Enoic Acid Research Articles

Epoxyeicosatrienoic Acids Attenuate LPS-Induced NIH/3T3 Cell Fibrosis through the A2AR and PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathways.

Inflammation plays a crucial role in progression of fibrosis. Epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EET) have multiple protective effects in different diseases, but their ability to inhibit the development of LPS-induced fibrosis remains unknown. The potential therapeutic effects of 11,12-EET were studied in in vitro model of LPS-induced fibrosis. Mouse embryonic fibroblast cells NIH/3T3 were pre-incubated with 1 μM 11,12-EET and/or a structural analogue and selective EET antagonist 14,15-epoxyeicosa-5(Z)-enoic acid before exposing to LPS. The effect of EET was evaluated by the protein and mRNA expression of NF-κB, collagens I and III, and α-smooth muscle actin by Western blotting and quantitative reverse transcription PCR, respectively. LPS provoked inflammation and fibrosis-like changes accompanied by elevated expression of NF-κB and collagens in NIH/3T3 cells. We also studied the effects of 11,12-EET on the A2AR and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways in intact and LPS-treated NIH/3T3 cells. 11,12-EET prevented inflammation and fibrosis-like changes through up-regulation of A2AR and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways. Our findings demonstrate the potential antifibrotic effects of 11,12-EET, which can be natural antagonists of tissue fibrosis.

Screening and identification of an aflatoxin B1-degrading strain from the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and biodegradation products analysis.

This research aimed to address the issue of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) contamination, which posed severe health and economic consequences. This study involved exploring unique species resources in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, screening strains capable of degrading AFB1. UPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS and NMR were employed to examine the degradation process and identify the structure of the degradation products. Results showed that Bacillus amyloliquefaciens YUAD7, isolated from yak dung in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, removed 91.7% of AFB1 from TSB-AFB1 medium with an AFB1 concentration of 10 μg/mL (72 h, 37°C, pH 6.8) and over 85% of AFB1 from real food samples at 10 μg/g (72 h, 37°C), exhibiting strong AFB1 degradation activity. Bacillus amyloliquefaciens YUAD7's extracellular secretions played a major role in AFB1 degradation mediated and could still degrade AFB1 by 43.16% after boiling for 20 min. Moreover, B. amyloliquefaciens YUAD7 demonstrated the capability to decompose AFB1 through processes such as hydrogenation, enzyme modification, and the elimination of the -CO group, resulting in the formation of smaller non-toxic molecules. Identified products include C12H14O4, C5H12N2O2, C10H14O2, C4H12N2O, with a structure consisting of dimethoxyphenyl and enoic acid, dimethyl-amino and ethyl carbamate, polyunsaturated fatty acid, and aminomethyl. The results indicated that B. amyloliquefaciens YUAD7 could be a potentially valuable strain for industrial-scale biodegradation of AFB1 and providing technical support and new perspectives for research on biodegradation products.

In Silico and Pharmacokinetic Activity of Bioactive Components from Annona muricata Leaves Against Breast Cancer

Objectives: To identify the potential inhibitors isolated from Annona muricata leaves against the epidermal growth factor of tyrosine kinase receptor, a crucial factor involved in the development of breast cancer. Methods: In this study, the ethanolic extract of Annona muricata leaves was studied by GC-MS analysis. The functional compounds derived from the GC-MS spectrum were docked with a target molecule, the Epidermal Growth Factor of Tyrosine Kinase Receptor [PDB Id: 1M17], for breast cancer using Auto dock vina. The Bioactivities of compounds against the key role enzymes like GPCR ligand, nuclear, and enzyme inhibitor in Breast Cancer was analyzed using Molinspiration. The pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic attributes of the chemical compounds were studied by the Swiss ADME tool. Findings: The outcomes from Molecular docking proved that the bioactive compounds such as 9,19-Cyclolanost-24-en-3-ol, (3.beta.), Octadec - 9 - enoic acid, Cycloeucalenol, and Phytol could act as potentially active inhibitors against the Epidermal Growth Factor of Tyrosine Kinase Receptor in Breast Cancer. Novelty: The inhibitory effect of the bioactive components from the ethanolic extract of Annona muricata leaves against the Epidermal Growth Factor of Tyrosine Kinase Receptor through the in silico approach has not been explored. This research work will be the first to attempt the in silico mode to determine the potential inhibitors of the Epidermal Growth Factor of Tyrosine Kinase Receptor and successfully identified four bioactive compounds that down-regulate the expression of EGFR and control the proliferation of breast cancer cells. Keywords: Drug Development, Breast Cancer, Inhibitor, Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics, Auto Docking, Bioactive Compounds

Analisis Kandungan Flavonoid pada Daun Kumis Kucing (Orthosiphon aristatus) di Desa Surabaya Kabupaten Lombok Timur

Flavonoids are the largest group of phenolic compounds found in nature. The cat's whisker plant (Orthosiphon aristatus) is a plant that belongs to the Lamiaceae family. This plant is one of the many medicinal plants in Indonesia, and is often used by people for traditional medicine. This research aims to determine the flavonoid content found in cat's whisker leaves in Surabaya Village, East Sakra District, East Lombok Regency. This type of research is exploratory descriptive. The sample used was 392.6 grams of cat's whisker leaves. Data collection techniques are observation and documentation. The data analysis technique uses phytochemical screening and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy (GC-MS) analysis. The research results showed that cat's whisker leaves contain flavonoids. The results of analysis using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy (GC-MS) showed that 11 compounds were identified in the methanol extract of cat's whisker leaves (Orthosiphon aristatus). These compounds include: Methoxy, Phenyl-, Oxime, Cyclohexene, 1-methyl-4-(1-methylethenyl)-, (R)- (CAS) D-1,8, 1H-Pyrrole, 2,5-dihydro- , 2,3-Dihydro-3,5-dihydroxy-6-methyl-4H-pyran-4-one, N-Acetylpyrrolidone, 1,6-Anhydro-Beta-D- Glucopyranose, Mome Inositol (12.57%), Pluchidiol (2.38%), Beta-D-Mannofuranoside,1-O- Undecenyl)-, Octadec-9--Enoic Acid, Octadecanoic Acid (CAS) Stearic Acid. The highest content of secondary metabolite compounds is Octadec-9-Enoic Acid (21.67%).

Isolation of Biomolecules from the Leaves of Lecaniodiscus cupanoides (Sapindaceae), a Plant used in Traditional Medicine in Benin

The aim of the present study was to identify the structure of the bioactive molecules in the active ethyl acetate fraction of the hydroethanolic extract of Lecaniodiscus cupanoides (Sapindaceae), a Beninese plant used in the treatment of microbial infections. We prepared the hydroethanolic extract from powdered dried leaves. We fractionated the hydroethanol extract using the liquid-liquid extraction method with solvents of increasing polarity. The active ethyl acetate fraction obtained after bioguided fractionation of the hydroethanol extract on bacterial strains was purified by a series of atmospheric pressure column chromatographic methods coupled with thin layer chromatography. At the end of this purification process, three compounds, including a flavonoid and two fatty acids, were isolated and identified by interpretation of 1H NMR, 13C NMR and mass spectrometry spectra. These were: 2-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-3,5,7-trihydroxy-2,3-dihydrochromen-4-one;(E)-3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-(3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl) acryloyloxy) propanoic acid and (E)octadec -9- enoic acid (oleic acid).
 The added value of this work lies in the fact that these three molecules have never before been identified in this plant, and therefore represent a potential avenue for the development of a therapeutic arsenal to combat microbial infections.

Joint toxicity mechanisms of perfluorooctanoic acid and sulfadiazine on submerged macrophytes and periphytic biofilms

Hazardous chemicals, such as perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) and antibiotics, coexist in aquatic environments and pose a severe threat to aquatic organisms. However, research into the toxicity of these pollutants on submerged macrophytes and their periphyton is still limited. To assess their combined toxicity, Vallisneria natans (V. natans) was exposed to perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and sulfadiazine (SD) at environmental concentrations. Photosynthetic parameters such as chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, and carotenoids were lower in the SD exposure group, indicating that SD had a significant effect on the photosynthesis of aquatic plants. Single and combined exposures effectively induced antioxidant responses, with increases in superoxide dismutase, peroxidase activities, and ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase concentrations, as well as malondialdehyde content. Accordingly, antagonistic toxicity was assessed between PFOA and SD. Furthermore, metabolomics revealed that V. natans improved stress tolerance through changes in enoic acid, palmitic acid, and palmitoleoyloxymyristic acid related to the fatty acid metabolism pathway responding to the coexisting pollutants. Additionally, PFOA and SD in combination induced more effects on the microbial community of biofilm. The alternation of α- and β-D-glucopyranose polysaccharides and the increased content of autoinducer peptides and N-acylated homoserine lactones indicated that PFOA and SD changed the structure and function of biofilm. These investigations provide a broader perspective and comprehensive analysis of the responses of aquatic plants and periphyton biofilms to PFAS and antibiotics in the environment.

Enhancement of the liver’s neuroprotective role ameliorates traumatic brain injury pathology

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a pervasive problem worldwide for which no effective treatment is currently available. Although most studies have focused on the pathology of the injured brain, we have noted that the liver plays an important role in TBI. Using two mouse models of TBI, we found that the enzymatic activity of hepatic soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) was rapidly decreased and then returned to normal levels following TBI, whereas such changes were not observed in the kidney, heart, spleen, or lung. Interestingly, genetic downregulation of hepatic Ephx2 (which encodes sEH) ameliorates TBI-induced neurological deficits and promotes neurological function recovery, whereas overexpression of hepatic sEH exacerbates TBI-associated neurological impairments. Furthermore, hepatic sEH ablation was found to promote the generation of A2 phenotype astrocytes and facilitate the production of various neuroprotective factors associated with astrocytes following TBI. We also observed an inverted V-shaped alteration in the plasma levels of four EET (epoxyeicosatrienoic acid) isoforms (5,6-, 8,9-,11,12-, and 14,15-EET) following TBI which were negatively correlated with hepatic sEH activity. However, hepatic sEH manipulation bidirectionally regulates the plasma levels of 14,15-EET, which rapidly crosses the blood-brain barrier. Additionally, we found that the application of 14,15-EET mimicked the neuroprotective effect of hepatic sEH ablation, while 14,15-epoxyeicosa-5(Z)-enoic acid blocked this effect, indicating that the increased plasma levels of 14,15-EET mediated the neuroprotective effect observed after hepatic sEH ablation. These results highlight the neuroprotective role of the liver in TBI and suggest that targeting hepatic EET signaling could represent a promising therapeutic strategy for treating TBI.

Neuroprotective methylsuccinic acid and enoic acid derivatives from the fungus Xylaria longipes

Three undescribed methylsuccinic acid derivatives, xylaril acids A–C, and two undescribed enoic acid derivatives, xylaril acids D–E, were isolated from the fungus Xylaria longipes. The structures of the undescribed compounds were deduced by spectroscopic means, including HRESIMS and 1D/2D NMR spectroscopy, as well as ECD calculations. The absolute configuration of xylaril acids A was further determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction experiments. All the isolated compounds displayed neuroprotective activities against oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion injury in PC12 cells by enhancing cell viability and inhibiting cell apoptosis.

Antifungal–antiproliferative norcycloartane-type triterpenes from the Red Sea green alga Tydemania expeditionis

Abstract The current work aims to isolate the bioactive secondary metabolites from the Red Sea green alga T. expeditionis. Its organic extract was partitioned and analyzed using chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques. Four triterpenoids of the cycloartane-carbon skeleton were identified as: 29-norcycloartane-3-en-23,28-diol (1), 29-norcycloartane-5,24-dien-3-ol-23-one (2), 29-norcycloartane-3,24-dien-3-ol-23-one (3), and 29-norcycloartane-5,24-dien-3-ol (4), along with hydroxylated C-18 fatty acid, 3-hydroxyoctadeca-15(Z)-enoic acid (5). The antiproliferative activity of the isolated metabolites was examined against three cancer cell lines, i.e., HeLa, HepG-2, and MCF-7. Compounds 2 and 3 demonstrated a strong antiproliferative effect against all cells with IC50 values ranging from 17.8 ± 1.71 to 23.3 ± 1.66 µM. Compounds 1 and 4 showed a moderate antiproliferative effect against all cell lines with IC50 values ranging from 44.7 ± 2.32 to 65.0 ± 3.66 µM. The antifungal activity of all compounds has been tested against several fungi. Compounds 2–4 revealed strong inhibition against A. flavus and Fusarium oxysporum. Compounds 1–4 showed moderate to weak inhibition activity against A. niger, A. fumigatus, C. albicans, and C. tropicalis. Compound 5 showed weak to non-detected activity against all cell lines and microbes. The results indicated that norcycloartanes exhibit antiproliferative and antifungal activities, especially those with α,β-unsaturated ketones in their side chain.

Evolving nonvasodilator treatment options for pulmonary arterial hypertension.

With the establishment of vasodilator therapy as a mainstay of treatment for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), new therapeutic approaches are needed to prevent the development of the vasculopathy associated with this disease. Many studies are currently underway to investigate nonvasodilator treatment options. Modulation of bone morphogenic protein receptor type 2 (BMPR2) signaling with sotatercept showed promising results in phase 2 studies. Rituximab, an anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody, showed some signal for beneficial effect in patients with scleroderma-associated PAH. Studies evaluating agents including tocilizumab, selonsertib, bardoxolone, 10-nitro-9(E)-enoic acid (CXA-10) and intravenous iron have not shown acceptable efficacy in treating PAH. Pharmacologic approaches for the treatment of PAH include altering of transforming growth factor β/BMPR2 signaling, proliferation via growth factors, immune response, oxidative stress, estrogen signaling, metabolism, and neurohormonal modulation. Other treatment modalities including pulmonary artery nerve denervation, stem cell therapy, and inter-atrial shunt formation are also being explored.

Evaluation of the spoilage heterogeneity of meat-borne Leuconostoc mesenteroides by metabonomics and in-situ analysis

Leuconostoc mesenteroides are generally recognized as a group of specific spoilage organisms in meat and poultry products, which cause acidification and blown pack spoilage of meat. In this study, a total of 6 representative strains selected from 55 L. mesenteroides isolated from spoiled meat were tested to evaluate the spoilage ability by metabonomics and in-situ analysis. The intra-species spoilage heterogeneity was observed. The results showed that the acidifying and gas production capacity of L. mesenteroides was distinct between in broth and on meat. The pH of inoculated MRS broth was 1.38 to 1.49 units lower than that of the sterile broth and the height of gas column in Durham tube ranged from 8 mm to 11 mm at 72 h, all significantly different from the sterile group. Metabonomic analysis revealed that the main produced organic acids were myristic acid, butyric acid, lactic acid, valeric acid and enoic acid. It also illustrated that the UHPLC-MS/MS profiles of L4 and L5 was distinct from the other strains. In terms of meat inoculated with L. mesenteroides, most pH values did not show significant difference from that of the meat without inoculation, and vacuum packaging distension was not observed. Increase of TVB-N was very limited as well. The growth rate of L2, L4 and L5, as well as the pH changes of L3 and L6, varied wildly between different growth matrix. The differences between L5 and the other strains were the most obvious. The growth rate of L5 was the highest in vitro but the lowest in situ, and its acid- and gas-producing rate was relatively lower than that of the other groups. The results exhibited that it is limited to judge the bacteria-derived meat spoilage only by in-vitro growth. What should be focused on is the spoilage strengths in situ rather than the pure standard culture. In conclusion, the present study analyses profiles related to growth, acidification and gas production of L. mesenteroides in vitro and in situ, and provides references for emphasis on future research to reduce the loss of meat in consequence of spoilage.

Use of Stress Signals of Their Attached Bacteria to Monitor Sympagic Algae Preservation in Canadian Arctic Sediments.

Based on the strong aggregation of sympagic (ice-associated) algae and the high mortality or inactivity of bacteria attached to them, it was previously hypothesized that sympagic algae should be significant contributors to the export of carbon to Arctic sediments. In the present work, the lipid content of 30 sediment samples collected in the Canadian Arctic was investigated to test this hypothesis. The detection of high proportions of trans vaccenic fatty acid (resulting from cis-trans isomerase (CTI) activity of bacteria under hypersaline conditions) and 10S-hydroxyhexadec-8(trans)-enoic acid (resulting from 10S-DOX bacterial detoxification activity in the presence of deleterious free palmitoleic acid) confirmed: (i) the strong contribution of sympagic material to some Arctic sediments, and (ii) the impaired physiological status of its associated bacterial communities. Unlike terrestrial material, sympagic algae that had escaped zooplanktonic grazing appeared relatively preserved from biotic degradation in Arctic sediments. The expected reduction in sea ice cover resulting from global warming should cause a shift in the relative contributions of ice-associated vs. pelagic algae to the seafloor, and thus to a strong modification of the carbon cycle.

EETs/sEHi alleviates nociception by blocking the crosslink between endoplasmic reticulum stress and neuroinflammation in a central poststroke pain model

BackgroundCentral post-stroke pain (CPSP) is a chronic and intolerable neuropathic pain syndrome following a cerebral vascular insult, which negatively impacts the quality of life of stroke survivors but currently lacks efficacious treatments. Though its underlying mechanism remains unclear, clinical features of hyperalgesia and allodynia indicate central sensitization due to excessive neuroinflammation. Recently, the crosslink between neuroinflammation and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress has been identified in diverse types of diseases. Nevertheless, whether this interaction contributes to pain development remains unanswered. Epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs)/soluble epoxy hydrolase inhibitors (sEHi) are emerging targets that play a significant role in pain and neuroinflammatory regulation. Moreover, recent studies have revealed that EETs are effective in attenuating ER stress. In this study, we hypothesized that ER stress around the stroke site may activate glial cells and lead to further inflammatory cascades, which constitute a positive feedback loop resulting in central sensitization and CPSP. Additionally, we tested whether EETs/sEHi could attenuate CPSP by suppressing ER stress and neuroinflammation, as well as their vicious cycle, in a rat model of CPSP.MethodsYoung male SD rats were used to induce CPSP using a model of thalamic hemorrhage and were then treated with TPPU (sEHi) alone or in combination with 14,15-EET or 14,15-epoxyeicosa-5(Z)-enoic acid (14,15-EEZE, the EET antagonist), tunicamycin (Tm, ER stress inducer), or 4-PBA (ER stress inhibitor). Nociceptive behaviors, ER stress markers, JNK and p38 (two well-recognized inflammatory kinases of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling) expression, and glial cell activation were assessed. In addition, some healthy rats were intrathalamically microinjected with Tm or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to test the interaction between ER stress and neuroinflammation in central pain.ResultsAnalysis of the perithalamic lesion tissue from the brain of CPSP rats demonstrated decreased soluble epoxy hydrolase (sEH) expression, which was accompanied by increased expression of ER stress markers, including BIP, p-IRE, p-PERK, and ATF6. In addition, inflammatory kinases (p-p38 and p-JNK) were upregulated and glial cells were activated. Intrathalamic injection of sEHi (TPPU) increased the paw withdrawal mechanical threshold (PWMT), reduced hallmarks of ER stress and MAPK signaling, and restrained the activation of microglia and astrocytes around the lesion site. However, the analgesic effect of TPPU was completely abolished by 14,15-EEZE. Moreover, microinjection of Tm into the thalamic ventral posterior lateral (VPL) nucleus of healthy rats induced mechanical allodynia and activated MAPK-mediated neuroinflammatory signaling; lipopolysaccharide (LPS) administration led to activation of ER stress along the injected site in healthy rats.ConclusionsThe present study provides evidence that the interaction between ER stress and neuroinflammation is involved in the mechanism of CPSP. Combined with the previously reported EET/sEHi effects on antinociception and neuroprotection, therapy with agents that target EET signaling may serve as a multi-functional approach in central neuropathic pain by attenuating ER stress, excessive neuroinflammation, and subsequent central sensitization. The use of these agents within a proper time window could not only curtail further nerve injury but also produce an analgesic effect.

Insecticidal efficacy and chemical composition of Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Delile seed oils against Tribolium castaneum Herbst (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)

Botanical pesticides are a new trend for pest management because they are an environmentally safe alternative for synthetic chemicals. The aim of this study was to investigate the insecticidal activity of desert date (Balanites aegyptiaca %#91;L.%#93; Delile) seed oils against the red flour beetle (Tribolium castaneum Herbst) and determine the oil chemical compounds by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Oils were extracted by chloroform, hexane, and ethanol, and they were tested on the pest by the film residue method at doses of 1.131, 0.566, 0.283, and 0.142 mg cm-2 after 12, 24, 36, and 48 h. Results showed that chloroform achieved a 100% mortality rate at 1.131 and 0.566 mg cm-2 after 12 and 36 h exposure, respectively. Meanwhile, the hexane extract caused a similar effect after 24 and 48 h at the same doses, respectively. The chloroform extract scored the lowest median lethal dose (LD50, 0.134 mg cm-2) against the pest after 48 h of exposure. This finding indicated that chloroform extract was the most toxic for T. castaneum compared with the other extracts. The results of the oil analysis revealed that (9Z,12Z)-octadeca-9,12-dienoic acid, hexadecanoic acid, (Z)-octadec-9-enoic acid, and (E)-octadec-6- enoic acid were the main components, but the concentration differed from one extract to another. These results suggest that chloroform and hexane extracts have potent insecticidal activity and could be used in grain storage to control pests.

ANALYSIS OF BIO-ACTIVE COMPOUNDS PRESENT IN THE LEAVES AND STEM OF TRICHOSANTHES ROXB. USING GC-MS TECHNIQUE WITH RESPECT TO ITS ANTI-INFLAMMATORY ACTION

Objective: Structural elucidation studies on Trichosanthes lobata ethyl acetate and methanol extracts of leaf and stem parts through Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) technique with respect to anti-inflammatory potential.
 Methods: Extracts obtained with shade dried and powdered samples in successive solvent extraction using ethyl acetate and methanol by Soxhlet apparatus and subjected to GC-MS analysis and interpreted for its anti-inflammatory compounds.
 Results: The study revealed that the extraction solvent used was able to recover compound of classes such as organic acid esters and conjugated alkaloids in larger quantities than other classes of compounds and they varied with leaf and stem and also with the polarity of solvents used. In total compounds identified, GC-MS profile of the Ethyl Acetate leaf extract of T. lobata contained 41 compounds, stem extract contained 45 compounds which have reported bioassays in PubChem. Whereas GC-MS profile of methanol leaf extract of T. lobata contained 66 compounds and stem extract contained 46 compounds having bioassay reports in PubChem. A large number of phytochemical peaks with good area percentage were found in methanolic extract. We were also able to find out potent anti-inflammatory compounds including Octanoic acid, Dodecanoic acid, Octadecane, Enoic acid, Hexanoic acid, Quinazolin-8-one, Ilicic acid, Pentadecanoic acid, Oxaspiro, Benzeneacetic acid, etc. from the extracts.
 Conclusion: T. lobata contains phytocompounds against inflammation which may serve as a new drug lead of natural products origin in future and make it employable in modern pharmacological practices.

Seasonal monitoring of lipid degradation processes in the western English Channel links bacterial 10S-DOX enzyme activity to free fatty acid production by phytoplankton

In a few recent studies, the action of a bacterial dioxygenase (10S-DOX) on palmitoleic acid was observed within some polar and estuarine settings. To add further mechanistic information regarding the action of this enzyme in marine settings, we measured a range of lipids (sterols, fatty acids and the chlorophyll phytyl side chain) and their biotic and abiotic degradation products in water samples collected in 2018 from two depths (5 m and 25 m) at the temperate oceanographic time series site L4, located in the western English Channel. Lipid distributions indicated a dominance of diatoms and copepods during the spring bloom, while a peak in dinoflagellate activity was evident in samples collected from late summer/autumn, both outcomes being consistent with taxonomic data reported previously for the same sampling site and interval. Monitoring of lipid oxidation products characteristic of different degradation pathways showed a relatively weak effect of photo- and autoxidation processes, with these acting mainly on the more reactive lipids (i.e. chlorophyll and polyunsaturated fatty acids). In contrast, monitoring of biotic degradation processes revealed significant quantities of 10S-hydroxyhexadec-8(E)-enoic acid in samples collected at the end of April (reaching 40% of the residual parent palmitoleic acid), attributed to the involvement of bacterial 10-dioxygenase (10S-DOX) activity during the spring bloom. We propose that this enzyme could be utilised by bacteria to detoxify free fatty acids released by wounded diatoms in the presence of copepods

Role of Epoxyeicosatrienoic Acids in Acetylcholine-Induced Dilation of Rat Retinal Arterioles in Vivo.

CYP epoxygenase-derived epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) contribute to endothelium-dependent hyperpolarization (EDH)-related dilation in multiple vascular beds. The present study aimed to determine the role of EETs in the acetylcholine (ACh)-induced dilation of retinal arterioles in rats in vivo. The vasodilator responses were assessed by determining the change in diameter of the retinal arterioles on images of the ocular fundus. The intravitreal injection of 17-octadecynoic acid (1.4 nmol/eye), an inhibitor of CYP epoxygenase, and 14,15-epoxyeicosa-5(Z)-enoic acid (14,15-EE-5(Z)-E; 2 nmol/eye), an antagonist of EETs, reduced the ACh (0.3-10 µg/kg/min)-induced dilation of the retinal arterioles. The EET antagonist attenuated the vasodilator response to ACh under blockade of nitric oxide (NO) synthases and cyclooxygenases with NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (30 mg/kg) plus indomethacin (5 mg/kg). Intravitreal injection of 14,15-EET (0.5 nmol/eye) dilated retinal arterioles and the response was prevented by iberiotoxin, an inhibitor of large-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ (BKCa) channels (20 pmol/eye). These results suggest that ACh stimulates the production of EETs, thereby dilating the retinal arterioles via activation of BKCa channels. CYP epoxygenase-derived EETs may be involved in the EDH-related component of the ACh-induced dilation of the retinal arterioles.

Carbazole-conjugated-coumarin by enone realizing ratiometric and colorimetric detection of hypochlorite ions and its application in plants and animals

Detection of hypochlorite ions (ClO-) in the organisms is of great significance for finding effective treatments for inflammations and diseases. Recently, fluorescent probes have aroused wide public concern as one of the effective tools for detecting molecules and ions. Nevertheless, due to low sensitivity and poor biocompatibility, the effect of fluorescent probes for biological imaging is still not ideal. For this, we developed a novel ratiometric fluorescent probe, 7-(diethylamino)-3-((E)-3-(9-ethyl-9H-carbazol-3-yl)acryloyl)-2H-chromen-2-one (DCC), which could be used for colorimetric detection of ClO-. Study showed that, the detection mechanism of DCC is that probe can be rapidly oxidized to an enoic acid by ClO-, resulting in a series of changes in spectral properties. This mechanism was confirmed experimentally and verified by theoretical calculations. It is worth mentioning that DCC has not only been successfully applied to the detection of exogenous and endogenous OCl- in living cells, but also used for the detection of ClO- in zebrafish, and Arabidopsis.

The Metabolism of Epoxyeicosatrienoic Acids by Soluble Epoxide Hydrolase Is Protective against the Development of Vascular Calcification.

This study addressed the hypothesis that soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH), which metabolizes endothelium-derived epoxyeicosatrienoic acids, plays a role in vascular calcification. The sEH inhibitor trans-4-(4-(3-adamantan-1-yl-ureido)-cyclohexyloxy)-benzoic acid (t-AUCB) potentiated the increase in calcium deposition of rat aortic rings cultured in high-phosphate conditions. This was associated with increased tissue-nonspecific alkaline phosphatase activity and mRNA expression level of the osteochondrogenic marker Runx2. The procalcifying effect of t-AUCB was prevented by mechanical aortic deendothelialization or inhibition of the production and action of epoxyeicosatrienoic acids using the cytochrome P450 inhibitor fluconazole and the antagonist 14,15-epoxyeicosa-5(Z)-enoic acid (14,15-EEZE), respectively. Similarly, exogenous epoxyeicosatrienoic acids potentiated the calcification of rat aortic rings through a protein kinase A (PKA)-dependent mechanism and of human aortic vascular smooth muscle cells when sEH was inhibited by t-AUCB. Finally, a global gene expression profiling analysis revealed that the mRNA expression level of sEH was decreased in human carotid calcified plaques compared to adjacent lesion-free sites and was inversely correlated with Runx2 expression. These results show that sEH hydrolase plays a protective role against vascular calcification by reducing the bioavailability of epoxyeicosatrienoic acids.

Chemical constituents from salt lake-derived Streptomyces sp. QHA10

Two new alkaloids (1,2) and one new enoic acid (3), together with three known piericidins (4-6), were isolated from the liquid fermentation of the salt lake derived Streptomyces sp. QHA10. The structures of 1-3 were elucidated based on extensive spectroscopic data (NMR, HRESIMS) as well as single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Compound 3 showed potential anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting the production of nitric oxide (NO) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 mouse macrophages with the IC50 value of 24.5 μM.