The synthesis and proteolytic inhibitor function of two new tetrapeptides, methoxysuccinyl-Ala-Ala-Pro-Phe-chloromethyl ketone (MeOSuc-AAPF-CH(2)Cl) and methoxysuccinyl-Ala-Pro-Ala-Phe-chloromethyl ketone (MeOSuc-APAF-CH(2)Cl) are described. The efficacy of these two new analogs in inhibiting the proteolytic activity of proteinase K has been compared with the previously-documented proteainase K inhibitor, methoxysuccinyl-Ala-Ala-Pro-Val-chloromethyl ketone (MeOSuc-AAPV-CH(2)Cl). An examination of inhibitory activity using a real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay in the presence of proteinase K reveals that the AAPF inhibitor (MeOSuc-AAPF-CH(2)Cl) at a concentration of 0.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFNonylphenol (NP) and its parent compounds, the nonylphenol ethoxylates are some of the most prevalent chemicals found in U.S. waterways.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFToxicol Appl Pharmacol
October 2006
Nonylphenol (NP) is a breakdown product of nonylphenol ethoxylates, which are used in a variety of industrial, agricultural, household cleaning, and beauty products. NP is one of the most commonly found toxicants in the United States and Europe and is considered a toxicant of concern because of its long half-life. NP is an environmental estrogen that also activates the pregnane X-receptor (PXR) and in turn induces P450s.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe two major pathways for the metabolism of estradiol-17beta (E2) are the 2- and 16-hydroxylase pathways. Research has suggested that the increased production of the estrogenically active 16-hydroxy products such as estriol (E3) may be involved in increased susceptibility to breast cancer. 4-Nonylphenol (4-NP) is an environmental estrogen that also can activate the pregnane-X receptor (PXR) and induce P-450 enzymes responsible for the production of E3.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFComp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol
January 2005
4-Nonylphenol (4-NP), a major by-product of alkylphenol ethoxylates, is used in several industries and as a consequence is quite common in rivers, estuaries and other aquatic environments that receive sewage discharges or are near offshore oil platforms. 4-NP is an environmental estrogen that also binds human and rodent Pregnane X-receptor (PXR), the orphan nuclear receptor that controls the expression of several detoxication genes in mammals, including several CYP3A and CYP2B family members. These P450s preferentially hydroxylate testosterone in the 6beta- and 16beta-positions, respectively.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFChromium is released during several industrial processes and has accumulated in some estuarine areas. Its effects on mammals have been widely studied, but relatively little information is available on its effects on fish. Gene expression changes are useful biomarkers that can provide information about toxicant exposure and effects, as well as the health of an organism and its ability to adapt to its surroundings.
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