MedWorm: Biochemistry

Posttraumatic Cholesteatoma Complicated by a Facial Paralysis: A Case Report

Bioinorganic Chemistry and Applications — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 18:15:03 +0100

The posttraumatic cholesteatoma is a rare complication of different types of the temporal bone damage. Its diagnosis is often done after several years of evolution, sometimes even at the stage of complications. A case of posttraumatic cholesteatoma is presented that was revealed by a facial nerve paralysis 23 years after a crash of the external auditory canal underlining the importance of the otoscopic and radiological regular monitoring of the patients with a traumatism of the temporal bone. (Source: Bioinorganic Chemistry and Applications)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Find the best January Sales in the UK.

Towards a Prototype of a Spherical Tippe Top

Mediators of Inflammation — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 18:14:58 +0100

Among spinning objects, the tippe top exhibits one of the most bizarre and counterintuitive behaviours. The commercially available tippe tops basically consist of a section of a sphere with a rod. After spinning on its rounded body, the top flips over and continues spinning on the stem. The commonly used simplified mathematical model for the tippe top is a sphere whose mass distribution is axially but not spherically symmetric, spinning on a flat surface subject to a small friction force that is due to sliding. Three main different dynamical behaviours are distinguished: tipping, nontipping, hanging, that is, the top rises but converges to an intermediate state instead of rising all the way to the vertical state. Subclasses according to the stability of relative equilibria can further be d...

General Bootstrap for Dual ϕ-Divergence Estimates

Mediators of Inflammation — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 18:14:58 +0100

A general notion of bootstrapped ϕ-divergence estimates constructed by exchangeably weighting sample is introduced. Asymptotic properties of these generalized bootstrapped ϕ-divergence estimates are obtained, by means of the empirical process theory, which are applied to construct the bootstrap confidence set with asymptotically correct coverage probability. Some of practical problems are discussed, including, in particular, the choice of escort parameter, and several examples of divergences are investigated. Simulation results are provided to illustrate the finite sample performance of the proposed estimators. (Source: Mediators of Inflammation)

Combined Pulmonary Fibrosis and Emphysema Syndrome: A New Phenotype within the Spectrum of Smoking-Related Interstitial Lung Disease

Mediators of Inflammation — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 18:14:58 +0100

Combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema (CPFE) is a recently defined syndrome, in which centrilobular and/or paraseptal emphysemas in upper lung zones coexist with pulmonary fibrosis in lower lobes in individuals. These patients have a characteristic lung function profile, with unexpected subnormal dynamic and static lung volumes, contrasting with a significant reduction of carbon monoxide transfer (DLco) and exercise hypoxemia. Pulmonary hypertension is highly prevalent in CPFE and is the leading determinant of death. Tobacco smoking has been proposed as the main factor in its etiology, though the pathophysiology and its natural history remain to be determined. High-resolution computed axial tomography is the mandatory tool to confirm the diagnosis. Currently, there is no consensus abou...

Social Behaviours under Anaerobic Conditions in Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Mediators of Inflammation — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 18:14:58 +0100

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is well adapted to grow in anaerobic environments in the presence of nitrogen oxides by generating energy through denitrification. Environmental cues, such as oxygen and nitrogen oxide concentrations, are important in regulating the gene expression involved in this process. Recent data indicate that P. aeruginosa also employs cell-to-cell communication signals to control the denitrifying activity. The regulation of denitrification by these signalling molecules may control nitric oxide production. Nitric oxide, in turn, functions as a signalling molecule by activating certain regulatory proteins. Moreover, under denitrifying conditions, drastic changes in cell physiology and cell morphology are induced that significantly impact group behaviours, such as biofilm format...

Imaging Diagnosis of Interstitial Pneumonia with Emphysema (Combined Pulmonary Fibrosis and Emphysema)

Mediators of Inflammation — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 18:14:58 +0100

We described reported radiological findings of CPFE. (Source: Mediators of Inflammation)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Please support the Doctors In Chains campaign for the medics tortured and sentenced for up to 15 years in Bahrain. #FreeDoctors

Micellar Liquid Chromatographic Determination of Carbaryl and 1-Naphthol in Water, Soil, and Vegetables

Mediators of Inflammation — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 18:14:58 +0100

A liquid chromatographic procedure has been developed for the determination of carbaryl, a phenyl-N-methylcarbamate, and its main metabolite 1-naphthol, using a C18 column (250 mm × 4.6 mm) with a micellar mobile phase and fluorescence detection at maximum excitation/emission wavelengths of 225/333 nm, respectively. In the optimization step, surfactants sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS), Brij-35 and N-cetylpyridinium chloride monohydrate, and organic solvents propanol, butanol, and pentanol were considered. The selected mobile phase was 0.15 M SDS-6% (v/v)-pentanol-0.01 M NaH2PO4 buffered at pH 3. Validation studies, according to the ICH Tripartite Guideline, included linearity (r>0.999), limit of detection (5 and 18 ng mL-1, fo...

Effect of Multiple Stresses (Thermal, Nutritional, and Walking Stress) on the Reproductive Performance of Malpura Ewes

Mediators of Inflammation — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 18:14:58 +0100

A study was conducted to assess the effect of multiple stresses (thermal, nutritional, and walking stress) on the reproductive performance of Malpura ewes. The study was conducted for a period of 35 days covering two estrous cycles during summer season (April-May). The ewes were randomly allocated into two groups of twelve animals each namely, GI (n=12; Control), and GII (n=1 2; Multiple stresses). GI ewes were maintained in the shed, while GII ewes were subjected to multiple stresses (thermal, nutritional, and walking stress). The estrus % differed significantly (P< 0.05) between the groups. Estrus duration also showed similar trend to that of estrus %. Both conception and lambing rate also differed significantly (P< 0.05) between the control and multiple-stress group. In additi...

Toxin-Based Targeted Therapy for Malignant Brain Tumors

Mediators of Inflammation — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 18:14:58 +0100

Despite advances in conventional treatment modalities for malignant brain tumors—surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy—the prognosis for patients with high-grade astrocytic tumor remains dismal. The highly heterogeneous and diffuse nature of astrocytic tumors calls for the development of novel therapies. Advances in genomic and proteomic research indicate that treatment of brain tumor patients can be increasingly personalized according to the characteristics of the targeted tumor and its environment. Consequently, during the last two decades, a novel class of investigative drug candidates for the treatment of central nervous system neoplasia has emerged: recombinant fusion protein conjugates armed with cytotoxic agents targeting tumor-specific antigens. The clinical applicab...

The Oxidative Function of Diferric Transferrin

Mediators of Inflammation — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 18:14:58 +0100

There is evidence for an unexpected role of diferric transferrin as a terminal oxidase for the transplasma membrane oxidation of cytosolic NADH. In the original studies which showed the reduction of iron in transferrin by the plasma membranes NADH oxidase, the possible role of the reduction on iron uptake was emphasized. The rapid reoxidation of transferrin iron under aerobic conditions precludes a role for surface reduction at neutral pH for release of iron for uptake at the plasma membrane. The stimulation of cytosolic NADH oxidation by diferric transferrin indicates that the transferrin can act as a terminal oxidase for the transplasma membrane NADH oxidase or can bind to a site which activates the oxidase. Since plasma membrane NADH oxidases clearly play a role in cell signaling, the r...

An Adult Patient with Fontan Physiology: A TEE Perspective

Mediators of Inflammation — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 18:14:58 +0100

Fontan and Baudet described in 1971 the separation of the pulmonary and systemic circulations resulting in univentricular physiology. The evolution of the Fontan procedure, most notably the substitution of right atrial-to-pulmonary artery anastomosis with cavopulmonary connections, resulted in significantly improved late outcomes. Many patients survive well into adulthood and are able to lead productive lives. While ideally under medical care at specialized centers for adult congenital cardiac pathology, these patients may present to the outside hospitals for emergency surgery, electrophysiologic interventions, and pregnancy. This presentation presents a “train of thought,” linking the TEE images to the perioperative physiologic considerations faced by an anesthesiologist car...

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Find the best January Sales in the UK.

Trichotillomania and Dermatitis Artefacta: A Rare Coexistence

Mediators of Inflammation — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 18:14:58 +0100

A 24-year-old pregnant female patient presented with complains of bilateral lower limb swelling and fever for 1 month. On examination, blood pressure was 144/94 mmHg along with pitting pedal edema. She had bizarre skin lesions, aligned longitudinally and distributed over the approachable site of the body with tapering ends and in various stages of healing. Lower limbs examination also revealed similar lesions with signs of cellulitis. Her scalp had short and distorted hair suggesting pulling and plucking. These skin lesions and the denial of self-infliction by the patient made us reach the diagnosis of dermatitis artefacta with trichotillomania. Psychotherapy was advocated along with conservative management of skin lesions. The patient improved and is under our follow up. (Source: M...

Postvaginal Delivery Caecal Volvulus and Perforation

Mediators of Inflammation — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 18:14:58 +0100

We presented here one of these cases that followed vaginal delivery and ended with caecal perforation and hemicolectomy. (Source: Mediators of Inflammation)

Clinical Biochemistry and Hematology of the Elusive Sun‐Tailed Monkey (Cercopithecus solatus) in Gabon: Inaugural Data From the Only Semifree Ranging Colony in the World

American Journal of Primatology — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 07:14:28 +0100

Clinical blood biochemistry and hematology are valuable tools to evaluate health and welfare in many animal species. In order to document the general biology of one of the most poorly known nonhuman primate species, and contribute to its conservation, the clinical blood biochemistry and hematology of the sun‐tailed monkey (Cercopithecus solatusHarrisson) was investigated in its range of endemicity in Gabon. Data derived from 26 years of clinical monitoring of the only semicaptive colony of this species in the world, housed at CIRMF (Franceville, Gabon), were analyzed in order to establish reference values of age–sex classes. Consistent with previous reports in other primate species, age and sex significantly affected a number of biochemical and hematological parameters in C. solatus. H...

Role of individual phosphorylation sites for the 14-3-3 protein-dependent activation of yeast neutral trehalase Nth1

BJ Signal — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Trehalases are important highly conserved enzymes found in a wide variety of organisms and responsible for the hydrolysis of trehalose that serves as a carbon and energy source as well as universal stress protectant. Emerging evidence indicates that the enzymatic activity of neutral trehalase (Nth1) in yeast is enhanced by 14-3-3 protein binding in a phosphorylation-dependent manner through unknown mechanism. In this work, we investigated in detail the interaction between Saccharomyces cerevisiae Nth1 and 14-3-3 protein isoforms Bmh1 and Bmh2. We determined four residues that are phosphorylated by PKA in vitro within the disordered N-terminal segment of Nth1. Sedimentation analysis and enzyme kinetics measurements show that both yeast 14-3-3 isoforms form a stable complex with phosphorylat...

Crystal Structure of Enzyme CapF of Staphylococcus aureus Reveals a Unique Architecture Composed of Two Functional Domains.

BJ Disease — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Capsular polysaccharide is an important virulence factor during infections by bacterium Staphylococcus aureus. The enzyme CapF is an attractive therapeutic candidate belonging to the biosynthetic route of CP of pathogenic strains of S. aureus. Herein we report two independent crystal structures of CapF in an open form of the apo-enzyme. CapF is a homodimer displaying a characteristic dumbbell-shape composed of two domains. The N-terminal domain (residues 1-252) adopts a Rossmann fold belonging to the short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase family of proteins. The C-terminal domain (residues 252-369) displays a standard cupin fold with a Zn2+ ion bound deep in the binding pocket of the β-barrel. Functional and thermodynamic analyses indicated that each domain catalyzes separate en...

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Please support the Doctors In Chains campaign for the medics tortured and sentenced for up to 15 years in Bahrain. #FreeDoctors

Stoichiometry of the MexA‐OprM binding, as investigated by blue native gel electrophoresis

Electrophoresis — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Multidrug resistance (MDR) has become a serious concern in the treatment of bacterial infections. A prominent role is ascribed to the active efflux of xenobiotics out of the bacteria by a tripartite protein machinery. The mechanism of drug extrusion is rather well understood thanks to the X‐ray structures obtained for the Escherichia coli TolC/AcrA/AcrB model system and the related Pseudomonas aeruginosa OprM/MexA/MexB. However, many questions remain unresolved, in particular the stoichiometry of the efflux pump assembly. On the basis of Blue Native PolyAcrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (BN‐PAGE) (Wittig et al. Nature protocols 2006, 1, 418–428), we analyzed the binding stoichiometry of both palmitylated and non‐palmitylated MexA with the cognate partner OprM trimer at different ratio...

Determination of heavy metal ions by microchip capillary electrophoresis coupled with contactless conductivity detection

Electrophoresis — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

An integrated detection circuitry based on a lock‐in amplifier was designed for contactless conductivity determination of heavy metals. Combined with a simple‐structure electrophoresis microchip, the detection system is successfully utilized for the separation and determination of various heavy metals. The influences of the running buffer and detection conditions on the response of the detector have been investigated. 6 mM 2‐morpholinoethanesulfonic acid + histidine were selected as buffer for its stable baseline and high sensitivity. The best signals were recorded with a frequency of 38 kHz and 20 Vpp. The results showed that Mn2+, Cd2+, Co2+ and Cu2+ can be successfully separated and detected within 100 s by our system. The detection limits for five heavy metals (Mn2+, Pb2+, Cd2+, ...

Coupling of native IEF and extended x‐ray absorption fine structure to characterize zinc binding sites from pI isoforms of SOD1 and A4V pathogenic mutant

Electrophoresis — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Extended X‐ray Absorption Fine Structure (EXAFS) has already provided high resolution structures of metal binding sites in a wide variety of metalloproteins. Usually, EXAFS is performed on purified metalloproteins either in solution or crystallized but purification steps are prone to modify the metallation state of the protein. We developed a protocol to couple EXAFS analysis to metalloprotein separation using native gel electrophoresis. This coupling opens a large field of applications as metalloproteins can be characterized in their native state avoiding purification steps. Using native isoelectric focusing the method enables the EXAFS analysis of metalloprotein isoelectric point isoforms. We applied this methodology to SOD1, wild type and Ala4Val mutant (A4V), a mutation found in amyo...

Determination of Aflatoxins in Medicinal Herbs by High‐performance Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry

Phytochemical Analysis — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

ConclusionThis simple and accurate method effectively eliminates false positive detection and can be used to determine the AFs in medicinal herbs to control product quality. We found that in the 174 samples tested, 27 were contaminated with AFs. The incidences of AFB1, AFB2, AFG1 and AFG2 in the samples tested were 15.52%, 14.37%, 6.32% and 2.30%, respectively. We proposed 10 µg/kg total AFs and 5 µg/kg AFB1 as the reasonable maximum limits (ML) in medicinal herbs, and there are 10 samples (5.71% occurrence) in our test that exceeded this proposed limit. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. (Source: Phytochemical Analysis)

Rapid Profiling of Intact Glucosinolates in Arabidopsis Leaves by UHPLC‐QTOFMS Using a Charged Surface Hybrid Column

Phytochemical Analysis — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

ConclusionThe method developed can profile the full range of GS, including the most polar ones, in a shorter time than previous methods, and is highly compatible with mass spectrometric detection. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. (Source: Phytochemical Analysis)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Find the best January Sales in the UK.

Ultrasonic Microwave‐assisted Extraction Coupled with High‐speed Counter‐Current Chromatography for the Preparation of Nigakinones from Picrasma quassioides (D.Don) Benn

Phytochemical Analysis — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

ConclusionUMAE coupled with HSCCC was found to be a promising and feasible alternative method to separate and purify alkaloids from natural herbs such as P. quassiodes. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. (Source: Phytochemical Analysis)

Chemical Composition of South American Burseraceae Non‐volatile Oleoresins and Preliminary Solubility Assessment of their Commercial Blend

Phytochemical Analysis — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

ConclusionThe experimental results, complemented by a general inspection of the literature, demonstrated a systematically reproducible triterpene profile in Protium and Trattinnickia species. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. (Source: Phytochemical Analysis)

A prospective evaluation of urine microscopy in septic and non-septic acute kidney injury

Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions. Septic AKI is associated with greater urine microscopy evidence of kidney injury compared with non-septic AKI, despite similar severity of AKI. A UMS ≥3 correlated with higher uNGAL and was predictive of worsening AKI. Urine microscopy may have a complementary role for discerning septic from non-septic AKI, discriminating severity and predicting worsening AKI in critically ill patients. (Source: Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation)

1H NMR spectroscopy analysis of metabolites in the kidneys provides new insight into pathophysiological mechanisms: applications for treatment with Cordyceps sinensis

Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion. Our study demonstrates that C. sinensis has potential curative effects on CKD, and our metabonomics results provided new insight into the mechanism of treatment of this traditional Chinese medicine. (Source: Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation)

Timing capability added to living cell sensors

ScienceDaily Headlines — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:27:27 +0100

Individual cells modified to act as sensors using fluorescence are already useful tools in biochemistry, but now they can add good timing to their resume. (Source: ScienceDaily Headlines)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Please support the Doctors In Chains campaign for the medics tortured and sentenced for up to 15 years in Bahrain. #FreeDoctors

Inquiry‐based examination of chemical disruption of bacterial biofilms

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Education — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

AbstractInquiry‐based instruction in the sciences has been demonstrated as a successful educational strategy to use for both high school and college science classrooms. As participants in the NSF Graduate STEM Fellows in K‐12 Education (GK‐12) Program, we were tasked with creating novel inquiry‐based activities for high school classrooms. As a way to introduce microbiology, molecular biology, ecology, and human health to students, we created a laboratory activity involving formation of biofilms composed of environmental bacteria from pond water and investigation into the resistance of these biofilms to antimicrobial agents. Two high schools participated in this study in different ways. Pike High School biology and advanced environmental science classrooms obtained pond water sample...

Book Review

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Education — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(Source: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Education)

Toxic prefibrillar alpha-synuclein amyloid oligomers adopt a distinctive antiparallel beta-sheet structure

BJ Structure — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Parkinson’s disease is an aged-related movement disorder characterized by the presence in the mid-brain of amyloid deposits of the 140-aa protein alpha-synuclein (AS). AS fibrillation follows a nucleation polymerization pathway involving diverse transient prefibrillar species varying in size and morphology. Like for other neurodegenerative diseases, cytotoxicity is currently attributed to these prefibrillar species rather than to the insoluble aggregates. Nevertheless, the underlying molecular mechanisms responsible for cytotoxicity remain elusive and structural studies may contribute to the understanding of both amyloid aggregation mechanism and oligomer-induced toxicity. It is already recognized that soluble oligomeric AS species adopt beta-sheet structures that differ from thos...

Effect of Linalool on Morphine Tolerance and Dependence in Mice

Phytotherapy Research — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

This study indicated that linalool has a significant effect on morphine tolerance and dependence. This effect may be mediated partially through the inhibition of NMDA receptors. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. (Source: Phytotherapy Research)

Combination Studies of Eucalyptus torelliana F. Muell. Leaf Extracts and Clarithromycin on Helicobacter pylori

Phytotherapy Research — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Helicobacter pylori is a Gram‐negative bacillus that is associated with the development of gastritis and peptic ulcer disease (PUD). In Nigeria, leaf extracts of Eucalyptus torelliana F. Muell. are used in traditional medicine to treat PUD and other gastrointestinal ailments. The additive and synergistic effects of E. torelliana leaf extracts, in combination with clarithromycin, were investigated using two types of H. pylori strains (ATCC 43629, ATCC 43579) and four clinical isolates of H. pylori (Ed, A2, G1‐1, 5514) in the checkerboard assay and the fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC) index. A time–kill study was also performed on the strain ATCC 43579. The results showed that the E. torelliana extract inhibited the growth of all H. pylori strains, and the addition of one of t...

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Find the best January Sales in the UK.

Hydroxysafflor Yellow A Attenuates Lymphostatic Encephalopathy‐induced Brain Injury in Rats

Phytotherapy Research — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA) is a main chemical component of the flower of Carthamus tinctorius. The present study investigated whether HSYA could attenuate brain injury induced by lymphostatic encephalopathy (LE). This was induced in adult male Wistar rats by cervical lymphatic blockade (CLB). Heart rate variability (HRV) was used as an indirect measurement of the regulatory function of the autonomic nervous system by recording the ECG signals from rats. It was shown that treatment with HSYA (5 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly alleviated the neurological deficits observed in rats with LE. Histological staining revealed that HSYA treatment attenuated LE‐induced cell apoptosis in the rostral ventrolateral medullus (RVLM). Animals in the LE groups exhibited impaired regulatory roles of the a...

Bioactivity‐guided Fractionation of Phyllanthus orbicularis and Identification of the Principal Anti HSV‐2 Compounds

Phytotherapy Research — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

The antiherpes virus properties of Phyllanthus orbicularis Kunth, a Cuban‐endemic medicinal plant, have been reported previously but data on its phytochemical profile and identification of antiviral metabolites as well as their mechanisms of action are still lacking. In this work, a bioactivity‐guided phytochemical analysis was performed in order to isolate anti HSV‐2 compounds. P. orbicularis contained mainly phenolic acids derivatives and flavonoids. The antiviral effects were attributed to (−)‐epicatechin‐3‐O‐gallate (EC50 = 11.7 µg/mL), procyanidins B1 and B2 (EC50 = 32.8 µg/mL and 24.2 µg/mL, respectively) as well as oligomeric and polymeric procyanidins and their gallate derivatives. The antiviral mechanisms of the active P. orbicularis extracts and f...

A Novel Triterpene Extract from Mistletoe Induces Rapid Apoptosis in Murine B16.F10 Melanoma Cells

Phytotherapy Research — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

We report here cytotoxic effects of a novel OA‐rich triterpene extract from mistletoe (V. album L., Santalaceae) solubilized by 2‐hydroxypropyl‐β‐cyclodextrin (2‐HP‐β‐CD) on B16.F10 mouse melanoma cells. The 2‐HP‐β‐CD solubilized triterpene extract (STE) was highly cytotoxic by causing DNA fragmentation, followed by loss of membrane integrity and intracellular adenosine‐5′‐triphosphate (ATP). Blocking the caspase machinery by inhibitors aborted DNA fragmentation and delayed the cytotoxic effects but did not prevent cell death. The solubilization by 2‐HP‐β‐CD allows a solvent‐free application of triterpene extracts in the in vitro setting. These findings suggest the use of STE from mistletoe as a solvent‐free anticancer drug for preclinical animal exp...

Rise and Fall of Oral Health Products with Canadian Bloodroot Extract

Phytotherapy Research — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

The rhizome of Sanguinaria canadensis (SC, bloodroot) contains an active principle with antimicrobial, antiinflammatory, antioxidative and immunomodulatory effects. For this reason SC extract has been added to toothpastes and mouthwashes in various concentrations. When tested separately, neither the toothpastes nor the mouthwashes with SC extract had any demonstrable clinical effectiveness against dental plaque and gingivitis. Although using them together twice a day seemed more effective than using placebo, more recent studies have shown conflicting results. Preclinical safety studies up to 2000, which did not include studies longer than 6 months, were thought not to indicate any appreciable potential for harm – to the oral mucosa in particular. In 2003, the FDA Subcommittee on Oral H...

Ginseng as a Potential Novel Addition to the Antikeloid Weaponry

Phytotherapy Research — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Keloid scars are large protruding claw‐shaped lesions that develop beyond the confines of the wound and uniquely appears only in humans. For thousands of years ginseng has been used in the traditional medicine in oriental countries. It occupies a prominent position in the list of the best‐selling medicinal herbs in the world. Panax ginseng often called Asian or Korean ginseng, is the most extensively used and the best grade of ginseng and the term of ‘ginseng’ generally refers to Panax ginseng. Previous studies have revealed that ginseng inhibits NF‐kappa B, TGF‐β, IL‐6, ACE and MMP‐2 and these factors play a pivotal role in keloid formation pathogenesis. Therefore it could be reasoned that ginseng could be effective for the treatment of the keloid scars. Clinical studies ...

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Please support the Doctors In Chains campaign for the medics tortured and sentenced for up to 15 years in Bahrain. #FreeDoctors

In vitro Inhibition of CYP3A4 by the Multiherbal Commercial Product Sambucus Force and its Main Constituents Echinacea purpurea and Sambucus nigra

Phytotherapy Research — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

The multiherbal product Sambucus Force contains Echinacea purpurea and Sambucus nigra as its main constituents. The aims of this study were to evaluate Sambucus Force's inhibition potential and inhibition mechanisms towards CYP3A4, and to evaluate the inhibitory co‐contribution of E. purpurea and S. nigra. Metabolic studies were performed with recombinant human CYP3A4, with testosterone as substrate. Sambucus Force inhibited CYP3A4 activity with a mean (95% confidence interval) half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of 1192 (1091–1302) µg/mL. The inhibitory potency seems exclusively to be exerted by E. purpurea, implicating an insignificant inhibition by S. nigra. The inhibition by E. purpurea as a single herb was in agreement with mechanism‐based inhibition with heterot...

Are Mould Hepatotoxins Responsible for Kava Hepatotoxicity?

Phytotherapy Research — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Previous studies with kava components such as kavalactones, pipermethystine and flavokavain B have demonstrated hepatotoxicity from these constituents. Regardless, there has recently been speculation that adulterants or impurities such as the mould hepatotoxin aflatoxin are a more likely cause of kava hepatotoxicity, despite a paucity of supporting evidence. Although there is limited similarity between acute kava hepatotoxicity and acute aflatoxicosis, and background levels of aflatoxin have been detected in kava samples, unless epidemiological investigations can uncover direct evidence implicating mould hepatotoxins, it remains more likely that chemical constituents of kava are the cause of the hepatotoxicity from kava. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. (Source: Phytotherapy R...

Detraining Decreases Hbmass of Triathletes

International Journal of Sports Medicine — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

This study aimed to determine the effect of a 30-day period of detraining on Hbmass in ultra-endurance triathletes. 9 male recreational triathletes (29–44 years) participated in the study. Hbmass was assessed using CO rebreathing 30 days and 10 days before an ultra-endurance triathlon and after ~10, 20 and 30 days of detraining following the race. V˙O2max was assessed 10 days before the race and also after the 30-day detraining period, which consisted of an 87% reduction in training hours. After 30-days of detraining there was a 3.1% decrease in mean Hbmass from 868±99 to 840±94 g, (p=0.03), and a 4.7% decrease in mean V˙O2max from 4.83±0.29 to 4.61±0.41 L/min as well as a 2.8% increase of body mass from 75.1±6.4 to 77.1±6.1 kg and a 28% increase in skinfold total from 43.9...

BioResearch Open Access launching in March 2012 from Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(Mary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News) BioResearch Open Access, a new bimonthly peer-reviewed open access journal, will launch in March 2012 by Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers. The journal will provide a new rapid-publication forum for a broad range of scientific topics including but not limited to molecular and cellular biology, tissue engineering and biomaterials, regenerative medicine, stem cells, gene therapy, systems biology, genetics, biochemistry, virology, microbiology, and neuroscience. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Calcium/calmodulin inhibition of the Arabidopsis BRASSINOSTEROID INSENSITIVE 1 receptor kinase provides a possible link between calcium- and brassinosteroid-signaling

BJ Plant — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

The receptor kinase BRASSINOSTEROID INSENSITIVE 1 (BRI1) is a key component in brassinosteroid (BR) perception and signal transduction and has broad impact on plant growth and development. In the present study, we demonstrate that Arabidopsis calmodulin (CaM) binds to the recombinant cytoplasmic domain of BRI1 in a Ca2+-dependent manner in vitro. In silico analysis predicted binding to Helix E of the BRI1 kinase subdomain VIa and a synthetic peptide based on this sequence interacted with Ca2+/ CaM. Co-expression of CaM with the cytoplasmic domain of BRI1 in E. coli strongly reduced autophosphorylation of BRI1, in particular on Tyr residues, and also reduced the BRI1-mediated transphosphorylation of E. coli proteins on Tyr, Thr and presumably Ser residues. Several isoforms of ...

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Find the best January Sales in the UK.

Characterization and functional evidence for Ste27 of Streptomyces sp. 139 as a novel spermine/ spermidine acetyltransferase

BJ Gene — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Ebosin, a novel exopolysaccharide produced by Streptomyces sp. 139, has remarkable anti-rheumatic arthritis activity in vivo and its biosynthesis gene cluster (ste) consists of 27 ORFs. This paper reports our study of the protein product encoded by ste27. Database searching reveals the homology of Ste27 to some spermidine/spermine acetyltransferases. To confirm the prediction, the ste27 gene was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) and recombinant Ste27 was purified. The following enzymatic analysis revealed its ability of transferring the acetyl group from acetyl-Coenzyme A (acetyl-CoA) to spermidine and spermine, with spermidine being the preferred substrate. Ste27 can acetylate the N1, N4 and N8 positions on spermidine. The Km values of Ste27 were determined for spermidin...

Triptolide inhibits colon cancer cell proliferation and induces cleavage and translocation of 14‐3‐3 epsilon

Cell Biochemistry and Function — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Triptolide is a diterpenoid triepoxide derived from the traditional Chinese medical herb Tripterygium wilfordii. In the present study, we demonstrated that this phytochemical attenuated colon cancer growth in vitro and in vivo. Using a proteomic approach, we found that 14‐3‐3 epsilon, a cell cycle‐ and apoptosis‐related protein, was altered in colon cancer cells treated with triptolide. In this regard, triptolide induced cleavage and perinuclear translocation of 14‐3‐3 epsilon. Taken together, our findings suggest that triptolide may merit investigation as a potential therapeutic agent for colon cancer, and its anticancer action may be associated with alteration of 14‐3‐3 epsilon. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. (Source: Cell Biochemistry and Function)

Time sequence of the intensification of the liver glucose production induced by high‐fat diet in mice

Cell Biochemistry and Function — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

It is well established that the development of insulin resistance shows a temporal sequence in different organs and tissues. Moreover, considering that the main aspect of insulin resistance in liver is a process of glucose overproduction from gluconeogenesis, we investigated if this metabolic change also shows temporal sequence. For this purpose, a well‐established experimental model of insulin resistance induced by high‐fat diet (HFD) was used. The mice received HFD (HFD group) or standard diet (COG group) for 1, 7, 14 or 56 days. The HFD group showed increased (P < 0.05 versus COG) epididymal, retroperitoneal and inguinal fat weight from days 1 to 56. In agreement with these results, the HFD group also showed higher body weight (P < 0.05 versus COG) from days 7 to 56....

Histone density is maintained during transcription mediated by the chromatin remodeler RSC and histone chaperone NAP1 in vitro [Biochemistry]

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

ATPases and histone chaperones facilitate RNA polymerase II (pol II) elongation on chromatin. In vivo, the coordinated action of these enzymes is necessary to permit pol II passage through a nucleosome while restoring histone density afterward. We have developed a biochemical system recapitulating this basic process. Transcription through a nucleosome in vitro requires the ATPase remodels structure of chromatin (RSC) and the histone chaperone nucleosome assembly protein 1 (NAP1). In the presence of NAP1, RSC generates a hexasome. Despite the propensity of RSC to evict histones, NAP1 reprograms the reaction such that the hexasome is retained on the template during multiple rounds of transcription. This work has implications toward understanding the mechanism of pol II elongation on chromati...

Crystal structures of two bacterial HECT-like E3 ligases in complex with a human E2 reveal atomic details of pathogen-host interactions [Biochemistry]

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

In eukaryotes, ubiquitination is an important posttranslational process achieved through a cascade of ubiquitin-activating (E1), conjugating (E2), and ligase (E3) enzymes. Many pathogenic bacteria deliver virulence factors into the host cell that function as E3 ligases. How these bacterial “Trojan horses” integrate into the eukaryotic ubiquitin system has remained a mystery. Here we report crystal structures of two bacterial E3s, Salmonella SopA and Escherichia coli NleL, both in complex with human E2 UbcH7. These structures represent two distinct conformational states of the bacterial E3s, supporting the necessary structural rearrangements associated with ubiquitin transfer. The E2-interacting surface of SopA and NleL has little similarity to those of eukaryotic E3s. However, both bac...

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Please support the Doctors In Chains campaign for the medics tortured and sentenced for up to 15 years in Bahrain. #FreeDoctors

Ferric, not ferrous, heme activates RNA-binding protein DGCR8 for primary microRNA processing [Biochemistry]

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

This study demonstrates binding specificity of DGCR8 for ferric heme, provides direct biochemical evidence for ferric heme serving as an activator for miRNA maturation, and suggests that an intracellular environment increasing the availability of ferric heme may enhance the efficiency of pri-miRNA processing. (Source: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences)

Global kinetic analysis of proteolysis via quantitative targeted proteomics [Biochemistry]

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Mass spectrometry-based proteomics is a powerful tool for identifying hundreds to thousands of posttranslational modifications in complex mixtures. However, it remains enormously challenging to simultaneously assess the intrinsic catalytic efficiencies (kcat/KM) of these modifications in the context of their natural interactors. Such fundamental enzymological constants are key to determining substrate specificity and for establishing the timing and importance of cellular signaling. Here, we report the use of selected reaction monitoring (SRM) for tracking proteolysis induced by human apoptotic caspases-3, -7, -8, and -9 in lysates and living cells. By following the appearance of the cleaved peptides in lysate as a function of time, we were able to determine hundreds of catalytic efficienci...

Host RNAs, including transposons, are encapsidated by a eukaryotic single-stranded RNA virus [Biochemistry]

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Next-generation sequencing is a valuable tool in our growing understanding of the genetic diversity of viral populations. Using this technology, we have investigated the RNA content of a purified nonenveloped single-stranded RNA virus, flock house virus (FHV). We have also investigated the RNA content of virus-like particles (VLPs) of FHV and the related Nudaurelia capensis omega virus. VLPs predominantly package ribosomal RNA and transcripts of their baculoviral expression vectors. In addition, we find that 5.3% of the packaged RNAs are transposable elements derived from the Sf21 genome. This observation may be important when considering the therapeutic use of VLPs. We find that authentic FHV virions also package a variety of host RNAs, accounting for 1% of the packaged nucleic acid. Sign...

Structural basis for membrane targeting by the MVB12-associated {beta}-prism domain of the human ESCRT-I MVB12 subunit [Biochemistry]

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

MVB12-associated β-prism (MABP) domains are predicted to occur in a diverse set of membrane-associated bacterial and eukaryotic proteins, but their existence, structure, and biochemical properties have not been characterized experimentally. Here, we find that the MABP domains of the MVB12A and B subunits of ESCRT-I are functional modules that bind in vitro to liposomes containing acidic lipids depending on negative charge density. The MABP domain is capable of autonomously localizing to subcellular puncta and to the plasma membrane. The 1.3-Å atomic resolution crystal structure of the MVB12B MABP domain reveals a β-prism fold, a hydrophobic membrane-anchoring loop, and an electropositive phosphoinositide-binding patch. The basic patch is open, which explains how it senses negative charg...

Interplay between mismatch repair and chromatin assembly [Biochemistry]

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Single strand nicks and gaps in DNA have been reported to increase the efficiency of nucleosome loading mediated by chromatin assembly factor 1 (CAF-1). However, on mismatch-containing substrates, these strand discontinuities are utilized by the mismatch repair (MMR) system as loading sites for exonuclease 1, at which degradation of the error-containing strand commences. Because packaging of DNA into chromatin might inhibit MMR, we were interested to learn whether chromatin assembly is differentially regulated on heteroduplex and homoduplex substrates. We now show that the presence of a mismatch in a nicked plasmid substrate delays nucleosome loading in human cell extracts. Our data also suggest that, once the mismatch is removed, repair of the single-stranded gap is accompanied by efficie...

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Find the best January Sales in the UK.

DNA charge transport as a first step in coordinating the detection of lesions by repair proteins [Biochemistry]

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Damaged bases in DNA are known to lead to errors in replication and transcription, compromising the integrity of the genome. We have proposed a model where repair proteins containing redox-active [4Fe-4S] clusters utilize DNA charge transport (CT) as a first step in finding lesions. In this model, the population of sites to search is reduced by a localization of protein in the vicinity of lesions. Here, we examine this model using single-molecule atomic force microscopy (AFM). XPD, a 5′-3′ helicase involved in nucleotide excision repair, contains a [4Fe-4S] cluster and exhibits a DNA-bound redox potential that is physiologically relevant. In AFM studies, we observe the redistribution of XPD onto kilobase DNA strands containing a single base mismatch, which is not a specific substrate f...

Identification of residues defining phospholipid flippase substrate specificity of type IV P-type ATPases [Biochemistry]

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Type IV P-type ATPases (P4-ATPases) catalyze translocation of phospholipid across a membrane to establish an asymmetric bilayer structure with phosphatidylserine (PS) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) restricted to the cytosolic leaflet. The mechanism for how P4-ATPases recognize and flip phospholipid is unknown, and is described as the “giant substrate problem” because the canonical substrate binding pockets of homologous cation pumps are too small to accommodate a bulky phospholipid. Here, we identify residues that confer differences in substrate specificity between Drs2 and Dnf1, Saccharomyces cerevisiae P4-ATPases that preferentially flip PS and phosphatidylcholine (PC), respectively. Transplanting transmembrane segments 3 and 4 (TM3-4) of Drs2 into Dnf1 alters the substrate prefer...

MAVIDOS Maternal Vitamin D Osteoporosis Study: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

Trials — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

In this study we aim to test whether offspring of mothers supplemented with vitamin D in pregnancy have higher bone mass at birth than those whose mothers were not supplemented. Methods: Women have their vitamin D status assessed after ultrasound scanning in the twelfth week of pregnancy at 3 trial centres (Southampton, Sheffield, Oxford). Women with circulating 25(OH)-vitamin D levels 25-100nmol/l are randomised in a double-blind design to either oral vitamin D supplement (1000 IU cholecalciferol/day, n=477) or placebo at 14 weeks (n=477). Questionnaire data include parity, sunlight exposure, dietary information, and cigarette and alcohol consumption. At 19 and 34 weeks maternal anthropometry is assessed and blood samples taken to measure 25(OH)-vitamin D, PTH and biochemistry. At deliver...

Structural analysis of proteins in living eukaryotic cells using magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

Yakugaku Zasshi : Journal of the Pharmaceutical Society of Japan — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 21:06:03 +0100

Authors: Tochio H, Shirakawa M Abstract Three-dimensional structures of proteins are often critical in understanding proteins functions. However, structures or states of proteins in cells undergo dynamical changes in response to interactions with other proteins and/or biological molecules. In addition, post-translational modification such as phosphorylation, methylation and ubiquitination can drastically change the structure and hence the properties of proteins. Therefore, to precisely correlate structure data of proteins with cell biology data, the structure information should be collected in living cells preferably at atomic level. In addition, as numerous biomolecules are packed into limited space, the concentration of macromolecules is substantially high in cells. Such crowded ...

HDAC2 overexpression confers oncogenic potential to human lung cancer cells by deregulating expression of apoptosis and cell cycle proteins

Journal of Cellular Biochemistry — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 18:03:24 +0100

In this study, we demonstrated the aberrant expression of HDAC2 in lung cancer tissues and investigated oncogenic properties of HDAC2 in human lung cancer cell lines. HDAC2 inactivation resulted in regression of tumor cell growth and activation of cellular apoptosis via p53 and Bax activation and Bcl2 suppression. In cell cycle regulation, HDAC2 inactivation caused induction of p21WAF1/CIP1 expression, and simultaneously suppressed the expressions of cyclin E2, cyclin D1 and CDK2, respectively. Consequently, this led to the hypophosphorylation of pRb protein in G1/S transition and thereby inactivated E2F/DP1 target gene transcriptions of A549 cells. In addition, we demonstrated that HDAC2 directly regulated p21WAF1/CIP1 expression in a p53‐independent manner. However, HDAC1 was not rel...

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Please support the Doctors In Chains campaign for the medics tortured and sentenced for up to 15 years in Bahrain. #FreeDoctors

How Resveratrol Works

Chemical and Engineering News — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 06:00:27 +0100

Biochemistry: Molecule’s metabolic effects result from acting directly on phosphodiesterases, not sirtuins (Source: Chemical and Engineering News)

Mechanism and specificity of the human paracaspase MALT1

BJ Signal — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

The paracaspase domain of MALT1 (mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma translocation protein 1) is a component of a gene translocation fused to the N-terminal domains of the cellular inhibitor of apoptosis protein 2. The paracaspase itself, commonly known as MALT1, participates in the NF-κB pathway, likely by driving survival signals downstream of the B-cell antigen receptor through MALT1 proteolytic activity. We have developed methods for the expression and purification of recombinant full-length MALT1 and its constituent catalytic domain alone. Both are activated by dimerization without cleavage, with a similar dimerization barrier to the distantly related cousins, the apical caspases. By using positional scanning peptidyl substrate libraries we demonstrate that the activity ...

Identification of a molecular component of the mitochondrial acetyl transferase program; a novel role for GCN5L1

BJ Energy — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

SIRT3 modulates respiration via the deacetylation of lysine residues in electron transport chain proteins. Whether mitochondrial protein acetylation is controlled by a counter-regulatory program has remained elusive. Here we identify an essential component of this previously undefined mitochondrial acetyltransferase system. We show that GCN5L1/Bloc1s1 counters the acetylation and respiratory effects of SIRT3. GCN5L1 is mitochondrial-enriched and displays significant homology to a prokaryotic acetyltransferase. Genetic knockdown of GCN5L1 blunts mitochondrial protein acetylation, and its reconstitution in intact mitochondria restores protein acetylation. GCN5L1 interacts with and promotes acetylation of SIRT3 respiratory chain targets and reverses global SIRT3 effects on mitochondrial prote...

Readthrough of long-QT syndrome type 1 nonsense mutations rescues function but alters the biophysical properties of the channel

BJ Cell — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

In this study we attempted to rescue the function of these mutants, in human embryonic kidney-293 cells, by promoting readthrough of their premature termination codons (PTCs) using the pharmacological agents G-418, gentamicin and PTC124. Gentamicin and G-418, acted to promote full-length channel protein expression from R518X at 100 µM and from Q530X at 1 mM. In contrast, PTC124 did not, at any dose tested, induce readthrough of either mutant. G-418 (1 mM) treatment also acted to significantly (P<0.05) increase current density and peak-tail current density, at +80 mV, for R518X, but not Q530X, to 58±11% and 82±17% of the wild-type level respectively. However, the biophysical properties of the currents produced, from R518X, while similar were not identical to w...

Bioactive Compounds from Carissa spinarum

Phytotherapy Research — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

In our continuing efforts to find new antiherpetic agents from plants, an extract prepared from the stems of Carissa spinarum L. was found to possess appreciable activity against herpes simplex viruses (HSV I and II). A chemical study of this plant was then initiated, and this led to the isolation of 12 compounds, including a coumarin, two cardiac glycosides and nine lignans. These isolated compounds were evaluated for several biological activities, including antiherpetic, cytotoxic, antioxidant and antibacterial effects. The cardiac glycoside evomonoside was found to be the only antiherpetic principle, showing moderate activity against herpes simplex virus types I and II in the inactivation method. The lignans (−)‐carinol, (−)‐carissanol and (−)‐nortrachelogenin exhibited cyto...

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Find the best January Sales in the UK.

Icariin Promotes Extracellular Matrix Synthesis and Gene Expression of Chondrocytes In Vitro

Phytotherapy Research — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

To effectively treat articular cartilage defect with tissue engineering there is an urgent need to develop safe and cheap drugs that can substitute or cooperate with growth factors for chondrogenesis promotion. Here, we demonstrate the chondrogenic effect of icariin, the major pharmacological active constituent of Herb Epimedium (HEP). Rabbit chondrocytes were isolated from articular cartilage and cultured in vitro with different concentrations of icariin. Icariin at concentrations under 1 × 10−5 m showed low cytotoxicity toward chondrocytes, but icariin at 5 × 10−5 m inhibited the proliferation of chondrocytes. Icariin hardly affected the cell morphology with concentrations ranging from 1 × 10−7 m to 5 × 10−5 m. However, the higher concentration of ...

The Effect of Kraussianone‐2 (Kr2), a Natural Pyrano‐isoflavone from Eriosema kraussianum, in an L‐NAME‐ induced Pre‐eclamptic Rat Model

Phytotherapy Research — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

This study aimed to investigate the effects of Kraussianone‐2 (Kr2), a pyrano‐isoflavone isolated from the roots of Eriosema kraussianum N. E. Br. (Fabaceae) on various fetal and physiological parameters in pregnant, L‐NAME treated Sprague–Dawley rats. Twenty‐four pregnant Sprague–Dawley dams were divided into three groups (n = 8), i.e. the control group (CON), the experimental control group (PRE), where the pre‐eclampsia‐like symptoms were induced using L‐NAME, and the experimental group (EK2), where the pre‐eclampsia‐like symptoms were once again induced using L‐NAME, however, these animals were treated with Kr2. On gestation day 20 the animals were sacrificed, at which time a laparotomy was performed and the number of live pups were counted and their correspo...

Brassinosteroid regulates stomatal development by GSK3-mediated inhibition of a MAPK pathway

Nature AOP — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Tae-Wuk Kim, Marta Michniewicz, Dominique C. Bergmann & Zhi-Yong Wang Plants must coordinate the regulation of biochemistry and anatomy to optimize photosynthesis and water-use efficiency. The formation of stomata, epidermal pores that facilitate gas exchange, is highly coordinated with other aspects of photosynthetic development. The signalling pathways controlling stomata development are not fully understood, although mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signalling is known to have key roles. Here we demonstrate in Arabidopsis that brassinosteroid regulates stomatal development by activating the MAPK kinase kinase (MAPKKK) YDA (also known as YODA). Genetic analyses indicate that receptor kinase-mediated brassinosteroid signalling inhibits stomatal development through the ...

Rupert Sheldrake: the 'heretic' at odds with scientific dogma

Guardian Unlimited Science — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 00:04:00 +0100

Rupert Sheldrake has researched telepathy in dogs, crystals and Chinese medicine in his quest to explore phenomena that science finds hard to explainIt is not often, in liberal north London, that you come face to face with a heretic, but Rupert Sheldrake has worn that mantle, pretty cheerfully, for 30 years now. Sitting in his book-lined study, overlooking Hampstead Heath, he appears a highly unlikely candidate for apostasy; he seems more like the Cambridge biochemistry don he once was, one of the brightest Darwinians of his generation, winner of the university botany prize, researcher at the Royal Society, Harvard scholar and fellow of Clare College.All that, though, was before he was cast out into the wilderness. Sheldrake's untouchable status was conferred one morning in 1981 when, a co...

Effect of Grapefruit Juice and Ritonavir on Pharmacokinetics of Lopinavir in Wistar Rats

Phytotherapy Research — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Lopinavir (LPV), a newer HIV protease inhibitor, has poor bioavailability being a substrate of both cytochrome P450 3A enzyme system (CYP3A) and permeability‐glycoprotein (P‐gp). Ritonavir (RTV) is a known inhibitor of both P‐gp and CYP3A and is co‐administered with LPV in anti‐HIV therapy. Grapefruit juice (GFJ) is known to inhibit CYP3A and has conflicting effects, ranging from activation to inhibition, on P‐gp. In this research work, the effects of GFJ and RTV on the pharmacokinetics of LPV were compared in rats. A mechanistic evaluation was undertaken using various in vitro and ex vivo studies to support the in vivo pharmacokinetic data. The plasma levels of LPV were found to increase significantly upon co‐administration with GFJ in single dose as well as multidose pretre...

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Please support the Doctors In Chains campaign for the medics tortured and sentenced for up to 15 years in Bahrain. #FreeDoctors

A novel and simple method of production and biophysical characterization of a mini‐membrane protein, Ost4p: A subunit of yeast oligosaccharyl transferase

Biopolymers — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:24:50 +0100

We report the cloning, successful overexpression and purification of recombinant Ost4p with a novel but simple method producing milligram quantities of pure protein. GB1 protein was found to be the most suitable tag for the large scale production of Ost4p. The cleavage of Ost4p conveniently leaves GB1 protein in solution eliminating further purification. The precipitated pure Ost4p is reconstituted in appropriate membrane mimetic. The recombinant protein is highly helical as indicated by the far‐UV CD spectrum. The well‐dispersed HSQC spectrum indicates that this minimembrane protein is well folded. The successful production of pure recombinant Ost4p with a novel yet simple method may have important ramification for the production of other membrane proteins. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, ...

Decursin inhibits vasculogenesis in early tumor progression by suppression of endothelial progenitor cell differentiation and function

Journal of Cellular Biochemistry — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:20:18 +0100

In this study, we investigated whether decursin regulates EPC differentiation and function to inhibit tumor vasculogenesis. We isolated AC133+ cells from human cord blood and decursin significantly decreased the number of EPC colony forming units of human cord blood‐derived AC133+ cells that produce functional EPC progenies. Decursin dose‐dependently decreased the cell number of EPC committing cells as demonstrated by EPC expansion studies. Decursin inhibited EPC differentiation from progenitor cells into spindle‐shaped EPC colonies. Additionally, decursin inhibited proliferation and migration of early EPCs isolated from mouse bone marrow. Furthermore, decursin suppressed expression of angiopoietin‐2, angiopoietin receptor Tie‐2, Flk‐1 (vascular endothelial growth factor recept...

Effect of obesity and glycemic control on serum lipocalins and insulin-like growth factor axis in type 2 diabetic patients

Acta Diabetologica — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 17:53:08 +0100

In conclusion, serum RBP-4 and IGF-I/IGFBP-3 molar ratio but not LCN-2 were prominently elevated with poor glycemic control rather than obesity in T2DM patients. Whereas, declining β-cell function is associated with elevation of serum RBP-4, LCN-2 as well as IGF-I/IGFBP-3 molar ratio. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticlePages 1-7DOI 10.1007/s00592-012-0373-6Authors Hala O. El-Mesallamy, Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain-Shams University, Abassia, Cairo, 11566 EgyptNadia M. Hamdy, Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain-Shams University, Abassia, Cairo, 11566 EgyptAl-aliaa M. Sallam, Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain-Shams University, Abassia, Cairo, 11566 Egypt Journal Acta DiabetologicaOnline ISSN 1432-5233Print I...

GRAS proteins: the versatile roles of intrinsically disordered proteins in plant signalling.

The Biochemical Journal — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 16:48:46 +0100

Authors: Sun X, Jones WT, Rikkerink EH Abstract IDPs (intrinsically disordered proteins) are highly abundant in eukaryotic proteomes and important for cellular functions, especially in cell signalling and transcriptional regulation. An IDR (intrinsically disordered region) within an IDP often undergoes disorder-to-order transitions upon binding to various partners, allowing an IDP to recognize and bind different partners at various binding interfaces. Plant-specific GRAS proteins play critical and diverse roles in plant development and signalling, and act as integrators of signals from multiple plant growth regulatory and environmental inputs. Possessing an intrinsically disordered N-terminal domain, the GRAS proteins constitute the first functionally required unfoldome from the pl...

Ubiquitin links to cytoskeletal dynamics, cell adhesion and migration.

The Biochemical Journal — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 16:48:35 +0100

Authors: Schaefer A, Nethe M, Hordijk PL Abstract Post-translational modifications are used by cells to link additional information to proteins. Most modifications are subtle and concern small moieties such as a phosphate group or a lipid. In contrast, protein ubiquitylation entails the covalent attachment of a full-length protein such as ubiquitin. The protein ubiquitylation machinery is remarkably complex, comprising more than 15 Ubls (ubiquitin-like proteins) and several hundreds of ubiquitin-conjugating enzymes. Ubiquitin is best known for its role as a tag that induces protein destruction either by the proteasome or through targeting to lysosomes. However, addition of one or more Ubls also affects vesicular traffic, protein-protein interactions and signal transduction. It is b...

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Find the best January Sales in the UK.

Averting Drug Resistance

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 09:00:00 +0100

Bacterial resistance to antibiotics is growing exponentially, contributing to an estimated 99,000 deaths from hospital-associated infections in the U.S. annually, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. One reason that this is happening is that drug resistant proteins are transporting "good" antibiotics, or inhibitors, out of the cells, leaving them to mutate. In a paper recently published in the journal Nature, Professor of Biochemistry Dorothee Kern and collaborators including former postdoctoral student Katherine A... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Phenotypic characterization of transgenic mice harboring Nf1+/− or Nf1‐/‐ osteoclasts in otherwise Nf1+/+ background

Journal of Cellular Biochemistry — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

This study shows that Nf1‐deficiency in osteoclasts may have a role in the development of NF1‐related skeletal abnormalities, but Nf1‐deficiency in osteoclasts in Nf1+/+ background is not sufficient to induce skeletal abnormalities analogous to those observed in patients with neurofibromatosis type 1. J. Cell. Biochem. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Source: Journal of Cellular Biochemistry)

The relationships between Snail1 and estrogen receptor signaling in breast cancer cells

Journal of Cellular Biochemistry — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

ConclusionsIn general, the results obtained demonstrate the phenomenon of Snail1 activation in the hormone‐resistant breast cancer cells, and show that Snail1 and NF‐κB may serve as an important targets in the treatment of breast cancer, both estrogen‐dependent and estrogen‐independent tumors. J. Cell. Biochem. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Source: Journal of Cellular Biochemistry)

Structure and Function of Human Cdc45 [Cell Biology]

Journal of Biological Chemistry — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

We report biochemical and structural data on the recombinant human Cdc45 protein, consistent with the proposed DHH family affiliation. Like the RecJ exonucleases, the human Cdc45 protein is able to bind single-stranded, but not double-stranded DNA. Small angle x-ray scattering data are consistent with a model compatible with the crystallographic structure of the RecJ/DHH family members. (Source: Journal of Biological Chemistry)

Nucleotide Phosphatase Activity in an Orphan R-protein [Plant Biology]

Journal of Biological Chemistry — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

In conclusion, we have identified a group of R-proteins with a unique function. This biochemical activity appears to have co-evolved with plants in signaling pathways designed to resist pathogen attack. (Source: Journal of Biological Chemistry)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Please support the Doctors In Chains campaign for the medics tortured and sentenced for up to 15 years in Bahrain. #FreeDoctors

Mechanisms and Control of Silk-based Electrospinning.

Biomacromolecules — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Zhang F, Zuo B, Fan Z, Xie Z, Lu Q, Zhang X, Kaplan DL Abstract Silk fibroin (SF) nanofibers, formed through electrospinning, have attractive utility in regenerative medicine due to the biocompatibility, mechanical properties and tailorable degradability. The mechanism of SF electrospun nanofiber formation was studied to gain new insight into the formation and control of nanofibers. SF electrospinning solutions with different nanostructures (nanospheres or nanofilaments) were prepared by controlling the drying process during the preparation of regenerated SF films. Compared to SF nanospheres in solution, SF nanofilaments had better spinnability with lower viscosity when the concentration of silk protein was below 10%, indicating a critical role for SF morphology, and in pa...

Phosphorylation of GIT1 tyrosine 321 is required for association with FAK at focal adhesions and for PDGF-activated migration of osteoblasts.

Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Ren Y, Yu L, Fan J, Rui Z, Hua Z, Zhang Z, Zhang N, Yin G Abstract Osteoblast migration and proliferation are fundamental processes in bone healing. We demonstrated that the G-protein-coupled receptor kinase interacting protein 1(GIT1) is a key regulator of bone mass and osteoblast cell migration, but little is known about GIT1 regulation by upstream signaling systems or the impact of GIT1 on downstream effectors. We found that platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) stimulated the GIT1 tyrosine phosphorylation in osteoblast cells and increased the association of GIT1 with focal adhesion kinase (FAK) at osteoblast focal adhesions. The Src inhibitor PP2 and FAK siRNA inhibited GIT1 tyrosine phosphorylation and the increased association between GIT1 and FAK following stimulati...

Oxygen Activation in Neuronal NO Synthase: Resolving the Consecutive Monooxygenation Steps

BJ Signal — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

The vital signalling molecule nitric oxide is produced by mammalian NOS enzymes in two steps. L-arginine is converted to N-hydroxy-L-arginine NOHA, which is converted to NO and citrulline. Both steps are thought to proceed via similar mechanisms in which the cofactor tetrahydrobiopterin (H4B) activates dioxygen at the heme site by electron transfer. The subsequent events are poorly understood due to the lack of stable intermediates. By analogy with cytochromes P450, a heme-iron oxo species may be formed, or direct reaction between a heme-peroxy intermediate and substrate may occur. The two steps may also occur via different mechanisms. Here we analyse the two reaction steps using the G586S mutant of nNOS, which introduces an additional H-bond in the active site and provides an additional p...

Pentosan polysulfate increases affinity between ADAMTS-5 and TIMP-3 through formation of an electrostatically driven trimolecular complex

BJ Disease — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

The semi-synthetic sulfated polysaccharide pentosan polysulfate (PPS) increases affinity between the aggrecan-degrading adamalysins with thrombospondin motifs (ADAMTSs) and their endogenous inhibitor, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP)-3. Here we demonstrate that PPS mediates the formation of a high affinity trimolecular complex with ADAMTS-5 and TIMP-3. A TIMP-3 mutant that lacks extracellular matrix binding ability was insensitive to this affinity increase, and truncated forms of ADAMTS-5 that lack the Spacer domain had reduced PPS-binding ability and sensitivity to the affinity increase. PPS molecules composed of 11 or more saccharide units were 100-fold more effective than those of 8 saccharide units, indicating the involvement of extended or multiple protein interaction sit...

Ab initio protein modeling into cryoEM density maps using EM‐Fold

Biopolymers — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

AbstractEM‐Fold was used to build models for nine proteins in the maps of GroEL (7.7 Å resolution) and ribosome (6.4 Å resolution) in the ab initio modeling category of the 2010 cryoEM modeling challenge. EM‐Fold assembles predicted secondary structure elements (SSEs) into regions of the density map that were identified to correspond to either α‐helices or β‐strands. The assembly uses a Monte Carlo algorithm where loop closure, density‐SSE length agreement, and strength of connecting density between SSEs are evaluated. Top scoring models are refined by translating, rotating and bending SSEs to yield better agreement with the density map. EM‐Fold produces models that contain backbone atoms within secondary structure elements only. The RMSD values of the models with respect t...

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Find the best January Sales in the UK.

A facile electrophoretic technique to monitor phosphoenolpyruvate‐dependent kinases

Electrophoresis — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP)‐dependent kinases are central to numerous metabolic processes and mediate the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) by substrate‐level phosphorylation (SLP). While pyruvate kinase (PK, EC: 2.7.1.40), the final enzyme of the glycolytic pathway is critical in the anaerobic synthesis of ATP from ADP, pyruvate phosphate dikinase (PPDK, EC: 2.7.9.1) and phosphoenolpyruvate synthase (PEPS, EC: 2.7.9.2) help generate ATP from AMP coupled to PEP as a substrate. Here we demonstrate an inexpensive and effective electrophoretic technology to determine the activities of these enzymes by blue‐native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (BN‐PAGE). The generation of pyruvate is linked to exogenous lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and the oxidation of reduced nicotinamide ...

Microchip electrophoresis coupled with on‐line magnetic separation and chemiluminescence detection for multiplexed immunoassay

Electrophoresis — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

A facile and universal strategy for multiplexed immunoassay is proposed. The strategy is based on microchip electrophoresis (MCE) coupled with on‐line magnetic separation and chemiluminescence detection. The system consisted of a microchip, an electromagnet and a photomultiplier. The realization of multiplexed immunoassay protocol involves sampling magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) labeled antibodies, N‐(4‐aminobutyl)‐N‐ethyl‐isoluminol (ABEI) labeled antigens and free antigens in the precolumn reactor, on‐line immunoreaction, capturing the MNPs‐ immunocomplexes, and the separation of unconjugated ABEI‐labeled antigens. After on‐line magnetic separation, the free ABEI‐labeled antigens were transported into the separation channel, and mixed with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in...

An essential role for p38 MAPK in cerebellar granule neuron precursor proliferation

Acta Neuropathologica — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:15:33 +0100

Abstract Development of the cerebellum occurs postnatally and is marked by a rapid proliferation of cerebellar granule neuron precursors (CGNPs). CGNPs are the cells of origin for SHH-driven medulloblastoma, the most common malignant brain tumor in children. Here, we investigated the role of ERK, JNK, and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases in CGNP proliferation. We found high levels of p38α in proliferating CGNPs. Concomitantly, members of the p38 pathway, such as ASK1, MKK3 and ATF-2, were also elevated. Inhibition of the Shh pathway or CGNP proliferation blunts p38α levels, irrespective of Shh treatment. Strikingly, p38α levels were high in vivo in the external granule layer of the postnatal cerebellum, Shh-dependent mouse medulloblastomas and human medulloblastoma...

The stable cyclic adenosine monophosphate analogue, dibutyryl cyclo-adenosine monophosphate (bucladesine), is active in a model of acute skin inflammation

Archives of Dermatological Research — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:09:59 +0100

Abstract Anti-inflammatory therapeutic options for the topical treatment of skin diseases with inflammatory or allergic contribution are mostly limited to topical glucocorticoids and calcineurin inhibitors. Both compound classes induce adverse effects. Elevation of intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) by inhibition of phosphodiesterase 4 was shown to induce potent anti-inflammatory effects, but the safety profile of currently available compounds is not sufficient. A different approach to increase intracellular cAMP is the substitution of chemically stabilized cAMP analogues. Bucladesine is a stabilized cAMP analogue with an excellent safety profile which had been marketed as topical treatment of impaired wound healing. In the current study, a novel water fre...

Allosteric regulation of substrate channeling and catalysis in the tryptophan synthase bienzyme complex.

Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Dunn MF Abstract The tryptophan synthase α(2)β(2) bi-enzyme complex catalyzes the last two steps in the synthesis of l-tryptophan (l-Trp). The α-subunit catalyzes cleavage of 3-indole-d-glycerol 3'-phosphate (IGP) to give indole and d-glyceraldehyde 3'-phosphate (G3P). Indole is then transferred (channeled) via an interconnecting 25Å-long tunnel, from the α-subunit to the β-subunit where it reacts with l-Ser in a pyridoxal 5'-phosphate-dependent reaction to give l-Trp and a water molecule. The efficient utilization of IGP and l-Ser by tryptophan synthase to synthesize l-Trp utilizes a system of allosteric interactions that (1) function to switch the α-site on and off at different stages of the β-subunit catalytic cycle, and (2) prevent the escape of the channeled i...

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Please support the Doctors In Chains campaign for the medics tortured and sentenced for up to 15 years in Bahrain. #FreeDoctors

LF immunomodulatory strategies: mastering bacterial endotoxin (1) (1) This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Lactoferrin and has undergone the Journal's usual peer review process.

Biochemistry and Cell Biology — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Lactoferrin and has undergone the Journal's usual peer review process. Biochem Cell Biol. 2012 Feb 2; Authors: Latorre D, Berlutti F, Valenti P, Gessani S, Puddu P Abstract Lactoferrin (LF), an iron-binding glycoprotein expressed in most biological fluids, represents a major component of mammalian innate immune system. The multiple activities of LF rely not only on its capacity to bind iron but also to interact with molecular and cellular components of both the host and pathogens. LF can bind and sequester lipopolysaccharide thus preventing proinflammatory pathway activation, sepsis, and tissue damage. However, the interplay between LF and lipopolysaccharide is complex and may lead to different outcomes including both the sup...

CobB1 deacetylase activity in Streptomyces coelicolor.

Biochemistry and Cell Biology — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

This report provides first evidence for deacetylation activity of CobB1 in Streptomyces coelicolor. The protein is highly conserved in streptomycetes. The CobB1 protein catalytically removes the acetyl group from acetylated bovine serum albumin. In the absence of NAD(+) or when NAD(+) was substituted with nicotinamide, deacetylation was stopped. We isolated gene encoding AcetylCoA synthetaseA. The recombinant enzyme produces Acetyl-CoA from acetate. The highest acsA-mRNA level was detected in cells from the exponential phase of growth, and then decreased in transition and stationary phases of growth. Acetylated acsA loses the ability to transfer acetate to CoA. Deacetylation of the enzyme required CobB1, ATP-Mg(2), and NAD(+). Using specific antibodies against acetylated lys, CobB1, and ac...

The role of congruency in retronasal odor referral to the mouth.

Chemical Senses — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Lim J, Johnson MB Abstract Referral of retronasal odors to the mouth is a fundamental phenomenon of flavor perception. A previous study from this laboratory provided evidence that, contrary to prior speculation, taste rather than touch was the primary factor in retronasal odor referral. The present study further investigated this question by studying the role of congruency between taste and odor on retronasal odor referral under conditions that mimicked natural food consumption. Subjects performed odor localization tasks after sampling gelatin stimuli that contained various congruent and incongruent tastes-odor combinations. The results showed that when a congruent taste was added, referral to the oral cavity and tongue were significantly enhanced. In addition, the data al...

Mammalian-Specific OR37 Receptors Are Differentially Activated by Distinct Odorous Fatty Aldehydes.

Chemical Senses — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Bautze V, Bär R, Fissler B, Trapp M, Schmidt D, Beifuss U, Bufe B, Zufall F, Breer H, Strotmann J Abstract The capacity of the mammalian olfactory system to detect an enormous collection of different chemical compounds is based on a large repertoire of odorant receptors (ORs). A small group of these ORs, the OR37 family, is unique due to a variety of special features. Members of this subfamily are exclusively found in mammals, they share a high degree of sequence homology and are highly conserved during evolution. It is still elusive which odorants may activate these atypical receptors. We have reasoned that compounds from skin, hairs, or skin glands might be potential candidates. We have exposed mice to such compounds and monitored activation of glomeruli through the exp...

Pulp Properties and their Influence on Enzymatic Degradability.

Biomacromolecules — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Gehmayr V, Sixta H Abstract Endoglucanase treatment of pulp for the adjustment of viscosity and the increase in pulp reactivity is a promising step in the concept for the beneficial production of dissolving pulps from paper grade-pulps. In order to promote the commercial applicability of these enzymes, the influence of pulp properties such as carbohydrate composition, pulp type and cellulose morphology on the enzymatic degradability of a pulp was examined. High contents of hemicelluloses and lignin were shown to impair the accessibility of the cellulose to the enzymes. Due to the elevated swelling capacity of cellulose II, conversion of the cellulose morphology from I to II upon alkaline treatments showed a large increasing effect on the cellulose accessibility and enzymat...

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Find the best January Sales in the UK.

Drastically Lowered Protein Adsorption on Microbicidal Hydrophobic/Hydrophilic Polyelectrolyte Multilayers.

Biomacromolecules — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Wong SY, Han L, Timachova K, Veselinovic J, Hyder MN, Ortiz C, Klibanov AM, Hammond PT Abstract Polyelectrolyte multilayer films assembled from a hydrophobic N-alkylated polyethylenimine and a hydrophilic polyacrylate were discovered to exhibit strong antifouling, as well as antimicrobial, activities. Surfaces coated with these layer-by-layer (LbL) films, which range from 6 to 10 bilayers (up to 45 nm in thickness), adsorbed up to 20 times less protein from blood plasma than the uncoated controls. The dependence of the antifouling activity on the nature of the polycation, as well as on assembly conditions and the number of layers in the LbL films, was investigated. Changing the hydrophobicity of the polycation altered the surface composition and the resistance to protein a...

Molecular characterization of the porcine MTPAP gene associated with meat quality traits: chromosome localization, expression distribution, and transcriptional regulation.

Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

In this study, 2,296 bp partial cDNA sequences of the porcine MTPAP gene were obtained, which contained 1,746 bp full-length coding regions flanked by a 500 bp partial 3'-UTR. The porcine MTPAP gene was assigned to SSC10q14-q16 using the radiation hybrid (IMpRH) panel and chromosome electric location methods. Q-PCR analysis showed that MTPAP was expressed in all analyzed tissues, and has higher expression in heart, liver, skeletal muscles, and fat. One single nucleotide polymorphism g.2421T>A in intron5 of MTPAP gene was identified and detected by DdeI PCR-RFLP. Association of the genotypes with economic traits showed that different genotypes were significantly associated with juiciness, individuals with genotype AT displayed a significantly higher juiciness compared to genotype TT. ...

Curcumin causes promoter hypomethylation and increased expression of FANCF gene in SiHa cell line.

Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Parashar G, Parashar NC, Capalash N Abstract Curcumin and resveratrol were evaluated for their potential to cause reversal of promoter hypermethylation and associated gene expression of FANCF in SiHa cell line. Methylation specific PCR along with bisulphite sequencing revealed the demethylation of 12 CpG sites out of 15 CpG sites spanning +280 to +432 region of FANCF promoter after treatment with curcumin and fivefold up regulation of FANCF gene expression as shown by qRT-PCR. In vitro methylation assay also showed that M.SssI an analogue of DNMT1 was effectively inhibited at 50 μM concentration of curcumin. Resveratrol was not found to be effective in causing reversal of promoter hypermethylation of FANCF gene when used at 20 μM for 4 days in SiHa cell line. PMID...

Human anti-EGFL7 recombinant full-length antibodies selected from a mammalian cell-based antibody display library.

Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

We describe here the isolation of an EGFL7-specific antibody from a mammalian cell-based full-length antibody display library generated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Using a novel vector, contained glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchor and restriction enzyme sites NheI and ClaI, antibody libraries are displayed as whole IgG molecules on the cell surface and screened for specific antigen binding by a combination of magnetic beads and measured by cell ELISA. Anti-EGFL7 antibody was successfully isolated from the library. The mammalian cell-based full-length antibody display library is a great potential application for rapid identification and cloning of human mAbs of targeting hepatocellular carcinoma. PMID: 22297616 [PubMed - as supplie...

Acute inhibition of iron bioavailability by zinc: studies in humans.

Biometals — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Olivares M, Pizarro F, Ruz M, López de Romaña D Abstract Iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) deficiencies constitute two of the most important nutritional and public health problems affecting developing countries. Combined supplementation or fortification with Zn and Fe are strategies that can be used to improve the Zn and Fe status of a population. However, there is concern about potential negative interactions between these two micronutrients due to a competitive binding to DMT1 and Zip14 transporter. Studies performed in humans have shown an inhibitory effect of Zn on Fe absorption when both minerals are given together as a solution in fasting conditions. We found that at low doses of iron (0.5 mg) the threshold for the inhibition of iron bioavailability was at a Zn:Fe wt/wt rat...

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Please support the Doctors In Chains campaign for the medics tortured and sentenced for up to 15 years in Bahrain. #FreeDoctors

Pseudocholinesterase in gestational diabetes: positive correlation with LDL and negative correlation with triglyceride

Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 17:10:04 +0100

Conclusion PChE activity was not significantly different between the groups. However, there was a positive correlation between PChE and LDL levels in pregnant women with GD, suggesting that LDL levels in pregnant women with GD may help to predict the risk of prolonged apnea in situations in which PChE activity cannot be measured. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Maternal-Fetal MedicinePages 1-7DOI 10.1007/s00404-012-2241-6Authors Lütfiye Pirbudak Cocelli, Department of Anaesthesiology and Algology, Medical School, University of Gaziantep, 27310 Gaziantep, TurkeyEbru Dikensoy, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, University of Gaziantep, Gaziantep, TurkeyHülya Cicek, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Medical School, University of Gaziante...

Designing of sequencing assay assisted by capillary electrophoresis based on DNA folding analysis. An application to the VCAM1 gene

Electrophoresis — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

In this work we describe a fast standardized molecular method for DNA sequencing assisted by capillary electrophoresis with a particular emphasis on bioinformatic approaches to avoid sequencing errors due to complex DNA regions. In this case, the method was applied on the human vascular adhesion 1 (VCAM1) protein gene.VCAM1 sequence, in fact, shows many thermodynamically critical parameters such as: very low GC content (30‐40%), many nucleotide stack areas, i.e hairpins, self complementary regions. With a traditional primer design approach it was difficult to design correct PCR oligonucleotides, thus sometimes, the chromatogram showed an illegible profile. By a strategy involving various bioinformatic tools (Mfold, Oligo, Highter), we investigated the role of the DNA folding analysis in ...

Effect of Salvia miltiorrhiza Hydrophilic Extract on the Endothelial Biomarkers in Diabetic Patients with Chronic Artery Disease

Phytotherapy Research — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

The aim of this pilot study was to investigate whether the administration of Salvia miltiorrhiza hydrophilic extract (SMHE) reduced the level of soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1 (sVCAM‐1) and von Willebrand factor (vWF) in diabetic patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). Sixty‐two diabetic patients with CHD were recruited and randomly assigned into placebo and treatment groups. Patients were given SMHE for 60 days. Levels of sVCAM‐1, vWF and oxidative low density lipoprotein (oxLDL) were determined by using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The results showed that the levels of VCAM‐1 and vWF positively correlated with the level of oxLDL in diabetic patients with CHD. Levels of sVCAM‐1 and vWF in serum were reduced significantly in patients receiving SMH...

Pancreatic incidentalomas

Best Practice and Research. Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

are defined as asymptomatic pancreatic lesions, discovered incidentally by imaging for an unrelated indication. They are being discovered with increasing frequency as the use of high quality cross sectional imaging is becoming more widespread. These lesions cover a wide spectrum of pathology from benign simple cysts through potentially malignant lesions such as intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasia, to frankly malignant adenocarcinoma. In this article we outline the incidence, imaging characteristics and natural history of the various incidental lesions with emphasis to neuroendocrine tumors. A diagnostic approach is also suggested, including the rational use of further imaging, serum biochemistry and the utility of ultrasound guided aspiration of cyst fluid if present. We examine seve...

The Efficacy of Licorice Root Extract in Decreasing Transaminase Activities in Non‐alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Phytotherapy Research — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

This study was performed to investigate the effects of licorice on non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). In this double blind randomized clinical trial, 66 patients were divided into case and control groups. All patients had elevated liver enzymes and had increased liver echogenicity (lipid accumulation) on sonography. The case group was treated with one capsule containing 2 g aqueous licorice root extract per day for 2 months while the control group was treated in the same manner with a placebo. Weight, body mass index (BMI) and liver transaminase levels were measured for each patient before and after the study. In the case group, the mean alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level decreased from 64.09 to 51.27 IU/mL and the aspartate aminotransferase (AST) level decreased from 58....

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Find the best January Sales in the UK.

Lipase Immobilization on Differently Functionalised Vinyl-Based Amphiphilic Polymers: Influence of Phase Segregation on the Enzyme Hydrolytic Activity.

Biomacromolecules — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Bellusci M, Francolini I, Martinelli A, D'Ilario L, Piozzi A Abstract Microbial lipase from Candida rugosa was immobilized by physical adsorption onto an ethylene-vinyl alcohol polymer (EVAL) functionalized with acyl chlorides. In order to evaluate the influence of the reagent chain-length on the amount and activity of immobilized lipase, three differently long aliphatic fatty acids were employed (C8, C12, C18), obtaining EVAL functionalization degrees ranging from 5% to 65%. The enzyme-polymer affinity increased with both the length of the alkyl chain and the matrix hydrophobicity. In particular, the esterified polymers showed a tendency to give segregated hydrophilic and hydrophobic domains. It was observed the formation of an enzyme multilayer at both low and high prote...

Re-orientation of cellulose nanowhiskers in agarose hydrogels under tensile loading.

Biomacromolecules — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Osorio-Madrazo A, Eder M, Rueggeberg M, Pandey JK, Harrington MJ, Nishiyama Y, Putaux JL, Rochas C, Burgert I Abstract Agarose hydrogels filled with cellulose nanowhiskers were strained in uniaxial stretching under different humidity conditions. The orientation of the cellulose whiskers was examined before and after testing with an X-ray laboratory source and monitored in situ during loading by synchrotron X-ray diffraction. The aim of this approach was to determine the process parameters for re-orienting the cellulose nanowhiskers towards a preferential direction. Results show that a controlled drying of the hydrogel is essential to establish interactions between the matrix and the cellulose nanowhiskers which allow for a stress transfer during stretching and thereby prom...

Dual-Responsive Magnetic Core-Shell Nanoparticles for Non-Viral Gene Delivery and Cell Separation.

Biomacromolecules — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

We present the synthesis of dual-responsive (pH and temperature) magnetic core-shell nanoparticles utilizing the grafting-from approach. First, oleic acid stabilized superparamagnetic maghemite (γ-Fe2O3) nanoparticles (NP's), prepared by thermal decomposition of iron pentacarbonyl, were surface-functionalized with ATRP initiating sites bearing a dopamine anchor group via ligand exchange. Subsequently, 2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA) was polymerized from the surface by ATRP, yielding dual-responsive magnetic core-shell NP's (γ-Fe2O3@PDMAEMA). The attachment of the dopamine anchor group on the nanoparticles´ surface is shown to be reversible to a certain extent, resulting in a grafting density of 0.15 chains per nm² after purification. Nevertheless, the grafted NP´s show ex...

Biomimetic Poly(ethylene glycol)-Based Hydrogels as Scaffolds for Inducing Endothelial Adhesion and Capillary-like Network Formation.

Biomacromolecules — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Zhu J, He P, Lin L, Jones DR, Marchant RE Abstract The extracellular matrix (ECM) is an attractive model for designing synthetic scaffolds with a desirable environment for tissue engineering. Here, we report on the synthesis of ECM-mimetic poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) hydrogels for inducing endothelial cell (EC) adhesion and capillary-like network formation. A collagen type I-derived peptide, GPQGIAGQ (GIA)-containing PEGDA (GIA-PEGDA) was synthesized with the collagenase-sensitive GIA sequence attached in the middle of the PEGDA chain, which was then copolymerized with RGD capped-PEG monoacrylate (RGD-PEGMA) to form biomimetic hydrogels. The hydrogels degraded in vitro with the rate dependent on the concentration of collagenase, and also supported the adhesion of human umb...

Delivery of dermatan sulfate from polyelectrolyte complex-containing alginate composite microspheres for tissue regeneration.

Biomacromolecules — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Wen Y, Grondahl L, Gallego MR, Jorgensen L, Møller EH, Nielsen HM Abstract Dermatan sulfate (DS) is a glycosaminoglycan (GAG) with a great potential as a new therapeutic agent in tissue engineering. The aim of the present study was to investigate the formation of polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs) between chitosan and dermatan sulfate (CS/DS) and delivery of DS from PEC-containing alginate/chitosan/dermatan sulfate (Alg/CS/DS) microspheres for application in tissue regeneration. The CS/DS complexes were initially formed at different conditions including varying CS:DS ratio (positive:negative charge ratio), buffer and pH. The obtained CS/DS complexes exhibited stronger electrostatic interaction, smaller complex size and more stable colloidal structure when chitosan was in la...

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Please support the Doctors In Chains campaign for the medics tortured and sentenced for up to 15 years in Bahrain. #FreeDoctors

Nocodazole increases the ERK activity to enhance MKP-1 expression which inhibits p38 activation induced by TNF-α

Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Guo X, Zhang X, Li Y, Guo Y, Wang J, Li Y, Shen B, Sun D, Zhang J Abstract The mitogen-activated protein kinase p38 plays key roles in cell progression, differentiation, inflammation, and apoptosis. p38 is activated by a variety of extracellular stimuli such as UV and proinflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). It has been demonstrated that destruction of microtubules with different reagents led to impaired p38 activation in response to various extracellular stimuli. However, several other groups have reported that microtubule-interfering agents stimulate the activation of MAPK superfamily members including p38 in certain cell context. The discrepancy suggests that destruction of microtubules stimulates the activation of MAPK superfamily members and ther...

Issue Information

Journal of Food Biochemistry — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(Source: Journal of Food Biochemistry)

A naturally occurring nonapeptide functionally compensates the CP1 domain of leucyl-tRNA synthetase to modulate aminoacylation activity

BJ Gene — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (aaRSs) establish the rules of the genetic code by catalyzing the formation of aminoacyl-tRNA. The quality control for aminoacylation reaction is achieved by editing activity, which is usually carried out by a discrete editing domain. For leucyl-tRNA synthetase (LeuRS), the connective peptide 1 (CP1) domain is the editing domain responsible for hydrolyzing mis-charged tRNA. The CP1 domain is universally present in LeuRSs except LeuRS from Mycoplasma mobile (MmLeuRS). The substitute of CP1 in MmLeuRS is a nonapeptide (MmLinker). We show here that the MmLinker, which is critical for aminoacylation activity of MmLeuRS, could confer remarkable tRNA charging activity to the inactive CP1-deleted LeuRS from Escherichia coli (EcLeuRS) and Aquifex aeolicus (AaLeuRS). Furt...

Cytosolic Ca2{+} regulates the energisation of isolated brain mitochondria by formation of pyruvate through the malate{-}aspartate shuttle

BJ Energy — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

The glutamate-dependent respiration of isolated brain mitochondria (BM) is regulated by cytosolic Ca2+ (Ca2+cyt) (S0.5 = 225 ± 22 nM) through its effects on aralar. We now also demonstrate that the a-glycerophosphate-dependent respiration is controlled by Ca2+cyt (S0.5 = 60 ± 10 nM). At higher Ca2+cyt (< 600 nM), BM accumulate Ca2+ which enhances the rate of action of intramitochondrial dehydrogenases. The highest Ca2+-induced increments of state 3 respiration decrease with substrate in the order glutamate < a-ketoglutarate < isocitrate < a-glycerophosphate < pyruvate. Whereas the oxidation of pyruvate is only slightly influenced by Ca2+cyt, we show that the formation of pyruvate is tightly controlled by Ca2�...

Phosphorylation target site specificity for AGC kinases DMPK E and Lats2

Journal of Cellular Biochemistry — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

AbstractSerine/threonine kinases of the AGC group are important regulators of cell growth and motility. To examine the candidate substrate profile for two members of this group, DMPK E and Lats2, we performed in vitro kinase assays on peptide arrays. Substrate peptides for both kinases exhibited a predominance of basic residues surrounding the phosphorylation target site. 3D homology modeling of the kinase domains of DMPK E and Lats2 indicated that presence of two negative pockets in the peptide binding groove provides an explanation for the substrate preference. These findings will aid future research towards signaling functions of Lats2 and DMPK E within cells. J. Cell. Biochem. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Source: Journal of Cellular Biochemistry)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Find the best January Sales in the UK.

Deep sequencing reveals predominant expression of miR‐21 amongst the small noncoding RNAs in retinal microvascular endothelial cells

Journal of Cellular Biochemistry — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

AbstractThe retinal vascular endothelium is essential for angiogenesis and is involved in maintaining barrier selectivity and vascular tone. The aim of this study was to identify and quantify microRNAs and other small regulatory non‐coding RNAs (ncRNAs) which may regulate these crucial functions. Primary bovine retinal microvascular endothelial cells (RMECs) provide a well characterized in vitro system for studying angiogenesis. RNA extracted from RMECs was used to prepare a small RNA library for deep sequencing (Illumina Genome Analyzer). A total of 6.8 million reads were mapped to 250 known microRNAs in miRBase (release 16). In many cases the most frequent isomiR differed from the sequence reported in miRBase. In addition, 6 novel microRNAs, 27 novel bovine orthologs of known human mic...

Clinical significance of circulating interleukin‐23 as a prognostic factor in breast cancer patients

Journal of Cellular Biochemistry — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

DiscussionThis work investigated, for the first time, the role of IL‐23 in breast cancer patients showing a significant increase respect the control group. However, further validations are needed in larger studies to better investigate the implications of IL‐23 increase in these patients. J. Cell. Biochem. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Source: Journal of Cellular Biochemistry)

Overexpression of hTERT extends replicative capacity of human nucleus pulposus cells, and protects against serum starvation‐induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest

Journal of Cellular Biochemistry — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

AbstractThe nucleus pulposus cells are chondrocyte‐like cells that are required for the resistance of compressive loads through the synthesis of collagen fibrils and proteoglycan aggrecans, and the generation of a hydrostatic swelling pressure, and thus play an important role in the intervertebral disc. Here we report the production and characterization of an immortalized human nucleus pulposus (NP) cell line from normal nucleus pulposus cells using stable transfection of recombinant human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) gene. The hTERT‐transfected nucleus pulposus cells exhibited morphological characteristics typical of native cells. When compared with the first generation of normal nucleus pulposus cells, the hTERT‐transfected nucleus pulposus cells grew faster and had an ...

Electroosmotic flow modulation in capillary electrophoresis by organic cations from ionic liquids

Electrophoresis — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

This paper describes the ability of several ionic liquids’ cations for electroosmotic flow modulation in capillary electrophoresis. Organic salts based on phosphonium, sulfonium, cysteinium, ammonium and guanidinium cations were selected to study this property. In addition, the synergistic effect of these compounds in cyclodextrin chiral separation was also evaluated. In comparison with most studied imidazolium based ionic liquids, several of the cations studied, are stronger modifiers in terms of EOF modulation. Phosphonium based compounds and tri‐octyl methylammonium chloride ([Aliquat]Cl) had the strongest ability to reverse EOF both in acidic and in basic conditions and had the lowest EOF reversal concentrations in the presence of hydroxypropyl‐β‐cyclodextrin. EOF modulation a...

Separation principles of Cycling Temperature Capillary Electrophoresis

Electrophoresis — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

High throughput means to detect and quantify low frequency mutations (<10−2) in the DNA coding sequences of human tissues and pathological lesions are required to discover the kinds, numbers and rates of genetic mutations that (a.) confer inherited risk for disease or (b.) arise in somatic tissues as events required for clonal diseases such as cancers and atherosclerotic plaque. While throughput of linear DNA sequencing methods have increased dramatically such methods are limited by high error rates (>10−3) rendering them unsuitable for the detection of low frequency risk‐conferring mutations among the many neutral mutations carried in the general population or created in tissue growth and development. In contrast, constant denaturing capillary electrophoresis (CDCE) coupled wi...

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Please support the Doctors In Chains campaign for the medics tortured and sentenced for up to 15 years in Bahrain. #FreeDoctors

An improved silver stain for the visualization of lipopolysaccharides on polyacrylamide gels

Electrophoresis — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

In this study, the most commonly used formaldehyde‐based LPS silver stain, which has potential hazard to the health of operator, is replaced by ascorbic acid (Vc) in alkaline sodium thiosulfate solution. It takes only about 35 min to complete all the protocol, with a detection limit of 4 ng of total LPS. The results indicate that this user‐friendly method could be a good choice for LPS visualization on polyacrylamide gels. (Source: Electrophoresis)

Capillary electrophoretic analysis of whole blood samples for hemoglobin based oxygen carriers without the use of immunoprecipitation

Electrophoresis — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Hemoglobin based oxygen carriers (HBOCs) are blood substitutes, synthesized by polymerizing hemoglobin, which are being developed and investigated as alternatives to blood for medical purposes. However, due to their ability to increase the oxygen carrying capacity when taken by healthy individuals, HBOCs have been used as a doping agent among endurance athletes and are included in the World Anti‐Doping Agency's Prohibited List. To maintain the fairness of competitions and continue the battle against doping it is essential to be able to detect HBOCs if present in an athlete's blood. To achieve this goal it is necessary to differentiate HBOCs from the native hemoglobin and to do so in a cost and time effective manner. We have developed a rapid capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE), UV absor...

Bioactivity of Sour Cherry Cultivars Grown in Denmark

Phytotherapy Research — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Thirty four varieties of sour cherries (Prunus cerasus) were investigated for their total antioxidant activity, Caco‐2 cancer cell proliferation inhibitory activity and effect on prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production. Total phenolic content, oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) and cancer cell proliferation inhibitory activity of sour cherries were closely correlated but not PGE2 production. The cultivars ‘Birgitte × Böttermö’, ‘Fanal’ and ‘Tiki’ were the three cultivars with the highest ORAC values (180, 147 and 133 µmol TE/g, respectively) and inhibition against Caco‐2 cancer cell proliferation (74%, 79% and 73%, respectively). ‘Stevnsbaer Birgitte’ (22%) and ‘Stevnsbaer Viki’ (22%) inhibited PGE2 production with a similar potency as the positive contr...

Myrislignan Attenuates Lipopolysaccharide‐induced Inflammation Reaction in Murine Macrophage Cells Through Inhibition of NF‐κB Signalling Pathway Activation

Phytotherapy Research — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Myrislignan is a new kind of lignan isolated from Myristica fragrans Houtt. Its antiinflammatory effects have not yet been reported. In the present study, the antiinflammatory effects and the underlying mechanisms of myrislignan in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced inflammation in murine RAW 264.7 macrophage cells were investigated. Myrislignan significantly inhibited LPS‐induced production of nitric oxide (NO) in a dose‐dependent manner. It inhibited mRNA expression and release of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α). This compound significantly inhibited mRNA and protein expressions of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) dose‐dependently in LPS‐stimulated macrophage cells. Further study showed that myrislignan decreased th...

Cranberry Juice Extract, A Mild Prooxidant with Cytotoxic Properties Independent of Reactive Oxygen Species

Phytotherapy Research — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

A cranberry juice extract (CJE), rich in proanthocyanidins, had weak prooxidant properties, generating low levels of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and superoxide. Generation of H2O2 was pH dependent, increasing at alkaline pH, and was lowered in the presence of catalase and, to a lesser extent, of superoxide dismutase (SOD). Growth inhibition and cytotoxicity were noted towards human oral carcinoma HSC‐2 cells, with midpoint cytotoxicity at 200 µg/mL CJE, but not towards human gingival HF‐1 fibroblasts. Being a mild prooxidant, CJE toxicity was unaffected by exogenous catalase and pyruvate, scavengers of H2O2, but triggered intracellular synthesis of reduced glutathione, as confirmed by cell staining with Cell Tracker™ Green. The presence of exogenous SOD potentiated the toxicity of CJ...

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Find the best January Sales in the UK.

Inhibition of NF‐ κB Activity by Minor Polar Components of Extra‐Virgin Olive Oil at Gastric Level

Phytotherapy Research — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

The present work evaluates the effect of olive oil phenols on NF‐κB activity in human gastric adenocarcinoma cells. The total phenol content was measured by the Folin Ciocalteu method, whereas the composition was assessed by LC‐MS/MS analysis. Secoiridoids represented 71% and 83% of the Italian and Spanish extracts, respectively, phenol alcohols were in the range 9–13%. Ligustroside aglycone was the most abundant (37% and 46%, respectively, in the Italian and Spanish sample), and the concentration of flavonoids AP and LU was below 1%. Phenol extracts were assayed at 0.25–7.5 µg/mL, whereas single compounds were at 0.5–25 µ m. Both the extracts inhibited the NF‐κB driven transcription in a concentration‐dependent manner: IC50 for the Italian and the Spanish extract wer...

Investigating the Effectiveness of St John's Wort Herb as an Antimicrobial Agent against Mycobacteria

Phytotherapy Research — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

A persistent need exists for effective treatment agents for mycobacterial infections. This research investigated the effectiveness of the Hypericum perforatum herb (commonly known as St John's wort; SJW) in its growth inhibition of mycobacteria. A SJW extract was effective at inhibiting five nonpathogenic Mycobacterium isolates and Bacillus subtilis, but not Escherichia coli. Quantitative studies of concentration sensitivity to the SJW extract were performed with minimal bactericidal concentrations (MBC) ranging from 0.33 to 2.66 mg extract/mL. The SJW compounds hyperforin (Hfn), hypericin (Hpn), and pseudohypericin (Phn) were quantified in the extract using HPLC. The SJW extract solution of 133 mg extract/mL used in this study contained 2.3 mg Hfn/mL, 0.8 mg Hpn/mL, and 2.1 mg P...

Anxiolytic‐like Effect of α‐Asarone in Mice

Phytotherapy Research — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

The effects of α‐asarone in four assays predictive of anxiolytic activity in male mice were studied, with diazepam as a positive anxiolytic control. The use of the elevated plus‐maze test revealed that diazepam (2 mg/kg) or α‐asarone (3.5 mg/kg) increased the percentage of entries into open arms and of the time spent on open arms. In the light/dark transition test, as with 2 mg/kg diazepam, 7 mg/kg α‐asarone increased the time spent in the light area and the number of transitions between the two compartments. In the novel food consumption test, α‐asarone (3.5, 7 and 14 mg/kg) caused significant increases in food intake during 5 min as well as diazepam (0.5 mg/kg). In the marble burying test, α‐asarone also produced a significant inhibition of marble burying a...

Antioxidant Activity of Moringa oleifera Tissue Extracts

Phytotherapy Research — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

In conclusion, M. oleifera ethanolic and saline extracts contain antioxidants that support the use of the plant tissues as food sources. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. (Source: Phytotherapy Research)

Effects of Cranberry Extracts on Growth and Biofilm Production of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus species

Phytotherapy Research — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

This study evaluated the effects of three proprietary PAC‐standardized cranberry extracts on the inhibition of bacterial growth and biofilm production against a panel of clinically relevant pathogens: Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, clinical methicillin‐resistant S. aureus (MRSA), Staphylococcus saprophyticus and Escherichia coli. The extracts inhibited the growth of the Gram‐positive bacteria (Staphylococcus spp.) but not the Gram‐negative species (E. coli) with minimum inhibitory concentrations in the range 0.02–5 mg/mL. The extracts also inhibited biofilm production by the Gram‐positive bacteria but did not eradicate their established biofilm. These results suggest that cranberry may have beneficial effects against the growth and biofilm producing capabi...

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Please support the Doctors In Chains campaign for the medics tortured and sentenced for up to 15 years in Bahrain. #FreeDoctors

Essential Oil of Juniperus communis subsp. alpina (Suter) Čelak Needles: Chemical Composition, Antifungal Activity and Cytotoxicity

Phytotherapy Research — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Essential oils are known to possess antimicrobial activity against a wide spectrum of bacteria and fungi. In the present work the composition and the antifungal activity of the oils of Juniperus communis subsp. alpina (Suter) Čelak were evaluated. Moreover, the skin cytotoxicity, at concentrations showing significant antifungal activity, was also evaluated. The oils were isolated by hydrodistillation and analysed by gas chromatography and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal lethal concentration (MLC) were used to evaluate the antifungal activity of the oil against dermatophytes (Epidermophyton floccosum, Microsporum canis, M. gypseum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, T. mentagrophytes var. interdigitale, T. rubrum, T. verrucosum), yeasts ...

Hepatoprotective Effects of Pycnogenol in a Rat Model of Non‐alcoholic Steatohepatitis

Phytotherapy Research — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Oxidative stress is considered as a mechanism of hepatocellular injury in non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Pycnogenol (PYC) is the natural plant extract from the bark of Pinus pinaster Aiton. and has potent antioxidant activities. We studied the protective effect of PYC on excessive fat accumulation in the liver fed a methionine–choline deficient (MCD) high‐fat diet for 6 weeks. Pycnogenol (10 mg/kg body weight) was orally administered for 5 weeks. At the end of the experiment, blood and liver samples were collected and assessed for effects of PYC by histopathological and biochemical analyses. Histopathological analyses of liver tissues stained with Azan–Mallory showed hepatic macrovesicular steatosis and fibrosis in MCD‐fed rats. Supplementation of PYC prevented this ...

Isoquinoline Alkaloids from Tinospora cordifolia Inhibit Rat Lens Aldose Reductase

Phytotherapy Research — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

The inhibitory activity of Tinospora cordifolia stem‐derived alkaloids was evaluated against lens aldose reductase (AR) isolated from male Wistar rats. Anticataract potential of the alkaloids of T. cordifolia was evaluated in vitro in rat lenses, considering the activity of normal rat lenses as 100%. The biologically active constituents of T. cordifolia extract were characterized as the isoquinoline alkaloids, jatrorrhizine, palmatine and magnoflorine, by spectral analysis. The inhibitory effects varied with all chemicals and concentrations used. The inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of jatrorrhizine, palmatine and magnoflorine are 3.23, 3.45 and 1.25 µg/mL respectively. The concentration of maximum activity was selected for its effect on galactose‐induced polyol accumulation i...

Protocatechuic Aldehyde Inhibits Lipopolysaccharide‐induced Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cell Apoptosis via Regulation of Caspase‐3

Phytotherapy Research — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Apoptosis of vascular endothelial cells results in the loss of endothelial integrity, and is a risk factor of atherosclerosis (AS). Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulates inflammation during AS. The current study examined the effect of a potent water‐soluble antioxidant, protocatechuic aldehyde (PCA; derived from the Chinese herb Salvia miltiorrhiza) on apoptosis in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) stimulated with LPS. The LPS (15 µg/ml) stimulation for 30 h resulted in significant HUVEC apoptosis, as detected by Hoechst 33258 staining and Annexin V analysis. The PCA (0.25–1.0 mmol/L, 12 h) inhibited LPS‐induced HUVEC apoptosis in a dose‐dependent manner. Lipopolysaccharide induced caspase‐3 activation, but had no significant effect on caspase‐2, Bcl‐2/Ba...

Protective Effect of Brazilian Propolis Against Hepatic Oxidative Damage in Rats with Water‐immersion Restraint Stress

Phytotherapy Research — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

In the present study we examined the protective effect of Brazilian propolis against hepatic oxidative damage in rats with water‐immersion restraint stress (WIRS) in comparison with that of vitamin E (VE). Fasted rats orally received Brazilian green propolis ethanol extract (BPEE; 10, 50 or 100 mg/kg), VE (250 mg/kg) or vehicle at 30 min before the onset of WIRS. Exposure of vehicle‐treated rats to 6 h of WIRS caused liver cell damage, judging from the levels of serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferease, increased hepatic lipid peroxide, NOx contents and myeloperoxidase activity, and decreased hepatic non‐protein SH, ascorbic acid contents and superoxide dismutase activity. Preadministration of BPEE (50 or 100 mg/kg) or VE to the stressed rats protected...

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Find the best January Sales in the UK.

A naturally occurring nonapeptide functionally compensates the CP1 domain of leucyl-tRNA synthetase to modulate aminoacylation activity.

The Biochemical Journal — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Tan M, Yan W, Liu RJ, Wang M, Chen X, Zhou XL, Wang ED Abstract Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (aaRSs) establish the rules of the genetic code by catalyzing the formation of aminoacyl-tRNA. The quality control for aminoacylation reaction is achieved by editing activity, which is usually carried out by a discrete editing domain. For leucyl-tRNA synthetase (LeuRS), the connective peptide 1 (CP1) domain is the editing domain responsible for hydrolyzing mis-charged tRNA. The CP1 domain is universally present in LeuRSs except LeuRS from Mycoplasma mobile (MmLeuRS). The substitute of CP1 in MmLeuRS is a nonapeptide (MmLinker). We show here that the MmLinker, which is critical for aminoacylation activity of MmLeuRS, could confer remarkable tRNA charging activity to the inactive CP1-d...

Cytosolic Ca2+ regulates the energisation of isolated brain mitochondria by formation of pyruvate through the malate-aspartate shuttle.

The Biochemical Journal — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Gellerich FN, Gizatullina Z, Trumbeckaite S, Korzeniewski B, Gaynutdinov T, Seppet E, Vielhaber S, Heinze HJ, Striggow F Abstract The glutamate-dependent respiration of isolated brain mitochondria (BM) is regulated by cytosolic Ca2+ (Ca2+cyt) (S0.5 = 225 ± 22 nM) through its effects on aralar. We now also demonstrate that the a-glycerophosphate-dependent respiration is controlled by Ca2+cyt (S0.5 = 60 ± 10 nM). At higher Ca2+cyt (< 600 nM), BM accumulate Ca2+ which enhances the rate of action of intramitochondrial dehydrogenases. The highest Ca2+-induced increments of state 3 respiration decrease with substrate in the order glutamate < a-ketoglutarate < isocitrate < a-glycerophosphate < pyruvate. Whereas the oxidation of pyruvate is only slightly influence...

Multiple effects of a short-term dexamethasone treatment in human skeletal muscle and adipose tissue

Physiological Genomics — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Glucocorticoids are frequently prescribed drugs with important side-effects such as glucose intolerance and tissue remodeling. The goal was to explore the molecular basis of the response of skeletal muscle and adipose tissue during a short-term dexamethasone treatment to better understand the induction of side-effects of glucocorticoids on these metabolic tissues. Fifteen healthy male subjects were assigned to a 4-day treatment with dexamethasone at 4 mg/day. The primary outcome measures were changes in gene expression profiling of subcutaneous skeletal muscle and adipose tissue. Urinary cortisol, plasma, and metabolic biochemistry were also assessed. In both tissues the prominent observation was a response to stress and increased inflammatory responses. An upregulation of the serum amyloi...

In-Cell Solid-State NMR as a Tool to Study Proteins in Large Complexes.

Chembiochem — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Reckel S, Lopez JJ, Löhr F, Glaubitz C, Dötsch V Abstract A major limitation of solution NMR is molecular tumbling, which is often too slow for detection. Here we demonstrate that solid-state NMR spectroscopy in combination with flash freezing of cells can be used to detect proteins in the cellular environment and provides information on backbone chemical shifts. PMID: 22298299 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Chembiochem)

SFBC: 70 years of medical biology.

Annales de Biologie Clinique — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Gambert P PMID: 22294135 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Annales de Biologie Clinique)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Please support the Doctors In Chains campaign for the medics tortured and sentenced for up to 15 years in Bahrain. #FreeDoctors

Analytical quality of assays and comparison of procedures for the sweat test.

Annales de Biologie Clinique — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

In conclusion, comparison of methods highlighted that the less the sweat test is automatically controlled, the more the operator influence on results quality is important. Our study supports that sweat test result <50 mmol/L NaCl Eq is unlikely with CF diagnosis in absence of clinical arguments. PMID: 22294136 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Annales de Biologie Clinique)

Apolipoprotein(a) isoforms immunoblotting detection: comparative study of two methods.

Annales de Biologie Clinique — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

This study reports the comparison between two methods (chemiluminescence and enzymatic colorimetry) for revelation of apolipoprotein(a) [apo(a)] isoforms by immunoblotting in 102 Ivorian healthy subjects. Apo(a) isoform sizes were determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate-agarose-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) followed by immunoblotting using enzymatic colorimetry or chemiluminescence. Within-run precision was comprised between 4.9% and 9.2% for colorimetry and between 2.9% and 4.6% for chemiluminescence. Both methods have detected apo(a) isoforms in all patients, even when lipoprotein(a) concentrations were under detection limit (0.02 g/L). The two methods were significantly correlated (r = 0.96 to 0.98, p<0.0001). Even though the chemiluminescence method exhibite...

Sensitization to aeroallergens at Mohamed V Hospital (Rabat, Morroco).

Annales de Biologie Clinique — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Abbi R, Zinsou CM, Dami A, Ouzzif Z, Elmechtani S, Tellal S, Bouhsain S Abstract This transversal case study aimed at drawing the biological profile of sensitized patients consulting for respiratory allergies at Mohamed V Military Hospital-Rabat. One hundred four patients were included in the case study, who have benefitted from specialized medical consultation and those who came to the biochemistry laboratory holding a medical check-up prescription for allergy (NFS and biochemical check-up). The biochemical analysis were made up of TMA Phadiatop(®), correct proportioning of specific IgE serum, and complete IgE. The different anamnestic and clinical parameters acting upon the sensitization to respiratory allergens have been collected through a multiple choice question sur...

Pseudocholinesterase activity in type 1 bipolar patients.

Annales de Biologie Clinique — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

This study aims to investigate the variation of pseudocholinesterase activity (BuChE) in bipolar patients and to explore its relation to the clinical and therapeutic characteristics of this disease. Our study included 105 patients with bipolar disorder and 100 control subjects aged 38.7 ± 12.2 and 36.4 ± 15.7 y, respectively. BuChE was determined by kinetic methods on Cobas Integra 400 plus™. Compared with controls, patients had a significantly higher pseudocholinesterase activity. Moreover, this increase was significantly associated (p = 0.001) with bipolar disorder with sensibility of 58% and specificity of 62% at threshold of 7392 IU/L. There was no significant change in pseudocholinesterase activity in relation to illness episodes and treatment, whereas the lowest...

Biological assay for galactose-1 phosphate measurement application in subjects with galactosemia.

Annales de Biologie Clinique — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

This study was conducted in order to assess the repeatability, reproducibility, accuracy, and effectiveness of the techniques used. We have found the CV for a repeatability (CV = 5 %), reproducibility (CV = 4 %) which confirms the accuracy of the method proceeded in this study. This method allows us to have a degree of inaccuracy less than 1%. According to the study of the effectiveness of "spot test", we found that our technique is specific (Sp = 93 %) and sensitive (Se = 83 %). PMID: 22294140 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Annales de Biologie Clinique)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Find the best January Sales in the UK.

Triple fungal infection in a patient with liver cirrhosis.

Annales de Biologie Clinique — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

We report a case of triple fungal infection including an invasive pulmonary aspergillosis by Aspergillus fumigatus, a candidemia by Candida albicans and a Pneumocystis pneumonia. The overall clinical picture of this patient was liver cirrhosis with medical history of immunosuppressive treatment for Crohn disease and a non-hodgkin lymphoma. There was no antifungal prophylaxis for this patient. Under treatment, the issue was unfavourable with multivisceral failure. PMID: 22294141 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Annales de Biologie Clinique)

Primary granulocytic sarcoma of the peritoneum: a case report and literature review.

Annales de Biologie Clinique — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

We report the case of a 20 years old man without particular previous pathologies, which brutally presented an ascitic syndrome in a context of health impairment state. The laparoscopy showes many white nodules on all the peritoneum. The histologic examination of one of these nodules showed granulocytic sarcoma. The blood and bone marrow cell count are without any anomaly. The treatment consisted of a standard acute myeloid leukaemia's chemotherapy with very good evolution. The rarity of peritoneal chloroma causes a diagnostic problem, especially in the absence of hematologic abnormalities. It must be mentioned in the presence of peritoneal nodules even if the blood count and bone marrow are normal. PMID: 22294142 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Annales de Biologie Clinique...

Post-varicella cerebral thrombophlebitis with anti-protein S: report of a pediatric case.

Annales de Biologie Clinique — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

We report the case of a 6 year old with no history individuals who experienced cerebral thrombophlebitis, 3 weeks after varicella. MRI, performed at admission, has objectified longitudinal sinus thrombosis and a frontal parenchymal hematoma law. Meanwhile, a recent varicella seroconversion was demonstrated. The assessment of thrombophilia, meanwhile, has objectified a significant decrease in free protein S and activity, without associated DIC. Origin acquired this deficit was confirmed by the detection of antibodies (IgG and IgM) against the total protein S by ELISA. After evaluation of the benefit/risk only anticoagulation was initiated. The clinical and biological evolution was favorable, with rapid normalization of the S protein and decrease of anti-protein S. Many studies report the pr...

Association between the percentages of typical forms, acrosome abnormalities and the multiple anomalies indices: potential quality indicators?

Annales de Biologie Clinique — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Laudat A, Lecourbe K, Joyeux C, Burc-Struxiano L Abstract In addition to NF EN ISO 15189, the second version of "GBEA AMP", published in the official journal of the French Republic, had set for "AMP" exams, the actions to be implemented in order to achieve an efficient quality management system. As part of continuous improvement of quality, and besides our external and internal quality systems, we have been developping indicators that will allow an early detection of potential drifts within operators performing sperm morphology testing. We have extracted nearly 1900 sperm morphology tests from our database. These tests were performed by three operators. The analysis of the data collected has shown a cross correlation between the percentages of typical forms, malformative a...

Known and potential roles of transferrin in iron biology.

Biometals — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Bartnikas TB Abstract Transferrin is an abundant serum metal-binding protein best known for its role in iron delivery. The human disease congenital atransferrinemia and animal models of this disease highlight the essential role of transferrin in erythropoiesis and iron metabolism. Patients and mice deficient in transferrin exhibit anemia and a paradoxical iron overload attributed to deficiency in hepcidin, a peptide hormone synthesized largely by the liver that inhibits dietary iron absorption and macrophage iron efflux. Studies of inherited human disease and model organisms indicate that transferrin is an essential regulator of hepcidin expression. In this paper, we review current literature on transferrin deficiency and present our recent findings, including potential ov...

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Please support the Doctors In Chains campaign for the medics tortured and sentenced for up to 15 years in Bahrain. #FreeDoctors

Copper deficiency has minimal impact on ferroportin expression or function.

Biometals — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Prohaska JR, Broderius M Abstract Interactions between copper and iron homeostasis have been known since the nineteenth century when anemia in humans was first described due to copper limitation. However, the mechanism remains unknown. Intestinal and liver iron concentrations are usually higher following copper deficiency (CuD). This may be due to impaired function of the multicopper oxidases hephaestin or ceruloplasmin (Cp), respectively. However, iron retention could be due to altered ferroportin (Fpn), the essential iron efflux transporter in enterocytes and macrophages. Fpn mRNA is controlled partially by intracellular iron and IRE dependence. CuD should augment Fpn based on iron level. Some argue that Fpn stability is controlled partially by membrane ferroxidase (GPI-...

Sequence variation analysis of the E2 gene of human papilloma virus type 16 in cervical lesions from women in Greece

Archives of Virology — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:44:28 +0100

Abstract The E2 gene of human papilloma virus is expressed at the early stage of the viral life cycle, encoding the E2 transcription factor, and regulates the expression of E6 and E7 oncogenes. Disruption of E2 gene due to viral integration inhibits the transcriptional suppression of the HPV oncogenes, inducing cell proliferation. In the present study, a total of 22 HPV16-positive cytological specimens derived from high- and low-grade cervical intraepithelial lesions were investigated in order to identify sequence variations in the HPV16 E2 ORF. The E2 gene was amplified by PCR using external and internal overlapping sets of primers. Amplicons were cloned and sequenced. Disruption sites were detected in cervical samples diagnosed as high-grade cervical intraepithelial lesi...

A chemometric approach for the elucidation of the parameter impact in the hyphenation of Field Enhanced Sample Injection and Sweeping in Capillary Electrophoresis

Electrophoresis — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 11:33:43 +0100

The aim of this work was to elucidate the impacts of parameters influencing Cation Selective Exhaustive Injection coupled to sweeping and micellar electrokinetic chromatography (MEKC). A chemometric approach using cationic compounds, acidic conditions (phosphate buffer, pH 2.3) and polyacrylamide‐coated capillaries to suppress EOF were used. It was demonstrated the water plug was not useful because of long electrokinetic injections. If conductivity of the HCB and the HCB to sample conductivity ratio are sufficiently high (> 1.66 S/m and > 30, respectively), variations of HCB conductivity do not impact sensitivity. The length of the HCB must be long enough so that the most mobile cation remains stacked in this zone for a given injection time. SDS concentration should be the highe...

The chimpanzee GH locus: composition, organization, and evolution

Mammalian Genome — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 07:09:39 +0100

Abstract In most mammals the growth hormone (GH) locus comprises a single gene expressed primarily in the anterior pituitary gland. However, in higher primates multiple duplications of the GH gene gave rise to a complex locus containing several genes. In man this locus comprises five genes, including GH-N (expressed in pituitary) and four genes expressed in the placenta, but in other species the number and organization of these genes vary. The situation in chimpanzee has been unclear, with suggestions of up to seven GH-like genes. We have re-examined the GH locus in chimpanzee and have deduced the complete sequence. The locus includes five genes apparently organized in a fashion similar to that in human, with two of these genes encoding GH-like proteins, and three encoding ch...