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Antioxidative properties of natural coelenterazine and synthetic methyl coelenterazine in rat hepatocytes subjected to tert-butyl hydroperoxide-induced oxidative stress.

Coelenterazine (CLZn; 3, 7-dihydro-2-(p-hydroxybenzyl)-6-(p-hydroxyphenyl)-8-benzylimidazolo++ +[1 ,2-a]pyrazin-3-one), the substrate for bioluminescence reactions in many marine animals, is endowed with high antioxidant properties. This work investigated the antioxidative properties of CLZn in primary cultures of rat hepatocytes subjected to the oxidant tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP). Micromolar concentrations of CLZn increased survival and decreased lipid peroxidation in rat hepatocytes subjected for 6 hr to 2.5 x 10(-4) M t-BHP. However, the extent of protection was limited by a strong toxicity of CLZn (IC(50) = 6.9 x 10(-5) M). The presence of t-BHP increased the cellular toxicity of CLZn. Methyl coelenterazine (CLZm, 3, 7-dihydro-2-methyl-6-(p-hydroxyphenyl)-8 benzylimidazolo[1, 2-a]pyrazin-3-one), a synthetic analogue of CLZn, demonstrated excellent antioxidant properties, even at very low (3 x 10(-6) M) concentrations and was not toxic throughout most of its effective concentration range. CLZm proved far more effective than reference antioxidants such as Trolox C(R), alpha-tocopherol, BHT, and probucol. The assay of thiobarbituric reactive substances (TBARS) associated with cells and in the culture medium indicated that 10(-5) M CLZm provided a total protection against t-BHP-induced lipid peroxidation. This coelenterazine analogue could be used as a model compound for investigating the action mechanism of imidazolopyrazinones in mammalian hepatocytes.

Animals↗

Substituted 5-aroylpyrazine-2-carboxylic acid derivatives: synthesis and biological activity.

Homolytic aroylation of pyrazine nucleus with various substituted aromatic carbaldehydes afforded a series of 5-aroylpyrazine-2-carboxylic acid derivatives. The synthetic approach, analytical and spectroscopic data of all compounds synthesized, their preliminary in vitro evaluation of antituberculotic and antifungal activities, cytotoxicity data and subsequent SAR studies are presented. Among all derivatives prepared, only 5-(4-chlorobenzoyl)-pyrazine-2-carbothioamide (3d) showed promising activity (90% inhibition) against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The highest antifungal effect (MIC<1.95 microM ml(-1)) against Trichophyton mentagrophytes, the most susceptible fungal strain tested, was found for 5-benzoylpyrazine-2-carbothioamide (3a). Thioamides exhibited higher in vitro antimicrobial activity than the corresponding amides.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

Headspace solid-phase microextraction analysis of 3-alkyl-2-methoxypyrazines in wines.

A procedure to determine 3-alkyl-2-methoxypyrazines in wines is described. It is based on the headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) technique after a clean-up of the sample by distillation (previously acidified to pH 0.5) to remove ethanol and other volatile compounds that can interfere in the SPME. Determination is performed by means of capillary gas chromatography using a nitrogen-phosphorus detector. The method allows quantification of 3-isobutyl-2-methoxypyrazine, 3-sec-butyl-2-methoxypyrazine and 3-isopropyl-2-methoxypyrazine at their natural concentration levels and below their sensory thresholds in Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot wines. The method was successfully applied to experimental red wines and the evolution of their pyrazine contents during the winemaking process was monitored. Pyrazine content increased during the first maceration day but did not change significantly during alcoholic and malolactic fermentation. Final contents in wines were 12-27 ng/l of 3-isobutyl-2-methoxypyrazine and 5-10 ng/l of 3-sec-butyl-2-methoxypyrazine.

Chromatography, Gas↗

Thermal degradation studies of glucose/glycine melanoidins.

Nondialyzable and water-insoluble melanoidins, isolated from a glucose/glycine model reaction mixture, which was prepared in a standardized way according to the guidelines of the COST Action 919, were heated at different temperatures ranging from 100 to 300 degrees C. Among the volatile compounds, which were analyzed by SPME and GC-MS, pyrazines, pyridines, pyrroles, and furans were detected. In general, total amounts of volatile compounds increased with the temperature. When water-insoluble melanoidins were heated, especially at higher temperatures, this resulted in a higher diversity of isolated compounds. For furans, pyrroles, pyrazines, and carbonyl compounds a maximum was observed in the case of high molecular weight melanoidins around 200-220 degrees C. Pyridines and total oxazoles, however, were generated in higher yields with increasing temperatures. These results demonstrate the possibility of producing some flavor-significant volatiles from heated standard melanoidins at temperatures relevant to food preparation and contribute to the flavor aspects originating from melanoidins.

Furans↗

Characterization of aroma compounds of chinese "Wuliangye" and "Jiannanchun" liquors by aroma extract dilution analysis.

Aroma compounds in Chinese "Wuliangye" liquor were identified by gas chromatography-olfactometry (GC-O) after fractionation. A total of 132 odorants were detected by GC-O in Wuliangye liquor on DB-wax and DB-5 columns. Of these, 126 aromas were identified by GC-mass spectrometry (MS). Aroma extract dilution analysis (AEDA) was further employed to identify the most important aroma compounds in "Wuliangye" and "Jiannanchun" liquors. The results showed that esters could be the most important class, especially ethyl esters. Various alcohols, aldehydes, acetals, alkylpyrazines, furan derivatives, lactones, and sulfur-containing and phenolic compounds were also found to be important. On the basis of flavor dilution (FD) values, the most important aroma compounds in Wuliangye and Jiannanchun liquors could be ethyl butanoate, ethyl pentanoate, ethyl hexanoate, ethyl octanoate, butyl hexanoate, ethyl 3-methylbutanoate, hexanoic acid, and 1,1-diethoxy-3-methylbutane (FD > or = 1024). These compounds contributed to fruity, floral, and apple- and pineapple-like aromas with the exception of hexanoic acid, which imparts a sweaty note. Several pyrazines, including 2,5-dimethyl-3-ethylpyrazine, 2-ethyl-6-methylpyrazine, 2,6-dimethylpyrazine, 2,3,5-trimethylpyrazine, and 3,5-dimethyl-2-pentylpyrazine, were identified in these two liquors. Although further quantitative analysis is required, it seems that most of these pyrazine compounds had higher FD values in Wuliangye than in Jiannanchun liquor, thus imparting stronger nutty, baked, and roasted notes in Wuliangye liquor.

Acetals↗

Piperazinylpyrazines with central serotoninmimetic activity.

A series of 2-(1-piperazinyl)pyrazines was synthesized and evaluated for central serotonin-like activity. The most interesting member of the series, 6-chloro-2(1-piperazinyl)pyrazine (3a), had pharmacological properties characteristic of potent central serotoninmimetic activity and only weak peripheral serotoninmimetic action. Structural similarities between 3a and serotonin are discussed.

Animals↗

Novel C-17-heteroaryl steroidal CYP17 inhibitors/antiandrogens: synthesis, in vitro biological activity, pharmacokinetics, and antitumor activity in the LAPC4 human prostate cancer xenograft model.

New chemical entities, steroidal C-17 benzoazoles (5, 6, 9 and 10) and pyrazines (14 and 15) were rationally designed and synthesized. The key reaction for synthesis of the benzoazoles involved the nucleophilic vinylic "addition-elimination" substitution reaction of 3beta-acetoxy-17-chloro-16-formylandrosta-5,16-diene (2) and benzoazole nucleophiles, while that for synthesis of pyrazines involved palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling reaction of 17-iodoandrosta-5,16-dien-3beta-ol (13) with tributylstannyl diazines. Some of the compounds were shown to be potent inhibitors of human CYP17 enzyme as well as potent antagonist of both wild type and mutant androgen receptors (AR). The most potent CYP17 inhibitors were 3beta-hydroxy-17-(1H-benzimidazole-1-yl)androsta-5,16-diene (5, code named VN/124-1), 3beta-hydroxy-17-(5(1)-pyrimidyl)androsta-5,16-diene (15) and 17-(1H-benzimidazole-1-yl)androsta-4,16-dien-3-one (6), with IC(50) values of 300, 500 and 915 nM, respectively. Compounds 5, 6, 14 and 15 were effective at preventing binding of (3)H-R1881 (methyltrienolone, a stable synthetic androgen) to both the mutant LNCaP AR and the wild-type AR, but with a 2.2- to 5-fold higher binding efficiency to the latter. Compounds 5 and 6 were also shown to be potent pure AR antagonists. The cell growth studies showed that 5 and 6 inhibit the growth of DHT-stimulated LNCaP and LAPC4 prostate cancer cells with IC(50) values in the low micromolar range (i.e., <10 microM). Their inhibitory potencies were comparable to that of casodex but remarkably superior to that of flutamide. The pharmacokinetics of compounds 5 and 6 in mice were investigated. Following s.c. administration of 50 mg/kg of 5 and 6, peak plasma levels of 16.82 and 5.15 ng/mL, respectively, occurred after 30 to 60 min, both compounds were cleared rapidly from plasma (terminal half-lives of 44.17 and 39.93 min, respectively), and neither was detectable at 8 h. Remarkably, compound 5 was rapidly converted into a metabolite tentatively identified as 17-(1H-benzimidazol-1-yl)androsta-3-one. When tested in vivo, 5 proved to be very effective at inhibiting the growth of androgen-dependent LAPC4 human prostate tumor xenograft, while 6 was ineffective. Compound 5 (50 mg/kg/twice daily) resulted in a 93.8% reduction (P = 0.00065) in the mean final tumor volume compared with controls, and it was also significantly more effective than castration. To our knowledge, this is the first example of an antihormonal agent (an inhibitor of androgen synthesis (CYP17 inhibitor)/antiandrogen) that is significantly more effective than castration in suppression of androgen-dependent prostate tumor growth. In view of these impressive anticancer properties, compound 5 is a strong candidate for development for the treatment of human prostate cancer.

5-alpha Reductase Inhibitors↗

Thiolytic chemistry of alternative precursors to the major metabolite of the cancer chemopreventive oltipraz.

The compounds 7-methyl-6,8-bis(methyldisulfanyl)pyrrolo[1,2-a]pyrazine (5; "bis disulfide") and methanethiosulfonic acid S-((6-(methanesulfonylsulfanyl)-7-methyl)pyrrolo[1,2-a]pyrazin-8-yl) ester (6; "bis methanesulfonic acid thioester") have been synthesized to serve as alternative precursors to the major metabolite, 4, of the cancer chemopreventive oltipraz, 1, to test whether they possess similar biological activities. In the present work the mechanisms by which these compounds react with glutathione have been investigated in order to validate the assumption that they would be chemically competent in the presence of the biological thiols to give the oltipraz metabolite. A kinetic and product study was carried out in mainly aqueous media, </=15% ethanol by volume, at 37 degrees C. The kinetic analysis and identification of intermediates by electrospray HPLC/MS indicate that compound 5 decomposes in two sequential reactions via thiol-disulfide interchange involving removal of the two thiomethyl groups. In contrast, 6 decomposes in three sequential steps, the first entailing formation of the diglutathionyl adduct, followed by two subsequent thiol disulfide interchange reactions involving loss of the glutathionyl moieties. Both 5 and 6, as well as oltipraz itself, give nearly quantitative yields of the metabolite 4 in reactions with glutathione. Analysis of the decay of 6 by EPR spin trapping methods indicates that less than 0.2% of the reaction flux proceeds through radicals more stable than the hydroxyl radical.

Algorithms↗

Kinetics and mechanism of water substitution in the low-spin Fe(II) complex of 4-octasulfophenylpyrazinoporphyrazine.

The substitution reaction of the axial-coordinated water by pyridine, pyrazine and 4-CN-pyridine in the low-spin Fe(II) complex of octasulfophenyltetrapyrazinoporphyrazine was studied. Kinetic and thermodynamic parameters for the different reaction steps of the process were determined. On the basis of NMR data and spectrophotometric titrations, a pronounced non-equivalence of the two coordinated N-donor ligands was observed. The substitution of water by pyridine and 4-CN-pyridine is shown to include the formation of a precursor outer-sphere complex, whereas substitution by pyrazine follows a limiting dissociative mechanism.

Ferrous Compounds↗

Versatility in the binding of 2-pyrazinecarboxylate with iron. Synthesis, structure and magnetic properties of iron(II) and iron(III) complexes.

The synthesis and characterization of two new iron(II) complexes, [Fe(pca)2(py)2].py (1) and {[Fe(pca)2(H2O)].H2O}n (2) and one new iron(III) complex, Na2{[Fe(pca)()]2O}.2H2O.2CH3CN (3) (pca- stands for 2-pyrazinecarboxylate), are reported. Complex 1 is obtained from the reaction of iron powder with 2-pyrazinecarboxylic acid. The reaction of Fe(ClO4)3.10H2O with Hpca in the presence of 3 equiv. of Bu4NOH yields 2, whereas the presence of NaOH yields 3. The molecular structure of 1 contains an iron(II) ion with a pseudo-octahedral environment resulting from the coordination of two pca- ligands in a bidentate chelating fashion and two pyridine molecules; pi-pi stacking interactions between pyridine and pyrazine rings lead to a one-dimensional chain. Complex 2 is an iron(II) coordination polymer with an infinite zig-zag motif and an Fe...Fe separation of 7.1 A. In 2, the pi-pi stacking interactions involving the pyrazine rings and the strong hydrogen bonds between the coordinated water molecule and the carboxylate oxygens of two pca- ligands result in a three-dimensional network structure. Complex 3 consists of an anionic micro-oxo-bridged diiron(III) core with two crystallographically distinct iron(iii) ions; the negative charge is compensated by two sodium cations. Complex 3 is assembled in a three dimensional network structure through coordination of Na(I) and hydrogen bond interactions. Temperature dependent magnetic susceptibility and Mössbauer spectroscopic studies indicate that 1 and 2 have similar magnetic properties. Both complexes are paramagnetic above 12 K, whereas antiferromagnetic ordering is observed below 12 K. The magnetic properties of reveal strong intramolecular antiferromagnetic interactions between the two iron(III) ions with a J value of -221 cm(-1); no long range intermolecular magnetic coupling is observed between 295 and 4.2 K.

Binding Sites↗

Removal of earthy-musty odorants in drinking water by powdered activated carbon.

The removal of four earthy-musty compounds, 2-methylisoborneol (MIB), 2,4,6-trichloroanisole (TCA), 2-isopropyl-3-methoxy-pyrazine (IPMP), and 2-isobutyl-3-methoxy-pyrazine (IBMP), by powdered activated carbon (PAC) were investigated under the simulative condition of Xicun water plant, Guangzhou. The adsorption kinetics of odor compounds by two PACs show that main removal of odor compounds occurs within contact time of 1 h. Compared with the wood-based PAC, the coat-based PAC evidently improves the removal efficiency of poorly adsorbed compounds like MIB. The effects on removal efficiency such as optimum PAC dosage, initial concentration of the organics, chlorine residual, background organics, and changes of water quality were investigated. The percent removal of trace odorants at any given time for a particular carbon dosage is irrelative to the initial concentration of the odor compounds. Adsorptive capacity of PAC for target compounds is reduced by chlorine residual and background organics. Characteristics of raw water have vast influence on the removal of target compounds by PAC.

Adsorption↗

Block by amiloride derivatives of odor-evoked discharge in lobster olfactory receptor neurons through action on a presumptive TRP channel.

Amiloride and its derivatives inhibit a number of sensory transduction processes, including some types of chemosensory transduction. Here, we report that pyrazine derivatives of amiloride reversibly inhibit odorant-evoked activity in lobster olfactory receptor neurons. The potency sequence is as follows-(IC50, mM): 5-(N,N-hexamethylene)amiloride (0.015) approximately 5-(N-methyl-N-isobutyl)amiloride (0.02) approximately 5-(N-ethyl-N-isopropyl)amiloride (0.03) > 5-(N,N-dimethyl)amiloride (0.48); 3',4'-dichlorobenzamil (0.4), phenamil (0.5), and amiloride itself (2) are ineffective. The same derivatives with the similar potency sequence also block a presumptive transient receptor potential (TRP) channel that is the likely downstream target of phosphoinositide signaling in these cells. Our results suggest that pyrazine derivatives of amiloride are useful probes to study more detailed mechanisms of chemosensory transduction in this system and possibly in other chemosensory systems in which TRP channels are the known or suspected downstream effector.

Amiloride↗

Prevention of mutagen formation in heated meats and model systems.

Possible means for preventing mutagen formation in cooked meats and in heated model systems are described. One way to reduce mutagenicity in cooked meats is to control cooking temperature, time and method. Another way is to increase water content or to avoid loss of water in meats during cooking. Addition of an excessive amount of reducing sugars to meats before cooking is effective in minimizing mutagen formation, which may be due to suppression of generation of the pyrazine cation radical Maillard intermediate of heterocyclic amines. Addition of a small amount of ascorbate or erythorbate is also effective, which may be the result of scavenging the intermediary pyrazine cation radical.

Animals↗

Effects of garlic oil on rat hepatic P4502E1 expression.

1. The effects of garlic oil (GO) on the expression of P4502E1, glutathione S-transferase (GST) and microsomal epoxide hydrolase (mEH) were assessed by metabolic activities, immunoblot and RNA blot analyses in the rat. 2. p-Nitrophenol (PNP) hydroxylase activity decreased in the hepatic microsomes isolated from rats treated with GO at 200 mg/kg b.w. by 10-30% as compared with control. Pyrazine-inducible P4502E1 expression was decreased by approximately 40% following concomitant treatment of animals with GO at the dose of 200 mg/kg from day 1 to 3 post-treatment, as evidenced by PNP hydroxylase activity. The rates of aniline hydroxylase and NDMA demethylase activities in GO-treated animals were consistent with those of PNP hydroxylase activity. Treatment of animals with 500 mg/kg GO resulted in suppression of P4502E1-mediated catalytic activities, as monitored by both PNP and aniline hydroxylase activities, whereas the effects at the dose of 1000 mg/kg were identical with those at 500 mg/kg b.w. 3. Immunoblot analyses of hepatic microsomes, using an anti-P4502E1 antibody, showed that GO minimally suppressed constitutive P4502E1 expression at 24, 48 and 72 h post-treatment at the daily doses from 200 to 1000 mg/kg b.w., as compared with vehicle-treated animals. Time-dependent pyrazine induction of P4502E1, however, was substantially blocked by concomitant treatment of animals with 200 mg/kg GO to the levels of control. Treatment at the dose of 1000 mg/kg failed to further suppress P4502E1 levels. GO treatment caused no changes in the levels of P4502E1 mRNA, as assessed by slot blot analyses. 4. Cytosol produced from the GO-treated rat showed approximately 40% increases in GST conjugating activity toward 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene, whereas mEH protein levels were 1.5-2.0-fold greater than control with similar increases in the mRNA levels noted. 5. These results demonstrate that GO suppresses inducible P4502E1 expression more significantly than constitutive expression, and that GO induces GST and mEH expression to a certain extent.

Allyl Compounds↗

Synthesis and CNS activities of pyridopyrazinone and pyridodiazepinone derivatives.

New tricyclic derivatives with cyclocondensed pyrido-pyrazine 7,10 and pyrido-diazepine 20a,20b skeletons were synthetized and biologically investigated. The compounds, preliminarily tested on explorative, muscle relaxing, antinociceptive, spontaneous motor activities and influence on the narcotic effect of Evipan, revealed interesting CNS depressant and analgesic activities. The pyrido[2,3-e]pyrrolo[1,2-a]pyrazine structure of 7 appeared the most promising for analgesic and neuroleptic activities. The above compounds were assayed also for their capacity to inhibit DNA synthesis in Ehrlich ascites tumor cells; 20a appeared to be able of inducing a significant inhibition.

Analgesics↗

Structural and binding features of cofacial bis-porphyrins with calixarene spacers: pac-man porphyrins that can chew.

Based on the efficient combination of calixarene spacers and acetylenic porphyrin derivatives, a new generation of cofacial bis-porphyrins has been synthesized. The first crystal structure of a cofacial bis-porphyrin-calixarene conjugate is reported. Their unique architectural features, analogous to those of pac-man-type bis-porphyrins, allow these calixarene-porphyrin conjugates to adapt their shape to the size of bidentate guests, such as diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (dabco) and 1,4-pyrazine. The predefined, cofacial arrangement of the porphyrin moieties observed in the solid state and in solution results in extremely high affinities (in the range of 10(9) M(-1)) for these guests. The 1,3-alternate calixarene conformations afford "open-mouth" pac-man structures whose ability to bite on nitrogen bidentates depends on their functionalization. A cone conformer provides a much more flexible structure that exhibits the highest affinity for dabco and pyrazine.

Journal Article↗

Characterization of cigarette smoke condensates by comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography/time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC x GC/TOFMS). Part 2: basic fraction.

Cigarette smoke condensate is a complex chemical matrix. Analysis of nitrogen-containing compounds present therein is very difficult because of the limitation of the peak capacity of conventional one-dimensional chromatography. Extensive and laborious sample preparation is frequently required or selective detectors are frequently used. In this study, the basic fraction of mainstream cigarette smoke condensate has been investigated by using comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography/time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC x GC/TOFMS). Auto data processing by TOFMS software combined with manual identification was used to assign the components. 377 nitrogen-containing compounds, including 155 pyridine derivatives, 104 quinoline/isoquinoine derivatives, and 56 pyrazine derivatives were tentatively identified. By selecting appropriate unique masses and in the light of the component positions in the structured chromatogram, alkyl-substituted pyridines, pyrazines, and quinolines/isoquinolines were separately shown and further validated. The peaks of eight individual positional isomers of two-carbon-substituted pyridines and thirteen positional isomers of methyl-substituted quinolines/isoquinolines were further confirmed, based on linear incremental retention behavior in combination with TOFMS and the structured chromatogram of GC x GC.

Journal Article↗

Characterization of inorganic coordination complexes by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry.

We report the direct laser desorption/ionization (LDI) and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometric (MALDI-TOFMS) analysis of four inorganic coordination complexes: monometallic [Ir(dpp)(2)Cl(2)](PF(6)), homonuclear trimetallic ([(bpy)(2)Ru(dpp)](2)RuCl(2))- (PF(6))(4), and heteronuclear [(tpy)Ru(tpp)Ru(tpp)RhCl(3)](PF(6))(4) and ([(bpy)(2)Ru(dpp)](2)IrCl(2))(PF(6))(5) (dpp = 2,3-bis-(2'-pyridyl)pyrazine, bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine, tpy = 2,2',6',2"-terpyradine, tpp = 2,3,5,6,-tetrakis-(2'-pyridyl)pyrazine). Spectral intensities and fragmentation patterns are compared and evaluated for instrument parameters, matrix selection, and matrix-to-analyte ratio. Direct LDI and MALDI mass spectra of the monometallic complex showed the same ion peaks and differed only in the relative peak intensities. Direct LDI of the trimetallic complexes produced only low-mass fragments containing one metal at most. MALDI spectra of the trimetallic complexes exhibited little fragmentation in the high-mass region (>1500 Da) and less fragmentation in the low-mass region compared to direct LDI. Significant fragments of the molecules were detected and identified, including ligand fragments, intermediate-mass fragments such as [Ru(tpy)](+), and molecular ions with varying degrees of PF(6)(-) loss ([M - n(PF(6))](+), where n = 1-3). A correlation exists between the solution-phase electrochemistry and the observed [M - n(PF(6))](+) series of peaks for the trimetallic complexes. Proper matrix selection for MALDI analysis was vital, as was an appropriate matrix-to-analyte ratio. The results demonstrate the applicability of MALDI-TOFMS for the structural characterization of labile inorganic coordination complexes.

Journal Article↗