Some contributions to the application of LC-NMR, LC-MS, and LC-CD to the biosynthesis of isoquinoline alkaloids using callus cultures.

Hyphenated spectroscopic techniques in combination with a special extraction and work-up of plant calli cultures of Berberidaceae, Fumariaceae, and Papaveraceae families, e.g., enabled us to get deeper insight into the sequential biochemical conversions of precursors into simple isoquinoline- and protoberberine-alkaloids and their follow-up-products with different skeletons.

Evidence of covalent interaction of fumaric acid esters with sulfhydryl groups in peptides.

Fumaric acid esters, namely dimethylfumarate, have been used for the treatment of psoriasis for many years. Still, their mode of action is not fully clear. Because addition of nucleophiles to the double bonds of fumarates can occur (Michael analogous addition), a study of the interaction of fumarates with cysteine and cysteine-containing peptides possessing nucleophilic sulfhydryl group was carried out.

LC-NMR and LC-MS analysis of 2,3,10,11-oxygenated protoberberine metabolites in Corydalis cell cultures.

The metabolism of 2,3,10,11-oxygenated protoberberine alkaloids was studied in cell cultures of Corydalis species. Without prior isolation, the structures of the metabolites were determined by LC-MS and LC-NMR analyses. Tetrahydropseudocoptisine alpha-N-metho salt, pseudoprotopine, and pseudomuramine were identified for the first time, and preliminary evidence for metabolic pathways to the formation of these alkaloids were obtained.

Dimethylfumarate inhibits tumor-necrosis-factor-induced CD62E expression in an NF-kappa B-dependent manner.

Fumaric acid esters are thought to improve psoriasis by altering leukocyte, keratinocyte, and/or endothelial functions. To determine specificity, kinetics, and molecular mechanisms of different fumaric acid esters in their ability to inhibit endothelial cell activation, we analyzed CD62E and CD54 expression in endothelial cells in vivo and in vitro. In lesional skin of psoriatic patients, oral fumaric acid ester treatment resulted in a marked reduction of CD62E but not CD54 expression on dermal microvessels.

Simple isoquinoline and benzylisoquinoline alkaloids as potential antimicrobial, antimalarial, cytotoxic, and anti-HIV agents.

Twenty-six simple isoquinolines and 21 benzylisoquinolines were tested for antimicrobial, antimalarial, cytotoxic, and anti-HIV activities. Some simple isoquinoline alkaloids were significantly active in each assay, and may be useful as lead compounds for developing potential chemotherapeutic agents. These compounds include 13 (antimicrobial), 25, 26, and 42 (antimalarial), 13 and 25 (cytotoxic), and 28 and 29 (anti-HIV).