Activation of hepatic microsomal Ca2+-adenosine triphosphatase by calcium-binding protein regucalcin

The effect of regucalcin, a calcium-binding protein isolated from rat liver cytosol, on Ca2+-adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) activity in hepatic microsomes was investigated. Mg2+-ATPase activity was clearly increased by the presence of 50 microM Ca2+. Regucalcin (1.0-4.0 microM) caused a remarkable elevation (about 3-fold) of Ca2+-ATPase activity. Also, Mg2+-ATPase activity was increased (about 1.6-fold) by the presence of regucalcin (2.0 and 4.0 microM). Guanosine-5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) (GTPrs; 10(-5) and 10(-4) M) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidized form (NADP+; 10(-5) to 10(-3) M) or reduced form (NADPH; 10(-4) and 10(-3) M) significantly increased Ca2+-ATPase activity. These increases were not enhanced by the presence of regucalcin (2.0 microM). Of various metal ions, a comparatively low concentration of V5+ (10(-5) M) or Cd2+ (10(-6) M) significantly increased Ca2+-ATPase activity, while Hg2+, Zn2+, Cu2+ and Mn2+ did not have such an effect. Regucalcin (2.0 microM) did not enhance the effect of V5+ and Cd2+ on Ca2+-ATPase activity. The present finding, that regucalcin activates hepatic microsomal Ca2+-ATPase, suggests a cell physiological role of regucalcin as an activator in the microsomal Ca2+-pump activity. This action of regucalcin may not be influenced by other regulators.     

Isolation and structural determination of new sphingolipids and pharmacological activity of africanene and other metabolites from Sinularia leptoclados.

Two new sphingolipids, (2S,3S,4R)-1,3,4-trihydroxy-2-[((R)-2'-hydroxytetradecanoyl) amino] tricosane (4) and (2S,3S,4R)-1,3,4-triacetoxy-2-[((R)-2'-acetoxyoctadecanoyl) amino]octadecane (5) along with africanene (1, reasonably good yield), 23-demethylgargosterol (2) and batylalcohol (3) have been isolated from the soft coral Sinularia leptoclados. Preliminary studies for pharmacological activity (blind screening and toxicity studies) of africanene were conducted. Africanene exhibited in vitro and in vivo cytotoxicity, dose dependent hypotensive activity as well as antiinflammatory activity. The pharmacological and toxicity studies on africanene are being reported for the first time and findings strongly encourage further investigation. Compounds 1, 4 and 5 were studied for the antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral activity while compounds 4 and 5 were also studied for the short term in vitro cytotoxic activity.     

Solution combustion synthesis of Co oxide-based catalysts for phenol degradation in aqueous solution

Solution combustion using urea as a fuel was employed to synthesise Co oxide and Al(2)O(3)-, SiO(2)- and TiO(2)-supported Co oxide catalysts. The catalysts were characterised using several techniques such as N(2) adsorption/desorption, XRD, FTIR, UV-vis diffuse reflectance and SEM-EDX, and their catalytic activity was evaluated in phenol degradation in aqueous solution with sulphate radicals. Solution combustion is a simple and effective method in preparation of supported Co catalysts. Co(3)O(4) was the major Co crystal phase in the samples prepared via the combustion synthesis. Bulk Co(3)O(4) particles were not effective in reaction, but supported Co oxides showed higher activity than unsupported Co oxide. The supports influenced Co dispersion and catalytic activity. Co/TiO(2) exhibited the highest activity, but it deactivated much faster than other two supported catalysts. Co/SiO(2) showed a comparable activity to Co/Al(2)O(3) and the best stability among the three Al(2)O(3)-, SiO(2)- and TiO(2)-supported Co catalysts.     

制备参数对β-Mo2N0.78催化剂加氢脱硫活性影响的研究

以N2与H2的混合气为反应气，和三氧化钼进行多段程序升温反应，制得一种β晶型的氮化钼。以噻吩为模型化合物的常压加氢脱硫反应表明，β-Mo2N0.78具有较强的加氢脱硫活性和强的抗硫化性能。同时考察了预还原、反应温度以及氮化末温、升温速率、反应气中N2-H2比及氮化时间等制备参数对β-Mo2N0.78加氢脱硫活性的影响。研究发现，β-Mo2N0.78的加氢脱硫活性在320 ℃～400 ℃随反应温度的升高增强，而还原预处理会降低催化剂的活性。氮化末温、氮化时间、反应气组成和升温速率等制备参数对催化剂的活性有明显的影响：随着氮化末温的升高，所制备的催化剂催化加氢脱硫活性降低；在氮化末温恒温较长时间，可以引起制备催化剂的加氢脱硫活性下降；存在最佳的反应气组成和各段升温速率。小晶粒的β-Mo2N0.78具有强的加氢脱硫活性。     

Synthesis and antioxidant activity of some new coumarinyl-1,3-thiazolidine-4-ones

A series of Schiff's bases (E)-N-2-aryliden-2-(4-methyl-2-oxo-2H-chromen-7-yloxy)acetohydrazides 2a-l and N-(2-(substituted phenyl)-4-oxo-thiazolidin-3-yl)-2-(4-methyl-2-oxo-2H-chromen-7-yloxy)acetamides 3a-l were synthesized and evaluated for their antioxidant activity by the phosphomolybdenum method. Most of the Schiff's bases and thiazolidine-4-ones bearing two hydroxyl groups on the phenyl ring showed excellent antioxidant activity in comparison with ascorbic acid. Preliminary investigation on cytotoxic and antifungal activity was done on some representative samples.     

A green process for coupling manganese oxides with titanium(IV) dioxide

MnO(2) nanoparticle-loaded TiO(2) prepared by a green process capable of removing harmful MnO(4)(-) ions from water exhibits catalytic activity for a test reaction, H(2)O(2) decomposition, in the dark with its activity enhanced by UV light irradiation.     

Effects of Ca2+, Zn2+ and Cd2+ on uridine diphosphate-glucuronyltransferase and beta-glucuronidase activities in rat liver microsomes

The effect of various metals on uridine diphosphate (UDP)-glucuronyltransferase and beta-glucuronidase activities in rat liver microsomes was investigated. The presence of Mn2+, Cd2+, Zn2+, V5+, Ni2+, Co2+, Cu+ or Ca2+ (20 microM) in the enzyme reaction mixture did not cause a significant alteration of UDP-glucuronyltransferase activity in hepatic microsomes. Of these metals, Zn2+ and Cd2+ (20 microM) caused a remarkable increase in hepatic microsomal beta-glucuronidase activity. Appreciable effects of Zn2+ and Cd2+ on beta-glucuronidase activity were seen at 5.0 microM, and the effects were saturated at 50 microM. Ca2+ (5.0-50 microM) and/or the Ca2(+)-binding protein regucalcin (2.0 microM) did not have an appreciable effect on UDP-glucuronyltransferase and beta-glucuronidase activities in hepatic microsomes. Thus, Zn2+ and Cd2+ uniquely increased beta-glucuronidase activity. The Zn2(+)- and Cd2(+)-induced increase in beta-glucuronidase activity was completely reversed by the presence of an SH group-protecting reagent (dithiothreitol). The response of the microsomal enzyme to Zn2+ and Cd2+ (20 microM) was no longer seen after treatment with 0.2% Triton X-100 [polyoxyethylene(10)octylphenyl ether], indicating that the stimulation by these metals is dependent on membrane association. The present study suggests that, of various metals tested, Zn2+ and Cd2+ can uniquely increase hepatic microsomal beta-glucuronidase activity and that their effect is based on binding to membranous SH groups, beside the enzyme protein.     

Temperature-controlled photooxygenation with polymer nanocapsules encapsulating an organic photosensitizer

A cross-linked poly- N-isopropylacrylamide (polyNIPAM) nanocapsule, TH@PC, containing thionine (TH), an organic photosensitizer, has been synthesized. This capsulated polymeric photosensitizer promotes a singlet oxygen oxygenation ( (1)O 2) accurately controlled by temperature: it shows high oxygenation activity at low temperature, but shows activity decrease with a rise in temperature, resulting in almost zero activity at >40 degrees C. The clear on-off activity control is driven by a heat-induced structure change of the capsule from the swollen single capsule to contracted state, and then to aggregate, behaving as an intelligent (1)O 2 filter. At low temperature, the capsule exists as the swollen single capsule, which allows (1)O 2 diffusion to bulk water, resulting in high oxygenation activity. A rise in temperature leads to contraction of the capsule, reducing the mesh size of the capsule wall. This suppresses (1)O 2 diffusion to bulk water and shows decreased activity. Intercapsule aggregation at >30 degrees C further suppresses (1)O 2 diffusion and shows almost no activity. The capsule promotes reversible activity control regardless of the heating/cooling process and can be reused with a simple recovery process.     

Pharmacological and Pharmacokinetic Studies of Anti-diabetic Tropolonato-Zn(II) Complexes with Zn(S(2)O(2)) Coordination Mode

Zn(II) complexes are expected to be useful in the treatment of diabetes mellitus because of the hypoglycemic effect produced by its insulin-mimetic activity. Previous reports indicated that Zn(II) complexes with coordinating sulfur exhibit higher insulin-mimetic activity. In this study, we investigated the pharmacological and pharmacokinetic differences between Zn(O(4)) and Zn(S(2)O(2)) coordination modes of tropolonato-Zn(II) complexes with insulin-mimetic activity. Among the tropolonato-Zn(II) complexes with various coordination modes, di(2-mercaptotropolonato)zinc(II) (ZT2) with the Zn(S(2)O(2)) coordination mode was found to exhibit the highest in vitro insulin-mimetic activity with respect to inhibition of free fatty acid (FFA) release and enhancement of glucose uptake in isolated rat adipocytes treated with adrenaline. On comparing investigations of the antidiabetic effect in vivo, ZT2 was found to exhibit potent hypoglycemic activity and improve insulin resistance in type 2 diabetic KKA(y) mice at a low orally administered daily dose. Di(tropolonato)zinc(II) (ZT1), which has the Zn(O(4)) coordination mode, had a lesser effect at the same dose. In a pharmacokinetic analysis based on the (65)Zn tracer method, ZT2 was found to be absorbed at a significantly slower rate with a longer half-life than was ZT1. These results suggest that the potent hypoglycemic activity of ZT2 might be attributed to its long half-life.     

Synthesis and photocatalytic properties of a new heteropolyoxoniobate compound: K10[Nb2O2(H2O)2][SiNb12O40)·12H2O

The synthesis and photocatalytic properties of a heteropolyoxoniobate, K(10)[Nb(2)O(2)(H(2)O)(2)][SiNb(12)O(40)]·12H(2)O (1), are reported, revealing an important role of Zr(4+) additives in the crystallization. Compound 1 exhibits overall photocatalytic water splitting activity, and its photocatalytic activity is significantly higher than that of Na(10)[Nb(2)O(2)][SiNb(12)O(40)]·xH(2)O (2). Fluorescence lifetime measurements suggest that the enhanced photocatalytic activity of 1 likely results from a larger yield of longer-lived charge trapping states in 1 due to the coordination of one water molecule to the bridging Nb(5+), leading to highly unsymmetrical seven-coordinated Nb(5+) sites.     

Agents for the treatment of overactive detrusor. III. Synthesis and structure-activity relationships of N-(4-amino-2-butynyl)acetamide derivatives.

A series of N-(4-amino-2-butynyl)acetamides were synthesized and examined for their inhibitory activity on detrusor contraction and mydriatic activity as an index of anticholinergic side effect. Among those compounds synthesized, (+)-2-cyclohexyl-N-(4-dimethylamino-2-butynyl)-2-hydroxy-2-phenylacet amide hydrochloride ((+)-13b.HCl), 2-cyclohexyl-2-hydroxy-N-(4-methylamino-2-butynyl)-2-phenylacetamide+ ++ hydrochloride (13c.HCl), N-(4-dimethylamino-2-butynyl)-2,2-diphenyl-2-hydroxyacetamide hydrochloride (14a.HCl), and 2,2-diphenyl-N-(4-ethylamino-2-butynyl)-2-hydroxyacetamide hydrochloride (14b.HCl) showed equipotent inhibitory activity on detrusor contraction to oxybutynin (1) and less mydriatic activity. Further evaluation of these compounds as an agent for the treatment of overactive detrusor has been examined.     

Involvement of protein kinase C pathway in UVC-stimulated phospholipase D2 activity in Vero 76 cells

Phospholipase D (PLD) activity is known to be related to oxidant-induced cellular signaling and membrane disturbance. Previously, an induction of PLD activity in various cell lines by X-ray irradiation was observed. In this study, we examined the effect of UVC radiation on the PLD activity in Vero 76 cells. At a dose of 10 kJ/m2 of UVC irradiation, the PLD activity was stimulated approximately 10-fold over the basal activity. This UVC-induced PLD activity was found to be dependent on the presence of extracellular calcium and was inhibited by catalase as well as amifostine-an intracellular thiol antioxidant. Pretreatments with Ro32-0432-a selective inhibitor of protein kinase C (PKC)-and downregulation of PKC by preincubation of phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate significantly inhibited the UVC-induced PLD activity. UVC-stimulated PLD activity was observed only in murine PLD2 (mPLD2)-transfected Vero 76 cells and not in human PLD1 (hPLD1)-transfected cells. Transient incorporation of PKC with mPLD2 and the phosphorylation of mPLD2 by a and b forms of PKC by UVC irradiation were observed. These results suggest that the UVC-stimulated PLD activity in Vero 76 cells is mediated through transient phosphorylation of PLD2 by the translocation of PKC to PLD2.     

Pharmacological evaluation of some new 6-amino/methyl pyridine derivatives

In the present study, a series of 2-substituted-pyridines were synthesized and characterized by IR, (1)H-NMR and Elemental Analysis. The compounds were assayed against seizures induced by maximal electro shock (MES) and pentylenetetrazole (scMet). Neurologic deficit was evaluated by the rotarod test. The decrease in the elevated motor activity by introceptive chemical stimuli (amphetamine antagonistic activity) was studied at the dose level of 25 and 50 mg/kg, antihistaminic and cardiac activity were also studied. All the compounds exhibited significant anticonvulsant activity. Compounds 2-(2-hydroxy-3-piperazinopropylamino)-6-aminopyridine, 2-[2-hydroxy-3-(1-imidazolyl)propylamino]-6-aminopyridine, 2-[2-(1-imidazolyl)ethylamino]-6-methylpyridine and 2-[2-(methylamino)ethylamino]-6-methylpyridine were most active of the series against MES-induced seizures. Compounds 2-[2-(phenylamino)ethylamino]-6-aminopyridine, 2-[2-[bis(2-hydroxyethyl)amino]ethylamino]-6-aminopyridine, 2-[2-(diethylamino)ethylamino]-6-methylpyridine and 2-[2-hydroxy-3-(1-imidazolyl)propylamino]-6-methylpyridine exhibited significant decrease in the elevated motor activity at the dose of 50 mg/kg. Remarkable sympathetic blocking activity was observed with 2-(2-hydroxy-3-piperazinopropylamino)-6-aminopyridine, 2-(2-hydroxy-3-morpholinopropylamino)-6-methylpyridine and 2-(2-hydroxy-3-piperazinopropylamino)-6-methylpyridine only. Compounds 2-[2-(diethylamino)ethylamino]-6-aminopyridine, 2-[2-[bis(2-hydroxyethyl)amino]ethylamino]-6-aminopyridine, and 2-[2-(diethylamino)ethylamino]-6-methylpyridine exhibited significant blocking of histamine induced contraction on guinea pig ileum.     

Au/SnO2的制备及其低温CO氧化催化性能

用沉积-沉淀法制备了不同金含量的Au/SnO2催化剂.采用XRD和UV-Vis等手段对催化剂样品进行了表征并考察了沉积溶液的pH值、金的负载量、焙烧温度和气氛等对Au/SnO2催化CO氧化活性的影响.结果表明：当沉积溶液的pH=9～10时,所制得的金属金的平均粒径最小；随着金的负载量的增大,金属金的粒径增大, Au/SnO2的催化活性降低；在所研究的条件下, Au/SnO2前驱体在空气中473 K下焙烧4 h,得到的催化剂活性最高；在氢气中373 K下处理2 h的Au/SnO2的催化活性在所有样品中是最高的.     

Novel benzamides as selective and potent gastrokinetic agents. IV. Synthesis and structure-activity relationships of 2-substituted 4-amino-N-[(4-benzyl-2-morpholinyl)methyl]-5-chlorobenzamides.

A new series of 2-substituted 4-amino-N-[(4-benzyl-2-morpholinyl)methyl]-5-chlorobenzamides (4-39) including a few 4-fluorobenzyl analogues were prepared and evaluated for their gastrokinetic activity by determining their effects on the gastric emptying activity of phenol red semisolid meal in rats. The C-2 substituent comprises alkoxy and variously substituted alkoxy groups. Among the derivatives, 4-amino-N-[(4-benzyl-2-morpholinyl)methyl]-2-(n-butoxy)-5-chlorobenza mide (5), its 4-fluorobenzyl (6), and 3-methyl-2-butenyloxy analogues (22) were superior to cisapride and essentially equipotent to the 2-ethoxy analogue (1b, AS-4370 as its citrate) in gastrokinetic activity. These compounds, like AS-4370, had no dopamine D2 receptor antagonistic activity.     

二氧化铈-铈掺杂锰氧化物纳米复合物高效紫外-可见-红外光热催化净化乙酸乙酯

乙酸乙酯是一种重要的有机溶剂,广泛应用于涂料、粘合剂和塑料及石化等工业生产,但作为一种主要的挥发性有机污染物(VOCs),其对大气环境造成严重污染.目前工业上主要采用负载型贵金属催化剂催化燃烧的方法进行净化处理,但该方法存在催化剂价格昂贵和能耗高的问题,迫切需要开发活性高、稳定性好、成本低及能耗小的催化新方法和新材料....     

Intrinsic peroxidase-like activity and catalase-like activity of Co3O4 nanoparticles

We demonstrate that Co(3)O(4) nanoparticles (NPs) exhibit intrinsic peroxidase-like activity and catalase-like activity. The peroxidase-like activity of the Co(3)O(4) NPs originates from their ability of electron transfer between reducing substrates and H(2)O(2), not from ˙OH radical generated. As peroxidase mimetics, Co(3)O(4) NPs were used for colorimetric determination of H(2)O(2) and glucose.     

Photoenhanced oxidative DNA cleavage with non-heme iron(II) complexes

The DNA cleavage activity of iron(II) complexes of a series of monotopic pentadentate N,N-bis(2-pyridylmethyl)-N-bis(2-pyridyl)methylamine (N4Py)-derived ligands (1-5) was investigated under laser irradiation at 473, 400.8, and 355 nm in the absence of a reducing agent and compared to that under ambient lighting. A significant increase in activity was observed under laser irradiation, which is dependent on the structural characteristics of the complexes and the wavelength and power of irradiation. Under photoirradiation at 355 nm, direct double-stand DNA cleavage activity was observed with Fe(II)-1 and Fe(II)-3-5, and a 56-fold increase in the single-strand cleavage activity was observed with Fe(II)-2. Mechanistic investigations revealed that O(2)(?-), (1)O(2), and OH(?) contribute to the photoenhanced DNA cleavage activity, and that their relative contribution is dependent on the wavelength. It is proposed that the origin of the increase in activity is the photoenhanced formation of an Fe(III)OOH intermediate as the active species or precursor.     

Synthesis and structure-activity relationships of substituted 2-[(2-imidazolylsulfinyl)methyl]anilines as a new class of gastric H+/K(+)-ATPase inhibitors. II.

A series of 2-[(2-imidazolylsulfinyl)methyl]anilines (2) having various substituents on their imidazole and aniline rings was synthesized and examined for their H+/K(+)-ATPase (adenosine triphosphatase) inhibitory effects and antisecretory activity against histamine-stimulated gastric acid secretions in Heidenhain pouch dogs. Although substitutions on the imidazole ring did not enhance biological activity, substitutions on the aniline ring by electron-donating substituents potently enhanced the enzyme inhibitory activity and also showed an inhibitory effect on histamine-stimulated gastric acid secretion after oral administration. In particular, the in vitro activity of the dimethyl (2u--w) and trimethyl (2ac) derivatives was about 10 times that of omeprazole. Also, 4-methyl (2k), 4-methoxy-5-methyl (2y) and 3,5-dimethyl-4-methoxy (2ab) derivatives showed a potent antisecretory effect of more than 80% after oral administration at 6 mg/kg. Although these aniline derivatives have relatively low stabilities in aqueous solution, replacement of the isobutyl group at the aniline nitrogen atom with N-(2-methoxyethyl) group enhanced the stability.     

Association of (Ca + Mg)-ATPase activity with ATP-dependent Ca uptake in vesicles prepared from human erythrocytes.

Ghost membranes prepared from human erythrocytes exhibit 2 distinct (Ca + Mg)-ATPase1 activities (Quist and Roufogalis, Arch Biochem Biophys 168:240, 1975). (Ca + Mg)-ATPase activity dependent on a water soluble protein fraction is selectively lost from ghost membranes during preparation of vesicles under low ionic strength, slightly alkaline conditions. In this study, the Ca2+ dependence of the remaining membrane bound (Ca + Mg)-ATPase activity and ATP-dependent Ca uptake in vesicles were compared. The Ca2+ activation curves for (Ca + Mg)-ATPase activity and Ca uptake into vesicles were parallel over a Ca2+ range of 0.3-330 micrometer, and both curves have 2 apparent KA values for Ca2+ of 0.45 and 100 micrometer. Addition of a concentrated soluble protein fraction containing predominantly spectrin to the vesicles increased (Ca + Mg)-ATPase activity over twofold but did not affect the rate of Ca uptake. These findings suggest that the (Ca + Mg)-ATPase activity remaining in vesicles after extraction of the water soluble proteins is associated with the Ca pump whereas (Ca + Mg)-ATPase activity dependent on the soluble protein fraction is associated with some other function.