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PubMed1998

WW domain-mediated interactions reveal a spliceosome-associated protein that binds a third class of proline-rich motif: the proline glycine and methionine-rich motif.

Pre-mRNA splicing requires the bridging of the 5' and 3' ends of the intron. In yeast, this bridging involves interactions between the WW domains in the splicing factor PRP40 and a proline-rich domain in the branchpoint binding protein, BBP. Using a proline-rich domain derived from formin (a product of the murine limb deformity locus), we have identified a family of murine formin binding proteins (FBP's), each of which contains one or more of a special class of tyrosine-rich WW domains. Two of these WW domains, in the proteins FBP11 and FBP21, are strikingly similar to those found in the yeast splicing factor PRP40. We show that FBP21 is present in highly purified spliceosomal complex A, is associated with U2 snRNPs, and colocalizes with splicing factors in nuclear speckle domains. Moreover, FBP21 interacts directly with the U1 snRNP protein U1C, the core snRNP proteins SmB and SmB', and the branchpoint binding protein SF1/mBBP. Thus, FBP21 may play a role in cross-intron bridging of U1 and U2 snRNPs in the mammalian A complex.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1988

Inter-chain proline:proline contacts contribute to the stability of the triple helical conformation.

The triple helical conformation observed in the collagen group of proteins is related to the presence of large numbers of imino residues and is derived from the stereochemical properties of these residues. The triple helix is stabilized by increasing numbers of these residues. Hydrogen bonds are usually considered to be a major factor in the formation and stability of protein conformation, however, imino residues are not hydrogen bond donors. We have evaluated the role of these residues in stabilizing the triple helix by re-examining two X-ray based structures of the triple helical polypeptide (Pro-Pro-Gly)10 using molecular mechanics calculations. The two minimized structures are comparable in energy and have helical parameters close to the starting values for each starting structure. Our studies suggest that clusters of close van der Waals contacts between proline residues in adjacent chains contribute significantly to the stability of the triple helix. Preliminary NMR studies support this concept. We propose that non-bonded interactions between proline residues may be a significant stabilizing force in the triple helix generated by (Pro-Pro-Gly)10.

Chemical Phenomena↗
PubMed1983

Further fractionation of basic proline-rich peptides from human parotid saliva and complete amino acid sequence of basic proline-rich peptide P-H.

Three basic proline-rich peptides were newly isolated from human parotid saliva, and designated as P-G, P-H, and P-I. The amino acid sequence of P-H was determined to be Ser-Pro-Pro-Gly-Lys-Pro-Gln-Gly-Pro-Pro-Gln-Gln-Glu-Gly-Asn-Asn- Pro-Gln-Gly-Pro-Pro-Pro-Pro-Ala-Gly-Gly-Asn-Pro-Gln-Gln-Pro-Gln-Ala-Pro-Pro- Ala-Gly-Gln-Pro-Gln-Gly-Pro-Pro-Arg-Pro-Pro-Gln-Gly-Gly-Arg-Pro-Ser-Arg-Pro- Pro-Gln by conventional methods. The amino terminal ten residues of P-H were the same as those of proline-rich peptides P-D, P-E, and P-F reported previously. Comparison of the amino acid sequences between P-H and P-D revealed that there are two deletion parts and several amino acid substitutions in the sequence of P-H. Homology between P-H and P-D was as high as 70%.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2005

Proline conformation-dependent antimicrobial activity of a proline-rich histone h1 N-terminal Peptide fragment isolated from the skin mucus of Atlantic salmon.

A 30-residue N-terminally acetylated peptide derived from the N-terminal part of histone H1 was identified as the dominant antimicrobial peptide in skin mucus from Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). The peptide (termed salmon antimicrobial peptide [SAMP H1]) was purified to homogeneity by a combination of reversed-phase and cation-exchange chromatographies. By Edman degradation of the deacetylated peptide and by sequencing of the PCR-amplified DNA that encodes the peptide, the complete amino acid sequence was determined to be AEVAPAPAAAAPAKAPKKKAAAKPKKAGPS. The theoretical molecular weight of N-terminally acetylated SAMP H1 was calculated to be 2,836, which is the same as that determined by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry. The peptide was active against both gram-negative and -positive bacteria. The N-terminal acetyl group was not necessary for activity since deacetylation did not reduce the activity. A synthetic peptide whose sequence was identical to that of the isolated fragment was initially inactive but could be activated by binding it to a cation-exchange column. Treatment of the synthetic peptide when it was bound to the exchange column with peptidylproline cis-trans-isomerase increased the amount of active peptide, indicating that isomerization of the proline peptide bond(s) was necessary for activation of the synthetic peptide. Comparison of the active and inactive forms by circular dichroism and chromatographic analyses suggests that the active form, both the natural and the synthetic forms, is more structured, condensed, and rigid than the inactive form, which has a more nonstructured conformation. This work shows for the first time the importance of proline isomers in the activity of an antimicrobial peptide.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1992

Evolutionary genetics of the proline permease gene (putP) and the control region of the proline utilization operon in populations of Salmonella and Escherichia coli.

Virtually complete sequences (1,467 bp) of the proline permease gene (putP) and complete sequences (416 to 422 bp) of the control region of the proline utilization operon were determined for 16 strains of Salmonella, representing all eight subspecies, and 13 strains of Escherichia coli recovered from natural populations. Strains of Salmonella and E. coli differed, on average, at 16.3% of putP nucleotide sites and 17.5% of control region sites; the average difference between strains was much larger for Salmonella strains (4.6% of putP sites and 3.4% of control region sites) than for E. coli (2.4 and 0.9%, respectively). There was no difference in the distribution of polymorphic amino acid positions between the membrane-spanning and loop regions of the permease molecule, and rates of synonymous nucleotide substitution were virtually the same for the two domains. Statistical analysis yielded evidence of three probable cases of intragenic recombination, including the acquisition of a large segment of putP by strains of Salmonella subspecies VII from an unidentified source, the exchange of a 21-bp segment between two strains of E. coli, and the acquisition by one strain of E. coli of a cluster of 14 unique polymorphic control region sites from an unknown donor. An evolutionary tree for the putP and control region sequences was generally concordant with a tree for the gapA gene and a tree based on multilocus enzyme electrophoresis, thus providing evidence that for neither gene nor for enzyme genes in general has recombination occurred at rates sufficiently high or over regions sufficiently large to completely obscure phylogenetic relationships dependent on mutational divergence. It is suggested that the recombination rate varies among genes in relation to functional type, being highest for genes encoding cell surface and other proteins for which there is an adaptive advantage in structural diversity.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1999

L-proline and L-pipecolate induce enkephalin-sensitive currents in human embryonic kidney 293 cells transfected with the high-affinity mammalian brain L-proline transporter.

The high-affinity mammalian brain L-proline transporter (PROT) belongs to the GAT1 gene family, which includes Na- and Cl-dependent plasma membrane carriers for neurotransmitters, osmolites, and metabolites. These transporters couple substrate flux to transmembrane electrochemical gradients, particularly the Na gradient. In the nervous system, transporters clear synapses and help to replenish transmitters in nerve terminals. The localization of PROT to specific excitatory terminals in rat forebrain suggests a role for this carrier in excitatory transmission (). We investigated the voltage regulation and electrogenicity of this novel transporter, using human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells stably transfected with rat PROT cDNA. In physiological solutions between -140 and -40 mV, L-proline (PRO) and its six-member ring congener L-pipecolate (PIP) induced inward current. The current-voltage relationship and the variance of current fluctuations were similar for PRO- and PIP-induced current, and the ratio of induced variance to the mean current ranged from 20 to 60 fA. Des-Tyr-Leu-enkephalin (GGFL), a competitive peptide inhibitor of PROT, reduced the rat PROT-associated current to control levels. GGFL alone did not elicit currents, and the GGFL-sensitive substrate-induced current was absent in nontransfected cells. Finally, GGFL inhibited PROT-mediated transport only when applied to the extracellular face of PROT. These data suggest that (1) PROT uptake is electrogenic, (2) individual transporter currents are voltage-independent, and (3) GGFL is a nonsubstrate inhibitor that interacts either with an extracellular domain of PROT or in an externally accessible pore.

Amino Acid Transport Systems, Neutral↗
PubMed1999

A novel apoptotic pathway in quiescent lymphocytes identified by inhibition of a post-proline cleaving aminodipeptidase: a candidate target protease, quiescent cell proline dipeptidase.

The vast majority of lymphocytes in vivo persist in a quiescent state. These resting lymphocytes are maintained through a cellular program that suppresses apoptosis. We show here that quiescent PBMC, but not activated PBMC or transformed lymphocytes, die in the presence of highly specific post-proline aminodipeptidase inhibitors. This form of death has the hallmarks of apoptosis, such as phosphatidylserine externalization and loss of mitochondrial transmembrane potential. However, it differs from apoptosis induced by gamma irradiation in the same cells or by Fas ligation in transformed lymphocytes in terms of caspase involvement. In addition, the aminodipeptidase inhibitor-induced cell death, but not gamma-irradiation-mediated apoptosis, can be prevented by inhibition of the proteasome complex. The target of these inhibitors is not CD26/DPPIV, but probably a novel serine protease, quiescent cell proline dipeptidase, that we have recently isolated and cloned. These studies will yield a better understanding of the requirements and the mechanisms that mediate quiescent lymphocyte homeostasis in vivo.

Apoptosis↗
PubMed1984

Mechanism of proline transport in Escherichia coli K12. III. Inhibition of membrane potential-driven proline transport by syn-coupled ions and evidence for symmetrical transition states of the 2H+/proline symport carrier.

Specific inhibition of 2H+/proline symport by syn-coupled ions (Na+, Li+, and H+) was investigated using cytoplasmic membrane vesicles prepared from the proline carrier-overproducing strain MinS/ pLC4 -45 of Escherichia coli K12. The 2H+/proline symport driven by the membrane potential generated via respiration with 20 mM ascorbate/Tris, 0.1 mM phenazine methosulfate was specifically inhibited by Na+. The inhibition by Na+ was described by a fully noncompetitive mechanism, and the apparent Ki for Na+ was 15 mM. A linear correlation between the apparent Vmax and the apparent Kd was observed. Li+ stimulated the transport activity 2-fold at 10 mM and inhibited it at concentrations above 50 mM. H+ caused fully noncompetitive inhibition of 2H+/proline symport, and its apparent Ki was 0.6 microM. These results indicate that the concentrations of Na+ and H+ strictly and independently regulate the amount of the active C state carrier responsible for 2H+/proline symport driven by the membrane potential by inhibiting the transition from the C* state carrier which exhibits Na+- and H+-dependent binding of proline and is predominant in nonenergized conditions.

Amino Acid Transport Systems, Neutral↗
PubMed1985

Poly(O-acyl hydroxy L-proline) (II) wetting characteristics and blood clotting on surfaces of poly O-acetyl, butyryl, hexanoyl, dodecanoyl, and benzoyl hydroxy L-proline.

Poly O-acetyl, butyryl, hexanoyl, dodecanoyl, and benzoyl hydroxy L-proline (poly[O-acyl Hyp]s) were evaluated as materials for blood contact by means of contact angle and blood clotting time measurements. Critical surface tensions obtained from Zisman plots for all materials were 22-29 dyn/cm, suggesting that these materials may exhibit good blood compatibility. Dispersion and nondispersion force contributions to the surface tension were gamma ds = 1.4, gamma ns = 49.3 dyn/cm, (11.0, 16.2), (19.8, 3.8), (21.2, 4.6) and (14.1, 10.8) for the poly(O-Acetyl, Butyryl, Hexanoyl, Dodecanoyl and Benzoyl Hyp) surfaces, respectively. The materials showed remarkable wetting differences that were dependent on the type of acyl group attached to Hyp. The values of the dispersion and nondispersion components of the surface tension for poly(O-hexanoyl Hyp) and poly(O-dodecanoyl hyp) were very close to those obtained for glutaraldehyde-treated umbilical cord vessels. The blood clotting times on the respective polymer surfaces, obtained by using the kinetic method, were normalized to those of control glass and siliconized glass surfaces. All the poly(O-acyl Hyp)s surfaces showed longer clotting times than those of the poly(L-proline) and glass surfaces. The surfaces of those polymers having longer aliphatic or aromatic acyl groups had longer clotting times than those of the polymers with relatively shorter groups.

Blood Coagulation↗
PubMed1986

Energetics of proline racemase: racemization of unlabeled proline in the unsaturated, saturated, and oversaturated regimes.

The interconversion of L- and D-proline catalyzed by proline racemase has been studied. The entire time course of the approach to equilibrium has been followed. After a short time the product concentration is significant, and the reaction runs under reversible conditions. As the total substrate concentration is increased, the system moves from the unsaturated regime into the saturated regime. At very high substrate levels under the reversible conditions used, the rate constant for substrate racemization falls, as the system moves into the "oversaturated" regime. Here, the net rate of the enzyme-catalyzed reaction is limited by the rate of return of the free enzyme from the form that liberates product back to the form that binds substrate. The results are analyzed in terms of the simple mechanism (table; see text) and illustrate the additional information that is available from reactions studied under reversible conditions. In the unsaturated region the value of the second-order rate constant kU (equivalent to kcat/Km) is 9 X 10(5) M-1 s-1 in each direction. In the saturated region, kcat = kcat = 2600 s-1 and Km = 2.9 mM. In the oversaturated region, the rate constant kO is 81 M s-1. The substrate concentration at which unsaturated and saturated terms contribute equally is 2.9 mM, and the substrate concentration at which saturated and oversaturated terms contribute equally is 125 mM.

Amino Acid Isomerases↗
PubMed1999

Structure, Single Crystal EPR Spectra, and Exchange Interactions in [Cu(L-proline)(2)](2).5H(2)O and Cu(D,L-proline)(2).2H(2)O.

A new copper(II) compound, [Cu(L-proline)(2)](2).5H(2)O (C(20)Cu(2)H(42)N(4)O(13)) (called compound I) was synthesized and crystallized, and its structure was solved using X-ray methods. It is monoclinic, space group P2(1), with a = 11.187(1) Å, b = 12.172(3) Å, c = 11.661(1) Å, beta = 114.96(1) degrees, and Z = 2. There are two chemically different copper molecules (labeled A and B), both with the copper atom in a N(2)O(2) square planar coordination. Molecule type A has one water molecule in an apical position. Molecule B has water molecules in each of the two apical positions. Single-crystal EPR measurements have been performed in I and also in Cu(D,L-proline)(2).2H(2)O (compound II). From the similar angular variations of the position of the single resonance observed in both compounds, we evaluated the molecular g tensors. Interpretation of the molecular g tensors resulted in d(x)()()2(-)(y)()()2 orbital ground states. From the angular variations of the line width we calculated the magnitude of the exchange interactions coupling neighbor copper ions in each compound. In I copper ions type A at 7.25 Å are arranged in chains coupled through axial-equatorial bonds. The exchange coupling within these chains is |J/k| = 118 mK. The coupling between copper ions type B is weaker. However, the interactions between copper ions type A and B generate a three-dimensional magnetic network. Our data in compound II indicate that a superexchange pathway containing a weak hydrogen bond C-H- - -O is the path for an exchange interaction with |J'/k| = 48 mK between coppers in neighbor layers at 9.75 Å.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2002

Understanding the role of stereoelectronic effects in determining collagen stability. 2. A quantum mechanical/molecular mechanical study of (Proline-Proline-Glycine)(n) polypeptides.

The importance of vicinal and long-range interresidue effects in determining the stability of the collagen triple helix has been investigated by quantum mechanical (QM) and molecular mechanical (MM) computations on suitable model polypeptides, taking into account solvent effects by the polarizable continuum model (PCM). At the QM level, the PII conformation corresponds to an energy minimum for pentapeptide analogues incorporating the sequence Gly-Pro-Pro-Gly, irrespective of the down or up puckering of the pyrrolidine ring. However, our computations indicate that the alternation of down and up prolines characterizing collagen and collagen-like peptides is not due to an intrinsic preference of the Pro-Pro-Gly sequence. This result is confirmed by MM computations of longer polypeptides. Next, MM computations on model triple helices show that a better packing is obtained for specific values of backbone dihedrals, which, in turn, favor the alternation of down and up prolines along each chain.

Collagen↗
PubMed2005

Studies of the toxicological potential of tripeptides (L-valyl-L-prolyl-L-proline and L-isoleucyl-L-prolyI-L-proline): II. Introduction.

The consumption of fermented milk to maintain good health, including the maintance of normal blood pressure, is an ancient tradition in a number of areas of the world (e.g., East Asia, France). Recent studies have suggested that fermented milk has a normotensive effect in hypertensive rats and humans, but no effect on blood pressure in normotensive rats and humans. Two tripeptides, L-valyl-L-prolyl-L-proline (VPP) and L-isoleucyl-L-prolyl-L-proline (IPP), have been identified as possessing significant angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitory activity and are therefore believed to be the source of the normotensive effects. This document, the second of nine chapters, provides information on these two tripeptides, including physical/chemical properties, molecular weights, chemical structures, normal consumption in the diet, manufacturing information, regulatory approval in Japan, and Japanese consumption of food containing enhanced levels of VPP plus IPP. In addition, the results of studies in rats and humans conducted to evaluate the effect of these substances on blood pressure are presented. The research suggests that in adult normotensive volunteers, consumption of up to 7.92 mg of VPP and 4.52 mg IPP daily for 2 weeks causes neither clinical signs nor biologically meaningful effects on systolic or diastolic blood pressure, pulse rate, or clinical pathology (serum chemistry or hematology). However, when a similar study was performed using mildly and moderately hypertensive adults as subjects and they consumed 2.52 mg of VPP and 1.64 mg of IPP per day, a significant drop in systolic blood pressure was detected for a prolonged time interval. This chapter also introduces the issue of safety testing for these substances and describes the information to be found in the subsequent seven chapters.

Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors↗
PubMed2005

Studies of the toxicological potential of tripeptides (L-valyl-L-prolyl-L-proline and L-isoleucyl-L-prolyl-L-proline): III. Single- and/or repeated-dose toxicity of tripeptides-containing Lactobacillus helveticus-fermented milk powder and casein hydrolysate in rats.

The objective of these studies was to assess the toxicological potential of orally administered tripeptides in rats. The studies employed powdered L-valyl-L-prolyl-L-proline (VPP)- and L-isoleucyl-L-prolyl-L-proline (IPP)-containing test articles, including (1) powdered Lactobacillus helveticus-fermented milk (FM), (2) pasteurized casein hydrolysate (CH) generated by Aspergillus oryzae protease, and (3) synthesized VPP. All test articles were administered by oral gavage to male and female Sprague-Dawley rats. Specific goals of the single-dose and repeated-dose studies were to (1) identify doses that produce evidence of systemic and/or local (i.e., gastrointestinal) toxicity (e.g., lowest-observable-effect level [LOEL]); (2) estimate the maximally tolerated oral dose (MTD); and (3) identify specific target organs for toxicity of these tripeptides. Single doses of CH (2000 mg/kg), powdered FM (2000 or 4000 mg/kg), or VPP (40, 200, or 400 mg/kg) were administered 14 days prior to study termination. No treatment regimen caused either antemortem (gross observations, body weight, and food consumption parameters) or postmortem (necropsy) evidence of either systemic or local toxicity. In the repeated-dose study, powdered FM (0, 500, 1000, or 2000 mg/kg body weight [BW]/day) was administered by gastric gavage to male and female rats for 28 consecutive days. Antemortem evaluative parameters included gross observations, ophthalmic examinations, and clinical pathology (clinical chemistry, hematology, and urinalysis). Post mortem parameters included necropsy, determination of organ weights, and microscopic examination of major organs. There was neither in-life nor postmortem evidence that powdered FM administration caused physiological or toxicological changes. Under the conditions of these experiments, the single-dose LOEL of powdered FM, CH, and VPP were found to be greater than 4000, 2000, and 400 mg/kg, respectively. The results of the repeated-dose study do not support identification of a target organ for powdered FM toxicity. Similarly, there was no evidence to support establishment of either the LOEL or MTD; both being greater than 2000 mg/kg/day for up to 28 consecutive days.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed2005

Studies of the toxicological potential of tripeptides (L-valyl-L-prolyl-L-proline and L-isoleucyl-L-prolyl-L-proline): V. A 13-week toxicity study of tripeptides-containing casein hydrolysate in male and female rats.

The objective of this multiple-dose toxicity study was to assess the toxicological potential of two tripeptides, L-valyl-L-prolyl-L-proline (VPP) and L-isoleucyl-L-prolyl-L-proline (IPP), when administered once daily for 91 consecutive days to rats. The test article, powdered casein hydrolysate (CH) known to contain 0.6% VPP plus IPP, was prepared using Aspergillus oryzae protease. Prior to administration to the rats by oral gavage, the test article was suspended in sterile water. Groups of 12 male and 12 female Charles River rats were administered once daily doses of 0, 40, 200, or 1000 mg of CH (0, 0.2, 1.2, or 6 mg VPP plus IPP/kg body weight [BW]). Antemortem evaluative parameters included gross observations of behavior and clinical signs; food consumption and body weight gains; ophthalmologic examinations; clinical pathology (hematology, clinical chemistry); and urinalysis. Postmortem parameters included determination of absolute and relative (to fasting body weight) organ weights and histopathological evaluation of approximately 50 organs and tissues from each animal. All rats survived until the scheduled termination of the study and no treatment-related clinical signs were observed. Food consumption was unaffected by administration of CH. All animals gained weight and there were no statistical differences between groups with respect to weight gains. There were no meaningful changes in hematological or coagulation parameters. Mid- and high-dose males (but not females) had slightly (< 2%) increased mean serum chloride concentrations, but because the difference was so small and it was observed in only one sex, the authors considered its association with CH administration to be doubtful. Urinalysis revealed the occasional presence of crystals, leukocytes, and epithelial cells in animals from all experimental groups. Similarly, ophthalmic changes (lenticular clouding) were observed in both control and dosed animals. Mean relative (to body weight) kidney weight was decreased by 8% in low-dose males and mean relative uterus weight was elevated 46% in low-dose females. Absolute organ weights were not affected. Only naturally occurring microscopic changes were observed in all groups and none could be attributed to CH administration. It was concluded that, under the conditions of these experiments, the maximally tolerated dose (MTD) and the no-observable-effect level (NOEL) for powdered CH administered once daily for 13 weeks was greater than 1000 mg/kg BW/day or greater than 6 mg of VPP plus IPP/kg BW/day. There was no evidence of target organ toxicity associated with administration of the tripeptides. This corresponds to an margin of safety (MOS) of 60 based upon current thinking regarding incorporation in food.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed2005

Studies of the toxicological potential of tripeptides (L-valyl-L-prolyl-L-proline and L-isoleucyl-L-prolyl-L-proline): VI. Effects of Lactobacillus helveticus-fermented milk powder on fertility and reproductive performance of rats.

The objective of these studies was to assess the effects of the tripeptides, L-valyl-L-prolyl-L-proline (VPP) and L-isoleucyl-L-prolyl-L-proline (IPP), on reproductive capabilities of male and female rats. The specific goals of the experiments were (1) to determine the effects of orally administered tripeptides on (a) fertility and reproductive behavior in both sexes of rats, (b) embryo-fetal development in pregnant rats, and (c) pre- and postnatal development of rats exposed to tripeptides in utero and during lactation; and (2) to estimate the no-observable-adverse-effect doses of tripeptides in maternal and fetal rats. During the conduct of these classical segment I, II, and III studies, the test material was powdered Lactobacillus helveticus-fermented milk (FM), which contains the tripeptides, VPP and IPP. FM (0, 500, 1000 or 2000 mg/kg body weight [BW]/day--equivalent to 0, 0.8, 1.6, or 3.3 mg/kg BW/day of VPP plus IPP) was administered to males by oral gavage from 4 weeks prior to mating until sacrifice, and to females from 2 weeks prior to mating through day 20 of lactation. Evaluative parameters included monitoring grossly observable clinical signs; food consumption and body weight gains; mating behavior and fertility indices of both sexes; implantation and maintenance of embryos; sex ratio of live pups; fetal viability; incidences of external, visceral or skeletal variations; growth and behavioral development; as well as reproductive capabilities of F1 offspring exposed to FM during gestation and lactation. All animals were subjected to macroscopic examination at termination of their segment of the studies. Clinical signs, body weights, and food consumption were unaffected by administration of FM. During segment I, the test agent had no effect on estrus cycle, mating behavior, fertility index, or reproductive competence of either males or females. The results of segment II experiments revealed no effects of FM on postimplantation survival-loss, sex ratio or birth weights of live fetuses, and there was no evidence of treatment-associated developmental or teratological effects. During segment III, FM was without effect on pup viability, behavioral and sexual maturation, and reproductive capability of the F1 generation. Under the conditions of these experiments, the no-observable-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) of FM on reproductive performance in male and female rats is greater than 2000 mg/kg BW/day, the equivalent of 3.3 mg/kg BW/day of VPP plus IPP.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Studies of the toxicological potential of tripeptides (L-valyl-L-prolyl-L-proline and L-isoleucyl-L-prolyl-L-proline): VII. Micronucleus test of tripeptides-containing casein hydrolysate and Lactobacillus helveticus-fermented milk powders in rats and mice.

The objective of these in vivo experiments was to assess the mutagenic potential of tripeptides as reflected by the ability of the test compound to induce the formation of micronuclei in mouse polychromatic erythrocytes. The test agents used in these experiments were (1) powdered Aspergillus oryzae protease casein hydrolysate (CH) and (2) powdered Lactobacillus helveticus-fermented milk (FM). Both test agents contain two tripeptides, L-valyl-L-prolyl-L-proline (VPP) and L-isoleucyl-L-prolyl-L-proline (IPP). Male Sprague-Dawley rats (five per group) were administered doses of 0, 500, 1000, or 2000 mg (0, 3, 6, or 12 mg VPP plus IPP)/kg body weight (BW)/day CH by oral gavage for 2 days. Male CD-1 mice (six per group) received a single oral gavage dose of 0, 500, 1000, or 2000 mg (0, 0.8, 1.6 or 3.3 mg VPP plus IPP)/kg BW of FM. Positive-control agents were cyclophosphamide (10 mg/kg, intraperitoneal [i.p.]) in rats and mitocycin C (2 mg/kg, i.p.) in mice. Twenty-four hours after the second dose of CH, or the dose of cyclophosphamide to rats, or FM or mitocycin C to mice, bone marrow cells were fixed and examined for the presence of polychromatic erythrocytes (PCEs) and the presence or absence of micronucleated PCEs (MNPCEs). Administration of CH to rats and FM to mice produced neither changes in body weights nor signs of systemic toxicity. Similarly, neither CH nor FM caused statistically significant variations in the incidences of either PCEs or MNPCEs. Both positive-control agents caused unequivocal increases in the incidence of MNPCEs and cyclophosphamide significantly reduced the percent of rat erythrocytes appearing as PCEs. The results of these micronucleus assays conducted with either powdered CH or FM in rats and mice, respectively, show that neither form of the tripeptides possesses the potential to induce micronuclei formation in these rodent species.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed2005

Studies of the toxicological potential of tripeptides (L-valyl-L-prolyl-L-proline and L-isoleucyl-L-prolyl-L-proline): VIII. Assessment of cytotoxicity and clastogenicity of tripeptides-containing casein hydrolysate and Lactobacillus helveticus-fermented milk powders in Chinese hamster lung cells.

The objective of this chromosomal aberration test was to assess the mutagenic potential of tripeptides by determining their ability to induce chromosomal aberrations in cultured Chinese hamster lung (CHL) cells. The test agents used in these experiments were (1) powdered casein hydrolysate (CH) and (2) powdered Lactobacillus helveticus-fermented milk (FM). Both test agents contain two tripeptides, L-valyl-L-prolyl-L-proline (VPP) and L-isoleucyl-L-prolyl-L-proline (IPP). CHL cells were cultured and exposed in the presence or absence of a rat hepatic metabolizing system (S9); CH or FM (1250, 2500, 5000 microg/ml of incubation medium); or positive-control agents, mitomycin C (0.1 or 0.05 microg/ml) or benzo(a)pyrene (20 microg/ml). In experiments with CH, cells were incubated for 6 h (either in the presence or absence of S9) or for 24 h (without S9). In experiments with FM, the cells were incubated for 6 h (either in the presence or absence of S9) or for 24 or 48 h (without S9). Neither short-term nor continuous exposure to either CH or FM caused the induction of significant changes in cell growth indices, incidences of chromosomal aberrations or the incidence of polyploids. Exposures of cells to mitomycin C and benzo(a)pyrene consistently resulted in the induction of the anticipated aberrant cells after either short-term or continuous exposures. The results of these assays support the conclusions that, under the conditions of these experiments, neither CH nor FM possesses demonstrable potential for the induction of cytotoxicity or clastogenesis.

Animals↗