Exocellular Peptides from Antarctic PsychrophilePseudoalteromonas Haloplanktis

A novel diketopiperazine, named cyclo-(D-pipecolinyl-L-isoleucine) (DKP 1), and 7 known diketopiperazines were isolated from the cell-free culture supernatant of the Antarctic psychrophilic bacterium Pseudoalteromonas haloplanktis TAC125. Two diketopiperazines containing pipecolinyl moiety were isolated for the first time from a natural source. Two new linear peptides, stable to bacterial proteolytic enzymes, were also characterized. The structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated by means of spectroscopic data (1D-, 2D-NMR, EIMS, FABMS, and ESIMS/MS) and chiral high-performance liquid chromatography. The potential antioxidant activity of the isolated compounds was evaluated by a DPPH free radical scavenging assay.     

Antifouling diketopiperazines produced by a deep-sea bacterium,Streptomyces fungicidicus

Abstract

Modern antifouling coatings use heavy metals and toxic organic molecules to prevent biofouling, the undesirable growth of marine organisms on man-made substrata. In an ongoing survey of deep-sea microorganisms aimed at finding low toxic antifouling metabolites, an actinomycete bacterium was isolated from the Pacific sediment at the depth of about 5000 m. The bacterium was closely related to Streptomyces fungicidicus (99% similarity) according to 16S ribosomal RNA sequence information. The spent culture medium of this bacterium inhibited barnacle larval attachment. Bioassay-guided fractionation was employed to isolate antifouling compounds. The ethyl acetate extract was fractionated by using an open silica gel column. Active fractions were further purified on a HPLC C₁₈ column. Five diketopiperazines, cyclo-(L-Leu-L-Pro), cyclo-(L-Phe-L-Pro), cyclo-(L-Val-L-Pro), cyclo-(L-Trp-L-Pro), and cyclo-(L-Leu-L-Val) were isolated for the first time from a deep sea bacterium, and the structures of the compounds were elucidated by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. The pure diketopiperazines were tested for antilarval activity using the barnacle Balanus amphitrite. Effective concentrations that inhibited 50% larval attachment (EC₅₀) after 24 h ranged from 0.10 – 0.27 mM. The data suggest that diketopiperazines and other compounds from deep-sea bacteria may be used as novel antifoulants.     

Formation of two centre three electron bond by hydroxyl radical induced reaction of thiocoumarin: evidence from experimental and theoretical studies

Radiation chemical studies of thioesculetin (1), a thioketone derivative of coumarin, were performed by both pulse radiolysis technique and DFT calculations. Hydroxyl (^?OH) radical reaction with 1 resulted transients absorbing at 320, 360 and 500?nm. To identify the nature of the transients, the reaction was studied with specific one-electron oxidant (N₃^?) radical, where 360?nm band was absent. The transient absorption at 500?nm was concentration-dependent. The overall impression for ^?OH radical reaction was that the transient absorbing at 320, 360 and 500?nm was due to sulphur centred monomer radical, hydroxysulfuranyl and dimer radical of 1 respectively. The equilibrium constant between the monomer to dimer radical was 3.75?×?10⁴ M^?1. From the transients’ redox nature, it was observed that 57 and 24% of ^?OH radical yielded to oxidising and reducing products respectively. Further, the product analysis by HPLC suggested that the dimer radical disproportionate to esculetin and thioesculetin. DFT energy calculation for all the possible transients revealed that dimer radical has the lowest energy. The HOMO of 1 and its monomer radical suggested that the electron density was localised on the sulphur atom. The bond length between the two sulphur atoms in dimer radical was 2.88 Å which was less than the van der Waals distance. Bond order between the two sulphur atoms was 0.55, suggesting that the bond was two centre three electron (2c–3e). From TD-DFT calculation, the electronic transition of dimer radical was at 479?nm which was in close agreement with the experimental value. The nature of the electronic transition was σ → σ* from a 2c???3e bond.     

Reactivity of ubiquinones and ubiquinols with free radicals

The reactivity of quinones 1–4 and of the corresponding quinols 5–8 towards carbon- and oxygen-centred radicals were studied. All quinones bearing at least one nuclear position free, readily react with alkyl and phenyl radicals to afford the alkylated quinones 12–24; however, quinones 1 and 3 reacted with 2-cyano-2-propyl radical to yield products (the mono- and di-ethers 9–11) derived from the attack on the carbonylic oxygen. The reactions carried out on quinones with the benzoyloxy radical led to no reaction products and in the case of Q₁₀, the isoprenic chain also remained unchanged. Quinols 5–8 reacted only with oxygencentred radicals (benzoyloxy and 2-cyano-2-propylperoxy radicals) to give the corresponding quinones. The isoprenic chain of Q₁₀ did not undergo attack even with peroxy radicals. Carbon-centred radicals resulted unable to abstract hydrogen from the studied quinols.     

INTRACELLULAR Ca2+-MOBILIZING ADENINE NUCLEOTIDES. SYNTHESIS AND BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITY OF CYCLIC ADP-CARBOCYCLIC-RIBOSE AND C-GLYCOSIDIC ANALOG OF ADENOPHOSTIN A

We designed novel Ca²⁺-mobilizing purine nucleotides, cyclic ADP-carbocycl-icribose 4, and its inosine congener 5, and C-glycosidic adenophostin A 6. In the synthesis of cADPR analogs, the intramolecular condensation to form the pyrophosphate linkage should be the key step. We developed an efficient method for forming such an intramolecular pyrophosphate linkage by the activation of the phenylthiophosphate group with I₂ or AgNO₃. Using this method, we achieved to synthesize the target compounds 4 and 5. The synthesis of C-glycosidic analog 6 of adenophostin A was achieved using a temporary silicon-tethered radical coupling reaction for constructing (3′α, 1″α)-C-glycosi-dic structure as the key step.     

Dimethylarsine likely acts as a mouse-pulmonary tumor initiator via the production of dimethylarsine radical and/or its peroxy radical

AimsRecent animal experiments have indicated that dimethylarsinic acid (DMA), a main metabolite of inorganic arsenic, is a complete carcinogen in the lung of mice and the urinary bladder of rats, nevertheless, no ultimate-active metabolite from DMA has been identified thus far. We have proposed that dimethylarsine ((CH₃)₂AsH), an ultimate reductive metabolite of DMA, is excreted in the expired air of mice administered DMA, and furthermore, was easily converted into dimethylarsine radical ((CH₃)₂As?) and dimethylarsine peroxy radical ((CH₃)₂AsOO?) by its reaction with O₂. The aim of the present study was to elucidate the possible mode of the tumorigenic action by dimethylated arsenic.Main methodsIn vitro experiments using GSH reductase as a two-electron donor of dimethylarsenic-glutathione conjugate ((CH₃)₂As-SG) and DNA adduct assay via a photochemical approach were performed. A lung tumorigenicity assay of (CH₃)₂AsH suspended in argon-atmospheric olive oil for 5 days was also conducted in mice.Key findingsThe results indicated that (CH₃)₂AsH was easily produced enzymatically from (CH₃)₂As-SG and showed tumor-initiating action in mouse lung via the production of (CH₃)₂As? and (CH₃)₂AsOO? by its reaction with O₂, and that these radicals have the ability to form DNA adducts.SignificanceThe carcinogenicity of DMA, at least in mouse lung, could be explained based on the proposal that oral administration of DMA induces pulmonary tumors in mice, and arises from the arsine radicals produced through (CH₃)₂AsH, which was enzymatically reduced from (CH₃)₂As-SG.     

Esr Spectra of Radicals of Single-Stranded and Double-Stranded DNA in Aqueous Solution. Implications for Oh-Induced Strand Breakage

In situ photolysis at 20^oC (argon plasma light source, $, $ 200 mm) of oxygen-free solutions containing 2mM H₂0₂ and heat-denatured, single-stranded (sS)DNA from calf-thymus resulted in the ESR spectra of the 6-hydroxy-5,6-dihydro-thymin-5-yl {1} and 5-methyleneuracil {3} radicals linked to the sugar-phosphate backbone. They were generated by reaction of OH radicals with DNA. By comparison of the decay characteristics of the ESR signals with rate constants from pulse-conductivity measurements [E. Bothe, G.A. Qureshi and D. Schulte-Frohlinde, Z. Naturforsch. 38c 1030, (1983)] the thymine-derived radicals {1} and {3} can be excluded as precursors of the fast, dominating component of strand breakage of ssDNA. In the absence of H₂0₂ from native, doubie-stranded (ds)DNA an ESR signal was obtained (singlet, g ～ 2.004, $1/2 ～ 0.8 mT) which was assigned to the deprotonated guanine radical cation, {G'(-H)} of a DNA subunit. It is assumed that by the UV irradiation the guanine radical cation, {G⁺}, is generated, either by monophotonic photoionisation or by electron transfer to pyrimidine bases. By rapid transfer of the bridging proton from {G⁺} to the hydrogen bonded cytosine {G'(-H)} is formed. When photolysis of dsDNA was carried out in the presence of H₂0₂, reaction of photolytically generated OH resulted in peroxyl radicals and purine radicals. The oxygen for formation of the peroxyl radicals is probably produced by reaction of {G' (-H)} with H₂0₂. Photolysis of N₂0-saturated solutions containing dsDNA or ssDNA provided another possibility of generation of OH radicals. Under those conditions the OH-induced radicals {1} and {3} were obtained not only from ssDNA but also from dsDNA.     

Biologically and chemically important hydrazino-containing imidazolines as antioxidant agents

Biologically and chemically useful hydrazinoimidazolines were evaluated as antioxidant and antihaemolytic agents. 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH^?), galvinoxyl radical (GOR), nitric oxide (NO) and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) scavenging assays, ferric ions reducing power assay, and ex vivo model of rat erythrocytes exposed to 2,2′-azobis(2-methylpropionamidine)dihydrochloride (AAPH) or H₂O₂ were used. The most potent DPPH^? scavengers proved to be hydrazinoimidazolines 3, 2, and 4, revealing excellent antiradical effects – superior or comparable to that of all antioxidant standards used. Moreover, these molecules showed strong NO neutralising potencies – better to that of ascorbic acid (AA) (3), 6-hydroxy-2,5,7,8-tetramethylchroman-2-carboxylic acid (Trolox) (3 and 2), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) (3 and 2), and butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) (3, 2, and 4). Compound 4 was also effective in GOR scavenging. The excellent scavenger of GOR, NO, and H₂O₂ proved to be structure 5, with the potency superior or comparable to the majority of antioxidant standards used. In turn, compound 9 was effective in H₂O₂ and GOR neutralisation. All hydrazinoimidazolines revealed the reducing power that is higher than BHT. Moreover, the protective effects of most test compounds on oxidatively stressed erythrocytes were observed. Some structure–activity relationships were disclosed. A significance of the primary hydrazino group on antioxidant effects was confirmed. The most likely DPPH^? and GOR scavenging mechanisms for test compounds were propound. Among all the investigated molecules, hydrazinoimidazolines 5, 3, 2, 4, and 9, due to their excellent or good antiradical activities, can represent promising antioxidant candidates with prospective utility for prevention of diseases related to reactive oxygen/nitrogen species.     

Superoxide dismutase enhances chain-breaking antioxidant capability of hydroquinones

2-tert-butyl-(1), 2,6-dimethyl-(2), 2,5-dimethyl-(3), trimethyl-(4), and 2,3-dimethoxy-5-methyl-(5) substituted p-hydroquinones (QH₂) were tested as a chainbreaking antioxidant during the oxidation of methyl linoleate (ML) in dodecyl sulfate micellar solution, pH 7.40, at 37°C. In the absence of superoxide dismutase (SOD), all the studied QH₂ displayed very moderate if any antioxidant capability. When 5–25 U/ml SOD was added, QH₂ showed a pronounced ability to inhibit ML oxidation. The stoichiometric factor of inhibition was found to be about one for all the tested QH₂ in the presence of SOD. The reactivities of QH₂ to the ML peroxy radical increase in the order QH₂5 < QH₂ 3 < QH₂1≈QH₂2 < QH₂4; reactivity of QH₂4 exceds that reported for the majority of phenolic antioxidants. The features of QH₂ as an antioxidant in aqueous environment is likely associated with the reactivity of semiquinone (O^·-) formed due to attack of the peroxy radical to QH₂. O^·- reacts readily with molecular oxygen with formation of superoxide (O^·-₂); in turn, O^·-₂ attacks both to QH₂ and ML (likely, as HO^·₂) that results in fast depleting QH₂ and chain propagation, respectively. The addition of SOD results in purging a reaction mixture from O^·-₂ and, as a corollary, in depressing undesirable reactions with the participation of O^·-₂. Under these conditions, QH₂ displays the theoretically highest inhibitory activity which is determined solely by the reactivity of QH₂ to the peroxy radical.     

Two new 2,5-diketopiperazines produced by Streptomyces sp. SC0581

Two new diketopiperazines, cyclo(l-Phe-l-NMe-DOPA) (2) and cyclo[l-Phe-l-(NMe-3-(NMe-3-O-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl)-DOPA] (3), along with a known diketopiperazine (1), were isolated from the cultures of Streptomyces sp. SC0581. Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analysis, single-crystal X-ray crystallographic analysis, and chemical correlation. Compounds 1 − 3 exhibited more potent ABTS radical cation scavenging activity (IC₅₀ values: 3.7 − 14.6 μM) than l-ascorbic acid (IC₅₀: 17.7 μM). Compounds 2 and 3 also showed remarkable DPPH radical scavenging activity.     

Ascorbate-and iron-driven redox activity of Dp44mT and Emodin facilitates peroxidation of micelles and bicelles

BackgroundIron (Fe)-induced oxidative stress leads to reactive oxygen species that damage biomembranes, with this mechanism being involved in the activity of some anti-cancer chemotherapeutics.MethodsHerein, we compared the effect of the ligand, di-2-pyridylketone 4,4-dimethyl-3-thiosemicarbazone (Dp44mT), or the potential ligand, Emodin, on Fe-catalyzed lipid peroxidation in cell membrane models (micelles and bicelles). These studies were performed in the presence of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and the absence or presence of ascorbate.ResultsIn the absence of ascorbate, Fe(II)/Emodin mixtures incubated with H₂O₂ demonstrated slight pro-oxidant properties on micelles versus Fe(II) alone, while the Fe(III)-Dp44mT complex exhibited marked antioxidant properties. Examining more physiologically relevant phospholipid-containing bicelles, the Fe(II)- and Fe(III)-Dp44mT complexes demonstrated antioxidant activity without ascorbate. Upon adding ascorbate, there was a significant increase in the peroxidation of micelles and bicelles in the presence of unchelated Fe(II) and H₂O₂. The addition of ascorbate to Fe(III)-Dp44mT substantially increased the peroxidation of micelles and bicelles, with the Fe(III)-Dp44mT complex being reduced by ascorbate to the Fe(II) state, explaining the increased reactivity. Electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy demonstrated ascorbyl radical anion generation after mixing ascorbate and Emodin, with signal intensity being enhanced by H₂O₂. This finding suggested Emodin semiquinone radical formation that could play a role in its reactivity via ascorbate-driven redox cycling. Examining cultured melanoma cells in vitro, ascorbate at pharmacological levels enhanced the anti-proliferative activity of Dp44mT and Emodin.Conclusions and general significanceAscorbate-driven redox cycling of Dp44mT and Emodin promotes their anti-proliferative activity.     

Evaluation of natural antioxidants of Leuzea carthamoides as a result of a screening study of 88 plant extracts from the European Asteraceae and Cichoriaceae

In recently, there has been a great interest in natural antioxidants as bioactive components of food, nutraceuticals or potential drugs against several diseases. In our study, 88 extracts from various parts of plants from European Asteraceae and Cichoriaceae were assayed for radical scavenging activity by means of DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl radical) test using the SIA (Sequential injection analysis) method developed for this purpose in our laboratory. DPPH radical scavenging activity of all tested plant extracts was evaluated according to the IC₅₀ parameter. 29 extracts exhibited IC₅₀ value lower than 0.1 mg/mL. The leaves of Leuzea carthamoides (IC₅₀ = 0.046 mg/mL) were chosen as the most promising sample for a subsequent phytochemical study, which resulted in isolation of seven natural compounds, namely, 4′,5,7-trihydroxy-6-methoxyflavone (hispidulin) (1), 5, 7, 3′, 4′- tetrahydroxyflavanone (eriodictyol) (2), 3′,4′,5,7-pentahydroxy-6-methoxyflavonol (patuletin) (3), eriodictyol-7-β-glucopyranoside (4), 6-hydroxykaempferol-7-O-(6″-O-acetyl-β-D-glucopyranoside) (5), 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (6) and 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid (protocatechuic acid) (7). Antioxidant activity of the isolated compounds was evaluated by DPPH test and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) test and compared with trolox and quercetin. Both tests evaluated the flavonoid (5) as the most active antioxidant. This result was confirmed by comparison with known data concerning the structure/activity relationships of flavonoids.     

Regioselective oxidative phenol couplings of 2,3′,4,6-tetrahydroxybenzophenone in cell cultures of Centaurium erythraea RAFN and Hypericum androsaemum L.

A crucial step in plant xanthone biosynthesis is the cyclization of an intermediate benzophenone to a xanthone. In cultured cells of Centaurium erythraea RAFN, 2,3′,4,6-tetrahydroxybenzophenone (THBP) was shown to be intramolecularly coupled to 1,3,5-trihydroxyxanthone, whereas in cell cultures of Hypericum androsaemum L. it was coupled to form the isomeric 1,3,7-trihydroxyxanthone. These regioselective cyclizations that occur ortho and para, respectively, to the 3′-hydroxy group of the benzophenone depend on cytochrome P ₄₅₀, as shown by the effectiveness of established P ₄₅₀ inhibitors and blue-light-reversible carbon monoxide inhibition. Furthermore, the reactions absolutely require NADPH and O₂. The underlying reaction mechanism is probably an oxidative phenol coupling that is catalyzed regioselectively by xanthone synthases. These enzymes are proposed to be cytochrome P ₄₅₀ oxidases. The intramolecular cyclizations of THBP to 1,3,5- and 1,3,7-trihydroxyxanthones catalyzed by the two xanthone synthases represent an important branch point in the plant xanthone biosynthetic pathway. Received: 24 March 1997 / Accepted: 28 May 1997     

In vitro synergistic activity of diketopiperazines alone and in combination with amphotericin B or clotrimazole against Candida albicans

The synergistic anticandidal activity of three diketopiperazines [cyclo-(l-Pro-l-Leu) (1), cyclo-(d-Pro-l-Leu) (2), and cyclo-(d-Pro-l-Tyr) (3)] purified from a Bacillus sp. N strain associated with entomopathogenic nematode Rhabditis (Oscheius) in combination with amphotericin B and clotrimazole was investigated using the macrodilution method. The minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum fungicidal concentration of the diketopiperazines was compared with that of the standard antibiotics. The synergistic anticandidal activities of diketopiperazines with amphotericin B or clotrimazole were assessed using the checkerboard and time-kill methods. The results of the present study showed that the combined effects of diketopiperazines with amphotericin B or clotrimazole predominantly recorded synergistic (<0.5). Time-kill study showed that the growth of the Candida was completely attenuated after 12–24 h of treatment with 50:50 ratios of diketopiperazines and antibiotics. These results suggest that diketopiperazines combined with antibiotics may be microbiologically beneficial and not antagonistic. These findings have potential implications in delaying the development of resistance as the anticandidal effect is achieved with lower concentrations of both drugs (diketopiperazines and antibiotics). The cytotoxicity of diketopiperazines was also tested against two normal human cell lines (L231 lung epithelial and FS normal fibroblast) and no cytotoxicity was recorded for diketopiperazines up to 200 μg/mL. The in vitro synergistic activity of diketopiperazines with antibiotics against Candida albicans is reported here for the first time.     

Myoglobin-H2O2 catalyzes the oxidation of β-ketoacids to α-dicarbonyls: mechanism and implications in ketosis

Acetoacetate (AA) and 2-methylacetoacetate (MAA) are accumulated in metabolic disorders such as diabetes and isoleucinemia. Here we examine the mechanism of AA and MAA aerobic oxidation initiated by myoglobin (Mb)/H₂O₂. We propose a chemiluminescent route involving a dioxetanone intermediate whose thermolysis yields triplet α-dicarbonyl species (methylglyoxal and diacetyl). The observed ultraweak chemiluminescence increased linearly on raising the concentration of either Mb (10-500 μM) or AA (10-100 mM). Oxygen uptake studies revealed that MAA is almost a 100-fold more reactive than AA. EPR spin-trapping studies with MNP/MAA revealed the intermediacy of an α-carbon-centered radical and acetyl radical. The latter radical, probably derived from triplet diacetyl, is totally suppressed by sorbate, a well-known quencher of triplet carbonyls. Furthermore, an EPR signal assignable to MNP-AA^• adduct was observed and confirmed by isotope effects. Oxygen consumption and α-dicarbonyl yield were shown to be dependent on AA or MAA concentrations (1-50 mM) and on H₂O₂ or tert-butOOH added to the Mb-containing reaction mixtures. That ferrylMb is involved in a peroxidase cycle acting on the substrates is suggested by the reaction pH profiles and immunospin-trapping experiments. The generation of radicals and triplet dicarbonyl products by Mb/H₂O₂/β-ketoacids may contribute to the adverse health effects of ketogenic unbalance.     

Theoretical mechanistic study of the reaction of the methylidyne radical with methylacetylene

A detailed doublet potential energy surface for the reaction of CH with CH₃CCH is investigated at the B3LYP/6-311G(d,p) and G3B3 (single-point) levels. Various possible reaction pathways are probed. It is shown that the reaction is initiated by the addition of CH to the terminal C atom of CH₃CCH, forming CH₃CCHCH 1 (1a,1b). Starting from 1 (1a,1b), the most feasible pathway is the ring closure of 1a to CH₃–cCCHCH 2 followed by dissociation to P ₃ (CH₃–cCCCH+H), or a 2,3 H shift in 1a to form CH₃CHCCH 3 followed by C–H bond cleavage to form P ₅ (CH₂CHCCH+H), or a 1,2 H-shift in 1 (1a, 1b) to form CH₃CCCH₂ 4 followed by C–H bond fission to form P ₆ (CH₂CCCH₂+H). Much less competitively, 1 (1a,1b) can undergo 3,4 H shift to form CH₂CHCHCH 5. Subsequently, 5 can undergo either C–H bond cleavage to form P ₅ (CH₂CHCCH+H) or C–C bond cleavage to generate P ₇ (C₂H₂+C₂H₃). Our calculated results may represent the first mechanistic study of the CH + CH₃CCH reaction, and may thus lead to a deeper understanding of the title reaction.     

Ultraviolet irradiation of titanium dioxide in aqueous dispersion generates singlet oxygen

Abstract

We previously reported that irradiation of titanium dioxide (TiO₂) in ethanol generates both singlet oxygen (¹O₂) and superoxide anion (O₂^·-) as measured by EPR spectroscopy. The present study describes the production of reactive oxygen species upon irradiation of TiO₂ in aqueous suspension as determined by EPR spectroscopy using 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidone (4-oxo-TMP) and 5,5- dimethyl-pyrroline-N-oxide (DMPO). Photoproduction of ¹O₂ by suspended TiO₂, detected as 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidone-N-oxyl (4-oxo-TEMPO), was measured in water and deuterium oxide (D₂O) in the presence or absence of sodium azide (NaN₃) and under air or argon atmospheres. Production of a DMPO-OH adduct was examined in 4-oxo-TMP containing medium in the presence or absence of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). The signal for the DMPO spin adduct of superoxide anion was not observed in aqueous conditions. Kinetic analysis revealed that ¹O₂ was produced at the surface of irradiated TiO₂ in aqueous suspension as was observed in ethanol. Kinetic analysis revealed that the formation of DMPO-OH adduct reflects oxidation of DMPO by ¹O₂ rather than the trapping of the hydroxyl radical produced by the reaction of photo-exited TiO₂ and water. The production of large amounts of ¹O₂ by TiO₂ in aqueous suspension as compared to those in ethanol and possible formation of hydroxyl radical in aqueous suspension but not in alcohol, suggest that irradiation of TiO₂ in aqueous environments is biologically more important than that in non-aqueous media.     

Inactivation of cholinesterase induced by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs with horseradish peroxidase: Implication for Alzheimer's disease

AimsTo clarify the mechanism of the protective effect of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) on Alzheimer's disease, inactivation of cholinesterase (ChE) induced by NSAIDs was examined.Main methodsEquine ChE and rat brain homogenate were incubated with NSAIDs and horseradish peroxidase (HRP) and H₂O₂ (HRP–H₂O₂). ChE activity was measured by using 5,5'-dithiobis(nitrobenzoic acid). By using electron spin resonance, NSAID radicals induced by reaction with HRP–H₂O₂ were detected in the presence of spin trap agents.Key findingsEquine ChE was inactivated by mefenamic acid with HRP–H₂O₂. ChE activity in rat brain homogenate decreased dependent on the concentration of mefenamic acid in the presence of HRP–H₂O₂. NSAIDs diclofenac, indomethacin, phenylbutazone, piroxicam and salicylic acid inactivated ChE. Oxygen radical scavengers did not prevent inactivation of ChE induced by mefenamic acid with HRP–H₂O₂. However, spin trap agents 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline-l-oxide and N-methyl-nitrosopropane, reduced glutathione and ascorbic acid strongly inhibited inactivation of ChE, indicating participation of mefenamic acid radicals. Fluorescent emission of ChE peaked at 400 nm, and the Vmax value of ChE changed during interaction of mefenamic acid with HRP–H₂O₂, indicating that ChE may be inactivated through modification of tyrosine residues by mefenamic radicals.SignificanceThe protective effect of NSAIDs on Alzheimer's disease seems to occur through inactivation of ChE induced by NSAIDs radicals.     

Synthesis of a New Hydroxyamino Linked Thymidine Dimer via a Radical C-C Bond Formation

Abstract

An efficient synthesis of a thymidine nucleoside dimer [T-3′-β-O-N(CH₃)-CH₂-5′-T] has been accomplished via an intermolecular radical coupling reaction. The novel dimer contains an achiral and neutral backbone linkage which may have potential application in constructing backbone modified antisense oligonucleosides.     

Biochemical properties of new synthetic carnosine analogues containing the residue of 2,3-diaminopropionic acid: the effect of N-acetylation

Summary. Three novel carnosine analogues 7–9 containing the residue of L(+)2,3-diaminopropionic acid with different degree of N-acetylation instead of -alanine have been synthesized and characterized. Comparative analysis of hydrolysis by carnosinase revealed that the mono- and bis-acetylated compounds 8 and 9 are resistant to enzymatic hydrolysis and act as competitive inhibitors of this enzyme. The hydroxyl radical scavenging potential of the three analogues was evaluated by their ability to inhibit iron/H₂O₂-induced degradation of deoxyribose. The second-order rate constants of the reaction of compounds 7–9 with hydroxyl radical were almost identical to that of carnosine. These compounds were also found to act as protective agents against peroxynitrite-dependent damage as assessed by their ability to prevent nitration of free tyrosine induced by this species.