Comparative effect of 28-homobrassinolide and 24-epibrassinolide on the performance of different components influencing the photosynthetic machinery in Brassica juncea L

BRs are polyhydroxylated sterol derivatives, classified as phytohormones. Plants of Brassica juncea var. Varuna were grown in pots and an aqueous solution (10^-8 M) of two brassinosteroid isomers 28-homobrassinolide (HBL) and 24-epibrassinolide (EBL) of same concentration (10^-8 M) was applied to their leaves. The treatment up-regulated the photosynthetic machinery directly by enhancing water splitting activity, photochemical quenching, non-photochemical quenching, maximum PSII efficiency, actual PSII efficiency, electron transport rate, stomatal movement, stomatal conductance, internal CO₂ concentration, transpiration rate, net photosynthetic rate and carbohydrate synthesis. Moreover, the level of biochemical enzymes (carbonic anhydrase and nitrate reductase), reactive oxygen species (superoxide and hydrogen peroxide) generation, antioxidant enzyme activity and mineral status (C, N, Mg, P, S, K), which indirectly influence the rate of photosynthesis, also improved in the treated plants. Out of the two BR analogues tested, EBL excelled in its effects over HBL.

Lycopersicon esculentum under low temperature stress: an approach toward enhanced antioxidants and yield

Brassinosteroids (BRs) have been implicated to overcome various abiotic stresses, and low temperature stress poses a serious threat to productivity of various horticultural crops like tomato. Therefore, a study was conducted to unravel the possible role of BRs in conferring alleviation to low temperature stress in Lycopersicon esculentum. Twenty-day-old seedlings of tomato var. S-22 (chilling tolerant) and PKM-1 (chilling sensitive) were sown in earthen pots, and at 40 days stage of growth, plants were exposed to varied levels of low temperatures (10/3, 12/7, 20/14, or 25/18 °C) for 24 h in a growth chamber. At 50 days stage of growth, the foliage of plants were sprayed with 0 or 10(-8) M of BRs (28-homobrassinolide or 24-epibrassinolide), and 60-day-old plants were harvested to assess various physiological and biochemical parameters. Low temperatures induced a significant reduction in growth traits, chlorophyll content, and rate of photosynthesis in both the varieties differentially. Activities of antioxidant enzymes (catalase, peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase) and leaf proline content also increased substantially in both the varieties with decreasing temperature. On the other hand, treatment of BRs under stress and stress-free conditions significantly increased the aforesaid growth traits and biochemical parameters. Moreover, BRs further accelerated the antioxidative enzymes and proline content, which were already enhanced by the low temperature stress. Out of the two analogues of BRs tested, 24-epibrassinolide (EBL) was found more effective for both the varieties of tomato. EBL was found more potent stress alleviator against low temperature in both varieties of tomato.

Antiviral action of synthetic stigmasterol derivatives on herpes simplex virus replication in nervous cells in vitro

Polyfunctionalized stigmasterol derivatives, (22S,23S)-22,23-dihydroxystigmast-4-en-3-one (compound 1) and (22S,23S)-3β-bromo-5α,22,23-trihydroxystigmastan-6-one (compound 2), inhibit herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) replication and spreading in human epithelial cells derived from ocular tissues. Both compounds reduce the incidence and severity of lesions in a murine model of herpetic stromal keratitis when administered in different treatment modalities. Since encephalitis caused by HSV-1 is another immunopathology of viral origin, we evaluate here the antiviral effect of both compounds on HSV-1 infected nervous cell lines as well as their anti-inflammatory action. We found that both stigmasterol derivatives presented low cytotoxicity in the three nervous cell lines assayed. Regarding the antiviral activity, in all cases both compounds prevented HSV-1 multiplication when added after infection, as well as virus propagation. Additionally, both compounds were able to hinder interleukin-6 and Interferon-gamma secretion induced by HSV-1 infection in Neuro-2a cells. We conclude that compounds 1 and 2 have exerted a dual antiviral and anti-inflammatory effect in HSV-1 infected nervous cell lines, which makes them interesting molecules to be further studied.

Thunberol, a new sterol from the Chinese brown alga Sargassum thunbergii

A new sterol, named thunberol (1), along with four known analogs, 24-ethylcholesta-4,24(28)-dien-3-one (2), stigmasta-5,28-dien-3β-ol (3), cholesta-5,14-dien-3β-ol (4), and cholesta-5,23-dien-3β,25-diol (5), were isolated from the brown alga Sargassum thunbergii collected from East China Sea. The structures of these metabolites were elucidated on the basis of detailed spectroscopic analysis and by comparison with the literature data. Thunberol (1) exhibited significant inhibitory activity against protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B, a potential drug target for the treatment of Type-II diabetes and obesity, with an IC50 value of 2.24 μg/ml.

A phytooxysterol, 28-homobrassinolide modulates rat testicular steroidogenesis in normal and diabetic rats

Steroidogenesis in testicular cells depends upon the availability of cholesterol within testicular mitochondria besides the activities of 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD, 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase [17b-HSD]), and the tissue levels of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), androgen-binding protein (ABP), and testosterone (T). Cellular cholesterol biosynthesis is regulated by endogenous oxycholesterols acting through nuclear hormone receptors. Plant oxysterols, such as 28-homobrassinolide (28-HB), available to human through diet, was shown to exhibit antihyperglycemic effect in diabetic male rat. Its role in rat testicular steroidogenesis and lipid peroxidation (LPO) was therefore assessed using normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic male rats. Administration of 28-HB (333 µg/kg body weight) by oral gavage for 15 consecutive days to experimental rats diminished LPO, increased antioxidant enzyme, 3β-HSD and 17β-HSD activities, and elevated StAR and ABP expression and T level in rat testis. We report that 28-HB induced steroidogenesis in normal and diabetic rat testis.

Cellular glutathione redox homeostasis plays an important role in the brassinosteroid-induced increase in CO2 assimilation in Cucumis sativus

Brassinosteroids (BRs) play a vital role in plant growth, stress tolerance and productivity. Here, the involvement of BRs in the regulation of CO(2) assimilation and cellular redox homeostasis was studied. The effects of BRs on CO(2) assimilation were studied in cucumber (Cucumis sativus) through the analysis of the accumulation of H(2)O(2) and glutathione and photosynthesis-related enzyme activities using histochemical and cytochemical detection or a spectrophotometric assay, and Rubisco activase (RCA) using western blot analysis and immunogold labeling. Exogenous BR increased apoplastic H(2)O(2) accumulation, the ratio of reduced to oxidized glutathione (GSH:GSSG) and CO(2) assimilation, whereas a BR biosynthetic inhibitor had the opposite effects. BR-induced CO(2) assimilation was decreased by a H(2)O(2) scavenger or inhibition of H(2)O(2) generation, GSH biosynthesis and the NADPH-generating pentose phosphate pathway. BR-, H(2)O(2) - or GSH-induced CO(2) assimilation was associated with increased activity of enzymes in the Benson-Calvin cycle. Immunogold labeling and western blotting showed that BR increased the content of RCA and this effect was blocked by inhibitors of redox homeostasis. These results strongly suggest that BR-induced photosynthesis involves an H(2)O(2) -mediated increase in the GSH:GSSG ratio, which may positively regulate the synthesis and activation of redox-sensitive enzymes in carbon fixation.

Comparative effect of 28 homobrassinolide and salicylic acid in the amelioration of NaCl stress in Brassica juncea L

Among various environmental stresses, salt stress is extensively damaging to major crops all over the world. An experiment was conducted to explore the role of exogenously applied 28 homobrassinolide (HBL) and salicylic acid (SA) on growth, photosynthetic parameters, transpiration and proline content of Brassica juncea L. cultivar Varuna in presence or absence of saline conditions (4.2 dsm(-1)). The leaves of 29d old plants were sprayed with distilled water, HBL and/or SA and plant responses were studied at 30 days after sowing (24 h after spray) and 45 days after sowing. The salinity significantly reduced the plant growth, gas exchange parameters but increased proline content and electrolyte leakage in the leaves. The effects were more pronounced at 30 DAS than 45 DAS. Out of the two hormones (HBL/SA) HBL excelled in its effects at both sampling stages. Toxic effects generated by salinity stress were completely overcome by the combination of the two hormones (HBL and SA) at 45 DAS.

28-Homobrassinolide mitigates boron induced toxicity through enhanced antioxidant system in Vigna radiata plants

The objective of this study was to establish relationship between boron induced oxidative stress and antioxidant system in Vigna radiata plants and also to investigate whether brassinosteroids will enhance the level of antioxidant system that could confer tolerance to the plants from the boron induced oxidative stress. The mung bean (V. radiata cv. T-44) plants were administered with 0.50, 1.0 and 2.0 mM boron at 6 d stage for 7 d along with nutrient solution. At 13 d stage, the seedlings were sprayed with deionized water (control) or 10(-8) M of 28-homobrassinolide and plants were harvested at 21 d stage to assess growth, leaf gas-exchange traits and biochemical parameters. The boron treatments diminished growth, water relations and photosynthetic attributes along with nitrate reductase and carbonic anhydrase activity in the concentration dependent manner whereas, it enhanced lipid peroxidation, electrolyte leakage, accumulation of H(2)O(2) as well as proline, and various antioxidant enzymes in the leaves of mung bean which were more pronounced at higher concentrations of boron. However, the follow-up application of 28-homobrassinolide to the boron stressed plants improved growth, water relations and photosynthesis and further enhanced the various antioxidant enzymes viz. catalase, peroxidase and superoxide dismutase and content of proline. The elevated level of antioxidant enzymes as well as proline could have conferred tolerance to the B-stressed plants resulting in improved growth, water relations and photosynthetic attributes.

Polyhydroxylated steroids from the bamboo coral Isis hippuris

In previous studies on the secondary metabolites of the Taiwanese octocoral Isis hippuris, specimens have always been collected at Green Island. In the course of our studies on bioactive compounds from marine organisms, the acetone-solubles of the Taiwanese octocoral I. hippuris collected at Orchid Island have led to the isolation of five new polyoxygenated steroids: hipposterone M–O (1–3), hipposterol G (4) and hippuristeroketal A (5). The structures of these compounds were determined on the basis of their spectroscopic and physical data. The anti-HCMV (human cytomegalovirus) activity of 1–5 and their cytotoxicity against selected cell lines were evaluated. Compound 2 exhibited inhibitory activity against HCMV, with an EC₅₀ value of 6.0 μg/mL.

Brassinosteroids protect photosynthetic machinery against the cadmium induced oxidative stress in two tomato cultivars

The present study was conducted with an aim to gain better insight of brassinosteroid generated response on the effects of cadmium on photosynthetic machinery and active oxygen metabolism in two tomato cultivars (K-25 and Sarvodya). These tomato cultivars were subjected to graded cadmium levels in soil (0, 3, 6, 9 or 12 mg kg(-1) soil) with their foliage being sprayed with 0 or 10(-8) M of 28-homobrassinolide/24-epibrassinolide (HBL/EBL) at 59 d stage. The results suggested that photosynthetic parameters, leaf water potential and activity of several enzymes (nitrate reductase and carbonic anhydrase) decreased significantly in both the cultivars, to a lesser extent in K-25 than Sarvodya with the increasing levels of cadmium in the soil. However, the activity of antioxidant enzymes and proline content increased in response to metal treatment as well as the application of brassinosteroids (HBL/EBL). Overall, exogenous application of brassinosteroids improved the activity of photosynthetic machinery and that of antioxidant defense system in both the cultivars, and also nullified the damaging effect of metal on these parameters.

Regulation of growth and antioxidant enzyme activities by 28-homobrassinolide in seedlings of Raphanus sativus L. under cadmium stress

28-Homobrassinolide (28-HBL), a brassinosteroid is reported to play significant role in diverse physiological processes. It induces a range of cellular and adaptive responses to a range of environmental stresses. Cadmium (Cd) is a non-essential metal which alters various physiological processes and generates ROS, which can oxidize biological macromolecules and causes oxidative stress. This stress is generally overcome by the internal antioxidative defense system and stress shielding phytohormones. In this study, effect of 28-HBL was studied on growth and activities of antioxidant enzymes in known hyperaccumulator Raphanus sativus L. (radish) seedlings grown under cadmium (Cd) metal stress. To determine the influence of 28-HBL (0, 10-(11), 10-(9), 10-(7) M) in radish seedlings subjected to Cd (0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 mM) stress, the activities of antioxidant enzymes (APOX, CAT, GR, POD and SOD) were analyzed. In addition, length and biomass of radish seedlings was also recorded. Cd toxicity resulted in reduced length, biomass, protein content and activities of antioxidant enzymes. 28-HBL treatments lowered the Cd toxicity by enhancing the activities of antioxidant enzymes, biomass and seedling length. The present study thus suggests a possible role of 28-HBL in amelioration of metal stress by regulating the activities of antioxidant enzymes in radish.

Induction of hexokinase I expression in normal and diabetic rats by a brassinosteroid isoform

This study aimed to investigate the effect of the plant growth regulator 28-homobrassinolide (HB) on the hexokinase I (HK I) enzyme gene expression in the tissues of normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Normal and diabetic rats were administered 50 microg of HB for 15 consecutive days. The tissues level of HK I mRNA expression was quantitated by PCR and densitometry analysis, HK I protein expression was quantitated by Western blot and densitometry analysis, localization of HK I was done by immunohistochemistry and HK enzyme activity was determined by coupled enzyme assay. Subchronic treatment of rats with HB enhanced HK I enzyme expression in diabetic rat compared to the control rat. From these experimental evidences, we came to the conclusion that HK I played a vital role in the regulation of blood sugar in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. A direct role for hexokinase enzyme activity in the control of diabetes is presented.

Brassinosteroids protect Lycopersicon esculentum from cadmium toxicity applied as shotgun approach

Surface-sterilized seeds of two tomato cultivars (cv. K-25 and Sarvodya) were soaked in 100 microM CdCl(2) for 8 h (shotgun approach). The resulting 59-day-old seedlings were sprayed with 10(-8) M of 28-homobrassinolide (HBL) or 24-epibrassinolide (EBL) to their foliage. Both cultivars showed significantly different response to Cd stress. Cadmium severely restricted the growth, photosynthetic efficiency, and activity of nitrate reductase (E.C. 1.6.6.1) and carbonic anhydrase (E.C. 4.2.1.1) in Sarvodya as compared to K-25. However, the activities of antioxidative enzymes were significantly higher in K-25. This result may be considered an indication of better tolerance of the K-25 cultivars to Cd stress. Moreover, the spray of both the brassinosteroids (HBL/EBL) were found very effective in neutralizing the adverse effects generated by metals that reflect in better photosynthetic performance by the cultivars. An interesting aspect of this study is that HBL or EBL spray caused a further increase in proline content and antioxidative enzyme activities, which were already enhanced by Cd stress. This effect of brassinosteroids (HBL/EBL) was more pronounced in K-25 than in Sarvodya, representing the tolerance and adoptable behavior of K-25.

Simultaneous analysis of expression of multiple redox-sensitive and apoptotic genes in hypothalamic neurons exposed to cholesterol secoaldehyde

Oxidative stress and apoptotic cell death are two important processes that occur under several disease states and in conditions of toxicant insult. Traditionally, investigators have chosen a variety of analytical methods to detect and/or quantify oxidative stress and apoptosis. The approach has proven less satisfying, however, when applied to complex systems with many unknown influences. Such areas of study could benefit from the development and application of new and more powerful analytical tools. Microarray-based approach has been developed for analyzing various cellular phenomena at the level of gene expression. These gene arrays are hybridization chips that are capable of simultaneous analysis of the expression of thousands of genes. Often, this approach warrants examining a multitude of unrelated genes which can greatly impede the interpretation of results. The real-time RT-PCR-based methodology presented here allows simultaneous detection and analysis of as many as 84 well-characterized genes associated with either oxidative stress or apoptosis in hypothalamic neuronal cells exposed to cholesterol secoaldehyde, an "ozone-/singlet oxygen-specific" oxidation product of cholesterol that has been shown to be present at the inflammatory sites including the arterial plaque and the brain specimens of patients with Alzheimer's disease. This pathway-specific analysis of the expression of the well-defined chosen set of genes offers ways of convenient and reliable interpretation of results that often corroborate well with the results obtained from other standard biochemical analytical approaches.

[Effect of the structure of the brassinosteroid side chain on monooxygenase activity of liver microsomes]

Possible pathways by which brassinosteroids affect the monooxygenase enzymatic system of mammalian liver microsomes, which is involved in the transformation of a broad spectrum of xenobiotics, were studied. The role of the structure of the side chain of brassinosteroids in the regulation of monooxygenase activity was studied using two natural compounds (24-epibrassinolide and 28-homobrassinolide) and two synthetic analogues, (22S, 23S-dihydroxy) stereoisomers. The results of this study show that brassinosteroids can directly influence the functioning of the microsomal enzymatic system. It was found that the degree of this influence depends on the side chain structure. This suggests the possibility of targeted modification of natural compounds to ensure the desired physiological effects.

Cholesterol secoaldehyde induces apoptosis in H9c2 cardiomyoblasts through reactive oxygen species involving mitochondrial and death receptor pathways

Cholesterol secoaldehyde (ChSeco), a putative product of the reaction of ozone with cholesterol in aqueous environments, has been shown to induce apoptosis in H9c2 cardiomyoblasts. This study further investigated the involvement of apoptotic-related proteins and gene expression using RT-PCR, Western blot, and appropriate biochemical assays. The RT-PCR analysis revealed that ChSeco activates the expression of genes involved in the death receptor (extrinsic) pathway. The significance of this pathway was also evident from the increased activity of caspase-8. The overexpression of Apaf-1, loss of mitochondrial transmembrane potential, release of cytochrome c, and increased activity of caspase-9 provide further evidence for the involvement of a mitochondrial (intrinsic) pathway. Time-course analysis of ChSeco-exposed H9c2 cells showed an upstream increase in the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and an associated decrease in the intracellular glutathione. N-acetyl-L-cysteine and Trolox significantly attenuated the ChSeco-induced ROS formation and cytotoxicity and also down-regulated the expression of the genes of all the players in either pathway. This study clearly shows that ChSeco induces apoptosis in H9c2 cells through ROS generation and the activation of both the intrinsic and the extrinsic pathway.

Shooting control by brassinosteroids: metabolomic analysis and effect of brassinazole on Malus prunifolia, the Marubakaido apple rootstock

To help unravel the role of brassinosteroids (BRs) in the control of shooting, we treated the shoots of Marubakaido apple rootstock (Malus prunifolia (Willd.) Borkh cv. Marubakaido) with brassinolide and Brz 220, an inhibitor of BR biosynthesis. Brassinolide differentially affected elongation and formation of main and primary lateral shoots, which resulted in reduced apical dominance. Treatment of shoots with increasing doses of Brz 220 led to a progressive inhibition of main shoot elongation. Eight different BRs were also identified in the shoots of M. prunifolia. Progressive decline in 6-deoxocathasterone, 6-deoxotyphasterol and castasterone was related to increased doses of Brz 220. Analysis of the metabolic profiles between a fluoro-containing derivative of 28-homocastasterone (5F-HCS) using treated and untreated shoots demonstrated that no 5F-HCS-specific metabolite was identified. However, 4 weeks after the treatment, fructose, glucose and the putatively identified gulonic acid were higher in 5F-HCS-treated shoots, compared to untreated shoots. These results indicate that the previously reported 5F-HCS-induced stimulation of shoot elongation and formation of new shoots in the Marubakaido shoots is under the control of changes in the endogenous BR pool. In addition, the results presented in this report also indicate that the 5F-HCS-induced shooting likely involves a variety of different mechanisms and consequently does not result from changes in the endogenous levels of any single metabolite.

The in vitro immunomodulatory activity of a synthetic brassinosteroid analogue would account for the improvement of herpetic stromal keratitis in mice

Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) induces an ocular chronic immunoinflammatory syndrome named herpetic stromal keratitis that can lead to vision impairment and blindness. We have reported that the synthetic brassinosteroid (22S,23S)-3beta-bromo-5alpha,22,23-trihydroxystigmastan-6-one, designated as 2, is a potent antiviral in vitro and reduces the incidence of murine herpetic stromal keratitis, although it does not exert an antiviral effect in vivo. In the present report, we investigated whether brassinosteroid 2 may play a role in the modulation of the response of epithelial and immune cells to HSV-1 infection. Compound 2 blocked HSV-1-induced activation of NF-kappaB by inhibiting its translocation to the nucleus of infected corneal and conjunctival cells in vitro, as well as significantly reduced the secretion of TNF-alpha in infected NHC cells. Conversely, IL-6 production was enhanced by compound 2 after HSV-1 infection in both cell types. The production of these cytokines was considerably reduced in a LPS-stimulated macrophage cell line after treatment with compound 2. In conclusion, brassinosteroid 2 would be playing a modulating effect as an inductor or inhibitor, depending on the cell type involved. The improvement of disease observed in mice could be a balance between both, the immunostimulating and immunosuppressive effects of brassinosteroid 2 in vivo.

28-homobrassinolide protects chickpea (Cicer arietinum) from cadmium toxicity by stimulating antioxidants

In the present experiment the seeds of Cicer arietinum (L.) cv. Uday were inoculated with specific Rhizobium grown in sandy loam soil and were allowed to grow for 15 days. At this stage, the seedlings were supplied with 0, 50, 100 or 150 microM of cadmium in the form of cadmium chloride and sprayed with 0.01 microM of 28-homobrassinolide (HBL) at 30-day stage. The data indicated that plant fresh and dry mass, number of nodules, their fresh and dry mass, leghemoglobin content, nitrogen and carbohydrate content in the nodules, leaf chlorophyll content, nitrate reductase and carbonic anhydrase activities decreased proportionately with the increasing concentrations of cadmium but the content of proline and the activities of catalase, peroxidase and superoxide dismutase increased. The ill effect, generated by cadmium, was overcome if the stressed plants were sprayed with HBL.

Synthesis and biological activity of furostanic analogues of brassinosteroids bearing the 5alpha-hydroxy-6-oxo moiety

Two furostanic analogues of brassinosteroids bearing the 5alpha-hydroxy-6-oxo moiety were synthesized and their biological activity studied using the bean second internode elongation test. One of the compounds produced significant stimulation at doses of 2.5 and 5ng/plant.

Synthesis and antimicrobial evaluation of water-soluble, dendritic derivatives of epimeric 5alpha-cholestan-3-amines and 5alpha-cholestan-3-yl aminoethanoates

To examine the effect of negatively charged steroidal amphiphiles on antimicrobial activity, two pairs of epimeric, dendritic tricarboxylato amphiphiles--4-(2-carboxyethyl)-4-[3-(5alpha-cholestan-3-yl)ureido]heptanedioic acid (1) and 4-(2-carboxyethyl)-4-[3-(5alpha-cholestan-3-yloxycarbonylmethyl)ureido]heptanedioic acid (2)--were synthesized. A broad antimicrobial screen of 11 microbes revealed that these amphiphiles only showed good activity against a methicillin-resistant isolate of Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and modest activity against an unrelated strain of S. aureus. The best activity, a minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 27 microM, was found for the 3beta epimer of 1 against MRSA.

[Biochemical aspects of growth-stimulating effects of steroid phytohormones on lupine plants]

Presowing treatment of seeds of lupine of various species and cultivars with brassinosteroids--homobrassinolide and epibrassinolide--caused an increase in protein content and a change in the proportion of some amino acids. Both hormones increased heterogeneity of high- and medium-molecular-weight nonhistone chromatin proteins but had no effect on the polypeptide profile of histones. Using epibrassinolide as an example, we showed that the brassinosteroid-induced increase in protein content in lupine seeds was due primarily to accumulation of the low-molecular-weight components of beta-conglutin. The content of some amino acids in both alpha- and beta-conglutins changed. These changes in protein metabolism correlated with an increase in the content of indoleacetic acid and a decrease in the content of abscisic acid.

Synergistic in vitro interactions between (22S,23S)-3beta-bromo-5alpha,22,23-trihydroxystigmastan-6-one and acyclovir or foscarnet against herpes simplex virus type 1

The replication of herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 1 in Vero cells is inhibited in the presence of (22S,23S)-3beta-bromo-5alpha,22,23-trihydroxystigmastan-6-one (6b), a synthetic brassinosteroid derivative. Since a late step of virus multiplication is hindered by 6b, we performed studies of drug-drug combination with acyclovir (ACV) and foscarnet (FOS). It was determined that 6b would act synergistically with low concentrations of ACV and moderate concentrations of FOS against HSV. The best drug combination tested in this study resulted in an increase of 29.3 and 47.2% in antiviral activity for ACV (0.036 microM) and FOS (37.5 microM) in the presence of 14.8 and 6.9 microM of 6b, respectively.

Antiviral mode of action of a synthetic brassinosteroid against Junin virus replication

The antiviral mode of action of the synthetic brassinosteroid (22S,23S)-3beta-bromo-5alpha,22,23-trihydroxystigmastan-6-one (6b) against Junin virus replication in Vero cells was investigated. Time-related experiments showed that 6b mainly affects an early event of virus growth cycle. Neither adsorption nor internalization of viral particles was the target of the inhibitory action. The analysis of the effect of 6b on viral RNA synthesis demonstrated that the presence of the compound adversely affects virus RNA replication by preventing the synthesis of full length antigenomic RNA. Although 6b was most effective the earlier it was added to the cells after infection with JV, a high level of inhibition of JV yield and fusion activity of newly synthesized viral glycoproteins was still detected when the compound was present during the last hours of infection. Therefore, we cannot rule out an inhibitory action of 6b on later events of JV replicative cycle.

Antiherpetic mode of action of (22S,23S)-3β-bromo-5α,22,23-trihydroxystigmastan-6-one in vitro

The replication of herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 1 in Vero cells is inhibited in the presence of (22S,23S)-3beta-bromo-5alpha,22,23-trihydroxystigmastan-6-one (6b), a synthetic brassinosteroid derivative. Attempts to disclose the mode of action of 6b indicate that a late step of virus multiplication is affected. In the presence of 6b, HSV late protein synthesis was severely diminished and this inhibitory effect of 6b on HSV antigen expression was confirmed by immunofluorescence assays.

1alpha,3beta,5beta-trihydroxy-24-methylenecholestan-6-one: a novel steroid from a soft coral Sinularia gibberosa

A novel steroid, 1alpha,3beta,5beta-trihydroxy-24-methylenecholestan-6-one (gibberoketosterol) (1), along with four known steroids, was isolated from the lipophilic extracts of a Taiwanese soft coral Sinularia gibberosa. The structure of the new metabolite was determined on the basis of extensive spectral analyses and chemical reaction. The relative stereochemistry of gibberoketosterol was established by the NOESY experiments and analysis of the pyridine-induced deshielding effect of the axial hydroxy groups. Gibberoketosterol is the first example of 1alpha,3beta,5beta-trihydroxy-6-oxosteroids isolated from natural sources and was found to exhibit a moderate cytotoxicity against the growth of Hepa59T/VGH cancer cells.

Synthesis and bioactivity of natural and C-3 fluorinated biosynthetic precursors of 28-homobrassinolide

In this paper we describe the synthesis of two new fluorinated brassinosteroids: (22R,23R)-22,23-dihydroxy-3alpha-fluorostigmastan-6-one and (22R,23R)-22,23-dihydroxy-3beta-fluorostigmastan-6-one. Their bioactivities were evaluated in the rice lamina inclination test and compared with that of 28-homocastasterone, 28-homotyphasterol and 28-homoteasterone, possible biosynthetic precursors of 28-homobrassinolide. Results confirmed expected similarities between the biosynthesis of 24-ethylbrassinosteroids (named as the 28-homo series) and that described for 24-methylbrassinosteroids, and also indicated that these precursors might exhibit per se activities.

Brassinosteroids, microtubules and cell elongation in Arabidopsis thaliana. I. Molecular, cellular and physiological characterization of the Arabidopsis bull mutant, defective in the delta 7-sterol-C5-desaturation step leading to brassinosteroid biosynthesis

Although cell elongation is a basic function of plant morphogenesis, many of the molecular events involved in this process are still unknown. In this work an extremely dwarf mutant, originally named bul, was used to study one of the main processes of plant development, cell elongation. Genetic analyses revealed that the BUL locus was linked to the nga172 marker on chromosome 3. Recently, after mapping the new dwf7 mutation of Arabidopsis, which is allelic to ste1, it was reported that dwf7 is also linked to the same marker. Sterol analyses of the bull-1 mutant indicated that bul1-1 is defective in the delta 7-sterol-C5-desaturation step leading to brassinosteroid biosynthesis. Considering these findings, we designated our bul mutant as bul1-1/dwf7-3/ste1-4. The bul1-1 mutant was characterized by a very dwarf phenotype, with delayed development and reduced fertility. The mutant leaves had a dark-green colour, which was probably due to continuous stomatal closure. The bul1-1 mutant showed a partially de-etiolated phenotype in the dark. Cellular characterization and rescue experiments with brassinosteroids demonstrated the involvement of the BUL1-1 protein in brassinosteroid-dependent plant growth processes.

Brassinosteroids, microtubules and cell elongation in Arabidopsis thaliana. II. Effects of brassinosteroids on microtubules and cell elongation in the bul1 mutant

In order to elucidate the involvement of brassinosteroids in the cell elongation process leading to normal plant morphology, indirect immunofluorescence and molecular techniques were use to study the expression of tubulin genes in the bul1-1 dwarf mutant of Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh., the characteristics of which are reported in this issue (M. Catterou et al., 2001). Microtubules were studied specifically in the regions of the mutant plant where the elongation zone is suppressed (hypocotyls and petioles), making the reduction in cell elongation evident. Indirect immunofluorescence of alpha-tubulin revealed that very few microtubules were present in mutant cells, resulting in the total lack of the parallel microtubule organization that is typical of elongating cells in the wild type. After brassinosteroid treatment, microtubules reorganized and became correctly oriented, suggesting the involvement of brassinosteroids in microtubule organization. Molecular analyses showed that the microtubule reorganization observed in brassinosteroid-treated bul1-1 plants did not result either from an activation of tubulin gene expression, or from an increase in tubulin content, suggesting that a brassinosteroid-responsive pathway exists which allows microtubule nucleation/organization and cell elongation without activation of tubulin gene expression.

16Beta-hydroxy-5alpha-cholestane-3,6-dione, a novel cytotoxic oxysterol from the red alga Jania rubens

A new cytotoxic oxysterol, 16beta-hydroxy-5alpha-cholestane-3,6-dione was isolated from the red alga Jania rubens. Its structure was established by spectroscopic method. The ID50 value was 0.5 microg/mL.

Synthesis and bioactivity evaluation of brassinosteroid analogs

Four new analogs of 28-homocastasterone have been synthesized and completely characterized for the first time from stigmasterol. (22R, 23R,24S)-3beta-acetoxy-22,23-dihydroxy-5alpha-stigmastan+ ++-6-one (17), (22R,23R,24S)-3beta-bromo-22,23-dihydroxy-5alpha-stigmast an-6-one (18), (22R,23R,24S)-3beta-acetoxy-5,22, 23-trihydroxy-5alpha-stigmastan-6-one (20), and (22R,23R, 24S)-3beta-bromo-5,22,23-trihydroxy-5alpha-stigmastan-6-one (21), were obtained through a synthetic route based on regioselective Delta(5) epoxidation. Compounds 17 and 18, bearing a 5alphaH moiety, were prepared through a reductive opening of the 5beta,6beta epoxy precursor, and compounds 20 and 21, analogs with a 5alphaOH moiety were obtained by hydrolytic opening of a mixture of 5alpha,6alpha and 5beta,6beta epoxy precursors. Known compounds 19 and 22 were also obtained following the described synthetic routes, respectively. The new compounds were tested with the traditional auxin-like bioassay for brassinosteroids with 19 and 22 as standards. All compounds were comparatively evaluated for their inhibitory effect on the replication of DNA (HSV-1) virus.

Synthesis and GABA(A) receptor activity of 6-oxa-analogs of neurosteroids

The 6-oxasteroids 3alpha-hydroxy-6-oxa-5alpha-pregnan-20-one (3) and 3alpha-hydroxy-6-oxa-5beta-pregnan-20-one (4) were obtained from pregnenolone acetate via the corresponding (5alpha or 5beta) 3beta, 20beta-diacetoxy-6-oxa-pregnane. Both steroids showed ca. 100-fold reduced potency for modulating [(3)H]flunitrazepam, [(3)H]muscimol or [(35)S]TBPS binding to the GABA(A) receptor when compared to their natural carbon analogs 3alpha-hydroxy-5alpha-pregnan-20-one (1) and 3alpha-hydroxy-5beta-pregnan-20-one (2).

Recent developments in the field of plant steroid hormones

Brassinolide and related brassinosteroids are a novel group of steroids which appear to be ubiquitous in plants. There is compelling evidence, particularly from recent genetic studies, that these steroids are essential for normal plant growth and development. Synthesis of brassinosteroids and aspects of their biochemistry are reviewed.

In vitro modulation of rat adipocyte ghost membrane fluidity by cholesterol oxysterols

The effects of cholesterol and cholesterol-derived oxysterols (cholestanone, cholestenone, coprostanone and epicoprostanol) on adipocyte ghost membrane fluidity were studied using a fluorescence depolarization method. The fluorescence anisotropy of the treated membranes was determined using 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene (DPH) and 1-(4-trimethylammoniumphenyl)-6-phenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene (TMA-DPH). Cholestanone and cholesterol decreased membrane fluidity at both the concentrations tested (10 & 50 microM) while the rest of the sterols did not exert any significant effect on membrane fluidity. In the presence of epinephrine, cholestanone partitioned more towards the lipid core but cholesterol partitioning was not affected. The fusion activation energies (delta E) obtained for membranes preincubated with cholestanone (8.6 kcal/mol) and cholesterol (8.2 kcal/mol) were not significantly different from that of untreated membranes (8.3 kcal/mol). Membranes preincubated with cholestanone and cholesterol did not exhibit any change in lipid phase throughout the temperature range (10-45 degrees C) tested. The sterols were found to inhibit fisetin-induced phospholipid methylation in isolated rat adipocytes in the rank order of cholesterol > epicoprostanol > cholestanone = cholestenone = coprostanone, while basal methylation was unaffected. When adipocytes were preincubated with the sterols before the addition of fisetin, cholestanone and cholestenone showed 74% and 66% inhibition of maximal methylation respectively. These results indicated that cholesterol oxysterols interact differently with rat adipocyte membranes, with cholestanone interacting more with phospholipids located at the inner lipid bilayer (e.g. phosphatidylethanolamine) while cholesterol interacts more with phosphatidylcholine located at the outer lipid bilayer. This differential interaction may cause selective changes in membrane fluidity at different depths of the bilayer and thus may modulate the activities of membrane-bound proteins such as enzymes and receptors.

Potentiation of beta-adrenoceptor agonist mediated-lipolysis by cholesterol-derived oxysterols

Cholesterol-derived oxysterols such as cholestanol, cholestanone and coprostanone were able to potentiate epinephrine-induced lipolysis in intact rat adipocytes but not cholesterol. The relative potency of the oxysterols followed the sequence: cholestanone > or = coprostanone > cholestanol. Cholestanone was selected to study its mode of action on epinephrine-induced lipolysis. A sustained increase in the level of cAMP was observed in adipocytes incubated with both cholestanone and epinephrine compared to a transient peaking of cAMP in adipocytes incubated with epinephrine alone. Binding assays using [125I]cyanopindolol (beta-adrenergic receptor antagonist) showed that cholestanone could increase the binding affinity of [125I]-cyanopindolol to beta-adrenergic receptors on rat adipocyte ghost membranes without affecting the total number of binding sites. The results suggest that cholestanone exerts its potentiation effect by facilitating the binding of beta-adrenergic agonist to its receptor.

Xestobergsterol C, a new pentacyclic steroid from the Okinawan marine sponge Ircinia Sp. and absolute stereochemistry of xestobergsterol A

A new pentacyclic steroid, xestobergsterol C [1], possessing a cis C/D ring junction, has been isolated together with two known compounds, xestobergsterols A [2] and B [3], from the Okinawan marine sponge Ircinia sp., and the structure determined on the basis of spectral data. Reexamination of the nmr data of xestobergsterols A [2] and B [3] resulted in revision of the configuration at C-23 and of the conformation of ring D in 2 and 3. The absolute stereochemistry of xestobergsterol A [2] was established by the cd exciton chirality method.

Inhibitors of sterol synthesis. Synthesis and spectral properties of 3 beta-hydroxy-5 alpha-cholestan-15-one and its 17 beta-epimer and their effects on 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase activity

3 beta-Hydroxy-5 alpha-cholestan-15-one (2a) and its 14 beta-epimer 2b were prepared from 3 beta-acetoxy-5 alpha-cholest-8(14)-ene (3). Hydroboration of 3 at 45-50 degrees C gave a mixture of 5 alpha,14 alpha-cholestane-3 beta,15 alpha-diol and 5 alpha,14 beta-cholestane-3 beta,15 beta-diol, which were separated on silica gel as their 3 beta-tert-butyldimethylsilyl ethers 5a and 5b. Oxidation of 5a with pyridinium chlorochromate, followed by desilylation with tetrabutylammonium fluoride gave 2a. Analogous transformations of 5b gave 2b contaminated with 2a. Desilylation of 5b followed by oxidation with pyridinium chlorochromate resulted in a mixture composed mainly of 5 alpha,14 beta-cholestane-3,15-dione and 2b. Successive chromatographic separations on silica gel and reversed phase media gave 2b of high purity. Compound 2a was also prepared by lithium-ammonia reduction of 3 beta-hydroxy-5 alpha-cholest-8(14)-en-15-one (96% yield) and by selective reduction of 5 alpha-cholestane-3,15-dione with lithium tri-tert-butoxyaluminum hydride (90% yield). Isomers 2a and 2b were readily epimerized under acidic or basic conditions or under conditions used for gas chromatographic analysis. The purities of 2a and 2b were measured from nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra; chromatographic methods gave less reliable estimates of purity. NMR data also showed that ring C of the 14 beta sterols is predominantly in a chair conformation. The effects of 2a and 2b on the levels of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase have been studied in Chinese hamster ovary cells.

Enhancement of human papillomavirus type 18 gene expression in HeLa cells by 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate, 3 beta,5 alpha-dihydroxycholestan-6-one, and cholesterol

Human papillomavirus type 18 (HPV18) is involved in the genesis of cervical cancer through expression of its viral oncoprotein in infected cells. A tumor promoter, 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA), was found to increase the level of HPV18 transcripts in an HPV18-harboring cervical cancer cell line, HeLa. A similar increase in HPV18 expression was also observed on treatment of the cells with an oxygenated cholesterol, 3 beta,5 alpha-dihydroxycholestan-6-one (yakkasterone). The effects on HPV18 expression elicited by TPA and yakkasterone were repressed by a protein kinase inhibitor, staurosporine. Treatment of the cells with cholesterol under serum-free conditions also resulted in an apparent increase of HPV18 expression.

Synthesis of new brassinosteroids with potential activity as antiecdysteroids

The synthesis of four new brassinosteroids with 2 beta,3 beta-diol functionality and A/B cis and A/B trans ring junction is reported. These brassinosteroids could present activity as antiecdysteroids.

Inhibitors of sterol synthesis: 3 beta-hydroxy-25,26,26,26,27,27,27- heptafluoro-5 alpha-cholestan-15-one, an analog of a potent hypocholesterolemic agent in which its major metabolism is blocked

The chemical synthesis of 3 beta-hydroxy-25,26,26,26,27,27,27-heptafluoro- 5 alpha-cholestan-15-one (IV) has been pursued to provide an analog of the potent hypocholesterolemic agent 3 beta-hydroxy-5 alpha-cholest-8(14)-en-15-one (I) in which its major metabolism is blocked. Reduction of 3 beta-acetoxy-5 alpha-chola-8(14),23-dien-15-one with lithium in liquid ammonia gave 3 beta-hydroxy-5 alpha-chol-23-en-15-one (VI). Addition of (CF3)2CFI to VI in the presence of triethylborane gave 3 beta-hydroxy-23R-iodo-25,26,26,26,27,27,27-heptafluoro-5 alpha-cholestan- 15-one, which was reduced to IV with tributyltin hydride. IV was found to be highly active in lowering the levels of HMG-CoA reductase activity in CHO-K1 cells, in lowering acyl coenzyme A:cholesterol acyltransferase activity in jejunal microsomes, and in lowering serum cholesterol levels in rats.

Mechanism of inhibition of IgE-dependent histamine release from rat mast cells by xestobergsterol A from the Okinawan marine sponge Xestospongia bergquistia

Histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells induced by anti-IgE was essentially complete within 4-5 min. Xestobergsterol A and B, which are constituents of the Okinawan marine sponge Xestospongia bergquistia Fromont, dose-dependently inhibited anti-IgE-induced histamine release from rat mast cells. The IC50 values of xestobergsterol A and B for histamine release in mast cells activated by anti-IgE were 0.07 and 0.11 microM, respectively. Anti-IgE stimulated PI-PLC activity in a mast cell membrane preparation. Xestobergsterol A dose-dependently inhibited the generation of IP3 and membrane-bound PI-PLC activity. Moreover, xestobergsterol A inhibited Ca(2+)-mobilization from intracellular Ca(2+)-stores as well as histamine release in mast cells activated by anti-IgE. On the other hand, xestobergsterol B did not inhibit the membrane-bound and cytosolic PI-PLC activity, IP3 generation or the initial rise in [Ca2+]i in mast cells activated by anti-IgE. These results suggest that the mechanism of inhibition by xestobergsterol A of the initial rise in [Ca2+]i, of the generation of IP3, and of histamine release induced by anti-IgE, was through the inhibition of PI-PLC activity.

Action of brassinosteroids on the epithelial cell line from Chironomus tentans

The two brassinosteroids, 22 S,23 S-homobrassinolide and 22 S,23 S-homocastasterone are weak competitors of the binding of [3H]ponasterone A to the intracellular ecdysteroid receptor from the epithelial cell line from Chironomus tentans. The relative affinities to the ecdysteroid receptor are 0.001 for both brassinosteroids as compared to 20-OH-ecdysone and 0.1 in comparison to ecdysone. Both substances exert morphological effects similar to those observed with 20-OH-ecdysone. Like moulting hormones both brassinosteroids inhibit chitin synthesis. However, these effects were observed only at rather high concentrations (10(-5) to 10(-4) M) which were cytotoxic for 22 S,23 S-homobrassinolide.

[Study of HDL2-dependent synthesis of bile acids in culture of rabbit hepatocytes: effects of oxidized cholesterol derivatives]

The effect of individual oxysterols--products of auto-oxidation of cholesterol on bile acid synthesis by cultivated rabbit hepatocytes was studied. Relative rates of bile acid synthesis were measured as the conversion of 4-14C cholesterol-HDL2 into total 4-14C labeled bile acids. 7 beta-hydroxycholesterol and 3,5-cholestane-7-dione strongly inhibited bile acid synthesis at concentrations 1-10 micrograms/ml. These data support the hypothesis that oxidized cholesterol derivatives accelerate the development of hypercholesterolemia in rabbits fed on cholesterol containing diet.

Inhibition of cholesterol synthesis by oxygenated sterols

Sterols derived from cholesterol by introducing a ketone or hydroxyl function in the 6, 7, 15, 20, 22, 24, or 25 positions are known to be potent inhibitors of sterol synthesis in cell cultures. To gain more information regarding structural requirements for inhibitory activity, inhibitory potencies were determined for a series of 18 C27-steroids with various combinations of ketone and hydroxyl functions substituted in positions 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7, or with a single ketone or hydroxyl function in one of these positions. The effects of nuclear double bonds upon inhibitory activity were also examined. A ketone or hydroxyl function in position 3 and a second ketone or hydroxyl function in position 6 or 7 was required for inhibitory activity with two kinds of cell culture. A 3beta5alpha6beta-triol was not more inhibitory than a comparable 3beta,6beta-diol. Cholestane-3beta 5alpha-diol inhibited sterol synthesis in L cells but not in liver cell cultures. The inhibitory activities of 7-oxygenated sterols were not markedly affected by the presence of a double bond in position 4 or 5. Current knowledge of the mechanism through which the oxygenated sterols suppress cholesterol synthesis is reviewed.