Purification and Characterization of Antioxidant Peptides from Leukocyte Extract of Crocodylus siamensis

Antioxidant peptides were isolated from the leukocyte extract of the Siamese crocodile, Crocodylus siamensis. Crocodile leukocyte was extracted by a combination of methods including freeze-thawing, acetic acid extraction and homogenization. The peptides in the leukocyte extract were purified by anion exchange chromatography and reversed phase-high performance liquid chromatography. The 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay was used to evaluate the antioxidant activity of the elution peaks at each purification step. As a result, there were two purified peptides exhibiting strong antioxidant activity in reducing free radicals on DPPH molecules. The amino acid sequences of these peptides were determined by LC-MS/MS as TDVLGLPAK (912.5 Da) and DPNAALPAGPR (1,148.6 Da), and their IC₅₀ values were 153.4 and 95.7 μM, respectively. The results of this study therefore indicate that leukocyte extract of C. siamensis contains peptides with antioxidant activity which could be used as a novel antioxidant.     

Purification,Characterization, and Crystallization of Crocodylus siamensis Hemoglobin

Crocodylus siamensis hemoglobin was purified by a size exclusion chromatography, Sephacryl S-100 with buffer containing dithiothreitol. The purified Hb was dissociated to be two forms (α chain and β chain) which observed by SDS-PAGE, indicated that the C. siamensis Hb was an unpolymerized form. The unpolymerized Hb (composed of two α chains and two β chains) showed high oxygen affinity at 3.13 mmHg (P₅₀) and 1.96 (n value), and a small Bohr effect (δH⁺ = ?0.29) at a pH of 6.9–8.4. Adenosine triphosphate did not affect the oxygenation properties, whereas bicarbonate ions strongly depressed oxygen affinity. Crude C. siamensis Hb solutions were showed high O₂ affinity at P₅₀ of 2.5 mmHg which may assure efficient utilization of the lung O₂ reserve during breath holding and diving. The purified Hbs were changed to cyanmethemoglobin forms prior crystallization. Rod- and plate-shaped crystals were obtained by the sitting-drop vapor-diffusion method at 5 °C using equal volumes of protein solution (37 mg/ml) and reservoir [10–13 % (w/v) PEG 4000, with 0.1 M Tris buffer in present of 0.2 M MgCl₂·6H₂O] solution at a pH of 7.0–8.5.     

暹罗鳄食道结节病病原彭氏变形杆菌的分离与鉴定

【背景】2016年5月,厦门南顺鳄鱼园中的养殖暹罗鳄(Crocodylussiamensis)幼鳄暴发了一种之前未见报道的食道结节病,表现为鳄鱼不进食并伴有部分死亡。【目的】对患食道结节病的鳄鱼病料进行病原学鉴定,旨在探明病因,为该病的防治提供理论参考依据。【方法】对鳄鱼病灶处分离菌进行生理生化特征鉴定、16S rRNA基因序列分析、回接感染试验以及药敏试验。【结果】从病鳄食道、肝脏和血液病灶处各分离到一株优势细菌,综合菌株形态、生理生化特征以及16S rRNA基因序列分析的结果,判定3株分离菌均为彭氏变形杆菌(Proteus penneri)。由食道结节处分离的菌株2202经人工回接感染,证实彭氏变形杆菌为引起此次暹罗鳄发病死亡的致病原。3株分离菌对12种药物的耐药率均为33%,对恩诺沙星、复方新诺明、头孢噻肟、卡那霉素、四环素、强力霉素与萘啶酸共7种实验药物敏感,对利福平、青霉素G、红霉素和氯霉素耐药,而对链霉素则表现中介。【结论】彭氏变形杆菌与患病暹罗鳄的死亡有直接关系,该菌多为侵袭人类的条件致病菌,作为养殖鳄鱼的病原菌尚属首例。     

Identification of purebred Crocodylus siamensis for reintroduction in Vietnam

Crocodylus siamensis, the Siamese crocodile, is a critically endangered species of freshwater crocodile previously distributed throughout much of SE Asia. Recovery plans call for reintroductions to the wild using founder individuals currently in captivity, mostly in commercial crocodile farms. On many farms C. siamensis has been intentionally hybridised with either Cuban crocodiles, C. rhombifer, or the estuarine crocodile, C. porosus, and hybrids may be difficult to distinguish morphologically. We report on the combined use of microsatellite and mtDNA genetic markers to determine the species status of potential founder individuals for reintroduction of C. siamensis. Genetic markers were used to characterise 103 captive and wild-caught individuals of C. siamensis, C. rhombifer and C. porosus in Vietnam and to distinguish purebred versus hybrid individuals. Although the microsatellite loci used had some overlap of allele sizes among species, assignment tests allowed differentiation. Four hybrids were identified, two of which had not been recognised morphologically as hybrids, and one of these was thought to be a C. siamensis suitable for reintroduction. Ten of the identified purebred C. siamensis were subsequently released into Cat Tien National Park in southern Vietnam.     

Antibacterial activity of plasma from crocodile (Crocodylus siamensis) against pathogenic bacteria

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: The Siamese crocodile (Crocodylus siamensis) is a critically endangered species of freshwater crocodiles. Crocodilians live with opportunistic bacterial infection but normally suffer no adverse effects. They are not totally immune to microbial infection, but their resistance thereto is remarkably effective. In this study, crude and purified plasma extracted from the Siamese crocodile were examined for antibacterial activity against clinically isolated, human pathogenic bacterial strains and the related reference strains. METHODS: Crude plasma was prepared from whole blood of the Siamese crocodile by differential sedimentation. The crude plasma was examined for antibacterial activity by the liquid growth inhibition assay. The scanning electron microscopy was performed to confirm the effect of crude crocodile plasma on the cells of Salmonella typhi ATCC 11778. Effect of crude crocodile plasma on cell viability was tested by MTT assay. In addition, the plasma was purified by anion exchange column chromatography with DEAE-Toyopearl 650M and the purified plasma was tested for antibacterial activity. RESULTS: Crude plasma was prepared from whole blood of the Siamese crocodile and exhibited substantial antibacterial activities of more than 40% growth inhibition against the six reference strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi, Escherichia coli, Vibrio cholerae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus epidermidis, and the four clinical isolates of Staphylococcus epidermidis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhi, and Vibrio cholerae. Especially, more than 80% growth inhibition was found in the reference strains of Salmonella typhi, Vibrio cholerae, and Staphylococcus epidermidis and in the clinical isolates of Salmonella typhi and Vibrio cholerae. The effect of the crude plasma on bacterial cells of Salmonella typhi, a certain antibacterial material probably penetrates progressively into the cytoplasmic space, perturbing and damaging bacterial membranes. The effect of the crude plasma was not toxic by the yellow tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay using a macrophage-like cell, RAW 264.7. The pooled four fractions, designated as fractions D1-D4, were obtained by column chromatography, and only fraction D1 showed growth inhibition in the reference strains and the clinical, human pathogenic isolates. CONCLUSIONS: The crude and purified plasma from the Siamese crocodile significantly showed antibacterial activity against pathogenic bacteria and reference strains by damage cell membrane of target bacterial cells. From the MTT assay, the Siamese crocodile plasma was not cytotoxic to the cells.     

An Investigation of Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Activities from Blood Components of Crocodile (Crocodylus siamensis)

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities were found from Crocodylus siamensis (C. siamensis) blood. The 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging, nitric oxide scavenging, hydroxyl radical scavenging and linoleic peroxidation assays were used to investigate the antioxidant activities of the crocodile blood. Results show that crocodile blood components had antioxidant activity, especially hemoglobin (40.58 % nitric oxide radical inhibition), crude leukocyte extract (78 % linoleic peroxidation inhibition) and plasma (57.27 % hydroxyl radical inhibition). Additionally, the anti-inflammatory activity of the crocodile blood was studied using murine macrophage (RAW 264.7) as a model. The results show that hemoglobin, crude leukocyte extract and plasma were not toxic to RAW 264.7 cells. Also they showed anti-inflammatory activity by reduced nitric oxide (NO) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) productions from lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated cells. The NO inhibition percentages of hemoglobin, crude leukocyte extract and plasma were 31.9, 48.24 and 44.27 %, respectively. However, only crude leukocyte extract could inhibit IL-6 production. So, the results of this research directly indicate that hemoglobin, crude leukocyte extract and plasma of C. siamensis blood provide both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, which could be used as a supplementary agent in pharmaceutical products.     

Nesting Phenology and Clutch Characteristics of Captive Siamese Crocodiles (Crocodylus siamensis) in Cambodia

The Siamese crocodile (Crocodylus siamensis) is considered one of the least studied and most critically endangered crocodilians in the world. Although few wild populations remain, more than 700,000 C. siamensis are held on commercial crocodile farms in Southeast Asia. Despite conservation concerns, many aspects of C. siamensis life history remain poorly known, particularly with regards to its reproductive biology. We studied nesting phenology, clutch characteristics, and other aspects of C. siamensis reproductive biology on crocodile farms in Cambodia during 2000 and 2001. Oviposition among captive crocodiles began in February and continued into early June. The mean (±1 SD) oviposition date based on pooled data from 2000 and 2001 was 5 April ± 24 days. Mean oviposition date differed significantly between 2000 and 2001, possibly as a result of annual variability among nesting cues. The mean incubation period was 72 ± 3 days and eggs hatched from 5 May to 18 August. Mean clutch size (25.0 ± 8.8 eggs; n = 183) differed significantly between years, possibly resulting from the >2.5‐fold increase in sample size during 2001. There was no correlation between clutch size and oviposition date during either 2000 or 2001. A single female produced two clutches during 2001, complimenting previous reports of double‐clutching among C. siamensis. The mean length and width of 515 eggs were 78.2 ± 4.9 and 48.1 ± 2.5 mm, respectively; mean egg mass was 90.8 ± 16.5 g (n = 471). One unpipped egg contained a set of twins. Zoo Biol 31:534‐545, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

The Effects of Temperature and pH on Secondary Structure and Antioxidant Activity of Crocodylus siamensis Hemoglobin

Crocodylus siamensis hemoglobin (cHb) was purified by gel filtration chromatography and visualized by SDS-PAGE. Effects of temperature and pH on secondary structure and conformation changes of cHb were studied using circular dichroism spectropolarimeter and fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer. The secondary structure of intact cHb was mainly α-helices. cHb was not heat stable when heated at 65 °C and cooled down to original temperature, indicating the irreversible unfolding process. The stability of cHb at different pH ranging from 2.5 to 10.5 was determined. The maximum value of the α-helix content was found at pH 3.5 and tended to decrease at strong acid and strong base. The antioxidant activities of heat treated cHb and cHb in solution with pH range 2.5 to 10.5 were tested by DPPH radical scavenging assay. cHb at pH 4.5, having highest β-turn structure, showed highest radical scavenging activity. In contrast to pH, heat had no effect on antioxidant activity of cHb.     

Complete Amino Acid Sequence of Globin Chains and Biological Activity of Fragmented Crocodile Hemoglobin (Crocodylus siamensis)

Hemoglobin, ??-chain, ??-chain and fragmented hemoglobin of Crocodylus siamensis demonstrated both antibacterial and antioxidant activities. Antibacterial and antioxidant properties of the hemoglobin did not depend on the heme structure but could result from the compositions of amino acid residues and structures present in their primary structure. Furthermore, thirteen purified active peptides were obtained by RP-HPLC analyses, corresponding to fragments in the ??-globin chain and the ??-globin chain which are mostly located at the N-terminal and C-terminal parts. These active peptides operate on the bacterial cell membrane. The globin chains of Crocodylus siamensis showed similar amino acids to the sequences of Crocodylus niloticus. The novel amino acid substitutions of ??-chain and ??-chain are not associated with the heme binding site or the bicarbonate ion binding site, but could be important through their interactions with membranes of bacteria.     

Conservation genomics in the fight to help the recovery of the critically endangered Siamese crocodile Crocodylus siamensis

Endangered species are often characterized by low genetic diversity and it is imperative for conservation efforts to incorporate the knowledge obtained from genetic studies for effective management. However, despite the promise of technological advances in sequencing, application of genome‐wide data to endangered populations remains uncommon. In the present study we pursued a holistic conservation‐genomic approach to inform a field‐based management programme of a Critically Endangered species, the Siamese crocodile Crocodylus siamensis. Using thousands of single nucleotide polymorphisms from throughout the genome, we revealed signals of introgression from two other crocodile species within our sample of both wild and captive‐bred Siamese crocodiles from Cambodia. Our genetic screening of the Siamese crocodiles resulted in the subsequent re‐introduction of 12 individuals into the wild as well as the selection of four individuals for captive breeding programmes. Comparison of intraspecific genetic diversity revealed an alarmingly low contemporary effective population size in the wild (<50) with evidence of a recent bottleneck around Tonle Sap Lake. We also projected a probable future extinction in the wild (within fewer than five generations) in this population in the absence of re‐introduction efforts. However, an increase in the number of potential breeders through re‐introductions, including the one resulting from this project, could counter this trend. Our results have been implemented in ongoing re‐introduction and captive breeding programmes, with major implications for the conservation management of Siamese crocodiles, and provide a blueprint for the rescue effort of other “terminally ill” populations of critically endangered species.     

Characterization of serum complement activity of saltwater (Crocodylus porosus) and freshwater (Crocodylus johnstoni) crocodiles

We employed a spectroscopic assay, based on the hemolysis of sheep red blood cells (SRBCs), to assess the innate immune function of saltwater and freshwater crocodiles in vitro. Incubation of serum from freshwater and saltwater crocodiles with SRBCs resulted in concentration-dependent increases in SRBC hemolysis. The hemolytic activity occurred rapidly, with detectable activity within 2 min and maximum activity at 20 min. These activities, in both crocodilian species, were heat sensitive, unaffected by 20 mM methylamine, and completely inhibited by low concentrations of EDTA, suggesting that the alternative serum complement cascade is responsible for the observed effects. The hemolytic activities of the sera were inhibited by other chelators of divalent metal ions, such as phosphate and citrate. The inhibition of SRBC hemolysis by EDTA could be completely restored by the addition of 10 mM Ca2+ or Mg2+, but not Ba2+, Cu2+ or Fe2+, indicating specificity for these metal ions. The serum complement activities of both crocodilians were temperature-dependent, with peak activities occurring at 25-30 degrees C and reduced activities below 25 degrees C and above 35 degrees C.     

Evolutionary history of Cuban crocodiles Crocodylus rhombifer and Crocodylus acutus inferred from multilocus markers

Among crocodilians, Crocodylus rhombifer is one of the world's most endangered species with the smallest natural distribution. In Cuba, this endemic species coexists with the American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus). Hybridization between these two species is well known in captivity and might occur in the wild, but has never been demonstrated genetically. Here, we combined molecular data with environmental, geographic, and fossil data to infer the evolutionary history of Crocodylus in the Cuban Archipelago, and to evaluate genealogical support for species boundaries. We analyzed seven microsatellite loci plus DNA sequence data from nuclear (RAG-1) and mitochondrial (cytochrome b and cytochrome oxidase I) genes from 89 wild-caught individuals in Cuba, Grand Cayman Island, Jamaica, and Central America, and two samples from zoo collections. Microsatellites showed evidence of introgression, suggesting potential hybridization among Cuban groups. In Cuba, C. acutus contained one mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) haplotype, whereas C. rhombifer contained two haplotypes. MtDNA data showed that C. acutus is paraphyletic with respect to C. rhombifer, revealing 1% sequence divergence between species within Cuba vs. 8% divergence between Cuban forms and mainland C. acutus. We suggest that hybridization has been a historical as well as a current phenomenon between C. acutus and C. rhombifer. These findings suggest that long-term conservation of crocodiles in Cuba will require identification of genetically pure and hybrid individuals, and a decrease in anthropogenic activities. We also recommend more extensive morphological and genetic analyses of Cuban population to establish clear boundaries of the hybrid zone between C. acutus and C. rhombifer.     

Freshwater crocodile,Crocodylus siamensis Schneider, 1801, from the Middle Pleistocene deposits in Chaloem Phrakiat District,Nakhon Ratchasima,Thailand

Two crocodilian anterior cranium parts from Takut Khon Village sand pit, Chaloem Phrakiat District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, are presently described. Their morphology indicates that the specimens belong to a single species based on the presence of several similar characters such as a hole for the reception of the first dentary tooth at the anterior edge of the premaxillary bone; anterior tip of nasal elongate and projecting into the posterior margin of the external nares; wavy suture line between the posterior part of the nasal with the anterior margin of prefrontal and frontal processes. The cranium morphology is extremely close to Crocodylus siamensis Schneider, 1801 (Siamese crocodile) and conforming the existence of C. siamensis from the Middle Pleistocene in Thailand.     

Purification and Characterization of Triokinase from Porcine Kidney

Abstract

In order to be able to use triokinase for the enzymatic assay of tissue glyceraldehyde, we purified the enzyme to homogeneity from porcine kidney and characterized its biochemical properties. The purification was performed by polyethylene glycol fractionation, anion exchange chromatography, hydroxyapatite chromatography, hydrophobic chromatography, and gel filtration. The enzyme was purified 937-fold from the crude extract with an overall yield of 28 %. It had a molecular weight of 122,000 and was a dimer composed of identical subunits. The optimal pH and optimal temperature were 7.0 and 60 °C, respectively. This enzyme was stable when incubated at pH 7.0 at 40 °C for 1 h in the presence of 0.1 mg/ml bovine serum albumin. No loss of activity occurred for at least 1 month when the enzyme was stored at 4 °C in the presence of 1 mM dithiothreitol and 15 mM NaN₃ under N₂. Only three compounds, i.e., D-glyceraldehyde, dihydroxyacetone, and glycolaldehyde, acted as the substrate of the enzyme, having Km's of 11, <5, and 260 μM, respectively. The Km for ATP-Mg²⁺ was 68 μM. These results indicate that porcine kidney triokinase has properties advantageous for the glyceraldehyde assay using glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase as a coupling enzyme.     

多头绒泡菌肌球蛋白的纯化及性质的研究

从多头绒泡菌中纯化了肌球蛋白,并对其亚基组成及ＡＴＰ酶性质进行了研究。该肌球蛋白是由一种重链（２２５ｋＤ）和两种轻链（２０ｋＤ,１７．５ｋＤ）组成的大分子,其亚基之比为ＨＣ：ＬＣ１：ＬＣ２＝２：４：２。兔肌Ｆ－肌动蛋白能较大激活粘菌肌球蛋白ＡＴＰ酶活性,Ｃａ~（２＋）离子也能提高其活性,Ｍｇ~（２＋）离子无明显影响。钒酸盐,碘乙酸,对氯汞苯甲酸对其ＡＴＰ酶活性有显著抑制作用。     

拟环纹豹蛛Pardosa pseudoannulata卵黄蛋白的分离纯化及性质

用蒸馏水沉淀法、Sephacryl S-300 High Resolution Hiprep 26/60葡聚糖凝胶层析、蛋白质电泳的方法提取和纯化了拟环纹豹蛛Pardosa pseudoannulata的卵黄蛋白,并对其性质进行了分析。用蒸馏水沉淀法能得到卵黄蛋白粗提液,将得到的卵黄蛋白粗提液用Sephacryl S-300 High Resolution Hiprep 26/60凝胶柱过滤,可以得到纯化的卵黄蛋白。电泳结合不同的染色方法证明拟环纹豹蛛卵黄蛋白是一种糖脂复合蛋白,它由2个亚基组成,亚基的相对分子质量分别为80.1 k D和57.4 k D。     

Purification and Characterization of Prosomatostatin from Rat Brain

A high molecular weight somatostatin-immunoreactive polypeptide, presumably prosomatostatin, was purified from rat brain and characterized. Purification steps included extraction with 2 M acetic acid, precipitation of contaminating proteins at pH 6.5, Sephadex G-50 chromatography, immunoaffinity chromatography, and HPLC steps (size exclusion and reversed-phase HPLC). The protein was purified more than 30,000-fold. It is heat stable. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-gel electrophoresis and immunoblotting revealed one major immunoreactive band of approximately 13,000 molecular weight which roughly corresponds to the size of prosomatostatin as derived from its DNA sequence. Isoelectric focusing and two-dimensional sodium dodecyl sulfate-gel electrophoresis gave a single immunoreactive spot at a pI of 5.4. The polypeptide did not bind to concanavalin A or to wheat germ lectin columns, suggesting lack of N-glycosylation in the molecule. Regional distribution of prosomatostatin varied between 6%, 10%, and 18% of total immunoreactivity in the brainstem, cortical areas, and striatum, respectively.     

短裙竹荪(Dityophora duplicata)凝集素纯化与生化性质

短裙竹荪子实体经生理盐水抽提、硫酸铵沉淀、DEAE Sepharose和SephadexG 10 0柱层析纯化得到短裙竹荪凝集素 (Dityophoraduplicata(Bosc)Fischerlectin) ,简称DDFL .DDFL经PAGE显示单一条带 ,SDS PAGE测得其亚基分子量为 2 2 3kD ,SephadexG 10 0凝胶过滤测得分子量为 4 5 3kD ,DDFL不含中性糖 ,IEF测得其等电点为 3 92 .该凝集素对供试的 4种血型人血和兔、小牛、鸭、鸡、鲫鱼以及青蛙血红细胞具有凝集作用 ,但不凝集鳖红细胞 .它还可以凝集小鼠脾脏淋巴细胞和小鼠S180 肉瘤细胞 ,对兔红细胞的凝集作用可被乳糖、棉子糖、半乳糖、α 甲基半乳糖、β 甲基半乳糖和N 乙酰半乳糖胺所抑制 .氨基酸组成分析表明 ,DDFL含有 17种氨基酸 ,其中天冬氨酸、丝氨酸、苯丙氨酸和丙氨酸含量较高 .经测定 ,其N末端为甘氨酸 .DDFL对热、酸和碱具有一定的稳定性 ,经 6 0℃处理 10min ,可保持较高的活性 ,在pH 4 0～ 9 0范围内较稳定 ,其凝血活性依赖于Mg2 + 和Ca2 + 二价阳离子 ,Mn2 + 和Zn2 + 则无影响 .DDFL对小鼠腹腔注射的半致死量为 70 6 3mg kg .