Facile method for the preparation of lyso-GM1 and lyso-GM2

This paper reports a facile method for the preparation of lyso-GM1 [Gal beta1-->3GalNAc beta1--> 4(Neu5Ac alpha2-->3)Galbeta1-->4Glc beta1-->1'-sphingosine] and lyso-GM2 [GalNAc beta1-->4(Neu5Ac alpha2-->3)Gal beta1-->4Glc beta1-->sphingosine], respectively, from GM1 [Galbeta1-->3GalNAc beta1-->4(Neu5Ac alpha2-->3)Galbeta1-->4Glc beta1-->1'-Cer] and GM2[GalNAc beta1-->4(Neu5Ac alpha2-->3)Galbeta1-->4Glc beta1-->1'-Cer], using sphingolipid ceramide deacylase and high performance anion-exchange chromatography (HPAEC). The enzymatically released lyso-GM1 and/or lyso-GM2 was effectively separated from its parent ganglioside by HPAEC using a Mono Q HR 5/5 column with an Amersham Biosciences fast protein liquid chromatography system. The yield was almost quantitative and the separation completed in approximately 3 h. This method is more convenient and effective than the conventional method using alkaline hydrolysis and silicic acid chromatography to generate and purify lyso-gangliosides.     

Characterization of a specific arabinosyltransferase activity involved in mycobacterial arabinan biosynthesis

Mycobacterium smegmatis strains that contain inactivated EmbA or EmbB proteins are unable to synthesize terminal Arabeta1-->2Araalpha1-->5(Arabeta1-->2Araalpha1-->3)Araalpha1-->5Araalpha1-->(Ara(6)) motif in the cell wall polysaccharide arabinogalactan. Instead, the mutants contain a linear Arabeta1-->2Araalpha1-->5Araalpha1-->5Araalpha1-->(Ara(4)) motif, suggesting that these proteins are involved in the synthesis or transfer of the disaccharide Arabeta1-->2Araalpha1--> to an internal 5-linked Ara. Therefore, we synthesized a linear Arabeta1-->2Araalpha1-->5Araalpha1-->5Araalpha1-->5Araalpha1--> with an octyl aglycon as an arabinosyl acceptor in cell-free assays. A facile assay was developed using the chemically synthesized glycan, membrane, and particulate cell wall as the enzyme source, and 5-phosphoribose diphosphate pR[(14)C]pp as the arabinose donor. The results unequivocally show that two arabinofuranosyl residues were added at the tertiary -->5Araalpha1--> of the synthetic glycan. This activity was undetectable in strains of M. smegmatis where embB or embA had been genetically disrupted. Normal activity could be restored only in the presence of both EmbA and EmbB proteins.     

Highly efficient total synthesis of the marine natural products (+)-avarone, (+)-avarol, (-)-neoavarone, (-)-neoavarol and (+)-aureol

Biologically important and structurally unique marine natural products avarone (1), avarol (2), neoavarone (3), neoavarol (4) and aureol (5), were efficiently synthesized in a unified manner starting from (+)-5-methyl-Wieland-Miescher ketone 10. The synthesis involved the following crucial steps: i) Sequential BF(3)Et(2)O-induced rearrangement/cyclization reaction of 2 and 4 to produce 5 with complete stereoselectivity in high yield (2 --> 5 and 4 --> 5); ii) strategic salcomine oxidation of the phenolic compounds 6 and 8 to derive the corresponding quinones 1 and 3 (6 --> 1 and 8 --> 3); and iii) Birch reductive alkylation of 10 with bromide 11 to construct the requisite carbon framework 12 (10 + 11 --> 12). An in vitro cytotoxicity assay of compounds 1-5 against human histiocytic lymphoma cells U937 determined the order of cytotoxic potency (3 > 1 > 5 > 2 > 4) and some novel aspects of structure-activity relationships.     

Synthesis of fragments of the glycocalyx glycan of the parasite Schistosoma mansoni

The chemical synthesis of alpha-L-Fucp-(1 --> 3)-beta-D-GalpNAc-(1 --> 4)-beta-D-GlcpNAc-(1 --> 3)-alpha-D-GalpO(CH2)5NH2, beta-D-GalpNAc-(1 --> 4)-[alpha-L-Fucp-(1 --> 3)-]beta-D-GlcpNAc-(1 --> 3)-alpha-D-GalpO(CH2)5NH2, and alpha-L-Fucp-(1 --> 3)-beta-D-GalpNAc-(1 --> 4)-[alpha-L-Fucp-(1 --> 3)-]beta-D-GlcpNAc-(1 --> 3)-alpha-D-GalpO(CH2)5NH2 is described. These structures represent fucosylated oligosaccharide fragments of the glycocalyx glycan of the cercarial stage of the parasite Schistosoma mansoni, and in protein-conjugated form they are potential diagnostics in the search for antibodies raised against the glycan in the serum of infected humans.     

Pregnane glycosides and steroid saponins from Smilax bockii Warb. and their NGF-potentiating activity

The chemical constituents of the roots of Smilax bockii Warb. were investigated and two pregnane glycosides and three steroid saponins were isolated. Their structures were established as 3beta-hydroxypregna-5,16-dien-20-one-3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1 --> 4)-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1 --> 4)-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1 --> 2)]-beta-D-glucopyranoside (1), 3beta-hydroxypregna-5,16-dien-20-one-3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1 --> 2)-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1 --> 4)]-beta-D-glucopyranoside (2), dioscin (3), methyl protodioscin (4), 26-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-22alpha-methoxyl-(25R)-furost-5-en-3beta, 26-diol 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1 --> 4)-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1 --> 4)-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1 --> 2)]-beta-D-glucopyranoside (5) on the basis of spectral analysis and chemical methods. Compound 1 is a new natural product and compounds 2, 5 were first isolated from the genus Smilax. Compound 5 showed enhancing activity of nerve growth factor (NGF)-induced neurite outgrowth in PC 12D cells.     

Complete (1)H and (13)C assignments of the four major saponins from Dioscorea villosa (wild yam)

Complete (1)H and (13)C spectral assignments for the four major steroidal saponins isolated by methanolic extraction of the roots of Dioscorea villosa, collected in North Carolina, United States (in summer and autumn), are presented in this paper. The structures were determined by a combination of (1)H, (13)C and 2D NMR techniques and were found to be ((3beta,25R)-26-(beta-D-glucopyranosyloxy)-22-methoxyfurost-5-en-3-yl-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 --> 3)-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 --> 4)-O-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 --> 2)]-beta-D-glucopyranoside (1) (or methyl parvifloside), ((3beta,25R)-26-(beta-D-glucopyranosyloxy)-22 methoxyfurost-5-en-3-yl-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 --> 2)-O-[beta-D-gluco- pyranosyl-(1 --> 4)]-beta-D-glucopyranoside (2) (or methyl protodeltonin), (3beta,25R)-spirost-5-en-3-yl-O-beta-D-glucopy ranosyl-(1 --> 3)-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 --> 4)-O-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 --> 2)]-beta-D-glucopyranoside (3) (or Zingiberensis saponin I) and (3beta,25R)-spirost-5-en-3-yl-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 --> 2)-O-[beta-Ds-glucopyranosyl -(1 --> 4)]-beta-D-glucopyranoside (4) (or deltonin).     

Transsialidase from Trypanosoma cruzi for regio- and stereoselective synthesis of N-acyl-modified sialylated oligosaccharides and measurement of transfer rates

Recombinant transsialidase from Trypanosoma cruzi (TcTS) was used for the sialylation with natural and non-natural derivatives of neuraminic acid. Neu5Ac-alpha(2-->3)-Gal-beta(1-->6)-Glc-alphaOMe was prepared in 80 % yield. Correspondingly, the modified trisaccharide derivatives Neu5Prop-alpha(2-->3)-Gal-beta(1-->6)-Glc-alphaOMe (32 %) and Neu5Gc-alpha(2-->3)-Gal-beta(1-->6)-Glc-alphaOMe (Prop=propanoyl, Gc=glycolyl) were obtained in 60 % yield, respectively.     

Hydroxymethyl rotamer populations in disaccharides

Sixteen methyl glucopyranosyl glucopyranoside disaccharides (methyl beta-d-Glcp(p-Br-Bz)-(1-->x)-beta/alpha-d-Glcp) containing beta-glycosidic linkages (1-->2, 1-->3, 1-->4, and 1-->6) were synthesized and analyzed by means of CD and NMR spectroscopy in three different solvents. For each of these four types of disaccharides, a correlation was observed between the hydroxymethyl rotational populations around the C5-C6 bond of the glucopyranosyl residue II with the substituents and the anomeric configuration of the methoxyl group in residue I, as well as with the solvent. Nonbonded interactions, the stereoelectronic exo-anomeric effect, and hydrogen bonding were found to be responsible for the observed rotameric differences. Whereas the rotational populations of the (1-->6)-linked disaccharides are mainly dependent on the exo-anomeric effect, the (1-->2)-bonded disaccharides are strongly dependent on the anomeric configuration at C1, and the (1-->3)- and (1-->4)-linked disaccharides are mainly dependent on the substituents and the solvent. The population of the gt rotamer decreases as nonbonded interactions increase but increases as the exo-anomeric effect becomes greater, as well as in the presence of intramolecular hydrogen bonding to the endocyclic oxygen O5'. Comparison of the hydroxymethyl rotational preferences between our model disaccharides revealed a dependence on the glycosidic linkage type. Thus the population of the gg and gt rotamers decreases/increases from (1-->2)- (beta series), to (1-->6)-, to (1-->2)- (alpha series), to (1-->4)-, and to (1-->3)-bonded disaccharides respectively, while the tg rotamer population remains almost constant (around 20%), except for the (1-->3)- and (1-->4)-linked disaccharides with the intramolecular hydrogen bonding to O5', where this population decreases to 10%.     

Steroidal oligoglycosides from Solanum nigrum

Two new steroidal saponins, named nigrumnins I and II, together with two known saponins were obtained from the whole plant of Solanum nigrum L. On the basis of spectroscopic analysis (1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, 1H-1H COSY, TOCSY, HMQC, HMBC and FAB-MS), nigrumnin I was established as (25R)-5alpha-spirostan-3beta-ol 3-O-betaD-xylopyranosyl-(1-->3)-[alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1 -->2)]-beta-D- glucopyranosyl-(1-->4)-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1-->2)]-beta-D- galactopyranoside (1), and nigrumnin II was elucidated as (25R)-3beta,17alpha-dihydroxy-5alpha-spirostan-1 2-one 3-O-beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->3)-[alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1--> 2)]-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->4)-[alpha-L-rhamnopyra- nosyl-(1-->2)l-beta-D-galactopyranoside (2).     

Kinetics of copper UPD on stepped platinum single crystals in the presence of acetonitrile

The kinetics of copper underpotential deposition on stepped Pt(h k l) electrodes with controlled width of (1 1 1) terraces in acidic solutions of copper sulfate with 0–200 mM of acetonitrile (AcN) has been studied by means of cyclic voltammetry. In the presence of AcN Cu UPD process is hindered both at (1 0 0) steps and (1 1 1) terraces of Pt(17 15 15) and Pt(7 5 5) faces due to blocking of the electrode surface with organic molecules, strongly adsorbed at the steps and nearby ones. The decoration of (1 1 0) steps with copper adatoms is slightly accelerated for Pt(7 7 5) electrode in the solution with 0.04 mM AcN. Increase in AcN concentration leads to inhibition of the UPD process. The difference in behavior of the stepped platinum electrodes is controlled by competitive adsorption of AcN, (bi)sulfate and Cu atoms at the step sites. AcN adsorption at (1 0 0) steps is stronger as compared with (1 1 0) ones.     

Metal complexes used as anti-inflammatory agents: Synthesis,characterization and anti-inflammatory action of VO(II)-complexes

The anti-inflammatory activity of the vanadium complexes has been studied using the carrageenan induced hind paw oedema method in albino rats (Wister strain). The coordination complexes of VO (II) with the Schiff base derived from 4-aminoacetophenone, 1-acetonaphthone and 4-methoxybenzaldehyde with 2-imino 4-thiobiuret; 3-acetoxypyridine with 2-amino 4-benzathiazol and 4-chloro aniline with salicylaldehyde have been synthesized and characterized by micro analytical data, FT-IR, electronic spectra and FAB-mass spectral studies. The Schiff base ligands behave as bidentated. The stoichiometry of the complexes is in 1:2 and 1:1 (M:L) ratio. The oxovanadium complexes in general show maximum inhibition percentage at about 1 h. After 1 h it goes on reducing and reaches a minimum at about 5 h. Complex-3 (91.17%) and Complex-5 (85.30%) are most potent in in vivo experiment and exhibited promising anti-inflammatory activity in 0.5 h.     

Steroidal glycosides and aromatic compounds from Smilax riparia

Two new steroidal glycosides named riparosides A (1) and B (2), and two aromatic compounds (3, 4), together with four known flavonoid derivatives have been isolated from the EtOH extract of the rhizomes and roots of Smilax riparia A. DC. The structure of riparoside A (1) was determined to be 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->6)]-beta-D-glucopyranosyl 3beta,20alpha-dihydroxy-5alpha-furost-22(23)-ene 26-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside. Riparoside B (2) was characterized as 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->6)]-beta-D-glucopyranosyl 3beta,16beta-dihydroxy-5alpha-pregnan-20-one 16-O-[5-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl 5-hydroxy-4-methyl-pentanoic acid]-ester 26-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside. Compounds 3 and 4 were elucidated as a sucrosyl ferulic acid ester and 7-O-methyl-10-oxythymol gentiobioside, respectively.     

Fourier transform infrared emission spectra of MgH and MgD

High resolution Fourier transform infrared emission spectra of MgH and MgD have been recorded. The molecules were generated in an emission source that combines an electrical discharge with a high temperature furnace. Several vibration-rotation bands were observed for all six isotopomers in the X (2)Sigma(+) ground electronic state: v=1-->0 to 4-->3 for (24)MgH, v=1-->0 to 3-->2 for (25)MgH and (26)MgH, v=1-->0 to 5-->4 for (24)MgD, v=1-->0 to 4-->3 for (25)MgD and (26)MgD. The new data were combined with the previous ground state data, obtained from diode laser vibration-rotation measurements and pure rotation spectra, and spectroscopic constants were determined for the v=0 to 4 levels of (24)MgH and the v=0 to 5 levels of (24)MgD. In addition, Dunham constants and Born-Oppenheimer breakdown correction parameters were obtained in a combined fit of the six isotopomers. The equilibrium vibrational constants (omega(e)) for (24)MgH and (24)MgD were found to be 1492.776(7) cm(-1) and 1077.298(5) cm(-1), respectively, while the equilibrium rotational constants (B(e)) are 5.825 523(8) cm(-1) and 3.034 344(4) cm(-1). The associated equilibrium bond distances (r(e)) were determined to be 1.729 721(1) A for (24)MgH and 1.729 157(1) A for (24)MgD.     

Steroidal oligoglycosides from the seeds of Allium tuberosum

Three new spirostanol steroidal oligoglycosides, together with a known oligoglycoside, were obtained from the seeds of Allium tuberosum after enzymatic hydrolysis of furostanol saponin fraction by beta-glucosidase. On the basis of spectroscopic analysis, the structure of new spirostanol oligoglycosides were elucidated as (25S)-spirost-5-ene-2alpha,3beta-diol 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->4)-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)]-be ta-D-glucopyranoside, (25S)-spirostane-3beta,5beta,6alpha-triol 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-D-glucopyranoside, and (25S)-5beta-spirostane-3beta,6alpha-diol 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-D-glucopyranoside.     

Intramolecular 1,8-hydrogen-atom transfer reactions in (1-->4)-O-disaccharide systems: conformational and stereochemical requirements

The stereochemical and conformational factors controlling the intramolecular hydrogen-atom transfer (HAT) reaction between the two pyranose units in a (1-->4)-O-disaccharide when promoted by a primary 6-O-yl radical are studied. Models with alpha-D-Glcp-(1-->4)-beta-D-Glcp, alpha-L-Rhamp-(1-->4)-alpha-D-Galp or alpha-D-Manp-(1-->4)-beta-L-Gulp skeletons led exclusively to the abstraction of the hydrogen from H--C-5' and the formation, through a nine-membered transition state, of a 1,3,5-trioxocane ring system in a stable boat-chair conformation. Notwithstanding, derivatives of alpha-L-Rhamp-(1-->4)-alpha-D-Glcp or alpha-D-Manp-(1-->4)-alpha-D-Galp exclusively abstract the hydrogen from H--C-1' through a seven-membered transition state and, therefore, lead to an interglycosidic spiro ortho ester.     

Triterpene glycosides from the bark of Robinia pseudo-acacia L. I.

From the bark of Robinia pseudo-acacia L., five new triterpene glycosides, robiniosides A-D (3, 5-7) and compound III (4), were isolated and their structures were elucidated as 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->2)-beta-D- glucuronopyranosyl 3 beta,22 beta-dihydroxyolean-12-en-29-oic acid (3), 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1-->2)-beta-D-galactopyranosyl(1-->2)-beta-D -glucuronopyranosyl 3 beta,22 beta,24-trihydroxyolean-12-en-29-oic acid (4), whose sapogenol was unambiguously characterized and designated as oxytrogenin, 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->2)-beta-D glucuronopyranosyl oxytrogen (5), 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1-->2)-beta-D galactopyranosyl(1-->2)-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl oxytrogenin 22-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranoside (6), 3-O-alpha-L- rhamnopyranosyl(1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->2)-beta-D-glucuronop yranosyl oxytrogenin 22-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranoside (7), respectively, together with two known triterpene glycosides, kaikasaponin III (1) and 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1-->2)-beta-D-galactopyranosyl(1-->2)-beta-D - glucuronopyranosyl 3 beta,22 beta-dihydroxyolean-12-en-29-oic acid (2).     

Synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of aminoacetylenic isoindoline-1,3-dione derivatives as anti-inflammatory agents

Aminoacetylenic isoindoline-1,3-dione derivatives were synthesized from the reaction of potassium phthalimide with propargyl bromide to generate 2-(prop-2-yn-1-yl)isoindoline-1,3-dione (ZM1). Treatment of 2-(prop-2-yn-1-yl)isoindoline-1,3-dione with appropriate cyclic amines through Mannich reaction yielded five desired aminoacetylenic isoindoline-1,3-diones called, ZM2–ZM6. The IR, NMR and elemental analysis were consistent with the assigned structures. These synthetic compounds, except ZM6, produced significant (p < 0.05–0.01) dose-related inhibition of carrageenan-induced edema in rats following 3 and 5 h post-oral administration of 5, 10, and 20 mg/kg doses. The percent inhibition of edema varied between the compounds at 10 mg/kg dose being ZM3 > ZM5 > ZM4 > ZM2. These percent inhibitions for ZM3 and ZM5 were not significantly different than those of induced by Ibuprofen, Diclofenac and Celecoxib. At 20 mg/kg dose, ZM4 produced a statistically significant reduction of inflammation (p < 0.01) 1 h following administration and persisted for 5 h. Furthermore, all the compounds showed inhibition of COX-1 and COX-2 with maximum inhibition at 5 μM. However, the inhibition values were less than Diclofenac and Celecoxib. The best response was by ZM4 for COX-2 inhibition ranging from 28%, 91%, and 44%, for 2, 5, and 10 μM, respectively. Other ZM compounds such as ZM2, ZM3, and ZM5 exhibited inhibitory responses for COX-2 more than COX-1 at 5 μM. These results indicate that these ZM compounds have the potential to become anti-inflammatory drugs following further pharmacological and toxicological evaluations.     

Catalytic conversion of CO2–CH4 mixture into synthetic gas—Effect of electron-beam radiation

The radiolysis of methane (0.7 MeV electron beam) was studied as a function of its concentration at two doses: 5 and 20 kGy. In both cases the G (–CH₄) value raised with the increase of the substrate concentration. Thereby the yields observed at 20 kGy are much lower, because of recombination processes. Results are also reported on the conversion of the gas mixture CH₄:CO₂:He=1:1:1 into synthetic gas (H₂/CO) at 500 °C, using two catalysts : (N5) and (N20), containing 5 wt% Ni and 20 wt% Ni, respectively, supported on γ-Al₂O₃. In an experimental series the catalysts (N5) and (N20) were treated by irradiation (4 MGy dose) before use. The highest conversion yields (above 35%) were observed by implementation of N5 and N20 catalyst at 500 °C under the influence of electron beam radiation.     

Three new steroidal saponins from the rhizome of Paris polyphylla

A mixture of a pair of stereoisomeric new spirostanol saponins (1a and 1b) and a new cholestane saponin (2) were isolated from the rhizome of Paris pollyphylla Smith var. yunnanensis. Their structures were elucidated as (25R)-spirost-5-en-3beta, 7beta-diol-3-O-alpha-L-arabinofuranosyl-(1 --> 4)-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 --> 2)]-beta-D-glucopyranoside (1a), (25R)-spirost-5-en-3beta, 7alpha-diol-3-O-alpha-L-arabinofuranosyl-(1 --> 4)-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 --> 2)]-beta-D-glucopyranoside (1b) and 26-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(25R)-Delta(5(6), 17(20))-dien-16, 22-dione-cholestan-3beta, 26-diol-3-O-alpha-L-arabinofuranosyl-(1 --> 4)-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 --> 2)]-beta-D-glucopyranoside (2) by a combination of HR-ESI-MS, FAB-MS, 1D and 2D NMR techniques (including (1)H-NMR, (13)C-NMR, (1)H--(1)H COSY, HSQC, HMBC and NOESY).     

New phenolic glycosides from the seeds of Cucurbita moschata

Five new phenolic glycosides, cucurbitosides A-E (1-5), were isolated from the seeds of Cucurbita moschata. Their structures were elucidated as 2-(4-hydroxy)phenylethanol 4-O-(5-O-benzoyl)-beta-D-apiofuranosyl(1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (1), 2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethanol 4-O-[5-O-(4-hydroxy)benzoyl]-beta-D-apiofuranosyl(1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (2), 4-hydroxybenzyl alcohol 4-O-(5-O-benzoyl)-beta-D-apiofuranosyl(1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (3), 4-hydroxybenzyl alcohol 4-O-[5-O-(4-hydroxy)benzoyl]-beta-D-apiofuranosyl(1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (4) and 4-hydroxyphenyl 5-O-benzoyl-beta-D-apiofuranosyl(1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (5) on the basis of spectroscopic analysis and chemical evidence.