Comparative inhibitory effects of magnolol, honokiol, eugenol and bis-eugenol on cyclooxygenase-2 expression and nuclear factor-kappa B activation in RAW264.7 macrophage-like cells stimulated with fimbriae of Porphyromonas gingivalis

BACKGROUND

The anti-inflammatory activity of magnolol and related compounds is currently a focus of interest. In the present study, the inhibitory effects of these compounds on cyclooxygenase (COX-2) expression and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) activation were investigated in RAW264.7 macrophage-like cells stimulated with the fimbriae of Porphyromonas gingivalis, an oral anaerobe.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The cytotoxicity of magnolol, honokiol, eugenol and bis-eugenol against RAW264.7 cells was determined using a cell counting kit (CCK-8). The regulatory effect of these compounds on the expression of COX-2 mRNA, stimulated by exposure to the fimbriae was investigated by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). NF-κB activation was evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)-like microwell colorimetric transcription factor activity assay (Trans-AM) and western blot analysis. The radical-scavenging activity was determined using the induction period method in the methyl methacrylate-azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) polymerization system under nearly anaerobic conditions. The phenolic bond dissociation enthalpy (BDE) and orbital energy were calculated at the density functional theory (DFT) B3LYP/6-31G* level.

RESULTS

The cytotoxicity against RAW264.7 cells declined in the order bis-eugenol>eugenol> honokiol>magnolol, whereas the radical-scavenging activity declined in the order honokiol, bis-eugenol>magnolol> eugenol. Magnolol and honokiol significantly inhibited the fimbria-induced expression of COX-2 at non-cytotoxic concentrations. Both the fimbria-stimulated binding of NF-κB to its consensus sequence and phosphorylation-dependent proteolysis of inhibitor κB-α were markedly inhibited by magnilol and honokiol, whereas eugenol and bis-eugenol did not inhibit COX-2 expression and NF-κB activation. Magnolol and honokiol possessed a high electronegativity (χ) value.

CONCLUSION

Magnolol and honokiol exhibit antioxidative activity, low cytotoxicity, and anti-inflammatory activity. These compounds may be capable of preventing chronic inflammatory diseases induced by oral bacteria.

Relationships between base-catalyzed hydrolysis rates or glutathione reactivity for acrylates and methacrylates and their NMR spectra or heat of formation

The NMR chemical shift, i.e., the π-electron density of the double bond, of acrylates and methacrylates is related to the reactivity of their monomers. We investigated quantitative structure-property relationships (QSPRs) between the base-catalyzed hydrolysis rate constants (k1) or the rate constant with glutathione (GSH) (log k(GSH)) for acrylates and methacrylates and the (13)C NMR chemical shifts of their α,β-unsaturated carbonyl groups (δC(α) and δC(β)) or heat of formation (Hf) calculated by the semi-empirical MO method. Reported data for the independent variables were employed. A significant linear relationship between k1 and δC(β), but not δC(α), was obtained for methacrylates (r(2) = 0.93), but not for acrylates. Also, a significant relationship between k1 and Hf was obtained for both acrylates and methacrylates (r(2) = 0.89). By contrast, log k(GSH) for acrylates and methacrylates was linearly related to their δC(β) (r(2) = 0.99), but not to Hf. These findings indicate that the (13)C NMR chemical shifts and calculated Hf values for acrylates and methacrylates could be valuable for estimating the hydrolysis rate constants and GSH reactivity of these compounds. Also, these data for monomers may be an important tool for examining mechanisms of reactivity.

Correlation of dental health behavior with health awareness and subjective symptoms in a rural population in Japan

The aim of this study was to determine the association of dental health behavior with health awareness, oral condition, and subjective symptoms in Japan. The present study included 1699 individuals who underwent dental checkups at the public health center of Miura City. All those who underwent dental checkups were asked to fill out a questionnaire. The correlation between having a regular dentist and each of the other items was analyzed. Undergoing regular checkups was significantly related to having a regular dentist. To analyze the correlation of dental health behavior with Subjective symptoms and Health awareness, structured equation modeling was performed following factor analysis. As a result, only the regression weight between dental health behavior and health awareness was found to be statistically significant. The present survey indicates that dental health behavior was significantly related to Health awareness but not to Subjective symptoms.

Mechanisms of action of (meth)acrylates in hemolytic activity, in vivo toxicity and dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) liposomes determined using NMR spectroscopy

We investigated the quantitative structure-activity relationships between hemolytic activity (log 1/H(50)) or in vivo mouse intraperitoneal (ip) LD(50) using reported data for α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds such as (meth)acrylate monomers and their (13)C-NMR β-carbon chemical shift (δ). The log 1/H(50) value for methacrylates was linearly correlated with the δC(β) value. That for (meth)acrylates was linearly correlated with log P, an index of lipophilicity. The ipLD(50) for (meth)acrylates was linearly correlated with δC(β) but not with log P. For (meth)acrylates, the δC(β) value, which is dependent on the π-electron density on the β-carbon, was linearly correlated with PM3-based theoretical parameters (chemical hardness, η; electronegativity, χ; electrophilicity, ω), whereas log P was linearly correlated with heat of formation (HF). Also, the interaction between (meth)acrylates and DPPC liposomes in cell membrane molecular models was investigated using (1)H-NMR spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The log 1/H(50) value was related to the difference in chemical shift (ΔδHa) (Ha: H (trans) attached to the β-carbon) between the free monomer and the DPPC liposome-bound monomer. Monomer-induced DSC phase transition properties were related to HF for monomers. NMR chemical shifts may represent a valuable parameter for investigating the biological mechanisms of action of (meth)acrylates.

Radical-scavenging activity of dietary phytophenols in combination with co-antioxidants using the induction period method

The radical-scavenging activity of dietary phytophenols has been investigated by many researches due to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer property but the radical-scavenging effect of 2-phytophenol and the phytophenol:co-antioxidants, vitamin C and thiol combination under nearly anaerobic conditions still remains unknown. The radical-scavenging activity for seventeen phytophenols and for six synthetic phenols (positive controls) was investigated using the induction period method in the polymerization of methyl methacrylates (MMA) initiated by thermal decomposition of benzoyl peroxide (BPO) by monitoring differential scanning calorimetery (DSC). The k_inh for the phytophenols was likely with the range 0.5 × 10³ M⁻¹s⁻¹−2.2 × 10³ M⁻¹s⁻¹, whereas that for synthetic phenols, hydroquinone and galvinoxyl, was with the range 7 × 10³ M⁻¹s⁻¹−8 × 10³ M⁻¹s⁻¹. Also, the additive scavenging effect of the (−)-epigallocatechin (EGC):(−)-epicatechin (EC) and the (+)-catechin:epicatechin (EC) combination was observed at 1:1 molar ratio, whereas that of the EC:quercetin combination showed the cancel (prooxidative) effect. Furthermore, the EGC:ASDB (L-ascorbyl 2,6-dibutylate) or 2-ME (2-mercaptoethanol) combination showed the prooxidative effect. Such enhancement of prooxidation in the combination may increase their toxic effects due to their cooxidation. Also, the synergic, additive or cancel effects of the flavonoid:vitamins E combination on the induction period in the BPO (a PhCOO* radical) and 2,2′-azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN, an R* radical) systems are discussed.

Synthesis of novel acryloyloxyalkyl and methacryloyloxyalkyl 6,8-dithiooctanoates and evaluation of their bonding performances to precious metals and alloys

This study investigated the bonding effectiveness of novel acryloyloxyalkyl and methacryloyloxyalkyl 6,8-dithiooctanoates (dithiooctanoate monomers) to precious metals and alloys. Eight kinds of dithiooctanoate monomers were synthesized in 16.09-39.34% yields. They were characterized and confirmed as new compounds using (1)H- and (13)C-NMR spectroscopy and mass spectral analysis. Eight experimental primers each containing 5.0 wt% of a novel dithiooctanoate monomer in acetone were prepared. After primer treatment and 2,000 thermal cycles, tensile bond strengths of MMA-PMMA/TBBO resin to seven metal adherends were measured. Results were as follows: 17.2-29.3 MPa (Au), 41.9-49.6 MPa (Ag), 36.8-47.6 MPa (Pt), 36.7-47.5 MPa (Pd), 34.0-48.9 MPa (Au alloy), 24.3-49.6 MPa (Ag alloy), 35.0-48.8 MPa (Au-Ag-Pd alloy). 10-Methacryloyloxydecyl 6,8-dithiooctanoate exhibited the highest mean bond strength to gold (29.3 MPa) and 12-methacryloyloxydodecyl 6,8-dithiooctanoate to Au alloy (48.9 MPa). Therefore, it was found that the novel dithiooctanoate monomers synthesized in this study exhibited excellent bonding to precious metals and alloys.

A review of the developments of self-etching primers and adhesives -Effects of acidic adhesive monomers and polymerization initiators on bonding to ground, smear layer-covered teeth

This paper reviews the developments of self-etching primers and adhesives, with a special focus on the effect of acidic adhesive monomers and polymerization initiators on bonding to ground, smear layer-covered teeth. Ionized acidic adhesive monomers chemically interact with tooth substrates and facilitate good bonding to ground dentin. Polymerization initiators in self-etching primers further promote effective bonding to ground dentin. To promote bonding to both dentin and enamel, phosphonic acid monomers such as 6-methacryloyloxyhexyl phosphonoacetate (6-MHPA) were developed. These novel adhesive monomers also have a water-soluble nature and are hence endowed with sufficient demineralization capability. A new single-bottle, self-etching, 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA)-free adhesive comprising 6-MHPA and 4-acryloyloxyethoxycarbonylphthalic acid (4-AET) was developed. This novel adhesive enabled strong adhesion to both ground enamel and dentin, but its formulation stability was influenced by pH value of the adhesive. To develop hydrolytically stable, single-bottle, self-etching adhesives, hydrolytically stable, radical-polymerizable acidic monomers with amide or ether linkages have been developed.

Effect of the combination of dithiooctanoate monomers and acidic adhesive monomers on adhesion to precious metals, precious metal alloys and non-precious metal alloys

This study investigated the effect of the combination of a dithiooctanoate monomer and an acidic adhesive monomer on adhesion to precious metals, precious and non-precious metal alloys. From a selection of four dithiooctanoate monomers and six acidic adhesive monomers, 14 experimental primers containing a combination of 5.0 wt% of a dithiooctanoate monomer and 1.0 wt% of an acidic adhesive monomer in acetone were prepared. Tensile bond strengths (TBSs) of MMA-PMMA/TBBO resin to nine kinds of precious metals, precious metal alloys, and non-precious metal alloys after 2,000 thermal cycles were measured. Results showed that there were no significant differences in TBS among the primers to all the precious and non-precious metal adherends tested (p>0.05). Highest TBS values (46.5-55.8 MPa) for bonding to Au alloy, Au-Ag-Pd alloy, Co-Cr alloy, and Ni-Cr alloy were achieved with the primer which contained 5.0 wt% 10-methacryloyloxydecyl 6,8-dithiooctanoate (10-MDDT) and 1.0 wt% 6-methacryloyloxyhexyl phosphonoacetate (6-MHPA). Therefore, 5.0 wt% 10-MDDT and 1.0 wt% 6-MHPA was determined as the optimal combination for bonding to precious metals, precious and non-precious metal alloys.

Radical-scavenging activity of melatonin, either alone or in combination with vitamin E, ascorbate or 2-mercaptoethanol as co-antioxidants, using the induction period method

BACKGROUND

Melatonin shows antioxidant/prooxidant activity but its mechanism of action remains unknown.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The radical-scavenging activity of melatonin and various melatonin/co-antioxidant mixtures in a 1:1 molar ratio was evaluated in terms of the length of the induction period (IP) for polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA), initiated by thermal decomposition of 2,2'-azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) or by benzoyl peroxide (BPO) under nearly anaerobic conditions, which was monitored by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC).

RESULTS

The observed IP (A) for a pinoline, L-ascorbyl 2,6-dibutyrate (ASDB), vitamin E (alpha-, beta-, gamma- or delta-T) or 2-mercaptoethanol (2ME) mixture was compared with the calculated total sum of IP (melatonin+each co-antioxidant) (B). For both the AIBN and BPO systems, the A/B for the melatonin/ASDB, beta-T, gamma-T or delta-T mixture was 0.3-0.7, whereas that for the melatonin/2ME mixture was approximately 1. For the AIBN system, the A/B for the melatonin/alpha-T or pinoline mixture was 0.7-0.8. By contrast, for the BPO system, that for the melatonin/alpha-T or pinoline mixture was approximately 1.

CONCLUSION

The prooxidant effect of the melatonin/ascorbate or vitamin E mixtures induced by radical-oxidizing activity may help to explain the anticancer activity of melatonin in biological systems.

Radical-scavenging activity and cytotoxicity of p-methoxyphenol and p-cresol dimers

Compounds with two phenolic OH groups like curcumin possess efficient antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. We synthesized p-cresol dimer (2,2'-dihydroxy-5,5'-dimethylbiphenol, 2a) and p-methoxyphenol dimer (2,2'-dihydroxy-5,5'-dimethoxybiphenol, 2b) by ortho-ortho coupling reactions of the parent monomers, p-cresol (1a) and p-methoxyphenol (1b), respectively. Their antioxidant activity was determined using the induction period method, and their cytotoxicity towards RAW 264.7 cells was also investigated using a cell counting kit. The stoichiometric factors n (number of free radicals trapped by one mole of antioxidant moiety) for 2a and 2b were 3 and 2.8, respectively, being greater than those for 1a and 1b. The ratio of the rate constant of inhibition to that of propagation (k_inh/k_p) for 2a and 2b was similar to that for 2-t-butyl-4-methoxyphenol (BHA), a conventional food antioxidant. The 50% inhibitory dose (ID₅₀) declined in the order 1b > 1a >> 2b > 2a > BHA. The cytotoxicity for 2a and 2b was significantly greater than that for the parent monomers (p < 0.001), but smaller than that for BHA (p < 0.01). Compounds 2a and 2b may be useful as food antioxidants.

CYTOTOXICITY AND PHOSPHOLIPID-LIPOSOME PHASE-TRANSITION PROPERTIES OF 2-HYDROXYETHYL METHACRYLATE (HEMA)

To elucidate the cytotoxic induction mechanisms of the hydrophilic HEMA, the comparative cytotoxic activities of HEMA and the hydrophobic monomers TEGDMA and MMA were studied, using erythrocytes, gingival fibroblasts and a salivary gland carcinoma cell line. Also, the gel-to-fluid phase transition properties (i.e. temperature, Tm; cooperativity, H/HHW; enthalpy, deltaH) of dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) and DPPC/cholesterol (CS) liposomes (as a model for biological membranes) induced by methacrylates were investigated, using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). In addition, the methacrylate-chemical-shifts in DPPC liposomes were assayed using NMR spectroscopy. Both the hemo lytic and cytotoxic activity declined in the order: TEGDMA> HEMA>MMA. The changes in Tm increased in the order: HEMA <MMA<TEGDMA. The H/HHW declined in the order of MMA >>TEGDMA, while in contrast, that of HEMA was slightly increased without changes in the deltaH. The DSC changes in DPPC/CS liposomes with HEMA were the largest of those recorded. The cytotoxicity of HEMA may be induced by the hydrophobic interaction derived from the molecular association of OH groups of HEMA and, in addition, by the preferential interaction with CS.

Antioxidant and cyclooxygenase-2-inhibiting activity of 4,4'-biphenol, 2,2'-biphenol and phenol

The anthropogenic substance 4,4'-biphenol and its analogues are estrogenic and cytotoxic. It has been previously found that synthesized ortho-dimers of phenolic compounds possess potent antioxidative and anti-inflammatory activity. To clarify the relationships between radical-scavenging and anti-inflammatory activities, the radical-scavenging activities of 4,4'-biphenol, 2,2'-biphenol and phenol were investigated by using differential scanning calorimetry to measure the induction period for polymerization of methyl methacrylate initiated by thermal decomposition of 2,2'-azobisisobutyronitrile. We also investigated tThe inhibitory effects of these compounds on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) mRNA and protein expression and on binding of activator-protein-1 (AP-1) and nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-kappaB) to their respective consensus sequences were also investigated in RAW 264.7 cells. Furthermore, theoretical parameters such as phenolic-OH bond dissociation enthalpy (BDE) and ionization potential (IP(koopman)) were calculated at the density functional theory (DFT)/B3LYP levels. Cytotoxicity declined in the order 4,4'-biphenol > 2,2'-biphenol >> phenol. 2,2'-Biphenol, but not 4,4'-biphenol, showed inhibitory effects on LPS-stimulated COX-2 expression and on AP-1 and NF-kappaB binding to their consensus sequences at 1-10 muM. Expression of COX-2 in RAW cells was enhanced by 4,4'-biphenol plus LPS, possibly because of radical-mediated transformation of 4,4'-biphenol to the cytotoxic diphenylquinone, as judged by the stoichiometric factor (n value) of 3.429 and low IP(koopman) value of this biphenol. In contrast, the anti-inflammatory activity of 2,2'-biphenol may be the result of the formation of a dimer derived from oxidation of this compound, as suggested by its n value close to 1. Phenol showed anti-inflammatory activity but did not completely inhibit COX-2 expression, even at higher concentrations.

Mechanisms of cytotoxicity of 2- or 2,6-di-tert-butylphenols and 2-methoxyphenols in terms of inhibition rate constant and a theoretical parameter

To clarify the mechanism of phenol toxicity, the radical-scavenging activity of 2- or 2,6-di-tert-butyl- and 2-methoxy-substituted phenols was investigated by combining two distinct approaches: first, the induction period method for methacrylate polymerization initiated by benzoyl peroxide or 2,2'-azobisisobutyronitrile; and secondly, 1,1'-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging test. The homolytic bond dissociation enthalpy (BDE) and ionization potential (IP(koopman)) were calculated by the DFT/B3LYP method. The cytotoxicity was investigated using tumor cells (human submandibular gland carcinoma cells, HSG; human promyelocytic leukemia cells, HL-60) and primary cells (human gingival fibroblasts, HGF; human periodontal ligament fibroblasts, HPLF; human pulp fibroblasts, HPF) derived from oral tissues. The cytotoxicity between tumor and primary cells was similar, except for eugenol dimer showing less toxicity for primary cells. The DPPH assay was not useful for tert-butylphenols due to their steric hindrance. For both HSG and HGF cells, a linear relationship was found between 50% cytotoxic concentration (CC(50)) and inhibition rate constant (k(inh)), but not BDE, IP, or logP. The acceptable quantitative structure-activity relationships (QSAR) obtained for cytotoxicity vs. k(inh) suggested that the cytotoxicity of phenols may be dependent on radical reactions. The cytotoxicity of vanillin and 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-benzaldehyde with large k(inh) values, weak antioxidants was markedly less than that of 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol, 2,4,6-tri-tert-butylphenol and curcumin with small k(inh) values, potent antioxidants.

1H and13C NMR Chemical Shifts of Methacrylate Molecules Associated with DMPC and/or DPPC Liposomes

In the light of recent developments, changes in (1)H and (13)C NMR chemical shifts of methacrylate molecule associated with DMPC (L-alpha dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine) or DPPC (L-alpha-dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine) liposomes as a model for mimic native lipid bilayers were studied at 30, 37, and 52 degrees C. The chemical shifts of 3Ha, 3C, and 4C resonances in methacrylates (see Fig. 2) were greatly shifted higher field, suggesting the methacrylate molecule-lipid bilayer interaction. Comparison of the findings with methyl methacrylate (MMA), ethylene dimethacrylate (EDMA), and triethyleneglycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) revealed that the interaction of dimethacrylates (EDMA, TEGDMA) was greater than monomethacrylate, MMA. Their interaction with DMPC liposomes was also judged by a differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), indicating that the interaction was characterized by decreasing the enthalpy, entropy, and transition co-operativity. The evidence of the upfield NMR-shifts for methacrylate molecules was also judged by the descriptors such as the reactivity (HOMO-LUMO energy) and the electrostatic function (partial charges) between methacrylate molecules and DPPC, calculated by a PM 3 semiempirical MO method. The upfield NMR shifts were considerably well interpreted from the descriptors. NMR screening technique in methacrylates to phospholipid targets would be highly valuable in biomaterial developments. Figure 2 Changes in (1)H and (13)C NMR chemical shifts of methacrylate molecule associated with DMPC or DPPC liposomes. DMPC liposomes/MMA (1:1, molar ratio) and DMPC/TEGDMA (1:1) liposomes were measured at 30 degrees C. In DPPC liposome system, the rippled gel phase was measured at 30 degrees C, whereas the liquid crystalline phase for MMA and for both EDMA and TEGDMA were measured at 52 degrees C and 37 degrees C, respectively.

Development of new bone cement utilizing low toxicity monomers

Acrylic bone cement is self-curing cement comprising of liquid and powder component of methyl methacrylate (MMA). It has been used extensively in orthopedics; however, adverse effects were associated with its use. Hence we investigated in this paper the possibility of new cement utilizing methacrylates with lower toxicity than MMA. LD50s of candidate monomers were determined with administration to the medullary cavity of the rat's femur. 2-Ethylhexyl methacrylate (EHMA) and trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate (TMP) demonstrated greater LD50 values of 187 mg/kg and 380 mg/kg, respectively, than MMA (108 mg/kg); they were selected as the liquid components of the new cement. The copolymer of EHMA and cyclohexyl methacrylate was then selected as the powder component. With this combination, we developed the new cement (EHMA cement).Temperature rise during polymerization of EHMA cement was 9 degrees C-13 degrees C, which was significantly lower than that of conventional cement. The compression strength of the polymerized EHMA cement was 57 MPa without TMP, and 67 MPa with TMP (15 wt%). Thus we concluded that new EHMA cement was slightly inferior in the compression strength than the conventional cement. However, it was characterized by the low toxicity of utilized monomers and the low temperature rise during polymerization.

Comparative study of the alkyl and peroxy radical-scavenging activity of 2-t-butyl-4-methoxyphenol (BHA) and its dimer, and their theoretical parameters

BACKGROUND

2-t-Butyl-4-methoxyphenol (BHA) has considerable toxicity and undesirable potential tumor-promoting activities. To clarify the free radical mechanism of BHA-induced toxicity, the comparative radical-scavenging activity of BHA and its dimer (bis-BHA, 3,3'-ditert-butyl-5,5'-dimethoxy-1,1'-biphenyl-2,2'-diol) with or without 2-mercapto-1-methylimidazole (MMI) was studied using the induction period method.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The induction period and propagation rate (Rp) were determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) monitoring of polymerization of methyl methacrylate, initiated by the thermal decomposition of benzoyl peroxide (a source of the peroxy radical, PhCOO*) or 2,2'-azobisisobutyronitrile (a source of the alkyl radical, R*) under nearly anaerobic conditions. The anti-1,1'-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical- and O2(-)-scavenging activities were also investigated. Furthermore, theoretical parameters were calculated from the DEFT/B3LYP and HF/6-31G*//B3LYP levels.

RESULTS

For both PhCOO* and R* the inhibition rate constant (k(inh)) for BHA and bis-BHA was almost identical, but a marked decrease in the Rp(inh)/Rp(con) was found for the former. The BHA/MMI mixture (1:1 molar ratio) oxidized by R* reduced the total radical-scavenging activity by approximately 20% . BHA showed lower anti-DPPH radical- and higher O2(-)-scavenging activity.

CONCLUSION

Upon PhCOO* or R* scavenging, BHA with a lower BDE, IP(koopman's), electronegativity, and electrophilicity value, but not bis-BHA with higher corresponding values, highly suppressed propagation. This may be due to the formation of highly reactive free-radical intermediates, which are potentially toxic.

Comparative radical-scavenging activity of curcumin and tetrahydrocurcumin with thiols as measured by the induction period method

BACKGROUND

The in vivo radical-scavenging activity of curcumin (CUR) and THC (tetrahydrocurcumin, a metabolite of CUR) does not occur in isolation, but through an intricate antioxidant network together with co-antioxidants such as glutathiones (GSH). In the present investigation, the radical-scavenging activity of CUR and THC with 2-mercapto-1-methylimidazole (MMI, a thiol) was studied using the induction period method.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The induction period (IP) and propagation rate (Rp) for mixtures of MMI with THC or CUR were determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) monitoring of the polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) initiated by thermal decomposition of benzoyl peroxide (BPO, a source of peroxy radical, PhCOO*) or 2,2'-azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN, a source of alkyl radical, R*) under nearly anaerobic conditions.

RESULTS

The stoichiometric number of PhCOO* radicals that could be trapped per molecule (n) was 3.4 and 3.3 for CUR and THC, and that of the R* radical was 3.1 and 2.5, respectively. At a molar ratio of antioxidant:co-antioxidant (MMI) = 1:5, a THC/MMI mixture with PhCOO* enhanced the total radical-scavenging activity, possibly due to partial regeneration of THC, whereas a CUR/MMI mixture with PhCOO* reduced it. Similarly, CUR/MMI and THC/MMI mixtures with R*, particularly the former, reduced the total radical-scavenging activity, possibly due, in part, to destructive interference between the antioxidant and the co-antioxidant.

CONCLUSION

THC oxidized by peroxy radicals may be more antioxidative than the corresponding CUR in the interplay with GSH.

Kinetic radical-scavenging activity of colchicine and tropolone

The kinetics of radical-scavenging activities for colchicine and tropolone remain unknown. Their antioxidant activities were determined by the induction period (IP) method in the polymerization of methyl methacrylate initiated by thermal decomposition of 2,2'-azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN, R*) or benzoyl peroxide (BPO, PhCOO*) using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) under nearly anaerobic conditions. The IPs for colchicine and tropolone were very short despite the addition of a high concentration of these compounds relative to initiators; the stoichiometric factor (n, the number of moles of PhCOO* trapped by the antioxidant) was approximately 0.03 and 0.04 for colchicine and tropolone, respectively. The n value of these compounds for R* was less than that for PhCOO*. The rate constant of inhibition to that of propagation (kinh/kp) for both compounds was 23-27, and the difference between them was considerably small. Both compounds had weak antioxidant properties at very high concentrations.

Water durability of resin bond to pure gold treated with various adhesion promoting thiirane monomers

Adhesion promoting monomers for precious metals, 2,3-epithiopropyl methacrylate (EP1MA), 4,5-epithiopentyl methacrylate (EP3MA), 9,10-epithiodecyl methacrylate (EP8MA), 10,11-epithioundecyl methacrylate (EP9MA), 9,10-epithiodecyl 4-vinylbenzoate (EP8VB), 2,3-epithiocyclohexyl methacrylate (EPCHMA), and 3,4-epithiobutyl 2,2-bis(methacryloyloxymethyl)-propionate (EP2BMA), were used as surface treatment agents for pure gold to improve the durability of resin bonds against water. Treated specimens were butt-jointed together with MMA-PMMA resins, and tensile bond strength was measured after 2,000 thermal cycles in water. Bond strength to precious metal alloys was also determined under the same condition to clarify the influence of metal composition. The adhesion performance of thiirane monomers to pure gold highly depended on their chemical structure. EP3MA, EP8MA, EP9MA, EP8VB, and EP2BMA showed excellent performance, while EP1MA exhibited a moderate one and EPCHMA a poor one. The comparison of pure gold with precious metal alloys revealed the usefulness of pure gold as a standard, common adherend for bond strength evaluations.

Predicting the biological activities of 2-methoxyphenol antioxidants: effects of dimers

Selective cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 inhibitors have attracted much attention in relation to the design of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs). The relationship between experimentally derived data on the antioxidant capacity, cytotoxicity and COX-2 inhibition for a range of 2-methoxyphenols and their calculated descriptors was investigated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) studies were performed on a series of 2-methoxyphenols that act as COX-2 inhibitors using electronic descriptors, such as the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO), the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO), ionization potential (IP), chemical hardness (q), and electronegativity (chi), which were calculated by the CONFLEXIPM3 method. The antioxidant capacity of a range of 2-methoxyphenols was evaluated by 2,2'-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical-scavenging activity, and the anti-peroxy radical activity (stoichiometric factor, n) was determined by the induction period method in the polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) initiated by thermal decomposition of benzoyl peroxide (BPO). The 50% cytotoxic concentration (CC50) against human submandibular gland tumor cell line (HSG) was determined by the MTT method.

RESULTS

Cytotoxicity declined in the order of curcumin > dehydrodiisoeugenol > isoeugenol >bis-MMP > eugenol > ferulic acid > 2-methoxy-4-methylphenol (MMP) > bis-eugenol > bis-ferulic acid. The inhibitory effects on LPS-induced COX-2 gene expression in RAW 264.7 cells were determined by Northern blot assay. The majority of 2-methoxyphenols studied were COX-2 inhibitors. In particular, dehydrodiisoeugenol was a potent inhibitor, followed by bis-ferulic acid and curcumin. A linear relationship between anti-DPPH radical activity (log 1/IC50) and IP for 2-methoxyphenols except for dehydrodiisoeugenol was observed (r2=0.768.) The n for methoxyphenols was less than 2 in most cases. A linear relationship (r(2)=0.713) between the log (1/CC50) and the r1-term except for ferulic acid was observed. COX-2 inhibition, except for hesperetin, was related to the chi-term (r(2)=0.685).

CONCLUSION

It may be possible to predict the mechanism responsible for the biological activities of 2-methoxyphenols.

Radical-scavenging activity of natural methoxyphenols vs. synthetic ones using the induction period method

The radical-scavenging activities of the synthetic antioxidants 2-allyl-4-X-phenol (X = NO2, Cl, Br, OCH3, COCH3, CH3, t-(CH3)3, C6H5) and 2,4-dimethoxyphenol, and the natural antioxidants eugenol and isoeugenol, were investigated using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) by measuring their anti-1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical activity and the induction period for polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) initiated by thermal decomposition of 2,2'-azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) and benzoyl peroxide (BPO). 2-Allyl-4-methoxyphenol and 2,4-dimethoxy-phenol scavenged not only oxygen-centered radicals (PhCOO*) derived from BPO, but also carbon-centered radicals (R*) derived from the AIBN and DPPH radical much more efficiently, in comparison with eugenol and isoeugenol. 2-Allyl-4-methoxyphenol may be useful for its lower prooxidative activity.

Kinetic radical-scavenging activity of platonin, a cyanine photosensitizing dye

Platonin is known to possess antioxidant activity. However, the kinetics of the radical-scavenging activities of this compound remain unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the radical-scavenging activities of platonin by the induction period method in the polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA), initiated by thermal decomposition of 2,2'-azobis (isobutyronitrile) (AIBN) (a carbon-centered radical, R*), and benzoyl peroxide (BPO) (an oxygen-centered radical, PhCOO*), under nearly anaerobic conditions. The number of moles of R* or PhCOO* radicals trapped by platonin calculated with respect to 1 mole of inhibitor moiety unit (stoichiometric factor, n) was determined, and this showed that the n of fully oxidized platonin was 4. The inhibition rate constant (k(inh)) of platonin showed a wide range of 0.8 x 10(3) M(-1)s(-1) to 1.6 x 10(4) M(-1)s(-1). To clarify the interaction between platonin and thiols, 2-mercapto-1-methylimidazole (MMI) was used as a representative thiol, because glutathiones were unsuitable due to their limited solubility in MMA. MMI in the presence of platonin showed neither catalytic activities nor synergistic activities. Platonin possesses radical-scavenging activities and acts as an antioxidant. On the basis of our experimental results, the radical-scavenging mechanism is discussed.

Free radical interaction between vitamin E (alpha-, beta-, gamma- and delta-tocopherol), ascorbate and flavonoids

Despite a large number of previous studies, the mechanism of free radical interaction between vitamin E (VE) (alpha-, beta-, gamma- and delta-tocopherol) and ascorbate or flavonoids as coantioxidants remains unclear. VE, particularly alpha-tocopherol, shows less antioxidant activity against peroxyl radicals, suggesting that VE possesses functions that are independent of its antioxidant/radical-scavenging activity. The synergistic antioxidant effect of VE or L-ascorbyl 2,6-dibutyrate (ASDB, an ascorbate derivative) with the flavonoids (-)-epicatechin (EC) and (-)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) was investigated using the induction period method in the polymerization of methyl methacrylate initiated by thermal decomposition of benzoyl peroxide (an oxygen-centered radical, PhCOO*) under nearly anaerobic conditions. For delta-tocopherol, a synergistic antioxidant effect was observed in the presence of both EC and EGCG, whereas antioxidant activity for alpha-, beta- and gamma-tocopherol was decreased by addition of EC and EGCG. This suggested that the partial regeneration between VE and flavonoids may depend on the chemical structure of VE, i.e., monomethyl, dimethyl, or trimethyl tocol. The regeneration of delta-tocopherol, a monomethyl tocol, by flavonoids may be due to the lower steric effect of tocol. For ASDB, regeneration of vitamin E, which is well-known for a VE/ascorbate mixture, was not observed, possibly due to the anaerobic experimental conditions. The radical interaction between VE and EC, EGCG or ASDB suggests reactivity of VE with biological systems.

A quantitative approach to the free radical interaction between alpha-tocopherol or ascorbate and flavonoids

Despite numerous previous studies, the mechanism of the free radical interaction between alpha-tocopherol (VE), or ascorbate and flavonoids, as coantioxidants remains unclear. The synergistic antioxidant effects of VE or L-ascorbyl 2,6-dibutyrate (ASDB, an ascorbate derivative) with the flavonoids (-)-epicatechin (EC), (-)-epigallocatechin (EGC), (-)-epicatechin gallate (ECG) and (-)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and methyl gallate (MG), were investigated by the induction period method in the polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA), initiated by thermal decomposition of 2,2'-azobis(isobutyronitrile) (an alkyl radical, R *), under nearly anaerobic conditions. For VE, a synergistic antioxidant effect was observed with MG, EC, EGC and ECG, whereas this activity was decreased by the addition of EGCG. For ASDB, a synergistic antioxidant effect was observed with EGC and ECG, whereas this activity was decreased by the addition of EGCG or MG. A synergistic antioxidant effect (regeneration of VE) appears to be feasible even though the BDE (phenolic O-H bond dissociation entropy) of the coantioxidants is significantly higher than that of VE. The driving force for the regeneration process may be the removal of the semiquinone radical from the flavonoids MG, EC, EGC and ECG by the VE radical. In the ASDB/flavonoid mixture, flavonoid radicals are scavenged by ASDB. The partial regeneration of flavonoids by ASDB may follow a similar recycling mechanism to that of the well-known VE/ascorbate mixture. The free radical interaction between EGCG and VE or ASDB decreased the antioxidant effect. Such enhancement of prooxidation in EGCG/VE or EGCG/ASDB mixtures oxidized by R * may increase their cytotoxic effects.

Kinetic radical-scavenging activity of melatonin

Carbon-centred free radicals can be involved in damage to biological systems under hypoxiclanoxic conditions as well as in ischaemia/reperfusion injury. The antioxidant activities of melatonin against carbon-centred radicals are poorly understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the antioxidant properties of melatonin against carbon-centred radicals in a biomimetic model system consisting of growing methyl methacrylate (MMA) radicals (poly-MMA radicals, PMMA*). The kinetics of the polymerization of MMA initiated by thermal decomposition of 2,2'-azobis(isobutyronitrile) (AIBN; R* radical) or benzoyl peroxide (BPO; PhCOO* radical) in the presence of melatonin were investigated by the induction period method under nearly anaerobic conditions. As melatonin concentrations increased, the length of the induction period (IP) increased, but for the BPO system the IP reached a plateau at a molar ratio of BPO to melatonin of 5:1, indicating that the oxidation of melatonin by PhCOO* was limited. At low concentrations of melatonin, the stoichiometric factor (n, the number of free radicals trapped by the antioxidant moiety) for melatonin was approximately 2, but as the melatonin concentration increased the n value decreased markedly to 0.1. These observations suggest that melatonin may possess catalytic activity contributing to radical avoidance. The initial rate of polymerization (Rp) in the BPO system was markedly suppressed by high concentrations of melatonin, suggesting a strong interaction between oxidative end-products formed from melatonin and PMMA*. Under conditions where n was about 2, the kinh values for melatonin in the BPO system and the AIBN system were 6.58 x 10(4) M(-1)S(-1) and 2.49 x 10(3) M(-1)s(-1), respectively. In the BPO system, the kinh of melatonin was of a similar magnitude to that of a-tocopherol, whereas in the AIBN system the kinh of melatonin was 100-fold greater than that of tocopherol. The present findings suggest that melatonin may be able to scavenge harmful carbon-centred radicals in vivo.

Water durability of resin bond to precious metal alloys using adhesive resins containing adhesion promoting monomers

Adhesive resins for precious metals were prepared by adding an adhesion promoting monomer to MMA-PMMA/TBBO resin. Precious metal alloys bonded by the adhesive resin were thermocycled 0, 1,000, 2,000, or 4,000 times in water between 4 and 60 degrees C, and tensile bond strengths were measured. Debonded metal surfaces after the tensile test were analyzed based on an area of cohesive failure. Three-way ANOVA revealed that all the three parameters--adherend, adhesive monomer, and number of thermal cycles--exhibited a significant influence on bond strength. Bond strength significantly decreased with increasing number of thermal cycles except for resin with 9,10-epithiodecyl 4-vinylbenzoate (EP8VB) to Au alloy. Mean bond strength of adhesive resin with 9,10-epithiodecyl methacrylate (EP8MA), EP8VB, or 3,4-epithiobutyl 2,2-bis(methacryloyloxymethyl)propionate (EP2BMA) exceeded 22 MPa after 4,000 thermal cycles. Analysis of debonded surfaces revealed the applicability of EP8MA, EP8VB, and EP2BMA as an adhesive monomer component of adhesive resin formulations.

Comparative study of the alkyl and peroxy radical scavenging activities of polyphenols

The lipid antioxidative activities of polyphenols with high oxygen radical capacities need to be measured at low oxygen tensions. In this study, differences in the reactivity of catechins and resveratrols towards alkyl (R*) and peroxy (PhCOO*) radicals were observed at lower oxygen pressures. The radical scavenging activities for catechin, epicatechin, resveratrol and n-propyl gallate with or without 2-mercapto-1-methylimidazole (MMI), a thiol were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) monitoring of the polymerization of methyl methacrylates (MMA) initiated by 2,2'-azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN, an R* radical) or benzoyl peroxide (BPO, an PhCOO* radical) at 70 degrees C under nearly anaerobic conditions. Catechin, epicatechin and resveratrol with MMI, but not n-propyl gallate showed the less length of induction period than that for corresponding ones without MMI, probably resulting from the reaction of MMI radicals with molecular oxygen in the system. Also, the inhibitory rate of propagation (R(inh)) for catechin and resveratrol in the BPO system was much more greater than that in the AIBN system. The reactivity of catechins and resveratrol with R() or PhCOO* radical was considerably different, whereas n-propyl gallate did not different between radicals under nearly anaerobic conditions.

A quantitative approach to the free radical interaction between alpha-tocopherol and the coantioxidants eugenol, resveratrol or ascorbate

The regeneration of alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E; VE) by coantioxidants such as phenolics and ascorbate has been studied in homogeneous hydrocarbon solution and in biological systems. However, VE phenoxyl radicals (VE*) may be sufficiently reactive to cooxidize phenolic compounds and ascorbates. The coantioxidant behavior of some relevant phenols such as eugenol (EUG), isoeugenol (IsoEUG), 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methoxyphenol (DTBMP), trans-resveratrol (RES) and L-ascorbyl-2,6-dibutyrate (ASDB; an ascorbate derivative) with the antioxidant VE at a molar ratio of 1:1 was investigated by the induction period (IP) method in the kinetics of polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) initiated by the thermal decomposition of 2,2'-azobis(isobutyronitrile) (AIBN; a source of alkyl radicals, R*) or benzoyl peroxide (BPO; a source of peroxy radicals, PhCOO*) under nearly anaerobic conditions. Synergism, implying regeneration of VE by the coantioxidant, was observed with only two of these combinations, VE/EUG with PhCOO* and VE/DTBMP with R*. For other mixtures of VE with a phenolic coantioxidant, VE was able to cooxidize the phenolic. Regeneration can only be observed if the bond dissociation energy (BDE) of the coantioxidant is lower than, or at least close to, that of VE. The driving force for regeneration of VE by EUG may be removal of the semiquinone radical of EUG by VE, leading to the formation of VE and EUG-quinonemethide, even though the BDE value of EUG is greater by 5.8 kcal/mol than that of VE. Further evidence for this mechanism of regeneration is provided by the value of approximately 2 for the stoichiometric factor (n) of EUG induced by PhCOO*, but not by R*, again implying the formation of EUG-quinonemethide. The regeneration of VE by DTBMP in the R* system may result from their much smaller difference in BDE (0.1-1.3 kcal/mol). Since VE is rapidly oxidized by PhCOO*, regeneration of VE by DTBMP was not found in this system. The observed IP for the VE/ASDB mixture in the R* system was much lower than that for VE alone, whereas the IP for VE/ASDB in the PhCOO* system was similar to that of VE. In the R* system, VE* was sufficiently reactive to cooxidize ASDB and, in addition, the prooxidation of VE may be promoted by the catalytic action of the ascorbate derivative. The present system, under nearly anaerobic conditions, is relatively biomimetic, since oxygen in living cells is sparse. Such studies could help to explain the mechanism of regeneration of VE by coantioxidants such as phenolic compounds and vitamin C in vivo.

Anti- and pro-oxidant effects of oxidized quercetin, curcumin or curcumin-related compounds with thiols or ascorbate as measured by the induction period method

Phenolic antioxidants, such as quercetin (QUE), curcumin (CUR) and the CUR-related compounds eugenol (EUG) and isoeugenol (IsoEUG), do not act in isolation in vivo but form an intricate antioxidant network together with ascorbate or glutathione (GSH). To clarify the antioxidant/prooxidant activity of these compounds in their interplay with ascorbate or GSH, the induction period (IP) and propagation rate (Rp) for mixtures of 2-mercapto-1-methylimidazole (MMI, a thiol) or L-ascorbyl-2,6-dibutyrate (ASDB, an ascorbate derivative) with QUE, CUR, EUG or IsoEUG were determined from differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) monitoring of the polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA), initiated by thermal decomposition of 1.0 mol% benzoyl peroxide (BPO, a PhCOO* radical) under nearly anaerobic conditions. The IP (min) for 0.01 mol% test compounds declined in the order CUR (28.31) > IsoEUG (19.47) > EUG (16.83) > QUE (10.17) > MMI (2.06) > ASDB (0.16). The inhibition rate constant (kin(inh), M(-1)s(-1)) declined in the order ASDB (7.85 x 10(5)) > MMI (5.99 x 10(4)) > QUE (1.21 x 10(4)) > EUG (7.93 x 10(3)) > IsoEUG (7.04 x 10(3)) > CUR (4.50 x 10(3)). The observed IP for MMI/QUE mixtures, particularly at molar ratios of 2:1 and 5:1, was significantly less than that for QUE alone as well as that calculated for MMI/QUE. The decrease in IP was similar to the observed IP in the control, suggesting the occurrence of oxygen uptake, possibly due to the formation of thiol RS radicals which, together with oxygen, produce oxo- and peroxo-sulphur radicals. The observed IPs for MMI/CUR or the MMI/IsoEUG mixtures, particularly the former, were less than the corresponding calculated IPs, suggesting co-oxidation of the MMI without oxygen uptake. In contrast, the observed IP of MMI/EUG mixtures was much greater than the corresponding calculated IP, suggesting the formation of an new antioxidative adduct between EUG-quinonemethide and MMI. The observed IP for the ASDBI/QUE mixtures was greater than the corresponding calculated IP, suggesting the effectiveness of QUE as a co-antioxidant for ascorbate. In contrast, the observed IP for the ASDB/CUR mixtures was significantly less than the corresponding calculated IP, suggesting the catalytic effectiveness of CUR for ascorbate co-oxidation. Cancer cells are anaerobic in their metabolism and they selectively absorb more ascorbate than normal cells do. Thus, the present findings for the ASDB/CUR mixtures could help explain the effectiveness of CUR in chemoprevention by inducing cancer cell apoptosis. In addition, the findings for the MMI/QUE mixtures suggest the production of toxic oxo- and peroxo-sulphur radicals from thiols.

Adhesive properties and kinetic polymerization behavior of resins containing adhesion promoting monomers for precious metals

Adhesion promoting monomers -5-(4-vinylbenzyl)-2-thiobarbituric acid (5VS), 9,10-epithiodecyl methacrylate (EP8MA), 9,10-epithiodecyl 4-vinylbenzoate (EP8VB), and 3,4-epithiobutyl 2,2-bis(methacryloyloxymethyl)propionate (EP2BMA)--were added to the MMA liquid of a MMA-PMMA/TBBO resin. Three dental precious metal alloys were butt-jointed together with the MMA-PMMA/TBBO adhesive resin, and tensile bond strength was measured after 2,000 thermocycles in water. Polymerization kinetics of MMA by 2,2'-azobis (isobutyronitrile) at 70 degrees C in the presence of 5VS, EP8MA, EP8VB, or EP2BMA were examined quantitatively using a DSC to clarify the relationship between the adhesive properties of MMA-PMMA/TBBO adhesive resin and the kinetic polymerization behavior thereof. Obtained kinetic parameters indicated that 5VS was not suitable as an adhesive monomer for adhesive resin formulations and that EP2BMA possessed the latent potential as an adhesive monomer. Further, tensile test results revealed the applicability of EP8MA, EP8VB, and EP2BMA as an adhesive monomer component of adhesive resin formulations.

Kinetic studies of the radical-scavenging activity of ebselen, a seleno-organic compound

Ebselen (2-phenyl-1,2-benzisoselenazol-3(2H)-one) is now under active investigation as a neuroprotective and anticancer agent. In the present study, the induction period method was used to investigate the antioxidant activity of ebselen in the radical polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) at 70 degrees C. The reaction of ebselen with growing MMA radicals (lipid radicals) showed a k(inh) of 4 x 10(4) M(-1)s(-1). This value was similar to that for mercaptomethylimidazole (MMI, a thiol) and 10-fold greater than that for butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA). The ratio of the rate of chain inhibition to that of chain propagation (CI/CP) for ebselen, MMI and BHA was 0.1, 0.01 and 0.001, respectively, whereas the stoichiometric factor (n, the number of free radicals trapped by one mole of antioxidant moiety) for the corresponding compounds was 0.02, 0.2 and 2, respectively. Ebselen preferentially affected CP rather than CI, indicating that it was an effective scavenger (suppressor) of growing MMA radicals. These results suggest that ebselen is a potent suppressor of polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) radicals, which are harmful radicals in biological systems.

Kinetic study of the radical-scavenging activity of vitamin E and ubiquinone

Quantitative in vitro studies of antioxidant activities have been performed under aerobic conditions. However, since the biological system has lower oxygen tension, the effectiveness of antioxidants may be considerably different in vivo. alpha-Tocopherol, in vivo the most active tocopherol, is a very poor antioxidant in vitro. To clarify these points, the radical-scavenging activities of vitamin E (Toc) (alpha-, beta-, gamma- and delta-tocopherols) and ubiquinone were evaluated by the induction period method from the kinetics of polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) initiated by thermal decomposition of 2,2'azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) (alkyl radical, R*), or benzoyl peroxide (BPO) (peroxyl radical, PhCOO*) under nearly anaerobic conditions. The ratio of the rate constant of inhibition to that of propagation (k(inh)/k(p)) for Toc was about 10 in a system with a molar ratio of AIBN to Toc of 100:1, whereas in the corresponding BPO system k(inh)/k(p) declined in the order alpha (47) > beta (15) > gamma (10) > delta (7). In contrast, with AIBN the number of free radicals trapped by the phenolic moiety (n) declined in the order delta (3.0) > gamma (2.5) > alpha (2.2) > beta (1.6), whereas with BPO n declined in the order delta (1.9) > gamma (1.4) > beta (1.0) > alpha (0.3). A similar tendency was found in systems with a molar ratio of 10:1. Also, ubiquinone-10 showed radical-scavenging activity, although the n (0.02) was much less than that for Toc. The low n value for alpha-Toc (n = 0.3) may be attributed to the formation of stable alpha-Toc during the induction period. With a n = about 1 for beta- and gamma-Toc, a dimerization coupling of Tocs is suggested. Thus, the radical-scavenging activity is affected by the number and position of the methyl groups in the benzene nucleus of the various tocopherol compounds.

Kinetics of radical-scavenging activity of hesperetin and hesperidin and their inhibitory activity on COX-2 expression

The radical-scavenging activities of the flavanones hesperetin and hesperidin were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) monitoring of the polymerization of methyl methacrylate initiated by 2,2'-azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN, an R* radical) or benzoylperoxide (BPO, a PhCOO* radical) at 70 degrees C under nearly anaerobic conditions. Their stoichiometric factor (number of free radicals trapped by one mole of antioxidant moiety (n)) and the ratio of the rate constant of inhibition to that of propagation (k(inh)/k(p)) were determined and compared with that for trolox The n value declined in the order trolox (2.0) > hesperetin (0.8) > hesperidin (0.2) in the AIBN system, whereas it declined in the order hesperetin (0.9) > trolox (0.1) > hesperidin (0.0) in the BPO system. The k(inh)/k(p) value declined in the order hesperidin (195) > hesperetin (33) > trolox (12) in the AIBN system, whereas it declined in the order hesperidin (362) > trolox (127) > hesperetin (18) in the BPO system. The n value of about 1 for hesperetin with a relatively small k(inh)/k(p) value suggests the formation of dimers, as a result of the coupling reaction of phenolic monomers. In contrast, n values << 1 for hesperidin and trolox in the BPO system resulted in very high values for k(inh)/k(p). Hesperidin was also much more able to suppress the growth of methyl methacrylate radicals, although its n value was small, suggesting that this compound may also suppress polyunsaturated fatty acid radicals. In the concentration range 250-500 microM, hesperetin and hesperidin showed potent inhibition of LPS-induced expression of the COX-2 gene in RAW 264.7 cells, suggesting the anti-inflammatory activity of these compounds. The ability of hesperetin and hesperidin to suppress COX-2 gene expression may be a consequence of their antioxidant activity.

Cytotoxicity and apoptosis-inducing activity of bisphenol A and hydroquinone in HL-60 cells

BPA (bisphenol A or 2,2-bis(4-hydroxy-phenol)propane) and hydroquinone (HQ, 1,4-benzenediol) are present in dental resin materials, and small quantities of these substances may be eluted from the resins. Recently, attention has focused on the estrogen-like and carcinogenic adverse effects of BPA and HQ. Thus, it is important to investigate the cytotoxicity and apoptosis-inducing activity of these compounds. BPA and HQ reduced the viable cell number of human promyelocytic leukemia (HL-60), human oral squamous cell carcinoma (HSC-2) and human submandibular gland (HSG) cell lines in a concentration-dependent manner. The cytotoxic activity of HQ, but not of BPA, was significantly reduced by the addition of N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC). In biomimetic studies of the prooxidant/antioxidant activity of thiols during oxidation of BPA or HQ, the radical-scavenging activities of mixtures of BPA or HQ and 2-mercapto-1-methylimidazole (MMI, a thiol) were investigated by the induction period method. BPA without MMI showed a higher induction period (antioxidant activity) than did HQ, but BPA with MMI did not cause oxygen uptake. In contrast, HQ with MMI caused oxygen uptake, suggesting formation of MMI thiyl radicals during oxidation of HQ followed by reaction with molecular oxygen. This indicates that HQ may produce intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and provides an explanation for the decrease in the cytotoxicity of HQ by NAC. BPA induced internucleosomal DNA fragmentation, a biochemical marker of apoptosis, only in HL-60 cells. BPA activated caspase-9 and caspase-3, suggesting induction of apoptosis via caspase activation by the caspase recruitment domain. The cytotoxicity of BPA was 2-fold less than that of HQ, whereas the apoptosis-inducing activity of BPA was 10-fold less than that of HQ.

Kinetic evaluation of polyamines as radical scavengers

To clarify whether polyamines scavenge alkyl (carbon-centered) and peroxy (oxygen-centered) radicals, we analyzed their effects on the kinetics of polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) induced by 2,2'-azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN, a R* radical) and benzoyl peroxide (BPO, a PhCOO* radical) under nearly anaerobic conditions. Stoichiometric factors (n; number of free radicals trapped by one mole of antioxidant moiety) were determined by the induction period method. The n value for polyamines (putrescine, spermidine and spermine) was 0.1-0.7, whereas that for conventional synthetic antioxidants, BHA and BHT, was about 2. These n values were not different between the AIBN and BPO systems. The n value for polyamines declined in the order spermine > spermidine > putrescine. The K(inh)/K(p) value for polyamines (20-115) was greater than that (4-7) for BHT or BHA. Radical-scavenging activity largely depends on the stoichiometric factor of antioxidants rather than their effects on initial rate of polymerization, a rate of propagation. Polyamines may scavenge alkyl or peroxy radicals derived from polyunsaturated fatty acids in biological systems.

Radical-scavenging activity of butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) and its metabolites

To clarify the radical-scavenging activity of butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), a food additive, stoichiometric factors (n) and inhibition rate constants (kinh) were determined for 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol (BHT) and its metabolites 2,6-di-tert-butyl-p-benzoquinone (BHT-Q), 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzaldehyde (BHA-CHO) and 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroperoxy-4-methyl-2,5-cyclohexadiene-1-one (BHT-OOH). Values of n and kinh were determined from differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) monitoring of the polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) initiated by 2,2'-azobis(isobutyronitrile) (AIBN) or benzoyl peroxide (BPO) at 70 degrees C in the presence or absence of antioxidants (BHT-related compounds). The n values declined in the order BHT (1-2) > BHT-CHO, BHT-OOH (0.1-0.3) > BHT-Q ( approximately 0). The n value for BHT with AIBN was approximately 1.0, suggesting dimerization of BHT. The kinh values declined in the order BHT-Q ((3.5-4.6) x 10(4) M(-1)s(-1)) > BHT-OOH (0.7-1.9 x 10(4) M(-1)s(-1)) > BHT-CHO ((0.4-1.7 x 10(4) M(-1)s(-1)) > BHT ((0.1-0.2 x 10(4) M(-1)s(-1)). The kinh for metabolites was greater than that for the parent BHT. Growing MMA radicals initiated by BPO were suppressed much more efficiently by BHT or BHT-Q compared with those initiated by AIBN. BHT was effective as a chain-breaking antioxidant.

Dimerization, ROS formation, and biological activity of o-methoxyphenols

o-Methoxyphenols are antioxidants widely used in the cosmetic and food industries. Dimers from 1, 2, or 3 were synthesized and their radical-scavenging and biological activities were compared with those of the original or other phenols. Radical-scavenging was evaluated from a kinetic induction period method (IPM). To simulate biomimetic thiolcooxidation with antioxidants, the behavior of mixtures of 1, 2, 3, 4, or catechin with mercaptomethylimidazole (MMI), a thiol was investigated using IPM. Polyphenols 4 and catechin was accompanied by extensive oxygen uptake, suggesting the formation of thiyl radicals from MMI and their reaction with molecular oxygen. In contrast,1 markedly enhanced radical-scavenging without oxygen uptake, probably because of the formation of EUGQM/MMI-conjugates. 2 showed relatively small oxygen uptake, probably resulting from the predominant formation of benzyl radicals. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cancer cells by 4 ,but not by compounds 1, 2, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 was found, suggesting a possible link between physicochemical oxygen-uptake and intracellular ROS. The induction of apoptosis by 4 in HL-60 cells was accompanied by intracellular ROS. Dimers 6 and 7 inhibited nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB, activation stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in RAW 264.7 cells. Also,6 ,7,and 9 inhibited LPS-induced cyclooxygenase-2 expression in RAW 264.7 cells in a dose-dependent manner, whereas 1, 2, and 3 did not. Dimerization of o-methoxyphenols may be a useful tool for the design of drugs to act as potent chemopreventive and anticancer agents.

Comparative radical production and cytotoxicity induced by camphorquinone and 9-fluorenone against human pulp fibroblasts

Camphorquinone (CQ) is widely used as a photo-initiator in dental materials; however, its cytotoxicity against human pulp fibroblasts (HPF) and particularly the effects of 2-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate (DMA), a reducing agent and visible light (VL) irradiation on it remain unknown. So we investigated the cytotoxic and reactive oxygen species (ROS)-producing effects of CQ with or without DMA, in the presence or absence of VL on HPF cells. The free-radical production activity of CQ was measured by two different methods [using diphenylpicryl hydrazyl and galvinoxyl]. The phase-transition properties of dipalmitoylphosphatidyl choline (DPPC) liposomes, as a model for biomembranes, induced by CQ were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry. These findings were compared with those of 9-fluorenone (9F), an aromatic photo-initiator with long conjugated groups. Camphorquinone with VL irradiation increased the radical production, whereas 9F with VL irradiation increased ROS production, as well as effecting changes in the DPPC phase-transition properties. The cytotoxicity of CQ towards HPF cells was smaller than that of 9F despite greater radical production. The addition of DMA to the photosensitizer enhanced the free-radical production without increasing the ROS level or the cytotoxicity. Camphorquinone/DMA is a valuable combination for the polymerization of dental resins.

Kinetic studies of the radical-scavenging activity of estrogens and antiestrogens

Quinoids, quinoid radicals and phenoxyl radicals formed from estrogens (estrone; diethylstilbestrol, DES) and antiestrogens (tamoxifen; toremifene) may be responsible for adverse effects such as carcinogenesis. The radical-scavenging activity of estrogens and antiestrogens was determined quantitatively by the induction period method for the polymerization of methyl methacrylate initiated by thermal decomposition of 2,2'-azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) or benzoyl peroxide (BPO) under nearly anaerobic conditions. The inhibition rate constant (k(inh), x10(-3) M(-1)s(-1)) for estrone, DES, tamoxifen, toremifene and 2,6-di-t-butyl-4-methyphenol (BHT) was 1-3, 2-4, 6-12, 6-13 and 1-2, respectively. The k(inh) for antiestrogens was two-fold greater than that for estrogens or BHT. In contrast, the stoichiometric factor (n, number of free radicals trapped by one mole of antioxidant moiety) for estrone, DES, tamoxifen, toremifene and BHT was 1.2-1.5, 1.8-2.4, 0.5-0.9, 0.4- 0.5 and 1.5-1.9, respectively. The fully oxidized n values for estrone, DES and BHT would be 2, whereas that for antiestrogens would be 1. However, the n values for estrone and antiestrogens were markedly less than 2 and 1, respectively, suggesting a complex oxidation process resulting in the formation of quinoids, quinoid radicals and phenoxyl radicals during the induction period.

Kinetic radical scavenging activity and cytotoxicity of 2-methoxy- and 2-t-butyl-substituted phenols and their dimers

The dimers bis-EUG, bis-MMP, bis-BHA, bis-BMP and bis-DBP were synthesized from the monomers 4-allyl-2-methoxyphenol (EUG), 2-methoxy-4-methylphenol (MMP), 2-t-butyl-4-methoxyphenol (BHA), 2-t-butyl-4-methylphenol (BMP) and 2,4-di-t-butylphenol (DBP), respectively. The stoichiometric factors (n; number of free radicals trapped by one mole of phenolic moiety) of these compounds were determined by induction period methods with a kinetic approach in the 2'2-azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) and benzoyl peroxide (BPO) systems at 70 degrees C. The n values for bis-EUG, bis-MMP and bis-BHA were approximately two-fold greater than those for their monomers in both the AIBN and BPO systems, whereas the n values for bis-BMP and bis-DBP were identical to those of their monomers. bis-EUG, bis-MMP and bis-BHA, containing methoxy groups, were potent antioxidants. The n values (1.3-1.6) for EUG and MMP were considerably less than 2, as is commonly observed for the stoichiometric factors of phenolic compounds. The antiradical efficiencies against DPPH (diphenylpicrylhydrazyl) of the monomers and their dimers were also investigated, likewise indicating that bis-EUG, bis-MMP and bis-BHA were potent antioxidants. DBP and bis-DBP were less effective radical scavengers because of the steric factor of their bulky t-butyl groups. On the basis of cytotoxic activity against a human submandibular gland carcinoma cell line (HSG) and human gingival fibroblasts (HGF), these compounds could be classified into a high-activity group (DBP, bis-DBP and bis-BMP, with butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) as a positive control) and a low-activity group (MMP, EUG, BHA, BMP, bis-BHA and bis-EUG). The cytotoxicity of EUG and BHA was markedly reduced by dimerization, whereas that of MMP was enhanced. The sensitivity index (ratio of 50% cytotoxic concentration for HGF cells to that for HSG cells) of EUG, MMP, bis-MMP and bis-BHA was approximately 9, 5, 7 and 2, respectively, whereas that of the other compounds was approximately 1. Potential mechanisms of cytotoxicity were assessed by PM3 semiempirical molecular orbital (MO) calculations. Tumor cells were highly sensitive to 2-methoxy-4-alkylphenols such as EUG and MMP, possibly due to the formation of cytotoxic quinone methide intermediates. In contrast, the high sensitivity index of bis-MMP may be related to the production of a highly reactive substance, CH3+, via oxidation. Structure-activity relationship (SAR ) models using PM3 calculations may be useful to predict biological activity during the development of potential anticancer drugs.

Dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) and DPPC/Cholesterol Liposomes as Predictors of the Cytotoxicity ofBis‐GMA Related Compounds

In light of recent development, dental materials such as 2, 2-bis [4-2(-hydroxy-3-methacryloyloxypropoxy)phenyl] propane, ( bis-GMA); 2, 2-bis [4-(1-hydroxymethyl-2-methacryloxy)phenyl] propane, (iso-bis-GMA); and triethyleneglycol dimethacrylate, (TEGDMA) were investigated to determine whether their phase transition properties (phase transition temperature, temperature width, cooperativity) could be induced in samples of DPPC or DPPC/cholesterol (CHOL) liposomes using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The changes in phase transition properties of DPPC liposomes caused by addition of TEGDMA were greater than those caused by addition of bis-GMA or iso-bis-GMA, but the extent of changes in the properties of DPPC/CHOL (10:1 or 4:1) liposomes declined in the order of bis-GMA > iso-bis-GMA > TEGDMA. The degree of alteration was related to the cytotoxicity of these compounds. DPPC/CHOL liposomes were found to be better predictors of cytotoxicity than DPPC liposomes. Whether the computational approach to studying the molecular mechanism of alteration is applicable using descriptors such as reactivity of energy of the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and/or lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) was investigated, and the data suggested that these descriptors are useful for studying the interactive roles of dental materials.

Cytotoxicity, ROS-generation activity and radical-scavenging activity of curcumin and related compounds

The cytotoxicity, ROS (reactive oxygen species)-generation activity and radical-scavenging activity of curcumin and related compounds such as eugenol, eugenol orthodimer (bis-eugenol; 3,3'-dimethoxy-5,5'-di-2-propenyl-1,1'-biphenyl-2,2'-diol) and isoeugenol were investigated. Their cytotoxicity against a human submandibular gland adenocarcinoma cell line (HSG) declined in the order curcumin > isoeugenol > bis-eugenol > eugenol. Since the hydrophobicity (log P) of curcumin, isoeugenol and eugenol is about 2.5, whereas that of bis-eugenol is 4.8, there was no relationship between cytotoxicity and log P. Generation of intracellular ROS in HSG cells was observed for curcumin alone in an assay using 5- (and -6)-carboxy-2',7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate (CDFH-DA). The cytotoxicity of, and ROS generation by, curcumin were reduced by the addition of N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) and glutathione, suggesting a possible link between cytotoxicity and ROS. The radical-scavenging (antioxidant) activity of curcumin and related compounds was determined quantitatively by the induction period method for polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) initiated by peroxy radicals derived from benzoyl peroxide (BPO) under nearly anaerobic conditions. The length of the induction (inhibition) period for curcumin was significantly greater than that of the other compounds. This suggests that curcumin is an efficient scavenger of peroxy radicals. The curcumin radical possibly reacts with itself or with other radicals to yield polymeric stable products such as curcumin dimer. Such polyphenolic behavior of curcumin was considerably different from that of bis-eugenol, which, like curcumin, has two hydroxy groups, or of other compounds with one hydroxy group. The radical-scavenging activity was also investigated with 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). Curcumin scavenged approximately one DPPH free radical, suggesting the formation of curcumin dimer. The possible formation of curcumin dimer was explored with a PM3 semiempirical molecular orbital method. A molecular mechanism of cancer prevention by curcumin is proposed, based on its high reactivity with peroxy radicals at low oxygen pressure and on ROS generation induced by curcumin radicals.

Kinetics of the radical scavenging activity of beta-carotene-related compounds

To clarify the non-enzymatic radical-scavenging activity of beta-carotene-related compounds and other polyenes, we used differential scanning calorimetry to study the kinetics of radical polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) by 2,2'-azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) or benzoyl peroxide (BPO) in the absence or presence of polyenes under nearly anaerobic conditions at 70 degrees C, and analyzed the results with an SAR approach. The polyenes studied were all-trans retinol, retinol palmitate, calciferol, beta-carotene and lycopene. Polyenes produced a small induction period. The stoichiometric factor (n) (i.e. the number of radicals trapped by each inhibitor molecule) of polyenes was close to 0. Tetraterpenes (beta-carotene, lycopene) suppressed significantly more of the initial rate of polymerization (R(inh)) than did diterpenes (retinol, retinol palmitate). The inhibition rate constants (k(inh)) for the reaction of beta-carotene with AIBN- or BPO-derived radicals were determined to be 1.2-1.6x10(5) l/mol s, similar to published values. A linear relationship between (k(inh)) and the kinetic chain length (KCL) for polyenes was observed; as (k(inh)) increased, KCL decreased. KCL also decreased significantly as the number of conjugated double bonds in the polyenes increased. Polyenes, particularly beta-carotene and lycopene, acted as interceptors of growing poly-MMA radicals.

Chemical Structures of Adhesion Promoting Monomers for Precious Metals and Their Bond Strengths to Dental Metals

Adhesion promoting monomers for dental metals, 5-(4-vinylbenzyl)-2-thiobarbituric acid (5VS), 6- (4-vinylbenzyl-n-propyl) amino-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-dithione (VBATDT) and 9,10-epithiodecyl methacrylate (EP8MA), were synthesized and surface treatment agents were prepared by dissolving each monomer in ethanol or acetone. Four non-precious and three precious metal adherends treated with each agent were butt-jointed together with MMA-PMMA resins. After 2,000 thermal cyclings in water, tensile bond strengths were measured and the percentage of area of cohesive failure after the tensile test was determined. The bond strengths to precious metal alloys generally increased in the order of 5VS<VBATDT<EP8MA. Bonding durability against water based on overall failure mode analysis was improved in the following order: for precious metal alloys; 5VS<VBATDT< or =EP 8MA, and for non-precious metal alloys; EP8MA, VBATDT<<5VS.

Kinetic evaluation of the reactivity of flavonoids as radical scavengers

The reactivity of flavonoids as radical scavengers was investigated under kinetic considerations using radical polymerization of methyl methacrylates initiated by benzoyl peroxide. The number of radicals which are trapped by each molecule of phenol (the stoichiometric factors, n values) decreased in the order of epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate (ECG) (5.5) > catechin (3.5) > resveratrol (2.4) > quercetin (1.9) > n-propylgallate (1.5) > hesperetin (1.0). The inhibition rate constants (k(inh)) (1-3 x 10(3) 1/(mol s)) for the flavonoids were not different from each other, and, therefore, the radical scavenging activity depend on n values. The n values of the fully oxidized flavonoids were estimated from the frontier orbital theory, using PM3 semiempirical molecular orbital calculation. The experimental n values were consistent with the calculated values.

Raman and IR studies on adsorption behavior of adhesive monomers in a metal primer for Au, Ag, Cu, and Cr surfaces

6-[N-(4-vinylbenzyl)propylamino]-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-dithione (VBATDT) and 10-methacryloyloxydecyl dihydrogen phosphate (M10P) are functional monomers used for the surface treatment of dental alloys. The aim of our study was to clarify the role of a commercial metal primer containing both the monomers in adhesion between resin and various dental metals on a molecular level. We used surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) and infrared reflection absorption (IRA) spectroscopy. An SERS measurement was performed with a 647 nm laser line for a mixture of aqueous Au colloid and the primer. IRA spectra were taken for cast films of the primer on Au, Ag, Cu, and Cr surfaces as a function of rinse time, and for self-assembled monolayer (SAM) films from dilute mixed solution of VBATDT and M10P. These spectra indicate that VBATDT in the primer is mainly chemisorbed on Au, Ag, and Cu surfaces with respect to thickness, whereas only M10P is adsorbed on Cr. We also examined the tensile bond strengths between resin and Au, Ag, Cu, and Cr plates treated by VBATDT, with and without M10P, and found that VBATDT effectively promotes the bond strength between resin and the metals except for Cr, whereas M10P is effective only for Cr. These adhesion characteristics are consistent with the chemisorbed species on each metal surface as shown in the spectroscopic evidence.

Radical scavenging activity and cytotoxicity of ferulic acid

Ferulic acid and eugenol were examined for their superoxide (O2-), hydroxyl radical (.OH) and nitric oxide (NO)-scavenging ability, using ESR spectroscopy with spin trap agents DMPO and carboxy-PTIO/NOC-7. Ferulic acid more efficiently scavenged .OH and NO than eugenol. The O2- scavenging activity of ferulic acid was comparable with that of eugenol. Ferulic acid significantly reduced the NO production by lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated mouse macrophage-like cells (Raw 264.7 cells) compared to eugenol. The cytotoxic activity of ferulic acid against Raw 264.7 cells was comparable with that against human submandibular gland carcinoma (HSG) cells and the cytotoxicity of ferulic acid was about 10-fold smaller than that of eugenol. The stoichiometric factor (n) (number of moles of peroxy radical trapped by moles of the relevant phenol) of ferulic acid and eugenol was investigated, using the induction period methods of the methyl methacrylate polymerization system. The n-value of ferulic acid (1.5) was higher than that of eugenol (1.0) and was similar to that of 2, 6-di-t-butyl-4-methylphenol (BHT). Ferulic acid as well as eugenol may produce a dimer during the induction period due to an n-value less than 2. These results suggested that ferulic acid may be useful for preventing cell damage perhaps caused by O2-, and in particular by .OH and NO, in living systems.