The mass spectral analysis of isolated hops A-type proanthocyanidins by electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry

Comprehensive mass spectral fragmentation patterns have been established for sequencing chromatographically isolated A-type proanthocyanidins (PAs) using electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-MS(n)) in the positive ion mode similar to those used for sequencing previously reported B-type PAs. Sequence-identifying fragmentations for A-type PAs include heterocyclic ring fission (HRF), retro-Diels-Alder (RDA) fission, benzofuran-forming (BFF) fission, and quinone methide (QM) fission. There is commonality in fragmentation patterns between A-type and B-type PAs, but distinguishing features in the mass spectral patterns between the two classes include 2-Da mass differences in the pseudo molecular ions, the propensity for the A-type PAs to undergo QM fissions and yield bis-quinoid ions as opposed to mono-quinoid ions in the upper unit of the sequence, and the reluctance of A-type linkages to undergo RDA, BFF, and BFF/H(2)O fissions from the upper unit. The positions of one or more A-type (C2-->O-->C7') ether linkages have been located in sequences of PAs ranging in chain lengths of two to five monomer units using ESI-MS(n) data. Using the fragmentation information from ESI-MS(n) experiments, a total of 17 PAs were structurally sequenced by systematic real time ESI-MS(n). Among them ten A-type and six B-type hop PAs are reported here for the first time.     

Structural analysis of A-type or B-type highly polymeric proanthocyanidins by thiolytic degradation and the implication in their inhibitory effects on pancreatic lipase

Compared with oligomeric proanthocyanidins, highly polymeric proanthocyanidins have more difficulty to analyze the molecular sizes and the mode of interflavan linkages of flavan-3-ol units through doubly linked A-type bonds and single B-type bonds. Recently, we have shown that seed shells of the Japanese horse chestnut contain highly polymeric proanthocyanidins as dominant polyphenolics that can be separated into two fractions according to the difference in the molecular sizes. Here, we tried to perform the structural characterization of them in terms of the molecular sizes and the proportions of A-type linkages relative to B-type linkages. The results were compared with those of the corresponding preparations with variations in the sizes from fruits of blueberry and cranberry. Gel permeation chromatography revealed that the molecular sizes of them were higher in the order of blueberry > cranberry > seed shells of the Japanese horse chestnut when they are compared between the respective fractions. For the analysis of terminal and extension units of those proanthocyanidins, the isolated fractions were subjected to the thiolytic cleavage of the B-type linkages using 1-dodecanethiol, and the resulting degradation products were identified by ultra-performance liquid chromatography electrospray-ionization mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI/MS). These analyses provided fast and good resolution of the degradation products and revealed higher proportions of A-type linkages compared with B-type linkages in the both isolated fractions in the order of the seed shells > cranberry > blueberry. Moreover, the isolated fractions with higher molecular sizes and those more abundant in the proportions of A-type linkages were found to be more effective in the inhibition of pancreatic lipase activity. The results suggest that higher molecular sizes and more abundance of A-type bonds in polymeric proanthocyanidins are promising key factors for the attenuation of lipid digestion as dietary supplements.     

Study of the catechins and proanthocyanidins ofQuercus robur

More than 20 compounds have been isolated from the bark ofQuercus robur. Monomers: (–)-epicatechin, (–)-epicatechin gallate, (+)-catechin, (+)-catechin gallate, (+)-gallocatechin, (–)-epigallocatechin, and (–)-epigallocatechin gallate; dimeric proanthocyanidins: (+)-catechin-(4-8)-(+)-catechin, 3-O-galloyl-(+)-catechin-(4-8)-3-O-galloyl-(+)-catechin, 3-O-galloyl-(+)-gallocatechin-(4-8)-(+)-gallocatechin, (–)-epicatechin-(4-8)-3-O-galloyl-(–)-epigallocatechin gallate, 3-O-galloyl-(–)-epicatechin-(4-8)-3-O-galloyl-(–)-epigallocatechin, 3-O-galloyl-(–)-epigallocatechin-(4-8)-(+)-catechin; and oligomeric proanthocyanidins: D14-D19.Materials presented at the IInd International Symposium on the Chemistry of Natural Compounds (SCNC, Eskiehir, Turkey, October, 22–24, 1996).Institute of the Chemistry of Plant Substances, Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Tashkent, fax (3712) 40 64 75. Translated from Khimiya Prirodnykh Soedinenii, No. 6, pp. 819–833, November–December, 1997.     

Anti-adhesive activities of flavan-3-ols and proanthocyanidins in the interaction of group A-streptococci and human epithelial cells

Bacterial adhesion to epithelial cells is a key step in infections, allowing subsequent colonization, invasion and internalization of pathogens into tissues. Anti-adhesive agents are therefore potential prophylactic tools against bacterial infections. The range of anti-adhesive compounds is largely confined to carbohydrate analogues. Tannins are generously recognized as potent antimicrobials, but little data exist on their anti-adherence potency. Using a model for mucosal pathogenesis with labeled group A-streptococci (GAS) and human laryngeal HEp-2 cells, a series of flavan-3-ols (epicatechin, epigallocatechin, epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate) and highly purified and chemically characterized proanthocyanidin samples including procyanidins based on epicatechin, catechin or 'mixed' constituent flavanyl units, prodelphinidins made up of (epi)gallocatechin monomeric unts as well as oligomers possessing A-type units in their molecules was evaluated for anti-adhesive effects. Reduced microbial adherence was observed exclusively for prodelphinidins, suggesting that pyrogallol-type elements, i.e., (epi)gallocatechin units are important structural features. This is the first report on structure-activity relationships regarding the anti-adhesive potency of proanthocyanidins. In addition, the structures of the first chemically defined proanthocyanidins from Pelargonium sidoides are disclosed.     

Using ultra-weak photon emission to determine the effect of oligomeric proanthocyanidins on oxidative stress of human skin

Exposure of skin to ultraviolet (UV) radiation triggers oxidative stress in skin tissue that can lead to erythema, early skin aging or even cancer. It is suggested that oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs), phytonutrients that belong to the polyphenol family have an anti-oxidant/anti-inflammatory activity on the skin. Measuring ultra-weak photon emission (UPE) is a non-invasive, fairly-sensitive and convenient technique for continuously monitoring oxidative stress. The present study was undertaken to confirm anti-oxidant activity of the specific OPCs cream formulation in human skin by measuring UPE of skin. In the present study 25 healthy female subjects participated. As a baseline measurement of skin, UPE was recorded from the dorsal surface of the subjects’ hands before (spontaneous UPE) and after exposure to UV (UV-induced UPE). The effects of the OPCs cream on spontaneous and UV-induced UPE were measured using a fractionated UV exposure protocol. UV exposure resulted in an increase in UPE from both hands. Repeat UV exposure also resulted in a long-term increase of spontaneous UPE. This is likely due to depletion of anti-oxidant capacity of skin resulting in sensitization of skin to UV. It was assessed by measuring spontaneous UPE at 80 min after each UV exposure. Application of the OPCs cream immediately after UV exposure resulted in a significant (approx. 30%) decrease in UV-induced UPE. Topical OPCs cream application also reduced sensitization of skin to UV following repeated UV exposure (i.e., reduced long-term increase in spontaneous UPE). This study indicates that the specific OPCs cream formulation significantly decreases UV-induced oxidative stress in human skin based on UPE measurement. It therefore suggests that regular use of this OPCs cream might protect skin from harmful effects of UV.     

Determination of anthocyanins in cranberry fruit and cranberry fruit products by high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection: single-laboratory validation

A single-laboratory validation study was conducted on an HPLC method for the detection and quantification of cyanidin-3-O-galactoside (C3Ga), cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (C3GI), cyanidin-3-O-arabinoside (C3Ar), peonidin-3-O-galactoside (P3Ga), and peonidin-3-O-arabinoside (P3Ar) in cranberry fruit (Vaccinium macrocarpon Aiton) raw material and finished products. An extraction procedure using a combination of sonication and shaking with acidified methanol was optimized for all five anthocyanins in freeze-dried cranberry fruit and finished products (commercial extract powder, juice, and juice cocktail). Final extract solutions were analyzed by HPLC using a C18 RP column. Calibration curves for all anthocyanin concentrations had correlation coefficients (r2) of > or = 99.8%. The method detection limits for C3Ga, C3Gl, C3Ar, P3Ga, and P3Ar were estimated to be 0.018, 0.016, 0.006, 0.013, and 0.011 microg/mL, respectively. Separation was achieved with a chromatographic run time of 35 min using a binary mobile phase with gradient elution. Quantitative determination performed in triplicate on four test materials on each of 3 days (n = 12) resulted in RSD(r) from 1.77 to 3.31%. Analytical range, as defined by the calibration curves, was 0.57-36.53 microg/mL for C3Ga, 0.15-9.83 microg/mL for C3GI, 0.28-17.67 microg/mL for C3Ar, 1.01-64.71 microg/mL for P3Ga, and 0.42-27.14 microg/mL for P3Ar. For solid materials prepared by the described method, this translates to 0.06-3.65 mglg for C3Ga, 0.02-0.98 mg/g for C3Gl, 0.03-1.77 mg/g for C3Ar, 0.10-6.47 mg/g for P3Ga, and 0.04-2.71 mg/g for P3Ar.     

高倍率A型MH-Ni电池的制备及其性能

高倍率A型MH-Ni电池的制备及其性能;高倍率氢镍电池;电池制备;充放电性能     

1H and13C NMR spectroscopy in the study of flavan-3-ols, proanthocyanidins, and their derivatives II. Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy of proanthocyanidins

The characteristics of the proton magnetic resonance spectra of proanthocyanidins and their derivatives are considered. An interrelationship is traced between spectral properties and structural, stereochemical, and conformational factors.Institute of the Chemistry of Plant Substances, Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Tashkent, Translated from Khimiya Prirodnykh Soedinenii, No. 2, pp. 135–149, March–April, 1997.     

Lipoproteins modulate growth and differentiation of cultured human epidermal keratinocytes

The effects of various lipoproteins on the growth and the differentiation of cultured normal human keratinocytes were investigated. Primary cultures of human epidermal keratinocytes were obtained from neonatal foreskin, and then added with lipoproteins, very low density lipoprotein (VLDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL), and high density lipoprotein (HDL). Cell growth potential was examined using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. VLDL and LDL enhanced keratinocytes growth and LDL receptor expression at the plasma membrane level. These effects were more remarkably observed in cells cultured with VLDL than in cells cultured with LDL. Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) was highly increased in VLDL treated cells. These results suggest that VLDL binds with high affinity to cell surface receptors and induces cell proliferation.     

Chemistry and function of human plasma proteins

Human blood plasma contains a large number of proteins. New analytical and preparative techniques have so far permitted the isolation of more than one hundred such proteins; about ninety percent of these were first characterized in the last 30 years. The plasma proteins include components of the clotting and complement systems as well as proteinase inhibitors, immunoglobulins, lipoproteins, and carrier proteins. The biological function of some of the plasma proteins is not yet known. Deficiency of one or more plasma proteins usually causes serious health disorders, the best known example being hemophilia. Several biologically active proteins can be gained from blood plasma; these proteins—for example the blood clotting factors—are of great prophylactic and therapeutic importance and allow a better exploitation of the valuable plasma than can be obtained by means of transfusion.     

Antisurvivin oligonucleotides inhibit growth and induce apoptosis in human medullary thyroid carcinoma cells

Survivin is a novel member of the inhibitor of apoptosis protein (IAP) family, which is known to be over-expressed in various carcinomas and associated with their biologically aggressive characteristics. The aim of this study was to investigate survivin expression in human medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) and a MTC cell line TT, correlate survivin expression with clinicopathologic features of MTC, and test effects of antisurvivin oligonucleotides (ASODNs) on growth and apoptosis of TT cells. Survivin expression was immunohistochemically determined in formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded specimens obtained from 10 cases of normal thyroid (NT) and 10 cases of MTC, and in TT cells. In TT cells, we confirmed survivin expression and its down-regulation by ASODNs using RT-PCR and Western blot analyses, and investigated effects of ASODNs on viability and growth by MTT assay and apoptosis by apoptotic analyses including DNA laddering assay, acridine orange/ethidium bromide staining and flow cytometric cell cycle analysis. Immunohistochemical analysis showed high survivin expression in MTC and TT cells, whereas no immunoreactivity was detectable in NT. Statistical analyses revealed no significant correlation of survivin expression with the clinicopathologic features of MTC. In TT cells, survivin expression at both mRNA and protein levels was confirmed and could be down-regulated by ASODNs concomitant with decrease in viability and growth, and increase in apoptosis. Our results suggest that survivin plays an important role in MTC independent of the conventional clinicopathologic factors, and ASODNs is a promising survivin-targeted gene therapy for MTC.     

Normal mode calculation and IR band assignments of A-type zeolite

Normal mode calculation of A-type zeolite was carried out with the potential energy functions obtained from the constraint method. Mass-weighted cartesian coordinates and the pseudo-lattice method were used. The assignments of IR absorption bands were made with the calculated normal modes, by using the calculated absorption intensities of the modes and the degrees of contribution of the internal coordinates to the modes. The force constants of internal coordinate motions within the framework were also calculated and are compared with the empirical values.     

Raman spectroscopic monitoring of the osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells

The differentiation of stem cells into multi-lineages is essential to aid the development of tissue engineered materials that replicate the functionality of their tissue of origin. For this study, Raman spectroscopy was used to monitor the formation of a bone-like apatite mineral during the differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) towards an osteogenic lineage. Raman spectroscopy observed dramatic changes in the region dominated by the stretching of phosphate groups (950-970 cm(-1)) during the period of 7-28 days. Changes were also seen at 1030 cm(-1) and 1070 cm(-1), which are associated with the P-O symmetric stretch of PO(4)(3-) and the C-O vibration in the plane stretch of CO(3)(2-). Multivariate factor analysis revealed the presence of various mineral species throughout the 28 day culture period. Bone mineral formation was observed first at day 14 and was identified as a crystalline, non-substituted apatite. During the later stages of culture, different mineral species were observed, namely an amorphous apatite and a carbonate, substituted apatite, all of which are known to be Raman markers for a bone-like material. Band area ratios revealed that both the carbonate-to-phosphate and mineral-to-matrix ratios increased with age. When taken together, these findings suggest that the osteogenic differentiation of hMSCs at early stages resembles endochondral ossification. Due to the various mineral species observed, namely a disordered amorphous apatite, a B-type carbonate-substituted apatite and a crystalline non-substituted hydroxyapatite, it is suggested that the bone-like mineral observed here can be compared to native bone. This work demonstrates the successful application of Raman spectroscopy combined with biological and multivariate analyses for monitoring the various mineral species, degree of mineralisation and the crystallinity of hMSCs as they differentiate into osteoblasts.     

Alkaloid extracts of Ficus species and palm oil-derived tocotrienols synergistically inhibit proliferation of human cancer cells

Tocotrienols have been reported to possess anticancer effects other than anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. This study explored the potential synergism of antiproliferative effects induced by individual alkaloid extracts of Ficus fistulosa, Ficus hispida and Ficus schwarzii combined with δ- and γ-tocotrienols against human brain glioblastoma (U87MG), lung adenocarcinoma (A549) and colorectal adenocarcinoma (HT-29) cells. Cell viability and morphological results demonstrated that extracts containing a mixture of alkaloids from the leaves and bark of F. schwarzii inhibited the proliferation of HT-29 cells, whereas the alkaloid extracts of F. fistulosa inhibited the proliferation of both U87MG and HT-29 cells and showed synergism in combined treatments with either δ- or γ-tocotrienol resulting in 2.2–34.7 fold of reduction in IC₅₀ values of tocotrienols. The observed apoptotic cell characteristics in conjunction with the synergistic antiproliferative effects of Ficus species-derived alkaloids and tocotrienols assuredly warrant future investigations towards the development of a value-added chemotherapeutic regimen against cancers.     

Forskolin promotes astroglial differentiation of human central neurocytoma cells

Human central neurocytoma is a kind of the brain tumors that are usually found in anterior part of the lateral ventricles. In this study, we established conditions that allowed proliferation of neurocytoma cells culture and analyzed characteristics of neurocytoma cells in vitro. For in vitro, a condition that used for culturing neural stem cells and contained basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) provided high proliferation. RT-PCR analaysis showed that nestin was found in neurocytoma cells, indicating that the neurocytomas possess neural stem cell properties. Interestingly, treatment of neurocytoma cells with forskolin increased expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein with a concomitant decrease in the nestin expression. Forskolin also induced morphological changes of neurocytoma cells to adopt an astrocyte-like phenotype. The results suggest that neurocyotma cells may have properties of multipotent neural stem cells.     

Furocoumarins photolysis products induce differentiation of human erythroid cells

Psoralens, also known as furocoumarins, are a well-known class of photosensitizers largely used in the therapy of various skin disease. In this study we have evaluated the effects of crude pre-irradiated solutions of furocoumarins derivatives on (a) erythroid differentiation and apoptosis of human leukemic K562 cells and (b) hemoglobin synthesis in cultures of human erythroid progenitors derived from the peripheral blood. To prove the activity of a mixture of photoproducts generated by UVA irradiation of the three psoralen derivatives 5-methoxypsoralen (5-MOP) 8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP), and angelicin (ANG), we employed the human leukemic K562 cell line and the two-phase liquid culture procedure for growing erythroid progenitors. The results obtained demonstrate that pre-irradiated solutions of psoralen derivatives significantly induce erythroid differentiation of K562 cells irrespective of the type of derivative used, suggesting that the active photoproduct(s) share a common structure. Interestingly, solutions of psoralens irradiated in anaerobic conditions do not exhibits erythroid inducing ability, indicating that the effect is mostly due to photooxidized psoralen products. In erythroid precursor cells, psoralens photolysis products stimulates at low concentrations an increase of hemoglobin A and hemoglobin F. Altogether, these data suggest that photoproducts of psoralen warrant further evaluation as potential therapeutic drugs in beta-thalassaemia and sickle cell anaemia.     

1H and13C NMR spectroscopy in the study of flavan-3-ols, proanthocyanidins, and their derivatives III.13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy of flavan-3-ols and proanthocyanidins

This review discusses the possibilities of using carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy in the investigation of flavan-3-ols, proanthocyanidins, and their derivatives, and reports differences in the spectral behavior of monomers, oligomers and their derivatives and features of the spectra of high-molecular-mass proanthocyanidins.Translated from Khimiya Prirodnykh Soedinenii, No. 4, pp. 545–568, July–August, 1997.     

The dose-effect of icariin on the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of human bone mesenchymal stem cells

Icariin had been reported as a potential agent for osteogenesis, but the dose-effect relationship needed further research to realize the clinical application of icariin. We isolated and purified human bone mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs) and stimulated them with different concentrations of icariin. The cytotoxicity of icariin was evaluated by the methylthiazolytetrazolium (MTT) assay method. The proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of such hBMSCs were investigated for different concentrations of icariin. We found that icariin had a dose-dependent effect on the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs in a suitable concentration range from 10(-9) M to 10(-6) M, but at concentrations above 10(-5) M, the cytotoxicity limited its use. The extremely low cost of icariin and its high abundance make it appealing for bone regeneration.     

Proanthocyanidins ofPolygonum coriarium III. Structures of proanthocyanidins T1 and T2

The roots ofPolygonum coriarum have yielded two oligomeric proanthocyanidins, T1 and T2, and their structures have been established: 3-O-galloyl-7-O-[O-(6-O-galloyl)--D-glucopyranosyl]-(–)-epigallocatechin-(4-8)-(–)-epicatechin-(4-8)-(–)-epicatechin-(4-8)-(–)-epigallocatechin 3-O-gallate (T1) and (–)-epicatechin-(4-8)-[3-O-galloyl-(–)-epigallocatechin]-(4-8)-(–)-epicatechin-(4-8)-(+)-catechin (T2).The material of this paper were presented at the IInd International Symposium on the Chemistry of Natural Compounds (SCNC, Eskisehir, Turkey, October 22–24, 1996).Translated from Khimiya Prirodnykh Soedinenii, No. 4, pp. 588–593, July–August, 1977.