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Despite strong indications of antimycobacterial activities for clitocybins reported since 1945, no reports linking chemical structure and activity have been reported in the literature since then. In this study, we synthesized some clitocybin derivatives (also called 2-substituted-isoindolinones), and tested their activities and carried out some chemical derivations. Isoindolinones were prepared from methyl 2-formyl-3,5-dimethoxybenzoate and various primary aromatic amines. Compounds were evaluated for in vitro activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv, as well as for cytotoxicity (CC50) on the Vero cell line. 4,6-dihydroxy-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)isoindolin-1-one, 7, and 4-hydroxy-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-6-methoxy-isoindol-1-one, 5, exhibited the highest antimycobacterial activities (minimum inhibitory concentration = 19.45 µM and 18.45 µM, respectively) and were non-toxic (CC50 = 30 µM and 29 µM, respectively).

International audience; Although artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) treat Plasmodium falciparum malaria effectively throughout most of the world, the recent expansion of ACT-resistant strains in some countries of the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) further increased the interest in improving the effectiveness of treatment and counteracting resistance. Recognizing that (1) partially denatured hemoglobin containing reactive iron (hemichromes) is generated in parasitized red blood cells (pRBC) by oxidative stress, (2) redox-active hemichromes have the potential to enhance oxidative stress triggered by the parasite and the activation of artemisinin to its pharmaceutically active form, and (3) Syk kinase inhibitors block the release of membrane microparticles containing hemichromes, we hypothesized that increasing hemichrome content in parasitized erythrocytes through the inhibition of Syk kinase might trigger a virtuous cycle involving the activation of artemisinin, the enhancement of oxidative stress elicited by activated artemisinin, and a further increase in hemichrome production. We demonstrate here that artemisinin indeed augments oxidative stress within parasitized RBCs and that Syk kinase inhibitors further increase iron-dependent oxidative stress, synergizing with artemisinin in killing the parasite. We then demonstrate that Syk kinase inhibitors achieve this oxidative enhancement by preventing parasite-induced release of erythrocyte-derived microparticles containing redox-active hemichromes. We also observe that Syk kinase inhibitors do not promote oxidative toxicity to healthy RBCs as they do not produce appreciable amounts of hemichromes. Since some Syk kinase inhibitors can be taken daily with minimal side effects, we propose that Syk kinase inhibitors could evidently contribute to the potentiation of ACTs.

N-ribosyldihydronicotinamide:quinone oxidoreductase 2 (NQO2/QR2, Enzyme Commission number 1.10.99.2) is a cytosolic enzyme, abundant in the liver and variably expressed in mammalian tissues. Cloned 30 years ago, it was characterized as a flavoenzyme catalyzing the reduction of quinones and pseudoquinones. To do so, it uses exclusively N-alkyl nicotinamide derivatives, without being able to recognize NADH, the reference hydrure donor compound, in contrast to its next of a kind, NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1). For a long time both enzymes have been considered as key detoxifying enzymes in quinone metabolism, but more recent findings point to a more toxifying function of NQO2, particularly with respect to ortho-quinones. In fact, during the reduction of substrates, NQO2 generates fairly unstable intermediates that reoxidize immediately back to the original quinone, creating a futile cycle, the byproducts of which are deleterious reactive oxygen species. Beside this peculiarity, it is a target for numerous drugs and natural compounds such as melatonin, chloroquine, imiquimod, resveratrol, piceatannol, quercetin, and other flavonoids. Most of these enzyme-ligand interactions have been documented by numerous crystallographic studies, and now NQO2 is one of the best represented proteins in the structural biology database. Despite evidence for a causative role in several important diseases, the functional role of NQO2 remains poorly explored. In the present review, we aimed at detailing the main characteristics of NQO2 from a molecular pharmacology perspective. By drawing a clear border between facts and speculations, we hope to stimulate the future research toward a better understanding of this intriguing drug target. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Evidence is reviewed on the prevalent toxifying function of N-ribosyldihydronicotinamide:quinone oxidoreductase 2 while catalyzing the reduction of ortho-quinones such as dopamine quinone. The product of this reaction is unstable and generates a futile but harmful cycle (substrate/product/substrate) associated with reactive oxygen species generation.

International audience; Quinone reductase 2 (QR2, E.C. 1.10.5.1) is an enzyme with a feature that has attracted attention for several decades: in standard conditions, instead of recognizing NAD(P)H as an electron donor, it recognizes putative metabolites of NADH, such as N-methyl- and N-ribosyl-dihydronicotinamide. QR2 has been particularly associated with reactive oxygen species and memory, strongly suggesting a link among QR2 (as a possible key element in pro-oxidation), autophagy, and neurodegeneration. In molecular and cellular pharmacology, understanding physiopathological associations can be difficult because of a lack of specific and powerful tools. Here, we present a thorough description of the potent, nanomolar inhibitor [2-(2-methoxy-5H-1,4b,9-triaza(indeno[2,1-a]inden-10-yl)ethyl]-2-furamide (S29434 or NMDPEF; IC50 = 5-16 nM) of QR2 at different organizational levels. We provide full detailed syntheses, describe its cocrystallization with and behavior at QR2 on a millisecond timeline, show that it penetrates cell membranes and inhibits QR2-mediated reactive oxygen species (ROS) production within the 100 nM range, and describe its actions in several in vivo models and lack of actions in various ROS-producing systems. The inhibitor is fairly stable in vivo, penetrates cells, specifically inhibits QR2, and shows activities that suggest a key role for this enzyme in different pathologic conditions, including neurodegenerative diseases.

International audience; A series of novel 6-amino-2-aryl-3H-indolone-N-oxides were synthesized at yields of up to 65% and characterized; onewas further characterized using X-ray crystallographic analysis.Synthesized compounds were evaluated for their in vitro activity against a chloroquine-resistant (FcB1) strain of Plasmodium falciparum, as well as for the 50% cytotoxic concentration (CC50) on Vero cell lines. The most promising activities were observed for the fluorinated compounds, the most active in vitro being 6-(2-morpholinoacetamido)-2-(4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl)-3H-indolone-N-oxide (IC50: 15.5 nM). In addition, these compounds showed weak cytotoxicity leading to selectivity index values of >170, thus warranting further in vitro and in vivo studies.

Observations of fluorescent cyanine dye behavior under illumination at 500 nm lead to a novel concept in cell biology allowing the development of a new live cell assay called LUCS, for Light-Up Cell System, measuring homeostasis in live cells. Optimization of the LUCS process resulted in a standardized, straightforward and high throughput assay with applications in toxicity assessment. The mechanisms of the LUCS process were investigated. Electron Paramagnetic Resonance experiments showed that the singlet oxygen and hydroxyl radical are involved downstream of the light effect, presumably leading to deleterious oxidative stress that massively opens access of the dye to its intracellular target. Reversible modulation of LUCS by both verapamil and proton availability indicated that plasma membrane proton/cation antiporters, possibly of the MATE drug efflux transport family, are involved. A mechanistic model is presented. Our data show that intracellular oxidation can be controlled by tuning light energy, opening applications in regulatory purposes, anti-oxidant research, chemotherapy efficacy and dynamic phototherapy strategies.

International audience; There is increasing evidence that oxidative stress is involved in the etiology and pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders. Overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is due in part to the reactivity of catecholamines, such as dopamine, adrenaline, and noradrenaline. These molecules are rapidly converted, chemically or enzymatically, into catechol-quinone and then into highly deleterious semiquinone radicals after 1-electron reduction in cells. Notably, the overexpression of dihydronicotinamide riboside:quinone oxidoreductase (QR2) in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells increases the production of ROS, mainly superoxide radicals, when it is exposed to exogenous catechol-quinones (e.g. dopachrome, aminochrome, and adrenochrome). Here we used electron paramagnetic resonance analysis to demonstrate that the phenomenon observed in CHO cells is also seen in human leukemic cells (K562 cells) that naturally express QR2. Moreover, by manipulating the level of QR2 in neuronal cells, including immortalized neuroblast cells and ex vivo neurons isolated from QR2 knockout animals, we showed that there is a direct relationship between QR2-mediated quinone reduction and ROS overproduction. Supporting this result, the withdraw of the QR2 co-factor (BNAH) or the addition of the specific QR2 inhibitor S29434 suppressed oxidative stress. Taken together, these data suggest that the overexpression of QR2 in brain cells in the presence of catechol quinones might lead to ROS-induced cell death via the rapid conversion of superoxide radicals into hydrogen peroxide and then into highly reactive hydroxyl radicals. Thus, QR2 may be implicated in the early stages of neurodegenerative disorders.

Introduction In natural product research, bioassay-guided fractionation was previously widely employed but is now judged to be inadequate in terms of time and cost, particularly if only known compounds are ultimately isolated. The development of metabolomics, along with improvements in analytical tools, allows comprehensive metabolite profiling. This enables dereplication to target unknown active compounds early in the purification workflow. Objectives Starting from an ethanolic extract of violet leaves, this study aims to predict redox active compounds within a complex matrix through an untargeted metabolomics approach and correlation analysis. Methods Rapid fractionation of crude extracts was carried out followed by multivariate data analysis (MVA) of liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) profiles. In parallel, redox active properties were evaluated by the capacity of the molecules to reduce 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH.) and superoxide (O-2(.-)) radicals using UV-Vis and electron spin resonance spectroscopies (ESR), respectively. A spectral similarity network (molecular networking) was used to highlight clusters involved in the observed redox activities. Results Dereplication on Viola alba subsp. dehnhardtii highlighted a reproducible pool of redox active molecules. Polyphenols, particularly O-glycosylated coumarins and C-glycosylated flavonoids, were identified and de novo dereplicated through molecular networking. Confirmatory analyses were undertaken by thin layer chromatography (TLC)-DPPH-MS assays and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra of the most active compounds. Conclusion Our dereplication strategy allowed the screening of leaf extracts to highlight new biologically active metabolites in few steps with a limited amount of crude material and reduced time-consuming manipulations. (LC-HRMS) profiles. In parallel, redox active properties were evaluated by the capacity of the molecules to reduce 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH.) and superoxide (O-2(.-)) radicals using UV-Vis and electron spin resonance spectroscopies (ESR), respectively. A spectral similarity network (molecular networking) was used to highlight clusters involved in the observed redox activities. Results Dereplication on Viola alba subsp. dehnhardtii highlighted a reproducible pool of redox active molecules. Polyphenols, particularly O-glycosylated coumarins and C-glycosylated flavonoids, were identified and de novo dereplicated through molecular networking. Confirmatory analyses were undertaken by thin layer chromatography (TLC)-DPPH-MS assays and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra of the most active compounds. Conclusion Our dereplication strategy allowed the screening of leaf extracts to highlight new biologically active metabolites in few steps with a limited amount of crude material and reduced time-consuming manipulations. This approach could be applied to any kind of natural extract for the study of various biological activities.

A new series of 3-substituted-2,1-benzisoxazoles (anthranils) were prepared by different methods and characterized by spectroscopic methods and mass spectrometry. These 2,1-benzisoxazoles were tested in vitro for their antiplasmodial activity on a chloroquine-resistant strain of Plasmodium falciparum ( P . f .) (FcB1), and for antimicrobial activity against representative bacterial and fungal strains, as well as for cytotoxicity on MCF7 human breast cancer cells. Given the log P calc and selectivity index values (cytotoxicity/antiplasmodial activity ratio), the benzo[ c ]isoxazol-3-ylmethylene-phenyl-amine ( 11 ) (imino-benzisoxazole) was identified as the best hit against P . f . (FcB1), and the benzo[ c ]isoxazol-3-yl-phenyl-methanone ( 3 ) (3-acyl-2,1-benzisoxazole) against P . f . and the Geotrichum candidum fungal strain.

International audience; Indolone-N-oxides have antiplasmodial properties against Plasmodium falciparum at the erythrocytic stage, with IC50 values in the nanomolar range. The mechanism of action of indolone derivatives involves the production of free radicals, which follows their bioreduction by an unknown mechanism. In this study, we hypothesized that human quinone reductase 2 (hQR2), known to act as a flavin redox switch upon binding to the broadly used antimalarial chloroquine, could be involved in the activity of the redox-active indolone derivatives. Therefore, we investigated the role of hQR2 in the reduction of indolone derivatives. We analyzed the interaction between hQR2 and several indolone-type derivatives by examining enzymatic kinetics, the substrate/protein complex structure with X-ray diffraction analysis, and the production of free radicals with electron paramagnetic resonance. The reduction of each compound in cells overexpressing hQR2 was compared to its reduction in naïve cells. This process could be inhibited by the specific hQR2 inhibitor, S29434. These results confirmed that the anti-malarial activity of indolone-type derivatives was linked to their ability to serve as hQR2 substrates and not as hQR2 inhibitors as reported for chloroquine, leading to the possibility that substrate of hQR2 could be considered as a new avenue for the design of new antimalarial compounds.

A novel series of isoindolinotriazole derivatives with different substituents in the triazole moiety were synthesized via copper-catalyzed cycloaddition (CuAAC) click chemistry between 2-(meta- or para-ethynylphenyl)-4,6-dimethoxyisoindolin-1-ones and several azides. The synthesized triazoles were characterized by IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and mass spectral techniques.

International audience; Piceatannol is a hydroxylated derivative of resveratrol. While both dietary polyphenols coexist in edible plants and fruits, and share equivalent concentrations in several wines, the influence of piceatannol on adiposity has been less studied than that of resveratrol. Though resveratrol is now recognized to limit fat deposition in various obesity models, the benefit of its dietary supplementation remains under debate regarding human obesity treatment or prevention. The research for more potent resveratrol analogs is therefore still undergoing. This prompted us to compare various effects of piceatannol and resveratrol directly on human adipose tissue (hAT). Hydrogen peroxide release was measured by Amplex Red-based fluorescence in subcutaneous hAT samples from obese patients. Interactions of stilbenes with human amine oxidases and quinone reductase were assessed by radiometric methods, computational docking and electron paramagnetic resonance. Influences on lipogenic and lipolytic activities were compared in mouse adipocytes. Resveratrol and piceatannol inhibited monoamine oxidase (MAO) with respective IC50 of 18.5 and 133.7 μM, but not semicarbazide-sensitive amine oxidase (SSAO) in hAT. For both stilbenes, the docking scores were better for MAO than for SSAO. Piceatannol and resveratrol similarly hampered hydrogen peroxide detection in assays with and without hAT, while they shared pro-oxidant activities when incubated with purified quinone reductase. They exhibited similar dose-dependent inhibition of adipocyte lipogenic activity. Only piceatannol inhibited basal and stimulated lipolysis when incubated at a dose ≥100 μM. Thus, piceatannol exerted on fat cells dose-dependent effects similar to those of resveratrol, except for a stronger antilipolytic action. In this regard, piceatannol should be useful in limiting the lipotoxicity related to obesity when ingested or administered alone - or might hamper the fat mobilization induced by resveratrol when simultaneously administered with it.

9th Joint Natural Products Conference 2016. July 24-27th. Copenhagen (Denmark); The objective of this study, part of the Viola tolosa project, was to evaluate the chemical potential of Viola genus samples without impacting the bioresource1. Therefore, a metabolomics approach was used to obtain a comprehensive screening of the collection of violets from the French Violet Conservatory hosted by the Toulouse Municipal Greenhouses. Focussed on the non-volatile compounds of leaves, this approach involved multivariate analysis of LC-MSE high resolution profiles of total extracts along a parallel screening of their antioxidant activities. Then, the dereplication of putative active compounds was obtained by correlation analysis presenting two main benefits: a limited amount of crude material and restricted time consuming manipulations. The relevance of this approach was established by TLC-DPPH assays of extracts and subsequent identification of DPPH active spots using a TLC-MS interface. The first results on Viola alba subsp. dehnhardtii aka Violet of Toulouse, highlighted the presence of antioxidant polyphenols never characterized in this genus. The results obtained will permit the assessment of the chemodiversity of the violet collection based on metabolite analysis and future identifications of potentially biologically active extracts or molecules for further dermocosmetic valorizations. Combined with future analysis of native volatile compounds emitted by fresh flowers by SPME-GC-O-MS, this holistic approach should provide a comprehensive chemotaxonomy of violets.

International audience; Indolone-N-oxides exert high parasiticidal activity at the nanomolar level in vitro against Plasmodiumfalciparum, the parasite responsible for malaria. The bioreductive character of these molecules was investigated using cyclic voltammetry and EPR spectroelectrochemistry to examine the relationship between electrochemical behavior and antimalarial activity and to understand theirmechanisms of action. For all the compounds (37 compounds) studied, the voltammograms recorded in acetonitrile showed a well-defined and reversible redox couple followed by a second complicated electron transfer. The first reduction (−0.88 VbE1/2b−0.50 V vs. SCE) was attributed to the reduction of the N-oxide function to form a radical nitroxide anion. The second reduction (−1.65 VbE1/2b−1.14 V vs. SCE) was assigned to the reduction of the ketone function. By coupling electrochemistry with EPR spectroscopy, the EPR spectra confirmed the formation of the nitroxide anion radical.Moreover, the experiments demonstrated that a slowprotonation occurs at the carbon of the nitrone function and not at the NO function. A relationship between electrochemical behavior and indolone-N-oxide structure can be established for compounds with R1=―OCH3, R2=H, and electron-withdrawing substituents on the phenyl group at R3. The results help in the design of new molecules with more potent in vivo antimalarial activity.

Although indolone-N-oxide (INODs) genereting long-lived radicals possess antiplasmodial activity in the low-nanomolar range, little is known about their mechanism of action. To explore the molecular basis of INOD activity, we screened for changes in INOD-treated malaria-infected erythrocytes (Pf-RBCs) using a proteomics approach. At early parasite maturation stages, treatment with INODs at their IC(50) concentrations induced a marked tyrosine phosphorylation of the erythrocyte membrane protein band 3, whereas no effect was observed in control RBCs. After INOD treatment of Pf-RBCs we also observed: (i) accelerated formation of membrane aggregates containing hyperphosphorylated band 3, Syk kinase, and denatured hemoglobin; (ii) dose-dependent release of microvesicles containing the membrane aggregates; (iii) reduction in band 3 phosphorylation, Pf-RBC vesiculation, and antimalarial effect of INODs upon addition of Syk kinase inhibitors; and (iv) correlation between the IC(50) and the INOD concentrations required to induce band 3 phosphorylation and vesiculation. Together with previous data demonstrating that tyrosine phosphorylation of oxidized band 3 promotes its dissociation from the cytoskeleton, these results suggest that INODs cause a profound destabilization of the Pf-RBC membrane through a mechanism apparently triggered by the activation of a redox signaling pathway rather than direct oxidative damage.

OBJECTIVES Indolone-N-oxides are characterized by the presence of a highly reactive pharmacophore, the nitrone moiety (C=N(+)-O(-)), which undergoes oxidation-reduction reactions. The aims of the present study were to: (i) evaluate the in vitro activity of the parent compound, designated as compound 1, against 34 fresh clinical isolates of Plasmodium falciparum; (ii) compare the activity of compound 1 with that of chloroquine and dihydroartemisinin to assess the potential for cross-resistance; (iii) investigate drug interactions of indolone-N-oxides with standard antimalarials; and (iv) determine the stage-dependent activity of indolone-N-oxides. METHODS In vitro antimalarial activity was evaluated against clinical isolates collected from Cameroonian patients by the [(3)H]hypoxanthine incorporation assay. In vitro interactions between compound 1 or another analogue, compound 4, and established antimalarial drugs were assessed by the fixed ratio method. Stage specificity was evaluated by light microscopy using highly synchronized P. falciparum cultures. RESULTS The geometric mean 50% inhibitory concentration (IC(50)) of compound 1 was 48.6 nM. Its activity did not differ between the chloroquine-susceptible and the chloroquine-resistant isolates. There was no correlation between chloroquine and compound 1 responses (r = 0.015; P > 0.05), but the in vitro responses of compound 1 and dihydroartemisinin were significantly and positively correlated (r = 0.444; P

A series of 66 new indolone-N-oxide derivatives was synthesized with three different methods. Compounds were evaluated for in vitro activity against CQ-sensitive (3D7), CQ-resistant (FcB1), and CQ and pyrimethamine cross-resistant (K1) strains of Plasmodium falciparum (P.f.), as well as for cytotoxic concentration (CC(50)) on MCF7 and KB human tumor cell lines. Compound 26 (5-methoxy-indolone-N-oxide analogue) had the most potent antiplasmodial activity in vitro (3 nM on FcB1 and = 1.7 nM on 3D7) with a very satisfactory selectivity index (CC(50) MCF7/IC(50) FcB1: 14623; CC(50) KB/IC(50) 3D7: 198823). In in vivo experiments, compound 1 (dioxymethylene derivatives of the indolone-N-oxide) showed the best antiplasmodial activity against Plasmodium berghei, 62% inhibition of the parasitaemia at 30 mg/kg/day.

This study describes the grafting of red blood cells (RBC) onto a gold electrode. The erythrocytes were immobilised using antigen/antibody crosslinking based on the bonding of anti-D with the corresponding antigen of the RBC membrane that is shared by all erythrocytes from the positive rhesus group (O + ). To optimise the reproducibility of the modified electrode and to avoid nonspecific interactions, the anti-D layer was deposited onto a protein G layer. The bridge between the protein G and the gold transducer was formed using mixed thiol-based self-assembled monolayer (SAM) (a mixture of 11-mercaptoundecanoic acid and 6-mercapto-1-hexanol in a 1/10 ratio). Each layer deposited was characterized, firstly, with a quartz crystal microbalance to obtain the deposited mass and the corresponding number of moles per square centimetres and secondly, by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) using a redox couple Fe(CN) 6 3−/4− (1:1) as an EIS probe. Subsequent modelling with appropriate circuitry enabled the values for each component representing the interface (electrode/film/solution) to be calculated at each step of the grafting process. From these results the surface coverage has been calculated to range from 95 to 98%.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as piroxicam and mefenamic acid are commonly prescribed to treat inflammation, pain and fever. Similarly acetylsalicylic acid is used to prevent strokes and heart attacks. A rapid and selective method was developed for the simultaneous assay of three NSAIDs and salicylic acid via HPLC with fluorescence detection. The separation was performed using a "dual-mode" gradient (acetonitrile-0.1% aqueous orthophosphoric acid) and the analysis was completed within 7 min using an ACE column C18, 5 microm, 150 mm x 4.6 mm. Naproxen was used as internal standard. The proposed method is simple, selective as well as with a good sensitivity reaching LOD lower than 2 pmol (0.05 microM) and was applied for quantitative analysis in pharmaceuticals and in human serum samples. The mean recovery was more than 95% and the within-day and between-days precisions were found to be satisfactory having RSD within the acceptable limits (

A comparison between HPLC with conventional fluorescence detection and capillary-LC (microHPLC) with native laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) detection was done to determine chloroquine (CQ) and quinine (Q) in human serum. HPLC experiments were run with parameters of the conventional fluorimeter set at the highest level of sensitivity. Results were compared with those obtained on microHPLC coupled to a ZETALIF (He-Cd 325 nm) detector which provided a 50-fold increase in sensitivity. In microHPLC-LIF injection volumes were 200 nL instead of 10 microL in conventional HPLC. The separation was completed within 3 min (6 min on HPLC). The limit of detection on microHPLC-LIF was 1.9 and 1.3 fmol for CQ and Q, respectively. Both experiments were validated on serum samples. The mean recovery was more than 95% for CQ and Q. The intra- and inter-day precision and accuracy were found to be within the acceptable limits (10%).

Nitrones 4-7, structurally related to PBN (1), were prepared by reaction of the corresponding aromatic aldehydes with N-tert-butyl hydroxylamine. The protective effects of these nitrones against microvascular damages in ischemia/reperfusion in the 'hamster cheek pouch' assay were studied and 1, as well as 4a, 4b, and 7 (derived from piperonal, O-benzyl vanillin, and furfural, respectively), showed to be more active than shark cartilage or alpha-tocopherol. No correlation was found between the protective effect of these nitrones and their logP (partition coefficient) or their capacity to trap (*)OH and (*)CH(3) radicals.

International audience; Quinones are highly reactive molecules that readily undergo either one- or two-electron reduction. One-electron reduction of quinones or their derivatives by enzymes such as cytochrome P450 reductase or other flavoproteins generates unstable semiquinones, which undergo redox cycling in the presence of molecular oxygen leading to the formation of highly reactive oxygen species. Quinone reductases 1 and 2 (QR1 and QR2) catalyze the two-electron reduction of quinones to form hydroquinones, which can be removed from the cell by conjugation of the hydroxyl with glucuronide or sulfate thus avoiding its autoxidation and the formation of free radicals and highly reactive oxygen species. This characteristic confers a detoxifying enzyme role to QR1 and QR2, even if this character is strongly linked to the excretion capacity of the cell. Using EPR spectroscopy and confocal microscopy we demonstrated that the amount of reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced by Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells overexpressing QR1 or QR2 compared to naive CHO cells was determined by the quinone structural type. Indeed, whereas the amount of ROS produced in the cell was strongly decreased with para-quinones such as menadione in the presence of quinone reductase 1 or 2, a strong increase in ROS was recorded with ortho-quinones such as adrenochrome, aminochrome, dopachrome, or 3,5-di-tert-butyl-o-benzoquinone in cells overexpressing QR, especially QR2. These differences could originate from the excretion process, which is different for para- and ortho-quinones. These results are of particular interest in the case of dopamine considering the association of QR2 with various neurological disorders such as Parkinson disease.

International audience; More than 40 years after its discovery, artemisinin has become the most promising antimalarial agent. However, no intravenous formulation is available due to its poor aqueous solubility. Here, we report the preparation, characterization, and in vitro and in vivo biological evaluation of biodegradable albumin-bound artemisinin nanoparticles. The nanoparticles were prepared by a combination of a bottom-up and a top-down processes and characterized by different spectroscopic techniques. The preparation process was optimized to develop a nanoformulation with the smallest possible diameter and good homogeneity suitable for intravenous injection enabling direct contact of artemisinin with infected erythrocytes. Chemically and physically stable artemisinin nanoparticles were obtained with excellent entrapment efficiency. In in vitro experiments, the artemisinin nanoformulation was interestingly more effective than non-formulated artemisinin. In Plasmodiumm falciparum-infected 'humanized' mice, the nanoparticles proved to be highly effective with 96% parasitemia inhibition at 10mg/kg/day, prolonging mean survival time without recrudescence. This nanoparticulate albumin-bound system allows the intravenous administration of artemisinin for the first time without harsh organic solvents or cosolvents with 100% bioavailability.

Objective To investigate the antiplasmodial, antimicrobial, radical scavenging effects and to identifiy the phenolic constituents of Atriplex lindleyi ( A. lindleyi ). Methods A. lindleyi extracts and some isolated compounds were tested in vitro against the chloroquine-resistant strains of Plasmodium falciparum . The radical scavenging activity was quantified by using 2,2-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl nitrogen-centered free radical. The IC 50 of each extract was compared with references. The in vitro anti-infectious activity of extracts was evaluated against representative Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains [ Staphylococcus aureus CIP 4.83, Enterococcus hirae CIP 5855, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ( P. aeruginosa ) CIP 82118, Escherichia coli CIP 53126], and fungal species [( Candida albicans ( C. albicans ) IP 48.72, Aspergillus niger IP 1431.83]. Ethanol extract was investigated for chemical composition through column and high performance liquid chromatography. The isolated compounds were identified by mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance. Results Quercetin-7- O -arabinopyranoside-3- O -neohesperidosides (1), quercetin-3- O -arabinopyranosyl(1→6) glucopyranoside (2), quercetin-3- O -glucopyranoside-7- O -rhamnopyranoside (3), quercetin-3- O -glucopyranoside-7- O -arabinoside (4), schaftoside (5), quercetin-7- O -glucopyranoside (6) were isolated for the first time from the ethanol extract of A. lindleyi aerial parts in addition to isorhamnetin-3- O -β-glucopyranoside (7) and quercetin (8). The extracts exhibited moderate antiplasmodial activity with IC 50≈ ranging from 10–50 μg/mL. Quercetin was the most potent compound with IC 50 of 9 µg/mL. P. aeruginosa and C. albicans were the most susceptible organisms. Conclusions The study implies that A. lindelyi can contribute to the fight against malaria, and be useful as prophylactic against C. albicans and P. aeruginosa .

International audience; Resveratrol is beneficial in obese and diabetic rodents. However, its low bioavailability raises questions about its therapeutic relevance for treating or preventing obesity complications. In this context, many related natural polyphenols are being tested for their putative antidiabetic and anti-obesity effects. This prompted us to study the influence of piceatannol, a polyhydroxylated stilbene, on the prevention of obesity complications in Zucker obese rats. A 6-week supplementation was followed by the determination of various markers in plasma, liver, adipose tissue and heart, together with a large-scale analysis of gut microbiota composition. When given in doses of 15 or 45 mg/kg body weight/day, piceatannol did not reduce either hyperphagia or fat accumulation. It did not modify the profusion of the most abundant phyla in gut, though slight changes were observed in the abundance of several Lactobacillus, Clostridium, and Bacteroides species belonging to Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes. This was accompanied by a tendency to reduce plasma lipopolysaccharides by 30 %, and by a decrease of circulating non-esterified fatty acids, LDL-cholesterol, and lactate. While piceatannol tended to improve lipid handling, it did not mitigate hyperinsulinemia and cardiac hypertrophy. However, it increased cardiac expression of ephrin-B1, a membrane protein that contributes to maintaining cardiomyocyte architecture. Lastly, ascorbyl radical plasma levels and hydrogen peroxide release by adipose tissue were similar in control and treated groups. Thus, piceatannol did not exhibit strong slimming capacities but did limit several obesity complications.

International audience; Leaf extracts of Cassia roxburghii DC., prepared in petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, butanol, and methanol/water (70:30, v/v), were evaluated as antioxidant, pro-oxidant, anti-infectious, and cytotoxic agents. The major metabolite of each extract was identified by chromatographic and spectroscopic means. The redox properties were assessed with a battery of assays, which revealed that the ethyl acetate extract demonstrated an interesting scavenging activity of DPPH and superoxide radicals and an ascorbic acid-like pro-oxidant activity. All the tested extracts showed moderate antiplasmodial activity against a chloroquine-resistant strain of Plasmodium falciparum, by possible disruption of parasite fine redox balance. Cytotoxicity was evaluated against a human breast cancer cell line. The antimicrobial activities of the extracts were estimated against representative bacterial strains (Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus hirae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli) and fungal species (Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger). The ethylacetate extract possessed the highest redox properties and exhibited the highest antiplasmodial activity; there was no correlation between antibacterial activity and the redox properties of the extracts.

We describe here a rapid process for the preparation of new 9-chloromethyl-12-aryl-10,12-dihydrobenzo[5,6]chromeno[2,3-d]pyrimidin-11-ones 5a-d and 10-chloromethyl-7-aryl-7,9-dihydrobenzo[7,8]chromeno[2,3-d]pyrimidin-8-ones 6a-d by two different methods utilizing microwave irradiation. This methodology provides better yields (72%–80%) and high purity of the title compounds.

As a model for hormone-dependent breast cancer, we studied the MCF-7 cell line to examine differences in the stimulation of the inducible (i) and endothelial (e) nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and the role of 17beta-estradiol (E(2)). MCF-7 cells were stimulated with (a) E(2) (10(-8)M) and (b) a combination of different cytokines such as interleukin-1 beta (Il-1beta), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) and interferon gamma (INF-gamma), and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). e-NOS and i-NOS proteins were measured using Western blot analysis. Using the Griess method nitric oxide (NO) was estimated by assessing the stable product nitrite (NO(2-)) in the culture medium, and a direct method, employing EPR spin trapping also was used. Western blot analysis revealed the presence of e-NOS and i-NOS in MCF-7 cells. In Western blot analysis, e-NOS, but not i-NOS, expression could be stimulated by E(2). An increase in NO(2-) was noted after stimulation of MCF-7 using different combinations of cytokines Il-1beta, TNFalpha and INFgamma, and LPS, but not after E(2). In conclusion, e-NOS and i-NOS are weakly expressed in the MCF-7 cell line, but are stimulated differently. The MCF-7 cell may contain both a constitutive NOS and an inducible NOS.

Pancreatic cancer has an extremely poor prognosis, due, in part, to lack of methods for early diagnosis. The present study was designed to evaluate the potential of labeling low-density lipoprotein (LDL) with a radionuclide using a lipid chelating agent, bis(stearylamide) of diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (L), to detect pancreatic tumors by gamma-scintigraphy. Previous studies indicated that the difficulty of visualization of pancreatic tumors was due to their poor vascularization. This study compares the ability of two radiotracers, 111In–L–LDL and 153Gd–L–LDL to target highly vascularized rat pancreatic tumors (AR4-2J) implanted in nude mice. Biodistribution studies showed that the tumor uptake of 111In–L–LDL and 153Gd–L–LDL tracers was twofold and fivefold higher respectively than with the controls (111In citrate and 153Gd citrate respectively). These tracers would thus be suitable for scintigraphic imaging. We show here that LDL could be employed as a delivery system for tracers such as 111In or 153Gd when these two radionuclides are complexed by a lipid-chelating anchor, and that 111In–L–LDL and 153Gd–L–LDL enabled better visualization of the pancreatic tumor tissues, with a better result with 153Gd–L–LDL. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The ability of various nitric oxide (NO) donors to induce long-lasting inhibition of contraction in isolated arteries was compared. All the studied compounds elicited a relaxant effect in rat aortic rings precontracted with norepinephrine (NE). Almost maximal relaxation was obtained with 1 μM of each compound. The S -nitrosating agents S- nitrosoglutathione (GSNO), S -nitroso- N -acetylpenicillamine, S -nitroso- N -acetylcysteine, and sodium nitroprusside (1 μM) produced a decrease of the maximal effect of NE that persisted after removal of the drug. This hyporesponsiveness to NE was associated with a relaxant effect of N- acetylcysteine, a low-molecular weight thiol that can displace NO from cysteine-NO bonds. Such modifications of contraction were not observed in aortic rings previously exposed to 1 μM S- nitrosocysteine, glyceryl trinitrate, 3-morpholinosydnonimine, or 2-( N , N -diethylamino)-diazenolate-2-oxide (DEA-NO). The same differential effects of GSNO and DEA-NO on contraction were also observed in porcine coronary arteries. Rat aortic rings previously exposed to 100 μM GSNO, but not to 100 μM DEA-NO, displayed a persistent increase in NO content (determined by NO spin trapping) and cysteine-NO residues (determined by immunostaining with an anti-cysteine-NO antiserum). The GSNO-induced increase in cysteine-NO residues in aortic tissue was prevented by the thiolmodifying agent p -hydroxymercuribenzoic acid. This study shows that in isolated arteries, the effects of S- nitrosating agents differed from those of other NO-donating agents. S- Nitrosating agents induced a persistent inhibition of contraction, which was attributed to the formation of releasable NO stores by S- nitrosation of tissue thiols. These differential effects of NO donors may be important for orientating their therapeutic indications.

S-Nitrosation of cysteine residues plays an important role in nitric oxide (NO) signaling and transport. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of S-nitrosothiols as a storage form of NO, which may account for the long-lasting effects in the vasculature. Rat aorta exposed to S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO) displayed, even after washout of the drug, a persistent increase in cysteine-NO residues (detected by immunostaining using an antiserum that selectively recognized S-nitrosoproteins) and in NO content (detected by NO spin-trapping), a persistent attenuation of the effect of vasoconstrictors, and a relaxant response upon addition of low molecular weight (LMW) thiols. Rat mesenteric and porcine coronary artery exposed in vitro to GSNO, as well as aorta and mesenteric arteries removed from rats treated in vivo with GSNO, displayed similar modifications of contraction. In isolated aorta exposed to GSNO, the decrease of the contractile response and the relaxant effect of LMW thiols were both blunted by NO scavengers (oxyhemoglobin or 2-(4-carboxyphenyl)-4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxyl-3-oxide) or by a cyclic GMP-dependent protein kinase inhibitor (Rp-8-bromoguanosine-3',5'-cyclic monophosphorothioate). In these arteries, mercuric chloride (which cleaves the cysteine-NO bond) exerted a transient relaxation, completely abolished the one of LMW thiols, and blunted the increase in cysteine-NO residues and NO content. Together, these data support the idea that S-nitrosation of cysteine residues is involved in long-lasting effects of NO on arterial tone. They suggest that S-nitrosation of tissue thiols is a mechanism of formation of local NO stores from which biologically active NO can subsequently be released.

International audience; Binding of drugs to plasma proteins, such as albumin, is a major factor which determines their pharmacokinetics and pharmacological effects. Therefore, the interactions between human serum albumin (HSA) and four antimalarial compounds selected in the 2-aryl-3H-indol-3-one series have been investigated using UV-visible, fluorescence and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopies. Compounds produced a static quenching of the intrinsic fluorescence of HSA. The thermodynamic parameters have shown that the binding reaction is endothermic for three compounds while exothermic for the 2-phenyl-3H-indol-3-one, 3. The interaction is entropically driven with predominant hydrophobic forces with binding affinities of the order of 10(4) M(-1). The highest binding constant is observed for 3 (Kλ=280nm = 4.53 × 10(4) M(-1)) which is also the less active compound against Plasmodium falciparum. Synchronous fluorescence gave qualitative information on the conformational changes of HSA while quantitative data were obtained with CD. Displacement experiments with site markers indicated that drugs bind to HSA at site I (subdomain IIA). In addition, the apparent binding constant and the binding site number were calculated in the presence of different ions.

International audience; The search for antimalarial compounds continues to be an area of intensive investigation in medicinal chemistry. This review presents the structural variations around the indolone-N-oxide core. From these pharmacomodulation studies, new antiplasmodial agents with various structures have emerged. Most of the molecules generated from reduced forms of the indolone scaffold have led to compounds with antiplasmodial properties. These results confirm the importance of the redox reversibility of the bioreducible N=C bond in these series to obtain antimalarial activities.

International audience; We describe here a rapid process for the preparation of new 9-chloromethyl-12-aryl-10,12-dihydrobenzo[5,6]chromeno[2,3-d]pyrimidin-11-ones 5a-d and 10-chloromethyl-7-aryl-7,9-dihydrobenzo[7,8]chromeno[2,3-d]pyrimidin-8-ones 6a-d by two different methods utilizing microwave irradiation. This methodology provides better yields (72%–80%) and high purity of the title compounds.

Uncatalyzed racemization processes in atropisomeric diphenyl-like frameworks are classically described as the result of the rotation around the pivotal single bond linking two planar frameworks. Se...

International audience; We recently showed that the indolone-N-oxides can be promising candidates for the treatment of chloroquine-resistant malaria. However, the in vivo assays have been hampered by the very poor aqueous solubility of these compounds resulting in poor and variable activity. Here, we describe the preparation, characterization and in vivo evaluation of biodegradable albumin-bound indolone-N-oxide nanoparticles. Nanoparticles were prepared by precipitation followed by high-pressure homogenization and characterized by photon correlation spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray powder diffraction. The process was optimized to yield nanoparticles of controllable diameter with narrow size distribution suitable for intravenous administration, which guarantees direct drug contact with parasitized erythrocytes. Stable nanoparticles showed greatly enhanced dissolution rate (complete drug release within 30 min compared to 1.5% of pure drug) preserving the rapid antimalarial activity. The formulation achieved complete cure of Plasmodium berghei-infected mice at 25mg/kg with parasitemia inhibition (99.1%) comparable to that of artesunate and chloroquine and was remarkably more effective in prolonging survival time and inhibiting recrudescence. In 'humanized' mice infected with Plasmodium falciparum, the same dose proved to be highly effective: with parasitemia reduced by 97.5% and the mean survival time prolonged. This formulation can help advance the preclinical trials of indolone-N-oxides. Albumin-bound nanoparticles represent a new strategic approach to use this most abundant plasma protein to target malaria-infected erythrocytes.

Reduced cytochrome c UV-visible absorption, ESR spin trapping, hydroethidine fluorescence and lucigenin-enhanced chemiluminescence techniques, were used to study O 2 - production from A23187-stimulated bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAEC). All detected O 2 - release but some lack of sensitivity and specificity in probes and enzymes occured. Cytochrome c prepared with trichloroacetic acid (TCA), TCA-free or acetylated (C2506, C7752, C4186) provided similar superoxide-dismutase (SOD)-inhibitable absorbances at 20 μM. At a higher concentration (100 μM) TCA-prepared cytochrome c could no longer detect O 2 - production whereas TCA-free cytochrome c detected less O 2 - at 100 μM than at 20 μM. Catalase C-40 was not contaminated with SOD-like impurities. Lucigenin provided high artefactual amounts of O 2 - production from stimulated BAEC in the presence of NADH or NADPH. Moreover, even at a low concentration (5μM) lucigenin and NADH (or NADPH) decreased endothelium-dependent relaxation induced by acetylcholine to 50 %. The use of lucigenin is not recommended.

Some aerobic organisms devoid of SOD use Mn2+ chelates to scavenge the O2- radical. Since the Mn2+-bis(lactato)diaquo complex is known as having a high SOD-like activity, we prepared manganese(II) complexes with triazamacrocyclic ligands bearing L-lactate-like functions in order to obtain model compounds able to disproportionate the superoxide radical. Thus, two macrocyclic ligands, N,N',N"-tris[2(S)-hydroxybutyric acid]-1,4,7-triazacyclononane, L1, and N,N',N"-tris[2(S)-hydroxybutyric acid]-1,5,9-triazacyclododecane, L2, were prepared and their capacity to retain the Mn2+ ion in aqueous solution was determined from potentiometric experiments. The chelating properties in aqueous solution of each ligand towards Co2+, Cu2+ and Zn2+ ions were also determined. L1 forms complexes with Mn2+, Co2+, Cu2+ and Zn2+ ions with stability constants of 8.33(5), 15.78(5), 17.65(3) and 14.32(1), respectively. L2 forms complexes with Cu2+ and Zn2+ ions with stability constants of 10.67(1) and 6.98(3), respectively. But the constants related to the Mn2+ and Co2+ complexes were too low to be determined by the method used. The stability constants values calculated for L2 complexes are significantly lower than those for the corresponding complexes of L1. Additional spectroscopic measurements were carried out on the Mn2+-L1 system. The electronic spectrum of this system showed a pH-dependence that may be consistent with the formation of hydroxo-species as the ESR spectra recorded at 120 K did not show oxidation of the Mn2+ ion in the pH range studied. The superoxide-scavenging activity of the manganese(II)-L1 complex was investigated using the cytochrome c assay. The Mn2+-L1 system showed an IC50 value of 1.7 microM which indicates that it appears as a potent SOD mimic.

The diagnosis of anaerobes can be difficult to perform, using classical biochemical tests. Characterization of metabolic end-products such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) was often used because of their reproducible biosynthesis. Despite this, SCFA are difficult to study using gas chromatography, due to their high volatility. Furthermore, the treatment of the samples are long and fastidious. Capillary electrophoresis and indirect UV detection (CE-indirect UV) is a well-known analytical method to study inorganic or organic anions. In this work, we validate the analysis of SCFA using CE-indirect UV detection. To do this, we studied the culture media of 98 anaerobic strains for the detection and quantitation of the following acids: succinic, pyruvic, acetic, lactic, propionic, 2-hydroxybutyric, butyric, 2-hydroxyvaleric, isovaleric, isocaproic, and 3-phenylpropionic. We verified that the CE-indirect UV detection analysis of SCFA for taxonomical data can be used as a mean for rapid identification for the study of anaerobes.

The synthesis of two new macrocyclic ligands, N,N′,N″ -tris[2( S )-hydroxybutyric acid]-1,4,7-triazacyclononane and N,N′,N″ -tris[2( S )-hydroxybutyric acid]-1,5,9-triazacyclododecane is reported. Each macrocycle bears three l -lactate-like pendant arms. Starting from l -malic acid, the absolute configuration of the α-( S )-hydroxy acid was kept along the synthesis leading to pure ( S , S , S ) enantiomers.

Original ortho-dicarboranes compounds named “bolacarboranes” and their acetylenic intermediates were synthesized in good yield with short reaction times with a modification of Heying's protocol.

Ce travail presente une etude par RSE de la liberation des radicaux oxygenes par les cellules endotheliales bovines (BAEC) sous l'effet de l'ionophore calcique A23187. Le dimethyl-1-pyrroline-N-oxyde (DMPO) est utilise comme piegeur de spin. Bien que l'adduit forme (DMPO-OH) semble traduire la presence du radical hydroxyle . OH, l'utilisation de superoxyde dismutase et de catalase a revele que les cellules endotheliales liberaient l'anion superoxyde. La production du radical superoxyde est plus abondante lorsque les cellules sont a confluence depuis plusieurs jours. Lorsque les cellules sont entre J6 et J9, la production de superoxyde est trois fois superieure a celle observee lorsque les cellules sont en proliferation (JO). Bien que deux inhibiteurs de la chaine mitochondriale {1-carbonyldinitrile-m-chlorophenylnydrazone (CCCP), antimycine} inhibent de 35% le signal RPE, l'utilisation de superoxyde dismutase (SOD) et du tumor necrosis factor (TNF) suggerent que la liberation de O 2 - provient de la membrane cellulaire. La signification physiologique de cette production extracellulaire de l'anion superoxyde par des cellules post-confluentes reste a elucider.

Dans ce travail nous presentons la detection par resonance de spin electronique (RSE) de radicaux oxygenes (RO) liberes par des fibroblastes humains en culture apres irradiation aux UVA (365 nm). Le 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline-N-oxyde (DMPO) a ete utilise comme piegeur de spin. Apres une irradiation aux UVA d'une heure, suivie d'une periode de latence d'au moins 45 min. et d'une incubation de 30 min. dans un milieu de piegeage compose de DMPO, glucose, Na + , K + et Ca 2+ , un signal RPE est enregistre. L'ionophore calcique A23187 entraine l'apparition d'un signal RPE apres seulement 15 min. d'incubation. Bien que le signal RPE obtenu corresponde a l'adduit DMPO-OH du radical hydroxyle, l'utilisation de catalase et de superoxyde dismutase (SOD) a revele que les fibroblastes liberaient l'anion superoxyde dans le milieu de culture. Sur ce modele cellulaire la SOD, la vitamine C et la (+) catechine inhibent la production du radical superoxyde aux concentrations respectivement de 5 unites/ml, 10 -5 M et 2 x 10 -4 M.