Blue light, as an important environmental factor, can regulate the production of various secondary metabolites of Monascus purpureus M9, including mycotoxin-citrinin, pigments, and monacolin K. The analysis of citrinin in Monascus M9 exposed to blue light for 0 min./d, 15 min./d, and 60 min./d showed that 15 min./d of blue light illumination could significantly increase citrinin production, while 60 min./d of blue light illumination decreased citrinin production. Analysis of long non-coding RNA (LncRNA) was performed on the transcripts of Monascus M9 under three culture conditions, and this analysis identified an lncRNA named AOANCR that can negatively regulate the mraox gene. Fermentation studies suggested that alternate respiratory pathways could be among the pathways that are involved in the regulation of the synthesis of citrinin by environmental factors. Aminophylline and citric acid were added to the culture medium to simulate the process of generating cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) in cells under illumination conditions. The results of the fermentation showed that aminophylline and citric acid could increase the expression of the mraox gene, decrease the expression of lncRNA AOANCR, and reduce the yield of citrinin. This result also indicates a reverse regulation relationship between lncRNA AOANCR and the mraox gene. A blue light signal might regulate the mraox gene at least partially through lncRNA AOANCR, thereby regulating citrinin production. Citrinin has severe nephrotoxicity in mammals, and it is important to control the residual amout of citrinin in red yeast products during fermentation. LncRNA AOANCR and mraox can potentially be used as new targets for the control of citrinin production.

Theophylline is a commonly used bronchodilator drug for treatment of chronic canine bronchitis, but no formulations validated in dogs are currently available. An oral, modified and compounded theophylline product (MCT), which could fulfil this need, is available through a USP-compliant, veterinary compounding pharmacy; however, its pharmacokinetic properties are unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the pharmacokinetics of MCT. Plasma drug concentrations were measured in seven healthy, fed dogs after single doses of intravenous aminophylline (8.6 mg/kg theophylline equivalent) and oral MCT (10 mg/kg). Systemic bioavailability of the MCT was 96.2 ± 32.9%. MCT times to maximum concentration, mean absorption time and terminal half-life were 8.85 ± 3.63, 6.95 ± 3.42, and 8.67 ± 1.62 hr, respectively. Based on simulations of 10 mg/kg and 12-hr dosing, steady-state plasma theophylline concentrations are expected to exceed the minimum therapeutic concentration for 71.7 ± 35.6% of the dosing interval. Overall, the MCT product investigated showed similar pharmacokinetic characteristics compared to previously validated extended-release theophylline products. An oral dose of 10 mg/kg q 12 hr is likely an appropriate dosage to begin therapy; however, therapeutic drug monitoring may be warranted because of inter-individual variation.

Photosensitisation of riboflavin (Rf) activates aminophylline (Am) resulting into the formation of a highly pro-oxidant Am-Rf system. We have previously shown its macromolecular damaging response in human peripheral lymphocytes, however, its potential inside a cancer cell is yet to be explored. Since, altered redox status of a cancer cell is a reliable therapeutic window in designing anticancer strategies, therefore, it's imperative to investigate whether the reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by this system readily triggers apoptosis or it is countered by elevated antioxidant machinery of a cancer cell. Here, we have demonstrated DNA damaging and cytotoxic potential of this system in benzopyrene induced lung carcinoma cells. Using various biochemical assays significant macromolecular damage was observed along with mitochondrial membrane disruption as evaluated by rhodamine 6G membrane permeant. The 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay showed decreased cell viability, confirming cytotoxic action whereas fluorescence and electron microscopic evaluation confirmed apoptosis. ROS scavengers ameliorated the oxidative damage and inhibited cell death, thus confirming, pivotal role of ROS in causing cell death. It was evidently found out that the lung cancer cells were more sensitive towards the photodynamic action of this system, which can be attributed to the upregulated riboflavin metabolism in cancer cell. Hence, we propose a photodynamic mechanism to kill lung cancer cell that exhibits enhanced sensitivity towards cancer cells.

This paper is an examination of irritable behaviour in very low-birth-weight infants in relation to caffeine or aminophylline. We assessed tremulous movement (a sub-score of General Movements Optimality Score) in 18 caffeine-treated subjects and 18 aminophylline-treated subjects. Caffeine, unlike aminophylline, was not associated with irritable behaviour at standard dose.

Aminophylline is a drug combination of theophylline and ethylenediamine in a ratio of 2 to 1. It is FDA approved for relieving symptoms of reversible airway obstruction due to asthma or other chronic lung diseases like chronic bronchitis and emphysema. It is also used to prevent apnea in preterm infants.[1]