Mechanisms of allene stereoinversion by imidozirconium complexes. (9/176)

The zirconium-mediated stereoinversion of allenes has been investigated by studying the stereochemical behavior of metallacycles derived from [2 + 2] cycloaddition of enantioenriched allenes with chiral and achiral imidozirconocene complexes. Relative rates of metallacycle racemization were measured by circular dichroism, and intermediates in the selective stereoinversion of diphenylallene with a chiral imidozirconium complex were observed by NMR spectroscopy. Metallacycles derived from dialkylallenes are proposed to racemize via reversible beta-hydride elimination. Stereoinversion of diarylallene-derived metallacycles proceeds much more slowly and is thought to proceed through an eta4-azatrimethylenemethane transition state.  (+info)

Alpha,beta-unsaturated carbonyl compounds: induction of oxidative DNA damage in mammalian cells. (10/176)

Alpha,beta-unsaturated carbonyl compounds occur in food and other environmental media. Due to their reactivity with cellular nucleophiles (e.g. Michael adduct formation with DNA bases and with glutathione) they might represent a potential health risk. In this study, induction of oxidative DNA damage was investigated in mammalian cells, as a consequence of glutathione depletion induced by selected food relevant 2-alkenals, including E-(2)-hexenal (HEX), (2E,4E)-2,4-hexadienal (HEXDI) and (E)-2-cinnamaldehyde (CA) and the cyclic analogue 2-cyclohexen-1-one (CHX). Oxidative DNA breakage was monitored with the Comet assay, using treatment with formamidopyrimidine-DNA glycosylase (FPG). Total cellular glutathione (tGSH) was determined in a kinetic, photometric assay. After 1 h incubation of V79 cells with HEX (100 microM) and CHX (300 microM), HEXDI and CA (300 microM each), tGSH was depleted down to <20% of control (viability >85%). Under these conditions, FPG-sensitive sites were not observed; moderate direct DNA breakage, however, was detectable. During 3 h post-incubation (without test compound) distinct oxidative DNA breakage occurred in HEX- and CA-, but not in CHX- and HEXDI-pretreated cells. Direct DNA breakage was markedly diminished, most probably by repair processes, and tGSH concentrations were observed to increase again within 3 h post-treatment. The results give strong evidence for alkenal-mediated oxidative stress contributing to cytotoxic/genotoxic cell damage. The extent of oxidative stress appears to be influenced by structure-specific properties of the alkenals.  (+info)

Ecological adaptation during incipient speciation revealed by precise gene replacement. (11/176)

To understand the role of adaptation in speciation, one must characterize the ecologically relevant phenotypic effects of naturally occurring alleles at loci potentially causing reproductive isolation. The desaturase2 gene of Drosophila melanogaster is such a locus. Two geographically differentiated ds2 alleles underlie a pheromonal difference between the Zimbabwe and Cosmopolitan races. We used a site-directed gene replacement technique to introduce an allele of ds2 from the Zimbabwe population into Cosmopolitan flies. We show that the Cosmopolitan allele confers resistance to cold as well as susceptibility to starvation when the entire genetic background is otherwise identical. We conclude that ecological adaptation likely accompanies sexual isolation between the two behavioral races of D. melanogaster.  (+info)

Stereochemistry of the asymmetric carbopalladation of allenes followed by nucleophilic substitution reactions with carbo- and aminonucleophiles. (12/176)

The stereochemistry of the asymmetric palladium-catalyzed reaction of allenes with iodobenzene followed by nucleophilic substitution reaction with sodium malonate and N-methylbenzylamine is described. On the basis of the absolute configuration of the product and the stereochemical result of a similar reaction of a chiral allene, the mechanism of the above asymmetric reactions is discussed.  (+info)

NTP toxicology and carcinogensis Studies of 2,4-hexadienal (89% trans,trans isomer, CAS No. 142-83-6; 11% cis,trans isomer) (Gavage Studies). (13/176)

2,4-Hexadienal, a colorless to yellow liquid with a pungent "green" or citrus odor, is used as a food additive for flavor enhancement, as a fragrance agent, as a starting material or intermediate in synthetic reactions in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, as a fumigant, and as a corrosion inhibitor for steel. 2,4-Hexadienal was nominated for study by the National Cancer Institute because of the potential for carcinogenicity based on its alpha,beta-unsaturated aldehyde structure and the potential link between exposure to lipid peroxidation products in the diet and human malignancies. The commercial product is a mixture containing chiefly trans,trans-2,4-hexadienal in equilibrium with cis,trans-2,4-hexadienal. Male and female F344/N rats and B6C3F1 mice received 2,4-hexadienal (89% trans,trans; 11% cis,trans) in corn oil by gavage for 16 days, 14 weeks, or 2 years. Tissues and plasma from dosed rats were examined for malondialdehyde and glutathione concentrations, and DNA adducts were characterized in liver and forestomach samples from dosed rats and mice. Genetic toxicology studies were conducted in Salmonella typhimurium, rat and mouse bone marrow cells, and mouse peripheral blood erythrocytes. 16-DAY STUDY IN RATS: Groups of five male and five female rats were administered 0, 3, 9, 27, 80, or 240 mg 2,4-hexadienal/kg body weight in corn oil by gavage, 5 days per week, for 16 days. Three male and three female 240 mg/kg rats died before the end of the study. Mean body weight gains of 240 mg/kg rats were significantly less than those of the vehicle controls. Clinical findings included diarrhea, ataxia, lethargy, and nasal/eye discharge in males, and lethargy, paleness, and abnormal breathing in females in the 240 mg/kg groups. Liver weights of 240 mg/kg females were significantly greater than those of the vehicle controls. Gross and microscopic lesions indicative of forestomach necrosis and ulceration were present in most 240 mg/kg rats, and forestomach epithelial hyperplasia was microscopically evident in most 80 mg/kg rats. 16-DAY STUDY IN MICE: Groups of five male and five female mice were administered 2,4-hexadienal in corn oil by gavage at doses of 0, 3, 9, 27, 80, or 240 mg/kg, 5 days per week, for 16 days. Chemical-related deaths occurred in one male and one female in the 240 mg/kg groups. Female mice in the 240 mg/kg group lost weight during the study. Gross and microscopic lesions indicative of forestomach necrosis and ulceration were present in all 240 mg/kg mice, and forestomach epithelial hyperplasia and hyperkeratosis were microscopically evident in 80 mg/kg mice. 14-WEEK STUDY IN RATS: Groups of 10 male and 10 female rats were administered 2,4-hexadienal in corn oil by gavage at doses of 0, 7.5, 15, 30, 60, or 120 mg/kg, 5 days per week, for 14 weeks. All rats survived to the end of the study. Mean body weights of 30, 60, and 120 mg/kg males were significantly less than those of the vehicle controls. The only clinical finding attributed to 2,4-hexadienal administration was hypersalivation in 30 and 120 mg/kg males and females. The incidences of forestomach hyperplasia and nasal olfactory atrophy or necrosis were significantly increased in 120 mg/kg rats. Nasal lesions occurred in most 120 mg/kg male rats. 14-WEEK STUDY IN MICE: Groups of 10 male and 10 female mice were administered 2,4-hexadienal in corn oil by gavage at doses of 0, 7.5, 15, 30, 60, or 120 mg/kg, 5 days per week, for 14 weeks. No deaths were attributed to administration of 2,4-hexadienal. Mean body weights of males and females were similar to those of the vehicle controls throughout the study. Clinical findings included salivation and anal wetness in males and females. Kidney weights of 60 and 120 mg/kg males and liver weights of 60 mg/kg males and females were significantly greater than those of the vehicle controls. The incidences of forestomach hyperplasia and/or nasal olfactory atrophy or necrosis were significantly increased in 120 mg/kg mice. 2-YEAR STUDY IN RATS: Groups of 50 male and 50 female rats were administered 2,4-hexministered 2,4-hexadienal in corn oil by gavage at doses of 0, 22.5, 45, or 90 mg/kg, 5 days per week, for up to 105 weeks. Survival of all dosed groups of rats was similar to that of the vehicle control groups. The mean body weights of 90 mg/kg males were generally less than those of the vehicle controls throughout the study. The incidences of squamous cell papilloma of the forestomach occurred with positive trends in male and female rats. This neoplasm was found in 58% of males and 34% of females in the 90 mg/kg groups. In the forestomach of male rats, papilloma multiplicity was increased in the 90 mg/kg group, and squamous cell carcinomas were found in one 45 mg/kg male and two 90 mg/kg males. Epithelial hyperplasia of the forestomach occurred in most 45 and 90 mg/kg rats. 2-YEAR STUDY IN MICE: Groups of 50 male and 50 female mice were administered 2,4-hexadienal in corn oil by gavage at doses of 0, 30, 60, or 120 mg/kg, 5 days per week, for up to 105 weeks. Survival of dosed mice was similar to that of the vehicle controls. The mean body weights of all dosed groups were generally similar to those of the vehicle controls throughout the study. The incidences of squamous cell papilloma of the forestomach occurred with positive trends in male and female mice; squamous cell carcinomas were present in 120 mg/kg males and females. Epithelial hyperplasia of the forestomach occurred in many 120 mg/kg mice. Two 120 mg/kg males had uncommon squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity (tongue). GENETIC TOXICOLOGY: 2,4-Hexadienal was mutagenic in S. typhimurium strain TA100 with and without induced hamster or rat liver enzymes; no mutagenic activity was detected with strains TA1535 or TA98, with or without S9. Results of bone marrow tests in male rats and male mice given intraperitoneal injections of 2,4-hexadienal showed a small increase in the induction of micronucleated erythrocytes. However, neither test was repeated, and the test results were judged to be inconclusive. Results of peripheral blood micronucleus tests in male and female mice treated with 2,4-hexadienal by gavage for 14 weeks were negative. CONCLUSIONS: Under the conditions of these 2-year gavage studies, there was clear evidence of carcinogenic activity* of 2,4-hexadienal in male and female F344/N rats and male and female B6C3F1 mice based on increased incidences of squamous cell neoplasms of the forestomach. The occurrence of squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity (tongue) in male B6C3F1 mice may have been related to the administration of 2,4-hexadienal. Hyperplasia of the forestomach in male and female rats and mice was associated with administration of 2,4-hexadienal. Synonyms: Hexa-2,4-dienal; 2,4-hexadienal; 2,4-hexadien-1-al; 2,4-Hx; 1,3-pentadiene-1-carboxaldehyde; 2-propylene acrolein; sorbaldehyde; sorbic aldehyde  (+info)

Depudecin: a novel compound inducing the flat phenotype of NIH3T3 cells doubly transformed by ras- and src-oncogene, produced by Alternaria brassicicola. (14/176)

A novel compound depudecin inducing the flat phenotype of ras- and src- transformed NIH3T3 cells at a concentration of 1 microgram/ml was isolated from the culture broth of Alternaria brassicicola. Based on its spectroscopic characteristics and X-ray crystallographic analysis of its bis-(1S)-(-)-camphanate, the structure of depudecin was determined to be (2R,3S,4S,5E,7S,8S,9R)-2,9- dihydroxy-3,4;7,8-diepoxy-undeca-5,10-diene.  (+info)

Synthesis of a key intermediate of novel galbonolide analogues via efficient construction of a conjugated diene system. (15/176)

The development of an efficient synthetic method enabled multi-gram synthesis of a key intermediate, which is useful for the modification at the C6-functional group of galbonolide analogues. The structure of a key intermediate including a conjugated diene was afforded by Horner-Emmons reaction, alkylation of Weinreb amide with alkyl lithium and a subsequent Wittig reaction.  (+info)

Insect sex-pheromone signals mediated by specific combinations of olfactory receptors. (16/176)

We describe two male-specific olfactory receptors (ORs) in the silk moth, Bombyx mori, that are mutually exclusively expressed in a pair of adjacent pheromone-sensitive neurons of male antennae: One is specifically tuned to bombykol, the sex pheromone, and the other to bombykal, its oxidized form. Both pheromone ORs are coexpressed with an OR from the highly conserved insect OR subfamily. This coexpression promotes the functional expression of pheromone receptors and confers ligand-stimulated nonselective cation channel activity. The same effects were also observed for general ORs. Both odorant and pheromone signaling pathways are mediated by means of a common mechanism in insects.  (+info)