Anti-inflammatory activity of a lipid fraction (lyprinol) from the NZ green-lipped mussel

Abstract  A lipid-rich extract, preparared by supercritical fluid extraction of fresh stabilized mussel powder (Lyprinol), showed significant anti-inflammatory (AI) activity given therapeutically and prophylactically po to Wistar and Dark Agouti rats developing either (a) adjuvant-induced polyarthritis or (b) collagen(II)-induced autoallergic arthritis, with ED50≤15 mg/kg; c.f. naproxen≥25 mg/kg or various therapeutic oils (flaxseed, evening primrose, fish)≥1800 mg/kg given orally. Lyprinol showed little or no activity in acute irritation assays (carrageenan, kaolin, histamine) indicating it is not mimicking rapid-acting NSAIDs. Incorporating Lyprinol into arthritigenic adjuvants composed of heat-killed Mycobacterium. tuberculosis suspended in olive oil or squalane, effectively prevented arthritis development at a dose of 5 mg/rat. By contrast, ‘dummy adjuvants’ prepared with Mycobacterium tuberculosis and flaxseed, evening primrose or fish oils were still arthritigenic in Dark Agouti rats (doses of oil=90 mg/rat).

Antifeedants in the Feces of the Pine Weevil Hylobius abietis: Identification and Biological Activity

Abstract  Egg-laying females of the pine weevil, Hylobius abietis (L.), regularly deposit feces adjacent to each egg. Egg cavities are gnawed in the bark of roots of recently dead conifer trees. After egg deposition, the cavity is sealed by feces and a plug of bark fragments. Root bark containing egg cavities with feces is avoided as food by pine weevils, which indicates the presence of natural antifeedants. Here we present the first results of the isolation and chemical analyses of antifeedant compounds in the feces of H. abietis. In feeding bioassays, methanol extracts of the feces revealed strong antifeedant properties. Methanol extracts were fractionated by medium-pressure liquid chromatography and the antifeedant effects were mainly found in the fractions of highest polarity. Volatile compounds in the active fractions were identified by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and the nonvolatile compounds were characterized by pyrolysis–GC–MS. Based on mass spectra, a number of compounds with various chemical structures were selected to be tested for their antifeedant properties. Antifeedant effects were found among compounds apparently originating from lignin: e.g., a methylanisol, guaiacol, veratrol, dihydroxybenzenes, and dihydroconiferyl alcohol. A weak effect by fatty acid derivatives was found. The types of naturally occurring antifeedant compounds identified in this study may become useful for the protection of planted conifer seedlings against damage by H. abietis.

Antifeedant activity and toxicity of leaf extracts from Porteresia coarctata Takeoka and their effects on the physiology of Spodoptera litura (F.)

Abstract  Antifeeding and toxic effects of chemical extracts from Porteresia coarctata Takeoka on the insect pest Spodoptera litura (F.) were investigated in the laboratory. Hexane extracts of P. coarctata leaves were re-dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide and applied in water to leaves of Ricinus communis L. (castor). A concentration of 1,000 and 2,000 ppm extract exhibited significant antifeeding and toxic effects to third instar larvae when compared to the same concentration of dimethyl sulfoxide in water as control. One day after feeding on extract-treated castor leaves, the mortality of S. litura larvae was 50%. Mortality increased to 95% after 11 days at a dosage of 2,000 ppm. Compared to the control, third instar larvae fed on castor leaves treated with P. coarctata leaf extract at different concentrations showed significant reduction in protein and DNA content in the fat body and midgut tissues. Results demonstrate the insecticidal and antifeedant properties of P. coarctata leaf extract against the generalist pest S. litura leading to biochemical changes in the insect body. Thus, P. coarctata contains phytochemicals, and the extract, in crude and pure form, has potential as a botanical insecticide in alternative control strategies against Lepidoptera pests.

Antidiabetic effect of novel modulating peptides of G-protein-coupled kinase in experimental models of diabetes

AbstractAims/hypothesis  G-protein-coupled receptor kinases (GRKs) play a key role in agonist-induced desensitisation of G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) that are involved in metabolic regulation and glucose homeostasis. Our aim was to examine whether small peptides derived from the catalytic domain of GRK2 and -3 would ameliorate Type 2 diabetes in three separate animal models of diabetes.

Antidiabetic actions of estrogen: Insight from human and genetic mouse models

Abstract  There is increasing evidence both in humans and rodents linking the endogenous estrogen 17β-estradiol (E2) to the maintenance of glucose homeostasis. Postmenopausal women develop visceral obesity and insulin resistance and are at increased risk for type 2 diabetes mellitus, but hormone replacement therapy leads to a reduction in the incidence of diabetes. In various spontaneous rodent models of type 2 diabetes, female rodents are protected against hyperglycemia unless they are ovariectomized, and E2 perfusion reverses diabetes in male rodents. Finally, the study of transgenic mice and mice with genetic alteration of E2 secretion or E2 action has shed light on the antidiabetic properties of E2 at a tissue-specific level. Thus, E2 secretion and action in rodents seems to be implicated 1) in adipose tissue biology and the prevention of obesity, 2) in the stimulation of liver fatty acid metabolism and suppression of hepatic glucose production, and 3) in the protection of pancreatic β-cell function/survival and insulin secretion in conditions of oxidative stress.

Anti-cyanobacterial fatty acids released from Myriophyllum spicatum

Abstract  This study was carried out to identify unknown allelochemicals released from Myriophyllum spicatum and to investigate their anti-cyanobacterial effects. A series of analyses of culture solutions and methanol extracts of M. spicatum using gas chromatograph equipped with a mass selective detector revealed that M. spicatum released fatty acids, specifically, nonanoic, tetradecanoic, hexadecanoic, octadecanoic, and octadecenoic acids. Nonanoic, cis-6-octadecenoic, and cis-9-octadecenoic acids significantly inhibited growth of Microcystis aeruginosa, whereas tetradecanoic, hexadecanoic, and octadecanoic acids did not show any effect. When the inhibitory effect of nonanoic acid was compared with those of 4 polyphenols and eugeniin, which are anti-cyanobacterial compounds previously reported to be released by M. spicatum, nonanoic acid was found to be the most inhibitory to M. aeruginosa. These results indicate that not only polyphenols and eugeniin but also fatty acids such as nonanoic acid must be studied to reveal how M. spicatum exerts its allelopathic effect on M. aeruginosa.

Antibacterial activity of a bacteriocin-like substance produced by Bacillus sp. P34 that targets the bacterial cell envelope

Abstract  The objective of this study was to investigate the mode of action of BLS P34, a bacteriocin-like substance (BLS) produced by a novel Bacillus sp. strain P34 isolated from the Amazon basin. The effect of the BLS was tested against Listeria monocytogenes, showing a bactericidal effect at 200 AU (activity units) ml−1, while no inhibition of spore outgrowth of Bacillus cereus was observed with a dose of 1,600 AU ml−1. Growth of Escherichia coli and Salmonella Enteritidis was inhibited, but only when the chelating agent EDTA was co-added with the BLS. The effect of BLS P34 on L. monocytogenes was also investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Treated cells showed an important frequency increase in 1,452 and 1,397 cm−1 and decrease in 1,217 and 1,058 cm−1, corresponding assignments of fatty acids and phospholipids. Transmission electron microscopy showed damaged cell envelope and loss of protoplasmic material. BLS P34 was bactericidal to Gram-positive, and also showed inhibitory effect against Gram-negative bacteria. There is evidence that its mode of action corresponds to that of a membrane-active substance. The knowledge about the mode of action of this BLS is essential to determine its effective application as an antimicrobial agent.

Antiatherogenic components of olive oil

Abstract  Olive oil is the principal source of fat in the Mediterranean diet, which has been associated with a lower incidence of coronary heart disease and certain cancers. Olive oil is characterized by a high proportion of monounsaturated oleic acid, but the main peculiarity of extra-virgin oil is the presence of remarkable quantities of phenolic compounds, notably hydroxytyrosol and oleuropein, that provide high stability and strong taste. Recently, several studies have demonstrated that olive oil phenolics are powerful antioxidants, both in vitro and in vivo, and exert additional potent biologic activities that could partially account for the observed cardioprotective effects of the Mediterranean diet.

Antiarrhythmic and electrophysiological effects of long-chain ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids

Abstract  Recent studies indicate that a diet enriched in -3 polyunsaturated fatty acids may prevent sudden cardiac death. The goal of the present study was to elucidate how -3 polyunsaturated fatty acids such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and -linolenic acid (ALA; 1–20 M) may affect the cardiac activation and repolarization pattern. For this reason, DHA, EPA or ALA was infused in spontaneously beating isolated rabbit heart (Langendorff technique) and subjected to 256 electrodes epicardial mapping. All compounds exhibited a negative inotropic and chronotropic effect. EPA and ALA, but not DHA, prolonged QTc. The dispersion was enhanced at higher concentrations (>5 M) by DHA and less (or not affected) by the others. The total activation time, reflecting ventricular conduction, was prolonged predominantly by DHA and to a lower extent by the other drugs. Atrioventricular conduction time was slowed only by DHA and EPA. To analyze of the pattern of activation, we determined the timepoint of activation as t(dU/dtmin) for all 256 electrodes. The beat-to-beat similarity of these patterns was moderately reduced by all drugs. Regarding antiarrhythmic activity we found that the threshold for elicitation of a ventricular extrasystole was concentration-dependently enhanced by DHA and EPA, but not by ALA. DHA dose-dependently reduced longitudinal propagation velocity VL and to a lower extent transverse velocity VT. Anisotropy was not significantly changed. EPA and ALA did not exhibit a systematic effect on VL or VT. These results clearly demonstrate that DHA, EPA, and ALA exhibit direct electrophysiological effects with different profiles.

Anthropometry, carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in the East Flanders Prospective Twin Survey: heritabilities

Abstract Aims/hypothesis  We determined the genetic contribution of 18 anthropometric and metabolic risk factors of type 2 diabetes using a young healthy twin population.

Anthropometric features and body composition of young athletes practicing karate at a high and medium competitive level

Abstract.   The aim of the study was to examine the anthropometricfeatures and body composition of athletes practising karate at ahigh and medium competitive level. Our study was carried out ona sample of 35 subjects practising karate and aged from 16.0 to32.5 years. This sample was divided into two groups: group 1(n=14 elite athletes) andgroup 2 (n=21 amateurathletes). Various anthropometric measurements were taken(weight, height both standing and sitting, diameters,circumferences and skinfold thickness) from which differentanthropometric indices were calculated (body mass index, Scelicand Grant indices, arm muscle circumference and area), and thesomatotype was then determined. The body composition of eachsubject was assessed using the skinfold technique and theJackson-Pollock (J-P) and Sloan-Weir (S-W) equations. The twogroups of athletes showed very similar measurements regardinganthropometric characteristics. Only the Scelix index presenteda significantly different value in the two groups (49.6±1.3 forgroup 1 vs. 51.1±1.3 for group 2; p<0.01). Group 1 showed amesomorphic-ectomorphic somatotype, while the amateur athletespresented a balanced mesomorphic type. Moreover, a lowerpercentage of fat mass was more frequent in the first group(J-P=8.1±2.4%; S-W=8.9±3.3%) than in the second one(J-P=9.8±1.6%; S-W=11.2±3.7%), although the differences betweenthe two groups were not significant. We conclude that group 1 ischaracterized by a slightly prominent vertical development ofthe skeletal frame. This could be an anthropometriccharacteristic that is best suited to meet the specificfunctional requirements of this sport. Moreover, both groups ofathletes are characterized by a low percentage of fat mass,particularly the elite group.

Antagonizing potencies of saturated and unsaturated long-chain free fatty acids to isoflurane in goldfish

Purpose  We have previously reported that myristate, a saturated free fatty acid (FFA) with 14 carbons (C14), antagonizes volatile anesthetics in goldfish. The hydrophobicity and molecular configuration of FFAs may play an important role in the antagonizing effect. To examine their contribution, we investigated the antagonizing potencies of saturated and unsaturated long-chain FFAs in goldfish.Methods  Saturated and monounsaturated FFAs of C14–18 were tested. We determined the anesthetic concentration producing a 50% effect (EC50) of isoflurane in the absence or presence of FFA by observing the escape reaction of goldfish against an electrical stimulus.

Antagonism of croton oil inflammation by topical emu oil in CD-1 mice

Abstract  Emu oil is derived from the emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae), which originated in Australia, and has been reported to have anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation was induced in anesthetized CD-1 mice by applying 50 μL of 2% croton oil to the inner surface of the left ear. After 2 h, the area was treated with 5μL of emu, fish, flaxseed, olive, or liquified chicken fat, or left untreated. Animals were euthanized at 6 h postapplication of different oils, and earplugs (FP) and plasma samples were collected. Inflammation was evaluated by change in earlobe thickness, increase in weight of EP tissue (compared to the untreated ear), and induction in cytokines interleukin (IL)-1α and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in EP homogenates. Al-though reductions relative to control (croton oil) were noted for all treatments, auricular thickness and EP weights were, significantly reduced (−72 and −71%, respectively) only in the emu oil-treated group. IL-1α levels in homogenates of auricular tissue were significantly reduced in the fish oil (−57%) and emu oil (−70%) groups relative to the control group. The cytokine TNF-α from auricular homogenates was significantly reduced in the olive oil (−52%) and emu oil (−60%) treatment groups relative to the control group. Plasma cytokine levels were not changed by croton oil treatment. Although auricular thickness and weight were significantly correlated with each other (r=0.750, P<0.003), auricular thickness but not weight was significantly correlated with cytokine IL-1α (r=0.750, P<0.006) and TNF-α (r=0.690, P<0.02). These studies indicate that topical emu oil has anti-inflammatory properties in the CD-1 mouse that are associated with decreased auricular thickness and weight, and with the cytokines IL-1α and TNF-α.

Ant benefits in a seed dispersal mutualism

Abstract  Myrmecochorous plant seeds have nutrient rich appendages, elaiosomes, which induce some ant species to carry the seeds back to their nest where the elaiosome is consumed and the seed is discarded unharmed. The benefits to plants of dispersal of their seeds in this way have been well documented, but the benefits to the ants from consuming the elaiosomes have rarely been measured and are less clear. Ant benefits from myrmecochory were investigated in a laboratory experiment using the ant Myrmica ruginodis and seeds of Ulex species. To separate the effects of elaiosome consumption on the development of newly produced larvae versus existing larvae, ten ‘Queenright’ colonies containing a queen were compared to ten ‘Queenless’ colonies. Six measures of colony fitness over a complete annual cycle were taken: sexual production, larval weight and number, pupal weight and number, and worker survival. Queenless colonies fed with elaiosomes produced 100.0±29.3 (mean ± SE) of larvae compared to non-elaiosome fed colonies which produced 49.6±19.0; an increase of 102%. Larval weight increased in both Queenright and Queenless colonies. In colonies fed with elaiosomes, larvae weighed 1.02±0.1 mg, but in non-elaiosome fed colonies larvae weighed 0.69±0.1 mg; an increase of 48%. The food supplement provided by Ulex elaiosomes was trivial in energetic terms, under the conditions of an ample diet, suggesting that these effects might be due to the presence of essential nutrients. Chemical analysis of Ulex elaiosomes showed the presence of four essential fatty acids and four essential sterols for ants.

Anoxybacillus rupiensis sp. Nov., a novel thermophilic bacterium isolated from Rupi basin (Bulgaria)

Abstract  Three strains of a novel thermophilic, strictly aerobic, Gram-positive, spore-forming hemo-organotrophic bacterium were isolated from three hot springs in the region of Rupi basin, Bulgaria as producers of amylolytic enzymes. Their 16S rRNA gene sequences (first 500 nucleotides) were very similar (99.8%). Strains were able to ferment a wide spectrum of carbohydrates such as sugars, polyols, and polysaccharides like xylan, glycogen and starch. Optimal growth was observed at 55–58°C, and pH at 6.0–6.5. Phylogenetic analysis of the whole 16S rRNA gene sequence clustered the strain R270T with the representatives of the genus Anoxybacillus and with Geobacillus tepidamans. The G + C content of the genomic DNA was 41.7%. DNA–DNA hybridization analysis revealed low homology with the closest relatives (32.0 mol% homology to Geobacillus tepidamans). Fatty acid profile (major fatty acids iso-C15:0 and iso-C17:0) confirmed the affiliation of the strain to the genus Anoxybacillus. On the basis of the data presented here, we propose that strain R270T, represents a new species of the genus Anoxybacillus for which, we recommend the name Anoxybacillus rupiensis sp. nov. (=DSM 17127T = NBIMCC 8387T). The 16S rRNA gene sequence data of a strain R270T have been deposited in the EMBL databases under the accession number AJ879076.

Anomalous high iodine value of squalene and the impact on iodine values of shark liver oils

Abstract  Squalene has six ethylenic bonds, but the experimental iodine values in two different solvent systems—chloroform and cyclohexane/acetic acid—were 25% higher than the theoretical values. We propose that this results from an additional halogen adding at each of the two terminal ethylenic bonds carrying two methyl groups. In the solvent system of cyclohexane alone, the excess is only 3–4% greater than the theoretical. Mixtures of squalene in seal oil confirmed the additivity of the experimental squalene high iodine value and the seal oil fatty acid iodine value with reasonable accuracy but depended on the skill of the operator in obtaining the titration end point for cyclohexane/acetic acid. This observation has particular relevance for shark liver oils and olive oils.

Anomalous high iodine value of squalene and the impact on iodine values of shark liver oils

Abstract  Squalene has six ethylenic bonds, but the experimental iodine values in two different solvent systems—chloroform and cyclohexane/acetic acid—were 25% higher than the theoretical values. We propose that this results from an additional halogen adding at each of the two terminal ethylenic bonds carrying two methyl groups. In the solvent system of cyclohexane alone, the excess is only 3–4% greater than the theoretical. Mixtures of squalene in seal oil confirmed the additivity of the experimental squalene high iodine value and the seal oil fatty acid iodine value with reasonable accuracy but depended on the skill of the operator in obtaining the titration end point for cyclohexane/acetic acid. This observation has particular relevance for shark liver oils and olive oils.

Ankylosing spondylitis and bone mineral density—what is the ideal tool for measurement?

Abstract  Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is characterised by chronic inflammation and partial ossification, yet vertebral fractures due to osteoporosis, although common, are frequently unrecognised. The aim of this study was to (1) show the frequency of changes in the progress of osteopenia/osteoporosis in AS depending on duration and stage of the disease and (2) assess the ranking of two different methods of bone density measurement in this clinical pattern. We measured bone density in 84 male and female patients with both dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and single energy quantitative computed tomography (SE-QCT). In the initial and advanced stages of the disease, a high decrease in axial bone density could be verified (DXA: osteopenia in 5% and osteoporosis in 9.2%; SE-QCT: osteopenia in 11.8% and osteoporosis in 30.3%). Peripheral bone density decrease as in osteopenia could be proven in 17.6% by DXA measurement. With SE-QCT, a decrease in vertebral trabecular bone density could already be observed in the initial stage and continued steadily during the course of the disease; cortical bone displayed the same trend up to stages of ankylosis. With DXA, valid conclusions are more likely to be expected in less marked ankylosing stages of AS. In stages of advanced ankyloses in the vertebral region (substantial syndesmophytes), priority should be given to SE-QCT, due to the selective measurement of trabecular and cortical bone. The DXA method often yields values that are too high, and the replacement of vertebral trabecular bone by fatty bone marrow is not usually recorded as standard. There may already be an increased risk of bone fracture in AS in osteopenia on DXA along with an osteoporosis already established on SE-QCT.

Animal models of spontaneous plaque rupture: The holy grail of experimental atherosclerosis research

Abstract  Throughout the history of atherosclerosis research we have sought animal models of the disease process that exhibit high frequencies of the features that make human plaque a clinical risk: plaque rupture, mural thrombosis, and intra-plaque hemorrhage. This type of model is needed to determine the mechanisms by which plaques rupture and to design and test therapeutic interventions for stabilizing plaques. Studies of domestic and exotic animals have shown that most species will spontaneously develop fatty streaks and in some cases atheromatous lesions with sufficient time, but that rupture and thrombosis is exceedingly rare. Even with addition of fat and cholesterol to the diet, lesion development is accelerated but does not increase the frequency with which plaques rupture in most animal models. However, recently we have observed high frequencies of intra-plaque hemorrhage in the innominate/brachiocephalic arteries of older, chow-fed, hyperlipidemic, apolipoprotein E-deficient mice, and high frequencies of plaque rupture with mural thrombus in younger apolipoprotein E-deficient mice fed a high-fat diet. This suggests that plaque rupture and secondary thrombosis are frequent and reproducible occurrences at specific sites in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice, and that the timing and pathobiology of the ruptures are influenced by lipid status in this murine model.

Animal glues in mixtures of natural binding media used in artistic and historic objects: identification by capillary zone electrophoresis

Abstract  Animal glues were often used in historic and artistic objects, e.g. as paint ground, as binders for pigments, or as adhesives. The sources were egg, casein, or different collagens. For restoration and conservation purposes it is important to know which kind of animal glue a museum object contains. Capillary electrophoresis can deliver such information, because it enables differentiation among the three proteinaceous glue classes according to their different amino acid patterns after hydrolysis. This work deals with the most relevant problem in practice, whether this identification is obstructed by the presence of other binders, with which they are mixed in many real samples; in particular, interference from plant gums and drying oils was investigated. Capillary electrophoresis of the hydrolysates (after reaction with 6 mol L–1 HCl) was performed with an acidic background electrolyte consisting of chloroacetic acid (51.9 mmol L–1) adjusted with LiOH to pH 2.26. The underivatised analytes were detected with a contactless conductivity detector. It was found that the constituents of the plant gums (monosaccharides) or drying oils (long-chain fatty acids and short-chain dicarboxylic acids) never interfered with identification of the animal glues, as shown for artificial mixtures of the different binders even at tenfold excess over the animal glue, and for egg tempera samples. The method was used to identify the filling material from a statue from the eighteenth century.