Animal carotenoids 15. Carotenoid distribution and carotenoprotein of Asterias rubens.

A clear differentiation in localization according to functional groups in the carotenoids of the starfish, Asterias rubens, is reported. Only the free alpha-ketols, 7,8,7',8'-tetradehydroastaxanthin, 7,8-didehydroastaxanthin and astaxanthin, are present in the purified carotenoprotein. A post mortem liberated slime contained beta,beta-carotene, free and esterified alloxanthin and esterified alpha-ketols. Evidence suggesting the existence of an alloxanthin protein complex was obtained. The carotenoprotein, asteriarubin, accounts for approx. 10% of the protein extracted by low salt dialysis from the purple-blue part of the top skin of A. rubens and exhibits an absorbance maximum at 554 nm in buffer solution. Asteriarubin is a glycoprotein with an equivalent Stoke's radius corresponding to that of globular proteins of molecular weight 8--10 10(4) and contains 20 microgram carotenoid per mg asteriarubin. Sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of purified asteriarubin disclosed two major components, one of which is a glycopeptide.

Plasma appearance and distribution of astaxanthin E/Z and R/S isomers in plasma lipoproteins of men after single dose administration of astaxanthin.

Appearance, pharmacokinetics, and distribution of astaxanthin E/Z and R/S isomers in plasma and lipoprotein fractions were studied in 3 middle-aged male volunteers (37-43 years) after ingestion of a single meal containing a 100 mg dose of astaxanthin. The astaxanthin source consisted of 74% all-E-, 9% 9Z-, 17% 13Z-astaxanthin (3R,3'R-, 3R,3'S; meso-, and 3S,3'S-astaxanthin in a 1:2:1 ratio). The plasma astaxanthin concentration--time curves were measured during 72 hr. Maximum levels of astaxanthin (1.3 +/- 0.1 mg/L) were reached 6.7 +/- 1.2 hr after administration, and the plasma astaxanthin elimination half-life was 21 +/- 11 hr. 13Z-Astaxanthin accumulated selectively, whereas the 3 and 3'R/S astaxanthin distribution was similar to that of the experimental meal. Astaxanthin was present mainly in very low-density lipoproteins containing chylomicrons (VLDL/CM; 36-64% of total astaxanthin), whereas low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) contained 29% and 24% of total astaxanthin, respectively. The astaxanthin isomer distribution in plasma, VLDL/CM, LDL, and HDL was not affected by time. The results indicate that a selective process increases the relative proportion of astaxanthin Z-isomers compared to the all-E-astaxanthin during blood uptake and that astaxanthin E/Z isomers have similar pharmacokinetics.

Geometrical E/Z isomers of (6R)- and (6S)-neoxanthin and biological implications.

9'Z-(3S,5R,6R,3'S,5'R,6'S)-Neoxanthin reisolated from spinach (Spinacea oleracea) and characterized by HPLC, VIS, MS, and 2D (1)H NMR, has been submitted to photoinduced stereomutation in the presence of iodine or diphenyl diselenide at conditions not involving isomerization of the allenic bond. The six individual geometrical isomers, all-E,9Z,9'Z,13Z,13'Z,15Z and three minor di-Z-isomers, presumably 9,9'-di-Z,9',13-di-Z and 9',13'-di-Z, present in the equilibrium mixture have been characterized by HPLC, VIS data, 1H NMR and reversibility tests. Judged by the quantitative composition of the equilibrium mixture the naturally occurring 9'Z-isomer is thermodynamically less stable than the all-E-isomer. The availability of these isomers facilitates future search in natural sources. 9'Z-(6R90% of total neoxanthin in spinach and broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica), consistent with previous findings of its abundance in chloroplasts. all-E90% of total violaxanthin in the same sources. It is postulated that a neoxanthin Delta9'-isomerase is present and involved in the biosynthesis of abscisic acid in higher plants. Allenic S-isomers are of interest as postulated biosynthetic precursors of R-allenes. All-E-(6S)- and 9'Z-(6S)-neoxanthin were available as semi-synthetic model compounds. The allenic (6S)-diastereomers could not be detected in spinach or broccoli.

Bacterial carotenoids. XLVIII. Total syntheses of carotenes of the 1,2-dihydro series.

The total syntheses of 1,2,7,8,1',2',7',8'-octahydro-psi,psi-carotene (1), 1,2,7,8-tetrahydro-psi,psi-carotene (2), 1,2,1',2'-tetradehydro-psi,psi-carotene (3), 1,2-dihydro-psi,psi-carotene (4), 1,2-dihydor-3,4-didehydro-psi,psi-carotene (5), and 1,2,1',2'-tetrahydro-3,4,3',4'-tetrahydro-psi,psi-carotene (6) are described. The properties of products and intermediates, including the three new apocarotenals 1,2,7,8-tetrahydro-12'-apo-psi-caroten-12'-al (20), 1,2-dihydro-8'-apo-pse-caroten-8'-al (25), and 1,2-dihydro-3,4-didehydro-8'-apo-psi-carotene-8'-al (32), are reported. A fragment ion at M68 on electron impact appears to be characteristic for carotenoids with a 1,2,7,8-tetrahydro end-group.

Total synthesis of C31-methyl ketone apocarotenoids. 3. On the structure of hopkinsiaxanthin: first total synthesis of (all-E)-(3S)- and (9Z)-(3S)-7'-apohopkinsiaxanthin.

Optically active (all-E)-(3S)-7'-apohopkinsiaxanthin, previously known as F1, and (9Z)-(3S)-7'-apohopkinsiaxanthin have been prepared by total synthesis for the first time in ca. 1% combined overall yield, including two unidentified geometrical isomers, in sixteen linear steps from (4R,6R)-actinol, (2E)-3-methyl-2-penten-4-yn-1-ol, (7-formyl-2-methyl-2,4,6-octatrienyl)triphenylphosphonium bromide, (3-formyl-2-butenyl)triphenylphosphonium bromide and methyllithium, by use of a C15 + C10 + C5 + C1 approach. By an alternative route from (2Z)-5-[((4S)-4-hydroxy-2,6,6-trimethyl-3-oxo-1-cyclohexenyl)-3- methyl-2-penten-4-ynyl]triphenylphosphonium bromide, (7-formyl-2-methyl-2,4,6-octatrienyl)triphenylphosphonium bromide and (2E)-3-methyl-4-oxo-2-pentenal, the same target compounds were obtained in a combined overall yield of > 61%, including four unidentified geometrical isomers, over two steps, by use of a C15 + C16 approach. A hypothetical structure for hopkinsiaxanthin is discussed, based on present and previously reported spectroscopic and chemical data for (all-E)-(3S)- and (9Z)-(3S)-7'-apohopkinsiaxanthin and on data previously reported for hopkinsiaxanthin itself.

Is (9Z)-"meso"-zeaxanthin optically active?

The question raised in the title was answered. (3R, 3'S)-meso-Zeaxanthin was submitted to iodine catalyzed photochemical stereoisomerisation. The enantiomeric (9Z) and (9'Z) geometrical isomers were isolated by semipreparative HPLC and separated as diastereomeric dicarbamates on a chiral column only. Cleavage of the carbamate could not be effected. CD-Spectra of (1"S, 1"S)- and (1"R, 1"R)-dicarbamates of geometrical isomers of (3R, 3'R)- and (3R, 3'S)-meso-zeaxanthin were systematically studied and the contribution from the carbamate moieties revealed. It was concluded that (9Z, 3R, 3'S)-"meso"-zeaxanthin, in spite of having no symmetry elements, is optically inactive. The result has been rationalised in line with the current hypothesis on the origin of carotenoid CD spectra.

Animal carotenoids. 32. Carotenoids of Mytilus edulis (edible mussel).

Nineteen different carotenoids have been isolated from various harvests of Mytilus edulis (edible mussels). Besides beta,beta-carotene (occasional) these were ten acetylenic C40-carotenoids: crocoxanthin-like, anhydro-amarouciaxanthin B, 19'-hexanoyloxyisomytiloxanthin, isomytiloxanthin, alloxanthin, mytiloxanthin, amarouciaxanthin B-like, halocynthiaxanthin, pectenol-like and heteroxanthin; two acetylenic C37-carotenoids: pyrrhoxanthinol and hydrato-pyrrhoxanthinol; four C40-skeletal allenic carotenoids: 19'-hexanoyloxyfucoxanthin, fucoxanthin, 19'-hexanoyloxyfucoxanthinol and fucoxanthinol; two C37-skeletal allenic carotenoids: peridinin and peridininol. Anhydro-amarouciaxanthin B, 19'-hexanoyloxyisomytiloxanthin (minor occasional) and hydrato-pyrrhoxanthinol constitute new carotenoids. The characterization comprised TLC and HPLC behaviour, VIS spectrophotometry, 1H NMR (including full assignment of three new carotenoid end groups), CD and mass spectra, as well as chemical derivatizations. Stereochemical considerations are discussed.

Fucoxanthin metabolites in egg yolks of laying hens.

Feeding experiments were conducted with White leghorn laying hens fed a carotenoid depleted control diet (containing some zeaxanthin and lutein) or this diet supplemented with 15% seaweed meal of established carotenoid composition. Egg yolk colour was estimated by use of a Roche Yolk Colour Fan and by detailed quantitative and qualitative carotenoid analysis of individual eggs of three laying hens during 4 weeks. Identification of the carotenoids included HPLC. VIS, MS, 1H NMR data and partial synthesis. The results confirmed that fucoxanthin, the major carotenoid in seaweed meal, is not transferred to the yolk. However, fucoxanthin gave rise to the metabolites fucoxanthinol, fucoxanthinol 3'-sulphate and paracentrone, that are ascribed to enzymatic modifications occurring in the hens. The difuranoid auroxanthin encountered in the egg yolk was ascribed to violaxanthin and/or its furanoid derivatives present in the seaweed meal. Colour of individual yolks varied considerably. The pigmentation level is discussed.

Structure elucidation of the algal carotenoid (3S,5R,6R,3'S,5'R,6'S)-13'-cis-7',8'-dihydroneoxanthin-20'-AL 3'-beta-lactoside (P457). Part 2, Nmr studies.

Extensive nmr studies on the algal carotenoid P457 [1], its octaacetate 2, and a heptaacetate 3 resulted in the elucidation of its structure including the C-13'-cis configuration of the cross-conjugated C-20'-al chromophore, the relative stereochemistry of the allenic end group, the presence of an uncommon C-7',C-8'-single bond, the C-5',C-6'-epoxide, and of a beta-lactoside attached to C-3' of the carotenoid. P457 [1] is one of the most structurally complex carotenoids known, and its 1H- and 13C-nmr data have been fully interpreted.

Bacterial carotenoids. L. Absolute configuration of zeaxanthin dirhamnoside.

Zeaxanthin dirhamnoside is the major carotenoid of Corynebacterium autotrophicum. The absolute configuration 3R,3'R followed from CD-properties of its hexaacetate, alpha-L-assignment and 1C4 conformation were concluded from 1H NMR data by comparison with model compounds.

Animal carotenoids. 12. Chirality of asterinic acid.

The chirality of monoacetylenic asterinic acid [(3S,3'S)-7,8-didehydroastaxanthin, 1a] has been established by NaBH4-reduction and hydrolysis of the corresponding diesters 1b and 1c providing the tetrol 9 and CD-correlation with diatoxanthin [3R,3'R)-7,8-didehydro-beta, beta-carotene-3,3'-diol, 10]. Diacetylenic asterinic acid [3S,3'S)-7,8,7',8'-tetradehydro-beta, beta-carotene-3,3'-diol, 2a] was assigned the some absolute configuration by similar conversion to the diacetylenic tetrol 11 and CD-correlation with alloxanthin [3R,3'R)-7,8,7',8'-tetradehydro-beta, beta-carotene-3,3'-diol, 12]. IR and CD properties of the diacetates 1C and 2C of the naturally occurring alpha-ketols are reported.

Animal carotenoids. 31. Structure elucidation of a sponge metabolite via mesylate elimination.

The structure of a sponge metabolite from Microciona prolifera, previously considered to be (6S)-2,3-didehydro- or 3,4-didehydro-gamma, chi-carotene, has been further studied. Attempted total synthesis of the 3,4-didehydro derivative provided the hitherto unknown gamma, chi-carotene, the synthesis of which is described. Hydrolysis of lutein methanesulfonate diester (dimesylate) gave elimination products possessing the 3,4-didehydro gamma end-group. 1H NMR data for this gamma end-group were identical with those for the sponge carotenoid. The mesylate elimination reaction described may mimic the metabolic formation of the 3,4-didehydro-gamma-carotenoid end-group. In connection with other investigations on functionalized carotenoids we further report the preparation of zeaxanthin and lutein mesylates and their base-catalyzed elimination reactions. SN2 type substitution reactions of zeaxanthin dimesylate with appropriate nucleophiles did not produce beta, beta-carotene, zeaxanthin diacetate or thiozeaxanthin.

Accumulation of astaxanthin all-E, 9Z and 13Z geometrical isomers and 3 and 3' RS optical isomers in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) is selective.

Concentrations of all-E-, 9Z- and 13Z- geometrical and (3R,3'R), (3R, 3'S) and (3S,3'S) optical isomers of astaxanthin were determined in rainbow trout liver, gut tissues, kidney, skin and blood plasma to evaluate their body distribution. Two cold-pelleted diets containing predominantly all-E-astaxanthin (36.9 mg/kg astaxanthin, 97% all-E-, 0.4% 9Z-, 1.5% 13Z-astaxanthin, and 1.1% other isomers, respectively) or a mixture of all-E- and Z-astaxanthins (35.4 mg/kg astaxanthin, 64% all-E-, 18.7% 9Z-, 12.3% 13Z-astaxanthin, and 2.0% other isomers, respectively), were fed to duplicate groups of trout for 69 d. Individual E/Z isomers were identified by VIS- and 1H-NMR-spectrometry, and quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography. Significantly higher total carotenoid concentration was observed in plasma of trout fed diets with all-E-astaxanthin (P < 0.05). The relative E/Z-isomer concentrations of plasma, skin and kidney were not significantly different among groups, whereas all-E-astaxanthin was higher in intestinal tissues and 13Z-astaxanthin was lower in liver of trout fed all-E-astaxanthin (P < 0.05). The relative amount of hepatic 13Z-astaxanthin (39-49% of total astaxanthin) was higher than in all other samples (P < 0.05). Synthetic, optically inactive astaxanthin was used in all experiments, and the determined dietary ratio between the 3R,3'R:3R, 3'S (meso):3S,3'S optical isomers was 25.3:49.6:25.1. The distribution of R/S-astaxanthin isomers in feces, blood, liver and fillet was similar to that in the diets. The ratio between (3S,3'S)- and (3R,3'R)-astaxanthin in the skin and posterior kidney was ca. 2:1 and 3:1, respectively, regardless of dietary E/Z-astaxanthin composition. The results show that geometrical and optical isomers of astaxanthin are distributed selectively in different tissues of rainbow trout.

Bacterial carotenoids, XLVI. C50-Carotenoids, 14. C50-Carotenoids from Arthrobacter glacialis.

From the psychrophilic bacterium Arthrobacter glacialis have been isolated three C50-carotenoids with molecular formulae C50H72O2: the bicyclic decaprenoxanthin (1a, 7% of total carotenoids), the aliphatic bisanhydrobacterioruberin (2a, 10%) and the monocyclic A.g. 470 (3a, 83%). Decaprenoxanthin (1) and bisanhydrobacterioruberin (2) were in all respects, including chiroptical properties, identical with known carotenoids. The constitution of the previously undescribed A.g. 470 (3a) followed from its spectral properties (electronic, 1H NMR including Eu-shift experiments and mass spectra) and derivatization to 3b and 3c. 3a suffered remarkable elimination to the tridecaene 4a (C47H64O) upon DMSO/KOMe/MeOH treatment. Judged by CD data A.g. 470 (3a) also in stereochemical respect 3a appears to be half decaprenoxanthin (1a)+half bisanhydrobacterioruberin (2a). The intensity ratios of the M-92/M-106 ions on electron impact of 3a,b,c and 4a,b are consistent with the general theory.

Isoprenoid biosynthesis in a marine sponge of the Amphimedon genus: incorporation studies with [1-14C] acetate, [4-14C] cholesterol and [2-14C] mevalonate.

1. We present quantitative evidence from incorporation of [1-14C] acetate that the enzymes to synthesise isoprenoids are present in the marine sponge Amphimedon sp. and that efficient carotenoid synthesis takes place. 2. The de novo synthesis of b,b-carotene and (3R,3'R)-zeaxanthin may occur in a chlorophyll a-producing microalgal symbiont with subsequent aromatisation to (3R)-isoagelaxanthin by the sponge itself. 3. Amphimedon sp. contains nuclear-modified sterols derived by modification of conventional dietary sterols.