Netamines O-S, Five New Tricyclic Guanidine Alkaloids from the Madagascar Sponge Biemna laboutei, and Their Antimalarial Activities

In our continuing program to isolate new compounds from the Madagascar sponge Biemna laboutei, five new tricyclic guanidine alkaloids, netamines O - S (1-5, resp.), have been identified together with the known compounds netamine E (6) and mirabilin J (7). The structures of all new netamines were assigned on the basis of spectroscopic analyses. Their relative configurations were established by analysis of ROESY data and comparison with literature data. Netamines O, P, and Q, which were isolated in sufficient quantities, were tested for their cytotoxic activities against KB cells and their activities against the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. Netamines O and Q were found to be moderately cytotoxic. Netamines O, P, and Q exhibited antiplasmodial activities with IC₅₀ values of 16.99 ± 4.12, 32.62 ± 3.44, and 8.37 ± 1.35 μM, respectively.

Netamines H-N, tricyclic alkaloids from the marine sponge Biemna laboutei and their antimalarial activity

Chemical examination of the CH2Cl2-MeOH (1:1) extract of the Madagascar sponge Biemna laboutei resulted in the isolation of seven new tricyclic alkaloids, netamines H-N (1-7), along with the known netamine G and mirabilins A, C, and F. Their structures were elucidated by interpretation of 1D and 2D NMR spectra and HRESIMS data. All compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxicity against KB cells and their antiplasmodial activity. Netamine M (6) was found to be cytotoxic, with an IC50 value in the micromolar range, and netamine K (4) exhibited activity against Plasmodium falciparum with an IC50 value of 2.4 μM.

[Corrigendum] Isostrychnopentamine, an indolomonoterpenic alkaloid from Strychnos usambarensis, with potential anti-tumor activity against apoptosis-resistant cancer cells

After the publication of the article, the authors noted that they had made an error regarding certain data in their manuscript. The error relates to the statistical analysis performed for the data illustrated in Fig. 4A: On page 963 of our article, line 17 of the left-handed column, we identified an erroneous statistical result with respect to the data illustrated in Fig. 4A. The initial statistical value of 'p<0.01' must be corrected to '(p=0.06 when compared to control; Fig. 4A)'.

Unusual amino acids and monofluoroacetate from Dichapetalum michelsonii (Umutambasha), a toxic plant from Rwanda

In the course of our investigations on Umutambasha in order to identify its convulsant principles, small quantities of monofluoroacetate were observed in stem bark, leaves, and fruits of this plant newly identified as Dichapetalum michelsonii Hauman. Conclusive evidence for a monofluoroacetate presence came from its isolation from the freeze-dried extract of stem bark. Three free unusual amino acids, named N-methyl-α-alanine, N-methyl-β-alanine, and 2,7-diaminooctan-1,8-dioic acid, described for the first time in a plant, and known trigonelline were also isolated from the stem bark of D. michelsonii. Structure elucidations were mainly achieved by spectroscopic methods (1H-NMR, 2D-NMR, MS) and by comparison with authentic references. These unusual amino acids were detected by a fast, reliable TLC analysis in all our batches of Umutambasha, suggesting that they could be used for identification purposes in case of human or livestock intoxications. Finally, EEG recordings and behavioural observations performed in mice suggested that the convulsive patterns produced by Umutambasha are the consequence of monofluoroacetate presence in D. michelsonii.

Polyphenol content and modulatory activities of some tropical dietary plant extracts on the oxidant activities of neutrophils and myeloperoxidase

Young leaves of Manihot esculenta Crantz (Euphorbiaceae), Abelmoschus esculentus (Malvaceae), Hibiscus acetosella (Malvaceae) and Pteridium aquilinum (Dennstaedtiaceae) are currently consumed as green vegetables by peoples in sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, Asia and their migrants living in Western Europe. Sub-Saharan peoples use Manihot, Abelmoschus and Hibiscus also in the folk medicine to alleviate fever and pain, in the treatment of conjunctivitis, rheumatism, hemorrhoid, abscesses, ... The present study investigates the effects of aqueous extracts of those plants on the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the release of myeloperoxidase (MPO) by equine neutrophils activated with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA). The ROS production was measured by lucigenin-enhanced chemiluminescence (CL), and the release of total MPO by an ELISA method. The study also investigates the effect of the extracts on the activity of MPO by studying its nitration activity on tyrosine and by using a new technique called SIEFED (Specific Immunological Extraction Followed by Enzymatic Detection) that allows studying the direct interaction of compounds with the enzyme. In all experiments, the aqueous extracts of the plants developed concentration-dependent inhibitory effects. A moderate heat treatment did not significantly modify the inhibitory capacity of the extracts in comparison to not heated ones. Total polyphenol and flavonoid contents were determined with an HPLC-UV/DAD analysis and a spectroscopic method using Folin-Ciocalteu reagent. Some polyphenols with well-known antioxidant activities (caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, hyperoside, rosmarinic acid and rutin) were found in the extracts and may partly explain the inhibitory activities observed. The role of those dietary and medicinal plants in the treatment of ROS-dependent inflammatory diseases could have new considerations for health.

Combination of capillary electrophoresis, molecular modelling and nuclear magnetic resonance to study the interaction mechanisms between single-isomer anionic cyclodextrin derivatives and basic drug enantiomers in a methanolic background electrolyte

In order to improve our knowledge of the mechanisms of enantiomer recognition pattern in nonaqueous systems, an approach combining nonaqueous CE (NACE), molecular modelling and NMR was undertaken. Bupivacaine and propranolol were selected as model compounds and their interactions with two single-isomer highly charged β-CD derivatives, namely heptakis(2,3-di-O-methyl-6-O-sulfo)-β-CD (HDMS-β-CD) and heptakis(2,3-di-O-acetyl-6-O-sulfo)-β-CD (HDAS-β-CD), were studied. The CD-bupivacaine complexes were evaluated by 2-D Rotating-frame Overhauser Effect SpectroscopY (ROESY) experiments. From these experiments, it can be assumed that inclusion complexes are not formed, whatever the CD derivative used. Molecular modelling was performed at the RHF/MINI-1 or B3LYP/6-31G(d) level. External as well as inclusion type complexes with the alkyl chain of propranolol into both CD cavities were located. Interaction energies calculated for bupivacaine and propranolol correlated with the enantiomer migration order observed in the NACE experiments using both anionic CD derivatives. The interaction of propranolol with HDMS-β-CD or HDAS-β-CD gives rise to a family of external and inclusion complexes in which some are more probably obtained.

Molecular biology, phytochemistry and bioactivity of three endemic Aloe species from Mauritius and Réunion Islands

INTRODUCTION

Aloe tormentorii, A. purpurea and A. macra are used as multipurpose folk medicines in Réunion and Mauritius Islands and are mistaken for the introduced Aloe vera.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the phytochemical, antimicrobial and DNA profiles of Aloe endemic to Mauritius and Réunion with the profiles of A. vera. Methodology - Leaf extracts of these Aloe species were analysed using standard phytochemical screening techniques, TLC and by HPLC. These extracts were also assayed for antimicrobial activity using microdilution techniques. Genetic diversity was studied using RAPD markers.

RESULTS

Phytochemical and antimicrobial assays and RAPD analysis showed that Mascarene Aloe species were very different from A. vera.

CONCLUSION

This study is the first report highlighting the differences between Aloe sp.p from Mascarene and Aloe vera at the metabolic and genomic level.

Isostrychnopentamine, an indolomonoterpenic alkaloid from Strychnos usambarensis, with potential anti-tumor activity against apoptosis-resistant cancer cells

Isostrychnopentamine (ISP) is an indolomonoter-penic alkaloid that is present in the leaves of Strychnos usambarensis, an East African small tree. We have reported previously pro-apoptotic effects induced in vitro by ISP in the human HCT-116 colon cancer cell line, a model that displays relative sensitivity to apoptosis. In the present study, we observed that the in vitro growth inhibitory activities of ISP are similar in cancer cells that display sensitivity versus resistance to apoptosis. We made use of the U373 glioblastoma and the A549 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines as models relatively resistant to apoptosis, and the human PC-3 prostate cancer cell line as a model relatively sensitive to apoptosis. While ISP induced transient decreases in [ATP]i and apoptosis in human U373 GBM cells, it did not provoke such features in A549 NSCLC cells. It thus seems that ISP-induced anti-cancer activity can lead to pro-apoptotic effects as a consequence, while apoptosis seems not to be the main cause by which ISP induces cancer cell death. ISP is a compound that merits further investigations in order to: i) identify the mechanism(s) of action by which it kills cancer cells, and ii) hemisynthesize novel ISP derivatives aiming to overcome, at least partly, the resistance of metastatic cancers to apoptosis.

Theoretical and experimental investigations of organic acids/cyclodextrin complexes and their consequences upon the formation of miconazole/cyclodextrin/acid ternary inclusion complexes

(1)H NMR spectrometry, FT-IR spectroscopy, as well as molecular modeling at the AM1 level and normal mode analysis were used to characterise the interactions and the formation of inclusion complexes between three organic acids: maleic, fumaric, L-tartaric acids and betaCD. In aqueous medium, the complexation was confirmed by (1)H NMR spectroscopy using two-dimensional technique. The stable geometries of the complexes were determined by molecular modeling. Experimental infrared frequencies were assigned on the base of the vibrational normal mode calculation at the fully optimized geometry for the inclusion complexes. All the results point out the presence of stable inclusion complexes between acids and betaCD at the solid state. These results show the double role of the acid. Correlated with the theoretical and experimental data previously obtained for the miconazole/CD/acids complexes, in function of both acids and CDs structures, the acids can either stabilize the complexes by formation of a multicomponent complex or form acid/CD inclusion complexes, hindering the guest inclusion.

Study of the physicochemical properties in aqueous medium and molecular modeling of tagitinin C/cyclodextrin complexes

The inclusion complexes of tagitinin C with beta-, 2,6-di-O-methyl-beta- and gamma-cyclodextrin (CyD) was investigated in aqueous medium. The stoichiometric ratios and stability constants (K(f)) which describe the extent of formation of the complexes have been determined by UV spectroscopy and direct current tast polarography (DC(tast)), respectively. For each complex, a 1:1 molar ratio was formed in solution and the trend of stability constants was K(f) (2,6-di-O-methyl-beta-CyD)>K(f) (gamma-CyD)>K(f) (beta-CyD). The effect of molecular encapsulation on the photochemical conversion of tagitinin C was evaluated. No significant protection efficacy was noticed with beta- and gamma-CyD for the complexed drug with the respect to the free one. On the other hand, the photochemical conversion rate was slowed in presence of 2,6-di-O-methyl-beta-CyD. Data from (1)H NMR and ROESY experiments provided a clear evidence of formation of inclusion complexes. The lactone, the ester and the unsaturated ketone parts of tagitinin C inserted into the wide rim of the CyDs torus. These experimental results were confirmed by the molecular modeling using semiempirical Austin Model 1 (AM1) method.

New developments on thromboxane and prostacyclin modulators part I: thromboxane modulators

The pathogenesis of numerous cardiovascular, pulmonary, inflammatory, and thromboembolic diseases can be related to arachidonic acid (AA) metabolites. One of these bioactive metabolites of particular importance is thromboxane A(2) (TXA(2)). It is produced by the action of thromboxane synthase on the prostaglandin endoperoxide H(2)(PGH(2)), which results from the enzymatic degradation of AA by the cyclooxygenases. TXA(2) is a potent inducer of platelet aggregation, vasoconstriction and bronchoconstriction. It is involved in a series of major pathophysiological states such as asthma, myocardial ischemia, pulmonary hypertension, and thromboembolic disorders. Therefore, TXA(2) receptor antagonists, thromboxane synthase inhibitors and drugs combining both properties have been developed by several pharmaceutical companies since the early 1980s. Several compounds have been launched on the market and others are under clinical evaluation. Moreover, the recent literature reported the interest of thromboxane modulators, which combine another pharmacological activity such as, platelet activating factor antagonism, angiotensin II antagonism, or 5-lipoxygenase inhibition. In this review, we will propose a description of the recently described thromboxane modulators of major interest from both a pharmacological and a chemical point of view.

First and Second Generations of COX-2 Selective Inhibitors

The identification and characterization of the inducible form of cyclooxygenases (COX-2) stimulated the investigations to develop efficient, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) with reduced side effects (essentially gastro-intestinal toxicity) compared to classical NSAIDs. This review focuses on the chemical and pharmacological properties (pre-clinical data) of marketed COX-2 inhibitors.

Quantification of tagitinin C in Tithonia diversifolia by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography

A simple, rapid and reliable reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatographic method for the determination of tagitinin C, an anti-plasmodial sesquiterpene lactone isolated from the aerial parts of Tithonia diversifolia, has been developed. The assay has been used to quantify tagitinin C in various extracts of the aerial parts of T. diversifolia.

Apoptosis induction in human cancer cells by sungucine from Strychnos icaja root

Sungucine (SG) and isosungucine (ISG) are bisindole alkaloids characterized by a 5'-23 link between the two parts of the compounds, which are till now specific to Strychnos icaja. In this work, SG and ISG were submitted to the NCI's in vitro 60 human tumor cell line screen, where SG showed interesting selectivity (6X) against the tested leukemia cell lines. In HL60-treated cells, apoptosis was demonstrated by observation of apoptotic bodies formation, and phosphatidylserine exposition at cell surface. In HeLa-treated cells, the analysis of cellular cycle by flow cytometry showed G1 accumulation and a small sub-G1 peak that could be related to DNA fragmentation characteristic of apoptosis. The eventual role of p53 was analyzed using wild-type HCT-116 colon cancer cells. Nevertheless, p53 and Bax expression were not modified in SG-treated cells. The cleavage of PARP by caspase-3 protease proved that apoptosis was also induced in this line. These results demonstrate that SG induces apoptosis, but also necrosis, in human cancer cell lines.

In vitro antiplasmodial activity of Tithonia diversifolia and identification of its main active constituent: tagitinin C

The antimalarial properties of Tithonia diversifolia, an Asteraceae traditionally used to treat malaria, were investigated in vitro against three strains of Plasmodium falciparum. The ether extract from aerial parts of the plant collected in São Tomé e Príncipe, demonstrated good antiplasmodial activity (IC 50 on FCA strain: 0.75 microg/ml). A bioassay guided fractionation of this extract led to the isolation of the known sesquiterpene lactone tagitinin C as an active component against Plasmodium (IC 50 on FCA strain: 0.33 microg/ml), but also possessing cytotoxic properties (IC 50 on HTC-116 cells: 0.706 microg/ml).

Simultaneous observations of haemolymph flow and ventilation in marine spider crabs at different temperatures: a flow weighted MRI study

In vivo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and angiography were applied to the marine spider crab Maja squinado for a study of temperature effects and thermal tolerance. Ventilation and haemolymph circulation were investigated during progressive cooling from 12 degrees C to 2 degrees C. The anatomical resolution of MR images from Maja squinado obtained with a standard spin echo sequence were suitable to resolve the structures of various internal organs. The heart of the animal could be depicted without movement artifacts. The use of a flow compensated gradient echo sequence allowed simultaneous observations of ventilation, reflected by water flow through the gill chambers as well as of haemolymph flow. Simultaneous investigation of various arteries was possible by use of flow weighted MRI. In addition to those accessible by standard invasive flow sensitive doppler sensors, flow changes in gill, leg arteries and the venous return could be observed. Both ventilation and haemolymph flow decreased during progressive cooling and changes in haemolymph flow varied between arteries. Haemolymph flow through the Arteria sternalis, some gill and leg arteries was maintained at low temperatures indicating a reduced thermal sensitivity of flow in selected vessels. In support of previous invasive studies of haemolymph flow as well as heart and ventilation rates, the results demonstrate that the operation of gills and the maintenance of locomotor activity are critical for cold tolerance. A shift in haemolymph flow between arteries likely occurs to ensure the functioning of locomotion and ventilation in the cold.

Oxygen limitation of thermal tolerance defined by cardiac and ventilatory performance in spider crab, Maja squinado

Geographic distribution limits of ectothermal animals appear to be correlated with thermal tolerance thresholds previously identified from the onset of anaerobic metabolism. Transition to these critical temperatures was investigated in the spider crab (Maja squinado) with the goal of identifying the physiological processes limiting thermal tolerance. Heart and ventilation rates as well as PO(2) in the hemolymph were recorded on-line during progressive temperature change between 12 and 0 degrees C (1 degrees C/h) and between 12 and 40 degrees C (2 degrees C/h). Lactate and succinate were measured in tissues and hemolymph after intermediate or final temperatures were reached. High levels of hemolymph oxygenation suggest that an optimum range of aerobic performance exists between 8 and 17 degrees C. Thermal limitation may already set in at the transition from optimum to pejus (pejus = turning worse, progressively deleterious) range, characterized by the onset of a decrease in arterial PO(2) due to reduced ventilatory and cardiac performance. Hemolymph PO(2) values fell progressively toward both low and high temperature extremes until critical temperatures were reached at approximately 1 and 30 degrees C, as indicated by low PO(2) and the onset of anaerobic energy production by mitochondria. In conclusion, the limited capacity of ventilation and circulation at extreme temperatures causes insufficient O(2) supply, thereby limiting aerobic scope and, finally, thermal tolerance.

Cold tolerance and the regulation of cardiac performance and hemolymph distribution in Maja squinado (Crustacea: decapoda)

Elevated Mg(2+) levels in the hemolymph ([Mg(2+)](HL)) of brachyuran crabs have recently been demonstrated to limit cold tolerance by reducing motor and circulatory activity. Therefore, the limiting function of elevated [Mg(2+)](HL) on circulatory performance and arterial hemolymph flow was investigated by the pulsed-Doppler technique in the spider crab Maja squinado during progressive cooling from 12 degrees to 0 degrees C. [Mg(2+)](HL) were reduced from control levels of 39.9 mmol L(-1) to levels of 6.1 mmol L(-1) by incubation in magnesium reduced seawater. At 12 degrees C cardiac output was 13.9+/-2.4 mL kg(-1) min(-1) and stroke volume 0.2+/-0.04 mL kg(-1) min(-1) in control animals. In [Mg(2+)](HL)-reduced animals cardiac output increased to 43.6+/-5.0 mL kg(-1) min(-1) and stroke volume rose to 0.6+/-0.1 mL kg(-1) min(-1). Temperature reduction in control animals revealed a break point at 8 degrees C linked to a major redirection of hemolymph flow from lateral to sternal and hepatic arteries. Cardiac output and heart rate dropped sharply during cooling until transiently constant values were reached. Further heart rate reduction occurred below 4.5 degrees C. Such a plateau was not detected in [Mg(2+)](HL)-reduced animals where the break point decreased to 6 degrees C, also indicated by a sharp drop in heart rate and cardiac output and the redirection of hemolymph flow. It is concluded that progressive cooling brings the animals from a temperature range of optimum cardiac performance into a deleterious range when aerobic scope for activity falls before critical temperatures are reached. Reduction of [Mg(2+)](HL) shifts this transition to lower temperatures. These findings support a limiting role for [Mg(2+)](HL) in thermal tolerance.

Haemolymph Mg(2+) regulation in decapod crustaceans: physiological correlates and ecological consequences in polar areas

Reptant decapod crustaceans are almost absent from the Southern Ocean south of the Antarctic Convergence. We tested the hypothesis that this may be due to the reduced ability of this group to regulate Mg(2+) levels in the haemolymph ([Mg(2+)](HL)). Mg(2+) acts as an anaesthetic in marine invertebrates and its level is higher in Reptantia (crabs such as Cancer spp., Chionoecetes spp., Maja spp., 30–50 mmol l(−)(1)) than in Natantia (prawns such as Pandalus spp., Palaemon spp., Crangon spp., 5–12 mmol l(−)(1)). We varied [Mg(2+)](HL) in three species of reptant decapod crustaceans, Carcinus maenas, Hyas araneus and Eurypodius latreillei, and investigated heart rate, the rate of oxygen consumption and levels of spontaneous and forced activity at different temperatures. The rate of oxygen consumption and heart rate increased significantly with reduction in [Mg(2+)](HL) over the entire temperature range investigated in E. latreillei. In H. araneus, an increase in metabolic and heart rates compared with control values was found only at temperatures below 2 degrees C. Forced and spontaneous activity levels increased significantly in the group of [Mg(2+)](HL)-reduced animals below 0 degrees C, at which control animals were mostly inactive. At a reduced [Mg(2+)](HL) of 5–12 mmol l(−)(1), which is the [Mg(2+)](HL) of caridean shrimps in the Southern Ocean, Q(10) and activation energy were reduced for all these variables and extended the temperature range over which physiological functions were maintained. We suggest that the high [Mg(2+)](HL) in Reptantia causes relaxation of the animals and reduces their scope for activity, especially at temperatures below 0 degrees C. The hypothesis that the synergistic effects of high [Mg(2+)](HL) and low temperature probably prevented the Reptantia from recolonizing the permanently cold water of polar areas is discussed.