Spatial structure of oligopeptide PAP(248-261), the N-terminal fragment of the HIV enhancer prostatic acid phosphatase peptide PAP(248-286), in aqueous and SDS micelle solutions

Prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP) is an enzyme that facilitates infection of cells by HIV. Its peptide fragment PAP(248-286) forms amyloid fibrils known as SEVI, which enhance attachment of the virus by viral adhesion to the host cell prior to receptor-specific binding via reducing the electrostatic repulsion between the membranes of the virus and the target cell. The secondary structure of PAP(248-286) in aqueous and SDS solutions can be divided into an N-terminal disordered region, an α-helical central part and an α/310-helical C-terminal region (Nanga et al., 2009). In this work, we used NMR spectroscopy to study the spatial structure of the isolated N-terminal fragment of PAP(248-286), PAP(248-261) (GIHKQKEKSRLQGG), in aqueous and SDS micelle solutions. Formation of a PAP(248-261)-SDS complex was confirmed by chemical shift alterations in the 1H NMR spectra of the peptide, as well as by the signs and values of Nuclear Overhauser Effect (NOE). In addition, the PAP(248-261) peptide does not form any specified secondary structure in either aqueous or SDS solutions

Triterpenic Acid Amides as a Promising Agent for Treatment of Metabolic Syndrome

A series of triterpenic acid amides were synthesized incorporating a 2-ethoxy-3-phenylpropanoic acid pharmacophore fragment. The synthesized compounds were tested for their ability to improve glycemic control and to counter lipid abnormalities in C57BL/6 mice placed on a high-fat/high-cholesterol diet. Of all tested compounds, the dihydrobetulonic derivative (16b) had the most pronounced effect in decreasing blood glucose levels, total cholesterol (TC), and high-density lipoproteins (HDL). All the synthesized compounds displayed a relatively safe profile in the animal studies carried out in this work

Dithiophosphate-Induced Redox Conversions of Reduced and Oxidized Glutathione

Phosphorus species are potent modulators of physicochemical and bioactive properties of peptide compounds. O,O-diorganyl dithiophoshoric acids (DTP) form bioactive salts with nitrogen-containing biomolecules; however, their potential as a peptide modifier is poorly known. We synthesized amphiphilic ammonium salts of O,O-dimenthyl DTP with glutathione, a vital tripeptide with antioxidant, protective and regulatory functions. DTP moiety imparted radical scavenging activity to oxidized glutathione (GSSG), modulated the activity of reduced glutathione (GSH) and profoundly improved adsorption and electrooxidation of both glutathione salts on graphene oxide modified electrode. According to NMR spectroscopy and GC–MS, the dithiophosphates persisted against immediate dissociation in an aqueous solution accompanied by hydrolysis of DTP moiety into phosphoric acid, menthol and hydrogen sulfide as well as in situ thiol-disulfide conversions in peptide moieties due to the oxidation of GSH and reduction of GSSG. The thiol content available in dissolved GSH dithiophosphate was more stable during air oxidation compared with free GSH. GSH and the dithiophosphates, unlike DTP, caused a thiol-dependent reduction of MTS tetrazolium salt. The results for the first time suggest O,O-dimenthyl DTP as a redox modifier for glutathione, which releases hydrogen sulfide and induces biorelevant redox conversions of thiol/disulfide groups