Short-Term Modulation of Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase 1/2 and Stress-Activated Protein Kinase/c-Jun NH2-Terminal Kinase in Pancreatic Islets by Glucose and Palmitate Possible Involvement of Ceramide

Objectives: The effect of glucose and palmitate on the phosphorylation of proteins associated with cell growth and survival (extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 [ERK1/2] and stress-activated protein kinase/c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase [SAPK/JNK]) and on the expression of immediate early genes was investigated. Methods: Groups of freshly isolated rat pancreatic islets were incubated in 10-mmol/L glucose with palmitate, LY294002, or fumonisin B1 for the measurement of the phosphorylation and the content of ERK1/2, JNK/SAPK, and v-akt murine thymoma viral oncongene (AKT) (serine 473) by immunoblotting. The expressions of the immediate early genes, c-fos and c-jun, were evaluated by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Results: Glucose at 10 mmol/L induced ERK1/2 and AKT phosphorylations and decreased SAPK/JNK phosphorylation. Palmitate (0.1 mmol/L) abolished the glucose effect on ERK1/2, AKT, and SAPK/JNK phosphorylations. LY294002 caused a similar effect. The inhibitory effect of palmitate on glucose-induced ERK1/2 and AKT phosphorylation changes was not observed in the presence of fumonisin B1. Glucose increased c-fos and decreased c-jun expressions. Palmitate and LY294002 abolished these latter glucose effects. The presence of fumonisin B1 abolished the effect induced by palmitate on c-jun expression. Conclusions: Our results suggest that short-term changes of mitogen-activated protein kinase and AKT signaling pathways and c-fos and c-jun expressions caused by glucose are abolished by palmitate through phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibition via ceramide synthesis.

Aldosterone induces endothelial dysfunction in resistance arteries from normotensive and hypertensive rats by increasing thromboxane A(2) and prostacyclin

Background and purpose: The present study was designed to assess whether cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) activation is involved in the effects of chronic aldosterone treatment on endothelial function of mesenteric resistance arteries (MRA) from Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Experimental approach: Relaxation to acetylcholine was measured in MRA from both untreated and aldosterone-treated strains. Vasomotor responses to prostacyclin and U46619 were also analysed. Release of 6-oxo-prostaglandin (PG)F(1 alpha) and thromboxane B(2) (TxB(2)) was determined by enzyme immunoassay. COX-2 protein expression was measured by western blot. Key results: Aldosterone reduced acetylcholine relaxation in MRA from both strains. In MRA from both aldosterone-treated strains the COX-1/2 or COX-2 inhibitor (indomethacin and NS-398, respectively), Tx2 synthesis inhibitor (furegrelate), prostacyclin synthesis inhibitor (tranylcypromine) or Tx2/PG2 receptor antagonist (SQ 29 548), but not COX-1 inhibitor SC-560, increased acetylcholine relaxation. In untreated rats this response was increased only in SHR. Prostacyclin elicited a biphasic vasomotor response: lower concentrations elicited relaxation, whereas higher concentrations elicited contraction that was reduced by SQ 29 548. Aldosterone increased the acetylcholine-stimulated production of 6-oxo-PGF(1 alpha) and TxB(2) in MRA from both strains. COX-2 expression was higher in both strains of rats treated with aldosterone. Conclusions and implications: Chronic treatment with aldosterone impaired endothelial function in MRA under normotensive and hypertensive conditions by increasing COX-2-derived prostacyclin and thromboxane A(2). As endothelial dysfunction participates in the pathogenesis of many cardiovascular disorders we hypothesize that anti-inflammatory drugs, specifically COX-2 inhibitors, could ameliorate vascular damage in patients with elevated aldosterone production.

Involvement of sensory nerves and TRPV1 receptors in the rat airway inflammatory response to two environment pollutants: diesel exhaust particles (DEP) and 1,2-naphthoquinone (1,2-NQ)

The environmental chemical 1,2-naphthoquinone (1,2-NQ) is implicated in the exacerbation of airways diseases induced by exposure to diesel exhaust particles (DEP), which involves a neurogenic-mediated mechanism. Plasma extravasation in trachea, main bronchus and lung was measured as the local (125)I-bovine albumin accumulation. RT-PCR quantification of TRPV1 and tachykinin (NK(1) and NK(2)) receptor gene expression were investigated in main bronchus. Intratracheal injection of DEP (1 and 5 mg/kg) or 1,2-NQ (35 and 100 nmol/kg) caused oedema in trachea and bronchus. 1,2-NQ markedly increased the DEP-induced responses in the rat airways in an additive rather than synergistic manner. This effect that was significantly reduced by L-732,138, an NK(1) receptor antagonist, and in a lesser extent by SR48968, an NK(2) antagonist. Neonatal capsaicin treatment also markedly reduced DEP and 1,2-NQ-induced oedema. Exposure to pollutants increased the TRPV1, NK(1) and NK(2) receptors gene expression in bronchus, an effect was partially suppressed by capsaicin treatment. In conclusion, our results are consistent with the hypothesis that DEP-induced airways oedema is highly influenced by increased ambient levels of 1,2-NQ and takes place by neurogenic mechanisms involving up-regulation of TRPV1 and tachykinin receptors.

Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase 1/2 Activation, via Downregulation of Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Phosphatase 1, Mediates Sex Differences in Desoxycorticosterone Acetate-Salt Hypertension Vascular Reactivity

Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 has been reported to play a role in vascular dysfunction associated with mineralocorticoid hypertension. We hypothesized that, compared with female rats, an upregulation of ERK1/2 signaling in the vasculature of male rats contributes to augmented contractile responses in mineralocorticoid hypertension. Uninephrectomized male and female Sprague-Dawley rats received desoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA) pellets (200 mg per animal) and saline to drink for 3 weeks. Control uninephrectomized rats received tap water to drink. Blood pressure, measured by telemetry, was significantly higher in male DOCA rats (191 +/- 3 mm Hg) compared with female DOCA rats (172 +/- 7 mm Hg; n=5). DOCA treatment resulted in augmented contractile responses to phenylephrine in aorta (22 +/- 3 mN; n=6) and small mesenteric arteries (13 +/- 2 mN; n=6) from male DOCA rats versus uninephrectomized male rats (16 +/- 3 and 10 +/- 2 mN, respectively; P<0.05) and female DOCA rats (15 +/- 1 and 11 +/- 1 mN, respectively). ERK1/2 inhibition with PD-98059 (10 mu mol/L) abrogated increased contraction to phenylephrine in aorta (14 +/- 2 mN) and small mesenteric arteries (10 +/- 2 mN) from male DOCA rats, without any effects in arteries from male uninephrectomized or female animals. Compared with the other groups, phosphorylated ERK1/2 levels were increased in the aorta from male DOCA rats, whereas mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase 1 expression was decreased. Interleukin-10 plasma levels, which positively regulate mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase 1 activity, were reduced in male DOCA-salt rats. We speculate that augmented vascular reactivity in male hypertensive rats is mediated via activation of the ERK1/2 pathway. In addition, mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase 1 and interleukin 10 play regulatory roles in this process. (Hypertension. 2010; 55: 172-179.)

Comparison of signal-to-cutoff values in first, second, and third generation enzyme immunoassays for the diagnosis of HTLV-1/2 infection in ""at-risk"" individuals from Sao Paulo, Brazil

Data obtained during routine diagnosis of human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) and 2 (HTLV-2) in ""at-risk"" individuals from Sao Paulo, Brazil using signal-to-cutoff (S/C) values obtained by first, second, and third generation enzyme immunoassay (EIA) kits, were compared. The highest S/C values were obtained with third generation EIA kits, but no correlation was detected between these values and specific antibody reactivity to HTLV-1, HTLV-2, or untyped HTLV (p = 0.302). In addition, use of these third generation kits resulted in HTLV-1/2 false-positive samples. In contrast, first and second generation EIA kits showed high specificity, and the second generation EIA kits showed the highest efficiency, despite lower S/C values. Using first and second generation EIA kits, significant differences in specific antibody detection of HTLV-1, relative to HTLV-2 (p = 0.019 for first generation and p < 0.001 for second generation EIA kits) and relative to untyped HTLV (p = 0.025 for first generation EIA kits), were observed. These results were explained by the composition and format of the assays. In addition, using receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis, a slight adjustment in cutoff values for third generation EIA kits improved their specificities and should be used when HTLV ""at-risk"" populations from this geographic area are to be evaluated. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Histological analyses of thermal effect caused by 1.2 W diode laser irradiation at rat periodontal pockets

The aim of this in vivo study was to evaluate the thermal effects caused by 810 nm 1.2 W diode laser irradiation of periodontal tissues. Despite all data available concerning the laser application for periodontal treatment, one of the most relevant challenges is to prevent the harmful tissue heating induced by different clinical protocols. Periodontal pockets were induced at molars in 96 rats. Several irradiation powers under CW mode were investigated: 0, 400, 600, 800, 1000, 1200 mW. The pockets were irradiated using a 300 A mu m frontal illumination fiber. The animals were killed at 4 or 10 days after irradiation. The mandible was surgically removed and histologically processed. The histological sections stained with H/E demonstrated that irradiation parameters up to 1000 mW were thermally safe for the periodontal tissues. The sections stained with Brown & Brenn technique evidenced bacteria in the periodontal tissues. Consequently, the diode laser irradiation as a unique treatment was not capable to eliminate bacteria of the biofilm present in the pockets. According to the methodology used here, it was concluded that the thermal variation promoted by a diode laser can cause damage to periodontal tissues depending on the energy density used. The 1.2 W diode laser irradiation itself does not control the bacteria present in the biofilm of the periodontal pockets without mechanical action. The knowledge of proper high intensity laser parameters and methods of irradiation for periodontal protocols may prevent any undesirable thermal damage to the tissues.

Reactions of 1,2.,5-thiadiazole 1,1-dioxide derivatives with nitrogen nucleophiles. Part IV. Addition of alpha-diamines

alpha-diamines, such as ethylendiamine and o-phenylendiamine, add to 3,4-aryl-disubstituted 1,2,5-thiadiazole 1,1-dioxides to give dihydropyrazines or quinoxalines, respectively and sulfamide. The new compound acenaphtho [5,6-b]-2,3-dihydropyrazine was synthesized and characterized. The addition of ethylendiamine to 3,4-diphenyl-1,2,5-thiadiazoline 1,1-dioxide gives 3,4-disubstituted thiadiazoildine 1,1-dioxide, dihydropyrazines, or pyrazines, depending on the reaction condition used. The reactions were followed by cyclic voltammetry and NMR spectroscopy which, in some cases, allowed the detection of the thiadiazolidine intermediate. Copyright (c) 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Lead(II)-induced formation and coordination of 3,4-dihydro-3-thioxo-1,2,4-triazin-5(2H)-one

Cyclization of (n)butyl glyoxylate thiosemicarbazone (HBuTSC) under reflux in the presence of Pb(OAc)(2) led to tile formation of the complex [Pb(HTz)(2)] (H(2)Tz = 3,4-dihydro-3-thioxo-1,2,4-triazin-5(2H)-one), which after recrystallization from DMSO afforded the polymer [Pb(Tz)](n), the first example of a Tz(2-) metal complex. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Role of cis-cis muconic acid in the catalysis of Pseudomonas putida chlorocatechol 1,2-dioxygenase

Chlorocatechol 1,2-dioxygenase (1,2-CCD) is a non-heme iron protein involved in the intradiol cleavage of aromatic compounds that are recalcitrant to biodegradation. In particular, 1,2-CCD catalyzes the conversion of catechol and its halogenated derivatives to cis-cis muconic acid. In this study we describe a series of experiments concerning the interaction of chlorocatechol 1,2-dioxygenase from Pseudomonas putida (Pp1,2-CCD) with cis-cis muconic acid. We used single-injection ITC to show that the reaction product inhibits enzyme kinetics. DSC and EPR measurements probed whether this was accomplished by a direct binding of the product to the enzyme active site. DSC shows that cis-cis muconic acid affects the thermal unfolding of the protein and allowed us to estimate a binding constant. Furthermore, EPR spectra of the Fe(III) center demonstrate that, upon product binding, a significant decrease in resonance intensity is observed, indicating that cis-cis muconic acid binds directly to the active site. Based on the increasing interest for understanding dioxygenases mechanism of action and, moreover, how to control such process, our data indicate that the product of the reaction does play a relevant role in the catalysis and should therefore be taken into account when one thinks about ways of regulating enzyme activity. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Experimental Evidence of the Occurrence of Intramolecular Electron Transfer in Catalyzed 1,2-Dioxetane Decomposition

The activation parameters for the thermal decomposition of 13 acridinium-substituted 1,2-dioxetanes, bearing an aromatic moiety, were determined and their chemiluminescence emission quantum yields estimated, utilizing in situ photosensitized 1,2-dioxetane generation and observation of its thermal decomposition kinetics, without isolation of these highly unstable cyclic peroxides. Decomposition rate constants show linear free-energy correlation for electron-withdrawing substituents, with a Hammett reaction constant of rho = 1.3 +/- 0.1, indicating the occurrence of an intramolecular electron transfer from the acridinium moiety to the 1,2-dioxetane ring, as postulated by the intramolecular chemically initiated electron exchange luminescence (CIEEL) mechanism. Emission quantum yield behavior can also be rationalized on the basis of the intramolecular CIEEL mechanism, additionally evidencing its occurrence in this transformation. Both relations constitute the first experimental evidence for the occurrence of the postulated intramolecular electron transfer in the catalyzed and induced decomposition of properly substituted 1,2-dioxetanes.

Modulation of trans-to-cis photoisomerization and photoluminescence of 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethylene or 4-styrylpyridine coordinated to fac-tricarbonyl(5-chloro-1,10-phenathroline)rhenium(I)

Photochemical and photophysical properties of fac-[Re(CO)(3)(Clphen)(trans-L)](+) complexes, Clphen = 5-chloro-1,10-phenathroline and L = 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethylene, bpe, or 4-styrylpyridine, stpy, were investigated to complement the understanding of intramolecular energy transfer process in tricarbonyl rhenium(I) complexes having an electron withdrawing group attached to polypyridyl ligands. These new compounds were synthesized, characterized and the photoisomerization quantum yields were accurately determined by (1)H NMR spectroscopy. The true quantum yields for fac-[Re(CO)(3)(Clphen) (trans-bpe)](+) were constant (Phi = 0.55) at all investigated irradiation wavelengths. However, for fac-[Re(CO)(3)(Clphen)(trans-stpy)](+), similar true quantum yields were observed only at higher energy irradiation (Phi(313 nm) = 0.53 and Phi(365 nm) = 0.57), but it decreased significantly at 404 nm (Phi = 0.41). These results indicated different deactivation pathways for the trans-stpy complex photoisomerization. Quantum yields decreased as the (3)IL(trans-L) and (3)MLCT(Re -> NN) excited states become closer and the behavior was discussed in terms of the excited state energy gaps. Additionally, luminescence properties of photoproducts, fac-[Re(CO)(3)(Clphen)(cis-L)](+), were also investigated in different environments to analyze the relative energy of the (3)MLCT(Re -> Clphen) excited state for each compound. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

New insights on surface-enhanced Raman scattering based on controlled aggregation and spectroscopic studies, DFT calculations and symmetry analysis for 3,6-bi-2-pyridyl-1,2,4,5-tetrazine adsorbed onto citrate-stabilized gold nanoparticles

Asystematic study on the surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) for 3,6-bi-2-pyridyl-1,2,4,5-tetrazine (bptz) adsorbed onto citrate-modified gold nanoparticles (cit-AuNps) was carried out based on electronic and vibrational spectroscopy and density functional methods. The citrate/bptz exchange was carefully controlled by the stepwise addition of bptz to the cit-AuNps, inducing flocculation and leading to the rise of a characteristic plasmon coupling band in the visible region. Such stepwise procedure led to a uniform decrease of the citrate SERS signals and to the rise of characteristic peaks of bptz, consistent with surface binding via the N heterocyclic atoms. In contrast, single addition of a large amount of bptz promoted complete aggregation of the nanoparticles, leading to a strong enhancement of the SERS signals. In this case, from the distinct Raman profiles involved, the formation of a new SERS environment became apparent, conjugating the influence of the local hot spots and charge-transfer (CT) effects. The most strongly enhanced vibrations belong to a(1) and b(2) representations, and were interpreted in terms of the electromagnetic and the CT mechanisms: the latter involving significant contribution of vibronic coupling in the system. Copyright (C) 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Fenchyl substituted 1,2-dioxetanes as an alternative to adamantyl derivatives for bioanalytical applications

The synthesis and study of the chemiluminescence parameters and thermal stability of 1,2-dioxetanes containing a spirofenchyl substituent are reported. Three fenchyl-substituted 1,2-dioxetanes were synthesized by photooxygenation of the corresponding alkenes, obtained by Barton-Kellogg olefination of the readily available (-)-fenchone. The fenchyl-substituted 1,2-dioxetanes showed thermal stabilities similar to those of the corresponding spiroadamantyl-substituted derivatives, although being slightly more labile with respect to unimolecular decomposition than the latter derivatives, which are widely utilized as labels in a great variety of chemiluminescent immunoassays. Fluoride induced decomposition of one triggerable fenchyl 1,2-dioxetane derivative showed kinetic parameters similar to those of the corresponding adamantyl-substituted derivative. The chemiluminescence quantum yields in the one percent range are also similar to that of other widely utilized chemiluminescence systems as the luminol reaction. These results indicate that fenchyl-substituted 1,2-dioxetanes can potentially be utilized as a cheaper alternative to substitute the corresponding spiroadamantyl derivatives in bioanalytical applications. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Ring Contraction of 1,2-Dihydronaphthalenes Promoted by Thallium(III) in Acetonitrile: A Diastereoselective Approach to Indanes

trans-1,3-Disubstituted indanes are conveniently accessed by a stereoselective ring contraction of 1,2-dihydronaphthalenes upon treatment with thallium(III) nitrate (TTN) in acetonitrile. Under these conditions, the oxidative rearrangement of either di- or trisubstituted double bonds is possible.

Synthesis, spectral studies and X-ray crystal structure of N,N `-(+/-)-trans-1,2-cyclohexylenebis(3-ethoxysalicylideneamine) H-2(t-3-EtOsalchxn)

The synthesis, spectra and X-ray crystal structure of N,N`-(+/-)-trans-1,2-cyclohexylenebis(3-ethoxysalicylideneamine) H-2(t-3-EtOsalchxn), a salen-type ligand, are reported. The Schiff base was characterized by elemental analysis, m.p., IR, electronic spectra, H-1 and C-13 NMR spectra. The spectra are discussed and compared with those of N,N`-(+/-)-trans-1,2-cyclohexylenebis(salicylideneamine), H-2(t-salchxn). The electronic and IR spectra were also resolved by deconvolution. The influence of the ethoxy group on the IR, electronic spectrum, H-1 and C-13 NMR spectra is discussed. Strong intramolecular forces are present as supported by the IR and H-1 NMR spectra and the X-ray crystal structure. An intermolecular hydrogen bond is observed and appears twice in a pair of molecules in the unit cell. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.