Comprehensive phylogenetic analysis of the genus Golovinomyces (Ascomycota: Erysiphales) reveals close evolutionary relationships with its host plants.

The Erysiphaceae were originally parasitic to trees, and host shift from trees to herbs might have occurred many times independently in the tribes and genera. To investigate the evolutionary relationships between Golovinomyces species and their host plants, we conducted a comprehensive molecular phylogenetic analysis of this genus with 183 nucleotide sequences of ITS and 28S rDNA regions from samples collected worldwide. These sequences were divided into 11 distinct lineages. Ten of these lineages consist in each case of sequences from a single plant family or tribe, which suggests close evolutionary relationships of Golovinomyces species and their host plants. The basal five clades were composed of sequences each from a single tribe of the Asteraceae. This result supports speculation that co-speciation occurred between asteraceous hosts and Golovinomyces in the early evolution stage of this genus. Lineage XI at the most derived position of the tree includes sequences from a wide range of host families and is divided into many species with close genetic affinity. Sequences from the putative G. orontii group were separated into three groups, suggesting that G. orontii is a species complex.

In vitro eye irritancy test of lauryl derivatives using the reconstructed rabbit corneal epithelium model.

The rabbit corneal epithelium model (RCE model) was developed as a three-dimensional in vitro model to replace animal testing for the assessment of eye tolerance. In the model, a stratified culture of rabbit corneal epithelial cells is grown at the air-liquid interface on an amniotic membrane acting as a parabasal membrane. The alkaline exposure was restored each day in the presence of no irritants, although with the addition of SLS, which is a major irritant, the restoration of deficit was inhibited on the RCE model in a dose-dependent manner. The results of this test were comparable with those of the Draize test, and thus, this method using the RCE model may prove to be a useful and sensitive in vitro eye irritation test. The lauryl fatty chain derivatives, such as polyoxyethylene (9) lauryl ether (PLE), sodium polyoxyethylene (2) lauryl ether sulfate (SPLE), mono glyceryl laurate (MGL), and sodium N-lauroyl-l-glutaminate (SLG), which are widely used as surfactants for toiletry products and cosmetics, were evaluated for in vitro eye irritation potential using the RCE model. SLS, PLE, SPLE, MGL, and SLG inhibited 88.7%, 59.2%, 69.0%, 47.5%, and 15.7% of the restoration of deletion 24h after treatment at a concentration of 0.05%. The IC(50) (50% inhibitory concentration) values of SLS, PLE, SPLE, MGL, and SLG were 0.002%, 0.021%, 0.005%, 0.056%, and 0.448%, respectively. These results indicated that a functional group at the end of lauryl chain is an important factor for inhibiting the restoration of deletion using the RCE model.

Application of the reconstructed rabbit corneal epithelium model to assess the in-vitro eye irritant test of chemicals.

The rabbit corneal epithelium model (RCE model) was developed as a three-dimensional in vitro model to replace animal testing for the assessment of eye irritation. In the model, a stratified culture of rabbit corneal epithelial cells is grown at the air-liquid interface on collagen gel that acts as a parabasal membrane. Histological cross-sections show that the structure of the RCE model closely parallels that of the rabbit corneal epithelium. The eye irritation potency of test samples is estimated from the measurement of viability using the MTT assay in conjunction with the RCE model. A set of 30 chemicals belonging to different families with known in vivo Draize score was investigated with the in vitro eye irritation test using the RCE model in order to internally validate the protocol. Use of the RCE model at concentrations of 0.05%, 0.50%, and 1.00% and the calculation of the IC(50) and percentage of viability allowed the irritants to be divided into four classes. The performance of the in vitro eye irritation test at a concentration of 0.50% using the RCE model was characterized by good sensitivity (92.3%), good specificity (100%), and good accuracy (93.3%) compared with the irritation classification predicted by in vivo Draize score at concentrations of 10% and 100%. These results indicate that the RCE model may provide a useful and sensitive in vitro eye irritation test as an alternative method to the Draize test.

Effect of a novel ascorbic derivative, disodium isostearyl 2-O-L-ascorbyl phosphate, on normal human dermal fibroblasts against reactive oxygen species.

The novel amphiphilic vitamin C derivative disodium isostearyl 2-O-L-ascorbyl phosphate (VCP-IS-2Na), which has a C(18) alkyl chain attached to the stable ascorbate derivative sodium L-ascorbic acid 2-phosphate (VCP-Na), was evaluated for reduction of cell damage induced by oxidative stress, ultraviolet A (UVA), ultraviolet B (UVB), and H(2)O(2); stimulation of collagen synthesis against UVA irradiation; and inhibition of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) activity induced by UVA in human normal dermal fibroblasts. VCP-IS-2Na pretreatment resulted in significant protection against cell damage induced by UVB, UVA, and H(2)O(2). The amount of type I collagen following UVA irradiation was increased by treatment with VCP-IS-2Na in a concentration-dependent manner. These effects of VCP-IS-2Na were superior to those of L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C, VC) and VCP-Na. On the other hand, VCP-IS-2Na suppressed 65% of the excess MMP-1 irradiated UVA, and VC and VCP-Na slightly suppressed it.

Antimutagenic activity of a novel ascorbic derivative, disodium isostearyl 2-O-L-ascorbyl phosphate.

A novel amphiphilic vitamin C derivative, disodium isostearyl 2-O-L-ascorbyl phosphate (VCP-IS-2Na) possessing an alkyl chain of C(18) to a stable ascorbate derivative sodium L-ascorbic acid 2-phosphate (VCP-Na), was synthesized and evaluated as an anti-mutagen with suppressive effect on SOS-inducing activity on mutagen in the Salmonella typhimurium TA1535/pSK1002 umu test. VCP-IS-2Na was assayed with chemical mutagens, N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG), 2-(2-furyl)-3-(5-nitro-2-furyl) acrylamide (furylfuramide) and 4-nitroquinolin 1-oxide (4NQO), which do not require liver metabolizing enzymes. VCP-IS-2Na at a concentration of 0.40 micromol/ml suppressed 66.2%, 54.7% and 60.2% of the SOS-inducing activity on MNNG, furylfuramide, and 4NQO, and the 50% inhibitory dose value (ID(50)) was 0.12 micromol/ml, 0.26 micromol/ml, and 0.17 micromol/ml, respectively. In addition, VCP-IS-2Na was assayed with 2-aminoanthracene (2AA) and 3-amino-1,4-dimethyl-5H-pyrido[4,3-b]indole (Trp-P-1), which require liver metabolizing enzymes. To study the structure-activity relationship, L-ascorbic acid (VC) and VCP-Na were also assayed with all mutagens. VCP-IS-2Na, suppressed the chemical and physical mutagens-induced SOS response greater than VC and VCP-Na in the umu test. Also, the antimutagenic activities of VCP-IS-2Na, VC, and VCP-Na against MNNG and Trp-P-1 were assayed by the Ames test using the S. typhimurium TA100 strain. In summary, this research suggests that VCP-IS-2Na showed potent antimutagenic effects against chemical mutagens and UV irradiation.

Synthesis and Characterization of a New Hydroquinone Derivative: Disodium p-Phenylene Diisostearyl Diphosphate.

A novel amphiphilic hydroquinone derivative having a C18 alkyl chain phosphate attached to the hydroquinone (HQ) moiety was chemically synthesized. The thermal stability, distribution between organic and aqueous phases, and in vitro skin permeability were evaluated. This HQ derivative was identified as disodium p-phenylene diisostearyl diphosphate (HQ-2P2IS) by UV, infrared, mass, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopies. Product HQ-2P2IS was obtained in good yield (56%), and it exhibited satisfactory stability in neutral solution, comparable to that of HQ. Its skin permeability was also higher than that of HQ. HQ-2P2IS is susceptible to enzymatic hydrolysis by tissue phosphatase, which releases HQ in the skin tissues. Thus, these characteristics indicate that the novel hydroquinone derivative presented herein, i.e., HQ-2P2IS, may serve as an effective pro-hydroquinone for skin care applications.

In vitro eye irritancy test of polyoxyethylene alkyl derivatives using a reconstructed rabbit corneal epithelium model.

We have developed the Rabbit Corneal Epithelial (RCE) Model to evaluate the in vitro eye irritation potential of chemicals including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and their raw ingredients. In the model, a stratified culture of rabbit corneal epithelial cells is grown at the air-liquid interface on an amnion acting as a parabasal membrane. The alkaline exposure was restored each day in the presence of no irritants, although with the addition of sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), which is a major irritant, the restoration of deficit was inhibited on the RCE model in a dose-dependent manner. The results of this test were comparable with those of the Draize test, and thus, this method using the RCE model may prove to be a useful and sensitive in vitro eye irritation test. The in vitro eye irritation potential of polyoxyethylene alkyl derivatives, polyoxyethylene lauryl ether (PLE), polyoxyethylene cetyl ether (PCE), polyoxyethylene stearyl ether (PSE), polyoxyethylene oleyl ether (POE), and polyoxyethylene behenyl ether (PBE) were evaluated using the RCE model containing an alkaline exposure. POE inhibited 90.2% of the restoration of deficit at a concentration of 0.5% on the 4th day after addition. Depending on the structure, an activity relationship was defined. The polyoxyethylene alkyl derivatives had distinctly different inhibitory potencies against the restoration of deficit, according to their substitution patterns. POE inhibited the restoration of deficit greater than other polyoxyethylene alkyl derivatives on the RCE model. These results indicated that the oleyl chain of POE is an important factor for inhibiting the restoration of deficit on the RCE model.

In vitro eye irritancy test of lauryl derivatives and polyoxyethylene alkyl derivatives with the reconstructed rabbit corneal epithelium model.

The rabbit corneal epithelium model (RCE model) was developed as a three-dimensional in vitro model to replace animal testing for the assessment of eye tolerance. In the model, a stratified culture of rabbit corneal epithelial cells is grown at the air-liquid interface on a collagen gel acting as a parabasal membrane. Histological cross-sections show that the structure of RCE model closely parallels that of the rabbit corneal epithelium. The lauryl derivatives, such as sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), polyoxyethylene (9) lauryl ether (PLE), sodium polyoxyethylene (2) lauryl ether sulfate (SPLE), mono glyceryl laurate (MGL), and sodium N-lauroyl-L-glutaminate (SLG), and polyoxyethylene alkyl derivatives, polyoxyethylene (9) lauryl ether (PLE), polyoxyethylene (10) cetyl ether (PCE), polyoxyethylene (10) stearyl ether (PSE), polyoxyethylene (10) oleyl ether (POE), and polyoxyethylene (10) behenyl ether (PBE), were evaluated for in vitro eye irritation potential using the RCE model by the measurement of viability with MTT assay. SLS, PLE, SPLE, MGL, and SLG inhibited 90.3%, 69.8%, 79.7%, 45.8%, and 32.7% of the viability at a concentration of 0.5%. The IC50 (50% inhibitory concentration) values of SLS, PLE, SPLE, MGL, and SLG were 0.086%, 0.205%, 0.133%, 0.627%, and 0.934%, respectively. These results indicated that a functional group at the end of lauryl chain is an important factor for inhibiting the viability using the RCE model. The polyoxyethylene alkyl derivatives had distinctly different the viability potencies according to their alkyl patterns. PLE inhibited the viability greater than other polyoxyethylene alkyl derivatives. Therefore, the lauryl chain of PLE is an important factor for inhibiting the viability on the RCE model.

Inhibitory effects of a novel ascorbic derivative, disodium isostearyl 2-O-L-ascorbyl phosphate on melanogenesis.

We investigated the inhibitory effects of a novel amphiphilic ascorbic derivative, disodium isostearyl 2-O-L-ascorbyl phosphate (VCP-IS-2Na), synthesized from a hydrophilic ascorbic derivative, sodium-2-O-L-ascorbyl phosphate (VCP-Na), on melanogenesis in cultured human melanoma cells, normal human melanocytes, and three-dimensional cultured human skin models. Melanin synthesis in melanoma cells treated with VCP-IS-2Na at 300 muM and melanocytes treated with VCP-IS-2Na at 100 muM decreased to 23% and 52% of that in non-treated cells, respectively, and the cell viability was not affected. VCP-IS-2Na also significantly suppressed the cellular tyrosinase activity of melanoma cells and melanocytes. Melanin synthesis in human skin models was evaluated by macro- and microscopic observations of its pigmentation and quantitative measurements of melanin. Treatment of the human skin models with 1.0% VCP-IS-2Na did not inhibit cell viability, while melanin synthesis was decreased to 21% of that in the control. In contrast, L-ascorbic acid (VC) and VCP-Na did not seem to inhibit melanin synthesis and cellular tyrosinase activity. These results indicate that VCP-IS-2Na may be an effective whitening agent for the skin, and we expect the application of VCP-IS-2Na in the cosmetic industry.

Effect of a novel ascorbic derivative, disodium isostearyl 2-O-L-ascorbyl phosphate on human dermal fibroblasts: increased collagen synthesis and inhibition of MMP-1.

The effects of a novel amphiphilic vitamin C derivative, disodium isostearyl 2-O-L-ascorbyl phosphate (disodium 2-(1,3,3-trimethyl-n-butyl)-5,7,7-trimethyl-n-octyl-L-ascorbyl phosphate, VCP-IS-2Na), possessing a C18 alkyl chain attached to a stable sodium L-ascorbic acid 2-phosphate (VCP-Na), on the proliferation of fibroblasts and collagen synthesis, and inhibition of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) in normal human fibroblasts, NHDFs and NB1RGBs, were evaluated. Compared with proliferation of non-treated fibroblasts, VCP-IS-2Na at 50 microM increased proliferation to 123 and 135% of that in NHDFs and NB1RGBs. On the other hand, L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and VCP-Na had little effect on proliferation. At a concentration of 5.0-50 microM, VCP-IS-2Na stimulated collagen synthesis with an effectiveness comparable to that of vitamin C and VCP-Na. The amount of type I collagen in the culture medium was increased by treatment with VCP-IS-2Na for 72 h, in a concentration-dependent manner. Maximum increases of 126 and 1067% were seen with VCP-IS-2Na at 50 microM in NHDFs and NB1RGBs, respectively, whereas vitamin C and VCP-Na only had a small effect. VCP-IS-2Na had a small inhibitory effect on MMP-1, but vitamin C did not inhibit MMP-1, and VCP-Na had very little effect. VCP-IS-2Na exerted its collagen synthesis-promoting activity after being converted to vitamin C by phosphatase. This vitamin C promoted proliferation, collagen synthesis and inhibition of MMP-1, which are prolonged through sustained conversion of VCP-IS-2Na.

Molecular phylogeny and evolution of the genus Neoerysiphe (Erysiphaceae, Ascomycota).

The genus Neoerysiphe belongs to the tribe Golovinomyceteae of the Erysiphaceae together with the genera Arthrocladiella and Golovinomyces. This is a relatively small genus, comprising only six species, and having ca 300 species from six plant families as hosts. To investigate the molecular phylogeny and evolution of the genus, we determined the nucleotide sequences of the rDNA ITS regions and the divergent domains D1 and D2 of the 28S rDNA. The 30 ITS sequences from Neoerysiphe are divided into three monophyletic groups that are represented by their host families. Groups 1 and 3 consist of N. galeopsidis from Lamiaceae and N. galii from Rubiaceae, respectively, and the genetic diversity within each group is extremely low. Group 2 is represented by N. cumminsiana from Asteraceae. This group also includes Oidium baccharidis, O. maquii, and Oidium spp. from Galinsoga (Asteraceae) and Aloysia (Verbenaceae), and is further divided into four subgroups. N. galeopsidis is distributed worldwide, but is especially common in western Eurasia from Central Asia to Europe. N. galii is also common in western Eurasia. In contrast, the specimens of group 2 were all collected in the New World, except for one specimen that was collected in Japan; this may indicate a close relationship of group 2 with the New World. Molecular clock calibration demonstrated that Neoerysiphe split from other genera of the Erysiphaceae ca 35-45M years ago (Mya), and that the three groups of Neoerysiphe diverged between 10 and 15Mya, in the Miocene. Aloysia citriodora is a new host for the Erysiphaceae and the fungus on this plant is described as O. aloysiae sp. nov.

Suppression of mutagens-induced SOS response by phytoncide solution using Salmonella typhimurium TA1535/pSK1002 umu test.

Four types of phytoncide solution (A-Type, AB-Type, D-Type and G-Type) were evaluated as antimutagenic agents with suppressive effects on the SOS-inducing activity of the mutagen 2-(2-furyl)-3-(5-nitro-2-furyl) acrylamide (furylfuramide) using Salmonella typhimurium TA1535/pSK1002 umu test. The A-Type, AB-Type, D-Type and G-Type of phytoncide solution suppressed the SOS-inducing activity on furylfuramide at a concentration of 100 microg/mL by 86.1%, 74.7%, 69.5% and 55.4%, respectively, and the ID(50) (50% inhibitory dose) values were 9.0 microg/mL, 22.5 microg/mL, 36.0 microg/mL and 72.8 microg/mL. They also showed the suppression of SOS-inducing activity against other chemical mutagens, such as 4-nitroquinolin 1-oxide (4NQO) and N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG), which do not require liver metabolizing enzymes, and against 2-aminoanthracene (2AA) and 3-amino-1,4-dimethyl-5H-pyrido[4,3-b]indole (Trp-P-1), which require these enzymes, and against UV irradiation, which is a well known physical mutagen. In the search for the component-activity relationship, the A-Type of phutoncide solution suppressed the SOS-inducing activity greater than the other types of phutoncide solution for furylfuramide, 4NQO and MNNG. However, in case of 2AA and Trp-P-1, the D-Type of phytoncide solution was most effective in suppressing the SOS-inducing activity in the umu test. From these results, the four types of phytoncide solutions showed the suppressive effect of SOS-inducing activity against chemical and physical mutagens.

Molecular phylogeny supports a Northern Hemisphere origin of Golovinomyces (Ascomycota: Erysiphales).

Golovinomyces is a strictly herb-parasitic genus in the Erysiphaceae. Host-parasite co-speciation was reported recently between the genus Golovinomyces and Asteraceae from molecular phylogenetic analyses. The Asteraceae originated in South America and latterly expanded their geographic distribution into the Northern Hemisphere. If the co-speciation between Golovinomyces and Asteraceae originated in South America, the geographic origin of Golovinomyces could be assumed to be South America. To address this question, Golovinomyces species from hosts of the tribe Mutisieae, an asteraceous tribe endemic to South America, were collected and the ITS and 28S rDNA regions sequenced. Results indicate that Oidium mutisiae and Golovinomyces leuceriae isolated from the Mutisieae do not belong at the base of the Golovinomyces tree. Instead, they are situated separately within two different clades of Golovinomyces isolates from the Northern Hemisphere. Therefore, the tribe Mutisieae is not the most early host of Golovinomyces. Present results suggest that Golovinomyces originated in the Northern Hemisphere, and not in South America. The new species Oidium reginae for the previous O. mutisiae on Mutisia decurrens is proposed.

A low-protein diet concomitant with high calorie intake preserves renal function and structure in diabetic OLETF rats.

BACKGROUND: Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rats, a spontaneous type 2 diabetes model, were used to clarify whether and how a low-protein diet prevents progressive diabetic nephropathy, in terms of functional and structural parameters. METHODS: A low-protein diet (LPD) with 11% protein content, was compared to the normal 24% protein diet (NPD) without keeping isocaloric conditions. Daily food intake, body weight, and blood and urine chemistry were serially measured in rats from 10 through 60 weeks of age, and renal clearance studies and histological evaluations were performed at 40 and 60 weeks of age. RESULTS: Daily calorie intake was higher in the OLETF rats fed on the LPD than in those fed on the NPD throughout the experiment. Due to this hyperphagia, fasting blood glucose and hemoglobin (Hb)A1c were dramatically increased in the LPD-fed OLETF rats at 30 weeks and thereafter, whereas urinary protein excretion was decreased by more than half after 26 weeks in the LPD group. Plasma concentrations of total cholesterol and triglyceride were decreased in the LPD-fed OLETF rats at 40 and 60 weeks. Inulin clearance in the LPD group was higher only at 60 weeks of age. The glomerular sclerosis index (GSI) and tubulointerstitial index (TII) were preserved in the LPD group. The LPD induced a decrease in tubulointerstitial macrophage infiltration as compared with the NPD at both 40 and 60 weeks of age, but glomerular macrophage infiltration was not alleviated. CONCLUSIONS: A low-protein diet, despite the worsening hyperglycemia caused by hyperphagia, not only reduced proteinuria but also ameliorated hyperlipidemia in OLETF rats, thereby preserving renal function and structure in diabetic nephropathy, probably via a macrophage-mediated mechanism.

Single nucleotide polymorphisms of thrifty genes for energy metabolism: evolutionary origins and prospects for intervention to prevent obesity-related diseases.

The "thrifty" genotype and phenotype that save energy are detrimental to the health of people living in affluent societies. Individual differences in energy metabolism are caused primarily by single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), some of which promote the development of obesity/type 2 diabetes mellitus. In this review, four major questions are addressed: (1) Why did regional differences in energy metabolism develop during evolution? (2) How do genes respond to starvation and affluence? (3) Which SNPs correspond to the hypothetical "thrifty genes"? (4) How can we cope with disease susceptibility caused by the "thrifty" SNPs? We examined mtDNA and genes for energy metabolism in people who live in several parts of Asia and the Pacific islands. We included 14 genes, and the SNP frequencies of PPAR gamma 2, LEPR, and UCP3-p and some other genes differ significantly between Mongoloids and Caucasoids. These differences in SNPs may have been caused by natural selection depending on the types of agriculture practiced in different regions. Interventions to counteract the adverse effects of "thrifty" SNPs have been partially effective.