Sinularamides A-G, Terpenoid-Derived Spermidine and Spermine Conjugates with Casitas B-Lineage Lymphoma Proto-Oncogene B (Cbl-b) Inhibitory Activities from a Sinularia sp. Soft Coral

An extract of a Sinularia sp. soft coral showed inhibitory activity against the E3-ubiquitin ligase casitas B-lineage lymphoma proto-oncogene B (Cbl-b). Subsequent bioassay-guided separation of the extract provided a series of terpenoid-derived spermidine and spermine amides that were named sinularamides A-G (1-7). Compounds 1-7 represent new natural products; however, sinularamide A (1) was previously reported as a synthetic end product. The structures of sinularamides A-G (1-7) were elucidated by analysis of spectroscopic and spectrometric data from NMR, IR, and HRESIMS experiments and by comparison with literature data. All of the isolated compounds showed Cbl-b inhibitory activities with IC₅₀ values that ranged from approximately 6.5 to 33 μM.

Separation and Characterization of Phenolamines and Flavonoids from Rape Bee Pollen, and Comparison of Their Antioxidant Activities and Protective Effects Against Oxidative Stress

Phenolamines and flavonoids are two important components in bee pollen. There are many reports on the bioactivity of flavonoids in bee pollen, but few on phenolamines. This study aims to separate and characterize the flavonoids and phenolamines from rape bee pollen, and compare their antioxidant activities and protective effects against oxidative stress. The rape bee pollen was separated to obtain 35% and 50% fractions, which were characterized by HPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS. The results showed that the compounds in 35% fraction were quercetin and kaempferol glycosides, while the compounds in 50% fraction were phenolamines, including di-p-coumaroyl spermidine, p-coumaroyl caffeoyl hydroxyferuloyl spermine, di-p-coumaroyl hydroxyferuloyl spermine, and tri-p-coumaroyl spermidine. The antioxidant activities of phenolamines and flavonoids were evaluated by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2'-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. It was found that the antioxidant activity of phenolamines was significantly higher than that of flavonoids. Moreover, phenolamines showed better protective effects than flavonoids on HepG2 cells injured by AAPH. Furthermore, phenolamines could significantly reduce the reactive oxygen species (ROS), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels, and increase the superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH) levels. This study lays a foundation for the further understanding of phenolamines in rape bee pollen.

Ecological Insights to Track Cytotoxic Compounds among Maytenus ilicifolia Living Individuals and Clones of an Ex Situ Collection

Biodiversity is key for maintenance of life and source of richness. Nevertheless, concepts such as phenotype expression are also pivotal to understand how chemical diversity varies in a living organism. Sesquiterpene pyridine alkaloids (SPAs) and quinonemethide triterpenes (QMTs) accumulate in root bark of Celastraceae plants. However, despite their known bioactive traits, there is still a lack of evidence regarding their ecological functions. Our present contribution combines analytical tools to study clones and individuals of Maytenus ilicifolia (Celastraceae) kept alive in an ex situ collection and determine whether or not these two major biosynthetic pathways could be switched on simultaneously. The relative concentration of the QMTs maytenin (1) and pristimerin (2), and the SPA aquifoliunin E1 (3) were tracked in raw extracts by HPLC-DAD and ¹H-NMR. Hierarchical Clustering Analysis (HCA) was used to group individuals according their ability to accumulate these metabolites. Semi-quantitative analysis showed an extensive occurrence of QMT in most individuals, whereas SPA was only detected in minor abundance in five samples. Contrary to QMTs, SPAs did not accumulate extensively, contradicting the hypothesis of two different biosynthetic pathways operating simultaneously. Moreover, the production of QMT varied significantly among samples of the same ex situ collection, suggesting that the terpene contents in root bark extracts were not dependent on abiotic effects. HCA results showed that QMT occurrence was high regardless of the plant age. This data disproves the hypothesis that QMT biosynthesis was age-dependent. Furthermore, clustering analysis did not group clones nor same-age samples together, which might reinforce the hypothesis over gene regulation of the biosynthesis pathways. Indeed, plants from the ex situ collection produced bioactive compounds in a singular manner, which postulates that rhizosphere environment could offer ecological triggers for phenotypical plasticity.

Determination of Biogenic Amines in Seawater Using Capillary Electrophoresis with Capacitively Coupled Contactless Conductivity Detection

A rapid and green analytical method based on capillary electrophoresis with capacitively coupled contactless conductivity detection (C⁴D) for the determination of eight environmental pollutants, the biogenic amines (putrescine, cadaverine, spermidine, spermine, tyramine, 2-phenylamine, histamine and tryptamine), is described. The separation was achieved under normal polarity mode at 24 °C and 25 kV with a hydrodynamic injection (50 mbar for 5 s) and using a bare fused-silica capillary (95 cm length × 50 µm i.d.) (detection length of 10.5 cm from the outlet end of the capillary). The optimized background electrolyte consisted of 400 mM malic acid. C⁴D parameters were set at a fixed amplitude (50 V) and frequency (600 kHz). Under the optimum conditions, the method exhibited good linearity over the range of 1.0⁻100 µg mL⁻¹ (R² ≥ 0.981). The limits of detection based on signal to noise (S/N) ratios of 3 and 10 were ≤0.029 µg mL⁻¹. The method was used for the determination of seawater samples that were spiked with biogenic amines. Good recoveries (77⁻93%) were found.

Mass spectrometry characterization of trypanothione and novel peptides of medical importance isolated from Acanthamoeba polyphaga

This paper presents unequivocal results about the presence of trypanothione and its precursor glutathionespermidine from the opportunistic human pathogen Acanthamoeba polyphaga. They were isolated by RP-HPLC as thiolbimane derivatives and characterized using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF/TOF). Additionally RP-HPLC demonstrated that thiol-bimane compounds corresponding to cysteine and glutathione were also present in A. polyphaga. Besides trypanothione, we want to report four new peptides in trophozoites, a tetrapeptide, a hexapeptide, a heptapeptide and a nonapeptide. Trypanothione and two of the thiol peptides, the hexapeptide and heptapeptide, are oxidized since the reduced forms increase in amount when the normal extract is treated by DTT or by electrolytic reduction that convert the oxidized forms to reduced ones. On the other hand, they disappear when the amoeba extract is treated with NEM or when the amoeba culture is treated with various inhibitors of NADPH-dependent disulfidereducing enzymes. Comparison of the thiol peptides, including trypanothione from A. polyphaga with extracts from human lymphocytes showed that they are not present in the latter. Therefore, some of the peptides here reported could be used as antigens for rapid detection of these parasites. In regard to the presence of the enzymes that synthesize and reduce trypanothione in A. polyphaga we suggest that they can be used as drug targets.

Nigribactin, a novel siderophore from Vibrio nigripulchritudo, modulates Staphylococcus aureus virulence gene expression

Staphylococcus aureus is a serious human pathogen that employs a number of virulence factors as part of its pathogenesis. The purpose of the present study was to explore marine bacteria as a source of compounds that modulate virulence gene expression in S. aureus. During the global marine Galathea 3 expedition, a strain collection was established comprising bacteria that express antimicrobial activity against Vibrio anguillarum and/or Staphylococcus aureus. Within this collection we searched colony material, culture supernatants, and cell extracts for virulence modulating activity showing that 68 out of 83 marine bacteria (affiliated with the Vibrionaceae and Pseudoalteromonas sp.) influenced expression of S. aureus hla encoding α-hemolysin toxin and/or spa encoding Protein A. The isolate that upon initial screening showed the highest degree of interference (crude ethyl acetate extract) was a Vibrio nigripulchritudo. Extraction, purification and structural elucidation revealed a novel siderophore, designated nigribactin, which induces spa transcription. The effect of nigribactin on spa expression is likely to be independent from its siderophore activity, as another potent siderophore, enterobactin, failed to influence S. aureus virulence gene expression. This study shows that marine microorganisms produce compounds with potential use in therapeutic strategies targeting virulence rather than viability of human pathogens.

Isolation and identification of spermidine derivatives in tea (Camellia sinensis) flowers and their distribution in floral organs

BACKGROUND

Recently, tea (Camellia sinensis) flowers have attracted increasing interest because of their content of bioactive compounds such as catechins. The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of some characteristic compounds in tea flowers.

RESULTS

A principal component analysis of metabolites using ultra-performance liquid chromatography/time-of-flight mass spectrometry showed differences in metabolite profile between flowers and leaves of C. sinensis var. Yabukita. Four spermidine derivatives were isolated from tea flowers. One of them was determined as N(1) ,N(5) ,N(10) -tricoumaroyl spermidine based on NMR, MS and UV data. The other three were identified as feruoyl dicoumaroyl spermidine, coumaroyl diferuoyl spermidine and triferuoyl spermidine based on MS(n) data. Tricoumaroyl spermidine as the major spermidine conjugate was not detected in tea leaves. Furthermore, it decreased during floral development and mainly occurred in anthers.

CONCLUSION

This study has provided the first evidence that spermidine-phenolic acid conjugates occur in tea flowers in considerable amounts. Their presence should prompt a reconsideration of the ecological role of tea flowers. From an economic point of view, tea flowers might be suitable as a raw material in the healthcare food and pharmaceutical industries.

Didemnidines A and B, indole spermidine alkaloids from the New Zealand ascidian Didemnum sp

Two new indole spermidine alkaloids, didemnidines A (1) and B (2), have been isolated from the New Zealand ascidian Didemnum sp. The structures of the metabolites, determined by analysis of 2D NMR spectra and confirmed via synthesis, embody an indole-3-glyoxylamide moiety linked to the N(1) position of spermidine, the latter motif being particularly rare among marine natural products. Didemnidine B and a synthetic precursor exhibited mild in vitro growth inhibition of Plasmodium falciparum with IC(50)'s of 15 and 8.4 μM, respectively.

Chip electrophoresis with mass spectrometric detection in record speed

We demonstrate that the combination of high speed separations on chip with a fast mass spectrometer enables electrophoretic separations with full mass spectra registration within a second. This was accomplished by coupling a microfluidic glass chip with an integrated nanospray emitter to a fast time of flight mass spectrometer working at 100 Hz for data acquisition. Applying field strengths up to 5800 V cm(-1) we achieved separations of model analytes such as pharmaceuticals and peptides with subsequent acquisition of full mass spectra within one second or slightly more.

Meehanines L-W, spermidine alkaloidal glycosides from Meehania urticifolia

Twelve new spermidine alkaloidal glycosides, meehanines L-W (1-12), were isolated from the whole plant Meehania urticifolia. The structures of these new compounds were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic data analyses.

Meehanines A-K, spermidine alkaloidal glycosides from Meehania urticifolia

From the whole plant of Meehania urticifolia, 11 new spermidine alkaloidal glycosides, meehanines A-K (1-11), were isolated. The structures of these new compounds were elucidated on the basis of the results of spectroscopic data analysis.

Dracotanosides A-D, spermidine glycosides from Dracocephalum tanguticum: structure and amide rotational barrier

Four new spermidine glycosides, dracotanosides A-D (1-4), have been isolated from Dracocephalum tanguticum. These molecules represent the first spermidine glycosides from this plant genus. The structures, including absolute configurations, were determined by spectroscopic and chemical methods. The amide bond rotational barrier of aglycone 1a was calculated by density functional theory (DFT) computation.

Spermidine and flavonoid conjugates from peanut (Arachis hypogaea) flowers

A new spermidine triamide derivative has been isolated from peanut flowers and identified as N (1)-acetyl- N (5), N (10)-di- p-( EE)-coumaroylspermidine on the basis of detailed analysis of NMR, MS, and UV data. Two other spermidine conjugates, N (1), N (5), N (10)-tri- p-( EEE)-coumaroylspermidine and di- p-( EE)-coumaroylspermidine, as well as four flavonoid conjugates (quercetin-3-glucoside, quercetin-3-glucuronide, isorhamnetin-3-glucoside, and isorhamnetin-3-glucuronide) that have been previously reported in organs of other plants, have been found in this study in peanut ( Arachis hypogaea L.), a representative of the Leguminosae family, for the first time. The dynamics of photoisomerization in the spermidine conjugates have been investigated.

New spermidines from the florets of Carthamus tinctorius

Two new spermidine compounds, namely safflospermidine A (1) and safflospermidine B (2), together with two known compounds, N(1),N(5),N(10)-(Z)-tri-p-coumaroylspermidine (3) and N(1),N(5),N(10)-(E)-tri-p-coumaroylspermidine (4), were isolated from the florets of Carthamus tinctorius L. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic means.

Occurrence of biogenic amines and polyamines in spinach and changes during storage under refrigeration

Biogenic amines and polyamines were studied in 18 market samples of spinach. Histamine and spermidine were detected in relatively high amounts in all samples within the ranges of 9.5-69.7 and 15.6-53.0 mg/kg, respectively. Other biologically active amines were either detected at low levels or not found at all. Changes in amine content during storage at 6 degrees C were studied. The content of most of the amines remained constant during storage, with the exception of spermidine and histamine. Spermidine showed a clear decreasing trend, whereas histamine significantly increased in all trials, but decreased at the end of the storage in two of the trials. Trials showing a decrease in histamine content also showed the highest spermidine decrease and recorded the highest pH values. Microbial loads throughout storage were also followed, with Pseudomonadaceae and Enterobacteriaceae being the predominant bacterial groups. Trials with higher microbial loads in initial samples also showed the highest histamine content in these samples. Potential explanations for both the formation and the degradation of histamine during storage are discussed.

Structural and biological characterization of one antibacterial acylpolyamine isolated from the hemocytes of the spider Acanthocurria gomesiana

We have isolated a 417Da antibacterial molecule, named mygalin, from the hemocytes of the spider Acanthoscurria gomesiana. The structure of mygalin was elucidated by tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) and by two spectroscopic techniques, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and ultraviolet (UV) spectroscopy. Mygalin was identified as bis-acylpolyamine N1,N8-bis(2,5-dihydroxybenzoyl)spermidine, in which the primary amino groups of the spermidine are acylated with the carboxyl group of the 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid. Mygalin was active against Escherichia coli at 85muM, being this activity inhibited completely by catalase. Therefore, the antibacterial activity of mygalin was attributed to its production of hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)). The putative mechanisms of formation of H(2)O(2) from mygalin are discussed. To our knowledge this is the first report of one bis-acylpolyamine with antibacterial activity purified from animal source.

Polyamines, PI(4,5)P2, and actin polymerization

Spermine (SPM) and spermidine (SPD) activate isolated phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate 5-kinases (PI(4)P5K), enzymes that convert phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate to phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PI(4,5)P2). PI(4,5)P2 formation is known to be involved in cellular actin reorganization and motility, functions that are also influenced by polyamines. It has not been proven that endogenous polyamines can control inositol phospholipid metabolism. We evoked large decreases in SPD and putrescine (PUT) contents in HL60 cells, using the ornithine decarboxylase inhibitor, alpha-difluoromethylornithine (DFMO), which resulted in decreases in PI(4,5)P2 content per cell and inositol phosphate formation to 76.9 +/- 3.5% and 81.5 +/- 4.0% of control, respectively. Accurately reversing DFMO-evoked decreases in SPD content by incubating cells with exogenous SPD for 20 min rescued these decreases. DFMO treatment and SPD rescues also changed the ratio of total cellular PI(4,5)P2 to PIP suggesting involvement of a SPD-sensitive PI(4)P5K. PUT and SPM were not involved in DFMO-evoked changes in cellular PI(4,5)P2 contents. In DFMO-treated HL60 cells, the percent of total actin content that was filamentous was decreased to 59.1 +/- 5.8% of that measured in paired control HL60 cells, a finding that was rescued following reversal of DFMO-evoked decreases in SPD and PI(4,5)P2 contents. In slowly proliferating DMSO-differentiated HL60 cells, inositol phospholipid metabolism was uncoupled from SPD control. We conclude: in rapidly proliferating HL60 cells, but not in slowly proliferating differentiated HL60 cells, there are endogenous SPD-sensitive PI(4,5)P2 pools, probably formed via SPD-sensitive PI(4)P5K, that likely control actin polymerization.

N1,N5,N10-Tris(4-hydroxycinnamoyl)spermidines fromMicrodesmis keayana Roots

Three new N1,N5,N10-tris(4-hydroxycinnamoyl)spermidines were isolated from a methanolic root extract of Microdesmis keayana. They were identified as N5,N10-di(p-coumaroyl)-N1-feruloylspermidine,N5-(p-coumaroyl)-N1,N10-diferuloylspermidine, and N1,N5,N10-triferuloylspermidine, and were named keayanidines A, B, and C (1-3), respectively. Their structures were established by spectral techniques(electrospray mass spectrometry, one- and two-dimensional NMR). A 4',4'',4'''-trimethylated derivative was prepared by methylation of keayanidine C, and the same compound was synthesized fromspermidine and 3,4-dimethoxycinnamic acid to confirm the spectral attributions of the NMR data of the natural compounds. Radical-scavenging properties of all compounds were evaluated by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical spectrophotometric assay.

Dovyalicin-type spermidine alkaloids from Dovyalis species

Phytochemical investigations of Dovyalis abyssinica, D. hebecarpa, and D. macrocalyx revealed two new spermidine-type alkaloids, dovyalicin E (3) and dovyalicin F (4), along with the previously described dovyalicin A (1), dovyalicin B (2), and dovyalicin C (5). In addition, a new phenol glucoside, 4-hydroxytremulacin (7), and the new 1,2-cyclohexanediol glucoside 9, as well as the known compounds methyl 1-hydroxy-6-oxocyclohex-2-enecarboxylate (6) and tremulacin (8), were isolated. The structures were established using homo- and heteronuclear two-dimensional NMR experiments and chiroptical methods. At ambient temperature, the N-disubstituted amide 4 exists as a mixture of cis and trans conformers. Variable-temperature (1)H NMR studies showed that time-averaged spectra are obtainable at 348 K, and the activation parameters determined for the rotation about the amide bond were DeltaH++ = 89 +/- 4.6 kJ/mol, DeltaS++ = 65 +/- 14 kJ/mol.K, and DeltaG++(298K) = 70 +/- 4.5 kJ/mol.

Identification of trypanothione from the human pathogen Entamoeba histolytica by mass spectrometry and chemical analysis

In this paper, we present definitive data to show, from ESI (electrospray ionization) studies, that the thiol-bimane compound isolated and purified from Entamoeba histolytica trophozoites, corresponds unequivocally to the structure of trypanothione. Trypanothione disulphide was shown to have a molecular ion of m/z 722. It was further demonstrated by MALDI-TOF (matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time-of-flight) MS that this thiol compound also corresponds to the characteristic monoprotonated ion of trypanothione-(bimane)(2), which has a molecular ion of m/z 1103.95. The ion pattern of the thiol-bimane compound prepared from the commercial trypanothione standard is identical with the E. histolytica thiol-bimane compound. After HPLC separation, chemical amino acid analysis by dabsylation and dansylation of the thiol bimane compound from Entamoeba showed the presence of the following trypanothione components: glutamic acid, cysteic acid, glycine and spermidine. We can conclude from these highly reliable MS experiments and chemical analyses that E. histolytica contains the thiol compound trypanothione, which was previously thought to occur only in trypanosomatids.

Acylspermidine derivatives isolated from a soft coral, Sinularia sp, inhibit plant vacuolar H(+)-pyrophosphatase

H(+)-pyrophosphatase (H(+)-PPase), which pumps H(+) across membranes coupled with PP(i) hydrolysis, is found in most plants, and some parasitic protists, eubacteria and archaebacteria. We assayed a number of extracts derived from 145 marine invertebrates as to their inhibitory effect on plant vacuolar H(+)-PPase. Acylspermidine derivatives [RCONH(CH(2))(3)N(CH(3))(CH(2))(4)N(CH(3))(2)] from a soft coral (Sinularia sp.) inhibited the PPi-hydrolysis activity of purified H(+)-PPase and the PP(i)-dependent H(+) pump activity (half inhibition concentration, 1 micro M) of vacuolar membranes of mung bean. The apparent K(i) was determined to be 0.9 micro M. Acylspermidines did not affect the activity of vacuolar H(+)-ATPase, plasma membrane H(+)-ATPase, mitochondrial ATPase or cytosolic PPase. Acylspermidines inhibited the acidification of vacuoles in protoplasts, as found on monitoring by the acridine orange fluorescent method. These results indicate that acylspermidine derivatives represent new inhibitors of H(+)-PPase with relatively high specificity.

Three new cytotoxic acylspermidines from the soft coral, Sinularia sp

Three new acylated spermidines and two known related compounds were isolated from the Okinawan soft coral, Sinularia sp. These compounds were N',N",N"-trimethylspermidines that are acylated by a methyl-branched unsaturated fatty acid. These acylspermidines showed potent cytotoxicity against human tumor cell lines at an IC(50) value of 17 ng/ml and the induction of apoptotic phenomena.

Effect of hindlimb suspension and clenbuterol treatment on polyamine levels in skeletal muscle

Polyamines are unbiquitous, naturally occurring small aliphatic, polycationic, endogenous compounds. They are involved in many cellular processes and may serve as secondary or tertiary messengers to hormonal regulation. The relationship of polyamines and skeletal muscle mass of adductor longus, extensor digitorum longus, and gastrocnemius under unloading (hindlimb suspension) conditions was investigated. Unloading significantly affected skeletal muscle polyamine levels in a fiber-type-specific fashion. Under loading conditions, clenbuterol treatment increased all polyamine levels, whereas under unloading conditions, only the spermidine levels were consistently increased. Unloading attenuated the anabolic effects of clenbuterol in predominately slow-twitch muscles (adductor longus), but had little impact on clenbuterol's action as a countermeasure in fast- twitch muscles such as the extensor digitorum longus. Spermidine appeared to be the primary polyamine involved in skeletal muscle atrophy/hypertrophy.

Antifungal activity of three spermidine conjugates

Three tri-substituted spermidines, di-p-coumaroyl-caffeoylspermidine, tri-caffeoylspermidine and tri-p-coumaroylspermidine, isolated from pollen of Quercus alba, were examined for antifungal activity. Both di-p-coumaroyl-caffeoylspermidine and tri-p-coumaroylspermidine reduced mycelial growth of the oat leaf stripe pathogen, Pyrenophora avenae and reduced powdery mildew (Blumeria graminis f. sp. hordei) infection of barley seedlings when applied as a post-inoculation treatment. When used as a pre-inoculation treatment, only di-p-coumaroyl-caffeoylspermidine reduced powdery mildew infection significantly. Growth of P. avenae in the presence of 100 microM di-p-coumaroyl-caffeoylspermidine reduced activity of S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase (AdoMetDC), and led to a reduction in the incorporation of labelled ornithine into spermidine. The other two spermidine conjugates increased AdoMetDC activity and the flux label from ornithine into spermine in P. avenae significantly.

Antifungal activity of three spermidine conjugates

Three tri-substituted spermidines, di-p-coumaroyl-caffeoylspermidine, tri-caffeoylspermidine and tri-p-coumaroylspermidine, isolated from pollen of Quercus alba, were examined for antifungal activity. Both di-p-coumaroyl-caffeoylspermidine and tri-p-coumaroylspermidine reduced mycelial growth of the oat leaf stripe pathogen, Pyrenophora avenae and reduced powdery mildew (Blumeria graminis f. sp. hordei) infection of barley seedlings when applied as a post-inoculation treatment. When used as a pre-inoculation treatment, only di-p-coumaroyl-caffeoylspermidine reduced powdery mildew infection significantly. Growth of P. avenae in the presence of 100 microM di-p-coumaroyl-caffeoylspermidine reduced activity of S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase (AdoMetDC), and led to a reduction in the incorporation of labelled ornithine into spermidine. The other two spermidine conjugates increased AdoMetDC activity and the flux label from ornithine into spermine in P. avenae significantly.

MS-681a, b, c and d, new inhibitors of myosin light chain kinase from Myrothecium sp. KY6568. I. Characterization of producing strain and production, isolation and biological activities

Novel compounds MS-681a, b, c and d were isolated from the culture broth of a fungal strain KY6568. The strain was identified as Myrothecium sp. from its morphological characteristics. MS-681a, b, c and d inhibited the activity of purified smooth muscle myosin light chain kinase with IC50 values of 0.11, 0.29, 0.095 and 0.26 microM, respectively. Cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase, cyclic GMP-dependent protein kinase and protein kinase C were not inhibited at 100 microM by MS-681 compounds.

Cytotoxic acylated Spermidine from a soft coral, Sinularia sp

A cytotoxic acylated spermidine was isolated from a Pacific soft coral, Sinularia sp. and its structure determined by NMR and mass spectral analysis. The acyl portion corresponds to (3E)-5-methyltetradec-3-enoic acid.

Hispidospermidin, a novel phospholipase C inhibitor produced by Chaetosphaeronema hispidulum (Cda) Moesz NR 7127. I. Screening, taxonomy, and fermentation

A novel phospholipase C inhibitor, hispidospermidin, was discovered from a fungal culture broth. The producing fungus, NR 7127, formed abundant pycnidia on banana leaf agar under near UV light. The ostiolate pycnidia were dark colored with a short beak possessing numerous protruding setae. The conidiogeneous cells were phialidic. The conidia were hyaline, 1 septate, smooth and spindle-shaped. From these distinctive characteristics, this strain was identified as Chaetosphaeronema hispidulum (Cda) Moesz of the Coelomycetes. Hispidospermidin was produced in a 50-liter jar fermentor containing 2% glucose, 2% potato starch, 2% Toast soya, 0.5% yeast extract, 0.25% NaCl, 0.0005% ZnSO4.7H2O, 0.0005% CuSO4.5H2O, 0.0005% MnSO4.4H2O, 0.32% CaCO3, and 0.3% Nissan disfoam CA-115. Fermentation was conducted at 27 degrees C at an aeration rate of 30 liters/minute and agitated at 500 rpm for 95 hours. Maximum production yield of hispidospermidin was observed after 72 hours. Hispidospermidin inhibited rat brain phospholipase C at 16 microM of IC50. This is the first recorded discovery of a secondary metabolite from the genus Chaetosphaeronema.

Hispidospermidin, a novel phospholipase C inhibitor produced by Chaetosphaeronema hispidulum (Cda) Moesz NR 7127. II. Isolation, characterization and structural elucidation

Hispidospermidin (1) is a novel phospholipase C inhibitor produced by Chaetosphaeronema hispidulum (Cda) Moesz NR 7127. Its structure (C25H47N3O) has been elucidated as a cage compound with a trimethylspermidine side chain based on various NMR studies, including 1H-1H COSY, 13C-1H COSY, HOHAHA, HMBC, COLOC and long range J C-H resolved 2D spectroscopy. The absolute configuration of 1 has been elucidated by modified Mosher's method on the (R)- and (S)-MTPA amides of a derivative of 1.

Simple methods for the detection and quantification of thiols from Crithidia fasciculata and for the isolation of trypanothione

Methods for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of thiols by means of the fluorogenic reagent 7-diethylamino-3-(4'-maleimidylphenyl)-4-methylcoumarin are described, with particular reference to the trypanosomatid metabolites glutathionylspermidine (GSH-spermidine) and trypanothione. Second-order rate constants for the derivatization of seven different thiols under defined experimental conditions and at 21 degrees C varied between 619 +/- 34 and 10,560 +/- 236 M-1.s-1.T.l.c. of the thiols from Crithidia fasciculata was used to monitor the purification of trypanothione from this organism in three steps involving adsorption, ion-exchange and reversed-phase chromatography. The yield was approx. 50 mg of pure trypanothione from 100 g (wet wt.) of trypanosomatids. The method for the quantitative analysis of biological thiols is based on fluorometric detection after separation by reversed-phase or ion-paired chromatography on a phenyl-silica column. Analysis of the thiol composition of cell lysates prepared under nondenaturating conditions point to the rapid degradation of the GSH-spermidine conjugates. In addition to GSH, GSH-spermidine and trypanothione, at least one other prominent thiol was detected, and the contribution of this thiol to the total thiol content in the various growth phases of C. fasciculata was investigated.

Structures of two polyamine-containing catecholate siderophores from Vibrio fluvialis

From low-iron cultures of Vibrio fluvialis AQ 0012, two new compounds with siderophore activity were purified by XAD-7 adsorption followed by preparative TLC. Norspermidine and 2,3-dihydroxybenzoic acid were identified as constituents common to both compounds by GC-MS analyses of their acid hydrolytic products. In addition, L-threonine was identified in the hydrolysate of one compound, named fluvibactin. Based on high magnetic NMR analyses, the structure of fluvibactin was established as N4-[2-(2,3-dihydroxy-phenyl)-trans-5-methyl-2-oxazoline-4-yl]carboxy-N1, N7- bis-(2,3-dihydroxybenzoyl)-norspermidine, and that of the other compound as N1,N7-bis-(2,3-dihydroxybenzoyl)-norspermidine. The structures were supported by fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry. Both of the purified compounds restored growth inhibition of the producer strain and V. cholerae Non-O1 induced by ethylenediamine di-(o-hydroxyphenylacetic acid), a potent synthetic chelating agent of ferric iron.

Induction of hepatic polyamines by di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate in rats

Wistar male albino rats, weighting 125-150 g, were administered di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) orally at 250, 500, 1000 and 2000 mg/kg body weight diluted in groundnut oil consecutively for 14 days. Spermidine and spermine of the livers were separated by thin-layer chromatography and quantitatively estimated by spectrofluorometry. DEHP exposure led to a significant increase in the absolute and relative weights of the liver at the 1000 and 2000 mg/kg dose levels. Spermidine and spermine levels were induced significantly in a dose-dependent manner. The increase in spermidine was greater as compared to that of spermine. Our results manifest that DEHP significantly induces the levels of hepatic polyamines.

Fast-growing root nodule bacteria produce a novel polyamine, aminobutylhomospermidine

Polyamines in various root nodule bacteria including Bradyrhizobium japonicum, Rhizobium fredii, R. leguminosarum, R. meliloti and R. loti were identified by capillary gas chromatography. Homospermidine was the polyamine present in highest concentration in all the rhizobia tested. In addition to putrescine and homospermidine, fast-growing type of rhizobial cells contained a novel polyamine, aminobutylhomospermidine, NH2(CH2)4NH(CH2)4NH(CH2)4NH2. The unusual tetraamine was not found in the cells of slow-growing type of rhizobia throughout their growth period, indicating a difference in polyamine metabolism between fast-growing type and slow-growing type of root nodule bacteria.

Spermidine synthesis by Pseudomonas sp. strain Kim, previously reported to lack this polyamine

Pseudomonas sp. strain Kim has previously been reported to be the only known naturally occurring organism lacking spermidine. We now show that it synthesizes this polyamine. The apparent lack of intracellular levels of spermidine results from an efficient conversion of spermidine to putrescine and hydroxyputrescine.

High-performance liquid chromatographic method for the determination of epsilon-(gamma-glutamyl)lysine and mono- and bis-gamma-glutamyl derivatives of putrescine and spermidine

A sensitive, simple, and rapid high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method is reported for the determination of epsilon-(gamma-glutamyl)lysine and certain gamma-glutamylpolyamines in selected fractions from ion-exchange chromatograms of protein digests. The method involves pre-column derivatization of the gamma-glutamylamine conjugates with o-phthalaldehyde, linear-gradient reversed-phase HPLC separation, and fluorimetric detection. The gradient used was designed to provide a means of avoiding a desalting step, while maintaining proper chromatographic performance. gamma-Glutamylamines in amounts from 0.1 to 1 nmol display linear concentration-response relationships. The detection limits are approximately 10 and 200 pmol per mg of protein for the gamma-glutamylpolyamines and for epsilon-(gamma-glutamyl)lysine, respectively. The use of the method is exemplified by an analysis of the epidermal cell envelope from the skin of a newborn mouse.

The effect of pure LICAM(C) on the retention of plutonium-238 in mice and rats

Studies with pure LICAM(C) and with its methyl esters showed that all the substances caused increased renal retention of plutonium-238 in the kidneys of mice and rats but were equally effective in reducing plutonium retention in bone and liver.

Separation of N1- and N8-acetylspermidine isomers by reversed-phase column liquid chromatography after derivatization with dansyl chloride

The separation of dansyl derivatives of N1- and N8-acetylspermidine by reversed-phase column liquid chromatography is reported. The influence of organic solvents on the retention of acetylspermidines was studied. Best resolutions were achieved using a C18 column and a ternary mobile phase composed of water, methanol and acetonitrile. The precolumn derivatization method permitted the detection of picomole quantities. A method for the determination of acetylspermidines in rat tissues is described.

Glycocinnasperimicin D, a new member of glycocinnamolyspermidine antibiotic

Glycocinnasperimicin D was isolated from the fermentation filtrate of a strain of Nocardia sp. using various procedures of column chromatography. Glycocinnasperimicin D exhibited broad antibacterial spectrum. Its chemical structure was determined by NMR spectrometric analyses.

Trypanothione: a novel bis(glutathionyl)spermidine cofactor for glutathione reductase in trypanosomatids

Glutathione reductase from trypanosomes and leishmanias, unlike glutathione reductase from other organisms, requires an unusual low molecular weight cofactor for activity. The cofactor was purified from the insect trypanosomatid Crithidia fasciculata and identified as a novel glutathione-spermidine conjugate, N1,N8-bis(L-gamma-glutamyl-L-hemicystinyl-glycyl)spermidine, for which the trivial name trypanothione is proposed. This discovery may open a new chemotherapeutic approach to trypanosomiasis and leishmaniasis.

[Method of determining low-molecular weight oligoamines in various biological materials]

A modified procedure is described for thin-layer chromatography of dansyl-spermine, -spermidine, -cadaverine and -putrescine. Distinct separation of the dansyl derivatives studied from dansyl-ammonium, which usually causes difficulties, was achieved. This procedure enabled to estimate the pyckomolar quantities of biogenic oligoamines. The method does not require radioactive compounds, enables to carry out the measurements without the use of spectrofluorimeter or fluorescent densitometer. The densitometry of the chromatogram photo-prints was successfully used for quantitative estimation of the oligoamines.

Representative applications of heparin-sepharose in the removal of polyamines from biological materials

Many experimental systems would greatly benefit from the availability of a simple and effective technique to remove polyamines from biological materials. We have examined the possibility of utilizing heparin-sepharose in the removal of polyamines from rat heart mitochondria, DNA-spermine complex, and fetal calf serum. Heparin-sepharose removes 90% of spermine adsorbed to the cytoplasmic surface of rat heart mitochondria. Heparin-sepharose almost totally removes spermine from DNA-spermine complex, leaving less than 0.003 mol spermine/mol DNA phosphorus. Heparin-sepharose is highly effective in removing spermine and spermidine (99.5 and 95% adsorbed, respectively) from fetal calf serum. Under the same experimental conditions only 50% of putrescine is adsorbed. A higher amount of resin corresponding to an increased capacity for putrescine must be used to achieve a satisfactory removal of putrescine.

Cerebral polyamine metabolism: inhibition of spermidine biosynthesis by dicyclohexylamine

Since a specific inhibition of cerebral spermidine (Spd) synthase activity by alicyclic amines was preliminarily observed in vitro, we examined the in vivo inhibitory effectiveness of dicyclohexylamine (DCHA) on Spd biosynthesis in 21-day-old rat brain. For this purpose a previously reported HPLC procedure (Porta et al., 1981a) was modified to analyze the cerebral levels of DCHA at the time of polyamine determinations. The intraperitoneally injected DCHA was shown to cross the blood-brain barrier easily, reaching high levels in the cerebral tissue (approximately 750 nmol/g brain) within 1 h of its administration. The effect of the drug on the polyamine metabolism resulted in a significant depletion of Spd biosynthesis from the sixth hour after the treatment and in an earlier and prolonged increase of the putrescine (Pt) steady-state levels. Conversely, the spermine (Spm) endogenous pools remained unchanged throughout the 24-h post-DCHA period. Moreover, following the intracerebral administration of [1,4-14C]Pt, significantly lower specific radioactivity (s.r.a.) values for labeled Pt and Spd were recorded in the brains of DCHA-treated animals. Conversely, after intracerebral [14C]Spd injection, the s.r.a. of newly formed [14C]Spm remained unchanged, confirming the specificity of the DCHA effect on the Spd biosynthesis.

Occurrence of sym-homospermidine as the major polyamine in nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria

We analyzed the amount of polyamines in a variety of cyanobacteria including nitrogen-fixing and nonfixing species. All the cyanobacteria capable of fixing nitrogen, contained sym-homospermidine as the major polyamine. The concentration of putrescine, spermidine and spermine was extremely low in these cyanobacteria. The cyanobacteria which normally fail to fix nitrogen contained spermidine as the major polyamine, while the sym-homospermidine content was very low or under the limits of detection. Apparently there is a close relationship between the sym-homospermidine content and the ability to fix nitrogen in cyanobacteria.

Analysis of polyamines and acetyl derivatives by a single automated amino acid analyzer technique

In a single, rapid and precise analysis, monoacetylputrescine, N8-acetylspermidine, N1-acetylspermidine, putrescine, spermidine, and spermine can be separated using a five-buffer system on an automatic amino acid analyzer. This method allows, for the first time, the separation of all the known acetyl derivatives of putrescine and spermidine as well as the parent compounds in urine and tissues with a single automated procedure. The method has been applied to the analysis of biological samples from normal volunteers, cancer patients and a rat liver supernatant. Mass spectral confirmation was obtained for each compound.

Pulmonary polyamine permeability factor

Acid extracts of calf lung have been found to contain low-molecular-weight factors which increase the permeability of the microcirculation when injected into the skin of rats. These factors, which were present in very low levels in aqueous extracts, were purified by gel filtration and ion-exchange chromatography. High-voltage paper electrophoresis revealed two active compounds with mobilities identical to the polyamines spermine and spermidine. Authentic samples of these compounds were as active in the "blueing" reaction as the isolated compounds. The permeability activity of both the isolated factors and the synthetic ones was inhibited by pepstatin and by pretreatment of the animals with pyrilamine maleate. If the normally low extracellular levels of these polyamines is increased by tissue damage, they could increase vascular permeability within the lung by releasing histamine from adjacent mast cells.