Effect of wine pomace extract on dechlorination of chloroethenes in soil suspension

Chloroethenes are widely used as solvent in the metal industry and the dry cleaning industry, but their spillage into soil and groundwater due to improper handling has negatively impacted human health. Bioremediation using microorganisms is one of the technologies to clean up soil and groundwater contaminated with chloroethenes. In this study, we examined the bioremediation of chloroethene-contaminated soil using wine pomace extract (WPE). WPE is a liquid containing seven major carboxylic acids and other substances extracted from grape pomace produced in winemaking. WPE clearly promoted the anaerobic bioremediation of chloroethenes. In the tetrachloroethene (PCE) degradation test that used fractions derived from WPE, the water-eluted fraction containing L-lactic acid, L-tartaric acid, and others promoted the dechlorination of PCE, whereas the methanol-eluted fraction containing mainly syringic acid did not. In another PCE degradation test that used L-lactic acid, L-tartaric acid, and syringic acid test solutions, L-lactic acid and L-tartaric acid enhanced the dechlorination of PCE, but syringic acid did not. The results suggest that L-lactic acid and L-tartaric acid in WPE function as hydrogen donors in the anaerobic microbial degradation of chloroethene. This technology realizes environmental remediation through the effective use of food by-products.

Grape Seed Extracts Inhibit Platelet Aggregation by Inhibiting Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase

Platelets play an important role in various thrombotic diseases, including myocardial infarction. Because red wine consumption is inversely associated with death due to ischemic heart diseases, the effects of grape components on platelet function have been extensively investigated. Grape seed extracts (GSEs) reportedly inhibit platelet aggregation; however, the underlying mechanism has not been elucidated. We discovered that GSEs inhibit platelet aggregation induced by collagen and thrombin-receptor agonist peptide and increase basal levels of tyrosine phosphorylation, which was also observed in the presence of a protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP) inhibitor. An in vitro phosphatase assay indicated that GSE dose dependently inhibited PTP-1B and Src homology 2 domain-containing phosphatase-1 activity, which positively regulates platelet aggregation. We propose that GSEs inhibit platelet aggregation by inhibiting tyrosine phosphatase activity. Moreover, we showed that GSE ingestion inhibited platelet aggregation in mice without enhancing tail bleeding, implying that GSE supplementation might be beneficial to prevention of thrombotic diseases.

Dietary resveratrol prevents the development of food allergy in mice

Background

Resveratrol is a bioactive polyphenol enriched in red wine that exhibits many beneficial health effects via multiple mechanisms. However, it is unclear whether resveratrol is beneficial for the prevention of food allergy. This study investigated whether resveratrol inhibited the development of food allergy by using a mouse model of the disease.

Methodology/Principal Findings

Mice fed standard diet or standard diet plus resveratrol were sensitized by intragastric administration of ovalbumin (OVA) and mucosal adjuvant cholera toxin (CT). Several manifestations of food allergy were then compared between the mice. The effects of resveratrol on T cells or dendritic cells were also examined by using splenocytes from OVA-specific T cell-receptor (TCR) transgenic DO11.10 mice or mouse bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) in vitro. We found that mice fed resveratrol showed reduced OVA-specific serum IgE production, anaphylactic reaction, and OVA-induced IL-13 and IFN-ã production from the mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs) and spleens in comparison to the control mice, following oral sensitization with OVA plus CT. In addition, resveratrol inhibited OVA plus CT-induced IL-4, IL-13, and IFN-ã production in splenocytes from DO11.10 mice associated with inhibition of GATA-3 and T-bet expression. Furthermore, resveratrol suppressed the OVA plus CT-induced CD25 expression and IL-2 production in DO11.10 mice-splenocytes in association with decreases in CD80 and CD86 expression levels. Finally, resveratrol suppressed CT-induced cAMP elevation in association with decreases in CD80 and CD86 expression levels in BMDCs.

Conclusions/Significance

Ingestion of resveratrol prevented the development of a food allergy model in mice. Given the in vitro findings, resveratrol might do so by inhibiting DC maturation and subsequent early T cell activation and differentiation via downregulation of CT-induced cAMP activation in mice. These results suggest that resveratrol may have potential for prophylaxis against food allergy.

Differential neuroprotective activity of two different grape seed extracts

Glutamate excitotoxicity is one of the major events that takes place during various neurotoxic injuries such as brain ischemia. We prepared grape seed extracts, from two different varieties, containing high amounts of polyphenols but little resveratrol. Their neuroprotective effects were investigated using primary culture of neonatal mouse hippocampal neurons treated with an excitotoxic concentration of glutamate. Koshu, a white, local variety of V. vinifera, alleviated the acute inactivation of Erk1/2 and dendrite retraction in cultured hippocampal neurons exposed to a toxic concentration of glutamate (1.0 ng/ml). By contrast, Muscat Bailey A, a red, hybrid variety (Muscat Humburg × Bailey), failed to show any neuroprotective effect. Unlike brain-derived neurotrophic factor and other neuroprotective cytokines, Koshu extract did not induce Akt phosphorylation. Koshu extract also augmented neuron survival rate 24 hours after glutamate toxicity. The comparison of polyphenols between the two samples by liquid chromatography/time-of-flight mass spectrometry demonstrated that Koshu had higher amounts of low molecular weight polyphenols along with several Koshu-specific procyanidin oligomers. These data suggest the presence of high affinity molecular targets for polyphenols in hippocampal neurons, which induce neuroprotective effects in a manner different from BDNF, and the importance of low molecular weight polyphenols and/or procyanidin oligomers for neuroprotection.

Grape seed extract acting on astrocytes reveals neuronal protection against oxidative stress via interleukin-6-mediated mechanisms

Grape polyphenols are known to protect neurons against oxidative stress. We used grape seed extract (GSE) from "Koshu" grapes (Vitis vinifera) containing a variety of polyphenols, and performed transcriptome analysis to determine the effects of GSE on primary cultures of astrocytes in the hippocampus. GSE upregulated various mRNAs for cytokines, among which interleukin-6 (IL-6) showed the biggest increase after treatment with GSE. The GSE-evoked increase in IL-6 mRNAs was confirmed by quantitative RT-PCR. We also detected IL-6 proteins by ELISA in the supernatant of GSE-treated astrocytes. We made an oxidative stress-induced neuronal cell death model in vitro using a neuron rich culture of the hippocampus. Treatment of the neurons with H(2)O(2) caused neuronal cell death in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. Exogenously applied IL-6 protected against the H(2)O(2)-induced neuronal cell death, which was mimicked by endogenous IL-6 produced by GSE-treated astrocytes. Taken together, GSE acting on astrocytes increased IL-6 production, which functions as a neuroprotective paracrine, could protect neuronal cells from death by oxidative stress.

Constituents of the leaves of Peucedanum japonicum Thunb. and their biological activity

In the course of our study on the isolation and structure determination of constituents in tropical plants, we focused on Peucedanum japonicum Thunb., belonging to the family Umbelliferae. In this study, a new C(13) norisoprenoid glucoside, (3S)-O-beta-d-glucopyranosyl-6-[3-oxo-(2S)-butenylidenyl]-1,1,5-trimethylcyclohexan-(5R)-ol (1), and two new phenylpropanoid glucosides, 3-(2-O-beta-d-glucopyranosyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propanoic acid (3) and methyl 3-(2-O-beta-d-glucopyranosyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propanoate (4), were isolated from the n-butanol soluble fraction of this plant's leaves, together with five known compounds. The structures of these compounds were determined on the basis of spectroscopic evidence. In addition, all isolated compounds were examined for scavenging activity against 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical and inhibitory activity against mushroom tyrosinase. These results suggested that 2-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)propane-1,3-diol (7) and 3-O-beta-d-glucopyranosyl-2-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)propanol (8) showed an appreciable activity in both assay systems.

Antioxidant properties of gingerol related compounds from ginger

Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) shows an antioxidant activity, and we have been engaging to determine the structures of more than 50 antioxidants isolated from the rhizomes of ginger. The isolated antioxidants are divided into two groups; gingerol related compounds and diarylheptanoids. In this study, structure-activity relationship of gingerol related compounds was evaluated. Gingerol related compounds substituted with an alkyl group bearing 10-, 12- or 14-carbon chain length were isolated from the dichloromethane extract of rhizomes using repeated chromatographic techniques. The antioxidant activities of these compounds were evaluated by the following measurements; 1) 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, 2) inhibitory effect on oxidation of methyl linoleate under aeration and heating by the Oil Stability Index (OSI) method, and 3) inhibitory effect on oxidation of liposome induced by 2,2'-azobis(2-amidinopropane)dihydrochloride (AAPH). These results suggested that the substituents on the alkyl chain might contribute to both radical scavenging effect and inhibitory effect of autoxidation of oils, while inhibitory effects against the AAPH-induced peroxidation of liposome was somewhat influenced by the alkyl chain length; the antioxidant activity might be due to not only radical scavenging activity of antioxidants but also their affinity of the antioxidants to the substrates.

Antioxidative polyphenols from berries of Pimenta dioica

The ethyl acetate-soluble part of allspice, berries of Pimenta dicica, showed strong antioxidant activity and radical-scavenging activity against 1,1diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazl (DPPH) radical. From the ethyl acetate-soluble part, two new compounds, 5-galloyloxy-3-4-dihydroxypentanoic acid and 5-(5-carboxmethyl-2-oxocyclopenty)3Z-penteny 6-O-galloy-beta-D-glucoside were isolated together with 11 known polyphenols by repeated column chromatography. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of MS and various NMR spectroscopic data. All isolated compounds were evaluated for antioxidative effects on oxidation of methyl linoleate under aeration and heating, anf on peroxidation of liposome induced by 2-2'-azobis-(2-amidinopropane)dihydrocloride (AAPH) as water-soluble initiator along with their radical-scavenging activity against DPPH. Quercetin and its glycoside showed remarkable activity for scavenging DPPH radical and inhibiting peroxidation of liposome. Two new compounds also exhibited strong DPPH radical-scavenging activity and inhibitory effect on the peroxidation od liposome as myricetin.

Antioxidant compounds from the leaves of Peucedanum japonicum thunb

Seventeen compounds were isolated from the n-butanol soluble fraction of the leaves of Peucedanum japonicum Thunb. On the basis of MS and various NMR spectroscopic techniques, the structures of the isolated compounds were determined as isoquercitrin (1), rutin (2), 3-O-caffeoylquinic acid (3), 4-O-caffeoylquinic acid (4), 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid (5), cnidioside A (6), praeroside II (7), praeroside III (8), apterin (9), esculin (10), (R)-peucedanol (11), (R)-peucedanol 7-O-beta-d-glucopyranoside (12), l-tryptophan (13), uracil (14), guanosine (15), uridine (16), and thymidine (17). All compounds except 11 and 12 were isolated for the first time from P. japonicum. Several isolated compounds were quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography analysis. In addition, all isolated compounds were examined for radical scavenging on 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical and for inhibition of oxidation of liposome induced by 2,2'-azobis(2-amidinopropane)dihydrochloride. Compounds 2-5 were found to be the major potent constituents, which contribute to the antioxidant activity of P. japonicum leaves.

Antioxidant properties of ferulic acid and its related compounds

Antioxidant activity of 24 ferulic acid related compounds together with 6 gallic acid related compounds was evaluated using several different physical systems as well as their radical scavenging activity. The radical scavenging activity on 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) decreased in the order caffeic acid > sinapic acid > ferulic acid > ferulic acid esters > p-coumaric acid. In bulk methyl linoleate, test hydroxycinnamic acids and ferulic acid esters showed antioxidant activity in parallel with their radical scavenging activity. In an ethanol-buffer solution of linoleic acid, the activity of test compounds was not always associated with their radical scavenging activity. Ferulic acid was most effective among the tested phenolic acids. Esterification of ferulic acid resulted in increasing activity. The activity of alkyl ferulates was somewhat influenced by the chain length of alcohol moiety. When the inhibitory effects of alkyl ferulates against oxidation of liposome induced by AAPH were tested, hexyl, octyl, and 2-ethyl-1-hexyl ferulates were more active than the other alkyl ferulates. Furthermore, lauryl gallate is most effective among the tested alkyl gallates. These results indicated that not only the radical scavenging activity of antioxidants, but also their affinity with lipid substrates, might be important factors in their activity.

A-53930A and B, novel N-type Ca2+ channel blockers

A-53930A, B and C, which inhibit N-type Ca2+ channels, were isolated from the culture broth of Streptomyces vinaceusdrappus SANK 62394. A-53930A and B were new compounds which contained a carbamoyl group on the 6-hydroxyl group of the D-gulosamine part of streptothricin. A-53930C was identical to streptothricin B. A-53930A, B and C inhibited [125I]omega-conotoxin MVIIA binding to N-type Ca2+ channels (IC50= 0.17, 0.091 and 0.071 microM), but did not inhibit [3H]PN200-110 binding to L-type Ca2+ channels (IC50 > 50 microM). These compounds also inhibited [3H]norepinephrine release from chick cerebral cortex synaptosomes (IC50=91.0, 20.6 and 39.5 microM), indicating these compounds selectively block N-type Ca2+ channels which are important for neurotransmitter release. It was also revealed that although A-53930C had antimicrobial activity against gram-negative and -positive bacteria and fungi, A-53930A and B showed weak activity only against gram-negative bacteria.

N-type calcium channel blockers from a marine bacterium, Cytophaga sp. SANK 71996

N-(3-Acyloxyacyl)glycines were isolated as N-type calcium channel blockers from a marine bacterium Cytophaga sp. SANK 71996. The identification and fermentation of the producing strain and structure characterization of N-(3-acyloxyacyl)glycines by spectral analyses and chemical syntheses are described together with their antagonistic activities.

Alteration of eicosanoid production in the sensitized guinea pig lung by CS-518

The effects of CS-518 (sodium 2-(1-imidazolylmethyl)-4,5-dihydrobenzo [b]thiophene-6-carboxylate), a thromboxane A2 synthase inhibitor, on changes in arachidonic acid metabolism were investigated in the lung of actively sensitized guinea pigs. Antigen challenge enhanced the production of thromboxane A2 as well as histamine and peptide leukotrienes in lung fragments. Exogenous leukotriene D4 also stimulated significant thromboxane A2 production in the non-sensitized lung in vitro. CS-518 was effective in preventing the thromboxane A2 production induced by either antigen or leukotriene D4, and the IC50 values were 90 and 7.5 ng/ml (320 and 27 nM), respectively. CS-518 markedly potentiated the production of prostaglandin E2 and I2 with slight inhibition of leukotriene formation, but indomethacin significantly stimulated leukotriene production. When CS-518 was administered orally, it induced long-lasting inhibition of thromboxane A2 production and potentiation of prostaglandin I2 production in guinea pig lung. Thus, CS-518 not only inhibited thromboxane production but also improved the change in arachidonic acid metabolism in the guinea pig bronchoalveolar tissue during allergic reaction in vivo as well as in vitro, which suggests amelioration of the asthmatic condition.

Folipastatin, a new depsidone compound from Aspergillus unguis as an inhibitor of phospholipase A2. Taxonomy, fermentation, isolation, structure determination and biological properties

A new inhibitor of phospholipase A2 was isolated from the fermentation broth of Aspergillus unguis. The structure, with a depsidone carbon skeleton, was assigned by spectroscopic experiments.