[Establishment of a rapid method for detection of influenza A/B virus' antigens]

This study aims to develop a rapid and convenient test card for simultaneous detection of influenza A and influenza B viruses using quantum dot-based immunochromatographic assay. The test card consists of a test strip and a plastic casing. The test strip is composed of absorbent paper, a buffer pad, nitrocellulose membrane (NC membrane), sample pad, quantum dot-labeled antibody pad, and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) board. The NC membrane is coated with mouse monoclonal antibodies against influenza A and influenza B viruses for the T lines (test lines), and reference proteins A and B for the C line (control line). The quantum dot-labeled antibody pad contains mouse monoclonal antibody-quantum dot conjugates against influenza A and influenza B viruses. The results showed that the detection limit of the test card for both viruses ranged from 1.51 ×102 to 2.71×103 TCID50/ml, indicating its sensitivity for accurate detection of influenza A and influenza B viruses without being affected by various variants. The test card exhibited specific reactions with different subtypes of influenza A and influenza B virus culture fluids and showed no cross-reactivity with adenovirus, novel coronavirus, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, respiratory syncytial virus, Staphylococcus aureus, and other pathogens. Overall, the sensitivity and specificity of the test card for simultaneous detection of influenza A and influenza B viruses meet the requirements for clinical use. It offers the advantages of simplicity, rapidity, and no requirement for special equipment, enabling quick auxiliary diagnosis to prevent disease transmission.

Synthesis, molecular docking, and binding Gibbs free energy calculation of β-nitrostyrene derivatives: Potential inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 3CL protease

The outbreak of novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), has had a significant impact on human health and the economic development. SARS-CoV-2 3CL protease (3CLpro) is highly conserved and plays a key role in mediating the transcription of virus replication. It is an ideal target for the design and screening of anti-coronavirus drugs. In this work, seven β-nitrostyrene derivatives were synthesized by Henry reaction and β-dehydration reaction, and their inhibitory effects on SARS-CoV-2 3CL protease were identified by enzyme activity inhibition assay in vitro. Among them, 4-nitro-β-nitrostyrene (compound a) showed the lowest IC₅₀ values of 0.7297 μM. To investigate the key groups that determine the activity of β-nitrostyrene derivatives and their interaction mode with the receptor, the molecular docking using the CDOCKER protocol in Discovery Studio 2016 was performed. The results showed that the hydrogen bonds between β-NO₂ and receptor GLY-143 and the π-π stacking between the aryl ring of the ligand and the imidazole ring of receptor HIS-41 significantly contributed to the ligand activity. Furthermore, the ligand-receptor absolute binding Gibbs free energies were calculated using the Binding Affinity Tool (BAT.py) to verify its correlation with the activity of β-nitrostyrene 3CLpro inhibitors as a scoring function. The higher correlation(r²=0.6) indicates that the absolute binding Gibbs free energy based on molecular dynamics can be used to predict the activity of new β-nitrostyrene 3CLpro inhibitors. These results provide valuable insights for the functional group-based design, structure optimization and the discovery of high accuracy activity prediction means of anti-COVID-19 lead compounds.

[SNP Panel Analysis of Ancestry Inference in East Asian Populations]

Abstract

Objective To develop an SNP Panel for East Asian population, which has a high individual identification rate and the capability of ancestry analysis. Methods The 55 SNP Panel by Professor KIDD of Yale University and the 128 SNP Panel by Professor SELDIN of Davis School of California University, 170 SNP Panel in total was used as the basis and its test data in the East Asian population was collected. The genetic parameters of SNP loci were calculated and combined with the results of heatmap analysis to screen SNP loci suitable for East Asian population. Some Tibetan and Han samples were tested. The possibility of using the SNP loci in ancestry inference was analyzed by means of STRUCTURE analysis, principal component analysis and heatmap analysis. Results A Panel with 45 SNPs （45 SNP Panel） was screened out, and the average genetic parameters of each SNP were better than 170 SNP Panel, with the same ancestry analysis and inference ability. Conclusion In terms of ancestry inference information, the 45 SNP Panel can completely replace the 170 SNP Panel and achieve the same ancestry analysis and inference ability. In genetic parameters, 45 SNP Panel is better than 170 SNP Panel in the East Asian population, which shows its important potential forensic application value.

Bioinformatic Prediction and Production of Four Recombinant Proteins from Different Developmental Stages of Trichinella spiralis and Testing of Their Diagnostic Sensitivity in Mice

Background:

Trichinellosis is a serious food-borne parasitic zoonosis, thus finding high quality antigens is the key to serodiagnosis of trichinosis. This article reports the characterization and sensitivity of four recombinant proteins expressed by four genes (Wn10, Zh68, T668, and Wm5) from different developmental stages of Trichinella spiralis for the diagnosis of trichinellosis in mice.

Methods:

This study was conducted in Jilin University and National Institute of Parasitic Diseases of Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention in 2017–2018. The structures and functions of the proteins encoded by four genes were predicted by bioinformatics analysis. The four genes were cloned and expressed, and the recombinant proteins were purified. Anti-Trichinella IgM and IgG antibodies in the sera of mice infected with T. spiralis from 1-45 d post-infection (dpi) were evaluated by ELISA.

Results:

The optimal antigen epitopes of four proteins (P1, P2, P3, and P4) encoded by the four genes from T- and B-cells were predicted, and four purified recombinant proteins (r-P1, r-P2, r-P3, and r-P4) were successfully produced. For IgM, the antibody levels detected by the four recombinant antigens were approximately equal to the cut-off value. Anti-Trichinella IgG antibodies were first detected by r-P1 at 8 dpi, followed by r-P2, r-P3, and r-P4 at 10 dpi, 14 dpi, and 16 dpi, respectively, and the antibody levels remained high until 45 dpi.

Conclusion:

The recombinant antigens r-P1, r-P2, r-P3, and r-P4 could be antigens that react with antibodies, they showed high sensitivity in the detection of anti-Trichinella IgG antibodies in mice. Among these proteins, r-P1 may be a candidate antigen for the detection of anti-Trichinella IgG antibodies in the early infection phase and exhibited the best sensitivity among the antigens.

[The effect of aluminum trichloride on expression of phosphorylated tau and Aβ in SH-SY5Y cells]

Objective: To investigate the expression of phosphorylated tau (p-tau) and Aβ in SH-SY5Y cells induced by aluminum or/and ApoE ε4 allele, and study the interaction between aluminum and ApoE ε4 allele. Methods: SH-SY5Y cells were assigned to control group, 400 μmol/L AlCl(3) group, ApoEε4 transfected group and 400 μmol/L AlCl(3) with Apo Eε4 transfected group. The cell viability was measured by CCK-8 assay; the expressions of p-tau and Aβ was determined with ELISA Kit after AlCl(3) exposure or or/and ApoE ε4 transfection. Results: The viability of cells exposed to 400 μmol/L AlCl(3) or/and ApoE ε4 transfected were significantly lower than that of controls (P<0.05) . The expressions of total tau, tau-181, tau-231, tau-396 and Aβ in 400 μmol/L Al(3)+ or/and ApoE ε4 transfected exposed cells showed significantly higher than those of controls (P<0.05) . Based on the factorial design, a significant interaction exists, and there is a synergistic effect between AlCl(3) and ApoE ε4 (P<0.05) . Conclusion: Aluminum and ApoE ε4 allele could increase expression of p-tau and Aβ deposition; there was a synergistic interaction between aluminum and ApoE ε4 allele on cell death, tau phosphorylation and Aβ deposition of SH-SY5Y.

Repairs of Partial Oblique Tendon Injuries: A Biomechanical Evaluation

This study evaluated the tensile properties of oblique partial tendon lacerations and the effects of peripheral sutures on their strength. Seventy-four fresh pig flexor digitorum profundus tendons were divided into eight groups and were transected across 90% of their diameter. The lacerations in the tendons of five of the groups were at 0°, 15°, 30°, 45°, and 60° to their transverse cross-section, respectively. In the other three groups the lacerations were 0°, 45°, and 60° to the cross-section and were repaired with running peripheral sutures. The tendons were subjected to load-to-failure tests in a tensile testing machine to determine the initial, 1 and 2 mm gap formation forces, and the ultimate strength. Obliquity of tendon lacerations affected the strength of partially lacerated tendons. The tendons with 45° and 60° oblique lacerations had a significantly lower ultimate strengths than those with transverse (0°), or 15° or 30° oblique lacerations. Running peripheral sutures significantly increased both the gap formation forces and the ultimate strength of the tendons with oblique partial lacerations.

Electrophoretic deposition of graphene oxide reinforced chitosan-hydroxyapatite nanocomposite coatings on Ti substrate

Electrophoretic deposition (EPD) is a facile and feasible technique to prepare functional nanocomposite coatings for application in orthopedic-related implants. In this work, a ternary graphene oxide-chitosan-hydroxyapatite (GO-CS-HA) composite coating on Ti substrate was successfully fabricated by EPD. Coating microstructure and morphologies were investigated by scanning electron microscopy, contact angle test, Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. It was found GO-CS surface were uniformly decorated by HA nanoparticles. The potentiodynamic polarization test in simulated body fluid indicated that the GO-CS-HA coatings could provide effective protection of Ti substrate from corrosion. This ternary composite coating also exhibited good biocompatibility during incubation with MG63 cells. In addition, the nanocomposite coatings could decrease the attachment of Staphylococcus aureus.

[Intracranial atherosclerotic middle cerebral arterial stenosis research based on 3.0 Tesla high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging: recent progress]

Intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD) of a major intracranial artery, including middle cerebral artery (MCA),basilar artery, is the most common causes of stroke and is associated with a high risk of recurrent stroke in China. The difficulty to treatment these high-risk disease is to identify high-risk stroke subgroups and to develop more effective treatments (aggressive medical therapy/endovascular therapy). With the benefits, including non-invasive, in vivo, and no-ionizing radiation, 3.0 Tesla high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (HR MRI) could be used to stratify high-risk patients, monitor progression of disease, and evaluate clinical efficacy, based on MCA wall structure and plaque characteristic. HR MRI has the latency of predicting high-risk patients benefit from endovascular therapy, having a broad application prospect during psot-SAMMPRIS era. The current research on MCA stenosis using HR MRI focuses on methodoiogy, diagnosis and differential diagnosis, etiology, and lacks of clinical efficiency evaluation and prognostic analysis of ICAD treatment, especially lacks the research on in-stent restenosis, which needs further investigation.

N-Cyclo-hexyl-2-oxo-2-phenyl-acetamide

In the title compound, C₁₄H₁₇NO₂, the two carbonyl groups are oriented with respect to each other with a torsion angle of −129.9 (3)°. The cyclo­hexane ring adopts a chair conformation. In the crystal, mol­ecules are linked by N—H⋯O hydrogen bonds into a chain running along the a axis.

Scavenging effects of natural phenols on oxidizing intermediates of peroxynitrite

Most of peroxynitrite (ONOO-/ONOOH) is formed via the diffusion-limited reaction between nitric oxide and superoxide. In biological systems, the decomposition of ONOO- yields 30-35% of carbonate radical (CO3*-) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2*), which are strongly oxidizing intermediates and are suggested to take a part of the responsibility for the toxicity of nitric oxide (NO*) or ONOO-. Therefore, the current study focuses on the scavenging activities of phenols toward CO3*- and NO2* to protect biomolecules from damage caused by NO* or ONOO- using the technique of pulse radiolysis. From the build-up kinetic of the phenoxyl radicals and the decay kinetic of CO3*- radical, the rate constants of scavenging reactions were determined to be 1.9-3.4 x 10(8) M(-1) x s(-1) and 0.11-1.9 x 10(8) M(-1) x s(-1) for CO3*- and NO2* respectively. The results indicated that the tested phenols are the efficient scavengers of CO3*- and NO2*.

Fast repair of the poly G hydroxyl radical adduct by two phenylpropanoid glycosides

The repair activities and the reaction mechanisms of two phenylpropanoid glycosides (PPGs), isolated from a herb used in Chinese folk medicine, towards the oxidizing hydroxyl radical adduct of poly G were studied with a pulse radiolytic technique. On pulse irradiation of a nitrous oxide saturated 4 mM aqueous solution of poly G containing one of the tested compounds, the transient absorption spectrum of the hydroxyl radical adduct of poly G decays with the formation of that of the phenoxyl radical of the tested compound within several tens microseconds after the electron pulse irradiation. The results indicated that there was a repair reaction between the hydroxyl radical adduct of poly G and the compounds tested. The rate constants for the repair reactions of poly G hydroxyl radical adducts by verbasicoside and cistanoside C were determined to be 1.4 and 1.0 x 10(9) M(-1) x s(-1), respectively.

Docking study of cistanoside C to telomeric DNA fragment

Experiments show that the natural products phenyl propanoid glycosides (PPGs) extracted from the plant Pedicularis spicata are capable of repairing DNA damaged by oxygen radicals. Based on kinetic measurements and experiments on tumor cells, a theoretical study of the interaction between PPG molecule Cistanoside C and telomeric DNA fragment has been carried out. The docking calculations performed using JUMNA software showed that the Cistanoside C could be docked into the minor groove of telomeric DNA and form complexes with the geometry suitable for an electron transfer between guanine radical and the ligand. Such complexes can be formed without major distortions of DNA structure and are further stabilized by the interaction with the saccharide side-groups.

Theoretical study of fast repair of DNA damage by cistanoside C and analogs: mechanism and docking

Experiments show that the natural substances phenylpropanoid glycosides (PPGs) extracted from pelicularis spicata are capable of repairing DNA damaged by oxygen radicals. Based on kinetic measurements and experiments on tumor cells, a theoretical study of the interaction between PPG molecules and isolated DNA bases, as well as a DNA fragment has been performed. An interaction mechanism reported early has been refined. The docking calculations performed using junction minimization of nucleic acids (JUMNA) software showed that the PPG molecules can be docked into the minor groove of DNA and form complexes with the geometry suitable for an electron transfer between guanine radical and the ligand. Such complexes can be formed without major distortions of DNA structure and are further stabilized by the interaction with the rhamnosyl side-groups.

[HLA-DRB1 gene polymorphism of Naxi ethnic group of Yunnan Province, China and its ethnological evolution analysis]

The HLA-DRB1 gene polymorphism of Naxi ethnic group of Yunnan Province, China was investigated for the first time using high resolution PCR-SBT method, which is based on sequences of HLA-DRB1 Intron 1 and Intron 2 with our improvement. From 60 individuals of Naxi 37 DRB1 alleles were detected. The distribution of allele frequencies is evenly spread for most of alleles detected in Naxi. However, the gene frequency for HLA-DRB1 * 12021 is 17.50%. The other common alleles (> 5%) were HLA-DRB1 * 1404(7.50%), 1504(5.83%), 04051(5.83%), 08032(5.83%), 09012(5%), 03011(5%), and they covered 35% of the total alleles detected from Naxi, and 52.49% after adding the frequency of HLA-DRB1 * 12021. HLA-DRB1 * 0305, 0438, 1123, 1132, 1310, 0812 were detected in Chinese for the first time, and were very rare in other ethnic groups worldwide. Using the HLA-DRB1 gene frequencies of various ethnic groups, we constructed the phylogenetic tree by Fitch-Margoliash and Least-Squares Distance Methods and Cavalli-Sforza's chord measure of genetic distance. In our dendrogram, the South China populations were clustered together, and Siberian, Japanese and Minority of North China were clustered together, in which two big clusters we thought represented the ancient Southern and Northern Mongolian. Our results showed Naxi was clustered with Lahu and Yao ethnic groups, which were in the cluster of South China population. Obviously Naxi belongs to the South China ethnic groups and can't trace its origin from northern ethnic groups with the HLA-DRB1 genetic data. But based on Naxi's historical folklore, it was down to Southern China from Northwest China. The preliminary analysis about its origin conundrum was discussed in this paper based on our genetic data in relationship with its history and ethnology studies.

Design, synthesis, and SAR of amino acid derivatives as factor Xa inhibitors

A series of potent and selective factor Xa inhibitors was synthesized using various readily available amino acids as central templates. The most potent compound displays IC(50) of 3 nM.

Eudesmanolides, aromatic derivatives, and other constituents from Carpesium cernuum

A new eudesmanolide 13-hydroxy-4 alpha H-eudesman-5,7(11)-dien-12,8 beta-olide (1) and a new aromatic derivative 3-methyl-8-acetoxy-9,10-diisobutanoyloxy-p-cymene (6), along with ten known compounds were isolated from the roots of Carpesium cernuum L. Their structures were elucidated by spectral methods (IR, EIMS, FAB-MS, 1D and 2D NMR). Compound 2, 3 and compound 10 exhibited moderate antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus.

New bisabolane sesquiterpenes from Ligularia songarica

Phytochemical investigation of Ligularia songarica (Compositae) afforded seven new bisabolane-type sesquiterpenes. Their structures were confirmed on the basis of spectroscopic methods, especially 2D-NMR techniques, and compound 7 showed stronger antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas acruginosa and Salmonella pullorum.

Rubupungenosides A and B, two novel triterpenoid saponin dimers from the aerial parts of Rubus pungens

Two new triterpenoid saponin dimers, rubupungenosides A (1) and B (2), were isolated in their methylated forms 1a and 2a, respectively, from an ethanol extract of the aerial parts of Rubus pungens. The structures of 1a and 2a were established on the basis of spectroscopic and chemical methods.

Nor-lignan and sesquiterpenes from Cremanthodium ellisii

A nor-lignan and two sesquiterpenes, along with six known compounds, have been isolated from the medicinal plant Cremanthodium ellisii. Their structures were determined on the basis of spectral evidence, especially 2D NMR (1H-1H COSY, HMQC, HMBC).

Aquaticol, a bis-sesquiterpene and iridoid glucosides from Veronica anagallis-aquatica

Aquaticol, an unusual bis-sesquiterpene was isolated from the medicinal plant Veronica anagallis-aquatica, in addition to 11 known compounds, aucubin, geniposidic acid, mussaenoside, catalposide, verproside, amphicoside, catalpol, boschnaloside, shanzhiside methyl ester, sitosterol and beta-stigmast-4-en-6 beta-ol-3-one. The structure of aquaticol was determined by spectroscopic means and by X-ray crystallographic analysis.

Eremophilenolides from Ligularia fischeri

The chemical investigation of Ligularia fischeri afforded three new eremophilenolides which were identified as 6 beta-methoxy-8 beta-hydroxy-eremophil-7(11)-en-12,8 alpha-olide, ligufischerin, and 6-oxo-8 beta-hydroxy-eremophil-7(11)-en-12,8 alpha-olide by 1D- and 2D-NMR spectra. In addition, six known eremophilenolides were also obtained.

[Induced-differentiation and cytotoxicity of isoverbascoside on HL-60 cells]

HL-60 cells were treated by isoverbascoside with different time and different concentrations in vitro. The differentiation of HL-60 cells was evaluated by light and electron microscopy to observe morphological changes, by chemiluminence to detect phagocytosis and by tumorigenesis in nude mice to determine malignancy. The cytotoxical effect of isoverbascoside on HL-60 cells was examined by trypan blue excluding staining and electron microscopy. The influence of isoverbascoside on cell cycle was measured by flow cytometry. Granular differentiation of HL-60 cells was induced by isoverbascoside at 20-25 mumol/L within 1-3 days as the results of morphological changes, enhancement of phagocytosis and decreasing of tumorigenesis. Strong cytotoxicity was evidenced in HL-60 cells treated by isoverbascoside at 30-35 mumol/L. HL-60 cells treated by isoverbascoside at 20 mumol/L were delayed at G1 phase at 12 hours and G2/M phase at 72 hours.

Novel highly oxygenated bisabolane sesquiterpenes from Cremanthodium discoideum

Five new highly oxygenated bisabolane sesquiterpenes (1-5) were isolated from Cremanthodium discoideum. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic analysis and chemical transformations. The structure and relative stereochemistry of 1 were determined by single-crystal X-ray crystallography on the acetate derivative, 1a. Compound 1 showed antibacterial activity against Bacillus acidilatici and Bacillus subtilis.

Retardation of skeletal muscle fatigue by the two phenylpropanoid glycosides: verbascoside and martynoside from Pedicularis plicata maxim

The effects of the phenylpropanoid glycosides verbascoside and martynoside from Pedicularis plicata were investigated on muscle contractility in Bufo gastrocnemius muscle electrically stimulated in vitro. The maximum amplitude and maintained time of contraction were mechanically recorded and used as indices of muscle contractility. After 30 min pretreatment of the muscle, verbascoside at 20.0 microM resisted muscle fatigue significantly while martynoside at 80.0 microM improved muscle contractility only slightly. These two glycosides resisted muscle fatigue depending on their antioxidative activities, which is in agreement with the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in promoting fatigue in skeletal muscle.

Germacranolides from Carpesium lipskyi

Two new germacranolides, carpelipine A and carpelipine B in the form of its pyrazoline derivative were isolated from the whole plants of CARPESIUM LIPSKYI, and their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods including 2D NMR techniques ( (1)H- (1)H COSY, (1)H- (1)H NOESY, HMQC, HMBC) and chemical transformations. In addition, two known compounds beta-sitosterol and 7,4'-dimethoxy-5-hydroxylflavanone were also obtained.

Access to tetrachlorophthalimide-protected ethyl 2-amino-2-deoxy-1-thio-beta-D-glucopyranosides

Ethyl 2-deoxy-2-tetrachlorophthalimido-1-thio-beta-D-glucopyranoside (7) was prepared from glucosamine hydrochloride in four steps with a 20-25% overall yield. Formation of 1,3,4,6-tetra-O-acetyl-2-deoxy-2-tetrachlorophthalimido-beta-D- glucopyranoside (5) was found to be crucial for this reaction sequence since the corresponding alpha-1-acetate did not react in Lewis-acid-catalyzed ethylthio glycosidations. Formation of the beta-1-acetate (5) was achieved by treatment of 3,4,6-tri-O-acetyl-2-deoxy-2-tetrachlorophthalimido-alpha-D-glucop yranosyl bromide (4) with acetic acid under silver zeolite promotion. This was necessary because conditions normally used for beta-1-acetate formation were not tolerated by the tetrachlorophthalimido (TCP) group.

Iridoid and phenylpropanoid glycosides from Pedicularis artselaeri

Six new compounds, an iridoid glucoside, 6- O-methyl-epiaucubin, three iridoids, artselaenins A, B, C, a phenylethanoid glycoside, artselaeroside A, and a phenylpropanoid glycoside, artselaeroside B, as well as fourteen known compounds, nine iridoid glycosides and five phenylpropanoid glycosides were isolated from the whole plants (including roots, stems, leaves and flowers) of Pedicularis artselaeri. Their structures were identified mainly by spectral evidence.

Two new aromatic monoterpene derivatives from Carpesium lipskyi

From the whole plants of Carpesium lipskyi, two new monoterpene derivatives, 2-(2'-methoxy-p-tolyl)glyceryl 1,3-di-isobutyrate and 2-(2'-methoxy-p-tolyl)glyceryl 1-isobutyrate-3-acetate were isolated. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods including 2D-NMR techniques (HMQC, HMBC).

New iridoids from Pedicularis artselaeri

Three new iridoids, named artselaenin I, II and III, were isolated from the whole plants of Pedicularis artselaeri, along with 11 known compounds, 8-epiloganic acid, 7-deoxy-8-epiloganic acid, plantarenaloside, mussaenoside, lariciresinol-4-O-beta-D-glucoside, lariciresinol-4'-O-beta-D-glucoside, alaschaniosideA, cirtusinA, 2-(p-hydroxyphenyl)-ethanol 1-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside, 3-methoxy-4-primeverosylacetophenone and adenine. Their structures were identified mainly by spectral evidence.

Two minor benzofuranosesquiterpene dimers from Ligularia virgaurea

From the roots of Ligularia virgaurea, two new benzofuranosesquiterpene dimers, named virgaurin B and virgaurin C, have been isolated. Their structures have been elucidated from the interpretation of the 1H-, 13C-NMR, mass and IR spectral data.

A-seco-oleane-type triterpene acids from Ligularia intermedia

From the roots of Ligularia intermedia, two new naturally occurring 3,4-seco-oleanolic triterpene acids were isolated. Their structures were elucidated as A-homo-3a-oxa-olean-12-en-3-one-28-oic acid and 3,4-seco-olean-12-en-4-ol-3,28-dioic acid by spectroscopic methods and chemical transformations. In addition, six known compounds were also obtained from this plant.

[The synthesis and pharmacological activities of C-galactosides of furanosequiterpenes]

Four new C-galactosides were obtained by treatment of 1-O-trifluoroacetly-2, 3, 4, 6-tetra-O-benzly-alpha-D-galactopranose with 7-methoxy-6-(3-pentenyl)-3, 5-dimethylbenzofuran, 7-acetoxy-6-(3-pentenyl)-3, 5-dimethylbenzofuran and 1, 2-dihydrocacalohastin in the presence of Lewis acid. Their structures and compositions were elucidated by elemental analysis and spectroscopic methods. The results of the pharmacological test indicated that the sesquiterpenes are calcium antagonist but their C-galactosides are calcium agonist.

Syntheses and pharmacological activities of the derivatives of furanosesquiterpenes from Ligularia virgaurea

Four benzofuranosesquiterpenes, 1-hydroxy-2-(3'-pentenyl)-3,7-dimethylbenzofuran (1), 1-hydroxy-2-(3'-pentenyl)-3,7-dimethylbenzofuran (2), cacalol (13), and 1,2-dehydrocacalohastin ( 14) were isolated from the rhizomes of Ligularia virgaurea (Compositae). A lipophilic group and an aqueous-favoring group were introduced to the compounds 1 and 13 to afford twelve new derivatives. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods. The results of the pharmacological test indicated that some of them can block Ca (++) influx by occupying binding sites of dihydropyridine.

New sesquiterpenes from two Ligularia species

Further phytochemical investigation of the roots of Ligularia sagitta afforded two new eremophilane sesquiterpene acids, and from the roots of Ligularia nelumbifolia, two new guaiane sesquiterpenes were isolated. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods including 2D NMR techniques and chemical transformations.

A new eremophilane sesquiterpenoid and a new iridoid from Pedicularis striata subsp. arachnoides

A new sesquiterpenoid, eremophila-10,11-diene-7alpha,13-diol, and a new iridoid aglycone, dihydrocatalpolgenin, have been isolated and identified from Pedicularis striata Pall subsp. arachnoides (Franch) Tsoong in addition to the known iridoid glycosides, aucubin and 8-O-acetylharpagide.

Two new oplopanol esters from Cremanthodium ellisii

Two new sesquiterpenoids have been isolated from Cremanthodium ellisii Kitam. Their structures were established on the basis of spectral analysis (IR, MS, 1H-1H COSY, NOESY, 1H-13C COSY, and COLOC) and chemical evidence.

Neolignan glycosides from Pedicularis longiflora

Four new neolignan glucosides, longiflorosides A, B, C and D, in addition to one known neolignan glucoside, dehydro-diconiferyl alcohol-4-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside were obtained from whole plants of Pedicularis longiflora. The structures of these compounds were determined mainly on spectral evidence.

Antioxidative and chelating activities of phenylpropanoid glycosides from Pedicularis striata

AIM

To study the antioxidative and iron chelating activities of phenylpropanoid glycosides (PPG) isolated from a Chinese herb Pedicularis striata.

METHODS

Antioxidative effects of PPG on lipid peroxidation induced by FeSO4-edetic acid in linoleic acid were measured by thiobarbituric acid method. Chelating activities of PPG for Fe2+ were tested by differential spectrum method.

RESULTS

The reaction rates (A532.min-1) of lipid peroxidation were 0.0046 in the control, 0.0021 in verbascoside group, and 0.0008 in isoverbascoside group. The chelating activity of isoverbascoside was 2-fold stronger than that of verbascoside. Permethyl verbascoside showed neither antioxidative nor chelating activities.

CONCLUSION

The inhibitory effects of PPG with phenolic hydroxy groups on lipid peroxidation are owing to their chelating properties. Under physiological condition PPG-Fe2+ chelates are sufficiently stable. Thus PPG are able to inhibit the Fe(2+)-dependent lipid peroxidation in vivo through chelating Fe2+ and exhibit their therapeutic potential by the same mechanism in vitro.

Ingenane diterpenes from Euphorbia petiolata

From the whole plants of Euphorbia petiolata, four new ingenane-type diterpenoids, 3,20-O-diacetylingenol 5-O-(2' E,4' Z)-tetradecadienoate (1), 5,20-O-diacetylingenol 3- O-(2' E,4' Z)-tetradecadienoate (2), ingenol 3-O-(2' E,4' Z)-tetradecadienoate (3), and 5,20-O-isopropylidenylingenol 3-O-(2' E,4' Z)-tetradecadienoate (4) were isolated. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods and chemical transformations.

[Free radical scavenging and antifatigue activities of Saussurea involucrata polysaccharides]

The polysaccharides of Saussurea involucrata Kar et Kir was first isolated and identified by us. The polysaccharides scavenged superoxide anions by nitroblue tetraazolium colorimetric method with a median scavenging concentration of 22 micrograms.ml-1 and 95% confidence limit was 19.9-24.1 micrograms.ml-1. The polysaccharides inhibited the formation of thiobarbituric acid reaction substance in mouse liver homogenate and its IC50 was 2.3 mg/g fresh liver and 95% confidence limit was 2.05-2.55 mg/g fresh liver. By ip 25 mg.kg-1.d-1 x d in mice, the polysaccharides decreased oxygen consumption by 34.4% and ip same dosage x 6 d, the polysaccharide prolonged swimming time by 1.69-fold.