Antitrypanosomal Activities and Cytotoxicity of Some Novel Imido-substituted 1,4-Naphthoquinone Derivatives

The antitrypanosomal activities, cytotoxicity, and selectivity indices of eleven imido-substituted 1,4-naphthoquinone derivatives and nifurtimox have been studied. Compared to nifurtimox (IC(50) = 10.67 μM), all the imido-naphthoquinone analogs (IMDNQ1-IMDNQ11) are more potent on Trypanosoma cruzi with IC50 values ranging from 0.7 μM to 6.1 μM (p \u3c 0.05). Studies of the cytotoxic activities of these compounds on a Balb/C 3T3 mouse fibroblast cell line revealed that four of these compounds, IMDNQ1, IMDNQ2, IMDNQ3, and IMDNQ10 displayed selectivity indices of 60.25, 53.97, 31.83, and 275.3, respectively, rendering them significantly (p \u3c 0.05) more selective in inhibiting the parasite growth than nifurtimox (selectivity index = 10.86)

Statistical analysis of cryptic variation in Drosophila alcohol dehydrogenase

Statistical analysis indicated that mean alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) activity levels within ADH1 and ADH11 isochromosomal lines varied significantly among the Mexican populations ofDrosophila melanogaster used. Also as indicated by coefficient of variation values for ADH activity, the relative amount of genetic variation differed among and within the ADH1 and ADH11 strains examined. The quantitative nature of the differences in ADH activity supported the concept of the additive gene action of the alcohol dehydrogenase (Adh) locus. The manner in which our isochromosomal lines were constructed suggested that genes regulating ADH activity inD. melanogaster were located on the second chromosomes

Changes in native alcohol dehydrogenase activity of Drosophila upon treatment with guanidine hydrochloride, urea and heat

Fifty-two isochromosomal lines ofDrosophila melanogaster were examined for the existence of additional genetic variations in ADH activity subsequent to treatment With guanidine hydrochloride, urea and heat. A wealth of hidden variation was discovered among and within the Mexican populations of the insect after treatment with the denaturants

Drosophila alcohol dehydrogenase: Developmental studies on cryptic variant lines

Thirty-five cryptic variant lines were used to examine the mechanisms involved in genetic modulation of alcohol metabolism in Drosophila. Late third-instar larval, preemergence pupal, and adult stages cultured at 18 and 28 C were examined. Spectrophotometric analyses for native alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) activity and residual ADH activity after treatment with guanidine hydrochloride and heat were performed. Differential response of cryptic variants to treatment with the denaturants during development suggested that this variation may have an adaptive significance

Tissue specific regulation of renal n-nitrosodimethylamine-demethylase activity by testosterone in BALB/c mice

Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), like several other nitrosamines, is activated by the enzymes-mixed-function oxidases-present in the tissue microsomal fractions, producing mutagenic and carcinogenic effects. Previous studies in BALB/c mice have shown an age, sex and androgenic regulation of NDMA-induced mutagenicity. The present study was designed to test the correlation between renal NDMA-demethylase activity and previously published reports on NDMA-induced mutagenicity. Renal and hepatic NDMA-demethylases were determined from the microsomal fractions by quantitating formaldehyde. Renal NDMA-demethylase showed the presence of two isozymes, I and II, with Km values of 0.6 ± 0.2 and 20.2 ± 6.8 mM respectively. Isozyme I was detected in adult males and first appeared at the onset of puberty; it was absent in adult females and in immature mice. Renal isozyme II was detected in both males and females and was independent of age. Testosterone treatment of adult females resulted in the appearance of renal isozyme I. Castration of adult males caused a dramatic decrease in activity, whereas testesterone administration to such castrates increased activity, of renal isozyme I. Hepatic NDMA-demethylase activities were independent of age, sex or testosterone treatment. In conclusion, these results show an age, sex and tissue specific regulation of renal NDMA activity. Renal and hepatic NDMA-demethylase activities correlated positively with earlier studies on NDMA-induced mutagenesis and carcinogenesis. © 1988

ETHNIC IDENTITY AND TYPE 2 DIABETES HEALTH ATTITUDES IN AMERICANS OF AFRICAN ANCESTRY

Background: Exploring the role of ethnic identity may be a good starting point toward a better understanding of health attitudes in different communities. This knowledge would be most useful in addressing diseases that cause significant burden and for which known prevention and morbidity-reducing strategies are effective.Objective: The main objective was to investigate possible associations between measures of ethnic identity and health attitudes toward type 2 diabetes mellitus by using a questionnaire-based measure