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At least 127 records · Page 7Linked to original sources

Production of lipospheres as carriers for bioactive compounds.

Aim of the present paper was to investigate the influence of preparation parameters on the production of lipospheres (LS) for drug delivery. LS composed of triglycerides and monoglycerides were alternatively produced by melt dispersion technique, solvent evaporation or w/o/w double emulsion method. The influence of preparation parameters, such as (a) type and amount of lipids, (b) presence and concentration of surfactants, (c) stirring speed and (d) type of stirrer was studied. In the case of LS prepared by melt dispersion, the use of a lipid composition of cetyl alcohol/cholesterol (2:1, w/w), a 5% (w/w) gelatin solution (50 bloom grades) and 1000 rpm stirring speed resulted in the production of spherical particles, with high percentage of recovery (82%, w/w) a mean diameter of 80 microm and a narrow size distribution. In the case of LS prepared by solvent evaporation, the best results in terms of LS morphology, recovery and size distribution were obtained by the use of a lipid composition of tristearin/monostearate (66:34, w/w), a 1% (w/w) PVA solution, a 750 rpm stirring speed and a 55 mm three-blade turbine rotor. The solvent evaporation method resulted in the production of LS characterised by a smaller size (20 microm mean diameter) but poor mechanical properties with respect to particles with the same composition obtained by the melt dispersion technique (170 microm mean diameter). The use of a combination of lipids and a methacrylic polymer (Eudragit RS 100) overcame this problem, resulting in the production of spherical particles, with a narrower size distribution and good mechanical properties. Two lipophilic drugs, such as retinyl acetate and progesterone, and one hydrophilic drug, sodium cromoglycate (SCG), were encapsulated in LS as model compounds. Lypophilic drugs displayed satisfactory encapsulation efficiencies (over 70% w/w), while SCG was very scarcely encapsulated (about 2% w/w). To solve this drawback, the use of a w/o/w double emulsion strategy was proposed, enabling to increase the encapsulation of SCG up to 50% w/w. Finally, in vitro drug release studies were performed, showing that all drugs were released in a control manner. In particular. the retinyl acetate release efficacy within the first 8 h was 27% of the total amount of the drug, while in the same period, the amount of progesterone released was 63%. With regard to SCG containing LS, the release of the drug was largely influenced by the type of stabiliser of the primary emulsion, in any case the SCG release reached the 100% of the total amount of drug after 5 h from the beginning of the experiment.

Biocompatible Materials↗

New segmented copolymers containing poly(epsilon-caprolactone) and etheramide segments for the controlled release of bioactive compounds.

Segmented poly(ether-ester-amide)s (PEEAs) derived from poly(epsilon-caprolactone) oligomers, sebacoyl chloride, hydrophilic diamide-diamines based on short sequences of ethylenoxy groups and containing amino acids, were used to produce matrix systems intended for the delivery of metronidazole in the periodontal pocket. PEEAs are soluble in chloroform and insoluble in water and show M(n) values in the range 8.5-18.6 kDa. The melting temperatures (53-59 degrees C) are close to that of poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL) with a similar M(n). The water absorption of PEEAs is improved if compared with that of pure PCL and depends on both the length of oxyethylene sequences and the amino acid number, as well as on copolymer composition. Loaded-films containing 20% (w/w) of metronidazole were prepared by compression-molding. The release rate was diffusive in the first stage, whereas also other mechanisms, probably polymer degradation, contributed to the slower second phase. The rate of medium penetration within the film depended on PEEA hydrophilicity and crystallinity and was the main determinant governing the drug release rate. The opportunity to control effectively drug release rates by modulating the composition, and in turn the properties, of PEEAs is an attracting feature for their use in a number of drug delivery systems.

Absorbable Implants↗

The efficiency of random versus ethno-directed research in the evaluation of Sinai medicinal plants for bioactive compounds.

Hexane, ethyl acetate and ethanol extracts of sixty plant species (growing wild in Sinai, Egypt) were screened for antibacterial and antifungal activities against a range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, a yeast and dermatophytic fungi. Plants were collected either by random or ethno-directed methods. Plants collected at random (36 species) were gathered from different districts of Sinai, while the ethnobotanical collection (24 species) comprised species used in the folk medicine of the Bedouins in Sinai. Results indicate that plant sampling based on ethnobotanical approach produced greater number of plants showing antimicrobial activity. The results are discussed with respect to the ethnobotanical correlation of active species.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

A search for natural bioactive compounds in Bolivia through a multidisciplinary approach. Part IV. Is a new haem polymerisation inhibition test pertinent for the detection of antimalarial natural products?

The search for new antimalarial agents in plant crude extracts using traditional screening tests is time-consuming and expensive. New in vitro alternative techniques, based on specific metabolic or enzymatic process, have recently been developed to circumvent testing of antimalarial activity in parasite culture. The haem polymerisation inhibition test (HPIA) was proposed as a possible routine in vitro assay for the detection of antimalarial activity in natural products. A total of 178 plant extracts from the Pharmacopeia of the Bolivian ethnia Tacana, were screened for their ability to inhibit the polymerisation of haematin. Five extracts from Aloysia virgata (Ruíz & Pavón) A.L. Jussieu (Verbenaceae), Bixa orellana L. (Bixaceae), Caesalpinia pluviosa D.C. (Caesalpiniaceae), Mascagnia stannea (Griseb) Nied. (Malpighiaceae) and Trichilia pleenea (Adr. Jussieu) (Meliaceae) demonstrated more than 70% inhibition of haematin polymerisation at 2.5 mg/ml. The extracts were also tested for antimalarial activity in culture against F32 strain (chloroquine-sensitive) and D2 strain (chloroquine-resistant) of Plasmodium falciparum and in vivo against P. berghei. The extract from Caesalpinia pluviosa was the only one that showed activity in HPIA and in the classical test in culture. The accuracy and pertinence of HPIA, applied to natural products is discussed.

Animals↗

A search for natural bioactive compounds in Bolivia through a multidisciplinary approach. Part V. Evaluation of the antimalarial activity of plants used by the Tacana Indians.

One hundred and twenty-five extracts of 122 different plant species traditionally used by the Tacana, a native community living in lowland forest at the base of the last foothills of the Cordillera Oriental of the Bolivian Andes, were screened for antimalarial activity in vitro on Plasmodium falciparum chloroquine resistant (D2) and sensitive strains (F32), and were evaluated in vivo on rodent malaria Plasmodium berghei. Five ethanolic stembark extracts showed marked activity either in vitro or in vivo, and only one of them, Bowdichia virgilioides being traditionally used against malaria, was active in vitro (IC50=1 microg/ml on both strains) and in vivo (51% at 100 mg/kg). Other active extracts were from Caesalpinia pluviosa bark displaying activity in vitro against chloroquine resistant strain (IC50 8.3 microg/ml), traditionally used against dysentery; two Lauraceae bark extracts, Nectandra aff. hihua and Licaria canella respectively used for construction purposes and against stomach ache, both displaying activity in vitro against P. falciparum sensible and resistant strains (IC50 around 4 microg/ml); finally, the bark of a strongly aromatic Burseraceae, Protium glabrescens exuding an anti-inflammatory and analgesic resin, was active in vivo only (61% at 100 mg/kg). Results are discussed in relation with Tacana traditional medicine.

Animals↗

The search for natural bioactive compounds through a multidisciplinary approach in Bolivia. Part II. Antimalarial activity of some plants used by Mosetene indians.

Forty-six different species collected in the Mosetene ethnia, dwelling in the Andean Piedmont of Bolivia, were screened for antimalarial properties. Thirty-three extracts were screened for antimalarial activity in vitro on Plasmodium falciparum chloroquine resistant strain (Indo), and forty-seven extracts were evaluated in vivo on the rodent malaria P. vinckei petteri 279BY. Only two plants are specifically used in combination by the Mosetene against malaria attack (Hymenachne donacifolia and Tesseria integrifolia), but they did not display any activity in vivo at 1000 mg/kg. The in vivo most active extracts were Swietenia macrophylla bark, Trema micrantha bark and Triplaris americana bark, not all of them were used for antimalarial purposes by the Mosetene. The following extracts were moderately active: Jacaratia digitata inner bark and Momordica charantia aerial part (both traditionally used as febrifuge), Kalanchoe pinnate aerial part (used in inflammatory processes), Lunania parviflora twigs and leaves, Phyllanthus acuminatus (used as piscicide), Tynanthus schumannianus fruit (used against diarrhoea), Triumfetta semitrilobata (used as febrifuge, to alleviate kidney and gynecological pain) and finally Solanum mammosum fruit (used against scabies). We present here the results of this screening, emphazing on the in vivo antimalarial activity of the selected plants. The antimalarial in vivo activity of the selected species, in relation with their traditional Mosetene use is then discussed.

Animals↗

A search for natural bioactive compounds in Bolivia through a multidisciplinary approach. Part I. Evaluation of the antimalarial activity of plants used by the Chacobo Indians.

Thirty extracts of plants traditionally used by the Chacobos, a native community living in the Amazonian part of Bolivia, were screened in vitro and/or in vivo for antimalarial activity. Two of the four species designated as antimalarial, Geissospermum laeve and Maquira coriacea, displayed rather good activity, corroborating their traditional uses. However, they did show a rather high toxicity in vivo. Among twelve species used to cure symptoms relevant to malaria, five showed good activity: Apuleia leiocarpa, Bauhinia guianensis, Nectandra cuspidata, Sparattanthelium amazonum, Tanaecium jaroba. Two species, Qualea paraensis and Sclerolobium aff. guianense, used to treat scabies, showed interesting antimalarial activity in vivo; three other species (Iryanthera laevis, Prunus amplifolia, Pterocarpus aff. amazonum) used for various medicinal purposes, apparently not related with a Plasmodium infection, also showed antimalarial activity. Finally, one species (Derris amazonica) used as a piscicide displayed good in vitro activity, in the same way as one Annonaceae, Guatteria aff. schomburgkiana, used for construction purposes.

Animals↗

A search for natural bioactive compounds in Bolivia through a multidisciplinary approach. Part III. Evaluation Of the antimalarial activity of plants used by Alteños Indians.

A total of 40 plant extracts traditionally used by the Alteños Indians, a native community living between the Andean block and the tropical valleys of Bolivia, were screened for antimalarial activity in vitro on Plasmodium falciparum chloroquine resistant (Indo) strain, and in vivo on rodent malaria Plasmodium vinckei petteri. Eleven extracts displayed good or moderate activity in vivo, and ten extracts good or very good antimalarial activity in vitro. Results of the screening are discussed here, in relation with the traditional use of plants.

Antimalarials↗

Structural studies on bioactive compounds. Part 29: palladium catalysed arylations and alkynylations of sterically hindered immunomodulatory 2-amino-5-halo-4,6-(disubstituted)pyrimidines.

The immunological agent bropirimine 5 is a tetra-substituted pyrimidine with anticancer and interferon-inducing properties. Synthetic routes to novel 5-aryl analogues of bropirimine have been developed and their potential molecular recognition properties analysed by molecular modelling methods. Sterically challenged 2-amino-5-halo-6-phenylpyrimidin-4-ones (halo = Br or I) are poor substrates for palladium catalysed Suzuki cross-coupling reactions with benzeneboronic acid because the basic conditions of the reaction converts the amphoteric pyrimidinones to their unreactive enolic forms. Palladium-mediated reductive dehalogenation of the pyrimidinone substrates effectively competes with cross-coupling. 2-Amino-5-halo-4-methoxy-6-phenylpyrimidines can be converted to a range of 5-aryl derivatives with the 5-iodopyrimidines being the most efficient substrates. Hydrolysis of the 2-amino-5-aryl-4-methoxy-6-phenylpyrimidines affords the required pyrimidin-4-ones in high yields. Semi-empirical quantum mechanical calculations show how the nature of the 5-substituent influences the equilibrium between the 1H- and 3H-tautomeric forms, and the rotational freedom about the bond connecting the 6-phenyl group and the pyrimidine ring. Both of these factors may influence the biological properties of these compounds.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗

Structural studies on bioactive compounds. Part 36: design, synthesis and biological evaluation of pyrimethamine-based antifolates against Pneumocystis carinii.

As part of a research effort to improve the quality of current chemotherapy of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, we report a structure-based design project to optimise activity, species selectivity and pharmaceutical properties of the triazenyl-pyrimethamine TAB (4) (IC(50)=0.17 microM; rat liver DHFR IC(50)/P. carinii DHFR IC(50)=114). This has led us to design, synthesise and evaluate four new series of pyrimethamine derivatives bearing triazole, triazolium, triazinium and amino moieties at the 3'-position of the p-chlorophenyl ring. Such stabilised 'triazene' derivatives address the potentially compromised pharmaceutical profile of TAB and the 3'-amine substituted agents afford conformationally flexible substitutes. The benzylamino-pyrimethamine derivative (24a) (IC(50)=0.12 microM, rat liver DHFR IC(50)/P. carinii DHFR IC(50): 5.26) was the most potent and the only P. carinii-selective antifolate of the new series.

Animals↗

Catechols from abietic acid synthesis and evaluation as bioactive compounds.

Catechols from abietic acid were prepared by a short and good yielding chemical process and further evaluated for several biological activities namely, antifungal, antitumoral, antimutagenic, antiviral, antiproliferative and inhibition of nitric oxide. Their properties were compared with those of carnosic acid (6), a naturally occurring catechol with an abietane skeleton and known to possess potent antioxidant activity, as well as anticancer and antiviral properties. From all the synthetic catechols tested compound 2 showed the best activities, stronger than carnosic acid.

Abietanes↗

Engineering deoxysugar biosynthetic pathways from antibiotic-producing microorganisms. A tool to produce novel glycosylated bioactive compounds.

A plasmid (pLN2) was generated in which genes involved in the biosynthesis of L-oleandrose in the oleandomycin producer Streptomyces antibioticus ATCC11891 were cloned. pLN2 was used to direct the biosynthesis of different deoxysugars by exchanging and/or adding genes from other antibiotic biosynthetic clusters. Transfer of the synthesized deoxysugars to the tetracenomycin C aglycon, 8-demethyl-tetracenomycin C, through the use of the "sugar flexible" glycosyltransferase ElmGT, validated the system. Several pLN2 derivatives were constructed by replacement of the oleU 4-ketoreductase gene by different 4-ketoreductase genes. Some of them, such as EryBIV and UrdR, reduced the keto group of the 4-keto intermediates, generating L-olivosyl and D-olivosyl derivatives, respectively. The system was also used to generate an L-rhamnosyl derivative (through a two-gene deletion) and an L-rhodinosyl derivative (through a combination of a gene replacement and a gene addition).

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

Structural studies on bioactive compounds. 30. Crystal structure and molecular modeling studies on the Pneumocystis carinii dihydrofolate reductase cofactor complex with TAB, a highly selective antifolate.

The crystal structure of the ternary complex of NADPH, the potent antifolate [2, 4-diamino-5-¿3-[3-(2-acetyloxyethyl)-3-benzyltriazen-1-yl]-4 -chloroph enyl¿-6-ethylpyrimidine] (TAB, 1) and Pneumocystis carinii dihydrofolate reductase (pcDHFR), refined to 2.1 A resolution, reveals that TAB binds similar to the antifolates trimethoprim and methotrexate. These data also reveal multiple conformations for the binding geometry of TAB with two preferred orientations of the acetyloxy and benzyl groups that results from a 180 degrees rotation about the N2-N3 triazenyl bond. The methyl of the acetyloxy and benzyl ring of TAB probes large hydrophobic regions of the p-aminobenzoyl folate binding pocket of the active site, in particular the region near Phe69, which is unique to the pcDHFR sequence. These results confirm prior molecular modeling investigations of the binding of TAB to pcDHFR that identified four low-energy binding geometries, two involving rotations about the terminal N(2)-N(3) triazenyl linkage and two involving atropisomerism about the pivotal pyrimethamine-phenyl bond. The primary differences in the molecular dynamics (MD) models and those observed in this crystal complex result from small conformational changes in active-site residues on energy minimization. However, two MD models place the acetyloxy and benzyl ring groups in a region of the active site between the cofactor-binding region and the p-aminobenzoyl folate pocket; an orientation never observed in any DHFR crystal structure to date. These conformers interact with solvent near the enzyme surface and are probably not observed due to the loss of specific hydrogen bonds with the enzyme. The high species pcDHFR selectivity of TAB could be the result of ligand flexibility that enables multiple binding orientations at the enzyme active site. Further modification of the acetyloxy region of TAB could increase its potency and selectivity for pcDHFR.

Binding Sites↗

Synthesis of a library of 3-oxopiperazinium and perhydro-3-oxo-1,4-diazepinium derivatives and identification of bioactive compounds.

The design and synthesis of a library of novel families of 3-oxopiperazinium and perhydro-3-oxo-1,4-diazepinium derivatives is reported. The library was composed of 44 3-oxopiperazinium derivatives (11 of these compounds had a spiranic skeleton) and 22 perhydro-3-oxo-1,4-diazepinium compounds. The synthetic procedure involved a 6-step sequence carried out in solution, along with the use of solid-phase linked scavengers and microwave activation for the rapid removal of the excess of amine reagents. A final cyclization step performed under mild conditions led to the charged heterocyclic moiety. Screening of this library in two biological assays identified active compounds that inhibit the activity of the vanilloid receptor TRPV1 and modulators of the multidrug resistance phenomenon. Thus, this synthetic sequence represents a facile and convenient entry to unprecedented libraries of this sort of tetraalkylammonium derivatives that may be of use for identification of novel scaffolds of diverse biological activity.

Animals↗

Further development of reduced graphs for identifying bioactive compounds.

Reduced graphs provide summary representations of chemical structures. Here, a variety of different types of reduced graphs are compared in similarity searches. The reduced graphs are found to give comparable performance to Daylight fingerprints in terms of the number of active compounds retrieved. However, no one type of reduced graph is found to be consistently superior across a variety of different data sets. Consequently, a representative set of reduced graphs was chosen and used together with Daylight fingerprints in data fusion experiments. The results show improved performance in 10 out of 11 data sets compared to using Daylight fingerprints alone. Finally, the potential of using reduced graphs to build SAR models is demonstrated using recursive partitioning. An SAR model consistent with a published model is found following just two splits in the decision tree.

Data Display↗

Antioxidant activity and bioactive compounds of tea seed (Camellia oleifera Abel.) oil.

The oil of tea seed (Camellia oleifera Abel.) is used extensively in China as cooking oil. The objectives of this study were to investigate the antioxidant activity of tea seed oil and its active compounds. Of the five solvent extracts, methanol extract of tea seed oil exhibited the highest yield and the strongest antioxidant activity as determined by DPPH scavenging activity and Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC). Two peaks separated from the methanol extract by HPLC contributed the most significant antioxidant activity. These two peaks were further identified as sesamin and a novel compound: 2,5-bis-benzo[1,3]dioxol-5-yl-tetrahydro-furo [3,4-d][1,3]dioxine (named compound B) by UV absorption and characterized by MS, IR, 1H NMR, and 13C NMR techniques. Sesamin and compound B decreased H2O2-mediated formation of reactive oxygen species in red blood cells (RBCs), inhibited RBCs hemolysis induced by AAPH, and increased the lag time of conjugated dienes formation in human low-density lipoprotein. The results indicate that both compounds isolated from tea seed oil exhibit remarkable antioxidant activity. Apart from the traditional pharmacological effects of Camellia oleifera, the oil of tea seed may also act as a prophylactic agent to prevent free radical related diseases.

Antioxidants↗