Comparative symbiotic plasmid analysis indicates that symbiosis gene ancestor type affects plasmid genetic evolution

Rhizobial symbiotic plasmids play vital roles in mutualistic symbiosis with legume plants by executing the functions of nodulation and nitrogen fixation. To explore the gene composition and genetic constitution of rhizobial symbiotic plasmids, comparison analyses of 24 rhizobial symbiotic plasmids derived from four rhizobial genera was carried out. Results illustrated that rhizobial symbiotic plasmids had higher proportion of functional genes participating in amino acid transport and metabolism, replication; recombination and repair; carbohydrate transport and metabolism; energy production and conversion and transcription. Mesorhizobium amorphae CCNWGS0123 symbiotic plasmid - pM0123d had similar gene composition with pR899b and pSNGR234a. All symbiotic plasmids shared 13 orthologous genes, including five nod and eight nif/fix genes which participate in the rhizobia-legume symbiosis process. These plasmids contained nod genes from four ancestors and fix genes from six ancestors. The ancestral type of pM0123d nod genes was similar with that of Rhizobium etli plasmids, while the ancestral type of pM0123d fix genes was same as that of pM7653Rb. The phylogenetic trees constructed based on nodCIJ and fixABC displayed different topological structures mainly due to nodCIJ and fixABC ancestral type discordance. The study presents valuable insights into mosaic structures and the evolution of rhizobial symbiotic plasmids.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This study compared 24 rhizobial symbiotic plasmids that included four genera and 11 species, illuminating the functional gene composition and symbiosis gene ancestor types of symbiotic plasmids from higher taxonomy. It provides valuable insights into mosaic structures and the evolution of symbiotic plasmids.

A one-year study to assess the safety and efficacy of the CB1R inverse agonist taranabant in overweight and obese patients with type 2 diabetes

AIM

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of taranabant in overweight and obese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

METHODS

This was a multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study in overweight and obese patients with T2DM (ages > or = 18 and < or = 75 years) with a BMI > or = 27 kg/m(2) and < or = 43 kg/m(2) and HbA1c > or =7.0 and < or = 10.0%, who were either not on an antihyperglycaemic agent or on a stable dose of metformin (> or = 1500 mg/day). After a 2-week placebo run-in, patients were randomized to placebo (N = 156) or taranabant 0.5-mg (N = 155), 1-mg (N = 157), or 2-mg (N = 155) once daily for 52 weeks. Primary efficacy endpoints were changes from baseline in body weight (BW) and HbA1c at Week 36, with results at Week 52 being key secondary endpoints.

RESULTS

In the all-patients-treated population, using a last-observation-carried-forward analysis, reductions in BW were -2.5, -3.7, -4.5 and -5.1 kg at Week 36 and -2.4, -4.0, -4.6 and -5.3 kg at Week 52 in the placebo, 0.5-, 1- and 2-mg groups, respectively (all doses significant vs. placebo at both time points). The proportion of patients who lost > or = 5 and > or = 10% of their baseline BW was significantly greater in the 1- and 2-mg groups vs. placebo at Week 36 and all taranabant groups vs. placebo at Week 52. Reductions in HbA1c were -0.40, -0.47, -0.68 and -0.71% at Week 36 and -0.30, -0.43, -0.65 and -0.64% at Week 52, in the placebo, 0.5-, 1- and 2-mg groups, respectively (1- and 2-mg doses significant vs. placebo at both time points). After 52 weeks, the incidences of adverse experiences classified in the gastrointestinal (diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting), nervous system-related (dizziness, sensory-related), and psychiatric (irritability, depression-related) organ systems were numerically higher or statistically significantly higher in all taranabant groups compared with the placebo group.

CONCLUSIONS

After 36 and 52 weeks, treatment with taranabant at the 1- and 2-mg doses led to clinically significant weight loss and improvement in glycaemic parameters in overweight and obese patients with T2DM that was associated with dose-related increases in adverse experiences. Based on these data and data from other Phase III clinical studies, it was determined that the overall safety and efficacy profile of taranabant did not support further development for the treatment of obesity.

Exercise primes a molecular memory for brain-derived neurotrophic factor protein induction in the rat hippocampus

Exercise is an important facet of behavior that enhances brain health and function. Increased expression of the plasticity molecule brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) as a response to exercise may be a central factor in exercise-derived benefits to brain function. In rodents, daily wheel-running exercise increases BDNF gene and protein levels in the hippocampus. However, in humans, exercise patterns are generally less rigorous, and rarely follow a daily consistency. The benefit to the brain of intermittent exercise is unknown, and the duration that exercise benefits endure after exercise has ended is unexplored. In this study, BDNF protein expression was used as an index of the hippocampal response to exercise. Both daily exercise and alternating days of exercise increased BDNF protein, and levels progressively increased with longer running duration, even after 3 months of daily exercise. Exercise on alternating days was as effective as daily exercise, even though exercise took place only on half as many days as in the daily regimen. In addition, BDNF protein remained elevated for several days after exercise ceased. Further, after prior exercise experience, a brief second exercise re-exposure insufficient to cause a BDNF change in naïve animals, rapidly reinduced BDNF protein to levels normally requiring several weeks of exercise for induction. The protein reinduction occurred with an intervening "rest" period as long as 2 weeks. The rapid reinduction of BDNF by an exercise stimulation protocol that is normally subthreshold in naïve animals suggests that exercise primes a molecular memory for BDNF induction. These findings are clinically important because they provide guidelines for optimizing the design of exercise and rehabilitation programs, in order to promote hippocampal function.

Enhanced expression of renal endothelin-converting enzyme-1 and endothelin-A-receptor mRNA in rats with interstitial fibrosis following ureter ligation

Endothelin-1 (ET-1) has been implicated in many chronic renal glomerular diseases. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the levels of mRNA expression of endothelin-converting enzyme-1 (ECE-1) and endothelin-A- and -B- (ET(A) and ET(B)) receptors are altered during the progression of interstitial fibrosis following ureter ligation. Rats were subjected to left ureter ligation or a sham operation and euthanized 5 days afterward. Kidneys were fixed in Carnoy's fixative, embedded in paraffin, and sectioned for assessment of interstitial fibrosis by staining for collagen III using immunofluorescence techniques. The area occupied by collagen staining was quantified by image analysis. Kidneys from obstructed rats showed a 54% increase in the area occupied by collagen III staining compared to the contralateral kidney, and an 89% increase compared to sham-operated kidneys. The mRNA levels of ECE-1, as well as ET(A)- and ET(B)-receptors in the kidney were analyzed by Northern blots. It was found that the ECE-1 and ET(A)-receptor mRNA levels in kidneys subjected to ureter ligation increased by 92% and 71%, respectively, when compared with those obtained from the contralateral kidneys. In contrast, mRNA levels of ET(B)-receptors were not significantly different between the two groups. These results suggest that ET-1, through interaction with the ET(A)-receptors, may play a role in the progression of interstitial fibrosis following ureter ligation.

Attenuation of puromycin aminonucleoside-induced glomerular lesions in rats by CGS 26303, a dual neutral endopeptidase/endothelin-converting enzyme inhibitor

Endothelin-1 (ET-1) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of various renal diseases. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of CGS 26303, an endothelin-converting enzyme (ECE) inhibitor, on puromycin aminonucleoside (PA)-induced nephrosis in rats. The animals (three groups; n = 8 per group) received 50 mg/kg PA or NaCl, intravenously. CGS 26303 (5 mg/kg/day, s.c. via osmotic minipumps) or vehicle was administered to the PA-treated animals for 4 weeks, starting within 5 min after PA injection. Uninephrectomy was performed 2 weeks after PA to accelerate the renal damage. Rats received no treatment between 4 and 8 weeks. At 8 weeks rats were euthanized and kidneys removed for histology and analysis for mRNA levels of endothelin-A- and -B- (ET(A) and ET(B)) receptors and ECE-1. Glomeruli (100 glomeruli/section; 800/group) were graded as normal (N), mild lesion (ML = few periodic acid-Schiff positive [PAS+] droplets and small adhesions to Bowman's capsule), and moderate to severe lesion (SL = many PAS+ droplets, adhesions to and thickening of Bowman's capsule, mesangial expansion, and cystic dilations of glomerular capillaries). In the PA + vehicle group N, ML and SL were 39.5%, 11.9% and 48.6%, respectively, while the respective values were 68.3%, 9.4%, and 22.3% in PA + CGS 26303-treated rats. However, the renal mRNA levels of ECE-1 and ET(A)- and ET(B)-receptors were not significantly different among the three groups. These results confirm the efficacy of ECE inhibition in this disease model. On the other hand, the mRNA data suggest that either there was no change in the expression of the genes examined or their levels had already returned to normal by the end of the experiment.

Design and synthesis of a potent and selective endothelin-converting enzyme inhibitor, CGS 35066

CGS 26303 has previously been shown to inhibit human endothelin converting enzyme-1 (ECE-1) with an IC50 of 410 nM and to be efficacious in several animal disease models. However, it is a more potent inhibitor of neutral endopeptidase 24.11 (NEP) with an IC50 of 1 nM. The aim of this study was to optimize CGS 26303 for greater potency and selectivity towards ECE-1 inhibition. The in vivo activity of the compounds was assessed by inhibition of the big endothelin-1 (ET-1)-induced pressor response in anesthetized rats at 90 min after treatment with a dose of 10 mg/kg, i.v. Under these conditions, CGS 26303 inhibited the pressor response to big ET-1 by 50%. Replacement of the biphenyl and tetrazol groups in CGS 26303 with a dibenzofuran and carboxylic acid, respectively, yielded CGS 35066, a potent ECE-1 inhibitor having an IC50 of 22 nM. In contrast, these substitutions markedly weakened the NEP inhibitory activity of the compound to an IC50 of 2.3 microM. CGS 35066 also exhibited a potent and sustained ECE-1 inhibitory activity in vivo, blocking the pressor response to big ET-1 by 84%. Its orally active prodrug, CGS 35339, was obtained by introducing two phenyl groups at the phosphonic acid substituent in CGS 35066. Therefore, CGS 35066 and CGS 35339 represent novel compounds for assessing the pathogenic role of ET-1 overproduction in various disease states.

CGS 34043: a non-peptidic, potent and long-acting dual inhibitor of endothelin converting enzyme-1 and neutral endopeptidase 24.11

Endothelin-1 (ET- 1) is a potent vasoconstrictor. Its biosynthesis is catalyzed by endothelin converting enzyme (ECE). In contrast, atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) is a potent vasorelaxant and diuretic, and it is mainly degraded by neutral endopeptidase 24.11 (NEP). Therefore, compounds that can suppress the production of ET-1 by inhibiting ECE while simultaneously potentiating the levels of ANP by inhibiting NEP may be novel agents for the treatment of cardiovascular and renal dysfunction. CGS 34043 is one such compound, which inhibited the activities of ECE-1a and NEP with IC50 values of 5.8 and 110 nM, respectively. In vivo, it inhibited the pressor response induced by big ET-1, the precursor of ET-1, dose-dependently in rats, and the inhibition was sustained for at least 2 hr. In addition, CGS 34043 increased plasma ANP by 150% up to 4 hr after an intravenous dose of 10 mg/kg in conscious rats infused with ANP. However, this compound had no effect on the angiotensin I-induced pressor response. These results demonstrate that CGS 34043 is a potent and long-lasting dual inhibitor of ECE-1 and NEP. Consequently, it may be beneficial for the treatment of diseases in which an overproduction of ET-1 and/or enhanced degradation of ANP plays a pathogenic role. The activity of CGS 34753, an orally active prodrug of CGS 34043, is also described.

Potent and selective non-peptidic inhibitors of endothelin-converting enzyme-1 with sustained duration of action

Potent and selective non-peptidic inhibitors of human endothelin-converting enzyme-1 (ECE-1) have been designed as potential modulators of endothelin (ET-1) production in vivo. Because of its unique structural characteristics and long duration of action in vivo, the dual ECE-1 and neutral endopeptidase 24.11 (NEP) inhibitor, CGS 26303, was selected as an attractive lead for further optimization of potency and selectivity. Replacement of the P(1)' biphenyl substituent of CGS 26303 by a conformationally restricted 3-dibenzofuranyl group led to more potent and more selective ECE-1 inhibitors, such as the tetrazole 27. The remarkable effect of this P(1)' modification allowed for the first time phosphonomethylcarboxylic acids, such as 29, to display both potent (IC(50) = 22 nM) and selective (104-fold vs NEP) ECE-1 inhibition. Chemoenzymatic syntheses of the new alpha-amino acid (S)-3-dibenzofuran-3-ylalanine intermediate were developed, and improved procedures to generate substituted alpha-aminoalkylphosphonic acids were devised to support the production of various analogues. Although additional gains in intrinsic ECE-1 inhibitory potency could occasionally be achieved by addition of a P(1) side chain, these compounds (e.g. 43a) showed poor functional activity in vivo in the big ET-1 pressor test. Phosphonoalkyl dipeptides featuring 3-dibenzofuranyl groups in both the P(1)' and P(2)' positions were also very potent ECE-1 inhibitors, albeit lacking the desired selectivity against NEP. Functionally, 27and 29 were the two most efficacious compounds from this study, producing sustained inhibition of ECE-1 activity in rats, as measured by their ability to block the hypertensive effects induced by big ET-1. This profile was similar to that of a potent ET(A)/ET(B) dual receptor antagonist, SB 209670. Due to their favorable in vitro and in vivo profiles, 27 (CGS 34043) and 29 (CGS 35066) constitute new pharmacological tools useful in assessing the role of ECE-1 in pathological conditions.

Use of bioluminescent aequorin for the pharmacological characterization of 5HT receptors

A convenient functional assay for 5HT2a and 5HT2c receptors is reported utilizing the bioluminescent aequorin to detect intracellular calcium changes. Using this assay, the pharmacological properties of many 5HT ligands can be determined in a 96-well format. The data indicate that the aequorin detection method is superior to the inositol phosphate assay with regard to speed and scope. This system is also appropriate for kinetic studies of receptor desensitization. We showed that the human 5HT2c receptor desensitizes in a biphasic manner, with a fast desensitization of approximately 90% of the total response occurring within 15 minutes while the remaining 10% response remains for at least 3 hours.

Feasibility of bioremediation of trichloroethylene contaminated sites by nitrifying bacteria through cometabolism with ammonia

The autotrophic ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (Nitrosomonas sp.) are able to dechlorinate trichloroethylene (TCE) through cometabolism using ammonia (NH(3)) as a growth substrate. Cometabolic kinetics models suggest that TCE is a potent competitive inhibitor of NH(3) oxidation because it competes with NH(3) for oxidation by the enzyme of ammonia monooxygenase (AMO). In this study, an enriched culture of nitrifying bacteria was used to investigate the efficiencies of cometabolism of TCE by AMO. In addition, the relationships among specific growth substrate (NH(3)) utilization rate (qNH(3)), specific nongrowth substrate (TCE) cometabolic rate (qTCE), NH(3) and TCE concentrations, and NH(3)/TCE and TCE/NH(3) ratios were also analyzed. We found that the relationships between qNH(3) and NH(3) for the systems with and without TCE followed the Alvarez-Cohen competitive inhibition model and Monod model, respectively. Our results demonstrate that TCE could be cometabolized in a nitrification system when sufficient oxygen and NH(3)200 microg/l) were also found to show inhibitory effects towards NH(3) oxidation in enriched nitrifying culture. We also found that the NH(3)/TCE ratio rather than TCE concentrations alone exhibited strong correlation with qNH(3), much the same as the Ely activity recovery model presented. Our results suggest that the relationship between qTCE and TCE concentrations followed the Oldenhuis enzyme inactivation model for systems without NH(3).

Effect of matrix metalloproteinase inhibition on progression of atherosclerosis and aneurysm in LDL receptor-deficient mice overexpressing MMP-3, MMP-12, and MMP-13 and on restenosis in rats after balloon injury

The broad-spectrum MMP inhibitor CGS 27023A was tested to determine its potential as a therapy for atherosclerosis, aneurysm, and restenosis. LDL receptor-deficient (LDLr -/-) mice fed a high-fat, cholic acid-enriched diet for 16 weeks developed advanced aortic atherosclerosis with destruction of elastic lamina and ectasia in the media underlying complex plaques. Lesion formation correlated with a 4.6- to 21.7-fold increase in MMP-3, -12, and -13 expression. Treatment with CGS 27023A (p.o., b.i.d. at 50 mg/kg) had no effect on the extent of aortic atherosclerosis (36 +/- 4% versus 30 +/- 2% in controls), but both aortic medial elastin destruction and ectasia grade were significantly reduced (38% and 36%, respectively, p < 0.05). In the rat ballooned-carotid-artery model, CGS 27023A (12.5 mg/kg/day via osmotic minipump) reduced smooth muscle cell migration at 4 days by 83% (p < 0.001). Intimal lesions were reduced by 85% at 7 days (p < 0.001), but intimal smooth muscle proliferation was unaffected, and inhibitory efficacy was lost with time. At 12 days, intimal lesion reduction was less potent (52%, p < 0.01). At 3 and 6 weeks, reductions of 11% and 4%, respectively, were not significant. This demonstrates that it is essential to include late time points when the ballooned-carotid-artery model is employed to ensure that lesion size does not "catch up" when a compound solely inhibits smooth muscle cell migration. In summary, MMP inhibitor therapy delayed but did not prevent intimal lesions, thereby demonstrating little promise to prevent restenosis. In contrast, MMP inhibitor therapy may prove useful to retard progression of aneurysm.

NH4+ transport system of a psychrophilic marine bacterium, Vibrio sp. strain ABE-1

NH4(+) transport system of a psychrophilic marine bacterium Vibrio sp. strain ABE-1 (Vibrio ABE-1) was examined by measuring the uptake of [14C]methylammonium ion (14CH3NH3+) into the intact cells. 14CH3NH3+ uptake was detected in cells grown in medium containing glutamate as the sole nitrogen source, but not in those grown in medium containing NH4Cl instead of glutamate. Vibrio ABE-1 did not utilize CH3NH3+ as a carbon or nitrogen source. NH4Cl and nonradiolabeled CH3NH3+ completely inhibited 14CH3NH3+ uptake. These results indicate that 14CH3NH3+ uptake in this bacterium is mediated via an NH4+ transport system and not by a specific carrier for CH3NH3+. The respiratory substrate succinate was required to drive 14CH3NH3+ uptake and the uptake was completely inhibited by KCN, indicating that the uptake was energy dependent. The electrochemical potentials of H+ and/or Na+ across membranes were suggested to be the driving forces for the transport system because the ionophores carbonylcyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone and monensin strongly inhibited uptake activities at pH 6.5 and 8.5, respectively. Furthermore, KCl activated 14CH3NH3+ uptake. The 14CH3NH3+ uptake activity of Vibrio ABE-1 was markedly high at temperatures between 0 degrees and 15 degrees C, and the apparent Km value for CH3NH3+ of the uptake did not change significantly over the temperature range from 0 degrees to 25 degrees C. Thus, the NH4+ transport system of this bacterium was highly active at low temperatures.

MEC-12, an alpha-tubulin required for touch sensitivity in C. elegans

mec-12 is one of a dozen genes required for touch receptor neuron function in Caenorhabditis elegans. Some mec-12 mutants (mechanosensory-defective) lack the large-diameter microtubules that are characteristic of these neurons (15 protofilaments, as opposed to 11). Mutants of mec-7, a alpha-tubulin encoding gene, have a similar phenotype. We have identified the nature of mec-12 by germline transformation rescue and characterization of a point mutation. Sequence analysis of the mec-12 encoded product (MEC-12) indicates that it corresponds to a novel C. elegans alpha-tubulin. MEC-12 is the only identified C. elegans alpha-tubulin that contains a lysine at position 40, a known site of post-translational acetylation. Some mec-12 mutations eliminate microtubule acetylation as assayed immunocyto-chemically; phenotypic rescue using a MEC-12 variant lacking the lysine-40 showed that acetylation is not required for MEC-12 activity. Although functionally needed only in the touch neurons, mec-12 is expressed in several other neuron types. These results support the notion that tubulin isotype diversity contributes to the formation of distinct classes of microtubules; 15-protofilament microtubule assembly requires MEC-12 alpha-tubulin and MEC-7 beta-tubulin, which are both highly expressed in the touch receptor neurons. MEC-12 is the first reported alpha-tubulin isotype that appears to be required in a single class of neuronal microtubules.

Temporal patterns of DNA adduct formation and glutathione S-transferase activity in the testes of rats fed aflatoxin B1: a comparison with patterns in the liver

Fisher-344 male rats were fed 1.6 ppm of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) continuously and intermittently for several weeks. At various time periods, DNA was isolated from the testes and livers and analyzed for AFB1-DNA adducts. The ability of the testis to detoxify AFB1 was also investigated by the glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity assay and compared with that of the liver. The levels of testicular AFB1-DNA adducts were 2.4 to 8.1 times lower than those of the liver after 4 to 16 weeks of continuous treatment and 2.2 to 46.2 times lower after 8 to 20 weeks of intermittent treatment. The testicular DNA adducts markedly decreased over time. By 16 weeks of continuous and 20 weeks of intermittent exposure, they had decreased 37 and 91%, respectively. In contrast, hepatic AFB1-DNA adducts increased four-fold from 4 to 16 weeks of continuous treatment but increased at a much slower rate after intermittent exposure. In both the liver and testis, significant levels of AFB1-DNA adducts persisted for at least 1 month after ending the treatment, suggesting that this type of lesion was poorly repaired. In control rats, the testis showed significantly higher GST activity than the liver. In treated rats, these differences were significant during the first 12 weeks of continuous treatment but not at later times. Tissue-specific differences such as germ-cell depletion and increased testicular detoxification may play an important role in the observed differential pattern of DNA adduct formation between the testis and liver.

Production of leptin in Escherichia coli: a comparison of methods

A procedure is described for gram-scale refolding of Escherichia coli-derived human leptin inclusion bodies. Refolding was achieved by gradually reducing denaturant using a diafiltration method. Refolded leptin is characterized by in vivo modulation of food intake, reduction in body weight, and lowering of insulin and glucose levels in ob/ob mice. In addition, refolded leptin is characterized by radioimmunoassay (RIA) and activation of the leptin receptor in a cell-based assay. For comparison we also refolded leptin by a simple dilution method and produced periplasmic derived leptin, which did not require ex vivo folding. Leptin produced by these three methods and leptin obtained from commercial sources were compared using the RIA and the cell-based assay and appeared to be of comparable quality and potency.

Design and synthesis of potent, selective inhibitors of endothelin-converting enzyme

Endothelin-1 is the most potent peptidic vasoconstrictor discovered to date. The final step of posttranslational processing of this peptide is the conversion of its precursor by endothelin-converting enzyme-1 (ECE-1), a metalloprotease which displays high amino acid sequence identity with neutral endopeptidase 24.11 (NEP) especially at the catalytic center. A series of potent and selective arylacetylene-containing ECE-1 inhibitors have been prepared. (S, S)-3-Cyclohexyl-2-[[5-(2, 4-difluorophenyl)-2-[(phosphonomethyl)amino]pent-4-ynoyl]amino] propio nic acid (47), an arylacetylene amino phosphonate dipeptide, was found to inhibit ECE-1 and NEP with IC50 values of 14 nM and 2 microM, respectively. Similarly, (S)-[[1-[(2-biphenyl-4-ylethyl)carbamoyl]-4-(2-fluorophenyl)but-3- yny l]amino]methyl]phosphonic acid (56), an arylacetylene amino phosphonate amide, had IC50's of 33 nM and 6.5 microM for ECE-1 and NEP, respectively. Slight modification of the aryl moiety was found to have dramatic effects on ECE-1/NEP selectivity. The 2-fluoro dipeptide analogue, (S, S)-2-[[5-(2-fluorophenyl)-2-[(phosphonomethyl)amino]pent-4-ynoyl]+ ++amin o]-4-methylpentanoic acid (40), showed a 72-fold selectivity for ECE-1 over NEP, while the 3-fluoro dipeptide analogue, (S, S)-2-[[5-(3-fluorophenyl)-2-[(phosphonomethyl)amino]pent-4-ynoyl]+ ++amin o]-4-methylpentanoic acid (22), was equipotent for ECE-1 and NEP. Several of these inhibitors were shown to be potent in blocking ET-1 production in vivo as demonstrated by the big ET-1-induced pressor response in rats. These potent inhibitors are the most selective for ECE-1 reported to date and are envisaged to have a variety of therapeutic applications.

Sulfonamide-based hydroxamic acids as potent inhibitors of mouse macrophage metalloelastase

The structural requirements of sulfonamide-based hydroxamic acid 1 for inhibition of macrophage metalloelastase (MME) were investigated. A short aliphatic group at the R2 position together with an aromatic group at the R3 position significantly improved the inhibitory activity. Compounds 32, 34, and 40 were the most potent inhibitors of MME with IC50 values between 5 and 6 nM.

Suppression of substance P biosynthesis in sensory neurons of dorsal root ganglion by prodrug esters of potent peptidylglycine alpha-amidating monooxygenase inhibitors

Substance P as well as many other neuropeptides are synthesized as glycine-extended precursors and converted to the biologically active C-terminal amides by posttranslational modification. The final step of posttranslational processing is catalyzed by peptidylglycine alpha-amidating monooxygenase (PAM). In a previous study, N-substituted homocysteine analogs were found to be potent inhibitors of PAM partially purified from conditioned medium of cultured rat medullary thyroid carcinoma CA-77 cells. These compounds, however, were only modest inhibitors of substance P production in cultured dorsal root ganglion cells, possibly because of poor cell penetration. Several ester derivatives of hydrocinnamoyl-phenylalanyl-homocysteine, one of the most potent PAM inhibitors, were prepared to increase the intracellular accessibility of these compounds. Hydrocinnamoyl-phenylalanyl-(S-benzoyl-homocysteine) benzyl ester was identified as the most potent compound, inhibiting substance P biosynthesis in dorsal root ganglion cells with an IC50 of 2 microM. Inhibition of PAM resulted in a concomitant increase in the glycine-extended substance p (substance P-Gly) precursor peptide. In the presence of 3 microM benzyl ester derivative, the intracellular substance P-Gly level was 2.4-fold higher while the substance P level was 2.1-fold lower than the corresponding peptides in control cells. These results suggest that PAM inhibition represents an effective method for suppression of substance P biosynthesis and, therefore, may have therapeutic utility in conditions associated with elevated substance P levels. Furthermore, PAM inhibition may also prove useful in decreasing other amidated peptides.

Interferon regulatory factor 1 induces the expression of the interferon-stimulated genes

The interferon regulatory factor 1 (IRF-1) is a positive transcriptional regulatory protein which acts in the interferon signal transduction pathway to activate the transcription of the type I interferon genes by binding to the PRDI response element. The aim of this study was to explore the role of IRF-1 in regulating the expression of other interferon-stimulated genes in the interferon signal transduction pathway. A transient transfection assay was used to show that IRF-1 induced the expression of interferon-stimulated genes. The induction was a direct result of IRF-1 binding to the promoters of the interferon-stimulated response element (ISRE). The levels of endogenous mRNA of two interferon-stimulated genes, 6-16 and 9-27, were increased in cells containing increased levels of IRF-1. In addition, IRF-1 activates the expression of IRF-2, a negative regulator of the type I interferon genes themselves. Two sequences were found in the IRF-2 promoter which were the binding sites for IRF-1. Mutations in the oligonucleotide sequences of these sites could abolish the binding of the IRF-1. These data suggested that IRF-1 not only plays an important role in the induction of type I interferon genes, but also in the activation of interferon-stimulated genes.

A receptor in pituitary and hypothalamus that functions in growth hormone release

Small synthetic molecules termed growth hormone secretagogues (GHSs) act on the pituitary gland and the hypothalamus to stimulate and amplify pulsatile growth hormone (GH) release. A heterotrimeric GTP-binding protein (G protein)-coupled receptor (GPC-R) of the pituitary and arcuate ventro-medial and infundibular hypothalamus of swine and humans was cloned and was shown to be the target of the GHSs. On the basis of its pharmacological and molecular characterization, this GPC-R defines a neuroendocrine pathway for the control of pulsatile GH release and supports the notion that the GHSs mimic an undiscovered hormone.

Interferon-alpha 2 variants in the human genome

Variants of human leukocyte interferon alpha 2 (IFN-alpha 2a, alpha 2b, and alpha 2c) differ from each other by changes in their coding regions at nucleotide positions 137 and 170. As a result of these nucleotide variations, the DNA sequences of the three variants can be distinguished by selective restriction enzyme analysis. Human genomic DNA obtained from over 28,000 normal healthy individuals was used as templates in the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to amplify the human IFN-alpha 2 gene sequence. The resulting PCR products were analyzed with restriction nucleases to identify the specific IFN-alpha 2 variant sequences present in the genomic DNA of the population examined. The results show that IFN-alpha 2b was detected as the predominant species and IFN-alpha 2c as a very minor species (< 0.1%). The IFN-alpha 2a gene was not detected in this population.

Analysis of orthodontic anomalies in mentally retarded developmentally disabled (MRDD) persons

For this epidemiologic study, 458 individuals with mental retardation and developmental disability (MRDD), from 6 to 87 years old, from the Lower Hudson Valley region of New York, were evaluated for the occurrence of orthodontic anomalies. High occurrence of both anomalies of intermaxillary relation, as determined by Angle's classification, and the anomalies of occlusion were found in these individuals when compared with the general population. An increased incidence of both acquired (i.e., open bite) as well as hereditary (i.e., prognathia) orthodontic anomalies correlated with the severity of mental retardation. In addition, an increased incidence of Angle class II malocclusion was found in persons with cerebral palsy and autism, and an increase of Angle class III malocclusion in persons with autism and Down syndrome. Moreover, it was found that 74% of MRDD persons had definitive malocclusion, while only 37% of the US general population of comparable age has definitive malocclusion. High incidence of malocclusion in this population remained present into old age, mainly due to a lack of treatment and the need to employ non-conventional orthodontic treatment in this population.

Antiplatelet therapy following cardiac valve replacement-a comparative study of aspirin and ticlopidine

The antiplatelet agents, aspirin and ticlopidine, are widely used to prevent thromboembolism following cardiac valve replacement. To compare the clinical effects of each platelet inhibitor, a daily dose of ticlopidine 300 mg was given to 50 patients who underwent aortic valve or mitral valve replacement with an average age of 56.9 years over a mean 52.6 months after surgery. 50 more patients with an average age of 50.2 years were given a daily dose of aspirin 81 mg over a mean 51.3 months after surgery. Warfarin was given to maintain thrombotest values at 10 to 25% (PT-INR at 1.6-3.0). The incidence of thromboembolism was low in both groups; 1.0/100 patient years in the ticlopidine group and 1.9 in the aspirin group. Hemorrhagic complications, hematuria and ecchymosis, showed an incidence of 2.9 in the ticlopidine group and 2.3 in the aspirin group. Slight increases in GOT and GTP were observed in 4 and 18% of cases and elevated total cholesterol and neutral fat in 2 and 18% of cases. No adverse reactions were reported. With the exception of a significant decrease in ADP-induced platelet aggregation in patients who took ticlopidine, there were no significant differences observed between the two groups.

Modulation of chemical toxicity by modification of caloric intake

Caloric restriction increases maximum achievable lifespan and offsets the time to development of degenerative disease. Part of these desirable effects may result from positive modulation of toxic events. We have shown that when rodents are placed on a diet that is reduced in total calories by 40%, several beneficial changes on biochemical systems which impact on toxicologic processes are positively enhanced. Lipid metabolism is reduced and, therefore, the potential for lipoperoxidation is reduced. Additionally, activity of enzymes that produce free radicals as byproducts (cytochrome P4502C11) are also reduced. Concurrently, we have shown that the "effective" activity of catalase and the activity of superoxide dismutase (which are required for the detoxification of toxic oxygen radicals) are significantly increased by caloric restriction. The activities of enzymes of drug and xenobiotic metabolism are also altered by caloric restriction. The effect upon activity may be to either decrease or increase activity, dependent upon whether the enzyme activates compounds to intermediates which may be more toxic or whether the enzyme acts to reduce toxicity. We have also shown that caloric restriction may affect the initiation stage of carcinogenesis. Aflatoxin B1 binding to hepatic nuclear DNA was reduced by caloric restriction (caloric restriction reduced both major adducts that are formed upon exposure to aflatoxin B1). caloric restriction also reduced cytochrome P4502C11 which converts aflatoxin B1 to its toxic epoxide, and may partly explain the reduction in binding. These results suggest that caloric restriction may, in part, extend the time to development of degenerative disease by altering basic biochemical mechanisms of toxicity.

The scoring system for early technetium-99m pyrophosphate scintigraphy as a method of evaluation of limiting the myocardial infarct size by thrombolysis

The usefulness of a scoring system with early technetium-99m pyrophosphate scintigraphy as a method for evaluating the efficacy of myocardial preservation after thrombolysis was studied. The mean time from the onset of acute myocardial infarction to injection of the tracer was 5.6 +/- 1.5 h (range 2.8 to 11.9 h). All 36 patients underwent successful recanalization. Patients with strongly positive technetium-99m pyrophosphate uptake in anterior acute myocardial infarction had a significantly lower regional ejection fraction and a significantly larger thallium-201 defect score than those with 2+ positive results in chronic stage. Similarly, in inferior acute myocardial infarction, the thallium-201 defect score was significantly larger in patients with strongly positive uptake than in those with 2+ and negative uptake scores. In conclusion, strongly positive results in early technetium-99m pyrophosphate scintigraphy within 12h after the onset of acute myocardial infarction may indicate failure in limiting the infarct size by coronary thrombolysis.

Stereospecific effects of a kappa-opiate antagonist on the actions of morphine in morphine-tolerant rats

The effects of kappa-opiate receptor antagonist, MR 2266 and its dextro isomer, MR 2267 on morphine-induced analgesia and changes in colonic temperature were determined in morphine-naive and morphine-tolerant male Sprague-Dawley rats. Intraperitoneal administration of morphine (8 mg/kg) produced analgesia and hyperthermia in morphine-naive rats. MR 2266 (0.3-3.0 mg/kg) antagonized morphine-induced analgesia and hyperthermia in morphine-naive rates but MR 2267 was inactive. Subcutaneous implantation of six morphine pellets during a 7 day period induced tolerance to the analgesic and hyperthermic effects of morphine in the rat. MR 2266 also antagonized morphine analgesia and hyperthermia in morphine-tolerant rats, however, MR 2267 had no effect. A high dose (3 mg/kg) of MR 2266 produced an intense hypothermic response in morphine-tolerant rats. Previously we have shown that kappa-opiate receptor agonists antagonize morphine analgesia in morphine-naive rats but potentiate it in morphine-tolerant rats. The results of the present studies indicate that the antagonist of kappa-opiate receptors, on the other hand, antagonize morphine effects in both morphine-naive and morphine-tolerant rats in a stereospecific manner.

Antibodies against the Calcium-Binding Protein: Calsequestrin from Streptanthus tortuosus (Brassicaceae)

Plant microsomes contain a protein clearly related to a calcium-binding protein, calsequestrin, originally found in the sarcoplasmic reticulum of muscle cells, responsible for the rapid release and uptake of Ca(2+) within the cells. The location and role of calsequestrin in plant cells is unknown. To generate monoclonal antibodies specific to plant calsequestrin, mice were immunized with a microsomal fraction from cultured cells of Streptanthus tortuosus (Brassicaceae). Two clones cross-reacted with one protein band with a molecular weight equal to that of calsequestrin (57 kilodaltons) by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and immunoblotting. This band is able to bind (45)Ca(2+) and can be recognized by a polyclonal antibody against the canine cardiac muscle calsequestrin. Rabbit skeletal muscle calsequestrin cross-reacted with the plant monoclonal antibodies. The plant monoclonal antibodies generated here are specific to calsequestrin protein.

Plant cells contain calsequestrin

Calsequestrin is a high capacity low affinity Ca2+-binding protein thought to be essential for the function of the intracellular rapid releasable Ca2+ pool of a variety of animal cells. Here we show that two types of plant tissues, cultured Streptanthus tortuosus cells and spinach leaves, contain a form of calsequestrin. In subcellular fractions of S. tortuosus cells, Stains-all staining reveals a metachromatically blue-staining 56,000-Da protein enriched in the microsomal fraction. This protein shares several biochemical characteristics with animal calsequestrin: 1) it changes its apparent molecular weight with the pH; 2) it is able to bind 45Ca2+ on nitrocellulose transfers; and 3) it is recognized by antibodies against canine cardiac calsequestrin. Calsequestrin was also identified in spinach leaves using a direct extraction procedure that was developed for muscle calsequestrin. Thus, our results demonstrate that plant cells contain calsequestrin within a subcellular membrane fraction. These results also suggest that calsequestrin is an ubiquitous protein rather than being limited only to animal cells.

Thermotolerance of isolated mitochondria associated with heat shock proteins

Mitochondria isolated from 2-day-old etiolated soybean (Glycine max) seedlings which had been subjected to various heat shock treatments, i.e. (A) 28 degrees C (2 h), (B) 38 degrees C (2 h), (C) 38 degrees C (2 h)-42.5 degrees C (0.5 h), and (D) 38 degrees C (2 h)-42.5 degrees C (0.5 h)-28 degrees C (4 h), were monitored for O(2) uptake using an oxygen electrode. Mitochondria isolated after all four heat shock treatments were active in O(2) consumption at 28 degrees C in response to succinate and ADP (derived P/O ratios were 1.6, 1.7, 1.3, and 1.3, respectively.) The mitochondria from all four treatments were also active in O(2) uptake at 42.5 degrees C. However, only mitochondria isolated after treatment (C) were tightly coupling at 42.5 degrees C (derived ADP/O ratio was about 1.4). Combined with our earlier findings on the subcellular localization of heat shock proteins, our present data demonstrate that association of heat shock proteins with mitochondria by treatment (C) enables them to phosphorylate at 42.5 degrees C (i.e. they become thermotolerant). Isolated mitochondria from treatment (C) and treatment (A) were compared by electron microscopy. They appeared to be very similar and no significant ultrastructural differences were noted.

Actin-stimulated myosin Mg2+-ATPase inhibition by brain protein

A low-molecular-weight protein, isolated from bovine brain, inhibits the actin-stimulated Mg-ATPase activity of myosin from striated muscle. This inhibition is probably related to its ability to cause actin to revert from its polymerized to its depolymerized state and to prevent the polymerization of actin. Its effect on the polymeric state of the actin has been demonstrated by viscosity studies. DNase inhibition assay, and electron microscopy. Heavy meromyosin can overcome the effect of the brain protein and stimulate the polymerization of actin. The inhibition of ATPase activity is in part dependent upon the relative amounts of brain protein, actin, and myosin. The apparent molecular weight of the brain protein is approximately 20,000 daltons. It appears to be a heat-labile glycoprotein containing 5-6% carbohydrate.

Effects of interferon on the cAMP-adenylate cyclase system of human, mouse, and bovine thyroid tissue

This report studied the action of interferon on the thyroidal adenylate cyclase-cAMP system. It was found that human interferon did not increase cAMP levels in human or bovine thyroid slices during a 60-min incubation. Mouse interferon also had no effect on cAMP levels in mouse thyroidal lobes over the 60-min incubation, nor did it increase adenylate cyclase activity in mouse homogenates.

Effects of thyrotropin and cholera toxin on the thyroidal adenylate cyclase-adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate system

The present experiments examined the relationship between cholera toxin and TSH stimulation of the adenylate cyclase system in bovine thyroid tissue. Preincubation of thyroid slices for 20 min at 4 C with a maximal concentration of cholera toxin (100 microgram/ml) did not impair the subsequent stimulation of cAMP by submaximal amounts of TSH (1 mU/ml) during a 5-min incubation at 37 C. Incubation of cholera toxin or TSH with mixed gangliosides, followed by the addition of thyroid slices resulted in inhibition of the cholera toxin but not the TSH stimulation of cAMP formation. Previous exposure of thyroid slices to TSH induced refractoriness to subsequent stimulation of cAMP formation by TSH, but the response to cholera toxin was unchanged. NAD is necessary for cholera toxin, but not TSH, stimulation of adenylate cyclase. In the absence of NAD, cholera toxin inhibited the effect of maximal concentrations of TSH and prostaglandin E1 on adenylate cyclase activity but had no effect on NaF stimulation. In the presence of NAD, the stimulation of adenylate cyclase activity of bovine thyroid plasma membranes by a maximal amount of TSH was not influeced by maximal amounts of cholera toxin. Cholera toxin had a biphasic action on the binding of [125I]iodo-TSH, with low concentrations enhancing and high concentrations inhibiting binding. TSH augmented the binding of [125I]iodo-cholera toxin over the range of 1-100 mU/tube. Cholera toxin at 10 microgram/ml maximally inhibited binding. In addition to the requirement for ribosylation of adenylate cyclase, the present results indicate that the mechanisms of action of TSH and cholera toxin on cAMP formation are different.

Persistent pancreatic glucagon but not insulin response to arginine in pancreatectomized dogs

Effects of total pancreatectomy on plasma glucagon, insulin and glucose responses to arginine were determined in 5 dogs. Portal vein and femoral artery samples were obtained in response to an arginine infusion (10 g/30 min) prior to, 1 h, 1 day and 1 week after pancreatectomy. Glucagon was measured using pancreatic-specific antiserum 30K (Unger, Dallas). Before pancreatectomy arginine significantly increased portal vein glucagon from 373 plus or minus 36 to 595 plus or minus 31 pg/ml and femoral artery levels from 233 plus or minus 28 to 342 plus or minus 74 pg/ml. Portal vein and femoral artery insulin concentrations of 74 plus or minus 21 and 17 plus or minus 3 muU/ml increased significantly to 173 plus or minus 64 and 31 plus or minus 7 muU/ml. Glucose levels did not change. One h after pancreatectomy, portal vein glucagon decreased to 121 plus or minus 15 pg/ml but increased to 230 plus or minus 42 pg/ml after arginine. Elevated blood glucose and the necessity for insulin treatment established the adequacy of pancreatectomy. Furthermore portal vein insulin levels were undetectable and unresponsive to arginine or a combination of glucose, glucagon, and tolbutamide 1 week after pancreatectomy. One day after pancreatectomy arginine significantly increased portal vein glucagon from 343 plus or minus 42 to 776 plus or minus 152 pg/ml. One week after pancreatectomy basal glucagon values were 374 plus or minus 30 in the portal vein and 360 plus or minus 49 in the femoral artery and responded to 1226 plus or minus 641 and 825 plus or minus 270 pg/ml, respectively, with arginine. Chromatography of plasma from one pancreatectomized dog on Sephadex G-50 after arginine stimulation revealed that much of the material cross-reacting with antibody 30K was eluted from the column earlier than either 125I-insulin or 125I-glucagon. In contrast, peak glucagon activity in plasma obtained from a normal human given arginine eluted from the column between the peak of 125I-insulin and 125I-glucagon; glucagon added to human plasma also was recovered in this same area between the 125I-insulin and 125I-glucagon peaks. These results suggest that some of the material that reacted with 30K antibody and which increased after pancreatectomy in response to arginine has a molecular weight greater than pancreatic glucagon. At autopsy no pancreatic tissue could be identified. Thus, after pancreatectomy, validated by absent insulin responses, the glucagon response to arginine was normal or increased. Since arginine is not thought to increase intestinal glucagon-like immunoreactive material, the source and nature of the material measured as glucagon after pancreatectomy is unknown, but may be important to any understanding of plasma glucagon measurements.