Characterization of a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor binding site for sulfoxaflor, a new sulfoximine insecticide for the control of sap-feeding insect pests.

Sulfoxaflor (SFX, Isoclast™ Active) is a recently developed sulfoximine insecticide that is highly effective against sap-feeding insect pests. SFX has been shown to act through an interaction with insect nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). SFX was previously found to interact weakly with the binding site for the neonicotinoid imidacloprid. However, radioligand displacement studies characterizing the binding site of the insecticide SFX itself have not been conducted. In this study, we report the characterization of a high affinity [3H]SFX Myzus persicae (green peach aphid, GPA) binding site with relatively low abundance. Through the evaluation of a set of SFX analogs, we have demonstrated that displacement of [3H]SFX shows an excellent correlation with GPA toxicity, and thus is toxicologically relevant. Comparison with the previously described methyl-SFX binding site information reveals differences with the SFX binding site that are discussed herein. [3H]SFX therefore represents a new tool for the characterization of insect nAChRs.

Neolignans and other metabolites from Ocotea cymosa from the Madagascar rain forest and their biological activities.

Ten new neolignans including the 6'-oxo-8.1'-lignans cymosalignans A (1a), B (2), and C (3), an 8.O.6'-neolignan (4a), ococymosin (5a), didymochlaenone C (6a), and the bicyclo[3.2.1]octanoids 7-10 were isolated along with the known compounds 3,4,5,3',5'-pentamethoxy-1'-allyl-8.O.4'-neolignan, 3,4,5,3'-tetramethoxy-1'-allyl-8.O.4'-neolignan, didymochlaenone B, virologin B, ocobullenone, and the unusual 2'-oxo-8.1'-lignan sibyllenone from the stems or bark of the Madagascan plant Ocotea cymosa. The new 8.O.6'-neolignan 4a, dihydrobenzofuranoid 5a, and the bicyclo[3.2.1]octanoid 7a had in vitro activity against Aedes aegypti, while the new compounds 5a, 7a, 8, and 10a and the known virolongin B (4b) and ocobullenone (10b) had antiplasmodial activity. We report herein the structure elucidation of the new compounds on the basis of spectroscopic evidence, including 1D and 2D NMR spectra, electronic circular dichroism, and mass spectrometry, and the biological activities of the new and known compounds.

Chronic proteasome inhibition contributes to coronary atherosclerosis.

The proteasome is responsible for the degradation of oxidized proteins, and proteasome inhibition has been shown to generate oxidative stress in vitro. Atherosclerosis is thought to be initiated as a consequence of increased endogenous oxidative stress. The current study was designed to assess whether chronic proteasome inhibition is associated with early coronary atherosclerosis. Female pigs, 3 months of age, were randomized to a normal (N) or high-cholesterol (HC) diet (2% cholesterol, 15% lard) without or with twice weekly subcutaneous injections of the proteasome inhibitor (PSI) MLN-273 (0.08 mg/kg, N+PSI and HC+PSI) for a period of 12 weeks (n=5 per group). Coronary vasorelaxation to bradykinin (10(-10.5) to 10(-6.5) mol/L) and sodium nitroprusside (10(-9) to 10(-5) mol/L) was assessed by in vitro organ chamber experiments, intima-media ratio by morphometric analysis of Elastica-van Gieson-stained slides, and intima superoxide production by dihydroethidium fluorescence. Vasorelaxation to 10(-6.5) mol/L bradykinin was reduced in HC compared with N (69+/-7 versus 90+/-2%, P<0.05) and further reduced in N+PSI and HC+PSI (57+/-6 and 48+/-13%, P<0.05 versus N and HC for each). Compared with N (0.03+/-0.01), intima-media ratio was higher in N+PSI (0.09+/-0.04, P<0.01) and HC+PSI (0.15+/-0.06, P<0.05). Compared with N (0.6+/-0.9% of intima area), dihydroethidium fluorescence was higher in HC, N+PSI, and HC+PSI (8.9+/-1.6, 6.0+/-3.5, and 7.2+/-3.9% of intima area, P<0.05 for all). Thus, chronic proteasome inhibition is associated with increased coronary artery oxidative stress and early atherosclerosis. These findings support the significance of the proteasome and related protein quality control for vascular biology and pathology.

Synthesis, stability and insecticidal activity of 2-arylstilbenes.

BACKGROUND: A chemical scaffold-hopping approach from known 3-hydroxyl-3-methylglutaryl-CoA (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors identified (E/Z)-2-arylstilbenes as novel insecticidal hits against two lepidopteran species, Spodoptera exigua and Trichoplusia ni. A structure-activity relationship (SAR) study of the aryl substituents and the E/Z conformations was carried out in an effort to improve insecticidal potency. RESULTS: A series of (E/Z)-2-arylstilbenes was prepared and separated to evaluate their insecticidal potency against lepidopterous species in diet-feeding assays. The results showed that the (Z)-2-arylstilbenes were more active than their corresponding (E)-isomers, and a stereoselective synthesis was utilized to expand the SAR of the (Z)-2-arylstilbenes. (Z)-4'-Fluoro-3'-methyl-2-(2,4-difluorostyryl)-4-fluoro-5-methoxy-1,1'-biphenyl was the most potent analog in this study with strong activity against S. exigua, T. ni, Helicoverpa zea, Plutella xylostella and Pseudoplusia includens. CONCLUSION: The (Z)-2-arylstilbenes were found to have strong insecticidal potency against five lepidopteran species. Ultimately, synthetic efforts could not improve insecticidal potency to commercial levels, and a lack of UV stability led to efforts being discontinued. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Vulnerable plaque: detection and management.

Because most myocardial infarctions result from the rupture of a plaque that did not significantly compromise the coronary lumen before the event, experts widely accept that the morphology, composition, and degree of inflammation of a coronary atherosclerotic plaque is more important than the degree of luminal stenosis. Two depicting examples are the concentric, calcified lesion that shows significant luminal stenosis but is stable because of the stabilizing clasp of calcification. In contrast, a smaller but inflamed thin fibrous cap atheroma with a big lipid/necrotic core may rupture and cause an immediate fatal coronary occlusion.

Concurrent treatment with renin-angiotensin system blockers and acetylsalicylic acid reduces nuclear factor kappaB activation and C-reactive protein expression in human carotid artery plaques.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The local renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and cyclooxygenase-2 contribute to the activation of nuclear factor kappaB (NFkappaB) and C-reactive protein (CRP). We hypothesized that the combination of RAS blockers (RASb) and ASA reduces NFkappaB and CRP within atherosclerotic plaques. METHODS: Patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy were divided into groups according to treatment (RASb-acetylsalicylic acid [ASA], ASA, RASb, and control). The expression of NFkappaB, CRP, and CD40L was analyzed through Western blots in the obtained plaques. RESULTS: Plaques from patients treated with the combination of RASb and ASA showed lower expression of NFkappaB (25.4+/-9.8 densitometric units [DU]) than those of the control group (57.6+/-13.2 DU, P=0.03) as well as lower expression of CRP (20.9+/-9.6 DU) than those of the other treatment groups (ASA 86.1+/-13 DU, RASb 88.4+/-31 DU, controls 67.8+/-18.6, P=0.004). A negative expression of NFkappaB was associated with a reduced incidence of symptoms compared with a positive expression (5/33 [15.1%] versus 14/35 [40%], P=0.031). CONCLUSIONS: The combined treatment with RASb and ASA decreases the expression of inflammatory markers in atherosclerosis in humans. This study supports the role of the local RAS and cyclooxygenase-2 in the progression of atherosclerosis.

Experimental hypercholesterolemia differentially affects adventitial vasa vasorum and vessel structure of the left internal thoracic and coronary arteries.

OBJECTIVE: Atherosclerosis is a chronic and diffuse disease that affects all vascular beds. However, some vascular beds are more prone to atherosclerosis than others. Recent evidence suggests a role for the vasa vasorum in the atherosclerotic process. We hypothesized that there is a difference in adventitial vasa vasorum structure between the left internal thoracic artery and the coronary artery. Hence the current study was designed to characterize and compare the structure of the adventitial vasa vasorum in the left internal thoracic and coronary arteries. METHODS: Samples of vessels were obtained from female crossbred domestic pigs maintained on a normal (n = 6) or high-cholesterol (n = 6) diet for 12 weeks. The samples were scanned with micro-computed tomography, and the tomographic images were reconstructed and analyzed to obtain lumen area, vessel wall area, vasa vasorum count, vasa vasorum density, mean diameter of first- and second-order vasa vasorum, and second-order/first-order vasa vasorum ratio. RESULTS: Vasa vasorum density was significantly higher in the coronary arteries versus that seen in the left internal thoracic arteries in the normal group, as well as in the high-cholesterol group. The higher vasa vasorum density in the high-cholesterol group versus that in the normal group was significant for both vessels, being more pronounced in the left internal thoracic artery. Lumen area and second-order/first-order vasa vasorum ratio were higher in the high-cholesterol group than in the normal group only in the left internal thoracic artery. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that low vasa vasorum spatial density and higher lumen area observed in the left internal thoracic artery compared with that seen in the native coronary artery can be the structural background for the low incidence of atherosclerosis in this vessel.

Bacillus thuringiensis Cry34Ab1/Cry35Ab1 interactions with western corn rootworm midgut membrane binding sites.

BACKGROUND: Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) Cry34Ab1/Cry35Ab1 are binary insecticidal proteins that are co-expressed in transgenic corn hybrids for control of western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte. Bt crystal (Cry) proteins with limited potential for field-relevant cross-resistance are used in combination, along with non-transgenic corn refuges, as a strategy to delay development of resistant rootworm populations. Differences in insect midgut membrane binding site interactions are one line of evidence that Bt protein mechanisms of action differ and that the probability of receptor-mediated cross-resistance is low. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Binding site interactions were investigated between Cry34Ab1/Cry35Ab1 and coleopteran active insecticidal proteins Cry3Aa, Cry6Aa, and Cry8Ba on western corn rootworm midgut brush border membrane vesicles (BBMV). Competitive binding of radio-labeled proteins to western corn rootworm BBMV was used as a measure of shared binding sites. Our work shows that (125)I-Cry35Ab1 binds to rootworm BBMV, Cry34Ab1 enhances (125)I-Cry35Ab1 specific binding, and that (125)I-Cry35Ab1 with or without unlabeled Cry34Ab1 does not share binding sites with Cry3Aa, Cry6Aa, or Cry8Ba. Two primary lines of evidence presented here support the lack of shared binding sites between Cry34Ab1/Cry35Ab1 and the aforementioned proteins: 1) No competitive binding to rootworm BBMV was observed for competitor proteins when used in excess with (125)I-Cry35Ab1 alone or combined with unlabeled Cry34Ab1, and 2) No competitive binding to rootworm BBMV was observed for unlabeled Cry34Ab1 and Cry35Ab1, or a combination of the two, when used in excess with (125)I-Cry3Aa, or (125)I-Cry8Ba. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Combining two or more insecticidal proteins active against the same target pest is one tactic to delay the onset of resistance to either protein. We conclude that Cry34Ab1/Cry35Ab1 are compatible with Cry3Aa, Cry6Aa, or Cry8Ba for deployment as insect resistance management pyramids for in-plant control of western corn rootworm.

Placenta growth factor expression in human atherosclerotic carotid plaques is related to plaque destabilization.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Placenta growth factor (PlGF) mediates angiogenesis and inflammation, but its role in human atherosclerosis is unknown. This study was designed to test the hypothesis that PlGF-expression in human atherosclerotic carotid plaques is related to inflammation, vascularization and clinical plaque instability. METHODS: The expression of PlGF, C-reactive protein (CRP) and CD40L was analyzed with Western blots in carotid plaques of 60 patients. Cellular infiltration (CD68, CD3) and vascularization (von-Willebrand-factor) was assessed by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Symptomatic patients showed higher levels of PlGF than asymptomatic patients (115.4+/-8.2 versus 83.6+/-10.5 densitometric units (DU), p<0.05) and higher grading for inflammatory cells and microvessels (CD3: 2.3+/-0.1 versus 0.6+/-0.1, p<0.001, CD68: 2.4+/-0.1 versus 0.8+/-0.1, p<0.001, microvessels: 2.3+/-0.1 versus 1.5+/-0.1, p<0.01). PlGF-expression showed a positive correlation to the expression of CRP (r=0.5, p<0.001) and CD40L (r=0.4, p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: PlGF-expression within human atherosclerotic lesions is associated with plaque inflammation and microvascular density, suggesting a role for PlGF in plaque destabilization and, thus, in clinical manifestation of the disease.

Production of tyrosine from sucrose or glucose achieved by rapid genetic changes to phenylalanine-producing Escherichia coli strains.

Escherichia coli K12 strains producing L-phenylalanine were converted to L-tyrosine-producing strains using a novel genetic method for gene replacement. We deleted a region of the E. coli K12 chromosome including the pheA gene encoding chorismate mutase/prephenate dehydratase, its leader peptide (pheL), and its promoter using a new polymerase chain reaction-based method that does not leave a chromosomal scar. For high level expression of tyrA, encoding chorismate mutase/prephenate dehydrogenase, its native promoter was replaced with the strong trc promoter. The linked DeltapheLA and Ptrc-tyrA::Kan(R) genetic modifications were moved into L-phenylalanine producing strains by generalized transduction to convert L-phenylalanine-producing strains to L-tyrosine-producing strains. Moreover, introduction of a plasmid carrying genes responsible for sucrose degradation into these strains enabled L-tyrosine-production from sucrose.

Early experimental obesity is associated with coronary endothelial dysfunction and oxidative stress.

Obesity is independently associated with increased cardiovascular risk. However, since established obesity clusters with various cardiovascular risk factors, configuring the metabolic syndrome, the early effects of obesity on vascular function are still poorly understood. The current study was designed to evaluate the effect of early obesity on coronary endothelial function in a new animal model of swine obesity. As to method, juvenile domestic crossbred pigs were randomized to either high-fat/high-calorie diet (HF) or normal chow diet for 12 wk. Coronary microvascular permeability and abdominal wall fat were determined by using electron beam computerized tomography. Epicardial endothelial function and oxidative stress were measured in vitro. Systemic oxidative stress, renin-angiotensin activity, leptin levels, and parameters of insulin sensitivity were evaluated. As a result, HF pigs were characterized by abdominal obesity, hypertension, and elevated plasma lysophosphatidylcholine and leptin in the presence of increased insulin sensitivity. Coronary endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation was reduced in HF pigs and myocardial microvascular permeability increased compared with those values in normal pigs. Systemic redox status in HF pigs was similar to that in normal pigs, whereas the coronary endothelium demonstrated higher content of superoxide anions, nitrotyrosine, and NADPH-oxidase subunits, indicating increased tissue oxidative stress. In conclusion, the current study shows that early obesity is characterized by increased vascular oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction in association with increased levels of leptin and before the development of insulin resistance and systemic oxidative stress. Vascular dysfunction is therefore an early manifestation of obesity and might contribute to the increased cardiovascular risk, independently of insulin resistance.

The ansacarbamitocins: polar ansamitocin derivatives.

The ansacarbamitocins are a new family of maytansinoids that are unusually substituted with a glucose subunit and two carbamate functional groups and exhibit modest activity against some agricultural fungal disease organisms. Ansacarbamitocins A-F ( 1- 6) all consist of the same macrocyclic core as the ansamitocins, with variation occurring on the glucose unit, while ansacarbamitocins A1 and B1 ( 7, 8) additionally lack the epoxide group on C-4 and C-5.

Cross-regulation between a novel two-component signal transduction system for catabolism of toluene in Pseudomonas mendocina and the TodST system from Pseudomonas putida.

The tmoABCDEF genes encode the toluene-4-monooxygenase from Pseudomonas mendocina KR1. Upstream from the tmoA gene an open reading frame, tmoX, encoding a protein 83% identical to TodX (todX being the initial gene in the todXFC1C2BADEGIH operon from Pseudomonas putida DOT-T1E) was found. The tmoX gene is also the initial gene in the tmoXABCDEF gene cluster. The transcription initiation point from the tmoX promoter was mapped, and the sequence upstream revealed striking identity with the promoter of the tod operon of P. putida. The tod operon is regulated by a two-component signal transduction system encoded by the todST genes. Two novel genes from P. mendocina KR1, tmoST, were rescued by complementation of a P. putida DOT-T1E todST knockout mutant, whose gene products shared about 85% identity with TodS-TodT. We show that transcription from P(tmoX) and P(todX) can be mediated by TmoS-TmoT or TodS-TodT, in the presence of toluene, revealing cross-regulation between these two catabolic pathways.