Modular continuous flow synthesis of orthogonally protected 6-deoxy glucose glycals

An efficient, modular continuous flow process towards accessing two orthogonally protected glycals is described with the development of reaction conditions for several common protecting group additions in flow, including the addition of benzyl, naphthylmethyl and tert-butyldimethylsilyl ethers. The process affords the desired target compounds in 57-74% overall yield in just 21-37 minutes of flow time. Furthermore, unlike batch conditions, the flow processes avoided the need for active cooling to prevent unwanted exotherms and required shorter reaction times.

One-stop radiotherapeutic targeting of primary and distant osteosarcoma to inhibit cancer progression and metastasis using 2DG-grafted graphene quantum dots

The application of radiotherapy (RT) to treat osteosarcoma (OS) has been limited, but this is starting to change as the ability to target radiation energy to niches improves. Furthermore, lung cancer from highly metastatic OS is a major cause of death, so it is critical to explore new strategies to tackle metastasis. In this study, we designed a nanoscale radiosensitizer by grafting 2-deoxy-d-glucose (2DG) onto graphene quantum dots (GQD) to achieve OS targeting and boost RT efficacy. Combining the use of 2DG-grafted GQDs (2DG-g-GQD) with RT produced a significant increase in oxidative stress response and DNA damage in the 143B OS cell line compared with RT alone. Moreover, 2DG-g-GQDs selectively associated with 143B cells, and demonstrated the inhibition of migration in a scratch assay. We also demonstrated remarkable improvement in their ability to inhibit tumour progression and lung metastasis in an OS xenograft mouse model. Our results show that the use of 2DG-g-GQDs as OS-targeting radiosensitizers improves their therapeutic outcome and exhibits potential for use in low-dose precision RT for OS.

Oleanane Triterpenoids from the Leaves of Gymnema inodorum and Their Insulin Mimetic Activities

During an effort to find insulin mimetic compounds, the leaves of Gymnema inodorum were shown to have a stimulatory effect on glucose uptake in 3T3-L1 adipocyte cells. Bioassay-guided fractionation on a 70% ethanol extract of G. inodorum was applied to yield two new (1 and 2) and two known (8 and 9) oleanane triterpenoids with a methyl anthranilate moiety together with five further new oleanane triterpenoids (3-7). The chemical structures of all isolates were determined based on their spectroscopic data, including IR, UV, NMR, and mass spectrometric analysis. The isolated compounds (1-9) were determined for their stimulatory activities on glucose uptake in differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocyte cells using 2-deoxy-2-[(7-nitro-2,1,3-benzoxadiazol-4-yl)amino]-d-glucose (2-NBDG) as a fluorescent-tagged glucose probe. Three compounds (3, 5, and 9) showed stimulatory effects on the uptake of 2-NBDG in 3T3-L1 adipocyte cells. Chemicals with a methyl anthranilate moiety have been considered as crucial contributors of flavor odor in foods, and quantitative analysis showed the content of compound 8 to be 0.90 ± 0.01 mg/g of the total extract. These results suggest that the leaves of G. inodorum have the potential to be used as an antidiabetic functional food or tea.

An In Vitro Method to Analyze Glucose Uptake in Podocytes

Podocytes are terminally differentiated, insulin-sensitive cells of the glomerular filtration barrier, with a central role in filtration barrier maintenance. Podocyte injury is one of the earliest features observed in diabetic nephropathy (DN) and plays a key role in the development of albuminuria. Several factors are associated with diabetes-mediated podocyte injury, including dysregulated metabolic pathways and insulin sensitivity (Lay & Coward, Nephrol Dial Transplant 29:1127-1133, 2014); thus, reliable assays to study these responses are key in understanding podocyte alterations in DN. Here, we detail an in vitro method to analyze glucose uptake in conditionally immortalized human podocytes (Saleem, J Am Soc Nephrol 13:630-638, 2002; Coward, Diabetes 54:3095-3102, 2005); this assay is useful for detecting changes in podocyte metabolism, nutrient sensing, and insulin sensitivity.

In Vivo Epithelial Metabolic Imaging Using a Topical Fluorescent Glucose Analog

The demanding metabolic needs of cancer cells are met by aerobic glycolysis. While whole-body PET imaging methods exist for evaluating this metabolic response, these are not ideal for local, more detailed regions such as mucosal surfaces. Fluorescence imaging of glucose analogs with similarities to radiolabeled deoxyglucose used in PET, namely, fluorescent 2-deoxy-2-[(7-nitro-2,1,3-benzoxadiazol-4-yl)amino]-D-glucose (2-NBDG), offers such an alternative, particularly as this glucose analog may be delivered by local topical delivery. In this chapter, methods for in vivo epithelial imaging in a preclinical hamster model for oral cancer and oral epithelial dysplasia are described. Outlined are methods for preparation and in vivo delivery of 2-NBDG by topical application to the oral mucosa followed by fluorescence imaging to compare fluorescence responses between neoplasia and control mucosa or to monitor changes in fluorescence signal with time in both groups.

[13C6,D8]2-deoxyglucose phosphorylation by hexokinase shows selectivity for the β-anomer

A non-radioactive 2-deoxyglucose (2DG) analog has been developed here for hyperpolarized magnetic resonance investigations. The analog, [13C6,D8]2DG, showed 13% polarization in solution (27,000-fold signal enhancement at the C1 site), following a dissolution-DNP hyperpolarization process. The phosphorylation of this analog by yeast hexokinase (yHK) was monitored in real-time with a temporal resolution of 1 s. We show that yHK selectively utilizes the β anomer of the 2DG analog, thus revealing a surprising anomeric specificity of this reaction. Such anomeric selectivity was not observed for the reaction of yHK or bacterial glucokinase with a hyperpolarized glucose analog. yHK is highly similar to the human HK-2, which is overexpressed in malignancy. Thus, the current finding may shed a new light on a fundamental enzyme activity which is utilized in the most widespread molecular imaging technology for cancer detection - positron-emission tomography with 18F-2DG.

Synthesis and Comparative Structure-Activity Study of Carbohydrate-Based Phenolic Compounds as α-Glucosidase Inhibitors and Antioxidants

Twenty-one natural and unnatural phenolic compounds containing a carbohydrate moiety were synthesized and their structure-activity relationship (SAR) was evaluated for α-glucosidase inhibition and antioxidative activity. Varying the position of the galloyl unit on the 1,5-anhydro-d-glucitol (1,5-AG) core resulted in changes in the α-glucosidase inhibitory activity and notably, particularly strong activity was demonstrated when the galloyl unit was present at the C-2 position. Furthermore, increasing the number of the galloyl units significantly affected the α-glucosidase inhibition, and 2,3,4,6-tetra-galloyl-1,5-AG (54) and 2,3,4,6-tetra-galloyl-d-glucopyranose (61) exhibited excellent activities, which were more than 13-fold higher than the α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of acertannin (37). Moreover, a comparative structure-activity study suggested that a hemiacetal hydroxyl functionality in the carbohydrate core and a biaryl bond of the 4,6-O-hexahydroxydiphenoyl (HHDP) group, which are components of ellagitannins including tellimagrandin I, are not necessary for the α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. Lastly, the antioxidant activity increased proportionally with the number of galloyl units.

Studies on the Formation of 3-Deoxyglucosone- and Methylglyoxal-Derived Hydroimidazolones of Creatine during Heat Treatment of Meat

Dicarbonyl compounds such as methylglyoxal (MGO) and 3-deoxyglucosone (3-DG) are formed via caramelization and the Maillard reaction in food during heating or in vivo as byproducts of glycolysis. Recently, it was shown that creatine, an amino compound linked to the energy metabolism in vertebrate muscle, reacts rapidly with methylglyoxal under physiological conditions to form N-(4-methyl-5-oxo-1-imidazolin-2-yl)sarcosine (MG-HCr), a methylglyoxal-derived hydroimidazolone of creatine. Based on the observation that heated meat contains only small amounts of MGO and 3-DG when compared to many other foodstuffs, the aim of this study was to investigate a possible reaction of creatine with 3-DG and MGO in meat. From incubation mixtures consisting of 3-DG and creatine, a new hydroimidazolone of creatine, namely N-(4-butyl-1,2,3-triol-5-oxo-1-imidazolin-2-yl)sarcosine (3-DG-HCr), was isolated and characterized via spectroscopic means. To quantitate 3-DG-HCr and MG-HCr, meat and fish products were analyzed via HPLC-MS/MS using isotopically labeled standard material. Whereas samples of raw fish and meat contained only trace amounts of the hydroimidazolones (below 5 μg/kg), up to 28.3 mg/kg MG-HCr and up to 15.3 mg/kg 3-DG-HCr were found in meat and fish products. The concentrations were dependent on the heat treatment and presumably on the smoking process. In comparison to the lysine and arginine derivatives CEL, pyrraline, and MG-H1, the derivatization rate of creatine as MG-HCr and 3-DG-HCr was higher than of lysine and arginine, which clearly demonstrates the 1,2-dicarbonyl scavenging properties of creatine in meat.

Basic Structure of Melanoidins Formed in the Maillard Reaction of 3-Deoxyglucosone and γ-Aminobutyric Acid

Melanoidins are formed in foods during processing through the Maillard reaction between carbohydrates and amino compounds. The aim of this study was to draw conclusions about the formation mechanism and the structure of melanoidins formed at low water contents and low temperatures. In the Maillard reaction of d-glucose and γ-aminobutyric acid at low water contents 3-deoxyglucosone is the most important intermediate. Therefore, we used the reaction of 3-deoxyglucosone with γ-aminobutyric acid or β-alanine as a simplified model system. The degradation of 3-deoxyglucosone and the color formation of the formed melanoidins were determined. In addition, the reaction mixture was analyzed with high-resolution mass spectrometry and a Kendrick analysis was applied. Oligomers consisting of up to four molecules of 3-deoxyglucosone and three amino acids and their respective dehydration products with furanoidic structure were detected. The melanoidin structure of C-C linked monomeric units postulated by Kroh et al. could be confirmed.

Targeting the ROS/PI3K/AKT/HIF-1α/HK2 axis of breast cancer cells: Combined administration of Polydatin and 2-Deoxy-d-glucose

It is well established that cancer cells depend upon aerobic glycolysis to provide the energy they need to survive and proliferate. However, anti-glycolytic agents have yielded few positive results in human patients, in part due to dose-limiting side effects. Here, we discovered the unexpected anti-cancer efficacy of Polydatin (PD) combined with 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG), which is a compound that inhibits glycolysis. We demonstrated in two breast cell lines (MCF-7 and 4T1) that combination treatment with PD and 2-DG induced cell apoptosis and inhibited cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Furthermore, we determined the mechanism of PD in synergy with 2-DG, which decreased the intracellular reactive oxygen (ROS) levels and suppressed the PI3K/AKT pathway. In addition, the combined treatment inhibited the glycolytic phenotype through reducing the expression of HK2. HK2 deletion in breast cancer cells thus improved the anti-cancer activity of 2-DG. The combination treatment also resulted in significant tumour regression in the absence of significant morphologic changes in the heart, liver or kidney in vivo. In summary, our study demonstrates that PD synergised with 2-DG to enhance its anti-cancer efficacy by inhibiting the ROS/PI3K/AKT/HIF-1α/HK2 signalling axis, providing a potential anti-cancer strategy.

Novel Targeted Anti-Tumor Nanoparticles Developed from Folic Acid-Modified 2-Deoxyglucose

The glucose analog, 2-deoxyglucose (2-DG), specifically inhibits glycolysis of cancer cells and interferes with the growth of cancer cells. However, the excellent water solubility of 2-DG makes it difficult to be concentrated in tumor cells. In this study, a targeted nano-pharmacosome was developed with folic acid-modified 2-DG (FA-2-DG) by using amino ethanol as a cleavable linker. FA-2-DG was able to self-assemble, forming nano-particles with diameters of 10–30 nm. The biological effects were evaluated with cell viability assays and flow cytometry analysis. Compared with a physical mixture of folic acid and 2-DG, FA-2-DG clearly reduced cell viability and resulted in cell cycle arrest. A computational study involving docking simulation suggested that FA-2-DG can dock into the same receptor as folic acid, thus confirming that the structural modification did not affect the targeting performance. The results indicated that the nano-pharmacosome consisting of FA-2-DG can be used for targeting in a nano-drug delivery system.

2-Deoxyglucosone: A New C6-α-Dicarbonyl Compound in the Maillard Reaction of d-Fructose with γ-Aminobutyric Acid

In this study, α-dicarbonyl compounds consisting of a backbone with six carbon atoms resulting from the Maillard reaction of d-fructose with γ-aminobutyric acid were determined. The reaction was carried out under mild reaction conditions at 50 °C and water contents between 0 and 90%. A thus far unknown α-dicarbonyl compound was found as the main product in the first 24 h at water contents below 50%. After isolation of its stable quinoxaline derivative, it was possible to identify the compound as 2-deoxy-d- glycero-hexo-3,4-diulose (2-deoxyglucosone). For the first time, the four C₆-α-dicarbonyl compounds, 1-deoxyglucosone, 2-deoxyglucosone, 3-deoxyglucosone, and 4-deoxyglucosone, could be identified in the Maillard reaction of a hexose at the same time. This indicates the formation of a 2,3-eneaminol from the Schiff base of d-fructose and the formation of 2-amino-2-deoxy-3-ketose as an alternative to the Heyns product.

Design and synthesis of boron containing monosaccharides by the hydroboration of d-glucal for use in boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT)

Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) is one of the radiotherapies that involves the use of boron-containing compounds for the treatment of cancer. Boron-10 (¹⁰B) containing compounds that can accumulate in tumor tissue are expected to be suitable agents for BNCT. We report herein on the design and synthesis of some new BNCT agents based on a d-glucose scaffold, since glycoconjugation has been recognized as a useful strategy for the specific targeting of tumors. To introduce a boryl group into a d-glucose scaffold, we focused on the hydroboration of d-glucal derivatives, which have a double bond between the C1 and C2 positions. It was hypothesized that a C-B bond could be introduced at the C2 position of d-glucose by the hydroboration of d-glucal derivatives and that the products could be stabilized by conversion to the corresponding boronic acid ester. To test this hypothesis, we prepared some 2-boryl-1,2-dideoxy-d-glucose derivatives as boron carriers and evaluated their cytotoxicity and cellular uptake activity to cancer cells, especially under hypoxic conditions.

Discrimination of different geographic varieties of Gymnema sylvestre, an anti-sweet plant used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes

Gymnema sylvestre (Retz.) R.Br. ex Sm. (Asclepiadaceae) is a well-known Ayurvedic anti-sweet plant for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Although it was previously proposed that G. sylvestre exhibits chemical variation based on geography, most research on G. sylvestre has used material originating from India. Morphological and anatomical descriptions, ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 DNA sequencing, and acid hydrolysis analyses showed that G. sylvestre samples from Vietnam are distinguishable from those of Indian origin and thus suggest a dissimilarity among G. sylvestre samples with different geographic distributions. An LC-MS-guided strategy targeting 3β-glucuronide oleane-triterpenes in the Vietnamese G. sylvestre variety led to the isolation of four known compounds and nine previously undescribed compounds, named gymnemosides ND1-ND9. None of the isolated compounds were reported in the Indian sample, further supporting the geo-diversity of G. sylvestre. Three compounds, gymnemosides ND7-9, exerted significant stimulatory effects on the uptake of 2-NBDG in 3T3-L1 adipocyte cells and thus have potential as lead molecules for anti-diabetes agents.

1,5-Anhydroglucitol predicts CKD progression in macroalbuminuric diabetic kidney disease: results from non-targeted metabolomics

INTRODUCTION

Metabolomics allows exploration of novel biomarkers and provides insights on metabolic pathways associated with disease. To date, metabolomics studies on CKD have been largely limited to Caucasian populations and have mostly examined surrogate end points.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we evaluated the role of metabolites in predicting a primary outcome defined as dialysis need, doubling of serum creatinine or death in Brazilian macroalbuminuric DKD patients.

METHODS

Non-targeted metabolomics was performed on plasma from 56 DKD patients. Technical triplicates were done. Metabolites were identified using Agilent Fiehn GC/MS Metabolomics and NIST libraries (Agilent MassHunter Work-station Quantitative Analysis, version B.06.00). After data cleaning, 186 metabolites were left for analyses.

RESULTS

During a median follow-up time of 2.5 years, the PO occurred in 17 patients (30.3%). In non-parametric testing, 13 metabolites were associated with the PO. In univariate Cox regression, only 1,5-anhydroglucitol (HR 0.10; 95% CI 0.01-0.63, p = .01), norvaline and L-aspartic acid were associated with the PO. After adjustment for baseline renal function, 1,5-anhydroglucitol (HR 0.10; 95% CI 0.02-0.63, p = .01), norvaline (HR 0.01; 95% CI 0.001-0.4, p = .01) and aspartic acid (HR 0.12; 95% CI 0.02-0.64, p = .01) remained significantly and inversely associated with the PO.

CONCLUSION

Our results show that lower levels of 1,5-anhydroglucitol, norvaline and L-aspartic acid are associated with progression of macroalbuminuric DKD. While norvaline and L-aspartic acid point to interesting metabolic pathways, 1,5-anhydroglucitol is of particular interest since it has been previously shown to be associated with incident CKD. This inverse biomarker of hyperglycemia should be further explored as a new tool in DKD.

Synthesis of a novel glucose capped gold nanoparticle as a better theranostic candidate

Gold nanoparticles are predominantly used in diagnostics, therapeutics and biomedical applications. The present study has been designed to synthesize differently capped gold nanoparticles (AuNps) by a simple, one-step, room temperature procedure and to evaluate the potential of these AuNps for biomedical applications. The AuNps are capped with glucose, 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2DG) and citrate using different reducing agents. This is the first report of synthesis of 2DG-AuNp by the simple room temperature method. The synthesized gold nanoparticles are characterized with UV-Visible Spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and selected area electron diffraction (SAED), Dynamic light scattering (DLS), and Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) study of the synthesized AuNps shows increase in Raman signals up to 50 times using 2DG. 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiozol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay has been performed using all the three differently capped AuNps in different cell lines to assess cytotoxcity if any, of the nanoparticles. The study shows that 2DG-AuNps is a better candidate for theranostic application.

Sirt1 carboxyl-domain is an ATP-repressible domain that is transferrable to other proteins

Sirt1 is an NAD+-dependent protein deacetylase that regulates many physiological functions, including stress resistance, adipogenesis, cell senescence and energy production. Sirt1 can be activated by energy deprivation, but the mechanism is poorly understood. Here, we report that Sirt1 is negatively regulated by ATP, which binds to the C-terminal domain (CTD) of Sirt1. ATP suppresses Sirt1 activity by impairing the CTD's ability to bind to the deacetylase domain as well as its ability to function as the substrate recruitment site. ATP, but not NAD+, causes a conformational shift to a less compact structure. Mutations that prevent ATP binding increase Sirt1's ability to promote stress resistance and inhibit adipogenesis under high-ATP conditions. Interestingly, the CTD can be attached to other proteins, thereby converting them into energy-regulated proteins. These discoveries provide insight into how extreme energy deprivation can impact Sirt1 activity and underscore the complex nature of Sirt1 structure and regulation.

2-Deoxy-D-Glucose Modified Magnetic Nanoparticles with Dual Functional Properties: Nanothermotherapy and Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) with appropriate surface chemistry have attracted wild attention in medical and biological application because of their current and potential usefulness such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast enhancement, magnetic mediated hyperthermia (MMH), immunoassay, and in drug delivery, etc. In this study, we investigated the MRI contrast agents and MMH mediators properties of the novel 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG) modified SPIONs. As a non-metabolizable glucose analogue, 2-DG can block glycolysis and inhibits protein glycosylation. Moreover, SPIONs coated with 2-DG molecules can be particularly attractive to resource-hungry cancer cells, therefore to realize the targeting strategy for the SPIONs. SPIONs with amino silane as the capping agent for amino-group surface modification were synthesized by the chemical co-precipitation method with modification. Glutaraldehyde was further applied as an activation agent through which 2-DG was conjugated to the amino-coated SPIONs. Physicochemical characterizations of the 2-DG-SPIONs, such as surface morphology, surface charge and magnetic properties were investigated by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), ζ-Potential and Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM), etc. Magnetic inductive heating characteristics of the 2-DG-SPIONs were analyzed by exposing the SPIONs suspension (magnetic fluid) under alternative magnetic field (AMF). U-251 human glioma cells with expression of glucose transport proteins type 1 and 3 (GLUT1 and GLUT 3), and L929 murine fibroblast cell as negative control, were employed to study the effect of 2-DG modification on the cell uptake for SPIONs. TEM images for ultra-thin sections as well as ICP-MS were applied to evaluate the SPIONs internalization within the cells. In vitro MRI was performed after cells were co-incubated with SPIONs and the T2 relaxation time was measured and compared. The results demonstrate that 2-DG-SPIONs were supermagnetic and in spherical shape with -10 nm diameter. Possessing ideal magnetic inductive heating characteristics, which can generate very rapid and efficient heating while upon AMF exposure, 2-DG-SPIONs can be applied as novel candidature of magnetic nanothermotherapy for cancer treatment. Modification of 2-DG can greatly promote the cell uptake of SPIONs and such cellular uptake of 2-DG-SPIONs was time dependent. Surface coating by 2-DG can remarkably enhance the MR imaging ability for the SPIONs on the cells of U251 cancer cells. In summary, our investigation provides a novel glucose analogue modified SPIONs with potential application in the targeting cancer nanothermotherapy and MR imaging.

Tctex1d2 Is a Negative Regulator of GLUT4 Translocation and Glucose Uptake

Tctex1d2 (Tctex1 domain containing 2) is an open reading frame that encodes for a functionally unknown protein that contains a Tctex1 domain found in dynein light chain family members. Examination of gene expression during adipogenesis demonstrated a marked increase in Tctex1d2 protein expression that was essentially undetectable in preadipocytes and markedly induced during 3T3-L1 adipocyte differentiation. Tctex1d2 overexpression significantly inhibited insulin-stimulated glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) translocation and 2-deoxyglucose uptake. In contrast, Tctex1d2 knockdown significantly increased insulin-stimulated GLUT4 translocation and 2-deoxyglucose uptake. However, acute insulin stimulation (up to 30 min) in 3T3-L1 adipocytes with overexpression or knockdown of Tctex1d2 had no effect on Akt phosphorylation, a critical signal transduction target required for GLUT4 translocation. Although overexpression of Tctex1d2 had no significant effect on GLUT4 internalization, Tctex1d2 was found to associate with syntaxin 4 in an insulin-dependent manner and inhibit Doc2b binding to syntaxin 4. In addition, glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide rescued the Tctex1d2 inhibition of insulin-stimulated GLUT4 translocation by suppressing the Tctex1d2-syntaxin 4 interaction and increasing Doc2b-Synatxin4 interactions. Taking these results together, we hypothesized that Tctex1d2 is a novel syntaxin 4 binding protein that functions as a negative regulator of GLUT4 plasma membrane translocation through inhibition of the Doc2b-syntaxin 4 interaction.

Identification and determination of 3-deoxyglucosone and glucosone in carbohydrate-rich foods

BACKGROUND

α-Dicarbonyl compounds (α-DCs) such as 3-deoxyglucosone (3-DG) and glucosone are markers of both Maillard and degradation reactions of sugars and also of certain enzymatic processes. However, quantitation of these compounds is not straightforward when more abundant carbohydrates are present in real samples. Therefore in this work a GC/MS method was developed to separate monosaccharides, 3-DG and glucosone and applied to analyze them in carbohydrate-rich food products. Difructose anhydrides (DFAs), known markers of sugar degradation, were also determined. The effect of time and temperature in the production and storage of these compounds was also evaluated.

RESULTS

Under optimized conditions, good separation between monosaccharides and α-DCs was achieved. Must syrups showed the highest concentrations of 3-DG and glucosone (average values 9.2 and 5.8 mg g(-1) respectively). Coffee substitutes based on carob, chicory and blends showed the highest content of DFAs. Heating and storage assays proved that production of 3-DG was influenced by temperature, while glucosone was more affected by storage time.

CONCLUSION

The proposed method allows the rapid quantitation of 3-DG and glucosone along with carbohydrates and DFAs in different food products, which is essential to determine their degradation level. Moreover, the α-DC content in several foods is reported for the first time.

[The synthesis of P1-[11-(anthracen-9-ylmethoxy)undecyl]-P2(2-Acetamido-2-deoxy-α-D-glucopyranosyl) diphosphate and the study of its acceptor properties in the enzymic reaction catalyzed by D-rhamnosyltransferase from Pseudomonas aeruginosa]

P1-[11-(Anthracen-9-ylmethoxy)undecyl]-P2-(2-acetamido-2-deoxy-α-D-glucopyranosyl) diphosphate, a fluorescent derivative of undecyl diphosphate 2-acetamido-2-deoxyglucose, was chemically synthesized. The ability of the compound to serve as acceptor substrate of D-rhamnose residue in the enzymatic reaction catalyzed by D-rhamnosyltransferase from Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 was demonstrated.

Time- and spectrally resolved characteristics of flavin fluorescence in U87MG cancer cells in culture

Early detection of cancer is crucial for the successful diagnostics of its presence and its subsequent treatment. To improve cancer detection, we tested the progressive multimodal optical imaging of U87MG cells in culture. A combination of steady-state spectroscopic methods with the time-resolved approach provides a new insight into the native metabolism when focused on endogenous tissue fluorescence. In this contribution, we evaluated the metabolic state of living U87MG cancer cells in culture by means of endogenous flavin fluorescence. Confocal microscopy and time-resolved fluorescence imaging were employed to gather spectrally and time-resolved images of the flavin fluorescence. We observed that flavin fluorescence in U87MG cells was predominantly localized outside the cell nucleus in mitochondria, while exhibiting a spectral maximum under 500 nm and fluorescence lifetimes under 1.4 ns, suggesting the presence of bound flavins. In some cells, flavin fluorescence was also detected inside the cell nuclei in the nucleoli, exhibiting longer fluorescence lifetimes and a red-shifted spectral maximum, pointing to the presence of free flavin. Extra-nuclear flavin fluorescence was diminished by 2-deoxyglucose, but failed to increase with 2,4-dinitrophenol, the uncoupler of oxidative phosphorylation, indicating that the cells use glycolysis, rather than oxidative phosphorylation for functioning. These gathered data are the first step toward monitoring the metabolic state of U87MG cancer cells.

Role of glycosylation in secretion and stability of micromycetes α-galactosidase

The effect of the glycosylation inhibitors (tunicamycin and 2-deoxy-D-glucose) on the activity, stability and production of fungal glycosidases has been studied. It was shown that inhibition of N-glycosylation sites did not affect the secretion of Aspergillus niger α-galactosidase, however reduced yield of Cladosporium cladosporioides and Penicillium canescens α-galactosidases. Changes in the level of O-glycosylation resulted in a significant reduction in the activity and stability of α-galactosidases of all three producers tested. Activity of the modified enzymes was significantly lower than that of the native ones, and was 2.6 and 0.33 U/mg for A. niger α-galactosidase, 3.3 and 32.5 U/mg for C. cladosporioides α-galactosidase, 11.66 and 31.1 U/mg for P. canescens α-galactosidase, respectively. A. niger α-galactosidase completely lost activity during purification and storage. The decrease of thermal stability at 55 °C by 20% was shown for C. cladosporioides and P. canescens α-galactosidases. It was also noted that O-deglycosylation led to a decrease in resistance of these enzymes to the action of proteases.

[2-deoxy-D-glucose modified supermagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles enhance the contrasting effect on MRI of human lung adenocarcinoma A549 tumor in nude mice]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the role of 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG) modified supermagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIO) (γ-Fe2O3@DMSA-DG NPs) in tumor detection as a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent.

METHODS

γ-Fe2O3@DMSA-DG NPs was prepared. The degree of A549 cells targeted absorption of γ-Fe2O3@DMSA-DG NPs was detected by Prussian blue staining, colorimetric assay, T2W and multi-echo sequence MRI. γ-Fe2O3@DMSA NPs was used as a control agent, and free D-glucose as a competitive inhibitor. Human lung adenocarcinoma A549 xenograft tumor was prepared in nude mice. Sterile aqueous suspension of γ-Fe2O3@DMSA NPs or γ-Fe2O3@DMSA-DG NPs was injected into the tail vein of nude mice. Before and 6, 12, 24, 48 h after injection, MRI imaging of the mice was performed. T2 signal intensity of the tumor, brain, liver and thigh skeletal muscles, and T2 values of the tumors were measured.

RESULTS

The average diameter of the particles was about 10 nm, and there were no significant differences between the diameters of γ-Fe2O3@DMSA NPs and γ- Fe2O3@DMSA-DG NPs. The IR spectra showed the C-N retractable vibration peak at γ-Fe2O3@DMSA-DG NPs surface, indicating that 2-DG was conjugated to the γ-Fe2O3@DMSA NPs. The Prussian blue staining, colorimetric assay, MRI T2 signal intensity and T2 values revealed that γ-Fe2O3@DMSA-DG NPs were significantly more absorbed by A549 cells at growth peak than γ-Fe2O3@DMSA NPs, and the absorption of γ-Fe2O3@DMSA-DG NP was inhibited by free D-glucose. The results of in vivo examination showed that before and at 6, 12, 24, 48 h after injection of γ-Fe2O3@DMSA-DG NPs, the mean T2 signal intensities of the tumors were (326.00 ± 16.26)s, (276.40 ± 5.13)s, (268.40 ± 30.58)s, (240.40 ± 25.93)s, (262.20 ± 30.04)s, respectively, and the T2 values of the tumors were (735.80 ± 20.93) ms, (645.80 ± 69.58) ms, (615.00 ± 124.61) ms, (570.60 ± 67.78) ms, and (537.80 ± 105.29) ms, respectively. However, before and at 6, 12, 24, 48 h after injection of γ-Fe2O3@DMSA NPs, the mean T2 signal intensities of the tumors were (335.60 ± 4.93)s, (290.80 ± 5.93)s, (273.40 ± 15.08)s, (327.40 ± 16.65)s, and (313.20 ± 20.45)s, respectively, and T2 values were (686.00 ± 21.44)ms, (617.80 ± 69.93)ms, (645.20 ± 85.89)ms, (669.40 ± 13.72)ms, and (608.80 ± 61.90)ms, respectively. The T2 signal intensity and T2 value of the tumors were not declined generally after injection. The liver T2 signal intensity was decreased after injection of both γ-Fe2O3@DMSA-DG NPs and γ-Fe2O3@DMSA NPs, and T2 signal intensity of the brain and muscle did not show significant changes.

CONCLUSIONS

γ-Fe2O3@DMSA-DG NPs has an ability to target glucose receptors overexpressed in tumors, and may serve as a MRI contrast agent for tumor detection.

Vital-dye-enhanced multimodal imaging of neoplastic progression in a mouse model of oral carcinogenesis

In this longitudinal study, a mouse model of 4-nitroquinoline 1-oxide chemically induced tongue carcinogenesis was used to assess the ability of optical imaging with exogenous and endogenous contrast to detect neoplastic lesions in a heterogeneous mucosal surface. Widefield autofluorescence and fluorescence images of intact 2-NBDG-stained and proflavine-stained tissues were acquired at multiple time points in the carcinogenesis process. Confocal fluorescence images of transverse fresh tissue slices from the same specimens were acquired to investigate how changes in tissue microarchitecture affect widefield fluorescence images of intact tissue. Widefield images were analyzed to develop and evaluate an algorithm to delineate areas of dysplasia and cancer. A classification algorithm for the presence of neoplasia based on the mean fluorescence intensity of 2-NBDG staining and the standard deviation of the fluorescence intensity of proflavine staining was found to separate moderate dysplasia, severe dysplasia, and cancer from non-neoplastic regions of interest with 91% sensitivity and specificity. Results suggest this combination of noninvasive optical imaging modalities can be used in vivo to discriminate non-neoplastic from neoplastic tissue in this model with the potential to translate this technology to the clinic.

[Comparison of the targeting properties of 2-deoxy-D-glucose-conjugated nanoparticles to breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells and breast fibroblasts cells]

OBJECTIVE

To compare the differences in uptake of 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG)-conjugated nanoparticles between breast carcinoma MDA-MB-231 cells with high metabolism and breast fibroblasts with normal metabolism, and investigate the feasibility of using the coated nanoparticles as a MRI-targeted contrast agent for highly metabolic carcinoma cells.

METHODS

The γ-Fe2O3@DMSA-DG was prepared. The glucose metabolism level of both cell lines was determined. The targeting efficacy of γ-Fe2O3@DMSA-DG and γ-Fe2O3@DMSA NPs to breast carcinoma MDA-MB-231 cells and breast fibroblasts at 10 min, 30 min, 1 h and 2 h was measured with Prussian blue staining and UV colorimetric assay. MRI was performed to visualize the changes of T2WI signal intensity.

RESULTS

Prussian blue staining showed more intracellular blue granules in the MDA-MB-231 cells of γ-Fe2O3@DMSA-DG NPs group than that in the γ-Fe2O3@DMSA NPs group, and the γ-Fe2O3@DMSA-DG uptake was greatly competed by free D-glucose. As revealed by UV colorimetric assay, MDA-MB-231 cells also showed that the cellular iron amount of γ-Fe2O3@DMSA-DG group was significantly higher than that of the γ-Fe2O3@DMSA group and γ-Fe2O3@DMSA-DG + D-glucose group, statistically with a significant difference between them. MRI showed that the signal intensity of γ-Fe2O3@DMSA-DG group was decrease significantly, the T2 signal intensity was decreased by 10.5%, 37.5%, 72.9%, 92.0% for 10 min, 30 min, 1 h and 2 h, respectively. In contrast, the signal intensity did not show obvious decrease in the γ-Fe2O3@DMSA-DG group, the T2 signal intensity was decreased by 8.5%, 11.4%, 32.0%, 76.7% for 10 min, 30 min, 1 h and 2 h, respectively. However, HUM-CELL-0056 cells did not produce apparent difference for positive staining in the γ-Fe2O3@DMSA-DG group, γ-Fe2O3@DMSA group and γ-Fe2O3@DMSA-DG+D-glucose group, and the signal intensity also did not produce apparent difference.

CONCLUSIONS

γ-Fe2O3@DMSA-DG has good targeting ability to highly metabolic breast carcinoma (MDA-MB-231) cells. It is feasible to serve as a specific MRI-targeted contrast agent for highly metabolic carcinoma cells, and deserves further studies in vivo.

Orally efficacious novel small molecule 6-chloro-6-deoxy-1,2,3,4-tetra-O-galloyl-α-D-glucopyranose selectively and potently stimulates insulin receptor and alleviates diabetes

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) has become an epidemic worldwide while T1D remains a great medical challenge. Insulin receptor (IR) signaling activators could alleviate hyperglycemia, reduce the burden on the pancreas, and contribute to prevention and treatment of both types of diabetes. Previously, we reported the synthesis and identification of a natural antidiabetic compound α-penta-galloyl-glucose (α-PGG). Subsequent studies led to the identification of an α-P6GG derivative, 6-chloro-6-deoxy-1,2,3,4-tetra-O-galloyl-α-D-glucopyranose (6Cl-TGQ). Here, we report that 6Cl-TGQ not only induced rapid and long-lasting glucose uptake comparable to insulin in adipocytes but also reduced high blood glucose levels to near normal and significantly decreased plasma insulin levels and improved glucose tolerance performance in high-fat diet-induced T2D mice when administered orally at 5 mg/kg once every other day. Moreover, a single gavage of 6Cl-TGQ at 10 mg/kg induced rapid and sharp decline of blood glucose in streptozotocin-induced T1D mice. Our studies further indicated that 6Cl-TGQ activated IR signaling in cell models and insulin-responsive tissues of mice. 6Cl-TGQ-induced Akt phosphorylation was completely blocked by IR and PI3K inhibitors, while the induced glucose uptake was blocked by the same compounds and a Glut4 inhibitor. Receptor binding studies indicated that 6Cl-TGQ bound to IR with a higher affinity than α-PGG. Importantly, 6Cl-TGQ, unlike insulin, selectively induced phosphorylation of IR without activating IGF1R or its signaling and did not increase cancer cell proliferation. These results indicate that 6Cl-TGQ is a potent orally efficacious compound with low carcinogenic potential and may contribute to the prevention and treatment of T1D and T2D.

[A new fluorescence method for determination of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 activity]

OBJECTIVE

To develop a new fluorescence method for the determination of human sodium glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) activity.

METHODS

Firstly full length human SGLT2 cDNA was cloned and the recombined plasmid pIRES2-EGFP-SGLT2 was constructed. Then the construct was subjected to restriction enzyme digestion analysis. In addition, SGLT2 insert clones were fully sequenced to confirm its nucleotide sequence, and then the recombined plasmid was transfected into HEK293 cells. The expression of green fluoresscent protein (GFP) was detected by confocal and flow cytometry (FCM), respectively. The protein expression of SGLT2 was determined by Western Blot assay. The transport activity of SGLT2 was determined by FCM choosing 2-NBDG as the detection target.

RESULTS

Both restriction enzyme digestion and DNA sequencing assays showed that the recombined plasmid was constructed successfully. After transient transfection into HEK293 cells, the GFP expression analysis displayed high transfection efficiency and transcription activity, and the fluorescence intensity of the transfected cells was much higher than that of the untransfected cells (P<0.01). SGLT2 was more highly expressed in pIRES2-EGFP-SGLT2 transfected cells as compared with the empty vector (pIRES2-EGFP) transfected cells (P<0.05); the expression of SGLT2 in the untransfected cells was similar to that in the empty vector transfected cells. The Na(+) dependent 2-NBDG uptake was significantly increased in the transfected cells compared with that in the untransfected cells (P<0.01).

CONCLUSION

A new fluorescence method for determination of SGLT2 activity has been developed with a eukaryotic expression vector of human SGLT2.

Pharmacokinetic and toxicological evaluation of multi-functional thiol-6-fluoro-6-deoxy-D-glucose gold nanoparticles in vivo

We synthesized a novel, multi-functional, radiosensitizing agent by covalently linking 6-fluoro-6-deoxy-D-glucose (6-FDG) to gold nanoparticles (6-FDG-GNPs) via a thiol functional group. We then assessed the bio-distribution and pharmacokinetic properties of 6-FDG-GNPs in vivo using a murine model. At 2 h, following intravenous injection of 6-FDG-GNPs into the murine model, approximately 30% of the 6-FDG-GNPs were distributed to three major organs: the liver, the spleen and the kidney. PEGylation of the 6-FDG-GNPs was found to significantly improve the bio-distribution of 6-FDG-GNPs by avoiding unintentional uptake into these organs, while simultaneously doubling the cellular uptake of GNPs in implanted breast MCF-7 adenocarcinoma. When combined with radiation, PEG-6-FDG-GNPs were found to increase the apoptosis of the MCF-7 breast adenocarinoma cells by radiation both in vitro and in vivo. Pharmacokinetic data indicate that GNPs reach their maximal concentrations at a time window of two to four hours post-injection, during which optimal radiation efficiency can be achieved. PEG-6-FDG-GNPs are thus novel nanoparticles that preferentially accumulate in targeted cancer cells where they act as potent radiosensitizing agents. Future research will aim to substitute the (18)F atom into the 6-FDG molecule so that the PEG-6-FDG-GNPs can also function as radiotracers for use in positron emission tomography scanning to aid cancer diagnosis and image guided radiation therapy planning.

Improved synthesis of lysine- and arginine-derived Amadori and Heyns products and in vitro measurement of their angiotensin I-converting enzyme inhibitory activity

The L-lysine- and L-arginine-derived Amadori and Heyns products consisting of N-(1-deoxy-d-fructos-1-yl)amino acid and N-(2-deoxy-d-glucos-2-yl)amino acid were prepared by reaction of d-fructose and d-glucose with l-lysine hydrochloride and l-arginine hydrochloride using commercial zinc powder as deprotonating reagent and also as catalyst precursor in a simple synthetic route in high yield. These compounds were screened for angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity using a high-throughput colorimetric assay (utilizing porcine kidney ACE). The IC(50) values fall in the range of 1030-1175 μM, with N(α)-(1-deoxy-d-fructos-1-yl)arginine showing the best IC(50) value (1030 ± 38 μM). This study demonstrates an improved synthetic method for simple Amadori and Heyns products and their moderate ACE inhibitor activity.

Design, synthesis, characterization and DNA-binding studies of a triphenyltin(IV) complex of N-glycoside (GATPT), a sugar based apoptosis inducer: in vitro and in vivo assessment of induction of apoptosis by GATPT

The novel organotin complex 1-{(2-hydroxyethyl)amino}-2-amino-1,2-dideoxy-D-glucose triphenyltin(iv) (GATPT) was synthesized by the reaction of N-glycoside ligand and triphenyltin(iv) chloride. GATPT was characterized by elemental analyses, polarimetry, IR, CD, UV and multinuclear ((1)H, (13)C, (119)Sn) 1D and 2D NMR. The interaction of GATPT with calf thymus DNA was studied by using viscometry, absorption, emission and circular dichoric spectral methods. The DNA binding results suggested the intercalative mode of binding for GATPT with DNA along with simultaneous electrostatic interaction between the Sn(iv) center and the phosphate backbone of the DNA helix. GATPT was tested for its cytotoxic properties against SY5Y, PC-12 and N2A neuronal tumor cell lines. GATPT induced significant apoptosis in the PC-12 cell line characterized by DNA fragmentation and chromosome condensation. Treatment of PC-12 cells with GATPT resulted in a dramatic up-regulation of Bax and Bak and down-regulation of the anti-apoptotic factor Bcl-2. Apoptotic induction by GATPT was shown to be mediated in a p53-dependent manner and loss of p53 impaired the release of cytochrome c from mitochondria to cytosol. Caspase-3 was found to be indispensable for the GATPT triggered apoptosis signaling pathway. Furthermore, in vivo studies using a nude mice model revealed that GATPT exhibits significant antiproliferative activity against tumor development with minimal cytotoxicity. These findings warrant further clinical investigations of GATPT as a therapeutic agent for cancer chemotherapy.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 enhances glucokinase activity in pancreatic β-cells through the association of Epac2 with Rim2 and Rab3A

Glucokinase (GK), which phosphorylates D-glucose, is a major glucose sensor in β-cells for glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) and is a promising new drug target for type 2 diabetes (T2D). In T2D, pancreatic β-cells exhibit defective glucose sensitivity, which leads to impaired GSIS. Although glucagon-like peptide-1-(7-36)-amide (GLP-1) is known to enhance β-cell glucose sensitivity, the effect of GLP-1 on GK activity is still unknown. The present study demonstrated that GLP-1 pretreatment for 30 min significantly enhanced GK activity in a glucose-dependent manner, with a lower Michaelis-Menten constant (K(m)) but unchanged maximal velocity (V(max)). Thus, GLP-1 acutely enhanced cellular glucose uptake, mitochondrial membrane potential, and cellular ATP levels in response to glucose in rat INS-1 and native β-cells. This effect of GLP-1 occurred via its G protein-coupled receptor pathway in a cAMP-dependent but protein kinase A-independent manner with evidence of exchange protein activated by cAMP (Epac) involvement. Silencing Epac2, interacting molecule of the small G protein Rab3 (Rim2), or Ras-associated protein Rab3A (Rab3A) significantly blocked the effect of GLP-1. These results suggested that GLP-1 can further potentiate GSIS by enhancing GK activity through the signaling of Epac2 to Rim2 and Rab3A, which is the similar pathway for GLP-1 to potentiate Ca(2+)-dependent insulin granule exocytosis. The present finding may also be an important mechanism of GLP-1 for recovery of GSIS in T2D.

Degradation of glucose: reinvestigation of reactive alpha-Dicarbonyl compounds

Maillard reactions influence the formation of flavor and color in processed foods in an important way. Reducing sugars and amino acids ultimately react to stable end products. To elucidate the complex formation pathways a vast number of experiments have been published. alpha-Dicarbonyl compounds are accepted as important key intermediates. In the present work the Maillard degradation of glucose in the presence of lysine was reinvestigated. alpha-Dicarbonyl compounds were trapped with o-phenylenediamine to give stable quinoxalines of d-arabino-hexos-2-ulose (glucosone), N(6)-(3,6-dideoxyhexos-2-ulos-6-yl)-l-lysine, 1-deoxy-d-erythro-2,3-hexodiulose (1-deoxyglucosone), 3-deoxy-d-erythro-hexos-2-ulose (3-deoxyglucosone), ethanedial (glyoxal), 2-oxopropanal (methylglyoxal), 3,4-dihydroxy-2-oxobutanal (threosone), 1-hydroxy-2,3-butanedione (1-deoxythreosone), 4-hydroxy-2-oxobutanal (3-deoxythreosone), 4,5-dihydroxy-2-oxopentanal (3-deoxypentosone) and 4,5-dihydroxy-2,3-pentanedione (1-deoxypentosone). Multilayer countercurrent chromatography (MLCCC) was used for the first time to separate quinoxalines from ethyl acetate and aqueous extracts of reaction mixtures. The purity and identity of isolated compounds was confirmed by NMR, HPLC-UV and HR-MS. Aerated and deaerated incubations of [(13)C]-labeled glucose in presence of lysine and degradations of glucosone and 3-deoxyglucosone allowed insights into the formation pathways. Within this context the formation of 1-deoxypentosone and the importance of N(6)-(3,6-dideoxyhexos-2-ulos-6-yl)-l-lysine (Lederer's glucosone) was established.

Impact of excess aldosterone on glucose homeostasis in adult male rat

BACKGROUND

Clinical and experimental data demonstrate that excess aldosterone and insulin interact at target tissues. It has been shown that increased levels of aldosterone contribute to development of insulin resistance and thus act as a risk factor for the development of type-II diabetes mellitus. However, the molecular mechanisms involved are yet to be identified. The present study was designed to assess the impact of excess aldosterone on GLUT2 and GLUT4 gene expression and glucose uptake in liver and skeletal muscles (gracilis and quadriceps) of adult male rat.

METHODS

Healthy adult male albino rats of Wistar strain (Rattus norvegicus), weighing 180-210 g were used in the present study. The rats were divided into two groups (control and aldosterone treated) each consisting of five animals. Rats were treated with aldosterone at a dose of 10 microg/kg body weight, subcutaneously, twice daily at 8 AM and 6 PM for 15 days.

RESULTS

Excess aldosterone impaired the rate of glucose uptake through defective expression of GLUT2 and GLUT4 genes and also decreased translocation of GLUT4 to the plasma membrane.

CONCLUSION

Excess aldosterone has an adverse effect on glucose uptake in liver and skeletal muscle and the defective expression of GLUT2 and GLUT4 appears to be responsible for such changes.

PET imaging of hepatocellular carcinoma with 2-deoxy-2[18F]fluoro-D-glucose, 6-deoxy-6[18F] fluoro-D-glucose, [1-11C]-acetate and [N-methyl-11C]-choline

AIM

This study was designed to investigate the performance of positron emission tomography (PET) imaging for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) on a hepatitis viral infection-induced woodchuck model using existing tracers such as 2-deoxy-2[(18)F]fluoro-D-glucose (2FDG), 6-deoxy-6[(18)F]fluoro-D-glucose (6FDG), [1(-11)C]acetate (acetate) and [N-methyl(-11)C]choline (choline).

METHODS

Fourteen woodchucks with HCC were imaged with different radiotracers: 13 (10 with HCC and 3 controls) with 2FDG; 4 (3 with HCC and 1 control) with 6FDG; 13 (10 with HCC and 3 controls) with acetate; 4 (2 with HCC and 2 controls) with choline. The woodchucks were euthanized after imaging experiments and liver tissues were harvested for histology, for enzymatic activities including hexokinase (HK), glucose-6-phosphatase, acetyl-CoA synthetase (ACAS) and choline kinase (CK), and for differential gene expressions between the HCCs and the surrounding hepatic tissues.

RESULTS

2FDG detected 7/13 tumors with a tumor-to-liver uptake ratio (T/L) of 1.36+/-0.13. Five of these HCCs were moderately- or poorly-differentiated. The HK/glucose-6-phosphatase ratio was significantly higher in HCCs compared to the surrounding liver tissues (P=0.05). None of the HCCs imaged with 6FDG were detected by PET (T/L=1.01+/-0.11). Acetate detected 16/17 HCCs (T/L=2.02+/-0.7). ACAS activity was significantly higher in HCCs (P=0.01) and lipids-related genes were found up-regulated. Choline imaging detected all HCCs (T/L=1.63+/-0.34). CK activity was significantly higher in HCCs (P=0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Well-differentiated and some moderately-differentiated HCCs do not uptake 2FDG more than the surrounding liver tissues, but display increased acetate uptake. There is no contrast between HCCs and the surrounding liver tissues on the 6FDG PET images. Despite elevated background signal from the liver, choline uptake seems to be detectable in the HCCs scanned in this study.

Recognitive biomimetic networks with moiety imprinting for intelligent drug delivery

Molecular imprinting techniques have been developed for the preparation of biomimetic polymer networks that can recognize a general moiety, D-glucose, and the novel evaluation of loading and release of a larger molecule with glucose as an integral part of its structure [i.e., fluorescently tagged glucose (2-(N-(7-nitrobenz-2-oxa-1,3-diazol-4-yl)amino)-2-deoxy-glucose) or 2-NBDG]. Poly(acrylamide-co-poly(ethylene glycol)dimethacrylate) networks with varying crosslinking monomer percentages (80, 67, and 30%) and crosslinker lengths (average number of ethylene glycol units of 1, 4, and 14) were prepared and characterized using a novel fluorescent microscopy technique, which allowed for microscale observation of the dynamic binding and release of 2-NBDG within the polymer film. Experimental results indicate that tighter mesh-sized networks had increased affinity and capacity towards the glucose functionalized molecule as well as increased diffusional transport times, indicating the strong potential to load significantly higher amounts of therapeutic within intelligent carriers as well as control and extend the rate of release via macromolecular structure.

Synthesis of sporiolide B from d-glucal

A total synthesis of the 12-membered ring natural macrolide, sporiolide B, was achieved from D-glucal in 17 steps with 4.8% overall yield. The required stereochemical configuration at C-3 and C-5 in sporiolide B was easily introduced by applying a Mitsunobu reaction on the chiral template D-glucal. Yamaguchi esterification and ring closing metathesis greatly improved the access to the target compound.

Molecular dissection and expression of the LdK39 kinesin in the human pathogen, Leishmania donovani

In this study we show for the first time the intracellular distribution of a K39 kinesin homologue in Leishmania donovani, a medically important parasite of humans. Further, we demonstrated that this motor protein is expressed in both the insect and mammalian developmental forms (i.e. promastigote and amastigotes) of this organism. Moreover, in both of these parasite developmental stages, immunofluorescence indicated that the LdK39 kinesin accumulated at anterior and posterior cell poles and that it displayed a peripheral localization consistent with the cortical cytoskeleton. Using a molecular approach, we identified, cloned and characterized the first complete open reading frame for the gene (LdK39) encoding this large (> 358 kDa) motor protein in L. donovani. Based on these observations, we subsequently used a homologous episomal expression system to dissect and express the functional domains that constitute the native molecule. Cell fractionation experiments demonstrated that LdK39 was soluble and that it bound to detergent-extracted cytoskeletons of these parasites in an ATP-dependent manner. The cumulative results of these experiments are consistent with LdK39 functioning as an ATP-dependent kinesin which binds to and travels along the cortical cytoskeleton of this important human pathogen.

Synthesis and Bioimaging of Positron-Emitting15O-Labeled 2-Deoxy-D-glucose of Two-Minute Half-Life

In positron emission tomography (PET), which exploits the affinity of a radiopharmaceutical for the target organ, a systematic repertoire of oxygen-15-labeled PET tracers is expected to be useful for bioimaging owing to the ubiquity of oxygen atoms in organic compounds. However, because of the 2-min half-life of 15O, the synthesis of complex biologically active 15O-labeled organic molecules has not yet been achieved. A state-of-the-art synthesis now makes available an 15O-labeled complex organic molecule, 6-[15O]-2-deoxy-D-glucose. Ultrarapid radical hydroxylation of 2,6-dideoxy-6-iodo-D-glucose with molecular oxygen labeled with 15O of two-minute half-life provided the target 15O-labeled molecule. The labeling reaction with 15O was complete in 1.3 min, and the entire operation time starting from the generation of 15O-containing dioxygen by a cyclotron to the purification of the labeled sugar was 7 min. The labeled sugar accumulated in the metabolically active organs as well as in the bladder of mice and rats. 15O-labeling offers the possibility of repetitive scanning and the use of multiple PET tracers in the same body within a short time, and hence should significantly expand the scope of PET studies of small animals.

Functional Studies of Akt Isoform Specificity in Skeletal Muscle in Vivo; Maintained Insulin Sensitivity Despite Reduced Insulin Receptor Substrate-1 Expression

The phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Akt pathway is thought to be essential for normal insulin action and glucose metabolism in skeletal muscle and has been shown to be dysregulated in insulin resistance. However, the specific roles of and signaling pathways triggered by Akt isoforms have not been fully assessed in muscle in vivo. We overexpressed constitutively active (ca-) Akt-1 or Akt-2 constructs in muscle using in vivo electrotransfer and, after 1 wk, assessed the roles of each isoform on glucose metabolism and fiber growth. We achieved greater than 2.5-fold increases in total Ser473 phosphorylation in muscles expressing ca-Akt-1 and ca-Akt-2, respectively. Both isoforms caused hypertrophy of muscle fibers, consistent with increases in p70S6kinase phosphorylation, and a 60% increase in glycogen accumulation, although only Akt-1 increased glycogen synthase kinase-3β phosphorylation. Akt-2, but not Akt-1, increased basal glucose uptake (by 33%, P = 0.004) and incorporation into glycogen and lipids, suggesting a specific effect on glucose transport. Consistent with this, short hairpin RNA-mediated silencing of Akt-2 caused reductions in glycogen storage and glucose uptake. Consistent with Akt-mediated insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS-1) degradation, we observed approximately 30% reductions in IRS-1 protein in muscle overexpressing ca-Akt-1 or ca-Akt-2. Despite this, we observed no decrease in insulin-stimulated glucose uptake. Furthermore, a 68% reduction in IRS-1 levels induced using short hairpin RNAs targeting IRS-1 also did not affect glucose disposal after a glucose load. These data indicate distinct roles for Akt-1 and Akt-2 in muscle glucose metabolism and that moderate reductions in IRS-1 expression do not result in the development of insulin resistance in skeletal muscle in vivo.

Direct epoxidation of d-glucal and d-galactal derivatives with in situ generated DMDO

A multi-gram epoxidation of 3,4,6-tri-O-benzyl-D-glucal and D-galactal with dimethyldioxirane (DMDO) generated in situ from Oxone/acetone in a biphasic system (CH(2)Cl(2)-aqueous NaHCO(3)) resulted in the formation of the corresponding 1,2-anhydrosugars in a 99% yield and 100% selectivity. In a similar way, 3,4,6-tri-O-acetyl-D-glucal afforded a 7:1 mixture of the corresponding gluco and manno derivatives in an 87% overall yield.

Fluoro-substitution effects in deoxyfluoro-d-glucose derivatives: random conformational search and quantum chemical calculation

The effect of substitution by the fluorine atom at different positions of D-glucose was investigated by quantum chemical calculation of the low-energy conformers. These were obtained through the Random conformational search method. The geometries of conformers were optimized at the RHF/6-31(d) level, then reoptimization and vibrational analysis were performed at the B3LYP/6-31+G(d) level. Single-point energies were calculated at the B3LYP/6-311++G(2d,2p) level. The free energies of solvation in water were calculated utilizing the AM1-SM5.4 solvation model. For all substitution positions, the ring conformation does not change much, and the pyranoid 4C1 conformers are dominant, while variations in the substitution site result in different effects in the network of hydrogen bonds, anomeric effect, the solvation free energy, and the ratio of alpha- and beta-anomers.

3,4-DGE is Important for Side Effects in Peritoneal Dialysis What About its Role in Diabetes

Breakdown of glucose under physiological conditions gives rise to glucose degradation products (GDPs). GDPs are also formed during heat sterilization of glucose-containing peritoneal dialysis fluids (PD-fluids). In PD-fluids GDPs have been shown in many different in vitro assays to be responsible for adverse effects such as growth inhibition, and impaired leukocyte function and impaired wound healing of peritoneal mesothelial cells. They have been linked to changes in the peritoneal membrane as well as to the decline in residual renal function of PD-patients. In diabetes one of the GDPs, 3-deoxyglucosone (3-DG), has been proposed as responsible for side-effects rather the glucose itself. 3,4-dideoxyglucosone-3-ene (3,4-DGE) was recently identified as the most bio-reactive GDP in PD-fluids. It exists in equilibrium with a pool of precursors, consisting of 3-DG but also of other hitherto unidentified GDPs. In PD-fluids the concentration of GDPs in this pool is 10-20 times as high as that of 3,4-DGE. In vitro 3,4-DGE induces caspase-dependent apoptosis of neutrophils and peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Such induction may explain immunosuppressive properties of 3,4-DGE and contribute to an impaired peritoneal antibacterial defense. 3,4-DGE also induces renal cell apoptosis. This may explain the better preservation of residual renal function in PD patients not exposed to GDPs. The concentration of 3-DG increases with worsening glycemic control and has been implicated in the genesis of diabetic microangiopathy. As 3,4-DGE is much more bio-reactive than 3-DG and as it may be easily recruited from the pool, it seems probable that 3,4-DGE is the molecule involved in the diabetic lesions rather than 3-DG itself. Thus, 3,4-DGE might contribute to diabetic nephropathy and to the impaired antibacterial defenses in diabetics. Unraveling of the pool dynamics of the GDPs and the molecular mechanisms of GDP-mediated cell injury may provide new therapeutic insights in PD and diabetes.

Near-infrared fluorescent deoxyglucose analogue for tumor optical imaging in cell culture and living mice

2-deoxy-2-[18F]fluoro-D-glucose ([18F]FDG) has extensively been used for clinical diagnosis, staging, and therapy monitoring of cancer and other diseases. Nonradioactive glucose analogues enabling the screening of the glucose metabolic rate of tumors are of particular interest for anticancer drug development. A nonradioactive fluorescent deoxyglucose analogue may have many applications for both imaging of tumors and monitoring therapeutic efficacy of drugs in living animals and may eventually translate to clinical applications. We found that a fluorescent 2-deoxyglucose analogue, 2-[N-(7-nitrobenz-2-oxa-1,3-diazol-4-yl)amino]-2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-NBDG), can be delivered in several tumor cells via the glucose transporters (GLUTs). We therefore conjugated D-glucosamine with a near-infrared (NIR) fluorphor Cy5.5 and tested the feasibility of the Cy5.5-D-glucosamine (Cy5.5-2DG) conjugate for NIR fluorescence imaging of tumors in a preclinical xenograft animal model. Cy5.5-2DG was prepared by conjugating Cy5.5 monofunctional N-hydroxysuccinimide ester (Cy5.5-NHS) and D-glucosamine followed by high-performance liquid chromatography purification. The accumulation of Cy5.5-2DG and Cy5.5-NHS in different tumor cell lines at 37 and 4 degrees C were imaged using a fluorescence microscope. Tumor targeting and retention of Cy5.5-2DG and Cy5.5-NHS in a subcutaneous U87MG glioma and A375M melanoma tumor model were evaluated and quantified by a Xenogen IVIS 200 optical cooled charged-coupled device system. Fluorescence microscopy imaging shows that Cy5.5-2DG and Cy5.5-NHS are taken up and trapped by a variety of tumor cell lines at 37 degrees C incubation, while they exhibit marginal uptake at 4 degrees C. The tumor cell uptake of Cy5.5-2DG cannot be blocked by the 50 mM D-glucose, suggesting that Cy5.5-2DG may not be delivered in tumor cells by GLUTs. U87MG and A375M tumor localization was clearly visualized in living mice with both NIR fluorescent probes. Tumor/muscle contrast was clearly visible as early as 30 min postinjection (pi), and the highest U87MG tumor/muscle ratios of 2.81 +/- 0.10 and 3.34 +/- 0.23 were achieved 24 h pi for Cy5.5-2DG and Cy5.5-NHS, respectively. While as a comparison, the micropositron emission tomography imaging study shows that [18F]FDG preferentially localizes to the U87MG tumor, with resulting tumor/muscle ratios ranging from 3.89 to 4.08 after 30 min to 2 h postadministration of the probe. In conclusion, the NIR fluorescent glucose analogues, Cy5.5-2DG and Cy5.5-NHS, both demonstrate tumor-targeting abilities in cell culture and living mice. More studies are warranted to further explore their application for optical tumor imaging. To develop NIR glucose analogues with the ability to target GLUTs/hexokinase, it is highly important to select NIR dyes with a reasonable molecular size.

An Improved Chiral Auxiliary for the Allene Ether Version of the Nazarov Cyclization

Alpha-2-deoxy-D-glucose derived ether 14 is a superior reagent for the allene ether version of the Nazarov cyclization. Enantiomeric excesses of products derived from trisubstituted morpholino enamides varied between 85% and 93% ee. [structure: see text]

Efficacy of 2-halogen substituted D-glucose analogs in blocking glycolysis and killing "hypoxic tumor cells"

PURPOSE

Since 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG) is currently in phase I clinical trials to selectively target slow-growing hypoxic tumor cells, 2-halogenated D-glucose analogs were synthesized for improved activity. Given the fact that 2-DG competes with D-glucose for binding to hexokinase, in silico modeling of molecular interactions between hexokinase I and these new analogs was used to determine whether binding energies correlate with biological effects, i.e. inhibition of glycolysis and subsequent toxicity in hypoxic tumor cells.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Using a QSAR-like approach along with a flexible docking strategy, it was determined that the binding affinities of the analogs to hexokinase I decrease as a function of increasing halogen size as follows: 2-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-FG) > 2-chloro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-CG) > 2-bromo-2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-BG). Furthermore, D-glucose was found to have the highest affinity followed by 2-FG and 2-DG, respectively. Similarly, flow cytometry and trypan blue exclusion assays showed that the efficacy of the halogenated analogs in preferentially inhibiting growth and killing hypoxic vs. aerobic cells increases as a function of their relative binding affinities. These results correlate with the inhibition of glycolysis as measured by lactate inhibition, i.e. ID50 1 mM for 2-FG, 6 mM for 2-CG and > 6 mM for 2-BG. Moreover, 2-FG was found to be more potent than 2-DG for both glycolytic inhibition and cytotoxicity.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, our in vitro results suggest that 2-FG is more potent than 2-DG in killing hypoxic tumor cells, and therefore may be more clinically effective when combined with standard chemotherapeutic protocols.

Regulation of glucagon secretion by glucose transporter type 2 (glut2) and astrocyte-dependent glucose sensors

Ripglut1;glut2-/- mice have no endogenous glucose transporter type 2 (glut2) gene expression but rescue glucose-regulated insulin secretion. Control of glucagon plasma levels is, however, abnormal, with fed hyperglucagonemia and insensitivity to physiological hypo- or hyperglycemia, indicating that GLUT2-dependent sensors control glucagon secretion. Here, we evaluated whether these sensors were located centrally and whether GLUT2 was expressed in glial cells or in neurons. We showed that ripglut1;glut2-/- mice failed to increase plasma glucagon levels following glucoprivation induced either by i.p. or intracerebroventricular 2-deoxy-D-glucose injections. This was accompanied by failure of 2-deoxy-D-glucose injections to activate c-Fos-like immunoreactivity in the nucleus of the tractus solitarius and the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus. When glut2 was expressed by transgenesis in glial cells but not in neurons of ripglut1;glut2-/- mice, stimulated glucagon secretion was restored as was c-Fos-like immunoreactive labeling in the brainstem. When ripglut1;glut2-/- mice were backcrossed into the C57BL/6 genetic background, fed plasma glucagon levels were also elevated due to abnormal autonomic input to the alpha cells; glucagon secretion was, however, stimulated by hypoglycemic stimuli to levels similar to those in control mice. These studies identify the existence of central glucose sensors requiring glut2 expression in glial cells and therefore functional coupling between glial cells and neurons. These sensors may be activated at different glycemic levels depending on the genetic background.

The Internalization and Metabolism of 3-Deoxyglucosone in Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells

3-Deoxyglucosone (3-DG), a dicarbonyl compound produced by glycation, plays a role in the modification and cross-linking of long-lived proteins. We synthesized [3H]3-DG from [3H]glucose and developed an internalization assay system using HPLC to examine its cellular metabolism. When smooth muscle cells or human umbilical vein endothelial cells were incubated with [3H]3-DG, it was found that [3H]3-DG was internalized by cells in a time dependent manner. The rate of internalization was reduced when the cells were incubated at 4 degrees C or treated with phenylarsine oxide (PAO). By monitoring [3H]3-DG taken up by cells, it was confirmed that 3-DG is reduced to 3-deoxyfructose (3-DF) and that this reaction was inhibited by an aldo-keto reductase inhibitor (ARI). The presence of 3-DG led to an increase in reactive oxygen species levels in the cells and subsequent apoptosis, and the effect was enhanced by pretreatment with ARI. These results suggest that 3-DG is internalized by cells and reduced to 3-DF by aldo-keto reductases, and that the internalized 3-DG is responsible for the production of intracellular oxidative stress.