scholarly journals Impact of host and environmental factors on β-glucuronidase enzymatic activity: implications for gastrointestinal serotonin

2020 ◽  
Vol 318 (4) ◽  
pp. G816-G826 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacinta Walsh ◽  
Loreto Olavarria-Ramirez ◽  
Gilliard Lach ◽  
Marcus Boehme ◽  
Timothy G. Dinan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Factors ◽  
Drug Metabolism ◽  
Enzymatic Activity ◽  
Metabolic Activity ◽  
Active Form ◽  
Biologically Active ◽  
Antibiotic Administration ◽  
Targeted Interventions ◽  
Glucosidase Activity ◽  
Glucuronidase Activity

The gastrointestinal tract houses a reservoir of bacterial-derived enzymes that can directly catalyze the metabolism of drugs, dietary elements and endogenous molecules. Both host and environmental factors may influence this enzymatic activity, with the potential to dictate the availability of the biologically-active form of endogenous molecules in the gut and influence inter-individual variation in drug metabolism. We aimed to investigate the influence of the microbiota, and the modulation of its composition, on fecal enzymatic activity. Intrinsic factors related to the host, including age, sex and genetic background, were also explored. Fecalase, a cell-free extract of feces, was prepared and used in a colorimetric-based assay to quantify enzymatic activity. To demonstrate the functional effects of fecal enzymatic activity, we examined β-glucuronidase-mediated cleavage of serotonin β-d-glucuronide (5-HT-GLU) and the resultant production of free 5-HT by HPLC. As expected, β-glucuronidase and β-glucosidase activity were absent in germ-free mice. Enzymatic activity was significantly influenced by mouse strain and animal species. Sex and age significantly altered metabolic activity with implications for free 5-HT. β-Glucuronidase and β-glucosidase activity remained at reduced levels for nearly two weeks after cessation of antibiotic administration. This effect on fecalase corresponded to significantly lower 5-HT levels as compared with incubation with pre-antibiotic fecalase from the same mice. Dietary targeting of the microbiota using prebiotics did not alter β-glucuronidase or β-glucosidase activity. Our data demonstrate that multiple factors influence the activity of bacterial-derived enzymes which may have potential clinical implications for drug metabolism and the deconjugation of host-produced glucuronides in the gut. NEW & NOTEWORTHY This article explores a comprehensive range of host and environmental factors that introduce variability in the expression of bacterial-derived metabolic enzymes. Our results demonstrate that altered β-glucuronidase activity has implications for the bioavailability of luminal serotonin. The experimental approach employed, fecalase, provides a mechanistic basis and translational platform to further delineate the functional outputs of altered metabolic activity, and the associated physiological effects of microbiota-targeted interventions on host response to drugs and host-produced glucuronides.

Processing and Characterization of Recombinant von Willebrand Factor Expressed in Different Cell Types Using a Vaccinia Virus Vector

1992 ◽  
Vol 67 (01) ◽  
pp. 154-160 ◽  
Author(s):  
P Meulien ◽  
M Nishino ◽  
C Mazurier ◽  
K Dott ◽  
G Piétu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vaccinia Virus ◽  
Von Willebrand Factor ◽  
Human Fibroblasts ◽  
Active Form ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Biologically Active ◽  
L Cells ◽  
Von Willebrand ◽  
Different Cell Types ◽  
Willebrand Factor

SummaryThe cloning of the cDNA encoding von Willebrand factor (vWF) has revealed that it is synthesized as a large precursor (pre-pro-vWF) molecule and it is now clear that the prosequence or vWAgll is responsible for the intracellular multimerization of vWF. We have cloned the complete vWF cDNA and expressed it using a recombinant vaccinia virus as vector. We have characterized the structure and function of the recombinant vWF (rvWF) secreted from five different cell types: baby hamster kidney (BHK), Chinese hamster ovary (CHO), human fibroblasts (143B), mouse fibroblasts (L) and primary embryonic chicken cells. Forty-eight hours after infection, the quantity of vWF antigen found in the cell supernatant varied from 3 to 12 U/dl depending on the cell type. By SDS-agarose gel electrophoresis, the percentage of high molecular weight forms of vWF varied from 39 to 49% relative to normal plasma for BHK, CHO, 143B and chicken cells but was less than 10% for L cells. In all cell types, the two anodic subbands of each multimer were missing. The two cathodic subbands were easily detected only in BHK and L cells. By SDS-PAGE of reduced samples, pro-vWF was present in similar quantity to the fully processed vWF subunit in L cells, present in moderate amounts in BHK and CHO and in very low amounts in 143B and chicken cells. rvWF from all cells bound to collagen and to platelets in the presence of ristocetin, the latter showing a high correlation between binding efficiency and degree of multimerization. rvWF from all cells was also shown to bind to purified FVIII and in this case binding appeared to be independent of the degree of multimerization. We conclude that whereas vWF is naturally synthesized only by endothelial cells and megakaryocytes, it can be expressed in a biologically active form from various other cell types.

Innovative approaches to the correction of chronotrope status of pregnant and lactating women

2016 ◽  
pp. 37-40
Author(s):  
S.I. Zhuk ◽  
◽  
K.K. Bondarenko ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Folic Acid ◽  
Neural Tube ◽  
Active Form ◽  
Biologically Active ◽  
Lactating Women ◽  
Pathological Conditions ◽  
Prevention And Treatment ◽  
The Impact ◽  
High Bioavailability ◽  
Key Words Mthfr

Most recent studies show the impact of violations in the metabolism of folate and metin period in the pathogenesis of neural tube defects (NTD) of the fetus. Metafolin has a number of advantages, which primarily includes direct intake of substances in biologically active form and the optimum effect, even in the case when the patient homozygote and/or heterozygote genotype 677С T polymorphism in MTHFR. With the aim of prevention and treatment of various pathological conditions related to folate deficiency during pregnancy, it is advisable to apply vitamin-mineral complexes, containing metafolin - active form of folate with high bioavailability. Key words: MTHFR, metafolin, folic acid, pregnancy.

Evaluation of Some Biological Applications of Pleurotus citrinopileatus and Boletus edulis Fruiting Bodies

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (15) ◽  
pp. 1309-1320 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmed M. Younis ◽  
Marwa M. Abdel-Aziz ◽  
Mohamed Yosri
Keyword(s):  
Antioxidant Activity ◽  
Flow Cytometric Analysis ◽  
Radical Scavenging ◽  
Biologically Active ◽  
Fruiting Bodies ◽  
Methanol Extracts ◽  
Boletus Edulis ◽  
Glucosidase Activity ◽  
Hela Cell Lines ◽  
Pleurotus Citrinopileatus

Background:: Mushrooms are deemed as a special delicacy in many countries. They are considered an important cuisine due to their bioactive ingredients and possible health benefits. Methods: Herein, we measured selected biological properties of methanol extracts of Pleurotus citrinopileatus and Boletus edulis fruiting bodies including; in vitro antimicrobial activity, anti-α- glucosidase activity, antioxidant activity, anti-lipase activity and cytotoxic activity against different cancer cells and normal cells. Results: B. edulis methanol extracts showed high antimicrobial and anti-α-glucosidase activity. In contrast, P. citrinopileatus methanol extracts showed superior antioxidant activity indicated by (1,1- diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) DPPH radical scavenging with half maximal inhibitory concentration of IC50 37.4 µg/ml, anti-lipase activities with IC50 65.2 µg/ml and high cytotoxicity activity against HepG2 and HeLa cell lines with IC50 22.8 and 36.7 µg/ml, respectively. Flow cytometric analysis of the cell cycle was used to show apoptotic effects of methanol extracts against HepG2 and HeLa cells. Conclusion: P. citrinopileatus and B. edulis methanolic extracts appear to contain biologically active compounds that might be used to treat some common human diseases.

scholarly journals Folate in Red Rhapsody Strawberry—Content and Storage Stability.

Proceedings ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 70 (1) ◽  
pp. 47
Author(s):  
Julius Rami ◽  
Caroline Dumler ◽  
Nadine Weber ◽  
Michael Rychlik ◽  
Gabriele Netzel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Storage Stability ◽  
Active Form ◽  
Food Composition ◽  
Biologically Active ◽  
Stable Isotope Dilution ◽  
Isotope Dilution Assay ◽  
C Storage ◽  
Vitamin B9 ◽  
Adults And Children ◽  
And Storage

Folate (Vitamin B9) is critical for a range of biological functions in adults and children, including DNA, protein and neurotransmitter synthesis. It is also essential for the healthy development of the fetus in early pregnancy and for the prevention of neural tube defects, such as spina bifida. Strawberries are considered a tasty and healthy fruit consumed all over the world and may potentially be an important dietary source of natural folates. However, the relative importance of strawberry as a dietary source will depend on the total folate concentration, vitamer profile, storage stability and bioavailability to humans. Red Rhapsody, an important commercial strawberry cultivar in Australia, was screened for its folate content and storage stability by stable isotope dilution assay (SIDA). Total folate content ranged from 90–118 μg/100 g fresh weight (fw), which was well above the value in the Australian Food Composition Database (39 μg/100 g fw). 5-Methyltetrahydrofolate, the biologically active form in humans, was the principal vitamer present. Furthermore, folate remained relatively stable during refrigerated (4 °C) storage (loss of only 28% after 14 days of storage). This information is relevant for consumers since the inherent perishability of strawberry fruit makes refrigerated storage common practice in Australian households.

scholarly journals Effect of Photoperiodism on Enzymatic Responses of Sugarcane

1969 ◽  
Vol 39 (1) ◽  
pp. 16-21
Author(s):  
Marco A. Tió
Keyword(s):  
Enzymatic Activity ◽  
Metabolic Activity ◽  
Apical Meristems ◽  
Meristematic Cells ◽  
Increased Activity

From the results obtained in the present investigation and from many more similar reports it is possible to conclude that, apparently, extended photoperiods induce either a higher activity of the dehydrogenases present, or an increase in the content of these enzymes in the cell of the apical meristems of sugarcane plants. It also appears that the conditions controlling the activity of the meristems are limited somewhat by the enzymatic activity of the cells of the meristems. Though there is no evidence as yet to support a theory regarding the enzymatic control of the floral mechanism, the apparently higher metabolic activity induced by a higher content, or increased activity of the enzymes in the cells, and the prolongation of the vegetative condition of the meristematic cells, seem to be interrelated with and dependent upon the photoperiods.

scholarly journals Intracellular processing and transport of NH2-terminally truncated forms of a hemagglutinin-neuraminidase type II glycoprotein.

1990 ◽  
Vol 111 (1) ◽  
pp. 31-44 ◽  
Author(s):  
M K Spriggs ◽  
P L Collins
Keyword(s):  
Signal Sequence ◽  
Active Form ◽  
Cytoplasmic Domain ◽  
Biologically Active ◽  
Membrane Insertion ◽  
Type I ◽  
Type Ii ◽  
Membrane Anchor ◽  
Amino Terminal ◽  
Signal Anchor

Six amino-terminal deletion mutants of the NH2-terminally anchored (type II orientation) hemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN) protein of parainfluenza virus type 3 were expressed in tissue culture by recombinant SV-40 viruses. The mutations consisted of progressive deletions of the cytoplasmic domain and, in some cases, of the hydrophobic signal/anchor. Three activities were dissociated for the signal/anchor: membrane insertion, translocation, and anchoring/transport. HN protein lacking the entire cytoplasmic tail was inserted efficiently into the membrane of the endoplasmic reticulum but was translocated inefficiently into the lumen. However, the small amounts that were successfully translocated appeared to be processed subsequently in a manner indistinguishable from that of parental HN. Thus, the cytoplasmic domain was not required for maturation of this type II glycoprotein. Progressive deletions into the membrane anchor restored efficient translocation, indicating that the NH2-terminal 44 amino acids were fully dispensable for membrane insertion and translocation and that a 10-amino acid hydrophobic signal sequence was sufficient for both activities. These latter HN molecules appeared to be folded authentically as assayed by hemagglutination activity, reactivity with a conformation-specific antiserum, correct formation of intramolecular disulfide bonds, and homooligomerization. However, most (85-90%) of these molecules accumulated in the ER. This showed that folding and oligomerization into a biologically active form, which presumably represents a virion spike, occurs essentially to completion within that compartment but is not sufficient for efficient transport through the exocytotic pathway. Protein transport also appeared to depend on the structure of the membrane anchor. These latter mutants were not stably integrated in the membrane, and the small proportion (10-15%) that was processed through the exocytotic pathway was secreted. The maturation steps and some of the effects of mutations described here for a type II glycoprotein resemble previous observations for prototypic type I glycoproteins and are indicative of close similarities in these processes for proteins of both membrane orientations.

scholarly journals The Anticancer Agent Elesclomol Has Direct Effects on Mitochondrial Bioenergetic Function in Isolated Mammalian Mitochondria

Biomolecules ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. 298 ◽  
Author(s):  
Modica-Napolitano ◽  
Bharath ◽  
Hanlon ◽  
Hurley
Keyword(s):  
Electron Transport ◽  
Oxidative Phosphorylation ◽  
Direct Effect ◽  
Therapeutic Potential ◽  
Active Form ◽  
Biologically Active ◽  
Ros Production ◽  
Transport Activity ◽  
Mammalian Mitochondria ◽  
Electron Transport Activity

Elesclomol ((N-malonyl-bis(N'-methyl-N'-thiobenzoylhydrazide)); formerly STA-4783) is a mitochondria-targeted chemotherapeutic agent that has demonstrated efficacy in selective cancer cell killing in pre-clinical and clinical testing. The biologically active form of elesclomol is a deprotonated copper chelate (elesclomol:copper; E:C), which has been shown to enhance reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and induce a transcriptional gene profile characteristic of an oxidative stress response in vitro. Previous studies suggest that E:C interacts with the electron transport chain (ETC) to generate high levels of ROS within the organelle and ultimately induce cell death. The purpose of this study was to further explore the mechanism of cellular and mitochondrial toxicity of E:C by examining its direct effect on mitochondrial bioenergetic function. The results obtained indicate that E:C treatment in whole cells of non-tumorigenic origin at high concentrations (40 M and higher) induces a rapid and substantial increase in mitochondrial superoxide levels and dissipation of mitochondrial membrane potential. Furthermore, similar higher concentrations of E:C act as a direct uncoupler of oxidative phosphorylation and generalized inhibitor of electron transport activity in isolated, intact mitochondria, and induce a dose-dependent inhibition of mitochondrial NADH-ubiquinone oxidoreductase activity in freeze-thawed mitochondrial preparations. The results of this study are important in that they are the first to demonstrate a direct effect of the E:C chelate on bioenergetic function in isolated mammalian mitochondria, and suggest the possibility that the increase in ROS production and cytotoxicity induced by E:C may in part be due to uncoupling of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and/or inhibition of electron transport activity. These results also provide important information about the mechanisms of mitochondrial and cellular toxicity induced by E:C and will ultimately contribute to a better understanding of the therapeutic potential of elesclomol as an anticancer compound.

scholarly journals Key Vitamin D Target Genes with Functions in the Immune System

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 1140 ◽  
Author(s):  
Oona Koivisto ◽  
Andrea Hanel ◽  
Carsten Carlberg
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Adaptive Immunity ◽  
Vitamin D3 ◽  
Target Genes ◽  
Mononuclear Cells ◽  
Active Form ◽  
Biologically Active ◽  
Monocytic Cell ◽  
Monocytic Cell Line ◽  
Innate And Adaptive Immunity

The biologically active form of vitamin D3, 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3), modulates innate and adaptive immunity via genes regulated by the transcription factor vitamin D receptor (VDR). In order to identify the key vitamin D target genes involved in these processes, transcriptome-wide datasets were compared, which were obtained from a human monocytic cell line (THP-1) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) treated in vitro by 1,25(OH)2D3, filtered using different approaches, as well as from PBMCs of individuals supplemented with a vitamin D3 bolus. The led to the genes ACVRL1, CAMP, CD14, CD93, CEBPB, FN1, MAPK13, NINJ1, LILRB4, LRRC25, SEMA6B, SRGN, THBD, THEMIS2 and TREM1. Public epigenome- and transcriptome-wide data from THP-1 cells were used to characterize these genes based on the level of their VDR-driven enhancers as well as the level of the dynamics of their mRNA production. Both types of datasets allowed the categorization of the vitamin D target genes into three groups according to their role in (i) acute response to infection, (ii) infection in general and (iii) autoimmunity. In conclusion, 15 genes were identified as major mediators of the action of vitamin D in innate and adaptive immunity and their individual functions are explained based on different gene regulatory scenarios.

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