Polyacrylamide-alginate (PAAm-Alg) and phospho-L-tyrosine-linked PAAm-Alg monolithic cryogels: Purification of IgG from human serum.

In recent decades cryogels as monolithic materials have gained interest as stationary phase in chromatography for purification of biomolecules. In this study, polyacrylamide-alginate (PAAm-Alg) monolithic cryogels were prepared by cryo-copolymerization of acrylamide and alginate monomers and methylene-bisacrylamide as crosslinker to be used as a matrix in affinity chromatography for purification of proteins. Ortho-phospho-L-tyrosine (P-Tyr) was covalently attached onto PAAm-Alg cryogels via bisoxirane-activation (PAAm-Alg-Bix-P-Tyr) and both derivatized and non-derivatized cryogels were utilized for the purification of immunoglobulin G (IgG) from human serum. Cryogels were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, swelling tests, elemental analysis, FTIR, and flow dynamics. The effects of buffer systems, conductivity, and pH on IgG adsorption were studied. Through breakthrough curve analysis a dynamic capacity of 9.2 mg IgG/mL with an IgG purity of 94% was obtained (based on ELISA analysis of IgG and albumin) for PAAm-Alg-Bix-P-Tyr cryogel when human serum was diluted in 10 mmol/L NaP buffer at pH 6.0. The adsorption isotherm data were well described by the Langmuir model with value of maximum adsorption capacity of 36.12 ±â€¯3.63 mg of IgG/g for PAAm-Alg-Bix-P-Tyr. The PAAm-Alg-Bix-P-Tyr cryogel provides an attractive alternative for adsorption of IgG from human serum.

Separation of human IgG fragments using copper, nickel, zinc, and cobalt chelated to CM-Asp-agarose by positive and negative chromatography.

This study evaluated the feasibility of using immobilized metal-ion affinity chromatography (IMAC) for separation of human Fab fragments using four different transition metal ions copper, nickel, zinc, and cobalt chelated to CM-Asp (carboxymethylaspartate) immobilized on the agarose gel. The Fab and Fc fragments (from human IgG digested with papain) interacted differently with the chelates studied, depending on the adsorption buffer system. The interaction between chelate and Fc fragment is predominantly based on the coordination bonds using adsorption buffer containing NaCl. Negative chromatography was performed on Cu(II)-CM-Asp-agarose obtaining 2.9mg of Fab per mL of adsorbent in nonretained fractions (Fc fragment-free without uncleaved IgG). The adsorption of Fab fragments is governed by electrostatic forces in the absence of NaCl in the adsorption buffer. High selectivity was achieved on Co(II)-CM-Asp-agarose and 5.7mg of Fab per mL of adsorbent was obtained in eluted fractions without Fc fragments, although having uncleaved IgG. The results showed that chromatography on transition metal ions chetated to CM-Asp-agarose is a promising approach to separation of Fab fragments from papain-digested human IgG solution.

Anxiolytic activity and evaluation of potentially adverse effects of a bradykinin-related peptide isolated from a social wasp venom.

Anxiety disorders are major health problems in terms of costs stemming from sick leave, disabilities, healthcare and premature mortality. Despite the availability of classic anxiolytics, some anxiety disorders are still resistant to treatment, with higher rates of adverse effects. In this respect, several toxins isolated from arthropod venoms are useful in identifying new compounds to treat neurological disorders, particularly pathological anxiety. Thus, the aims of this study were to identify and characterize an anxiolytic peptide isolated from the venom of the social wasp Polybia paulista. The peptide was identified as Polisteskinin R, with nominal molecular mass [M+H](+)=1301Da and primary structure consisting of Ala-Arg-Arg-Pro-Pro-Gly-Phe-Thr-Pro-Phe-Arg-OH. The anxiolytic effect was tested using the elevated plus maze test. Moreover, adverse effects on the spontaneous behavior and motor coordination of animals were assessed using the open field and rotarod tests. Polisteskinin R induced a dose-dependent anxiolytic effect. Animals treated with the peptide and diazepam spent significantly more time into the open arms when compared to the groups treated with the vehicle and pentylenetetrazole. No significant differences in spontaneous behavior or motor coordination were observed between the groups, showing that the peptide was well tolerated. The interaction by agonists in both known BK receptors induces a variability of physiological effects; Polisteskinin R can act on these receptors, inducing modulatory activity and thus, attenuating anxiety behaviors. The results of this study demonstrated that the compound Polisteskinin R exerted potent anxiolytic effects and its analogues are promising candidates for experimental pharmacology.

Anticonvulsant and anxiolytic activity of the peptide fraction isolated from the venom of the social wasp Polybia paulista.

BACKGROUND: Arthropod venoms have attracted interest because they represent a source of neuroactive compounds that can be useful tools in neuroscience and pharmacological investigations. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the present work was to evaluate the anticonvulsant, anxiolytic, and behavioral effects of the peptide fraction separated from venom of the social wasp. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The low- molecular-weight compounds of the venom were separated by ultrafiltration and the bioassays were performed to test anticonvulsant and anxiolytic effects, as well as alterations in the spontaneous behavior of the animals. RESULTS: Intracerebroventricular injections of the compounds induced dose-dependent anticonvulsant effects and a potent anxiolytic activity. Regarding behavioral effects, no significant differences were observed in relation to the saline control group. CONCLUSION: The low-molecular-weight compounds of the venom of Polybia paulista include neuroactive peptides that can be used as pharmacological resources for anticonvulsant and anxiolytic drug research.