Two new guaiane-type sesquiterpenes from Curcuma wenyujin

Two new guaiane-type sesquiterpenes, wenyujinolides A (1) and B (2), were isolated from the ethanol extract of Curcuma wenyujin, together with 10 known compounds. Their structures were established by extensive spectroscopic methods (IR, ESIMS, HRESIMS, ECD, 1D and 2D NMR) and comparison of their NMR data with literatures. Compounds 1 and 2 were evaluated for the inhibition of NO production in LPS induced RAW 264.7 macrophages.

Cytotoxic depsidones and xanthones from Garcinia esculenta Y. H. Li

Six new compounds, including two depsidones garciculendepsidones A and B (1 and 2), one prenylated xanthone garciculenxanthone (3) and three dimeric xanthones bigarciculenxanthones A-C (4-6), were isolated from the twigs and leaves of Garcinia esculenta Y. H. Li. Their structures were elucidated based on comprehensive analyses of spectral data, including HRESIMS, 1D and 2D NMR, and ECD calculation. All the isolates were tested for their cytotoxicity against five human cancer cell lines (myeloid leukemia HL-60, lung cancer A-549 cells, hepatocellular carcinoma SMMC-7721, breast cancer MDA-MB-231 and colon cancer SW480), among them, compounds 3-5 displayed cytotoxic potential, especially garciculenxanthone (3) had the lowest IC50 value of 8.2 μm for lung cancer A-549 cells.

Serratene triterpenoids from Lycopodium cernuum L. as α-glucosidase inhibitors: Identification, structure-activity relationship and molecular docking studies

Phytochemical investigation of Lycopodium cernuum L. afforded seven undescribed serratene triterpenoids named 3β, 21β-dihydroxyserra-14-en-24-oic acid-3β-(5'-hydroxybenzoate) (1), 3β, 21β, 24-trihydroxyserrat-14-en-3β-(5'-hydroxyl benzoate) (2), 3β, 14α, 15α, 21β-tetrahydroxyserratane-24-methyl ester (3), 3β, 14α, 21β-trihydroxyserratane-15α-(4'-methoxy-5'-hydroxybenzoate)-24-methyl ester (4), 3β, 14α, 21β-trihydroxyserratane-15α-(4'-methoxy-5'-hydroxybenzoate) (5), 3β-hydroxy-21β-acetate-16-oxoserrat-14-en-24-oic acid (6), 3β, 21β-dihydroxy-16α, 29-epoxyserrat-14-en-24-methyl ester (7), together with eleven known compounds (8-18), whose chemical structures were elucidated through spectroscopic analysis of HRESIMS, 1D NMR, 2D NMR and comparison between the literature. All compounds were evaluated for their α-glucosidase inhibitory activity for the first time. The results showed that compounds 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 10, 13, 15, and 16 were among the most potent α-glucosidase inhibitors, with IC50 values ranging from 23.22 ± 0.64 to 50.65 ± 0.82 μM. Structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies indicated that the combined properties of the 5-hydroxybenzoate moiety at C-3, β-OH at C-21, COOH- at C-24, and Δ14,15 groups enabled an increase in the α-glucosidase inhibitory effect. In addition, molecular docking studies showed that the potential inhibitors mainly interact with key amino acid residues in the active site of α-glucosidase through hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic forces.

Serratene triterpenoids from Lycopodium cernuum L. as α-glucosidase inhibitors: Identification, structure-activity relationship and molecular docking studies

Phytochemical investigation of Lycopodium cernuum L. afforded seven undescribed serratene triterpenoids named 3β, 21β-dihydroxyserra-14-en-24-oic acid-3β-(5'-hydroxybenzoate) (1), 3β, 21β, 24-trihydroxyserrat-14-en-3β-(5'-hydroxyl benzoate) (2), 3β, 14α, 15α, 21β-tetrahydroxyserratane-24-methyl ester (3), 3β, 14α, 21β-trihydroxyserratane-15α-(4'-methoxy-5'-hydroxybenzoate)-24-methyl ester (4), 3β, 14α, 21β-trihydroxyserratane-15α-(4'-methoxy-5'-hydroxybenzoate) (5), 3β-hydroxy-21β-acetate-16-oxoserrat-14-en-24-oic acid (6), 3β, 21β-dihydroxy-16α, 29-epoxyserrat-14-en-24-methyl ester (7), together with eleven known compounds (8-18), whose chemical structures were elucidated through spectroscopic analysis of HRESIMS, 1D NMR, 2D NMR and comparison between the literature. All compounds were evaluated for their α-glucosidase inhibitory activity for the first time. The results showed that compounds 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 10, 13, 15, and 16 were among the most potent α-glucosidase inhibitors, with IC₅₀ values ranging from 23.22 ± 0.64 to 50.65 ± 0.82 μM. Structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies indicated that the combined properties of the 5-hydroxybenzoate moiety at C-3, β-OH at C-21, COOH- at C-24, and Δ^14,15 groups enabled an increase in the α-glucosidase inhibitory effect. In addition, molecular docking studies showed that the potential inhibitors mainly interact with key amino acid residues in the active site of α-glucosidase through hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic forces.

Novel abietane diterpenoids from Salvia prionitis

Two hitherto unknown highly modified abietane diterpenoids, namely salviapritin A (1) and salviapritin B (2), were isolated from the ethanol extract of Salvia prionitis, together with 17 known compounds. Their chemical structures were established by extensive spectroscopic methods (ESIMS, HRESIMS, 1D and 2D NMR) and by comparison of their NMR data with those of related analogues. Salviapritin A is the first example of a trinorabietane diterpenoid possessing an acenaphthylene skeleton from the Salvia genus. Additionally, a plausible biogenetic pathway for salviapritin B is proposed. [Formula: see text].

New Iboga-Type Indole Alkaloids from Tabernaemontana divaricata

Two hitherto unknown iboga-type indole alkaloids, namely (3R)-7,19-di-epi-3-methoxytabernoxidine (1) and (3R,19R)-19-hydroxy-3-(2-oxopropyl)voacangine (2), together with eight known alkaloids (3-10), were isolated from the twigs and leaves of Tabernaemontana divaricata. Their structures were established on the basis of spectroscopic data interpretation, single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis and circular dichroism spectrum.

Aristolane-type Sesquiterpenoids from Nardostachys chinensis and Revised Structure of Aristolanhydride

Four hitherto unknown aristolane-type sesquiterpenes, including one novel 8,9-secoaristolane, namely secoaristolenedioic acid (1), two aristolone derivatives, namely 1α,2β-dihydroxyaristolone (2), 9-epidebilon (3), and one rare aristolane-chalcone hybrid, namely 3'-hydroxynardoaristolone A (4) were isolated from the ethanol extract of the roots and rhizomes of Nardostachys chinensis. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analysis. In addition, the structure of aristolanhydride, recently isolated from the same species, was corrected by reanalysis of the published NMR data.

Derrisisoflavones H-K and One Isoflavan Derivative from Derris robusta

Four hitherto unknown prenylated isoflavonoids, named derrisisoflavones H-K (1-4) and one new isoflavan, namely 6-hydroxyisosativan (5), were isolated from the ethanol extract of Derris robusta. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopic studies. To our knowledge, derrisisoflavones J (3) and K (4) are the first examples of hydroxyethylated isoflavonoid.

Effects of mycophenolate mofetil on the expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and fibronectin in high glucose cultured human mesangial cells

The effects of high glucose on the expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and the main component of the extracellular matrix, fibronectin (FN), were explored in human mesangial cells (HMCs), along with the intervention effects of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) on these indicators. Cultured HMCs were divided into five groups: 1) normal control group (5 mM glucose); 2) high glucose group (30 mM glucose); 3) mannitol osmotic pressure control group (5 mM glucose + 25 mM mannitol); 4) high glucose + MMF-10 group (30 mM glucose + 10 μg/mL MMF); 5) high glucose + MMF-100 group (30 mM glucose + 100 μg/mL MMF). At 24, 48, and 72 h, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay methods were used to detect the effects of MMF on MCP-1 mRNA and protein and FN expression in HMCs under high glucose conditions. MCP-1 mRNA and protein expressions and FN secretion significantly increased in HMCs of the high glucose group compared with the normal control group (P < 0.01), with the highest expression observed at 48 h. MMF could reduce the MCP-1 mRNA and protein and FN expression levels (P < 0.01), and the inhibition occurred in a dose- and time-dependent manner (P < 0.05). In conclusion, MMF could inhibit MCP-1 expression and the secretion of FN, indicating that it may delay the progression of glomerulosclerosis and interstitial fibrosis in diabetic nephropathy to ultimately achieve protective effects on the kidney.

Hybridaphniphyllines A and B, Daphniphyllum alkaloid and iridoid hybrids suggestive of Diels-Alder cycloaddition in Daphniphyllum longeracemosum

Two Daphniphyllum alkaloid and iridoid hybrids with the hitherto unknown decacyclic fused skeletons, hybridaphniphyllines A and B, along with one diamino Daphniphyllum alkaloid, daphnicyclidin I, were isolated from dried stems and leaves of Daphniphyllum longeracemosum. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analysis, and the absolute configuration of daphnicyclidin I was deduced by the CD exciton chirality method. A biogenetic pathway for 1 and 2 involving natural Diels-Alder cycloaddition is proposed.

New isoflavonoids from Erythrina arborescens and structure revision of anagyroidisoflavone A

Five hitherto unknown isoflavonoids, namely erythrinins D-H (1–5), were isolated from the ethanol extract of Erythrina arborescens. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopic studies. In addition, the structure of anagyroidisoflavone A (6a) has been revised as 1″-O-methylerythrinin F (6) by re-analysis of the original spectroscopic data.

Spin accumulation assisted by the Aharonov-Bohm-Fano effect of quantum dot structures

: We investigate the spin accumulations of Aharonov-Bohm interferometers with embedded quantum dots by considering spin bias in the leads. It is found that regardless of the interferometer configurations, the spin accumulations are closely determined by their quantum interference features. This is mainly manifested in the dependence of spin accumulations on the threaded magnetic flux and the nonresonant transmission process. Namely, the Aharonov-Bohm-Fano effect is a necessary condition to achieve the spin accumulation in the quantum dot of the resonant channel. Further analysis showed that in the double-dot interferometer, the spin accumulation can be detailedly manipulated. The spin accumulation properties of such structures offer a new scheme of spin manipulation. When the intradot Coulomb interactions are taken into account, we find that the electron interactions are advantageous to the spin accumulation in the resonant channel.

Chlorantholides A-F, eudesmane-type sesquiterpene lactones from Chloranthus elatior

Six eudesmane-type sesquiterpene lactones, named chlorantholides A-F, were isolated from the ethanol extract of Chloranthus elatior (Chloranthaceae) together with 12 known compounds. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analysis, and their absolute configurations were studied by the CD exciton chirality method. The structure of a recently reported eudesmanolide from Chloranthus anhuiensis: 8β-hydroxy-1-oxoeudesma-3,7(11)-dien-12,8-olide, was also revised as 8β-hydroxy-2-oxoeudesma-3,7(11)-dien-12,8-olide (chlorantholide D).

Two new xanthones from Swertia angustifolia

Two new xanthones, angustins A and B (1 and 2), were isolated from the aerial parts of Swertia angustifolia together with six known compounds (3-8). The structures of these two xanthones were elucidated by extensive analysis of the spectroscopic data. In addition, compounds 3 and 6-8 were isolated from this plant for the first time.

Pterisolic acids A-F, new ent-kaurane diterpenoids from the fern Pteris semipinnata

Six new ent-15-oxokauran-19-oic acid derivatives, named pterisolic acids A-F (1-6), were isolated from the ethanol extract of the fern Pteris semipinnata (Pteridaceae), and the structures of these new ent-kauranoids were elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopic studies and single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis.

Polymorphisms in toll-like receptor 4 gene are associated with asthma severity but not susceptibility in a Chinese Han population

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) gene links human innate immunity and adaptive immunity via bacterial endotoxin recognition, and plays a considerable role in the pathogenesis of asthma. The effects of the genetic variants of TLR4 on asthma are still largely unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of TLR4 polymorphisms on asthma risk and asthma-related phenotypes in a Chinese Han population.

METHODS

We consecutively recruited 318 unrelated adult asthmatic patients and 352 healthy volunteers. Four tagging single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the TLR4 gene were detected using GenomeLab SNPstream or TaqMans Genotyping. We conducted case-control and case-only studies to investigate the association between the selected tagging SNPs in TLR4 and asthma and asthma-related phenotypes.

RESULTS

We found no evidence to support a significant association between TLR4 SNPs and asthma susceptibility. However, our results revealed that the TT homozygote of rs1927914 was associated with lower forced expiratory volume in the first second (percent predicted) in asthmatic patients. An evidently positive association was found between asthma severity and both the TT genotype of rs1927914 and the GG genotype of rs10983755 and rs1927907 (P = .024, P = .009, and P = .013, respectively), indicating that the C allele of rs1927914 and the A allele of rs10983755 and rs1927907 have a protective effect on asthma severity.

CONCLUSION

TLR4 polymorphisms do not contribute to asthma susceptibility but they may influence the severity of asthma.

A new antitumour ansamitocin from Actinosynnema pretiosum

A new compound of ansamitocin was isolated from the extracts of fermentation medium of mutant strain HGF052 derived from Actinosynnema pretiosum ssp. aurantium ATCC 31565, and identified as N-demethyl-desepoxy-9-methoxy-maytansinol (1) on the basis of extensive spectroscopic methods. Bioassay results showed that compound 1 had cytotoxic activity against HL-60 and BEL-7402 cell lines.

Improved method for determination of abamectin and ivermectin in cattle plasma

A liquid chromatographic (LC) method was developed for determination of abamectin (ABM) and ivermectin (IVM) in cattle plasma. The sample was extracted with acetonitrile and cleaned up on an alumina column. After conversion to stable fluorescent derivative with trifluoroacetic anhydride and N-methylimidazole, the sample was analyzed by LC with fluorescence detection (Ex 365 nm and Em 475 nm). Doramectin was used as an internal standard. Recoveries ranged from 91.2 to 100.7% for IVM and from 87.0 to 98.7% for ABM, with 1-50 ng/mL fortified samples. The coefficients of variation were <10.1%. The limit of detection was 0.02 ng/mL for ABM and IVM in 1.0 mL samples.

[Apamin sensitive component of Ca(2+)-activated K+ current of afterhyperpolarization, IAHP, in dorsal root ganglion neurons in rat]

Whole-cell voltage clamp technique was used to record the tail current in freshly isolated dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons of rat with an aim to investigate whether these neurons possess an apamin sensitive component of Ca(2+)-activated K+ current, IAHP. The results are as follows: (1) the amplitudes of the tail currents increased from 9.3 +/- 2.8 pA to 64.1 +/- 3.4 pA (P < 0.001) when the depolarizing duration was increased from 1 ms to 180 ms; (2) the amplitudes of the tail current were reduced when repolarizing pulses were applied, with a reversal potential of about -63 mV; (3) the amplitude of the tail current was significantly depressed or even almost completely blocked by extracellularly applied 500 mumol/L Cd2+ or intracellularly applied 11 mmol/L EGTA; (4) the amplitudes of the tail currents were decreased by about (26.32 +/- 3.9)% (P < 0.01) after 200 nmmol/L apamin was extracellularly applied; and (5) the fast component of the tail current was sensitive to 10 mmol/L TEA while the slow component was insensitive. These results suggest that an apamin sensitive component of Ca(2+)-activated K+ current may be present in afterhyperpolarization of DRG neurons.

[Vascular parkinsonism: verified clinicopathological correlation in a case]

Classifications of Parkinsonism in the past have induced an "arteriosclerotic" variety and vascular etiology has thus been proposed. However, controversy exists whether such an entity actually exists, because there has not been a single pathologically verified case with adequate clinical correlation. We report a case with clinical syndrome indistinguishable from Parkinson disease and postmortem examination revealing extensive lacunar infarction of the basal ganglia without evidence of coexistent Parkinson disease. This case provides pathologic confirmation for the concept of vascular Parkinsonism.

[Increased plasma endothelin-1 concentration in acute cerebral infarction and its clinical significance]

In acute cerebral ischemia there are severe damages of endothelium recognized as the stimuli for secretion of endothelin-1, that is a endothelium-derived peptide and seems to be the most potent vasoconstrictor known. The goal of this study is to measure plasma endothelin-1 level in patients with cerebral infarction and determine the relationship between endothelin-1 and ischemic stroke. Plasma level of endothelin-1 was measured in 21 consecutive patients. The measurement was performed 3 times at different stages of stroke. There was a marked increase in plasma endothelin-1 level in the patients and the elevation lasted the entire acute and subacute stage of stroke. There was a correlation between the peptide concentration and infarct volume (r = 0.665, P < 0.01). The result suggests that endothelin-1 plays an important role in the regulation of brain circulation. Apparent and lasting increase in plasma level of endothelin-1 is associated with cerebral ischemia and infarction. The peptide seems to be involved in the pathophysiology of acute cerebral ischemia and have a deleterious effect in the evolution of cerebral infarction.

Increased plasma endothelin-1 concentration in patients with acute cerebral infarction and actions of endothelin-1 on pial arterioles of rat

In acute cerebral ischemia there are severe damages of endothelium which have been recognized as the stimuli to secrete endothelin-1, an endothelium-derived peptide and the most potent vasoconstrictor ever known. This study was to measure plasma endothelin-1 level in patients with cerebral infarction and explore the relationship between endothelin-1 and ischemic stroke. The possible involvement of endothelin-1 in local regulation of cerebral arterioles was also investigated. Plasma levels of endothelin-1 were measured by radioimmunoassay in 21 patients. Using a micro-video system, the endothelin-1 actions were also observed on rat pial arterioles in vivo, and with incomplete cerebral ischemia model (rat), effect of ischemia affects the endothelin-1 action. There was a marked increase in plasma endothelin-1 level in the patients and the elevation persisted during the acute and subacute period of stroke. There was a positive correlation between the peptide concentration and infarct size (r = 0.655, P < 0.01). In rats, endothelin-1 (dose range: 10(-10) mole/L-10(-7) mole/L) induced a dose-dependent arteriole contraction after subdural administration. Arteriole calibers were decreased by 27.7% +/- 3.8% (10(-9) mole/L), 46.8% +/- 4.9% (10(-8) mole/L) and 78.5% +/- 4.7% (10(-7) mole/L), respectively. Cerebral ischemia significantly enhanced the action of endothelin-1 (96.4% +/- 7.2% vs 58.2% +/- 6.8%). Endothelin-1 plays an important role in regulating local circulation of ischemic brain. The notable and lasting increase in plasma level of endothelin-1 are associated with cerebral ischemia and infarction.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Magnetic Properties of Layered Heisenberg Ferromagnets

The double-time-temperature spin Green's function method is used to study the magnetic properties of layered ferromagnets with arbitrary spin S, within Tyablikov's decoupling approximation. According to the extent to which interlayer coupling suppresses twodimensional spin fluctuations, we divide the low-temperature region into two new ones, and give the asymptotic expressions for magnetisation and susceptibility over different temperature regions, including the low-temperature region, the vicinity of the Curie temperature and the high-temperature region. We also give the Curie temperature in an asymptotic form when inter layer coupling is weak.

[Crow-Fukase syndrome. A report of 2 cases]

Two cases of crow-fukase syndrome were reported. Both cases showed the characteristic polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinologic disturbances and skin involvement. There was no evident response to cortico--steroid therapy.