PubMed Health⌕ Search

SEARCH · PubMed Health

Results for “Cyclohexanols”

Explore indexed PubMed citations for clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health research. Read source abstracts and follow each citation to its original PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 361 records · Page 20Linked to original sources

Characterization of the R-state insulin hexamer and its derivatives. The hexamer is stabilized by heterotropic ligand binding interactions.

1H NMR and UV-visible electronic absorption studies have been performed to investigate the effects of anions and cyclic organic molecules on the interconversion of the T- and R-conformational states (Kaarsholm et al., 1989) of hexameric M (II)-substituted insulin in solution (M = Zn or Co.). Two ligand binding processes that stabilize the R-state conformation of the M(II)-substituted insulin hexamer [M(II)-R6] have been distinguished: (i) The binding of neutral organic molecules to the six, crystallographically identified, protein pockets in the Zn(II)-R6 insulin hexamer (Derewenda et al. 1989) generate homotropic site-site interactions that stabilize the R-state. Cyclohexanol, phenol, 4-nitrophenol, and 4-hydroxymethylbenzoate are shown to bind at these sites. (ii) The coordination of singly charged anions that are able to gain access to the two HisB10 coordinated metal ions of the M(II)-R6 hexamer stabilizes the R-state. Adducts of the M(II)-R6 hexamer are formed, thereby, in which the solvent-accessible fourth coordination position of the M(II) ion is replaced by a competing anion. Binding to these two classes of sites introduces strong heterotropic interactions that stabilize the R-state. UV-visible spectral data and apparent affinity constants for the adducts formed by the Co(II)-R6 hexamer with a wide range of anionic ligands are presented. The Co(II)-R6 adducts have a strong preference for the formation of pseudotetrahedral Co(II) centers. The HCO3- and pyridine-2-thiolate ions form Co(II)-R6 adducts that are proposed to possess pentacoordinate Co(II) geometries. The relevance of the Co(II)-R6 complexes to carbonic anhydrase catalysis and zinc enzyme model systems is discussed.

Biopolymers↗

Kinetic properties of human liver alcohol dehydrogenase: oxidation of alcohols by class I isoenzymes.

Class I isoenzymes of alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) were isolated by chromatography of human liver homogenates on DEAE-cellulose, 4-[3-[N-(6-aminocaproyl)-amino]propyl]pyrazole--Sepharose and CM-cellulose. Eight isoenzymes of different subunit composition (alpha gamma 2, gamma 2 gamma 2, alpha gamma 1, alpha beta 1, beta 1 gamma 2, gamma 1 gamma 1, beta 1 gamma 1, and beta 1 beta 1) were purified, and their activities were measured at pH 10.0 by using ethanol, ethylene glycol, methanol, benzyl alcohol, octanol, cyclohexanol, and 16-hydroxyhexadecanoic acid as substrates. Values of Km and kcat for all the isoenzymes, except beta 1 beta 1-ADH, were similar for the oxidation of ethanol but varied markedly for other alcohols. The kcat values for beta 1 beta 1-ADH were invariant (approximately 10 min-1) and much lower (5-15-fold) than those for any other class I isoenzyme studied. Km values for methanol and ethylene glycol were from 5- to 100-fold greater than those for ethanol, depending on the isoenzyme, while those for benzyl alcohol, octanol, and 16-hydroxyhexadecanoic acid were usually 100-1000-fold lower than those for ethanol. The homodimer beta 1 beta 1 had the lowest kcat/Km value for all alcohols studied except methanol and ethylene glycol; kcat values were relatively constant for all isoenzymes acting on all alcohols, and, hence, specificity was manifested principally in the value of Km. Values of Km and kcat/Km revealed for all enzymes examined that the short chain alcohols are the poorest while alcohols with bulky substituents are much better substrates. The experimental values of the kinetic parameters for heterodimers deviate from the calculated average of those of their parent homodimers and, hence, cannot be predicted from the behavior of the latter. Thus, the specificities of both the hetero- and homodimeric isoenzymes of ADH toward a given substrate are characteristics of each. Ethanol proved to be one of the "poorest" substrates examined for all class I isoenzymes which are the predominant forms of the human enzyme. On the basis of kinetic criteria, none of the isoenzymes of class I studied oxidized ethanol in a manner that would indicate an enzymatic preference for that alcohol.

Alcohol Dehydrogenase↗

Sidedness and chemical and kinetic properties of the vesamicol receptor of cholinergic synaptic vesicles.

Cholinergic synaptic vesicles isolated from Torpedo electric organ contain a receptor for the compound l-2-(4-phenylpiperidino)cyclohexanol (vesamicol, formerly AH5183), which when occupied blocks storage of acetylcholine (AcCh). The inside or outside orientation of the receptor and its chemical and ligand binding kinetics characteristics were studied. Binding of [3H]vesamicol to the receptor is inhibited efficiently by the protein modification reagents 4-(chloromercuri)benzenesulfonate and N,N'-dicyclo-hexylcarbodiimide and by protease treatment of cholate-solubilized receptor. The receptor in native vesicles is resistant to irreversible inactivation by proteases, elevated temperature, or pH extremes. [3H]Vesamicol binding depends on deprotonation of a group of pKa1 = 6.26 +/- 0.03 and protonation of a group of pKa2 = 10.60 +/- 0.04, which is probably the tertiary amine of the drug molecule itself. The membrane-impermeant zwitterionic vesamicol analogue dl-trans-4-oxo-4-[5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-6-hydroxy-7-(4-phenyl-1-piperidinyl )-1- naphthalenyl]amino]butanoic acid (TPNB) is an effective inhibitor of AcCh active transport with an IC50 value of (51 +/- 8) x 10(-9) M. At 23 degrees C, [3H]vesamicol bound to the receptor at a rate of (1.74 +/- 0.06) x 10(5) M-1 s-1, and excess unlabeled vesamicol displaced a low concentration of bound [3H]vesamicol at 0.29 +/- 0.01 min-1. At 0 degrees C, 10 microM unlabeled vesamicol displaced 36 +/- 2% of a low concentration of bound [3H]vesamicol at 0.16 +/- 0.02 min-1 and 64 +/- 2% at 0.013 +/- 0.001 min-1. One micromolar unlabeled vesamicol behaved similarly.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Acetylcholine↗

Cholinergic synaptic vesicle heterogeneity: evidence for regulation of acetylcholine transport.

Crude cholinergic synaptic vesicles from a homogenate of the electric organ of Torpedo californica were centrifuged to equilibrium in an isosmotic sucrose density gradient. The classical VP1 synaptic vesicles banding at 1.055 g/mL actively transported [3H]acetylcholine (AcCh). An organelle banding at about 1.071 g/mL transported even more [3H]AcCh. Transport by both organelles was inhibited by the known AcCh storage blockers trans-2-(4-phenylpiperidino)cyclohexanol (vesamicol, formerly AH5183) and nigericin. Relative to VP1 vesicles the denser organelle was slightly smaller as shown by size-exclusion chromatography. It is concluded that the denser organelle corresponds to the recycling VP2 synaptic vesicle originally described in intact Torpedo marmorata electric organ [Zimmermann, H., & Denston, C.R. (1977) Neuroscience (Oxford) 2, 695-714; Zimmermann, H., & Denston, C.R. (1977) Neuroscience (Oxford) 2, 715-730]. The properties of the receptor for vesamicol were studied by measuring binding of [3H]vesamicol, and the amount of SV2 antigen characteristic of secretory vesicles was assayed with a monoclonal antibody directed against it. Relative to VP1 vesicles the VP2 vesicles had a ratio of [3H]AcCh transport activity to vesamicol receptor concentration that typically was 4-7-fold higher, whereas the ratio of SV2 antigen concentration to vesamicol receptor concentration was about 2-fold higher. Based on an antibody standardization, in a typical preparation the VP1 vesicles contained 237 +/- 15 pmol of receptor/mg of protein whereas VP2 vesicles contained 102 +/- 3 pmol of receptor/mg of protein, and VP2 vesicles transported AcCh 2-3-fold more actively than VP1 vesicles.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Acetylcholine↗

Thermodynamic parameters and shape of the mycobacterial polymethylpolysaccharide-fatty acid complex.

Properties of the mycobacterial polymethylpolysaccharide-lipid complex have been investigated by fluorometric techniques. From the dissociation constant for the O-methyglucose polysaccharide-parinaric acid complex at 293 K, a Gibbs free energy (delta G degree) of -33.65 kJ/mol was obtained. The Kd decreased with increasing temperature, giving an enthalpy (delta H degree) of 15.4 kJ/mol. From these data, a molar entropy (delta S degree) of 167.4 J K-1 was obtained. Thus, the reaction is slightly endothermic, but the large positive entropy change leads to an overall negative free energy favoring complex formation. From fluorescence depolarization measurements, the methylglucose polysaccharide-parinaric acid complex appears to display isotropic rotation with a correlation time of 2.55 ns at 23 degrees C. This may be compared to a rotational correlation time of 6.17 ps for free parinaric acid in water at 23 degrees C calculated from the value determined in cyclohexanol at the same temperature, which demonstrates that the mobility of the fatty acid in the complex is restricted. Assuming the complex is spherical, it was calculated to have a diameter of 23-26 A, whereas a helical methyglucose polysaccharide molecule assembled from space-filling models has the dimensions of a cylinder of 18 X 24 A. The polysaccharide and fatty acid chain-length dependence of the interaction shows a discontinuity for helical polysaccharide segments shorter than 12 sugars and for fatty acids shorter than palmitate.

Fatty Acids↗

Deuterium isotope effects on lactate dehydrogenase using L-2-hydroxysuccinamate and effect of an inhibitor in the variable substrate on observed isotope effects.

L-2-Hydroxysuccinamate, the 4-amide analogue of L-malate, is a substrate for beef heart lactate dehydrogenase with values for V and V/K at pH 8 which are 0.01 and 0.0002% of the corresponding constants for L-lactate and an equilibrium constant of 2.19 X 10(-13) M. Similar values are observed for rabbit muscle lactate dehydrogenase. With beef heart lactate dehydrogenase, the pH-independent isotope effects on V and V/K of 3.7 +/- 0.5 and 3.3 +/- 0.4 indicate that hydride transfer is largely rate limiting for this reaction. L-2-Hydroxysuccinamate undergoes hydrolysis in mildly acidic or basic solution, and the pH vs. rate profile suggests intramolecular catalysis by the undissociated 1-carboxyl group in the pH range 1.5--3.5. The substrate activity of L-2-hydroxysuccinamate with pigeon liver malic enzyme reported by M. I. Schimerlik & W. W. Cleland [(1977) Biochemistry 16, 565] was caused by contaminating L-malate; the purified compound shows no activity (<0.015%). Theory has been developed for the effect on V and V/K deuterium isotope effects of having an inhibitor present in the variable substrate and tested by adding trifluoroethanol to deuterated or unlabeled cyclohexanol as substrates for alcohol dehydrogenase.

Amides↗

Acetylcholine binding site in the vesicular acetylcholine transporter.

This study sought primarily to locate the acetylcholine (ACh) binding site in the vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT). The design of the study also allowed us to locate residues linked to (a) the binding site for the allosteric inhibitor vesamicol and (b) the rates of the two transmembrane reorientation steps of a transport cycle. In more characterized proteins, ACh is known to be bound in part through cation-pi solvation by tryptophan, tyrosine, and phenylalanine residues. Each of 11 highly conserved W, Y, and F residues in putative transmembrane domains (TMDs) of rat VAChT was mutated to A and a different aromatic residue to test for loss of cation-pi solvation. Mutated VAChTs were expressed in PC12(A123.7) cells and characterized with the goal of determining whether mutations widely perturbed structure. The thermodynamic affinity for ACh was determined by displacement of trace [(3)H]-(-)-trans-2-(4-phenylpiperidino)cyclohexanol (vesamicol) with ACh, and Michaelis-Menten parameters were determined for [(3)H]ACh transport. Expression levels were determined with [(3)H]vesamicol saturation curves and Western blots, and they were used to normalize V(max) values. "Microscopic" parameters for individual binding and rate steps in the transport cycle were calculated on the basis of a published kinetics model. All mutants were expressed adequately, were properly glycosylated, and bound ACh and vesamicol. Subcellular mistargeting was shown not to be responsible for poor transport by some mutants. Mutation of residue W331, which lies in the beginning of TMD VIII proximal to the vesicular lumen, produced 5- and 9-fold decreased ACh affinities and no change in other parameters. This residue is a good candidate for cation-pi solvation of bound ACh. Mutation of four other residues decreased the ACh affinity up to 6-fold and also affected microscopic rate constants. The roles of these residues in ACh binding and transport thus are complex. Nine mutations allowed us to resolve the ACh and vesamicol binding sites from each other. Other mutations affected only the rates of the transmembrane reorientation steps, and four mutations increased the rate of one or the other. Two mutations increased the value of K(M) up to 5-fold as a result of rate effects with no ACh affinity effect. The results demonstrate that analysis of microscopic kinetics is required for the correct interpretation of mutational effects in VAChT. Results also are discussed in terms of recently determined three-dimensional structures for other transporters in the major facilitator superfamily.

Acetylcholine↗

Temperature-induced conformational change at the catalytic site of Sulfolobus solfataricus alcohol dehydrogenase highlighted by Asn249Tyr substitution. A hydrogen/deuterium exchange, kinetic, and fluorescence quenching study.

A combination of hydrogen/deuterium exchange, fluorescence quenching, and kinetic studies was used to acquire experimental evidence for the crystallographically hypothesized increase in local flexibility which occurs in thermophilic NAD(+)-dependent Sulfolobus solfataricus alcohol dehydrogenase (SsADH) upon substitution Asn249Tyr. The substitution, located at the adenine-binding site, proved to decrease the affinity for both coenzyme and substrate, rendering the mutant enzyme 6-fold more active when compared to the wild-type enzyme [Esposito et al. (2003) FEBS Lett. 539, 14-18]. The amide H/D exchange data show that the wild-type and mutant enzymes have similar global flexibility at 22 and 60 degrees C. However, the temperature dependence of the Stern-Volmer constant determined by acrylamide quenching shows that the increase in temperature affects the local flexibility differently, since the K(SV) increment is significantly higher for the wild-type than for the mutant enzyme over the range 18-45 degrees C. Interestingly, the corresponding van't Hoff plot (log K(SV) vs 1/T) proves nonlinear for the apo and holo wild-type and apo mutant enzymes, with a break at approximately 45 degrees C in all three cases due to a conformational change affecting the tryptophan microenvironment experienced by the quencher molecules. The Arrhenius and van't Hoff plots derived from the k(cat) and K(M) thermodependence measured with cyclohexanol and NAD(+) at different temperatures display an abrupt change of slope at 45-50 degrees C. This proves more pronounced in the case of the mutant enzyme compared to the wild-type enzyme due to a conformational change in the structure rather than to an overlapping of two or more rate-limiting reaction steps with different temperature dependencies of their rate constants. Three-dimensional analysis indicates that the observed conformational change induced by temperature is associated with the flexible loops directly involved in the substrate and coenzyme binding.

Alcohol Dehydrogenase↗

Development of rigid bidisperse porous microspheres for high-speed protein chromatography.

Development of a high-performance stationary phase is an essential demand for high-speed separation of proteins by liquid chromatography. Based on a novel porogenic mode, that is, using superfine granules of calcium carbonate as solid porogen and a mixture of cyclohexanol and dodecanol as liquid porogen, a rigid spherical biporous poly(glycidyl methacrylate-co-ethylene dimethacrylate) matrix has been prepared by radical suspension-polymerization. The epoxide groups of the matrix were modified with diethylamine to afford the ionizable weak base 1-N,N-diethylamino-2-hydeoxypropy functionalities that are required for ion exchange chromatography. Results from scanning electron microscopy and mercury intrusion porosimetry measurements revealed that the matrix contained two families of pores, that is, micropores (10-90 nm) and macropores (180-4000 nm). Furthermore, the biporous medium possesses specific surface area as high as 91.3 m(2)/g. Because of the presence of the macropores that provided convective flow channels for the mobile phase, the dynamic adsorption capacity was found to be as high as 54.6 mg/g wet bead at 300 cm/h, approximately 63.2% of its static capacity. In addition, the column efficiency and dynamic binding capacity decreased only slightly with mobile-phase flow rate in the range of 300-3000 cm/h. These properties made the packed bed with the bidisperse porous matrix suitable for high-speed protein chromatography.

Adsorption↗

Role of physical properties of glycidyl methacrylate- pentaerythritol triacrylate copolymers on immobilization of milk clotting protease from aspergillus niger MC4

The effect of cross-link density and amount of porogen on physical properties of the glycidyl methacrylate-pentaerythritol triacrylate (GMA-PETA) copolymer and intern on the immobilization of milk clotting protease from Aspergillus niger MC4 was studied. Almost quantitative expression of the milk clotting protease was achieved with copolymer of 251% cross-link density and generated with 65.4 mL of cyclohexanol as porogen. The pH of 4.0 and 18 h period were the best conditions for binding the milk clotting protease onto the polymer. The immobilized milk clotting protease prepared had an activity of 6000 units/g. The optimum pH and temperature ranges for both soluble and immobilized milk clotting protease preparations were pH 5.6-5.8 and 55-60 degreesC, respectively. Immobilized milk clotting protease was more stable than the soluble enzyme; the half-lives at pH 4.0 and 37 degreesC were 160 and 60 days, respectively. At pH 5.8 and 37 degreesC, the parameters favorable for milk clotting, the immobilized enzyme preparation did not exhibit any aspartic protease activity.

Journal Article↗

Removal of estrogenic activity and formation of oxidation products during ozonation of 17alpha-ethinylestradiol.

This study investigated the oxidation of the oral contraceptive 17alpha-ethinylestradiol (EE2) during ozonation. First, the effect of ozone (O3) on the estrogenic activity of aqueous solutions of EE2 was studied using a yeast estrogen screen (YES). It could be shown that O3 doses typically applied for the disinfection of drinking waters were sufficient to reduce estrogenicity by a factor of more than 200. However, it proved impossible to completely remove estrogenic activity due to the slow reappearance of 0.1-0.2% of the initial EE2 concentration after ozonation. Second, oxidation products formed during ozonation of EE2 were identified with LC-MS/MS and GC/MS and the help of the model compounds 5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-2-naphthol (THN) and 1-ethinyl-1-cyclohexanol (ECH), which represent the reactive phenolic moiety and the ethinyl group of EE2. Additionally, oxidation products of the natural steroid hormones 17beta-estradiol (E2) and estrone (E1) were identified. The chemical structures of the oxidation products were significantly altered as compared to the parent compounds, explaining the diminished estrogenic activity after ozonation. Overall,the results demonstrate that ozonation is a promising tool for the control of EE2, E2, and E1 in drinking water and wastewater.

Norethynodrel↗

Synthesis, structure, and H2O2-dependent catalytic functions of disulfide-bridged dicopper(I) and related thioether-copper(I) and thioether-copper(II) complexes.

A disulfide-bridged dicopper(I) complex, [Cu2(Py2SSPy2)](ClO4)2 (1) (Py2SSPy2 = bis(2-[N,N-bis(2-pyridylethyl)-amino]-1,1- dimethylethyl)disulfide), a thioether-copper(I) complex, [Cu(iPrSPy2)](ClO4) (2) (iPrSPy2 = N-(2-isopropylthio-2-methyl)propyl-N,N-bis-2-(2-pyridyl)ethylamine, and a thioether-copper(II) complex, [Cu-(PheSPy2)(H2O)](ClO4)2 (3) (PheSPy2 = N-(2-methyl-2-phenethylthio)propyl-N,N-bis-2-(2- pyridyl)ethylamine), were newly synthesized by the reactions of Cu(ClO4)2.6H2O with a thiol ligand of Py2SH (N,N-bis[2-(2-pyridyl)-ethyl]-1,1-dimethyl-2- mercaptoethylamine) and thioether ligands of iPrSPy2 and PheSPy2, respectively. For complexes 1 and 2, X-ray analyses were performed. Complex 1 crystallizes in the triclinic space group P1, and complex 2 crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pbca with the following unit cell parameters: for 1, a = 15.165 (3) A, b = 22.185 (4) A, c = 14.989 (3) A, alpha = 105.76 (1) degrees, beta = 90.82 (2) degrees, gamma = 75.23 (1) degrees, and Z = 2; for 2, a = 17.78 (2) A, b = 17.70 (1) A, c = 15.75 (1) A, and Z = 8. Complex 1 is the first structurally characterized example obtained by the redox reaction Cu(II) + RSH-->Cu(I) + RSSR and has two independent structures (1a, 1b) which mainly differ in S-S bond distances, Cu(I)...Cu(I) separations, and C-S-S-C dihedral angles of the disulfide units. The S-S bond distances of 2.088(7) A in 1a and 2.070(7) A in 1b are indicative of significant activation of the S-S bonds by the dicopper centers. Fragment molecular orbital (FMO) analyses and molecular orbital overlap population (MOOP) analyses based on the extended Hückel method clarify the preferable formation of the disulfide S-S bond in 1 rather than the formation of a thiolate-copper(II) complex within the Py2S- ligand framework. Catalytic functions of complexes 1-3 were investigated with peroxides (H2O2 and tBuOOH) as oxidants. Complex 1 catalyzed the selective oxidation of cyclohexane to cyclohexanol and mediated the cyclohexene epoxidation in the presence of H2O2. A transient dark green intermediate observed in the reaction of 1 with H2O2 is characterized by UV-vis, EPR, and resonance Raman spectroscopies, identifying it as a Cu(II)-OOH species, 1(OOH). The resonance Raman features of the nu(O-O) bands at 822 and 836 cm-1, which are red-shifted to 781 and 791 cm-1, respectively, upon introduction of H2(18)O2, are indicative of formation of two kinds of Cu-OOH species rather than the Fermi doublet and the significant weakening of the O-O bonds. These mechanistic studies demonstrate that by virtue of the electron-donating ability of the disulfide unit the Cu-OOH species can be actually activated for one-electron oxidation, which has been reported so far unfavorable for other vibrationally characterized Cu-OOH species.

Journal Article↗

Two polymorphs of cobalt(II) imidazolate polymers synthesized solvothermally by using one organic template N,N-dimethylacetamide.

Two structurally different polymorphs of cobalt(II) imidazolate frameworks are solvothermally synthesized by using N,N-dimethylacetamide as a template: The polymorph 6 (a = 9.797 (4) angstroms, b = 15.301(6) angstroms, c =14.902(6) angstroms, beta = 98.904(6) degrees, monoclinic, P21/n) shows structures of silicate CaAl2Si2O8 with CrB4 topology, while polymorph 7 (a = 15.173(4) angstroms, b = 15.173(4) angstroms, c = 19.089(5) angstroms, Pbca) shows CaGa2O4-related topological structures. In addition, the 7' (a = 15.9712(18) angstroms, b = 15.9253(19) angstroms, c = 18.475(2) angstroms, Pbca), a compound isostructural with 7, is synthesized by using cyclohexanol as a template. Thus, these cobalt(II) imidazolate polymers are reminiscent of the zeolite syntheses in that not only the same topological structure can be synthesized by using the different organic templates, but also different topological structures can be synthesized by using the same organic template.

Journal Article↗

Estimating pKa values for pentaoxyphosphoranes.

pKa values are estimated independently, by two entirely different methods, for the ionizations of the apical and equatorial OH groups of two representative hydroxyphosphoranes. A bond length-pKa correlation based on crystal structures of cyclohexanol derivatives gives values of 13.5 +/- 1.5 and 8.62 +/- 1.87, respectively, for the apical and equatorial OH groups of tetracyclohexyloxyhydroxyphosphorane, and an ab initio molecular dynamics calculation gives values of 14.2 and 9.8 for the corresponding first ionizations of pentahydroxyphosphorane.

Crystallography, X-Ray↗

In vivo studies on the metabolism of the monoterpene pulegone in humans using the metabolism of ingestion-correlated amounts (MICA) approach: explanation for the toxicity differences between (S)-(-)- and (R)-(+)-pulegone.

The major in vivo metabolites of (S)-(-)-pulegone in humans using a metabolism of ingestion-correlated amounts (MICA) experiment were newly identified as 2-(2-hydroxy-1-methylethyl)-5-methylcyclohexanone (8-hydroxymenthone, M1), 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-6-(1-methylethyl)cyclohexanone (1-hydroxymenthone, M2), 3-methyl-6-(1-methylethyl)cyclohexanol (menthol), and E-2-(2-hydroxy-1-methylethylidene)-5-methylcyclohexanone (10-hydroxypulegone, M4) on the basis of mass spectrometric analysis in combination with syntheses and NMR experiments. Minor metabolites were be identified as 3-methyl-6-(1-methylethyl)-2-cyclohexenone (piperitone, M5) and alpha,alpha,4-trimethyl-1-cyclohexene-1-methanol (3-p-menthen-8-ol, M6). Menthofuran was not a major metabolite of pulegone and is most probably an artifact formed during workup from known (M4) and/or unknown precursors. The differences in toxicity between (S)-(-)- and (R)-(+)-pulegone can be explained by the strongly diminished ability for enzymatic reduction of the double bond in (R)-(+)-pulegone. This might lead to further oxidative metabolism of 10-hydroxypulegone (M4) and the formation of further currently undetected metabolites that might account for the observed hepatotoxic and pneumotoxic activity in humans.

Cresols↗

Structure-function analysis of the vanillin molecule and its antifungal properties.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate which structural elements of the vanillin molecule are responsible for its observed antifungal activity. MICs of vanillin, its six direct structural analogues, and several other related compounds were determined in yeast extract peptone dextrose broth against a total of 18 different food spoilage molds and yeasts. Using total mean MICs after 4 days of incubation at 25 degrees C, the antifungal activity order was 3-anisaldehyde (1.97 mM) > benzaldehyde (3.30 mM) > vanillin (5.71 mM) > anisole (6.59 mM) > 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde (9.09 mM) > phenol (10.59 mM) > guaiacol (11.66 mM). No correlation was observed between the relative antifungal activity of the test compounds and log P(o/w). Furthermore, phenol (10.6 mM) was found to exhibit a greater activity than cyclohexanol (25.3 mM), whereas cyclohexanecarboxaldehyde (2.13 mM) was more active than benzaldehyde (3.30 mM). Finally, the antifungal order of isomers of hydroxybenzaldehyde and anisaldehyde was found to be 2- > 3- > 4- and 3- > 2- > 4-, respectively. In conclusion, the aldehyde moeity of vanillin plays a key role in its antifungal activity, but side-group position on the benzene ring also influences this activity. Understanding how the structure of natural compounds relates to their antimicrobial function is fundamentally important and may help facilitate their application as novel food preservatives.

Benzaldehydes↗

Novel approach to the detection and quantification of phenolic compounds in olive oil based on 31P nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

31P NMR spectroscopy has been employed to detect and quantify phenolic compounds in the polar fraction of virgin olive oil. This novel analytical method is based on the derivatization of the hydroxyl and carboxyl groups of phenolic compounds with 2-chloro-4,4,5,5-tetramethyldioxaphospholane and the identification of the phosphitylated compounds on the basis of the 31P chemical shifts. Quantification of a large number of phenolic compounds in virgin olive oil can be accomplished by integration of the appropriate signals in the 31P NMR spectrum and the use of the phosphitylated cyclohexanol as internal standard. Finally, the validity of this technique for quantitative measurements was thoroughly examined.

Flavonoids↗

Nonsymmetrical bipiperidyls as inhibitors of vesicular acetylcholine storage.

Introduction of a nitrogen atom into the cyclohexane ring of 2-(4-phenylpiperidinyl)cyclohexanol (vesamicol, AH5183) yielded two positional isomers, 5-azavesamicol (5, prezamicol) and 4-azavesamicol (6, trozamicol). As inhibitors of vesicular acetylcholine transport, 5 and 6 were found to be 147 and 85 times less potent than vesamicol. N-Benzoylation of 5 (to yield 9a) increased the potency 3-fold. In contrast, 10a, a compound derived from N-benzoylation of 6, was 50 times more potent than the latter and almost equipotent with vesamicol, thereby suggesting a preference for the 4-azavesamicol series. Although (-)-vesamicol is more potent than its dextrorotary isomer, (+)-10a was found to be 3 times more potent than (-)-10a, suggesting a reversal of the sign of rotation in the azavesamicol series. Reduction of 9a and 10a (to yield the corresponding N-benzyl derivatives 11a and 12a) increased potency 20- and 2-fold, respectively, indicating a preference for a basic nitrogen. The reaction of 5 or 6 with substituted benzyl halides yielded several potent inhibitors of vesicular acetylcholine transport, including N-(p-fluorobenzyl)trozamicol, 12d, which is twice as potent as vesamicol. Thus the introduction of a nitrogen atom into the cyclohexane ring of vesamicol provides opportunities for developing a new class of anticholinergic agents.

Acetylcholine↗