Morphology of dipalmitoyl phosphatidyl choline (DPPC)-cholesterol (Chol) mixed monolayer formed on water surface by dropping method was investigated using surface tension measurement (STm), Brewster angle microscopy (...Morphology of dipalmitoyl phosphatidyl choline (DPPC)-cholesterol (Chol) mixed monolayer formed on water surface by dropping method was investigated using surface tension measurement (STm), Brewster angle microscopy (BAM), and fluorescence microscopy (FM). STm showed strong condensation effect of Chol in fluidic DPPC monolayer. Excess area (S<sub>ex</sub>) from mean mixing state of DPPC and Chol was about twice larger than that by general compression method in the range from xC = 0.2 to 0.4 (xC: mole fraction of Chol). BAM and FM images showed clearly that the fluidic DPPC monolayer changed to condensed rigid monolayer due to the condensation effect of Chol. At more than xC = 0.3 DPPC-Chol mixed monolayer changed to condensed state similar to the Chol monolayer. These results support previous reports by compression method that Chol molecule demonstrates the strong condensation effect to the fluidic monolayer and also indicate that dropping method enables to form unique monolayer on the water surface.展开更多
Previous studies have shown two components of glucose absorption in the small intestine: a secondary active transport through SGLT1, and unsaturated component, recently attributed mainly to the facilitated diffusion t...Previous studies have shown two components of glucose absorption in the small intestine: a secondary active transport through SGLT1, and unsaturated component, recently attributed mainly to the facilitated diffusion through GLUT2, but the relationship between these two components under physiological conditions remains controversial. In chronic experiments on nonanesthetized rats we investigated for the first time the kinetics of maltose hydrolysis and glucose absorption in the isolated loop of the small intestine in a wide range of maltose and glucose concentrations (25 ÷ 200 mmol/l glucose). The processes were simulated on mathematical models which took into account the current views about mechanisms of hydrolysis and transport of nutrients and geometric characteristics of the intestinal surface. The results of chronic experiments and mathematical simulation have shown that under the close to physiological conditions the glucose transport mediated by SGLT1 is the main mechanism of its absorption in comparison with the unsaturated component. This was demonstrated not only at low, but also at high substrate concentrations. We conclude that correct evaluation of the relative contribution of different mechanisms in glucose transport through the intestinal epithelium requires taking into account the geometric specificities of its surface.展开更多
The aim of the work was to quantify possible interactions between surfactants and preservatives, comparing surface properties, in model pharmaceutical formulations. Surface parameters of 2-component surfactant-preserv...The aim of the work was to quantify possible interactions between surfactants and preservatives, comparing surface properties, in model pharmaceutical formulations. Surface parameters of 2-component surfactant-preservative aquous mixtures were determined with a Wilhelmy plate technique, for the so-called principal surfactants (polysorbate 80, egg lecithin, phosphatidylcholine) and preservatives, which were methylparaben and benzalkonium chloride (BA-C). A generalized surface tension vs. surfactant concentration plot signatures, in the presence of preservative at a fixed amount, allowed: the critical micellar concentration (cmc) shift, additive molecules partition from the surface to the bulk, mixed micelles formation concentration, and additive surface removal concentration to be determined in reference to surface activity of the added substance. Methylparaben is a compound of lower (in comparison to BAC) surface activity, lower partitioning coefficient possessing lower energy and concentration of its removal from the surface, that makes it play effectively an antimicrobial protection role in the bulk of pharmaceutical products, as already shown by chemical tests.展开更多
The structures and chemical compositions of valve calcific deposits were investigated. The deposits was chosen arbitrarily and subjected to chemical analysis, observation with scanning microscope, semi-quantitative de...The structures and chemical compositions of valve calcific deposits were investigated. The deposits was chosen arbitrarily and subjected to chemical analysis, observation with scanning microscope, semi-quantitative determination of Ca, Mg, Na, K, P and C elements by energy dispersive X-ray, X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy carried out. These deposits were found to have non-uniform internal structures composed of layers of a structureless aspidinic inorganic material, substantial amounts of voluminous organic material and in a few samples small spheres were also present. Two groups of deposits with distinctly different chemical compositions were identified: one group with a low Ca/P molar ratio (1.59) and the other group with a high (1.82) Ca/P molar ratio. The deposits belonging to the group with a low Ca/P molar ratio contain higher concentration of magnesium and consist of increased amount of amorphous calcium phosphate. The deposits with a high Ca/P molar ratio contain low concentration of magnesium and consist predominantly of carbonated hydroxyapatite. The inorganic material was identified as a poorly crystalline carbonate hydroxyapatite containing molecular water of the average formula Ca9.1Mg0.4(Na,K)(PO4)5.8(CO3)0.3(OH)2. The actual chemical composition of the apatitic solid phase varies not only from deposit to deposit but also within the same deposit. The non-uniform internal structure of the deposits, the occasional presence of spherical particles and the variable point composition of the individual deposits indicate that their formation did not proceed under more or less constant conditions.展开更多
The use of food additives with xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibitory activity offers an alternative approach to hyperuricemic and gout disease treatment, and provides an example of antioxidant nutraceutics. The in vitro an...The use of food additives with xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibitory activity offers an alternative approach to hyperuricemic and gout disease treatment, and provides an example of antioxidant nutraceutics. The in vitro and in silico XO inhibitory activity of polyphenols from Uruguayan Tannat grape pomaces and propolis extracts was evaluated as well as the scavenging capacity of said compounds. When comparing propolis and grape pomace samples, the in vitro studies demonstrated that polyphenols extracted from propolis are more active as free radical scavengers than those from Tannat grape pomace. Both natural products effectively inhibited XO but the capacity of phenols present in GP is higher than the one present in P. The high content of anthocyanins in GP, absent in P, could account for this observation. In silico assays allowed us to determine relevant ligand-receptor interactions between polyphenols, from a database built with previously reported polyphenols from both natural products, and the active site of XO. The in silico results showed that compound (E)-isoprenylcaffeate from propolis was the best potential XO inhibitor displaying hydrophobic aromatic interaction between the conjugated ring of the caffeate moiety and polar interactions between hydroxyl groups from caffeate with the active site polar residues. Among grape pomaces, the Cyanidin-3-O-(6-(E)-p-coumaroyl)-glucoside was the best XO inhibitor;its moiety oxychromenyl being relevant to the docking stabilization. All these results lead us to propose Uruguayan propolis and Tannat grape pomace extracts as food additives as well as phytopharmaceuticals to decrease the uric acid levels in gout disease and to act against oxidative stress.展开更多
Macroscopic spatiotemporal patterns arising in grey matter may explain the clinical manifestations of several functional neurological syndromes (migraine aura, epilepsies). Detailed descriptions of these patterns in c...Macroscopic spatiotemporal patterns arising in grey matter may explain the clinical manifestations of several functional neurological syndromes (migraine aura, epilepsies). Detailed descriptions of these patterns in central grey matter and their physicochemical or pharmacological manipulations can be useful in many scientific fields ranging from drug design to functional brain imaging. These evanescent dynamic structures are electrochemical in nature and show macroscopic tissue polarization due to coupled and macroscopic flow of ions and water across, along and between neuronal and glial membranes. So far the importance of the water flow in the CNS functional syndromes has been examined by manipulations of water channels aquaporines (AQP). In this paper we show the result of substituting H2O for D2O in retinal spreading depression experiments. This inverts the present logic by changing the flow in the water channels in intact tissue and observing the evolution of electrochemical patterns and recording the optical profiles of excitation waves in isolated chick retinas. D2O flow through AQPs is ~20% slower than that of H2O. The slower flux disturbs the tight coupling between ion and water flows across membranes and slowdown the Na-KATPase rate of change with metabolic consequences for the tissue. The whole tissue excitability shifts in a non-stationary manner toward a non-excitable state.展开更多
Endohedral fullerene studies are the fascinating one, particularly with Carbon 60 and Carbon 70. Water molecules inside fullerenes alter their cage structure, reorientations make them to play a lot in charge distribut...Endohedral fullerene studies are the fascinating one, particularly with Carbon 60 and Carbon 70. Water molecules inside fullerenes alter their cage structure, reorientations make them to play a lot in charge distribution. In this line we are presenting our work on Carbon 70 with three water molecules inside. Ab initio SCF calculations are carried out for the fullerene Carbon 70 and Carbon 70 with three water molecules. Carbon 70 is a rugby ball structure, when three water molecules are added inside it, dissociation of charges takes place. Unusual flip flop circular hydrogen bond formation takes place inside Carbon 70. The dipole moment of endohedral C70 with three water molecules has been found to be 0.53 Debye, 0.49 Debye and 0.71 Debye respectively for STO-3G, 3-21G and 6-31G basis sets. Total energies for this molecule are reported in addition to the Hydrogen bond length and bond angles of the three water molecules trapped inside C70.展开更多
Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) was applied to investigate the interaction of drugs with liposomes. Two types of titration are possible. One type is when the liposome suspension in the cell is titrated by aliqu...Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) was applied to investigate the interaction of drugs with liposomes. Two types of titration are possible. One type is when the liposome suspension in the cell is titrated by aliquots of drug solution, and the other is when the drug and liposome solutions take the opposite roles. In this paper, we employed the latter type because the disturbance of liposomes may be minimal in this titration type. We derived an equation in which the accumulated heat-flow is expressed as a function of the added lipid concentration. In the derivation, the uniform binding model was used although there may be various binding sites. This equation contains a parameter n, the number of binding sites per lipid molecule. In addition, we derive the relation between the dissociation constant (Kd), partition coefficient (Pm) and n. Binding parameters such as Kd, n, the Gibbs energy change, enthalpy change and entropy change were estimated for ANS (1-anilino-8-naphtarenesulfonate), TPB (tetraphenylborate), amlodipine, nifedipine, amitriptyline, nortriptyline, imipramine, desipramine, propranolol, chlorpromazine, promethazine, miconazole, indomethacin, diclofenac and diflunisal. For some drugs, the enthalpy change was the major binding affinity instead of the classical hydrophobic interaction in which entropy takes the essential role. We proved an approximate rule that for drugs with smaller n (the number of binding sites per lipid molecule), the entropy change contributes more than the enthalpy change.展开更多
The human telomere sequence (TTAGGG)4 folds into an unusual conformation possessing three G-tetrads linked by TTA loops. The first loop is a propeller loop while the second and third loops are transverse loops. Using ...The human telomere sequence (TTAGGG)4 folds into an unusual conformation possessing three G-tetrads linked by TTA loops. The first loop is a propeller loop while the second and third loops are transverse loops. Using Circular Dichroism (CD) spectroscopy, we have investigated the effect of sequence context on the structures and stabilities of intramolecular G-quadruplexes related to the human telomere sequence by considering all permutations of T and A within the loops. The results indicate that changing only one base in any one loop can have a dramatic effect on the conformation of the quadruplex as well as its melting temperature, Tm. Thus, each sequence studied has a unique CD spectrum and Tm. In general, variants with a modified second loop are the most stable while the wild type sequence is the least stable. The observed difference in CD spectra and melting temperature are discussed in terms of base stacking within the loop and stacking of the loop bases with adjacent G-tetrads.展开更多
Systematic analysis of factors determining efficiency in discrimination of a point substitution (SNP) within specific DNA sequences was carried out in the context of hybridization approach. There are two types of sele...Systematic analysis of factors determining efficiency in discrimination of a point substitution (SNP) within specific DNA sequences was carried out in the context of hybridization approach. There are two types of selectivity that are critical for the rational design of highly specific oligonucleotides probes. The first type is the real selectivity of hybridization (fa) that is the ratio of association degrees of targets with an oligonucleotide probe upon the perfect and imperfect complex formation. This type of selectivity reflects the level of discrimination between matched and mismatched signals, which is determined both by experimental conditions and the thermodynamics of oligonucleotide hybridization. The second parameter characterizing the efficiency of SNP discrimination is the limit selectivity of hybridization, which determines the utmost value of fa at a given temperature. This value can be calculated as the ratio of corresponding equilibrium association constants of perfect and imperfect complex formation determined purely by thermodynamics. We have shown that the fa function is the most reliable characteristic describing the hybridization selectivity. For the analytical system designed to reveal any type of perturbation in DNA (e.g. SNP or modification), there is usually a temperature at which fa has its maximum value. The dependency of the fa maximum on different experimental parameters as well as the structural characteristics of a probe are described in details. The results allowed us to postulate points of principle to rationally design the most selective probes on the basis of oli- gonucleotides or their derivatives.展开更多
This study assessed the effect of processing method on the carotenoid profile of oil from three varieties of Nigerian oil palm fruits (Elaise guinensis). Specific varieties of the Elaise guinensis, which are the dura,...This study assessed the effect of processing method on the carotenoid profile of oil from three varieties of Nigerian oil palm fruits (Elaise guinensis). Specific varieties of the Elaise guinensis, which are the dura, pesifera and tenera were obtained from National Institute for Oil Palm Research (NIFOR) in Edo state, Nigeria. The samples were divided into two and processed using two different methods as commonly practiced in south-eastern Nigeria, the hot and cold processes. The oil extracted from each of the processes was then analyzed for oil characteristics using standard analytical methods while the carotenoid profile was analyzed using HPLC C-21 column. The results generated were subjected to the one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results of carotenoid constituent identified include: lutein, neurosporene (trans), neurosporene (cis), α-Zeacarotene(cis), α-Zeacarotene(trans), phytoene, phytofluene, β-zeacarotene, 13 and 13’ cis α-carotene, 13 cis β-carotene, trans α-carotene, 9 cis α-carotene, trans β-carotene, αcarotene a(cis), α-carotene b(cis), α-carotene (trans), γ-carotene (trans), γ-carotene b(cis), lycopene (cis) and lycopene (trans). The results of physicochemical characteristics of the oil samples extracted range from 0.922 ± 0.004 - 0.916 ± 0.001 for specific gravity (SG), 8.10 ± 0.17 - 4.88 ± 0.04 mg KOH/g for acid value, 4.29% ± 0.02% - 2.44% ± 0.02% for free fatty acid value (FFA), 6.00 ± 0.21 to 204.67 ± 0.98 mgKOH/g for saponification value and 9.53 ± 0.23 - 5.25 ± 0.33 mEq/kg;for peroxide value while the carotenoids values were between 53.735 ± 0.10 and 123.389 ± 0.20 mg/100g. From the result, we can observe that the main constituent of the palm oil carotenoid is the β-carotene which makes up to about 80% of the total carotene. Statistical analysis revealed that no significant difference exists between the mean of each of the processing methods on the carotenoid profile of the oil sample analyzed.展开更多
Reversible protein phosphorylation is a central regulatory mechanism of cell function. Deregulation of the balanced actions of protein kinases and phosphatases has been frequently associated with several pathological ...Reversible protein phosphorylation is a central regulatory mechanism of cell function. Deregulation of the balanced actions of protein kinases and phosphatases has been frequently associated with several pathological conditions, including cancer. Many studies have already addressed the role of protein kinases misregulation in cancer. However, much less is known about protein phosphatases influence. Phosphoprotein Phosphatase 1 (PPP1) is one of the major serine/threonine protein phosphatases who has three catalytic isoforms: PPP1CA, PPP1CB, and PPP1CC. Its function is achieved by binding to regulatory subunits, known as PPP1-interacting proteins (PIPs), which may prefer a catalytic isoform. Also, some inhibitors/enhancers may exhibit isoform specificity. Here we show that, prodigiosin (PG), a molecule with anticancer properties, promotes the formation of PPP1CA-AKT complex and not of PPP1CC-MAPK complex. Both, AKT and MAPK, are well-known PIPs from two pathways that crosstalk and regulate melanoma cells survival. In addition, the analysis performed using surface plasmon resonance (SPR) technology indicates that PPP1 interacts with obatoclax (OBX), a drug that belongs to the same family of PG. Overall, these results suggest that PG might, at least in part, act through PPP1C/PIPs. Also, this study is pioneer in demonstrating PPP1 isoform-specific modulation by small molecules.展开更多
In silico technique was applied to screen potential of 16 compounds of 5,5-dimethylthiohydantoin derivatives as androgen antagonist. The 3D structure of the protein was obtained from PDB database. Docking analysis of ...In silico technique was applied to screen potential of 16 compounds of 5,5-dimethylthiohydantoin derivatives as androgen antagonist. The 3D structure of the protein was obtained from PDB database. Docking analysis of the compounds was performed using hex docking. Molecular modeling analysis exhibits relatively low LUMO-HOMO energy gap of the studied molecules, indicating that it would be kinetically stable. None of the compounds violated Lipinski’s parameters, making them potentially promising agents for biological activities. The title compounds exhibited the lowest docking energy of protein-ligand complex. Finally, the results indicate that these compounds are potentially as an androgen antagonist, and expected to be effective in prostate cancer treatment.展开更多
The ultimate aim of the present work is to establish an acceptable level of computation for the van der waals (vdw) complexes that is able to pick up appreciable amount of dispersion interaction energy, reproduce the ...The ultimate aim of the present work is to establish an acceptable level of computation for the van der waals (vdw) complexes that is able to pick up appreciable amount of dispersion interaction energy, reproduce the equilibrium separation within the acceptable limits and at the same time cost and time effective. In order to reach this aim vdw clusters where pure isotropic dispersion interaction occur, namely, Ar dimer and trime were investigated. Computations using different basis sets and at different levels of theory have been carried out. Three basis sets, namely, the 6-31++G**, the 6-311++G** and the aug-cc-pvdz basis set, were found superior to all other basis sets used. The high performance and relative small CPU time of the 6-31++G** basis set make it a good candidate for use with large vdw clusters, especially those of interest in biology. Three compound methods were applied in the present work, namely G1, G2 and G2 Moller-Plesset (MP2) and the complete basis set method, CBS-Q. These methods failed to detect the attraction dispersion interaction in the dimer. The predicted repulsive interaction seems dominant in all these methods. Some of the recently developed Density Functional Theory (DFT) methods that were parameterized to account for the dispersion interaction were also evaluated in the present work. Results come to the conclusion that, in contrast to the claims made, state-of-the-art Density Functional Theory methods are incapable of accounting for dispersion effects in a quantitative way, although these methods predict correctly the inter-atomic separations and are?thus considered a real improvement over the conventional methods. BS-SE has been computed, analyzed and discussed.展开更多
The suprafibrillar organisation of collagen rich tissues is the keystone to the diversity of resultant structures made from relatively similar materials. The local organisation between fibrils may be essential to supr...The suprafibrillar organisation of collagen rich tissues is the keystone to the diversity of resultant structures made from relatively similar materials. The local organisation between fibrils may be essential to suprafibril structures that are critical to functionality such as transparency in cornea, where specific lateral relationships between fibrils dictate optical properties. Here we show that corneal X-ray diffraction combined with mechanical strains to disrupt a specific suprafibrillar relationship between fibrils evidence and a coherent staggered axial relationship between collagen fibrils. The data also shows evidence for auxetic behavior of the collagen fibrils and reveals a 120 nm diffraction feature previously unreported in collagen tissues. The results show that suprafibrillar organisation can be an essential component in tissue architecture that has hitherto been ignored, but now must be considered in mechanical and structural models.展开更多
The stacking of phenanthroline(phen) ligand within base pair sequences is one of the important factors for the stabilization of metalphen complex within DNA. The stacking ability of this ligand has been assessed to de...The stacking of phenanthroline(phen) ligand within base pair sequences is one of the important factors for the stabilization of metalphen complex within DNA. The stacking ability of this ligand has been assessed to deduce the base pair selectivity as well as to identify the favored region of intercalation. Different level of theories have been used to predict the favorable regions for stacking interaction of phen ligand with base pair, but the results of MP2/6-31+G(d,p) is found to be reasonably good for monitoring such interactions.展开更多
It has been theoretically predicted that under conditions leading to Gibbs-Donnan equilibrium in case when size of one compartment is very different from another (as in system “membrane vesicle/liposomes—incubation ...It has been theoretically predicted that under conditions leading to Gibbs-Donnan equilibrium in case when size of one compartment is very different from another (as in system “membrane vesicle/liposomes—incubation medium”) stable transmembrane potential can be formed, which value is sufficient to fit requirement of real transmembrane potential. Four partial cases were considered with different location and charge of impermeable ion and it was concluded that locations of impermeable ions in medium provide stable transmembrane potential with sufficient value of 60 - 70 mV. Potential-sensitive probe, such as DiOC6(3) and oxonol VI, were used to confirm the calculated potential. According to the change in fluorescence level and emission/excitation shift, a stable and relatively high transmembrane potential can be formed if salt of impermeable ion is located in incubation medium. Impermeable cations and anions may be used to create positive and negative transmembrane potential respectively.展开更多
Today, Hypericum perforatum L. is probably one of the best-characterized medicinal plants, and hyperforin is its best-characterized constituent. Extracts from H. perforatum are widely used as antidepressants;however, ...Today, Hypericum perforatum L. is probably one of the best-characterized medicinal plants, and hyperforin is its best-characterized constituent. Extracts from H. perforatum are widely used as antidepressants;however, less attention has been given to other properties of hyperforin, such as antitumor, fungicidal, antiviral and antibacterial action, or its possible use as a substance with immunomodulation properties. The present study summarizes results that describe the influence of hyperforin as an immunomodulation agent on phagocytosis and the breakdown of Escherichia coli by human polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs). Hyperforin at 1 - 100 μg/mL concentrations was found to have a major influence on phagocytosis and the breakdown of E. coli by PMNs in vitro. A 100 μg/mL solution of hyperforin increased the uptake of non-opsonized E. coli almost 50-fold, and the uptake of IgG-opsonized E. coli more than threefold;on the other hand, the uptake of serum-opsonized bacteria was reduced to approximately 60% of that of the control. Hyperforin seems to bind to both PMNs and E. coli and acts like an opsonin. The elimination of remnants of IgG-opsonized E. coli from the PMNs was stimulated by hyperforin, while the elimination of remnants from non-op-so nized and serum-opsonized material was unaffected by the drug. Hyperforin exhibited clear immunomodulation ability as a phagocytosisstimulating agent. Hyperforin is probably inactive against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and most Gram-negative bacteria. However, it can protect acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients and other immunocompromised patients by its antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria and by enhancement of phagocytosis of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria;some Gram-negative bacteria, such as Neisseria, are sensitive to hyperforin. Hyperforin has the ability to penetrate the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and blood-testis barrier (BTB) and is a valuable antibacterial agent against meningitis and gonorrhea. These properties of hyperforin are important for an antibiotic with immunomodulation activity in the struggle against the growing mortality in AIDS patients as a result of opportunistic bacteria, as recently shown by Bekondi et al. (2006, Int. J. Infect. Dis. 10, 387-395). It could also help to combat primary and opportunistic pathogens associated with meningitis in adults' relation to HIV serostatus.展开更多
In this work, the role of the disulfide bridges in the maintenance of the secondary structure of the antimicrobial peptides androctonin, poly-phemusin-I, and thanatin is analyzed on the basis of their structural chara...In this work, the role of the disulfide bridges in the maintenance of the secondary structure of the antimicrobial peptides androctonin, poly-phemusin-I, and thanatin is analyzed on the basis of their structural characteristics and of three of their respective mutants, andry4, poly4, and thany2, in which all the cysteine residues have been replaced with tyrosine residues. The absence of the disulfide bridges in andry4, poly4, and thany2 seems to be compensated by an overall enforcement of the original hydrogen bonds and by extra attractive interactions between the aromatic rings of the tyrosine residues. In spite of the mutations, the original β-hairpin structures are maintained in the three mutants, but the best conformational similarities are found for the androctonin/andry4 pair.展开更多
The 3-D structure of the β-adrenergic receptor with a molecular weight of 55,000 daltons is available from crystallographic data. Within one of the seven transmembrane ion channel helices in the β2-receptor, one loo...The 3-D structure of the β-adrenergic receptor with a molecular weight of 55,000 daltons is available from crystallographic data. Within one of the seven transmembrane ion channel helices in the β2-receptor, one loop of a helix ACADL has previously been proposed as the site that explains β2 activity (fights acute bronchitis) whereas ASADL in the β1-receptor at the corresponding site explains β1-activity (cardiac stimulation). The α-agonist responsible for this selective reaction is only 0.5% of the receptor molecular weight, and only 1.5% of the weight of the trans-membrane portion of the receptor. The understanding of the mechanism by which a small molecule on binding to a site on one single loop of a helix produces a specific agonist activity on an entire transmembrane ion channel is uncertain. A model of an α-helix is presented in which of pitch occurs at angles both smaller and larger than 180° n. Consequently, atomic coordinates in a peptide backbone α-helix match the data points of individual atom (and atom types) in the backbone. More precisely, eleven atoms in peptide backbone routinely equal one loop of a helix, instead of eleven amino acid residues equaling three loops of a helix;therefore, an α-helix can begin (or end) at any specific atom in a peptide backbone, not just at any specific amino acid. Wavefront Topology System and Finite Element Methods calculate this specific helical shape based only upon circumference, pitch, and phase. Only external forces which specifically affect circumference, pitch and/or phase (e.g. from agonist binding) can/will alter the shape of an α-helix.展开更多
文摘Morphology of dipalmitoyl phosphatidyl choline (DPPC)-cholesterol (Chol) mixed monolayer formed on water surface by dropping method was investigated using surface tension measurement (STm), Brewster angle microscopy (BAM), and fluorescence microscopy (FM). STm showed strong condensation effect of Chol in fluidic DPPC monolayer. Excess area (S<sub>ex</sub>) from mean mixing state of DPPC and Chol was about twice larger than that by general compression method in the range from xC = 0.2 to 0.4 (xC: mole fraction of Chol). BAM and FM images showed clearly that the fluidic DPPC monolayer changed to condensed rigid monolayer due to the condensation effect of Chol. At more than xC = 0.3 DPPC-Chol mixed monolayer changed to condensed state similar to the Chol monolayer. These results support previous reports by compression method that Chol molecule demonstrates the strong condensation effect to the fluidic monolayer and also indicate that dropping method enables to form unique monolayer on the water surface.
文摘Previous studies have shown two components of glucose absorption in the small intestine: a secondary active transport through SGLT1, and unsaturated component, recently attributed mainly to the facilitated diffusion through GLUT2, but the relationship between these two components under physiological conditions remains controversial. In chronic experiments on nonanesthetized rats we investigated for the first time the kinetics of maltose hydrolysis and glucose absorption in the isolated loop of the small intestine in a wide range of maltose and glucose concentrations (25 ÷ 200 mmol/l glucose). The processes were simulated on mathematical models which took into account the current views about mechanisms of hydrolysis and transport of nutrients and geometric characteristics of the intestinal surface. The results of chronic experiments and mathematical simulation have shown that under the close to physiological conditions the glucose transport mediated by SGLT1 is the main mechanism of its absorption in comparison with the unsaturated component. This was demonstrated not only at low, but also at high substrate concentrations. We conclude that correct evaluation of the relative contribution of different mechanisms in glucose transport through the intestinal epithelium requires taking into account the geometric specificities of its surface.
文摘The aim of the work was to quantify possible interactions between surfactants and preservatives, comparing surface properties, in model pharmaceutical formulations. Surface parameters of 2-component surfactant-preservative aquous mixtures were determined with a Wilhelmy plate technique, for the so-called principal surfactants (polysorbate 80, egg lecithin, phosphatidylcholine) and preservatives, which were methylparaben and benzalkonium chloride (BA-C). A generalized surface tension vs. surfactant concentration plot signatures, in the presence of preservative at a fixed amount, allowed: the critical micellar concentration (cmc) shift, additive molecules partition from the surface to the bulk, mixed micelles formation concentration, and additive surface removal concentration to be determined in reference to surface activity of the added substance. Methylparaben is a compound of lower (in comparison to BAC) surface activity, lower partitioning coefficient possessing lower energy and concentration of its removal from the surface, that makes it play effectively an antimicrobial protection role in the bulk of pharmaceutical products, as already shown by chemical tests.
基金supported by Fundacio Barcelo(Ref.1458/2007)project grant CTF 2010-18271 from the Ministerio de ciencia e innovacion del Gobierno de Espanathe Conselleria d’Innovacioi Energia del Govern de les Illes Balears(Spain)for a fellowship supporting her work.
文摘The structures and chemical compositions of valve calcific deposits were investigated. The deposits was chosen arbitrarily and subjected to chemical analysis, observation with scanning microscope, semi-quantitative determination of Ca, Mg, Na, K, P and C elements by energy dispersive X-ray, X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy carried out. These deposits were found to have non-uniform internal structures composed of layers of a structureless aspidinic inorganic material, substantial amounts of voluminous organic material and in a few samples small spheres were also present. Two groups of deposits with distinctly different chemical compositions were identified: one group with a low Ca/P molar ratio (1.59) and the other group with a high (1.82) Ca/P molar ratio. The deposits belonging to the group with a low Ca/P molar ratio contain higher concentration of magnesium and consist of increased amount of amorphous calcium phosphate. The deposits with a high Ca/P molar ratio contain low concentration of magnesium and consist predominantly of carbonated hydroxyapatite. The inorganic material was identified as a poorly crystalline carbonate hydroxyapatite containing molecular water of the average formula Ca9.1Mg0.4(Na,K)(PO4)5.8(CO3)0.3(OH)2. The actual chemical composition of the apatitic solid phase varies not only from deposit to deposit but also within the same deposit. The non-uniform internal structure of the deposits, the occasional presence of spherical particles and the variable point composition of the individual deposits indicate that their formation did not proceed under more or less constant conditions.
文摘The use of food additives with xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibitory activity offers an alternative approach to hyperuricemic and gout disease treatment, and provides an example of antioxidant nutraceutics. The in vitro and in silico XO inhibitory activity of polyphenols from Uruguayan Tannat grape pomaces and propolis extracts was evaluated as well as the scavenging capacity of said compounds. When comparing propolis and grape pomace samples, the in vitro studies demonstrated that polyphenols extracted from propolis are more active as free radical scavengers than those from Tannat grape pomace. Both natural products effectively inhibited XO but the capacity of phenols present in GP is higher than the one present in P. The high content of anthocyanins in GP, absent in P, could account for this observation. In silico assays allowed us to determine relevant ligand-receptor interactions between polyphenols, from a database built with previously reported polyphenols from both natural products, and the active site of XO. The in silico results showed that compound (E)-isoprenylcaffeate from propolis was the best potential XO inhibitor displaying hydrophobic aromatic interaction between the conjugated ring of the caffeate moiety and polar interactions between hydroxyl groups from caffeate with the active site polar residues. Among grape pomaces, the Cyanidin-3-O-(6-(E)-p-coumaroyl)-glucoside was the best XO inhibitor;its moiety oxychromenyl being relevant to the docking stabilization. All these results lead us to propose Uruguayan propolis and Tannat grape pomace extracts as food additives as well as phytopharmaceuticals to decrease the uric acid levels in gout disease and to act against oxidative stress.
文摘Macroscopic spatiotemporal patterns arising in grey matter may explain the clinical manifestations of several functional neurological syndromes (migraine aura, epilepsies). Detailed descriptions of these patterns in central grey matter and their physicochemical or pharmacological manipulations can be useful in many scientific fields ranging from drug design to functional brain imaging. These evanescent dynamic structures are electrochemical in nature and show macroscopic tissue polarization due to coupled and macroscopic flow of ions and water across, along and between neuronal and glial membranes. So far the importance of the water flow in the CNS functional syndromes has been examined by manipulations of water channels aquaporines (AQP). In this paper we show the result of substituting H2O for D2O in retinal spreading depression experiments. This inverts the present logic by changing the flow in the water channels in intact tissue and observing the evolution of electrochemical patterns and recording the optical profiles of excitation waves in isolated chick retinas. D2O flow through AQPs is ~20% slower than that of H2O. The slower flux disturbs the tight coupling between ion and water flows across membranes and slowdown the Na-KATPase rate of change with metabolic consequences for the tissue. The whole tissue excitability shifts in a non-stationary manner toward a non-excitable state.
文摘Endohedral fullerene studies are the fascinating one, particularly with Carbon 60 and Carbon 70. Water molecules inside fullerenes alter their cage structure, reorientations make them to play a lot in charge distribution. In this line we are presenting our work on Carbon 70 with three water molecules inside. Ab initio SCF calculations are carried out for the fullerene Carbon 70 and Carbon 70 with three water molecules. Carbon 70 is a rugby ball structure, when three water molecules are added inside it, dissociation of charges takes place. Unusual flip flop circular hydrogen bond formation takes place inside Carbon 70. The dipole moment of endohedral C70 with three water molecules has been found to be 0.53 Debye, 0.49 Debye and 0.71 Debye respectively for STO-3G, 3-21G and 6-31G basis sets. Total energies for this molecule are reported in addition to the Hydrogen bond length and bond angles of the three water molecules trapped inside C70.
文摘Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) was applied to investigate the interaction of drugs with liposomes. Two types of titration are possible. One type is when the liposome suspension in the cell is titrated by aliquots of drug solution, and the other is when the drug and liposome solutions take the opposite roles. In this paper, we employed the latter type because the disturbance of liposomes may be minimal in this titration type. We derived an equation in which the accumulated heat-flow is expressed as a function of the added lipid concentration. In the derivation, the uniform binding model was used although there may be various binding sites. This equation contains a parameter n, the number of binding sites per lipid molecule. In addition, we derive the relation between the dissociation constant (Kd), partition coefficient (Pm) and n. Binding parameters such as Kd, n, the Gibbs energy change, enthalpy change and entropy change were estimated for ANS (1-anilino-8-naphtarenesulfonate), TPB (tetraphenylborate), amlodipine, nifedipine, amitriptyline, nortriptyline, imipramine, desipramine, propranolol, chlorpromazine, promethazine, miconazole, indomethacin, diclofenac and diflunisal. For some drugs, the enthalpy change was the major binding affinity instead of the classical hydrophobic interaction in which entropy takes the essential role. We proved an approximate rule that for drugs with smaller n (the number of binding sites per lipid molecule), the entropy change contributes more than the enthalpy change.
文摘The human telomere sequence (TTAGGG)4 folds into an unusual conformation possessing three G-tetrads linked by TTA loops. The first loop is a propeller loop while the second and third loops are transverse loops. Using Circular Dichroism (CD) spectroscopy, we have investigated the effect of sequence context on the structures and stabilities of intramolecular G-quadruplexes related to the human telomere sequence by considering all permutations of T and A within the loops. The results indicate that changing only one base in any one loop can have a dramatic effect on the conformation of the quadruplex as well as its melting temperature, Tm. Thus, each sequence studied has a unique CD spectrum and Tm. In general, variants with a modified second loop are the most stable while the wild type sequence is the least stable. The observed difference in CD spectra and melting temperature are discussed in terms of base stacking within the loop and stacking of the loop bases with adjacent G-tetrads.
文摘Systematic analysis of factors determining efficiency in discrimination of a point substitution (SNP) within specific DNA sequences was carried out in the context of hybridization approach. There are two types of selectivity that are critical for the rational design of highly specific oligonucleotides probes. The first type is the real selectivity of hybridization (fa) that is the ratio of association degrees of targets with an oligonucleotide probe upon the perfect and imperfect complex formation. This type of selectivity reflects the level of discrimination between matched and mismatched signals, which is determined both by experimental conditions and the thermodynamics of oligonucleotide hybridization. The second parameter characterizing the efficiency of SNP discrimination is the limit selectivity of hybridization, which determines the utmost value of fa at a given temperature. This value can be calculated as the ratio of corresponding equilibrium association constants of perfect and imperfect complex formation determined purely by thermodynamics. We have shown that the fa function is the most reliable characteristic describing the hybridization selectivity. For the analytical system designed to reveal any type of perturbation in DNA (e.g. SNP or modification), there is usually a temperature at which fa has its maximum value. The dependency of the fa maximum on different experimental parameters as well as the structural characteristics of a probe are described in details. The results allowed us to postulate points of principle to rationally design the most selective probes on the basis of oli- gonucleotides or their derivatives.
文摘This study assessed the effect of processing method on the carotenoid profile of oil from three varieties of Nigerian oil palm fruits (Elaise guinensis). Specific varieties of the Elaise guinensis, which are the dura, pesifera and tenera were obtained from National Institute for Oil Palm Research (NIFOR) in Edo state, Nigeria. The samples were divided into two and processed using two different methods as commonly practiced in south-eastern Nigeria, the hot and cold processes. The oil extracted from each of the processes was then analyzed for oil characteristics using standard analytical methods while the carotenoid profile was analyzed using HPLC C-21 column. The results generated were subjected to the one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results of carotenoid constituent identified include: lutein, neurosporene (trans), neurosporene (cis), α-Zeacarotene(cis), α-Zeacarotene(trans), phytoene, phytofluene, β-zeacarotene, 13 and 13’ cis α-carotene, 13 cis β-carotene, trans α-carotene, 9 cis α-carotene, trans β-carotene, αcarotene a(cis), α-carotene b(cis), α-carotene (trans), γ-carotene (trans), γ-carotene b(cis), lycopene (cis) and lycopene (trans). The results of physicochemical characteristics of the oil samples extracted range from 0.922 ± 0.004 - 0.916 ± 0.001 for specific gravity (SG), 8.10 ± 0.17 - 4.88 ± 0.04 mg KOH/g for acid value, 4.29% ± 0.02% - 2.44% ± 0.02% for free fatty acid value (FFA), 6.00 ± 0.21 to 204.67 ± 0.98 mgKOH/g for saponification value and 9.53 ± 0.23 - 5.25 ± 0.33 mEq/kg;for peroxide value while the carotenoids values were between 53.735 ± 0.10 and 123.389 ± 0.20 mg/100g. From the result, we can observe that the main constituent of the palm oil carotenoid is the β-carotene which makes up to about 80% of the total carotene. Statistical analysis revealed that no significant difference exists between the mean of each of the processing methods on the carotenoid profile of the oil sample analyzed.
基金supported by grants from Fundacao para a Ciencia e Tecnologia(FCT)of the Portuguese Ministry of Science and Higher Education(PTDC/DTP-PIC/0460/2012)by FEDER through Eixo I do Programa Operacional Fatores de Competitividade(POFC)(FCOMP-01-0124-FEDER-028692)co-funded by QREN
文摘Reversible protein phosphorylation is a central regulatory mechanism of cell function. Deregulation of the balanced actions of protein kinases and phosphatases has been frequently associated with several pathological conditions, including cancer. Many studies have already addressed the role of protein kinases misregulation in cancer. However, much less is known about protein phosphatases influence. Phosphoprotein Phosphatase 1 (PPP1) is one of the major serine/threonine protein phosphatases who has three catalytic isoforms: PPP1CA, PPP1CB, and PPP1CC. Its function is achieved by binding to regulatory subunits, known as PPP1-interacting proteins (PIPs), which may prefer a catalytic isoform. Also, some inhibitors/enhancers may exhibit isoform specificity. Here we show that, prodigiosin (PG), a molecule with anticancer properties, promotes the formation of PPP1CA-AKT complex and not of PPP1CC-MAPK complex. Both, AKT and MAPK, are well-known PIPs from two pathways that crosstalk and regulate melanoma cells survival. In addition, the analysis performed using surface plasmon resonance (SPR) technology indicates that PPP1 interacts with obatoclax (OBX), a drug that belongs to the same family of PG. Overall, these results suggest that PG might, at least in part, act through PPP1C/PIPs. Also, this study is pioneer in demonstrating PPP1 isoform-specific modulation by small molecules.
文摘In silico technique was applied to screen potential of 16 compounds of 5,5-dimethylthiohydantoin derivatives as androgen antagonist. The 3D structure of the protein was obtained from PDB database. Docking analysis of the compounds was performed using hex docking. Molecular modeling analysis exhibits relatively low LUMO-HOMO energy gap of the studied molecules, indicating that it would be kinetically stable. None of the compounds violated Lipinski’s parameters, making them potentially promising agents for biological activities. The title compounds exhibited the lowest docking energy of protein-ligand complex. Finally, the results indicate that these compounds are potentially as an androgen antagonist, and expected to be effective in prostate cancer treatment.
文摘The ultimate aim of the present work is to establish an acceptable level of computation for the van der waals (vdw) complexes that is able to pick up appreciable amount of dispersion interaction energy, reproduce the equilibrium separation within the acceptable limits and at the same time cost and time effective. In order to reach this aim vdw clusters where pure isotropic dispersion interaction occur, namely, Ar dimer and trime were investigated. Computations using different basis sets and at different levels of theory have been carried out. Three basis sets, namely, the 6-31++G**, the 6-311++G** and the aug-cc-pvdz basis set, were found superior to all other basis sets used. The high performance and relative small CPU time of the 6-31++G** basis set make it a good candidate for use with large vdw clusters, especially those of interest in biology. Three compound methods were applied in the present work, namely G1, G2 and G2 Moller-Plesset (MP2) and the complete basis set method, CBS-Q. These methods failed to detect the attraction dispersion interaction in the dimer. The predicted repulsive interaction seems dominant in all these methods. Some of the recently developed Density Functional Theory (DFT) methods that were parameterized to account for the dispersion interaction were also evaluated in the present work. Results come to the conclusion that, in contrast to the claims made, state-of-the-art Density Functional Theory methods are incapable of accounting for dispersion effects in a quantitative way, although these methods predict correctly the inter-atomic separations and are?thus considered a real improvement over the conventional methods. BS-SE has been computed, analyzed and discussed.
文摘The suprafibrillar organisation of collagen rich tissues is the keystone to the diversity of resultant structures made from relatively similar materials. The local organisation between fibrils may be essential to suprafibril structures that are critical to functionality such as transparency in cornea, where specific lateral relationships between fibrils dictate optical properties. Here we show that corneal X-ray diffraction combined with mechanical strains to disrupt a specific suprafibrillar relationship between fibrils evidence and a coherent staggered axial relationship between collagen fibrils. The data also shows evidence for auxetic behavior of the collagen fibrils and reveals a 120 nm diffraction feature previously unreported in collagen tissues. The results show that suprafibrillar organisation can be an essential component in tissue architecture that has hitherto been ignored, but now must be considered in mechanical and structural models.
文摘The stacking of phenanthroline(phen) ligand within base pair sequences is one of the important factors for the stabilization of metalphen complex within DNA. The stacking ability of this ligand has been assessed to deduce the base pair selectivity as well as to identify the favored region of intercalation. Different level of theories have been used to predict the favorable regions for stacking interaction of phen ligand with base pair, but the results of MP2/6-31+G(d,p) is found to be reasonably good for monitoring such interactions.
文摘It has been theoretically predicted that under conditions leading to Gibbs-Donnan equilibrium in case when size of one compartment is very different from another (as in system “membrane vesicle/liposomes—incubation medium”) stable transmembrane potential can be formed, which value is sufficient to fit requirement of real transmembrane potential. Four partial cases were considered with different location and charge of impermeable ion and it was concluded that locations of impermeable ions in medium provide stable transmembrane potential with sufficient value of 60 - 70 mV. Potential-sensitive probe, such as DiOC6(3) and oxonol VI, were used to confirm the calculated potential. According to the change in fluorescence level and emission/excitation shift, a stable and relatively high transmembrane potential can be formed if salt of impermeable ion is located in incubation medium. Impermeable cations and anions may be used to create positive and negative transmembrane potential respectively.
文摘Today, Hypericum perforatum L. is probably one of the best-characterized medicinal plants, and hyperforin is its best-characterized constituent. Extracts from H. perforatum are widely used as antidepressants;however, less attention has been given to other properties of hyperforin, such as antitumor, fungicidal, antiviral and antibacterial action, or its possible use as a substance with immunomodulation properties. The present study summarizes results that describe the influence of hyperforin as an immunomodulation agent on phagocytosis and the breakdown of Escherichia coli by human polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs). Hyperforin at 1 - 100 μg/mL concentrations was found to have a major influence on phagocytosis and the breakdown of E. coli by PMNs in vitro. A 100 μg/mL solution of hyperforin increased the uptake of non-opsonized E. coli almost 50-fold, and the uptake of IgG-opsonized E. coli more than threefold;on the other hand, the uptake of serum-opsonized bacteria was reduced to approximately 60% of that of the control. Hyperforin seems to bind to both PMNs and E. coli and acts like an opsonin. The elimination of remnants of IgG-opsonized E. coli from the PMNs was stimulated by hyperforin, while the elimination of remnants from non-op-so nized and serum-opsonized material was unaffected by the drug. Hyperforin exhibited clear immunomodulation ability as a phagocytosisstimulating agent. Hyperforin is probably inactive against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and most Gram-negative bacteria. However, it can protect acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients and other immunocompromised patients by its antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria and by enhancement of phagocytosis of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria;some Gram-negative bacteria, such as Neisseria, are sensitive to hyperforin. Hyperforin has the ability to penetrate the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and blood-testis barrier (BTB) and is a valuable antibacterial agent against meningitis and gonorrhea. These properties of hyperforin are important for an antibiotic with immunomodulation activity in the struggle against the growing mortality in AIDS patients as a result of opportunistic bacteria, as recently shown by Bekondi et al. (2006, Int. J. Infect. Dis. 10, 387-395). It could also help to combat primary and opportunistic pathogens associated with meningitis in adults' relation to HIV serostatus.
基金Fundacao de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado de Sao Paulo(FAPESP)for financial support.
文摘In this work, the role of the disulfide bridges in the maintenance of the secondary structure of the antimicrobial peptides androctonin, poly-phemusin-I, and thanatin is analyzed on the basis of their structural characteristics and of three of their respective mutants, andry4, poly4, and thany2, in which all the cysteine residues have been replaced with tyrosine residues. The absence of the disulfide bridges in andry4, poly4, and thany2 seems to be compensated by an overall enforcement of the original hydrogen bonds and by extra attractive interactions between the aromatic rings of the tyrosine residues. In spite of the mutations, the original β-hairpin structures are maintained in the three mutants, but the best conformational similarities are found for the androctonin/andry4 pair.
文摘The 3-D structure of the β-adrenergic receptor with a molecular weight of 55,000 daltons is available from crystallographic data. Within one of the seven transmembrane ion channel helices in the β2-receptor, one loop of a helix ACADL has previously been proposed as the site that explains β2 activity (fights acute bronchitis) whereas ASADL in the β1-receptor at the corresponding site explains β1-activity (cardiac stimulation). The α-agonist responsible for this selective reaction is only 0.5% of the receptor molecular weight, and only 1.5% of the weight of the trans-membrane portion of the receptor. The understanding of the mechanism by which a small molecule on binding to a site on one single loop of a helix produces a specific agonist activity on an entire transmembrane ion channel is uncertain. A model of an α-helix is presented in which of pitch occurs at angles both smaller and larger than 180° n. Consequently, atomic coordinates in a peptide backbone α-helix match the data points of individual atom (and atom types) in the backbone. More precisely, eleven atoms in peptide backbone routinely equal one loop of a helix, instead of eleven amino acid residues equaling three loops of a helix;therefore, an α-helix can begin (or end) at any specific atom in a peptide backbone, not just at any specific amino acid. Wavefront Topology System and Finite Element Methods calculate this specific helical shape based only upon circumference, pitch, and phase. Only external forces which specifically affect circumference, pitch and/or phase (e.g. from agonist binding) can/will alter the shape of an α-helix.
