Systematic mutagenesis of TFIIH subunit p52/Tfb2 identifies residues required for XPB/Ssl2 subunit function and genetic interactions with TFB6

TFIIH is an evolutionarily conserved complex that plays central roles in both RNA polymerase II (pol II) transcription and DNA repair. As an integral component of the pol II preinitiation complex, TFIIH regulates pol II enzyme activity in numerous ways. The TFIIH subunit XPB/Ssl2 is an ATP-dependent DNA translocase that stimulates promoter opening prior to transcription initiation. Crosslinking-mass spectrometry and cryo-EM results have shown a conserved interaction network involving XPB/Ssl2 and the C-terminal Hub region of the TFIIH p52/Tfb2 subunit, but the functional significance of specific residues is unclear. Here, we systematically mutagenized the HubA region of Tfb2 and screened for growth phenotypes in a TFB6 deletion background in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We identified six lethal and 12 conditional mutants. Slow growth phenotypes of all but three conditional mutants were relieved in the presence of TFB6, thus identifying a functional interaction between Tfb2 HubA mutants and Tfb6, a protein that dissociates Ssl2 from TFIIH. Our biochemical analysis of Tfb2 mutants with severe growth phenotypes revealed defects in Ssl2 association, with similar results in human cells. Further characterization of these tfb2 mutant cells revealed defects in GAL gene induction, and reduced occupancy of TFIIH and pol II at GAL gene promoters, suggesting that functionally competent TFIIH is required for proper pol II recruitment to preinitiation complexes in vivo. Consistent with recent structural models of TFIIH, our results identify key residues in the p52/Tfb2 HubA domain that are required for stable incorporation of XPB/Ssl2 into TFIIH and for pol II transcription.

Structural visualization of de novo transcription initiation by Saccharomyces cerevisiae RNA polymerase II

Previous structural studies of the initiation-elongation transition of RNA polymerase II (pol II) transcription have relied on the use of synthetic oligonucleotides, often artificially discontinuous to capture pol II in the initiating state. Here, we report multiple structures of initiation complexes converted de novo from a 33-subunit yeast pre-initiation complex (PIC) through catalytic activities and subsequently stalled at different template positions. We determine that PICs in the initially transcribing complex (ITC) can synthesize a transcript of ∼26 nucleotides before transitioning to an elongation complex (EC) as determined by the loss of general transcription factors (GTFs). Unexpectedly, transition to an EC was greatly accelerated when an ITC encountered a downstream EC stalled at promoter proximal regions and resulted in a collided head-to-end dimeric EC complex. Our structural analysis reveals a dynamic state of TFIIH, the largest of GTFs, in PIC/ITC with distinct functional consequences at multiple steps on the pathway to elongation.

Synthesis, inverse docking-assisted identification and in vitro biological characterization of Flavonol-based analogs of fisetin as c-Kit, CDK2 and mTOR inhibitors against melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers

Due to hurdles, including resistance, adverse effects, and poor bioavailability, among others linked with existing therapies, there is an urgent unmet need to devise new, safe, and more effective treatment modalities for skin cancers. Herein, a series of flavonol-based derivatives of fisetin, a plant-based flavonoid identified as an anti-tumorigenic agent targeting the mammalian targets of rapamycin (mTOR)-regulated pathways, were synthesized and fully characterized. New potential inhibitors of receptor tyrosine kinases (c-KITs), cyclin-dependent kinase-2 (CDK2), and mTOR, representing attractive therapeutic targets for melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSCs) treatment, were identified using inverse-docking, in vitro kinase activity and various cell-based anticancer screening assays. Eleven compounds exhibited significant inhibitory activities greater than the parent molecule against four human skin cancer cell lines, including melanoma (A375 and SK-Mel-28) and NMSCs (A431 and UWBCC1), with IC50 values ranging from 0.12 to < 15 μM. Seven compounds were identified as potentially potent single, dual or multi-kinase c-KITs, CDK2, and mTOR kinase inhibitors after inverse-docking and screening against twelve known cancer targets, followed by kinase activity profiling. Moreover, the potent compound F20, and the multi-kinase F9 and F17 targeted compounds, markedly decreased scratch wound closure, colony formation, and heightened expression levels of key cancer-promoting pathway molecular targets c-Kit, CDK2, and mTOR. In addition, these compounds downregulated Bcl-2 levels and upregulated Bax and cleaved caspase-3/7/8 and PARP levels, thus inducing apoptosis of A375 and A431 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Overall, compounds F20, F9 and F17, were identified as promising c-Kit, CDK2 and mTOR inhibitors, worthy of further investigation as therapeutics, or as adjuvants to standard therapies for the control of melanoma and NMSCs.

Ectopia Cordis: a Rare Congenital Condition

Ectopia cordis is a rare congenital malformation and only few cases have been reported in literature previously. It is defined as the complete or partial evisceration of heart outside the thoracic cavity through the sternal defect. Most cases are sporadic. The classical presentation for the antenatal diagnosis on ultrasonography is a pulsating heart out of the thoracic cavity with absent chest wall.We reported three cases of ectopia cordis in the last one and half year in our institute. Two of them were diagnosed on ultrasound and the third case terminated for meningocele with severe oligohydramnios had associated ectopia cordis detected after delivery. All three were admitted via out patient department for termination. The first case live at birth had isolated thoracic ectopia cordis with birth weight of 2.4 kilograms, Apgar score of 7,8,9 and was delivered by caesarean section for failed induction while the other two were still birth and  had thoraco-abdominal ectopia cordis. The live baby was taken to Sahid Gangalal hospital in Kathmandu by the visitors after two days of delivery and the baby underwent surgical intervention but had an unsuccessful outcome. Regarding the management of this condition, parental counseling for pregnancy termination is advised. Though few cases of surgical interventions for ectopia cordis have been reported, mortality rate is still very high.

Profile of Patients Admitted in Maternal Intensive Care Unit at BPKIHS, a Tertiary Hospital in Eastern Nepal

BACKGROUND

Maternal death is a tragic event. It can be reduced by prompt recognition of critical illness in pregnancy and earlier initiation of intensive care. The physiological changes of pregnancy and the presence of a fetus complicates the assessment and management of critically ill obstetric patients. The objective of this study was to analyse the basic contributing factors for maternal intensive care unit admission and the maternal outcome.

METHODS

This was a prospective study conducted in the department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, a tertiary hospital in eastern Nepal, for one year duration from January-December 2012. Data like age, diagnosis at admission, intervention, indication for admission, duration of stay and outcome were analysed.

RESULTS

One hundred and ninety two patients were admitted in one year. Among them 177 were obstetrics related admission and 15 were non obstetrics. Out of 177 patients, 21(11.8%) were antenatal, 123(69.4%) were postnatal and 33(18.6%) had early pregnancy complications. The mean age in years was 25.67±7.169. One hundred and seventy one patients (96.6%) were unbooked and only 6(3.3%) were booked. Among the postnatal patients, 83(67.4%) had delivered at BPKIHS, 24(19.5%) at other health centres and 16 (13%) at home. Antepartum eclampsia was the commonest diagnosis. Out of 192 patients, 148(78.12%) were improved, 24(12.5%) had expired, 15(7.8%) went against medical advice and 5(1.6%) were referred. The median duration of MICU stay in days (IQR) was 2(1-4).

CONCLUSIONS

An intensive care unit often offers the opportunity to improve the patient care.

Effectiveness of Ondansetron versus Metoclopramide in Hyperemesis Gravidarum

Aims: The aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of intravenous ondansetron as compared to intravenous metoclopramide in hyperemesis gravidarum. Methods: Sixty-eight patients with hyperemesis gravidarum were randomized to receive either intravenous ondansetron or intravenous metoclopramide according to randomization group, till they started tolerating orally along with supportive therapy and various treatment parameters were compared. Results: No statistically significant differences were found in the number of doses of intravenous medication used (three doses of ondansetron vs four doses of metoclopramide; p value 0.77), weight changes (ondansetron - 0 kg vs. metoclopramide – 1 kg; p value 0.11) during treatment, duration of intravenous fluids (ondansetron – 24 hours vs. metoclopramide- 24 hours; p value 0.48) in the two groups. The duration of hospital stay of the patients in the two groups was comparable (ondansetron - 3 days vs. metoclopramide - 3 days; p value 0.83).Conclusions: Metoclopramide and ondansetron appear to be equally effective to treat hyperemesis gravidarum. Although this was a prospective randomized controlled study, it had a small sample size and the results should be confirmed in a larger and powered study.DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njog.v9i2.11753

Induction of Labor Using Misoprostol With or Without Mifepristone in Intrauterine Death

INTRODUCTION

Rapid expulsion of fetus in intrauterine fetal death is usually requested without any medical grounds for it. So an efficient, safe method for induction of labor is required. The objective of this study is to determine if pre-treatment with mifepristone followed by induction of labor with misoprostol in late intrauterine fetal death is more efficacious.

METHODS

We conducted a randomized controlled trial in 100 patients in B.P.Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Nepal from June 2011 to May 2013. Group A women received single oral dose of 200 mg mifepristone, followed by induction with vaginal misoprostol after 24 hours. Group B women were induced only with vaginal misoprostol. In each group, five doses of misoprostol was used four hourly. If first cycle was unsuccessful, after break of 12 hour, second course of misoprostol was started. The primary outcome was a measure of induction to delivery time and vaginal delivery within 24 hours. Secondary outcome was to measure need of oxytocin and complications.

RESULTS

Maternal age, parity and period of gestation were comparable between groups. Number of misoprostol dose needed in group A was significantly less than group B. Mann Whitney U test showed, women in group A had significantly earlier onset of labor, however total induction to delivery interval was not significant. In group A, 85.7% delivered within 24 hours of first dose of misoprostol while in group B 70% delivered within 24 hours (p=0.07). More women in Group B required oxytocin.

CONCLUSIONS

Pretreatment with mifepristone before induction of labor following late intrauterine fetal death is an effective and safe regimen. It appears to shorten the duration of induction to onset of labor.

Landslide hazard zonation, mapping and investigation of triggering factors in Phewa lake watershed, Nepal

The landslide triggering factors were investigated followed by the thematic maps and landslide distribution map prepared and classified using the GPS and GIS Softwares like CartaLinx, ArcView and ERDAS IMAGINE in Sarangkot and Kaskikot Village Development Committees, Kaski district. In analytical hierarchy process, the factors for zonation were compared by Couple Comparison Method and their weights were determined using Arithmetic Mean Method and earned weight values of each factor. The landslide hazard zonation model was employed to prepare landslide hazard zonation map of the study area, and then classified into five relative hazard classes using the equal interval classification method. Finally, the landslide hazard zonation map was crossed with the landslide distribution map and the model applicability was confirmed by determining the per hazard class percent of area covered by the landslide. In the land hazard zonation map, 0.44% of the study area was in very low hazard, 2.11% in low hazard, 54.92% in moderate hazard, 21.34% in high hazard and 21.19% in very high hazard area. The major portion of the study area was on the moderate zone whereas the least portion was on the very low hazard zone. In the study area, most of the high and very high hazard class areas were found occupying the areas closer to the linear triggering factors like presence of linement and fault, presence of motorable road and presence of rivers and streams. The landslide density of the study area was found to be 0.44 per km2 indicating the higher hazard susceptibility of the area.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/banko.v22i2.9198Banko Janakari: A Journal of Forestry Information for NepalVol. 22, No. 2, 2012 November Page: 43-52 Uploaded date: 12/1/2013 

Ovarian Dysgerminoma: Unusual Presentation in Pregnancy with Acute Abdomen due to Internal Hemorrhage

Dysgerminoma tends to occur in young women although its incidence in pregnancy is low. Torsion and incarceration occurs in nearly half of the cases. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment offers the best prognosis to the patient presenting with dysgerminoma. However because of enlarging abdominal size, pregnancy may mask the rapidly growing dysgerminoma often leading to late presentation. This is a case report of a female 30 years of age with stage 3C dysgerminoma which lead to acute surgical abdomen at 33weeks of pregnancy. Nepal Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology / Vol 7 / No. 1 / Issue 13 / Jan- June, 2012 / 53-55 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njog.v7i1.8838

Pandemic influenza A (H1N1) 2009 outbreak investigation in Nepal

BACKGROUND

The World Health Organization, on 24 April 2009, announced a Public Health emergency of international concern caused by a new influenza virus Pandemic Influenza A 2009. The objective of this study was to analyze the basic epidemiology and distribution of Pandemic Influenza A 2009 in order to understand the course of Pandemic Influenza A 2009 in Nepal.

METHODS

The analyses were based upon all confirmed and probable cases that consulted Avian Influenza Control Project and National Public Health Laboratory during 29 April 2009 to 21 September 2010.

RESULTS

Out of total 739 suspected samples collected, Pandemic Influenza A 2009 was detected in 210 cases in different districts of Nepal. The majority of cases were from the urban settlement of Kathmandu valley, Chitwan and Kaski and among age group 11-30 years. The clinical attack rate for Influenza like illness (ILI) was 28.48%. There was no significant difference between the clinical presentation of ILI and confirmed cases of Pandemic Influenza A 2009.

CONCLUSIONS

This study presented the investigation of outbreak that helped to inform the course of epidemic in affected population and therefore urge for public health interventions.

Microalbuminuria among type-2 diabetes mellitus patients in Pokhara, Nepal

Microalbuminuria is considered to be an early stage of diabetic nephropathy as well as a marker of cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to see the prevalence of microalbuminuria in type 2 diabetic patients and assess its association with cardiovascular risk factors among them. A total of 143 type 2 diabetic patients with the mean age of 56.06 +/- 1.08 years were analysed. The prevalence of microalbuminuria and overt proteinuria was 45.5% and 11.2%, respectively. Prevalence of microalbuminuria in female was marginally higher than in male (p > 0.05). Subjects with microalbuminuria had significantly higher blood pressure (p < 0.001) and duration of diabetes (p < 0.05) compared with normoalbuminuric subjects. High density lipoprotein was found to be significantly lower (p < 0.05) in subjects with microalbuminuria whereas fasting blood sugar, triglyceride, total cholesterol and very low density lipoprotein were marginally higher in microalbuminuric than in normoalbuminuric subjects (p > 0.05). High prevalence of microalbuminuria in diabetic patients and its positive association with blood pressure and altered lipid profile suggests that screening for microalbuminuria is essential for intervention and prevent further complications like end stage renal disease and cardiovascular diseases.

An integrated treatment approach: a case report for dentinogenesis imperfecta type II

Dentinogenesis imperfecta type II or hereditary opalscent dentin is one of the most common autosomal dominant anomaly of dentin that occurs in both sex affecting approximately 1:8000 persons. Clinically this disorder is characterized by variable blue gray to yellow brown teeth, with fracture of enamel and excessive wear. The treatment strategy is focused towards protecting teeth from further wear and tear and total oral rehabilitation of patient with paramount importance to aesthetics, obtaining an appropriate vertical dimension and providing soft tissue support which will help to return the facial profile to a more normal appearance. A multidisciplinary treatment planning is required for treatment of these individuals.

Retrieval of a separated file using Masserann technique: a case report

The separated instrument particularly a broken file leads to metallic obstruction, in the root canal and blocks thorough cleaning and shaping procedure. When attempts of bypassing such a fragment go in vain, it should be retrieved by mechanical devices. Masserann Kit is one such device for orthograde removal of intracanal metallic obstructions. This clinical case demonstrates usage of Masserann technique in successful retrieval of a separated file which was tightly binding in the apical 3rd root canal dentin of maxillary left lateral incisor.

Tonsillar microbial flora: a comparison of infected and non-infected tonsils

OBJECTIVE

The main objective of this study was to find out the most common organism affecting the tonsils in recurrent tonsillitis.

METHODOLOGY

This was a prospective study consisting of total number of 50 patients, conducted in the ENT department of Dhulikhel Hospital, KUTH, Dhulikhel, Nepal. The study period was one year and three months (March 2004 to April 2005).

RESULTS

Total numbers of 50 patients were selected, of which 32 were of acute tonsillitis and 18 were taken as control. Among these males were 32 and females were 18. The age group was from 3 years to 64 years. Throat swabs of patients were taken by aseptic method and were sent to the laboratory immediately. Among the infected tonsils the most common organism was Streptococcus viridans followed by Streptococcus pneumoniae and Moraxella catarrhalis. The third most common was Beta haemolytic streptococci whereas Micrococcus was not isolated in any of the infected samples. Likewise in non-infected tonsils, the most common organism isolated was again Streptococcus viridans followed by Micrococcus and Diptheroids. In these specimen no Beta haemolytic streptococci was isolated from the control group.

CONCLUSION

Thus, the study is able to put forward the fact that most common organism affecting the tonsils in infected as well as non- infected state is Streptococcus viridans. Where as Beta haemolytic streptococci was not found in non-infected tonsils, likewise Micrococcus was not found in infected tonsils.

Anatomical variation of maxillary sinus mimicking a periapical cyst: a case report

Maxillary sinus can pose diagnostic dilemma radiographically because of its anatomical variation which can mimic a periapical pathosis. This case report deals with one such diagnostic problem, where a maxillary sinus was interpreted in an intraoral periapical radiograph as a periapical cyst. With the advances in imaging techniques, the use of an Ultrasound imaging together with application of Colour Power Doppler helped in revealing the contents of the radiolucent area and come up with an accurate diagnosis. Thus a thorough knowledge about the normal anatomy and its variations and proper diagnostic aids are essential in the diagnosis of periapical pathology.

Clinical profile of typhoid patients

OBJECTIVE

The present study was undertaken to determine the clinical profile of typhoid fever in hospitalised patients.

DESIGN

Prospective cross-sectional study.

SETTING

Kathmandu Medical College and Teaching Hospital.

METHOD

Total of thirty patients above fifteen years of age who had clinical features strongly suggestive of typhoid fever and on blood culture found to be positive for Salmonella typhi were analysed for clinical features.

RESULT

Among total of thirty cases, there were 17 (57%) males and 13 (43%) females. 86% of cases of typhoid fever clustered around 15-30 years of age. Predominant symptoms were fever (100%), headache (90%), abdominal Pain (37%) and constipation (33%). Common clinical signs were splenomegaly (37%), relative bradycardia (27%) and hepatomegaly (17%). None of the patients presented with complications.

CONCLUSION

The clinical profile of typhoid fever in our study revealed not much difference from that of other studies on typhoid fever. Rose spots were not noticed and we did not find a single case of complication of typhoid fever. Probably early initiation of antibiotics prevented the complications.

Inhibition of itch-scratch response by fruits of Cnidium monnieri in mice

We previously screened the anti-itching activities of 33 herbal medicines in substance P (SP)-induced itching model mice. One of the most potent antipruritogenic extracts, the methanol extract of fruits of Cnidium monnieri (Cnidii Fructus) was studied further. The chloroform-soluble fraction of the methanol extract markedly inhibited SP-induced scratching. Among 10 subfractions of the chloroform-soluble fraction, the CS-3 fraction had the most potent inhibitory effect on scratching. Each of 3 subfractions of CS-3 showed significant anti-scratching activities. However, inhibitory potencies were not different among the three and weaker than that of CS-3 itself at a same dose. These 3 subfractions of CS-3 mainly contained xanthotoxin, isopimpinellin, bergapten, imperatorin and osthol. Single administration of osthol did not inhibit SP-induced scratching, and imperatorin very weakly subsided scratching. These results suggest that the strong antipruritic action was focused on the CS-3 fraction of the C. monnieri methanol extract, and it might result from the combined effects of these coumarin derivatives, or by undetermined minor compounds.

Coumarins from the fruits of Cnidium monnieri

Two novel biscoumarins, cnidimonal (1) and cnidimarin (2), and two new coumarin derivatives, 5-formylxanthotoxol (3) and 2'-deoxymeranzin hydrate (4), were isolated from a traditional Chinese crude drug, the fruits of Cnidium monnieri, together with 15 known compounds. Among the known compounds, five of the minor compounds were isolated for the first time from this plant. The structures of 1-4 were determined with the use of spectroscopic methods.

Antiapoptotic effects of propolis extract and propol on human macrophages exposed to minimally modified low density lipoprotein

An aqueous extract of propolis and the phenolic component of propolis, propol, were assayed for antioxidative and antiapoptotic properties. Both additions inhibited Cu(2+)-initiated low density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation as characterized by a reduction of the lag time, reduced the increase of relative electrophoretic mobility during oxidation and markedly diminished apoptosis of human macrophages exposed to minimally modified (mmLDL). Moreover, aqueous propolis extract and propol blocked the mmLDL-induced decrease of glutathione (GSH) and the activation of the transcription factor NF-kappa B in these cells. The potent phenolic antioxidant propol thus expands the capability of cells to neutralize oxidative stress and to prevent apoptosis and is therefore suggested to significantly contribute to the antiinflammatory and antioxidative effects of propolis.

Inhibitory effect of tetrahydroswertianolin on tumor necrosis factor-alpha-dependent hepatic apoptosis in mice

We investigated the effect of tetrahydroswertianolin (THS), a hepatoprotective agent from Swertia japonica, on tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha)-dependent hepatic apoptosis induced by D-galactosamine (D-GalN) (700 mg/kg, i.p.) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (10 microg/kg, i.p.) in mice. Apoptotic symptoms were observed at the initial stage of liver damage. By 5 hr after intoxication, hepatic DNA fragmentation had risen to 2123%, with the value in untreated mice set at 100%, without a significant elevation of serum alanine transaminase (ALT) activity. There was a parallel increase in hepatocytes undergoing chromatin condensation and apoptotic body formation. By 8 hr after intoxication, serum ALT activity had risen to 3707 U/L. Pretreatment with THS (50 mg/kg, p.o.) at 18 and 2 hr before intoxication significantly reduced DNA fragmentation to 821% of that in untreated mice and prevented the emergence of chromatin condensation and apoptotic body formation. A significant and dose-dependent reduction in serum ALT activity at 8 hr also was observed with THS pretreatment. These effects of THS were different from those observed from pretreatment with glycyrrhizin (GCR), which is a clinically used hepatoprotective agent with membrane-stabilizing activity. GCR pretreatment (100 mg/kg, p.o.) did not inhibit hepatic DNA fragmentation (1588% of untreated mice), although this compound significantly protected against serum ALT elevation (1463 U/L). These data suggest that an inhibitory effect on the progression of hepatic apoptosis prior to liver injury may be involved in the hepatoprotective mechanisms of THS, whereas it appears that GCR affects the processes after apoptosis. In a separate experiment, we found that the concentration of serum TNF-alpha rose to 2016 pg/mL at 1 hr after intoxication of mice with D-GalN and LPS, but this increase was suppressed by THS pretreatment (10, 50, or 200 mg/kg, p.o.) to 716, 454, or 406 pg/mL, respectively. Further study with a reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction method showed that THS blocked TNF-alpha production at the transcriptional level. Because TNF-alpha is a critical mediator to elicit apoptosis in this model, the property of suppressing TNF-alpha production may be of prime importance for THS inhibition of hepatic apoptosis.

Anti-herpes simplex virus activity of moronic acid purified from Rhus javanica in vitro and in vivo

Rhus javanica, a medicinal herb, has been shown to exhibit oral therapeutic anti-herpes simplex virus (HSV) activity in mice. We purified two major anti-HSV compounds, moronic acid and betulonic acid, from the herbal extract by extraction with ethyl acetate at pH 10 followed by chromatographic separations and examined their anti-HSV activity in vitro and in vivo. Moronic acid was quantitatively a major anti-HSV compound in the ethyl acetate-soluble fraction. The effective concentrations for 50% plaque reduction of moronic acid and betulonic acid for wild-type HSV type 1 (HSV-1) were 3.9 and 2.6 microgram/ml, respectively. The therapeutic index of moronic acid (10.3-16.3) was larger than that of betulonic acid (6.2). Susceptibility of acyclovir-phosphonoacetic acid-resistant HSV-1, thymidine kinase-deficient HSV-1, and wild-type HSV type 2 to moronic acid was similar to that of the wild-type HSV-1. When this compound was administered orally to mice infected cutaneously with HSV-1 three times daily, it significantly retarded the development of skin lesions and/or prolonged the mean survival times of infected mice without toxicity compared with the control. Moronic acid suppressed virus yields in the brain more efficiently than those in the skin. This was consistent with the prolongation of mean survival times. Thus, moronic acid was purified as a major anti-HSV compound from the herbal extract of Rhus javanica. Mode of the anti-HSV activity was different from that of ACV. Moronic acid showed oral therapeutic efficacy in HSV-infected mice and possessed novel anti-HSV activity that was consistent with that of the extract.

Inhibitory effect of diarylheptanoids on nitric oxide production in activated murine macrophages

Thirteen novel diarylheptanoids bearing a chalcone or a flavanone moiety (1-13), a new curcumin derivative, 1,2-dihydrobis(de-O-methyl)curcumin (14), and two known flavonoids (15 and 16) isolated from the seeds of Alpinia blepharocalyx K. Schum. were tested for their inhibitory effects on nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccaride (LPS)-activated murine macrophages J774.1 in vitro. All the tested compounds inhibited NO production in a concentration-dependent manner (IC50=36-568 microM). Among the compounds examined, blepharocalyxin B (13) was the most potent inhibitor of NO production (IC50=36 microM). Analysis of the structure activity relationship among these novel diarylheptanoids led to the conclusion that the position of attachment of a chalcone or a flavanone to a diarylheptanoid does not affect their inhibitory potency although their presence in association causes a substantial enhancement of the inhibitory activity. Moreover, a conjugated double bond in a chalcone moiety potentiated the inhibitory activity. On the other hand, hexamethoxydeoxycalyxin A (17) and pentamethoxycalyxin B (18), a methylated product of calyxin A (1) and an epimeric mixture of calyxin B, showed greatly reduced activity suggesting that phenolic hydroxyl groups are involved in the inhibitory activity.

Comparative study of seventeen Salvia plants: aldose reductase inhibitory activity of water and MeOH extracts and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis of water extracts

The dry root and rhizome of Salvia miltiorhiza (Lamiaceae) are used as a crude drug Danshen, while those of S. deserta (Xinjiang-Danshen) are mixed in Danshen at Xinjiang province when the former is in short supply. The water and MeOH extracts of S. deserta showed strong aldose reductase (AR) inhibitory activity, and their active constituents were determined to be polar compounds different from "tanshinones" of S. miltiorhiza, i.e., lithospermic acid B (1), salvianolic acid K (2), salviaflaside (3), and rosmarinic acid (4) (IC50, 2.63-3.91 microM). We also examined the AR inhibitory activity of water and MeOH extracts of seventeen Salvia plants, including ten species of Danshen resources (S. bowleyana, S. deserta, S. miltiorhiza, S. miltiorhiza var. miltiorhiza f. alba, S. paramiltiorhiza, S. paramiltiorhiza f. purpureo-rubra, S. przewalskii, S. przewalskii var. mandarinorum, S. sinica f. purpurea, S. trijuga), and their water extracts were also analyzed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). The results indicated that there were four types with regard to the AR inhibitory activity and three types with regard to the amount of 1. Ten species used as Danshen resources showed good correlation between the AR inhibitory activity and the morphological classification. However, the intensities of their AR inhibitory activity varied, and they contained 1 in varying amounts. These facts suggested that the ten species were not the same, and thus their use as a Danshen resource should be based on their activity and/or active constituents.

Calyxin H, Epicalyxin H, and Blepharocalyxins A and B, Novel Diarylheptanoids from the Seeds of Alpinia blepharocalyx

Four unprecedented diarylheptanoids-calyxin H (1) and epicalyxin H (2), possessing a diarylheptanoid unit and a chalcone moiety, and blepharocalyxins A (3) and B (4), possessing two diarylheptanoid units and a chalcone moiety-were isolated from the seeds of Alpiniablepharocalyx. The structures of 1-4, including absolute stereochemistry, were elucidated by spectroscopic means and after a consideration of their biogenesis.

Purification and characterization of eugeniin as an anti-herpesvirus compound from Geum japonicum and Syzygium aromaticum

The hot-water extract of Geum japonicum has been shown to exhibit prophylactic and therapeutic anti-herpes simplex virus (HSV) activity in murine infection models. Eugeniin was purified as an anti-HSV compound from the extract and also was isolated from another herbal extract (Syzygium aromaticum) that had exhibited anti-HSV activity in mice. Thus the anti-HSV action of eugeniin was characterized. The effective concentration (5.0 microg/ml) for 50% plaque reduction of eugeniin for wild HSV type 1 (HSV-1) on Vero cells was 13.9-fold lower than its 50% cytotoxic concentration determined by a yield-reduction assay. Eugeniin also inhibited the growth of acyclovir-phosphonoacetic acid-resistant HSV-1, thymidine kinase-deficient HSV-1 and wild HSV type 2. Eugeniin as well as phosphonoacetic acid inhibited viral DNA and late viral protein syntheses in their infected Vero cells, but not cellular protein synthesis at its inhibitory concentrations. Purified HSV-1 DNA polymerase activity was inhibited by eugeniin noncompetitively with respect to dTTP. Its apparent Ki value for euginiin was 8.2- and 5. 8-fold lower than the Ki values of purified human DNA polymerases alpha and beta, respectively. Thus one of the major target sites of inhibitory action of eugeniin is viral DNA synthesis; the inhibitory action for viral DNA polymerase activity was novel compared with anti-HSV nucleoside analogs.

Hepatoprotective principles of Swertia japonica Makino on D-galactosamine/lipopolysaccharide-induced liver injury in mice

The n-BuOH extract of Swertia japonica showed a significant hepatoprotective effect on D-galactosamine (D-GalN)/lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced liver injury in mice. The activity-guided fractionation led to the isolation of a new tetrahydroxanthone derivative, tetrahydroswertianolin (1), as well as two known iridoids, gentiopicroside (2) and sweroside (3). Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods and chemical reactions. Of the three compounds, 2 and 3 possessed mild hepatoprotective activity at a dose range of 25-50 mg/kg, whereas, 1 exhibited potent activity in a dose-dependent manner. The hepatoprotective effect of tetrahydroswertianolin (1) was stronger than that of glycyrrhizin which was used as a positive control.

Potent free radical scavenging activity of propol isolated from Brazilian propolis

We evaluated free radical scavenging activity of the water, methanol and chloroform extracts of propolis in 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical and xanthine-xanthine oxidase (XOD) generated superoxide anion assay systems. The free radical scavenging activity guided fractionation and chemical analysis led to the isolation of a new compound, propol (3-[4-hydroxy-3-(3-oxo-but-1-enyl)-phenyl]-acrylic acid) from the water extract, which was more potent than most common antioxidants such as vitamin C and vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) in these assay systems.

Aldose reductase inhibitory constituents of the root of Salvia miltiorhiza Bunge

The constituents of the MeOH extract of Salvia miltiorhiza BUNGE, which showed strong aldose reductase (AR) inhibitory activity, were examined, and two new abietane-type diterpenoids, danshenol A (1) and danshenol B (2), were isolated together with six known ones: dihydrotanshimme I (3), cryptotanshinone (4), tanshinone I (5), tanshinone IIA (6), (-)-danshexinkun A (7), and sugiol (8). Among them, 4, 5, and 8 were weak AR inhibitors with IC50 from 4.80 to > 10.0 microM, while 1, 2, 3, 6, and 7 were strong inhibitors (IC50 from 0.10 to 1.75 microM). Danshenol A (1), the strongest inhibitor, had IC50 of 0.10 microM which is comparable to that of epalrestat in clinical use. Moreover, from a consideration of IC50, and yield of each compound, it was concluded that tanshinone IIA (6) is the major active constituent of the MeOH extract and danshenol A (I) and (-)danshexinkun A(7) are the minor ones.

Immunostimulating activity of Celosian, an antihepatotoxic polysaccharide isolated from Celosia argentea

Celosian, an acidic polysaccharide from the seeds of Celosia argenteo (Amaranthaceae) was found to be a potent antihepatotoxic agent for chemical and immunological liver injury models in animals. The immunomodulating action of celosian was studied to clarify the preventive mechanism of celosian on liver injuries. Celosian induced tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) production in mice. Celosian also induced the production of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) and nitric oxide (NO) in macrophage cell line J774.1 in a concentration-dependent manner (1 to 1000 micrograms/ml). Moreover, celosian induced IL-1 beta secretion in human mononuclear cells. In addition, celosian enhanced gamma interferon (IFN-gamma) production activity of concanavalin A (Con A) in mice spleen cells, though celosian alone did not significantly influence IFN-gamma production. These results indicate that celosian is an immunostimulating agent in addition to antihepatotoxic effects.

Antibacterial activity of trichorabdal A from Rabdosia trichocarpa against Helicobacter pylori

Rabdosia trichocarpa is used in a popular home-made remedy for gastric and stomachic complaints in Japan. A diterpene, trichorabdal A from R. trichocarpa, showed a very strong in vitro antibacterial activity against Helicobacter pylori. With regard to the antibacterial activity of the extract and constituents of R. trichocarpa against H. pylori, the effect of traditional use of this plant for the treatment of gastritis is probably due to the suppression of H. pylori since the extract of R. trichocarpa particularly inhibits the growth of H. pylori. It could be a promising native herb treatment for patients with gastric complaints including gastric ulcer caused by H. pylori.

Hepatoprotective effect of Hovenia dulcis THUNB. on experimental liver injuries induced by carbon tetrachloride or D-galactosamine/lipopolysaccharide

The hepatoprotective effects of the fruits of Hovenia dulcis THUNB. on chemically or immunologically induced experimental liver injury models were examined. The methanol extract showed significant hepatoprotective activity against CCl4-toxicity in rats and D-galactosamine (D-GalN)/lipopolysaccharide-induced liver injury in mice. The methanol extract also significantly protected against CCl4-toxicity in primary cultured rat hepatocytes. Hepatoprotective activity-guided fractionation and chemical analysis led to the isolation of an active constituent, (+)-ampelopsin (1) from the methanol extract.

Preventive effect of lithospermate B from Salvia miltiorhiza on experimental hepatitis induced by carbon tetrachloride or D-galactosamine/lipopolysaccharide

The water extract from the root of Salvia miltiorhiza Bunge showed a protective effect on cultured rat hepatocytes against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced necrosis. A further study was carried out to isolate the active constituent. Activity guided fractionation of the extract and chemical analysis gave us lithospermate B (a salt of lithospermic acid B), a tetramer of caffeic acid. Lithospermate B was also found to have a potent hepatoprotective activity in not only in vitro but also in vivo experimental liver injuries induced by CCl4 or D-galactosamine (D-GalN)/lipopolysaccharide (LPS).

Syringin 4-O-beta-glucoside, a new phenylpropanoid glycoside, and costunolide, a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, from the stem bark of Magnolia sieboldii

Syringin 4-O-beta-glucoside (1), a new phenylpropanoid glycoside, and costunolide (2) were isolated from the stem bark of Magnolia sieboldii. The structures were determined by spectroscopic and chemical methods. Costunolide (2) exhibited strong nitric oxide synthase inhibitory activity in the endotoxin-activated murine macrophage, J774.1.

Four di-O-caffeoyl quinic acid derivatives from propolis. Potent hepatoprotective activity in experimental liver injury models

The water extract of propolis (PWE) showed a strong hepatoprotective activity against CCl4-toxicity in rats and D-galactosamine (GalN)/lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced liver injury in mice. The PWE also showed a significant hepatoprotective activity against CCl4-induced liver cell injury in cultured rat hepatocytes. The in vitro hepatoprotective activity guided fractionation and chemical analysis led to the isolation of four dicaffeoyl quinic acid derivatives from the PWE. The structure of these isolates was determined to be methyl 3,4-di-O-caffeoyl quinate (1), 3,4-di-O-caffeoyl quinic acid (2), methyl 4,5-di-O-caffeoyl quinate (3), and 3,5-di-O-caffeoyl quinic acid (4) by spectroscopic methods. These compounds were more potent hepatoprotective agents than glycyrrhizin at a concentration of 10 micrograms/ml and 1 was the most potent among the four compounds in the cultured hepatocytes. Quinic acid (5) alone did not show hepatoprotective effects in cultured rat hepatocytes against CCl4-toxicity. On the other hand, chlorogenic acid (6) or caffeic acid alone was found to be less potent than the dicaffeoyl quinic acid derivatives.

Protective effect of celosian, an acidic polysaccharide, on chemically and immunologically induced liver injuries

Hepatoprotective effect of celosian, an acidic polysaccharide isolated from the water extract of the seed of Celosia argentea, was investigated using chemical and immunological liver injury models. Celosian inhibited the elevation of serum enzyme (GPT, GOT, LDH) and bilirubin levels on carbon tetrachloride (CC1(4))-induced liver injuries in rat. In addition, the hepatoprotective effect of celosian was also observed in this model of liver injury by histopathological findings. Moreover, celosian suppressed rises in GPT or mortality on fulminant hepatitis induced by D-galactosamine/lipopolysaccharide (D-Ga1N/LPS) or Propionibacterium acnes/LPS in mice. These findings suggested that celosian is an active component in protection against chemical and immunological hepatitis and the activity was found to be a dose dependent. Celosian showed a concentration dependent inhibitory effect on lipid peroxide (LPO) generation in vitro. Though celosian did not reduce the release of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), it protected against recombinant human TNF-alpha (rhTNF-alpha)-induced liver injury in D-galactosamine sensitized mice.

Potent antihepatotoxic activity of dicaffeoyl quinic acids from propolis

Hepatoprotective activity guided chemical analyses led to the isolation of two dicaffeoyl quinic acid derivatives, methyl 3,4-di-O-caffeoyl quinate (1) and 3,4-di-O-caffeoyl quinic acid (2) from water extract of propolis, and their structures were determined by the use of 2D NMR. These compounds were stronger antihepatotoxic agents than glycyrrhizin.

Bellidifolin stimulates glucose uptake in rat 1 fibroblasts and ameliorates hyperglycemia in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats

Bellidifolin, isolated from Swertia japonica, was found to be a potent hypoglycemic agent in STZ-induced diabetic rats by both oral and intraperitoneal administration. Bellidifolin significantly lowered the loaded glucose level in normal as well as diabetic rats. Bellidifolin also lowered blood triglyceride levels significantly. It stimulated glucose uptake activity in Rat 1 fibroblasts expressing human insulin receptors.

Five new C-methyl flavonoids, the potent aldose reductase inhibitors from Matteuccia orientalis Trev

Five new compounds, matteuorien, matteuorienin, and matteuorienate A (7), B (8), and C (9) were isolated together with five known compounds from the MeOH extract of the rhizome of Matteuccia orientalis Trev. The structures of these compounds were determined by the use of spectroscopic methods including two dimensional (2D)-NMR experiments and chemical methods, except for the configuration at the C-3"' of matteuorienate A (7), B (8), and C (9). Among them, matteuorienate A, B, and C showed very strong aldose reductase inhibitory activity. A structure-activity relationship study showed that a carboxyl group played an important part in aldose reductase inhibitory activity in these three compounds.

Bellidifolin: a potent hypoglycemic agent in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats from Swertia japonica

Hypoglycemic activity-guided fractionation led to the isolation of five known xanthones and two triterpenoids from the ethyl acetate soluble fraction of Swertia japonica and their identification was based on spectroscopic methods. One of the triterpenes, thysanolactone, was first isolated from this plant. Among the xanthones, bellidifolin showed a potent and dose-dependent hypoglycemic activity in STZ-induced diabetic rats both in i.p. and p.o. administration. A comparative hypoglycemic activity of the other three xanthones together with bellidifolin was also studied.

Matteuorienate A and B, two new and potent aldose reductase inhibitors from Matteuccia orientalis (Hook.) Trev

Matteuorienate A and B, two new C-methyl flavanone derivatives, were isolated from the Matteuccia orientalis (Hook.) Trev. (Aspidiaceae), and their structures were determined by the use of spectroscopic methods including 2D-NMR (1H-1H COSY, 1H-13C COSY and 1H-13C long-range COSY) experiments and chemical methods. Both the compounds were found to be very strong inhibitors of aldose reductase among the natural products.

2'-Hydroxymatteucinol, a new C-methyl flavanone derivative from Matteccia orientalis; potent hypoglycemic activity in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rat

The CHCl3 extract of Matteccia orientalis showed very strong hypoglycemic activity in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. A new C-methyl flavanone derivative, 2'-hydroxymatteucinol (3) was isolated from the hypoglycemic activity bearing fraction, along with two known compounds, demethoxymatteucinol (1) and matteucinol (2). The structures of these isolated compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic methods. One of the compounds isolated from CHCl3 extract, 2'-hydroxymatteucinol (3), showed dose-dependent hypoglycemic activity, and a blood sugar lowering effect was observed even at the dose of 10 mg/kg (p.o.) in STZ-induced diabetic rats.

Two new 2-arylbenzofuran derivatives from hypoglycemic activity-bearing fractions of Morus insignis

Ethyl acetate- and n-butanol-soluble fractions of the leaves of Morus insignis showed a significant hypoglycemic activity on streptozotocin (STZ)-induced hyperglycemic rats. From these hypoglycemic activity-showing fractions, two new compounds, mulberrofuran U (2) and moracin M-3-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (3) were isolated, along with six known compounds [beta-sitosterol, beta-sitosterol-3-O-beta-glucopyranoside, ursolic acid, moracin M (1), kaempferol-3-O-beta-glucopyranoside and quercetin-3-O-beta-glucopyranoside] and the structures of the new compounds were determined by spectroscopic and chemical methods.

Palbinone, a novel terpenoid from Paeonia albiflora; potent inhibitory activity on 3 alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase

Palbinone, a novel terpenoid isolated from the roots of Paeonia albiflora, showed a strong inhibitory activity on the reduced form of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH)-linked 3 alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3 alpha-HSD) of rat liver cytosol. The structures of palbinone and a known compound, paeonilactone-B isolated from the active fraction of this plant were determined by the use of 2D NMR techniques (1H-1H COSY, 1H-13C COSY, 1H-13C long-range COSY, and HMBC).