bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In vitro Effects of Nigella sativa Seeds Extracts on Stimulated Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells
Authors: Winkler Christiana , Schroecksnadel Katharina , Ledochowski Maximilian , Schennach Harald , Houcher Bakhouche , Fuchs Dietmar 
Published: August 2013

Abstract

Nigella sativa, commonly known as black cumin seed, belongs to the botanical family of Ranunculaceae. The active antioxidant components of Nigella sativa display a remarkable array of biochemical, immunological and pharmacological actions, including bronchodilatory, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, hypoglycaemic, antitumoural and immunopotentiating effects. Effects of Nigella sativa seeds extracts were investigated in freshly isolated human peripheral blood mononuclear cells stimulated with the mitogens phytohaemagglutinin and concanavalin A in vitro. Tryptophan degradation and neopterin production were monitored in culture supernatants, both these immunobiochemical pathways are induced by pro-inflammatory cytokine interferon-γ. Compared to unstimulated cells, the mitogens enhanced degradation of tryptophan and production of neopterin. Nigella sativa seeds extracts significantly suppressed both pathways in a dose-dependent way. Suppression of tryptophan degradation and neopterin formation by Nigella sativa seeds extracts demonstrates an inhibitory influence on activated T-cells and macrophages. Data are in line with an anti-inflammatory activity of the extracts.
Pteridine Pathway in Patients with Degenerative Diseases During Short Time Treatment with Low Dose of Meloxicam, as a Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug
Authors: Baydar Terken , Girgin Gozde , Fuchs Dietmar , Inanici Fatma , Sipahi Hande , Erol Ozlem , Sahin Gonul 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
The profiles of unconjugated pteridines such as neopterin and biopterin and of tryptophan metabolism change in many pathologic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, malignancies and autoimmune diseases and are related to the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. However, studies on potential effects of drugs are very limited. This study investigates whether meloxicam, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, may cause any alteration of the pteridine pathway and tryptophan metabolism in 22 patients who admitted to the Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine outpatient clinic in the Hacettepe University Hospital and suffering from various musculoskeletal pain conditions without systemic inflammation. Urine concentrations of neopterin, biopterin and xanthopterin, and serum concentrations of neopterin, tryptophan, and kynurenine, and the activity of dihydropteridine reductase were measured at the beginning of the therapy and after a 15 days treatment with meloxicam. Average urine concentrations (± S.E.M.) of pterins before therapy (neopterin: 263 ± 15.6 μmol/mol creatinine, biopterin: 72.4 ± 13.4 μmol/mol creatinine, and xanthopterin: 675 ± 93.0 μmol/mol creatinine) were not changed during meloxicam therapy (neopterin: 230 ± 30.7 μmol/mol creatinine = 88% of baseline, biopterin 115 ± 26.5 μmol /mol creatinine = 159% of baseline, and xanthopterin 684 ± 88.0 μmol/mol creatinine = 101% of baseline; all differences not significant). The activity of dihydropteridine reductase was 6.02 ± 0.21 nmol/cytochrome C reduced/min/5 mm disc before and 6.28 ± 0.18 nmol/cytochrome C reduced/min/5 mm after treatment (= 104% of baseline; p = 0.088). Serum concentrations of neopterin 6.04 ± 0.33 nmol/L before treatment increased to 6.89 ± 0.48 nmol/L after treatment (= 114% of baseline; p <0.05, paired rank test). Likewise serum kynurenine concentrations increased from 1.52 ± 0.13 μmol/L to 1.87 ± 0.14 μmol/L after treatment (= 123% of baseline; p <0.01). There was a significant correlation between neopterin and kynurenine concentrations which corresponds with their common background of production, namely immune activation. However, also the mean tryptophan concentration in pretreatment samples 51.4 ± 3.34 increased to 59.3 ± 3.34 μmol/L post-treatment (= 115% of baseline; p <0.05). The change of kyn/trp was minor (at baseline: 30.4 ± 2.01, post-treatment: 32.2 ± 2.47 μmol/mmol; = 106% of baseline, not significant). Our findings show an influence of meloxicam treatment on neopterin and tryptophan metabolism in patients. However, significant differences were only found in serum but not in urine of patients. In serum, all marker concentrations increased including tryptophan and kynurenine.
Influence of Neopterin on Ciliary Beat Frequency of Human Nasal Epithelial Cells in vitro
Authors: Neher Andreas , Schobersberger Wolfgang , Augustijns Patrick , Fuchs Dietmar , Wolf-Magele Astrid , Hoffmann Georg 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
Acute infectious diseases of the respiratory tract are regularly associated with increased concentrations of neopterin in serum and/or urine. Most likely, the pteridine compound is not only a marker of an activated cellular immune system but may exert distinct biochemical functions in the process of infections as well. In response to viral contact, macrophages located in the nasal mucosa may represent a source for neopterin in the nasal cavity with potential hazardous effects on ciliary beat frequency (CBF), thus promoting chronic infectious processes. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of neopterin at different concentrations (10 nM, 100 nM, and 100 μM) on CBF in human nasal epithelial cells in vitro. Samples were taken from the inferior nasal turbinate and incubated with neopterin dissolved in either aqua destillata or in sodium chloride (0.9%) at the given amounts for 2, 5, 10, and 20 min. In a preliminary set of experiments, neopterin inhibited CBF following the 5 and 10 min. incubation protocol, respectively. However, analyses of pooled data from 28 experiments using sodium chloride (0.9%) as solvent could not confirm these findings: in no setting a significant reduction of CBF was detected at the end of the 20 min. experimental procedure. Therefore, we conclude that neopterin most likely does not affect the mucociliary clearance defense mechanisms in the course of infections of the nasal respiratory tract.
In Vitro Effect of Neopterin on Erythropoiesis in Mice
Authors: Tsuboi Isao , Hokari Takeo , Harada Tomonori , Yuda Miyuki , Aizawa Shin 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
Neopterin is produced by monocytes and a useful biomarker of inflammatory responses. We found recently in mice that neopterin suppressed erythropoiesis but enhanced myelopoiesis possibly by activating stromal cells, the same phenomenon observed in inflammation. In this study, we investigated whether neopterin affects the proliferation and differentiation of immature erythroid progenitor cells (BFU-E) by stimulating bone-marrow stromal cells in culture. Neopterin decreased the number of colonies of BFU-E formed by unfractionated bone-marrow cells in a semisolid culture system, but increased the number of granulocyte-macrophage progenitor cells (CFUGM). In contrast, it did not affect numbers of BFU-E or CFU-GM among a lineage-negative (fractionated) bonemarrow- cell population cultured without stromal cells. These results suggest that neopterin decreased the number of colonies of BFU-E by activating bone-marrow stromal-cell function.
Neopterin Concentration in Serum and Chosen Markers of Inflammatory Process in Children with Acute Diarrhea Caused by Rotavirus or Salmonella
Authors: Kozlowska-Murawska Jolanta , Obuchowicz Anna 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
Neopterin concentrations reflect the activation of the cellular immune system. Neopterin is released by macrophages stimulated by interferon-γ (IFN-γ), which is produced by activated T lymphocytes. Raised neopterin concentrations in body fluids are found in various disorders, e.g. viral infections (AIDS, cytomegalovirus, hepatitis), intracellular bacteria infections (Mycobacteruim tuberculosis, Mycobacterium leprae), autoimmune disorders and malignancy. Neopterin concentrations are low or not significantly increased in bacterial infections, with exception of infections with intracellular bacteria. The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of neopterin in the differential diagnosis of viral (Rotavirus) and bacterial (Salmonella) origin of diarrhoea.
129 children, aged 1 month -14 years, who were hospitalized for rotavirus gastroenteritis or salmonellosis were included into the study. Rotavirus was identified by latex test and Salmonella by stool cultures and the children were divided into 2 groups: with rotavirus infection (group I (R) - 71 children) and with salmonellosis (group II (S) - 58 children). In this study it was analyzed: disease duration before hospitalization, the general condition of a child on admission, body temperature, the number of loose and bloody stools and the number of vomits. On their admission to hospital, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), leukocyte count, and in the sera of all children C-reactive protein (CRP) and neopterin concentrations were determined. The serum neopterin concentrations were analyzed by ELISA.
Mean neopterin concentration was 35.0 nmol/L in patients with salmonellosis, and it was significantly higher than in patients with rotavirus infection (22.0 nmol/L; p <0,001). The neopterin level that reliably discriminated between rotavirus diarrhoea and salmonellosis was 22 nmol/L: neopterin concentration higher than 22 nmol/L suggested diarrhoea caused by Salmonella, and neopterin concentrations equal or lower than 22 nmol/L suggested a rotavirus diarrhoea The combination of the results of two (neopterin >10 nmol/L and CRP >10mg/L) or three (neopterin >10nmol/L, ESR >10mm/h, CRP >10mg/L) serum markers helps to achieve better results. The best specificity (100%) was obtained for CRP concentration >15mg/L and neopterin concentration >37 nmol/L.
We conclude that serum neopterin concentrations in children with acute diarrhea are not a laboratory indicator diversifying salmonellosis and rotavirus infection, because it increases in both infections. However higher concentrations indicate salmonellosis.
Theoretical Study on the Relative Energies of Anionic Pterin Tautomers
Authors: Soniat Michael , Martin Christopher B. 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
Pterins exist as several tautomeric forms and behave as weak acids in aqueous solutions. Therefore, several acidbase equilibria may be present. For several pterin derivatives, the range of the experimental pKa lies in the range 6-8. The anionic form of the lactam structure is the only structure considered in the literature to represent the chemistry of pterins in alkaline solution. In the present study, density functional theory calculations were used to determine the relative energies of various anionic tautomers of pterin present in aqueous solution which may play a role in chemical and biological systems.
Temporal Association Between Daily Alcohol Consumption, Emotional States and Urinary Neopterin Levels in a Patient with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Schubert Christian , Lampe Astrid , Geser Willi , Merk Mathias , Jenny Marcel , Fuchs Dietmar 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
In recent years, interest has been growing regarding the role of alcohol intake on systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) disease activity. This integrative single-case study investigated the dynamic interdependencies between alcohol consumption, various emotional states and cellular immune activity in SLE using time series analysis (i.e., ARIMA modeling, cross-correlational analysis). We determined neopterin concentrations (HPLC) in a 52-year-old woman suffering from SLE, who collected her entire urine on a twice-daily basis for a period of 56 days (total: 112 time-points). Aside from the central interest of our studies, i.e., the impact of everyday incidents on cellular immune system dynamics, the patient also provided daily information on intake of alcoholic beverages (type and quantity) and various emotional state variables (mental activity, irritation, mood). Cross-correlational analyses revealed that moderate alcohol consumption had different effects on urinary neopterin levels depending on whether time series data were analyzed before or after the occurrence of an inflammatory event (acute paranasal sinusitis) that had taken place halfway through the study period (time-points 45-54). Before sinusitis (1-44), increases in alcohol consumption were parallelized by decreases in urinary neopterin levels (lag0: r = -0.371; p< 0.05) whereas after sinusitis (55-112), increases in alcohol intake preceded increases in urinary neopterin levels with a temporal delay of 12 hours (lag1: r = +0.308; p< 0.05). The emotional states under study did not interfere with the associations between alcohol intake and neopterin levels. These findings show that even within the same patient with SLE the relationship between alcohol intake and neopterin levels might not always be stable suggesting a possible reason for inconsistent evidence from cross-correlational studies.
Effect of Neopterin on Splenic Erythropoiesis in Mice
Authors: Tsuboi Isao , Harada Tomonori , Oshima Hideki , Aizawa Shin 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
Neopterin is produced by monocytes and is a biomarker for inflammation. We recently found that neopterin induces stromal cells to produce cytokines that suppress erythropoiesis in the bone marrow of mice. Despite this suppression, the peripheral hematocrit values are not decreased. The goal of the present study was to determine whether the maintenance of hematocrit values is caused by a neopterin-induced acceleration of extramedullary erythropoiesis. We examined the effects of intravenously injected neopterin on splenic erythropoiesis in C57BL/6J mice and found a marked increase (259% of the pretreatment level) in the number of splenic erythroid progenitor cells (BFU-E and CFU-E) after a slight temporal decrease in the number of erythroid progenitor cells. These results suggest that neopterin increases splenic erythropoiesis to compensate for the suppression of erythropoiesis in the bone marrow, resulting in the maintenance of hematocrit levels in peripheral blood.
First Synthesis of a Natural Neopterin Glycoside: 3'-O-(β-D-Glucopyranosyluronic acid)neopterin
Authors: Hanaya Tadashi , Hattori Takafumi , Takayama Daisuke , Yamamoto Hiroshi 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
1',2'-Di-O-acetyl-N2-(N,N-dimethylaminomethylene)-3-[2-(4-nitrophenyl)ethyl]neopterin (1) was prepared from neopterin in 5 steps. Glycosylation of 1 with methyl 2,3,4-tri-O-benzoyl-α-D-glucopyranosyluronate bromide in the presence of silver triflate and tetramethylurea afforded the corresponding 3'-O-(methyl β-D-glucopyranosyluronate) neopterin derivative (2) in 64% yield. The first synthesis of 3'-O-(β-D-glucopyranosyluronic acid)neopterin was achieved by successive removal (4 steps) of the protecting groups of 2.
Immune Modulation by cross-linked Bovine Colostrum in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Pedersen Ninfa R. , Hidayat Budi J. 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
Bovine colostrum (BC) is the early thick yellow fluid produced by cows during the first several days after birth of the calf. BC is different from "mature" milk as it contains nutrients and immune factors, which strengthen the immune system of the newborn calf in its first week of life. BC has a long history of use in traditional medicine throughout the world and is currently also used in a topical cream for the treatment of immuno-related skin problems such as atopic dermatitis or psoriasis. However, despite a large amount of literature concerning the properties of human or bovine colostrum, there are only few reports on the effects of colostrum on the human immune system. In this study, the effects of cross-linked BC containing hyaluronic acid on the T-cell/macrophage interplay were investigated in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and the results were compared with the effects of euxyl 9010, which was used to preserve the BC ingredients. The cross-linked BC preparations showed significant immunomodulatory effects on unstimulated and phytohaemagglutinin (PHA)-stimulated human PBMC by modulating tryptophan degradation and formation of neopterin in a biphasic manner. These results could be relevant for some of the beneficial effects of BC observed in the treatment of skin lesions of patients with atopic dermatitis or psoriasis. However, additional studies are needed to confirm the first positive results obtained in patients.
Folate Measurement in Mammalian Tissues by Fluorescence Polarization
Authors: Harry Martin , Comeskey Daniel 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
Measurement of folate in animal tissues is expensive and time-consuming. A fluorescence polarization assay has been developed that allows the rapid and inexpensive quantification of folate in various animal tissues. The concentration of tissue folate is determined by its ability to compete with the binding of Alexa-660-folate to bovine milk folate binding protein. The technique uses a few milligrams of material and is amenable to automated screening in 384-well microplates. Using this approach, the folate concentration in mouse liver, kidney & brain was found to be 21.4, 4.22 and 0.73 nanomoles/g fresh tissue, respectively. Packed human erythrocytes were found to contain 1.31 mM folate. These estimates are similar to published folate values for these tissues. Ascorbate was not included in the assay buffer because of its pro-oxidant effects in iron rich tissues such as erythrocytes and liver. The assay is homogeneous, completed within a few hours of the availability of the samples, and will enable the high throughput analyses of folate in human and animal samples.
Electron Transfer Initiated Reactions Photoinduced by Pterins
Authors: Lorente Carolina , Petroselli Gabriela , Dántola M. Laura , Oliveros Esther , Thomas Andrés H. 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
Interest in the photochemistry and photophysics of pterins has increased since the participation of this family of compounds in different photobiological processes has been suggested or demonstrated in recent decades. Pterins participate in relevant biological processes, such as metabolic redox reactions, and can photoinduce the oxidation of biomolecules through both electron transfer mechanisms (Type I) and singlet oxygen production (Type II). This article describes recent findings on electron transfer-initiated reactions photoinduced by the triplet excited state of pterins and connects them in the context of photosensitized processes of biological relevance.
Chronic Immune Stimulation May Cause Moderate Impairment of Phenylalanine 4-hydroxylase
Authors: Scholl-Bürgi S , Schroecksnadel S , Jenny M , Karall D , Fuchs D 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
Phenylalanine (4)-hydroxylase (PAH, E.C. 1.14.16.1) is located mainly in liver and converts amino acid phenylalanine (Phe) to tyrosine (Tyr). In 'classical' phenylketonuria (PKU), PAH activity is reduced, whereas in 'atypical' PKU biosynthesis of the cofactor 5,6,7,8-tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) is disturbed. Aside from these inherited conditions, elevated plasma Phe concentrations and increased Phe to Tyr ratios (Phe/Tyr) were observed in patients with cancer, burns, sepsis and HIV-1 infection. Results indicate that immune activation and inflammation are associated with moderate impairment of PAH activity. This review discusses findings of increased Phe/Tyr in patients suffering from chronic inflammatory diseases, their clinical relevance and consequences.
Evaluation of Changes in Immune System of Operating Room Personnel by Measurement of Urinary Neopterin Concentrations
Authors: Baydar Mustafa , Capan Zeynep , Girgin Gozde , Baydar Terken , Sahin Gonul 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
Today it is known that neopterin is mainly produced by activated macrophages and a marker of immune activation and macrophage activity. Increased neopterin concentrations are observed in diseases related to cellular immunity including occupational pathologies.
The major goal of the present study was to evaluate the possible alteration of neopterin levels in operating room personnel, and also to show whether screening of neopterin may be useful to monitor the effect of occupational anesthetic exposure on the cellular immune system.
Therefore, urinary neopterin to creatinine levels in both, exposed workers (n = 40) and healthy volunteers (n = 30), were measured by using high-performance liquid chromatography. At the same time, the correlation among urinary neopterin levels and working years, age, and smoking status were evaluated.
Compared to controls, urinary neopterin levels in the exposed group were increased (controls: 85 ± 16 μmol/mol creatinine, workers: 151 ± 39 μmol/mol creatinine; p <0.05).
The findings suggest that the follow up of neopterin levels may have diagnostic value in possible occupational exposure-related immune system disorders. Moreover, its biological monitoring should be performed in workplaces for clinical diagnosis and prognosis.
Effects of Inhalation Anesthetics on the Profile of Urinary Neopterin as an Immune Marker in Patients who Underwent Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
Authors: Capan Zeynep , Baydar Terken , Girgin Gozde , Dolgun Anil , Dikmen Beyazit , Sahin Gonul 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
It has been claimed that inhalational anesthetics affect many phases of immune response. Although, there are a lot of studies on the effects of widely used anaesthetic agents and methods on the immune system, there are only a few studies to show the effects by evaluation of neopterin concentrations as an important marker of cellular immunity. This study was done to evaluate possible effects of inhalation anesthetics, such as desflurane, isoflurane, and sevoflurane on the immune system by measuring urinary neopterin concentrations in patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The study is randomized, prospective and double blind. Urinary neopterin was measured in patients submitted to general anesthesia with either desflurane (n = 20) or isoflurane (n = 11), or sevoflurane (n = 13) in laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Urine samples were collected preoperatively, at 2nd and 24th hours post-operatively and the neopterin per creatinine concentrations were measured by using high-performance liquid chromatography.
The preoperative neopterin levels were similar across the study groups. Variance analysis of repeated measures showed an effect of time (p <0.05): Neopterin concentrations increased over time, but the effect of different anesthetics on neopterin was similar. The mean increases in neopterin concentrations were similar among all the applied anesthetics. In conclusion, this report shows changes of immune response by investigation of neopterin in urine samples during 24 hours in patients exposed to three different inhalational anesthetic agents sevoflurane, desflurane and isoflurane in laparoscopic cholecystectomy.