Highly selective hydrogenation of aromatic ketones to alcohols in water: effect of PdO and ZrO2.

Pd/ZrO2 and PdO/ZrO2 composites, containing Pd or PdO nanoparticles, were prepared using an original one-step methodology. These nanocomposites catalyze the hydrogenation of acetophenone (AP) at 1 bar and 10 bar of H2 in an aqueous solution. Compared to unsupported Pd or PdO nanoparticles, a remarkable increase in their activity was achieved as a result of interaction with zirconia. An unsupported PdO hydrogenated AP mainly to ethylbenzene (EB), while excellent regioselectivity towards 1-phenylethanol (PE) was obtained with PdO/ZrO2 and it was preserved during recycling. Similarly, regioselectivity to PE was higher with Pd/ZrO2 compared to unsupported Pd NPs. PdO and zirconia resulted in high selectivity to alcohols in the hydrogenation of substituted acetophenones.

Palladium nanoparticles supported on a nickel pyrazolate metal organic framework as a catalyst for Suzuki and carbonylative Suzuki couplings.

Methanolic reduction of [PdCl2(CH3CN)2] on a [Ni(2,5-di(1H-pyrazol-4-yl)benzenesulfonate)2] metal organic framework gives rise to Pd(2+)/Pd(0) nanocomposites with Suzuki and carbonylative Suzuki heterogeneous catalytic activities.

Expression of SOCS1 and SOCS3 genes is differentially regulated in breast cancer cells in response to proinflammatory cytokine and growth factor signals.

DNA-hypermethylation of SOCS genes in breast, ovarian, squamous cell and hepatocellular carcinoma has led to speculation that silencing of SOCS1 and SOCS3 genes might promote oncogenic transformation of epithelial tissues. To examine whether transcriptional silencing of SOCS genes is a common feature of human carcinoma, we have investigated regulation of SOCS genes expression by IFNgamma, IGF-1 and ionizing radiation, in a normal human mammary epithelial cell line (AG11134), two breast-cancer cell lines (MCF-7, HCC1937) and three prostate cancer cell lines. Compared to normal breast cells, we observe a high level constitutive expression of SOCS2, SOCS3, SOCS5, SOCS6, SOCS7, CIS and/or SOCS1 genes in the human cancer cells. In MCF-7 and HCC1937 breast-cancer cells, transcription of SOCS1 is dramatically up-regulated by IFNgamma and/or ionizing-radiation while SOCS3 is transiently down-regulated by IFNgamma and IGF-1, suggesting that SOCS genes are not silenced in these cells by the epigenetic mechanism of DNA-hypermethylation. We further show that the kinetics of SOCS1-mediated feedback inhibition of IFNgamma signaling is comparable to normal breast cells, indicating that the SOCS1 protein in breast-cancer cells is functional. We provide direct evidence that STAT3 pathways are constitutively activated in MCF-7 and HCC1937 cells and may drive the aberrant persistent activation of SOCS genes in breast-cancer cells. Our data therefore suggest that elevated expression of SOCS genes is a specific lesion of breast-cancer cells that may confer resistance to proinflammatory cytokines and trophic factors, by shutting down STAT1/STAT5 signaling that mediate essential functions in the mammary gland.

Renal haemodynamics and natriuretic responses to intravenous administration of diadenosine tetraphosphate (Ap4A) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) in rat.

Effects of Ap4A and NAD--precursor of adenosine, on renal plasma flow (RPF), glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and urine excretion were determined in the anaesthetised rats. Infusion of Ap4A or NAD (i.v., bolus--1 micromol/kg followed by 10 nmol/min/kg) decreased RPF and GFR (by 30 and 40%, respectively). In spite of GFR reduction during Ap4A infusion, the significant increase in sodium excretion and urine flow was noticed: fractional sodium (FENa) and urine excretion (FEurine) rose 15-fold and 2.5-fold in comparison with the control value, respectively. In contrast to Ap4A, NAD-induced decrease in GFR was associated with parallel decrease in sodium and urine excretion, thus the FENa and FEurine did not significantly change. Pretreatment with adenosine deaminase (adenosine degrading enzyme, 2 U/min/kg) or theophylline (P1-receptors antagonist, 0.2 mmol/min/kg) ceased responses to NAD, whereas Ap4A-induced changes were not affected. Pre-treatment with suramin (P2-receptors antagonist, (i.v., bolus--12 mg/kg followed by 1.2 mg/min/kg) completely abolished the renal effects of Ap4A. We conclude that Ap4A may exert specific action on renal function. It acts different from NAD that modified renal function through its hydrolysis product--adenosine. Ap4A might reduce glomerular filtration rate and evoke natriuresis and diuresis, and its effects are probably mediated through stimulation of P2-receptors.

Responsiveness of renal glomeruli to adenosine in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats dependent on hyperglycaemia level.

Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in response to adenosine precursor, NAD, and glomeruli contractility in response to adenosine were evaluated in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats with severe (blood glucose 27.8 +/- 1.2 mmol/L) and moderate hyperglycaemia (18.2 +/- 0.9 mmol/L) compared with nondiabetic (ND)-rats. In anaesthetised rats, basal GFR was greater in moderately diabetic rats compared with severely diabetic rats (p < 0.05) and ND-rats (p < 0.02). Intravenous infusion of 5 nmol x min(-1) x kg(-1) NAD reduced GFR and renal plasma flow (RPF) in diabetic rats but had no effect on these parameters in ND-rats. Moreover, NAD-induced reduction of GFR and RPF was greater in rats with severe diabetes (41% and 30%, respectively) than in with moderate diabetes (25% and 26%, respectively). Theophylline (0.2 micromol x min(-1) x kg(-1) ) abolished renal response to NAD. Isolated glomeruli contraction in response to adenosine, assessed by glomerular 3H-inulin space reduction, was lowered in moderately diabetic-group and enhanced in severely diabetic-group. compared with ND-group (p < 0.05). Adenosine A1-receptor antagonist DPCPX inhibited adenosine-induced glomeruli contraction. This differential response of diabetic renal glomeruli to adenosine suggests that impaired glomerular contractility in response to adenosine could be responsible for hyperfiltration in moderate diabets, whereas, the increased adenosine-dependent contractility of glomeruli in severe diabetes may increase the risk of acute renal failure in this condition.

Vitamin C and quercetin modulate DNA-damaging effect of N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG).

The effects of natural compounds, vitamin C and quercetin, present in fruits and vegetables, on the DNA damaging activity of a food carcinogen N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) were examined using the comet assay. Vitamin C, at a concentration of 50 microM, inhibited MNNG-induced DNA damage in human lymphocytes. Quercetin, up to a concentration of 10 microM, increased the extent of DNA damage, but at concentrations above 10 microM decreased damage below control values. Furthermore, quercetin had a strong antioxidant activity against oxidative damage evoked by H2O2 at 10 microM. The results obtained suggest that vitamin C and quercetin may have anti- or pro-oxidative properties depending on the state of the cell.

In vitro genotoxicity of ethanol and acetaldehyde in human lymphocytes and the gastrointestinal tract mucosa cells.

The influence of ethanol and acetaldehyde on DNA in human lymphocytes, gastric mucosa (GM) and colonic mucosa (CM) was investigated by using the comet assay. All kinds of cells were exposed to ethanol and acetaldehyde in two regimens: the cells were incubated with either chemical and analysed or they were exposed first to ethanol, washed and then exposed to acetaldehyde and analysed. Lymphocytes were exposed to ethanol at final concentrations of 30 mM and acetaldehyde at 3 mM. GM cells were incubated with ethanol at 1 M and acetaldehyde at 100 mM. CM cells were exposed to ethanol at 10 mM and acetaldehyde at 100 mM. In combined exposure, the cells were subsequently exposed to ethanol and acetaldehyde at all combination of the concentrations of the agents. Ethanol caused DNA strand breaks, which were repaired during 4 hr, except when this agent was applied in GM cells at a concentration of 1 M. A dose-dependent decrease in the tail moment of all types of acetaldehyde-treated cells was observed. Similar results were obtained when a recognized DNA crosslinking agent, formaldehyde, was used. These results suggest that acetaldehyde may form crosslinks with DNA. These crosslinks were poorly repaired. CM cells showed the highest sensitivity of all cell types to ethanol than lymphocytes and GM cells. There were no differences in the sensitivity to acetaldehyde of all the cell types. Our results clearly indicate that ethanol and acetaldehyde can contribute to cancers of the digestive tract.

Genotoxicity of chromium in human gastric mucosa cells and peripheral blood lymphocytes evaluated by the single cell gel electrophoresis (comet assay).

Hexavalent chromium compounds are well-recognized carcinogens. They easily penetrate the cell membrane and are reduced inside the cell to their trivalent form, which is supposed to react directly with DNA. Chromium is present in some workplaces as well as in water resources and food chain, so it can interact with the mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract. In order to elucidate the genotoxic potency of chromium in human gastric mucosa (GM) cells, the DNA-damaging effect of potassium dichromate (K2Cr2O7) was investigated using alkaline single cell gel electrophoresis (comet assay). Biopsy samples were obtained during gastroscopy from macroscopically healthy tissue of the stomach. Parallel test with human peripheral blood lymphocytes was also performed. Both types of cells were incubated at 37 degrees C with 1.6 mM of K2Cr2O7 for 1 h and after washing, were placed in a chromium-free medium to examine DNA repair. Alkaline single cell gel electrophoresis (comet assay) was used to assess DNA damage and repair. Chromium introduced a damage to DNA both in the GM cells and lymphocytes. The effect induced by K2Cr2O7 in GM cells was comparable with that caused in the lymphocytes. Treated cells were able to recover within a 60-min incubation in a chromium-free medium at 37 degrees C. The results obtained indicate that hexavalent chromium compounds, which may be found in the diet, can interact directly with DNA of the mucosa of the stomach.

Synergistic effect of vitamin C on DNA damage induced by cadmium.

Salts of divalent cadmium are well-known human mutagens and carcinogens. In the present work, the ability of vitamin C to modulate genotoxic effects of cadmium chloride on human lymphocytes was assessed using single cell gel electrophoresis (comet assay). Vitamin C at 20 and 100 micromol/l and cadmium at 5, 30 and 150 micromol/l significantly increased the tail moment of lymphocytes. Vitamin C also increased the tail moment of cells exposed to cadmium. This effect was concentration-dependent: the higher the vitamin C concentration the greater the tail moment. The combined effects of cadmium and vitamin C were more pronounced at all concentrations tested than the sum of the effects of the compounds applied separately (p < 0.05), so cadmium and vitamin C can be considered to have synergistic effects. The results obtained can be partly explained by the participation of cadmium in the Fenton reaction and reduction of its oxidized form by vitamin C.

In vitro studies on the genotoxicity of the organophosphorus insecticide malathion and its two analogues.

Malathion [S-(1,2-dicarboethoxyethyl)O,O-dimethyl phosphorodithioate] is a commonly used organophosphorus insecticide reported to be genotoxic both in vivo and in vitro, but the reports are conflicting. In order to elucidate the genotoxic potency of the main compounds present in commercial preparations of malathion, the DNA-damaging effect of this insecticide, its major metabolite malaoxon [S-(1,2-dicarboethoxyethyl)O,O-dimethyl phosphorothiolate] and its isomer isomalathion [S-(1,2-dicarboethoxyethyl)O,S-dimethyl phosphorodithioate], all at purity of at least 99.8%, was investigated by use of the alkaline single cell gel electrophoresis (comet assay). Freshly isolated human peripheral blood lymphocytes were incubated with 25, 75 and 200 microM of the chemicals for 1 h at 37 degrees C. The concentrations used are comparable to those found in blood following various non-lethal human exposures to pesticides. Malathion did not cause any significant changes in the comet length of the lymphocytes, throughout the range of concentrations tested. Malaoxon and isomalathion introduced damage to DNA in a dose-dependent manner. The effect induced by malaoxon was more pronounced than that caused by isomalathion. Treated cells were able to recover within a 60-min incubation in insecticide-free medium at 37 degrees C except the lymphocytes exposed to malaoxon at 200 microM, which did not show measurable DNA repair. The latter result suggests a considerable cytotoxic effect (cell death) of malaoxon at the highest concentration used. The reported genotoxicity of malathion might, therefore, be a consequence of its metabolic biotransformation to malaoxon or the presence of malaoxon and/or isomalathion as well as other unspecified impurities in commercial formulations of malathion. In this regard, the results of our study clearly indicate that malathion used as commercial product, i.e., containing malaoxon and isomalathion, can be considered as a genotoxic substance in vitro. This means that it may also produce DNA disturbances in vivo, such as DNA breakage at sites of oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes, thus playing a role in the induction of malignancies in individuals exposed to this agent. Therefore, malathion can be regarded as a potential mutagen/carcinogen and requires further investigation.

DNA damage and repair in human lymphocytes and gastric mucosa cells exposed to chromium and curcumin.

Human population can be considered as a subject of combined exposure to chemicals. Hexavalent chromium is a well-known mutagen and carcinogen. Curcumin, a popular spice and pigment, is reported to have antineoplastic properties. The single cell gel electrophoresis (Comet assay) is a sensitive technique that allows detecting double- and single-strand DNA breaks caused by a broad spectrum of mutagens. In the present work the ability of curcumin to reduce DNA damage induced by chromium in human lymphocytes and gastric mucosa (GM) cells was investigated by using the comet assay. Chromium at 500 microM evoked DNA damage measured as significant (P < 0.001), about a two-fold increase in comet tail moment of both lymphocytes and GM cells. Curcumin at 10, 25, and 50 microM also damaged DNA of both types of cells in a dose-dependent manner: the increase in the tail moment reached about twenty times of the control value (P < 0.001). The combined action of chromium at 500 microM and curcumin at 50 microM resulted in the significant (P < 0.001) increase in the comet tail moment of both types of cells. In each case, treated cells were able to recover within 60 min. Our study clearly demonstrates that curcumin does not inhibit DNA damaging action of hexavalent chromium in human lymphocytes and GM cells. Moreover, curcumin itself can damage DNA of these cells and the total effect of chromium and curcumin is additive. Further studies are needed to establish the role of interaction of curcumin with DNA in carcinogenesis.

Curcumin damages DNA in human gastric mucosa cells and lymphocytes.

The naturally occurring pigment curcumin, a major component of the spice turmeric, is reported to be a potent inhibitor of the initiation and promotion of many cancers. Due to its presence in the diet, one of its primary targets is the human gastric mucosa (GM) cells. Using the sensitive single cell electrophoresis method (comet assay), we found that curcumin at of 15, 25, and 50 microM caused DNA damage in GM cells and human peripheral blood lymphocytes. There was no difference between the extent of the damage in both types of cells. Damaged cells were able to recover within a period of 120 minutes. Our results indicate that curcumin may play a dual role in carcinogenesis.

N-acyl-(alpha, gamma diaminobutyric acid)n hydrazide as an efficient gene transfer vector in mammalian cells in culture.

PURPOSE: This study investigates the structure/activity relationship of a series of N-acyl-peptides (lipopeptides) for the transfection of mammalian cells. METHODS: Lipopeptides comprising 1 to 3 basic amino-acids and a single fatty acid chain were synthesized. Transfecting complexes between lipopeptide, plasmid DNA and dioleoyl phosphatidylethanolamine were prepared and applied on cells in culture. Transfection efficiency was evaluated by measuring beta-galactosidase activity 48 h post-transfection. Lipopeptide-DNA binding was also investigated by physical means and molecular modelling. RESULTS: Besides the length of the fatty acid chain, the nature of the basic amino-acid and the C-terminal group were crucial parameters for high transfection efficiency. The N-acyl-(diaminobutyric acid)n derivatives were the most potent transfecting agents among those tested and induced a beta-galactosidase activity 2 to 20 times higher than the N-acyl-lysine, -ornithine or -diaminopropionic acid derivatives. Furthermore, a hydrazide C-terminal modification greatly enhanced transfection efficiency for all compounds tested. The reason why alpha, gamma-diaminobutyric acid hydrazide-based lipopeptides were the most potent in transfection is not fully understood but could be related to their high DNA binding. CONCLUSIONS: Poly- or oligo-diaminobutyric acid containing or not a hydrazide C-terminus could advantageously be used in peptide-based gene delivery systems.

Dioleoylmelittin as a novel serum-insensitive reagent for efficient transfection of mammalian cells.

Amphipathic peptides can be useful effectors to enhance gene delivery. However, peptide/DNA complexes usually require additional effectors, such as fusogenic lipids, to mediate efficient transfection. Due to weak and/or multiple interactions between the various components of the system, the transfecting complexes are often heterogeneous and unstable in biological fluids. Accordingly, a hybrid molecule resulting from the covalent coupling of an amphipathic, membrane-disturbing peptide to a lipid moiety might create a stable and efficient peptide-based gene transfer system. The present work describes such a novel hybrid molecule, dioleoylmelittin, resulting from the conjugation of dioleoylphosphatidylethanolamine-N-[3-(2-pyridyldithio)propionate] with [Cys1]melittin. Dioleoylmelittin had a lower hemolytic and membrane-disturbing activity than melittin. Size and zeta potential measurements, DNA gel electrophoresis, and electron microscopy showed that dioleoylmelittin, unlike melittin, was able to complex plasmid DNA to form spherical particles with a net positive charge and a diameter between 50 and 250 nm. These particles, prepared at an optimal 10/1 dioleoylmelittin/DNA ratio (w/w), mediated efficient transient transfection of reporter genes in cultured mammalian cells including primary cells. The luciferase activity induced by the dioleoylmelittin/DNA complex was 5-500-fold higher than that induced by a cationic lipid/DNA complex, depending on the cationic lipid and the cell-line. Surprisingly, the presence of 10-50% fetal calf serum during dioleoylmelittin-mediated transfection enhanced 1.5-3-fold gene expression. Dioleoylmelittin represents a new class of efficient peptide-based transfection reagents, especially suited for serum-sensitive cells.

Application of the allyloxycarbonyl protecting group for the indole of Trp in solid-phase peptide synthesis.

The synthesis and stability of allyloxycarbonyl (Aloc) indole-protected Trp derivatives and their application in solid-phase peptide synthesis are reported. The study shows that the Aloc protection on the indole moiety is suitable for orthogonal protection in the Fmoc/tBu strategy if the Fmoc group is cleaved with DBU. Several tryptophan-containing peptides have been synthesized including dynorphin A-(1-13), which has been intensively studied with respect to side reactions during the final TFA cleavage procedure. The results demonstrate the protective function of the Aloc group on the Trp during final deprotection. Furthermore, it could be demonstrated that Trp(Aloc)-containing peptides can be isolated and that the Aloc group can then be removed in a second step. The synthesis of phosphorylated delta sleep inducing peptide (P-DSIP) using the global phosphorylation approach provides another example in which Trp indole protection by Aloc prevents the formation of oxidative side products.

Distribution, prevalence, and drug binding profile of gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptor subtypes differing in the beta-subunit variant.

Native gamma-aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptors containing different beta-subunit variants were identified immunobiochemically with antisera recognizing selectively the beta 1-, beta 2-, or beta 3-subunit. As determined by immunoprecipitation, the beta 2-subunit was present in 55-60% of GABAA receptors, while only minor receptor populations contained the beta 1-subunit (16-18%) or the beta 3-subunit (19-25%). Since the sum of these values amounts to about 100%, it is concluded that GABAA receptors largely contain only a single type of beta-subunit. Pharmacologically, receptors containing the beta 2-subunit differed from those containing the beta 1- or beta 3-subunit by their differential affinities for benzodiazepine receptor ligands. The subunit composition was analyzed biochemically in receptors immunoprecipitated by the beta 2-subunit antiserum. The beta 2-subunit was preferentially associated with the alpha 1-subunit (rarely with the alpha 2-subunit) and with the gamma 2-subunit; negligible or no immunoreactivity was detected for the alpha 3-, alpha 5-, or beta 1-subunit. A stringent co-expression of alpha 1- and beta 2-subunits was confirmed by double immunofluorescence staining on the cellular level. Neurons expressing the beta 3-subunit immunoreactivity were largely double labeled by the alpha 2-subunit antiserum. Thus, the subunit combinations alpha 1 beta 2 gamma 2 and alpha 2 beta 3 gamma 2 represent two main GABAA receptor subtypes, which together amount to 75-85% of the diazepam-sensitive GABAA receptors.

Peptides derived from a sequence within beta 3 integrin bind to platelet alpha IIb beta 3 (GPIIb-IIIa) and inhibit ligand binding.

Peptides derived from a sequence within the loop structure of human platelet glycoprotein (GP) IIIa (integrin beta 3) were previously shown to inhibit fibrinogen binding to purified GPIIb-IIIa. In this study a series of peptides based on the GPIIIa sequence 211-221 (SVSRNRDAPEG) was synthesized. The most active peptide was determined to be RNRDA, and its inhibitory potency was 4-fold greater (IC50 = 4.8 microM) than that of SVSRNRDAPEG. These GPIIIa peptides also inhibited the binding of two monoclonal antibodies, pl-55 and PAC-1, which are directed against the activated conformer of GPIIb-IIIa. To determine whether these peptides bound directly to GPIIb-IIIa, an affinity matrix was prepared by coupling RNRDAPEGC to Sepharose. Fibrinogen or purified GPIIb-IIIa was applied to the affinity column. Only GPIIb-IIIa was retained on the column, and it could be specifically eluted by GPIIIa peptide or RGDV but not by an irrelevant peptide. Additionally, we observed that the binding of GPIIIa peptides to purified GPIIb-IIIa induced exposure of a neoepitope on GPIIb that was recognized by the monoclonal antibody pl-80. These data suggest that sequences within the loop structure of GPIIIa can interact with the ligand binding domain of GPIIb-IIIa. Thus, this GPIIIa domain may be involved in regulating the accessibility of ligands to GPIIb-IIIa following platelet activation.

Towards a synthetic malaria vaccine: cyclization of a peptide eliminates the production of parasite-unreactive antibody.

In a previous study, human beings were vaccinated with a P. falciparum malaria vaccine candidate consisting of tetanus toxoid coupled to linear (Asn-Ala-Asn-Pro)3 ((NANP)3). The vaccine initiated protection in some people, but some individuals mainly produced anti-peptide antibodies that did not react with the pathogen. A likely contributor to the formation of epitopes that give rise to pathogen-unreactive antibodies is the free terminal proline which is not a terminal residue in the native protein. To avoid the elicitation of antibodies against terminal epitopes, (NANP)3 was cyclized. In contrast to monoclonal antibodies to the linear peptide where 35% were unreactive with the parasite, all monoclonal antibodies to the cyclized peptide were found to react with the parasite.