Studies on aldose reductase inhibitors from natural products. II. Active components of a Paraguayan crude drug "Para-parai mí," Phyllanthus niruri

Aldose reductase (AR) inhibitory activity-directed fractionation of the 70% ethanolic extract of Para-parai mí, Phyllanthus niruri, has led to the isolation of three active components, ellagic acid (1), brevifolin carboxylic acid (4) and ethyl brevifolin carboxylate (5). Among them, 1 showed the highest inhibitory activity, being about 6 times more potent than quercitrin, which is a known natural inhibitor of AR.     

Photochemically relevant DNA-based molecular systems enabling chemical and signal transductions and their analytical applications

In biology, DNA is the central molecule that stores the genetic information. DNA also has attractive physicochemical features for use as materials in molecular assemblies. DNA is chemically stable and can be prepared in nearly any length and sequence by chemical and enzymatic syntheses. Auxiliary functional groups can be built into the backbone as amidite reagents using automated DNA synthesizers. In addition, we can choose an appropriate method from abundant chemistries for post-modifications. The structures of DNA complexes can be rationally designed by bottom-up self-assembly. Therefore, functional groups can be positioned on the DNA scaffold in distinct distance and spatial arrangements.In the last decade, a number of DNA-based allosteric molecular systems have been reported. Some of the systems function as signal transducers, amplifiers, and chemical catalysts. These systems are rather exciting as fundamental achievements of the studies for nanomachines or nanodevices. They should also be useful as robust molecular sensors for sensitive bioassays. In this review, we will cover the photochemically relevant DNA-based molecular systems. They are classified into three groups: (i) DNA-templated molecular/ion assemblies; (ii) DNA-directed complexation; and (iii) chemical transformations accelerated on DNA.     

Photosensitized DNA damage and its protection via a novel mechanism

UVA, which accounts for approximately 95% of solar UV radiation, can cause mutations and skin cancer. Based mainly on the results of our study, this paper summarizes the mechanisms of UVA-induced DNA damage in the presence of various photosensitizers, and also proposes a new mechanism for its chemoprevention. UVA radiation induces DNA damage at the 5'-G of 5'-GG-3' sequence in double-stranded DNA through Type I mechanism, which involves electron transfer from guanine to activated photosensitizers. Endogenous sensitizers such as riboflavin and pterin derivatives and an exogenous sensitizer nalidixic acid mediate DNA photodamage via this mechanism. The major Type II mechanism involves the generation of singlet oxygen from photoactivated sensitizers, including hematoporphyrin and a fluoroquinolone antibacterial lomefloxacin, resulting in damage to guanines without preference for consecutive guanines. UVA also produces superoxide anion radical by an electron transfer from photoexcited sensitizers to oxygen (minor Type II mechanism), and DNA damage is induced by reactive species generated through the interaction of hydrogen peroxide with metal ions. The involvement of these mechanisms in UVA carcinogenesis is discussed. In addition, we found that xanthone derivatives inhibited DNA damage caused by photoexcited riboflavin via the quenching of its excited triplet state. It is thus considered that naturally occurring quenchers including xanthone derivatives may act as novel chemopreventive agents against photocarcinogenesis.     

Rhodium-Catalyzed Enantioselective Synthesis,Structures, and Properties of Single and Double Azahelicene-Like Molecules

The enantioselective synthesis of aza[6] and [7]helicene-like molecules have been achieved by the cationic rhodium(I)/axially chiral biaryl bisphosphine complex-catalyzed intramolecular [2+2+2] cycloaddition of cyanodiynes. This protocol was successfully applied to the diastereo- and enantioselective synthesis of an S-shaped double aza[6]helicene-like molecule with a high ee value of 89 %. Although no epimerization and racemization were observed in the double carbo[6]helicene-like molecule at 80 °C, epimerization and racemization of the double aza[6]helicene-like molecule proceeded at 80 °C. This double aza[6]helicene-like molecule showed good fluorescent quantum yields and chiroptical responses under both neutral and acidic conditions.     

Tin(II)-Based Metal–Organic Frameworks Enabling Efficient,Selective Reduction of CO2 to Formate under Visible Light

Certain metal complexes are known as high-performance CO₂ reduction photocatalysts driven by visible light. However, most of them rely on rare, precious metals as principal components, and integrating the functions of light absorption and catalysis into a single molecular unit based on abundant metals remains a challenge. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), which can be regarded as intermediate compounds between molecules and inorganic solids, are potential platforms for the construction of a simple photocatalytic system composed only of Earth-abundant nontoxic elements. In this work, we report that a tin-based MOF enables the conversion of CO₂ into formic acid with a record high apparent quantum yield (9.8 % at 400 nm) and >99 % selectivity without the need for any additional photosensitizer or catalyst. This work highlights a new MOF with strong potential for photocatalytic CO₂ reduction driven by solar energy.     

Materials Space-Tectonics: Atomic-level Compositional and Spatial Control Methodologies for Synthesis of Future Materials

Reactions occurring at surfaces and interfaces necessitate the creation of well-designed surface and interfacial structures. To achieve a combination of bulk material (i.e., framework) and void spaces, a meticulous process of “nano-architecting” of the available space is necessary. Conventional porous materials such as mesoporous silica, zeolites, and metal–organic frameworks lack advanced cooperative functionalities owing to their largely monotonous pore geometries and limited conductivities. To overcome these limitations and develop functional structures with surface-specific functions, the novel materials space-tectonics methodology has been proposed for future materials synthesis. This review summarizes recent examples of materials synthesis based on designing building blocks (i.e., tectons) and their hybridization, along with practical guidelines for implementing materials syntheses and state-of-the-art examples of practical applications. Lastly, the potential integration of materials space-tectonics with emerging technologies, such as materials informatics, is discussed.     

Synthesizing Interpenetrated Triazine-based Covalent Organic Frameworks from CO2

Crystalline triazine-based covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are aromatic nitrogen-rich porous materials. COFs typically show high thermal/chemical stability, and are promising for energy applications, but often require harsh synthesis conditions and suffer from low crystallinity. In this work, we propose an environmentally friendly route for the synthesis of crystalline COFs from CO₂ molecules as a precursor. The mass ratio of CO₂ conversion into COFs formula unit reaches 46.3 %. The synthesis consists of two steps; preparation of 1,4-piperazinedicarboxaldehyde from CO₂ and piperazine, and condensation of the dicarboxaldehyde and melamine to construct the framework. The CO₂-derived COF has a 3-fold interpenetrated structure of 2D layers determined by powder X-ray diffraction, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, and select-area electron diffraction. The structure shows a high Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area of 945 m² g⁻¹ and high stability against strong acid (6 M HCl), base (6 M NaOH), and boiling water over 24 hours. Post-modification of the framework with oxone has been demonstrated to modulate hydrophilicity, and it exhibits proton conductivity of 2.5×10⁻² S cm⁻¹ at 85 °C, 95 % of relative humidity.     

Vanadate-stimulated release of hepatic lipase activity from liver.

Vanadate stimulated the release of rat hepatic lipase activity from liver slices into an incubation medium in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Insulin, however, failed to have this stimulatory action, and the release by heparin was recognized, but was not additive to that by vanadate. Amiloride, an inhibitor of tyrosine kinase in some receptors and of the Na+/H+ exchange system suppressed the vanadate-stimulated release. Biochanin A, a different type of tyrosine kinase inhibitor than amiloride, also suppressed the effect of vanadate. The stimulation by vanadate was clearly preserved in Na(+)-, K(+)-, or Ca(2+)-free medium, suggesting that neither the Na+/H+ exchange system, Na+, K(+)-adenosine triphosphatase, nor Ca(2+)-influx into cells is involved in the action of this substance. These results suggest that vanadate-stimulated release of the enzyme activity is associated with the activation of the tyrosine kinase activity.     

Structures and cytotoxic activity relationship of casearins, new clerodane diterpenes from Casearia sylvestris Sw

Casearins G-R, new cytotoxic clerodane diterpenes have been isolated from the leaves of Casearia sylvestris Sw. (Flacourtiaceae). Their structures have been elucidated by spectroscopic methods and chemical conversions, and their structure-activity relationships have been discussed.     

Synthesis of the P-cluster inorganic core of nitrogenases

The [8Fe-7S] core of the P-clusters in nitrogenases is unique among the known [Fe-S] clusters which are essential to electron-transfer processes in nature. The [8Fe-7S] cluster has been thought unstable and to exist only in protein environments. We found that this unusual [8Fe-7S] structure can be self-assembled from the reaction of Fe(II) bis-amide, tetramethylthiourea, 2,4,6-triisopropylbenzenethiol, and elemental sulfur in a specific mole ratio. The structure of the complex isolated therefrom closely resembles that of the reduced form (PN) of the P-clusters, while the 6Fe(II)2Fe(III) oxidation state was manifested by the M?ssbauer study.