Differential regulation of the expression of aquaporins 3 and 9 by Auphen and dbcAMP in the SMMC-7721 hepatocellular carcinoma cell line

Aquaglycero-aquaporins (agAQPs) are the structural foundation of rapid water transport and they appear to participate in cancer proliferation and malignancy. AQP3 expression is increased and AQP9 expression is decreased in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) compared to normal liver, which suggests their possible use as targets for cancer treatment. AQP-based modifiers, such as Auphen and dibutyryladenosine 3', 5'-cyclic monophosphate (dbcAMP), might be used to treat several diseases and as chemical tools for assessing the functions of AQPs in biological systems. We investigated the effects of both Auphen on AQP3 and dbcAMP on AQP9 in SMMC-7721 cells. We used western blotting, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and immunohistochemistry to evaluate changes in AQP3 and AQP9 expression in SMMC-7721 cells after culturing with Auphen and dbcAMP, respectively. We also determined the proliferation of SMMC-7721 cells. We found that compared to HL-7702 (L02) liver cells, Auphen increased AQP3 expression in tumor cells, whereas dbcAMP decreased expression of AQP9 in these cells. Also, high concentrations of Auphen and dbcAMP inhibited proliferation of SMMC-7721 cells in vitro. Auphen and dbcAMP may inhibit HCC development and could be considered targets for HCC diagnosis and therapy.

[Effects of -30 degrees head down tilt on lung function]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of short-term simulated weightlessness on lung function in healthy males.

METHOD

-30 degrees head down tilt for 45 min was used to simulate short-period weightlessness. Lung function of 12 healthy males, aged 18-21, were studied with plethysmography during seating, supine and head down tilt positions. At the same time, blood flow in pulmonary artery and function of right ventricle were measured with Doppler Echo-Cardiography. Comparative analysis was done.

RESULT

As body position changed from seating or supine into head down tilt, FVC, FEV1, FEV1%, MVV, VA and IVC decreased. The change of MVV was the most prominent (P < 0.000). As the position changed, pulmonary diffusion increased dramatically (DL(CO) P<0.001, K(CO) P<0.000).

CONCLUSION

HDT may lead to a decrease of pulmonary ventilation and lung capacity. The increased pulmonary diffusion might be related to uniform distribution of pulmonary blood flow and increased effective pulmonary vascular bed.

[Hemodynamic changes of pulmonary circulation during HDT -30 degrees]

OBJECTIVE

To study the hemodynamic changes of pulmonary circulation during simulated weightlessness.

METHOD

12 subjects were studied using echocardiography and electrocardiography during head-down tilt (HDT) of -30 degrees lasting for 45 min.

RESULT

Right ventricular ejection time increased significantly (P<0.05); peak velocity of pulmonary arterial blood flow decreased significantly (P<0.05); acceleration time of pulmonary arterial blood flow did not change significantly; significant decrease of right ventricular output occurred at the 10th minute and the 30th minute (P<0.05); pre-ejection period significantly decreased at the 30th minute and recovery. Heart rate, mean velocity of pulmonary arterial blood flow, and acceleration of pulmonary arterial blood flow did not change significantly; left ventricular cardiac output, stroke volume and blood pressure remained constant throughout the experiment.

CONCLUSION

Changes of the parameters of pulmonary circulation suggested that pulmonary resistance increased, and the increase of pulmonary resistance maybe be the direct cause of the increase of pulmonary arterial pressure.

A Study on Organized Assemblies in the Aqueous Systems of Alkylammonium Chlorides

Various types of organized assemblies, including micelle, planar multi-bilayer, bent multi-bilayer, fingerprint-like multi-bilayer, and multilamellar vesicles, were found in the aqueous system prepared by only one simple surfactant-alkylammonium chloride with a hydrocarbon chain length of 10 or 12. Electron microscopic images of the assemblies are provided. The properties of the system were characterized by DSC, fluorescence, and absorption probing techniques. It was found that the structure and shape of molecular assemblies in this system can be adjusted by very simple physico-chemical measures, such as pH adjustment and alcohol or salt addition. The mechanisms of formation and transformation of various molecular assemblies were discussed based on the mixing effect of the cationic amphiphile and the nonionic amphiphile which is only a hydrolysis product of the former. Copyright 1999 Academic Press.

[Star figure in medical monitoring during lower body negative pressure test]

Objective. To find a real-time, quick and audio-visual method to evaluate the subject's physiological function condition and possible development. Method. Star figure technique was adopted to analyse multiple physiological indices during lower body negative pressure test (LBNP). Based on the character and stability of the stars figure, the steadiness of the subjects physiological function can be judged. Result. Physiological function can be accurately assessed only when the model of stress response of an individual is formed. Conclusion. The changes of star figure can indicate the possible development of the physiological function stage.

Additional bioactive annonaceous acetogenins from Asimina triloba (Annonaceae)

Trilobalicin (1), a new nonadjacent bis-THF ring annonaceous acetogenin, 2,4-cis- (2) and 2,4-trans-trilobacinone (3), the ketolactones of trilobacin, an adjacent bis-THF ring acetogenin, were isolated from the stem bark of Asimina triloba (L.) Dunal (Annonaceae). Their structures were established based on chemical and spectral evidence. The relative stereochemistry of 1 was determined as trans/threo/threo/trans/erythro from C-10 to C-22 by comparisons of NMR data with those of model compounds. Compound 1 is the first example of a nonadjacent bis-THF acetogenin being isolated from the title species and represents a new type of these compounds. Bioactivities of these new structures against brine shrimp larvae and six human solid tumor cell lines were determined, and cytotoxic selectivities were shown for the lung (A-549) and breast (MCF-7) cell lines with up to a million times the potency of adriamycin.

Bioactive compounds from Taiwania cryptomerioides

Two new sesquiterpenes, 10 alpha-hydroxyamorphan-4-en-3-one (1) and 4 alpha-methylcadinane-4 alpha-methyl-1 alpha,2 alpha,10 alpha-triol (2), together with four known compounds, sesquiterpenes 10 alpha-hydroxycadinan-4-en-3-one (3) and alpha-cadinol (4), diterpene ferruginol and lignan helioxanthin, were isolated from the whole plant of Taiwania cryptomerioides under bioassay-guided fractionations. The structures of 1 and 2 were elucidated mainly by the NMR spectroscopic analyses. Bioactivities of the isolated compounds against brine shrimp, yellow fever mosquito larvae, and human tumor cells are reported; compound 4 was the most bioactive, showing selectivity for the human colon tumor cell line (HT-29).

Three new adjacent bis-tetrahydrofuran acetogenins with four hydroxyl groups from Asimina triloba

Three new adjacent bis-tetrahydrofuran ring Annonaceous acetogenins with four hydroxy groups, bullatetrocin (1), 10-hydroxyasimicin (2), and 10-hydroxytrilobacin (3), were isolated by activity-directed fractionation from the stem bark of Asimina triloba. Their structures were established on the basis of chemical and spectral evidence. The absolute stereochemistry at the C-10 hydroxy position was determined by converting 2 and 3 to their ketolactone isomers, 2,4-cis/trans 10-hydroxyasimicinones and 2,4-cis/trans 10-hydroxytrilobacinones, respectively. The bioactivities of the new compounds against brine shrimp larvae and six human solid-tumor cell lines are reported, and structure-activity relationships between trihydroxylated and tetrahydroxylated acetogenins are discussed. In addition to 1-3, gigantetrocin A, 2,4-cis/trans-gigantetrocin A-ones, annonacin, and annonacin A were also isolated for the first time from this species.

(2,4-cis)-asimicinone and (2,4-trans)-asimicinone: two novel bioactive ketolactone acetogenins from Asimina triloba (Annonaceae)

Two novel bioactive ketolactone Annonaceous acetogenins, (2,4-cis)-asimicinone (1) and (2,4-trans)-asimicinone (2), have been isolated from Asimina triloba (Annonaceae) by bioactivity directed fractionation. The separation of these two epimeric compounds was achieved by HPLC methods using a Si gel normal phase column eluted with acetone in hexane gradients. The assignments of cis or trans stereochemistry of the ketolactone moieties were made on the bases of 1H-1H COSY and NOESY experiments. 1 and 2 showed selective cytotoxicities against A-549 (human lung cancer) and MCF-7 (human breast cancer) cell lines with ED50 values as low as < 10(-7) micrograms/ml with 2 being the more active isomer.

The absolute configuration of adjacent bis-THF acetogenins and asiminocin, a novel highly potent asimicin isomer from Asimina triloba

A novel acetogenin, asiminocin (1), was isolated by activity-directed fractionation from the stem bark of the paw paw tree, Asimina triloba. By spectral and chemical methods, 1 was identified as (30S)-hydroxy-4-deoxyasimicin. The absolute configuration of 1, along with those of previously reported acetogenins asimin, asiminacin, bullatin, (30S)-bullanin, and (30R) bullanin, was determined by Mosher ester methodology. Compound 1 was highly inhibitory to three human solid tumor cell lines with over a billion times the potency of adriamycin.

Additional bioactive acetogenins, annomutacin and (2,4-trans and cis)-10R-annonacin-A-ones, from the leaves of Annona muricata

In a continuation of our research on bioactive components from the leaves of Annona muricata, three novel monotetrahydrofuran Annonaceous acetogenins, namely, annomutacin [1], (2,4-trans)-10R-annonacin-A-one [2], and (2,4-cis)-10R- annonacin-A-one [3], have been identified. Their structures were deduced by ms, nmr, ir, and uv spectral and chemical methods, and the absolute configurations were determined by Mosher ester methodology. A known bioactive amide, N-p-coumaroyl tyramine, was also found. Compound 1 and the mixture of compounds 2 and 3 showed selective cytotoxicities against the human A-549 lung tumor cell line.

Longicin and goniothalamicinone: novel bioactive monotetrahydrofuran acetogenins from Asimina longifolia

Longicin [1] and (2,4-cis and trans)-goniothalamicinone [2], two new monotetrahydrofuran Annonaceous acetogenins, have been isolated from the leaves and twigs of Asimina longifolia (the long leaf paw paw) by the use of the brine shrimp lethality test for bioactivity-directed fractionation. The structures were elucidated based on spectroscopic and chemical methods. Compound 1 was converted to its ketolactone isomer, (2,4-cis and trans)-longicinone [3], to aid the stereochemical elucidation of 1. Compounds 1-3 showed selective and potent cytotoxicities to certain human tumor cell lines, with the potency of 1 against pancreatic carcinoma (PaCa-2) over one million times that of adriamycin. Nine known cytotoxic acetogenins, annonacin, xylomaticin, isoannonacin, gigantetrocins A and B, muricatetrocins A and B, gigantetrocin-A-one and goniothalamicin, were also isolated for the first time from this species.

New bioactive monotetrahydrofuran Annonaceous acetogenins, annomuricin C and muricatocin C, from the leaves of Annona muricata

The leaves of Annona muricata have yielded two additional monotetrahydrofuran Annonaceous acetogenins, annomuricin C [1] and muricatocin C [2]. Compounds 1 and 2 each possess five hydroxyl groups; two hydroxyl groups are at the C-10/C-11 and C-10/C-12 positions in 1 and 2, respectively. The absolute configurations of 1 and 2, except for positions C-10 and C-11 or C-12, were determined by Mosher ester methodology. The C-10/C-11 and C-10/C-12 acetonides (1c, 2c) suggested relative stereochemistry and significantly enhanced the cytotoxicities against the A-549 human lung and the MCF-7 human beast solid tumor cell lines. One known monotetrahydrofuran acetogenin, gigantetronenin, not described previously from this plant, was also found.

Two new cytotoxic monotetrahydrofuran Annonaceous acetogenins, annomuricins A and B, from the leaves of Annona muricata

The leaves of Annona muricata have yielded eight monotetrahydrofuran Annonaceous acetogenins. Two of them, annomuricins A [1] and B [2], whose chemical structures were deduced by ms, nmr, ir, and uv spectral and chemical methods, are novel and unusual. Compounds 1 and 2 each possess five hydroxyl groups; two hydroxyl groups are vicinal, with the vicinal group of 1 threo and that of 2 erythro. The absolute configurations of 1 and 2 were determined by Mosher ester methodology. Six monotetrahydrofuran acetogenins, previously described in the seeds, were found in the leaves; these are gigantetrocin A, annonacin-10-one, muricatetrocins A and B, annonacin, and goniothalamicin.

Muricatocins A and B, two new bioactive monotetrahydrofuran Annonaceous acetogenins from the leaves of Annona muricata

The leaves of Annona muricata have yielded the novel monotetrahydrofuran Annonaceous acetogenins, muricatocins A [1] and B [2]. Each compound possesses five hydroxyl groups, with two hydroxyl groups at the C-10 and C-12 positions. The absolute configurations of 1 and 2 (except for positions C-10 and C-12) were determined by Mosher ester methodology. The C-10, C-12 acetonides (1c, 2c) suggested relative stereochemistry and significantly enhanced cytotoxicity against the A-549 human lung tumor cell line. Three known monotetrahydrofuran acetogenins, annonacin A, (2,4-trans)-isoannonacin, and (2,4-cis)-isoannonacin, were also found.

Venezenin: a new bioactive Annonaceous acetogenin from the bark of Xylopia aromatica

Asimicin and a new cytotoxic Annonaceous acetogenin, venezenin [1], were isolated from the bark of Xylopia aromatica by bioactivity-directed fractionation using lethality to brine shrimp. Compound 1 represents an unusual type of C37 Annonaceous acetogenin, lacking either tetrahydrofuran (THF) or epoxide rings and possessing a double bond located two methylenes away from a vicinal diol in the hydrocarbon chain. The structure of 1 was elucidated by 1H- and 13C-nmr, COSY, single-relayed COSY, and by HMBC techniques, and derivatization. Annomontacin 10-one [6] and 18/21-cis-annomontacin-10-one [7], two semi-synthetic mono-THF acetogenins were prepared from 1. These acetogenins showed cytotoxicity, comparable or superior to adriamycin, against three human solid tumor cell lines. Reduction of the 10-keto of 1 to the racemic OH-10 derivative enhanced the bioactivity, as did the conversion of 1 to 6 and 7. Venezenin [1], like other Annonaceous acetogenins, showed inhibition of oxygen uptake by rat liver mitochondria and demonstrated that the THF ring may not be essential to this mode of action.

[One stage reconstruction of bladder exstrophy and epispadias with abdominal wall skin flap and rectus abdominis muscle flap: report of 5 cases]

5 cases of complete bladder exstrophy were treated by one stage reconstruction with abdominal wall skin flap and rectus abdominis muscle flap. Closure of the abdominal wall and bladder defect were achieved satisfactorily in all the patients. 4 patients have been followed up for 1.5-10.5 years. 3 patients whose bladder neck had been augmented by rectus abdominis muscle flap were continent but 1 patient whose bladder neck had not been, had giggle incontinence. The renal functions were all normal in these patients.

Asimin, asiminacin, and asiminecin: novel highly cytotoxic asimicin isomers from Asimina triloba

Activity-directed fractionation of the stem bark extracts of the North American paw paw tree, Asimina triloba (Annonaceae), has yielded three further acetogenins: asimin (2), asiminacin (3), and asiminecin (4). 2-4 are structural isomers of asimicin (1), which is a potent inhibitor of mitochondrial NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase, and thus exhibits potent antitumor and pesticidal effects. 2-4 have the same carbon skeleton and configurations as those of 1, but they have the third hydroxyl group located at C-10, C-28, and C-29, respectively, rather than at C-4. The determinations of the hydroxyl group locations were largely based on mass spectral analyses of TMSi and TMSi-d9 derivatives. 2-4 all showed highly potent cytotoxicities (ED50 values as low as < 10(-12) micrograms/mL) with notable selectivities for the HT-29 human colon cancer cell line. The presence of a third hydroxyl at C-4, C-10, C-28, or C-29, as in 1-4, greatly enhances the bioactivity of 4-deoxyasimicin (5).

Homotransplantation of testis. A report of 11 cases

Testis homotransplantation has been carried out in 11 patients since 1986. Of them, 8 suffered from congenital testicular dysplasia and the other 3 from orchiatrophy as a result of orchitis. Preoperatively, manifestations were a small penis, small testes, sexual dysfunction, indistinct secondary sex characteristics and low serum testosterone (1.7-7.35 mmol/L). Three cases had cadaver transplants and 8 had living relatives' transplants. The patients were followed up for 7 months to 4 years. The secondary sex characteristics and sexual function were improved remarkably after transplantation. Serum testosterone increased up to 12.8-18.2 mmol/L. All of 5 married patients resumed sexual intercourse satisfactorily. Three others got married after transplantation and have enjoyed normal sexual functions. Spermatozoa have been found in the semen in 3 of the cases.

Biologically active acetogenins from stem bark of Asimina triloba

In continuing our research with cytotoxic and pesticidal components from the stem bark of the North American paw paw, Asimina triloba, the novel cytotoxic monotetrahydrofuran Annonaceous acetogenins, cis- and trans-annonacin-A-one, cis- and trans-gigantetrocinone and cis-isoannonacin, in addition to the known compounds, trans-isoannonacin and squamolone, have been identified. Brine shrimp lethality testing was used to direct the fractionation. The structures were elucidated by spectral analysis and/or chemical synthesis. These acetogenins have potent cytotoxicities against the human tumour cell lines of A-549 (lung carcinoma), MCF-7 (breast carcinoma) and HT-29 (colon adenocarcinoma).

Adrenal autotransplantation with A-V anastomosis for treatment of Cushing's disease. A follow-up study of 31 cases

Thirty-one patients with Cushing's disease were treated with bilateral adrenalectomy and partial left adrenal autotransplantation with A-V anastomosis. They were followed up for 1 to 5 years. Three patients failed after adrenal autotransplantation to the abdominal muscle with the left gland's central vein anastomosed to the inferior epigastric artery. Twenty-eight patients underwent adrenal autotransplantation to the omentum with the gland's vein anastomosed to the gastroepiploic artery. Steroid could be omitted a short period after operation and life-long replacement therapy was avoidable in most patients. A few patients subsequently developed hypocorticalism. Two died and one had recurrence of Cushing's disease. Clinical and animal experimental results showed that the omentum is suitable for adrenal autotransplantation with A-V anastomosis. Transabdominal bilateral adrenalectomy and adrenal autotransplantation to the omentum with A-V anastomosis are acceptable in the treatment of Cushing's disease. The subsequent development of hypocorticalism and recurrence of Cushing's syndrome are also discussed.

[Treatment of 94 cases of chronic empyema using a modified technique of decortication of the lung]

The article reported the use of a modified technique in the treatment of chronic empyema by decorticating only the visceral fibrous plate and leaving the parietal fibrous plate undecorticated. The cure rate was 100% and mortality rate 0%. This modified decortication has the advantages of simplifying the operative procedure shortening the operation time, lessening bleeding, and reducing operative trauma and risk. This modified technique may be applicable in most cases of chronic empyema.