The Onset of Brain Injury and Neurodegeneration Triggers the Synthesis of Docosanoid Neuroprotective Signaling

Bioactive lipid messengers are formed through phospholipase-mediated cleavage of specific phospholipids from membrane reservoirs. Effectors that activate the synthesis of lipid messengers, include ion channels, neurotransmitters, membrane depolarization, cytokines, and neurotrophic factors. In turn, lipid messengers regulate and interact with multiple pathways, participating in the development, differentiation, function (e.g., long-term potentiation and memory), protection, and repair of cells of the nervous system. Overall, bioactive lipids participate in the regulation of synaptic function and dysfunction. Platelet-activating factor (PAF) and COX-2-synthesized PGE₂ modulate synaptic plasticity and memory. Oxidative stress disrupts lipid signaling, fosters lipid peroxidation, and initiates and propagates neurodegeneration. Lipid messengers participate in the interactions among neurons, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, microglia, cells of the microvasculature, and other cells. A conglomerate of interrelated cells comprises the neurovascular unit. Signaling at the neurovascular unit is clearly altered in the early stages of cerebrovascular disease as well as in neurodegenerations. Here we will provide examples of how signaling by lipids regulates critical events essential for neuronal survival. We will highlight a newly identified, DHA-derived messenger, neuroprotectin D1, which attenuates oxidative stress-induced apoptosis. The specificity and potency of this novel docosanoid (neuroprotectin D1) indicate a potentially important target for therapeutic intervention.     

Synthesis and spectral studies of 2-alkoxystearic acid — II

Seven 2-alkoxystearic acids containing different functional groups in the O-alkyl chain and a new dehydration product were prepared by dehydrohalogenation of 2-iodostearic acid in the presence of different alcohols. Two of the alkoxyacids can be used as intermediates for the preparation of 1-O-(1′-alkyl)glycerols.     

代谢组及其在真菌研究中的应用

代谢组学是利用现代分析化学手段对一定条件下生物体内小分子代谢产物（初级和次级代谢产物）定性及定量,从而揭示生命现象及其内在规律的学科。相对于基因组、转录组和蛋白质组,代谢组是一定条件下生物学过程完成后的最终代谢产物的集合,因而是各种组学研究中最接近表型的一种组学,可以直接动态地反映出细胞的生理生化过程,从而有效地检测和发现特定的生化途径,准确地解释生理或者病理现象。代谢组学作为系统生物学中基因组学、转录组学以及蛋白质组学三大组学的延伸和补充,是目前的研究热点之一。目前代谢组学在真菌领域的研究得到日益重视和发展。本文首先从历史发展和技术路线简述了代谢组学的发展历程和常见的代谢组学研究方法。接着从真菌的分类鉴定、生物膜研究、代谢途径、代谢工程、天然产物发现与植物互作这6个方面介绍了代谢组学在真菌研究领域的应用。     

生态代谢组学研究进展

代谢组学指某一生物系统中产生的或已存在的代谢物组的研究,以质谱和核磁共振技术为分析平台,以信息建模与系统整合为目标。随着代谢组学中的研究方法与技术成为生态学研究的有力工具,生态代谢组学概念应运而生,即研究某一个生物体对环境变化的代谢物组水平的响应。理清代谢组学与生态代谢组学学科发展的脉络,综述代谢组学研究中的常用技术及其优势与局限性,论述代谢组学技术在生态学研究中的应用现状,展望代谢组学技术与其他系统生物学组学技术的结合在生态学中的应用前景,提出生态代谢组学研究者未来要完成的任务和面对的挑战。     

Monitoring defensive responses in macroalgae – limitations and perspectives

As part of an ongoing research program aiming at monitoring molecular changes in the tissues and metabolite trafficking in the hydrosphere of algae subjected to chemical stresses, we are discussing the various analytical techniques that have been employed to characterize, and sometimes to quantity these metabolites. High-field multinuclear and solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopies are powerful tools for metabolite characterization from extracts and in vivo, but quantification and kinetic aspects show some limitations. Modern MS (mass spectrometry) is extremely useful for fingerprinting samples against databases and when dealing with very low concentrations of metabolites, the limitations being set by the type of chromatographic separation and mode of detection coupled with the mass spectrometer. Regarding chemical communication, optimization in terms of resolution and efficiency of hydrosphere chemical analysis can theoretically be achieved in a system which integrates (i) a multiparametric incubation chamber, (ii) a gasphase or a liquid-phase separation system and (iii) mass spectrometer(s) equipped with one or two detectors responding to the analytical and quantitative needs. This text reviews some of the techniques that have been employed in various types of plant metabolic studies, which may serve as a basis towards an integrative analytical strategy directly applicable to the metabolomics of selected marine macrophytes.     

Structural analysis of the lipopolysaccharide from Pasteurella multocida genome strain Pm70 and identification of the putative lipopolysaccharide glycosyltransferases

Pasteurella multocida is an important multispecies veterinary pathogen. The cell surface lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is an important virulence factor and forms the basis of the serotyping scheme, although little structural information about it is known. The structure of the LPS from the Pasteurella multocida genome strain Pm70 was elucidated in this study. The LPS was subjected to a variety of degradative procedures. The structures of the purified products were established by monosaccharide and methylation analyses, NMR spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry. The structure of the core oligosaccharide was determined on the basis of the combined data from these experiments. Identification of the core oligosaccharide structure enabled a search for glycosyltransferase homologs in the Pm70 genome and revealed a clustering of the genes putatively responsible for outer core oligosaccharide biosynthesis.     

n-3脂肪酸代谢产物抗炎作用的研究进展

炎症反应是机体正常组织对感染和损伤的应答,然而过度的炎症反应往往会引起急性和慢性疾病的发生.最近研究发现,由n-3多不饱和脂肪酸二十碳五烯酸和二十二碳六烯酸代谢产生的resolvins和protectins两类化合物,具有很强的抗炎和炎症修复活性.综述了resolvins和protectin D1的来源、抗炎作用和抗炎机制,为进一步开展n-3多不饱和脂肪酸及其代谢产物的抗炎作用研究、为炎症的防治提供新的思路.     

Hyphenated Tools for Phospholipidomics

The analysis of intact and underivatised lipids in body fluids as well as in cell and tissue extracts is of utmost importance in the field of early diagnosis. Therefore, fast, reliable, and automated analytical methods are needed to detect known as well as unknown species. The combination of solid phase extraction, high-performance liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy are best at meeting this challenge. Herein, we show a workflow for the reliable analysis of individual components in phosphatidylethanolamine extracts. The limitations and advantages of the individual methods are discussed.     

A novel glycosphingolipid expressed in pig kidney: Galα1-3Lewisx hexaglycosylceramide

Immunodetection of thin layer chromatograms of neutral glycosphingolipids of pig kidney cortex with a polyclonal antibody directed against the Gal1-3Gal determinant revealed several glycosphingolipids reacting with different intensities. A minor glycosphingolipid was isolated by preparative high performance thin layer chromatography. It was characterized as a type 2 hexaglycosylceramide with the following structure Gal1-3Gal1-4(Fuc1-3)GlcNAc1-3Gal1-4Glc1-Cer by fast atom bombardment- and desorption-chemical ionization-mass spectrometry, methylation analysis and hydrolysis with -galactosidase followed by immunostaining with an anti-Lewisx monoclonal antibody. The proton NMR spectrum was found compatible with the proposed structure. Two other glycosphingolipids carrying the new determinant were partially characterized as an octa- and a branched-dodecaglycosylceramide. The expression of the Gal1-3Lewisx determinant appeared to be developmentally regulated as it increased with age. The characterization of Gal1-3Lex in pig kidney indicates a new epitope capable of recognition by human natural antibodies in the context of xenotransplantation of pig organs to man. It also adds new members to the family of Lex-based glycolipids. Abbreviations: HPTLC, high performance thin layer chromatography; FAB-MS, fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry; DCI, desorption-chemical ionization; Me2SO-d6, hexadeuterated dimethyl sulfoxide     

The biochemistry of blister fluid from pediatric burn injuries: proteomics and metabolomics aspects

Burn injury is a prevalent and traumatic event for pediatric patients. At present, the diagnosis of burn injury severity is subjective and lacks a clinically relevant quantitative measure. This is due in part to a lack of knowledge surrounding the biochemistry of burn injuries and that of blister fluid. A more complete understanding of the blister fluid biochemistry may open new avenues for diagnostic and prognostic development. Burn insult induces a highly complex network of signaling processes and numerous changes within various biochemical systems, which can ultimately be examined using proteome and metabolome measurements. This review reports on the current understanding of burn wound biochemistry and outlines a technical approach for ‘omics’ profiling of blister fluid from burn wounds of differing severity.     

寄生隐丛赤壳菌Cryphonectria parasitica致病毒素Cp-I的分离纯化和结构分析

寄生隐丛赤壳菌Cryphonectria parasitica菌株经液体培养,石油醚萃取其发酵液获得对板栗带叶嫩枝具有致萎活性的粗提物,以氯仿:石油醚:甲醇(6:2:2)作洗脱剂,粗提物经硅胶色谱分离,共得到3组纯组份,其中第1组份(Cp-I)对板栗幼苗致萎活性较高.质谱、核磁共振和红外光谱测定表明Cp-I分子量为278,化学式为C<,16>H<,22>O<,4>.     

寄生隐丛赤壳菌致病毒素Cp-I的分离纯化和结构分析

寄生隐丛赤壳菌Cryphonectria parasitica菌株经液体培养,石油醚萃取其发酵液获得对板栗带叶嫩枝具有致萎活性的粗提物,以氯仿:石油醚:甲醇(6:2:2)作洗脱剂,粗提物经硅胶色谱分离,共得到3组纯组份,其中第1组份(Cp-I)对板栗幼苗致萎活性较高。质谱、核磁共振和红外光谱测定表明Cp-I分子量为278,化学式为C16H22O4。