Mutations affecting the SAND domain of DEAF1 cause intellectual disability with severe speech impairment and behavioral problems

Recently, we identified in two individuals with intellectual disability (ID) different de novo mutations in DEAF1, which encodes a transcription factor with an important role in embryonic development. To ascertain whether these mutations in DEAF1 are causative for the ID phenotype, we performed targeted resequencing of DEAF1 in an additional cohort of over 2,300 individuals with unexplained ID and identified two additional individuals with de novo mutations in this gene. All four individuals had severe ID with severely affected speech development, and three showed severe behavioral problems. DEAF1 is highly expressed in the CNS, especially during early embryonic development. All four mutations were missense mutations affecting the SAND domain of DEAF1. Altered DEAF1 harboring any of the four amino acid changes showed impaired transcriptional regulation of the DEAF1 promoter. Moreover, behavioral studies in mice with a conditional knockout of Deaf1 in the brain showed memory deficits and increased anxiety-like behavior. Our results demonstrate that mutations in DEAF1 cause ID and behavioral problems, most likely as a result of impaired transcriptional regulation by DEAF1.

Bioavailability of Sulforaphane Following Ingestion of Glucoraphanin-Rich Broccoli Sprout and Seed Extracts with Active Myrosinase: A Pilot Study of the Effects of Proton Pump Inhibitor Administration

We examined whether gastric acidity would affect the activity of myrosinase, co-delivered with glucoraphanin (GR), to convert GR to sulforaphane (SF). A broccoli seed and sprout extract (BSE) rich in GR and active myrosinase was delivered before and after participants began taking the anti-acid omeprazole, a potent proton pump inhibitor. Gastric acidity appears to attenuate GR bioavailability, as evidenced by more SF and its metabolites being excreted after participants started taking omeprazole. Enteric coating enhanced conversion of GR to SF, perhaps by sparing myrosinase from the acidity of the stomach. There were negligible effects of age, sex, ethnicity, BMI, vegetable consumption, and bowel movement frequency and quality. Greater body mass correlated with reduced conversion efficiency. Changes in the expression of 20 genes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells were evaluated as possible pharmacodynamic indicators. When grouped by their primary functions based on a priori knowledge, expression of genes associated with inflammation decreased non-significantly, and those genes associated with cytoprotection, detoxification and antioxidant functions increased significantly with bioavailability. Using principal components analysis, component loadings of the changes in gene expression confirmed these groupings in a sensitivity analysis.

Cytotoxicity and inhibition of DNA topoisomerase I of polyhydroxylated triterpenoids and triterpenoid glycosides

Cytotoxicity and inhibition on human DNA topoisomerase I (TOP1) and II (TOP2) of 74 plant-originated triterpenoids and triterpenoid glycosides were investigated. The cytotoxic compounds are primarily polyhydroxylated oleananes (GI(50) of A549: 1.0-10.19 microM). Sixteen cytotoxic aesculiosides isolated from Aesculus pavia inhibited TOP1 catalytic activity by interacting directly with the free enzyme and preventing the formation of the DNA-TOP1 complex. Interestingly, hydrolysis of six active aesculiosides (1, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 23) lost their TOP1 activities but enhanced their cytotoxicities. None of the test compounds showed any activity against TOP2. Structure-activity relationship (SAR) investigations indicated that cytotoxic oleananes required at least one angeloyl moiety at either C-21 or C-22 but the sugar moiety at C-3 may decrease their cytotoxicities. An angeloyl or tigeloyl group at C-21 is required for oleananes to bind the free TOP1 enzyme although the type and length of acyl moiety at C-22 also affects their activity. However, sugar moiety at C-3 is necessary for their TOP1 activities.

Phenolic compounds and rare polyhydroxylated triterpenoid saponins from Eryngium yuccifolium

Phytochemical investigation on the whole plant of Eryngium yuccifolium resulted in the isolation and identification of three phenolic compounds (1-3) and 12 polyhydroxylated triterpenoid saponins, named eryngiosides A-L (4-15), together with four known compounds kaempferol-3-O-(2,6-di-O-trans-p-coumaroyl)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (16), caffeic acid (17), 21beta-angeloyloxy-3beta-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)]-[beta-d-xylopyranosyl-(1-->3)]-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyloxyolean-12-ene-15alpha,16alpha,22alpha,28-tetrol (18), and saniculasaponin III (19). This study reports the isolation of these compounds and their structural elucidation by extensive spectroscopic analyses and chemical degradation.

Expression of pro-inflammatory mediators is inhibited by an avocado/soybean unsaponifiables and epigallocatechin gallate combination

Background

Osteoarthritis (OA) is characterized by inflammation, joint immobility, and pain. Non-pharmacologic agents modulating pro-inflammatory mediator expression offer considerable promise as safe and effective treatments for OA. We previously determined the anti-inflammatory effect of an avocado/soybean unsaponifiables (ASU) and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) combination on prostaglandin E2 (PGE₂) production and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) translocation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of ASU + EGCG on pro-inflammatory gene expression.

Findings

Articular chondrocytes from carpal joints of mature horses were pre-incubated for 24 hours with control media alone or ASU (8.3 μg/mL) + EGCG (40 ng/mL), followed by one hour activation with interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β, 10 ng/mL) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α, 1 ng/mL). Total cellular RNA was isolated and real-time PCR performed to measure IL-1β, TNF-α, interleukin-6 (IL-6), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and interleukin-8 (IL-8) gene expression. Intracellular localization of NF-κB was analyzed by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. Pre-treatment with ASU + EGCG significantly (P < 0.001) decreased gene expression of IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, COX-2, and IL-8 in cytokine-activated chondrocytes. Western blot and immunostaining confirmed NF-κB translocation inhibition.

Conclusions

We demonstrate that ASU + EGCG inhibits cytokine-induced gene expression of IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, COX-2, and IL-8 through modulation of NF-κB. Our results indicate that the activity of ASU + EGCG affects a wide array of inflammatory molecules in addition to decreasing PGE₂ synthesis in activated chondrocytes. The responsiveness of chondrocytes to this combination supports its potential utility for the inhibition of joint inflammation.

Flavonoids, coumarins and triterpenes from the aerial parts of Cnidoscolus texanus

Phytochemical investigation on Cnidoscolus texanus led to the isolation of 26 compounds, which included 15 flavonoids (1-15), three coumarins (16-18), three coumaric acid derivatives (19-21), four triterpenoids (22-25), and one phytosterol (26). Among them, aromadendrin 7-O-(4''-O-P-E-coumaroyl-beta-glucopyranoside) (1), aromadendrin 7-O-(3'',6''-di-O-P-E-coumaroyl-beta-glucopyranoside) (2), and naringenin 7-O-(4''-O-P-Z-coumaroyl-beta-glucopyranoside) (3) are new compounds. Their structures were determined by spectroscopic and chemical methods. All flavonoids were found to be inactive against DNA topoisomerase I.

α-Lipoic Acid Potentiates the Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Avocado/Soybean Unsaponifiables in Chondrocyte Cultures

Objective Pro-inflammatory mediators such as prostaglandin E-2 (PGE₂) play major roles in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA). Although current pharmacologic treatments reduce inflammation, their prolonged use is associated with deleterious side effects prompting the search for safer and effective alternative strategies. The present study evaluated whether chondrocyte production of PGE₂ can be suppressed by the combination of avocado/soybean unsaponifiables (ASU) and α-lipoic acid (LA). Design Chondrocytes from articular cartilage of equine joints were incubated for 24 hours with: (1) control media, (2) ASU, (3) LA, or (4) ASU + LA combination. Cells were activated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), interleukin 1β (IL-1β) or hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) for 24 hours and supernatants were immunoassayed for PGE₂. Nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) analyses were performed by immunocytochemistry and Western blot following 1 hour of activation with IL-1β. Results LPS, IL-1β, or H₂O₂ significantly increased PGE₂ production. ASU or LA alone suppressed PGE₂ production in LPS and IL-1β activated cells. Only LA alone at 2.5 µg/mL was inhibitory in H₂O₂-activated chondrocytes. ASU + LA inhibited more than either agent alone in all activated cells. ASU + LA also inhibited the IL-1β induced nuclear translocation of NF-κB. Conclusions The present study provides evidence that chondrocyte PGE₂ production can be inhibited by the combination of ASU + LA more effectively than either ASU or LA alone. Inhibition of PGE₂ production is associated with the suppression of NF-κB translocation. The potent inhibitory effect of ASU + LA on PGE₂ production could offer a potential advantage for a combination anti-inflammatory/antioxidant approach in the management of OA.

Ecdysteroids and a sucrose phenylpropanoid ester from Froelichia floridana

Phytoecdysteroid glycosides (1-5) and a phenylpropanoid ester of sucrose (6) were isolated from the whole plant of Froelichia floridana, along with eight known compounds including three ecdysteroids (7-9), four flavonoids (10-13), and one phenolic compound (14). Structures were determined using a combination of spectroscopic techniques. Compounds 1, 2 and 6-14 were tested in vitro for their activity against human DNA topoisomerase I. Compound 13 (diosmetin) showed marginal inhibition against topoisomerase I with IC(50) of 130 microM in conjunction with low intercalation ability.

Modulation of cytokine-induced prostaglandin E₂ production in cultures of articular chondrocytes obtained from carpal joints of camels (Camelus dromedarius)

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether camel articular chondrocytes can be maintained in tissue culture without phenotype loss and whether the response to cytokine stimulation can be modulated.

SAMPLE POPULATION

Cartilage from 4 carpal joints of healthy adult dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius).

PROCEDURES

Chondrocytes were evaluated for type II collagen and aggrecan production They were incubated with control media or with 2 test mixtures (alone and then in combination) that have anti-inflammatory activity (avocado-soybean unsaponifiables, glucosamine, and chondroitin sulfate [ie, ASU + GLU + CS] and pentosan polysulfate and N-acetyl glucosamine [ie, PPS + NG]). Cells were then stimulated with interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α to determine prostaglandin (PG) E₂ production and nuclear factor (NF)-κB activation.

RESULTS

Chondrocytes proliferated in media used for propagating equine chondrocytes; they produced type II collagen and aggrecan. Cytokine stimulation induced PGE₂ production and translocation of NF-κB. Incubation with each test mixture significantly inhibited PGE₂ production. The combination of ASU + GLU + CS and PPS + NG significantly potentiated PGE₂ inhibition and disrupted NF-κB translocation, compared with effects for either mixture alone.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Chondrocytes proliferated without loss of the cartilage phenotype. Responses to cytokines were significantly inhibited by the mixtures of ASU + GLU + CS and PPS + NG, which indicated that this response can be modulated. This culture technique can be used to study the functional properties of camel chondrocytes and identify agents that may potentially be used to treat and manage joint inflammation.

Abstract B22: The synergistic effect of a sulforaphane and maitake mushroom extract combination on the expression of the detoxifying enzymes NQO1 and UGT1A1

Excess estrogen exposure, whether from endogenous estrogen, harmful estrogen metabolites, or exogenous xenoestrogens (e.g. BPA, parabenes, etc.) can be detrimental to overall breast health. Here we describe a novel blend of natural ingredients including sulforaphane and maitake-derived glucans and their effect on detoxifying enzymes capable of diminishing excess estrogens. Sulforaphane, an isothiocyanate found in broccoli seeds and sprouts, results from the hydrolization of a glucosinolate called glucoraphanin by the enzyme myrosinase. In vitro and in vivo studies reveal the ability of sulforaphane to induce Phase 2 detoxifying enzymes (e.g. NAD(P)H:Quinone Oxidoreductase (NQO1) which functions to rid the body of harmful quinone estrogen metabolites and UDP-Glucuronosyltransferase 1-1 (UGT1A1) which has been shown to play a role in the metabolism of Bisphenol-A, an estrogen mimic, via glucoronidation). Previous research involving maitake extracts has largely focused on their immune-boosting properties. We examined the effect of the combination of sulforaphane and maitake-derived glucans on NQO1 and UGT1A1. RAW 246.7 mouse monocyte/macrophages were treated with sulforaphane and maitake mushroom extract alone or in combination. mRNA levels of NQO1 and UGT1A1 were assessed via quantitative RT-PCR revealing a synergistic effect on the induction of both NQO1 and UGT1A1 gene expression. Further, we carried out an in vivo study in rats during which the animals were dosed with sulforaphane, maitake mushroom extract, or the combination for 14 days. The upregulation of UGT1A1 gene expression was greater in the mammary glands of the rats given the combination of sulforaphane and maitake extract compared to those receiving either agent alone. This study demonstrates the synergistic effect of the combination of sulforaphane and a maitake extract on the gene expression of Phase 2 detoxifying enzymes NQO1 and UGT1A1 suggesting the agents together may be effective at detoxifying the body of excess estrogens and promoting breast health.

Citation Format: Grace A. Cornblatt, Stacy Ownby, Brian S. Cornblatt. The synergistic effect of a sulforaphane and maitake mushroom extract combination on the expression of the detoxifying enzymes NQO1 and UGT1A1. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Twelfth Annual AACR International Conference on Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research; 2013 Oct 27-30; National Harbor, MD. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Can Prev Res 2013;6(11 Suppl): Abstract nr B22.