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Modulation of aromatase expression in human breast tissue.

Aromatase plays an important role in breast cancer development through its role in the synthesis of estrogen. Aromatase expression in breast tissue can be regulated by several mechanisms. The major promoter usage for aromatase expression in breast tumors (i.e. cAMP-stimulated promoters I.3 and II) is different from that in normal breast tissue (i.e. glucocorticoid-stimulated promoter I.4). Recent characterization of transcription factors that interact with the two important regulatory elements near promoters I.3 and II, i.e. S1 and CREaro, helps us better understand the mechanism of the switch of promoter usage between normal breast tissue and cancer tissue. It is thought that in normal breast tissue, the function of promoters I.3 and II is suppressed through the binding of EAR-2, COUP-TFI, and EARgamma to S1, and through the binding of Snail/Slug proteins to their binding site that quenchs the CREaro activity. In cancer tissue, the expression levels of EAR-2, COUP-TFI, EARgamma, Snail, and Slug decrease, and aromatase expression is then up regulated through the binding of ERRalpha-1 to S1 and the binding of CREB or related factors to CREaro. Results from this and other laboratories reveal that aromatase activity in aromatase expressing cells can also be modified by treatment with aromatase inhibitors and the antiestrogen ICI 182, 780. While aromatase inhibitors are used to treat breast cancer, the treatment has been found to increase the level of aromatase in the breast tissue of some patients. The enhancement of aromatase activity by aromatase inhibitors is thought to be due to a decrease of aromatase protein degradation by enzyme-inhibitor complex formation, up-regulation of the aromatase gene transcription through a cAMP-mediated mechanism, and an induction of aromatase expression by gonadtropins that are released from the pituitary in response to a reduction of estrogen levels in circulation in premenopausal women. Antiestrogen ICI 182, 780 has been found to suppress aromatase expression, but the mechanism has not yet been determined. In addition, aromatase activity and expression can be affected by environmental chemicals. A detailed structure-function study has revealed that flavones, but not isoflavones, are inhibitors of aromatase. It was found that flavones bind to the active site of aromatase in an orientation in which their rings-A and -C mimic rings-D and -C of the androgen substrate. The modulation of aromatase expression by endocrine disrupting chemicals is exemplified by two organochlorine pesticides (i.e. toxaphene and chlordane) that have been found to be antagonists of ERRalpha-1 orphan receptor. These compounds reduce ERRalpha-1 activity, resulting in a suppression of aromatase expression.

Aromatase↗

Flavonoids: structural requirements for antiproliferative activity on breast cancer cells.

Several classes of flavonoids (flavones, flavanones, 2'-hydroxychalcones and flavan-4-ols) having a variety of substituents on A ring were investigated for their antiproliferative activity against MCF-7 human breast cancer cells. Structure-activity relationships of these compounds were discussed. 2'-hydroxychalcones and methoxylated flavanones were found to be potent inhibitors of MCF-7 cells growth whereas flavones and flavan-4-ols appeared to be weak inhibitory agents except 7,8-dihydroxyflavone.

Antineoplastic Agents↗

Chalcones and flavonoids as anti-tuberculosis agents.

A series of flavonoids, chalcones and chalcone-like compounds were evaluated for inhibitory activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv. Among them, eight compounds exhibited >90% inhibition on the growth of the bacteria at a concentration of 12.5 microg/mL. Chalcones 1-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(3-chlorophenyl)-2-propen-1-one (22) and 1-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(3-iodophenyl)-2-propen-1-one (37) demonstrated 90 and 92% inhibition, respectively. Chalcone-like compounds (heterocyclic ring-substituted 2-propen-1-one) 1-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-(pyridin-3-yl)-2-propen-1-one (48), 1-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(phenanthren-9-yl)-2-propen-1-one (49), 1-(pyridin-3-yl)-3-(phenanthen-9-yl)-2-propen-1-one (50) and 1-(furan-2-yl)-3-phenyl-2-propen-1-one (51) exhibited 98, 97, 96 and 96% inhibition, respectively. The actual minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC), defined as the lowest concentration inhibiting 99% of the inoculum, for 22, 37, 48, 49, 50 and 51 were 20.3, 31.5, 48.3, >35.7, 6.8 and 19.2, respectively. A hydrophobic substituent on one aromatic ring, and a hydrogen-bonding group on the other aromatic ring resulted in increased anti-TB activity of the chalcones and chalcone-like compounds. Flavones and flavanones are more geometrically constrained than the corresponding chalcone analogues. The decreased activity of the flavones with respect to the chalcones may be due to the confinement of the terminal aromatic rings to the same plane.

Antitubercular Agents↗

Off-line coupling of subcritical water extraction with subcritical water chromatography via a sorbent trap and thermal desorption.

In this study, the off-line coupling of subcritical water extraction (SBWE) with subcritical water chromatography (SBWC) was achieved using a sorbent trap and thermal desorption. The sorbent trap was employed to collect the extracted analytes during subcritical water extraction. After the extraction, the trap was connected to the subcritical water chromatography system, and thermal desorption of the trapped analytes was performed before the SBWC run. The thermally desorbed analytes were then introduced into the subcritical water separation column and detected by a UV detector. Anilines and phenols were extracted from sand and analyzed using this off-line coupling technique. Subcritical water extraction of flavones from orange peel followed by subcritical water chromatographic separation was also investigated. The effects of water volume and extraction temperature on flavone recovery were determined. Because a sorbent trap was used to collect the extracted analytes, the sensitivity of this technique was greatly enhanced as compared to that of subcritical water extraction with solvent trapping. Since no organic solvent-water extractions were necessary prior to analysis, this technique eliminated any use of organic solvents in both extraction and chromatography processes.

Adsorption↗

Root turnover: an important source of microbial substrates in rhizosphere remediation of recalcitrant contaminants.

The growth dynamics and phenolic content of mulberry (Morus sp.) fine roots (<1 mm diameter) were determined and examined in relationship to rhizosphere remediation of recalcitrant soil contaminants. Root turnover measurements of rhizotron-grown plants showed that 58% of the fine roots produced during a 6-month growing season (June-November) died at the end of the season. The concentration of phenolic compounds in fine roots increased approximately 2-fold during the later stages of the season, and the total phenolic content of dead fine roots reached a maximum value of 38 mg/g dry weight. The late-season increase in total phenolics was primarily due to accumulation of three different flavones (morusin, morusinol, and kuwanon C). These three flavones were shown to support the growth of the bacterium Burkholderia sp. LB400, a degrader of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Thus, it has been established that, upon death, the fine roots of mulberry can serve as a source of substrate for PCB-degrading bacteria. These results establish for the first time that the chemical content and turnover rate of fine roots should be considered an important aspect of rhizosphere remediation.

Biodegradation, Environmental↗

Selection of hybrids and edible citrus species with a high content in the diosmin functional compound. Modulating effect of plant growth regulators on contents.

The purpose of this study is to identify species, hybrids, and cultivars of edible Citrus species with high contents of diosmin as a functional compound and also to identify the developmental progress of the fruit in which it reaches maximum levels; these findings would be useful for extraction purposes and for the modulating effect of plant growth regulators on diosmin content to increase the level of this flavone. The results obtained reveal that the highest contents of diosmin are present in immature fruits of certain varieties of citron (Buda's finger) and lemon (Meyer), whereas the contents in the edible parts of the fruits are irrelevant from a pharmacological point of view. Similarly, it is shown that it is possible to increase the content of this flavone using hormonal treatments (6-benzylaminopurine and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid) during the early stages of fruit growth.

Citrus↗

Inhibitory effects of naturally occurring compounds on aflatoxin B(1) biotransformation.

Effects of naturally occurring compounds from plants on biotransformation of a mycotoxin, aflatoxin B(1), were evaluated. Among 77 naturally occurring compounds tested, anthraquinones, coumarins, and flavone-type flavonoids were shown to be potent inhibitors of aflatoxin B(1)-8,9-epoxide formation. Addition of the flavonoids galangin, rhamnetin, and flavone strongly inhibited mouse liver microsomal conversion of aflatoxin B(1) to aflatoxin B(1)-8,9-epoxide, a metabolically activated mutagenic product. In contrast to these results, addition of isoflavonoids, catechins, terpenes, alkaloids, and quinones to mouse liver microsomes did not inhibit formation of aflatoxin B(1)-8,9-epoxide. Formation of the aflatoxin B(1) reductase product, aflatoxicol, by chicken liver cytosols was strongly inhibited by curcumin, the diferuloylmethane present in turmeric and other Curcuma species. Curcumin analogues also showed inhibitory effects, and a structure-activity study established that beta-diketone groups linked with two benzyl moieties were essential for inhibition of aflatoxicol formation. An additional 37 naturally occurring compounds tested did not inhibit formation of aflatoxicol. These results demonstrate that dietary constituents in certain fruits, vegetables, and spices may have significant inhibitory effects on metabolic transformation of aflatoxins to their hepatotoxic or carcinogenic derivatives or, alternatively, may promote their transformation into nontoxic products.

Aflatoxin B1↗

Phenolic constituents and antioxidant properties of Xanthosoma violaceum leaves.

An extract of Xanthosoma violaceum leaves was subjected to a polyphenol profile determination, including total polyphenols, and antioxidant activity evaluation. Analysis of the extract resulted in the isolation of a new flavone C-glycoside, apigenin 6-C-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-8-C-beta-D-apiofuranoside (1), as well as known flavone C-glycosides, including vitexin (2), isovitexin (3), isovitexin 4'-O-rhamnopyranoside (4), apigenin 6-C-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranoside] (5), and apigenin 6,8-diC-beta-D-glucopyranoside (6). The antioxidant activity of the extract was assessed by means of two different in vitro tests: bleaching of the stable 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH test) and peroxidation induced by the water-soluble radical initiator 2,2'-azobis(2-amidinopropane) hydrochloride, on mixed dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine/linoleic acid unilamellar vesicles (LP-LUV test). In both tests used, the extract and a fraction II showed a significant antioxidant/free-radical scavenging effect (fraction II, EC(50) = 11.6 microg/mL) in comparison to alpha-tocopherol (EC(50) = 10.1 microg/mL).

Antioxidants↗

Effects of naturally occurring compounds on fibril formation and oxidative stress of beta-amyloid.

Beta-amyloid (betaA)-induced oxidative toxicity on neuronal cells is a principal route in Alzheimer's disease (AD), and its toxicity occurs after fibril formation. Inhibitory or promoting effects of naturally occurring compounds on betaA fibril formation were evaluated. Among 214 tested compounds, curcuminoids, flavone type flavonoids, and naphthoquinones were shown to be potent inhibitors of betaA fibrilization. The addition of the curcuminoids, curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, and bisdemethoxycurcumin strongly inhibited betaA fibril formation. Flavonoids such as quercetin, rhamnetin, and fisetin strongly inhibited betaA fibril formation. Limonoids, cinnamic acids, and catechins enhanced fibril formation in vitro. Anthothecol possessed the most enhancing activity on fibril formation of the compounds tested. On the other hand, it was found that curcuminoids showed cytotoxicity with the 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay and did not protect HT22 murine neuroblastoma cells from betaA(25-35) insult. Two flavone type flavonoids, morin and quercetin, exhibited no cytotoxicity and strongly protected HT22 murine neuroblastoma cells from betaA(25-35) oxidative attack. Conclusively, morin or quercetin could be a key molecule for the development of therapeutics for AD.

Amyloid beta-Peptides↗

Flavonoid content of U.S. fruits, vegetables, and nuts.

Analytical data are reported for 20 flavonoids (as aglycones) determined for more than 60 fresh fruits, vegetables, and nuts collected from four regions across the United States at two times of the year. Sample collection was designed and implemented by the Nutrient Data Laboratory (USDA). Analyses of eight flavan-3-ols (catechin, catechin gallate, epicatechin, epicatechin gallate, epigallocatechin, epigallocatechin gallate, gallocatechin, and gallocatechin gallate), six anthocyanins (cyanidin, delphinidin, malvidin, pelargonidin, peonidin, and petunidin), two flavanones (hesperetin and naringenin), two flavones (apigenin and luteolin), and two flavonols (myricetin and quercetin) were performed by the Food Composition Laboratory (USDA) using a hydrolysis method for the anthocyanidins, flavones, and flavonols and a direct extraction method for the flavan-3-ols and flavanones. Experimental results compare favorably (few statistically significant differences) to literature values in the flavonoid and proanthocyanidin database previously compiled by the Nutrient Data Laboratory. The results of this study showed a seasonal variation only for blueberries. This study also showed that the variation in the flavonoid content of foods, as purchased by the U.S. consumer, is very large. The relative standard deviation, averaged for each flavonoid in each food, was 168%.

Flavonoids↗

Flavonoids and other polyphenols in consumer brews of tea and other caffeinated beverages.

The polyphenolic, flavonoid, and caffeine compositions of four commercial tea bag products (typical of those used in the UK, US, continental Europe, and the Middle East) and beverages prepared from them under a range of typical consumer use conditions have been studied. Leaf composition was determined by extraction with aqueous methanol: the absolute compositions of all four products were remarkably similar in terms of most phenolic compounds. The flavonoids comprised the major proportion (93-94%) of the total phenolics estimated by the Folin-Ciocalteu method. At brew times up to 2 min the composition of the brew solids was for each product practically independent of brew time, with flavonoids again comprising the major proportion (86-88%) of the total phenolics. The efficiency of extraction in brewing of total phenolics, total flavonoids, catechins, and theaflavins was up to 35-55% of the total available in the leaf, whereas the flavonol and flavone glycosides and caffeine were more efficiently extracted (up to 55-90%). The contribution of tea to the UK adult average total dietary intake of flavonols and flavones was calculated to be up to 80% depending on brewing conditions.

Beverages↗

Three-dimensional quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) of HIV integrase inhibitors: a comparative molecular field analysis (CoMFA) study.

We present the results from a comparative molecular field analysis (CoMFA) of a set of flavone analogs that inhibit HIV-1 integrase-mediated cleavage (3'-processing step) and integration (strand transfer step) in vitro. The results indicate a strong correlation between the inhibitory activity of these flavones and the steric and electrostatic fields around them. CoMFA quantitative structure-activity relationship models with considerable predictive ability (cross-validated r2 as high as 0.8) were obtained.

Chemical Phenomena↗

Synthesis and biochemical evaluation of a series of aminoflavones as potential inhibitors of protein-tyrosine kinases p56lck, EGFr, and p60v-src.

A series of nitroflavones, 8a-p, and their corresponding aminoflavone hydrochloride salts, 10a-p, was synthesized. The preparation of nitroflavones 8b-i,o,p began with commercially available o-hydroxyacetophenones 2b-f which were converted to o-hydroxynitroacetophenones 3a-h via a variety of nitration methods, followed by condensation with nitrobenzoyl chlorides and cyclization under acidic condition. The nitroflavones 8aj-n were prepared by nitration of the corresponding flavones 7a-e. These new compounds were evaluated for their abilities to inhibit the in vitro protein-tyrosine kinase activities of p56lck, EGFr, and p60v-src, and all of the active compounds were amino-substituted flavones. None of the nitroflavones inhibited the enzymes. The most active substance in this series against p56lck was compound 10j, which had an IC50 of 18 microM. When tested versus EGFr, compounds 10a,m displayed IC50's of 8.7 and 7.8 microM, respectively. Against p60v-src, 10a,m showed IC50 values of 28.8 and 38.4 microM, respectively.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Crystal structure of a human cyclin-dependent kinase 6 complex with a flavonol inhibitor, fisetin.

Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) play a central role in cell cycle control, apoptosis, transcription, and neuronal functions. They are important targets for the design of drugs with antimitotic or antineurodegenerative effects. CDK4 and CDK6 form a subfamily among the CDKs in mammalian cells, as defined by sequence similarities. Compared to CDK2 and CDK5, structural information on CDK4 and CDK6 is sparse. We describe here the crystal structure of human CDK6 in complex with a viral cyclin and a flavonol inhibitor, fisetin. Fisetin binds to the active form of CDK6, forming hydrogen bonds with the side chains of residues in the binding pocket that undergo large conformational changes during CDK activation by cyclin binding. The 4-keto group and the 3-hydroxyl group of fisetin are hydrogen bonded with the backbone in the hinge region between the N-terminal and C-terminal kinase domain, as has been observed for many CDK inhibitors. However, CDK2 and HCK kinase in complex with other flavone inhibitors such as quercetin and flavopiridol showed a different binding mode with the inhibitor rotated by about 180 degrees. The structural information of the CDK6-fisetin complex is correlated with the binding affinities of different flavone inhibitors for CDK6. This complex structure is the first description of an inhibitor complex with a kinase from the CDK4/6 subfamily and can provide a basis for selecting and designing inhibitor compounds with higher affinities and specificities.

Binding Sites↗

Synthesis and biological activities of flavonoid derivatives as A3 adenosine receptor antagonists.

A broad screening of phytochemicals has demonstrated that certain flavone and flavonol derivatives have a relatively high affinity at A3 adenosine receptors, with Ki values of > or = 1 microM (Ji et al. J. Med. Chem. 1996, 39, 781-788). We have further modified the flavone structure to achieve a degree of selectivity for cloned human brain A3 receptors, determined in competitive binding assays versus [125I]AB-MECA[N6-(4-amino-3-iodobenzyl)adenosine-5'-(N-methylur onamide)]. Affinity was determined in radioligand binding assays at rat brain A1 and A2a receptors using [3H]-N6-PIA ([3H]-(R)-N6-phenylisopropyladenosine) and [3H]CGS21680 [[3H]-2-[[4-(2-carboxyethyl)phenyl]ethylamino]-5'-(N-ethylcarbamoyl++ +)adenosine], respectively. The triethyl and tripropyl ether derivatives of the flavonol galangin, 4, had Ki values of 0.3 - 0.4 microM at human A3 receptors. The presence of a 5-hydroxyl group increased selectivity of flavonols for human A3 receptors. The 2',3,4',7-tetraethyl ether derivative of the flavonol morin, 7, displayed a Ki value of 4.8 microM at human A3 receptors and was inactive at rat A1/A2a receptors. 3,6-Dichloro-2'-(isopropyloxy)-4'-methylflavone, 11e, was both potent and highly selective (approximately 200-fold) for human A3 receptors (Ki = 0.56 microM). Among dihydroflavonol analogues, the 2-styryl instead of the 2-aryl substituent, in 15, afforded selectivity for human A3 vs rat A1 or A2A receptors. The 2-styryl-6-propoxy derivative, 20, of the furanochromone visnagin was 30-fold selective for human A3 receptors vs either rat A1 or A2A receptors. Several of the more potent derivatives effectively antagonized the effects of an agonist in a functional A3 receptor assay, i.e. inhibition of adenylyl cyclase in CHO cells expressing cloned rat A3 receptors. In conclusion, these series of flavonoids provide leads for the development of novel potent and subtype selective A3 antagonists.

Animals↗

Geometrically and conformationally restrained cinnamoyl compounds as inhibitors of HIV-1 integrase: synthesis, biological evaluation, and molecular modeling.

Various cinnammoyl-based structures were synthesized and tested in enzyme assays as inhibitors of the HIV-1 integrase (IN). The majority of compounds were designed as geometrically or conformationally constrained analogues of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) and were characterized by a syn disposition of the carbonyl group with respect to the vinylic double bond. Since the cinnamoyl moiety present in flavones such as quercetin (inactive on HIV-1-infected cells) is frozen in an anti arrangement, it was hoped that fixing our compounds in a syn disposition could favor anti-HIV-1 activity in cell-based assays. Geometrical and conformational properties of the designed compounds were taken into account through analysis of X-ray structures available from the Cambridge Structural Database. The polyhydroxylated analogues were prepared by reacting 3,4-bis(tetrahydropyran-2-yloxy)benzaldehyde with various compounds having active methylene groups such as 2-propanone, cyclopentanone, cyclohexanone, 1,3-diacetylbenzene, 2, 4-dihydroxyacetophenone, 2,3-dihydro-1-indanone, 2,3-dihydro-1, 3-indandione, and others. While active against both 3'-processing and strand-transfer reactions, the new compounds, curcumin included, failed to inhibit the HIV-1 multiplication in acutely infected MT-4 cells. Nevertheless, they specifically inhibited the enzymatic reactions associated with IN, being totally inactive against other viral (HIV-1 reverse transcriptase) and cellular (RNA polymerase II) nucleic acid-processing enzymes. On the other hand, title compounds were endowed with remarkable antiproliferative activity, whose potency correlated neither with the presence of catechols (possible source of reactive quinones) nor with inhibition of topoisomerases. The SARs developed for our compounds led to novel findings concerning the molecular determinants of IN inhibitory activity within the class of cinnamoyl-based structures. We hypothesize that these compounds bind to IN featuring the cinnamoyl residue C=C-C=O in a syn disposition, differently from flavone derivatives characterized by an anti arrangement about the same fragment. Certain inhibitors, lacking one of the two pharmacophoric catechol hydroxyls, retain moderate potency thanks to nonpharmacophoric fragments (i.e., a m-methoxy group in curcumin) which favorably interact with an "accessory" region of IN. This region is supposed to be located adjacent to the binding site accommodating the pharmacophoric dihydroxycinnamoyl moiety. Disruption of coplanarity in the inhibitor structure abolishes activity owing to poor shape complementarity with the target or an exceedingly high strain energy of the coplanar conformation.

Anti-HIV Agents↗

Kinetic study of the quenching reaction of singlet oxygen by flavonoids in ethanol solution.

The quenching rate of singlet oxygen (1O2) by seven kinds of flavonoids (flavone, flavonol, chrysin, apigenin, rutin, quercetin, and myricetin) with 2,3-double bonds has been measured spectrophotometrically in ethanol at 35 degrees C. The overall rate constants kQ (= kq + kr, physical quenching + chemical reaction) increased as the number of OH groups substituted to the flavone skeleton (that is, the total electron-donating capacity of flavonoids) increases. The existence of catechol or pyrogallol structure in the B-ring is essential for the 1O2 quenching of flavonoids. Log kQ was found to correlate with their peak oxidation potentials, E(P); the flavonoids that have smaller E(P) values show higher reactivities. Similarly, log kQ values of flavonoids correlate with the energy level of the highest occupied molecular orbital (E(HOMO)), calculated by the PM3 MO method, and the longest wavelength pi pi* excitation energy (E(ex)). The contribution of the chemical reaction (kr) was found to be negligible in these flavonoids. The kQ values of rutin, quercetin, and myricetin [(1.21 approximately 5.12) x 10(8) M(-1) s(-1)] were found to be larger than those of lipids [(0.9 approximately 6.4) x 10(4) M(-1) s(-1)], amino acids (<3.7 x 10(7) M(-1) s(-1)), and DNA (5.1 x 10(5) M(-1) s(-1)). The result suggests that these flavonoids may contribute to the protection of oxidative damage in foods and plants, by quenching 1O2.

Ethanol↗

Flavonolignans from Avena sativa.

Three flavonolignans derived from the flavone tricin were isolated from Avena sativa herb. This is the first report of the presence of flavonolignans in A. sativa. In the known compounds 1a and 1b, a coniferyl alcohol moiety is linked to the flavone by an ether bond; in the new natural product 2, it is linked by C-C bonds. Structure elucidation of compound 2 was performed by 1D and 2D NMR experiments, and the absolute configuration was determined from circular dichroic data.

Austria↗