Caudal anesthesia in pediatric surgical practice

Prospective study was carried out on 100 patients since May 2005 in my private practice and in the department of pediatric surgery of MMCH. Under caudal anesthesia along with or without ketaminie induction and gas inhalation all the patients underwent different surgical procedure namely anorectal surgery (eg. anoplasty, rectal polyp), urogenital surgery (Circumcision, hypospadias, meatotomy), groin surgery (hernia, hydrocele) and foot & leg surgery. Calculated dose schedule of drugs used in anesthesia and volume were maintained. Time of giving anesthesia and time of starting analgesia were recorded. Per-operative and postoperative analgesia were evaluated. Every parent was explained regarding the merit of caudal anesthesia calculated and compared with that of general anesthesia. Application of caudal anesthesia with or without ketamine & diazepam induction can be used safely and cost effectively and may be put into protocol in many of the pediatric surgical practice both in institute and also in private practice.

Mitral stenosis in a girl of five years

Mitral stenosis(MS) detected below the age of 20 years is called juvenile mitral stenosis (JMS). JMS constitute 25-40 % of all cases of isolated mitral stenosis, though overall incidence of rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease (RHD) within mixed population is 7.5- 7.8 per thousand. The patient was 5 years old girl hailing from Modhupur, Tangail got herself admitted into CCU Mymensingh Medical College Hospital with the complaints of low grade fever, shortness of breath and also associated with failure to thrive. She was ill looking, mildly anaemic. Precordial examination revealed apex beat was in the left 5th intercostals space, tapping in nature, palpable P(2). There was left parasternal heave. 1st heart sound loud, pulmonary component of the 2nd heart sound was accentuated, opening snap with mid diastolic murmur with pre systolic accentuation. Routine blood examination reveals leucocytosis with raised ESR. C-reactive protein (CRP) and ASO titre were significantly raised. X-ray chest P/A view showing the features of mitral stenosis. Echocardiography showing MS (moderate) with pulmonary hypertension. She was treated with antibiotics and other relevant drugs and discharge with an advice for follow up and take preparation for cardiac intervention.

A comparison of the Soft Sealtm disposable and the Classic re-usable laryngeal mask airway*

Many new supraglottic airway devices have been recently introduced, their development motivated by the need for a single-use equivalent to the original re-usable laryngeal mask airway. We performed a randomised cross-over study in spontaneously breathing patients comparing the re-usable Laryngeal Mask Airway-Classic (LMA) and the disposable Soft Seal Laryngeal Mask in sizes 3, 4 and 5. Sixty patients had an LMA and a disposable laryngeal mask placed in random order. The primary outcome was first attempt insertion success rate. Ease of insertion was similar in both groups and there was no difference in first attempt success rates (96% with LMA and 92% with disposable laryngeal mask). The disposable laryngeal mask required significantly less air to inflate the cuff to produce a seal (10 [10-25] ml with disposable laryngeal mask and 15 [10-30] ml with laryngeal mask) and the cuff pressure produced was significantly lower (35 [20-80] cmH(2)O with disposable laryngeal mask and 75 [20-120] cmH(2)O with LMA). Data are median and range. We conclude that the disposable laryngeal mask is an acceptable alternative to the re-usable LMA.

Contaminant accumulation and biomarker responses in caged fish exposed to effluents from anthropogenic sources in the Karnaphuly River, Bangladesh

The possible ecotoxicological effects of a paper and pulp mill effluent were investigated by measuring selected contaminants and biomarkers in caged Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and sharptooth catfish (Clarias gariepinus) from the Karnaphuly River, Bangladesh. Fish were caged for 28 d at two upstream reference sites (2 and 4 km) and four downstream sites (3, 5, 8, and 12 km) from the effluent outlets. Organochlorine contaminants and bile biomarkers were bioaccumulated to higher levels at downstream polluted sites than at the reference sites, including hexachlorobenzene (HCB), hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in liver, and chlorophenolic compounds like 2,4-dichlorophenol and 2,4,6-trichlorophenol in bile. Levels of glucose, protein, and aspartate aminotransferase were analyzed in plasma, whereas cytochrome P4501A (CYP1A) levels were determined in S-12 supernatants of liver. The results, including CYP1A induction and bile biomarkers, clearly indicated that, in addition to the paper and pulp mill effluents, the downstream sites appear to receive other inputs of contaminants. This field assessment in a Bangladeshi river demonstrates biomarker measurements in caged fish as a promising approach for evaluating accumulation and effects of industrial effluents in fish of developing countries.

Histopathological types of malignant lesions of esophagus and stomach

Upper part of gastrointestinal tract is common site of malignancy. Histological types of malignancy of esophagus and stomach may vary in different countries and also in different regions in the same countries. To find out the frequencies of different histological malignancies in Mymensingh region of Bangladesh, we analyzed the histopathological reports of 259 biopsy specimens examined in one pathology laboratory in Mymensingh town during the period from 6th January 2002 to 29th April 2004. Endoscopic biopsies were 234 (90.35%) and surgical biopsy specimens were 25 (9.35%). Male patients were 193 (72.52%) and female patients were 66 (25.48%). Specimens of esophagus were 73 (28.19%) and of stomach were 186 (71.81%). Out of 69 (94.53%) adequate samples of esophagus 46 (74.19%) were squamous cell carcinoma and 16 (25.81%) were adenocarcinoma. Adequate samples of stomach were 177 (95.16%) in which malignancies were found in 119 (67.23%). All the malignant tumor of stomach were in adenocarcinoma of which 82 (68.91%) were intestinal type, 17 (14.29%) were diffuse type and 20 (16.81%) mixed type. Intestinal type of gastric adenocarcinoma was found to be significantly associated with male patients (p < 0.005). From the present study it is suggested that in the Mymensingh region the common form of malignant lesion of esophagus may be squamous cell carcinoma followed by adenocarcinoma. Adenocarcinoma is the most common type of gastric malignancy of which intestinal type is more common

Ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration cytology for diagnosis of mass lesions of liver

The therapeutic and prognostic evaluation of malignant neoplasia of liver depends mostly on morphologic diagnosis. Ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) of liver has been proved to be a rapid, reliable and cost-effective method for cytological diagnosis of hepatic mass lesions. This study was undertaken to find out the frequency of different benign and malignant space occupying lesions (SOL) of liver from patients attending for FNAC in Mymensingh. Ultrasound guided FNAC was performed on 108 patients with hepatic mass lesions from September 2, 2001 to August 19, 2003. There were 67 (62.0%) males and 41 (37.96%) females with a mean age 53 year (SD +/- 14) ranging from 2 to 83 years. Samples were adequate in 101 (93.5%) and inadequate in 7 (6.5%). Out of 101 adequate samples only one was benign (liver abscess) and 100 were malignant. Of the malignant lesions hepatoblastoma was in 1 (1%), hepatocellular carcinomas in 8 (8%), metastatic adenocarcinomas in 73 (73%) and unclassified malignancies were in 18 (18%). Most of the hepatocellular carcinomas occurred in males (7 in 8). The frequency of metastatic adenocarcinoma was more in males (39 vs. 34) but the difference is not significant (p > 0.05). Ultrasound guided FNAC of liver is a rapid, reliable and cost-effective diagnostic method. It can be practice in any centres where ultrasound facility and specialist pathologists are available.

Coronary artery disease in young adults - angiographic profile

Angiographic profile of fifty young patients of coronary artery disease aged 40 or under were analysed and compared with those of fifty older patients. Mean age of younger and older group was 36.34 (range 28 to 40 years) and 55.28 (44-74 years) years respectively and most of the patients were male in both the group (92 Vs 94%). Older patients were more diabetes (40 Vs 24%) and hypertensive (38 Vs 60%) but the younger patients had more family history of premature coronary artery disease (50% Vs 24%). The incidence of smoking and dyslipidemia did not vary between the two groups. Older patients had more history of myocardial infarction (69 Vs 58%) but angina were more in young patients (42 Vs 31%). Coronary angiography revealed more number of multivessel disease in older patients (74 Vs 54%) but the younger patients had more normal coronary arteries and single vessel disease (46 vs 26%). Coronary athesclerosis was also extensive in older patients as revealed by the higher coronary score, more involvement of coronary segments, more number of diseased and diffusely involved coronary vessel in older patients. Older patients needed more revasalarization process (74 Vs 60%), more coronary bypass surgery (40 Vs 24%) and had more inoperable vessels (16% Vs 4%) than the younger patients. So the younger patients having less extensive coronary artery athesclerosis with better prognostic probability should be evaluated angiographically for further definitive management in the from of revascularization.

Studies on clinical pattern of glomerulonephritis

A prospective study of primary glomerulonephritis covering two and half years period was done at Dhaka Medical College Hospital & IPGMR, Dhaka from June 90 to July 92. A total of 100 cases were included in this study. All of the patients were of 13 years and above, clinically diagnosed, and by laboratory investigations, the diagnoses were established. In this study, we have tried to find out age incidence, sex ratio, possible aetiological factors, common clinical presentation, biochemical parameters and histological typing of primary glomerulonephritis.

Epidemiological characteristics of sixty five cases of Kala-azar attending to a laboratory in Mymensingh

To find out the epidemiological characteristics of the patients with Kala-azar attending to a pathology laboratory at Mymensingh we studied retrospectively in a total of 65 patients. These patients were suspected to be Kala-azar as they were suffering from usually chronic fever, anaemia and splenomegaly. They were referred for serological detection of anti-k39 Leishmanial antibody by Immunochromatographic test (ICT) method. ICT positive cases were included for study. Majority cases were suffering from fever of more than 3 months (40%). Out of 65 patients 43 (66.15%) were males and 22 (33.85%) were females with a M:F ratio 2:1. Patients of 10 or less then 10 years of age were 17 (26.15%), in 11-20 years 23 (35.38%), in 21-30 years 13 (20.00%), in 31-40 years 5 (7.69%), in 41-50 years (6.15%) and in more than 50 years 3 (4.62%). Distribution of patients in different districts were: Mymensingh 54 (83.08%), Tangail 5 (7.69%), Jamalpur (4.62%), Netrokona 1 (1.54%) and Kishorgonj 1 (1.54%). In Mymensingh district patients were distributed as following Upazilla:Trishal 22 (40.74%), Fulbaria 11 (20.37%), Mymensingh Sadar 7 (12.96%), Gaforgaon 7 (12.96%),Bhaluka 5 (9.96%), Fulpur 1 (1.85%) and Nandail 1 (1.85%). Patients were found to scattered among different Unions of the affected Upazillas. The details addresses of the Kala-azar patients are recorded in authors computer databases. This may help in the further study regarding pathogenesis, reservoir and vectors of Leishmania in endemic areas. It may also helps in the community based study of Kala-azar. Present study supports that Kala-azar is still prevailing in the south-western region of greater Mymensingh in Bangladesh of which males and the adolescents are more affected.

A comparative study of body iron status and lipid profile in acute myocardial infarction patients

This study was carried out to evaluate the relationship between body iron status and lipid profile in hospital admitted clinically diagnosed AMI patients considering the concept that there is a potential association between body iron status and coronary heart disease (CHD). Total 80 subjects were selected, of which 40 were healthy adults and 40 were AMI patients. Fasting blood samples were collected from healthy adults. Blood samples of AMI patients were collected within 24 hours of the attack of myocardial infarction. Body iron status was measured in term of 3 variables serum total iron concentration, TIBC and transferrin saturation. Lipid profile variables measure were total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL-cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol. No correlation was found between serum iron and the variables of lipid profile. TIBC was found to maintain negative correlation with total cholesterol, triglyceride and LDL-cholesterol but positive correlation with HDL-cholesterol. Transferrin saturation was found to maintain strongly positive correlation with total cholesterol, triglyceride and LDL-cholesterol but strongly negative correlation with HDL-cholesterol. This correlation of TIBC and transferrin saturation with lipid profile supports the hypothesis that there is a potential association between body iron status and coronary heart disease.

Role of dietary habits in the development of esophageal cancer in Assam, the north-eastern region of India

The etiology of esophageal cancer remains largely unknown. In recent years, the role of dietary habits in the development of esophageal cancer has received much attention. Prevalence of esophageal cancer in Assam is highest among all the states of India. To identify the possible risk factors, a hospital-based case-control study was conducted with 502 cases and 1,004 controls. "Kalakhar," a unique and locally made food item, has emerged as a significant risk factor (odds ratio = 8.0, 95% confidence interval = 5.1-11.5, p < 0.001). Consumption of very spicy foods, hot foods and beverages, a diet containing high amounts of chili, and leftover food was positively associated with the risk of esophageal cancer. Green leafy vegetables and fruits were protective for esophageal cancer. The risk factors associated with consumption of locally prepared food items, e.g., kalakhar, and some dietary practices did not decrease, even after adjustments with different confounding factors. However, further studies are required to conclusively implicate these factors in causation of esophageal cancer.

Betel nut and tobacco chewing; potential risk factors of cancer of oesophagus in Assam, India

Cancer of the oesophagus is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in males in Assam, in north-eastern India, and ranks second for females. The chewing of betel nut, with or without tobacco and prepared in various ways, is a common practice in the region and a case-control study has been designed to study the pattern of risk associated with different ways of preparing and chewing the nuts. 358 newly diagnosed male patients and 144 female have been interviewed together with 2 control subjects for each case chosen at random from among the attendants who accompanied patients to hospital. There were significant trends in risk ratios associated with the frequency of chewing each day, with the duration of chewing in years and with the age at which the habit was started that were apparent for both males and females and which remained significant after allowance was made for other known risk factors, notably tobacco smoking and alcohol consumption. The adjusted ratios, in comparison with non-chewers, were 13.3 M and 5.7 F for chewing more than 20 times a day, 10.6 M and 7.2 F for persons who had chewed for more than 20 years and 10.3 M and 5.3 F for those who had started before the age of 20. Among the different combinations of ingredients that were chewed the adjusted odds ratios were highest for those who had been using fermented betel nut with any form of tobacco (7.1 M and 3.6 F). The risk associated with tobacco smoking and alcohol consumption, which are high in some parts of the world, were less in Assam than those associated with the chewing of betel nut.

Haplophytin-A and B: the alkaloidal constituents of Haplophyllum acutifolium

During the phytochemical investigation of Haplophyllum acutifolium, two alkaloids named haplophytin-A (1) and B (2) have been obtained. In addition, some known constituents: flindersine (3), kusunokinin (4), beta-sitosterol, oleanolic acid, cholesterol and hexadecanoic acid, have also been obtained. The known constituents have never been obtained from this source. The structures of all the isolated constituents were elucidated by spectroscopic means. However, the structures of constituents 1 and 2 were further confirmed through HMBC technique.

A new acylated steroid glucoside from Perovskia atriplicifolia

Atroside (1), an acylated steroid glucoside, has been isolated from Perovskia atriplicifolia along with other known compounds.

Brine shrimp bioassay of Phoenix sylvestris

Brine shrimp bioassay is a simple method for natural product research. The procedure determines LD50 values in microg/ml of active compound and extract in the brine medium. Three different extracts (methanol, chloroform and butanol) of the male flower inflorescence of Phoenix sylvestris were subjected to this bioassay. The results showed that the methanolic and butanolic extracts exhibit significant toxicity to the shrimps, while the chloroform extract was found to be non-toxic.

Tyrosine kinase activation by the angiotensin II receptor in the absence of calcium signaling

The angiotensin II type 1 (AT(1)) receptor signals via heterotrimeric G-proteins and intracellular tyrosine kinases. Here, we investigate a modified AT(1) receptor, termed M5, where the last five tyrosines (residues 292, 302, 312, 319, and 339) within the intracellular carboxyl tail have been mutated to phenylalanine. This receptor did not elevate cytosolic free calcium or inositol phosphate production in response to angiotensin II, suggesting an uncoupling of the receptor from G-protein activation. Despite this, the M5 receptor still activated tyrosine kinases, induced STAT1 tyrosine phosphorylation, and stimulated cell proliferation. We also studied another AT(1) mutant receptor, D74E, stably expressed in Chinese hamster ovarian cells and a fibroblast cell line from mice with a genetic inactivation of Galpha(q/11). Both cell lines have a deficit in calcium signaling and in G-protein activation, and yet in both cell lines, angiotensin II induced the time-dependent tyrosine phosphorylation of STAT1. These studies are the first to show the ability of a seven-transmembrane receptor to activate intracellular tyrosine kinase pathways in the absence of a G-protein-coupled rise in intracellular calcium.

The role of Ca2+ mobilization and heterotrimeric G protein activation in mediating tyrosine phosphorylation signaling patterns in vascular smooth muscle cells

This work investigated the role of Ca2+ mobilization and heterotrimeric G protein activation in mediating angiotensin II-dependent tyrosine phosphorylation signaling patterns. We demonstrate that the predominant, angiotensin II-dependent, tyrosine phosphorylation signaling patterns seen in vascular smooth muscle cells are blocked by the intracellular Ca2+ chelator BAPTA-AM, but not by the Ca2+ channel blocker verapamil. Activation of heterotrimeric G proteins with NaF resulted in a divergent signaling effect; NaF treatment was sufficient to increase tyrosine phosphorylation levels of some proteins independent of angiotensin II treatment. In the same cells, NaF alone had no effect on other cellular proteins, but greatly potentiated the ability of angiotensin II to increase the tyrosine phosphorylation levels of these proteins. Two proteins identified in these studies were paxillin and Jak2. We found that NaF treatment alone, independent of angiotensin II stimulation, was sufficient to increase the tyrosine phosphorylation levels of paxillin. Furthermore, the ability of either NaF and/or angiotensin II to increase tyrosine phosphorylation levels of paxillin is critically dependent on intracellular Ca2+. In contrast, angiotensin II-mediated Jak2 tyrosine phosphorylation was independent of intracellular Ca2+ mobilization and extracellular Ca2+ entry. Thus, our data suggest that angiotensin II-dependent tyrosine phosphorylation signaling cascades are mediated through a diverse set of signaling pathways that are partially dependent on Ca2+ mobilization and heterotrimeric G protein activation.

Antiproliferative activity of diarylheptanoids from the seeds of Alpinia blepharocalyx

The 95% EtOH extract of the seeds of Alpinia blepharocalyx (Zingiberaceae) showed significant antiproliferative activity towards human HT-1080 fibrosarcoma and murine colon 26-L5 carcinoma cells. Chemical investigation of the extract led to the isolation of forty-four new (1-44) and one known (45) diarylheptanoids, eleven phenolic compounds (46-56) together with beta-sitosterol glucoside (57). Almost all the isolated compounds showed significant antiproliferative activity in a concentration-dependent manner. Among the compounds, epicalyxin F (17) exhibited the most potent activity against the proliferation of colon 26-L5 carcinoma cells with an ED50 value of 0.89 microM, while calyxin B (2) exhibited the most potent activity against human HT-1080 fibrosarcoma cells with an ED50 value of 0.69 microM. Moreover, calyxins B (2) and K (11), epicalyxins F (17), I (20) and K (22), 6-hydroxycalyxin F (25), blepharocalyxin B (27) and mixtures of 7 and epicalyxin G (18) and of calyxin J (10) and epicalyxin J (21) possessed more potent activity than a clinically used anticancer drug, 5-fluorouracil, towards HT-1080 fibrosarcoma cells. Analysis of the structure activity relationship suggested that the position of the attachment of a chalcone or a flavanone moiety does not affect the activity, although their presence in association causes a substantial enhancement of the antiproliferative activity. Moreover, the conjugated double bond of the chalcone moiety and the phenolic hydroxyl group potentiate the antiproliferative activity of the compounds.

Spatially resolved spectroscopy (NIRO-300) does not agree with jugular bulb oxygen saturation in patients undergoing warm bypass surgery

PURPOSE

Near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a promising non-invasive method for continuous monitoring of cerebral oxygenation during cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). This study was designed to study the agreement between tissue oxygen index (TOI) measured by spatially resolved spectroscopy (NIRO-300) and jugular bulb oxygen saturation (SjO2) in patients undergoing warm coronary bypass surgery.

METHODS

Seventeen patients undergoing warm coronary artery bypass surgery were studied. NIRS was continuously monitored and was averaged before CPB, five, 20, 40, 60 min on CPB, five minutes before end of CPB and ten minutes after CPB to coincide with SjO2 measurements. Bypass temperature was maintained at 34-37 degrees C.

RESULTS

Bland and Altman analysis showed a bias (TOI-SjO2) of -6.7%, and wide limits of agreement (from 16% to -28%) between the two methods. In addition, mean TOI was lower than mean SjO2 during and after CPB. We observed a statistically significant correlation between arterial carbon dioxide and SjO2 measurements (r2=0.33; P=0.0003), but the former did not correlate with TOI values (r2=0.001; P=0.7).

CONCLUSION

Our results demonstrate a lack of agreement between SjO2 and TOI for monitoring cerebral oxygenation during cardiac surgery. We conclude that the two methods are not interchangeable.

Blepharocalyxins C--E, three new dimeric diarylheptanoids, and related compounds from the seeds of Alpinia blepharocalyx

Three novel diarylheptanoids, blepharocalyxins C--E (5--7), together with four new (1--4) and one known (8) diarylheptanoids bearing a tetrahydropyran ring were isolated from the residual fraction of an EtOH extract of the seeds of Alpinia blepharocalyx. The structures and the stereochemistry at the chiral centers of the new diarylheptanoids were elucidated by spectroscopic techniques including 2D NMR spectroscopy. Blepharocalyxins C--E (5--7) have a novel carbon framework and are dimeric diarylheptanoids consisting of two diarylheptanoid units. Blepharocalyxin D (6) showed potent antiproliferative activity against murine colon 26-L5 carcinoma cells (ED(50), 3.61 microM), while against human HT-1080 fibrosarcoma cells, blepharocalyxin E (7) showed potent activity (ED(50), 9.02 microM).

The angiotensin II-dependent nuclear translocation of Stat1 is mediated by the Jak2 protein motif 231YRFRR

In response to angiotensin II, Jak2 autophosphorylates and binds the angiotensin II AT(1) receptor. By studying a variety of Jak2 deletion proteins, we now show that the Jak2 protein motif (231)YRFRR is required for the co-association of this kinase with the AT(1) receptor. We also used a full-length Jak2 protein containing a (231)FAAAA amino acid substitution. Although this protein still autophosphorylated in response to angiotensin II, it did not co-associate with the AT(1) receptor. This uncoupling indicates that AT(1)/Jak2 co-association is not necessary for angiotensin II-induced Jak2 autophosphorylation and that Jak2 autophosphorylation per se is insufficient for AT(1) receptor co-association. In response to angiotensin II, the Jak2-(231)FAAAA mutant will tyrosine phosphorylate Stat1. However, in the absence of AT(1)/Jak2 co-association, Stat1 did not translocate into the cell nucleus and failed to mediate gene transcription. This notable result indicates that Stat1 tyrosine phosphorylation alone is insufficient for Stat1 nuclear translocation. In summary, we now show that, although Jak2-mediated tyrosine phosphorylation of Stat1 is independent of receptor co-association, Jak2-mediated recruitment of Stat1 to the AT(1) receptor is critical for Stat1 nuclear translocation and subsequent gene transcription.

Six new diarylheptanoids from the seeds of Alpinia blepharocalyx

Chromatographic separation of part of an EtOH extract of the seeds of Alpinia blepharocalyx resulted in the isolation of six new (1-6) and two known (7, 8) diarylheptanoids together with 12 known compounds. The structures of the new compounds, including their absolute stereochemistry, were elucidated by spectroscopic and chemical methods as (3S,5S)- (1) and (3S,5R)-3-hydroxy-5-methoxy-1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-7-phenyl-6E-heptene (2), (3S,5S)- (3) and (3S,5R)-3-hydroxy-5-ethoxy-1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-7-phenyl-6E-heptene (4), (3S)-methoxy-1,7-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-6E-hepten-5-one (5), and 1,7-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)hepta-4E,6E-dien-3-one (6). Among the isolated compounds, 5, (3S,5S)-3,5-dihydroxy-1,7-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)heptane (8), 4'-hydroxy-5,6-dehydrokawain (14), and/or phloroglucinol (20) showed significant antiproliferative activity against murine colon 26-L5 carcinoma (ED(50): 5, 5.2 microM; 8, 12.8 microM; 14, 20.7 microM; 20, 26.4 microM) and human HT-1080 fibrosarcoma (ED(50): 5, 10.1 microM; 14, 20.1 microM; 20, 20.9 microM) cells.

Eleven novel diarylheptanoids and two unusual diarylheptanoid derivatives from the seeds of Alpinia blepharocalyx

An EtOH extract of the seeds of Alpinia blepharocalyx afforded 11 novel diarylheptanoids, named deoxycalyxin A (1), epicalyxin F (2), calyxin K (3), epicalyxin K (4), calyxin I (5), epicalyxin I (6), calyxin J (7), epicalyxin J (8), and calyxin L (9), an epimeric mixture of calyxin M (10) and epicalyxin M (11), and two unusual diarylheptanoid derivatives, named neocalyxins A (12) and B (13), together with four known calyxins, calyxins A (14), F (15), E (16), and G (17). Structures were elucidated by spectroscopic techniques including 2D NMR spectroscopy. All compounds were examined for cytotoxicity toward murine colon 26-L5 carcinoma and human HT-1080 fibrosarcoma cells. Diarylheptanoids 2, 3, and 5 were cytotoxic against both cell lines, while 4 and 6-8 were cytotoxic against human fibrosarcoma cells.

Trianthenol: an antifungal tetraterpenoid from Trianthema portulacastrum (Aizoaceae)

An antifungal tetraterpenoid named trianthenol 1 has been isolated from the chloroform extract of Trianthema portulacastrum. Its structure was established as 15-hydroxymethyl-2,6,10,18,22,26,30-heptamethyl-14-methylene- 17-hentriacontene on the basis of spectroscopic data including high resolution mass and two-dimensional NMR techniques. A benzaldehyde derivative 2, a pentacyclic triterpenoid 3 and benzoic acid derivatives 4-5 are also reported for the first time from Trianthema portulacastrum.