Effects of dietary supplementation of ferulic acid and gamma-oryzanol on integument color and suppression of oxidative stress in cultured red sea bream, Pagrus major

The effects of ferulic acid (FA) and gamma-oryzanol (OZ) supplementation on cultured red sea bream were examined. Commercial brown fish meal diets supplemented with FA (0.01-0.5%) or OZ (0.05-0.5%) were given to zero-year, cultured red sea bream for 98 days. After the experiment, the brightness of the integument color ("L" value) of FA- and OZ-administrated fish was higher than that of control fish. Furthermore, 2-Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in the liver of FA- and OZ-administrated fish was lower than in control fish. These results indicate that FA and OZ suppressed not only dark-color pigmentation but also oxidative stress in cultured red sea bream.     

Hydrolysis of glycerophosphocholine epoxides by human group IIA,V, and X secretory phospholipases A2

This study was prompted by recent reports that epoxyeicosatrienoic (EET) and epoxyeicosatetraenoic (EEQ) acids accelerate tumor growth and metastasis by stimulation of angiogenesis, while eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and epoxydocosapentaenoic (EDP) acids inhibit angiogenesis, tumor growth, and metastasis. Cytochrome P450 epoxygenases convert arachidonic to EET, eicosapentaenoic acid to EEQ, and docosahexaenoic acid to EDP, which are found both in free form and esterified to glycerophosphocholine (GPC). Both free and esterified epoxy (EP) acids are also formed during lipid autoxidation. For biological activity, the GPC-EP requires hydrolysis, which we presumed could occur by sPLA₂s located in proximity of lipoproteins carrying the lipid epoxides. The plasma lipoproteins were isolated by ultracentrifugation and analyzed by LC/ESI-MS. The GPC-EPs were identified by reference to standards and to retention times of phospholipid masses. The GPC-EP monoepoxides (corrected for isobaric ether overlaps) in stored human LDL, HDL, HDL₃, or APHDL ranged from 0 to 1 nmol/mg protein, but during 4-h incubation at 37°C increased to 1–5 nmol/mg protein. An incubation of autoxidized LDL, HDL, or HDL₃ with 1 μg/ml of group V or X sPLA₂ resulted in complete hydrolysis of diacyl GPC epoxide esters. Group IIA sPLA₂ at 1 μg/ml failed to produce significant hydrolysis in 4 h, but at 2.5 μg/ml in 8 h yielded almost 80% hydrolysis, which represented complete diacyl GPC-EP hydrolysis. The present study shows that group IIA, V, and X sPLA₂s are capable of extensive hydrolysis of PtdCho epoxides of autoxidized plasma lipoproteins. Therefore, all three human sPLA₂s were potentially capable of inducing epoxide biological activity in vivo.     

Purification, molecular cloning, and expression of the gene encoding fatty acid 13-hydroperoxide lyase from guava fruit (Psidium guajava)

Guava fruit was identified as a particularly rich source of 13-hydroperoxide lyase activity. The enzyme proved stable to chromatographic procedures and was purified to homogeneity. Based on gel filtration and gel electrophoresis, the native enzyme appears to be a homotetramer with subunits of 55 kD. Starting with primers based on the peptide sequence, the enzyme was cloned by polymerase chain reaction with 3′ and 5′ rapid amplification of cDNA ends. The sequence shows approximately 60–70% identity to known 13-hydroperoxide lyases and is classified in cytochrome P450 74B subfamily as CYP74B5. The cDNA was expressed in Escherichia coli (BL21 cells), with optimal enzyme activity obtained in the absence of isopropyl-β-d-thiogalactopyranoside and σ-aminolevulinic acid. The expressed enzyme metabolized 13(S)-hydroperoxylinolenic acid over 10-fold faster than 13(S)-hydroperoxylinoleic acid and the 9-hydroperoxides of linoleic and linolenic acids. 13(S)-Hydroperoxylinolenic acid was converted to 12-oxododec-9(Z)-enoic acid and 3(Z)-hexenal, as identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The turnover number with this substrate, with enzyme concentration estimated from the Soret absorbance, was≈2000/s, comparable to values reported for the related allene oxide synthases. Distinctive features of the guava 13-hydroperoxide lyase and related cytochrome P450 are discussed.     

Chemical defense of a dorid nudibranch,Glossodoris quadricolor,from the red sea

The nudibranch,Glossodoris quadricolor (Doridacea) feeds on the red spongeLatrunculia magnifica, which grows in the reefs of the Gulf of Aqaba, Red Sea. The ichthyotoxic substance from the sponge, latrunculin B, was also indentified in the mucous secretion of the mollusk by TLC, indicating the use of this substance as defense allomone.     

Purification and characterization of an extracellular lipase from the fungusRhizopus delemar

The complete purification and characterization of an extracellular lipase (acylglycerol acylhydrolase, EC 3.1.1.3) fromR. delemar is described. The final product was homogeneous as judged by electrophoresis in denaturing polyacrylamide gels and by isoelectric focusing, and was shown by means of an activity stain to be lipolytic. The purified enzyme had a monomer molecular weight of 30,300, an isoelectric point of 8.6, and approximately one monosaccharide moiety per molecule.N-Terminal sequence data (28 residues) and the amino acid composition of the lipase indicated that it corresponds to the product of a lipase-encoding cDNA previously isolated fromR. delemar. Optimal activity occurred between pH 8.0 and 8.5. The activity and stability of the enzyme were maximum at 30°C. Divalent cations were required for activity, with barium, calcium and manganese conferring maximum activity. Activation by calcium was maximal at and above 10 mM. The lipase was not inactivated by reducing agents, sodium fluoride or phenylmethlsufonyl fluoride. It was resistant toN-ethylmaleimide, and inactivated byp-chloromercuribenzoic acid in a manner which was not reversed by cysteine. Mention of brand or firm names does not constitute an endorsement by the U.S. Department of Agriculture over others of a similar nature not mentioned.     

Hydrolysis of polyhydroxy polyunsaturated fatty acid-glycerophosphocholines by Group IIA,V, and X secretory phospholipases A2

It is widely accepted that unesterified polyunsaturated ω-6 and ω-3 fatty acids (PUFA) are converted through various lipoxygenases, cyclooxygenases, and cytochrome P450 enzymes to a range of oxygenated derivatives (oxylipins), among which the polyhydroxides of unesterified PUFA have recently been recognized as cell signaling molecules with anti-inflammatory and pro-resolving properties, known as specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs). This study investigates the mono-, di-, and trihydroxy 16:0/PUFA-GPCs, and the corresponding 16:0/SPM-GPC, in plasma lipoproteins. We describe the isolation and identification of mono-, di-, and trihydroxy AA, EPA, and DHA-GPC in plasma LDL, HDL, HDL3, and acute phase HDL using normal phase LC/ESI-MS, as previously reported. The lipoproteins contained variable amounts of the polyhydroxy-PUFA-GPC (0–10 nmol/mg protein), likely the product of lipid peroxidation and the action of various lipoxygenases and cytochrome P450 enzymes on both free fatty acids and the parent GPCs. Polyhydroxy-PUFA-GPC was hydrolyzed to variable extent (20%–80%) by the different secretory phospholipases A₂ (sPLA₂s), with Group IIA sPLA₂ showing the lowest and Group X sPLA₂ the highest activity. Surprisingly, the trihydroxy-16:0/PUFA-GPC of APHDL was largely absent, while large amounts of unidentified material had migrated in the free fatty acid elution area. The free fatty acid mass spectra were consistent with that anticipated for branched chain polyhydroxy fatty acids. There was general agreement between the masses determined by LC/ESI-MS for the polyhydroxy PUFA-GPC and the masses calculated for the GPC equivalents of resolvins, protectins, and maresins using the fatty acid structures reported in the literature.     

Recommended flowsheets for the electrolytic extraction of lead and zinc from red sea polymetal ore

The polymetal complex ore Umm-Gheig considered in Egypt as a rather rich source of lead and zinc is subjected to mineralogical, chemical, spectral, X-ray and differential thermal analyses. Hydrometallurgical treatments based on leaching, precipitation and electrodeposition of metal from the ore are established. The influences of current density, temperature and metal ion concentration on the Faradic current efficiency are discussed. Advantages and disadvantages of flowsheets and various approaches depending on convenient baths for the electro-deposition of metals are investigated. The results of electron microscopic investigation confirmed by metal value data given in the A.S.T.M. cards coincide well with those given by chemical analysis.     

雷丸的中性金属蛋白酶的分离纯化、酶学性质及体外驱虫活性

A neutral metalloprotease was purified from the cultured mycelia of Laccocephalum mylittae, an effective medicinal fungus widely used in anthelmintic therapy. The protease was purified to homogeneity with 31.85-fold purification and a final yield of 21.76%. The subunit molecular weight of the protease is about 40000 estimated by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). The optimum reaction pH and temperature are 7.5 and 50ºC, respectively. The protease activity is largely enhanced by Ca2+, but highly inhibited by tetrasodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate (EDTA), a metal-chelator, suggesting that the enzyme is a metalloprotease. The Michaelis-Menten constan Km and Vmax value for casein substrate are 6.09 mg&;#8226;ml－1 and 21.32 μg&;#8226;min－1&;#8226;ml－1, respectively. In vitro anthelmintic tests of the protease exhibit distinct lethal effects on the third stage larvae (L3) of Ascaris suum. Scanning electron microscopy and SDS-PAGE analysis indicates that the proteolysis of larvae proteins caused by this protease may relate to the anthelmintic activity of L. mylittae.     

Synthesis,characterization and molecular structure of Re(III) complexes containing 2-benzoylpyridine

The paper presents a combined experimental and computational study of Re(III) complexes containing 2-benzoylpyridine (bopy). Two novel complexes [ReX₃(bopy)(PPh₃)] (X = Cl, Br) have been obtained in the reactions of [ReX₃(MeCN)(PPh₃)₂] with 2-benzoylpyridine in dichloromethane and have been studied by IR, UV–Vis spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography. The electronic structure of [ReCl₃(bopy)(PPh₃)] has been calculated with the density functional theory (DFT) method. The spin-allowed electronic transitions of [ReCl₃(bopy)(PPh₃)] have been calculated with the time-dependent DFT method and the UV–Vis spectrum has been discussed on this basis.     

Thermostable glycerol kinase from a hyperthermophilic archaeon: gene cloning and characterization of the recombinant enzyme

The Pk-glpK gene, which encodes glycerol kinase (GK) from a hyperthermophilic archaeon Pyrococcus kodakaraensis KOD1, was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. The amino acid sequence of this enzyme (Pk-GK) deduced from the nucleotide sequence showed 57% identity with that of E. coli GK and 47% identity with that of human GK. Pk-GK, which has a molecular weight of 55902 (497 amino acid residues), was purified from E. coli and characterized. Despite the high sequence similarity, Pk-GK and E. coli GK are greatly divergent in structure and function from each other. Unlike E. coli GK, which exists as a tetramer, Pk-GK exists as a dimer. The preferred divalent cation for Pk- GK is Co2+, instead of Mg2+. The optimum pH and temperature for Pk-GK activity are 8.0 and 80 degrees C, respectively. Pk-GK can utilize other nucleoside triphosphates than ATP as a phosphoryl donor. It is fairly resistant to an allosteric inhibitor of E. coli GK, fructose-1,6- bisphosphate. Determination of the kinetic parameters indicates that the Km value of the enzyme is 15.4 microM for ATP and 111 microM for glycerol and its kcat value is 940 s(-1). The enzyme was shown to be fairly resistant to irreversible heat inactivation and still retained 50% of its enzymatic activity even after heating at 100 degrees C for 30 min. Construction of a model for the three-dimensional structure of the enzyme suggests that the formation of extensive ion-pair networks is responsible for the high stability of this enzyme.      

Recombinant porcine intestinal carboxylesterase: cloning from the pig liver esterase gene by site-directed mutagenesis, functional expression and characterization

It was shown recently that proline-ß-naphthylamidasefrom pig liver resembles the     

Molecular cloning,expression, and characterization of secretory phospholipase A<Subscript>2</Subscript> in tobacco

Phospholipase A₂ (PLA₂) activity was investigated in various tissues of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum). PLA₂ activity in the flower was 15 times higher than that in the leaf, stem, and root. PLA₂ activity in the flower appears to have originated from both Ca²⁺-dependent and-independent PLA₂. A cDNA clone for protein with homology to animal secretory PLA₂ (sPLA₂), denoted as Nt PLA₂, was isolated from the tobacco flower. The cDNA of Nt PLA₂ encoded a mature protein of 127 amino acid residues with a putative signal peptide of 30 residues. The amino acid sequence for mature Nt PLA₂ contains 12 cysteines, a Ca²⁺ binding loop, and a catalytic domain that are commonly conserved in animal sPLA₂. The Nt PLA₂ mRNA was mainly expressed in the root and stem of tobacco. The recombinant Nt PLA₂ was expressed as a fusion protein with thioredoxin in Escherichia coli. From the bacterial cell lysate, the fusion protein was recovered in soluble form and cleaved by Factor Xa proteinase. Then the recombinant mature Nt PLA₂ was purified by ion exchange chromatography. It was discovered that the purified Nt PLA₂ essentially requires Ca²⁺, for the enzyme activity when the activity was determined using mixed-micellar phospholipid substrates with sodium cholate. The optimal activity of Nt PLA₂ was at pH 8–10 when PC was used as a substrate.     

Purification and characterization of solvent‐tolerant,thermostable, alkaline metalloprotease from alkalophilic Pseudomonas aeruginosa MTCC 7926

BACKGROUND: Microbial proteases are becoming imperative for commercial applications. The protease secreted by Pseudomonas aeruginosa MTCC 7926, isolated from solvent‐contaminated habitat was purified and characterized for activity at various edaphic conditions. The purified alkaline protease was investigated for dehairing of animal skin, anti‐staphylococcal activity and processing of X‐ray film. RESULTS: The protease was 24‐fold purified by ammonium sulfate fractionation, sephadex G‐100 gel filtration and DEAE‐cellulose, with 36% recovery. K_M and V_max, using casein were 2.94 mg mL^?1 and 1.27 µmole min^?1, respectively. The apparent molecular mass by SDS‐PAGE was 35 kDa. Alkaline protease was active at pH 6–11 and temperature 25–65 °C. Its activity was (a) 86.8% in 100 mmol L^?1 NaCl, (b) >95% in metal ions (Mn²⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Fe²⁺) for 1 h, (c) >90% in bleaching agents and chemical surfactants, (d) 135.4 ± 2.0% and 119.9 ± 6.2% with rhamnolipid and cyclodextrin, respectively, (e) stable in solvents for 5–30 days at 27 °C, and (f) inhibited by EDTA, indicating metalloprotein. CONCLUSION: This work showed that purified protease retained its activity in surfactants, solvents, metals, and bleaching agents. The enzyme is an alternative for detergent formulations, dehairing of animal skin, X‐ray film processing, treatment of staphylococcal infections and possibly non‐aqueous enzymatic peptide synthesis. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry     

EspA-Stx2A1融合蛋白的表达、纯化及其免疫学活性

目的在原核表达系统中表达肠出血性大肠杆菌O157∶H7(EHECO157∶H7)Ⅲ型分泌蛋白EspA与Stx2毒素A1亚单位(Stx2A1)的融合蛋白,并对表达蛋白进行纯化及免疫学活性检测。方法PCR扩增espA和stx2A1全长基因,利用重叠延伸PCR技术获得espA-stx2A1融合基因,T-A克隆后插入表达载体pET-28a(+),构建原核表达质粒pET-28a(+)-espA-stx2A1,转化大肠杆菌BL21(DE3),分别在37℃和25℃用IPTG诱导表达。以EspA单克隆抗体亲和层析柱纯化目的蛋白,免疫小鼠,检测其免疫原性及抗血清的反应原性,并以天然Stx2毒素攻击,观察保护效果。通过细胞毒试验检测免疫小鼠抗血清的体外中和作用。结果重叠延伸PCR方法扩增出1319bp的融合基因片段,重组表达质粒构建正确;目的蛋白在25℃时的表达量明显高于37℃,约占菌体总蛋白的40%。两种温度下,目的蛋白均主要以包涵体形式存在;纯化后蛋白纯度可达90%。Western blot结果证实,融合蛋白与EspA单克隆抗体和Stx2A1单克隆抗体均发生特异性反应。融合蛋白免疫小鼠制备的抗血清能分别与O157∶H7的EspA、Stx2A发生特异性免疫反应。融合蛋白免疫小鼠能够抵御致死剂量天然Stx2毒素的攻击,保护率达95%。免疫小鼠血清可以中和天然Stx2毒素对HeLa细胞的毒性作用。结论已成功表达了EspA-Stx2A1融合蛋白,纯化的蛋白显示出较好的免疫保护效果,为研制EHECO157∶H7基因工程多亚单位疫苗奠定了基础。     

Molar heat capacities of solvents used in CO2 capture: A group additivity and molecular connectivity analysis

The molar heat capacities of 38 pure solvents used for CO₂ capture studies are reported in the temperature range of 303.15–393.15 K and atmospheric pressure. Existing structural similarities between these compounds were explored using a group additivity analysis (GAA) and molecular connectivity principles in terms of the reported heat capacity data. Group additivity yields the estimates of CH₃, CH₂, CH, C, ?CH, NH₂, NH, N, ?N–, OH, O and ?O group contributions to the molar heat capacities at each investigated temperature. Molecular connectivity approach provides a single equation that models the molar heat capacities of amines over the investigated temperature range. Absolute average deviations for the GAA were found to be <2.5%, and <3% for the molecular connectivity analysis. The developed equations were tested by predicting the molar heat capacities of solvents newly proposed for CO₂ capture. Les capacités calorifiques molaires de trente huit (38) solvants purs utilisés pour les études de capture du CO₂ sont rapportées dans la gamme de température de (303.15 à 393.15) K et à pression atmosphérique. Les similitudes structurelles existantes entre ces composés ont été explorées à l'aide d'une analyse additivité de groupe et les principes de connectivité moléculaire en termes de capacité thermique. L'analyse fournit les estimations de la contribution des groups CH₃, CH₂, CH, C, ?CH, NH₂, NH, N, ?N–OH, O et S = aux capacités calorifiques molaires à chaque température étudiée. L'approche de connectivité moléculaire fournit une seule équation qui modélise les capacités calorifiques molaires des amines dans l'intervalle de température étudié. Les écarts absolus moyens pour l'analyse additivité des groupes ont été de moins de 2.5%, et de moins de 3% pour l'analyse de la connectivité moléculaire. Les équations développées ont été testées en prédisant les capacités calorifiques molaires des solvants nouvellement proposés pour la capture du CO₂. © 2011 Canadian Society for Chemical Engineering     

Expression and enzymatic characterization of the soluble recombinant plasmepsin I from Plasmodium falciparum

The plasmepsins are involved in the degradation of host cell hemoglobin during malaria infection. Plasmepsin I (PM I) initiates the degradative process, and has been suggested as an attractive target for the treatment of malaria. The production of active recombinant PM I, however, has been challenging. We report for the first time, the expression and partial characterization of soluble recombinant PM I from Plasmodium falciparum in which a truncated form of PM I (Lys77P-Leu329) (P indicates a propart residues) was fused to thioredoxin in the pET32b(+) vector, Trx-tPM I and expressed in Escherichia coli Rosetta-gami B (DE3)pLysS. The soluble fusion protein was purified from cell culture using a combination of Ni(2+) affinity and gel filtration chromatography and was capable of autocatalytic activation at pH 4.0-5.5, which occurred at Leu116P-Ser117P, seven residues upstream of the native cleavage site (Gly123P-Asn1). The mature tPM I (mtPM I) was capable of hydrolyzing both human hemoglobin with a pH optimum of pH 2.8-4.0 and the synthetic fluorogenic peptide EDANS-CO-CH(2)-CH(2)-CO-ALERMFLSFP-Dap(DABCYL)-OH with a dual pH optima of pH 2.5-3.0 and pH 4.5-5.5. Using the synthetic substrate, mtPM I exhibited kinetic parameters comparable to native PM I.     

A new type of quaternary ammonium salt containing siloxane group and used as favorable dispersant in the surface treatment of C.I. pigment red 170

C.I. pigment red 170 is an important type of organic pigment. A new type of quaternary ammonium salt containing siloxane group was prepared and then used as a favorable dispersant in the surface treatment of pigment red 170. The quaternary ammonium salt was achieved from the reaction of N-(β-aminoethyl)-γ-aminopropyl-methyl-bimethoxy-silane and 3-chloro-2-hydroxypropyl-bimethyl-hexadecyl ammonium halide in isopropanol, and its structure was characterized by IR and NMR techniques. The flowability, dispersing extent, particle size, and wetting behaviors of pigment were determined and the results showed that a small amount of the above dispersant could bring to the high flowability, good dispersing stability, small particle size and excellent wettability of pigment red 170. We also proposed the scenarios of dispersing process of pigment red 170 based on the information obtained from above characterizations.