Linear Peptides Containing d-Leucine with Neuroprotective Activities from the Leech Whitmania pigra Whitman

J Nat Prod. 2019 Aug 23;82(8):2349-2353. doi: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.9b00322. Epub 2019 Jul 30.

Abstract

Three new linear peptides containing d-leucine, named whitmantides A-C (1-3), were isolated from the dried whole bodies of Whitmania pigra Whitman. Their structures with absolute configurations were elucidated by Edman degradation, mass spectrometry, Marfey's analysis, and solid-phase synthesis. It is the first time that peptides containing d-amino acid in leeches were discovered. Compounds 1-3 displayed neuroprotective activities against oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion injury on Neuro-2a cells. In addition, ex vivo serum stability tests showed that 1-3 were resistant to protease degradation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Leeches / chemistry*
  • Leucine / analysis*
  • Neuroprotective Agents / chemistry
  • Neuroprotective Agents / pharmacology*
  • Peptides / chemistry*

Substances

  • Neuroprotective Agents
  • Peptides
  • Leucine