Inhibition of L-threonine intestinal absorption in rabbits by cadmium

Cadmium compounds are widely spread in the environment. Animal exposure to cadmium compounds occurs mainly through foods or drinks contaminated by this metal. Cadmium has been shown to produce several negative effects on the gastrointestinal tract such as inhibition on sugars and amino acids absorption. The aim of the present work was to study the inhibitory characteristics of cadmium on L-threonine intestinal absorption in rabbits in order to understand about this malabsorption of nutrients. Our results show that L-thereonine tissue accumulation as well as mucosal to serosal transepithelial fluxes are decreased in a dose-dependent manner in rabbit jejunum. Amino acid diffusion across the intestinal epithelium was not affected by cadmium. A noncompetitive mechanism and a partial reversion by dithioerythritol (thiol groups protector) is described for this inhibition.     

Inhibition of intestinal absorption of phenylalanine by phenylalaninol.

Plasma phenylalanine and tyrosine levels in rats which had been orally administered L-phenylalaninol and L-phenylalanine were determined. Since these amino acid levels in rats administered L-phenylalanine solution containing L-phenylalaninol were significantly lower than those in rats administered L-phenylalanine alone. L-phenylalaninol appears to inhibit the intestinal absorption of L-phenylalanine. This effect was more potent than that of cycloleucine. L-phenylalaninol inhibited the phenylalanine transport of everted sacs. The Km value of L-phenylalanine was 3.44 X 10(-3) M and the Ki value of L-phenylalaninol was 7.69 M 10(-3) M from Lineweaver-Burk plots. From these two curves, it appeared that L-phenylalaninol may competitively inhibit the intestinal transport of L-phenylalanine. The effects of L-phenylalanine, L-phenylalaninol and cycloleucine on the urinary excretions of Na+ and K+ in rats were also examined. Potassium excretion which increased on oral administration of L-phenylalanine, was suppressed by the administration of L-phenylalaninol but not administration of cycloleucine. L-phenylalaninol alone enhanced Na+ excretion in urine. These results confirmed that L-phenylalaninol shows inhibitory effects as potent as those of cycloleucine on the intestinal absorption of L-phenylalanine.     

Inhibition of intestinal absorption of 5-methyltetrahydrofolate by fluoxetine

Thein vitro uptake of 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MeTHF) by rat and human intestine is dose-dependently inhibited by the antidepressant drug fluoxetine (FLX). In rat jejunum rings, 0.2 mM FLX inhibited the uptake of 5-MeTHF (0.25 μM) by 32% (15 min) and 49% (45 min). In brush border membrane vesicles (BBMV) from rat jejunum, 0.2 mM FLX inhibited the folate uptake at the overshoot (90 s) by 40 %. Similar inhibition was observed with human Caco-2 cells and duodenal biopsies. FLX action is exerted on the active transport component of the folate uptake, since the drug has no effect when the passive diffusion component becomes prominent by high substrate concentration, or by 0-4 ºC incubation or by addition of the folate transport inhibitor DIDS (1mM). The kinetic analysis with rat BBMV suggests a non-competitive inhibition of the 5-MeTHF transport by FLX, with apparent values for K_M = 0.89 μM, Vmax = 1.89 pmol/mg prot./10 s, and K_I = 0.21 mM. After 21 days of treatment with FLX (10 mg/kg/day), the folate uptake by jejunum rings or by BBMV from the treated rats was diminished, and the folate levels in erythrocytes and serum were also decreased.     

Inhibition of water-sodium intestinal absorption by an atrial extract

The rat atrium contains a diuretic and natriuretic factor which appears to inhibit the sodium reabsorption in the kidney tubules. We observed, in rats, that our atrial extract possesses a potent diuretic and natriuretic effect that was accompanied by an increased dextrose excretion. Similarly, extracts of rat atria, but not of ventricles, reduced intestinal absorption of water, sodium, and dextrose. The omission of sodium or dextrose in the perfusion fluid annulled this effect. These data suggest that the substance inhibiting the intestinal absorption of water and solutes is probably atrial natriuretic factor and that it acts on the sodium-dextrose cotransport mechanism.     

Inhibition of phosphofructokinases by copper(II)

The biochemical inhibition by Cu2+ on eight phylogenetically and biochemically different phosphofructokinases (PFKs) was investigated. The enzymes screened included representatives from thermophilic and mesophilic bacteria, a hyperthermophilic archaeon and a eukaryote, covering all three phosphoryl donor subtypes (ATP, ADP and pyrophosphate). The sensitivities of the enzymes to Cu2+ varied greatly, with the archaeal ADP-PFK being the least and the eukaryote ATP-PFK being the most sensitive. The bacterial ATP- and pyrophosphate-dependent PFKs showed intermediate sensitivity with the exception of the Spirochaeta thermophila enzyme (pyrophosphate-dependent) which was relatively resistant.     

Inhibition of goby posterior intestinal NaCl absorption by natriuretic peptides and by cardiac extracts

Natriuretic peptides abolish active Na⁺ and Cl^- absorption aross the posterior intestine of the euryhaline gobyGillichthys mirabilis. Inhibition by eel and human natriuretic peptides is dose-dependent with the following sequence of potencies based on experimentally determined ID₅₀ values for inhibition of short-circuit current: eel ventricular natriuretic peptide (78 nmol · l^-1), eel atrial natriuretic peptide (156 nmol · l^-1), human brain natriuretic peptide (326 nmol · l^-1), human α atrial natriuretic peptide (1.05 μmol · l^-1), and eel C-type natriuretic peptide (75 μmol · l^-1). Natriuretic peptides also significantly increase transcellular conductance. The observed sequence of natriuretic peptide potencies is suggestive of cellular mediation by GC-A-type NP-R₁ receptors in this tissue; as expected for guanylyl-cyclase-coupled NP-R₁ receptors, cyclic GMP mimics the action of natriuretic peptides on the goby intestine. Crude aqueous extracts of goby atrium and ventricle inhibited short circuit current and increased tissue conductance in a dose-dependent manner. Ventricular extract was more potent than atrial extract on both a per organ and per milligram basis.     

Effects of cycle exercise on intestinal absorption in humans.

Intestinal absorption was measured in six trained male cyclists during rest, exercise, and recovery periods with the segmental perfusion technique. Each subject passed a multilumen tube into the duodenojejunum. The experiments consisted of 1) a sequence of 1-h bouts of cycling exercise at 30, 50, and 70% maximal O2 uptake (Vo2max) separated by 1-h rest periods or 2) a 90-min bout at 70% VO2max. The cycling was performed on a constant-load Velodyne trainer. Absorption of water and a 6% carbohydrate-electrolyte (2% glucose, 6% sucrose, 20 meq Na+, 2.6 meq K+) solution (both perfused at 15 ml/min) were compared. The effects of perfusing an isotonic electrolyte solution during mild (30% VO2max) exercise were also studied. Fluid was sampled every 10 min from ports 10 and 50 cm distal to the infusion site. Water flux was determined by differences in polyethylene glycol concentration across the 40-cm test segment. Results showed 1) no difference in water or electrolyte absorption rates among rest, exercise, and recovery periods; 2) no difference in absorption rates among the three exercise intensities or different exercise durations; and 3) significantly greater fluid absorption rates from the carbohydrate-electrolyte (CE) solution than from water. Water flux during rest, exercise, and recovery was about sixfold greater from the CE solution than from the isotonic solution without carbohydrate. We conclude that 1) exercise has no effect on water or solute absorption in the duodenojejunum, 2) fluid absorption occurs significantly faster from a CE solution than from water, and 3) fluid absorption is increased sixfold by addition of carbohydrate to an electrolyte solution.     

Inhibition of intestinal copper absorption by divalent cations and low-molecular-weight ligands in the rat

l-histidine (His) has been shown to enhance the inhibitory effect of zinc on intestinal copper absorption. This study was aimed at examining whether this effect of His was also extended to the interactions of other divalent cations: ferrous iron, tin, and cobalt, using an in vivo perfusion system in rats. Copper absorption and intestinal content of this element significantly decreased in the presence of 2 mM His and ferrous iron. Iron accumulation was greater when His was present than when omitted. A fivefold excess of tin inhibited copper absorption only when His was present. Citrate, at the same concentration as His, had no effect on copper absorption, but hepatic copper levels were increased, as compared to the absence of either His or citrate. Addition of 0.5 or 1.0 mM cobaltous salt plus His resulted in a sharp decrease in copper intestinal absorption, with an increase in intestinal tissue retention. These results confirm earlier findings with zinc and His, and suggest that a general phenomenon, either accelerating the removal of copper from the intestinal lumen or increasing, the retention of this element by the intestinal tissue, is a common feature of the interaction between cations of similar electronic configuration to copper and a high-affinity ligand, such as His.     

Inhibition of intestinal biotin absorption by chronic alcohol feeding: cellular and molecular mechanisms

The water-soluble vitamin biotin is essential for normal cellular functions and its deficiency leads to a variety of clinical abnormalities. Mammals obtain biotin from exogenous sources via intestinal absorption, a process mediated by the sodium-dependent multivitamin transporter (SMVT). Chronic alcohol use in humans is associated with a significant reduction in plasma biotin levels, and animal studies have shown inhibition in intestinal biotin absorption by chronic alcohol feeding. Little, however, is known about the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in the inhibition in intestinal biotin transport by chronic alcohol use. These mechanisms were investigated in this study by using rats and transgenic mice carrying the human full-length SLC5A6 5'-regulatory region chronically fed alcohol liquid diets; human intestinal epithelial Caco-2 cells chronically exposed to alcohol were also used as models. The results showed chronic alcohol feeding of rats to lead to a significant inhibition in carrier-mediated biotin transport events across jejunal brush border and basolateral membrane domains. This inhibition was associated with a significant reduction in level of expression of the SMVT protein, mRNA, and heterogenous nuclear RNA. Chronic alcohol feeding also inhibited carrier-mediated biotin uptake in rat colon. Studies with transgenic mice confirmed the above findings and further showed chronic alcohol feeding significantly inhibited the activity of SLC5A6 5'-regulatory region. Finally, chronic exposure of Caco-2 cells to alcohol led to a significant decrease in the activity of both promoters P1 and P2 of the human SLC5A6 gene. These studies identify for the first time the cellular and molecular parameters of the intestinal biotin absorptive processes that are affected by chronic alcohol feeding.     

Inhibition of Zn(II) Binding Type IA Topoisomerases by Organomercury Compounds and Hg(II)

Type IA topoisomerase activities are essential for resolving DNA topological barriers via an enzyme-mediated transient single strand DNA break. Accumulation of topoisomerase DNA cleavage product can lead to cell death or genomic rearrangement. Many antibacterial and anticancer drugs act as topoisomerase poison inhibitors that form stabilized ternary complexes with the topoisomerase covalent intermediate, so it is desirable to identify such inhibitors for type IA topoisomerases. Here we report that organomercury compounds were identified during a fluorescence based screening of the NIH diversity set of small molecules for topoisomerase inhibitors that can increase the DNA cleavage product of Yersinia pestis topoisomerase I. Inhibition of relaxation activity and accumulation of DNA cleavage product were confirmed for these organomercury compounds in gel based assays of Escherichia coli topoisomerase I. Hg(II), but not As(III), could also target the cysteines that form the multiple Zn(II) binding tetra-cysteine motifs found in the C-terminal domains of these bacterial topoisomerase I for relaxation activity inhibition. Mycobacterium tuberculosis topoisomerase I activity is not sensitive to Hg(II) or the organomercury compounds due to the absence of the Zn(II) binding cysteines. It is significant that the type IA topoisomerases with Zn(II) binding domains can still cleave DNA when interfered by Hg(II) or organomercury compounds. The Zn(II) binding domains found in human Top3α and Top3β may be potential targets of toxic metals and organometallic complexes, with potential consequence on genomic stability and development.     

耐性真菌HA吸附铅、锌的影响因素及吸附机理研

【目的】从铅锌矿区分离筛选出耐铅锌性菌株,并研究其吸附铅、锌的影响因素及吸附机理,为重金属污染微生物修复提供参考。【方法】以从铅锌矿区筛选出的耐铅锌真菌HA作为试验菌株,考察影响其对铅、锌去除能力的主要因素(初始浓度、pH、接种量),同时通过等温吸附模型、动力学分析及红外光谱分析探讨其相关的吸附机理。【结果】经鉴定,从矿区筛选的对Pb2+、Zn2+有较强耐性的菌株HA为米曲霉(Aspergillus oryzae);在初始铅、锌浓度的实验范围内(100-800mg/L),HA对铅、锌离子的去除率随着其初始浓度增加而减小,25h后HA的生长进入平稳期,且对铅、锌离子的去除率趋于稳定。当铅、锌初始浓度为100mg/L、pH为5.0时,HA对铅、锌离子的去除率均达到最高,分别为97.8%、54.1%;当HA接种量为1mL时,其对铅、锌去除率的增长率达到最大。HA对铅、锌的吸附过程满足Langmuir吸附模型,其吸附以单层吸附为主。在动态吸附过程中,HA对Pb2+、Zn2+离子吸附性能与准二级动力学吸附方程的拟合程度更高,且对Pb2+的吸附效果明显高于Zn2+。红外光谱分析表明,HA细胞中羟基、烷基、酰胺基、羰基、磷酸基等参与了Pb2+、Zn2+的吸附过程。【结论】HA是一株对铅、锌有较强吸附能力的真菌,其吸附铅、锌影响因素及吸附机理研究结果将为重金属污染微生物修复提供指导。     

Three Co(III)-Fe(II) complexes based on hexacyanoferrates: Syntheses, spectroscopic and structural characterizations

Red or orange crystals of [Co(NH₃)₆]₂Cl₂[Fe(CN)₆] · 4H₂O (1), [Co(en)₃]₂Cl₂[Fe(CN)₆] · 2H₂O (2) and [Co(en)₃]₄[Fe(CN)₆]₃ · 21.6H₂O (3) were isolated from the aqueous systems Co³⁺-L_N-[Fe(CN)₆]⁴⁻ (L_N = NH₃, en = 1,2-diaminoethane). In all isolated samples the combination of Mössbauer (δ values were from the range −0.07 to −0.08 mm/s) and IR spectra (ν(CN) stretching vibrations in the range 2015-2047 cm⁻¹) confirms the presence of low spin Fe(II) in [Fe(CN)₆]⁴⁻ anions. X-ray structure analyses corroborate the ionic character of all studied compounds. These contain diamagnetic [Co(NH₃)₆]³⁺ (1) or [Co(en)₃]³⁺ (2 and 3) complex cations and diamagnetic [Fe(CN)₆]⁴⁻ complex anions. In compounds 1 and 2 chloride anions are present, too. All three compounds contain water of crystallization, in compound 3 as many as 21.6 molecules per formula unit.     

Correlation between oral drug absorption in humans and apparent drug permeability coefficients in human intestinal epithelial (Caco-2) cells.

Monolayers of a well differentiated human intestinal epithelial cell line, Caco-2, were used as a model to study passive drug absorption across the intestinal epithelium. Absorption rate constants (expressed as apparent permeability coefficients) were determined for 20 drugs and peptides with different structural properties. The permeability coefficients ranged from approximately 5 x 10(-8) to 5 x 10(-5) cm/s. A good correlation was obtained between data on oral absorption in humans and the results in the Caco-2 model. Drugs that are completely absorbed in humans had permeability coefficients greater than 1 x 10(-6) cm/s. Drugs that are absorbed to greater than 1% but less than 100% had permeability coefficients of 0.1-1.0 x 10(-6) cm/s while drugs and peptides that are absorbed to less than 1% had permeability coefficients of less than or equal to 1 x 10(-7) cm/s. The results indicate that Caco-2 monolayers can be used as a model for studies on intestinal drug absorption.     

Inhibition of core histones acetylation by carcinogenic nickel(II)

In Drosophila, protein kinase CK2 regulates a diverse array of developmental processes. One of these is cell-fate specification (neurogenesis) wherein CK2 regulates basic-helix-loop-helix (bHLH) repressors encoded by the Enhancer of Split Complex (E(spl)C). Specifically, CK2 phosphorylates and activates repressor functions of E(spl)M8 during eye development. In this study we describe the interaction of CK2 with an E(spl)-related bHLH repressor, Deadpan (Dpn). Unlike E(spl)-repressors which are expressed in cells destined for a non-neural cell fate, Dpn is expressed in the neuronal cells and is thought to control the activity of proneural genes. Dpn also regulates sex-determination by repressing sxl, the primary gene involved in sex differentiation. We demonstrate that Dpn is weakly phosphorylated by monomeric CK2α, whereas it is robustly phosphorylated by the embryo-holoenzyme, suggesting a positive role for CK2β. The weak phosphorylation by CK2α is markedly stimulated by the activator polylysine to levels comparable to those with the holoenzyme. In addition, pull down assays indicate a direct interaction between Dpn and CK2. This is the first demonstration that Dpn is a partner and target of CK2, and raises the possibility that its repressor functions might also be regulated by phosphorylation.