Showed ED50 Values Research Articles

Phytotoxicity and hormesis in common mobile organic compounds in leachates of wood-derived biochars

AbstractAlthough addition of pyrolyzed organic materials (biochars) to soil generally results in increased growth and physiological performance of plants, neutral and negative responses have also commonly been detected. Toxicity of organic compounds generated during pyrolysis, sorbed by biochars, and then released into the soil solution, has been implicated as a possible mechanism for such negative effects. Conversely, water-soluble biochar constituents have also been suggested to have “hormetic” effects (positive effects on plants at low concentrations); however, no specific compounds responsible have been identified. We investigated the relative phytotoxicity—and possible hormetic effects—of 14 organic compounds common in aqueous extracts of freshly produced lignocellulosic biochars, using seed germination bioassays. Of the compounds examined, volatile fatty acids (VFAs: acetic, propionic, butyric, valeric, caproic, and 2-ethylbutyric acids) and phenol, showed acute phytotoxicity, with germination-based ED50 values of 1–30 mmol L−1, and 2-ethylbutyric acid showed ED50 values of 0.1–1.0 mmol L−1. Other compounds (benzene, benzoic acid, butanone, methyl salicylate, toluene, and 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol) showed toxic effects only at high concentrations close to solubility limits. Although phytotoxic at high concentrations, valeric and caproic acid also showed detectable hormetic effects on seedlings, increasing radicle extension by 5–15% at concentrations of ~ 0.01–0.1 mmol L−1. These data support the hypothesis that VFAs are the main agents responsible for phytotoxic effects of lignocellulosic biochar leachates, but that certain VFAs also have hormetic effects at low concentrations and may contribute to positive effects of biochar leachates on early plant development in some cases. Graphical Abstract

Antidepressant-like effect and toxicological parameters of extract and withanolides isolated from aerial parts of Solanum capsicoides All. (Solanaceae).

The present work describes the evaluation of the antidepressant-like activity of the extract, fractions, and compounds obtained from the aerial parts of Solanum capsicoides. The methanolic extract (MESC) obtained by conventional maceration was partitioned with solvents of increasing polarities yielding the respective fractions of hexane (HE), dichloromethane (DCM), and ethyl acetate (EA). The dichloromethane and ethyl acetate fractions were submitted to chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques, leading to the isolation and identification of cilistadiol (1), astragalin (2), and cilistol A (3). In relation to the antidepressant activity, the extract was active against the forced swimming test (FST) at a concentration of 300mg/kg an ED50 (deffective dose that reduces 50% of immobility time) of 120.3 (117.3-123.4) mg/kg. Similar values were observed when evaluated in the tail suspension test (TST). In addition, the results showed no influence on motor behavior when evaluated in the open field test (OFT). Based on the observed profile of the MESC, dichloromethane fraction presenting the best profile, in both FST and TST test. Likewise, the fraction also did not present motor impairment when evaluated by the OFT test. Considering that the dichloromethane fraction was more effective, the isolated compounds cilistadiol and cilistol A were evaluated in the same experimental models. In FST, both compounds had a significant antidepressant-like effect, with ED50 values of 0.22 (0.16-0.28) and 1.03 (0.89-1.18) μmol/kg, respectively. When evaluated in the TST, showed ED50 values of 0.30 (0.18-0.52) and 1.49 (1.27-1.73) μmol/kg, respectively. The isolated compounds also did not present significant differences in the motor behavior when evaluated on OFT test in comparison with the control group. No toxicological parameters were observed until the highest dose of MESC (2000mg/kg), demonstrating safety in the use of this plant.

Design, synthesis, and antitumor activity of desmosdumotin C analogues

Desmosdumotin C (Des C), a natural product isolated from the roots of Desmos dumosus, has shown good antitumor activity. A three dimensional quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) study using the comparative molecular field analysis (CoMFA) method was performed on 32 Des C analogues. Based on the QSAR, 18 new Des C analogues were designed and synthesized. An efficient three-step synthetic strategy toward Des C and its analogues was developed from commercial available 2, 4, 6-trihydroxyacetophenone. All synthesized compounds were evaluated against a panel of human cancer cell lines and showed ED50 values ranging from 1.1 to 25.1 µΜ.

Effects of metronidazole analogues on Giardia lamblia: experimental infection and cell organization

The chemotherapeutic agents used for the treatment of giardiasis are often associated with adverse side effects and are refractory cases, due to the development of resistant parasites. Therefore the search for new drugs is required. We have previously reported the giardicidal effects of metronidazole (MTZ) and its analogues (MTZ-Ms, MTZ-Br, MTZ-N3, and MTZ-I) on the trophozoites of Giardia lamblia. Now we evaluated the activity of some giardicidal MTZ analogues in experimental infections in gerbils and its effects on the morphology and ultrastructural organization of Giardia. The giardicidal activity in experimental infections showed ED50 values significantly lower for MTZ-I and MTZ-Br when compared to MTZ. Transmission electron microscopy was employed to approach the mechanism(s) of action of MTZ analogues upon the protozoan. MTZ analogues were more active than MTZ in changing significantly the morphology and ultrastructure of the parasite. The analogues affected parasite cell vesicle trafficking, autophagy, and triggered differentiation into cysts. These results coupled with the excellent giardicidal activity and lower toxicity demonstrate that these nitroimidazole derivates may be important therapeutic alternatives for combating giardiasis. In addition, our results suggest a therapeutic advantage in obtaining synthetic metronidazole analogues for screening of activities against other infectious agents.

Anticonvulsant evaluation of aminoalkanol derivatives of 2- and 4-methylxanthone

A series of 17 new aminoalkanol derivatives of 6-methoxy- or 7-chloro-2-methylxanthone as well as 6-methoxy-4-methylxanthone was synthesized and evaluated for anticonvulsant activity. All compounds were verified in mice after intraperitoneal (ip) administration in maximal electroshock (MES) and subcutaneous pentetrazole (scMet) induced seizures as well as neurotoxicity assessment. Eleven of the tested substances showed protection against electrically evoked seizures in the majority of the tested mice at the dose of 100mg/kg. Additionally, one was effective at the dose of 30mg/kg. Five substances were active at the dose of 300mg/kg or at the dose of 100mg/kg in the minority of the tested mice. The most promising compound revealed ED50 value of 47.57mg/kg in MES (mice, ip, 1h after administration) and at the same time its TD50 was evaluated as above 400mg/kg. Those values gave PI (calculated as TD50/ED50) of more than 8.41. Three other synthesized xanthone derivatives also proved to act as anticonvulsants and showed ED50 values in MES test (mice, ip) ranged 80–110mg/kg. Results were quite encouraging and suggested that in the group of xanthone derivatives new potential anticonvulsants might be found.

Novel 4(3H)-quinazolinone analogs: synthesis and anticonvulsant activity

A new series of quinazoline analogs was designed, synthesized, and evaluated for their anticonvulsant activity. Compounds 6, 12, 21, 36, 37, and 38 showed 70–100 % protection against PTZ-induced seizures acting as GABAA receptor agonists. Compound N-(3,4,5,6-tetrachloro-phthalimido)-2-[(3-phenyl-4-oxo-6-methyl-3H-quinazolin-2-yl)-thio]acetamide (12) representing the moderate active compounds and 2-[6-iodo-4-oxo-2-(thiophen-2-yl)-quinazolin-3(4H)-yl]-isoindoline-1,3-dione (38) representing the remarkably active compounds in this stud, showed ED50 values of 457 and 251 mg/kg; TD50 values of 562 and 447 mg/kg; PI values of 1.22 and 1.78, LD50 values of 1,288 and 1,380 mg/kg, and TI values of 2.82 and 5.50, respectively. Compound 38 proved to be almost twofold more active than the standard drug sodium valproate.

Synthesis and anti-norovirus activity of pyranobenzopyrone compounds

During the last decade, noroviruses have gained media attention as the cause of large scale outbreaks of gastroenteritis on cruise ships, dormitories, nursing homes, etc. Although noroviruses do not multiply in food or water, they can cause large outbreaks because approximately 10–100 virions are sufficient to cause illness in a healthy adult. Recently, it was shown that the activity of acyl-coenzyme A:cholesterol acyltransferase-1 (ACAT1) enzyme may be important in norovirus infection. In search of anti-noroviral agents based on the inhibition of ACAT1, we synthesized and evaluated the inhibitory activities of a class of pyranobenzopyrone molecules containing amino, pyridine, substituted quinolines, or 7,8-benzoquinoline nucleus. Three of the sixteen evaluated compounds possess ED50 values in the low micrometer range. 2-Quinolylmethyl derivative 3A and 4-quinolylmethyl derivative 4A showed ED50 values of 3.4 and 2.4μM and TD50 values of >200 and 96.4μM, respectively. The identified active compounds are suitable for further modification for the development of anti-norovirus agents.

Resistance to metalaxyl and to metalaxyl-M in populations of Plasmopara halstedii causing downy mildew in sunflower

Metalaxyl-M is a phenylamide that is applied extensively as a seed dressing for controlling sunflower (Helianthus annuus) downy mildew [Plasmopara halstedii] in Spain. The identification of isolates of the pathogen in Spain expressing resistance to metalaxyl in recent years has raised concern about the pathogen developing resistance to metalaxyl-M. This study examined the virulence of populations of P. halstedii in Spain and their sensitivity to metalaxyl and metalxyl-M. Sixty-seven populations of P. halstedii were obtained from diseased plants in fields of Spain in 2002, 2004, and 2006 and characterized by virulence (race) and by reaction to metalaxyl-M applied as seed dressing. The levels of resistance to metalaxyl and to metalaxyl-M were compared with four populations in three in vivo experiments. Race 310 was the most frequent in the 3 years in southern Spain (68% of the populations), and races 100 and 330 were identified also. The only two populations collected outside this area had different virulences (races 703 and 710). Thirty-one percent of the populations were not controlled by metalaxyl-M when applied at the recommended dose (2.0 g a.i./kg seed), and subpopulations collected on plants from treated seed were the same race as those from the initial populations. The incidence of downy mildew depended significantly on the dose when doses of metalaxyl and metalaxyl-M from 0 to 8.0 g a.i./kg seed were applied and on the population tested. A dose-response regression analysis showed ED50 values of the populations between 2.4 and 4.4. Resistance to metalaxyl-M in almost one-third of the populations may be attributed to the extended and frequent use of the fungicide in Spain. The identification of resistance to metalaxyl-M in highly virulent populations of P. halstedii in this study should be considered in the management of both genetic and chemical strategies for the control of sunflower downy mildew.

Acute effects of 3,4-dichloroaniline on blood of male wistar rats

In this work we investigated the acute effects of 3,4-dichloroaniline (DCA) on the changes of specific biochemical and cellular blood parameters using male Wistar rats, 24 hours after the intraperitoneal administration of five different doses of DCA (0, 81, 162, 324, 486, and 568 mg/Kg of body weight). We also evaluated the dose-dependent toxicity of DCA on the ratio “organ weight: total body weight” for kidney, liver, spleen and thymus, and on the changes of morphological characteristics of the spleen. The LOEL (lowest observed effect level) value for spleen and thymus injury was 324 mg DCA/Kg. The cellular blood parameters affected by DCA include: methemoglobin concentration, the number of circulating leukocytes and the number and size of platelets. The relative sensitivity of all the analysis used to assess the acute toxicity of DCA was evaluated by comparing their ED50 values, which ranged from 224 to 837 mg DCA/Kg. We concluded that the most sensitive endpoint to measure the acute toxicity of DCA was the methemoglobin formation. Platelet counts, urea and creatinine showed ED50 values slightly higher than methemoglobin (329 – 367 mg/Kg).

Synthesis and in vitro cytotoxicity of cinnamaldehydes to human solid tumor cells.

Cinnamaldehydes and related compounds were synthesized from various cinnamic acids based on the 2'-hydroxycinnamaldehyde isolated from the bark of Cinnamomum cassia Blume. The cytotoxicity to human solid tumor cells such as A549, SK-OV-3, SK-MEL-2, XF498 and HCT15 were measured. Cinnamic acid, cinnamates and cinnamyl alcohols did not show any cytotoxicity against the human tumor cells. Cinnamaldehydes and related compounds were resistant to A549 cell line up to 15 micrograms/ml. In contrast, HCT15 and SK-MEL-2 cells were much sensitive to these cinnamaldehyde analogues which showed ED50 values 0.63-8.1 micrograms/ml. Cytotoxicity of the saturated aldehydes was much weak compared to their unsaturated aldehydes. From these studies, it was found that the key functional group of the cinnamaldehyde-related compounds in the antitumor activity is the propenal group.

Antitumor activity of arylacetylshikonin analogues

Twenty one phenylacetylshikonin analogues were synthesized from various substituted phenyl acetic acids and their cytotoxicity values against A549, K562 and L1210 cell lines and antitumor action in mice bearing S-180 cells were measured. All of phenylacetylshikonin analogues expressed a potent cytotoxicity (ED50, 0.1–1.80 μg/ml) against L1210 and K562 cells. L 1210 cells were the most sensitive to shikonin analogues among these cells. Except 4-methoxyphenylacetylshikonin (0.098μg/ml) and α-acetoxyphenylacetylshikonin (0.10μg/ml), all other shikonin derivatives showed higher ED50 values than phenylacetylshikonin (0.13μg/ml) in L 1210. In K562 cell, α-substitution of phenylacetylshikonin (0.1 μg/ml), while other substitutions increased it slightly; 4-methoxyphenylacetylshikonin (0.033 μg/ml) showed a exceptionally good cytotoxicity against K562 cell. 4-Halogenation tended to decrease the cytotoxic effect on L1210 cells, while it enhanced the effect on K562; 4-bromophenylacetyl [ED50 (L1210)=1.76 μ/ml, ED50 (K 562)=0.32 μg/ml] and 4-chlorophenylacetyl shikonin [ED50 (L 1210)=1.64 μg/ml, ED50 (K562)=0.32 μg/ml]. In contrast, A549 cells were much less sensitive to these shikonin analogues which showed ED50 values of 1.5–13.5 μg/ml. Most of phenylacetylshikonin derivatives showed good antitumor activity in mice bearing S-180 cells. α-A-cetoxyphenylacetylshikonin and 4-dimethylaminophenylacetylshikonin showed highest T/C value (192–195%), implying that introduction of α-acetyl or of 4-dimethyl amino group gave a positive effect on the antitumor activity. Introduction of 4-dimethylamino group enhanced the antitumor activity as shown for 4-dimethylaminophenylacetylshikonin (T/C, 192%). It might be due to improvement of water solubility by dimethylamino group in the molecule.

Insulin-like growth factor (IGF) binding to a murine mammary epithelial cell line.

The goal of this study was to relate insulin-like growth factor (IGF) binding with IGF-stimulated growth in a murine mammary epithelial (COMMA-D/MME) cell line. Affinity crosslinking with [125I]IGF-I showed major bands at 224,000 and 148,000 Mr that were ablated by the inclusion of IGF-I or -II at 130 nM. Scatchard-transformed [125I]IGF-I binding data was best fit by a two-site model, with 24,000 sites possessing a Kd of 0.33 nM and 1,000 sites possessing a Kd of 8.09 nM per cell. Competition analysis showed ED50 values for IGF-I, -II, and insulin to be 0.90 +/- 0.03, 7.15 +/- 4.27, and 335 +/- 104 nM, respectively. Affinity crosslinking of [125I]IGF-II showed three major bands of 230,000, 148,000, and 61,000 to 58,000 Mr. Unlabeled IGF-II ablated all bands, while IGF-I and insulin ablated only the 148,000 Mr band. Competition analysis showed ED50 values for unlabeled IGF-I and -II to be 0.10 +/- 0.01 and 5.31 +/- 2.04 nM, respectively. In spite of the receptor affinity differences, no significant difference was noted in IGF-I and -II in capacity to stimulate cell growth. These data indicate that COMMA-D/MME cells express IGF receptors and that both IGFs are mitogenic.

Thyroid hormone-dependent pituitary tumor cell growth in serum-free chemically defined culture. A new regulatory role for apotransferrin

Thyroid hormone dependent GH1 rat pituitary tumor cell growth in serum-free chemically defined medium required a serum-derived mediator (i.e., thyromedin) which was identified as transferrin [Sirbasku, D.A., Stewart, B.H., Pakala, R., Eby, J.E., Sato, H., & Roscoe, J.M. (1990) Biochemistry 30, 295-304]. The transferrin isolated was consistent with the equine R or D variants and was biologically active only as apotransferrin (apoTf). To determine if other variants of horse transferrin also were thyromedins, a purification was developed which yielded seven separate forms. Initially, only four of these had activity when assayed in standard "iron salts containing" medium (ED50 values of 290-1160 nM). To further assess activity, the iron contents of all seven were altered either by saturation with ferric ammonium citrate or by citrate/acid depletion of the metal ion. Thereafter, potencies were compared in "iron salts containing" and "iron salts reduced" media. All seven variants proved to be active as apoTf. Bioassays in which apoTf was maximized showed ED50 values of 2.1-3.8 nM. Conversely, assays in which thyromedins were converted to Tf.2Fe showed no activity. Previously, the only known physiological function of apoTf was that of a carrier/detoxifier of iron; this study indicates a new role in hormone-dependent pituitary cell growth.

Mode of action of sulfoxides in preventing loss of activity of 11β-hydroxylase in cultured bovine adrenocortical cells

Previously, loss of 11β-hydroxylase activity when adrenocortical cells are incubated with the pseudosubstrate cortisol was found to be reduced when the concentration of oxygen was lowered, or when butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) or dimethyl sulfoxide (Me 2SO) were included in the medium. In the present experiments, we tested the hypothesis that Me 2SO protects 11β-hydroxylase by scavenging OH • radicals. Substances known to react with OH • at high rates and non-toxic enough to be used at concentrations of 10–100 mM, including several alcohols, benzoate and radioprotectant thiols, did not prevent loss of activity of 11β-hydroxylase in the presence of 50 μM cortisol. Two of the alcohols, ethanol and glycerol, as well as Me 2SO, were radioprotective in cultured bovine adrenocortical cells. Therefore free OH • radicals do not appear to be involved in loss of 11β-hydroxylase activity. When sulfoxides other than dimethyl sulfoxide were tested for their ability to protect 11β-hydroxylase in the presence of cortisol, several aryl sulfoxides, particularly dibenzyl sulfoxide, as well as dipropyl sulfoxide, were active at concentrations to 1 200 of that required for Me 2SO. Previously, we have demonstrated that 11β-hydroxylase inhibitors, particularly metyrapone, effectively protect against loss of 11β-hydroxylase activity in the presence of pseudosubstrates and therefore we examined whether sulfoxides may act by directly inhibiting 11β-hydroxylase. Me 2SO showed an ED 50 for inhibition of 11β-hydroxylase activity of > 1 M, in contrast to its ED 50 for protection of 34 mM. For metyrapone, however, the ED 50 for inhibition of the enzyme (250 nM) was close to that for protection of activity (270 nM). The other sulfoxides showed ED 50-values for inhibition of 11β-hydroxylase that were substantially higher than the ED 50-values for protection. Sulfoxides may have a mixed mode of action in protection of 11β-hydroxylase activity, as previously shown for phenols; they may protect by radical scavenging, but may also need to bind close to the active site of the enzyme where destructive radicals may be formed.

Effects of Ca Antagonists on Ca Fluxes in Resistance Vessels

We have examined contractions and 45Ca fluxes induced by norepinephrine (NE) and 80 mM potassium (high K) depolarization and their inhibition by diltiazem in rabbit mesenteric resistance vessels. Contraction induced by both NE and high K depended almost completely on extracellular Ca. Dose-response curves for diltiazem inhibition of NE (10(-5) M) and high K contractions showed ED50 values of 1 X 10(-8) and 6 X 10(-7) M, respectively, indicating that the receptor-operated channel (ROC) was more sensitive than the potential-operated channel (POC) to the action of diltiazem. Diltiazem (10(-6) M) was shown to inhibit NE- and 80 mM K-stimulated 45Ca influx effectively by 87 +/- 15 and 85 +/- 10%, respectively. Comparison of these data to those obtained from aorta suggest that although the sensitivity of the POC is approximately the same in aorta and mesenteric resistance vessels, the sensitivity of the ROC is much greater in the latter. This increased sensitivity is paralleled by a greatly decreased role of intracellular Ca release in NE contraction in mesenteric resistance vessels.