Assay of amino acids in individual human lymphocytes by capillary zone electrophoresis with electrochemical detection

Amino acids in individual human lymphocytes were determined by capillary zone electrophoresis with electrochemical detection (ED) at a carbon fiber bundle electrode after on-column derivatization with naphthalene-2,3-dicarboxaldehyde (NDA) and CN⁻. In order to inject cells easily, a cell injector was designed. In this method, a single human lymphocyte and then the lysing/derivatizing buffer were electrokinetically injected into the front end of the separation capillary as a chamber to lyse the lymphocyte and derivatize amino acids in the cell. Four amino acids (serine (Ser), alanine (Ala), taurine (Tau), and glycine (Gly)) in single human lymphocytes have been identified. Quantitation has been accomplished through the use of calibration curves.     

In vitro cytotoxic activities of (+)-usnic acid and (-)-usnic acid on V79, A549, and human lymphocyte cells and their non-genotoxicity on human lymphocytes

This study investigates cytotoxic and genotoxic activities of (+)-Usnic acid and (-)-usnic acid isolated from the lichen Ramalina farinacea and the lichen Cladonia foliacea, respectively. To determine the activities of these acids, we used the MTT assay on V79 (Chinese hamster lung fibroblast like) and A549 (human lung carcinoma epithelial like) cell lines and cytokinesis-blocked micronucleus (CBMN) assay in human lymphocytes in vitro. Our results suggest that both enantiomers of usnic acid are non-genotoxic shown by the absence of micronucleus induction in human lymphocytes and have significant cytotoxic and apoptotic effects to induce cell killing in cultured human lymphocytes, V79 and A549 cell lines. Even low doses of (+)-usnic acid showed high cytotoxic activity against cancerous cells. The MTT results and cell proliferation index (CPI) values based on the CBMN test results are found in good agreement.     

Syntheses and effects of human splenin (hSP) fragment 32-48 and an analog on the reduced B-lymphocytes of uremic patients

A heptadecapeptide, H-Arg-Lys-Ala-Val-Tyr-Val-Glu-Leu-Tyr-Leu-Gln-Ser-Leu-Thr-Ala-Glu-His-OH , corresponding to amino acids 32 to 48 of human splenin (hSP) and an analog in which the amino acid residue at position 34 is changed from Ala to Glu, were synthesized. These peptides were synthesized using conventional solution synthesis and were tested for their effect on reduced B-lymphocytes of uremic patients. Incubation of peripheral lymphocytes isolated from uremic patients with these two synthetic heptadecapeptides, hSP fragment 32-48 and [Glu34]hSP fragment 32-48, had an enhancing effect on the reduced B-lymphocytes, but synthetic bovine thymopoietin II (bTP-II) fragment 32-49 had no effect under the same conditions.     

HAEMATOPORPHYRIN-TREATED MURINE LYMPHOCYTES: IN VITRO INHIBITION OF DNA SYNTHESIS AND LIGHT-MEDIATED INACTIVATION OF CELLS RESPONSIBLE FOR GVHR*

Abstract— It has been known that haemoatoporphyrin derivative (Hpd) has a preferential distribution in tissues with high mitotic index. Furthermore, cytocidal activity of light activated Hpd within the cells has been exploited in the therapy of experimental and human cancer. It is reported here that maximum, long lasting, although reversible, inhibition of DNA synthesis was obtained in Hpd-treated lymphocytes. However, Hpd-treated lymphoid cells did not stimulate allogeneic lymphocytes in the primary mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) culture. Phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) stimulated murine lymphocytes treated with Hpd and exposed to laser light have shown higher susceptibility to lysis than resting, PHA unstimulated, lymphocytes. In vitro DBA/2 stimulated C57 lymphocytes, inoculated into X-irradiated BD2F₁ mice, upon Hpd treatment followed by exposure to light, did not cause a lethal graft vs. host reaction (GVHR). Haematoporphyrin derivative was preferentially incorporated by large and metabolically active cells. inhibited the incorporation of [³H]-thymidine in the lymphocyte nucleus and could be exploited to selectively remove blast cells from resting lymphocytes.     

Selective destruction of leukaemic cells by photo-activation of 5-aminolaevulinic acid-induced protoporphyrin-IX

The effect of 5-aminolaevulinic acid-based photodynamic therapy (ALA-PDT) on the viability and proliferation of leukaemia/lymphoma cells as well as normal human lymphocytes has been investigated by flow cytometry-propidium iodide assay (FC-PI), 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation and on clonogenic activity of normal human bone marrow progenitor cells by clonogenic methods. ALA-PDT (1 mM 5-ALA, 4 h, 18 J cm-2) reduces the number and/or suppressed proliferation of leukaemic cells of promyelocytic (HL60), B-cell-derived (DAUDI) and T-cell-derived (JURKAT) cell lines by 2 logs and that of the HEL erythroleukaemia cells by 77%. The effect of ALA-PDT on quiescent human lymphocytes is small (85% viable cells after ALA-PDT). The proliferation of lymphocytes subjected to ALA-PDT and induced with phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) decreases by 75% as compared to the untreated control. For normal human bone marrow progenitors, 58% of colony-forming units-granulocytes-macrophages (CFU-GM) and 55% burst-forming units-erythrocytes (BFU-E) activities are preserved.     

Capillary gas chromatography/negative ion chemical ionization mass spectrometry for the quantification of bile acids including 1 beta-hydroxylated and unsaturated bile acids in serum and urine

12 bile acids, including 1 beta-hydroxylated and unsaturated bile acids, have been quantified by capillary gas chromatography/negative ion chemical ionization mass spectrometry, using the trimethylsilyl(TMS) ether derivatives of bile acid pentafluorobenzyl(PFB) esters. The analysis time is 12 min and the minimum measurable amount is 100 fg for each bile acid. Bile acids in 200 microL of serum and 50 microL of urine from healthy human adults were measured. These small sample sizes enhance the practicality of using this method as a screening test for bile acids in the serum and urine of human infants, where small sample size is a major problem.     

Purification and characterization of three molecular forms of insulin-like growth factor II from human Cohn paste IV

The somatomedins or insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) are a family of peptides present in human serum. They are bound to specific carrier proteins and are thought to mediate growth-promoting actions of human growth hormone. Starting from Cohn fraction IV of human plasma, we describe here a rapid and highly efficient procedure for the purification to homogeneity, in addition to IGF I. of three forms of insulin-like growth factor II: IGF IIA (10-12 kDa), IGF IIB (the "classical" 7.5 kDa IGF II) and IGF IIC, identified as the IGF II variant of Jansen by fast-atom bombardment mass spectrometry. The procedure is based on ion-exchange chromatography and gel permeation chromatography on Biogel P10. As judged by specific radioimmunoassay methods for IGF I and IGF II, one of the most striking advantages of this process at this stage is the yield of IGF I not contaminated by 7.5 kDa IGF II. Isoelectric focusing or chromatofocusing, which require affinity chromatography to separate proteins from the polybuffers, are not necessary in this procedure. Final purification was directly achieved by preparative, followed by analytical high-performance liquid chromatography. The N-terminal sequence of peptide IGF IIB (39 amino acids) and peptide IGF I (29 amino acids) showed total homology with those previously described by Rinderknecht and Humbel [FEBS Lett., 89 (1978) 283]. The final yields of purified human IGF I and IGF IIB were 15 and 25 micrograms, respectively, from 11 of serum. All peptides interact with specific receptors on human lymphocytes and red blood cells, and are biologically active (stimulation of 35S uptake, increasing [3H]thymidine incorporation in human and chick embryo fibroblasts).     

气相色谱–质谱法测定人体气味中4种脂肪酸

建立搅拌棒吸附萃取–气相色谱–质谱法测定人体气味中正十二烷酸、正十三烷酸、正十四烷酸、正十六烷酸4种脂肪酸的方法。利用PDMS涂层搅拌吸附棒直接采集人体气味,采用热脱附程序升温进样方式气相色谱法测定人体气味中4种脂肪酸。以7-十三酮为内标,建立了4种脂肪酸的内标定量分析方法,线性范围为20~180ng,相关系数r^2为0.992 0~0.997 5,4种脂肪酸的检出限为3.2~7.5 ng。在40 ng加标水平下,样品加标回收率为90%~105%,测定结果的相对标准偏差为2.7%~4.0%(n=5)。该方法已应用于人体气味化学组分分析,满足分析要求。     

A sensitive and simple ultra-high-performance-liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry based method for the quantification of D-amino acids in body fluids

D-Amino acids are increasingly being recognized as important signaling molecules in mammals, including humans. D-Serine and D-aspartate are believed to act as signaling molecules in the central nervous system. Interestingly, several other D-amino acids also occur in human plasma, but very little is currently known regarding their function and origin. Abnormal levels of D-amino acids have been implicated in the pathogenesis of different diseases, including schizophrenia and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), indicating that D-amino acid levels hold potential as diagnostic markers. Research into the biological functions of D-amino acids is hindered, however, by the lack of sufficiently sensitive, high-throughput analytical methods. In particular, the interference of large amounts of L-amino acids in biological samples and the low concentrations of D-amino acids are challenging. In this paper, we compared 7 different chiral derivatization agents for the analysis of D-amino acids and show that the chiral reagent (S)-NIFE offers outstanding performance in terms of sensitivity and enantioselectivity. An UPLC-MS/MS based method for the quantification of D-amino acids human biological fluids was then developed using (S)-NIFE. Baseline separation (R(s)>2.45) was achieved for the isomers of all 19 chiral proteinogenic amino acids. The limit of detection was <1 nM for all amino acids except d-alanine (1.98 nM), d-methionine (1.18 nM) and d-asparagine (5.15 nM). For measurements in human plasma, cerebrospinal fluid and urine, the accuracy ranged between 85% and 107%. The intra-assay and inter-assay were both <16% RSD for these three different matrices. Importantly, the method does not suffer from spontaneous racemization during sample preparation and derivatization. Using the described method, D-amino acid levels in human cerebrospinal fluid, plasma and urine were measured.     

Genotoxicity and Cytotoxicity of 4-Nonylphenol Ethoxylate on Lymphocytes as Assessed by the Comet Assay

Surfactants, which are prevalent at industrial sites and in the environment generally, are potential risk factors in human carcinogenesis. The widespread industrial use of surfactants such as 4-alkylphenol ethoxylates and their prevalence in many cleaning products have provoked studies about surfactant concentrations in water and their toxicity levels. Up to now, these substances have mainly been tested on aquatic organisms. Though tests on human cell lines are rare. The alkaline Comet assay was performed to evaluate the genotoxicity of 4-nonylphenol ethoxylate, a biodegradable product of 4-alkylphenol ethoxylate, in human lymphocytes. Concentrations tested ranged from 0.15 to 150 µg/mL. Test concentrations of 10 to 15 µg/mL caused an increase level of DNA migration in human cells, but without inducing excessive toxicity (viability > 80%). Though induced levels of DNA migration starting at concentrations of 30 µg/mL may have been due to excessive levels of cytotoxicity (viability < 70%). Based on these data, 4-nonylphenol ethoxylate can induce DNA damage in human lymphocytes but at higher concentrations than are normally found in river or drinking water. However, considering the prevalence of surfactants, the measured genotoxicity of these substances is of concern. Further investigations on human target cells are necessary to evaluate the carcinogenic impact of surfactants and reconsider their environmental acceptance.     

Group separation of non-sulphated and 3-sulphated bile acids by disposable anion-exchange cartridges

Summary A rapid and simple method has been developed for the group fractionation of the major unsulphated and mono-sulphated bile acids in human body fluids. After extraction with Bond Elut C₁₈ cartridges, the bile acids are separated into the unconjugated, glycine-, taurine- and sulphate-conjugated forms on pre-packed Bond Elut SAX columns by increasing the ionic strength of the methanol-acetate buffer eluent. The procedure was found to be accurate and reproducible and to give complete resolution between the different groups. The levels of 3-sulphate bile acids in human serum and urine from patients with liver disease were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography, after group separation and solvolysis of the sulphate fraction.     

Amino acid analysis by ion-exchange chromatography using a lithium elution gradient. Influence of methanol concentration and sample pH.

The separation of amino acids has been achieved on a short column of Chromo-Beads C2 resin, with a lithium gradient-elution system. The analysis took 8 h. The separation of asparagine and glutamine from glutamic acid was highly dependent on the sample pH and on the methanol concentration in the first buffer of the gradient. The method has been applied to analysis of human plasma and granulocytes for amino acids.     

FT-IR analysis of single human normal and leukemic lymphocytes

The infrared spectra of single human normal and leukemic lymphocytes have been obtained by means of the microscope-FT-IR system. Substantial differences between the two kinds of cells have been observed at level of the O-P-O vibrations of the DNA and of the proteic components. This determination opens up the possibility in determining the early stages of leukemia, in following the course of patients under therapy, and in evaluation of the residual neoplastic disease.     

Analysis of Amino Acids in a Single Human Red Blood Cell by Capillary Zone Electrophoresis with Intracellular NDA—derivatization and Electrochemical Detection

A novel method for determination of amino acids in individual red blood cells has been developed. In this method, the derivatization reagents (NDA and CN^-) are introduced into living cells by electroporation. After completion of derivatization,the amino acids in a single cell is determined by capillary zone electrophoresis with end-column amperometric detection.     

CELL MEMBRANE DNA: A NEW TARGET FOR PSORALEN PHOTOADDUCT FORMATION

The effects of 8-methoxypsoralen plus long wavelength ultraviolet radiation on cell membrane DNA were examined. Treatment of human lymphocytes with 100 ng/ml 8-methoxypsoralen and 5 J/cm2 UVA led to the formation of 7.1 +/- 3.8 photoadducts per million bases. A monoclonal antibody, specific for 8-methoxypsoralen 4',5'-monoadducts, was used to detect photoadducts in the cell membrane DNA of human lymphocytes and three lymphoblastoid cell lines. Treatment of lymphocytes with 8-MOP and UVA reduced the lymphocyte DNA binding capacity by 56%. Cell membranes of normal lymphocytes were shown to contain three high affinity DNA binding proteins of 28, 59, and 79 kDa, respectively.     

Improved method for the determination of the major neutral steroids and unconjugated bile acids in human faeces using capillary gas chromatography

An improved method has been developed for the determination of the major neutral steroids (cholesterol and 5 beta-cholestan-3 beta-ol) and unconjugated bile acids (deoxycholic acid and lithocholic acid) in human faeces, using capillary gas chromatography with flame ionization detection. The freeze-dried faecal sample was subjected to a two-stage Soxhlet extraction followed by an aqueous alkali-organic solvent partition step to separate neutral steroids from bile acids. The neutral steroids were analysed as their trimethylsilyl ether derivatives on an OV-1 capillary column. The bile acids were further purified on a Sep-Pak C18 cartridge and then fractionated on a Sep-Pak SIL cartridge. Unconjugated bile acids were analysed as their methyl ester-trimethylsilyl ether derivatives also on an OV-1 capillary column. Quantitation of neutral steroids and unconjugated bile acids was achieved by reference to appropriate internal standards, added to the faecal extract immediately after the Soxhlet extraction stage. The method is being used in a study of the effect of diet on the metabolic activity of human gut flora.     

Monocyclic phenolic acids; hydroxy- and polyhydroxybenzoic acids: occurrence and recent bioactivity studies

Among the wide diversity of naturally occurring phenolic acids, at least 30 hydroxy- and polyhydroxybenzoic acids have been reported in the last 10 years to have biological activities. The chemical structures, natural occurrence throughout the plant, algal, bacterial, fungal and animal kingdoms, and recently described bioactivities of these phenolic and polyphenolic acids are reviewed to illustrate their wide distribution, biological and ecological importance, and potential as new leads for the development of pharmaceutical and agricultural products to improve human health and nutrition.     

A novel derivatization reagent possessing a bromoquinolinium structure for biological carboxylic acids in HPLC‐ESI‐MS/MS

A novel bromoquinolinium reagent, i.e. 1‐(3‐aminopropyl)‐3‐bromoquinolinium bromide (APBQ), was synthesized for the analysis of carboxylic acids. A simple and practical precolumn derivatization procedure using the APBQ in RP chromatography and MS (HPLC‐MS) has been developed using bile acids and free fatty acids, as the representative carboxylic acids in biological samples. The APBQ efficiently reacted with carboxylic acids at 60°C for 60 min in the presence of N,N‐dicyclohexylcarbodiimide and pyridine as the activation reagents. Because the APBQ possesses a bromine atom in the structure, the identification of a series of carboxylic acids was easily achieved due to the characteristic bromine isotope pattern in the mass spectra. The APBQ also has a quaternary amine structure, thus the positively charged derivatives are predominate for the highly sensitive detection of carboxylic acids. The APBQ was successfully applied to the selective determination of biological carboxylic acids in human plasma. The bile acids (chenodeoxycholic acid and deoxycholic acid) and several saturated (stearic acid and palmitic acid) and unsaturated free fatty acids (oleic acid and linoleic acid) were reasonably determined by HPLC‐MS under the proposed procedure. Based on the results of analyses of human plasma and saliva, the proposed procedure using APBQ seems to be applicable for the qualitative and quantitative analyses of a series of carboxylic acids in biological samples.     

A Review of the Health Protective Effects of Phenolic Acids against a Range of Severe Pathologic Conditions (Including Coronavirus-Based Infections)

Phenolic acids comprise a class of phytochemical compounds that can be extracted from various plant sources and are well known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. A few of the most common naturally occurring phenolic acids (i.e., caffeic, carnosic, ferulic, gallic, p-coumaric, rosmarinic, vanillic) have been identified as ingredients of edible botanicals (thyme, oregano, rosemary, sage, mint, etc.). Over the last decade, clinical research has focused on a number of in vitro (in human cells) and in vivo (animal) studies aimed at exploring the health protective effects of phenolic acids against the most severe human diseases. In this review paper, the authors first report on the main structural features of phenolic acids, their most important natural sources and their extraction techniques. Subsequently, the main target of this analysis is to provide an overview of the most recent clinical studies on phenolic acids that investigate their health effects against a range of severe pathologic conditions (e.g., cancer, cardiovascular diseases, hepatotoxicity, neurotoxicity, and viral infections—including coronaviruses-based ones).     

Quantitative Method to Investigate the Balance between Metabolism and Proteome Biomass: Starting from Glycine

The balance between metabolism and biomass is very important in biological systems; however, to date there has been no quantitative method to characterize the balance. In this methodological study, we propose to use the distribution of amino acids in different domains to investigate this balance. It is well known that endogenous or exogenous amino acids in a biological system are either metabolized or incorporated into free amino acids (FAAs) or proteome amino acids (PAAs). Using glycine (Gly) as an example, we demonstrate a novel method to accurately determine the amounts of amino acids in various domains using serum, urine, and cell samples. As expected, serum and urine had very different distributions of FAA‐ and PAA‐Gly. Using Tet21N human neuroblastoma cells, we also found that Myc(oncogene)‐induced metabolic reprogramming included a higher rate of metabolizing Gly, which provides additional evidence that the metabolism of proliferating cells is adapted to facilitate producing new cells. It is therefore anticipated that our method will be very valuable for further studies of the metabolism and biomass balance that will lead to a better understanding of human cancers.