Synthesis, biological evaluation, and molecular docking study of some new rohitukine analogs as protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B inhibitors

Rohitukine (RH) was extracted from the stem bark of Dysoxylum binectariferum Hook. It was derivatized to different arylsulphanmides by treating with the corresponding aryl sulphonyl chlorides. These derivatives were tested in-vitro on protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) inhibition. Among these the active compounds K2, K3, K5, and K8 significantly inhibited the PTP1B by 51.3%, 65.6%, 71.9%, and 55.9% respectively at 10 µg/ml, the results were also supported by in-silico docking experiments. The most potent compound K5 was analyzed for antidiabetic and antidyslipidemic activity in vivo. It showed a marked reduction in blood glucose level (random and fasting) and serum insulin level in db/db mice. It improved glucose intolerance as ascertained by the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). These NCEs (New Chemical Entities) also lowered cholesterol and triglyceride profiles while improved high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in db/db mice. The K5 was further evaluated for antiadipogenic activity on MDI (Methylisobutylxanthine, dexamethasone, and insulin)-induced adipogenesis. where it significantly inhibited MDI-induced adipogenesis in 3 T3-L1 preadipocytes, at 10 µM and 20 µM concentration. These results were compared with the parent compound RH which inhibited 35% and 45% lipid accumulation while the RH analog K5 inhibited the lipid accumulation by 41% and 51% at 10 and 20 µM concentration, respectively. These results well corroborated with in-silico studies.

The CD200-CD200R cross-talk helps Leishmania donovani to down regulate macrophage and CD4+CD44+ T cells effector functions in an NFκB independent manner

The lacuna in the knowledge of immunobiology, especially in visceral infections that are fatal if left untreated, are a major hurdle in getting a vaccine candidate for leishmaniasis. Till date, only a few drugs are available to combat human leishmaniasis and a vaccine candidate either prophylactic or preventive is still awaited. Therefore, identification of host and parasitic factors involved in the regulation of specific immune mechanisms are essentially needed. In this study, we observed that CD200-CD200R immune inhibitory axis regulates host macrophages effectors properties and helps antigen experienced T cells (CD4⁺CD44⁺ T cells) to acquire anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-10, TGF-β, IL-27) producing abilities in an NFkB independent manner. After CD200 blocking the macrophages effectively inhibited proliferation of Leishmania amastigotes and also induced the production of IL-12, IFN-γ, TNF-α and nitric oxide (NOx). Further, the blocking of CD200 signaling also restored macrophages MHC-II expression and helped CD4⁺CD44⁺ T cells to produce pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-2, IL-12 and IFN-γ. The finding of this study suggested the importance of immune inhibitory mechanisms in controlling Leishmania growth and survival and therefore, requires more studies to understand its role in vaccine induced immunity.

Indian Academy of Pediatrics Guidelines on the Fast and Junk Foods, Sugar Sweetened Beverages, Fruit Juices, and Energy Drinks

JUSTIFICATION

In view of easy availability and increasing trend of consumption of fast foods and sugar sweetened beverages (fruit juices and drinks, carbonated drinks, energy drinks) in Indian children, and their association with increasing obesity and related non-communicable diseases, there is a need to develop guidelines related to consumption of foods and drinks that have the potential to increase this problem in children and adolescents.

OBJECTIVES

To review the evidence and formulate consensus statements related to terminology, magnitude of problem and possible ill effects of junk foods, fast foods, sugar-sweetened beverages and carbonated drinks; and to formulate recommendations for limiting consumption of these foods and beverages in Indian children and adolescents.

PROCESS

A National Consultative group constituted by the Nutrition Chapter of the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP), consisting of various stakeholders in private and public sector, reviewed the literature and existing guidelines and policy regulations. Detailed review of literature was circulated to the members, and the Group met on 11th March 2019 at New Delhi for a day-long deliberation on framing the guidelines. The consensus statements and recommendations formulated by the Group were circulated to the participants and a consensus document was finalized.

CONCLUSIONS

The Group suggests a new acronym 'JUNCS' foods, to cover a wide variety of concepts related to unhealthy foods (Junk foods, Ultra-processed foods, Nutritionally inappropriate foods, Caffeinated/colored/carbonated foods/beverages, and Sugar-sweetened beverages). The Group concludes that consumption of these foods and beverages is associated with higher free sugar and energy intake; and is associated with higher body mass index (and possibly with adverse cardiometabolic consequences) in children and adolescents. Intake of caffeinated drinks may be associated with cardiac and sleep disturbances. The Group recommends avoiding consumption of the JUNCS by all children and adolescents as far as possible and limit their consumption to not more than one serving per week. The Group recommends intake of regional and seasonal whole fruits over fruit juices in children and adolescents, and advises no fruit juices/drinks to infants and young children (age <2y), whereas for children aged 2-5 y and >5-18 y, their intake should be limited to 125 mL/day and 250mL/day, respectively. The Group recommends that caffeinated energy drinks should not be consumed by children and adolescents. The Group supports recommendations of ban on sale of JUNCS foods in school canteens and in near vicinity, and suggests efforts to ensure availability and affordability of healthy snacks and foods. The Group supports traffic light coding of food available in school canteens and recommends legal ban of screen/print/digital advertisements of all the JUNCS foods for channels/magazines/websites/social media catering to children and adolescents. The Group further suggests communication, marketing and policy/taxation strategies to promote consumption of healthy foods, and limit availability and consumption of the JUNCS foods.

Infantile tremor syndrome: current perspectives

Infantile Tremor Syndrome (ITS) is a self-limiting clinical state characterized by tremors, anemia, pigmentary skin disease, regression of mental development, and hypotonia of muscles in a plump looking child. Tremors are coarse in character, decreased or disappeared in sleep and resolves within 4-6 weeks in its natural course. Various etiological factors as infectious, metabolic, nutritional have been hypothesized but none is conclusive. Consensus is developing on the role of Vitamin B12 deficiency in children with ITS but is still debatable. Empirical management of ITS children has been tried in the absence of exact etiology considering child as undernourished. Nutritional management includes supplementation of Iron, Calcium, Magnesium, Vitamin B12 and other multivitamins. Tremors can be managed with administration of propranolol most commonly or phenobarbitone, phenytoin, and carbamazepine.

Association of genetic polymorphism of interleukin-17A & interleukin-17F with susceptibility of psoriasis

Background & objectives:

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with unknown aetiology. So far studies have confirmed that interleukins, pro-inflammatory factors and T-cell activation play major role in the development of disease. Interleukin-17 (IL-17) a T helper inflammatory cytokine, was found to be positively correlated with severity of psoriasis. However, the specific mechanism has not been clarified. IL-17A and IL-17F are group members of IL17 family cytokines and found to be located adjacent to one another on the same human chromosome, 6p12. The present study was designed to identify the association between IL-17A and IL-17F gene polymorphism with susceptibility of psoriasis in north Indian population.

Methods:

A total of 166 psoriasis patients and 150 healthy controls were genotyped for IL-17A and IL-17F gene polymorphism by amplification refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction method. One single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) was analysed in IL-17A (rs10484879) and one SNP in IL-17F (rs763780) to look for an association with psoriasis.

Results:

Our study indicated decreased frequency of IL-17A (rs10484879) G allele (51.8 vs. 65.0%), and IL-17F (rs763780) C allele (36.5 vs. 45.7%) in psoriatic patients as compared to healthy controls.

Interpretation & conclusions:

The present findings suggest that IL-17A (rs10484879) G/T and IL-17F (rs763780) C/T gene polymorphisms may contribute in pathogenesis of psoriasis. Further studies need to be done to confirm these findings.

In vitro and in vivo antidiabetic effect of extracts of Melia azedarach, Zanthoxylum alatum, and Tanacetum nubigenum

BACKGROUND

To investigate the antidiabetic effect of Himalayan Medicinal plants from India viz. Melia azedarach (Family: Meliaceae), Zanthoxylum alatum (Family: Rutaceae), Tanacetum nubigenum (Family: Asteraceae) using in-vitro as well as in-vivo approaches.

METHODS

Their effects were examined on stimulation of glucose uptake by C2C12 cultured cell line, inhibitory effect on human recombinant Protein tyrosine phosphatase-1B (PTP-1B) and followed by the hypoglycaemic activity of extracts in Streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats.

RESULTS

All prepared extracts had been found to enrich with polyphenolic, flavonoids, terpenoids, anthraquinones and saponins type of compounds. n-Butanol fraction of Zanthoxylum alatum showed maximum PTP-1B inhibition (61.9%) whereas ethanol extract of Tanacetum nubigenum showed strong stimulation of glucose uptake (+61.2%) in C2Cl2 myotubes. In STZ induced Sprague-Dawley rats, significant decrease in blood glucose level was observed in ethanol extract of Melia azaderach treated group as 14.8% (p < 0.01) whereas in the ethanol extract of Tanacetum nubigenum treated group, it was observed as 15.5% (p < 0.01) compare to metformin which showed 26.8% (p < 0.01) lowering of blood glucose in the same time duration of 5 h study.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated that these plants have a significant therapeutic value in type-2-diabetes mellitus and related complications thus supporting their traditional uses in Indian traditional system of medicine.

Synthesis of substituted 2H-benzo[e]indazole-9-carboxylate as a potent antihyperglycemic agent that may act through IRS-1, Akt and GSK-3β pathways

Based on high throughput screening of our chemical library, we identified two 4,5-dihydro-2H-benzo[e]indazole derivatives (5d and 5g), which displayed a significant effect on glucose uptake in L6 skeletal muscle cells. Based on these lead molecules, a series of benzo[e]indazole derivatives were prepared. Among all the synthesized dihydro-2H-benzo[e]indazoles, 8-(methylthio)-2-phenyl-6-p-tolyl-4,5-dihydro-2H-benzo[e]indazole-9-carboxylate (5e) showed significant glucose uptake stimulation in L6 skeletal muscle cells, even better than lead compounds. Additionally, 5e decreased glucagon-induced glucose release in HepG2 hepatoma cells. The 2H-benzo[e]indazole 5e exerted an antihyperglycemic effect in normal, sucrose challenged streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats and type 2 diabetic db/db mice. Treatment with 5e at a dose of 30 mg kg-1 in db/db mice caused a significant decrease in triglyceride and total cholesterol levels and increased the HDL-C level in a significant manner. The mechanistic studies revealed that the 2H-benzo[e]indazole 5e significantly stimulated insulin-induced signaling at the level of IRS-1, Akt and GSK-3β in L6 skeletal muscle cells, possibly by inhibiting protein tyrosine phosphatase-1B. This new 2H-benzo[e]indazole derivative has potential for the treatment of diabetes with improved lipid profile.

4-Hydroxyisoleucine improves insulin resistance by promoting mitochondrial biogenesis and act through AMPK and Akt dependent pathway

4-Hydroxyisoleucine (4-HIL) is an unusual amino acid isolated from fenugreek seeds (Trigonella foenum graecum L). Various studies have shown that it acts as an antidiabetic agent yet its mechanism of action is not clear. We therefore investigated the effect 4-HIL on the high fructose diet fed streptozotocin induced diabetic rats and L6 myotubes. 4-HIL (50 mg/kg) has improved blood lipid profile, glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity in a diabetic rat model. It has increased the glucose uptake in L6 myotubes in AMPK-dependent manner and upregulated the expression of genes (PGC-1α, PGC-1β, CPT 1 and CPT 2), which have role in mitochondrial biogenesis and energy metabolism in the liver, skeletal muscles as well as in L6 myotubes. Interestingly, it also increased the AMPK and Akt expression along with their phosphorylated forms in the liver and muscle tissues of treated animals. Altogether we concluded that 4-HIL acts to improve insulin resistance by promoting mitochondrial biogenesis in high fructose diet fed STZ induced diabetic rats.

Bioactivity-guided chemical analysis of Melia azedarach L. (Meliaceae), displaying antidiabetic activity

One new Euphane-type triterpenoid 3β-hydroxytirucalla-5, 24-dien-21-oic acid (1), and ten known compounds (2-11) were isolated from Melia azedarach L. through bioassay-guided chemical analysis. The structures of the isolated compounds were established by means of 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic ((1)H, (13)C, DEPT, COSY, HSQC and HMBC) and MS spectral analyses. All the fractions and isolated pure compounds were evaluated for antidiabetic activity by determining their inhibitory effects on PTP-1B enzyme as well as glucose uptake stimulation in C2Cl2 myoblasts cells. Compounds 4 and 7 showed significant in vitro PTP-1B inhibitory activity with 69.2 and 66.8% inhibition at 10 μg/ml concentrations respectively.

Significance of family survey of index case for detection of tuberculosis

Tuberculosis is highly prevalent amongst children in India. Contact survey has not received much attention in the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Program guidelines. This study was conducted to look for tuberculosis in asymptomatic family members of pediatric tuberculosis patients at a government hospital attached to a medical college in Central India. 168 siblings and 162 parents of 86 index cases of tuberculosis were studied. 64 tuberculosis infected siblings and 7 sputum positive parents were identified.

Comparative study of intranasal midazolam and intravenous diazepam sedation for procedures and seizures

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of intranasal midazolam for seizures and various procedures.

METHODS

Prospective randomized study. Total 125 children of all ages of either sex, for seizure episode (n-76) and various invasive and non-invasive procedures (n-49) received either intranasal midazolam (0.2 mg/Kg) or intravenous diazepam (0.3 mg/Kg). RESULTS. Mean time from arrival at hospital to starting treatment was significantly shorter in midazolam group compared to diazepam group [2.34+/-0.90; minute vs 4.61+/-1.08 minute p< 0.001]. Mean time to control seizures after arrival in hospital was significantly shorter in midazolam group compared to diazepam group [5.25+/-0.86 minute vs 6.51+/-1.06 minute p.

CONCLUSION

Midazolam by the intranasal route provides safe and equally effective non-invasive method of sedation for procedures and seizures.

Effect of stimulation in coma

OBJECTIVE

To find out efficacy and benefits of early starting of stimulation therapy in coma patients.

DESIGN

Randomized controlled trial.

METHOD

Sixty children admitted to the Department of Pediatrics, having coma due to non-traumatic neurological insult were randomly selected. Both study and control groups had 30 patients each. Children in the study group were given stimulation therapy while those in control group received no stimulation. The level of consciousness was assessed before and two weeks after giving stimulation therapy.

RESULTS

Improvement in level of consciousness was better in study group as compared to control after two weeks of stimulation therapy.

CONCLUSION

Stimulation therapy was found to be highly effective in coma patients.

Health status of siblings of hospitalized children

OBJECTIVE

To study health status of siblings of children hospitalized for various diseases.

METHODS

A total of 308 siblings of 200 hospitalized children were studied by detailed history, anthropometry, physical examination and relevant laboratory tests.

RESULTS

Only 43.83% siblings were fully immunized, 25.32% partially and 30.85% were totally unimmunized. Normal nutritional status was seen in 20.43% siblings; 26.95% had grade 1, 25.64% grade II, 24.02% grade III and 2.92% had grade IV malnutrition. Various morbid conditions were observed in siblings, the common ones were vit. A deficiency (22.40%), worm infestation (21.42%), anemia (19.15%), dental caries (13.63%), ARI (13.31%), diarrhoea (12.01%), malaria (7.46%) and scabies (7.14%).

CONCLUSION

The siblings of hospitalized children are in a high-risk group as they share same environment and nutrition. They have various ailments in various stages of severity. The health screening of such children will have a positive impact in promoting health and diagnosing diseases at an early stage.

Hepatoprotective activity of Boerhaavia diffusa L. roots--a popular Indian ethnomedicine

The roots of Boerhaavia diffusa L., commonly known as 'Punarnava', are used by a large number of tribes in India for the treatment of various hepatic disorders. In the present study the effect of seasons, thickness of roots and form of dose (either aqueous or powder) were studied for their hepatoprotective action to prove the claims made by the different tribes of India. The hepatoprotective activity of roots of different diameters collected in three seasons, rainy, summer and winter, was examined in thioacetamide intoxicated rats. The results showed that an aqueous extract (2 ml/kg) of roots of diameter 1-3 cm, collected in the month of May (Summer), exhibited marked protection of a majority of serum parameters, i.e. GOT, GPT, ACP and ALP, but not GLDH and bilirubin, thereby suggesting the proper size and time of collection of B. diffusa L. roots for the most desirable results. Further, the studies also proved that the aqueous form of drug (2 ml/kg) administration has more hepatoprotective activity than the powder form; this is probably due to the better absorbtion of the liquid form through the intestinal tract.

Toxicological consequences of chloroquine and ethanol on the developing fetus

In the present study, the effects of chloroquine and ethanol administration during gestation have been investigated on the developing rat fetus. Intragastric administration of chloroquine (700 mg/kg body weight) resulted in several structural abnormalities. The incidence of hepatomegaly was increased by 30%, the liquification of visceral organs was increased by 15% and a 9% higher incidence of cleft palate, wrist drop, clubbed foot and brain liquification was observed in the fetuses from the chloroquine-treated group compared to the corresponding controls. Fetuses from the chloroquine-treated group also showed a decrease of about 40% in the body weight and a 30% reduction in the ossification of the sternum. The teratogenic effects of oral ethanol administration in several respects were similar to those of the chloroquine. Ethanol, when administered as 30% of the total daily calories, resulted in growth retardation, resorption, still births, liquification of the brain, wrist drop and clubbed foot. Additionally, ethanol resulted in the inhibition of several metabolic pathways in the liver and brain of the developing fetuses. This included the inhibition of protein, RNA and DNA metabolism in the fetal livers and brains. The feto-toxic effects of these two xenobiotics and their possible molecular mechanisms have been discussed.

Development of hepatic bilirubin glucuronidation as affected by prolonged maternal ethanol intake

Prolonged maternal ethanol intake by lactating mothers resulted in a 26% and 41% decrease in serum conjugated bilirubin of 6 and 10 day old suckling newborn rats, respectively. An increase of 20% and 36% was observed in the serum unconjugated bilirubin levels in suckling newborns from the ethanol-fed group compared to the corresponding controls. Newborns suckling on ethanol-fed dams showed a small, but significant hyperbilirubinemia compared to the controls. Acute administration of ethanol (2.5 g/kg) to newborn rats also resulted in a decrease in serum conjugated bilirubin and an increase in the levels of unconjugated and total bilirubin. Prolonged ethanol intake by adults also resulted in a decrease in conjugated bilirubin and an increase in unconjugated and total bilirubin levels compared to the corresponding controls. Bilirubin glucuronide formation in the liver was decreased by ethanol by about 30% and 37% in the suckling newborn, and adults, respectively. Newborns suckling on ethanol-fed dams, as well as the dams consuming ethanol showed an increase in hepatic (UDPG)/(UDPGA) levels. The activity of hepatic bilirubin-UDP-glucuronyl transferase either in the newborns suckling on ethanol-fed dams, or in dams consuming ethanol chronically, was not significantly different from their corresponding controls. Ethanol was found to inhibit the glucuronidation of bilirubin by decreasing the availability of UDP-glucuronic acid in the newborn and adult livers.

Teratogenic effects of lithium and ethanol in the developing fetus

Prolonged administration of either lithium (7 mg/kg body wt.) or ethanol (30% of daily caloric intake) for 10 days to pregnant rats results in several anatomical abnormalities in the fetus. Intragastric administration of lithium carbonate to pregnant rats immediately after confirmation of pregnancy resulted in high incidence of cleft palate, growth retardation, brain liquification and pulpy brain, hepatomegaly and digital abnormalities, when compared to the saline-treated controls. Furthermore, lithium administration during gestation also resulted in other less frequently observed abnormalities in the fetus, e.g., cardiomegaly, hydronephrosis, ankle-joint defects, syndactyly, defected ribs and sternum ossification defects. Chronic ethanol consumption by pregnant rats during early gestation also resulted in several anatomical abnormalities of prenatal growth retardation, resorption and still births, cleft palate, hydrocephaly and hydronephrosis. The severity and frequency of several of the fetal abnormalities were compounded when lithium and ethanol were administered simultaneously. The possible mechanisms of lithium and ethanol teratogenicity and their synergistic effects have been explained on a biochemical basis.

Nucleic acid and protein synthesis inhibition in developing brain by ethanol in the absence of hypothermia

Effects of acute or chronic ethanol administration have been studied on protein, RNA and DNA synthesis in the developing brain in the absence or presence of hypothermia. Acute ethanol was given intraperitoneally (4 g/kg) and for chronic ethanol treatment the pups were allowed to suckle on the ethanol-fed dams. Dams were pair-fed on nutritionally adequate liquid-sustacal diet. Ethanol administration, both acutely and chronically, inhibited the in vivo and in vitro protein synthesis in the absence or presence of hypothermia. This data suggests that ethanol per se is capable of producing the inhibition of protein synthesis in brain without its hypothermic effect. However, the inhibitory effect of ethanol is more pronounced in the presence of ethanol-mediated hypothermia. Hypothermia in itself also causes a decrease in the synthesis of proteins. Maternal ethanol consumption results in a significant decrease in the synthesis of both RNA and DNA in the developing brain of suckling newborn either in the absence or presence of hypothermia. RNA and DNA synthesis was measured by following the incorporation of (5-(3)H) uridine and (14C)thymidine respectively. Decrease in body temperature alone also resulted in decreased RNA and DNA synthesis in the developing brain. Ethanol reaching the suckling newborn from maternal milk resulted in decreased brain weights, total protein, ribosomal protein, total RNA, ribosomal RNA, and total DNA of the brain. Neonatal brain proteolytic and DNA-polymerase activities were inhibited in the ethanol-fed group. An inhibition of proteolytic activity reflects a compensatory mechanism of the developing brain to decrease the breakdown of proteins in response to the inhibitory effect of ethanol on protein synthesis.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Convenient synthesis of 6-nor-9,10-dihydrolysergic acid methyl ester

6-Nor-9,10-dihydrolysergic acid methyl ester (IV) was prepared by demethylation of 9,10-dihydrolysergic acid methyl ester (II) with 2,2,2-trichloroethyl chloroformate, followed by reduction of the intermediate carbamate (III) with zinc in acetic acid. The 6-ethyl-V and 6-n-propyl-VI derivatives were prepared by alkylation of IV with the appropriate halide. All of the ergoline derivatives were evaluated for stereotyped behavior in rats, with 6-nor-6-ethyl-9,10-dihydrolysergic acid methyl ester (V) being active but much less potent than apomorphine. Compound VI was evaluated for its effect on blood pressure; at a dose of 30 mg/kg ip, it significantly lowered, diastolic pressure in normotensive rats.

Psychotropic drug metabolism in fetal alcohol syndrome

Simultaneous intake of ethanol with chlorpromazine (thorazine), an antipsychotic drug, leads to about 60% decrease in the chlorpromazine removal from the rat blood. Studies with liver homogenates showed that ethanol inhibits the metabolism of this drug by about 50%. The inhibitory effect of ethanol on the metabolism of chlorpromazine can be largely abolished by pyrazole (2 mM) preincubation. Prolonged maternal ethanol consumption during pregnancy and lactation leads to a decrease in chlorpromazine metabolism in the fetal (30%), neonatal (46%) and maternal livers. Prolonged maternal ethanol intake also leads to an increase in the (UDPG)/(UDPGA) ratio in the suckling neonatal liver and the maternal liver. Simultaneous acute administration of ethanol (2g/kg) with psychotropic drugs such as chlordiazepoxide (librium), diazepam (valium), chlorpromazine (thorazine) or meprobamate (equanil) to pregnant or non-pregnant rats led to a decrease in the blood alcohol clearance rates. In another group of nonpsychotropic drugs tested, tolbutamide (orinase) produced the most pronounced (47%) decrease in blood alcohol clearance rates. This decrease was found to be accompanied by the inhibition of hepatic alcohol dehydrogenase.

Development of histaminergic pathways in brain as influenced by maternal alcoholism

The development of histaminergic pathways has been studied in the rat brain specially as influenced by maternal alcoholism. Maternal ethanol consumption during pregnancy results in an increase in the cerebral histamine levels of the fetus. An increase in the brain histamine levels is also observed in the newborn rats suckling on the ethanol-fed mothers compared to the corresponding controls. Brain histamine levels are highest towards latter part of the pregnancy and lowest in the adult brains, whereas the brain histidine decarboxylase activity is lowest in the fetal brains and highest in the adult brains. Maternal alcoholism either during gestation or during lactation did not significantly affect histidine decarboxylase activity in the fetal and neonatal brains. Acute administration of ethanol or acetaldehyde after 20 minutes resulted in significant increase in the brain histamine levels. This increase in the brain histamine levels seems to be a direct result of brain histamine release due to ethanol or acetaldehyde metabolism in the body. The effect of ethanol on brain histamine levels may have important implications inview of the fact that both histamine and ethanol influence diuresis, EEG activity, and thermoregulation in the body.

Inhibition of cardiac protein synthesis by prolonged ethanol administration

Effects of prolonged ethanol consumption have been studied on the rates of cardiac protein synthesis. Prolonged ethanol consumption resulted in a significant decrease in cardiac contents of total protiens and RNA. Chronic exposure to ethanol did not result in an alteration in cardiac DNA content. The rates of protein synthesis measured by determining the rates of (U-14C)-leucine incorporation into cardiac proteins showed that chronic ethanol-feeding leads to a significant inhibition of protein synthesis. Studies with ribosomes and pH 5 enzyme fractions of heart showed that prolonged ethanol consumption inhibits the capacity of both these fractions to synthesize proteins. Acute administration of ethanol or in vitro addition of ethanol does not affect the cardiac protein synthesis in the heart. The acetaldehyde-mediated inhibition of cardiac protein synthesis can be partially prevented by antabuse. These observations suggest that, at least some of the deleterious effects of chronic ethanol consumption on the heart may be exerted through the inhibition of protein synthesis in the cardiac muscle.

Effects of maternal ethanol consumption on hepatic lipid biosynthesis in foetal and neonatal rats

Effects of prolonged maternal ethanol consumption were studied on hepatic lipid content, on the rates of fatty acid synthesis and on the activities of enzymes involved in fatty acid synthesis in the livers of foetal and suckling neonatal rats. Prolonged maternal ethanol consumption resulted in a significant increase in the contents of hepatic total lipids, triacylglycerols and plasma unesterified fatty acids in foetal and neonatal rats. Studies in vitro with 3H2O showed that maternal ethanol consumption did not result in a significant change in its rate of incorporation into lipid fractions of foetal and neonatal livers. The rates of fatty acid synthesis showed a pronounced decrease immediately after birth, compared with the foetal stage, but increased in the adult animals. On the other hand, the highest rates of lipid oxidation were observed in the neonatal stage. Maternal ethanol consumption resulted in a significant decrease in the rates of [14C]palmitate oxidation to 14CO2 by both the foetal and neonatal livers. Maternal ethanol consumption did not result in an increase in the activities of any of the lipid-synthesizing enzymes tested throughout the period of development. Although increased fatty acid synthesis does not seem to be the mechanism for the accumulation of these lipids, decreased oxidation of the lipids may be partly responsible for the lipid accumulation.

Effects of fructose and other substances on ethanol and acetaldehyde metabolism in man

The comparative effectiveness of oral administration of fructose, glucose sucrose and alanine has been investigated on the rates of blood alcohol clearance, and acetaldehyde removal in man. Oral administration of fructose was found to exert the most pronounced effect. It increased the rate of blood alcohol clearance by about 100%. Orally administered alanine was found to be least effective in increasing the rate of blood alcohol clearance after blood alcohol had reached peak levels, perhaps due that poor absorption of alanine. Fructose administration partially prevented the ethanol-mediated increase inlactate/pyruvate and beta-hydroxybutyrate/acetoacetate in the blood. Fructose exerted the most pronounced antiketogenic effect and the levels of circulating free fatty acids decreased in the 24-hour fasted patients upon administration of fructose with ethanol compared to ethanol alone. Oral administrations of fructose, glucose, sucrose or alanine did not significantly change the levels of acetaldehyde in the blood. Combined administration of fructose with ethanol resulted in an increase in the levels of blood sorbitol. The mechanism through which fructose exerts its stimulatory effect on the metabolism of ethanol in the liver has been discussed.

Effect of maternal ethanol consumption on foetal and neonatal rat hepatic protein synthesis

Effects of maternal ethanol consumption were investigated on the rates of protein synthehsis by livers of foetal and neonatal rats both in vivo and in vitro, and on the activities of enzymes involved in protein synthesis and degradation. The rates of general protein synthesis by ribosomes in vitro studied by measuring the incorporation of [14C]leucine into ribosomal protein showed that maternal ethanol consumption resulted in an inhibition of the rates of protein synthesis by both foetal and neonatal livers from the ethanol-fed group. The rates of incorporation of intravenously injected [14C]leucine into hepatic proteins were also significantly lower in the foetal, neonatal and adult livers from the ethanol-fed group. Incubation of adult-rat liver slices with ethanol resulted in an inhibition of the incorporation of [14C]leucine into hepatic proteins; however, this effect was not observed in the foetal liver slices. This effect of externally added ethanol was at least partially prevented by the addition of pyrazole to the adult liver slices. Pyrazole addition to foetal liver slices was without significant effect on the rates of protein synthesis. Cross-mixing experiments showed that the capacity of both hepatic ribosomes and pH5 enzyme fractions to synthesize proteins was decreased in the foetal liver from the ethanol-fed group. Maternal ethanol consumption resulted in a decrease in hepatic total RNA content, RNA/DNA ratio and ribosomal protein content in the foetal liver. Foetal hepatic DNA content was not significantly affected. Ethanol consumption resulted in a significant decrease in proteolytic activity and the activity of tryptophan oxygenase in the foetal, neonatal and adult livers. It is possible that the mechanisms of inhibition of protein synthesis observed here in the foetal liver after maternal ethanol consumption may be responsible for at least some of the changes observed in 'foetal alcohol syndrome'.

Ribosomal proteins synthesis in the fetal and neonatal rat brain as influenced by maternal ethanol consumption

Effects of long-term ethanol consumption by pregnant rats have been investigated on the protein synthesis by fetal and neonatal brain ribosomes. Chronic ethanol-feeding to pregnant rats resulted in about 30% decrease in the rate of 14C-leucine incorporation by the fetal cerebral ribosomes. The rate of 14C-leucine incorporation by the cerebral ribosomes from neonatal rats suckling on ethanol-fed mothers showed about 60% decrease as compared to the corresponding control group. The brains from both fetuses and neonates of the ethanol-fed group showed a decrease in the amount of t-RNA formed compared to the corresponding controls. The highest rates of 14C-leucine incorporation into ribosomal protein were observed by ribosomes from neonate brains. The ribosomes from fetal brains showed the highest sensitivity to the in vitro addition of ethanol. Pretreatment with cycloheximide significantly inhibited the rate of 14C-leucine incorporation into the ribosomal protein. The cerebral content of both total RNA and DNA was significantly lower in the brains of developing neonates suckling on ethanol-fed mothers compared to the corresponding controls.

Antiketogenic action of fructose, glyceraldehyde, and sorbitol in the rat in vivo

The purpose of this study was to compare the metabolism and antiketogenic properties of fructose, glyceraldehyde, and sorbitol. Fructose, glyceraldehyde, and sorbitol were readily metabolized and exhibited an antiketogenic effect in both blood and liver when injected intramuscularly to starved (forty-eight hours) rats. Sorbitol had the most pronounced antiketogenic effect and produced an 80 to 90 per cent decrease in the blood ketone bodies sixty minutes after administration. Fructose and glyceraldehyde were equally effective and produced about a 60 to 70 per cent decrease in ketone bodies. Fructose, glyceraldehyde, and sorbitol caused a significant decrease in the concentration of hepatic ketone bodies. In liver, sorbitol was found to be most effective in its antiketogenic action. The concentration of plasma free fatty acids remained unchanged after injection of all three antiketogenic substrates. Fructose, glyceraldehyde, or sorbitol caused increased blood lactate and pyruvate concentrations, and fructose was the most effective of the three substrates. Fructose administration resulted in a significant decrease in hepatic lactate/pyruvate and beta-OH-butyrate/acetoacetate concentration ratios, whereas sorbitol caused an increase in the concentration ratio of these two substrat pairs. Decreases in blood and liver ketone body levels were associated with lowering of liver acetyl-CoA concentration . However, the decrease in hepatic acetyl-CoA produced upon the administration of antiketogenic substrates was not pronounced. Sorbitol administration resulted in the most pronounced increase in hepatic alpha-glycerophosphate concentration. Fructose or glyceraldehyde also caused an increase in alpha-glycerophosphate content. Administration of each of the three antiketogenic substrates produced an increase in hepatic dihydroxyacetone phosphate concentration. All three antiketogenic compounds increased liver glycogen and blood glucose concentrations. No significant changes were observed in hepatic ATP, ADP, or AMP concentrations sixty minutes after the injections of any of the antiketogenic substrates. Although decreased liver acetyl-CoA levels were associated with the antiketogenic effects of the compounds tested, the increased liver alpha-glycerophosphate content best explains the differences between fructose or glyceraldehyde and sorbitol.

Effect of clofibrate on cholesterol and lipid metabolism in ethanol - treated mice

The effects of chronic clofibrate administration were studied in long-term ethanol-fed an control mice. Long-term administration of ethanol to adult-mice resulted in an increase in liver and plasma total triglycerides and hepatic cholesterol levels as compared to the corresponding controls. Cloribrate feeding resulted in about 15-25% decrease in hepatic and plasma cholesterol levels in the ethanol-fed group. The administration of ethanol led to a rise in levels of hepatic triglycerides, plasma triglycerides, plasma free fatty acids and hepatic alpha-glycerophosphate. Treatment with clofibrate partially prevented the changes in the concentration of these metabolites and resulted in a significant increase in the activity of hepatic alpha-glycerophosphate dehydrogenase. Clofibrate administration resulted in about 20% increase in the rate of 14-C-cholesterol oxidation to 14-CO2. It is concluded that while clofibrate is able to retard ethanol-induced lipid accumulation in the liver, it is unable to completely prevent hepatic lipid accumulation.

Effects of ethanol on brain metabolism

The influence of acute or chronic ethanol administration on the biochemical processes in brain and cerebral metabolic pathways has been discussed. Ethanol seems to affect cerebral carbohydrate metabolism mainly through increased glycogenolysis, although the possibility of decreased cerebral glucose utilization remains eminent. Ethanol affects the consumption of oxygen by the brain tissue presumably through alterations in the brain cell membranes. Inhibition of Na+-K+-ATP-ase observed during ethanol intoxication is suspected to result in alterations in the membranes of the nerve cells. Isotope studies in addition to total respiratory carbon dioxide production strongly suggest the inhibition of citric acid cycle function during ethanol metabolism. Although synthetic pathways for lipids do not seem to be affected by ethanol, lipid oxidation in the cerebral tissue is significantly inhibited. In addition to above mentioned alterations in the cerebral metabolic processes, ethanol also affects ionic transport processes, adenine nucleotides, and amino acid and protein metabolism. The metabolic consequences of such effects of ethanol have been discussed.