bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In vitro Antiproliferative and Antifungal Activity of Essential Oils from Erigeron acris L. and Erigeron annuus (L.) Pers.
Authors: Nazaruk Jolanta , Karna Ewa , Wieczorek Piotr , Sacha Paweł , Tryniszewska Elżbieta
Published: January 2015

Antiproliferative and antifungal activities of essential oils from Erigeron acris root and herb and from Erigeron annuus herb were investigated. The cell viability assay was performed in cultured fi broblasts, cancer cell lines (MCF-7 and MDA-MBA-231), and endometrial adenocarcinoma (Ishikawa) cells as well as colon adenocarcinoma (DLD-1) cells using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT). The essential oil from E. acris root showed the highest antiproliferative activity in the MCF-7 cell line with an IC50 value of 14.5 μg/mL. No effect of the essential oil on normal cells at that concentration was found. Antifungal activity against various strains of five Candida species, i.e. C. albicans, C. glabrata, C. tropicalis, C. krusei, and C. parapsilosis, was tested by the microdilution method. It was found that all examined oils can be useful as antifungal agents against the abovementioned species, but the essential oil of E. acris herb was the most active. Their minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) ranged from 30 to 0.4 μL/mL. The data presented suggest that essential oils from E. acris and E. annuus possess antifungal activity against Candida spp. and antiproliferative activity against breast cancer MCF-7 cells
Biological Activity of 1-Aryl-3-phenethylamino-1-propanone Hydrochlorides and 3-Aroyl-4-aryl-1-phenethyl-4-piperidinols on PC-3 Cells and DNA Topoisomerase I Enzyme
Authors: Mete Ebru , Gul Halise Inci , Canturk Pakize , Topcu Zeki , Pandit Bulbul , Gul Mustafa , Li Pui-Kai
Published: January 2015

1a

A number of studies reported Mannich bases to manifest antimicrobial, cytotoxic, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and anticonvulsant activities. A considerable number of therapeutically important cytotoxic compounds are active on DNA topoisomerases that regulate the DNA topology. In the present study we evaluated the biological activity of mono- Mannich bases, 1-aryl-3-phenethylamino-1-propanone hydrochlorides (- 10a), and semicyclic mono- Mannich bases, 3-aroyl-4-aryl-1-phenethyl-4-piperidinols (1b - 9b), synthesized in our laboratory. We employed androgen-independent human prostate cancer cells (PC-3) to assess the cytotoxicity of the compounds and extended the biological activity evaluation to cover supercoil relaxation assays of mammalian type I topoisomerases. Our results showed that the compounds had cytotoxicity within the 8.2 - 32.1 μM range, while two compounds gave rise to a comparable average value in topo I interference of 42% and 40% for 10a (with a hydroxy substituent on the phenyl ring from mono-Mannich bases) and 5b (with a fluoro substituent on the phenyl ring from the semicyclic mono-Mannich base series, piperidinols), respectively
Effect of the Number of rol Genes Integrations on Phenotypic Variation in Hairy Root-Derived Hypericum perforatum L. Plants
Authors: Komarovská Hedviga , Košuth Ján , Giovannini Annalisa , Smelcerovic Andrija , Zuehlke Sebastian , Čellárová Eva
Published: January 2015

The extent of phenotypic variation of St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum L.) plants transformed with wild agropine ATCC 15834 Agrobacterium rhizogenes plasmid was evaluated with respect to the number of rol genes integrations. The transfer of TL-DNA to plant explants during each transformation event was incomplete with different rolA, rolB, and rolC copy numbers. Along with typical features representing the hairy root syndrome, an altered size, number and density of dark and translucent glands, changes in ability to synthesize secondary metabolites, and reduced fertility were observed. The highest copy number of transferred rol genes resulted in weak expression of transgenic character and comparable quantitative parameters with the controls. Only 1 out of 11 transgenic clones was able to produce seed progeny and not more than 4 out of its 35 offsprings were positive for rolC gene integration. Sterility of the clones was due to retarded development of both gametophytes
n-Alkylresorcinol Occurrence in Mercurialis perennis L. (Euphorbiaceae)
Authors: Lorenz Peter , Knödler Matthias , Bertrams Julia , Berger Melanie , Meyer Ulrich , Stintzing Florian C.
Published: January 2015

Investigation of the dichloromethane extracts from herbal and root parts of Mercurialis perennis L. afforded a mixture of 11 homologous n-alkylresorcinols (ARs) with saturated odd-numbered alkyl side chains (C15:0-C27:0). In addition to three predominant ARs (C19:0, C21:0 and C23:0), a number of minor ARs were identified by use of LC-MS/MS and GC-MS techniques. Among the compounds detected, four uncommon ARs with evennumbered alkyl side chain lengths were also determined. The overall AR concentration in herbal parts was 7 to 9 times higher compared to that of the roots. The results presented may open a new view on the phytochemistry and pharmacognosy of M. perennis and other members of the Euphorbiaceae family.
Assessment of Enzyme Inhibitory and Antioxidant Activities of Lignans from Taxus baccata L.
Authors: Kucukboyacı Nurgun , Orhan Ilkay , Şener Bilge , Nawaz S. Ahmad , Choudhary M. Iqbal
Published: January 2015

Phytochemical investigations of Taxus baccata L. by successive chromatographic methods resulted in the isolation of the lignans lariciresinol (1), taxiresinol (2), 3´-demethylisolariciresinol- 9´-hydroxyisopropylether (3), isolariciresinol (4), and 3-demethylisolariciresinol (5) as well as taxoids. Compounds 1 - 5 were evaluated for their acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), and lipoxygenase (LOX) inhibitory activities, which play a role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), by in vitro spectrophotometric methods, while they were also screened for their antioxidant capacity in 2,2-diphenyl-1- picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging, ferrous ion-chelating effect, and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) at 125, 250, 500, and 1000 μg ml-1. All compounds exhibited a moderate inhibition against both BChE and LOX, whereas they were inactive towards AChE. The compounds displayed a great scavenging activity against DPPH especially at 500 and 1000 μg ml-1. Besides, they were found to exert noteworthy reducing antioxidant power on ferric ions. In particular, the FRAP of compounds 2 (3.552 ± 0.02), 4 (3.021 ± 0.71), and 5 (3.533 ± 0.01) were as high as that of the reference chlorogenic acid (3.618 ± 0.01) at 1000 μg ml-1. None of the compounds exhibited chelating ability against ferrous ions.
Possible Fungistatic Implications of Betulin Presence in Betulaceae Plants and their Hymenochaetaceae Parasitic Fungi
Authors: Jasicka-Misiak Izabela , Lipok Jacek , Świder Izabela A. , Kafarski Paweł
Published: January 2015

Betulin and its derivatives (especially betulinic acid) are known to possess very interesting prospects for their application in medicine, cosmetics and as bioactive agents in pharmaceutical industry. Usually betulin is obtained by extraction from the outer layer of a birch bark. In this work we describe a simple method of betulin isolation from bark of various species of Betulaceae trees and parasitic Hymenochaetaceae fungi associated with these trees. The composition of the extracts was studied by GC-MS, whereas the structures of the isolated compounds were confirmed by FTIR and 1H NMR. Additionally, the significant fungistatic activity of betulin towards some fi lamentous fungi was determined. This activity was found to be strongly dependent on the formulation of this triterpene. A betulin-trimyristin emulsion, in which nutmeg fat acts as emulsifier and lipophilic carrier, inhibited the fungal growth even in micromolar concentrations - its EC50 values were established in the range of 15 up to 50 μM depending on the sensitivity of the fungal strain. Considering the lack of fungistatic effect of betulin applied alone, the application of ultrasonic emulsification with the natural plant fat trimyristin appeared to be a new method of antifungal bioassay of water-insoluble substances, such as betulin.
Expression for Caffeine Biosynthesis and Related Enzymes in Camellia sinensis
Authors: Kato Misako , Kitao Naoko , Ishida Mariko , Morimoto Hanayo , Irino Fumi , Mizuno Kouichi
Published: January 2015

Caffeine (1,3,7-trimethylxanthine) is a purine alkaloid that is present in high concentrations in the tea plant Camellia sinensis. Caffeine synthase (CS, EC 2.1.1.160) catalyzes the S-adenosyl-L-methionine-dependent N-3- and N-1-methylation of the purine base to form caffeine, the last step in the purine alkaloid biosynthetic pathway. We studied the expression profile of the tea caffeine synthase (TCS) gene in developing leaves and flowers by means of northern blot analysis, and compared it with those of phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL, EC 4.3.1.5), chalcone synthase (CHS, EC 2.3.1.74), and S-adenosyl-L-methionine synthase (SAMS, EC 2.5.1.6). The amount of TCS transcripts was highest in young leaves and declined markedly during leaf development, whereas it remained constant throughout the development of the flower. Environmental stresses other than heavy metal stress and plant hormone treatments had no effect on the expression of TCS genes, unlike the other three genes. Drought stress suppressed TCS gene expression in leaves, and the expression pattern mirrored that of the dehydrin gene. The amounts of TCS transcripts increased slightly on supply of a nitrogen source. We discuss the regulation of TCS gene expression
Isolation of Quality Total RNA from the Aromatic Plant Origanum onites
Authors: Poyraz Īsmail , Sözen Emel , Arslanyolu Muhittin
Published: January 2015

We successfully used the guanidine isothiocyanate method for isolation of total RNA from leaf, stem, and root tissues of the aromatic plant Origanum onites. The RNA was extracted with TRI Reagent® at room temperature and was recovered by isopropanol precipitation. The isolated RNA was capable of reverse transcription. The extraction method described here does not require ultracentrifugation, and it is fast, simple, and effective. The procedure can be completed within 3 hours and may be applicable to other aromatic medicinal plants containing high amounts of phenolic compounds.
Synthesis and Pharmacological Evaluation of Novel Substituted and Unsubstituted N-(Benzoylphenyl)-1H-indole-2-carboxamides as Potent Antihypertriglyceridemic Agents
Authors: Shahwan Moyad , Shattat Ghassan , Al-Qirim Tariq , Sheikha Ghassan Abu , Al-Hiari Yusuf , El-Huneidi Waseem , Jarab Anan , Al-Najdawi Manal
Published: January 2015

The N-(benzoylphenyl)-1H-indole-2-carboxamide derivatives 1 - 6 were synthesized, and the lipid-lowering effects of two of these novel compounds were studied using hyperlipidemic rats as an experimental model. Treatment of ethyl-1H-indole-2-carboxylate with aminobenzophenones in the presence of sodium ethoxide and DMF, followed by purifi cation using column chromatography, gave the target compounds in good yields. The tested animals were divided into control, hyperlipidemic, compounds 2-, 3- and bezafibrate-treated groups. At a dose of 15 mg/kg body weight, compounds 2, 3 and bezafibrate significantly reduced the elevated plasma triglyceride levels after 7 and 24 h. Furthermore, the high-density lipoprotein- cholesterol levels were remarkably increased in all treated groups after 7 and 24 h compared to the hyperlipidemic control group. However, only compounds 2- and 3-treated groups obviously showed a significant reduction in plasma total cholesterol levels after 24 h. It is therefore reasonable to assume that 2 and 3 may have a promising potential in the treatment of hyperlipidemia and coronary heart diseases.
Structural Investigation of an Antibacterial Polysaccharide from Streptomyces virginia H03
Authors: He Feng , Yang Guang , Yu Longjiang
Published: January 2015

The chemical structure of a polysaccharide from the broth of cultured Streptomyces virginia H03 was investigated. There might be 1→2 and 1→4 and no 1→6 glycosidic linkages in the polysaccharide according to periodate oxidation and Smith degradation. Four fragments including 2,3,4,6-Me4-Man, 2,3,6-Me3-Gal, 2,4,6-Me3-Glc, and 3,6-Me2-Man were found in the methylated polysaccharide. Furthermore, the polysaccharide has a β-Glc(1→4)- α-Man(1→4)-α-Gal(1→3)-linked backbone and a branch at the C-2 position of (1→2)-linked mannose residues as determined by the method of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The assumed structure of the polysaccharide is

[→3)-β-Glc(1→4)-α-Man (1→4)-α-Gal(1→]n.

2

↑

α-Man(1

Additionally, the polysaccharide has a wide antibiogram and was found to be most effective against Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, and Escherichia coli.
Differential Production of Tropane Alkaloids in Hairy Roots and in vitro Cultured Two Accessions of Atropa belladonna L. under Nitrate Treatments
Authors: Chashmi Najmeh Ahmadian , Sharifi Mozafar , Karimi Farah , Rahnama Hasan
Published: January 2015

Plants are a potential source of a large number of valuable secondary metabolites. In vitro cultures are being considered as an alternative to agricultural processes for studying valuable secondary metabolites. In this way, nutritive factors are important parameters influencing the production of these compounds in plants. Effects of nitrate concentrations (KNO3) on the production of two tropane alkaloids, hyoscyamine and scopolamine, and the growth of aerial parts and roots of two in vitro propagated accessions of Atropa belladonna and hairy roots were investigated. As hairy roots cultures are able to keep a stable production of alkaloids over long periods of subculturing, they are considered as an interesting option for the study of alkaloid biosynthesis. A hairy roots culture of Atropa belladonna was established by transformation with Agrobacterium rhizogenes strain AR15834. The results of our study showed that a rise in KNO3 concentration caused a decline in hairy roots growth, and had a remarkable effect on the alkaloid content. The alkaloid concentrations obtained in the hairy roots were 3 - 20 times higher than that in the plants at 35 mM of KNO3. Increasing the nitrate concentration in the medium of hairy roots also improved the hyoscyamine/scopolamine ratio, while it increased the scopolamine/hyoscyamine ratio in the studied plants.
Determination of Total Glutathione in Yeasts by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with Dansylation
Authors: Ma Yunfeng , Xiang Fu , Jin Wenwen , Yu Longjiang
Published: January 2015

A method to determine the content of total glutathione (GSHt) was introduced based on high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with dansylation. The minimum detection concentration of GSHt was 0.5 μg/mL and the measurable range 1.0 - 300 μg/mL. GSHt in yeasts was obtained by hot-water extraction, GSH complete autoxidation to oxidized glutathione (GSSG) in alkaline solution and purification by thin-layer chromatography (TLC). The quantitative determination of GSSG was derived by dansyl chloride at pH 9.5, 60 ºC for 60 min and assayed by HPLC. GSHt in Saccharomyces cerevisiae is higher than in Candida rugosa and Candida utilis. S. cerevisiae can be chosen as the better target for mutagenesis and industrial scale.
A Fungal Cu/Zn-Containing Superoxide Dismutase Enhances the Therapeutic Efficacy of a Plant Polyphenol Extract in Experimental Influenza Virus Infection
Authors: Serkedjieva Julia , Stefanova Tsvetanka , Krumova Ekaterina
Published: January 2015

The combined protective effect of a polyphenol-rich extract, isolated from Geranium sanguineum L. (PC), and a novel naturally glycosylated Cu/Zn-containing superoxide dismutase, produced from the fungal strain Humicula lutea 103 (HL-SOD), in the experimental influenza A virus infection (EIVI) in mice, induced with the virus A/Aichi/2/68 (H3N2), was investigated. The combined application of HL-SOD and PC in doses, which by themselves do not defend significantly mice in EIVI, resulted in a synergistically increased protection, determined on the basis of protective indices and amelioration of lung injury. Lung weights and consolidation as well as infectious lung virus titers were all decreased significantly parallel to the reduction of the mortality rates; lung indices were raised. The excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by alveolar macrophages (aMØ) as well as the elevated levels of the lung antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), induced by EIVI, were brought to normal. For comparative reasons the combined protective effect of PC and vitamin C was investigated. The obtained results support the combined use of antioxidants for the treatment of influenza virus infection and in general indicate the beneficial protective role of combinations of viral inhibitors of natural origin with diverse modes of action.
Characterization of Calcium Oxalate Biominerals in Some (Non-Cactaceae) Succulent Plant Species
Authors: Monje Paula V. , Baran Enrique J.
Published: January 2015

The water-accumulating leaves of crassulacean acid metabolism plants belonging to five different families were investigated for the presence of biominerals by infrared spectroscopic and microscopic analyses. Spectroscopic results revealed that the mineral present in succulent species of Agavaceae, Aizoaceae, and Asphodelaceae was calcium oxalate monohydrate (whewellite, CaC2O4 · H2O). Crystals were predominantly found as raphides or solitary crystals of various morphologies. However, representative Crassulaceae members and a succulent species of Asteraceae did not show the presence of biominerals. Overall, these results suggest no correlation between calcium oxalate generation and crassulacean acid metabolism in succulent plants.
Vasorelaxant Action of N-p-Nitrophenylmaleimide in the Isolated Rat Mesenteric Artery
Authors: Ribeiro Eurica , Furtado Fabíola F. , Noldin Vânia F. , Corrêa Rogério , Cechinel-Filho Valtir , Medeiros Isac A.
Published: January 2015

The vasorelaxant response of N-p-nitrophenylmaleimide (4-NO2-NPM) was evaluated. The mesenteric rings (1 - 2 mm i.d.) were suspended by cotton thread for isometric tension recordings in a Tyrode’s solution at 37 °C and gassed with a mixture of 95% O2 and 5% CO2, under a resting tension of 0.75 g. 4-NO2-NPM induced relaxation in mesenteric rings pre-contracted with phenylephrine (Phe; 10 μM, pD2 = 6.7 ± 0.3) or KCl (80 mM, pD2 = 3.9 ± 0.2). This effect was significantly attenuated after removal of the vascular endothelium, NG-nitro L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME; 100 μM), atropine (1 μM), indomethacin (10 μM), L-NAME + indomethacin or 1H-[1,2,3]oxadiazolo[4,3-α]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ; 10 μM). LArginine (1 mM) reversed the inhibitory effect of L-NAME. In endothelium-intact preparations pre-incubated with 20 mM KCl, tetraethylammonium bromide (TEA; 1 mM) or glibenclamide (Glib; 10 μM), the vasorelaxant effect was significantly attenuated when compared to controls (endothelium intact). In denuded rings, separate incubation with 20 mM KCl, TEA or Glib did not change the relaxation when compared with that obtained in denuded rings. 4-NO2-NPM inhibited in a concentration-dependent and non-competitive manner the concentration-response curves induced by CaCl2. In calcium-free medium, the transient contractions induced by Phe (10 μM) or caffeine (20 mM) were inhibited. The relaxant effect induced by 4-NO2 -NPM appeared to be due to endothelial muscarinic receptors activation, NO and prostacyclin release and KATP and BKCa (Ca2+-activated K+ channels) endotheliumdependent activation. Inhibition of the Ca2+ influx and inhibition of the Ca2+ release from intracellular IP3- and caffeine-sensitive stores are also involved in the vasorelaxation
Analysis of Genetic Relationships in Germplasms of Mugua in China Revealed by Internal Transcribed Spacer and its Taxonomic Significance Analysis of Genetic Relationships in Germplasms of Mugua in China Revealed by Internal Transcribed Spacer and its Taxonomic Signifi cance
Authors: Han Bangxing , Peng Huasheng , Yao Qin , Zhou Yang , Cheng Ming’en , Wang Dequn
Published: January 2015

Genetic relationships were studied among eight species of three taxa in the genus Chaenomeles by nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) analysis. A genetic distance matrix based on ITS sequences was estimated according to the formula of Kimura-2 parameter and a neighbour-joining phenogram, which were obtained with Clustalx4.1 software. The results showed that the germplasms of Mugua originate from Ch. speciosa (Sweet) Nakai, not including Ch. sinensis (Thouin) Kochne and Ch. cathayensis (Hemsl.) Schneid. The results also showed that ‘Yao Mugua’ and ‘Ornamental Mugua’ are the most distantly related species in germplasms.
Antioxidant and Antifungal Properties of Benzimidazole Derivatives
Authors: Kuş Canan , Sözüdönmez Fatma , Can-Eke Benay , Çoban Tülay
Published: January 2015

Antioxidant and radical scavenging properties of a series of 2-[4-(substituted piperazin-/ piperidin-1-ylcarbonyl)phenyl]-1H-benzimidazole derivatives were examined. Free radical scavenging properties of compounds 11-30 and 33 were evaluated for the stable free radical 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and superoxide anion radical. In addition the inhibitory effects on the NADPH-dependent lipid peroxidation levels were determined by measuring the formation of 2-thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) using rat liver microsomes. Compound 33 which has a p-fluorobenzyl substitutent at position 1 exhibited the strongest inhibition (83%) of lipid peroxidation at a concentration of 10-3 M, while the nonsubstituted analogue 13 caused 57% inhibition. This result is fairly consistent with the antimicrobial activity results against both Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans.
Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Hydroxydihydrocarvone
Authors: Almeida Reinaldo N. de , Sousa Damião P. de , Camargo Enilton A. , Oliveira Fernando S.
Published: January 2015

Hydroxydihydrocarvone (HC) is a synthetic intermediate obtained by hydration of the natural compound (R)-(-)-carvone. The aim of the present study was to investigate the possible anti-inflammatory activity of orally administered HC. Toxicity, motor coordination, tail immersion test, as well as carrageenan-induced paw edema and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity or peritonitis were all evaluated in rodents. HC was force-fed to the animals 1 h before the stimulus. The lethal dose 50% (LD50) of orally administered HC was 1259 mg/kg. No changes in motor coordination were recorded in HC-treated mice in the rotarod test. The time of response to the thermoceptive stimulus in the tail immersion test was longer in HC-treated animals (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) than in the vehicle-treated group. HC also significantly decreased the area under curve of carrageenan-induced rat paw edema at 100 and 200 mg/kg and MPO activity at 200 mg/kg. Carrageenan-induced neutrophil recruitment to the peritoneal cavity was significantly reduced by HC at doses of 100 or 200 mg/kg, but not 50 mg/kg. These findings demonstrate that orally administered HC exerts antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities in rats and mice.
Citrus Residues Isolates Improve Astaxanthin Production by Xanthophyllomyces dendrorhous
Authors: Wu Wei , Lu Mingbo , Yu Longjiang
Published: January 2015

The wild strain and two astaxanthin-overproducing mutant strains, W618 and GNG274, of Xanthophyllomyces dendrorhous were analyzed in order to assess their ability to grow and synthesize astaxanthin in a minimal medium containing (per liter): 2 g KH2PO4, 0.5 g MgSO4, 2 g KNO3, and 1 g yeast extract, and supplemented with citrus residues isolates as a carbon source (citrus medium). The selected strain W618 was evaluated under various contents of citrus juice. At the content of 20% (v/v), the highest astaxanthin production reached 22.63 mg L-1, which was two-fold more than that observed in yeast malt medium. Addition of 8% (v/v) n-hexadecane to the citrus medium was found to be optimal, increasing the astaxanthin yield by 21.7%.
Bioconversion of Artemisinin to its Nonperoxidic Derivative Deoxyartemisinin through Suspension Cultures of Withania somnifera Dunal
Authors: Sabir Farzana , Kumar Anil , Tiwari Pragya , Pathak Neelam , Sangwan Rajender S. , Bhakuni Rajendra S. , Sangwan Neelam S.
Published: January 2015

Biotransformation of artemisinin was investigated with two different cell lines of suspension cultures of Withania somnifera. Both cell lines exhibited potential to transform artemisinin into its nonperoxidic analogue, deoxyartemisinin, by eliminating the peroxo bridge of artemisinin. The enzyme involved in the reaction is assumed to be artemisinin peroxidase, and its activity in extracts of W. somnifera leaves was detected. Thus, the non-native cell-free extract of W. somnifera and suspension culture-mediated bioconversion can be a promising tool for further manipulation of pharmaceutical compounds.
Effective Salt Criteria in Callus-Cultured Tomato Genotypes
Authors: Dogan Mahmut , Tıpırdamaz Rukiye , Demir Yavuz
Published: January 2015

Na+, Cl-, K+, Ca2+, and proline contents, the rate of lipid peroxidation level in terms of malondialdehyde (MDA) and chlorophyll content, and the changes in the activity of antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD: EC 1.15.1.1), catalase (CAT: EC 1.11.1.6), ascorbate peroxidase (APX: EC 1.11.1.11), and glutathione reductase (GR: EC 1.6.4.2), in tissues of five tomato cultivars in salt tolerance were investigated in a callus culture. The selection of effective parameters used in these tomato genotypes and to find out the use of "in vitro" tests in place of "in vivo" salt tolerance tests were investigated. As a material, five different tomato genotypes during a 10-day time period were used, and 150 mM NaCl was applied at callus plant tissue. The exposure to NaCl induced a significant increase in MDA content in both salt-resistant and salt-sensitive cultivars. But the MDA content was higher in salt-sensitive cultivars. The chlorophyll content was more decreased in saltsensitive than in salt-resistant ones. The proline amount was more increased in salt-sensitive than in salt-resistant ones. It has been reported that salt-tolerant plants, besides being able to regulate the ion and water movements, also exhibit a strong antioxidative enzyme system for effective removal of ROS. The degree of damage depends on the balance between the formation of ROS and its removal by the antioxidative scavenging system that protects against them. Exclusion or inclusion of Na+, Cl-, K+, and Ca2+ , antioxidant enzymes and MDA concentration play a key protective role against stress, and this feature at the callus plant tissue used as an identifier for tolerance to salt proved to be an effective criterion.
New Antifungal Xanthones from the Seeds of Rhus coriaria L.
Authors: Singh Onkar , Ali Mohammed , Akhtar Nida
Published: January 2015

Phytochemical investigations of the ethanolic extract of the seeds of Rhus coriaria L. (Anacardiaceae) led to the identification of four new xanthones, characterized as 2,3-dihydroxy- 7-methyl xanthone (1), 2,3,6-trihydroxy-7-hydroxymethylene xanthone-1-carboxylic acid (2), 2-methoxy-4-hydroxy-7-methyl-3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl xanthone-1,8-dicarboxylic acid (4), and 2-hydroxy-7-hydroxymethylene xanthone-1,8-dicarboxylic acid 3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl- (2’ → 3’’)-3’’-O-stigmast-5-ene (5), along with the known steroidal glucoside β-sitosterol-β-Dglucoside (3). The structures of the isolated compounds have been identifi ed on the basis of spectral data analysis and chemical reactions. All xanthones were active against Aspergillus flavus.
Substituted Salicylaldehydes as Potential Antimicrobial Drugs: Minimal Inhibitory and Microbicidal Concentrations
Authors: Pelttari Eila , Lehtinen Markku , Elo Hannu
Published: January 2015

Substituted salicylaldehydes are potent antibacterial and antifungal agents and may have chemotherapeutic potential. In the clinical setting, the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) as well as the minimal bactericidal and fungicidal concentrations (MBC and MFC, respectively) are of fundamental interest. Therefore, we have now, using a panel of fi ve microbial species (Bacillus cereus, Candida albicans, Escherichia coli, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Staphylococcus aureus), determined the MIC and MBC/MFC values of a total of 22 aromatic aldehydes, including 19 substituted salicylaldehydes and the unsubstituted parent compounds benzaldehyde and salicylaldehyde (2-hydroxybenzaldehyde). The results clearly indicate that both of the yeasts studied are remarkably sensitive to various salicylaldehydes and, especially, to halogenated ones. Some congeners clearly merit consideration as potential therapeutic agents for Candida infections. The MIC values of the most potent congeners are of roughly the same magnitude as that of amphotericin B, and the results of the MFC measurements indicate that the compounds are fungicidal. All of the bacteria studied are also sensitive to at least some of the compounds tested but, clearly, this class of antimicrobials has superior activity against yeasts. Structure-activity relationships are discussed for each microbial species and compared with each other. The comparison of the results of MIC and MBC/MFC measurements with those of agar diffusion tests revealed aspects that are of interest concerning the methodology of antimicrobial activity screening. Unexpectedly, it was found that some compounds that are completely devoid of activity in agar diffusion tests had potent activity in MIC tests, indicating that if only agar diffusion methodology is used in drug discovery, some highly active compounds may be missed
Antibacterial Activity of an Oligosaccharide of Native Paecilomyces sp. and its Aminoglycosylated Derivative
Authors: Lillo Luis , Alarcón Julio , Céspedes Carlos L. , Cabello Gerardo , Canto Patricia , Caro Claudia
Published: January 2015

This study reports the antibacterial activity of an oligosaccharide, prepared by partial acid hydrolysis of a native Paecilomyces sp. exopolysaccharide, and of its aminoglycosylated derivative, prepared by reductive alkylation of the oligosaccharide, against E. coli and S. aureus
Purifi cation of a Toxic Metalloprotease Produced by the Pathogenic Photobacterium damselae subsp. piscicida Isolated from Cobia (Rachycentron canadum)
Authors: Liu Ping-Chung , Chuang Wen-Hsiao , Lee Kuo-Kau
Published: January 2015

The aim of the present study was to purify and characterize a toxic protease secreted by the pathogenic Photobacterium damselae subsp. piscicida strain CP1 originally isolated from diseased cobia (Rachycentron canadum). The toxin isolated by anion exchange chromatography, was a metalloprotease, inhibited by L-cysteine, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), ethylene glycol-bis(β-aminoethyl ether)N,N,N’,N’-tetraacetic acid (EGTA), 1,10-phenanthroline, N-tosyl-L-phenylalanine-chloromethyl ketone (TPCK), and N-α-ptosyl- L-lysine-chloromethyl ketone (TLCK), and showed maximal activity at pH 6.0 - 8.0 and an apparent molecular mass of about 34.3 kDa. The toxin was also completely inhibited by HgCl2, and partially by sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and CuCl2. The extracellular products and the partially purified protease were lethal to cobia with LD50 values of 1.26 and 6.8 μg protein/g body weight, respectively. The addition of EDTA completely inhibited the lethal toxicity of the purified protease, indicating that this metalloprotease was a lethal toxin produced by the bacterium.
Linker Histone H1.b is Polymorphic in Grey Partridge (Perdix perdix)
Authors: Kowalski Andrzej , Pałyga Jan , Górnicka-Michalska Ewa
Published: January 2015

This study was aimed at characterizing allelic variations of erythrocyte histone H1.b by comparing the electrophoretic patterns of histone H1.b from individuals of grey partridge (Perdix perdix) population. As two alloforms, H1.b1 and H1.b2, were discerned in the screening gels, the histone H1.b was regarded to be a polymorphic protein encoded by a gene with two codominant alleles, b1 and b2, at a locus. The tested population was found to be at Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (χ2 = 0.834, p = 0.361), with only a minor heterozygote deficiency (fixation index F = 0.136). Since the histone H1.b alloforms were identified in a two-dimensional gel containing sodium dodecyl sulfate, with no significant differences in their migration pattern in an one-dimensional acetic acid polyacrylamide gel, we assumed that the H1.b alloforms possessed a similar net charge and differed in their apparent molecular weights. A comparison of N-bromosuccinimide-cleaved and α-chymotrypsin-digested products of histone H1.b alloforms revealed slight differences in the velocity of C-terminal peptides and a similarity in migration of their N-terminal peptides in one-dimensional sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel. Therefore, it seemed that the histone H1.b alloforms might differ in this amino acid sequence in a protein segment between N-bromosuccinimide cleavage site and the very C-terminus.
Biofi xation of CO2 from Synthetic Combustion Gas Using Cultivated Microalgae in Three-Stage Serial Tubular Photobioreactors
Authors: Morais Michele G. , Radmann Elisângela M. , Costa Jorge A. V.
Published: January 2015

Coal is the most abundant of the fossil fuels, with reserves estimated at 102 billions of tons. The feasibility of using coal as a fuel depends upon reducing emissions of gas when it is burnt, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), sulfur oxides (SOx), and nitrogen oxides (NOx). The removal of CO2 with microalgae may be one of the most efficient ways of reducing this gas, without the need for radical changes in the world’s energy supply and production methods. Spirulina sp. LEB-18 and Scenedesmus obliquus LEB-22 were cultivated in serial tubular photobioreactors, with the aim of measuring the potential of CO2 biofixation and the resistance of the microalgae to SO2 and NO. Spirulina sp. and S. obliquus had CO2 biofixation scores of 0.27 and 0.22 g L-1 d-1, respectively. Both microalgae were resistant to SO2 and NO, and grew during the 15 d they were cultivated, which proves that using microalgae is an efficient method of biofixation of CO2 emitted when fossil fuels are burnt.
Quantifi cation of Polyacetylenes in Apiaceous Plants by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography Coupled with Diode Array Detection
Authors: Kramer Maike , Mühleis Andrea , Conrad Jürgen , Leitenberger Martin , Beifuss Uwe , Carle Reinhold , Kammerer Dietmar R.
Published: January 2015

Polyacetylenes are known for their biofunctional properties in a wide range of organisms. In the present study, the most frequently occurring polyacetylenes, i.e. falcarinol, falcarindiol, and falcarindiol-3-acetate, were determined in six genera of the Apiaceae family. For this purpose, a straightforward and reliable method for the screening and quantification of the polyacetylenes using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array and mass spectrometric detection without tedious sample clean-up has been developed. Peak assignment was based on retention times, UV spectra, and mass spectral data. Quantification was carried out using calibration curves of authentic standards isolated from turnip-rooted parsley and Ligusticum mutellina, respectively. The references were unambiguously identified by Fourier transform-IR (FT-IR) spectroscopy, GC-MS, HPLC-MSn in the positive ionization mode, and 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectroscopy. To the best of our knowledge, the occurrence of falcarindiol-3-acetate in Anthriscus sylvestris and Pastinaca sativa has been reported for the first time. The data revealed great differences in the polyacetylene contents and varying proportions of individual compounds in the storage roots of Apiaceous plants. The results of the present study may be used as a suitable tool for authenticity control and applied to identify novel sources devoid or particularly rich in polyacetylenes, thus facilitating breeding programs for the selective enrichment and depletion of these plant secondary metabolites, respectively.
Synthesis and in vitro Study of Antiviral and Virucidal Activity of Novel 2-[(4-Methyl-4H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)sulfanyl]acetamide Derivatives
Authors: Wujec Monika , Plech Tomasz , Siwek Agata , Rajtar Barbara , Polz-Dacewicz Małgorzata
Published: January 2015

2-[(4-Methyl-4H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)sulfanyl]acetamide derivatives were synthesized and their structures were confirmed by 1H NMR, IR, and elemental analysis. Cytotoxicity of the compounds towards HEK-293 and GMK cells was evaluated. Moreover, the antiviral and virucidal activities of these compounds against human adenovirus type 5 and ECHO-9 virus were assessed. Some of the newly synthesized derivatives have the potential to reduce the viral replication of both tested viruses.
Secondary Metabolites of Ponderosa Lemon (Citrus pyriformis) and their Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Cytotoxic Activities
Authors: Hamdan Dalia , El-Readi Mahmoud Zaki , Tahrani Ahmad , Herrmann Florian , Kaufmann Dorothea , Farrag Nawal , El-Shazly Assem , Wink Michael
Published: January 2015

Column chromatography of the dichloromethane fraction from an aqueous methanolic extract of fruit peel of Citrus pyriformis Hassk. (Rutaceae) resulted in the isolation of seven compounds including one coumarin (citropten), two limonoids (limonin and deacetylnomilin), and four sterols (stigmasterol, ergosterol, sitosteryl-3-β-D-glucoside, and sitosteryl-6ʹ- O-acyl-3-β-D-glucoside). From the ethyl acetate fraction naringin, hesperidin, and neohesperidin were isolated. The dichloromethane extract of the defatted seeds contained three additional compounds, nomilin, ichangin, and cholesterol. The isolated compounds were identified by MS (EI, CI, and ESI), 1H, 13C, and 2D-NMR spectral data. The limonoids were determined qualitatively by LC-ESI/MS resulting in the identification of 11 limonoid aglycones. The total methanolic extract of the peel and the petroleum ether, dichloromethane, and ethyl acetate fractions were screened for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The ethyl acetate fraction exhibited a significant scavenging activity for DPPH· free radicals (IC50 = 132.3 μg/mL). The petroleum ether fraction inhibited 5-lipoxygenase with IC50 = 30.6 μg/mL indicating potential anti-inflammatory properties. Limonin has a potent cytotoxic effect against COS7 cells [IC50 = (35.0 ± 6.1) μM] compared with acteoside as a positive control [IC50 = (144.5 ± 10.96) μM]
Chemical Characterization and Physical and Biological Activities of Rhamnolipids Produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa BN10
Authors: Christova Nelly , Tuleva Boryana , Cohen Rashel , Ivanova Galya , Stoev Georgy , Stoilova-Disheva Margarita , Stoineva Ivanka
Published: January 2015

Pseudomonas aeruginosa BN10 isolated from hydrocarbon-polluted soil was found to produce rhamnolipids when cultivated on 2% glycerol, glucose, n-hexadecane, and n-alkanes. The rhamnolipids were partially purified on silica gel columns and their chemical structures elucidated by combination of one- and two-dimensional 1H and 13C NMR techniques and ESI-MS analysis. Eight structural rhamnolipid homologues were identified: Rha-C10- C8, Rha-C10-C10, Rha-C10-C12:1, Rha-C10-C12, Rha2-C10-C8, Rha2-C10-C10, Rha2-C10-C12:1, and Rha2-C10-C12. The chemical composition of the rhamnolipid mixtures produced on different carbon sources did not vary with the type of carbon source used. The rhamnolipid mixture produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa BN10 on glycerol reduced the surface tension of pure water from 72 to 29 mN m-1 at a critical micellar concentration of 40 mg l-1, and the interfacial tension was 0.9 mN m-1. The new surfactant product formed stable emulsions with hydrocarbons and showed high antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria. The present study shows that the new strain Pseudomonas aeruginosa BN10 demonstrates enhanced production of the di-rhamnolipid Rha2-C10-C10 on all carbon sources used. Due to its excellent surface and good antimicrobial activities the rhamnolipid homologue mixture from Pseudomonas aeruginosa BN10 can be exploited for use in bioremediation, petroleum and pharmaceutical industries.
Effect of a Traditional Processing Method on the Chemical Composition of Local White Lupin (Lupinus albus L.) Seed in North-Western Ethiopia
Authors: Yeheyis Likawent , Kijora Claudia , Wink Michael , Peters Kurt J.
Published: January 2015

The effect of a traditional Ethiopian lupin processing method on the chemical composition of lupin seed samples was studied. Two sampling districts, namely Mecha and Sekela, representing the mid- and high-altitude areas of north-western Ethiopia, respectively, were randomly selected. Different types of traditionally processed and marketed lupin seed samples (raw, roasted, and finished) were collected in six replications from each district. Raw samples are unprocessed, and roasted samples are roasted using firewood. Finished samples are those ready for human consumption as snack. Thousand seed weight for raw and roasted samples within a study district was similar (P > 0.05), but it was lower (P < 0.01) for finished samples compared to raw and roasted samples. The crude fibre content of finished lupin seed sample from Mecha was lower (P < 0.01) than that of raw and roasted samples. However, the different lupin samples from Sekela had similar crude fibre content (P > 0.05). The crude protein and crude fat contents of finished samples within a study district were higher (P < 0.01) than those of raw and roasted samples, respectively. Roasting had no effect on the crude protein content of lupin seed samples. The crude ash content of raw and roasted lupin samples within a study district was higher (P < 0.01) than that of finished lupin samples of the respective study districts. The content of quinolizidine alkaloids of finished lupin samples was lower than that of raw and roasted samples. There was also an interaction effect between location and lupin sample type. The traditional processing method of lupin seeds in Ethiopia has a positive contribution improving the crude protein and crude fat content, and lowering the alkaloid content of the finished product. The study showed the possibility of adopting the traditional processing method to process bitter white lupin for the use as protein supplement in livestock feed in Ethiopia, but further work has to be done on the processing method and animal evaluation.
Anticancer Activity of Some Bisbenzimidazoles
Authors: Işıkdağ İlhan , Özkay Yusuf , İncesu Zerrin , Akalın Gülşen
Published: January 2015

The discovery of DNA topoisomerases has added a new dimension to the study of anticancer drugs. Bisbenzimidazole derivatives are important compounds known as DNA topoisomerase I inhibitors. In the present study, some symmetrical bisbenzimidazole derivatives were synthesized and investigated for their anticancer activity. Anticancer activity screening was applied on HT-29 (colon carcinoma) and MCF-7 (breast carcinoma) cell lines by investigation of cytotoxicity, analysis of DNA synthesis, and DNA fragmentation assays. One of the seven compounds tested showed signifi cant cytotoxicity in both cell lines and caused DNA degradation in the HT-29 cell line.
9-Methoxycamptothecin from Nothapodytes foetida Induces Apoptosis in Murine Sarcoma S180 Cells
Authors: Liao Na , Zhang Peng , Ao Mingzhang , Wang Jing , Shi Yueyuan , Yu Longjiang
Published: January 2015

9-Methoxycamptothecin (MCPT) was found to have antitumour activities through topoisomerase inhibition. However, the type of cell death induced in the tumour cells treated with MCPT was not elucidated. In this study, MCPT and camptothecin were isolated from Nothapodytes foetida distributed in Hubei Province, China and identifi ed by NMR spectroscopy. MCPT was tested by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazoliumbromide (MTT) assay using camptothecin as reference. Annexin V-FITC/propidium iodide double staining and real-time PCR were also performed. The IC50 value was (0.385 ± 0.08) μM. The apoptosis rates increased from 9.5% to 17.27%, 30.14%, and 66.46% with an increase in MCPT concentrations from 0, 0.19, 0.38, to 0.95 μM, respectively. The ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 also increased from 1 to 1.61, 2.43, and 4.57, respectively. Bax and Bcl-2 are crucial to the mitochondria pathway. The results indicate that the mitochondria pathway may be involed in MCPT-induced murine sarcoma S180 apoptosis.
The Rhizome of Trillium tschonoskii Maxim. Extract Induces Apoptosis in Human Lung Cancer Cells
Authors: Huang Wenfeng , Zou Kun , Xiong Bin
Published: January 2015

Trillium tschonoskii Maxim. has been used to treat several diseases including cancers in folk medicine. However, the mechanisms responsible for T. tschonoskii extract-induced apoptosis are not clear. This study was mainly undertaken to identify the major biochemical changes in a lung cancer cell line upon treatment with an T. tschonoskii extract (TTME), and to investigate the functional relationship between these changes. The n-butanol extract was used to evaluate the mechanism of induction of apoptosis in A549 human lung cancer cells and its effects on mitochondrial function and production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The n-butanol extract of T. tschonoskii has cytotoxic, antiproliferative, and morphological effects on the lung cancer cell line. T. tschonoskii mainly leads to apoptosis of cancer cells with a concomitant increase in the release of cytochrome c and a loss of mitochondrial membrane potential in a dose-dependent manner. A rapid increase in the level of intracellular ROS and an accumulation of cells in the G2/M and S phase of the cell cycle were also observed in treated cells. These observations suggest that the n-butanol extract of T. tschonoskii has promising anticancer activities, which could be useful in cancer treatment.
Tropane Alkaloids of Datura innoxia from Morocco
Authors: El Bazaoui Ahmed , Bellimam My Ahmed , Soulaymani Abdelmajid
Published: January 2015

Fifty three alkaloids were identified in the organs (roots, stems, leaves, flowers, and seeds) of Datura innoxia by GC/MS. Seventeen of them are reported for the first time for this species and one nor-derivative, 3-phenylacetoxynortropane (28), for the genus Datura. Furthermore, four new tropane esters were tentatively identified as 3-acetoxy-6,7-epoxytropane (acetylscopine) (10), 3-acetoxy-6-propionyloxy-7-hydroxytropane (15), 6,7-dehydro- 3-phenylacetoxy tropane (25), and 3-(2´-phenylpropionyloxy)-6,7-epoxynortropane (dihydroaponorscopolamine) (37) on the basis of their mass spectral data. Hyoscyamine (44) and scopolamine (48) figure as main alkaloids in the roots and aerial parts, respectively
Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activities of Gentianella multicaulis Collected on the Andean Slopes of San Juan Province, Argentina
Authors: Lima Beatriz , Sánchez Marianela , Luna Lorena , Agüero María B. , Zacchino Susana , Filippa Eva , Palermo Jorge A. , Tapia Alejandro , Feresin Gabriela E.
Published: January 2015

The infusion of the aerial parts of Gentianella multicaulis (Gillies ex Griseb.) Fabris (Gentianaceae), locally known as ‘nencia’, is used in San Juan Province, Argentina, as stomachic and as a bitter tonic against digestive and liver problems. The bioassay-guided isolation of G. multicaulis extracts and structural elucidation of the main compounds responsible for the antifungal and free radical scavenging activities were performed. The extracts had strong free radical scavenging effects in the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay (45 - 93% at 10 μg/mL) and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay at 200 μg/mL. Demethylbellidifolin (4) had high antioxidant activity in the DPPH and FRAP assay. The dermatophytes Microsporum gypseum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, and T. rubrum were moderately inhibited by the different extracts (MIC values of 125 - 250 μg/mL). Demethylbellidifolin (4), bellidifolin (5), and isobellidifolin (6) showed an antifungal effect (MIC values of 50 μg/mL), while swerchirin (3) was less active with a MIC value of 100 μg/mL. In addition, oleanolic acid (1) and ursolic acid (2) were also isolated. These fi ndings demonstrate that Gentianella multicaulis collected in the mountains of the Province of San Juan, Argentina, is an important source of compounds with antifungal and antioxidant activities.