Construction and characterization of alginate/calcium ß-hydroxy-ß-methylbutyrate hydrogels: Effect of M/G ratios and calcium ion concentration.

Calcium ß-hydroxy-ß-methylbutyrate (CaHMB), a functional calcium salt, is used to maintain and improve muscle health. Here, a new hydrogel material prepared from alginate (ALG) with three M/G ratios (1:1, 2:1, and 1:2) and CaHMB (0-2 mg/mL) was investigated. CaHMB regulates the formation and properties of ALG hydrogels through chelation and hydrogen bonding. When the M/G ratio was 2:1, the anionic groups of CaHMB containing carboxyl and hydroxyl groups formed hydrogen bonds with the polysaccharide chains, hindering the capture of Ca2+ by the G-residue fragments of ALG, which in turn retarded the gelation process. The noncalcium cross-linked polysaccharide chain structure of ALG and the anionic group of CaHMB also affected the water distribution in the hydrogel, especially when M residue content ≥G residue content. Lower M/G ratios and higher CaHMB concentrations could increase the number of "egg box" crosslinking junctions of calcium alginate, and the microstructure was denser in the gel pores, resulting in a stronger gel strength and more free water bound in the gel matrix. This study provides a theoretical and methodological basis for the design of novel hydrogels by studying the crosslinking features of ALG/CaHMB.

Interactions of human acetylcholinesterase with phenyl valerate and acetylthiocholine: Thiocholine as an enhancer of phenyl valerate esterase activity.

Phenyl valerate (PV) is a neutral substrate for measuring the PVase activity of neuropathy target esterase (NTE), a key molecular event of organophosphorus-induced delayed neuropathy. This substrate has been used to discriminate and identify other proteins with esterase activity and potential targets of organophosphorus (OP) binding. A protein with PVase activity in chicken (model for delayed neurotoxicity) was identified as butyrylcholinesterase (BChE). Further studies in human BChE suggest that other sites might be involved in PVase activity. From the theoretical docking analysis, other more favorable sites for binding PV related to the Asn289 residue located far from the catalytic site ("PVsite") were deduced.In this paper, we demonstrate that acetylcholinesterase is also able to hydrolyze PV. Robust kinetic studies of interactions between substrates PV and acetylthiocholine (AtCh) were performed. The kinetics did not fit the classic competition models among substrates. While PV interacts as a competitive inhibitor in AChE activity, AtCh at low concentrations enhances PVase activity and inhibits this activity at high concentrations. Kinetic behavior suggests that the potentiation effect is caused by thiocholine released at the active site, where AtCh could act as a Trojan Horse. We conclude that the products released at the active site could play an important role in the hydrolysis reactions of different substrates in biological systems.

Versatile Reactivity of MnII Complexes in Reactions with N-Donor Heterocycles: Metamorphosis of Labile Homometallic Pivalates vs. Assembling of Endurable Heterometallic Acetates.

Reaction of 2,2'-bipyridine (2,2'-bipy) or 1,10-phenantroline (phen) with [Mn(Piv)2(EtOH)]n led to the formation of binuclear complexes [Mn2(Piv)4L2] (L = 2,2'-bipy (1), phen (2); Piv- is the anion of pivalic acid). Oxidation of 1 or 2 by air oxygen resulted in the formation of tetranuclear MnII/III complexes [Mn4O2(Piv)6L2] (L = 2,2'-bipy (3), phen (4)). The hexanuclear complex [Mn6(OH)2(Piv)10(pym)4] (5) was formed in the reaction of [Mn(Piv)2(EtOH)]n with pyrimidine (pym), while oxidation of 5 produced the coordination polymer [Mn6O2(Piv)10(pym)2]n (6). Use of pyrazine (pz) instead of pyrimidine led to the 2D-coordination polymer [Mn4(OH)(Piv)7(µ2-pz)2]n (7). Interaction of [Mn(Piv)2(EtOH)]n with FeCl3 resulted in the formation of the hexanuclear complex [MnII4FeIII2O2(Piv)10(MeCN)2(HPiv)2] (8). The reactions of [MnFe2O(OAc)6(H2O)3] with 4,4'-bipyridine (4,4'-bipy) or trans-1,2-(4-pyridyl)ethylene (bpe) led to the formation of 1D-polymers [MnFe2O(OAc)6L2]n·2nDMF, where L = 4,4'-bipy (9·2DMF), bpe (10·2DMF) and [MnFe2O(OAc)6(bpe)(DMF)]n·3.5nDMF (11·3.5DMF). All complexes were characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Desolvation of 11·3.5DMF led to a collapse of the porous crystal lattice that was confirmed by PXRD and N2 sorption measurements, while alcohol adsorption led to porous structure restoration. Weak antiferromagnetic exchange was found in the case of binuclear MnII complexes (JMn-Mn = -1.03 cm-1 for 1 and 2). According to magnetic data analysis (JMn-Mn = -(2.69 ÷ 0.42) cm-1) and DFT calculations (JMn-Mn = -(6.9 ÷ 0.9) cm-1) weak antiferromagnetic coupling between MnII ions also occurred in the tetranuclear {Mn4(OH)(Piv)7} unit of the 2D polymer 7. In contrast, strong antiferromagnetic coupling was found in oxo-bridged trinuclear fragment {MnFe2O(OAc)6} in 11·3.5DMF (JFe-Fe = -57.8 cm-1, JFe-Mn = -20.12 cm-1).

Efficacy of Butyric and Valeric Acid Esters in a Necrotic Enteritis Challenge Model.

Restrictions on the use of antibiotics in poultry production have increased interest in nonantibiotic alternatives to control necrotic enteritis (NE). Volatile fatty acids, and in particular butyric acid preparations, have shown potential as aids in controlling NE. Valeric acid compounds may be a new additional alternative. This series of three trials compared the effects of tributyrin, monovalerin, which is an organic acid mixture, and bacitracin in a NE challenge model consisting of challenge with coccidiosis followed by Clostridium perfringens. Trial 1 was a pen trial comparing tributyrin at 0.5 kg/metric ton continuously in the feed, a proprietary organic acid blend at 1 kg per 1000 L as a metaphylactic treatment in the water, and bacitracin in the feed at 55 g/metric ton. Tributyrin and the organic acid mixture were at least as effective as bacitracin in controlling the growth- and efficiency-suppressing effects of the NE challenge, and the organic acid mixture reduced NE lesion scores. None of the treatments reduced mortality. Trial 2 was a battery study comparing monovalerin at 1.5 kg/metric ton and bacitracin in the feed. Both interventions provided significant control of both clinical and subclinical NE, with bacitracin being slightly superior to monovalerin. Trial 3 was a pen trial comparing monovalerin at 1 kg or 1.5 kg/metric ton continuously, or 0.5 kg/metric ton from 0 to 14 days and 0.25 kg/metric ton from 14 to 42 days (variable dose), to tributyrin at the same variable-dose schedule. The higher dose of monovalerin appeared to suppress feed intake and weight gain prechallenge but also produced the lowest NE mortality and the lowest total mortality of the challenged groups. All of the treatments except the variable-dose monovalerin treatment demonstrated reductions in NE lesion scores compared with the positive challenge control group; however, they did not control mortality and had fewer effects on the performance effects of subclinical NE. Results of these studies indicate that the organic acid products monovalerin and tributyrin may be useful adjuncts to reduce NE in antibiotic-free broiler production.

Development and Validation of Stability-Indicating HPLC Methods for the Estimation of Lomefloxacin and Balofloxacin Oxidation Process under ACVA, H2O2, or KMnO4 Treatment. Kinetic Evaluation and Identification of Degradation Products by Mass Spectrometry.

The oxidation of lomefloxacin (LOM) and balofloxacin (BAL) under the influence of azo initiator of radical reactions of 4,4'-azobis(4-cyanopentanoic acid) (ACVA) and H2O2 was examined. Oxidation using H2O2 was performed at room temperature while using ACVA at temperatures: 40, 50, 60 °C. Additionally, the oxidation process of BAL under the influence of KMnO4 in an acidic medium was investigated. New stability-indicating HPLC methods were developed in order to evaluate the oxidation process. Chromatographic analysis was carried out using the Kinetex 5u XB-C18 100A column, Phenomenex (Torrance, CA, USA) (250 × 4.6 mm, 5 µm particle size, core shell type). The chromatographic separation was achieved while using isocratic elution and a mobile phase with the composition of 0.05 M phosphate buffer (pH = 3.20 adjusted with o-phosphoric acid) and acetonitrile (87:13 v/v for LOM; 80:20 v/v for BAL). The column was maintained at 30 °C. The methods were validated according to the ICH guidelines, and it was found that they met the acceptance criteria. An oxidation process followed kinetics of the second order reaction. The most probable structures of LOM and BAL degradation products formed were assigned by the UHPLC/MS/MS method.

RIFM fragrance ingredient safety assessment, 2-methylpropyl pentanoate, CAS Registry Number 10588-10-0.

The existing information supports the use of this material as described in this safety assessment. 2-Methylpropyl pentanoate was evaluated for genotoxicity, repeated dose toxicity, reproductive toxicity, local respiratory toxicity, phototoxicity/photoallergenicity, skin sensitization, and environmental safety. Data from read-across analog ethyl 2-methylbutyrate (CAS # 7452-79-1) show that 2-methylpropyl pentanoate is not expected to be genotoxic and provide a calculated margin of exposure (MOE) > 100 for the repeated dose toxicity and reproductive toxicity endpoints. Data from read-across analog isoamyl acetate (CAS # 123-92-2) show that there are no safety concerns for 2-methylpropyl pentanoate for skin sensitization under the current declared levels of use. The phototoxicity/photoallergenicity endpoints were evaluated based on ultraviolet (UV) spectra; 2-methylpropyl pentanoate is not expected to be phototoxic/photoallergenic. The local respiratory toxicity endpoint was evaluated using the threshold of toxicological concern (TTC) for a Cramer Class I material; exposure is below the TTC (1.4 mg/day). The environmental endpoints were evaluated; 2-methylpropyl pentanoate was found not to be persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic (PBT) as per the International Fragrance Association (IFRA) Environmental Standards, and its risk quotients, based on its current volume of use in Europe and North America (i.e., Predicted Environmental Concentration/Predicted No Effect Concentration [PEC/PNEC]), are <1.

(S)-4-Amino-5-phenoxypentanoate designed as a potential selective agonist of the bacterial transcription factor GabR.

Addressing molecular recognition in the context of evolution requires pursuing new molecular targets to enable the development of agonists or antagonists with new mechanisms of action. Disruption of transcriptional regulation through targeting transcription factors that regulate the expression of key enzymes in bacterial metabolism may provide a promising method for controlling the bacterial metabolic pathways. To this end, we have selectively targeted a bacterial transcription regulator through the design and synthesis of a series of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) derivatives, including (S)-4-amino-5-phenoxypentanoate (4-phenoxymethyl-GABA), which are based on docking insights gained from a previously-solved crystal structure of GabR from Bacillus subtilis. This target was selected because GabR strictly controls GABA metabolism by regulating the transcription of the gabT/D operon. These GabR transcription modulators are selective for the bacterial transcription factor GabR and are unable to bind to structural homologs of GabR due to distinct steric constraints. We have obtained a crystal structure of 4-phenoxymethyl-GABA bound as an external aldimine with PLP in the effector binding site of GabR, which suggests that this compound is capable of binding and reacting in the same manner as the native effector ligand. Inhibition assays demonstrate high selectivity of 4-phenoxymethyl-GABA for bacterial GabR versus several selected eukaryotic enzymes. Single-molecule fluorescence resonance energy transfer (smFRET) experiments reveal a ligand-induced DNA distortion that is very similar to that of the native effector GABA, suggesting that the compound functions as a potential selective agonist of GabR.

Supplementation with beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate impacts glucose homeostasis and increases liver size in trained mice.

ß-hydroxy-ß-methyl butyrate (HMB) is a bioactive metabolite derived from the amino acid leucine, usually applied for muscle mass increase during physical training, as well as for muscle mass maintenance in debilitating chronic diseases. The hypothesis of the present study is that HMB is a safe supplement for muscle mass gain by strength training. Based on this, the objective was to measure changes in body composition, glucose homeostasis and hepatic metabolism of HMB supplemented mice during strength training. Two of four groups of male mice (n = 6/group) underwent an 8-week training period session (climbing stairs) with or without HMB supplementation (190 mg/kgBW per day). We observed lower body mass gain (4.9 ± 0.43% versus 1.2 ± 0.43, p < 0.001) and increased liver mass (40.9 ± 0.9 mg/gBW versus 44.8 ± 1.3, p < 0.001) in the supplemented trained group compared with the non-supplemented groups. The supplemented trained group had an increase in relative adipose tissue mass (12.4 ± 0.63 mg/gBW versus 16.1 ± 0.88, P < 0.01) compared to the non-supplemented untrained group, and an increase in fasting blood glucose (111 ± 4.58 mg/dL versus 122 ± 3.70, P < 0.05) and insulin resistance (3.79 ± 0.19 % glucose decay/min versus 2.45 ± 0.28, P < 0.05) comparing with non-supplemented trained group. Adaptive heart hypertrophy was observed only in the non-supplemented trained group (4.82 ± 0.05 mg/gBW versus 5.12 ± 0.13, P < 0.05). There was a higher hepatic insulin-like growth factor-1 expression (P = 0.002) in supplemented untrained comparing with non-supplemented untrained group. Gene expression of gluconeogenesis regulatory factors was increased by training and reduced by HMB supplementation. These results confirm that HMB supplementation associated with intensive training protocol drives changes in glucose homeostasis and liver metabolism in mice.

Effect of the Combination of Creatine Monohydrate Plus HMB Supplementation on Sports Performance, Body Composition, Markers of Muscle Damage and Hormone Status: A Systematic Review.

Although there are many studies showing the isolated effect of creatine monohydrate (CrM) and ß-hydroxy ß-methylbutyrate (HMB), it is not clear what effect they have when they are combined. The main purpose of this systematic review was to determine the efficacy of mixing CrM plus HMB in comparison with their isolated effects on sports performance, body composition, exercise induced markers of muscle damage, and anabolic-catabolic hormones. This systematic review was carried out in accordance with PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) statement guidelines and the PICOS model, for the definition of the inclusion criteria. Studies were found by searching PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science (WOS), and Scopus electronic databases from inception to July 3rd 2019. Methodological quality and risk of bias were assessed by two authors independently, and disagreements were resolved by third-party evaluation, in accordance with the Cochrane Collaboration Guidelines samples. The literature was examined regarding the effects of the combination of CrM plus HMB on sport performance using several outcome variables (athletic performance, body composition, markers of muscle damage, and hormone status). This systematic review included six articles that investigated the effects of CrM plus HMB on sport performance (two on strength performance, showing improvements in one of them; three on anaerobic performance, presenting enhancements in two of them; and one on aerobic performance, not presenting improvements), body composition (three on body mass, showing improvements in one of them; two on fat free mass, presenting increases in one of them; and two on fat mass, showing decreases in one of them) and markers of muscle damage and hormone status (four on markers of muscle damage and one on anabolic-catabolic hormones, not showing benefits in any of them). In summary, the combination of 3-10 g/day of CrM plus 3 g/day of HMB for 1-6 weeks could produce potential positive effects on sport performance (strength and anaerobic performance) and for 4 weeks on body composition (increasing fat free mass and decreasing fat mass). However, this combination seems to not show positive effects relating to markers of exercise-induced muscle damage and anabolic-catabolic hormones.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of novel SIPI-7623 derivatives as farnesoid X receptor (FXR) antagonists.

Most of reported steroidal FXR antagonists are restricted due to low potency. We described the design and synthesis of novel nonsteroidal scaffold SIPI-7623 derivatives as FXR antagonists. The most potent compound A-11 (IC50 = 7.8 ± 1.1 µM) showed better activity compared to SIPI-7623 (IC50 = 40.8 ± 1.7 µM) and guggulsterone (IC50 = 45.9 ± 1.1 µM). Docking of A-11 in FXR's ligand-binding domain was also studied.

Salivary Hydrogen Sulfide Measured with a New Highly Sensitive Self-Immolative Coumarin-Based Fluorescent Probe.

Ample evidence suggests that H2S is an important biological mediator, produced by endogenous enzymes and microbiota. So far, several techniques including colorimetric methods, electrochemical analysis and sulfide precipitation have been developed for H2S detection. These methods provide sensitive detection, however, they are destructive for tissues and require tedious sequences of preparation steps for the analyzed samples. Here, we report synthesis of a new fluorescent probe for H2S detection, 4-methyl-2-oxo-2H-chromen-7-yl 5-azidopentanoate (1). The design of 1 is based on combination of two strategies for H2S detection, i.e., reduction of an azido group to an amine in the presence of H2S and intramolecular lactamization. Finally, we measured salivary H2S concentration in healthy, 18⁻40-year-old volunteers immediately after obtaining specimens. The newly developed self-immolative coumarin-based fluorescence probe (C15H15N3O4) showed high sensitivity to H2S detection in both sodium phosphate buffer at physiological pH and in saliva. Salivary H2S concentration in healthy volunteers was within a range of 1.641⁻7.124 µM.

Improvement of n-caproic acid production with Ruminococcaceae bacterium CPB6: selection of electron acceptors and carbon sources and optimization of the culture medium.

BACKGROUND: Global energy and resource shortages make it necessary to quest for renewable resources. n-Caproic acid (CA) production based on carboxylate platform by anaerobic fermentation is booming. Recently, a novel Ruminococcaceae bacterium CPB6 is shown to be a potential biotransformation factory for CA production from lactate-containing wastewater. However, little is known about the effects of different electron acceptors (EAs) on the fermentative products of strain CPB6, as well as the optimum medium for CA production. RESULTS: In this study, batch experiments were performed to investigate the fermentative products of strain CPB6 in a lactate medium supplemented with different EAs and sugars. Supplementation of acetate, butyrate and sucrose dramatically increased cell growth and CA production. The addition of propionate or pentanoate resulted in the production of C5 or C7 carboxylic acid, respectively. Further, a Box-Behnken experiment was conducted to optimize the culture medium for CA production. The result indicated that a medium containing 13.30 g/L sucrose, 22.35 g/L lactate and 16.48 g/L butyrate supported high-titer CA production (16.73 g/L) with a maximum productivity of 6.50 g/L/day. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that strain CPB6 could produce C6-C7 carboxylic acids from lactate (as electron donor) with C2-C5 short-chain carboxylic acids (as EAs), but CA (C6 carboxylic acid) was the most major and potential product. Butyrate and sucrose were the most significant EA and carbon source respectively for CA production from lactate by strain CPB6. High titer of CA can be produced from a synthetic substrate containing sucrose, lactate and butyrate. The work provided significant implications for improving CA production in industry-scale.

Disruption of Kcc2-dependent inhibition of olfactory bulb output neurons suggests its importance in odour discrimination.

Synaptic inhibition in the olfactory bulb (OB), the first relay station of olfactory information, is believed to be important for odour discrimination. We interfered with GABAergic inhibition of mitral and tufted cells (M/T cells), the principal neurons of the OB, by disrupting their potassium-chloride cotransporter 2 (Kcc2). Roughly, 70% of mice died around 3 weeks, but surviving mice appeared normal. In these mice, the resulting increase in the intracellular Cl(-) concentration nearly abolished GABA-induced hyperpolarization of mitral cells (MCs) and unexpectedly increased the number of perisomatic synapses on MCs. In vivo analysis of odorant-induced OB electrical activity revealed increased M/T cell firing rate, altered phasing of action potentials in the breath cycle and disrupted separation of odour-induced M/T cell activity patterns. Mice also demonstrated a severely impaired ability to discriminate chemically similar odorants or odorant mixtures. Our work suggests that precisely tuned GABAergic inhibition onto M/T cells is crucial for M/T cell spike pattern separation needed to distinguish closely similar odours.

Two New Cinnamyl Isovalerate Derivatives from Sabina gaussenii.

Chemical investigation of the 90% acetone extract of the branches and leaves of Sabina gaussenii led to the isolation of two new cinnamyl isovalerate derivatives (1-2) and eighteen known compounds (3-20). Their structures were determined mainly by means of MS, 1D- and 2D-NMR data, and this is the first time these compounds have been reported from this plant. The biological activity test results indicated that the 90% acetone extract showed cytotoxicity against the human lung adenocarcinoma (A549) cell line (IC50 = 0.98 ± 0.1 µg/mL), compound 6 showed cytotoxicities against human cervical carcinoma (HeLa) (IC50 = 0.4 ± 0.1 µM ) and human gastric carcinoma (BGC-823) (IC50 = 0.9 ± 0.2 µM) cancer cell lines, and compound 19 showed cytotoxicities against HeLa (IC50 = 1.5 ± 0.4 µM), BGC-823 (IC50 = 7.0 ± 0.8 µM ), and A549 (IC50 = 10.6 ± 1.5 µM ) cancer cell lines.