Mass Spectrometry-Based Untargeted Metabolomics and α-Glucosidase Inhibitory Activity of Lingzhi (Ganoderma lingzhi) During the Developmental Stages

Lingzhi is a Ganoderma mushroom species which has a wide range of bioactivities. Analysis of the changes in metabolites during the developmental stages of lingzhi is important to understand the underlying mechanism of its biosynthesis, as well as its bioactivity. It may also provide valuable information for the cultivation efficiency of lingzhi. In this study, mass spectrometry based untargeted metabolomics was carried out to analyze the alteration of metabolites during developmental stages of lingzhi. Eight developmental stages were categorized on the basis of morphological changes; starting from mycelium stage to post-mature stage. GC/MS and LC/MS analyses along with multivariate analysis of lingzhi developmental stages were performed. Amino acids, organic acids, sugars, polyols, fatty acids, fatty alcohols, and some small polar metabolites were extracted as marker metabolites from GC/MS analysis, while, lanostane-type triterpenoids were observed in LC/MS analysis of lingzhi. The marker metabolites from untargeted analysis of lingzhi developmental stages were correlated with the α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. Two metabolites, compounds 34 and 35, were identified as potential contributors of the α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. The current result shows that some metabolites are involved in the developmental process and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of lingzhi.

Phylogenetical approach to isolation of white-rot fungi capable of degrading polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin

A degradation experiment on PCDDs and phylogenetical analyses were carried out on newly isolated 2,7-dichlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (2,7-diCDD)-degrading white-rot fungi, strains BMC3014, BMC9152, and BMC9160. When these fungi were incubated with tri- or tetraCDDs, the substrates were degraded efficiently, and hydroxylated metabolites were detected. On the other hand, 1,3,6,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin was not decreased, and no metabolites were detected. Phylogenetic analysis of internal transcribed spacers (ITSs) containing rRNA gene sequence (ITS-rDNA) clarified that these strains belonged to the genus Phlebia and were closely related to the fungi Phlebia lindtneri, strains MZ-227 and MG-60, which had both been isolated as 2,7-diCDD-degrading fungi in our previous study. Based on this phylogenetical relationship, other Phlebia genera species were used for a degradation experiment on 2,7-diCDD and 1,3,6,8-tetraCDD. Phlebia acerina and Phlebia brevispora degraded 2,7-diCDD about 40 and 80%, respectively, over 14 days of incubation. It became clear that P. brevispora can degrade 1,3,6,8-tetraCDD and transform it to monohydroxy-tetraCDD, monomethoxy-tetraCDD, dimethoxy-tetraCDD, dimethoxy-triCDD, and 3,5-dichlorocatechol in the treatment cultures. In this paper, we could clearly prove for the first time by identifying the metabolites that white-rot fungus P. brevispora could degrade the recalcitrant dioxin, 1,3,6,8-tetraCDD.

Haloaleurodiscus mangrovei gen. sp. nov. (Basidiomycota) from mangrove forests in Japan

Haloaleurodiscus gen. nov. (Homobasidiomycetes) is described from Japanese mangrove forests with one species H. mangrovei sp. nov. The genus is morphologically characterized by having resupinate basidioma, nodose-septate hyphae, sulphoaldehyde-positive gloeocystidia, dendrohyphidia and amyloid basidiospores with minute warts. These morphological features are similar to those of Aleurodiscus s. lat., but H. mangrovei differs from the Aleurodiscus primarily in occurring in white pocket-rot and is not closely related based on ribosomal DNA sequence analyses. Molecular data suggest that this species is phylogenetically placed in the root of the 'Peniophorales' clade. In addition, ecological and physiological features of the species are provided.

Monitoring of white-rot fungus during bioremediation of polychlorinated dioxin-contaminated fly ash

Bioremediation is a low-cost treatment alternative for the cleanup of polychlorinated-dioxin-contaminated soils and fly ash when pollution spread is wide-ranging. An interesting fungus, Ceriporia sp. MZ-340, with a high ability to degrade dioxin, was isolated from white rotten wood of a broadleaf tree from Kyushu Island in Japan. We have attempted to use the fungus for bioremediation of polychlorinated-dioxin-contaminated soil on site. However, we have to consider that this trial has the potential problem of introducing a biohazard to a natural ecosystem if this organism is naturalized. We have therefore developed a monitoring system for the introduced fungus as a part of the examination and evaluation of bioremediation in our laboratory. We have also developed a PCR-based assay to reliably detect the fungus at the bioremediation site. DNA isolated from the site was amplified by PCR using a specific primer derived from internal transcribed spacer region (ITS: ITS1, 5.8S rDNA and ITS2) sequences of Ceriporia sp. MZ-340. We successfully monitored Ceriporia sp. MZ-340 down to 100 fg/ micro l DNA and down to 2 mg/g mycelium. We also successfully monitored the fungus specifically at the bioremediation site. The polychlorinated dibenzo- p-dioxin and polychlorinated dibenzofuran content was observed to decrease in response to treatment with the fungus. The species-specific PCR technique developed in the present work is useful in evaluating the possibility of on-site bioremediation using the fungus Ceriporia sp. MZ-340.

The N-terminal helix of Xenopus cyclins A and B contributes to binding specificity of the cyclin-CDK complex

Mitotic cyclins A and B contain a conserved N-terminal helix upstream of the cyclin box fold that contributes to a significant interface between cyclin and cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK). To address its contribution on cyclin-CDK interaction, we have constructed mutants in conserved residues of the N-terminal helix of Xenopus cyclins B2 and A1. The mutants showed altered binding affinities to Cdc2 and/or Cdk2. We also screened for mutations in the C-terminal lobe of CDK that exhibited different binding affinities for the cyclin-CDK complex. These mutations were at residues that interact with the cyclin N-terminal helix motif. The cyclin N-terminal helix mutations have a significant effect on the interaction between the cyclin-CDK complex and specific substrates, Xenopus Cdc6 and Cdc25C. These results suggest that the N-terminal helix of mitotic cyclins is required for specific interactions with CDKs and that to interact with CDK, specific substrates Cdc6 and Cdc25C require the CDK to be associated with a cyclin. The interaction between the cyclin N-terminal helix and the CDK C-terminal lobe may contribute to binding specificity of the cyclin-CDK complex.

Efficacy of a new coating material, PMEA, for cardiopulmonary bypass circuits in a porcine model

BACKGROUND

A new coating material, poly-2-methoxyethyl acrylate (PMEA), was developed to improve the biocompatibility of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) circuits.

METHODS

To investigate the efficacy of the PMEA coating for CPB circuits, we compared PMEA-coated circuits (group P, n = 6) with uncoated circuits (group C, n = 6) and heparin (covalent-bonded heparin, Hepaface)-coated circuits (group H, n = 6) in a porcine CPB model.

RESULTS

Platelet counts were significantly preserved in groups P and H compared with those in group C (P versus C, p < 0.05). The plasma levels of thrombin-antithrombin complex and bradykinin were significantly lower at 120 minutes in groups P and H than in group C (thrombin-antithrombin: P versus C, p < 0.05; bradykinin: P versus C, p < 0.05). The amount of fibrinogen adsorbed onto the hollow fibers was markedly less in group P than in groups C and H.

CONCLUSIONS

The PMEA coating was equal to heparin coating in preventing reactions induced by CPB circuits, and might be superior to heparin coating in suppressing the adsorption of plasma proteins such as fibrinogen. Thus, PMEA coating may be a suitable means for improving the biocompatibility of CPB circuits.

P-selectin monoclonal antibody may attenuate the whole body inflammatory response induced by cardiopulmonary bypass

Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is known to induce an inflammatory response in association with neutrophil mediated lung injury. P-Selectin has been reported to be involved in the initiation of this inflammatory response by promoting the adhesion of neutrophils to endothelial cells in postcapillary venules. However, the role of P-selectin in the inflammatory response induced by CPB has never been clarified. To elucidate its role, we evaluated the effect of an anti-rat specific P-selectin monoclonal antibody (ARP2-4; Sumitomo Pharmaceutical) on the response of inflammatory cytokines and lung injury in a rat-CPB model. Twenty Sprague-Dawley rats underwent CPB for 30 minutes (80 ml/kg per minute, 34 degrees C) under one of two conditions. In group P, ARP2-4 (3 mg/kg) was added to the priming solution of the bypass circuit (n = 10). Saline alone was given to group C (n = 10). Inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-alpha], interleukin[IL]-1beta, IL-6, and IL-8) and respiratory index (RI) as a marker of pulmonary gas-exchange ability were measured 1) before the initiation of CPB, 2) at the termination of CPB, and 3) 2 hours after the termination of CPB. Neither TNF-alpha nor IL-1beta was detected during the experimental period in either group. The plasma levels of IL-6 and IL-8 increased after CPB in both groups, but they were significantly lower in group P than in group C. The RI value increased in a pattern similar to that of the inflammatory cytokines and was significantly lower in group P. These data demonstrate that the addition of an anti-rat specific monoclonal antibody inhibits the abnormal release of inflammatory cytokines and attenuates CPB induced lung injury in rats. Thus, P-selectin may play a role in the augmentation of CPB induced inflammatory response, and the use of its inhibitory monoclonal antibody seems to be a promising strategy for the treatment of CPB induced lung injury.

Percutaneous cardiopulmonary support with heparin-coated circuits in postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock. Efficacy and comparison with left heart bypass

OBJECTIVE

Percutaneous cardiopulmonary support, a simplified form of venoarterial bypass, using totally heparin-coated circuits, has recently come into clinical use. To clarify its efficacy in postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock to aid weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass, we compared results of percutaneous cardiopulmonary support with those of left heart bypass using a centrifugal pump.

METHODS

We reviewed 18 patients treated between 1991 and 1998 who could not be weaned from cardiopulmonary bypass. Nine were aided by totally heparin-coated percutaneous cardiopulmonary support (PCPS group), and 9 supported by left heart bypass using a centrifugal pump (LHB group). In both groups, activated clotting time was controlled at 150-200 seconds using minimal doses of heparin as needed.

RESULTS

Weaning and survival rates were higher in the PCPS group than in the LHB group (100% vs 55.6%, and 66.7% vs 22.2%). The PCPS group had a smaller amount of blood loss and needed a smaller amount of blood components in the immediate postoperative period. One percutaneous cardiopulmonary support patient required surgical re-exploration for postoperative bleeding (11.1%), but no clinical thromboembolic event occurred in the PCPS group. In the LHB group, 5 patients underwent surgical re-exploration for postoperative bleeding (55.6%), and 2 underwent thrombus extirpation in the left ventricle (22.2%).

CONCLUSIONS

Although this study was retrospective and historical backgrounds could have been involved, our data suggest that totally heparin-coated percutaneous cardiopulmonary support system appears more effective as an aid to weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass and in short-term circulatory support for patients in postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock.

[A case of bilateral partial anomalous pulmonary venous connections with the right upper pulmonary vein draining to the high superior vena cava]

A 10-year-old girl with bilateral partial anomalous pulmonary venous connections (PAPVC) was referred to us. The right upper pulmonary vein (PV) drained to the high superior vena cava (SVC) and the left upper PV to the left innominate vein. The left upper PV was directly anastomosed to the right atrial appendage. The SVC was divided distal to the orifice of the right upper PV and anastomosed to the right atrial appendage. A Xenomedica patch was placed within the right atrium to divert the pulmonary venous blood from the SVC orifice across the surgically enlarged ASD to the left atrium. The postoperative course was satisfactory without arrhythmia, and cineangiography revealed no obstruction at the SVC and the right upper PV pathways. We thought that this method is advantageous in preserving the sinus node and its feeding artery, as well as being applicable to the PAPVC to the high SVC.

Conformational study of 2-phenylbenzothiazine part of SA2995, a Ca2+ antagonist having a benzothiazine skeleton, and structure-activity relationships

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) studies were carried out for the title compound ((+/-)-3,4-dihydro-2-[5-methoxy-2- [3-[N-methyl-N-[2-(3,4-methylenedioxy)phenoxy]ethyl]amino] propoxy]phenyl]-4-methyl-3-oxo-2H-1,4-benzothiazine) (1a; R = H) and its 2-substituted analogs (1b; R = OCH3, 1c; R = SCH3, 1d; R = CH3, 1e; R = i-C3H7) which had Ca2+ antagonistic activities. Conformational analysis using the model compounds of the 2-phenylbenzothiazine (2-PBT) part of 1 by semiempirical molecular orbital method agreed with the NMR behavior. Two local minimum conformations, having different rotational angles (theta 1) of the 2-phenyl ring, were suggested for biologically active 1a-1d. The molar fractional ratios, including the conformations within a particular theta 1 range that contained each global minimum conformation, were found to correlate well with the activities. In the same theta 1 range, any stable conformation was not indicated for non-active compound 1e. From these results, the active conformation for the 2-PBT part of 1 was suggested to be similar to the global minimum conformation indicated for the most potent 1a.

[Portal-transfer of an orally administered anti-cancer agent analysis of the time course of portal blood and systemic blood levels of preoperatively administered UFT]

The transfer of an orally administered anti-cancer agent, UFT, into the portal vein was examined in 21 patients with hepatic metastasis of colorectal cancer (synchronous metastasis in 9 and metachronous metastasis in 12 cases) encountered at our department. The time course of tegafur, 5-FU and uracil levels in portal blood was traced for maximum 6 hrs, starting 2 hrs after the final oral dose of UFT. The portal blood tegafur level was 11.89 +/- 4.31 micrograms/ml at 2 hrs after the final dose and decreased gradually thereafter, reaching to 8.48 +/- 8.42 micrograms/ml at 6 hrs after the final dose. Unlike the portal blood tegafur level, the portal blood 5-FU level did not show any similar tendency; it remained almost unchanged at 0.018 +/- 0.006 microgram/ml and approximately equal to the serum 5-FU level throughout the observation period.

Synthesis and pharmacological activities of novel cyclic disulfide and cyclic sulfide derivatives as hepatoprotective agents

In order to search for anti-hepatitis drugs, we synthesized a series of eight- and nine-membered cyclic disulfides (1) and six- and seven-membered cyclic sulfides (2) and evaluated them for ability to reduce mortality in the model of acute hepatic failure induced by Propionibacterium acnes-lipopolysaccharide in mice. Compounds 1 were synthesized by oxidative cyclization of the corresponding dithiol derivatives (3) with diethyl bromomalonate or iodine. Compounds 2 were prepared from the methyl esters of 1 by desulfurization with tris(diethylamino)phosphine followed by deprotection. Compounds 1 were generally found to be more active than compounds 2. Compound 1b (SA3443) was found to exhibit potent protective activity. The synthesis and structure-activity relationships are discussed.

[Synthesis and calcium antagonistic activities of fecal metabolites of a new calcium antagonist (+)-(R)-3,4-dihydro-2-[5-methoxy-2-[3-[N-methyl-N- [2-[(3,4-methylenedioxy)phenoxy]ethyl]amino]propoxy]phenyl]-4- methyl-3-oxo-2H-1,4-benzothiazine (SD-3211) in rats]

In order to confirm the structure of three fecal metabolites, M-I, M-II and M-III, of a new calcium antagonist, (+)-3,4-dihydro-2-[5-methoxy-2-[3-[N-methyl-N-[2-[(3,4-methylenedioxy) phenoxy]ethyl]amino]propoxy]phenyl]-4-methyl-3-oxo-2H-1,4- benzothiazine (SD-3211), in rats, (+)-3,4-dihydro-2-[5-hydroxy-2-[3-[N-methyl-N-[2- [(3,4-methylenedioxy)-phenoxy]ethyl]amino]propoxy]phenyl]-4-methyl- 3-oxo-2H-1,4-benzothiazine((+)-I), (+)-3,4-dihydro-2-[5-hydroxy-2-[3-[N- [2-[(3,4-methylenedioxy) phenoxy]ethyl]amino] propoxy]-phenyl]-4-methyl-3-oxo-2H-1,4-benzothiazine((+)-II) and (+)-3,4-dihydro-2-[5-methoxy-2-[3-[N-[2-[(3,4-methylenedioxy) phenoxy]ethyl]amino]propoxy]phenyl]-4-methyl-3-oxo-2H-1,4- benzothiazine((+)-III) were synthesized. Compounds (+)-I, (+)-II and (+)-III were identified with the fecal metabolites M-I, M-II and M-III, respectively. The calcium antagonistic activities of (+)-I, (+)-II and (+)-III were examined.

Laser scanning microscope with a differential heterodyne optical probe

A new laser scanning microscope system has been developed to observe the spatial distribution of light scattering particles or defects in a partially transparent object. The present microscope has an optical probe whose intensity is modulated by the interference effect between two crossed laser beams with slightly different frequencies. In this paper, a Zeeman laser combined with a simple polarizing optical system is used to produce two such coherent beams. Experimental results obtained by using a latex sphere and a microscale as the target show qualitatively that high image contrast is obtained by the present method even if some obscuring particles exist in front of the probe volume. Distributions of light scattering particles or defects in a LiNbO(3) and TGS single crystal can be visualized by a computer-controlled scan stage.