Synthesis and antimycobacterial evaluation of N-substituted 5-chloropyrazine-2-carboxamides

To develop new potential antimycobacterial drugs, a series of pyrazinamide derivatives was designed, synthesized and tested for their ability to inhibit the growth of selected mycobacterial strains (Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv, Mycobacterium kansasii and two strains of Mycobacterium avium). This Letter is focused on binuclear pyrazinamide analogues containing the –CONH–CH₂– bridge, namely on N-benzyl-5-chloropyrazine-2-carboxamides with various substituents on the phenyl ring and their comparison with some analogously substituted 5-chloro-N-phenylpyrazine-2-carboxamides. Compounds from the N-benzyl series exerted lower antimycobacterial activity against M. tuberculosis H37Rv then corresponding anilides, however comparable with pyrazinamide (12.5–25 μg/mL). Remarkably, 5-chloro-N-(4-methylbenzyl)pyrazine-2-carboxamide (8, MIC = 3.13 μg/mL) and 5-chloro-N-(2-chlorobenzyl)pyrazine-2-carboxamide (1, MIC = 6.25 μg/mL) were active against M. kansasii, which is naturally unsusceptible to PZA. Basic structure–activity relationships are presented.     

Modulations of behavioral consequences of minor cortical ischemic lesion by application of free radicals scavengers

Functional and morphological consequences of ischemic lesions are partially related to the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The aim of the study was to create a unilateral photothrombic lesion with minimal morphological changes and minor sensorimotor and cognitive deficits and also to test whether the application of ROS scavengers after the end of induction of ischemia had improved the functional outcome. Adult Wistar male rats were randomly divided into five groups: naive control, sham operated animals, animals with induced ischemia, and two groups of animals with induced ischemia and subsequent ROS scavenger application -melatonin or tempol. The group subjected to ischemia showed a significant decline in performance in sensorimotor tests and the Morris water maze (MWM) test, compared to control animals. Tempol (50 mg/kg, i.p.) did not improve sensorimotor function and did not change spatial learning. Melatonin (100 mg/kg, i.p.), on the contrary, resulted in a significant improvement in animals' performances. All the ischemia subjected animals had increased speed of swimming in the MWM test, compared to the control group. Our findings showed that subsequent application of ROS scavengers improve ischemia outcomes, with melatonin being more potent. Conversely, neither melatonin, nor tempol decreased swimming speed cased by ischemia.     

Bridging global and microregional scales: ploidy distribution in Pilosella echioides (Asteraceae) in central Europe

Background and Aims

A detailed knowledge of cytotype distribution can provide important insights into the evolutionary history of polyploid systems. This study aims to explore the spatial distribution of different cytotypes in Pilosella echioides at various spatial scales (from the whole distributional range to the population level) and to outline possible evolutionary scenarios for the observed geographic pattern.

Methods

DNA-ploidy levels were estimated using DAPI flow cytometry in 4410 individuals of P. echioides from 46 populations spread over the entire distribution range in central Europe. Special attention was paid to the cytotype structure in the most ploidy-diverse population in south-west Moravia.

Key Results

Five different cytotypes (2x, 3x, 4x, 5x and 6x) were found, the last being recorded for the first time. Although ploidy-uniform (di- or tetraploid) sites clearly prevailed, nearly one-quarter of the populations investigated harboured more (up to all five) cytotypes. Whereas penta- and hexaploids constituted only a minority of the samples, a striking predominance of the triploid cytotype was observed in several populations.

Conclusions

The representative sampling confirmed previous data on cytotype distribution, i.e. the spatial aggregation of mixed-ploidy populations in south-west Moravia and Lower Austria and the predominance of ploidy-uniform populations in other parts of the area investigated. Recurrent origin of polyploids from diploid progenitors via unreduced gametes and their successful establishment are considered the key factors promoting intrapopulational ploidy mixture (‘primary hybrid zones’). As an alternative to the generally accepted theory of cytotype co-existence based on the development of different means of inter-ploidy reproductive isolation, it is suggested that a long-term ploidy mixture can also be maintained in free-mating populations provided that the polyploids originate with a sufficient frequency. In addition, the prevalence (or subdominance) of the triploid cytotype in several mixed-ploidy populations represents the first evidence of such a phenomenon in plant systems with exclusively sexual reproduction.     

Remarkable coexistence of multiple cytotypes of the Gymnadenia conopsea aggregate (the fragrant orchid): evidence from flow cytometry

Background and Aims

One of the prerequisites for polyploid research in natural systems is knowledge of the geographical distribution of cytotypes. Here inter- and intrapopulational ploidy diversity was examined in the Gymnadenia conopsea aggregate in central Europe and potential explanations and evolutionary consequences of the observed spatial patterns investigated.

Methods

DAPI flow cytometry supplemented by confirmatory chromosome counts was used to determine ploidy in 3581 samples of the G. conopsea aggregate from 43 populations. The fine-scale spatial pattern of cytotype distribution (intra- and interploidy associations) was analysed with univariate and bivariate K-functions.

Key Results

Gymnadenia tissues undergo a progressively partial endoreplication, which accounts for about 60 % and 75 % of the total genome in G. conopsea and G. densiflora, respectively. Flow cytometric profiles are therefore species-specific and can be used as a marker for rapid and reliable species recognition. Two majority (4x, 8x) and three minority (6x, 10x, 12x) cytotypes were found, often in mixed-ploidy populations (harbouring up to all five different ploidy levels). The scarcity of the minority cytotypes (about 2·7 %) suggests the existence of strong pre- or postzygotic mating barriers. Spatial structure was observed in plots of populations with the highest cytotype variation, including clumping of individuals of the same ploidy and negative association between tetra- and octoploids.

Conclusions

The remarkable ploidy coexistence in the G. conopsea aggregate has reshaped our perception of intrapopulational ploidy diversity under natural conditions. This system offers unique opportunities for studying processes governing the formation and establishment of polyploids and assessing the evolutionary significance of the various pre- and postzygotic mating barriers that maintain this ploidy mixture.     

BH3-only protein Bim inhibits activity of antiapoptotic members of Bcl-2 family when expressed in yeast

Proteins of the Bcl-2 family regulate programmed cell death in mammals by promoting the release of cytochrome c from mitochondria in response to various proapoptotic stimuli. The mechanism by which BH3-only members of the family activate multidomain proapoptotic proteins Bax and Bak to form a pore in mitochondrial membranes remains under dispute. We report that cell death promoting activity of BH3-only protein Bim can be reconstituted in yeast when both Bax and antiapoptotic protein Bcl-X(L) are present, suggesting that Bim likely activates Bax indirectly by inhibiting antiapoptotic proteins.     

The steroid metabolome in lamotrigine-treated women with epilepsy

Background

Epilepsy in women may be associated with reproductive disorders and alterations in serum steroid levels. Some steroids can be induced by epilepsy and/or treatment with antiepileptic drugs; however, there are still limited data available concerning this effect on the levels of other neuroactive steroid metabolites such as 3a-hydroxy-5a/b-reduced androstanes.

Aim

To evaluate steroid alterations in women with epilepsy (WWE) on lamotrigine monotherapy.

Subjects and methods

Eleven WWE and 11 age-matched healthy women underwent blood sampling in both phases of their menstrual cycles (MCs). The steroid metabolome, which included 30 unconjugated steroids, 17 steroid polar conjugates, gonadotropins, and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), was measured using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and radioimmunoassay (RIA).

Results

WWE had lower cortisol levels (status p < 0.001), but elevated levels of unconjugated 17-hydroxypregnenolone (status p < 0.001). Progesterone was higher in the follicular menstrual phase (FP) in WWE than in the controls (status × menstrual phase p < 0.05, Bonferroni multiple comparisons p < 0.05), whereas 17-hydroxyprogesterone was higher in WWE in both menstrual phases (status p < 0.001). The steroid conjugates were mostly elevated in WWE. The levels of 5α/β-reduced androstanes in WWE that were significantly higher than the controls were etiocholanolone (status p < 0.001), 5α-androstane-3α,17β-diol (status p < 0.001), and the 5α/β-reduced androstane polar conjugates (status p < 0.001).

Conclusions

WWE showed a trend toward higher circulating 3α-hydroxy-5α/β-reduced androstanes, increased activity of 17α-hydroxylase/17,20 lyase in the Δ⁵-steroid metabolic pathway, and increased levels of the steroid polar conjugates.     

Reinforcement selection acting on the European house mouse hybrid zone

Behavioural isolation may lead to complete speciation when partial postzygotic isolation acts in the presence of divergent‐specific mate‐recognition systems. These conditions exist where Mus musculus musculus and M. m. domesticus come into contact and hybridize. We studied two mate‐recognition signal systems, based on urinary and salivary proteins, across a Central European portion of the mouse hybrid zone. Introgression of the genomic regions responsible for these signals: the major urinary proteins (MUPs) and androgen binding proteins (ABPs), respectively, was compared to introgression at loci assumed to be nearly neutral and those under selection against hybridization. The preference of individuals taken from across the zone regarding these signals was measured in Y mazes, and we develop a model for the analysis of the transition of such traits under reinforcement selection. The strongest assortative preferences were found in males for urine and females for ABP. Clinal analyses confirm nearly neutral introgression of an Abp locus and two loci closely linked to the Abp gene cluster, whereas two markers flanking the Mup gene region reveal unexpected introgression. Geographic change in the preference traits matches our reinforcement selection model significantly better than standard cline models. Our study confirms that behavioural barriers are important components of reproductive isolation between the house mouse subspecies.     

NF kappa B inhibitors and antitrypanosomal metabolites from endophytic fungus Penicillium sp. isolated from Limonium tubiflorum

Chemical investigation of the endophytic fungus Penicillium sp. isolated from Limonium tubiflorum growing in Egypt afforded four new compounds of polyketide origin, including two macrolides, penilactone (1) and 10,11-epoxycurvularin (2), a dianthrone, neobulgarone G (7), and a sulfinylcoumarin, sulfimarin (14), along with twelve known metabolites (3-6, 8-13, 15 and 16). The structures of all compounds were assigned by comprehensive spectral analysis (1D and 2D NMR) and mass spectrometry. Compounds 3, 4, 13 and 16 showed pronounced antitrypanosomal activity with mean MIC values ranging from 4.96 to 9.75 ??M. Moreover, when tested against a panel of three human tumor cell lines compounds 3, 4, 6 and 12 showed selective growth inhibition against Jurkat and U937 cell lines with IC₅₀ values ranging from 1.8 to 13.3 ??M. The latter compounds also inhibited TNF??-induced NF-??B activity in K562 cells with IC₅₀ values ranging from 1.6 to 10.1 ??M, respectively.