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Using enantioselective MDGC the enantiomeric distribution of alkan-(alken-)2-yl-acetates from bananas is achieved. After simple acetylation their corresponding alcohols 2-pentanol, 2-hexanol, 2-heptanol an d (Z)-4-hepten-2-ol respectively are also exactly stereodifferentiated by the same method. All compounds investigated -esters as well as alcohols -exhibit a remarkable excess of the (S)-enantiomers.

Background Reticulocyte-type 15-lipoxygenase-1 (ALOX15) has anti-inflammatory and inflammatory effects and is implicated in the development of asthma, arthritis and atherosclerosis. Previously, we screened the human ALOX15 gene for variations because genetic variability in ALOX15 might influence these diseases. We found a C>T substitution at position c.-292 in the ALOX15 promoter that created a novel binding site for the transcription factor SPI1 and increased ALOX15 mRNA levels in monocytes from c.-292CT heterozygous volunteers. Methods To test whether the higher mRNA levels led to higher ALOX15 activity, we performed an activity assay and measured the arachidonic acid metabolite 15(S)-hydroxy-eicosatetraenoic acid [15(S)-HETE] by HPLC analysis. To test whether this polymorphism was associated with coronary artery disease (CAD), we investigated its association in a case-control study involving 498 Caucasians. Results The c.-292C>T polymorphism was associated with higher enzyme activity in heterozygous carriers. Intriguingly, this polymorphism also showed a tendency to be protective against atherosclerosis. Conclusions These results suggest that increased ALOX15 activity may attenuate inflammation, which could be caused by an increase in 15(S)-HETE and eventually by its metabolites, the lipoxins.

Asymmetric reduction of 4(5)-oxocarboxylic acids (esters) by baker's yeast and cyclization in acidic media yields optically active gamma(delta)-lactones. The evaluation of their chirality and optical purity was carried out by HPLC (HRGC) analysis of the corresponding 1,4(1,5)-diols via diastereomeric esters with (R)-Mosher acid (MTPA) and (S)-O-acyllactic acids respectively. By increasing the 4(5) alkyl side chain 4R(5R) configurated gamma(delta)-lactones with high ee-values are generated.