Enzymatic potential

Total protein, albumin, urea (standard methods) and middle molecules (MM) were determined in citrated plasma [6]. The trypsin-like activity (TLA) of plasma was measured using the chromogenic peptide substrate (Z-glycyl-glycyl-L-arginine-4-nitroanilide) [7]. Evaluation of anti-enzymatic potential in plasma was based on concentrations of the main protease inhibitors -proteinase inhibitor (ttj-PI) and aj-macroglobulin (a -M). Student s t-test was used for statistical analysis. 

Both procaryotic and eukaryotic microorganisms have the enzymatic potential to oxidize aromatic hydrocarbons that range in size from a single ring (e.g., benzene, toluene and xylene) to polycyclic aromatics (PC As), such as naphthalane, anthracene, phenanthrene, benzo [a] pyrene and benz [a] anthracene (Table 4.4). However, the molecular mechanisms by which bacteria and higher microorganisms degrade aromatic compounds are fundamentally different. 

Even though substrate quality (i.e., chemical composition) is widely believed to be an important factor influencing microbial utilization of DOM, there are relatively few studies relating the composition and bioavailability of DOM. Sensitive assays for the measurement of the relative activities of various extracellular enzymes can provide an indication of the chemical composition of the bioreactive components of DOM (Sinsabaugh and Findlay, 1995 Findlay et al., 1998). The enzymatic potential of bacterial populations appears to respond fairly rapidly to seasonal changes in DOM composition in the Hudson River system. These observations clearly indicate that the chemical composition of DOM influences the microbial processing of DOM. 

Reichardt, W. 1986. Enzymatic potential for decomposition of detrital biopolymers in sediments from Kiel Bay. Ophelia 26 369-384. 

It is usually preferable to perform the converrion of a substrate by exploiting the enzymatic potential of a microorganism. The glutamate decarboxylase in Escherichia coli is used in conjunction with the pC02 electrode to measure glutamic acid [237], according to the following reaction ... 

Many complex systems have been spread on liquid interfaces for a variety of reasons. We begin this chapter with a discussion of the behavior of synthetic polymers at the liquid-air interface. Most of these systems are linear macromolecules however, rigid-rod polymers and more complex structures are of interest for potential optoelectronic applications. Biological macromolecules are spread at the liquid-vapor interface to fabricate sensors and other biomedical devices. In addition, the study of proteins at the air-water interface yields important information on enzymatic recognition, and membrane protein behavior. We touch on other biological systems, namely, phospholipids and cholesterol monolayers. These systems are so widely and routinely studied these days that they were also mentioned in some detail in Chapter IV. The closely related matter of bilayers and vesicles is also briefly addressed. 

Computer simulation techniques offer the ability to study the potential energy surfaces of chemical reactions to a high degree of quantitative accuracy [4]. Theoretical studies of chemical reactions in the gas phase are a major field and can provide detailed insights into a variety of processes of fundamental interest in atmospheric and combustion chemistry. In the past decade theoretical methods were extended to the study of reaction processes in mesoscopic systems such as enzymatic reactions in solution, albeit to a more approximate level than the most accurate gas-phase studies. 

Mention should also be made here of the extensive use of poly(vinyl alcohol) in potentially biodegradable applications. At appropriate hydroxyl contents these polymers will dissolve in water (see Chapter 14) and can apparently be conveniently washed away after use as a water-soluble packaging. Biodegradation does, however, appear to be slow and first requires an oxidative step involving enzymatic attack to a ketone such as polyenolketone, which then biodegrades more rapidly. 

The enzymatic activity of these potentially harmful enzymes is tightly controlled. Once transcribed into protein, MMPs are expressed as inactive zymogens and require distinct activation processes to convert them into active enzymes. After secretion, MMP-activity is regulated by the noncovalent binding of tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases ( TIMPs) as shown in Fig. 2 for MMP-2 and TIMP-2. Four TIMPs have been identified so far TIMP-1, TIMP-2, TIMP-3, and TIMP-4. All known MMPs can be inhibited by at least one of the four known TIMPs. Nevertheless, individual differences with regard to bond strength and thus the magnitude of inhibition of a particular MMP do exist. 

ACE not only activates angiotensin but is also involved in the metabolism of other peptides, e.g., it is a major kinin-degrading enzyme. Therefore, ACE inhibitors also increase kinin concentrations. Furthermore, it has recently been shown that these drugs potentiate kinin effects by modulating a direct interaction between the ACE protein and the kinin B2 receptor, which is independent from the enzymatic activity of ACE. Kinin potentiation may be involved in the beneficial action of ACE inhibition since kinins are known to exert cardio- and renoprotective actions. 

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