Cytotoxicity, early safety screening, and antimicrobial potential of minor oxime constituents of essential oils and aromatic extracts.

Due to market and legislative expectations, there is a constant need to explore new potential antimicrobial agents for functional perfumery. In this study, we evaluated the antimicrobial activity of 53 low molecular oximes and the corresponding carbonyl compounds against Escherichia coli, Enterococcus hirae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Aspergillus brasiliensis, Legionella pneumophila and Candida albicans. The most potent compound was α-isomethylionone oxime, which exhibited a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 18.75 µg/mL against E. hirae. The evaluation of the MICs for bacterial and fungal strains was performed for selected compounds, for example, the MIC of 2-phenylpropionaldehyde, cis-jasmone oxime, and trans-cinnamaldehyde measured against A. brasiliensis was 37.50 µg/mL. ADME-Tox (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion, and Toxicity) and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium (MTS) cell viability assays were performed to assess the cytotoxicity of tested compounds. ADME-Tox indicated the safety and promising properties of selected compounds, which enables their usage as nontoxic supporting antibacterial agents. The results of the in vitro MTS assay were consistent with the ADME-Tox results. None of the compounds tested was toxic to Human Embryonic Kidney 293T (HEK293T) cells, with all cell viabilities exceeding 85%.

Biological Activity of Selected Natural and Synthetic Terpenoid Lactones.

Terpenoids with lactone moieties have been indicated to possess high bioactivity. Certain terpenoid lactones exist in nature, in plants and animals, but they can also be obtained by chemical synthesis. Terpenoids possessing lactone moieties are known for their cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer, and antimalarial activities. Moreover, one terpenoid lactone, artemisinin, is used as a drug against malaria. Because of these abilities, there is constant interest in new terpenoid lactones that are both isolated and synthesized, and their biological activities have been verified. In some cases, the activity of the terpenoid lactone is specifically connected to the lactone moiety. Recent works have revealed that new terpenoid lactones can demonstrate such functions and are thus considered to be potential active agents against many diseases.

Influence of monoterpenoids on the growth of freshwater cyanobacteria.

Cyanobacteria are characterized by a very high tolerance to environmental factors. They are found in salt water, fresh water, thermal springs, and Antarctic waters. The wide spectrum of habitats suitable for those microorganisms is related to their particularly effective metabolism; resistance to extreme environmental conditions; and the need for only limited environmental resources such as water, carbon dioxide, simple inorganic salts, and light. These metabolic characteristics have led to cyanobacterial blooms and the production of cyanotoxins, justifying research into effective ways to counteract the excessive proliferation of these microorganisms. A new and interesting idea for the immediate reduction of cyanobacterial abundance is to use natural substances with broad-spectrum biological activity to restore phytoplankton diversity. This study describes the effects of selected monoterpenoid derivatives on the development of cyanobacterial cultures. In the course of the study, some compounds ((±)-citronellal, (+)-α-pinene) showed the ability to inhibit the colonization of the tested photosynthetic bacteria, while others (eugenol, eucalyptol) stimulated the growth of these microorganisms. By analyzing the results of these experiments, information was obtained on the mutual relations of cyanobacteria and the tested monoterpenes, which are present in the aquatic environment. KEY POINTS: • Monoterpenoids significantly inhibit the growth of single cyanobacterial strains. • Monoterpenoids can inhibit the growth of cyanobacterial consortia. • Natural substances can control the growth of freshwater cyanobacteria.

Synthesis of nitrogen-containing monoterpenoids with antibacterial activity.

Incorporation of the Beckmann rearrangement into the presented research resulted in the formation of nitrogen-containing terpenoid derivatives originating from naturally occurring compounds. Both starting monoterpenes and obtained derivatives were subjected to estimation of their antibacterial potential. In the presented study, Staphylococcus aureus was the most sensitive to examined compounds. The Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) experiments performed on S. aureus demonstrated that the (-)-menthone oxime (-)-8 and (+)-pulegone oxime (+)-13 had the best antibacterial activity among the tested derivatives and starting compounds. Their MIC90 value was 100 µg/mL. The obtained derivatives were also evaluated for their inhibitory activity against bacterial urease. Among the tested compounds, three active inhibitors were found - oxime 14 and lactams (-)-15 and 16 limited the activity of Sporosarcina pasteurii urease with Ki values of 174.3 µM, 43.0 µM and 4.6 µM, respectively. To our knowledge, derivative 16 is the most active antiureolytic lactam described to date.

Synthesis and biological activity of new derivatives with the preserved carane system.

Terpenoid derivatives, which contain a preserved carane system in their structure, exhibit a broad spectrum of biological activities. Among them, we can distinguish insecticides, structures with pharmacological application etc. In the presented paper, the substrate - (-)-cis-caran-trans-4-ol was transformed using the reactions of typical organic synthesis to obtain novel derivatives. Most importantly, bromolactone ((-)-(1R,4R,6S)-2'-(bromomethyl)-4,7,7-trimethylspiro[bicyclo[4.1.0]heptan-3,3'-furan]-5'(4'H)-one) with the preserved carane system was synthesized. This bromolactone was tested for antifeedant activity against the lesser mealworm, Alphitobius diaperinus Panzer, and peach potato aphid (Myzus persicae). In addition, its moderate antibacterial activity was observed against the Bacillus subtilis strain (with Minimal Inhibitory Concentration of 200 µg/mL).

Synthesis and Biological Activity of New 4-tert-Butylcyclohexanone Derivatives.

In the synthesis performed in this study, derivatives of 4-tert-butylcyclohexanone 1 were obtained using typical reactions of organic synthesis. The bioactivity of the selected compounds was evaluated. 1-(Bromomethyl)-8-tert-butyl-2-oxaspiro[4.5]decan-3-one (5) was characterized by attractant properties against larvae and a weak feeding deterrent activity against adults of Alphitobius diaperinus Panzer. This bromolactone was a moderate antifeedant towards Myzus persicae Sulzer. In addition, ethyl (4-tert-butylcyclohexylidene)acetate (2) and bromolactone 5 displayed antibacterial activity. The strongest bacteriostatic effect was observed against Gram-positive strains: Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus. The bromolactone 5 also limited the growth of Escherichia coli strain.

Synthesis of terpenoid oxo derivatives with antiureolytic activity.

Urease is an important virulence factor for a variety of pathogenic bacteria strains such as Helicobacter pylori, which colonizes human gastric mucosa, and Proteus sp., responsible for urinary tract infections. Specific inhibition of urease activity could be a promising adjuvant strategy for eradication of these pathogens. Due to the interesting antiureolytic activity of carvone and the scant information regarding the inhibitory properties of corresponding monoterpenes, we decided to study selected monoterpenic ketones and their oxygen derivatives. Several monoterpenes and their terpenoid oxygen derivatives were evaluated in vitro against Sporosarcina pasteurii urease. The most effective inhibitors-derivatives of ß-cyclocitral (ester 10 and bromolactone 14)-were described with [Formula: see text] of 46.7 µM and 45.8 µM, respectively. Active inhibitors of native urease were tested against H. pylori and Proteus mirabilis whole cells. Here, the most active inhibitor, 14, was characterized with IC50 values of 0.32 mM and 0.61 mM for P. mirabilis and H. pylori, respectively. The antibacterial activity of a few tested inhibitors was also observed. Compound 14 limited the growth of E. coli ([Formula: see text]= 250 µg/mL). Interestingly, 10 was the only compound that was effective against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. It had a [Formula: see text] of 150 µg/mL against E. coli and S. aureus. In the presented study a group of novel antiureolytic compounds was characterised. Besides carvone stereoisomers, these are the only terpenoid urease inhibitors described so far.

Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Their Potential Therapeutic Role in Cardiovascular System Disorders-A Review.

Cardiovascular diseases are described as the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in modern societies. Therefore, the importance of cardiovascular diseases prevention is widely reflected in the increasing number of reports on the topic among the key scientific research efforts of the recent period. The importance of essential fatty acids (EFAs) has been recognized in the fields of cardiac science and cardiac medicine, with the significant effects of various fatty acids having been confirmed by experimental studies. Polyunsaturated fatty acids are considered to be important versatile mediators for improving and maintaining human health over the entire lifespan, however, only the cardiac effect has been extensively documented. Recently, it has been shown that omega-3 fatty acids may play a beneficial role in several human pathologies, such as obesity and diabetes mellitus type 2, and are also associated with a reduced incidence of stroke and atherosclerosis, and decreased incidence of cardiovascular diseases. A reasonable diet and wise supplementation of omega-3 EFAs are essential in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases prevention and treatment.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids and their Role in Central Nervous System - A Review.

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are crucial for our health and wellbeing; therefore, they have been widely investigated for their roles in maintaining human health and in disease treatment. Most Western diets include significant amount of saturated and omega-6 fatty acids and insufficient quantity of omega-3; however, the balance between omega-6 and omega-3 PUFA, in particular, is essential for the formation of pro- and anti-inflammatory lipids to promote health and prevent disease. As our daily diet affects our health, this paper draws attention to unique representatives of the omega-3 fatty acid group: alpha-linolenic acid and its derivatives. Recently, this has been shown to be effective in treating and preventing various diseases. It has been confirmed that omega-3 PUFAs may act as therapeutic agents as well and their significant role against inflammatory diseases, such as cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, has been described. Some of nutritional factors have been described as a significant modifiers, which can influence brain elasticity and thus, effect on central nervous system functioning. Therefore, appropriate dietary management appears to be a non-invasive and effective approach to counteract neurological and cognitive disorders.

The anxiolytic-like activity of a novel N-cycloalkyl-N-benzoylpiperazine derivative.

BACKGROUND: Anxiety-related disorders are among the most common mental illnesses in the world for which benzodiazepines, buspirone and antidepressant drugs remain the first-line treatment. These drugs have good efficacy but they have numerous disadvantages, such as drug abuse potential, delayed onset of action or tolerance. A literature review reveals that a variety of piperazine derivatives may exhibit interesting pharmacological properties, including anxiolytic-like, antidepressant, nootropic and antinociceptive activities demonstrated in animal models, as well as an antioxidant capacity shown in some in vitro tests. Hence, the aim of this study was the synthesis and preliminary pharmacological in vivo evaluation of a novel N-cycloalkyl-N-benzoylpiperazine derivative, compound 9. METHODS: The test compound 9 was synthesized from a cyclic ketone 6,6-dimethylbicyclo[3.1.0]hexan-3-one (compound 7) and N-benzoylpiperazine. The final product was evaluated in vivo for its anxiolytic-like and antinociceptive activity after intraperitoneal (ip) administration. Its impact on animals' locomotor activity and motor performance was also evaluated. RESULTS: At the dose of 50mg/kg the test compound 9 showed statistically significant (p<0.01) anxiolytic-like activity in the four plate test. This effect was completely abolished by pretreatment with naloxone hydrochloride (1mg/kg; ip). Compound 9 did not influence animals' locomotor activity or motor coordination. No antinociceptive effect was demonstrated in the hot plate test. CONCLUSIONS: The anxiolytic-like properties of N-bicyclo-[3.1.0]hexyl derivative (9) in the four plate test are mediated by the opioid system. The results obtained make this compound a promising lead structure for further development of anxiolytic drugs.

An overview of the pharmacological properties and potential applications of natural monoterpenes.

Monoterpenes, the major components of essential oils, belong to the group of isoprenoids containing ten carbon atoms. Being widely distributed in the plant kingdom they are extensively used in cuisine and human health care products. Studies have shown that both natural monoterpenes and their synthetic derivatives are endowed with various pharmacological properties including antifungal, antibacterial, antioxidant, anticancer, antiarrhythmic, anti-aggregating, local anesthetic, antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, antihistaminic and anti-spasmodic activities. Monoterpenes act also as regulators of growth, heat, transpiration, tumor inhibitors, inhibitors of oxidative phosphorylation, insect repellants, feline and canine attractants and antidiabetics. These interesting activities which might be potentially used not only in pharmaceutical, but also food and cosmetic industries are discussed below.

Biotechnology and genetic engineering in the new drug development. Part I. DNA technology and recombinant proteins.

Pharmaceutical biotechnology has a long tradition and is rooted in the last century, first exemplified by penicillin and streptomycin as low molecular weight biosynthetic compounds. Today, pharmaceutical biotechnology still has its fundamentals in fermentation and bioprocessing, but the paradigmatic change affected by biotechnology and pharmaceutical sciences has led to an updated definition. The biotechnology revolution redrew the research, development, production and even marketing processes of drugs. Powerful new instruments and biotechnology related scientific disciplines (genomics, proteomics) make it possible to examine and exploit the behavior of proteins and molecules. Recombinant DNA (rDNA) technologies (genetic, protein, and metabolic engineering) allow the production of a wide range of peptides, proteins, and biochemicals from naturally nonproducing cells. This technology, now approximately 25 years old, is becoming one of the most important technologies developed in the 20(th) century. Pharmaceutical products and industrial enzymes were the first biotech products on the world market made by means of rDNA. Despite important advances regarding rDNA applications in mammalian cells, yeasts still represent attractive hosts for the production of heterologous proteins. In this review we describe these processes.

Biotechnology and genetic engineering in the new drug development. Part III. Biocatalysis, metabolic engineering and molecular modelling.

Industrial biotechnology has been defined as the use and application of biotechnology for the sustainable processing and production of chemicals, materials and fuels. It makes use of biocatalysts such as microbial communities, whole-cell microorganisms or purified enzymes. In the review these processes are described. Drug design is an iterative process which begins when a chemist identifies a compound that displays an interesting biological profile and ends when both the activity profile and the chemical synthesis of the new chemical entity are optimized. Traditional approaches to drug discovery rely on a stepwise synthesis and screening program for large numbers of compounds to optimize activity profiles. Over the past ten to twenty years, scientists have used computer models of new chemical entities to help define activity profiles, geometries and relativities. This article introduces inter alia the concepts of molecular modelling and contains references for further reading.

Biotechnology and genetic engineering in the new drug development. Part II. Monoclonal antibodies, modern vaccines and gene therapy.

Monoclonal antibodies, modern vaccines and gene therapy have become a major field in modern biotechnology, especially in the area of human health and fascinating developments achieved in the past decades are impressive examples of an interdisciplinary interplay between medicine, biology and engineering. Among the classical products from cells one can find viral vaccines, monoclonal antibodies, and interferons, as well as recombinant therapeutic proteins. Gene therapy opens up challenging new areas. In this review, a definitions of these processes are given and fields of application and products, as well as the future prospects, are discussed.

Application of microorganisms towards synthesis of chiral terpenoid derivatives.

Biotransformations are a standard tool of green chemistry and thus are following the rules of sustainable development. In this article, we describe the most common types of reactions conducted by microorganisms applied towards synthesis of chiral terpenoid derivatives. Potential applications of obtained products in various areas of industry and agriculture are shown. We also describe biological activity of presented compounds. Stereoselective hydroxylation, epoxidation, Baeyer-Villiger oxidation, stereo- and enantioselective reduction of ketones, and various kinetic resolutions carried out by bacteria and fungi have been reviewed. Mechanistic considerations regarding chemical and enzymatic reactions are presented. We also briefly describe modern approaches towards enhancing desired enzymatic activity in order to apply modified biocatalysts as an efficient tool and green alternative to chemical catalysts used in industry.

L-carnitine--metabolic functions and meaning in humans life.

L-Carnitine is an endogenous molecule involved in fatty acid metabolism, biosynthesized within the human body using amino acids: L-lysine and L-methionine, as substrates. L-Carnitine can also be found in many foods, but red meats, such as beef and lamb, are the best choices for adding carnitine into the diet. Good carnitine sources also include fish, poultry and milk. Essentially, L-carnitine transports the chains of fatty acids into the mitochondrial matrix, thus allowing the cells to break down fat and get energy from the stored fat reserves. Recent studies have started to shed light on the beneficial effects of L-carnitine when used in various clinical therapies. Because L-carnitine and its esters help reduce oxidative stress, they have been proposed as a treatment for many conditions, i.e. heart failure, angina and weight loss. For other conditions, such as fatigue or improving exercise performance, L-carnitine appears safe but does not seem to have a significant effect. The presented review of the literature suggests that continued studies are required before L-carnitine administration could be recommended as a routine procedure in the noted disorders. Further research is warranted in order to evaluate the biochemical, pharmacological, and physiological determinants of the response to carnitine supplementation, as well as to determine the potential benefits of carnitine supplements in selected categories of individuals who do not have fatty acid oxidation defects.

Evaluation of the irritating influence of carane derivatives and their antioxidant properties in a deoxyribose degradation test.

Previous studies of the propranolol monoterpene derivative (-)-4-[2-hydroxy-3-(N-isopropylamino)-propoxyimino]-cis-carane hydrochloride (KP-23) and its diastereoisomers, KP-23R and KP-23S, demonstrated different effects on the cyclic AMP generating system as well as anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antihistaminic and antioxidant activity. The present study examined the influence of KP-23 and its diastereoisomers KP-23R and KP-23S on the skin-irritating activity and the mucous membrane-irritating activity as well as their influence on a late-type contact allergy in the in vivo tests. The hydroxyl radical scavenging potential of the three analogues was evaluated using their ability to inhibit Fe(II)/H2O2-induced oxidative degradation of 2-deoxyribose (2-DR) in the in vitro tests. The results obtained indicated that the hydroxyamine carane derivative did not evoke irritative changes and did not induce a late-type contact allergy in the guinea-pig. Diastereoisomers of KP-23 exhibit antioxidant properties in a dose-dependent manner and protected against OH-radicals generated from the Fenton reaction.

Polymer-based non-viral gene delivery as a concept for the treatment of cancer.

Gene therapy has become a promising technique for the treatment of cancer. Nevertheless, the success of gene therapy depends on the effectiveness of the vector. The challenge of a gene carrier is to deliver exogenous DNA from the site of administration into the nucleus of the appropriate target cell. Polymer-based vectors are biologically safe, have low production costs and are efficient tools for gene therapy. Although non-degradable polyplexes exhibit high gene expression levels, their application potential is limited due to their inability to be effectively eliminated, which results in cytotoxicity. The development of biodegradable polymers has allowed for high levels of transfection without cytotoxicity. For site-specific targeting of polyplexes, further modifications, such as incorporation of ligands, can be performed. Most expectations have been addressed to polyplexes architecture according it dynamic response with the microenvironment.

Anticonvulsant and antidepressant activity of the selected terpene GABA derivatives in experimental tests in mice.

The present study was designed to investigate the central nervous system activity of terpene GABA (and piracetam) derivatives designated as BF-1, BF-2, BF-3, BF-4, BF-5, BF-6. We assessed their anticonvulsant activity in the two main mouse models of seizures (MES-test, PTZ-test), an antidepressant-like effect in the forced swim test (FST), as well as an influence on spontaneous locomotor activity. Our study demonstrated the strong anticonvulsant activity of (1S,3R,7R)-(-)-3,8,8-trimethyl-4-aza-bicyclo[5.1.0]acetate-5-one hydrochloride (compound BF-2) in the PTZ-test. Activity of BF-2 was equipotent to ethosuximide (380 mg/kg, po) in the PTZ-test, when used at a dose of 100 mg/kg, po. No neurotoxic effects were demonstrated by administration of all tested compounds. Moreover, BF-2, BF-3, BF-6 compounds significantly reduced the immobility time in FST at both doses (by 21-50%), while BF-5 induced a significant anti-immobility effect only when used at a dose of 100 mg/kg (by 39%). The compound BF-6 used at the dose of 30 mg/kg was the most active (50% reduction), and the effect was similar to the result obtained with classical antidepressant--imipramine. The motor stimulatory activity was demonstrated by BF-1 compound at the dose of 100 mg/kg with no effect at a lower (30 mg/kg) dose. On the other hand, the BF-3 at 30 mg/kg significantly decreased spontaneous activity during 30 min observation period, while no alteration in this activity during 6-min observation was detected. At present, it is not possible to indicate which mechanisms of novel, active terpene GABA derivatives are involved in the demonstrated antidepressant-like activity. Although further studies are needed to solve this issue, these data suggest a potential value of the examined terpene GABA derivatives.