Activation of vasopressin hormonogens by kidney aminoacylarylamidase; Study in vitro

1980 ◽  
Vol 45 (3) ◽  
pp. 772-776
Author(s):  
Karel Hauzer ◽  
Tomislav Barth ◽  
Karel Jošt

Under conditions in vitro the mammalian kidney aminoacylarylamidase splits off the individual glycine residues from the hormonogens of vasopressin and its analogs of the triglycyl-vasopressin type (triglycyl[8-lysine]vasopressin, triglycyl[8-ornithine]vasopressin and des-glycineamide triglycyl[8-lysine]vasopressin) generating consequently the hormone or its analogues. The time course of the reaction was followed by the biological method (pressoric assy) and by determing the concentration of the liberated glycine. The generated hormone or its analogues are resistant to the action of the enzyme used.

2002 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 165-172 ◽  
Author(s):  
Satoru Yui ◽  
Yuichi Nakatani ◽  
Michael J. Hunter ◽  
Walter J. Chazin ◽  
Masatoshi Yamazaki

Background: Calprotectin is a calcium-binding and zinc-binding protein complex that is abundant in the cytosol of neutrophils. This factor is composed of 8 and 14 kDa subunits, which have also been termed migration inhibitory factor-related proteins MRP8 and MRP14. We previously reported that rat calprotectin purified from inflammatory neutrophils induces apoptosis of various tumor cells or normal fibroblasts in a zinc-reversible manner.Aim: The present study was undertaken to elucidate which subunit is responsible for the apoptosis-inducing activity, and to explore the mechanism of zinc-reversible apoptosis induction.Methods: The apoptosis-inducing activity of recombinant human MRP8 (rhMRP8) and recombinant human MRP14 (rhMRP14) was examined against EL-4 lymphoma cellsin vitro. To determine whether zinc deprivation by calprotectin was essential for the cytotoxicity, the activity of calprotectin was tested under conditions where physical contact between the factor and the cells was precluded by a low molecular weight cut-off dialysis membrane.Results: The cytotoxicity of rhMRP14 against EL-4 cells was first detected at 10 μM in a standard medium, whereas rhMRP8 caused only marginal cytotoxicity at 40 μM. A mixture of both proteins showed higher specific activity (onset of cytotoxicity at 5 μM). When the cells were cultured in divalent cation-depleted medium, each dose-response curve was shifted to about a four-fold lower concentration range. Calprotectin was found to induce cell death even when the complex and the target cells were separated by dialysis membrane. A membrane-impermeable zinc chelator, diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA), also induced target cell apoptosis in a similar time-course as calprotectin. Moreover, the activities of calprotectin and DTPA were completely inhibited by the presence of zinc ions.Conclusion: These data indicate that calprotectin has higher specific activity to induce apoptosis than the individual subunits, and that the mechanism is exclusion of zinc from target cells.


Author(s):  
Rita M.C. de Almeida ◽  
Gilberto L. Thomas ◽  
James A. Glazier

AbstractTo understand the difference between benign and severe outcomes after Coronavirus infection, we urgently need ways to clarify and quantify the time course of tissue and immune responses. Here we re-analyze 72-hour time-series microarrays generated in 2013 by Sims and collaborators for SARS-CoV-1 in vitro infection of a human lung epithelial cell line. Using a Transcriptogram-based top-down approach, we identified three major, differentially-expressed gene sets comprising 219 mainly immune-response-related genes. We identified timescales for alterations in mitochondrial activity, signaling and transcription regulation of the innate and adaptive immune systems and their relationship to viral titer. At the individual-gene level, EGR3 was significantly upregulated in infected cells. Similar activation in T-cells and fibroblasts in infected lung could explain the T-cell anergy and eventual fibrosis seen in SARS-CoV-1 infection. The methods can be applied to RNA data sets for SARS-CoV-2 to investigate the origin of differential responses in different tissue types, or due to immune or preexisting conditions or to compare cell culture, organoid culture, animal models and human-derived samples.


2001 ◽  
Vol 40 (01) ◽  
pp. 31-37 ◽  
Author(s):  
U. Wellner ◽  
E. Voth ◽  
H. Schicha ◽  
K. Weber

Summary Aim: The influence of physiological and pharmacological amounts of iodine on the uptake of radioiodine in the thyroid was examined in a 4-compartment model. This model allows equations to be derived describing the distribution of tracer iodine as a function of time. The aim of the study was to compare the predictions of the model with experimental data. Methods: Five euthyroid persons received stable iodine (200 μg, 10 mg). 1-123-uptake into the thyroid was measured with the Nal (Tl)-detector of a body counter under physiological conditions and after application of each dose of additional iodine. Actual measurements and predicted values were compared, taking into account the individual iodine supply as estimated from the thyroid uptake under physiological conditions and data from the literature. Results: Thyroid iodine uptake decreased from 80% under physiological conditions to 50% in individuals with very low iodine supply (15 μg/d) (n = 2). The uptake calculated from the model was 36%. Iodine uptake into the thyroid did not decrease in individuals with typical iodine supply, i.e. for Cologne 65-85 μg/d (n = 3). After application of 10 mg of stable iodine, uptake into the thyroid decreased in all individuals to about 5%, in accordance with the model calculations. Conclusion: Comparison of theoretical predictions with the measured values demonstrated that the model tested is well suited for describing the time course of iodine distribution and uptake within the body. It can now be used to study aspects of iodine metabolism relevant to the pharmacological administration of iodine which cannot be investigated experimentally in humans for ethical and technical reasons.


1991 ◽  
Vol 66 (05) ◽  
pp. 609-613 ◽  
Author(s):  
I R MacGregor ◽  
J M Ferguson ◽  
L F McLaughlin ◽  
T Burnouf ◽  
C V Prowse

SummaryA non-stasis canine model of thrombogenicity has been used to evaluate batches of high purity factor IX concentrates from 4 manufacturers and a conventional prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC). Platelets, activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), fibrinogen, fibrin(ogen) degradation products and fibrinopeptide A (FPA) were monitored before and after infusion of concentrate. Changes in FPA were found to be the most sensitive and reproducible indicator of thrombogenicity after infusion of batches of the PCC at doses of between 60 and 180 IU/kg, with a dose related delayed increase in FPA occurring. Total FPA generated after 100-120 IU/kg of 3 batches of PCC over the 3 h time course was 9-12 times that generated after albumin infusion. In contrast the amounts of FPA generated after 200 IU/kg of the 4 high purity factor IX products were in all cases similar to albumin infusion. It was noted that some batches of high purity concentrates had short NAPTTs indicating that current in vitro tests for potential thrombogenicity may be misleading in predicting the effects of these concentrates in vivo.


1985 ◽  
Vol 54 (04) ◽  
pp. 842-848 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kandice Kottke-Marchant ◽  
James M Anderson ◽  
Albert Rabinovitch ◽  
Richard A Huskey ◽  
Roger Herzig

SummaryHeparin is known to affect platelet function in vitro, but little is known about the effect of heparin on the interaction of platelets with polymer surfaces in general, and vascular graft materials in particular. For this reason, the effect of heparin vs. citrate anticoagulation on the interaction of platelets with the vascular graft materials expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), Dacron Bionit (DB) and preclotted Dacron Bionit (DB/PC) was studied in a recirculating, in vitro perfusion system. Platelet activation, as shown by a decrease in platelet count, an increase in platelet release and a decrease in platelet aggregation, was observed for all vascular graft materials tested using heparin and was greater for Dacron and preclotted Dacron than for ePTFE. Significant differences between heparin and citrate anticoagulation were seen for platelet release, platelet aggregation and the relative ranking of material platelet-reactivity. However, the trends and time course of platelet activation were similar with both heparin and citrate for the materials tested.


1985 ◽  
Vol 108 (4) ◽  
pp. 511-517 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nandalal Bagchi ◽  
Birdie Shivers ◽  
Thomas R. Brown

Abstract. Iodine in excess is known to acutely inhibit thyroidal secretion. In the present study we have characterized the time course of the iodine effect in vitro and investigated the underlying mechanisms. Labelled thyroid glands were cultured in vitro in medium containing mononitrotyrosine, an inhibitor of iodotyrosine deiodinase. The rate of hydrolysis of labelled thyroglobulin was measured as the proportion of labelled iodotyrosines and iodothyronines recovered at the end of culture and was used as an index of thyroidal secretion. Thyrotrophin (TSH) administered in vivo acutely stimulated the rate of thyroglobulin hydrolysis. Addition of Nal to the culture medium acutely inhibited both basal and TSH-stimulated thyroglobulin hydrolysis. The effect of iodide was demonstrable after 2 h, maximal after 6 h and was not reversible upon removal of iodide. Iodide abolished the dibutyryl cAMP induced stimulation of thyroglobulin hydrolysis. Iodide required organic binding of iodine for its effect but new protein or RNA synthesis was not necessary. The inhibitory effects of iodide and lysosomotrophic agents such as NH4C1 and chloroquin on thyroglobulin hydrolysis were additive suggesting different sites of action. Iodide added in vitro altered the distribution of label in prelabelled thyroglobulin in a way that suggested increased coupling in the thyroglobulin molecule. These data indicate that 1) the iodide effect occurs progressively over a 6 h period, 2) continued presence of iodide is not necessary once the inhibition is established, 3) iodide exerts its action primarily at a post cAMP, prelysosomal site and 4) the effect requires organic binding of iodine, but not new RNA or protein synthesis. Our data are consistent with the hypothesis that excess iodide acutely inhibits thyroglobulin hydrolysis by increasing the resistance of thyroglobulin to proteolytic degradation through increased iodination and coupling.


2011 ◽  
Vol 56 (1) ◽  
pp. 148-153 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marisa H. Miceli ◽  
Stella M. Bernardo ◽  
T. S. Neil Ku ◽  
Carla Walraven ◽  
Samuel A. Lee

ABSTRACTInfections and thromboses are the most common complications associated with central venous catheters. Suggested strategies for prevention and management of these complications include the use of heparin-coated catheters, heparin locks, and antimicrobial lock therapy. However, the effects of heparin onCandida albicansbiofilms and planktonic cells have not been previously studied. Therefore, we sought to determine thein vitroeffect of a heparin sodium preparation (HP) on biofilms and planktonic cells ofC. albicans. Because HP contains two preservatives, methyl paraben (MP) and propyl paraben (PP), these compounds and heparin sodium without preservatives (Pure-H) were also tested individually. The metabolic activity of the mature biofilm after treatment was assessed using XTT [2,3-bis-(2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium-5-carboxanilide] reduction and microscopy. Pure-H, MP, and PP caused up to 75, 85, and 60% reductions of metabolic activity of the mature preformedC. albicansbiofilms, respectively. Maximal efficacy against the mature biofilm was observed with HP (up to 90%) compared to the individual compounds (P< 0.0001). Pure-H, MP, and PP each inhibitedC. albicansbiofilm formation up to 90%. A complete inhibition of biofilm formation was observed with HP at 5,000 U/ml and higher. When tested against planktonic cells, each compound inhibited growth in a dose-dependent manner. These data indicated that HP, MP, PP, and Pure-H havein vitroantifungal activity againstC. albicansmature biofilms, formation of biofilms, and planktonic cells. Investigation of high-dose heparin-based strategies (e.g., heparin locks) in combination with traditional antifungal agents for the treatment and/or prevention ofC. albicansbiofilms is warranted.


2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. ii63-ii63
Author(s):  
Lakshmi Bollu ◽  
Derek Wainwright ◽  
Lijie Zhai ◽  
Erik Ladomersky ◽  
Kristen Lauing ◽  
...  

Abstract INTRODUCTION Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO; IDO1) is a rate-limiting enzyme that metabolizes the essential amino acid tryptophan into kynurenine. Recent work by our group has revealed that IDO promotes tumor development and suppresses immune cell functions independent of its enzyme activity. Moreover, pharmacologic IDO enzyme inhibitors that currently serve as the only class of drugs available for targeting immunosuppressive IDO activity, fail to improve the survival of patients with GBM. Here, we developed IDO-Proteolysis Targeting Chimeras (IDO-PROTACs). PROTACs bind to a specific protein and recruit an E3 ubiquitin ligase that enhance proteasome-mediated degradation of the target protein. METHODS A library of ≥100 IDO-PROTACs were developed by joining BMS986205 (IDO binder) with a linker group to various E3-ligase ligands. Western blot analysis of PROTAC-induced IDO degradation was tested in vitro among multiple human and mouse GBM cell lines including U87, GBM6, GBM43 and GL261 along a time course ranging between 1–96 hours of treatment and at varying concentrations. The mechanism of IDO protein degradation was investigated using pharmacologic ligands that inhibit or compete with the proteasome-mediated protein degradation pathway. RESULTS Primary screening identified several IDO-PROTACs with IDO protein degradation potential. Secondary screening showed that our lead compound has a DC50 value of ~0.5µM with an ability to degrade IDO in all GBM cells analyzed, and an initial activity within 12 hours of treatment that extended for up to 96 hours. Mutating the CRBN-binding ligand, pretreatment with the ubiquitin proteasome system inhibitors MG132 or MLN4924 or using unmodified parental compound all inhibited IDO protein degradation. CONCLUSIONS This study developed an initial IDO-PROTAC technology that upon further optimization, can neutralize both IDO enzyme and non-enzyme immunosuppressive effects. When combined with other forms of immunotherapy, IDO-PROTACs have the potential to substantially enhance immunotherapeutic efficacy in patients with GBM.


Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (9) ◽  
pp. 2116
Author(s):  
Xiaoyong Wang ◽  
Lijuan Zhang ◽  
Qi Dai ◽  
Hongzong Si ◽  
Longyun Zhang ◽  
...  

The high concentrations of individual phytochemicals in vitro studies cannot be physiologically achieved in humans. Our solution for this concentration gap between in vitro and human studies is to combine two or more phytochemicals. We screened 12 phytochemicals by pairwise combining two compounds at a low level to select combinations exerting the synergistic inhibitory effect of breast cancer cell proliferation. A novel combination of luteolin at 30 μM (LUT30) and indole-3-carbinol 40 μM (I3C40) identified that this combination (L30I40) synergistically constrains ERα+ breast cancer cell (MCF7 and T47D) proliferation only, but not triple-negative breast cancer cells. At the same time, the individual LUT30 and I3C40 do not have this anti-proliferative effect in ERα+ breast cancer cells. Moreover, this combination L30I40 does not have toxicity on endothelial cells compared to the current commercial drugs. Similarly, the combination of LUT and I3C (LUT10 mg + I3C10 mg/kg/day) (IP injection) synergistically suppresses tumor growth in MCF7 cells-derived xenograft mice, but the individual LUT (10 mg/kg/day) and I3C (20 mg/kg/day) do not show an inhibitory effect. This combination synergistically downregulates two major therapeutic targets ERα and cyclin dependent kinase (CDK) 4/6/retinoblastoma (Rb) pathway, both in cultured cells and xenograft tumors. These results provide a solid foundation that a combination of LUT and I3C may be a practical approach to treat ERα+ breast cancer cells after clinical trials.


Viruses ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 415
Author(s):  
Ashley N. Brown ◽  
Gary Strobel ◽  
Kaley C. Hanrahan ◽  
Joe Sears

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent of novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), has become a severe threat to global public health. There are currently no antiviral therapies approved for the treatment or prevention of mild to moderate COVID-19 as remdesivir is only approved for severe COVID-19 cases. Here, we evaluated the antiviral potential of a Propylamylatin formula, which is a mixture of propionic acid and isoamyl hexanoates. The Propylamylatin formula was investigated in gaseous and liquid phases against 1 mL viral suspensions containing 105 PFU of SARS-CoV-2. Viral suspensions were sampled at various times post-exposure and infectious virus was quantified by plaque assay on Vero E6 cells. Propylamylatin formula vapors were effective at inactivating infectious SARS-CoV-2 to undetectable levels at room temperature and body temperature, but the decline in virus was substantially faster at the higher temperature (15 min versus 24 h). The direct injection of liquid Propylamylatin formula into viral suspensions also completely inactivated SARS-CoV-2 and the rapidity of inactivation occurred in an exposure dependent manner. The overall volume that resulted in 90% viral inactivation over the course of the direct injection experiment (EC90) was 4.28 µls. Further investigation revealed that the majority of the antiviral effect was attributed to the propionic acid which yielded an overall EC90 value of 11.50 µls whereas the isoamyl hexanoates provided at most a 10-fold reduction in infectious virus. The combination of propionic acid and isoamyl hexanoates was much more potent than the individual components alone, suggesting synergy between these components. These findings illustrate the therapeutic promise of the Propylamylatin formula as a potential treatment strategy for COVID-19 and future studies are warranted.


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