[Effects of mobile phones and radar radiofrequencies on the eye]. / Effets des ondes hyperfréquences des téléphones mobiles et des radars sur l'oeil.

The increasing applications of microwaves, mainly in mobile phones and radar, induce a higher rate of exposed people, sometimes cause of worry. Eyeballs are hotspots of radiofrequency field radiation because of their anatomy and composition. We propose a review of the various effects on the eye. The studies are hardly comparable because the exposure systems, power densities and dosimetries are different. While the thermal effects on the eye are well known including cataracts, corneal edema, endothelial cell loss and retinal degeneration, the non-thermal effects are still controversial. Cell cycle abnormalities, early apoptosis were reported in experimental conditions likely due to oxidative stress, but the studies could not show any significant effect on human eyes when exposed to long-term and low-dose radiation. Next studies need to be closer to human exposure.

Pulsed electromagnetic field at 9.71 GHz increase free radical production in yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae).

Potential human health hazards have been reported after exposure to electromagnetic fields at low power density. Increased oxidative stress has been suggested as a potential mechanism involved in long-term effect of such exposure. In the present work, yeast cultures were exposed for 20 min to a 9.71 GHz pulsed electromagnetic field at specific absorption rates (SAR) from 0.5 W/kg to 16 W/kg. Oxidative perturbations were investigated using ESR spin trapping experiments and their impacts on membrane fluidity were assessed using spin label five nitroxide stearate. The experiments using the water-soluble spin trap alpha-(4-pyridyl-1-oxide)-N-t-butylnitrone and the lipid-soluble N-tert-butyl-alpha-phenylnitrone showed an increase of spin adduct production both in low power density exposure (SAR<4 W/kg) and in thermal conditions (SAR>4 W/kg). The membrane fluidity diminutions after exposure in all the conditions were consistent with lipid peroxidation. The overall results suggest an increase of the free radical production in the intra cellular compartment; however no effect on the yeast vitality was found.

[Per(6-deoxy) derivative of beta-cyclodextrin (B6): physicochemical characterization, haemolytic activity and membrane properties]. / Caractérisation physicochimique du dérivé amphiphile per(6-déoxy) de la bêta-cyclodextrine (B6) et étude de son activité hémolytique et de son action vis-à-vis des membranes.

Natural beta-cyclodextrin bears an internal crown consisting of six primary alcohol groups. Their removal leads to per(6-deoxy)beta-cyclodextrin (B6). The physicochemical properties of B6 and its interactions with membranes were investigated to give an evaluation of haemolytic activity and complexing properties of this chemical species. This was achieved by using surface tension and haemolytic activity (i.e.DH50 determination, the concentration inducing 50% haemolysis) measurements,1H-31P-NMR and EPR spectroscopies. Whereas B6 solubility in the water is close to that of natural beta CD (about 5 g/L at 20 degrees C) and exhibits amphiphilic properties greater than those of beta CD (log P: -1.36 at 300 K), B6 forms micelles in aqueous solution of 20 molecules, even at low concentration 0.8mM. In addition, B6 exhibits tensioactive properties leading to solubilization and even, in some cases orientation of synthetic membranes. Although no complex formation with membrane components was observed, NMR and ESR showed interactions with the surface of the membrane. Subsequently, B6 exhibits an important haemolytic activity, whose mechanism, different from that of beta CD, is discussed.

Hexakis (3,6-anhydro)-tetrakis[2(I,II,IV,V)-O-(2-ethoxyethyl)] derivatives of (3,6-anhydro)-alpha-cyclodextrin exhibits novel cation affinities and tensioactive properties on membranes.

The synthesis of hexakis (3,6-anhydro)-tetrakis[2(I,II,IV,V)-O-(2-ethoxyethyl)] cyclomaltohexaose (AEOE) was designed to obtain cation complexing properties. 1H NMR study showed ionic radius dependence of AEOE cation affinity, markedly observed for Cs+ and Rb+. Besides, AEOE was found haemolytic (HC50 = 9 mM) and superficial tension measurements revealed positive tensio active properties. A 31P and 2HNMR study of phospholipid dispersions (dimyristoyl phosphatidyl cholin, DMPC) in the presence of AEOE was performed; it was found that, beside the typical lineshape of phospholipid bilayers, two new NMR lines were detected in the presence of AEOE: (a) an isotropic line consistent with a detergent effect (b) another isotropic resonance of 1 Hz linewidth over phase transition temperature (298 K), indicating a true solubilization. Coupling constant measurements confirmed that the main conformation at the polar head group level was close to that observed in chloroform/methanol solution. It was finally concluded that AEOE could form true solutions of DMPC, similarly to those induced by diethyl ether interactions with membranes, while giving soluble complexes.

Physicochemical properties and membrane interactions of per(6-desoxy-6-halogenated) cyclodextrins.

Per(6-iodo-6-desoxy) cyclodextrins are synthesis intermediates used in the design of the cation chelating per(3,6-anhydro) cyclodextrins. The modifications of the properties of these molecules resulting from the nature of the halogen substituant and also the number of osidic building blocks were investigated by varying both factors, using 1H and 31P-NMR and EPR spectroscopies. These nearly water insoluble molecules exhibits no complexing properties (for both ionic and apolar structures) but can be partially solubilized in micelles of detergent (sodium dodecyl sulfate) and also in phospholipid vesicles. Dipolar connectivity (nOesy) NMR experiments show that they are embedded at the chain level of the micelles/vesicles, without any inclusion complex formation. Changing the number of glucose building blocks (6,7 or 8) or/and the nature of the halogen nuclei at the positions 6 strongly modify cyclodextrin affinities and membrane interactions. For instance the per(6-bromo-6-desoxy)-cyclomaltohexaose (ABR) and -cyclomaltoheptaose (BBR) exhibit a selective affinity for cobalt (apparent Ka of 2500 and 790M(-1), respectively). In terms of interactions with membranes, alpha derivatives induce sterical hindrance at the phosphorus level while destructuring the chains. Other derivatives are located deeper and rigidify the most superficial part of the chain, suppressing the jump in membrane fluidity at transition temperature.

NMR and ESR study of amphotericin B interactions with various binary phosphatidylcholine/phosphatidylglycerol membranes.

Several biologically relevant phospholipids are considered as potential excipients for IV administration liposome's formulation of AMB (Biopharmaceututics Classification System Class IV). On the basis of in vivo bioavaibility studies, DMPC and DMPG were ranked as the first potent encapsulation enhancers for this model drug, especially if one expects to target DMPG rich systems as pulmonary surfactant. Subsequently, dispersions (multilayers) of DMPC, DMPG or in binary systems with various molar ratios were prepared with or without AMB (molar ratios AMB/lipid) and further investigated using the 1H-,31P-NMR methods. It was found that equimolar preparations of DMPG/DMPG exhibited both a good encapsulation of AMB, while also probably able to target pulmonary surfactant. Besides DMPG did not exhibit the same solubilization properties. Conversely, no targeting by DMPC dispersion alone was expected, even if a good solubilization was obtained.

In vivo setup characterization for pulsed electromagnetic field exposure at 3 GHz.

An in vivo setup for pulsed electric field exposure at 3 GHz is proposed and characterized in this work. The exposure system allows far field, whole-body exposure of six animals placed in Plexiglas cages with a circular antenna. Chronic exposures under 18 W incident average power (1-4 kW peak power) and acute exposures under 56 W incident average power (4.7 kW peak power) were considered. Numerical and experimental dosimetry of the setup allowed the accurate calculation of specific absorption rate (SAR) distributions under various exposure conditions. From rat model numerical simulations, the whole-body mean SAR values were 1.3 W kg(-1) under chronic exposures and 4.1 W kg(-1) under acute exposure. The brain-averaged SAR value was 1.8 W kg(-1) and 5.7 W kg(-1) under chronic and acute exposure, respectively. Under acute exposure conditions, a 10 g specific absorption of 1.8 ± 1.1 mJ · kg(-1) value was obtained. With temperature rises below 0.8 °C, as measured or simulated on a gel phantom under typical in vivo exposures, this exposure system provides adequate conditions for in vivo experimental investigations under non-thermal conditions.

Lipophilic glycosyl phosphotriester derivatives of AZT: synthesis, NMR transmembrane transport study, and antiviral activity.

Phosphate derivatives of AZT esterified with a carbohydrate (D-glucose, D-mannose, and ethyl D-mannopyranoside) and a hexadecyl chain were prepared from glucose 6-phosphate and D-mannose precursors. The 31P NMR study of the mannosyl phosphotriester series in the presence of large unilamellar vesicles demonstrated either an interaction with the external lipid layer or a transmembrane transport into the intravesicular interface. The antiviral activity, measured by the inhibition of cytopathogenicity on different infected cells and of reverse transcriptase activity in the supernatant of cultures, appeared to be comparable to that of AZT, in the micromolar range.

Synthesis of acyclo-C-nucleosides in the imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine and pyrimidine series as antiviral agents.

The synthesis and the antiviral activities of C-3 acyclic nucleoside analogues of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine and pyrimidine are reported. From these compounds, 20, 21, 22, 23, 28, and 34 showed a specific activity against cytomegalovirus and/or varicella-zoster virus.

Interaction of the malonyldialdehyde molecule with membranes. A differential scanning calorimetry, 1H-, 31P-NMR and ESR study.

The membrane interactions of malonyldialdehyde (MDA), natural product of polyunsaturated fatty acids peroxidation were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry, and ESR or NMR spectroscopy. This component is located in the superficial part of the bilayer, where it increases the local fluidity. High concentrations of MDA induce major membrane damage. Similar consequences of MDA-membrane interactions were observed on erythrocyte ghosts.

Glucosyl phosphotriesters of nucleosides: exchange mechanism of transmembrane transport and application to 5-fluoro-deoxyuridine.

The structure and membrane interactions of lipophilic glucosyl phosphotriester derivatives of thymidine and 5-fluoro-deoxy thymidine are investigated by NMR spectroscopy. The self-association of these molecules, found in different solvents, presents a diastereoisomeric effect which is also observed in the transmembrane transport inside large unilamellar vesicles. The influence of the hydrophobic chain and the nature of the nucleoside in the water-membrane exchange process is discussed.

Ajoene, the antiplatelet compound derived from garlic, specifically inhibits platelet release reaction by affecting the plasma membrane internal microviscosity.

Ajoene (E,Z-4,5,9-trithiadodeca-1,6,11-triene 9-oxide), a product of the rearrangement of allicin (a major component of raw garlic), has been shown to be a potent inhibitor of platelet aggregation in vitro through inhibition of granule release and fibrinogen binding. Our present study further elaborates on this inhibitory action, through studies of the effect of ajoene on the earliest steps of platelet activation. The transducing mechanism involved in thrombin-induced platelet activation was not modified by the drug as indicated by a normal breakdown of phosphatidylinositol 4,5,bisphosphate and normal production of phosphatidic acid. Likewise, the agonist-induced phosphorylation of myosin light chain (P20) and of the 43 kD protein (P43) were not impaired by ajoene. Under the same conditions, however, ajoene (100 microM) produced a strong inhibition of the thrombin-induced release of dense body and alpha-granule constituents. Electron spin resonance studies of the effect of ajoene on some physico-chemical properties of the platelet plasma membrane (intact platelets), as well as on artificial lipid membranes, indicated that ajoene increased mobility of the fatty acid spin label 16 nitroxide stearate. This suggests the existence of a decreased microviscosity of the most internal region within the lipid bilayer membrane, without affecting the outer hydrophilic moieties of the bilayer. As a whole, these results suggest that the effect of ajoene on the release reaction must be, in part, due to physical modification of the bilayer, which impairs the fusion of the granules and plasma membrane, a prerequisite for exocytosis.

Sesquiterpene lactone glycosides from Lapsana communis L. subsp. communis.

From the latex of Lapsana communis L. subps. communis, five guaianolide glycosides were identified: crepiside E, tectoroside and three new ones: 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-8-O-beta-acetyl-1 alpha H,5 alpha H,6 beta H,7 alpha H-guai-4(15),10(14),11(13)-triene-6,12-olide, 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-8-O-beta-acetyl-1 alpha H,5 alpha H,6 beta H,7 alpha H-guai-3(4),10(14), 11(13)-triene-15-methyl-6,12-olide, and 3-O-beta-glucopyranosyl-8-O-beta-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-lactyl-1 alpha H,5 alpha H,6 beta H,7 alpha H-guai-3(4),10(14),11(13)-triene-15-methyl-6,12-olide. Their structures were established by spectroscopic methods.

Mechanism of alpha-cyclodextrin-induced hemolysis. 1. The two-step extraction of phosphatidylinositol from the membrane.

It has been suggested that the interaction of cyclodextrins with the lipid components of the erythrocyte membranes is the determining factor in the hemolysis induced by these cyclic oligosaccharides. In the case of alpha-cyclodextrin (cyclomaltohexose), phospholipids have been identified as the cell target. In our study, evidence for the interaction between alpha-cyclodextrin and different phospholipids has been obtained using synthetic membranes. Since phosphatidylinositol (PI) showed the strongest affinity for alpha-cyclodextrin, it has been selected to investigate the respective contributions of the polar head group and the aliphatic chains to the association process using 31P, 2H, and 1H NMR spectroscopy. In this work, we describe the two-step extraction of PI from the membrane following its association with alphaCD: a cyclodextrin molecule is first attracted to the membrane surface by electrostatic remote interactions and associates with the lipid head group. Then the whole PI molecule is extracted, and inclusion of its unsaturated sn-2 acyl chain into another alphaCD molecule occurs in the bulk.

Mechanism of alpha-cyclodextrin induced hemolysis. 2. A study of the factors controlling the association with serine-, ethanolamine-, and choline-phospholipids.

A nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and molecular modeling study of the interaction between alpha-cyclodextrin (alpha-CD) and phospholipids with serine, ethanolamine, or choline headgroups is presented. The experimental approach is based on 31P and 1H NMR measurements on small unilamellar vesicles (SUV), multilamellar systems (MLV), and aqueous suspensions of lipids using a direct complex preparation with alpha-CD. Molecular dynamics computer simulations are used to investigate the trajectory of alpha-CD in the vicinity of a membrane surface and the influence of the charge and dipole moment of the phospholipid headgroups. These factors of charge and orientation of dipole moment seem to play a key role in the interaction of phospholipids with alpha-CD and reflect very well the experimentally observed selectivity of the phospholipid -alpha-CD approach. However, with this approach, there is no evidence for the formation of a complex with the phospholipid headgroup (except for phosphatidylinositol) that results from electrostatic forces. Rather, after a possible extraction of the lipid from the membrane, a classical inclusion of the sn-2 chain in the cavity of alpha-CD occurs. This step depends on the alkyl chain length and saturation state of the lipids as well as on their organization (i.e., as vesicles or dispersions). Based on our results, chemical modifications of the alpha-CD molecule to control the hemolytic properties of alpha-CD are discussed.

Synthetic pyridopurines derived from food pyrolysis products: intercalation, interactions with membranes, cyclodextrin complexation, and biological mitogenic properties.

Crucial conditions for the pharmacological use of active compounds are their ability to cross the biological barriers and reach their intracellular target. In the case of two antiviral pyridopurine derivatives, 1 and 2, this included essentially the membranes and the nucleic acids. Thus the interactions of 1 and 2 with model membranes and oligonucleotides were studied using NMR spectroscopy. It was found that these hydrophobic molecules can be incorporated into the model membranes at the terminal methyl group level, inducing dynamic perturbations in the bilayer. In the presence of the synthetic oligonucleotide ACATGT, both molecules can intercalate aspecifically in AT and GC systems. Inclusion complexes of 1 and 2 beta-cyclodextrins with a 1:1 stoichiometry, were also prepared. This led to to propose two galenic forms 1 and 2, i.e. included in phospholipid vesicles in the form of a beta-cyclodextrin complex

Non-thermal effects of continuous 2.45 GHz microwaves on Fas-induced apoptosis in human Jurkat T-cell line.

Non-thermal effects of microwaves (MWs) are one of the main issues studied for revising standards. The effects of MW exposure on apoptosis at non-thermal level (48 h, 2.45 GHz, 5 mW/cm2) have been studied. Results obtained assess non-thermal MW effects on Fas, but neither on butyrate- nor on ceramide-induced apoptosis in human Jurkat T-cell line. These data show that MW interacts either with Fas pathway between receptor and caspase-3 activation or on membrane proteins (i.e. Fas receptor or neurosphyngomyelinase).

Modulation of intercalating properties of pyrido[1,2-e]purins via side-chain modifications: NMR and MD studies.

Two pyrido[1,2-e]purins with different side chain lengths have been synthesized to test their ability to intercalate inside DNA. The interactions of these drugs with synthetic oligodeoxy nucleotide d(CGATCG)2 have been studied with 1H and 31P NMR spectroscopy experiments. Molecule 1, rather amphiphilic (Log(P) = 1.3, due to its hydroxypropyl side chain) can intercalate GC sites of the mini helix, under a fast exchange mechanism and a 2:1 stoechiometry. The presence of a six methylen side chain in 2 (hydroxyhexyl side chain) is responsible for a relatively poor solubility of this molecule in water (log P = 2.3). Binding, rather than intercalation, of 2 to the external GC pairs is observed, severely limited by the formation of aggregates. Models for the intercalation of 1, are proposed using energy minimizations and Molecular Dynamics (MD) calculations subject to restraints from experimental nOe connectivities. Simulations and experiments both indicate fast exchange of 1 in its intercalation site.

[Modulation of interactions of pyridopyrines with membrane systems: an NMR study of the role of side chains]. / Modulation des interactions de pyridopurines avec les systèmes membranaires: étude RMN du rôle de la chaîne latérale.

Interactions of three pryridopurines differing by their side chain, -SCH2-Phe [1], -SCH2-CHOH-CH3 [2], and -SCH2-CHOH-CH2OH [3], with model membranes were studied by proton, phosphorus and carbon NMR. Their incorporation in phospholipid multilayers induced a membrane rigidification without altering ther main bilayer structure nor the phase transition. Depending on the more or less amphiphilic properties, these molecule have different behavior when included in small unilamellar vesicles: hydrophobic [1] is found in the deepest part of the membrane, while [2] lies at an intermediate location in the layer. [3] is more hydrophilic: its aromatic moiety is in the intermediate part of the membrane whereas the side chain is found oriented towards the superficial part of the layer. Furthermore, the amphiphilic molecule [2] has transmembrane transport abilities when in the presence of large unilamellar vesicles.

[Demonstration of molecular combinations of alpha cyclodextrin (ACD) with dioctanoyl glycerol]. / Mise en évidence des associations moléculaires des alpha cyclodextrines (ACD) avec le dioctanoyl glycérol.

The molecular association of dioctanoyl glycerol (DOG) with the natural alpha cyclodextrin molecule (ACD) was studied using small unilamellar vesicles (SUV) by proton and 13C NMR. While no classic inclusion complex was found, a molecular association exists, leading to the formation of an insoluble precipitate. The possibility of a polar head group implication is discussed about the dimyristoyl phosphatidyl choline model.