Bioassay-guided isolation of cytotoxic constituents from the flowers of Aquilaria sinensis

Bioassay-guided fractionation of the EtOH extract from the flowers of Aquilaria sinensis (Lour.) Spreng. (Thymelaeaceae) led to the isolation of a new cucurbitane-type triterpenoid, aquilarolide A (1), along with five known compounds (2-6). The structure of 1 was elucidated by extensive 1D and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) experiments and mass spectrometry (MS) data and theoretical calculations of its electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra. Aquilarolide A, cucurbitacin E (3), cucurbitacin B (4), and 7-hydroxy-6-methoxy-2-[2-(4-methoxyphenyl)ethyl]-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one (6) showed significant cytotoxicity against human lung adenocarcinoma SPC-A-1, human lung squamous cell carcinoma NCI-H520, human lung adenocarcinoma A549, and paclitaxel-resistant A549 (A549/Taxol) cell lines. All four active compounds, with IC₅₀ values ranging from 0.002 to 0.91 μM, had better inhibitory activities against A549/Taxol cells than paclitaxel (IC₅₀ = 1.80 μM). Among them, cucurbitacin E (IC₅₀ = 0.002 μM) is the most active. Further studies are needed to evaluate their in vivo antitumor activities and to clarify their mechanisms.

Five new 2-(2-phenylethyl)chromone derivatives and three new sesquiterpenoids from the heartwood of Aquilaria sinensis, an aromatic medicine in China

Five new 2-(2-phenylethyl)chromone derivatives, (5S,6R,7R,8S,7'R)-7'-hydroxyagarotetrol (1), (5S,6R,7R,8S,7'S)-7'-hydroxyagarotetrol (2), (6S,7S,8R)-2‑[2‑(4-methoxyphenyl)ethyl]‑6,7,8‑trihydroxy‑5,6,7,8‑tetrahydrochromone (3), (6S,7S,8R)-2‑(2-phenylethyl)‑6,7,8‑trihydroxy‑5,6,7,8‑tetrahydrochromone (4), (5S,6R,7S,8R)-2-(2-phenylethyl)-5,6,7-trihydroxy-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-8-[2-(2-phenylethyl)-7-methoxychromonyl-6-oxy]chromone (5), three new sesquiterpenoids, (4S,5S,7S,8S,10S,13R)-7,8,13-trihydroxyrotunda-1,11-dien-3-one (6), (4S,5S,7S,8S,10S,13S)-7,8,13-trihydroxyrotunda-1,11-dien-3-one (7), and (4R,5S,7S,8S,10S,13S)-7,8,13-trihydroxyrotunda-1,11-dien-3-one (8), along with 14 known compounds were isolated from the resinous heartwood of Aquilaria sinensis (Thymelaeaceae). The chemical structures of these new compounds were elucidated by 1D and 2D NMR and MS data, single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis, and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations. The neuroprotective activities of these isolates were evaluated using an in vitro model of rat adrenal pheochromocytoma (PC12) cell injury induced by corticosterone. At concentrations from 5 to 40 µM, compounds 4 and 6, agarotetrol (9), and 6-hydroxy-2-(2-phenylethyl)chromone (17) showed significant protective activities against corticosterone-induced PC12 cell injury (P < 0.001).

Sesquiterpenoids and 2-(2-Phenylethyl)chromone Derivatives from the Resinous Heartwood of Aquilaria sinensis

One novel spirolactone, aquilarisinolide (1), three new sesquiterpenoids, (2R,4S,5R,7R)-2-hydroxyeremophila-9,11-dien-8-one (2), (1R,4S,5S,7R,11R)-13-hydroxyepidaphnauran-9-en-8-one (3), and (4R,5S,7R,8S,10S,13R)-8,13-dihydroxyrotunda-1,11-dien-3-one (4), together with 13 known compounds (5-17) were isolated from the resinous heartwood of Aquilaria sinensis (Thymelaeaceae). The structures of the new compounds were elucidated based on the analysis of NMR and MS data and theoretical calculations their ECD spectra. The isolated compounds were evaluated for their protective activities against PC12 cell injury induced by corticosterone (CORT) and 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridine ion (MPP+), as well as inhibitory activities against BACE1. Compound 4, 5,6-dihydroxy-2-(2-phenylethyl)chromone (5), daphnauranol B (7), 6-methoxy-2-[2-(3-methyoxyphenyl)ethyl]chromone (10), isoagarotetrol (14), and 1-hydroxy-1,5-diphenylpentan-3-one (16) showed significant protective effects on CORT-induced injury in PC12 cells at a concentration of 20 μM (P < 0.001). Isoagarotetrol (14) showed a significant protective effect on MPP+-induced injury in PC12 cells at a concentration of 20 μM (P < 0.001), while compound 4 showed a moderate activity (P < 0.01). The BACE1-inhibitory activities of all tested compounds were very weak with less than 30% inhibition at a concentration of 20 μM.

Neuroprotective compounds from the resinous heartwood of Aquilaria sinensis

Six undescribed compounds, including three sesquiterpenoids [(4S,5S,7S,8S,11R)-7-hydroxyguai-1(10)-en-8,12-olide, aquilarisinone, and 2Z,7(13),9E-humulatrien-12-ol-5-one], one diphenylpentanone [1-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-5-phenylpentan-3-one], and two 2-(2-phenylethyl)chromones (6-epiagarotetrol and triepoxyhexahydrochromone A), along with 15 known compounds, were isolated from the resinous heartwood of Aquilaria sinensis (Thymelaeaceae). Their structures were determined by mass (MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopic data. The absolute configuration of (4S,5S,7S,8S,11R)-7-hydroxyguai-1(10)-en-8,12-olide was confirmed by X-ray diffraction analysis, and the configurations of (4S,7S,8S,10R,11R)-7,10-epoxyguai-1(5)-en-8,12-olide, aquilarisinone, 6-epiagarotetrol, and triepoxyhexahydrochromone A were confirmed by electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations. The neuroprotective activities of the compounds were evaluated using models of BACE1 inhibition and PC12 cells with corticosterone- and 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridine ion (MPP⁺)-induced damage. At concentrations of 1, 2, and 5 μM, triepoxyhexahydrochromone A, (+)-(7R,10R)-selina-4,11(13)-diene-12,15-dial, (-)-(5R,7R,10R)-12,15-dioxo-α-selinene, and (+)-(1R,4S,5R)-1β-hydroxyeremophila-7(11),9-dien-8-one exerted significant protective effects (p < 0.01) on PC12 cell injury induced by corticosterone, while triepoxyhexahydrochromone A and (-)-(5R,7R,10R)-12,15-dioxo-α-selinene exerted significant protective effects (p < 0.01) on MPP⁺-induced PC12 cell injury at concentrations of 1, 2, and 5 μM. No compounds produced significant inhibitory effects on BACE1, with inhibition rates of less than 20% observed at a concentration of 20 μM.

A new sesquineolignan and four new neolignans isolated from the leaves of Piper betle, a traditional medicinal plant in Myanmar

One new sesquineolignan, piperneolignan A (1), four new neolignans, piperneolignans B-E (2-5), and eight known compounds were isolated from the leaves of Piper betle (Piperaceae) collected from Myanmar. These new structures were determined by analysis of MS and NMR data, and the absolute configuration of piperneolignan A was elucidated by electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations. Piperneolignan A (1), piperneolignan B (2), hydroxychavicol (6), p-hydroxycinnamaldehyde (10), and diallylcatechol (13) possessed anti-inflammatory activity against nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated murine macrophage RAW 264.7 cells with IC₅₀ values of 9.87, 45.94, 4.80, 26.40, and 40.45 μM, respectively, compared with the positive control NG-monomethyl-l-arginine (l-NMMA, IC₅₀ = 33.84 μM). The two hydroxy groups in the structure of hydroxychavicol are essential for activity, and dimerization or trimerization of hydroxychavicol decreases activity.

Chemical Constituents from the Whole Plant of Cuscuta reflexa

Two new 2H-pyran-2-one glucosides, cuscutarosides A (1) and B (2), and one new steroidal glucoside, 7β-methoxy-β-sitosterol 3-O-β-glucopyranoside (3), together with 12 known compounds (4-15) were isolated from the whole plant of Cuscuta reflexa (Convolvulaceae) collected from Myanmar. The chemical structures of these new compounds were elucidated based on extensive spectroscopic analysis. The antiobesity activity of these isolates was evaluated using porcine pancreatic lipase (PPL), and the antiplatelet aggregation activity was screened using rabbit platelets induced by thrombin, platelet-activating factor (PAF), arachidonate (AA), or collagen. 7β-Methoxy-β-sitosterol 3-O-β-glucopyranoside (3) showed weak PPL inhibitory activity. Cuscutaroside A (1), its acetylated derivative (1a), and scrophenoside B (8) showed weak inhibitory activity against rabbit platelet aggregation induced by collagen. Compound 1a also showed inhibitory activity against rabbit platelet aggregation induced by AA.

[Gait and neuromuscular activity changes in female older adults with knee osteoarthritis]

From November to December of 2018, twenty 65-year-old or older women patients with knee osteoarthritis were recruited from the Department of Physical Therapy, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University. Meanwhile, twenty healthy 65-year-old or older women were recruited from the local community. The results showed that the knee contact angle of the patient group was more flexed (P=0.040), and the minimum angle of the knee joint increased (P=0.008) during the stance period compared to the healthy group. However, there was no significant difference in the maximum contact angle between the angle of hip and ankle joints. In addition, the tibialis anterior muscle of the patients was significantly smaller than the healthy group (P=0.023). Therefore, knee osteoarthritis could change the gait and muscle activity of older women, especially the knee joint.

Alkaloids from the Branches and Leaves of Elaeocarpus angustifolius

Nine new alkaloids, (+)-1, (-)-1, 2, (+)-3, (-)-3, and 4-7, along with five known compounds (8-12), were obtained from the branches and leaves of Elaeocarpus angustifolius. The alkaloids were structurally characterized by NMR and MS data. The absolute configurations of (+)-1, (-)-1, (+)-3, and (-)-3 were determined by comparing their experimental and computed electronic circular dichroism spectra. (±)-8,9-Dehydroelaeocarpine (5), (±)-9-epielaeocarpine cis-N-oxide trifluoroacetate (6), and (±)-elaeocarpine trifluoroacetate (9) exerted weak inhibitory activities against butyrylcholinesterase with IC₅₀ values of 39, 29, and 35 μM, respectively, while that of tacrine, the positive control, was 0.07 ± 0.01 μM. This is the first report of the cholinesterase inhibitory activities of Elaeocarpus alkaloids.

Chemical Constituents from Ethanoic Extracts of the Aerial Parts of Leea aequata L., a Traditional Folk Medicine of Myanmar

We aimed at reporting the chemical constituents and antimicrobial activities of Leea aequata L., a traditional folk medicine used in Myanmar for the treatment of wounds and skin diseases. A new neolignan, (7S,8R)-9'-O-acetylcedrusin (1), a new lactam, (3S,4S)-4-chloro-3-hydroxypiperidin-2-one (2), along with 21 known compounds, including five lignans (3-7), four flavonoid glycosides (8-11), and others (12-23), were isolated from the ethanoic extract of the aerial parts of L. aequata. The structures of the new compounds were determined by NMR, MS, and ECD spectra. For all the antimicrobial tests of the 23 compounds, only 3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoic acid ethyl ester (17) showed weak inhibitory activities against Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica.

Amides, Isoquinoline Alkaloids and Dipeptides from the Aerial Parts of Piper mullesua

One undescribed amide, pipermullesine A, two undescribed isoquinoline alkaloids, pipermullesines B and C, and six undescribed dipeptides, pipermullamides A-F, along with 28 known compounds, were isolated from the aerial parts of Piper mullesua. The structures of the undescribed compounds were elucidated based on the analysis of 1D and 2D NMR and MS data. Furthermore, the structures of pipermullesines A-C were confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. All isolates were evaluated for inhibitory activity against platelet aggregation induced by thrombin (IIa) or platelet-activating factor (PAF). (-)-Mangochinine, pellitorine, and (2E,4E)-N-isobutyl-2,4-dodecadienamide showed weak inhibitory activity against rabbit platelet aggregation induced by PAF, with IC50 values of 470.3 µg/mL, 614.9 µg/mL, and 579.7 µg/mL, respectively.

Substituting one Paris for another? In vitro cytotoxic and in vivo antitumor activities of Paris forrestii, a substitute of Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Chong-lou (Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis or P. polyphylla var. chinensis) is traditionally used as an anticancer medicine in China. It is also the material basis of some Chinese patent anticancer medicines, such as Gan-Fu-Le capsules, Bo-Er-Ning capsules, Lou-Lian capsules, Ruan-Jian oral liquid, and Qi-Zhen capsules. P. forrestii, a substitute for Chong-lou, is planted at a large scale in the Yunnan Province of China.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To clarify the active chemical constituents of P. forrestii and evaluate the in vitro and in vivo anticancer activities of the total saponins from P. forrestii.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The total saponins of P. forrestii were extracted and separated to yield pure compounds by chromatographic techniques, and the structures of the isolates were elucidated by spectroscopic methods. The cytotoxicity of the crude extracts, total saponins, and chemical constituents were evaluated using an MTS assay. In vivo antitumor activities of the total saponins from P. forrestii were measured using H22 tumor-bearing mice by intraperitoneal (ip) administration.

RESULTS

Eight compounds, including polyphyllin D (1), formosanin C (2), dioscin (3), diosgenin-3-O-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2)-β-d-glucopyranoside (4), paris saponin H (5), pennogenin-3-O-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2)-[α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→4)]-β-d-glucopyranoside (6), pariposide A (7), and crustecdysone (8), were isolated from the total saponins of P. forrestii. The total saponins and compounds 1-6 showed significant inhibitory activity against the growth of the HL-60, SMMC-7721, A-549, MCF-7, and SW480 cell lines. The total saponins from P. forrestii had a tumor-inhibitory effect in H22 tumor-bearing mice upon ip (2.25 mg/kg dose) administration, with an inhibition rate of 42.6% compared with cisplatin (ip, 2 mg/kg dose, 53.9% inhibition rate).

CONCLUSION

The results support that P. forrestii could be a substitute for P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis as an anticancer medicine.

Modified Abietane Diterpenoids from Whole Plants of Selaginella moellendorffii

A new modified abietane diterpenoid, (3S,4S,5R,10S)-18(4→3)-abeo-3,4,12,18-tetrahydroxy-8,11,13-abietatrien-7-one (1), and two novel dimers, selaginedorffones A (2) and B (3), featuring a new cyclohexene moiety that was biogenetically constructed from two modified abietane diterpenoids through a Diels-Alder reaction were obtained from a methanolic extract of Selaginella moellendorffii, a traditional Chinese herb. The structures of 1-3 were identified by a combination of NMR spectroscopic analysis and ECD calculations. In the present study, diterpenoids were identified from S. moellendorffii for the first time, which supports the presence of diterpene synthases in this plant. These three diterpenoids (1-3) were evaluated for their growth-inhibitory activities against several human cancer cell lines. Of these substances, selaginedorffone B (3) showed cytotoxicity against the MCF-7 human-breast-cancer-cell line (IC₅₀ 9.0 μM).

[Study on molecular phylogeny of Schistosoma sinensium based on nuclear ribosomal DNA]

OBJECTIVE

To determine the phylogenetic relationships between Schistosoma sinensium and other Schistosomatid species using DNA sequence data. Two segments of the nuclear rDNA repeat, the second internal spacer (ITS2) and large subunit (LSU/12S) were selected for sequencing.

METHODS

Adult worms stored in 100% methanol were washed 3 times with 0.1 x TE (pH8.0) and the genomic DNA was extracted by the GNT-K method. The target regions were amplified by PCR using specific primers. The PCR products were purified before ligation into the plasmid pT-adv (Clontech). Recombinant plasmids were amplified in E. coli (strain TOP10), extracted and purified using routine methods and then sequenced using M13 primers (F/R) on a Licor long-read auto-sequencer. Sequences of related schistosomes were retrieved from GenBank and aligned with our data in the sequence editor ESEE. Gene trees were constructed in PHYLIP (Version 3.6 alpha July, 2,000) and MEGA (version 2.0 beta build 3) using both Maximum Parsimony and Neighbor-Joining methods. For parsimony analysis, all characters were treated as unordered and with equal weights. At least 3,000 cycles of bootstrapping were carried out. For analysis in MEGA, all gap columns were deleted. Schistosomatium douthitti and Trichobilharzia were used as outgroups.

RESULTS

The ITS2 and LSU sequences of Schistosoma sinensium were obtained. The ITS2 sequence of Trichobilharzia sp. was reported here for the first time.

CONCLUSION

The phylogenetic trees from these data of nuclear rDNA suggested that S. sinensium belongs to the Asian schistosome group. And this species might be an ancient member in the Asian clade.

[Preliminary study on cytochrome C oxidase 1 gene of Oncomelania hupensis from Miao River area in Hubei province]

OBJECTIVE

To study the mitochondrial cytochrome C oxidase 1(CO1) gene of Oncomelania snails from Miao River area in Hubei Province.

METHODS

Oncomelania snails were collected from Miao River area, including upstream and downstream. Genomic DNA was extracted from the tissue of the snail. PCR was used to amplify a fragment of the CO1 gene. Sequences of the CO1 fragment were determined directly from the purified PCR products by an automated sequencer. Sequences for each individual were assembled and edited using ESEE 3.0 s. A distance matrix was computed using program DNADISt of PHYLIP(3.57). Unrooted maximum likelihood trees were calculated from program FITCH.

RESULTS

The amplified CO1 gene of the snail was a fragment of 638 bp in length. Sequence analysis showed that the accumulated variable sites were significant different between upstream and downstream populations, being 29 and 46, respectively. From the number of variable sites in the gene, snails in this area were roughly separated into two groups. Each of them was a mixture of both upstream and downstream snails. Same haplotypes were confirmed to be present among the collected sites along the river. From the distance matrix of sequence divergence, the population upstream vs downstream differed by 0.0221 +/- 0.0105.

CONCLUSION

There were more variation in downstream population than that in upstream. Gene flow was identified in these populations. The phylogenetic trees suggest the existence of two groups, but all of them belong to 0. h. hupensis.

Ultrastructure and human papillomavirus DNA in papillomatosis of external auditory canal

BACKGROUND

A viral etiology has been suspected in papillomatosis of the external auditory canal (PEAC), but virus particles have not been detected so far, although they are easily demonstrable in skin warts. The purpose of the study was to solve this discrepancy by the use of polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Specimens from the external auditory canal of 14 patients with PEAC, but no human papilloma virus infection of the genital areas, were examined histologically by light and electron microscopy, as well as by PCR to detect viral DNA.

RESULTS

Histologically, papillomatosis was present in all specimens. Vacuolated cells were found in the upper part of the stratum malpighii in five cases. On electron microscopy, the numbers of perichromatin and interchromatin granules were increased, but no viral granules were observed. In all specimens, DNA of HPV 6 was detected using PCR, but there was no evidence of DNA of other HPV.

CONCLUSIONS

Papilloma of the external auditory canal is produced by infection with HPV 6.

Detection with the polymerase chain reaction of human papillomavirus DNA in condylomata acuminata treated with CO2 laser and microwave

BACKGROUND

The recurrence rates of condyloma acuminata are high. The reasons for the relatively high relapse rates with different treatments are unknown.

METHODS

Twelve specimens of condylomata acuminata of the vulva were excised from 12 patients and divided into three parts. One part was untreated, the second and the third parts were treated with CO2 laser and microwave, respectively. DNA was then extracted from tissue by proteolytic digestion and amplified by the polymerase chain reaction. Dot blots were performed with the use of radiolabeled consensus and human papilloma virus (HPV) type-specific probes.

RESULTS

HPV DNA was amplified in 100% of untreated specimens (6-HPV 6; 6-HPV 11), and in 83.3% and 50% of specimens treated with CO2 laser and microwave, respectively. There was a significant difference in detection between untreated and microwave-treated specimens (chi 2 = 4.18, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Microwave damages HPV DNA more effectively than CO2 laser.

Hirsutoid papillomas of vulvae: absences of human papilloma virus (HPV) DNA by the polymerase chain reaction

We have analyzed the specimens from 16 women with hirsutoid papillomas of the vulvae for the presence of HPV DNA using the polymerase chain reaction. The subjects' ages ranged from 27 to 43 years. In all cases, smooth or filiform papules were symmetrically located on the inner surface of both labia minora. Histologically, the lesions consist of acanthosis or papillomatosis without koilocytes and mitotic activity. Eight of 16 specimens were studied by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). No HPV granules were found in the nuclei of keratinocytes. HPV DNA could not be detected in all specimens. Positive controls were present in each assay. These results suggest that the papules of hirsutoid papillomas of the vulvae are unrelated to HPV. Chronic irritants and inflammation may play an important role in pathogenesis.

Penetration and migration routes of Schistosoma japonicum miracidia in the snail Oncomelania hupensis

The routes of penetration and the strategies of invasion of Schistosoma japonicum miracidia in the snail vector Oncomelania hupensis were observed in a histological study. In all species of the genus Schistosoma, it is usually assumed that the miracidia achieve penetration through the tegument. Our results showed that at least 57% of S. japonicum miracidia penetrated the snail by natural openings (branchial cavity, mouth and rectum). Throughout the invasion phase, the larvae were observed in all the tissues and organs with the exception of the genital gland. The spatial distribution of parasites in the snail revealed that the migration towards the visceral organs such as the kidney, heart and sinuses (which are the most usual microhabitats of the mother sporocysts of S. japonicum) appeared to take place via the circulatory system. Using natural openings as routes for penetration probably provides a selective advantage in a host-parasite system in which the target mollusc is amphibious: we presume that the miracidia inside these natural openings are protected against desiccation when the snail leaves the water, and that they can subsequently invade the tissues.

Infantile digital fibromatosis: ultrastructural human papillomavirus and herpes simplex virus DNA observation

We studied a case of infantile digital fibromatosis (IDF) by transmission electron microscopy. We could not detect either human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA types 6, 11, 16, and 18, or herpes simplex virus (HSV) DNA types 1 and 2 in IDF. Our results suggest that IDF is not associated with HPV and HSV infection.

Hair casts: a clinical and electron microscopic study

Hair casts were seen in 22 girls ranging in age from 4 to 13 years. They were localized to the frontal, vertex, and temporal areas. The number of affected hairs varied from one-tenth to one-third. Twenty of the 22 girls styled their hair in ponytails or pigtails. Compound root sheath casts were present in six of nine patients using 1% 4-dimethylaminocinamaldehyde stain. A mass of large polymorphous scales and solitary or clumped spores was seen on the surface of hair casts using scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Energy-dispersive x-ray microanalysis showed that elements of silicon, aluminum, and molybdenum were uniquely present in hair casts. We assume that tightly drawn braids, by causing local circulatory disturbances and inflammation of the scalp, may be one etiologic factor in the disorder.

Electron microscopic observation on infected hairs of kerion caused by Microsporum nanum

Microsporum nanum can afflict human hair, although pigs are the usual focus of infection. Although this dermatophyte was thought to invade hair as an endothrix, electron microscopic studies show it to cause ectothrix infection due to its keratinolytic activities.

[Shedding pattern of Schistosoma japonicum cercariae from mainland China by Oncomelania hupensis]

The release of Schistosoma japonicum cercariae from the People's Republic of China shedded by Oncomelania hupensis was observed hourly under laboratory conditions: LD 9 - 15, T degrees = 25 degrees C. Daily periodicity of emergence was recognized during the light period. Peaks emergence occurs between 2 and 5 p.m. Results are compared with other geographical strains of S. japonicum.

[Study of schistosome-mollusk vector compatibility by the technic of microsurgical transplantation of sporocysts in two Schistosoma japonicum-Oncomelania hupensis combinations originating in mainland China]

The Schistosoma-Mollusc compatibility was tested in two Schistosoma japonicum-Oncomelania hupensis combinations originated from mainland China. The first combination is a combination maintained for more than 30 years in laboratory, the second consisted of a laboratory strain of S. japonicum and a strain of O. h. hupensis taken in the field (Jiangxi province). The fully absence of sporocyst throwing out and hemocyte infiltration 24 h. after transplantation suggest a perfect compatibility of the two combinations. Concerning the test carried out on a natural population of O. h. hupensis, the result obtained might reveal that the schistosomiasis transmission area from Jiangxi province represents focuses with high risk.