Coordinated responses of phytochelatin synthase and metallothionein genes in black mangrove, Avicennia germinans, exposed to cadmium and copper

To evaluate the role of phytochelatins and metallothioneins in heavy metal tolerance of black mangrove Avicennia germinans, 3-month-old seedlings were exposed to cadmium or copper for 30 h, under hydroponic conditions. Degenerate Mt2 and PCS primers were synthesized based on amino acid and nucleotide alignment sequences reported for Mt2 and PCS in other plant species found in GenBank. Total RNA was isolated from A. germinans leaves and two partial fragments of metallothionein and phytochelatin synthase genes were isolated. Gene expression was evaluated with reverse transcripatase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) amplification technique. Temporal analysis showed that low Cd2+ and Cu2+ concentrations caused a slight (but not significant) increase in AvMt2 expression after a 16 h exposure time, while AvPCS expression showed a significant increase under the same conditions but only after 4h. Results strongly suggest that the rapid increase in AvPCS expression may contribute to Cd2+ and Cu2+ detoxification. Moreover, we found that A. germinans has the capacity to over-express both genes (AvMt2 and AvPCS), which may constitute a coordinated detoxification response mechanism targeting non-essential metals. Nonetheless, our results confirm that AvPCS was the most active gene involved in the regulation of essential metals (e.g., Cu2+) in A. germinans leaves.     

Inhibition of Nox-4 activity by plumbagin, a plant-derived bioactive naphthoquinone

NAD(P)H oxidase contributes to the pathogenesis of cancer and cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, atherosclerosis, restenosis, cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure. Plumbagin, a plant-derived naphthoquinone, has been shown to exert anticarcinogenic and anti-atherosclerosis effects in animals. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying these effects remain unknown. It is possible that the beneficial effect of plumbagin is due to the inhibition of NAD(P)H oxidase. Human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK293) and brain tumour LN229 cells express mainly Nox-4, a renal NAD(P)H oxidase. We have examined the effect of plumbagin on Nox-4 activity in HEK293 and LN229 cells using lucigenin-dependent chemiluminescence assay. Plumbagin inhibited the activity of Nox-4 in a time- and dose-dependent manner in HEK293 and LN229 cells. Production of superoxide in HEK293 cells was inhibited by diphenyleneiodonium (DPI), a NAD(P)H oxidase inhibitor. The superoxide production in HEK293 cells was NADPH- and NADH-dependent indicating that the superoxide was generated by a NAD(P)H oxidase in HEK293 cells, but not by the redox-cycling of lucigenin. Furthermore, plumbagin inhibited the superoxide production in Nox-4 transfected COS-7 cells. These results indicated that plumbagin directly interacted with Nox-4 and inhibited its activity.     

Variety of PSP toxins in four culture strains of Alexandrium minutum collected from southern Taiwan.

Paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) toxin profiles were compared among four culture strains of Alexandrium minutum. GTX-1, 2, 3 and 4 are the PSP toxins that occur in A. minutum, and other PSP toxins were not detected. When comparing the toxin profile of four A. minutum strains, GTX1 and 4 were the major toxins in Amtk1, Amtk2, and Amtk4, but in Amtk7, GTX3 and 2 were the major toxins. The results indicate that strains with various toxin profiles exist in southern Taiwan, and suggest that the comparison of the toxin profiles between strains at different localities is difficult. Additionally, the toxin profiles of A. minutum strains cultured in the same environment were different, suggesting that it was owing to the intrinsic nature of toxic algae.     

Antitumour activity of ANG1005, a conjugate between paclitaxel and the new brain delivery vector Angiopep-2

Background and purpose:Paclitaxel is highly efficacious in the treatment of breast, head and neck, non-small cell lung cancers and ovarian carcinoma. For malignant gliomas, paclitaxel is prevented from reaching its target by the presence of the efflux pump P-glycoprotein (P-gp) at the blood-brain barrier. We investigated the utilization of a new drug delivery system to increase brain delivery of paclitaxel.Experimental approach:Paclitaxel molecules were conjugated to a brain peptide vector, Angiopep-2, to provide a paclitaxel-Angiopep-2 conjugate named ANG1005. We determined the brain uptake capacity, intracellular effects and antitumour properties of ANG1005 in vitro against human tumour cell lines and in vivo in human xenografts. We then determined ANG1005 activity on brain tumours with intracerebral human tumour models in nude mice.Key results:We show by in situ brain perfusion that ANG1005 enters the brain to a greater extent than paclitaxel and bypasses the P-gp. ANG1005 has an antineoplastic potency similar to that of paclitaxel against human cancer cell lines. We also demonstrate that ANG1005 caused a more potent inhibition of human tumour xenografts than paclitaxel. Finally, ANG1005 administration led to a significant increase in the survival of mice with intracerebral implantation of U87 MG glioblastoma cells or NCI-H460 lung carcinoma cells.Conclusions and implications:These results demonstrate the antitumour potential of a new drug, ANG1005, and establish that conjugation of anticancer agents with the Angiopep-2 peptide vector could increase their efficacy in the treatment of brain cancer.British Journal of Pharmacology (2008) 155, 185-197; doi:10.1038/bjp.2008.260; published online 23 June 2008.     

Greater hemocyte bactericidal activity in oysters (Crassostrea virginica) from a relatively contaminated site in Pensacola Bay,Florida

Bivalve mollusks such as Crassostrea virginica inhabiting polluted estuaries and coastal areas may bioaccumulate high concentrations of contaminants without apparent ill effects. However, changes in putative internal defense activities have been associated with contaminant accumulation in both experimental and long-term field exposures. In an effort to elucidate these relationships, 40 oysters were collected from Bayou Chico (BC) and East Bay (EB) in Pensacola Bay, FL, two estuaries known to differ in the type and magnitude of chemical contaminants present. Oyster tissue concentrations of metals, tri- and dibutyltin (TBT, DBT), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were measured in individual oysters, as were hemocyte counts (HCs), hemocyte bacterial killing indices (KI), serum lysozyme (LYS) and serum protein (PRO) levels. Average HC, KI, LYS and PRO were significantly higher in BC oysters, which also had significantly higher tissue concentrations of total trace metals, butyltins (BTs), PAHs, PCBs, pesticides, and Mn, Cu, Zn and Sn. EB oysters had low organic contaminant levels and no detectable BTs, but significantly higher concentrations of Al, Cr, Fe, Ag, Cd, and Hg. Simple correlation analysis between specific defense measurements and specific chemical analytes showed specific positive relationships that corroborated previous findings in other FL estuaries. Canonical correlation analysis was used to examine relationships between defense measurements and tissue metals using linearly combined sets of variables. Results were also consistent with previous findings-the highest possible canonical correlation was positive: r=0.864, P<0.0019 among canonical variables composed of HC, KI and LYS for defense, and Fe, Cu, Ag, Cd, Sb, Sn, Ni, Pb and Hg for metals.     

Anti-inflammatory activity of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent, oxaprozin, in experimental models

Anti-inflammatory activity and mode of action of oxaprozin, a new non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent, were investigated in experimental animal models and in vitro tests. Anti-inflammatory potency of oxaprozin was almost equal to that of aspirin in acetic acid vascular permeability, carrageenin hind paw edema, cotton pellet granuloma and adjuvant arthritis tests in rats. On the other hand, in mice, oxaprozin was more potent than aspirin, ibuprofen and phenylbutazone, and it was as potent as sulindac and fenbufen in acetic acid vascular permeability and carrageenin hind paw edema tests. In adrenalectomized rats, the anti-edema activity of oxaprozin in the carrageenin hind paw edema test was the same as that in intact rats. Oxaprozin inhibited erythema formation induced by ultra-violet rays in guinea pigs. The inhibitory potency of oxaprozin against prostaglandin E2 biosynthesis in vitro was equal to that of ibuprofen. Oxaprozin showed a concentration-dependent inhibition of heat-induced denaturation of bovine serum albumin and lysis of rabbit erythrocytes in vitro. However, oxaprozin did not inhibit rat hind paw edemas induced by dextran, formalin and serotonin. It was suggested from these results that the mode of action of oxaprozin is similar to those of other acidic non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Ulcerogenicity of oxaprozin was weaker than those of phenylbutazone and aspirin in rats. Species differences in the metabolic rate of oxaprozin were shown. The blood concentration of oxaprozin in rats is extremely low because the metabolic rate of oxaprozin is rapid in rats. Therefore, in rats, oxaprozin exhibited a weak anti-inflammatory effect. However, in mice, oxaprozin had a low metabolic rate, and the effect of oxaprozin was as potent as sulindac and fenbufen. The elimination half-life of oxaprozin is extended, 49 to 69 hr, in humans. It was suggested from these findings that oxaprozin is a potent and long acting anti-inflammatory drug in clinical use.     

Diesel automobile exhaust anad lung surfactant activity in an experimental study, in rats

It has been observed that the lung surfactant activity decreased after exposure of the animals to diesel automobile exhaust. This decreased lung surfactant activity could be an important factor in the pathogenesis of pulmonary oedema and collapse seen in our experiments.     

Antiviral sulfated polysaccharide from Navicula directa, a diatom collected from deep-sea water in Toyama Bay

A sulfated polysaccharide named naviculan was isolated from a diatom, Navicula directa (W. SMITH) RALFS, collected in deep sea water from Toyama Bay. The polysaccharide consisted of fucose, xylose, galactose, mannose, rhamnose and sulfate with an apparent molecular weight of 220000. It showed antiviral activities against herpes simplex viruses type 1 and 2, and influenza A virus with selectivity indices (CC50/IC50) of 270, 510 and 32, respectively. Naviculan also showed an inhibitory effect on cell-cell fusion between CD4-expressing and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) gp160-expressing cells that was used as a model system of infection with HIV.     

Relationship between the size of nanoparticles and their adjuvant activity: Data from a study with an improved experimental design

There is a growing interest in identifying the relationship between the size of nanoparticles and their adjuvant activity, but the results from recent studies remain controversial. To address the controversy, it was thought that one should pay attention to the nanoparticle formulations to make sure that the antigen-loaded nanoparticles to be compared are not only different in particle size, but more importantly, as identical to each other as possible in all other formulation properties. In the present study, using ovalbumin (OVA) as a model antigen conjugated onto nanoparticles engineered from lecithin/glyceryl monostearate-in-water emulsions, we prepared OVA-nanoparticles of 230 nm and 708 nm. Before evaluating the immune responses induced by them in a mouse model, we made sure that: (i) the sizes of the two OVA-nanoparticles did not extensively overlap, (ii) the nanoparticles have similar zeta potentials and comparable antigen-loading, and (iii) the nanoparticles did not aggregate when suspended in simulated biological media. We then showed that when subcutaneously injected into mice, the 230 nm OVA-conjugated nanoparticles induced stronger OVA-specific antibody and cellular immune responses than the 708 nm OVA-nanoparticles. Future studies attempting to correlate the size of nanoparticles and their adjuvant activities need to consider formulation parameters to ensure that the particles are different only in size and are stable before and after injection.     

Liquid chromatographic determination of magnolol in urine collected from volunteers after a single dose of Saiboku-To,an oriental herbal medicine for bronchial asthma

Abstract— Saiboku-To is an anti-asthmatic herbal remedy which consists of ten herbal extracts. To investigate the clinical relationship between the effects and chemical components of Saiboku-To, a simple and sensitive high-performance liquid chromatographic method (HPLC) for determination of magnolol, one of the major urinary products, was developed. Organic solvent extraction of urinary magnolol was conducted by diatomaceous earth column rapid-flow fractionation using ethanol/dichloromethane (8/92, v/v). Recovery rates of magnolol were more than 99% with coefficient of variations less than 6% in the concentration range 9·7–970 ng mL^?1. Subsequent HPLC determination of magnolol was achieved using a conventional silica-gel column, a mobile phase mixture of acetic acid/diethyl ether/n-hexane (0·2/17·0/82·8, v/v), and a UV-absorption detector set at 290 nm. Calibration was on the basis of peak height ratio between magnolol and flavone as an internal standard. The method was used to demonstrate excretion profiles of magnolol in healthy and asthmatic subjects following single administration of Saiboku-To.     

3-Methoxytyramine, an extraneuronal dopamine metabolite plays a physiological role in the brain as an inhibitory regulator of catecholaminergic activity

3-Methoxytyramine (3-MT), an extraneuronal metabolite of dopamine, present in the synaptic cleft at a very low amount (low nanomolar range), comparable to dopamine concentration, is generally regarded as a biologically inactive compound. We have shown in this study that 3-MT binds to the rat noradrenergic cortical alpha(1) and striatal dopamine D(1) and D(2) receptors in nanomolar concentration range, and to cortical alpha(2) adrenoceptor at low micromolar concentration. Bilateral intrastriatal injections of 3-MT (0.25 micromol in 0.5 microl) did not affect significantly locomotor activity in naive rats but strongly antagonized amphetamine-induced (1 mg/kg s.c.) hypermotility. Biochemical studies in rat brain structures showed that 3-MT behaved as an antagonist of the noradrenergic system, i.e. accelerated noradrenaline metabolism and counteracted the inhibitory effect of amphetamine on the rate of noradrenaline metabolism. In contrast to a general view about the lack of physiological role of monoamine metabolites, these results for the first time strongly suggest that an extraneuronal metabolite of dopamine, 3-MT plays an important physiological role as an inhibitory regulator counteracting excessive stimulation of catecholaminergic neurons in the striatum.     

Oxetin, a new antimetabolite from an actinomycete. Fermentation, isolation, structure and biological activity

A new amino acid-antimetabolite, oxetin, was isolated from a fermentation broth of a Streptomyces sp. OM-2317, a soil isolate. The chemical structure was elucidated as (2R,3S)-3-amino-2-oxetane carboxylic acid by analysis of the spectral data and by X-ray diffraction methods. The antibiotic is the first natural product possessing an oxetane ring. Certain microorganisms were inhibited by oxetin only when cultivated in minimal media. The inhibitory action was reversed by several amino acids such as L-isoleucine, L-methionine, L-valine and L-glutamine. It also exhibited herbicidal activity and inhibited glutamine synthetase from spinach leaves.     

Adaptogenic activity of Withania somnifera: an experimental study using a rat model of chronic stress

Withania somnifera (WS) Dunal is classified in Ayurveda, the ancient Hindu system of medicine, as a rasayana, a group of plant-derived drugs reputed to promote physical and mental health, augment resistance of the body against disease and diverse adverse environmental factors, revitalise the body in debilitated conditions and increase longevity. These attributes are remarkably similar to the properties ascribed to adaptogens like Panax ginseng (PG) in contemporary medicine. As such, the adaptogenic activity of a standardised extract of WS roots was investigated against a rat model of chronic stress (CS). The stress procedure was mild, unpredictable footshock, administered once daily for 21 days to adult male Wistar rats. CS induced significant hyperglycaemia, glucose intolerance, increase in plasma corticosterone levels, gastric ulcerations, male sexual dysfunction, cognitive deficits, immunosuppression and mental depression. These CS induced perturbations were attenuated by WS (25 and 50 mg/kg po) and by PG (100 mg/kg po), administered 1 h before footshock for 21 days. The results indicate that WS, like PG, has significant antistress adaptogenic activity, confirming the clinical use of the plant in Ayurveda.     

Antitumour Activity,Toxicity and Disposition of LS 1727, a Nitroso-Chloroethyl Carbamate of 19-Nortestosterone,in Rats and Mice

Abstract: LS 1727, a nitroso-chloroethyl carbamate of 19-nortestosterone, given intraperitoneally had a high cytostatic activity against some experimental tumours. In vitro studies showed that the tested tumours differed in their ability to hydrolyze LS 1727. The hydrolytic capacity was related to the sensitivity to treatment with LS 1727. Distribution studies with double-labelled LS 1727 demonstrated that the chloroethyl-part of the molecule was retained in dimethylbenz(a)anthracene-induced mammary tumours in the rat. Our findings suggest that the antitumour activity of LS 1727 is exerted by alkylating metabolites released at hydrolysis of the compound. LS 1727 had no oral antitumour activity probably due to pre-systemic hydrolysis. When given intravenously, hydrolysis of LS 1727 in lungs caused severe pulmonary toxicity already at low doses.     

Bonabiline A, a monoterpenoid 3alpha-acyloxytropane from the roots of Bonamia spectabilis showing M3 receptor antagonist activity

Two 3alpha-acyloxytropanes with unique monoterpenoic acyl moieties, bonabiline A and its anhydro derivative bonabiline B, have been isolated from the roots of Bonamia spectabilis. Their structures were elucidated by detailed spectroscopic analysis. Due to the structural similarity of bonabiline A to atropine/hyoscyamine, the affinity of both bonabilines to the muscarinic M (3) receptor was studied in the isolated guinea-pig ileum. Bonabiline A (pA (2) 6.65 +/- 0.03) proved to be a more potent antagonist than bonabiline B (pA (2) 5.50 +/- 0.03).     

Antitumor activity of biflorin, an o-naphthoquinone isolated from Capraria biflora

Pharmacological studies with an aqueous extract obtained from leaves of Capraria biflora showed potent cytotoxic, analgesic, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities. It has been demonstrated that biflorin possesses an in vitro cytotoxic activity against tumor cells. The in vivo antitumor activity of biflorin was evaluated on two mouse models, sarcoma 180 and Ehrlich carcinoma. Biflorin was active against both tumors with a very similar profile. In addition, biflorin was also able to increase the response elicited by 5-FU in mice inoculated with both tumors. The results showed a decrease in Ki67 staining in tumor cells from treated-animals when compared with non-treated groups, which suggests an inhibition of tumor proliferation rate. Histopathological analysis from kidneys and liver showed that biflorin possessed weak and reversible toxic effects. It was also demonstrated that biflorin acts as an immunoadjuvant agent, rising the production of ovalbumin-specific antibodies and inducing a discreet increase of the white pulp and nest of megakaryocytic in spleen of treated mice, which can be related to its antitumor properties.     

Oleanonic acid, a 3-oxotriterpene from Pistacia, inhibits leukotriene synthesis and has anti-inflammatory activity.

One of the best known bioactive triterpenoids is oleanolic acid, a widespread 3-hydroxy-17-carboxy oleanane-type compound. In order to determine whether further oxidation of carbon 3 affects anti-inflammatory activity in mice, different tests were carried out on oleanolic acid and its 3-oxo-analogue oleanonic acid, which was obtained from Pistacia terebinthus galls. The last one showed activity on the ear oedema induced by 12-deoxyphorbol-13-phenylacetate (DPP), the dermatitis induced by multiple applications of 12-O-tetradecanoyl-13-acetate (TPA) and the paw oedemas induced by bradykinin and phospholipase A2. The production of leukotriene B4 from rat peritoneal leukocytes was reduced by oleanonic acid with an IC50 of 17 microM. Negligible differences were observed in the response of both triterpenes to DPP, bradykinin, and phospholipase A2, while oleanonic acid was more active on the dermatitis by TPA and on the in vitro leukotriene formation. In conclusion, the presence of a ketone at C-3 implies an increase in the inhibitory effects on models related to 5-lipoxygenase activity and on associated in vivo inflammatory processes.     

Subchronic toxicity and anti-HSV-1 activity in experimental animal of dolabelladienetriol from the seaweed,Dictyota pfaffii

This study examined in rats the subchronic toxicity and anti- HSV-1activity after oral administration of dolabelladienetriol (D1), a diterpene isolated from the seaweed Dictyota pfaffii. In subchronic toxicity (SCT) tests, female rats received D1 by gavage 15 mg/kg/day (n = 5) for 50 days, and general behavior, death, hematological, biochemical and histological changes in the liver, kidney, stomach, and duodenum were determined. For the anti-HSV-1 activity, female mice were infected and treated orally with a dose of 20 mg/kg (n = 5) twice a day with D1 and any lesions in the skin were then recorded for 18 days. Dolabelladienetriol in SCT did not significantly change behavior, body weight, hematological or biochemical profiles. The liver and kidneys, however, showed some alterations in rats treated with D1, similar to those in rats treated with ACV, while the other tissues had no significant changes. The anti-HSV-1 activity of D1 had a similar efficacy to the ACV drug control in mice. Our results showed that D1 has potential commercial development as a new HSV-1drug.     

Synergistic activity of colistin with azidothymidine against colistin-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae clinical isolates collected from inpatients in Greek hospitals

BackgroundNew antibiotics are urgently needed to treat multi-drug resistant infections; however, production of novel antibiotics is diminishing. Synergistic combination drug therapy to enhance the activity of available antibiotics may improve management of patients with resistant infections.MethodsColistin-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates were collected from inpatients in 10 Greek hospitals and used to study combination activity of colistin plus azidothymidine. Combination activity was evaluated with the sum of fractional inhibitory concentrations (ΣFIC) using the mini checkerboard broth microdilution method.ResultsA hundred individual strains were tested. Synergistic activity was noted in 79% (79/100) of isolates and additive activity in the remaining 21% (21/100). ΣFIC₅₀ and ΣFIC₉₀ were 0.28 and 0.56, respectively.ConclusionColistin with azidothymidine exhibited promising synergistic activity against colistin-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates warranting further investigation of the combination.