Characterization of K-binding factor involved in water-soluble complex of menaquinone-7 produced by Bacillus subtilis natto.

Vitamin Ks are expected to contribute bone and cardiovascular health. Especially, menaquinone-7 has a higher bioavailability and a longer half-life than other vitamin Ks in the human body. However, their low water-solubility limits their application. On the other hand, Bacillus subtilis natto produces a water-soluble complex, which comprises menaquinone-7 and peptides. The peptide named K-binding factor (KBF) has been reported as the main component of the complex. In the present, the structural characteristics of KBF were studied. Mass spectrometry showed significant peaks at m/z = 1050, while the previous PAGE suggested that molecular weight of KBF was ~ 3k. Amino acid analysis revealed that the 1k peptides were the various combinations of nine amino acids, among which Asx, Glx, Val, Leu and Met were found to be the most abundant. The peptides could serve as detergent properties. The 1k peptides could be isolated by reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography. The bundle of three 1k detergent-like peptides would participate to the micelle structure containing menqauinone-7 inside. In conclusion, a basic unit of KBF would be the ~ 1k peptides, and the three basic unit assemble to the ~ 3k bundle, then the bundle form a water-soluble micelle including menqauinone-7 inside.

Enhanced renal accumulation of cisplatin via renal organic cation transporter deteriorates acute kidney injury in hypomagnesemic rats.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to explore the effects of hypomagnesemia on cisplatin (CDDP)-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) in rats and the relation of hypomagnesemia to the regulation of organic cation transporters and renal accumulation of CDDP. METHODS: Sprague-Dawley rats were given an Mg-deficient diet starting 7 days before treatment with CDDP. CDDP was administered intravenously to rats in the normal Mg-diet group and Mg-deficient-diet group at 3 mg/kg via the left jugular vein. At the specified periods after injection of CDDP, the amount of platinum in blood and organ samples was determined using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. Protein expression levels of renal organic cation transporters were determined. Uptake of tetraethylammonium (TEA) bromide in renal slices of rats was measured. RESULTS: Rats fed a Mg-deficient diet showed a significant body weight decrease and a marked decrease in serum Mg levels compared with control rats fed an adequate Mg diet. Serum blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels were unaltered after CDDP treatment in control rats, whereas these levels were markedly elevated in hypomagnesemic rats. Immunoblotting revealed up-regulation of the organic cation transporter rOCT2 in hypomagnesemic rats before CDDP administration, but not of rOCT1 or rat multidrug and toxin-extrusion 1. TEA uptake by renal slices from hypomagnesemic rats was significantly higher compared with that of control rats. Renal accumulation of CDDP was markedly increased in hypomagnesemic rats. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that hypomagnesemia could cause dehydration and up-regulation of rOCT2, enhancing renal accumulation of CDDP and the deterioration of AKI.