Interaction of Sesamin and Eicosapentaenoic Acid against Δ5 Desaturation and n-6/ n-3 Ratio of Essential Fatty Acids in Rat

Sesamin is a specific inhibitor of Δ5 desaturation, the conversion from dihomo-γ-linolenic acid (20: 3, n-6) to arachidonic acid (AA, 20: 4, n-6). Previously, we reported that sesamin inhibited Δ5 desaturation of n-6 fatty acids in rat hepatocytes but not that of n-3 fatty acids, from 20: 4 (n-3) to eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20: 5, n-3). In this study, we investigated the interaction of sesamin and EPA on Δ5 desaturation of both series and the n-6/n-3 fatty acids ratio by measuring actural fatty acid contents in vivo. Rats were fed three types of dietary oils; 1) linoleic acid (LA, 18: 2, n-6): linolenic acid (LLA, 18: 3, n-3) = 3: 1, n-6/n-3 ratio of 3: 1 (LA group), 2) LA: LLA =1: 3, n-6/n-3 ratio of 1: 3 (LLA group), 3) LA: LLA: EPA =1: 0.5: 3, n-6/n-3 ratio of 1: 3.5 (EPA group) with or without sesamin (0.5% w/w) for 4 weeks. In all groups, sesamin administration increased the content of dihomo-γ-linolenic acid (20: 3, n-6) in the liver and decreased the Δ5 desaturation index of n-6 fatty acid, the ratio of 20: 4/20: 3 (n-6). On the contrary, the Δ5 desaturation index of n-3 fatty acid, the ratio of 20: 5 + 22: 5 + 22: 6/20: 4 (n-3), was increased by the administration of sesamin. These results suggest that sesamin inhibits the A5 desaturation of n-6 fatty acid, but not that of n-3 fatty acid in rat livers. Sesamin administration decreased incorporation of EPA (n-3) and simultaneously increased the AA (n-6) content in the liver. The n-6/n-3 ratio in the liver was increased by administering sesamin under n-3 rich conditions, i.e., the LLA and EPA groups.     

Synthesis of (±)-Homosarkomycin and (±)-Rosaprostol

(±)-Homosarkomycin (2) and (±)-rosaprostol (3) were synthesized from (±)-methyl 2-oxo-bicyclo[3.1.0]hexane-1-carboxylate (1) by using the nucleophilic ring opening reaction on the double-activated cyclopropane ring as the key step.     

Synthesis of (±)-Lamprolobine and (±)-Epilamprolobine

(±)-Lamprolobine, the (+)-enatiomer of which was isolated from the leaves of Lamprolobium fruticosum, and (±)-epilamprolobine were synthesized from δ-valerolactam.     

Beneficial effect(s) of n-3 fatty acids in cardiovascular diseases: but, why and how?

Low rates of coronary heart disease was found in Greenland Eskimos and Japanese who are exposed to a diet rich in fish oil. Suggested mechanisms for this cardio-protective effect focused on the effects of n-3 fatty acids on eicosanoid metabolism, inflammation, beta oxidation, endothelial dysfunction, cytokine growth factors, and gene expression of adhesion molecules; But, none of these mechanisms could adequately explain the beneficial actions of n-3 fatty acids. One attractive suggestion is a direct cardiac effect of n-3 fatty acids on arrhythmogenesis. N-3 fatty acids can modify Na+ channels by directly binding to the channel proteins and thus, prevent ischemia-induced ventricular fibrillation and sudden cardiac death. Though this is an attractive explanation, there could be other actions as well. N-3 fatty acids can inhibit the synthesis and release of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factoralpha (TNFalpha) and interleukin-1 (IL-1) and IL-2 that are released during the early course of ischemic heart disease. These cytokines decrease myocardial contractility and induce myocardial damage, enhance the production of free radicals, which can also suppress myocardial function. Further, n-3 fatty acids can increase parasympathetic tone leading to an increase in heart rate variability and thus, protect the myocardium against ventricular arrhythmias. Increased parasympathetic tone and acetylcholine, the principle vagal neurotransmitter, significantly attenuate the release of TNF, IL-1beta, IL-6 and IL-18. Exercise enhances parasympathetic tone, and the production of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 which may explain the beneficial action of exercise in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes mellitus. TNFalpha has neurotoxic actions, where as n-3 fatty acids are potent neuroprotectors and brain is rich in these fatty acids. Based on this, it is suggested that the principle mechanism of cardioprotective and neuroprotective action(s) of n-3 fatty acids can be due to the suppression of TNFalpha and IL synthesis and release, modulation of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal anti-inflammatory responses, and an increase in acetylcholine release, the vagal neurotransmitter. Thus, there appears to be a close interaction between the central nervous system, endocrine organs, cytokines, exercise, and dietary n-3 fatty acids. This may explain why these fatty acids could be of benefit in the management of conditions such as septicemia and septic shock, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, inflammatory bowel diseases, diabetes mellitus, essential hypertension and atherosclerosis.     

Synthesis and characterization of tris(β-diketonato)technetium(III) and -(IV) complexes

The preparations and properties of tris(dipivaloylmethanato)technetium(III), tris(trifluoroacetylacetonato)technetium(III), and tris(hexafluoroacetonato)technetium(III) are described. The oxidation of the dipivaloyl derivative to tris(dipivaloyl)technetium(IV) hexafluorophosphate was shown to take place readily. Voltammetric studies and magnetic resonance results on the new complexes are reported. The large shifts observed for the complexes seem to be due to a contact interaction.     

Syntheses of (±)-Epoformin (Desoxyepoxydon) and (±)-Epiepoformin (Desoxyepiepoxydon)

Boron is an essential nutrient for plants, but it is toxic in excess. Transgenic rice plants expressing an Arabidopsis thaliana borate efflux transporter gene, AtBOR4, at a low level exhibited increased tolerance to excess boron. Those lines with high levels of expression exhibited reduced growth. These findings suggest a potential of the borate transporter BOR4 for the generation of high-boron tolerant rice.     

(13)C NMR Reveals No Evidence of n-π* Interactions in Proteins

An [Formula: see text] interaction between neighboring carbonyl groups has been postulated to stabilize protein structures. Such an interaction would affect the [Formula: see text]C chemical shielding of the carbonyl groups, whose paramagnetic component is dominated by [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] excitations. Model compound calculations indicate that both the interaction energetics and the chemical shielding of the carbonyl group are instead dominated by a classical dipole-dipole interaction. A set of high-resolution protein structures with associated carbonyl [Formula: see text]C chemical shift assignments verifies this correlation and provides no evidence for an inter-carbonyl [Formula: see text] interaction.     

Synthesis and characterization of β-diketiminate germanium(II) and tin(II) bromides

The equimolar reaction of a β-diketiminate lithium salt LLi(OEt₂) [L = HC(CMeNAr)₂; Ar = 2,6-iPr₂C₆H₃] with either GeBr₂ or SnBr₂ in diethyl ether affords the synthetically useful monomeric β-diketiminate-element halides LGeBr (1) and LSnBr (2), respectively. Both are soluble in hydrocarbon solvents, stable in inert atmosphere, and have been characterized by elemental analysis, NMR spectroscopy, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis.     

Synthesis of ( ± )-Methyl Epijasmonate and ( ± )-Methyl Cucurbate

A novel synthesis of ( ± )-methyl epijasomonate (2) and the first synthesis of ( ± )-methyl cucurbate (4) were achieved starting from 2-allylcyclohexane-1,3-dione (8). The synthetic epimer 2 had a stronger jasmin flavor than the trans-isomer 1 with 95% purity.     

Biological function of modified nucleotides T_(54) and ψ_(55) of yeast tRNA~(Ala)

The 3' half molecule of yeast tRNAAla (nucleotides 36-75) was hybridized with a DNA fragment (5'GGAATCGAACC 3') and the hybrid was then digested with E. coli RNase H (from Boehringer). The enzyme can specifically cleave the 3' half molecule at the 3' side of nucleotide ψ55, thus a fragment C36-ψ55 was prepared. The 3'-terminal T or Tψ of this fragment was removed by one or two cycles of periodate oxidation and $-elimination. The products were fragments C36-T54 and C36-G53. Three yeast tRNAAla fragments C56-A76, U55-A76 (with ψ55 replaced by U), U54-A76 (with T54ψ55 replaced by UU) were synthesized and ligated with three prepared fragments (C36-ψ55 C36-T54 and C36-G53) respectively by T4 RNA ligase. The products were further ligated with the 5' half molecule (nu-cleotides 1-35). Using this method, one reconstituted yeast tRNAAla (tRNAr) and two yeast tRNAAla analogs: (i) tRNAa with U55 instead of ψ55; (ii) tRNAb with U54U55 instead of T54ψ55 were synthesized. The charging and incorporation activi     

Antioxidant and Cytoprotective Activity of Oxydiacetate Complexes of Cobalt(II) and Nickel(II) with 1,10-Phenantroline and 2,2′-Bipyridine

Biological Trace Element Research - The antioxidant properties of oxydiacetate complexes of cobalt(II) and nickel(II) with 1,10-phenantroline and 2,2′-bipyridine have been investigated...     

Characterization of Nuclear Localization Signals (NLSs) and Function of NLSs and Phosphorylation of Serine Residues in Subcellular and Subnuclear Localization of Transformer-2β (Tra2β)

The serine/arginine-rich (SR) proteins are one type of major actors in regulation of pre-mRNA splicing. Their functions are closely related to the intracellular spatial organization. The RS domain and phosphorylation status of SR proteins are two critical factors in determining the subcellular distribution. Mammalian Transformer-2β (Tra2β) protein, a member of SR proteins, is known to play multiple important roles in development and diseases. In the present study, we characterized the subcellular and subnuclear localization of Tra2β protein and its related mechanisms. The results demonstrated that in the brain the nuclear and cytoplasmic localization of Tra2β were correlated with its phosphorylation status. Using deletional mutation analysis, we showed that the nuclear localization of Tra2β was determined by multiple nuclear localization signals (NLSs) in the RS domains. The point-mutation analysis disclosed that phosphorylation of serine residues in the NLSs inhibited the function of NLS in directing Tra2β to the nucleus. In addition, we identified at least two nuclear speckle localization signals within the RS1 domain, but not in the RS2 domain. The nuclear speckle localization signals determined the localization of RS1 domain-contained proteins to the nuclear speckle. The function of the signals did not depend on the presence of serine residues. The results provide new insight into the mechanisms by which the subcellular and subnuclear localization of Tra2β proteins are regulated.     

Structure and ultrastructure of the silk glands and spinneret of Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

This study provides comprehensive documentation of silk production in the pest moth Helicoverpa armigera from gland secretion to extrusion of silk thread. The structure of the silk glands, accessory structures and extrusion apparatus are reported. The general schema of the paired silk glands follows that found for Lepidoptera. Morphology of the duct, silk press, muscle attachments and spigot are presented as a three-dimensional reconstruction and the cuticular crescent-shaped profile of the silk press is demonstrated in both open and closed forms with attendant muscle blocks, allowing advances in our knowledge of how the silk press functions to regulate the extrusion of silk. Growth of the spigot across instars is documented showing a distinctive developmental pattern for this extrusion device. Its shape and structure are related to use and load-bearing activity.     

Comparative studies of α-lactalbumin and lysozyme: The proteins of kangaroo (Megaleia rufa and Macropus giganteus) and horse (Equus caballus)

Summary As part of a study of the whey proteins of various mammals, a comparison is made of the -lactalbumins and lysozymes of the kangaroo and horse. In the milk of the red kangaroo (Megaleia rufa) there is only one -lactalbumin and it occurs throughout lactation, but no lysozyme has been detected. There are two -lactalbumins in the milk of the grey kangaroo (Macropus giganteus), one, designated -lactalbumin Zone B, is present throughout lactation; the second, designated -lactalbumin Zone A, is present only in late lactation. One lysozyme is also present. The milk of the horse (Equus caballus) contains one -lactalbumin and at least one lysozyme. Partial amino acid sequences are proposed from sequence determination and from analyses of tryptic peptides compared with the known sequences of other -lactalbumins and lysozymes.     

Binding of α-synuclein with Fe(III) and with Fe(II) and biological implications of the resultant complexes

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is hallmarked by the abnormal intracellular inclusions (Lewy bodies or LBs) in dopaminergic cells. Amyloidogenic protein α-synuclein (α-syn) and iron (including both Fe(III) and Fe(II)) are both found to be present in LBs. The interaction between iron and α-syn might have important biological relevance to PD etiology. Previously, a moderate binding affinity between α-syn and Fe(II) (5.8 × 10³ M⁻¹) has been measured, but studies on the binding between α-syn and Fe(III) have not been reported. In this work, electrospray mass spectrometry (ES-MS), cyclic voltammetry (CV), and fluorescence spectroscopy were used to study the binding between α-syn and Fe(II) and the redox property of the resultant α-syn-Fe(II) complex. The complex is of a 1:1 stoichiometry and can be readily oxidized electrochemically and chemically (by O₂) to the putative α-syn-Fe(III) complex, with H₂O₂ as a co-product. The reduction potential was estimated to be 0.025 V vs. Ag/AgCl, which represents a shift by −0.550 V vs. the standard reduction potential of the free Fe(III)/Fe(II) couple. Such a shift allows a binding constant between α-syn and Fe(III), 1.2 × 10¹³ M⁻¹, to be deduced. Despite the relatively high binding affinity, α-syn-Fe(III) generated from the oxidation of α-syn-Fe(II) still dissociates due to the stronger tendency of Fe(III) to hydrolyze to Fe(OH)₃ and/or ferrihydrite gel. The roles of α-syn and its interaction with Fe(III) and/or Fe(II) are discussed in the context of oxidative stress, metal-catalyzed α-syn aggregation, and iron transfer processes.     

Reactivity of platina-β-diketones towards chelating nitrogen and sulfur donors: formation of acyl(hydrido)platinum(IV) and acyl(chloro)platinum(II) complexes

The platina-β-diketone [Pt₂{(COMe)₂H}₂(μ-Cl)₂] (1) was found to react with chelating N,N-ligands 2(R^′NCR)C₅H₄N (R/R^′=Ph/OH, H/Ph, Me/Ph) to form acyl(hydrido)platinum(IV) complexes [Pt(COMe)₂Cl(H){2-(R^′NCR)C₅H₄N}] (R/R^′=Ph/OH 2a; H/Ph 2b; Me/Ph (2c)). Reactions of complex 1 with chelating S,S- and N,S-donors (RS-CH₂-CH₂-SR, 2-(RSCH₂)C₅H₄N, R=Et, Ph, t-Bu) afforded acyl(chloro)platinum(II) complexes [Pt(COMe)Cl(RSCH₂CH₂SR)] (R=Et, 3a; Ph, 3b; t-Bu, 3c) and [Pt(COMe)Cl{2-(RSCH₂)C₅H₄N}] (R=Et, 4a; Ph, 4b; t-Bu, 4c), respectively. All complexes were fully characterized by microanalysis, IR and NMR (¹H, ¹³C) spectroscopy. Furthermore, molecular structures of complexes 3b and 4b were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses revealing close to square-planar configuration. In complex 4b the acetyl ligand is trans to pyridine N atom (configuration index SP-4-2). The reactions are discussed in terms of consecutive oxidative addition and reductive elimination reactions.     

He(I) and He(II) photoelectron spectra of Hyprrole-2-CHN′t-Bu and the biscarbonyl Rh(I) and Ir(I) complexes of its anion

The He(I) and He(II) photoelectron spectra of a series of [(LL)M(CO)₂] (LL = pyrrole-2-CHN′ R; R = t-Bu; M = Rh, Ir) complexes are reported. Assignments are proposed based on He(I)/He(II) intensity differences, on molecular orbital calculations of related complexes and of free ligands, and by comparison with the spectra of the free ligands Hpyrrole-2-CHN′t-Bu, Hpyrrole-2-carbaldehyde and Hpyrrole.The electronic structure of the complexes is discussed and conclusions are drawn about the metal-ligand interaction.     

Synthesis and cytokinin activity of (R)-(+)- and (S)-(−)-dihydrozeatins and their ribosides

(R)-(+)- and (S)-(?)-dihydrozeatins [(R)-(+)- and (S)-(?)-6-(4-hydroxy-3-methylbutylamino)purines, 1a and 1b] and their ribosides {(?)-6-[(R)-4-hydroxy-3-methylbutylamino]- and (?)-6-[(S)-4-hydroxy-3-methyl-butylamino]-9-β-D-ribofuranosylpurines, 3a and 3b} were synthesized and tested for their cytokinin activity by four bioassay systems, the growth of tobacco callus, the seed germination of lettuce, the fr. wt increase of excised radish cotyledons and the retardation of chlorophyll degradation in radish cotyledons. In tobacco callus bioassay, 1a was more active than 1b. The ribosides 3a and 3b were not less active than their corresponding aglycones 1a and 1b. In other bioassays used the activity followed the order: 1a >3a >1b >3b. In tobacco callus bioassay and lettuce seed germination, trans-zeatin [6-(4-hydroxy-3-methylbut-trans-2-enylamino)purine] showed stronger cytokinin activity than 1a.