Phytochemical Properties and In Vitro Biological Activities of Phenolic Compounds from Flower of Clitoria ternatea L

Phenolic compounds from the flower of Clitoria ternatea L. (PCFCTL) were extracted using a high-speed shearing extraction technique and purified by AB-8 macroporous resins, and the phytochemical composition of the purified phenolic compounds from the flower of Clitoria ternatea L. (PPCFCTL) was then analyzed. Subsequently, its bioactivities including antioxidant properties, enzyme inhibitory activities, and antiproliferative activities against several tumor cell lines were evaluated. Results indicated that the contents of total phenolics, flavonoids, flavonols, flavanols, and phenolic acids in PPCFCTL were increased by 3.29, 4.11, 2.74, 2.43, and 2.96-fold, respectively, compared with those before being purified by AB-8 macroporous resins. The results showed PPCFCTL have significant antioxidant ability (measured by reducing power, RP, and ferric reducing antioxidant power method, FRAP) and good DPPH, ABTS⁺, and superoxide anion radical scavenging activities. They can also significantly inhibit lipase, α-amylase, and α-glucosidase. In addition, morphological changes of HeLa, HepG2, and NCI-H460 tumor cells demonstrated the superior antitumor performance of PPCFCTL. However, the acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity was relatively weak. These findings suggest that PPCFCTL have important potential as natural antioxidant, antilipidemic, anti-glycemic and antineoplastic agents in health-promoting foods.

Antiobesity Potential of Bioactive Constituents from Dichloromethane Extract of Psoralea corylifolia L. Seeds

Purpose

Effectively controlling the accumulation of adipose tissue can be a therapeutic strategy for treating obesity, which is a global problem. The present study was designed for comparative assessment of in vitro antiobesity activities of the Psoralea corylifolia-dichloromethane seed extract (DCME) and the isolated phytochemicals, bakuchiol, isopsoralen, and psoralen, through antiadipogenesis and pancreatic lipase (PL) inhibition assays. Material and Methods. In vitro pancreatic lipase activity was determined spectrophotometrically by measuring the hydrolysis of p-nitrophenyl butyrate (p-NPB) to p-nitrophenol at 405 nm, and adipogenesis was assayed in 3 T3-L1 adipocytes (by using Oil Red O staining) using P. corylifolia-dichloromethane seed extract (DCME) and individual compounds, isolated from the extract.

Result

Antilipase as well as antiadipogenesis activity was displayed by both the DCME and the compounds. Maximum antilipase property was recorded in DCME (26.02 ± .041%) at 100 μg/ml, while, among the isolated compounds, bakuchiol exhibited a higher activity (24.2 ± 0.037%) at 100 μg/ml concentration, compared to other isolates. DCME was found to exhibit antiadipogenesis property, 75 ± 0.003% lipid accumulation, compared to the control at 100 μg/ml dose. Bakuchiol, isopsoralen, and psoralen inhibited the lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes, 78.06 ± 0.002%, 80.91 ± 0.004%, and 80.91 ± 0.001%, respectively, lipid accumulation in comparison to control at 25 μM dose.

Conclusion

The present study highlights the antiobesity potential of P. corylifolia and its active constituents. Thus, it can be concluded that P. corylifolia has the potential to treat obesity and related diseases; however, further research on dose standardization and clinical trials are required.

Proteomic and lipidomics analyses of high fatty acid AhDGAT3 transgenic soybean reveals the key lipase gene associated with the lipid internal mechanism

Vegetable oil is one of the most important components of human nutrition. Soybean (Glycine max) is an important oil crop worldwide and contains rich unsaturated fatty acids. Diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT) is a key rate-limiting enzyme in the Kennedy pathway from diacylglycerol (DAG) to triacylglycerol (TAG). In this study, we conducted further research using T3 AhDGAT3 transgenic soybean. A high-performance gas chromatography flame ionization detector showed that oleic acid (18:1) content and total fatty acid content of transgenic soybean were significantly higher than those of the wild type (WT). However, linoleic acid (18:2) was much lower than that in the WT. For further mechanistic studies, 20 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) and 119 differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs) were identified between WT (JACK) and AhDGAT3 transgenic soybean mature seeds using proteomic and lipidomics analyses. Combined proteomic and lipidomics analyses showed that the upregulation of the key DEP (lipase GDSL domain-containing protein) in lipid transport and metabolic process induced an increase in the total fatty acid and 18:1 composition, but a decrease in the 18:2 composition of fatty acids. Our study provides new insights into the deep study of molecular mechanism underlying the enhancement of fatty acids in transgenic soybeans, especially oleic acid and total fatty acid, which are enhanced by over-expression of AhDGAT3.

Micro-Aqueous Organic System: A Neglected Model in Computational Lipase Design?

Water content is an important factor in lipase-catalyzed reactions in organic media but is frequently ignored in the study of lipases by molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. In this study, Candida antarctica lipase B, Candida rugosa lipase and Rhizopus chinensis lipase were used as research models to explore the mechanisms of lipase in micro-aqueous organic solvent (MAOS) media. MD simulations indicated that lipases in MAOS systems showed unique conformations distinguished from those seen in non-aqueous organic solvent systems. The position of water molecules aggregated on the protein surface in MAOS media is the major determinant of the unique conformations of lipases and particularly impacts the distribution of hydrophilic and hydrophobic amino acids on the lipase surface. Additionally, two maxima were observed in the water-lipase radial distribution function in MAOS systems, implying the formation of two water shells around lipase in these systems. The energy landscapes of lipases along solvent accessible areas of catalytic residues and the minimum energy path indicated the dynamic open states of lipases in MAOS systems differ from those in other solvent environments. This study confirmed the necessity of considering the influence of the microenvironment on MD simulations of lipase-catalyzed reactions in organic media.

Zymography for Picogram Detection of Lipase and Esterase Activities

Lipases and esterases are important catalysts with wide varieties of industrial applications. Although many methods have been established for detecting their activities, a simple and sensitive approach for picogram detection of lipolytic enzyme quantity is still highly desirable. Here we report a lipase detection assay which is 1000-fold more sensitive than previously reported methods. Our assay enables the detection of as low as 5 pg and 180 pg of lipolytic activity by direct spotting and zymography, respectively. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the detection sensitivity was adjustable by varying the buffering capacity, which allows for screening of both high and low abundance lipolytic enzymes. Coupled with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, our method provides a useful tool for sensitive detection and identification of lipolytic enzymes.

Bioactive compounds guided diversity of endophytic fungi from Baliospermum montanum and their potential extracellular enzymes

Baliospermum montanum (Willd.) Muell. Arg, a medicinal plant distributed throughout India from Kashmir to peninsular-Indian region is extensively used to treat jaundice, asthma, and constipation. In the current study, 203 endophytic fungi representing twenty-nine species were isolated from tissues of B. montanum. The colonization and isolation rate of endophytes were higher in stem followed by seed, root, leaf and flower. The phytochemical analysis revealed 70% endophytic isolates showed alkaloids and flavonoids, 13% were positive for phenols, saponins and terpenoids. Further, these endophytes produced remarkable extracellular enzymes such as amylase, cellulase, phosphates, protease and lipase. The most promisive three endophytic fungi were identified by ITS region and secreted metabolites were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS). The GC-MS profile detected twenty-five bioactive compounds from ethyl acetate extracts. Among endophytic fungi, Trichoderma reesei isolated from flower exhibited nine bioactive compounds namely, 2-Cyclopentenone, 2-(4-chloroanilino)-4-piperidino, Oxime-methoxy-Phenyl, Methanamine N-hydroxy-N-methyl, Strychane, Cyclotetrasiloxane, Octamethyl and 1-Acetyl-20a-hydroxy-16-methylene. The endophyte, Aspergillus brasiliensis isolated from root and Fusarium oxysporum isolated from seed produced nine and seven bioactive compounds, respectively. Overall, a significant contribution of bioactive compounds was noticed from the diverse endophytic fungi associated with B. montanum and could be explored for development of novel drug with commercial values.

Seasonal variations of digestive enzymes in sea cucumbers (Holothuria tubulosa, G. 1788) under culture conditions

Sea cucumber, Holothuria tubulosa (Gmelin, 1788), is an economically valuable species due to its rich nutrients content that being exported in Turkey. However, culture of this species is difficult due to a lack of knowledge. The main objective of this study is to investigate seasonal activities of main digestive enzymes (protease, lipase, and amylase) for nutritional requirements. In this sense, sea cucumbers were stocked in the glass aquarium and sediment was 10 cm. It was replaced monthly and enriched (1% of the living individual weight) by dried Sargassum sp. Total protease and amylase enzymes have shown higher activity compared to lipase. All three enzyme activities were maximum in the summer and minimum in the winter. In summer, the highest measured total protease, amylase, and lipase activity values were 6.45 ± 0.66, 6.77 ± 0.72, and 2.78 ± 0.32 U/mg per protein, respectively. In winter, the lowest total protease, amylase, and lipase activity values were measured as 2.03 ± 0.16, 1.14 ± 0.14, and 0.12 ± 0.01 U/mg per protein, respectively. As a conclusion of the study, seasonal expression of the main digestive enzymes was strictly dependent on water temperatures and food abundance and also it was ideal to feed this species with food containing high protein and carbohydrate under appropriate temperatures for commercial culture.

Multivariate spectrofluorimetric detection of lipase isolated from Serratia marcescens in chromatographic fractions

Lipases are ubiquitous enzymes and widespread in nature. They have been widely purified as one of the most important enzymes in molecular biosciences and biotechnology. In this paper, the extracellular lipase was separated from Serratia marcescens. The separated enzyme was purified partially by ammonium sulfate precipitation, dialysis and gel filtration chromatography. Presence of the lipase in chromatography fractions was assayed by the hydrolysis of paranitrophenyl palmitate (pNPP) as substrate. The excitation and emission (EEM) fluorescence spectra of purified lipase in chromatographic fractions were investigated. The study demonstrates an application of fluorescence spectroscopy, combined with multivariate regression methods, to the analysis of fluorescent lipase component. N-way partial least squares (N-PLS) was utilized to show the importance of region selection in calibration modeling of the data. Genetic algorithm (GA) optimization was applied to improve the performance of radial basis function network based regression model. RBF-ANN was used to calibrate and predict lipase activity. The analytical performance of RBF-ANN method was characterized by Q^2parameter. The value of Q^2 was 0.919. The proposed method was successfully applied to the analysis of protein containing fractions and in order to explore the three way fluorescence data array from separated fractions, parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC) was applied. The fluorescence signal was resolved into excitation and emission profiles of the pure fluorescent compounds.

2019 WSES guidelines for the management of severe acute pancreatitis

Although most patients with acute pancreatitis have the mild form of the disease, about 20-30% develops a severe form, often associated with single or multiple organ dysfunction requiring intensive care. Identifying the severe form early is one of the major challenges in managing severe acute pancreatitis. Infection of the pancreatic and peripancreatic necrosis occurs in about 20-40% of patients with severe acute pancreatitis, and is associated with worsening organ dysfunctions. While most patients with sterile necrosis can be managed nonoperatively, patients with infected necrosis usually require an intervention that can be percutaneous, endoscopic, or open surgical. These guidelines present evidence-based international consensus statements on the management of severe acute pancreatitis from collaboration of a panel of experts meeting during the World Congress of Emergency Surgery in June 27-30, 2018 in Bertinoro, Italy. The main topics of these guidelines fall under the following topics: Diagnosis, Antibiotic treatment, Management in the Intensive Care Unit, Surgical and operative management, and Open abdomen.

The neuropeptide receptor subunit RAMP1 constrains the innate immune response during acute pancreatitis in mice

OBJECTIVES

The importance of the Calcitonin-gene-related-peptide-pathway (CGRP) as neuronal modulator of innate immune responses in mice has been previously demonstrated. The CGRP-receptor is composed of two subunits: the receptor-activity-modifying-protein-1 (RAMP1) and the calcitonin-receptor-like-receptor (CLR). CGRP can influence immune cells and their capacity of producing inflammatory cytokines. Using a RAMP1 knockout-mouse (RAMP1^-/-) we examined the role of the CGRP-receptor in the acute-phase of cerulein-induced pancreatitis.

METHODS

Hourly cerulein-injections for a period of 8 h in RAMP1^-/- and wild-type mice were performed. To compare severity and extent of inflammation in RAMP1^-/- and wild-type mice, histological analyses were done and cytokine levels were assessed using qRT-PCR 8 h, 24 h, 2 days, and 7 days post-cerulein-treatment. Furthermore, serum activities of LDH and lipase were determined.

RESULTS

After 8 h RAMP1^-/- mice showed a higher pancreas-to-body-weight-ratio, increased tissue edema and immune cell infiltration with higher amount of F4/80-positive cells as compared to wild-type mice. Overall infiltration of immune cells at 24 h was increased in RAMP1^-/- mice and composed predominantly of MPO-positive neutrophils. In addition, after 24 h RAMP1^-/- mice presented a higher pancreas-to-body-weight-ratio, higher expression of Ccl3, Il6, and Il1b and increased number of cleaved caspase 3 positive cells. Serum lipase correlated with the extent of tissue damage in RAMP1^-/- compared to wild-type mice 24 h post-cerulein treatment.

CONCLUSION

Mice lacking RAMP1 showed increased inflammation, tissue edema, and pancreas injury particularly in the early phase of acute pancreatitis. This study highlights the essential role of CGRP for dampening the innate immune response in acute pancreatitis.

Assessing abdominal pain in adults: a rational, cost-effective, and evidence-based strategy

The management of abdominal pain has changed significantly in the past 20 years, with increasing emphasis on identifying patients who are at high risk for occult pathology and worse outcomes. Emphasizing safe disposition over diagnosis, this issue identifies the important aspects of the history and physical examination, explores strengths and weaknesses of laboratory evaluations, and summarizes the pros and cons of the many types of imaging now available. With abdominal pain still the most common chief complaint seen in the emergency department, a new look at the evolution of assessment strategies is in order, such as new recommendations on the use of oral contrast, managing HIV patients on highly active antiretroviral therapy, maximizing use of bedside ultrasound, when and how to offer pain relief, and the value of serial examinations and observation to reduce costs and improve care.

Ratiometric Nanoparticle Array-Based Near-Infrared Fluorescent Probes for Quantitative Protein Sensing

Quantitative detection of protein biomarkers is crucial to medical diagnosis. Fluorescent probes have been frequently used for protein detection, but they suffered from various weaknesses such as lack of versatility. In particular, most of the reported probes were not capable of simultaneous qualitative and quantitative detection for various proteins. In this paper, we developed novel nanoparticle array-based near-infrared (NIR) ratiometric probes for potent protein analysis, in which the specific protein was able to be distinguished and quantitated within a group of 11 common proteins. The activity of β-galactosidases (β-gal) was temporarily inhibited by the adsorption to magnetic nanoparticles and restored to certain content by replacement with detected proteins, leading to distinctive readout of the enzyme-activatable NIR probe (DCM-β-gal). The readout of the sensor array against 11 proteins, as verified by isothermal titration calorimetry, was processed and transformed into canonical factors with the help of linear discrimination analysis. Moreover, the ratiometric signals of DCM-β-gal were translated to quantitatively detect proteins within the concentration range of 0-100 μg/mL. Based on clear differentiation within both two-dimensional and three-dimensional plots, different proteins could be detected with 100% accuracy with their concentration simultaneously determined, which endowed the sensing system with great potential in clinical diagnosis.

Acute pancreatitis with abdominal bloating and distension, normal lipase and amylase: A case report

RATIONALE

Acute pancreatitis is an inflammatory disorder of the pancreas, and its correct diagnosis is an area of interest for clinicians. In accordance with the revised Atlanta classification, acute pancreatitis can be diagnosed if at least 2 of the following 3 criteria are fulfilled: abdominal pain; serum lipase (or amylase) activity at least 3 times the upper limit of normal; or characteristic findings of acute pancreatitis on contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) or, less often, magnetic resonance imaging or transabdominal ultrasonography. Diagnostic imaging is essential in patients with no or slight enzyme elevation. If enzymes are normal in cases with abdominal distension, there is clinical doubt about the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis, so an early CT scan should be obtained and other life-threatening disorders excluded.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 50-year-old male presented with a 1-day history of abdominal bloating and distension. On physical examination, abdominal bulging and mild epigastric tenderness were detected. Laboratory evaluation showed normal amylase and lipase. There was no abnormality on abdominal ultrasound or CT of the abdomen and pelvis. On the fourth day of admission, CT of the abdomen and pelvis showed a hypodense lesion in the pancreas surrounded by a moderate amount of peripancreatic fluid.

DIAGNOSES

In accordance with the revised Atlanta classification, acute pancreatitis was diagnosed, based on the presence of abdominal pain, and the results of the CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis.

INTERVENTIONS

The patient was treated with fasting, gastrointestinal decompression bowel rest, intravenous rehydration, and somatostatin.

OUTCOMES

After 2 days of treatment, his abdominal distension was significantly relieved, and the patient was discharged on the seventh day of admission. At the 3-month follow-up, the patient had no recurrence of pancreatitis.

LESSONS

This case of abdominal distension could not be explained by common causes, such as ascites, bowel edema, hematoma, bowel distension, or ileus, which led us to suspect pancreatitis.

Chemical Composition and Enzymatic Screening of Micromeria fruticosa serpyllifolia Volatile Oils Collected from Three Different Regions of West Bank, Palestine

INTRODUCTION

Volatile oils (VOs) have been commonly used in cosmetics and food as fragrances, flavoring, and preservative agents or in alternative medicine for their therapeutic effects. This necessitates investigating those plants and their VOs. This study was conducted to investigate the chemical compositions of the VOs of Micromeria fruticosa serpyllifolia growing widely in three regions in Palestine (i.e., Hebron, Ramallah, and Nablus districts representing south, middle, and north of West Bank). Afterwards, VOs were subjected to in vitro screening and their enzymatic properties were compared.

METHODS

The analysis of chemical components of VOs was performed by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The antilipase activity was evaluated using porcine pancreatic lipase and p-nitrophenyl butyrate. The antiamylase activity was assessed using porcine pancreatic α-amylase, starch, and 3,5-dinitrosalicylic.

RESULTS

Plant extracts yield range was 0.67 to 0.99 w/w%. GC-MS analysis showed the high percentages of oxygenated components in the range of 86.1-89.88% and nonoxygenated components in the range of 4.38-4.71%. Seven components were observed, pulegone was the most abundant component in the three samples in the range of 74.43-86.04%, and isomenthone was the second most abundant component with the range of 3.16-14.41%. The sample collected from Nablus showed the most potent antilipase and antiamylase activity with IC50 values of 39.81 μg/mL and 3.31 μg/mL, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The study showed that Micromeria fruticosa serpyllifolia volatile oils samples from different regions in Palestine contained different proportions of phytochemicals which provided different potential biological activities such as antiobesity and antidiabetes activities that were in line with traditional uses of the plant extracts. The plant extracts showed higher antilipase and antiamylase potency than that of the relative references and there were significant differences in these activities compared to each other.

Neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, lipase, high-density lipoprotein as a panel of factors to predict acute pancreatitis in pregnancy

Acute pancreatitis in pregnancy (APIP) is a rare but dangerous complication. APIP has common symptoms with acute abdomen. Assessment of an acute abdomen is more complicated during pregnancy because the gravid uterus could mask most of symptomatic signs. It has been a challenge to diagnose APIP by physical examination or diagnostic imaging. Case studies on APIP are also limited for analysis on the risk factors associated with the disease. This retrospective study evaluated a series of risk factors from a relatively substantial number of APIP cases to determine early predictors or prognosis markers for APIP.Fifty-nine APIP patients together with 179 random normal pregnant women in Shengjing Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University were included for this retrospective study. Medical parameters of blood test in biochemistry and hematology were compared between 2 groups using t test. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the relationship between various factors and APIP using Statistical Applied Software (SAS student version).Compared with normal pregnant women, APIP patients have elevated values in alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, C-reactive protein, direct bilirubin, fibrin degradation products, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), glucose, lipase, pH and decreased values in albumin, fibrinogen, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), hemoglobin, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-D), and total proteins from their blood tests. In addition, APIP patients have decreased numbers in red cells but increased numbers in white blood cells and increased ratio of neutrophil/lymphocyte (N/L). Among these factors, N/LR, GGT, lipase, and HDL are significantly associated with APIP. This study suggests that the combination of those factors serve as a panel of indicators for early-onset prognosis of APIP.GGT, lipase, HDL, and N/LR can serve as a panel of factors to predict APIP. More case studies are important to further evaluate the predicting power of this panel factors in APIP.

Antibody-Mediated Targeting of the FGFR1c Isoform Increases Glucose Uptake in White and Brown Adipose Tissue in Male Mice

The increased prevalence of obesity and its cardiometabolic implications demonstrates the imperative to identify novel therapeutic targets able to effect meaningful metabolic changes in this population. Antibody-mediated targeting of fibroblast growth factor receptor 1c isoform (FGFR1c) has been shown to ameliorate hyperglycemia and protect from diet- and genetically-induced obesity in rodents and nonhuman primates. However, it is currently unknown which tissue(s) contribute to this glucose-lowering effect. Thus, to elucidate this effect, we treated euglycemic mice with H7, a monoclonal antibody that selectively targets FGFR1c, and used whole-body positron emission computed tomography with a glucose tracer (18F-fluorodeoxyglucose). Treatment with H7 increased basal glucose uptake in white adipose tissue (WAT), brown adipose tissue (BAT), the brain, and liver but reduced it in the quadriceps muscles. Consequentially, blood glucose was significantly reduced in response to treatment. Under insulin-stimulated conditions, the effects of H7 were maintained in WAT, BAT, liver, and muscle. Treatment with H7 decreased triglyceride (TG) content and increased adipose TG lipase content in white adipose tissue, while increasing activation of acetyl coenzyme A carboxylase, suggesting futile cycling of TGs, albeit favoring net hydrolysis. We demonstrated, in vitro, this is a direct effect of treatment in adipose tissue, as basal cellular respiration and glucose uptake were increased in response to treatment. Taken together, these data suggest that antibody-mediated targeting of FGFR1c exerts its powerful glucose-lowering efficacy primarily due to increased glucose uptake in adipose tissue.

Solid lipid nanoparticles affect microbial colonization and enzymatic activity throughout the decomposition of alder leaves in freshwater microcosms

Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) are used as carriers for drug delivery, and are high biocompatible and designed to endure in the host organism. Despite its current industrial production is low, many of these substances are available on the market, and much more are in the production pipeline. As a result, many of them will end in aquatic systems raising the question whether they can pose a risk to aquatic biota and the associated ecological processes. Microbial decomposers of plant litter, play a key role in forested streams being responsible for the energy flow between terrestrial and aquatic environments. Here, we investigated the effects of SLNs on alder leaf litter decomposition by aquatic microbes. Alder leaves were immersed in a stream of Northeast Portugal to allow microbial colonization before being exposed in microcosms of two types of SLNs at two concentrations for 42 days. Results showed that rates of leaf decomposition decreased with exposure to SLNs. Bacterial biomass was not inhibited by SLNs, and cultivable fungi densities remained constant (SLN-A) or increased (SLN-C) compared with control microcosms. The type and concentration of SLNs influenced differently the leaf colonization by fungi as well as fungal sporulation rate. These effects were accompanied by changes in the community extraenzymatic profile: the activities of alkaline phosphatase, acidic phosphatase, Naphthol-AS-BI-phosphohydrolase (P cycle) and lipases increased in the SLNs microcosms. This study provided the first evidence of the adverse effects of the release of SLNs to streams on leaf litter decomposition. Those effects seem to depend on the composition and concentration of SLNs, as well on the microbial target group, or enzyme. Thus, prior to massive industrial production of these nanomaterials, some measures should be taken to avoid environmental impact affecting the microbial communities responsible for detritus decomposition.

Sequential Detection of Thermophilic Lipase and Protease by Zymography

Lipase and protease present in cell-free fractions of thermophilic Bacillus sp. cultures were analyzed by polyacrylamide gel (PAG) electrophoresis. After run, the gel is electrotransferred to another PAG copolymerized with glycerol tributyrate, olive oil, and gelatin. This multi-substrate gel was incubated first for lipase detection, until bands appeared, and then stained with Coomassie for protease detection. Advantages of this sequential procedure are the detection of two different enzyme activities on a single PAG, beside time and resource saving.

Loss of adipose triglyceride lipase is associated with human cancer and induces mouse pulmonary neoplasia

Metabolic reprogramming is a hallmark of cancer. Understanding cancer metabolism is instrumental to devise innovative therapeutic approaches. Anabolic metabolism, including the induction of lipogenic enzymes, is a key feature of proliferating cells. Here, we report a novel tumor suppressive function for adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL), the rate limiting enzyme in the triglyceride hydrolysis cascade.In immunohistochemical analysis, non-small cell lung cancers, pancreatic adenocarcinoma as well as leiomyosarcoma showed significantly reduced levels of ATGL protein compared to corresponding normal tissues. The ATGL gene was frequently deleted in various forms of cancers. Low levels of ATGL mRNA correlated with significantly reduced survival in patients with ovarian, breast, gastric and non-small cell lung cancers. Remarkably, pulmonary neoplasia including invasive adenocarcinoma developed spontaneously in mice lacking ATGL pointing to an important role for this lipase in controlling tumor development.Loss of ATGL, as detected in several forms of human cancer, induces spontaneous development of pulmonary neoplasia in a mouse model. Our results, therefore, suggest a novel tumor suppressor function for ATGL and contribute to the understanding of cancer metabolism. We propose to evaluate loss of ATGL protein expression for the diagnosis of malignant tumors. Finally, modulation of the lipolytic pathway may represent a novel therapeutic approach in the treatment of human cancer.

Growth hormone receptor expression in human gluteal versus abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue: Association with body shape

OBJECTIVE

Growth hormone (GH) administration reduces abdominal, but not lower body, fat mass. To gain insight into the underlying mechanisms, this study examined the expression of the GH receptor (GHR) and some of its targets in abdominal and gluteal adipose tissue.

METHODS

GHR and GH targets in the lipolytic pathway were assessed (quantitative PCR/Western blotting) in adipose aspirates from premenopausal women [n = 15, age 26.9 ± 6.1 years, body mass index (BMI) 28.0 ± 6.8 kg/m(2) ] and men (n = 28, age 29.2 ± 7.0 years, BMI 26.9 ± 3.7 kg/m(2) ).

RESULTS

GHR mRNA expression was lower in the gluteal depot when compared with the abdominal depot (P = 0.01). Abdominal GHR correlated negatively with age and BMI, whereas gluteal GHR was associated with lower waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), that is, pear shape. In both sites, GHR mRNA correlated strongly with genes important for the regulation of lipolysis: adipose tissue triglyceride lipase (ATGL), hormone-sensitive lipase, perilipin, and CIDEA (all P < 0.001), independently of BMI, WHR, age, and sex. GHR protein was lower in the gluteal fat when compared with the abdominal fat (P = 0.03) and correlated with ATGL protein in the gluteal depot (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

GHR levels correlate with levels of lipases and lipid droplet-associated proteins crucial for lipolysis. Thus, higher GHR expression in the abdominal depot when compared with the gluteal depot may underlie the in vivo effect of GH to specifically reduce abdominal adipose tissue mass.

Predictive Factors of Biliary Tract Cancer in Anomalous Union of the Pancreaticobiliary Duct

The assessment of malignancies associated with anomalous union of the pancreaticobiliary duct (AUPBD) is essential for the design of appropriate treatment strategies. The aim of the present study is to measure the incidence of AUPBD-related pancreaticobiliary malignancy and to identify predictive factors. This retrospective cohort study included cases of 229 patients with AUPBD between January 1999 and December 2013. The impact of bile duct dilatation on the incidence of AUPBD-related pancreaticobiliary disease was measured, and predictive factors were evaluated.Among 229 patients with AUPBD, 152 had common bile duct dilatation (≥10 mm) (dilated group) and 77 did not (<10 mm) (nondilated group). Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma occurred more frequently in the nondilated group than in the dilated group (3.9% vs 0%; P < 0.05). By contrast, no significant difference in the incidence of extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma was observed between the 2 groups (1.3% vs 3.9%; P = 0.271). By univariate analysis, age, type of AUPBD, and the level of pancreatic enzymes refluxed in the bile duct were associated with occurrence of biliary tract cancers. In multivariate analysis, age ≥45 years (odds ratio [OR] 1.042, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.011-1.073, P < 0.05), P-C type (OR 3.327, 95% CI 1.031-10.740, P < 0.05), and a high level of biliary lipase (OR 4.132, 95% CI 1.420-12.021, P < 0.05) showed a significant association with AUPBD-related biliary tract cancer.Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma may occur more frequently in AUPBD patients without bile duct dilatation. Age ≥45 years, P-C type, and biliary lipase level ≥45,000 IU/L are significantly associated with AUPBD-related biliary tract cancer.

Rectal Indomethacin Does Not Prevent Post-ERCP Pancreatitis in Consecutive Patients

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Rectal indomethacin, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, is given to prevent pancreatitis in high-risk patients undergoing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), based on findings from clinical trials. The European Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy guidelines recently recommended prophylactic rectal indomethacin for all patients undergoing ERCP, including those at average risk for pancreatitis. We performed a randomized controlled trail to investigate the efficacy of this approach.

METHODS

We performed a prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 449 consecutive patients undergoing ERCP at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, from March 2013 through December 2014. Approximately 70% of the cohort were at average risk for PEP. Subjects were assigned randomly to groups given either a single 100-mg dose of rectal indomethacin (n = 223) or a placebo suppository (n = 226) during the procedure. The primary outcome was the development of post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP), defined by new upper-abdominal pain, a lipase level more than 3-fold the upper limit of normal, and hospitalization after ERCP for 2 consecutive nights.

RESULTS

There were no differences between the groups in baseline clinical or procedural characteristics. Sixteen patients in the indomethacin group (7.2%) and 11 in the placebo group (4.9%) developed PEP (P = .33). Complications and the severity of PEP were similar between groups. Per a priori protocol guidelines, the study was stopped owing to futility.

CONCLUSIONS

In a randomized controlled study of consecutive patients undergoing ERCP, rectal indomethacin did not prevent post-ERCP pancreatitis. ClincialTrials.gov no: NCT01774604.

Lympho- and Hemodynamics in Dogs with Acute Experimental Pancreatitis

Dogs with experimental pancreatitis showed increased lymph fl ow, impaired rheological properties of the lymph and blood plasma, and increased plasma and blood levels of glucose, ALT, and AST.

A plasmonic nanosensor for lipase activity based on enzyme-controlled gold nanoparticles growth in situ

A plasmonic nanosensor for lipase activity was developed based on one-pot nanoparticle growth. Tween 80 was selected not only as the substrate for lipase recognition but also as the reducing and stabilizing agent for the sensor fabrication. The different molecular groups in Tween 80 could have different roles in the fabrication procedure; the H2O2 produced by the autoxidation of the ethylene oxide subunits in Tween 80 could reduce the AuCl4(-) ions to Au atoms, meanwhile, the lipase could hydrolyze its carboxyl ester bond, which could, in turn, control the rate of nucleation of the gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and tailor the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) of the AuNP transducers. The color changes, which depend on the absence or presence of the lipase, could be used to sense the lipase activity. A linear response ranging from 0.025 to 4 mg mL(-1) and a detection limit of the lipase as low as 3.47 μg mL(-1) were achieved. This strategy circumvents the problems encountered by general enzyme assays that require sophisticated instruments and complicated assembling steps. The methodology can benefit the assays of heterogeneous-catalyzed enzymes.

A multiple path photonic lab on a chip for parallel protein concentration measurements

We propose a PDMS-based photonic system for the accurate measurement of protein concentration with minute amounts of the sample. As opposed to the state of the art approach, in the multiple path photonic lab on a chip (MPHIL), analyte concentration or molar absorptivity is obtained with a single injection step, by performing simultaneous parallel optical measurements varying the optical path length. Also, as opposed to the standard calibration protocol, the MPHIL approach does not require a series of measurements at different concentrations. MPHIL has three main advantages: firstly the possibility of dynamically selecting the path length, always working in the absorbance vs. concentration linear range for each target analyte. Secondly, a dramatic reduction of the total volume of the sample required to obtain statistically reliable results. Thirdly, since only one injection is required, the measurement time is minimized, reducing both contamination and signal drifts. These characteristics are clearly advantageous when compared to commercial micro-spectrophotometers. The MPHIL concept was validated by testing three commercial proteins, lysozyme (HEWL), glucose isomerase (d-xylose-ketol-isomerase, GI) and Aspergillus sp. lipase L (BLL), as well as two proteins expressed and purified for this study, B. cereus formamidase (FASE) and dihydropyrimidinase from S. meliloti CECT41 (DHP). The use of MPHIL is also proposed for any spectrophotometric measurement in the UV-VIS range, as well as for its integration as a concentration measurement platform in more advanced photonic lab on a chip systems.

Metabolite profile, antioxidant capacity, and inhibition of digestive enzymes in infusions of peppermint (Mentha piperita) grown under drought stress

Peppermint (Mentha piperita) infusions represent an important source of antioxidants, which can be enhanced by inducing abiotic stress in plants. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of drought stress on peppermint cultivation as well as the metabolite profile, antioxidant capacity, and inhibition of digestive enzymes of resulting infusions. At 45 days after planting, irrigation was suppressed until 85 (control), 65, 35, 24, and 12% soil moisture (SM) was reached. The results showed that 35, 24, and 12% SM decreased fresh (20%) and dry (5%) weight. The 35 and 24% SM treatments significantly increased total phenolic and flavonoid contents as well as antioxidant capacity. Coumaric acid, quercetin, luteolin, and naringenin were detected only in some drought treatments; however, in these infusions, fewer amino acids and unsaturated fatty acids were identified. The 24 and 12% SM treatments slightly improved inhibition of pancreatic lipase and α-amylase activity. Therefore, induction of moderate water stress in peppermint is recommended to enhance its biological properties.

Molecular identification of a pancreatic lipase-like gene involved in sex pheromone biosynthesis of Bombyx mori

Cytoplasmic lipid droplet (LD) lipolysis is regulated by pheromone biosynthesis activating neuropeptide (PBAN) in Bombyx mori. To elucidate the molecular mechanism of cytoplasm LD lipolysis, the pancreatic lipase-like gene in B. mori pheromone glands (PGs), designated as B. mori pancreatic lipase-like gene (BmPLLG), was identified in this study. Spatial expression analysis revealed that BmPLLG is a ubiquitous gene present in all studied tissues, such as PGs, brain, epidermis, egg, midgut, flight muscle and fat body. Temporal expression analysis showed that the BmPLLG transcript begins to express 96 h before eclosion (-96 h), continues to increase, peaks in newly emerged females and steadily decreases after eclosion. Translational expression analysis of BmPLLG using a prepared antiserum demonstrated that BmPLLG was expressed in an age-dependent pattern at different development stages in B. mori. This finding was similar to the transcript expression pattern. Further RNA interference-mediated knockdown of BmPLLG significantly inhibited bombykol production. Overall, these results demonstrated that BmPLLG is involved in PBAN-induced sex pheromone biosynthesis and release.

Cellular localization and associations of the major lipolytic proteins in human skeletal muscle at rest and during exercise

Lipolysis involves the sequential breakdown of fatty acids from triacylglycerol and is increased during energy stress such as exercise. Adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) is a key regulator of skeletal muscle lipolysis and perilipin (PLIN) 5 is postulated to be an important regulator of ATGL action of muscle lipolysis. Hence, we hypothesized that non-genomic regulation such as cellular localization and the interaction of these key proteins modulate muscle lipolysis during exercise. PLIN5, ATGL and CGI-58 were highly (>60%) colocated with Oil Red O (ORO) stained lipid droplets. PLIN5 was significantly colocated with ATGL, mitochondria and CGI-58, indicating a close association between the key lipolytic effectors in resting skeletal muscle. The colocation of the lipolytic proteins, their independent association with ORO and the PLIN5/ORO colocation were not altered after 60 min of moderate intensity exercise. Further experiments in cultured human myocytes showed that PLIN5 colocation with ORO or mitochondria is unaffected by pharmacological activation of lipolytic pathways. Together, these data suggest that the major lipolytic proteins are highly expressed at the lipid droplet and colocate in resting skeletal muscle, that their localization and interactions appear to remain unchanged during prolonged exercise, and, accordingly, that other post-translational mechanisms are likely regulators of skeletal muscle lipolysis.

Illudins C2 and C3 stimulate lipolysis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes and suppress adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes

The secondary metabolites illudins C2 (1) and C3 (2), obtained from the culture broth of Coprinus atramentarius, have been shown to possess antimicrobial activity. In the present study, we discovered novel biological activities of 1 and 2 in lipolysis of differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes and adipogenesis of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. Compounds 1 and 2 exhibit a dose-dependent increase in glycerol release and thereby reduce intracellular lipid accumulation. The stimulatory effects of 1 and 2 on lipolysis are prevented by cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) inhibitors. Compounds 1 and 2 down-regulated perilipin and also affected the mRNA and protein levels of adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) and hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL). However, 1 and 2 treatment leads to a significant increase in PKA-mediated phosphorylation of HSL at S563 and S660. In addition, 1 and 2 treatment in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes induces down-regulation of the critical transcription factors, CCAAT/enhancer binding protein α and β (C/EBPα and C/EBPβ), and peroxisome proliferator activated receptor γ (PPARγ), which are required for adipogenesis, and accordingly inhibits adipogenesis. These results suggest that 1 and 2 might be useful for treating obesity due to their modulatory effects on fat by affecting adipocyte differentiation and fat mobilization.

Optimization of marine waste based-growth media for microbial lipase production using mixture design methodology

Lipase production by Staphylococcus xylosus and Rhizopus oryzae was investigated using a culture medium based on a mixture of synthetic medium and supernatants generated from tuna by-products and Ulva rigida biomass. The proportion of the three medium components was optimized using the simplex-centroid mixture design method (SCMD). Results indicated that the experimental data were in good agreement with predicted values, indicating that SCMD was a reliable method for determining the optimum mixture proportion of the growth medium. Maximal lipase activities of 12.5 and 23.5 IU/mL were obtained with a 50:50 (v:v) mixture of synthetic medium and tuna by-product supernatant for Staphylococcus xylosus and Rhizopus oryzae, respectively. The predicted responses from these mixture proportions were also validated experimentally.

Changes of enzymes activity and protein profiles caused by high-pressure processing in sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) fillets

High-pressure processing (HPP) is a technology of growing interest for food preservation, due to its ability to control the activity of degradative enzymes. The effect of three variables (pressure levels of 100, 250, and 400 MPa; pressure holding times of 0, 5, 15, and 30 min; and pressurization rates of 8 and 14 MPa/s) on the activity of the enzymes acid phosphatase, cathepsins (B and D), lipase, and calpains was studied using sea bass fillets as a case study model. Additionally, the effect of HPP on sarcoplasmic proteins was studied by SDS-PAGE and isoelectric focusing electrophoreses. The increase in pressure level and holding time decreased the protein concentration in sarcoplasmic extracts, and also the activity of calpains. As compared to nontreated samples, acid phosphatase activity was lower at 400 MPa, and for cathepsin D lower activities were observed at 100 and 400 MPa. The increase in pressurization rate increased the activity of cathepsin D, lipase, and calpains, although it was not always significant. In contrast, cathepsin B and lipase activities were less affected by HPP treatments. Electrophoresis separation of sarcoplasmic proteins showed that the intensity of many protein bands changed mainly due to pressure level and holding time. The results of this study suggest that HPP causes lysosomes disruption and also denaturation, aggregation, and fragmentation of sarcoplasmic proteins, and this evidence might be related to the decrease in enzymes activity especially at 400 MPa. In conclusion, HPP can be a potential tool to control the activity of degradative enzymes, which might prevent the softening of sea bass muscle due to autolytic reactions.

Dietary supplementation with Agaricus blazei murill extract prevents diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance in rats

OBJECTIVE

Dietary supplement may potentially help to fight obesity and other metabolic disorders such as insulin-resistance and low-grade inflammation. The present study aimed to test whether supplementation with Agaricus blazei murill (ABM) extract could have an effect on diet-induced obesity in rats.

DESIGN AND METHODS

Wistar rats were fed with control diet (CD) or high-fat diet (HF) and either with or without supplemented ABM for 20 weeks.

RESULTS

HF diet-induced body weight gain and increased fat mass compared to CD. In addition HF-fed rats developed hyperleptinemia and insulinemia as well as insulin resistance and glucose intolerance. In HF-fed rats, visceral adipose tissue also expressed biomarkers of inflammation. ABM supplementation in HF rats had a protective effect against body weight gain and all study related disorders. This was not due to decreased food intake which remained significantly higher in HF rats whether supplemented with ABM or not compared to control. There was also no change in gut microbiota composition in HF supplemented with ABM. Interestingly, ABM supplementation induced an increase in both energy expenditure and locomotor activity which could partially explain its protective effect against diet-induced obesity. In addition a decrease in pancreatic lipase activity is also observed in jejunum of ABM-treated rats suggesting a decrease in lipid absorption.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together these data highlight a role for ABM to prevent body weight gain and related disorders in peripheral targets independently of effect in food intake in central nervous system.

Adipose triglyceride lipase and hormone-sensitive lipase protein expression in subcutaneous adipose tissue is decreased after an isoenergetic low-fat high-complex carbohydrate diet in the metabolic syndrome

The objective was to determine the contribution of dietary fat quantity and composition to lipolysis and lipolytic gene expression in humans in relation to obesity, insulin resistance, and the metabolic syndrome (MetS). Men and women with the MetS were randomly assigned to one of four isoenergetic diets: a high-fat saturated fat diet (n=10), a high-fat monounsaturated fat diet (n=7), and two low-fat high-complex carbohydrate (LFHCC) diets, one supplemented with 1.24 g/day long-chain n-3 PUFA (LFHCC: n=7, LFHCCn-3: n=8). Subcutaneous adipose tissue biopsies were taken before and after the 12-week dietary intervention period. ATGL and HSL mRNA and protein expression was determined. Whole body rate of appearance of free fatty acids (Ra(FFA)) was determined by intravenous infusion of [(2)H(2)]-palmitate in a subgroup of men (n=20). Adipose tissue ATGL and HSL mRNA and protein expression was not affected by alterations in dietary fat composition. Pooled analysis comparing the low- and high-fat diets showed that ATGL and HSL protein expression was significantly reduced after the LFHCC diets (P=.04), irrespective of long-chain n-3 PUFA. Moreover, LFHCC diets lowered fasting insulin, HOMA(IR), and (LDL)-cholesterol concentrations (P≤.05). Changes in ATGL and HSL protein expression was positively associated with changes in whole body Ra(FFA) (P<.03). The low-fat high-complex carbohydrate diets reduced ATGL and HSL protein expression and significantly improved circulating lipids and insulin sensitivity. Under isoenergetic conditions, dietary fat quantity, rather than composition, may be most important for modulating subcutaneous adipose tissue ATGL and HSL protein expression.

Lipolytic proteomics

Activity-based proteomics (ABP) employs small molecular probes to specifically label sets of enzymes based on their shared catalytic mechanism. Given that the vast majority of lipases belong to the family of serine hydrolases and share a nucleophilic active-site serine as part of a catalytic triad, activity-based probes are ideal tools to study lipases and lipolysis. Moreover, the ability of ABP to highlight or isolate specific subproteomes results in a massive decrease of sample complexity. Thereby, in-depth analysis of enzymes of interest with mass spectrometry becomes feasible. In this review, we cover probe design, technological developments, and applications of ABP of lipases, as well as give an overview of relevant identified proteins.

Identification of lipases involved in PBAN stimulated pheromone production in Bombyx mori using the DGE and RNAi approaches

Background

Pheromone biosynthesis activating neuropeptide (PBAN) is a neurohormone that regulates sex pheromone synthesis in female moths. Bombyx mori is a model organism that has been used to explore the signal transduction pattern of PBAN, which is mediated by a G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR). Although significant progress has been made in elucidating PBAN-regulated lipolysis that releases the precursor of the sex pheromone, little is known about the molecular components involved in this step. To better elucidate the molecular mechanisms of PBAN-stimulated lipolysis of cytoplasmic lipid droplets (LDs), the associated lipase genes involved in PBAN- regulated sex pheromone biosynthesis were identified using digital gene expression (DGE) and subsequent RNA interference (RNAi).

Results

Three DGE libraries were constructed from pheromone glands (PGs) at different developed stages, namely, 72 hours before eclosion (−72 h), new emergence (0 h) and 72 h after eclosion (72 h), to investigate the gene expression profiles during PG development. The DGE evaluated over 5.6 million clean tags in each PG sample and revealed numerous genes that were differentially expressed at these stages. Most importantly, seven lipases were found to be richly expressed during the key stage of sex pheromone synthesis and release (new emergence). RNAi-mediated knockdown confirmed for the first time that four of these seven lipases play important roles in sex pheromone synthesis.

Conclusion

This study has identified four lipases directly involved in PBAN-stimulated sex pheromone biosynthesis, which improve our understanding of the lipases involved in releasing bombykol precursors from triacylglycerols (TAGs) within the cytoplasmic LDs.

Impact of PAH on biological health parameters of soils of an Indian refinery and adjoining agricultural area--a case study

The present study is aimed at analysing and comparing different soil enzymes in soil samples of native contaminated sites of a Mathura refinery and adjoining agricultural land. Enzyme activities are considered as indicators of soil quality and changes in biogeochemical function due to management or perturbations. Soil samples were collected from the premises and nearby area of Mathura refinery, India. Biological health parameters (dehydrogenase, aryl esterase, aryl sulphatase, [Formula: see text]-glucosidase, alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase, lipase, laccase and catalase activity) were estimated in the soil samples. Among all the samples, sewage sludge soil showed maximum activity of enzymes, microbial biomass carbon and most probable number of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) degraders in soils spiked with three- to four-ring PAHs at 50 ppm. Available phosphorus, potassium and nitrogen was also exceptionally high in this sample, indicating maximum microbial bioconversion due to presence of nutrients stimulating potent PAH-degrading microorganisms.

Postweaning low-calcium diet promotes later-life obesity induced by a high-fat diet

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a postweaning low-calcium diet on later obesity and explore the underlying mechanisms. Ninety-six male rats were weaned at 3 weeks of age, fed standard (STD: 0.50% calcium, n=48) and low-calcium (LC: 0.15% calcium, n=48) diets for 3 weeks, and then fed the standard diet for a 3-week washout period successively. Finally, the STD rats were divided into STD control and high-fat diet (HFD) groups, and the LC ones into LC control and LC+HFD (LCHF) groups. The STD and LC rats were fed the standard diet, while the HFD control and LCFD ones were fed a high-fat diet for 6 weeks to induce obesity. During the three feeding periods, adenosine-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and its responsive proteins phospho-acetyl-coA carboxylase, carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 and uncoupling protein 3 were persistently down-regulated in the LC group (decreased by 18%, 24%, 18% and 20%, respectively) versus the STD group, and these effects were significantly more pronounced in the LCHFD group (decreased by 21%, 30%, 23% and 25%, respectively) than the HFD group by a later high-fat stimuli, causing more fat and body weight in adulthood. However, lipolysis enzymes, serum leptin, insulin and lipids were not significantly affected until the body weight and fat content changed at 15 weeks of age. The results suggest that the low-calcium diet after weaning promotes rat adult-onset obesity induced by high-fat diet, which might be achieved by programming expressions of genes involved in AMPK pathway.

Sensing of digestive proteins in saliva with a molecularly imprinted poly(ethylene-co-vinyl alcohol) thin film coated quartz crystal microbalance sensor

The quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) has a sensitivity comparable to that of the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) transducer. Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) have a much lower cost than natural antibodies, they are easier to fabricate and more stable, and they exhibit satisfactory recognition ability when integrated onto sensing transducers. Hence, MIP-based QCM sensors have been used to recognize small molecules and, recently, microorganisms, but only a few have been adopted in protein sensing. In this work, a mixed salivary protein and poly(ethylene-co-vinyl alcohol), EVAL, solution is coated onto a QCM chip and a molecularly imprinted EVAL thin film formed by thermally induced phase separation (TIPS). The optimal ethylene mole ratios of the commercially available EVALs for the imprinting of amylase, lipase and lysozyme were found to be 32, 38, and 44 mol %, respectively. Finally, the salivary protein-imprinted EVAL-based QCM sensors were used to detect amylase, lipase and lysozyme in real samples (saliva) and their effectiveness was compared with that of a commercial ARCHITECT ci 8200 chemical analysis system. The limits of detection (LOD) for those salivary proteins were as low as ∼pM.

Characterization of a thermostable lipase showing loss of secondary structure at ambient temperature

A gene encoding extracellular lipase was cloned and characterized from metagenomic DNA extracted from hot spring soil. The recombinant gene was expressed in E. coli and expressed protein was purified to homogeneity using hydrophobic interactions chromatography. The mature polypeptide consists of 388 amino acids with apparent molecular weight of 43 kDa. The enzyme displayed maximum activity at 50 °C and pH 9.0. It showed thermal stability up to 40 °C without any loss of enzyme activity. Nearly 80% enzyme activity was retained at 50 °C even after incubation for 75 min. However above 50 °C the enzyme displayed thermal instability. The half life of the enzyme was determined to be 5 min at 60 °C. Interestingly the CD spectroscopic study carried out in the temperature range of 25-95 °C revealed distortion in solution structure above 35 °C. However the intrinsic tryptophan fluorescence spectroscopic study revealed that even with the loss of secondary structure at 35 °C and above the tertiary structure was retained. With p-nitrophenyl laurate as a substrate, the enzyme exhibited a K ( m ), V ( max ) and K ( cat ) of 0.73 ± 0.18 μM, 239 ± 16 μmol/ml/min and 569 s(-1) respectively. Enzyme activity was strongly inhibited by CuCl(2), HgCl(2) and DEPC but not by PMSF, eserine and SDS. The protein retained significant activity (~70%) with Triton X-100. The enzyme displayed 100% activity in presence of 30% n-Hexane and acetone.

Functional proteomic analysis of rice bran esterases/lipases and characterization of a novel recombinant esterase

An esterase from rice ( Oryza sativa ) bran was identified on two-dimensional gel using 4-methylumbelliferyl butyrate as a substrate. The esterase cDNA (870 bp) encoded a 289 amino acid protein (designated OsEST-b) and was expressed in Escherichia coli . The molecular weight of recombinant OsEST-b (rOsEST-b) was 27 kDa, as measured by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Biochemical characterization demonstrated that rOsEST-b was active over a broad temperature range (optimum at 60 °C) and preferred alkaline conditions (optimum at pH 9.0). The rOsEST-b showed maximum activity toward p-nitrophenyl butyrate (C(4)) among various p-nitrophenyl esters (C(4)-C(18)), indicating that rOsEST-b is an esterase for short-chain fatty acids. The kinetic parameters under optimal conditions were K(m) = 27.03 μM, k(cat) = 49 s(-1), and k(cat)/K(m) = 1.81 s(-1) μM(-1). The activity of rOsEST-b was not influenced by ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, suggesting that it is not a metalloenzyme. The amino acid sequence analysis revealed that OsEST-b had a conserved pentapeptide esterase/lipase motif but that the essential active site serine (GXSXG) was replaced by cysteine (C). These results suggest that OsEST-b is distinct from traditional esterases/lipases and is a novel lipolytic enzyme in rice bran.

[Evaluation of the API ZYM system and RPMI agar plates supplemented with Tween 40 for detection of lipolytic enzymes of Candida spp]

Lipolytic activity of 40 strains of Candida spp. was tested on API ZYM system and on RPMI agar plates supplemented with 1% Tween 40. Lipolytic activity was indicated by opaque zones around the inoculum cylindrical holes were punched in the medium. Clearing of the medium around the bacterial colonies indicated that an isolate produce lipase. Only 4 (21.1%) strains of C. albicans, and 3 (14.1%) strains of non-C. albicans which hydrolyzed 2-naftylomirystylan by use of the API ZYM system was observed. In contrast, 16 (78.9%) strains of C. albicans and 17 (80.7%) strains of non-C. albicans produced lipases on the agar plate using RPMI agar plates supplemented with 1.0% Tween 40. Determination oflipase activities with the API ZYM system were in no agreement with lipase tests in RPMI supplemented with Tween 40. Our study verify greater usefulness of RPMI supplemented with Tween 40 for detection of lipolytic enzymes of Candida species in comparison to the API ZYM.

Isolation and characterization of lipase-producing bacteria in the intestine of the silkworm, Bombyx mori, reared on different forage

The silkworm, Bombyx mori L. (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae), an oligophagous insect that mainly feeds on mulberry leaves, is susceptible to entomopathogen infection when reared with tricuspid cudrania leaves. A total of 56 dominant bacterial strains, classified into 12 phylotypes based on bacteriological properties and analysis of 16S rRNA genes, were isolated from the intestine of the fourth and fifth instar silkworm larvae. Ten and seven phylotypes exist in the intestine of the silkworm larvae reared with mulberry leaves and tricuspid cudrania leaves, respectively. Four of them are common in the intestine of the two treatment groups. By screening their lipolytic ability on a Rhodamine B agar plate, nine lipase-producing bacterial strains were obtained and classified into six genera, including Bacillus, Brevibacterium, Corynebacterium, Staphylococcus, Klebsiella, and Stenotrophomonas. Except for Stenotrophomonas, which is common in both, the other genera only exist in the intestine of the silkworm larvae fed with mulberry leaves. In addition, by culture and fermentation in vitro, the maximum cell density and lipase activity of lipase-producing bacteria were examined at about 48 hours. The results indicate that diet has a significant impact on the gut bacterial community, especially lipase-producing bacteria. We suggest that the difference of lipase-producing bacterial diversity might be related to disease resistance of the silkworm.

Rhizoremediation of hydrocarbon contaminated soil using Australian native grasses

Rhizoremediation involves the breakdown of contaminants in soil resulting from microbial activity that is enhanced in the plant root zone. The objective of this study was to assess Australian native grasses for their ability to stimulate removal of aliphatic hydrocarbons from a mine site soil. Time-course pot experiments were conducted in a greenhouse with three grass species (Cymbopogon ambiguus, Brachiaria decumbens, and Microlaena stipoides) in a mine site soil experimentally contaminated with a 60:40 diesel:oil mixture at 1% (w/w) concentration. Plants were cultivated for 100days with periodic evaluation of changes in soil total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) concentration, soil lipase activity, and abundance of hydrocarbon-degrading microorganisms. Results were compared to unplanted control treatments. Significantly lower endpoint TPH concentrations were recorded in planted soil compared to unplanted soil (p=0.01). Final TPH concentrations and rates of TPH removal varied between grass species, with total TPH removal of between 50% and 88% achieved in planted treatments. The presence of grasses significantly increased the abundance of hydrocarbon-degrading microorganisms and soil lipase activity relative to unplanted soil (p<0.05). Residual TPH concentration was found to be closely (negatively) correlated with abundance of hydrocarbon-degrading microorganisms and to a lesser extent with soil lipase activity. Australian native grass species were identified that effectively enhance the remediation of diesel/oil contaminated soil, without any requirement for nutrient supplementation. Results may have extensive application to the nationwide problems associated with hydrocarbon contaminated sites.

Exocrine pancreatic function after total gastrectomy in rat

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Subsequent to total gastrectomy, many patients develop maldigestion and weight loss. The mechanisms that underlie these changes are not known. Therefore, the present study investigates the influence of total gastrectomy on pancreatic function in rats.

METHODOLOGY

Animals were divided into two groups. Group 1, sham operations (S) (n=8), Group2, total gastrectomy (n=10) with an end-to-end anastomosis between the esophagus and duodenum. After four weeks, the entire pancreas was excised. Measurement of amylase, lipase, weight,DNA and total protein were carried out in the homogenized pancreatic tissue.

RESULTS

The pancreatic response to total gastrectomy in our experimental data was reflected the retardation of pancreatic growth with a decrease in pancreatic wet weight, DNA, protein, pancreatic amylase and pancreatic lipase.

CONCLUSIONS

After total gastrectomy, rats developed sever primary exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. These experimental data indicate that stomach has an influence on the regulation of the exocrine pancreas and that changes in the integrity of the stomach can induce functional alterations in the exocrine pancreas.

In vitro study of red clover polyphenol oxidase activity, activation, and effect on measured lipase activity and lipolysis

The goal of this paper was, first, to study the effect of red clover polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity on protein-bound phenols and measured lipase activity in vitro and, second, to study the effect of PPO activation, measured as an increase in protein-bound phenols, as a result of degrees of damaging (not damaged, crushed, and freeze/thawed) of red clover before wilting on measured enzyme activity and in vitro lipid metabolism when incubated in a phosphate buffer. There was a positive relation between PPO activity and the occurrence of protein-bound phenols with a concomitant decrease in measured lipase activity, indicating a possibility to a direct inhibition of enzymes as a result of protein-bound phenols. Furthermore, damaging can activate PPO in red clover, measured as an increase in protein-bound phenols during wilting [0.7-20.6 nmol of tyrosine equiv (mg of protein)(-1)], again with a concomitant decrease in measured lipase activity [41.3-20.3 mumol of p-nitrophenyl butyrate (PNPB) min(-1) (mg of protein)(-1)]. Lipid metabolism during incubation of these forages in a phosphate buffer with ascorbic acid was only influenced by damaging when wilted for 24 h, with a lower lipolysis in crushed and freeze/thawed (52.9 and 32.6%, respectively, after 8 h of incubation) material compared to all other treatments (on average 60.4% after 8 h of incubation).

Purification and Properties of Lipases/Esterases from aBacillusStrain for Enantioselective Resolution of (S)-Ketoprofen

A Bacillus strain having a certain extent of asymmetric resolution for (S)-ketoprofen was studied for its culture and conversion condition. The distribution and properties of lipases/esterases from its bacterial cell and the change of asymmetric resolution ability were also investigated. After purification by hydrophobic interaction chromatography and gel filtration, the lipase/esterase terase activity of active fraction was 61.7 times higher than the crude enzyme and the purity of 23 kDa protein increased more than 400 times. Hydrolytic activity of lipase/esterase using ketoprofen chloroethyl ester and pNPA as substrate remained essentially constant in the reaction system during the purification procedure. The above result clearly indicated that the application of hydrophobic interaction chromatography-gel filtration was fast, useful and effective when compared to the difficulties in purification of low content crude enzyme prepared directly from bacterial cells. Experimental results also indicated that there are several lipases/esterases in the bacillus cell selective to the optically active ketoprofen and the conversion result was derived from the comprehensive function of all these enzymes. This is a new way to understand the bacterial asymmetric resolution with high conversion rate and low optical purity. The ESI-QUAD-TOF mass spectrum was used to analyze 23 kDa protein. Protein identities were revealed by searching sequence databases (MSDB) with peptide sequence tags. The result showed that 23 kDa protein is a novel protein.

[Determination of lipase activity by gas chromatography]

A rapid gas chromatography method was developed for determination of lipase activity using tributyrin as substrate. The standard curves of butyric acid hydrolyzed from tributyrin were linear in the range of 0.11-11.35 mmol L(-1). The recoveries of low, moderate and high concentrations of tributyrin were 90.3%, 104.6%, 89.4% with RSD of 3.01%, 4.50%, 6.64%, respectively. The incubation time was only 5 minutes which was less than with the half time of the conventional titrimetry and spectrophotometry. The optimum pH value was 7.5 and the optimum temperature was 32 degrees C. Based on the Lineweaver-Burk plots, the Michaelis-Menten constant was 0.25 mmol mL(-1). The effect of orlistat on the enzyme inhibiting activity was studied to prove the accuracy of this method. It was found that the half-inhibition concentration (IC50) of orlistat was 0.0485 mg mL(-1). The small total reaction volume, the simple treating procedures, the high accuracy and precision present the advantages of the new method.