bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sterol and Lipid Composition of Three Adriatic Sea Sponges
Authors: De Rosaa Salvatore , Seizova Katya , Kamenarska Zornitsa , Petrova Assia , Iodicea Carmine , Stefanov Kamen , Popov Simeon
Published: February 2015

The sterol and fatty acid composition of three Adriatic Sea sponges (Geodia cydonium and two unidentified Tedania sp.), collected at the same time and same place, was established. Twenty-four sterols and forty fatty acids were identified. The identical ecological conditions, including the diet, allowed us to apply the results obtained for taxonomical conclusions, based on the biodiversity of the investigated sponges. On the basis of the sterol composition they can be separated into two groups: Tedania and Geodia sponges. The sterol and fatty acid composition indicates that the two investigated Tedania samples might be different species or subspecies
Structure of a New Tetranuclear Iron(III) Complex with an Oxo-Bridge; Factors to Govern Formation and Stability of Oxo-Bridged Iron(III) Species in the L-Subunit of Ferritin
Authors: Sutoh Yuichi , Okawamukai Yuko , Nishino Satoshi , Nishida Yuzo
Published: February 2015

We have investigated the reaction products of several iron(III) compounds with hydrogen peroxide, and have found that hydrogen peroxide promotes the formation of an oxo-bridged iron(III) species in the presence of methanol (electron donor), and carboxyl groups of the ligand systems play a role to give the tetranuclear iron(III) compound containing a bent Fe- O-Fe unit (O: oxo oxygen atom). Based on the present results and the facts that L-chains of human ferritins lack ferroxidase activity, but are richer in carboxyl groups (glutamates) exposed on the cavity surface, it seems reasonable to conclude that (i) the hydrogen peroxide released in the H-subunit may contribute to the formation of a diferric oxo-hydrate in the L-subunit, (ii) the formation of a bent oxo-bridged iron(III) species is essentially important in the L-subunit, and (iii) rich carboxyl groups in L-subunits contribute to facilitate iron nucleation and mineralization through the capture and activation of the peroxide ion, and formation of a stable bent oxo-bridged iron(III) species
Identification and Quantitation of Usnic Acid from the Lichen Usnea Species of Anatolia and Antimicrobial Activity
Authors: Cansaran Demet , Kahya Didem , Yurdakulol Ender , Atakol Orhan
Published: February 2015

Six species of lichens, such as Usnea florida, Usnea barbata, Usnea longissima, Usnea rigida, Usnea hirta and Usnea subflorida, were collected from different areas of Anatolia (district of Antalya, Karabük, Çankırı, Giresun and Trabzon) in Turkey. Their usnic acid amounts in acetone extracts were determined by HPLC. In addition, antimicrobial activities of these extracts were determined against Escherichia coli (ATCC 35218), Enterococcus faecalis (RSKK 508), Proteus mirabilis (Pasteur Ens. 235), Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus megaterium. It was shown that with increasing amount of usnic acid, the antimicrobial activity increased. Usnic acid contents of Usnea species varied between 0.22-6.49% of dry weight.
Antiprotease and Antimetastatic Activity of Ursolic Acid Isolated from Salvia officinalis
Authors: Jedinák Andrej , Mučková Marta , Košt’álová Daniela , Maliar Tibor , Mašterová Irena
Published: February 2015

Proteases play a regulatory role in a variety of pathologies including cancer, pancreatitis, thromboembolic disorders, viral infections and many others. One of the possible strategies how to combat with these pathologies seems to be the use of low molecular inhibitors. Natu­ral products were evaluated in the in vitro antiprotease assay on serine proteases (trypsin, thrombin and urokinase) and on the cysteine protease cathepsin B. We found interesting results for β-ursolic acid isolated from Salvia officinalis, which significantly inhibited all tested proteases in vitro in the micromolar range. β-Ursolic acid showed the strongest inhibition activity to urokinase (IC50 = 12 μᴍ) and cathepsin B (IC50 = 10 /μᴍ) as proteases included in tumour invasion and metastasis indicated possible anticancer effectivity. Therefore, we tested the ability of β-ursolic acid at doses of 50, 75 and 100 mg/kg given i.p. to inhibit lung coloniza­tion of B16 mouse melanoma cells in vivo. We found, that β-ursolic acid significantly de­creased the number of B16 colonies in the lungs of mice at the dose 50 mg/kg (p < 0.05).
Functional Properties of Dioscorin, a Soluble Viscous Protein from Japanese Yam (Dioscorea opposita Thunb.) Tuber Mucilage Tororo
Authors: Nagai Takeshi , Nagashima Toshio
Published: February 2015

A soluble viscous protein was purified from yam (Dioscorea opposita Thunb.) tuber mucilage tororo by chromatographic steps, and its functional properties were estimated. The purified dioscorin having the molecular weight of about 200 kDa exhibited high scavenging activities against hydroxyl radicals (IC50 = 195.1 μg/ml) and superoxide anion radicals (IC50 = 92.7 μg/ml). Moreover, it showed extremely high angiotensin I-converting enzyme inhibitory activity (IC50 = 41.1 μg/ml). The results suggested that yam D. opposita tuber has a wide spectrum of strong antioxidative and antihypertensive activities and it could be utilized as a source of natural antioxidant.
Structure Proposal for a New Pyoverdin from Pseudomonas sp. PS 6.10
Authors: Budzikiewicz Herbert , Schäfer Mathias , Fernández Diana Uría , Meyer Jean-Marie
Published: February 2015

From Pseudomonas sp. PS 6.10, when grown in a casamino acid medium, a pyoverdin was isolated whose primary structure could be deduced from its mass spectrometric fragmentation pattern and amino acid analysis. It belongs to the smallest representatives of this group of siderophores comprising only six amino acids in its peptide chain. When grown in a succinate minimal medium the corresponding ferribactin considered to be the biogenetic precursor of the pyoverdin was obtained as the major component.
Diosgenin Contents and DNA Fingerprint Screening of Various Yam (Dioscorea sp.) Genotypes
Authors: Vendl Oliver , Wawrosch Christoph , Noe Christian , Molina Carlos , Kahl Günter , Kopp Brigitte
Published: February 2015

In addition to the importance of many Dioscorea species (yams) as starchy staple food, some representatives are known and still used as a source for the steroidal sapogenin diosgenin, which, besides phytosterols derived from tall-oil, is an important precursor for partial synthesis of steroids for pharmaceutical research and applications. While in edible yams the diosgenin content should be as low as possible, a high yield of the compound is preferable for cultivars which are grown for the extraction of sterols. In the past, miscalculations and insufficiently precise techniques for quantification of diosgenin prevailed. Therefore we set out to re-evaluate the steroid content of a world collection of Dioscorea species, using leaves as sample material. We optimized diosgenin quantification techniques and fingerprinted the whole collection with the DNA amplification fingerprinting (DAF) technique. Total diosgenin contents ranged from 0.04 to 0.93% of dry weight within the collection. Several Dioscorea cultivars can be characterized via their DAF fingerprint patterns.
Anticancer Activity of Tirucallane Triterpenoids from Amoora dasyclada
Authors: Yang Shu-Min , Song Qi-Shi , Qing Chen , Wu Da-Gang , Liu Xi-Kui
Published: February 2015

A new tetranortriterpene 3α-acetoxy-24,25,26,27-tetranortirucalla-7-ene-23(21)-lactone (3), and eleven other compounds were isolated from the twigs of Amoora dasyclada. The structure of compound 3 was identified on the basis of spectroscopic data, and the bioactive experiments of 1 and 3-5 against AGZY 83-a (human lung cancer cells) and SMMC-7721 (human liver cancer cells) are documented. Among them, compound 5 exhibited a strong activity against SMMC-7721.
A Diterpene γ-Lactone Derivative from Pterodon polygalaeflorus Benth. as a Photosystem II Inhibitor and Uncoupler of Photosynthesis
Authors: King-Díaz Beatriz , Santos Flávio J. L. dos , Rubinger Mayura M. M. , Piló -Veloso Dorila , Lotina-Hennsen Blas
Published: February 2015

6α,7β-Dihydroxyvouacapan-17β-oic acid (1) was isolated from Pterodon polygalaeflorus Benth. Modification of 1 yielded 6α-hydroxyvouacapan-7β,17β-lactone (2) and then 6-oxovouacapan- 7β,17β-lactone (3). Photosynthesis inhibition by 3 was evaluated in spinach chloroplasts. The uncoupled non-cyclic electron transport rate and ATP synthesis were inhibited by 3, which behaved as a Hill reaction inhibitor. Furthermore, 3 acted as an uncoupler because it enhanced the basal and phosphorylating electron transport rate on thylakoids. This last property of 3 was corroborated when it was observed that it enhances the Mg2+-ATPase activity. In contrast, 3 did not affect photosystem I (PSI) activity. Analysis of the partial photosystem II (PSII) reactions from water to DCPIPox and water to silicomolybdate allowed to locate the inhibition sites at the redox components of PSII. The OJIP test of the chlorophyll a fluorescence transient confirmed that the inhibition sites were 1.) the oxygen-evolving complex (OEC) and 2.) by the formation of silent centers in the non-QA reducing centers.
Enhanced Rosmarinic Acid Production by Lavandula vera MM Cell Suspension Culture through Elicitation with Vanadyl Sulfate
Authors: Georgiev Milen , Kuzeva Sonya , Pavlov Atanas , Kovacheva Elena , Ilieva Mladenka
Published: February 2015

The influence of elicitation on rosmarinic acid biosynthesis by Lavandula vera MM cell suspension culture was investigated using vanadyl sulfate as an abiotic elicitor. It was established that 12 h after treatment with 25 mg/l vanadyl sulfate the rosmarinic acid production was increased up to 3.92 g/l (2.8 times higher compared to the control cultivation). No significant amounts of rosmarinic acid were detected in the culture medium in comparison with its intracellular content. However, it was observed that the extracellular content of rosmarinic acid is 3.3 times higher compared to the control variant (4 h after treatment at elicitor concentration 25 mg/l).
Salicylic Acid Decreases the Levels of Dehydrin-Like Proteins in Tibetan Hulless Barley Leaves under Water Stress
Authors: Sun Xin , Yuan Shu , Lin Hong-Hui
Published: February 2015

The effects of salicylic acid (SA) on the accumulation of dehydrins in leaves of Tibetan hulless barley seedlings under water stress were investigated. The results indicated that SA decreased the levels of the four dehydrin-like proteins induced by water stress. The concentrations of these dehydrin-like proteins increased under water stress. However, their levels in SA-pretreated seedlings were always lower than in those receiving only water stress. Our results also indicated that the levels of dehydrin-like proteins decreased as the SA concentration increased. In SA-pretreated seedlings, electrolyte leakage, MDA and H2O2 content were rather higher than in seedlings receiving only water stress. By these results, we suggest that lower levels of dehydrin-like proteins in seedlings with SA treatment may be due to the greater accumulation of H2O2 induced by SA, which causes more oxidative injury under water stress.
Establishment of Callus and Cell Suspension Cultures of Corydalis saxicola Bunting, a Rare Medicinal Plant
Authors: Cheng Hua , Yu Long-Jiang , Hu Qiong-Yue , Chen Shan-Cai , Sun You-Ping
Published: February 2015

An efficient procedure has been developed for callus induction and cell suspension cultures of C. saxicola for the first time. Explant selection was carried out among leaf, stem and root to select a suitable type of explants capable of higher callus formation. Leaf explants thus selected showed maximum response to callus induction (67.1%). Modified B5 medium supplemented with 0.5 mg l−1 2,4-D plus 2 mg l−1 BA was the most favorable medium for callus formation with the highest induction rate (94.8%) and greatest fresh weight of callus (1.7 g per explant). Cell suspension cultures were established by transferring 2-8 g fresh callus to 80 ml liquid B5 medium. An inoculum size of 8 g produced the greatest biomass accumulation, dehydrocavidine and berberine productions, which was 13.1 g l−1, 8.0 mg l−1 and 4.1 mg l−1, respectively. In response to various sucrose concentrations from 10 g l−1 to 80 g l−1, cultures with 60 g sucrose l−1 not only produced the highest dry biomass (18.5 g l−1) but also the highest formation of dehydrocavidine (11.6 mg l−1) and berberine (7.6 mg l−1). These prepared cell suspension cultures provided a useful material for further regulation of alkaloid biosynthesis and for enhanced production of valuable alkaloids on a large scale.
Metabolic Fingerprinting and Profiling of Arabidopsis thaliana Leaf and its Cultured Cells T87 by GC/MS
Authors: Fukusaki Eiichiro , Jumtee Kanokwan , Bamba Takeshi , Yamaji Takehiro , Kobayashi Akio
Published: February 2015

Cell suspension cultures are now recognized as important model materials for plant bioscience and biotechnology. Very few studies of metabolic comparisons between cell cultures and original plants have been reported, even though the biological identity of cultured cells with the normally grown plant is of great importance. In this study, a comparison of the metabolome for primary metabolites extracted from the leaves of Arabidopsis thaliana and cultured cells from an Arabidopsis suspension culture (cell line T87) was performed. The results suggest that although cell suspension cultures and Arabidopsis leaves showed similarities in the common primary metabolite profile, nonetheless, moderate differences in quantitative profile were revealed.
Detection of Structural Change of Superoxide Dismutase in Solution
Authors: Chiba Yuji , Sutoh Yuichi , Nishida Yuzo
Published: February 2015

We have confirmed that dissociation of the dimeric SOD molecule into a monomeric one can be readily detected in solution by the use of capillary electrophoresis (CE), which is based on the fact that the peak height in the CE profile is highly dependent on the aggregation conditions of the protein molecule. Based on this fact, it has become apparent that the hydrogen peroxide molecule induces the dissociation of the dimeric structure of SOD, and this should give reasonable explanation for the inactivation of SOD by hydrogen peroxide. Our results may give a convenient way for the early detection of the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in patients, because we can estimate whether the SOD molecule is of a rigid or loosed dimeric structure by the use of this technique. The loosed one has been assumed to exhibit inherent toxicity of the copper center, so-called “gain-of-function” of the mutant SOD.
Inter- and Intraspecific Activities of Compounds Derived from Sex Pheromone Glands of Currant Borer, Synanthedon tipuliformis (Clerck) (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae)
Authors: Mozūraitis Raimondas , Karaliusa Vidmantas , Būda Vincas , Borg-Karlson Anna-Karin
Published: February 2015

Gas chromatography and mass spectrometry analyses of crude sex pheromone gland extracts revealed that virgin Synanthedon tipuliformis (Clerck), currant borer (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae) females, produced 6 compounds, structurally related to sex pheromone components of clearwing moths. By comparison of retention times and mass spectra of natural products with corresponding properties of synthetic standards, these compounds were identified as: (2E,13Z)-octadeca-2,13-dien-1-yl acetate (E2,Z13-18:OAc), (3E,13Z)-octadeca-3,13-dien-1-yl acetate (E3,Z13-18:OAc), (13Z)-octadec-13-en-1-yl acetate (Z13-18:OAc), (2E,13Z)-octadeca- 2,13-dien-1-ol (E2,Z13-18:OH), (13Z)-octadec-13-en-1-ol (Z13-18:OH) and octadecan- 1-ol (18:OH) in the ratio 100:0.7:2.7:3.2:traces:traces. The first 3 compounds were previously known to occur in the sex pheromone gland extracts of currant borers, while the last 3 chemicals are now reported for the first time. Trapping tests carried out in the black currant field revealed that E2,Z13-18:OAc, when tested separately, attracted S. tipuliformis males, while addition of E3,Z13-18:OAc to the main component increased the effectiveness of E2,Z13-18:OAc over seven times. The attractiveness of 6 component lures did not differ significantly from the one of the binary mixture, confirming that E2,Z13-18:OAc and E3,Z13- 18:OAc in the ratio100:0.7 are essential sex pheromone components of S. tipuliformis. Trapping tests carried out at the dwelling place of Synanthedon scoliaeformis (Borkhausen) (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae) revealed that, in addition to intraspecific synergistic effect, E3,Z13-18:OAc increased the specificity of the pheromone signal of S. tipuliformis, acting by intraspecific mode as an attraction antagonist against S. scoliaeformis males. By this way, it ensured the specificity of the sex attraction signal of the currant borer. Consequently, both compounds E2,Z13-18:OAc and E3,Z13-18:OAc have to be present in pheromone formulations used for monitoring and/or control of S. tipuliformis to avoid effecting non-target species. Other compounds identified from the sex pheromone gland of S. tipuliformis did not show any significant interspecific activity for males of S. scoliaeformis, however, they provide a basis to achieve specificity of a pheromone signal of S. tipuliformis and could act as attraction antagonists against other clearwing moth species which, like S. tipuliformis, employ E2,Z13- 18:OAc as their sex pheromone component.
Antiulcerogenic Activity of Crude Extract, Fractions and Populnoic Acid Isolated from Austroplenckia populnea (Celastraceae)
Authors: Andrade Sérgio F. , Antoniolli Daiane , Comunello Eros , Cardoso Luis G. V. , Carvalho José C. T. , Bastos Jairo K.
Published: February 2015

Many plant crude extracts and their isolated compounds are the most attractive sources of new drugs and show promising results for the treatment of gastric ulcers. Austroplenckia populnea is commonly known as “marmelinho-do campo, mangabeira-brava, mangabarana and vime” and it has been used in folk medicine as anti-dysenteric and anti-rheumatic. Powdered bark wood (3.25 kg) was macerated with aqueous ethanol (96%) and the extract was concentrated under reduced pressure to yield 406 g of crude hydralcoholic extract. The hydralcoholic extract was suspended in aqueous methanol and partitioned with hexane, chloroform and ethyl acetate (EtOAc) in sequence, yielding 8.0 g, 9.5 g and 98.17 g of crude extracts, respectively. Chromatography of the hexane extract over a silica gel column led to the isolation of the triterpene populnoic acid. The oral administration of hydralcoholic, hexane, chloroform and EtOAc extracts (200 mg/kg) decreased the ulcer lesion index (ULI) by 83.15%, 46.87%, 32.2%, 68.12%, respectively. Oral administration of populnoic acid (100 mg/ kg) diminished the ULI by 55.29%. All the obtained results were significant in comparison with the negative control, with exception of the chloroform extract.
Melanin Protects Choroidal Blood Vessels against Light Toxicity
Authors: Peters Swaantje , Lamah Thomas , Kokkinou Despina , Bartz-Schmidt Karl-Ulrich , Schraermeyer Ulrich
Published: February 2015

Low ocular pigmentation and high long-term exposure to bright light are believed to increase the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (ARMD). To investigate the role of pigmentation during bright light exposure, cell damage in retinae and choroids of pigmented and non-pigmented rats were compared. Pigmented Long Evans (LE) rats and non-pigmented (albino) Wistar rats were exposed to high intensity visible light from a cold light source with 140,000 lux for 30 min. Control animals of both strains were not irradiated. The animals had their pupils dilated to prevent light absorbance by iris pigmentation. 22 h after irradiation, the rats were sacrificed and their eyes enucleated. Posterior segments, containing retina and choroid, were prepared for light and electron microscopy. Twenty different sections of specified and equal areas were examined in every eye. In albino rats severe retinal damage was observed after light exposure, rod outer segments (ROS) were shortened and the thickness of the outer nuclear layer (ONL) was significantly diminished. Choriocapillaris blood vessels were obstructed. In wide areas the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) was absent in albino rats after irradiation. In contrast, LE rats presented much less cell damage in the RPE and retina after bright light exposure, although intra-individual differences were observed. The thickness of the ONL was almost unchanged compared to controls. ROS were shortened in LE rats, but the effect was considerably less than that seen in the albinos. Only minimal changes were found in choroidal blood vessels of pigmented rats. The RPE showed certain toxic damage, but cells were not destroyed as in the non-pigmented animals. The number of melanin granules in the RPE of LE rats was reduced after irradiation. Ocular melanin protects the retina and choroid of pigmented eyes against light-induced cell toxicity. Physical protection of iris melanin, as possible in eyes with non-dilated pupils, does not seem to play a major role in our setup. Biochemical mechanisms, like reducing oxidative intracellular stress, are more likely to be responsible for melanin-related light protection in eyes with dilated lens aperture.
(–)-Agelasidine A from Agelas clathrodes
Authors: Medeiros Maria Augusta , Lourenço Ana , Tavares Maria Regina , Curto Maria João Marcelo , Feio Sónia Savluchinske , Roseiro José Carlos
Published: February 2015

(-)-Agelasidine A was identified from the methanol extract of the marine sponge Agelas clathrodes for the first time together with zooanemonin, 1-carboxymethylnicotinic acid, hymenidin, mukanadins A and C, monobromodispacamide, agelasidine D, 2-amide-4-bromopyrrole, O-methyltryptophan and an agelasines mixture. The structures were characterized by spectroscopic methods. (-)-Agelasidine A was tested for antibacterial and antifungal activities and shown to act as a bacteriostatic agent as it inhibited the growth of Staphylococcus aureus and partially the growth of other bacteria.
Anthocyanins, Colour and Antioxidant Properties of Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) and Violet Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) Peel Extracts
Authors: Sadilova Eva , Stintzing Florian C. , Carle Reinhold
Published: February 2015

Acetone extracts from eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) and violet pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) peels both belonging to the Solanaceae plant family were characterized with respect to their anthocyanin profiles, colour qualities and antioxidant capacities. According to HPLC-DAD-MS3 analyses the major anthocyanin in eggplant was delphinidin-3-rutinoside, while the predominant pigment in violet pepper was assigned to delphinidin-3-transcoumaroylrutinoside- 5-glucoside. Since virtually all anthocyanins were delphinidin-based, the effect of acylation and glycosylation patterns on colour stability and antioxidant capacity could be assessed. Application of two in vitro-assays for antioxidant capacity assessment revealed that eggplant generally exhibited higher values compared to violet pepper which was ascribed to 3,5-diglycosylated structures predominating in the latter. The higher extent of acylation in violet pepper was reflected by a more purplish colour shade of the extracts, but did not translate into a higher stability against fading which again was attributed to additional glycosyl substitution at C5. These findings support the relevance of structurerelated activities of anthocyanins both for understanding food colour and their particular nutritional value.
The Influence of Auxins on the Biosynthesis of Isoprene Derivatives in Callus Cultures of Vaccinium corymbosum var. bluecrop
Authors: Migas Piotr , Łuczkiewicz Maria , Cisowski Wojciech
Published: February 2015

Callus cultures of Vaccinium corymbosum var. bluecrop were optimized for their isoprene derivatives production by supplementing Schenk-Hildebrandt (SH) medium with constant concentration of kinetin (2.32 μᴍ) and two different amounts of selected auxins. Every auxin, except for IBA, used in 10-time higher concentration (2,4D, NAA, IAA, NOA) stimulated biosynthesis of β-sitosterol and inhibited triterpene synthesis. Quantitative analysis of isoprene derivatives in callus biomass collected on the 25th day of the experiment proved that the analyzed callus of Vaccinium corymbosum var. bluecrop synthesized the highest amount of isoprene derivatives after subculturing on SH medium modified with 22.6 μᴍ of 2,4D and 2.32 μᴍ of kinetin.
4-Methyl-1-hepten-3-one, the Defensive Compound from Agathemera elegans (Philippi) (Phasmatidae) Insecta
Authors: Schmeda-Hirschmann Guillermo
Published: February 2015

Insects of the genus Agathemera (Phasmatidae) live in the Chilean Andes over 1500 m above sea level. On disturbing, the insects release a spray that can cause temporary blindness in humans. Very little is known on the composition of chemicals used for defense by South American phasmids. Here we show that both female and male defensive secretion of Agathemera elegans is made up of 4-methyl-1-hepten-3-one. The compound is reported for the first time as a natural product.
Toxicity and Metabolism of the Chloral-Derived Mammalian Alkaloid 1-Trichloromethyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-β-carboline (TaClo) in PC12 Cells
Authors: Bringmann Gerhard , Feineis Doris , Münchbach Miriam , God Ralf , Peters Karl , Peters Eva-Maria , Mössner Rainald , Lesch Klaus-Peter
Published: February 2015

Chloral-derived β-carbolines, which are structurally similar to the dopaminergic neurotoxin 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP, 5), are discussed to contribute to neuronal cell death in idiopathic Parkinson’s disease. The cytotoxicity of 1-trichloromethyl- 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-β-carboline (TaClo, 4) to neuronal-like clonal pheochromocytoma PC12 cells was examined by the determination of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release. After incubation for 48 h, 4 showed a strong dose-dependent cytotoxic activity towards PC12 cells with an ED50 value of 230 μᴍ. In PC12 cells reductive dehalogenation of 4 was observed giving rise to the formation of 1-dichloromethyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-β-carboline (6) as a main TaClo metabolite exhibiting a cytotoxic potential comparable to that of TaClo. An X-ray structure analysis, performed for the trifluoroacetyl derivative of 6, revealed the N-substituent of such a highly chlorinated agent to be dramatically pushed out of the β-carboline ring ‘plane’ due to the high steric demand of the huge dichloromethyl group at C(1).
Cytotoxic Activity of Orsellinates
Authors: Gomes Alcir T. , Honda Neli K. , Roese Fernanda M. , Muzzi Rozanna M. , Sauer Leandro
Published: February 2015

The series of 2,4-dihydroxy-6-methylbenzoates 2-10 (methyl to hexyl orsellinates) prepared by alcoholysis of lecanoric acid (1) - a natural product from the lichen Parmotrema tinctorum (Nyl.) Hale - was submitted to the brine shrimp lethality test (BST), which was also performed for 2,4-dihydroxy-6-methylbenzoic acid (11) (orsellinic acid) and the derivative ethyl-2-hydroxy-4-methoxy-6-methylbenzoate (12) (4-methoxy-ethyl orsellinate), in order to detect new substances with probable antineoplasic activity. Results showed that chain elongation - increase in lipophilicity (log P) - causes a rise in the cytotoxic activity of orsellinates. Hexyl orsellinate (7) showed the highest cytotoxic activity (LC50 = 31 μм). A correlation between lipophilicity (log P) and cytotoxic activity (log 1/LC50) is presented. Compounds with ramified chains - iso-propyl, sec-butyl and tert-butyl orsellinates (8-10) - were less active than those with the correspondent linear chain. The activities presented by 4-methoxy-ethyl orsellinate (12) and ethyl orsellinate (3) suggest that the hydroxy group at the C-4 position causes effect in the cytotoxic activity of orsellinates against Artemia salina.
Antibacterial Activity and Composition of the Essential Oil of Ziziphora clinopodioides subsp. bungeana (Juz.) Rech. f. from Iran
Authors: Sonboli Ali , Mirjalili Mohammad Hossein , Hadian Javad , Ebrahimi Samad Nejad , Yousefzadi Morteza
Published: February 2015

The chemical composition of the essential oil obtained from the aerial flowering parts of Ziziphora clinopodioides subsp. bungeana (Juz.) Rech. f. was analyzed by GC and GCMS. Thirty-two components representing 97.1% of the total oil were identified. Oxygenated monoterpenes (94.3%) were the predominant fraction of the oil with pulegone (65.2%), isomenthone (11.9%), 1,8-cineole (7.8%) and piperitenone (6.5%) as the main constituents. Antibacterial activity of the oil and also its two main components (pulegone and 1,8-cineole) were tested against seven bacteria. It was found that the oil exhibited interesting antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus epidermidis, S. aureus, Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis with MIC values of 3.75 mg/ml.
Antimicrobial Activity and Composition of the Essential Oil of Gontscharovia popovii from Iran
Authors: Sonboli Ali , Sefidkon Fatemeh , Yousefzadi Morteza
Published: February 2015

The aerial parts of Gontscharovia popovii (B. Fedtsch. and Gontsch.) Boriss. were collected at full flowering stage. The essential oil was isolated by hydrodistillation and analyzed by a combination of capillary GC and GC-MS. Thirty-one components were identified with the main constituent being carvacrol (71.9%), followed by linalool (5.5%), p-cymene (4.5%) and γ-terpinene (4.4%). The in vitro antimicrobial activity of the essential oil of G. popovii was studied against seven Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria (Bacillus subtilis, Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae) and three fungi (Candida albicans, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Aspergillus niger). The results of the bioassays showed that the oil exhibited strong antimicrobial activity against all the tested fungi and bacteria except for the resistant bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
RT-PCR Analysis and Stress Response Capacity of Transgenic gshI-Poplar Clones (Populus × canescens) in Response to Paraquat Exposure
Authors: Bittsánszky András , Gyulai Gábor , Humphreys Mervyn , Gullner Gábor , Csintalan Zsolt , Kiss József , Szabó Zoltán , Lágler Richárd , Tóth Zoltán , Rennenberg Heinz , Heszky László , Kőmíves Tamás
Published: February 2015

Stress response capacity (Fv/Fm at 690 nm and F690/F735 at Fmax) of untransformed hybrid poplar, Populus × canescens (P. tremula × P. alba), and two transgenic lines overexpressing γ-ECS (γ-glutamylcysteine synthetase) either in the cytosol (cyt-ECS) or in the chloroplast (chl-ECS) was studied in response to the herbicide paraquat (4.0 × 10-9 to 4.0 × 10-6 m) for 21 days. Significant differences at sublethal (4.0 × 10-7 m) and bleaching (4.0 × 10-6 m) concentrations of paraquat were observed with about a two-fold and eight-fold decrease in the photosynthetic activity (Fv/Fm at 690 nm and F690/F735 at Fmax), respectively. None of the gshI transgenic lines (cyt-ECS, chl-ECS) with elevated GSH content exhibited significant tolerance to paraquat.

Semiquantitative RT-PCR of the cyt-ECS clone was used for gene expression analysis of the nuclear encoded rbcS gene and the stress responsive gst gene. Expression of the constitutively expressed 26SrRNA ribosomal gene was probed as a control for all RT-PCR reactions. The relative intensities of gene expressions normalized to the level of 26SrRNA intensity showed a 50% decrease in the nuclear encoded rbcS expression and a 120% increase in the stress responsive gst gene expression of the paraquat treated (4.0 × 10-7 m) samples of the transgenic poplar line (cyt-ECS).
Electrophysiological Responses of Atta sexdens rubropilosa Workers to Essential Oils of Eucalyptus and its Chemical Composition
Authors: Batista-Pereira Luciane G. , Fernandes João B. , Silva M. Fátima G. F. da , Vieira Paulo C. , Bueno Odair C. , Corrêa Arlene G.
Published: February 2015

The leaf-cutting ant Atta sexdens rubropilosa Forel, 1908 is the most harmful of the Eucalyptus pests, causing severe losses in wood production through defoliation. Various strategies have been tried and effort spent on the development of methods to control this pest, however no practical and environmentally acceptable one currently exists. In this work the chemical composition of the essential oil of seven Eucalyptus species was identified and the selectivity and sensitivity of antennal receptors of A. sexdens rubropilosa workers to the volatile compounds were determined using the electroantennographic technique (EAG and GC-EAD). Analysis by GC-EAD showed in E. cloesiana and E. maculata, respectively, seventeen and sixteen terpenes that elicited responses in ant workers’ antennae, indicating the potential role of the essential oils as allelochemicals that determine the choice of the foraging material.
Simultaneous Identification and Determination of Major Taxoids from Extracts of Taxus chinensis Cell Cultures
Authors: Zhao Chun F. , Yu Long J. , Li Li Q. , Xiang Fu
Published: February 2015

Liquid chromatography electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC/ESI-MS/ MS) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) methods have been used to identify and quantify the major taxoids from extracts of Taxus chinensis cell cultures. Chromatography was carried out on a reverse phase C18 column with isocratic-mode elution. By analytically comparing LC/ESI-MS/MS of the extracts with that of the available reference substances and literature, six taxoids were identified as taxuyunnanine C (Tc, 1), yunnanxane (2), 2α,5α,10β-triacetoxy-14β-propionyloxytaxa-4(20),11-diene (3), 2α,5α,10β-triacetoxy-14β- (2-methyl)butyryloxytaxa-4(20),11-diene (4), taxol (5), and baccatin III (B III, 6), respectively. Among them, 2, 3 and 4 were assigned in the absence of the corresponding reference substances, and 3 and 4 were detected in this cell line for the first time. The identification was validated by NMR spectra. The precise quantification of 1 and 5 was made using HPLC. The limit of detection (LOD), 0.5 μg/ml for 5, 1.5 μg/ml for 1, and the linearity and accuracy of the quantitative method were evaluated, indicating a wide linear range and satisfactory accuracy. The amounts of other identified taxoids were calculated on the basis of comparison of the absolute response factors of similar structural substances. The proposed method provides a rapid, conventional and reliable tool to characterize and study cell lines for elucidating the taxane biosynthesis.
Root Cultures of Linum Species Section Syllinum as Rich Sources of 6-Methoxypodophyllotoxin
Authors: Mohagheghzadeh Abdolali , Gholami Azra , Hemmati Shiva , Ardakani Mohammad Reza Shams , Schmidt Thomas J. , Alfermann A. Wilhelm
Published: February 2015

Linum spp. from section Syllinum are promising for the production of aryltetralin lignans like podophyllotoxin (PTOX) and 6-methoxypodophyllotoxin (MPTOX). MPTOX is a PTOX congener that has cytotoxic activity comparable with PTOX. In this study root cultures of Linum Bungei from section Dasyllinum, L. strictum from section Linastrum, L. album, L. mucronatum ssp. mucronatum and L. nodiflorum from section Syllinum were established and their MPTOX levels were investigated in 1000 ml flasks. Root cultures of L. mucronatum ssp. mucronatum and L. nodiflorum were used to examine cell growth and production of MPTOX during a culture period of 36 days in 250 ml flasks. Considerable amounts of MPTOX in root cultures (1000 ml flasks) of L. album (6 mg/100 g DW), L. mucronatum ssp. mucronatum (770 mg/100 g DW) and L. nodiflorum (91 mg/100 g DW) were detected while it wasn’t detected in root cultures of L. Bungei and L. strictum. In time course experiments, the maximum amount of MPTOX in L. nodiflorum root culture was at day 16 with 480 mg/ 100 g DW and the maximum amount of MPTOX in L. mucronatum ssp. mucronatum root culture was at day 12 with 130 mg/100 g DW. The results showed that root cultures of Linum species from section Syllinum are rich sources of MPTOX and since this lignan has remarkable cytotoxic activity, it can be used as a precursor for the production of antitumor agents.
The Influence of Plant Hormones on Phospholipid Monolayer Stability
Authors: Gzyl-Malcher Barbara , Filek Maria , Brezesinski Gerald , Fischer Antje
Published: February 2015

The influence of hormones in water subphase on the stability of monolayers built of phospholipid mixtures extracted from embryogenic (PLE) and nonembryogenic (PLNE) wheat calli was examined. Additionally, experiments on individual lipids, dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) and dipalmitoylphosphatidic acid (DPPA), were performed. DPPC was chosen because it was the main phospholipid present in both calli. Negatively charged DPPA could mimic a negatively charged natural mixture of lipids. As hormones, auxins (IAA and 2,4-D), cytokinins (zeatin and kinetin) and zearalenone were chosen. The time of monolayer stability for PLNE calli was much longer than for PLE calli. Kinetics of monolayer stability of PLNE was similar to DPPA, whereas that of PLE was similar to DPPC. Generally, hormones increased the time after which the monolayer stability was reached and decreased the surface pressure. The greatest effect was observed for auxins (especially IAA), whereas cytokinins affected the monolayer stability to a lesser degree.
Influence of Various Phenolic Compounds on Phenol Hydroxylase Activity of a Trichosporon cutaneum Strain
Authors: Gerginova Maria , Manasiev Jordan , Shivarova Nedka , Alexieva Zlatka
Published: February 2015

The phenol-degrading strain Trichosporon cutaneum R57 utilizes various aromatic and aliphatic compounds as a sole carbon and energy source. The intracellular activities of phenol hydroxylase [EC 1.14.13.7] of a Trichosporon cutaneum R57 strain grown on phenol (0.5 g/l) were measured. Different toxic phenol derivatives (cresols, nitrophenols and hydroxyphenols) were used as substrates in the reaction mixture for determination of the enzyme activity. The data obtained showed that the investigated enzyme was capable to hydroxylate all applied aromatic substrates. The measured activities of phenol hydroxylase varied significantly depending on the aromatic compounds used as substrates. The rate of phenol hydroxylase activity with phenol as a substrate (1.0 U/mg total cell protein) was accepted as 100%.
Bacterial Decolorization of Acid Orange 7 in the Presence of Ionic and Non-Ionic Surfactants
Authors: Avramova Tatyana , Stefanova Lilyana , Angelova Blaga , Mutafov Sava
Published: February 2015

The effects of the non-ionic surfactant Triton® X-100, the cationic surfactant cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and the anionic surfactant sodium N-lauroyl sarcosinate (SLS) on the decolorization of the reaction medium containing the monoazo dye Acid Orange 7 (AO7) by Alcaligenes faecalis and Rhodococcus erythropolis were studied. It was found that the surfactants influenced in different ways the rate of decolorization. At all concentrations tested the non-ionic surfactant Triton X-100 decreased the decolorization rate of R. erythropolis. At concentrations above the critical micelle concentration (CMC) Triton X-100 upset the usually observed exponential decay of the dye with A. faecalis due probably to the existence of an outer membrane in this organism. In concentrations above the CMC the anionic surfactant SLS inhibited the decolorization and, at prolonged incubation, caused partial release of the bound dye. The cationic surfactant CTAB in concentrations above and below the CMC accelerated drastically the binding of AO7 to the cells causing a rapid staining of the biomass and complete decolorization of the reaction medium. An attempt was made for explanation of the observed differences by the negative electrostatic charge of the living bacterial cell.
Inhibition of Anodic Galvanotaxis of Green Paramecia by T-Type Calcium Channel Inhibitors
Authors: Aonuma Miki , Kadono Takashi , Kawano Tomonori
Published: February 2015

Calcium ion (Ca2+) is one of the key regulatory elements for ciliary movements in the Paramecium species. It has long been known that members of Paramecium species including green paramecia (Paramecium bursaria) exhibit galvanotaxis which is the directed movement of cells toward the anode by swimming induced in response to an applied voltage. However, our knowledge on the mode of Ca2+ action during green paramecia anodic galvanotactic response is still largely limited. In the present study, quantification of anodic galvanotaxis was carried out in the presence and absence of various inhibitors of calcium signaling and calcium channels. Interestingly, galvanotactic movement of the cells was completely inhibited by a variety of Ca2+-related inhibitors. Such inhibitors include a Ca2+ chelator (EGTA), general calcium channel blockers (such as lanthanides), inhibitors of intracellular Ca2+ release (such as ruthenium red and neomycin), and inhibitors of T-type calcium channels (such as NNC 55-0396, 1-octanol and Ni2+). However, L-type calcium channel inhibitors such as nimodipine, nifedipine, verapamil, diltiazem and Cd2+ showed no inhibitory action. This may be the first implication for the involvement of T-type calcium channels in protozoan cellular movements.
Isolation and Identification of Potential Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria from the Rhizoplane of Oryza sativa L. cv. BR29 of Bangladesh
Authors: Islam Md. Tofazzal , Deora Abhinandan , Hashidoko Yasuyuki , Rahman Atiqur , Ito Toshiaki , Tahara Satoshi
Published: February 2015

A total of 30 bacteria were isolated from the rhizoplane of rice cv. BR29 cultivated in Mymensingh, Bangladesh and from the seedlings obtained from surface-sterilized seeds of BR29. Upon screening, 6 isolates showed varying levels of phosphate solubilizing activity in both agar plate and broth assays using National Botanical Research Institute’s phosphate medium. The bacterial isolates were identified based on their phenotypic and 16S rRNA genes sequencing data as Acinetobacter sp. BR-12, Klebsiella sp. BR-15, Acinetobacter sp. BR-25, Enterobacter sp. BR-26, Microbacterium sp. BRS-1 and Pseudomonas sp. BRS-2. The BR-25 exhibited highest phosphate solubilizing activity followed by BR-15. They grew rapidly in the liquid medium at pH 5 and 7 but almost no growth occurred at pH 3. The pH value of the culture medium was decreased with bacterial growth suggesting that they might secrete organic acids to solubilize insoluble phosphorus. Scanning electron microscope analysis of two-week-old rice seedlings germinated from seeds previously inoculated with BR-25 and BR-15 revealed dense colonization at the root surfaces presumably using fimbriae on the bacterial cells.
Excess Boron Reduces Polyphenol Oxidase Activities in Embryo and Endosperm of Maize Seed during Germination
Authors: Ölçer Hülya , Kocaçalışkan İsmail
Published: February 2015

The effects of increasing concentrations of boron (0, 0.1, 1, 10 and 20 mм) as boric acid on the rate of germination and polyphenol oxidase activities in embryo and endosperm tissues of maize seeds (Zea mays L. cv. Arifiye) were studied. The germination percentage of maize seeds was not affected by boron concentrations up to 10 mм, and decreased by 20 mм. Distilled water and lower boron concentrations (0.1 and 1 mм) increased polyphenol oxidase activities at the beginning of germination up to 12 h whereas its excess levels (10 and 20 mм) decreased polyphenol oxidase activities in embryos and endosperm during germination. Polyphenol oxidase activities with o-diphenolic substrates (caffeic acid, catechol and dopa) were found to be higher than with a monophenolic substrat (tyrosine) in both embryos and endosperms. Further, caffeic acid oxidizing polyphenol oxidase was found to show more activity in embryos of the seeds germinating in distilled water when compared to other substrates.
Antinociceptive and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Saponin and Iridoid Glycosides from Verbascum pterocalycinum var. mutense Hub.-Mor.
Authors: Akkol Esra Küpeli , Tatli I. Irem , Akdemir Zeliha S.
Published: February 2015

The anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive properties of four major compounds from the flowers of Verbascum pterocalycinum var. mutense were investigated. Saponin glycosides called ilwensisaponin A and C and iridoid glycosides known as ajugol and picroside IV were isolated from the methanolic extract. A dose-related anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive response were obtained in this study at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg. The results of the evaluation of the anti-inflammatory activity induced by carrageenan and PGE1 showed that this species possesses active constituents that could diminish the cyclooxygenase activitiy. No effects were observed in the 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced ear edema model. Our results support the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of Verbascum pterocalycinum var. mutense. Ilwensisaponins A and C could explain in part the anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of this species. Although antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of ajugol and picroside IV were found insignificant in the statistical analysis, ilwensisaponin A and C showed notable activity without inducing any apparent acute toxicity as well as gastric damage.
Limonoids as Larvicidal Components against Mosquito Larvae (Aedes aegypti Linn.)
Authors: Kiprop Ambrose Kipchumba , Kiprono Paul Chepkwony , Rajab Mohammed Said , Kosgei Mathew Kipchumba
Published: February 2015

The study focussed on four limonoids (calodendrolide, harrisonin, pedonin and pyroangolensolide) as larvicidal components against mosquito 2nd instar larvae of the species Aedes aegypti Linn. senso stricto. Since pyroangolensolide is close to calodendrolide in structure, it was synthesized through reduction of calodendrolide with chromium(II) chloride in acetone. Harrisonin and pedonin were extracted with cold methanol from the root bark of Harrisonia abyssinica while calodendrolide was extracted with the same solvent from the root bark of Calodendrum capense. The structure of pyroangolensolide was elucidated using physical and spectroscopic techniques. 25, 50, 75, and 100 μm of each compound were tested against the mosquito larvae. Calodendrolide was the most toxic since 100% mortality was registered at all concentrations, while pyroangolensolide showed 100% mortality up to 50 μm and for contents of 25 μm, a mortality of 70% was registered. As a result of this toxicity, lower concentrations (5, 10 and 15 μm) were tested for both calodendrolide and pyroangolensolide. Toxicity of harrisonin and pedonin was lower. The relative toxicity was in the order: calodendrolide > pyroangolensolide >harrisonin > pedonin with LC50 values of 13.2, 16.6, 28.1 and 59.2 μm, respectively.
Screening of Various Phenolic Acids and Flavonoid Derivatives for their Anticholinesterase Potential
Authors: Orhan Ilkay , Kartal Murat , Tosun Fatma , Şener Bilge
Published: February 2015

Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the most common form of dementia, is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive cognitive deterioration together with declining activities of daily living and neuropsychiatric symptoms or behavioural changes. The oldest, on which most currently available drug therapies are based, is known as the “cholinergic hypothesis” and suggests that AD begins as a deficiency in the production of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Therefore, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) inhibitors have gained a great popularity for the treatment of AD. In this study, we screened in vitro inhibitory activities of a number of phenolic acids (chlorogenic, caffeic, gallic, and quinic acids) as well as of various flavonoid derivatives (genistein, biochanin A, naringin, apigenin, quercetin, luteolin-7-O-rutinoside, kaempferol-3-O-galactoside, diosmin, silibinin, and silymarin) against AChE and BChE at 1 mg/ml concentration using a microplate-reader assay based on the Ellman method. Among them, only quercetin showed a substantial inhibition (76.2%) against AChE, while genistein (65.7%), luteolin-7-O-rutinoside (54.9%), and silibinin (51.4%) exerted a moderate inhibition on BChE.