On the structure and synthesis of neuroprotectin D1, a novel anti-inflammatory compound of the docosahexaenoic acid family

Potato tuber lipoxygenase was shown to convert 17(S)-hydro(pero)xydocasahexaenoic acid in 10,17(S)-dihydro(pero)xydocosahexa-4Z,7Z,11E,13Z,15E,19Z-enoic acid [10,17(S)-diHDHA] which was formed apparently through a double lipoxygenation mechanism. No traces of 10,17(S)-dihydro(pero)xydocosahexa-4Z,7Z,11E,13E,15Z,19Z-enoic acid were found among the reaction products. It is very likely that a described earlier "neuroprotectin D1" [or "10,17(S)docosatriene"], a novel and potent anti-inflammatory compound derived from docosahexaenoic acid, was, in fact, 10,17(S)-dihydroxydocosahexa-4Z,7Z,11E,13Z,15E,19Z-enoic acid formed through a double lipoxygenation mechanism instead of a previously thought epoxidation/isomerization mechanism.     

Dihydroxydocosahexaenoic acids of the neuroprotectin D family: synthesis, structure, and inhibition of human 5-lipoxygenase

During aerobic oxidation of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), soybean lipoxygenase (sLOX) has been shown to form 7,17(S)-dihydro(pero)xydocosahexaenoic acid [7,17(S)-diH(P)DHA] along with its previously described positional isomer, 10,17(S)-dihydro(pero)xydocosahexa-4Z,7Z,11E,13Z,15E,19Z-enoic acid. 7,17(S)-diH(P)DHA was also obtained via sLOX-catalyzed oxidation of either 17(S)-hydroperoxydocosahexaenoic acid [17(S)-HPDHA] or 17(S)-hydroxydocosahexaenoic acid [17(S)-HDHA]. The structures of the products were elucidated by normal-phase, reverse-phase, and chiral-phase HPLC analyses and by ultraviolet, NMR, and tandem mass spectroscopy and GC-MS. 7,17(S)-diH(P)DHA was shown to have 4Z,8E,10Z,13Z,15E,19Z geometry of the double bonds. In addition, a compound apparently identical to the sLOX-derived 7,17(S)-diH(P)DHA was produced by another enzyme, potato tuber LOX, in the reactions of oxygenation of either 17(S)-HPDHA or 17(S)-HDHA. All of the dihydroxydocosahexaenoic acids (diHDHAs) formed by either of the enzymes were clearly produced through double lipoxygenation of the corresponding substrate. 7,17(S)-diHDHA inhibited human recombinant 5-lipoxygenase in the reaction of arachidonic acid (AA) oxidation. In standard conditions with 100 microM AA as substrate, the IC(50) value for 7,17(S)-diHDHA was found to be 7 microM, whereas IC(50) for 10,17(S)-DiHDHA was 15 microM. Similar inhibition by the diHDHAs was observed with sLOX, a quintessential 15LOX, although the strongest inhibition was produced by 10,17(S)-diHDHA (IC(50) = 4 microM). Inhibition of sLOX by 7,17(S)-diHDHA was slightly less potent, with an IC(50) value of 9 microM. These findings suggest that 7,17(S)-diHDHA along with its 10,17(S) counterpart might have anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities, which could be exerted, at least in part, through direct inhibition of 5LOX and 15LOX.     

Synthesis of methyl (5S,6R,7E,9E,11Z,13E,15S)-16-(4-fluorophenoxy)-5,6,15-trihydroxy-7,9,11,13-hexadecatetraenoate,an analogue of 15R-lipoxin A4

We describe a method for the synthesis of methyl (5S,6R,7E,9E,11Z,13E,15S)-16-(4-fluorophenoxy)-5,6,15-trihydroxy-7,9,11,13-hexadecatetraenoate, a compound that has been described as a metabolically stable analogue of 15R-lipoxin A(4).     

Free radical oxidation of coriolic acid (13-(S)-hydroxy-9Z,11E-octadecadienoic acid)

The reaction of (13S,9Z,11E)-13-hydroxy-9,11-octadecadienoic acid (1a), one of the major peroxidation products of linoleic acid and an important physiological mediator, with the Fenton reagent (Fe(2+)/EDTA/H(2)O(2)) was investigated. In phosphate buffer, pH 7.4, the reaction proceeded with >80% substrate consumption after 4h to give a defined pattern of products, the major of which were isolated as methyl esters and were subjected to complete spectral characterization. The less polar product was identified as (9Z,11E)-13-oxo-9,11-octadecadienoate (2) methyl ester (40% yield). Based on 2D NMR analysis the other two major products were formulated as (11E)-9,10-epoxy-13-hydroxy-11-octadecenoate (3) methyl ester (15% yield) and (10E)-9-hydroxy-13-oxo-10-octadecenoate (4) methyl ester (10% yield). Mechanistic experiments, including deuterium labeling, were consistent with a free radical oxidation pathway involving as the primary event H-atom abstraction at C-13, as inferred from loss of the original S configuration in the reaction products. Overall, these results provide the first insight into the products formed by oxidation of 1a with the Fenton reagent, and hint at novel formation pathways of the hydroxyepoxide 3 and hydroxyketone 4 of potential (patho)physiological relevance in settings of oxidative stress.     

De novo synthesis of (Z)- and (E)-7-hexadecenylitaconic acids by a selective lignin-degrading fungus, Ceriporiopsis subvermispora

Ceriporic acids are a class of alk(en)ylitaconic acids produced by a selective lignin-degrading fungus, Ceriporiopsis subvermispora. Their structural units have similarity with biologically important lichen acids, such as chaetomellic and protolichesterinic acids. The unique function of alkylitaconic acid is the redox silencing of the Fenton reaction system by inhibiting reduction of Fe(3+). As estimated by the catalytic function of Delta9-desaturases, 7-hexadecenyl derivatives bearing a trans configuration have not been reported in the family of alk(en)ylitaconic acids, i.e. the structurally similar lichen acids-alk(en)ylcitraconic and paraconic acids. In this paper, we discuss the isolation of an itaconic acid derivative with an (E)-7-hexadecenyl chain from cultures of C. subvermispora. To identify the natural metabolite, (E)- and (Z)-7-hexadecenylitaconic acids were chemically synthesised. The isolated metabolite was identical to the synthetic (E)-hexadecenylitaconic acid and was designated as ceriporic acid D. Administration of (13)C-[U]-glucose demonstrated that ceriporic acid C and trans-7-hexadecenylitaconic acid (ceriporic acid D) were biosynthesised de novo by C. subvermispora.     

Monensin A methyl ester complexes with Li+, Na+, and K+ cations studied by ESI-MS, 1H- and 13C-NMR, FTIR, as well as PM5 semiempirical method

Monensin A methyl ester (MON1) was synthesized by a new method and its ability to form complexes with Li+, Na+, and K+ cations was studied by electrospray ionization-mass spectroscopy (ESI-MS), 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and PM5 semiempirical methods. It is shown that MON1 with monovalent metal cations forms stable complexes of 1:1 stoichiometry. The structures of the complexes are stabilized by intramolecular hydrogen bonds in which the OH groups are always involved. In the structure of MON1, the oxygen atom of the C=O ester group is involved in very weak bifurcated intramolecular hydrogen bonds with two hydroxyl groups, whereas in the complexes of MON1 with monovalent metal cations the C=O ester group is not engaged in any intramolecular hydrogen bonds. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that the strongest intramolecular hydrogen bonds are formed within the MON1-Li+ complex structure. The structures of the MON1 and its complexes with Li+, Na+, and K+ cations are visualized and discussed in detail.     

Spatial requirements for 15-(R)-hydroxy-5Z,8Z,11Z, 13E-eicosatetraenoic acid synthesis within the cyclooxygenase active site of murine COX-2. Why acetylated COX-1 does not synthesize 15-(R)-hete

The two isoforms of cyclooxygenase, COX-1 and COX-2, are acetylated by aspirin at Ser-530 and Ser-516, respectively, in the cyclooxygenase active site. Acetylated COX-2 is essentially a lipoxygenase, making 15-(R)-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (15-HETE) and 11-(R)-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (11-HETE), whereas acetylated COX-1 is unable to oxidize arachidonic acid to any products. Because the COX isoforms are structurally similar and share approximately 60% amino acid identity, we postulated that differences within the cyclooxygenase active sites must account for the inability of acetylated COX-1 to make 11- and 15-HETE. Residues Val-434, Arg-513, and Val-523 were predicted by comparison of the COX-1 and -2 crystal structures to account for spatial and flexibility differences observed between the COX isoforms. Site-directed mutagenesis of Val-434, Arg-513, and Val-523 in mouse COX-2 to their COX-1 equivalents resulted in abrogation of 11- and 15-HETE production after aspirin treatment, confirming the hypothesis that these residues are the major isoform selectivity determinants regulating HETE production. The ability of aspirin-treated R513H mCOX-2 to make 15-HETE, although in reduced amounts, indicates that this residue is not an alternate binding site for the carboxylate of arachidonate and that it is not the only specificity determinant regulating HETE production. Further experiments were undertaken to ascertain whether the steric bulk imparted by the acetyl moiety on Ser-530 prevented the omega-end of arachidonic acid from binding within the top channel cavity in mCOX-2. Site-directed mutagenesis was performed to change Val-228, which resides at the junction of the main cyclooxygenase channel and the top channel, and Gly-533, which is in the top channel. Both V228F and G533A produced wild type-like product profiles, but, upon acetylation, neither was able to make HETE products. This suggests that arachidonic acid orientates in a L-shaped binding configuration in the production of both prostaglandin and HETE products.     

Lipoxygenase-mediated metabolism of storage lipids in germinating sunflower cotyledons and beta-oxidation of (9Z,11E,13S)-13-hydroxy-octadeca-9,11-dienoic acid by the cotyledonary glyoxysomes

During the early stages of germination, a lipid-body lipoxygenase is expressed in the cotyledons of sunflowers (Helianthus annuus L.). In order to obtain evidence for the in vivo activity of this enzyme during germination, we analyzed the lipoxygenase-dependent metabolism of polyunsaturated fatty acids esterified in the storage lipids. For this purpose, lipid bodies were isolated from etiolated sunflower cotyledons at different stages of germination, and the storage triacylglycerols were analyzed for oxygenated derivatives. During the time course of germination the amount of oxygenated storage lipids was strongly augmented, and we detected triacylglycerols containing one, two or three residues of (9Z,11E,13S)-13-hydro(pero)xy-octadeca-9,11-dienoic acid. Glyoxysomes from etiolated sunflower cotyledons converted (9Z,11E,13S)-13-hydroxy-octadeca-9,11-dienoic acid to (9Z,11E)-13-oxo-octadeca-9,11-dienoic acid via an NADH-dependent dehydrogenase reaction. Both oxygenated fatty acid derivatives were activated to the corresponding CoA esters and subsequently metabolized to compounds of shorter chain length. Cofactor requirement and formation of acetyl-CoA indicate degradation via -oxidation. However, -oxidation only proceeded for two consecutive cycles, leading to accumulation of a medium-chain metabolite carrying an oxo group at C-9, equivalent to C-13 of the parent (9Z,11E,13S)-13-hydroxy-octadeca-9,11-dienoic acid. Short-chain -oxidation intermediates were not detected during incubation. Similar results were obtained when 13-hydroxy octadecanoic acid was used as -oxidation substrate. On the other hand, the degradation of (9Z,11E)-octadeca-9,11-dienoic acid was accompanied by the appearance of short-chain -oxidation intermediates in the reaction mixture. The results suggest that the hydroxyl/oxo group at C-13 of lipoxygenase-derived fatty acids forms a barrier to continuous -oxidation by glyoxysomes.     

The chemical structure and genetic locus of Campylobacter jejuni CG8486 (serotype HS:4) capsular polysaccharide: the identification of 6-deoxy-D-ido-heptopyranose

In line with our on-going efforts to create a multivalent anti-Campylobacter jejuni vaccine based on its capsule polysaccharides (CPSs), we report here the chemical structure and the genetic locus of the CPS produced by C. jejuni strain CG8486, which belongs to the serotype HS:4 CPS complex. C. jejuni CG8486 CPS was observed to be composed of approximately 17 disaccharide repeating blocks of 4-substituted N-acetyl-beta-D-glucopyranosamine and 3-substituted 6-deoxy-beta-D-ido-heptopyranose. A small number of 6-deoxy-beta-D-ido-heptopyranose units were observed to carry O-methyl phosphoramidate moieties at the O-2 or O-7 position. The gene content and organization of the CPS locus of C. jejuni CG8486 were comparable to those of C. jejuni strains NCTC 11168 and 81-176, but several CG8486 CPS genes were observed to be more divergent from those present in the CPS loci of NCTC 11168 and 81-176 CPS, which indicated that there are genetic characteristics specific to the C. jejuni HS:4 CPS complex. The efficacy of a glycoconjugate vaccine based on C. jejuni CG8486 CPS is presently being tested in an animal model, the results of which will be presented in future communications.     

Structural and immunochemical identification of Leb glycolipids in the plasma of a group O Le(a-b-) secretor

Total non-acid glycosphingolipids were isolated from the plasma of a healthy red blood cell group O Le(a-b-) salivary ABH secretor individual. Glycolipids were fractionated by HPLC and combined into eight fractions based on chromatographic and immunoreactive properties. These glycolipid fractions were analysed by thin-layer chromatography and tested for Lewis activity with antibodies reactive to the type 1 precursor (Le^c), H type 1 (Le^d), Le^a and Le^b epitopes. Fractions were structurally characterized by mass spectrometry (EI-MS and LSIMS) and proton NMR spectroscopy. Expected blood group glycolipids, such as H type 1, (Fuc1-2Gal1-3GlcNAc1-3Gal1-4Glc1-1Cer) were immunochemically and structurally identified. Inconsistent with the red cell phenotype and for the first time, small quantities of Le^b blood group glycolipids (Fuc1-2Gal1-3(Fuc1-4)GlcNAc1-3Gal1-4Glc1-1Cer) were immunochemically and structurally identified in the plasma of a Lewis-negative individual. These findings confirm recent immunological evidence suggesting the production of small amounts of Lewis antigens by Lewis negative individuals. Abbreviations: HPLC, high performance liquid chromatography; TLC, (high performance) thin layer chromatography; EI-MS, electron impact ionisation mass spectrometry; LSIMS, liquid secondary ion mass spectrometry; NMR, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The sugar types are abbreviated to Hex for hexose, HexNAc forN-acetylhexosamine and dHex for deoxyhexose (fucose). The ceramide types are abbreviated to d for dihydroxy and t for trihydroxy base, n for non-hydroxy and h for hydroxy fatty acids; LCB, long chain base.     

Identification of tryptophan in leachate of oat hulls (Avena sativa) as a mediator of root growth regulation

Leachate of oat hulls ( Avena sativa L. cv. Sang) inhibits root elongation and causes swollen roots and abundant root hair formation. The active substance was isolated by column chromatography and thin layer chromatography (TLC) systems. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) revealed 3 peaks, one of which corresponded to the substance responsible. The latter was identified as tryptophan by means of its UV spectrum, amino acid analysis, nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry (NMR) and mass spectrometry (MS).     

Oral administration of (11E)-13-oxo-15,16-dinorlabda-8(20),11-dien-19-oic acid strongly reduces photocarcinogenesis in mouse skin exposed to UV-B irradiation

(11E)-13-Oxo-15,16-dinorlabda-8(20),11-dien-19-oic Acid (1), obtained either from the stem bark of Thuja standishii or readily prepared in larger quantities from the related constituent 2, was found to significantly reduce the formation of papilloma in an in vivo two-stage mouse-skin-carcinogenesis model. Carcinogenesis was initiated by skin exposure to UV-B irradiation and promoted by topical application of 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA). Oral administration of 1, starting one week before and ending one week after irradiation, exhibited remarkable effects. First, papilloma formation started two weeks later than in the control group (lacking 1). Second, the average number of skin papilloma after 20 weeks was reduced by ca. 50% in the test group relative to the control.     

Design, synthesis and activity as acid ceramidase inhibitors of 2-oxooctanoyl and N-oleoylethanolamine analogues

The synthesis of novel N-acylethanolamines and their use as inhibitors of the aCDase is reported here. The compounds are either 2-oxooctanamides or oleamides of sphingosine analogs featuring a 3-hydroxy-4,5-hexadecenyl tail replaced by ether or thioether moieties. It appears that, within the 2-oxooctanamide family, the C3-OH group of the sphingosine molecule is required for inhibition both in vitro and in cultured cells. Furthermore, although the (E)-4 double bond is not essential for inhibitory activity, the (E) configuration is required, since the analogue with a (Z)-4 unsaturation was not inhibitory. None of the oleamides inhibited the aCDase in vitro. Conversely, with the exception of N-oleoylethanolamine and its analogs with S-decyl and S-hexadecyl substituents, all the synthesized oleamides inhibited the aCDase in cultured cells, although with a relatively low potency. We conclude that novel aCDase inhibitors can evolve from N-acylation of sphingoid bases with electron deficient-acyl groups. In contrast, chemical modification of the N-oleoylsphingosine backbone does not seem to offer an appropriate strategy to obtain aCDase inhibitors.     

Enantioselective synthesis of (S)-2-amino-4-phenylbutanoic acid by the hydantoinase method

Biosynthesis of (S)-(+)-2-amino-4-phenylbutanoic acid (1) was performed by nonenantioselective hydantoinase and L-N-carbamoylase using racemic 5-[2-phenylethyl]-imidazolidine-2,4-dione (rac-2) as a substrate. The compounds involved in this biocatalysis process could be simultaneously resolved by high-performance liquid chromatography using Chirobiotic T column with a mobile phase of EtOH/H(2)O = 10/90 at pH 4.2-4.5. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the successful production of 1 by the combination of recombinant hydantoinase and L-N-carbamoylase.     

Structural and immunochemical identification of Lea, Leb, H type 1, and related glycolipids in small intestinal mucosa of a group O Le(a-b-) nonsecretor

Total nonacid glycosphingolipids were isolated from small intestine mucosal scrapings of a red cell blood group O Le(a-b-) nonsecretor cadaver. Glycolipids were extracted and fractionated into five fractions based on chromatographic and immunostaining properties. These glycolipid fractions were then analysed by thin-layer chromatography for Lewis activity with antibodies reactive to the type 1 precursor (Lec), H type 1 (Led), Lea and Leb epitopes. Fractions were structurally characterized by mass spectrometry (EI-MS and EI-MS/MS-TOF) and proton NMR spectroscopy. EI-MS/MS-TOF allowed for the identification of trace substances in fractions containing several other glycolipid species. Consistent with the red cell phenotype, large amounts of lactotetraosylceramide (Lec-4) were detected. Inconsistent with the red cell phenotype, small quantities of Lea-5, H-5-1 and Leb-6 glycolipids were immunochemically and structurally identified in the small intestine of this individual. By EI-MS/MS-TOF several large glycolipids with 9 and 10 sugar residues were also identified. The extensive carbohydrate chain elongation seen in this individual with a Lewis negative nonsecretor phenotype supports the concept that Lewis and Secretor blood group fucosylation may be a mechanism to control type 1 glycoconjugate chain extension. Abbreviations: FUT1, H gene; FUT2, Secretor gene, (gene bank accession no. U17894); FUT3, Lewis gene or Fuc-TIII gene, (gene bank accession no. X53578); FUT5, Fuc-TV gene; [Imm]+, immonium ion; Lea-5, Galβ1-3(Fucα1-4)GlcNAcβ1-3Galβ1-4Glcβ1-1Cer; Leb-6, Fucα1-2Galβ1-3(Fucα1-4)GlcNAcβ1-3Galβ1-4Glcβ1-1Cer; Lec-4, Galβ1-3GlcNAcβ1-3Galβ1-4Glcβ1-1Cer; Led or H-5-1, Fucα1-2Galβ1-3GlcNAcβ1-3Galβ1-4Glcβ1-1Cer; Lex-5, Galβ1-4(Fucα1-3)GlcNAcβ1-3Galβ1-4Glcβ1-1Cer; MAb, monoclonal antibody; MS, mass spectrometry; CID, collision-induced dissociation; EI, electron impact ionisation; MS/MS-TOF, tandem mass spectrometry using a time-of-flight mass spectrometer as the second mass spectrometer: m/Cz, mass-to-charge ratio; NMR, nuclear magnetic resonance; PCR, polymerase chain reaction; RFLP, restriction fragment length polymorphism; TLC, (high performance) thin layer chromatography. Saccharide types are abbreviated to Hex for hexose, HexNAc for N-acetylhexosamine and dHex for deoxyhexose (fucose). Ceramide is abbreviated to Cer, and ceramide types are abbreviated to d for dihydroxy and t for trihydroxy base, n for non-hydroxy and h for hydroxy fatty acids This revised version was published online in November 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Optimization of Large Scale Preparation of 13-(S)-Hydroperoxy-9Z, 11E-Octadecadienoic Acid Using Soybean Lipoxygenase. Application to the Chemoenzymatic Synthesis of (+)-Coriolic Acid

The optimization of 13-S-hydroperoxy-9Z, 11E-octadecadienoic acid synthesis is described using lipoxygenase-1 from soybeans at high substrate concentration. The optimal values of the tested parameters are as follows: oxygen pressure 2.5 bar, temperature 5°C, pH 11, enzyme concentration 4 mg/ml and substrate concentration 0.1 M. All these values were used in a single reaction, allowing chemoenzymatic synthesis of gram amounts of (+)-coriolic acid (99%, e.e. 97%) with a 54% yield starting from linoleic acid.     

Influenza A virus protein PB1-F2: synthesis and characterization of the biologically active full length protein and related peptides.

Recently the discovery of a novel 87 amino acid influenza A virus (IAV) protein, named PB1-F2, has been reported that originates from an alternative reading frame in the PB1 polymerase gene and is encoded in most of the known human IAV isolates. Using optimized protocols, full length biologically active sPB1-F2 and a number of fragments have been synthesized by following either the standard elongation SPPS method or by native chemical ligation of unprotected N- and C-terminal peptide fragments at the histidine and cysteine residues located in position 41 and 42 of the native sequence, respectively. The ligation procedure afforded the most efficient synthesis of sPB1-F2 and facilitated the generation of various mutants of sPB1-F2 from pre-synthesized peptide fragments. During the synthesis of sPB1-F2, the formation of succinimide and subsequent conversion to the piperidine derivative at the aspartic acid residue in position 23 was observed. This reaction was forestalled by applying specific modifications to the SPPS protocol. The chain-elongation SPPS protocol is optimal for producing small peptides of sPB1-F2, their derivatives and precursors for a subsequent ligation protocol, while the full length protein, mutants and labelled derivatives are more conveniently and efficiently synthesized by SPPS protocols that include native chemical ligation. The molecular identity of sPB1-F2 was confirmed by peptide mapping, mass spectrometry, N-terminal sequencing, (1)H NMR spectroscopy and Western blot analysis. The latter analysis afforded direct evidence of the inherent tendency of sPB1-F2 to undergo oligomerization, a phenomenon observed both for full length sPB1-F2 and fragments thereof, as well as for its full length viral counterpart. Our synthesis protocols open the field for multiple biological and structural studies on sPB1-F2 that, similar to the molecule expressed in an IAV context, induces apoptosis and interacts with membranes in vitro and in vivo, as shown in previous studies.     

Disruption of the beta-sheet structure of a protected pentapeptide, related to the beta-amyloid sequence 17-21, induced by a single, helicogenic C(alpha)-tetrasubstituted alpha-amino acid.

Fifteen years ago it was shown that an alpha-aminoisobutyric acid (Aib) residue is significantly more effective than an L-Pro or a D-amino acid residue in inducing beta-sheet disruption in short model peptides. As this secondary structure element is known to play a crucial role in the neuropathology of Alzheimer's disease, it was decided to check the effect of Aib (and other selected, helix inducer, C(alpha)-tetrasubstituted alpha-amino acids) on the beta-sheet conformation adopted by a protected pentapeptide related to the sequence 17-21 of the beta-amyloid peptide. By use of FT-IR absorption and 1H NMR techniques it was found that the strong self-association characterizing the pentapeptide molecules in weakly polar organic solvents is completely abolished by replacing a single residue with Aib or one of its congeners.     

A facile synthesis of C-24 and C-25 oxysterols by in situ generated ethyl(trifluoromethyl)dioxirane

Experiments were performed to compare the regioselective hydroxylation of the isopropyl C-H bond at C-25 in 5α-cholestan-3β-yl acetate by in situ generated dimethyldioxirane, methyl(trifluoromethyl)dioxirane, hexafluoro(dimethyl)dioxirane or ethyl(trifluoromethyl)dioxirane (ETDO). The dioxiranes were generated from the corresponding ketones and potassium peroxymonosulfate in aq. NaHCO₃, pH 7.5-8.0. Of the four dioxiranes examined, partially fluorinated, sterically bulky ETDO displayed the highest reactivity and regioselectivity. Using in situ generated ETDO, a facile, synthesis was developed for two naturally occurring oxysterols, i.e., 25-hydroxycholesterol, as well as its 3-sulfate (overall yield of the sulfate, 24%) and 24-oxocholesterol (16%), starting from cholesterol.