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Benko AL, Wright AD, Sunyer T, Kovacs WJ, Olsen NJ. Pituitary neuropeptides and B lymphocyte function. Scand J Immunol 2021; 94:e13041. [PMID: 33817820 DOI: 10.1111/sji.13041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
This review discusses the accumulated evidence that pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) gene products as well as other pituitary neuropeptides derived from related genes (Proenkephalin, PENK; Prodynorphin, PDYN, and Pronociceptin, PNOC) can exert direct effects on B lymphocytes to modulate their functions. We also review the available data on receptor systems that might be involved in the transmission of such hormonal signals to B cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann L Benko
- Division of Rheumatology, College of Medicine, The Pennsylvania State University, Hershey, PA, USA
| | | | | | - William J Kovacs
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, College of Medicine, The Pennsylvania State University, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Nancy J Olsen
- Division of Rheumatology, College of Medicine, The Pennsylvania State University, Hershey, PA, USA
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Benko AL, Wright AD, Sunyer T, Olsen NJ, Kovacs WJ. Individual pituitary neuropeptides do not recapitulate the effects of repository corticotropin (Acthar®) on human B cells in vitro. J Neuroimmunol 2021; 353:577522. [PMID: 33601128 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2021.577522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Repository corticotropin injection (RCI), a complex mixture of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) analogs and other pituitary peptides, has been found to suppress key aspects of gene expression and cellular function in human B lymphocytes in vitro. The present studies reveal that neither individual POMC peptides (α-MSH, ACTH1-39, ACTH1-24, β-endorphin) nor other related pituitary neuropeptides are sufficient to elicit these effects, even though specific receptors capable of transmitting signals from these peptides are expressed by human B cells. RCI's direct effects on human B cells may require complementary signals from multiple components of the preparation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann L Benko
- Division of Rheumatology, The Pennsylvania State University, College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA.
| | | | | | - Nancy J Olsen
- Division of Rheumatology, The Pennsylvania State University, College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA.
| | - William J Kovacs
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, The Pennsylvania State University, College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA.
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Huang YJ, Galen K, Zweifel B, Brooks LR, Wright AD. Distinct binding and signaling activity of Acthar Gel compared to other melanocortin receptor agonists. J Recept Signal Transduct Res 2020; 41:425-433. [PMID: 32938265 DOI: 10.1080/10799893.2020.1818094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To compare the binding and agonistic activity of Acthar® Gel and synthetic melanocortin receptor (MCR) agonists and examine how the activity of select agonists affects the in vivo production of corticosterone. MATERIALS AND METHODS In vitro binding was determined using concentration-dependent displacement of the ligand [125I]Nle4, D-Phe7-α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) on cells expressing MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, or MC5R. Functional activity was determined using a time-resolved fluorescence cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) assay in cells expressing MC1R, MC2R, MC3R, MC4R, or MC5R. In vivo corticosterone analyses were performed by measuring plasma corticosterone levels in Sprague Dawley rats. RESULTS Acthar Gel and synthetic MCR agonists exhibited the highest binding at MC1R, lowest binding at MC5R, and moderate binding at MC3R and MC4R. Acthar Gel stimulated the production of cAMP in all 5 MCR-expressing cell lines, with MC2R displaying the lowest level of full agonist activity, 3-, 6.6-, and 10-fold lower than MC1R, MC3R, and MC4R, respectively. Acthar Gel was a partial agonist at MC5R. The synthetic MCR agonists induced full activity at all 5 MCRs, with the exception of α-MSH having no activity at MC2R. Acthar Gel treatment had less of an impact on in vivo production of corticosterone compared with synthetic ACTH1-24 depot. CONCLUSIONS Acthar Gel bound to and activated each MCR tested in this study, with partial agonist activity at MC5R and the lowest level of full agonist activity at MC2R, which distinguished it from synthetic MCR agonists. The minimal activity of Acthar Gel at MC2R corresponded to lower endogenous corticosteroid production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Joyce Huang
- Cellular and Molecular Biology, Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals, Hazelwood, MO, USA
| | - Karen Galen
- Immunology and Pharmacology, Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals, Hazelwood, MO, USA
| | - Ben Zweifel
- Immunology and Pharmacology, Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals, Hazelwood, MO, USA
| | - Leah R Brooks
- Medical Affairs, Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals, Hazelwood, MO, USA
| | - A Dale Wright
- Immunology and Pharmacology, Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals, Hazelwood, MO, USA
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Dierijck JK, Wright AD, Smirl JD, Bryk K, van Donkelaar P. Sub-concussive trauma, acute concussion, and history of multiple concussions: Effects on quiet stance postural control stability. Int J Psychophysiol 2018. [PMID: 29526776 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2018.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Although balance control has been studied extensively following acute concussion, little is known regarding repetitive sub-concussive head impacts or chronic exposure to multiple concussive events. Quiet stance postural control was characterized in contact sport athletes at pre-season (n = 135) and post-season (n = 48) to evaluate the effects of subconcussive trauma to the head. To determine the impact of acute concussion on postural control, athletes diagnosed with a concussion during the season (n = 12) were tested at 72-h, 2-weeks, and 1-month post-injury. Because only 4 of the concussed athletes completed baseline testing, control athletes (n = 12) matched for sport, age, body mass index (BMI), and previous concussion history served as a comparison group. Finally, the effects of previous concussion history on quiet stance postural control were determined by comparing pre-season data in contact sport athletes with either zero (Hx0, n = 50) or three or more (Hx3+, n = 25) previous concussions. A force plate was used to compare changes in centre-of-pressure root-mean-square displacement (RMSdisp) and mean-velocity (COPvel) in the anterior/posterior (AP) and medial/lateral (ML) directions. One-minute trials were performed with feet hip-width apart, hands-on-hips, and A) eyes-open and B) eyes-closed. Biomechanical head-impact exposure (impacts over 10 g) was indexed over the season using mastoid-fixed impact sensors. In acutely injured athletes, repeated-measures ANOVA revealed a significant effect of time for RMSdisp AP with increased displacement at 2 weeks compared to 72 h (p = 0.008, 95% CI: -0.180, -0.310 cm). No other COP variables were affected by acute concussion. Moreover, there was no effect of concussion history or repeated sub-concussive impacts on any quiet stance metric. Additionally, head-impact exposure metrics were not correlated with COP metrics. Taken together, the data suggests alterations in COP sway during quiet stance persist in the acute 2-week period after injury. These findings were not present with either a history of multiple concussions or exposure to sub-concussive head impacts indicating acute concussion does not have appear to have long term effects for these measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- J K Dierijck
- School of Health and Exercise Sciences, University of British Columbia, ART 360 - 3333 University Way, Kelowna, BC V1V 1V7, Canada
| | - A D Wright
- School of Health and Exercise Sciences, University of British Columbia, ART 360 - 3333 University Way, Kelowna, BC V1V 1V7, Canada; MD/PhD Program, University of British Columbia, 2894 Detwiller Pavilion, 2255 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 2A1, Canada; Southern Medical Program, Reichwald Health Sciences Centre, University of British Columbia Okanagan, 1088 Discovery Avenue, Kelowna, BC V1V 1V7, Canada; Experimental Medicine Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - J D Smirl
- School of Health and Exercise Sciences, University of British Columbia, ART 360 - 3333 University Way, Kelowna, BC V1V 1V7, Canada
| | - K Bryk
- School of Health and Exercise Sciences, University of British Columbia, ART 360 - 3333 University Way, Kelowna, BC V1V 1V7, Canada; Department of Kinesiology and Applied Physiology, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
| | - P van Donkelaar
- School of Health and Exercise Sciences, University of British Columbia, ART 360 - 3333 University Way, Kelowna, BC V1V 1V7, Canada.
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Mitsi E, Roche AM, Reiné J, Zangari T, Owugha JT, Pennington SH, Gritzfeld JF, Wright AD, Collins AM, van Selm S, de Jonge MI, Gordon SB, Weiser JN, Ferreira DM. Agglutination by anti-capsular polysaccharide antibody is associated with protection against experimental human pneumococcal carriage. Mucosal Immunol 2017; 10:385-394. [PMID: 27579859 PMCID: PMC5332540 DOI: 10.1038/mi.2016.71] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2016] [Accepted: 07/12/2016] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The ability of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) to decrease transmission by blocking the acquisition of colonization has been attributed to herd immunity. We describe the role of mucosal immunoglobulin G (IgG) to capsular polysaccharide (CPS) in mediating protection from carriage, translating our findings from a murine model to humans. We used a flow cytometric assay to quantify antibody-mediated agglutination demonstrating that hyperimmune sera generated against an unencapsulated mutant was poorly agglutinating. Passive immunization with this antiserum was ineffective to block acquisition of colonization compared to agglutinating antisera raised against the encapsulated parent strain. In the human challenge model, samples were collected from PCV and control-vaccinated adults. In PCV-vaccinated subjects, IgG levels to CPS were increased in serum and nasal wash (NW). IgG to the inoculated strain CPS dropped in NW samples after inoculation suggesting its sequestration by colonizing pneumococci. In post-vaccination NW samples pneumococci were heavily agglutinated compared with pre-vaccination samples in subjects protected against carriage. Our results indicate that pneumococcal agglutination mediated by CPS-specific antibodies is a key mechanism of protection against acquisition of carriage. Capsule may be the only vaccine target that can elicit strong agglutinating antibody responses, leading to protection against carriage acquisition and generation of herd immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Mitsi
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - AM Roche
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - J Reiné
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - T Zangari
- Department of Microbiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - JT Owugha
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - SH Pennington
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - JF Gritzfeld
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - AD Wright
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - AM Collins
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - S van Selm
- Department of Pediatrics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - MI de Jonge
- Department of Pediatrics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - SB Gordon
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK,The Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - JN Weiser
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA, Department of Microbiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - DM Ferreira
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK, Corresponding Author: Daniela M. Ferreira, , Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, UK, phone 0151 705 3711
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Wright AD, Hartog M, Palter H, Tevaarwerk G, Doyle FH, Arnot R, Joplin GF, Fraser TR. The Use of Yttrium 90 Implantation in the Treatment of Acromegaly. Proc R Soc Med 2016. [DOI: 10.1177/003591577006300302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A D Wright
- Departments of Medicine and Diagnostic Radiology, Royal Postgraduate Medical School, London W12
| | - M Hartog
- Departments of Medicine and Diagnostic Radiology, Royal Postgraduate Medical School, London W12
| | - H Palter
- Departments of Medicine and Diagnostic Radiology, Royal Postgraduate Medical School, London W12
| | - G Tevaarwerk
- Departments of Medicine and Diagnostic Radiology, Royal Postgraduate Medical School, London W12
| | - F H Doyle
- Departments of Medicine and Diagnostic Radiology, Royal Postgraduate Medical School, London W12
| | - R Arnot
- Departments of Medicine and Diagnostic Radiology, Royal Postgraduate Medical School, London W12
| | - G F Joplin
- Departments of Medicine and Diagnostic Radiology, Royal Postgraduate Medical School, London W12
| | - T Russell Fraser
- Departments of Medicine and Diagnostic Radiology, Royal Postgraduate Medical School, London W12
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Kulish O, Wright AD, Terentjev EM. F1 rotary motor of ATP synthase is driven by the torsionally-asymmetric drive shaft. Sci Rep 2016; 6:28180. [PMID: 27321713 PMCID: PMC4913325 DOI: 10.1038/srep28180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2016] [Accepted: 05/31/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
F1F0 ATP synthase (ATPase) either facilitates the synthesis of ATP in a process driven by the proton moving force (pmf), or uses the energy from ATP hydrolysis to pump protons against the concentration gradient across the membrane. ATPase is composed of two rotary motors, F0 and F1, which compete for control of their shared γ -shaft. We present a self-consistent physical model of F1 motor as a simplified two-state Brownian ratchet using the asymmetry of torsional elastic energy of the coiled-coil γ -shaft. This stochastic model unifies the physical concepts of linear and rotary motors, and explains the stepped unidirectional rotary motion. Substituting the model parameters, all independently known from recent experiments, our model quantitatively reproduces the ATPase operation, e.g. the ‘no-load’ angular velocity is ca. 400 rad/s anticlockwise at 4 mM ATP. Increasing the pmf torque exerted by F0 can slow, stop and overcome the torque generated by F1, switching from ATP hydrolysis to synthesis at a very low value of ‘stall torque’. We discuss the motor efficiency, which is very low if calculated from the useful mechanical work it produces - but is quite high when the ‘useful outcome’ is measured in the number of H+ pushed against the chemical gradient.
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Affiliation(s)
- O Kulish
- Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0HE, UK
| | - A D Wright
- Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0HE, UK
| | - E M Terentjev
- Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0HE, UK
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Glennie S, Gritzfeld JF, Pennington SH, Garner-Jones M, Coombes N, Hopkins MJ, Vadesilho CF, Miyaji EN, Wang D, Wright AD, Collins AM, Gordon SB, Ferreira DM. Modulation of nasopharyngeal innate defenses by viral coinfection predisposes individuals to experimental pneumococcal carriage. Mucosal Immunol 2016; 9:56-67. [PMID: 25921341 PMCID: PMC4703943 DOI: 10.1038/mi.2015.35] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2014] [Accepted: 03/13/2015] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Increased nasopharyngeal colonization density has been associated with pneumonia. We used experimental human pneumococcal carriage to investigate whether upper respiratory tract viral infection predisposes individuals to carriage. A total of 101 healthy subjects were screened for respiratory virus before pneumococcal intranasal challenge. Virus was associated with increased odds of colonization (75% virus positive became colonized vs. 46% virus-negative subjects; P=0.02). Nasal Factor H (FH) levels were increased in virus-positive subjects and were associated with increased colonization density. Using an in vitro epithelial model we explored the impact of increased mucosal FH in the context of coinfection. Epithelial inflammation and FH binding resulted in increased pneumococcal adherence to the epithelium. Binding was partially blocked by antibodies targeting the FH-binding protein Pneumococcal surface protein C (PspC). PspC epitope mapping revealed individuals lacked antibodies against the FH binding region. We propose that FH binding to PspC in vivo masks this binding site, enabling FH to facilitate pneumococcal/epithelial attachment during viral infection despite the presence of anti-PspC antibodies. We propose that a PspC-based vaccine lacking binding to FH could reduce pneumococcal colonization, and may have enhanced protection in those with underlying viral infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Glennie
- grid.48004.380000 0004 1936 9764Respiratory Infection Group, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK ,grid.5337.20000 0004 1936 7603Present Address: 7Present address: School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK., ,
| | - J F Gritzfeld
- grid.48004.380000 0004 1936 9764Respiratory Infection Group, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - S H Pennington
- grid.48004.380000 0004 1936 9764Respiratory Infection Group, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - M Garner-Jones
- grid.48004.380000 0004 1936 9764Respiratory Infection Group, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - N Coombes
- grid.48004.380000 0004 1936 9764Respiratory Infection Group, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - M J Hopkins
- grid.269741.f0000 0004 0421 1585Liverpool Specialist Virology Centre, Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen University Hospital, Liverpool, UK
| | - C F Vadesilho
- grid.418514.d0000 0001 1702 8585Centro de Biotecnologia, Instituto Butantan, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - E N Miyaji
- grid.418514.d0000 0001 1702 8585Centro de Biotecnologia, Instituto Butantan, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - D Wang
- grid.48004.380000 0004 1936 9764Tropical Clinical Trial Unit, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - A D Wright
- grid.48004.380000 0004 1936 9764Respiratory Infection Group, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK ,grid.269741.f0000 0004 0421 1585NIHR Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen University Hospital NHS Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - A M Collins
- grid.48004.380000 0004 1936 9764Respiratory Infection Group, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK ,grid.269741.f0000 0004 0421 1585NIHR Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen University Hospital NHS Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - S B Gordon
- grid.48004.380000 0004 1936 9764Respiratory Infection Group, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - D M Ferreira
- grid.48004.380000 0004 1936 9764Respiratory Infection Group, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
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Trimble A, Collins AM, Hancock CA, Gordon SB, Ferreira DM, Wright AD. S70 Experimental Human Pneumococcal Colonisation is an asymptomatic event in healthy adults. Thorax 2015. [DOI: 10.1136/thoraxjnl-2015-207770.76] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Castles F, Morris SM, Hung JMC, Qasim MM, Wright AD, Nosheen S, Choi SS, Outram BI, Elston SJ, Burgess C, Hill L, Wilkinson TD, Coles HJ. Stretchable liquid-crystal blue-phase gels. Nat Mater 2014; 13:817-21. [PMID: 24880732 DOI: 10.1038/nmat3993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2014] [Accepted: 04/25/2014] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Liquid-crystalline polymers are materials of considerable scientific interest and technological value. An important subset of these materials exhibit rubber-like elasticity, combining the optical properties of liquid crystals with the mechanical properties of rubber. Moreover, they exhibit behaviour not seen in either type of material independently, and many of their properties depend crucially on the particular mesophase employed. Such stretchable liquid-crystalline polymers have previously been demonstrated in the nematic, chiral-nematic, and smectic mesophases. Here, we report the fabrication of a stretchable gel of blue phase I, which forms a self-assembled, three-dimensional photonic crystal that remains electro-optically switchable under a moderate applied voltage, and whose optical properties can be manipulated by an applied strain. We also find that, unlike its undistorted counterpart, a mechanically deformed blue phase exhibits a Pockels electro-optic effect, which sets out new theoretical challenges and possibilities for low-voltage electro-optic devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Castles
- 1] Centre of Molecular Materials for Photonics and Electronics, Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, 9 JJ Thomson Avenue Cambridge CB3 0FA, UK [2] Department of Materials, University of Oxford, Parks Road Oxford OX1 3PH, UK
| | - S M Morris
- 1] Centre of Molecular Materials for Photonics and Electronics, Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, 9 JJ Thomson Avenue Cambridge CB3 0FA, UK [2] Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, Parks Road Oxford OX1 3PJ, UK
| | - J M C Hung
- Centre of Molecular Materials for Photonics and Electronics, Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, 9 JJ Thomson Avenue Cambridge CB3 0FA, UK
| | - M M Qasim
- Centre of Molecular Materials for Photonics and Electronics, Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, 9 JJ Thomson Avenue Cambridge CB3 0FA, UK
| | - A D Wright
- Centre of Molecular Materials for Photonics and Electronics, Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, 9 JJ Thomson Avenue Cambridge CB3 0FA, UK
| | - S Nosheen
- Centre of Molecular Materials for Photonics and Electronics, Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, 9 JJ Thomson Avenue Cambridge CB3 0FA, UK
| | - S S Choi
- Centre of Molecular Materials for Photonics and Electronics, Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, 9 JJ Thomson Avenue Cambridge CB3 0FA, UK
| | - B I Outram
- Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, Parks Road Oxford OX1 3PJ, UK
| | - S J Elston
- Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, Parks Road Oxford OX1 3PJ, UK
| | - C Burgess
- Defence Science & Technology Laboratory, Porton Down Salisbury SP4 0JQ, UK
| | - L Hill
- Defence Science & Technology Laboratory, Porton Down Salisbury SP4 0JQ, UK
| | - T D Wilkinson
- Centre of Molecular Materials for Photonics and Electronics, Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, 9 JJ Thomson Avenue Cambridge CB3 0FA, UK
| | - H J Coles
- Centre of Molecular Materials for Photonics and Electronics, Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, 9 JJ Thomson Avenue Cambridge CB3 0FA, UK
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von Keyserlingk MAG, Martin NP, Kebreab E, Knowlton KF, Grant RJ, Stephenson M, Sniffen CJ, Harner JP, Wright AD, Smith SI. Invited review: Sustainability of the US dairy industry. J Dairy Sci 2013; 96:5405-25. [PMID: 23831089 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2012-6354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 143] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2012] [Accepted: 05/19/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The US dairy industry has realized tremendous improvements in efficiencies and milk production since the 1940s. During this time, farm and total cow numbers have decreased and average herd size has increased. This intensification, combined with the shift to a largely urban public, has resulted in increased scrutiny of the dairy industry by social and environmental movements and increased concern regarding the dairy industry's sustainability. In response to these concerns, a group of scientists specializing in animal welfare, nutrient management, greenhouse gas emissions, animal science, agronomy, agricultural engineering, microbiology, and economics undertook a critical review of the US dairy industry. Although the US dairy system was identified as having significant strengths, the consensus was that the current structure of the industry lacks the resilience to adapt to changing social and environmental landscapes. We identified several factors affecting the sustainability of the US dairy industry, including climate change, rapid scientific and technological innovation, globalization, integration of societal values, and multidisciplinary research initiatives. Specific challenges include the westward migration of milk production in the United States (which is at odds with projected reductions in precipitation and associated limitations in water availability for cattle and crops), and the growing divide between industry practices and public perceptions, resulting in less public trust. Addressing these issues will require improved alignment between industry practices and societal values, based upon leadership from within the industry and sustained engagement with other interested participants, including researchers, consumers, and the general public.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A G von Keyserlingk
- Animal Welfare Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
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Jackson LJ, Pheneger JA, Pheneger TJ, Davis G, Wright AD, Robinson JE, Allen S, Munson MC, Carter LL. The role of PIM kinases in human and mouse CD4+ T cell activation and inflammatory bowel disease. Cell Immunol 2012; 272:200-13. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2011.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2011] [Revised: 09/09/2011] [Accepted: 10/17/2011] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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Shin YS, Takeda K, Shiraishi Y, Jia Y, Wang M, Jackson L, Wright AD, Carter L, Robinson J, Hicken E, Gelfand EW. Inhibition of Pim1 kinase activation attenuates allergen-induced airway hyperresponsiveness and inflammation. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 2011; 46:488-97. [PMID: 22074702 DOI: 10.1165/rcmb.2011-0190oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Pim kinases are a family of serine/threonine kinases whose activity can be induced by cytokines involved in allergy and asthma. These kinases play a role in cell survival and proliferation, but have not been examined, to the best of our knowledge, in the development of allergic disease. This study sought to determine the role of Pim1 kinase in the development of allergic airway responses. Mice were sensitized and challenged with antigen (primary challenge), or were sensitized, challenged, and rechallenged with allergen in a secondary model. To assess the role of Pim1 kinase, a small molecule inhibitor was administered orally after sensitization and during the challenge phase. Airway responsiveness to inhaled methacholine, airway and lung inflammation, cell composition, and cytokine concentrations were assessed. Lung Pim1 kinase concentrations were increased after ovalbumin sensitization and challenge. In the primary allergen challenge model, treatment with the Pim1 kinase inhibitor after sensitization and during airway challenges prevented the development of airway hyperresponsiveness, eosinophilic airway inflammation, and goblet cell metaplasia, and increased Th2 cytokine concentrations in bronchoalveolar fluid in a dose-dependent manner. These effects were also demonstrated after a secondary allergen challenge, where lung allergic disease was established before treatment. After treatment with the inhibitor, a significant reduction was evident in the number of CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells and concentrations of cytokines in the airways. The inhibition of Pim1 kinase was effective in preventing the development of airway hyperresponsiveness, airway inflammation, and cytokine production in allergen-sensitized and allergen-challenged mice. These data identify the important role of Pim1 kinase in the full development of allergen-induced airway responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoo Seob Shin
- Division of Cell Biology, Department of Pediatrics, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO 80206, USA
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Rhodes HL, Chesterman K, Chan CW, Collins P, Kewley E, Pattinson KTS, Myers S, Imray CHE, Wright AD. Systemic blood pressure, arterial stiffness and pulse waveform analysis at altitude. J ROY ARMY MED CORPS 2011; 157:110-3. [PMID: 21465920 DOI: 10.1136/jramc-157-01-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Systemic arterial pressure rises on acute exposure to high altitude and changes in blood pressure (BP) and endothelial function may be important in the pathogenesis of clinical syndromes occurring at high altitude. METHODS Arterial BP, stiffness (SI) and tone (RI) were studied over 11 days in 17 subjects (three having mild hypertension) ascending to 3,450m and 4,770m using a non-invasive, finger photoplethysmography technique. RESULTS At 3,450m BP rose from mean 131/75 mmHg (SD 23/12) to 145/86 (23/12) and was maintained at this level (p < 0.001). SI did not change significantly from 8.5 m/sec (2.5) to 9.7 (3.2). RI fell during the first day at 3,450m from 74.4% (7.9) to 70.5% (13.8) (NS p > 0.05) and to 69.9% (12.0) (p < 0.02) at 4,770m but then reverted to baseline. Changes in SI and RI did not relate to changes in blood pressure. Changes in both arterial stiffness and tone were similar in those who developed AMS compared with those who did not. Baseline SI tended to be higher in the three subjects with hypertension 11.1m/sec (SD 2.7)) compared with the normotensives 8.3 m/sec (SD 2.7) (NS) and baseline RI lower 74.7% (7.0) compared with the normotensives 76.5% (8.5) (NS). Changes in SI and RI at altitude in the hypertensive subjects were similar to the non-hypertensive subjects. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that acute exposure temporarily affected endothelial function as measured by a change in vascular tone but this did not predict the development of AMS. The rise in arterial BP was not related to changes in arterial stiffness or tone.
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Affiliation(s)
- H L Rhodes
- Wirral University Teaching Hospital, Upton, Wirral
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Wright AD, Sampson MB, Neuffer MG, Michalczuk L, Slovin JP, Cohen JD. Indole-3-Acetic Acid Biosynthesis in the Mutant Maize orange pericarp, a Tryptophan Auxotroph. Science 2010; 254:998-1000. [PMID: 17731524 DOI: 10.1126/science.254.5034.998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 173] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
The maize mutant orange pericarp is a tryptophan auxotroph, which results from mutation of two unlinked loci of tryptophan synthase B. This mutant was used to test the hypothesis that tryptophan is the precursor to the plant hormone indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). Total IAA in aseptically grown mutant seedlings was 50 times greater than in normal seedlings. In mutant seedlings grown on media containing stable isotopelabeled precursors, IAA was more enriched than was tryptophan. No incorporation of label into IAA from tryptophan could be detected. These results establish that IAA can be produced de novo without tryptophan as an intermediate.
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Moreno FC, Gordon IJ, Wright AD, Benvenutti MA, Saumell CA. Efecto antihelmíntico in vitro de extractos de plantas sobre larvas infectantes de nematodos gastrointestinales de rumiantes. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010. [DOI: 10.4067/s0301-732x2010000300006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Wright AD, Brearey SP, Imray CHE. High hopes at high altitudes: pharmacotherapy for acute mountain sickness and high-altitude cerebral and pulmonary oedema. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2007; 9:119-27. [DOI: 10.1517/14656566.9.1.119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Abstract
Plasma homocysteine has been identified as a risk factor for arterial disease, retinal artery and vein occlusions, and other common eye diseases. The value of treating an elevated plasma homocysteine with folic acid for preventing further vascular disease has not been proven. Although secondary prevention of coronary artery disease using this approach has been unsuccessful, trials on primary prevention of stroke and loss of cognitive function with folic acid supplementation appear to be successful. Further trial data are awaited. In patients with premature retinovascular disease, the measurement of plasma homocysteine is suggested and reduction of elevated homocysteine with folic acid for secondary prevention of retinal arterial and venous occlusion. Meanwhile, the debate on fortification of flour for primary prevention of neural tube defects, which has already taken place in North America, continues in European countries. Such fortification could have an impact on primary and secondary prevention of vascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- A D Wright
- Department Ophthalmology, Birmingham Heartlands Hospital, Birmingham, UK
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Imray CHE, Myers SD, Pattinson KTS, Bradwell AR, Chan CW, Harris S, Collins P, Wright AD. Effect of exercise on cerebral perfusion in humans at high altitude. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2005; 99:699-706. [PMID: 15920097 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00973.2004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The effects of submaximal and maximal exercise on cerebral perfusion were assessed using a portable, recumbent cycle ergometer in nine unacclimatized subjects ascending to 5,260 m. At 150 m, mean (SD) cerebral oxygenation (rSo2%) increased during submaximal exercise from 68.4 (SD 2.1) to 70.9 (SD 3.8) ( P < 0.0001) and at maximal oxygen uptake (V̇o2 max) to 69.8 (SD 3.1) ( P < 0.02). In contrast, at each of the high altitudes studied, rSo2 was reduced during submaximal exercise from 66.2 (SD 2.5) to 62.6 (SD 2.1) at 3,610 m ( P < 0.0001), 63.0 (SD 2.1) to 58.9 (SD 2.1) at 4,750 m ( P < 0.0001), and 62.4 (SD 3.6) to 61.2 (SD 3.9) at 5,260 m ( P < 0.01), and at V̇o2 max to 61.2 (SD 3.3) at 3,610 m ( P < 0.0001), to 59.4 (SD 2.6) at 4,750 m ( P < 0.0001), and to 58.0 (SD 3.0) at 5,260 m ( P < 0.0001). Cerebrovascular resistance tended to fall during submaximal exercise ( P = not significant) and rise at V̇o2 max, following the changes in arterial oxygen saturation and end-tidal CO2. Cerebral oxygen delivery was maintained during submaximal exercise at 150 m with a nonsignificant fall at V̇o2 max, but at high altitude peaked at 30% of V̇o2 max and then fell progressively at higher levels of exercise. The fall in rSo2 and oxygen delivery during exercise may limit exercise at altitude and is likely to contribute to the problems of acute mountain sickness and high-altitude cerebral edema.
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Affiliation(s)
- C H E Imray
- Coventry and Warwickshire County Vascular Unit, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry, CV2 2DX, UK.
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Davis TME, Wright AD, Mehta ZM, Cull CA, Stratton IM, Bottazzo GF, Bosi E, Mackay IR, Holman RR. Islet autoantibodies in clinically diagnosed type 2 diabetes: prevalence and relationship with metabolic control (UKPDS 70). Diabetologia 2005; 48:695-702. [PMID: 15729570 DOI: 10.1007/s00125-005-1690-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2004] [Accepted: 11/30/2004] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
AIMS/HYPOTHESIS We examined the prevalence of islet autoantibodies and their relationship to glycaemic control over 10 years in patients diagnosed clinically with new-onset type 2 diabetes. METHODS Patient clinical characteristics and autoantibody status were determined at entry to the UK Prospective Diabetes Study (UKPDS) before randomisation to different glucose control policies. Patients were followed for 10 years. RESULTS Data available on 4,545 of the 5,102 UKPDS patients showed that 11.6% had antibodies to at least one of three antigens: islet cell cytoplasm, glutamic acid decarboxylase and islet autoantibody 2A (IA-2A). Autoantibody-positive patients were younger, more often Caucasian and leaner, with lower beta cell function and higher insulin sensitivity than autoantibody-negative patients. They also had higher HbA1c, and HDL-cholesterol levels, and lower blood pressure, total cholesterol and plasma triglyceride levels. Despite relative hyperglycaemia, autoantibody-positive patients were less likely to have the metabolic syndrome (as defined by the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Program III), reflecting a more beneficial overall risk factor profile. Of 3,867 patients with post-dietary run-in fasting plasma glucose (FPG) values between 6.0 and 14.9 mmol/l and no hyperglycaemic symptoms, 9.4% were autoantibody-positive, compared with 25.1% of 678 patients with FPG values of 15.0 mmol/l or higher, or hyperglycaemic symptoms. In both groups, no differences were seen between those with and without autoantibodies in changes to HbA1c over time, but autoantibody-positive patients required insulin treatment earlier, irrespective of the allocated therapy (p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION Autoantibody-positive patients can be treated initially with sulphonylurea, but are likely to require insulin earlier than autoantibody-negative patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- T M E Davis
- University of Western Australia, School of Medicine and Pharmacology, Fremantle Hospital, P.O. Box 480, Fremantle, Western Australia, 6959, Australia
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Imray CHE, Walsh S, Clarke T, Tiivas C, Hoar H, Harvey TC, Chan CWM, Forster PJG, Bradwell AR, Wright AD. Effects of breathing air containing 3% carbon dioxide, 35% oxygen or a mixture of 3% carbon dioxide/35% oxygen on cerebral and peripheral oxygenation at 150 m and 3459 m. Clin Sci (Lond) 2003; 104:203-10. [PMID: 12605573 DOI: 10.1042/cs20020102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The effects of gas mixtures comprising supplementary 3% carbon dioxide, 35% oxygen or a combination of 3% CO(2) plus 35% O(2) in ambient air have been compared on arterial blood gases, peripheral and cerebral oxygenation and middle cerebral artery velocity (MCAV) at 150 m and on acute exposure to 3459 m in 12 healthy subjects. Breathing 3% CO(2) or 35% O(2) increased arterial blood oxygen at both altitudes, and the CO(2)/O(2) combination resulted in the most marked rise. MCAV increased on ascent to 3459 m, increasing further with 3% CO(2) and decreasing with 35% O(2) at both altitudes. The CO(2)/O(2) combination resulted in an increase in MCAV at 150 m, but not at 3549 m. Cerebral regional oxygenation fell on ascent to 3459 m. Breathing 3% CO(2) or 35% O(2) increased cerebral oxygenation at both altitudes, and the CO(2)/O(2) combination resulted in the greatest rise at both altitudes. The combination also resulted in significant rises in cutaneous and muscle oxygenation at 3459 m. The key role of carbon dioxide in oxygenation at altitude is confirmed, and the importance of this gas for tissue oxygenation is demonstrated.
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Affiliation(s)
- C H E Imray
- University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Department of Vascular Surgery, Clifford Bridge Road, Walsgrave, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK.
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Ali H, König GM, Khalid SA, Wright AD, Kaminsky R. Evaluation of selected Sudanese medicinal plants for their in vitro activity against hemoflagellates, selected bacteria, HIV-1-RT and tyrosine kinase inhibitory, and for cytotoxicity. J Ethnopharmacol 2002; 83:219-228. [PMID: 12426089 DOI: 10.1016/s0378-8741(02)00245-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Ethnobotanical investigations led to the selection of 19 plant species, used traditionally in Sudan against malaria and other similar tropical diseases, for further studies. Pamianthe peruviana (Amaryllidaceae) exhibited significant activity against a chloroquine-resistant Plasmodium falciparum strain (K1) and a chloroquine-sensitive strain (NF54) with IC(50) values of 0.6 and 1.1 microg/ml, respectively. Additionally, P. peruviana showed considerable activities against Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense (IC(50) 1.5 microg/ml) and T. cruzi (IC(50) 11.8 microg/ml). The antiplasmodial activity of the different extracts of Salvadora persica (Salvadoraceae) against P. falciparum NF54 strain were found to be 0.6 microg/ml (stems) and 0.7 microg/ml (leaves). Extracts of different parts of Combretum hartmannianum (Combretaceae) possessed significant activity against the chloroquine-sensitive P. falciparum strain (NF54) with IC(50) values of 0.2 microg/ml (bark), 0.4 microg/ml (stem) and 4.3 microg/ml (leaves). Most interestingly, the extracts of the leaves of C. hartmannianum totally inhibited the enzyme HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (HIV-1 RT) at a concentration of 66 microg/ml. A comparably strong activity against p56(lck) tyrosine kinase was also seen for this extract.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Ali
- Institut für Pharmazeutische Biologie, University of Bonn, Nussallee 6, D-53115 Bonn, Germany
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Imray CH, Barnett NJ, Walsh S, Clarke T, Morgan J, Hale D, Hoar H, Mole D, Chesner I, Wright AD. Near-infrared spectroscopy in the assessment of cerebral oxygenation at high altitude. Wilderness Environ Med 2002; 9:198-203. [PMID: 11990191 DOI: 10.1580/1080-6032(1998)009[0198:nisita]2.3.co;2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Hypoxia plays a key role in the pathogenesis of acute mountain sickness (AMS), but individual susceptibility is variable and cerebral symptoms do not always correlate with PaO2 measurements. Cerebral hypoxia may be more relevant than PaO2. We studied trends in cerebral regional oxygen saturation by the technique of near-infrared spectroscopy in 20 subjects ascending rapidly to 4680 m. Subjects were enrolled in a placebo-controlled, double-blind trial of medroxyprogesterone for the prevention of AMS. The fall in cerebral oxygen saturation was less than in the periphery. At 4680 m, cerebral oxygenation correlated with peripheral saturation but not with PaCO2 or with cerebral symptoms scores. At 4680 m, subjects on medroxyprogesterone had higher cerebral and peripheral saturation compared with those on a placebo. We conclude that cerebral oxygenation monitored with the Critikon 2020 system provided important information on the complex relationship of hypoxia to AMS and that other factors, such as changes in blood flow or capillary permeability, may be equally important.
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Affiliation(s)
- C H Imray
- Medical School, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, UK
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Abstract
From the hydrophilic extract of the ascidian Polycarpa aurata three new compounds, N-(4-methoxybenzoyl)-N'-methylguanidine (1), butyl 2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2-oxoacetate (2), and 2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-N-methyl-2-oxoacetamide (3), together with the known compounds methyl 2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2-oxoacetate (4) and 4-methoxybenzoic acid were isolated. The structures of all isolates were determined from their spectroscopic data (NMR, MS, IR, UV).
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Affiliation(s)
- M Wessels
- Institute for Pharmaceutical Biology, Technical University of Braunschweig, Mendelssohnstrasse 1, D-38106 Braunschweig, Germany
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Kehraus S, König GM, Wright AD. New carbonimidic dichlorides from the Australian sponge Ulosa spongia and their possible taxonomic significance. J Nat Prod 2001; 64:939-941. [PMID: 11473428 DOI: 10.1021/np0100587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Five sesquiterpene carbonimide dichlorides (1-5) have been isolated from the dichloromethane extract of the Australian sponge Ulosa spongia. The structures of the two new compounds, ulosins A (1) and B (2), were elucidated by employing spectroscopic techniques (NMR, MS, UV, and IR). The chemotaxonomic significance of our data is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Kehraus
- Institute for Pharmaceutical Biology, University of Bonn, Nussallee 6, D-53115 Bonn, Germany
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Wright AD, Wang H, Gurrath M, König GM, Kocak G, Neumann G, Loria P, Foley M, Tilley L. Inhibition of heme detoxification processes underlies the antimalarial activity of terpene isonitrile compounds from marine sponges. J Med Chem 2001; 44:873-85. [PMID: 11300869 DOI: 10.1021/jm0010724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
A series of terpene isonitriles, isolated from marine sponges, have previously been shown to exhibit antimalarial activities. Molecular modeling studies employing 3D-QSAR with receptor modeling methodologies performed with these isonitriles showed that the modeled molecules could be used to generate a pharmacophore hypothesis consistent with the experimentally derived biological activities. It was also shown that one of the modeled compounds, diisocyanoadociane (4), as well as axisonitrile-3 (2), both of which have potent antimalarial activity, interacts with heme (FP) by forming a coordination complex with the FP iron. Furthermore, these compounds were shown to inhibit sequestration of FP into beta-hematin and to prevent both the peroxidative and glutathione-mediated destruction of FP under conditions designed to mimic the environment within the malaria parasite. By contrast, two of the modeled diterpene isonitriles, 7-isocyanoamphilecta-11(20),15-diene (12) and 7-isocyano-15-isothiocyanatoamphilecta-11(20)-ene (13), that displayed little antimalarial activity also showed little inhibitory activity in these FP detoxification assays. These studies suggest that the active isonitrile compounds, like the quinoline antimalarials, exert their antiplasmodial activity by preventing FP detoxification. Molecular dynamics simulations performed with diisocyanoadociane (4) and axisonitrile-3 (2) allowed their different binding to FP to be distinguished.
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Affiliation(s)
- A D Wright
- Institute for Pharmaceutical Biology, University of Bonn, Nussallee 6, Bonn 53115, Germany.
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Chapes SK, Mosier DA, Wright AD, Hart ML. MHCII, Tlr4 and Nramp1 genes control host pulmonary resistance against the opportunistic bacterium Pasteurella pneumotropica. J Leukoc Biol 2001; 69:381-6. [PMID: 11261784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
MHCII, Tlr4, and Nramp1 genes are each independently important in pulmonary immunity. To determine the effect of these genes on host resistance, mice carrying various combinations of functional alleles for these three genes were experimentally challenged with the opportunistic bacterium, Pasteurella pneumotropica. MHCII-/-, Tlr4d/d, and Nramp1s/s mice were significantly more susceptible to experimental infections by P. pneumotropica after intranasal challenge compared to mice carrying functional alleles at only one of those genes. P. pneumotropica were cultured from the lungs of challenged mice, and the severity of the pneumonia strongly correlated with the number of isolated bacteria. Mice with the genotype MHCII-/- Tlr4n/n genotype were less susceptible to pneumonia than MHCII+/+, Tlr4d/d mice. It is interesting that the Nramp1 gene contribution to host resistance was apparent only in the absence of functional MHCII or Tlr4 genes. These data suggest that MHCII, Tlr4, and Nramp1 genes are important to pulmonary bacterial resistance.
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MESH Headings
- Alleles
- Animals
- Carrier Proteins/genetics
- Carrier Proteins/immunology
- Cation Transport Proteins
- Crosses, Genetic
- Drosophila Proteins
- Female
- Genes, MHC Class II/genetics
- Genes, MHC Class II/immunology
- Genetic Predisposition to Disease/genetics
- Immunity, Innate/genetics
- Immunity, Innate/immunology
- Lung/microbiology
- Lung/pathology
- Male
- Membrane Glycoproteins/genetics
- Membrane Glycoproteins/immunology
- Membrane Proteins/genetics
- Membrane Proteins/immunology
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C3H
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Pasteurella
- Pasteurella Infections/genetics
- Pasteurella Infections/immunology
- Pneumonia, Bacterial/genetics
- Pneumonia, Bacterial/immunology
- Receptors, Cell Surface/genetics
- Receptors, Cell Surface/immunology
- Toll-Like Receptor 4
- Toll-Like Receptors
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Affiliation(s)
- S K Chapes
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan 66506-4901, USA.
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Wessels M, König GM, Wright AD. 3-Acetoxyspathulenol, a new aromadendrane-type natural product from the soft Coral Parerythropodium fulvum. J Nat Prod 2001; 64:370-372. [PMID: 11277760 DOI: 10.1021/np0003746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
From the lipophilic extract of the soft coral Parerythropodium fulvum a new sesquiterpene with an aromadendrane-type carbon skeleton, 3-acetoxyspathulenol (1), was isolated, and the known compounds spathulenol (2) and tridensenone (3) were identified. The structure of the new compound was determined by interpretation of its spectroscopic data, including 1D and 2D (1)H and (13)C NMR (COSY, HMQC, HMBC) and MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Wessels
- Institute for Pharmaceutical Biology, Technical University of Braunschweig, Mendelssohnstrasse 1, D-38106 Braunschweig, Germany
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Imray CH, Clarke T, Forster PJ, Harvey TC, Hoar H, Walsh S, Wright AD. Carbon dioxide contributes to the beneficial effect of pressurization in a portable hyperbaric chamber at high altitude. Clin Sci (Lond) 2001; 100:151-7. [PMID: 11171283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
Regional cerebral oxygenation (rSO2) and peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) have been studied in subjects inside a portable hyperbaric chamber at altitude during pressurization. The effects of the accumulation of carbon dioxide within the chamber on rSO2 and SpO2 have also been investigated. Three studies of cerebral regional oxygenation were undertaken, using near-IR spectroscopy, in subjects who had ascended to 3475 m in the Alps, 4680 m in the Andes or 5005 m in the Himalayas. At 3475 m and 5005 m the effects of the removal of inspired carbon dioxide by a soda lime scavenger were also studied. On pressurization of the chamber to 19.95 kPa, inspired carbon dioxide rose within the chamber from 0.03% (0.06 kPa) ambient to over 1% (1.3 kPa). At 5005 m, SpO2 rose from a baseline of 79.5% (S.D. 4.5%) to 95.9% (2.0%) (P<0.0001), and cerebral rSO2 rose from 64.6% (3.4%) to 69.4% (3.6%) (P<0.0001). The introduction of a soda lime CO2 scavenger into the breathing circuit resulted in a drop in SpO2 from 95.9% (2.03%) to 93.6% (2.07%) (P<0.001) and a fall in rSO2 from 69.4% (3.64%) to 68.5% (3.5%) (P<0.01). Chamber pressure was maintained throughout at 19.95 kPa. Similar changes were seen at the other altitudes. Cerebral rSO2 increased rapidly following pressurization at all three altitudes. Scavenging of inspired carbon dioxide was associated with a significant fall in cerebral rSO2 and SpO2, and we estimate that the contribution of carbon dioxide may account for up to one-third of the beneficial effect of the portable hyperbaric chamber.
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Affiliation(s)
- C H Imray
- Coventry and Warwickshire County Vascular Unit, Department of Surgery, Walsgrave Hospitals NHS Trust, Clifford Bridge Road, Coventry CV2 2DX, U.K.
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Osterhage C, Kaminsky R, König GM, Wright AD. Ascosalipyrrolidinone A, an antimicrobial alkaloid, from the obligate marine fungus Ascochyta salicorniae. J Org Chem 2000; 65:6412-7. [PMID: 11052082 DOI: 10.1021/jo000307g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
From the green alga Ulva sp., the endophytic and obligate marine fungus Ascochyta salicorniae was isolated. A. salicorniae was mass cultivated and found to produce the unprecedented and structurally unusual tetramic acid containing metabolites ascosalipyrrolidinones A (1) and B (2). Additionally, the new natural product ascosalipyrone (3) and the known metabolites 4 and 5 were obtained. Ascosalipyrrolidinone A (1) has antiplasmodial activity toward Plasmodium falciparum strains K1 and NF 54, as well as showing antimicrobial activity and inhibiting tyrosine kinase p56lck.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Osterhage
- Institute for Pharmaceutical Biology, Technical University of Braunschweig, Germany
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Adler AI, Stratton IM, Neil HA, Yudkin JS, Matthews DR, Cull CA, Wright AD, Turner RC, Holman RR. Association of systolic blood pressure with macrovascular and microvascular complications of type 2 diabetes (UKPDS 36): prospective observational study. BMJ 2000; 321:412-9. [PMID: 10938049 PMCID: PMC27455 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.321.7258.412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1259] [Impact Index Per Article: 52.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the relation between systolic blood pressure over time and the risk of macrovascular or microvascular complications in patients with type 2 diabetes. DESIGN Prospective observational study. SETTING 23 hospital based clinics in England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. PARTICIPANTS 4801 white, Asian Indian, and Afro-Caribbean UKPDS patients, whether randomised or not to treatment, were included in analyses of incidence; of these, 3642 were included in analyses of relative risk. OUTCOME MEASURES Primary predefined aggregate clinical outcomes: any complications or deaths related to diabetes and all cause mortality. Secondary aggregate outcomes: myocardial infarction, stroke, lower extremity amputation (including death from peripheral vascular disease), and microvascular disease (predominantly retinal photocoagulation). Single end points: non-fatal heart failure and cataract extraction. Risk reduction associated with a 10 mm Hg decrease in updated mean systolic blood pressure adjusted for specific confounders. RESULTS The incidence of clinical complications was significantly associated with systolic blood pressure, except for cataract extraction. Each 10 mm Hg decrease in updated mean systolic blood pressure was associated with reductions in risk of 12% for any complication related to diabetes (95% confidence interval 10% to 14%, P<0.0001), 15% for deaths related to diabetes (12% to 18%, P<0.0001), 11% for myocardial infarction (7% to 14%, P<0.0001), and 13% for microvascular complications (10% to 16%, P<0.0001). No threshold of risk was observed for any end point. CONCLUSIONS In patients with type 2 diabetes the risk of diabetic complications was strongly associated with raised blood pressure. Any reduction in blood pressure is likely to reduce the risk of complications, with the lowest risk being in those with systolic blood pressure less than 120 mm Hg.
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Affiliation(s)
- A I Adler
- Diabetes Trial Unit, Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Oxford, Radcliffe Infirmary, Oxford OX2 6HE, UK
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Abstract
From the dichloromethane solubles of the tropical marine sponge Dactylospongia elegans, a new aromatic substituted sesquiterpene, pelorol (1), and the known sesquiterpene, ilimaquinone (2), were isolated. The structures of 1 and 2 were deduced from their spectroscopic data. The biological activities of compounds 1 and 2 were assessed in a variety of bioassays, and both compounds were found to have weak antitrypanosomal and antiplasmodial effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Goclik
- Institute for Pharmaceutical Biology, Technical University Braunschweig, Mendelssohnstrasse 1, D-38106 Braunschweig, Germany
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Wessels M, König GM, Wright AD. New natural product isolation and comparison of the secondary metabolite content of three distinct samples of the sea hare Aplysia dactylomela from tenerife. J Nat Prod 2000; 63:920-928. [PMID: 10924166 DOI: 10.1021/np9905721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Three distinct samples of the sea hare Aplysia dactylomela from two different locations around Tenerife (Spain) were investigated for their secondary metabolite content. The investigation resulted in the isolation of five new natural products (1, 2, 5-7), a number of compounds known from red algae of the genera Laurencia (4, 8-14) and Plocamium (17-19), and three known sea-hare metabolites (3, 15, 16). This is the first report of monoterpenes (17-19) from A. dactylomela. All structures were determined mainly by spectroscopic methods (1D and 2D NMR, MS, IR). Compounds 11, 14, 15, and 17 demonstrated significant cytotoxicity toward three cancer cell lines (HM02, HEP G2, and MCF 7; IC(50) for 11, 7.0 to <1.0 microg/mL; 14, <1.0 microg/mL; 15, 17 to <1.0 microg/mL; 17, 1.0 to 1.5 microg/mL). Compounds 3, 8, 9, 11, 15, 18, and 19 exhibited activity in a brine shrimp bioassay in the range of 100% lethality within 24 h to 40% after 48 h. Metabolites 11, 14, 15, and 19 showed moderate antimicrobial activities (2-25 mm total/growth inhibition of several organisms), with 19 also being strongly algicidal (MIC 7-11 microg/filter disk).
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Affiliation(s)
- M Wessels
- Institute for Pharmaceutical Biology, Technical University of Braunschweig, Mendelssohnstrasse 1, D-38106 Braunschweig, Germany
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41
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Strüder-Kypke MC, Wright AD, Fokin SI, Lynn DH. Phylogenetic relationships of the Subclass Peniculia (Oligohymenophorea, Ciliophora) inferred from small subunit rRNA gene sequences. J Eukaryot Microbiol 2000; 47:419-29. [PMID: 11140457 DOI: 10.1111/j.1550-7408.2000.tb00069.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Peniculine ciliates have been recognized as a distinct higher taxon of ciliates for almost 50 years. However, phylogenetic relationships within the Subclass Peniculia are still unsettled. To contribute to our understanding of their phylogeny and provide evidence for the position of Urocentrum turbo, we sequenced its small subunit (SS) rRNA gene and the SSrRNA genes from Lembadion bullinum, Frontonia sp., Paramecium caudatum, Paramecium multimicronucleatum, Paramecium putrinum, and Paramecium woodruffi. Urocentrum turbo was the only one of these species not to exhibit a shortened Helix E10_1, which we conclude characterizes the "higher" peniculines. Except for U. turbo, the peniculines are strongly supported as a monophyletic clade with Lembadion, Frontonia, and Paramecium species forming separate and strongly supported clades by bootstrap analysis using distance matrix, maximum parsimony, and maximum likelihood methods. Urocentrum turbo is associated with different lineages, depending upon the analysis used. The Paramecium species form at least four clades with the Paramecium aurelia subgroup being the most derived. We conclude that the Subclass Peniculia should be divided into two orders, the Order Urocentrida and Order Peniculida, with the latter order having two suborders, the Suborder Frontoniina and Peniculina. We place U. turbo with the peniculines because of shared morphological and stomatogenetic features.
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Affiliation(s)
- M C Strüder-Kypke
- Department of Zoology, College of Biological Science, University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada.
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42
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Kirsch G, Köng GM, Wright AD, Kaminsky R. A new bioactive sesterterpene and antiplasmodial alkaloids from the marine sponge hyrtios cf. erecta. J Nat Prod 2000; 63:825-829. [PMID: 10869210 DOI: 10.1021/np990555b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
From the CH(2)Cl(2) extract of the sponge Hyrtios cf. erecta, collected from Fiji, two new sesterterpenes, 1 and 2, and the known compounds isodehydroluffariellolide (3), homofascaplysin A (4), and fascaplysin (5) were isolated. The structures of 1-5 were established employing 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. All NMR resonances of fascaplysin (5) have been unambiguously assigned. Evaluation of the biological activity of the extracts and pure compounds toward Plasmodium falciparum, Trypanosoma brucei subsp. rhodesiense, Trypanosoma cruzi, hepatitis A virus (HAV), several other microbial targets, and HIV-1-RT and p56(lck) tyrosine kinase revealed new activities for homofascaplysin (4) and fascaplysin (5), both being potently active in vitro against P. falciparum.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Kirsch
- Institute for Pharmaceutical Biology, Technical University of Braunschweig, Mendelssohnstrasse 1, D-38106 Braunschweig, Germany
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Abstract
A series of mainly marine derived natural products were tested for their activities against Mycobacterium tuberculosis and M. avium. Of the thirty-nine compounds tested fifteen demonstrated minimum inhibition concentrations (MICs) of 32 micrograms/ml or less, and eleven had MICs of 16 micrograms/ml or less. The most active compound found in this study was the sponge derived metabolite axisonitrile-3 (MIC 2 micrograms/ml).
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Affiliation(s)
- G M König
- Institute for Pharmaceutical Biology, University of Bonn, Germany.
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Wong LS, Hobbs S, Wright AD, Dorricott NJ. A non-insulin secreting malignant insulinoma of the pancreas. Eur J Surg Oncol 2000; 26:314-6. [PMID: 10753540 DOI: 10.1053/ejso.1999.0889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
We report a rare case of a non-insulin secreting malignant insulinoma of the pancreas and discuss its medical and surgical management. Surgical excision of malignant insulinoma produces good palliation and can increase survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- L S Wong
- Department of Surgery, University Hospital Birmingham, Selly Oak, Birmingham, B29 6JD, UK
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Imray CH, Brearey S, Clarke T, Hale D, Morgan J, Walsh S, Wright AD. Cerebral oxygenation at high altitude and the response to carbon dioxide, hyperventilation and oxygen. The Birmingham Medical Research Expeditionary Society. Clin Sci (Lond) 2000; 98:159-64. [PMID: 10657270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
Cerebral oxygenation is likely to be of critical importance in determining function at high altitude. The present study has used the technique of near-IR spectroscopy to monitor changes in cerebral regional oxygenation in response to inhaled carbon dioxide, hyperventilation and supplementary oxygen on ascent to 4680 m over 3 days. At sea level, inhaled CO(2) resulted in a significant rise in cerebral regional oxygenation [from mean 69.6% (S.D. 2.4% to 71. 1+/-2.3%; means+/-S.D.; P<0.001). At 4680 m, CO(2) increased regional cerebral oxygenation (63.8+/-2.5% to 65.9+/-2.2%; P<0.001) and also increased peripheral oxygen saturation (75.1+/-6.1% to 83. 6+/-4.0%; P<0.001). Voluntary hyperventilation resulted in improved peripheral oxygen saturation at 2770 m, 3650 m and 4680 m, whereas cerebral regional oxygenation was reduced at sea level and at 2770 m, unchanged at 3650 m and increased at 4680 m. Supplementary oxygen (6 1itres/min) at 4680 m resulted in greater improvements in peripheral oxygen saturation (76.7+/-7.9% to 98.1+/-1.5%; P<0.001) and cerebral regional oxygenation (64.6+/-3.3% to 70.6+/-2.9%; P<0. 001) than were found with CO(2) or hyperventilation. We conclude that attempts to increase CO(2) inhalation or ventilation at high altitude are likely to be beneficial for cerebral oxygenation in the short term.
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Affiliation(s)
- C H Imray
- The Immunodiagnostic Research Laboratory, The Medical School, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, U.K.
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Strüder-Kypke MC, Wright AD, Fokin SI, Lynn DH. Phylogenetic relationships of the genus Paramecium inferred from small subunit rRNA gene sequences. Mol Phylogenet Evol 2000; 14:122-30. [PMID: 10631046 DOI: 10.1006/mpev.1999.0686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The genus Paramecium includes species that are well known and very common in freshwater environments. Species of Paramecium are morphologically divided into two distinct groups: the "bursaria" subgroup (foot-shaped) and the "aurelia" subgroup (cigar-shaped). Their placement within the class Oligohymenophorea has been supported by the analysis of the small subunit rRNA gene sequence of P. tetraurelia. To confirm the stability of this placement and to resolve relationships within the genus, small subunit rRNA gene sequences of P. bursaria, P. calkinsi, P. duboscqui, P. jenningsi, P. nephridiatum, P. primaurelia, and P. polycaryum were determined and aligned. Trees constructed using distance-matrix, maximum-likelihood, and maximum-parsimony methods all depicted the genus as a monophyletic group, clustering with the other oligohymenophorean taxa. Within the Paramecium clade, P. bursaria branches basal to the other species, although the remaining species of the morphologically defined "bursaria" subgroup do not group with P. bursaria, nor do they form a monophyletic subgroup. However, the species of the "aurelia" subgroup are closely related and strongly supported as a monophyletic group.
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Affiliation(s)
- M C Strüder-Kypke
- Department of Zoology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada
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Abstract
The mechanism of how superantigens function to activate cells has been linked to their ability to bind and cross-link the major histocompatibility complex class II (MHCII) molecule. Cells that lack the MHCII molecule also respond to superantigens, however, with much less efficiency. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to confirm that staphylococcal enterotoxin A (SEA) could bind the MHCI molecule and to test the hypothesis that cross-linking SEA bound to MHCII-deficient macrophages would induce a more robust cytokine response than without cross-linking. We used a capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and an immunprecipitation assay to directly demonstrate that MHCI molecules bind SEA. Directly cross-linking MHCI using monoclonal antibodies or cross-linking bound SEA with an anti-SEA antibody or biotinylated SEA with avidin increased TNF-alpha and IL-6 secretion by MHCII(-/-) macrophages. The induction of a vigorous macrophage cytokine response by SEA/anti-SEA cross-linking of MHCI offers a mechanism to explain how MHCI could play an important role in superantigen-mediated pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- A D Wright
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas 66506, USA
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König GM, Wright AD, Linden A. Plocamium hamatum and its monoterpenes: chemical and biological investigations of the tropical marine red alga. Phytochemistry 1999; 52:1047-1053. [PMID: 10643669 DOI: 10.1016/s0031-9422(99)00284-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
The polyhalogenated monoterpene content of six samples of the tropical marine red alga Plocamium hamatum, collected from the southern, central and northern regions of The Great Barrier Reef, Australia, was assessed. In all but two of the samples, the polyhalogenated monoterpene content was shown to differ markedly. In total, eleven previously reported compounds were isolated and characterised (1-11). Compound 2 was obtained for the first time as a pure natural product. For compound 4 a single crystal X-ray crystallographic analysis was undertaken which established its absolute configuration as (1S,2S,4R,5R,1'E)-2-bromo-1- bromomethyl-1,4-dichloro-5-(2'-chloroethenyl)-5-methylcyclohexa ne. Complete and unambiguous 1H and 13C NMR data are reported for 2 and 4. For 6-8, some prior 13C NMR assignments are revised. The biological activities of compounds 2-8 and 11 were assessed and indicated 4 to have potent antialgal activity towards Chlorella fusca in an agar diffusion bioassay, as well as being moderately antitubercular and cytotoxic. Compound 6 demonstrated moderate cytotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- G M König
- Institute for Pharmaceutical Biology, Technical University of Braunschweig, Germany.
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Affiliation(s)
- G M König
- Institute for Pharmaceutical Biology, Technical University of Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany.
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50
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Abstract
Inhibitors of HIV reverse transcriptase (RT) are important drugs for the treatment of acquired immuno-deficiency syndrome (AIDS). One approach to identify novel inhibitors of HIV-1-RT is the screening of natural compounds. Many natural products have been shown to be active as RT inhibitors. These compounds belong to a wide range of different structural classes, e.g., coumarins, flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, lignans, terpenes, naphtho- and anthraquinones, and polysaccharides. The life forms from which the bioactive compounds were isolated are as equally diverse and comprise terrestrial and marine plants, micro-organisms, and marine animals. From the most extensive screening effort, carried out by the NCl, calanolide A, isolated from the terrestrial plant Calophyllum lanigerum (Guttiferae), has been discovered as the most interesting natural RT inhibitor. The promise of this natural product probably relates to a novel mechanism of action. The current review describes natural products from various sources that are able to inhibit HIV-RT.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Matthée
- Institute for Pharmaceutical Biology, Technical University of Braunschweig, Germany
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