 2',3' cyclic phosphodiesterase from Neurospora, in that it is inactive on 3',5'-nucleoside monophosphates and nucleoside 2' or 3' phosphates.     

Flavonoids from the pods of Millettia erythrocalyx

From the pods of Millettia erythrocalyx, 2'-hydroxy-3,4-dimethoxy-[2',3':4',3']-furanochalcone, 2',3-dihydroxy-4-methoxy-4'-gamma,gamma-dimethylallyloxychalcone, (-)-(2S)-6,3',4'-trimethoxy-[2',3':7,8]-furanoflavanone, 3',4'-methylenedioxy-[2',3':7,8]-furanoflavonol and 6,3'-dimethoxy-[2',3':7,8]-furanoflavone were isolated, along with six other known flavonoids. Their structures were elucidated through analysis of their spectroscopic data.     

Synthesis and characterization of 6-O-beta-lactosyl-alpha,beta-lactoses, 1-O-(6-O-beta-lactosyl-beta-lactosyl)-(R,S)-glycerols, and 4,6-di-O-beta-D-galactopyranosyl-alpha,beta-D-glucoses.

1,2,3,2',3',4',6'-Hepta-O-acetyl-beta-lactose (4) was coupled with 2,3,6,2',3',4',6'-hepta-O-acetyl-alpha-lactosyl bromide (7) in the presence of Hg(CN)2 to afford 1,2,3,2',3',4',6'-hepta-O-acetyl-6-O-(2,3,6,2',3',4',6'-hepta-O-acetyl-b eta- lactosyl)-beta-lactose (11) which, upon O-deacetylation, gave 6-O-beta-lactosyl-alpha,beta-lactoses (64% from 4). In contrast, the reaction of 7 with benzyl 2,3,2',3',4',6'-hexa-O-acetyl-beta-lactoside in the presence of Hg(CN)2 produced 3,6,2',3',4',6'-hexa-O-acetyl-1,2-O- (2,3,2',3',4',6'-hexa-O-acetyl-1-O-benzyl-beta-lactos-6-yl orthoacetyl)-alpha-lactose (63%) and 3,6,2',3',4',6'-hexa-O-acetyl-1,2-O-(1- cyanoethylidene)-alpha-lactose (27%). The glycosidation of 4 using 2,3,4,6-tetra-O-acetyl-alpha-D-galactopyranosyl bromide in the presence of Hg(CN)2 afforded, after deprotection, 4,6-di-O-beta-D-galactopyranosyl-alpha,beta-D-glucoses (66%). The reaction of 11 with 1,2-di-O-benzyl-(R,S)-glycerols and trimethylsilyl trifluoromethanesulfonate yielded, after deprotection, 1-O-(6-O-beta-lactosyl-beta-lactosyl)-(R,S)-glycerols (18%). Under the same coupling conditions 11 reacted with 2-O-benzylglycerol to form 3-O-acetyl-2-O-benzyl-1-O-[2',3',4',6'-hexa-O-acetyl-6-O-(2,3,6,2',3',4' ,6'- hepta-O-acetyl-beta-lactosyl)-beta-lactosyl]-(R,S)-glycerols (16%).     

Synthesis and separation of diastereomers of uridine 2',3'-cyclic boranophosphate

The first boron-containing 2',3'-cyclic phosphate-modified analogue, uridine 2',3'-cyclic boranophosphate (2',3'-cyclic-UMPB), was synthesized. 5'-O-Protected uridine was cyclophosphorylated by diphenyl H-phosphonate to yield uridine 2',3'-cyclic H-phosphonate, which upon silylation followed by boronation and subsequent acid treatment gave 2',3'-cyclic-UMPB in high yield. The two diastereomers of 2',3'-cyclic-UMPB were separated by HPLC. An alternative method for synthesis of uridine 2',3'-cyclic phosphorothioate (2',3'-cyclic-UMPS) via H-phosphonate was also described.     

Interaction of muscle glycogen phosphorylase b with riboflavin, its tetraacetyl derivative and their analogs

The interaction of rabbit skeletal muscle glycogen phosphorylase b with riboflavin, 2',3',4',5'-tetraacetylriboflavin and their analogues, containing different substituents in the positions 6, 8 and 8 alpha, has been studied. Dissociation constant for the complex of the enzyme and riboflavin was determined to be 12.5 microM (pH 6.8; 20 degrees C) by sedimentation velocity method. Riboflavin and its analogues have been found to inhibit glycogen phosphorylase b. The inhibitor half-saturation concentration values increase in the following order: riboflavin (18 microM), 8-methoxy(nor)rifoblavin (23 microM), 8 alpha-bromo-2',3',4',5'-tetraacetylriboflavin (40 microM), 6-bromoriboflavin (40 microM), 8 alpha-hydroxyriboflavin (60 microM), 8-hydroxy(nor)riboflavin (90 microM), 8 alpha-(gamma-carboxypropylamino-2',3',4',5'-tetraacetylriboflav in (90 microM), 8 alpha-[p-(5-ethyl-1,3,4-thiodiazol-2-ylsulfamido)phenylamino ]- 2',3',4',5'-tetraacetylriboflavin (100 microM), 8 alpha-(L-methionyno)-2',3',4',5'-tetraacetylriboflavin (120 microM), 8 alpha-[p-(thiazol-2-ylsulfamido)phenylamino]- 2',3',4',5'-tetraacetylriboflavin (140 microM), 8 alpha-(p-sulfamidophenylamino)-2',3',4',5'-tetraacetylriboflavi n (180 microM), 8 alpha-(p-carboxyphenylamino)-2',3',4',5'-tetraacetylriboflavin+ ++ (210 microM), 2',3',4',5'-tetraacetylriboflavin (250 microM), 8 alpha-(L-homoserino)-2',3',4',5'-tetraacetylriboflavin (340 microM), 8 alpha-(L-glutamo)-2',3',4',5'-tetraacetylriboflavin (360 microM). The existence of glycogen phosphorylase b complexes with riboflavin and its analogues has been proved by methods of absolute and difference spectrophotometry.     

Studies towards the large scale chemical synthesis of the precursors of ribonucleosides-3',4',5',5'-2H4 and -2',3',4',5',5'-2H5

A summary delineating the large scale synthetic studies to prepare labeled precursors of ribonucleosides-3',4',5',5'-2H4 and -2',3',4',5',5'-2H5 from D-glucose is presented. The recycling of deuterium-labeled by-products has been devised to give a high overall yield of the intermediates and an expedient protocol has been elaborated for the conversion of 3-O-benzyl-alpha,beta-D-allofuranose-3,4-d2 6 to 1-O-methyl-3-O-benzyl-2-O-t-butyldimethylsilyl-alpha,beta-D-ribofuranose-3,4,5,5'-d4 16 (precursor of ribonucleosides-3',4',5',5'-2H4) or to 1-O-methyl-3,5-di-O-benzyl-alpha,beta-D-ribofuranose-3,4,5,5'-d4 18 (precursor of ribonucleosides-3',4',5',5'-2H4).     

Inhibition of chloramphenicol binding to Escherichia coli 70S ribosomes by 2'(3')-O-aminoacyl-dinucleoside phosphates derived from the aminoacyl-tRNA acceptor terminus.

The effect of 2' and 3'-O-aminoacyl-dinucleoside phosphates cytidylyl(3'-5')-2'(3')-O-L-phenyl-alanyladenosine (I), cytidylyl(3'-5')-3'-deoxy-2'-O-L-phenylalanyladenosine (IIa), cytidylyl(3'-5')-2'-deoxy-3'-O-L-phenylalanyladenosine (IIIa), cytidylyl(3'-5')-3'-deoxy-2'-O-glycyladenosine (IIb), cytidylyl(3'-5')-2'-deoxy-3'-O-glycyladenosine (IIIb), cytidylyl(3'-5')-3'-deoxy-2'-O-L-leucyladenosine (IIc), cytidylyl(3'-5')-2'-deoxy-3'-O-L-leucyladenosine (IIIc), cytidylyl(3'-5')-3'-O-L-phenylalanyladenosine (IIId) as analogs of the 2'(3')-aminoacyl-tRNA termini, on chloramphenicol binding to 70S Excherichia coli ribosomes was investigated. The association constants (Kb) of the investigated compounds were determined by the equilibrium dialysis method. Based on the constancy of Kb over the range of inhibitor concentration, it was determined that the binding site of the 2' isomers IIa-IIc overlaps with the chloramphenicol site, whereas the variability of Kb for the 3' isomers IIIb, IIIc and especially IIIa seems to indicate that they do not achieve a complete fit. The consistently higher values of the Kb values for the 3' isomers IIIa-IIIc relative to that of the 2' isomers IIa-IIc also indicate a stabilization of the binding of the former due to a specific interaction between its amino acid portion and a ribosomal site.     

Geranylated flavanones from the secretion on the surface of the immature fruits of Paulownia tomentosa

Chemical investigation of the methanol extract of the viscous secretion on the surface of immature fruits of Paulownia tomentosa furnished nine geranylated flavanones, 6-geranyl-5,7-dihydroxy-3',4'-dimethoxyflavanone (1), 6-geranyl-3',5,7-trihydroxy-4'-methoxyflavanone (2), 6-geranyl-4',5,7-trihydroxy-3',5'-dimethoxyflavanone (3), 6-geranyl-4',5,5',7-tetrahydroxy-3'-methoxyflavanone (4), 6-geranyl-3,3',5,7-tetrahydroxy-4'-methoxyflavanone (5), 4',5,5',7-tetrahydroxy-6-[6-hydroxy-3,7-dimethyl-2(E),7-octadienyl]-3'-methoxyflavanone (6), 3,3',4',5,7-pentahydroxy-6-[6-hydroxy-3,7-dimethyl-2(E),7-octadienyl]flavanone (7), 3,3',4',5,7-pentahydroxy-6-[7-hydroxy-3,7-dimethyl-2(E)-octenyl]flavanone (8), and 3,4',5,5',7-pentahydroxy-3'-methoxy-6-(3-methyl-2-butenyl)flavanone (9), along with six known geranylated flavanones. Among these, compounds 4, 6-9 and the known 6-geranyl-3',4',5,7-tetraahydroxyflavanone (diplacone), 6-geranyl-3,3',4',5,7-pentahydroxyflavanone (diplacol) and 3',4',5,7-pentahydroxy-6-[7-hydroxy-3,7-dimethyl-2(E)-octenyl]flavanone showed potent radical scavenging effects towards DPPH radicals.     

Spectroscopic properties of various 2''(3'')-O-aminoacyldinucleoside phosphates analogous to the 3'' terminus of AA-tRNA.

Hypochromicity and circular dichroism data are reported for the 2' and 3'-0-aminiacyldinucleoside phosphates cytidylyl-(3'-5')-2'(3')-0-L-phenylalanyl-adenosine, cytidylyl-(3'-5')-2'-deoxy-3'-0-L-phenylalanyladenosine, cytidylyl-(3'-5')-2'-deoxy-3'-0-glycyladenosine, and cytidylyl-(3'-5')-3'-deoxy-2'-0-L-phenylalanyladenosine, all of which can act as analogs of the 3' terminus of AA-tRNA in various partial reactions of protein biosynthesis. Although all these systems have a 2'-OH group in the furanose of the 3'-residue, differences exist in the extent and/or mode of base-base overlap for most of them, except for cytidylyl-(3'-5')-2'(3')-0-L-phenylalanyladenosine and cytidylyl-(3'-5')-3'-deoxy-2'-0-L-phenylalanyladenosine. It is concluded that the biological activity of the above analogs is affected both by the position of the aminoacyl group and the stacking properties of the bases.     

Conformational analysis of the deoxyribofuranose ring in DNA by means of sums of proton-proton coupling constants: a graphical method

A graphical method is presented for the conformational analysis of the sugar ring in DNA fragments by means of proton-proton couplings. The coupling data required for this analysis consist of sums of couplings, which are referred to as sigma 1' (= J1'2' + J1'2'), sigma 2' (= J1'2' + J2'3' + J2'2'), sigma 2' (= J1'2' + J2'3' + J2'2') and sigma 3' (= J2'3' + J2'3' + J3'4'). These sums of couplings correspond to the distance between the outer peaks of the H1', H2', H2' and H3' [31P] resonances, respectively, (except for sigma 2' and sigma 2' in the case of a small chemical shift difference between the H2' and H2' resonances) and can often be obtained from 1H-NMR spectra via first-order measurement, obviating the necessity of a computer-assisted simulation of the fine structure of these resonances. Two different types of graphs for the interpretation of the coupling data are discussed: the first type of graph serves to probe as to whether or not the sugar ring occurs as a single conformer, and if so to analyze the coupling data in terms of the geometry of this sugar ring. In cases where the sugar ring does not occur as a single conformer, but as a blend of N- and S-type sugar puckers, the second type of graph is used to analyze the coupling data in terms of the geometry and population of the most abundant form. It is shown that the latter type of analysis can be carried out on the basis of experimental values for merely sigma 1',sigma 2' and sigma 2', without any assumptions or restrictions concerning a relation between the geometry of the N- and S-type conformer. In addition, the question is discussed as to how insight can be gained into the conformational purity of the sugar ring from the observed fine structure of the H1' resonance. Finally, a comparison is made between experimental coupling data reported for single-stranded and duplex DNA fragments and covalent RNA-DNA hybrids on the one hand and the predicted couplings and sums of couplings presented in this paper on the other hand.     

Flavonoids from Lonchocarpus latifolius roots

From the petrol extract of Lonchocarpus latifolius roots, 10 flavonoids were isolated. These included: 3,5-dimethoxy-2',2'-dimethylpyrano-(5',6':8,7)-flavone, 3-methoxy-(2',3':7,8)-furanoflavanone, 3',4'-methylenedioxy-(2',3':7,8)-furanoflavanone, and (2,3-trans-3,4-trans)-3,4-dimethoxy-(2',3':7,8)-furanoflavan, as well as the previously known karanjachromene, karanjin, lanceolatin B, pongachromene, pongaglabrone and ponganpin. Only nine flavonoids could be quantified through HPLC analysis.     

The induction of hepatic microsomal UDP-glucuronosyltransferase by the methylsulfonyl metabolites of polychlorinated biphenyl congeners in rats

The effects of nine methylsulfonyl (MeSO(2)) metabolites of tetra-, penta- and hexachlorinated biphenyls (tetra-, penta- and hexaCBs; 20 micromol/kg once daily for 4 days) on the hepatic microsomal UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UDP-GT) were investigated in male Sprague-Dawley rats. Each of the seven 3-MeSO(2)-PCBs, 3-MeSO(2)-2, 2',4',5-tetraCB (3-MeSO(2)-CB49), 3-MeSO(2)-2,3',4',5-tetraCB (3-MeSO(2)-CB70), 3-MeSO(2)-2,2',3',4',5-pentaCB (3-MeSO(2)-CB87), 3-MeSO(2)-2,2',4',5,5'-pentaCB (3-MeSO(2)-CB101), 3-MeSO(2)-2,2',3', 4',5,6-hexaCB (3-MeSO(2)-CB132), 3-MeSO(2)-2,2',3',4',5,5'-hexaCB (3-MeSO(2)-CB141), 3-MeSO(2)-2,2',4',5,5',6-hexaCB (3-MeSO(2)-CB149) and 4-MeSO(2)-2,2',4',5,5'-pentaCB (4-MeSO(2)-CB101) increased the activities of UDP-GT toward chloramphenicol, 4-nitrophenol and 4-methylumbelliferone. 4-MeSO(2)-2,2',4',5,5',6-hexaCB (4-MeSO(2)-CB149) increased the activity of UDP-GT toward chloramphenicol (UGT2B1) but not toward 4-nitrophenol (UGT1A6) and 4-methylumbelliferone (UGT1A6). The activity of UDP-GT toward thyroxine (T(4)) significantly increased after the administration of each of the seven 3-MeSO(2)-PCBs and 4-MeSO(2)-CB101. Significant correlation was found between the activity of UDP-GT toward T(4) and serum total T(4) concentration after the administration of each of the MeSO(2) derivatives except 4-MeSO(2)-CB149. In conclusion, seven 3-MeSO(2)-PCBs and 4-MeSO(2)-CB101 induce both UGT2B1 and UGT1A6, and 4-MeSO(2)-CB149 induces UGT 2B1. The results from the present study indicate that increase in the hepatic T(4) glucuronidation after the administration of the seven 3-MeSO(2)-PCBs and 4-MeSO(2)-CB101 possibly because of the induction of both UGT1A1 and UGT1A6 caused the reduction of serum T(4) levels.     

Synthesis and studies of 3'-C-trifluoromethyl nucleoside analogues bearing adenine or cytosine as the base

3'-Deoxy-3'-C-CF3, 2',3'-dideoxy-3'-C-CF3 and 2',3'-unsaturated-3'-C-CF3 nucleoside derivatives of adenosine and cytidine have been synthesized. All these derivatives were prepared by glycosylation of adenine and uracil with a suitable peracylated 3-trifluoromethyl sugar precursor. The resulting protected nucleosides were subject to appropriate chemical modifications to afford the target nucleoside derivatives. Additionally, the chemical stability in acidic and neutral media of the 2',3'-dideoxy-3'-C-CF3 and 2',3'-unsaturated-3'-C-CF3 nucleoside derivatives of adenosine was compared to that of their parent nucleosides 2',3'-dideoxyadenosine (ddA) and 2',3'-dideoxy-2',3'-didehydroadenosine (d(4)A). Our results confirm that addition of a trifluoromethyl group at C-3' on such nucleoside derivatives appears to confer increased chemical stability toward acid-catalyzed cleavage of the glycosidic bond comparatively to their parent counterparts. When evaluated for their antiviral activity in cell culture experiments, two compounds, namely, 2',3'-dideoxy-3'-C-CF3-adenosine and 2',3'-dideoxy-2',3'-didehydro-3'-C-CF3-cytidine exhibited moderate anti-HBV activity with EC50 values of 10 and 5 microM, respectively.     

Flavones and isoflavones from the west African Fabaceae Erythrina vogelii

The CH(2)Cl(2)/MeOH extract of the stem bark of Erythrina vogelii (Fabaceae) from Nigeria has yielded two novel isoflavones, 7,4'-dihydroxy-8-(gamma,gamma-dimethylallyl)-2'zeta-(4'-hydroxyisopropyl)dihydrofurano[1',3':5,6]isoflavone (vogelin H) (1) and 7,4'-dihydroxy-8-[(2'zeta,3'-dihydroxy-3'-methyl)butyl]-2',2'-dimethyl-3',4'-dehydropyrano[1',4':5,6]isoflavone (vogelin I) (2), a novel flavone, 7,4'-dihydroxy-2',2'-dimethyl-3',4'-dehydropyrano[1',4':5,6]flavone (vogelin J) (3), and eight known flavonoids.     

Glycosylation of 2-thiohydantoin derivatives. Synthesis of some novel S-alkylated and S-glucosylated hydantoins

3-Aryl-5-((Z)-arylidene)-3-aryl-2-(2-methylthioethyl)-2-thiohydantoins 3a-f and 3-aryl-5-((Z)-arylidene)-2-(2',3',4',6'-tetra-O-acetyl-beta-D-glucopyranosyl)-2-thiohydantoins 7a-n were prepared from the reaction of 3-aryl-5-((Z)-arylidene)-2-thiohydantoins 2a-n with methylthioethyl chloride or 2',3',4',6'-tetra-O-acetyl-alpha-D-glucopyranosyl bromide via three different routes. The compounds did not display any antiviral and antitumoral activity.     

Flavones and phenylpropenoids in the surface exudate of Psiadia punctulata

Three flavones, 5,7-dihydroxy-2',3',4',5'-tetramethoxyflavone, 5,4'-dihydroxy-7,2',3',5'-tetramethoxyflavone, and 5,7,4'-trihydroxy-2',3',5'-trimethoxyflavone were isolated from the leaf exudate of Psiadia punctulata, together with the previously reported 5-hydroxy-7,2',3',4',5'-pentamethoxyflavone and 5,7,3'-trihydroxy-2',4',5'-trimethoxyflavone. The two phenylpropenoids, Z-docosyl-p-coumarate and E-docosyl-p-coumarate were also isolated. The structures were determined on the basis of spectroscopic evidence.     

Expression of the 2',3'-cAMP-adenosine pathway in astrocytes and microglia

Many organs express the extracellular 3',5'-cAMP-adenosine pathway (conversion of extracellular 3',5'-cAMP to 5'-AMP and 5'-AMP to adenosine). Some organs release 2',3'-cAMP (isomer of 3',5'-cAMP) and convert extracellular 2',3'-cAMP to 2'- and 3'-AMP and convert these AMPs to adenosine (extracellular 2',3'-cAMP-adenosine pathway). As astrocytes and microglia are important participants in the response to brain injury and adenosine is an endogenous neuroprotectant, we investigated whether these extracellular cAMP-adenosine pathways exist in these cell types. 2',3'-, 3',5'-cAMP, 5'-, 3'-, and 2'-AMP were incubated with mouse primary astrocytes or primary microglia for 1 h and purine metabolites were measured in the medium by mass spectrometry. There was little evidence of a 3',5'-cAMP-adenosine pathway in either astrocytes or microglia. In contrast, both cell types converted 2',3'-cAMP to 2'- and 3'-AMP (with 2'-AMP being the predominant product). Although both cell types converted 2'- and 3'-AMP to adenosine, microglia were five- and sevenfold, respectively, more efficient than astrocytes in this regard. Inhibitor studies indicated that the conversion of 2',3'-cAMP to 2'-AMP was mediated by a different ecto-enzyme than that involved in the metabolism of 2',3'-cAMP to 3'-AMP and that although CD73 mediates the conversion of 5'-AMP to adenosine, an alternative ecto-enzyme metabolizes 2'- or 3'-AMP to adenosine.