Downregulation of Salt-Inducible Kinase 3 Enhances CCL24 Activation in the Placental Environment with Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia (PE) remains one of the leading causes of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. However, the exact pathophysiology of PE is still unclear. The recent widely accepted notion that successful pregnancy relies on maternal immunological adaptation is of utmost importance. Moreover, salt-inducible kinase 3 (SIK3) is an AMP-activated protein kinase-related kinase, and it has reported a novel regulator of energy and inflammation, and its expression related with some diseases. To explore whether SIK3 expression correlated with PE, we analyzed SIK3 gene expression and its association with PE through GEO datasets. We identified that SIK3 was significantly downregulated in PE across four datasets (p < 0.05), suggesting that SIK3 participated in the pathogenesis of PE. We initially demonstrated the significant downregulation of SIK3 in trophoblast cells of PE. SIK3 downregulation was positively correlated with the increased number of CD204(+) cells in in vivo and in vitro experiments. The increased number of CD204(+) cells could inhibit the migration and invasion of trophoblast cells. We then clarified the potential mechanism of PE with SIK3 downregulation: M2 skewing was triggered by trophoblast cells derived via the CCL24/CCR3 axis, leading to an increase in CD204(+) cells, a decrease in phagocytosis, and the production of IL-10 at the maternal-fetal interface of the placenta with PE. IL-10 further contributed to a reduction in the migration and invasion of trophoblast cells. It also established a feedback loop wherein trophoblast cells increased CCL24 production to maintain M2 dominance in the placental environments of PE.

Omental Macrophagic "Crown-like Structures" Are Associated with Poor Prognosis in Advanced-Stage Serous Ovarian Cancer

The tumor microenvironment is a well-recognized framework in which immune cells present in the tumor microenvironment promote or inhibit cancer formation and development. A crown-like structure (CLS) has been reported as a dying or dead adipocyte surrounded by a 'crown' of macrophages within adipose tissue, which is a histologic hallmark of the inflammatory process in this tissue. CLSs have also been found to be related to formation, progression and prognosis of some types of cancer. However, the presence of CLSs in the omentum of advanced-stage high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC) has not been thoroughly investigated. By using CD68, a pan-macrophage marker, and CD163, an M2-like polarization macrophage marker, immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed to identify tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and CLSs. This retrospective study analyzed 116 patients with advanced-stage HGSOC who received complete treatment and had available clinical data from July 2008 through December 2016 at National Cheng Kung University Hospital (NCKUH) (Tainan, Taiwan). Based on multivariate Cox regression analysis, patients with omental CD68⁺ CLSs had poor OS (median survival: 24 vs. 38 months, p = 0.001, hazard ratio (HR): 2.26, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.41-3.61); patients with omental CD163⁺ CLSs also had poor OS (median survival: 22 vs. 36 months, HR: 2.14, 95%CI: 1.33-3.44, p = 0.002). Additionally, patients with omental CD68⁺ or CD163⁺ CLSs showed poor PFS (median survival: 11 vs. 15 months, HR: 2.28, 95%CI: 1.43-3.64, p = 0.001; median survival: 11 vs. 15 months, HR: 2.17, 95%CI: 1.35-3.47, respectively, p = 0.001). Conversely, the density of CD68⁺ or CD163⁺ TAMs in ovarian tumors was not associated with patient prognosis in advanced-stage HGSOC in our cohort. In conclusion, we, for the first time, demonstrate that the presence of omental CLSs is associated with poor prognosis in advanced-stage HGSOC.

An integrated microfluidic platform for detection of ovarian clear cell carcinoma mRNA biomarker FXYD2

In this work we developed an integrated microfluidic system for automatically detecting the ovarian clear cell carcinoma (OCCC) biomarker FXYD2. Dealing with ascites from ovarian cancer patients, capture of cancer cells, isolation of messenger RNA, and quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction were integrated into a single microfluidic chip and carried out on-chip automatically. OCCC is a subtype of ovarian cancer with a high mortality risk, and a high FXYD2 gene expression level was shown to be closely associated with OCCC. The lowest limit of quantification using a benchtop protocol of this system could be as low as 100 copies per sample. By normalizing the expression to a housekeeping gene, GAPDH, a simple cycle threshold ratio index could distinguish high FXYD2 expression cells from the low-expression ones. This developed platform may therefore facilitate future OCCC diagnosis and/or prognosis.

An aptamer interacting with heat shock protein 70 shows therapeutic effects and prognostic ability in serous ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer (OvCa) is the most lethal gynecologic malignancy owing to its high chemoresistance and late diagnosis, which lead to a poor prognosis. Hence, developing new therapeutic modalities is important for OvCa patient treatment. Our previous results indicated that a novel aptamer, Tx-01, can specifically recognize serous carcinoma cells and tissues. Here, we aim to clarify the clinical role and possible molecular mechanisms of Tx-01 in OvCa. Immunostaining and statistical analysis were performed to detect the interaction of Tx-01 and heat shock protein 70/Notch1 intracellular domain (HSP70/NICD) in OvCa. The in vitro and in vivo experiments were carried out to demonstrate the potential mechanisms of Tx-01. Results show that Tx-01 reduced serous OvCa OVCAR3 cell migration and invasion and inhibited HSP70 nuclear translocation by interrupting the intracellular HSP70/NICD interaction. Furthermore, Tx-01 suppressed serous-type OVCAR3 cell tumor growth in vivo. Tx-01 acts as a prognostic factor through its interaction with membrane-bound HSP70 (mHSP70 that locates on the cell surface without direct interaction to NICD) on ascitic circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and is reported to be involved in natural killer (NK) cell recognition and activation. Our data demonstrated that Tx-01 interacted with HSP70 and showed therapeutic and prognostic effects in serous OvCa. Tx-01 might be a potential inhibitor for use in serous OvCa treatment.

Abstract 4144: A tissue-microfluidic derived aptamer displays prognostic and therapeutic characteristics in serous ovarian carcinoma through heat shock protein 70(HSP70)

Background: Previously, we have identified aptamers through ovarian cancer (OC) tissue microfluidic platform which show high specificity to ovarian cancer tissue and cells. However, the clinical diagnostic and therapeutic roles of these aptamers are still largely unknown.

Materials and Methods: Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) was used to find binding candidates of aptamer, Tx-01, from serous type ovarian cancer cells. Immunohistochemistry (IHC), clinical survival analysis, western blotting and confocal microscopic images were performed to detect the expression of Tx-01 and HSP70/ Notch1 intracellular domain (NICD) in OC tissues. The functions of Tx-01 were studied in vitro and in vivo experiments. Inhibitors treatment, nuclear protein extraction and western blotting were carried out to demonstrate the possible mechanisms of Tx-01 function.

Results: High expression Tx-01 in OC tissues was correlated to poor patients' survival in serous ovarian carcinoma. In vitro experiments showed that Tx-01 has a feature of recognizing membrane-bound HSP70. In the meantime, Tx-01 inhibit HSP70 signal activation via interrupting intracellular HSP70/NICD interaction to reduce cell migration and invasion. Furthermore, Tx-01 inhibited the tumor growth in the mice experiment.

Conclusion: Our data showed that Tx-01 acted as a prognostic predictor in serous OC through recognizing the membrane-bound HSP70. Also, Tx-01 reduced the tumor cell migration, invasion through blocking HSP70 signal activation. Thus, our work demonstrated that Tx-01 might be a prognostic biomarker and potential inhibitor in serous OC therapy.

Citation Format: Chang-Ni Lin, Yu-Ling Liang, Pei-Ying Wu, Gwo-Bin Vincent Lee, Keng-Fu Hsu. A tissue-microfluidic derived aptamer displays prognostic and therapeutic characteristics in serous ovarian carcinoma through heat shock protein 70(HSP70) [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research 2020; 2020 Apr 27-28 and Jun 22-24. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(16 Suppl):Abstract nr 4144.

An integrated microfluidic system for rapid, automatic and high-throughput staining of clinical tissue samples for diagnosis of ovarian cancer

Accurate cancer diagnostic methods are of urgent need. Since traditional immunohistochemistry (IHC)-based approaches, while reliable, are labor-intensive and require well-trained technicians, we developed an integrated microfluidic platform capable of labeling ovarian cancer biomarkers (i.e. aptamer) within formalin-fixed, paraffin embedded tissues via molecular probes. Both aptamer-based 1) fluorescent staining and 2) IHC staining of clinical tissue samples could be automated in the microfluidic system in only 2-3 h (40-50% faster than conventional approaches) with <0.5 mL of reagents, signifying that this device could serve as a promising diagnostic tool for ovarian cancer.

Downregulated Salt-inducible Kinase 3 Expression Promotes Chemoresistance in Serous Ovarian Cancer via the ATP-binding Cassette Protein ABCG2

Background: Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) has a high tumor-associated mortality rate among gynecological cancers. Although CA125 is a well-studied biomarker for ovarian cancer, it is also elevated under numerous conditions, resulting in decreased specificity. Recently, we identified a novel tumor-associated antigen, salt-inducible kinase 3 (SIK3), during tumorigenesis in ovarian cancer. However, the association between SIK3 expression and patient outcomes in ovarian cancer remains unclear.

Materials and Methods: We collected EOC samples from 204 patients and examined tumor SIK3 expression by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and CA125 expression in tumors and serum. The expression levels of SIK3 and CA125 were correlated with patient survival. SIK3 expression was silenced with SIK3-specific shRNAs to investigate the possible mechanisms related to chemoresistance in serous-type ovarian cancer cell lines OVCAR4 and SKOV3.

Results: In advanced-stage serous ovarian cancer, patients with low SIK3 expression have poorer overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) than patients with high SIK3 expression. Ovarian cancer cells with SIK3 knockdown display increased chemoresistance to Taxol plus cisplatin treatment, which is associated with the upregulation of the ABCG2 transporter. In addition, in serous ovarian cancer, SIK3 expression is inversely correlated to ABCG2 expression, and patients with low SIK3 and high ABCG2 expression have worse prognosis than patients with high SIK3 and low ABCG2 expression.

Conclusion: Our results demonstrated that serous EOC patients with low SIK3 expression have poor prognosis, which is associated with chemoresistance mediated by ABCG2 upregulation. SIK3 and ABCG2 expression levels may be potential prognostic markers to predict the outcome in serous EOC patients.

Glycine N-methyltransferase inhibits aristolochic acid nephropathy by increasing CYP3A44 and decreasing NQO1 expression in female mouse hepatocytes

Plants containing aristolochic acids (AA) are nephrotoxins. Glycine N-methyltransferase (GNMT) acts to bind environmental toxins such as benzo(a)pyrene and aflatoxin B1, translocate into nucleus, and alter hepatic metabolism. This study aims to determine the role of GNMT in AA-induced nephropathy. We established an AA nephropathy mouse model and found that AA type I (AAI)-induced nephropathy at a lower concentration in male than in female mice, implying sex differences in AAI resistance. Microarray analysis and AAI-treated mouse models showed that GNMT moderately reduced AAI-induced nephropathy by lowering the upregulated level of NQO1 in male, but significantly improved the nephropathy additionally by increasing Cyp3A44/3A41 in female. The protective effects of GNMT were absent in female GNMT knockout mice, in which re-expression of hepatic GNMT significantly decreased AAI-induced nephropathy. Mechanism-wise, AAI enhanced GNMT nuclear translocation, resulting in GNMT interaction with the promoter region of the genes encoding Nrf2 and CAR/PXR, the transcription factors for NQO1 and CYP3A44/3A41, respectively. Unlike the preference for Nrf2/NQO1 transcriptions at lower levels of GNMT, overexpression of GNMT preferred CAR/PXR/CYP3A44/3A41 transcriptions and alleviated kidney injury upon AAI treatment. In summary, hepatic GNMT protected mice from AAI nephropathy by enhancing CAR/PXR/CYP3A44/3A41 transcriptions and reducing Nrf2/NQO1 transcriptions.

Dramatic band gap reduction incurred by dopant coordination rearrangement in Co-doped nanocrystals of CeO2

A dramatic band gap narrowing of 1.61 eV has been observed in Co-doped nanocrystals of CeO₂ (ceria), as a result of thermal annealing, without changing the ceria crystal structure and the Co concentration. As demonstrated by x-ray absorption fine structures, thermal annealing incurs an oxygen coordination rearrangement around Co atoms from an octahedral coordination to a square-planar coordination. First principle calculation using density functional theory reveals two stable oxygen coordination types surrounding Co, consistent with the experimental observation. The band gap values calculated for the two stable coordination types differ dramatically, reproducing the experimentally observed band gap narrowing. These prominent effects due to local structure rearrangement around dopant atoms can lead to unprecedented methods for band gap engineering in doped nanocrystal oxides.

The significance of the co-existence of osteopontin and tumor-associated macrophages in gastric cancer progression

Background

Osteopontin (OPN) can recruit macrophages to the site of inflammation and promote tumorigenesis. M2 tumor-associated macrophages (M2-TAMs) also play an important role in cancer progression. This study aimed to clarify the role of OPN and M2-TAMs co-existence in gastric cancer.

Methods

The levels of OPN and M2-TAMs were evaluated by immunohistochemical staining in 170 resected gastric cancer specimens that were collected from 1998 to 2012. M2-TAMs were identified by staining for an M2 marker, CD204. The prognostic significance and correlation between OPN and CD204 expression were analyzed. A co-culture system of OPN⁺-AGS and U937 cells was designed to study the effect of OPN on the skewing of macrophages toward M2-TAMs for gastric cancer progression in vitro and in vivo.

Results

Patients with high expression (>50%) of OPN or CD204 exhibited poor 5-year overall survival rates (48.61%, p = 0.0055, and 52.14%, p = 0.0498, respectively). A positive correlation was observed between OPN and CD204 expression and high co-expression of OPN and CD204 demonstrated poor 5-year overall survival rates (48.90%, p = 0.0131). In the co-culture study, OPN was able to attract U937 cells and skew them toward M2-TAMs through paracrine action. The M2-TAMs could increase the invasiveness of OPN⁺-AGS cells and the growth rate of xenograft of a mixture of co-cultured OPN⁺-AGS and U937 cells.

Conclusion

OPN can skew macrophages toward M2-TAMs during gastric cancer progression. The co-existence of OPN and infiltrating M2-TAMs correlates with disease progression and poor survival and thus can serve as a prognostic marker in gastric cancer.

Generation of a novel factor IX with augmented clotting activities in vitro and in vivo

BACKGROUND

Hemophilia B is an X-linked inherited disorder caused by the lack of functional factor IX (FIX). Currently, treatment of hemophilia B is performed by intravenous infusion of plasma-derived or recombinant FIX.

OBJECTIVE

In an effort to reduce factor usage and cost, we investigated the potential use of FIX variants with enhanced specific clotting activity.

METHODS

Seven recombinant FIX variants using alanine replacement were generated and assayed for their activity in vitro and in vivo.

RESULTS

One variant containing three substitutions (V86A/E277A/R338A, FIX-Triple) exhibited 13-fold higher specific clotting activity and a 10-fold increased affinity for human FVIIIa compared with FIX-wild-type (FIX-WT) and was thus investigated systematically in vivo. Liver-specific FIX-Triple gene expression following hydrodynamic plasmid delivery revealed a 3.5-fold higher specific clotting activity compared with FIX-WT. Human FIX-Triple and FIX-WT knock-in mice were generated and it was confirmed that FIX-Triple has 7-fold higher specific clotting activity than FIX-WT under normal physiological conditions. Protein infusion of FIX-Triple into hemophilia B mice resulted in greater improvement of hemostasis than that achieved with FIX-WT. Moreover, tail-vein administration of a serotype 8 recombinant Adeno-associated vector (AAV8) expressing either FIX-WT or FIX-Triple in hemophilia B mice demonstrated a 7-fold higher specific clotting activity of FIX-Triple than FIX-WT.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that the FIX-Triple variant exhibits significantly enhanced clotting activity relative to FIX-WT due to tighter binding to FVIIIa, as demonstrated both in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, FIX-Triple is a good candidate for further evaluation in protein replacement therapy as well as gene-based therapeutic strategies.

Determining urinary trace elements (Cu, Zn, Pb, As, and Se) in patients with bladder cancer

OBJECTIVES

Trace elements are essential components of biological structures, but they can be toxic at concentrations beyond those necessary for their biological functions.

METHODS

A study group of 30 patients with bladder cancer and a control group of 30 healthy volunteers were measured for trace elements using a graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometer.

RESULTS

Urinary zinc and selenium levels in patients were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than those in controls, but urinary copper, arsenic, and lead were not significantly different.

CONCLUSION

This case-control study suggests that zinc and selenium concentrations are associated with the proliferation of bladder cancer cells because zinc and selenium are excreted in the urine of bladder cancer patients.

Immunohistochemical and molecular assessment of human herpesvirus type 8 in gastrointestinal tumours

BACKGROUND

Gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs) are the most common mesenchymal tumours of the gastrointestinal tract, histologically identified as highly cellular spindle or epithelioid cell tumours, and often positive for CD34 (60-70%). Kaposi's sarcomas (KSs) are similar to GISTs: they are most often found in the gastrointestinal tract (although cutaneous lesions do occur), they are also composed of spindle or epithelioid cells (although erythrocytes are also seen), and the tumour cells are nearly all positive for CD34. Human herpesvirus type 8 (HHV-8) DNA has been found consistently in all types of KS, in particular in CD34 positive KS tumour cells. However, the association between HHV-8 and GIST has not been investigated.

AIMS

To assess the presence of HHV-8 in GISTs.

METHODS

Paraffin wax embedded tissues of 86 primary GISTs and their recurrent or metastatic tumours were analysed immunohistochemically for the CD34 antigen and HHV-8 latent nuclear antigen 1 (LNA-1) and by means of the nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and real time PCR for HHV-8 DNA.

RESULTS

None of the 86 GISTs contained HHV-8 DNA sequences or LNA-1 positive cells.

CONCLUSIONS

These results demonstrate the lack of HHV-8 infection in GIST tumour cells. HHV-8 does not appear to play a role in the pathogenesis of GIST, irrespective of the status of the tumour.

Simultaneous multiple hypertensive intracerebral haemorrhages

BACKGROUND

Simultaneous occurrence of multiple intracerebral haemorrhages (ICHs) in different arterial territories is a rare clinical event which has been reported to be associated with cerebral amyloid angiopathy, venous sinus thrombosis, coagulopathy, vasculitis, haemorrhagic transformation of cerebral infarcts and multiple intracranial pathologies such as vascular anomalies or tumours. Although hypertension is the most common etiological factor for the development of spontaneous single intracerebral bleeding, its role in simultaneous multiple ICHs is not clear.

METHODS

The authors have reviewed all patients with non-traumatic ICH admitted to Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital from 1993 to 2002. Ten hypertensive patients with simultaneous multiple ICHs were found. For the purpose of comparison, another 600 cases with solitary hypertensive ICH were also reviewed as a control group. Computerized tomographic scans and medical records concerning patients' histories, clinical presentations, locations of haematomas, associated risk factors, and outcome were analyzed.

FINDINGS

The mean age and sex distribution were similar in both patient groups. Bilateral putaminal or thalamic haemorrhages were the most common combinations of simultaneous bleedings. As for the individual location of haematoma, there was a strong preponderance for the supratentorial space with the thalamus being the most preferable site. The duration of hypertension was longer and the percentage of previous stroke was higher in patients with multiple ICHs. Other associated risk factors were similar in both groups except for higher incidence of hypercholesterolemia in multiple ICHs group. Patients with simultaneous multiple ICHs had a much worse outcome compared to those with solitary ICH.

CONCLUSIONS

As with solitary ICH, hypertension is still the most important etiological factor for simultaneous multiple ICHs. The widespread and prolonged degeneration of intracerebral arterioles predispose patients to the development of multiple ICHs, which could be justified by the longer history of hypertension and higher incidence of former strokes. Only hypercholesterolemia was identified to be significantly associated with this unusual brain event in our study. The mechanism underlying the development of simultaneous multiple ICHs is not clear although structural and haemodynamic changes of first haemorrhage may be responsible for the second one. Poorer outcome in patients with multiple ICHs can be explained by the concomitant destruction of crossing and non-crossing fiber tracts and bilateral diaschisis phenomenon.

Primary cerebral anaplastic large cell lymphoma containing abundant reactive histiocytes and eosinophils. A case report and literature review

Primary cerebral anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) is very rare. We report on our experience with such a case and review the literature. A 46-year-old Taiwanese woman presented with headache, weakness of her right extremity, and limited eye movement. A solid mass (5 cm x 4 cm) at the left occipital lobe was almost completely removed. The neoplastic cells, some of which had reniform or embryo-like nuclei, were large and were admixed with abundant eosinophils, histiocytes, and some small lymphocytes. These neoplastic cells expressed CD30, CD43, granzyme B and T-cell intracellular antigen-1, but not ALK1, CD3, CD20, CD45, CD79a, cytokeratin, and EMA. They were positive for Epstein-Barr virus-encoded mRNA by in situ hybridization. Polymerase chain reaction study of formalin-fixed tissue showed a clonal gene arrangement of the T-cell receptor-gamma chain. ALCL of T-cell lineage with cytotoxic phenotype was diagnosed. The patient received cranial irradiation and has remained with no evidence of disease for 25 months of follow-up.

Synthesis, antiplatelet and vasorelaxing effects of monooxygenated flavones and flavonoxypropanolamines

A series of flavones and flavonoxypropanolamines were synthesized and tested in-vitro for their ability to inhibit aggregation of washed rabbit platelets and human platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and for vasoconstriction of rat thoracic aorta. The various substituted positions of the hydroxyl group in flavone ring B and the various oxypropanolamine side chains substituted at position C-2' of flavone modified the antiplatelet effects. All the compounds tested in human PRP showed significant inhibition of secondary aggregation induced by adrenaline (epinephrine), suggesting that the antiplatelet effect of these compounds is mainly due to an inhibitory effect on thromboxane formation. Compounds 11 and 12 also had potent vasorelaxant effects in rat thoracic aorta. Phenylephrine- and high-K+-induced 45Ca2+ influx in aorta were both inhibited by the selected compound 11. This result indicates that the inhibitory effect of 11 on the contractile response caused by high-K+ medium and noradrenaline (norepinephrine) in rat thoracic aorta is mainly due to inhibition of Ca2+ influx through both voltage-dependent and receptor-operated Ca2+ channels.

Association analysis of a functional G protein beta3 subunit gene polymorphism (C825T) in mood disorders

The guanine nucleotide-binding proteins (G proteins), heterotrimers consisting of alpha, beta and gamma subunits, convey signals initiated by the activation of many neurotransmitter receptors. Evidence for involvement of the G proteins in mood disorders relies on the effects of mood stabilizers and antidepressants on G protein function. In addition, abnormalities in the expression of G proteins have been demonstrated in mood disorder patients. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that a functional polymorphism (C825T) in the G protein beta3 gene subunit (GNB3) confers susceptibility to mood disorders. A population-based association study was utilized, and GNB3 was genotyped for 144 mood disorder patients and 153 normal controls. The results reveal that it is not likely that the C825T polymorphism in the GNB3 gene subunit is involved in mood disorder pathogenesis. Further studies of the associations between other G protein subunits and mood disorder are needed to fully elaborate the involvement of this protein in mood disorders.

In vitro anti-inflammatory effects of quercetin 3-O-methyl ether and other constituents from Rhamnus species

The anti-inflammatory activities of the isolated flavonoids, quercetin 3-O-methyl ether (1), kaempferol (2), and quercetin (3), of Rhamnus nakaharai, and anthraquinone, frangulin B (4), of Rhamnus formosana, were assessed in vitro by determining their inhibitory effects on the chemical mediators released from mast cells, neutrophils, macrophages, and microglial cells. Compounds 1 - 3 strongly inhibited the release of beta-glucuronidase and lysozyme from rat neutrophils stimulated with formyl-Met-Leu-Phe/cytochalasin B (fMLP/CB). Compound 1 strongly inhibited superoxide anion formation in fMLP/CB or phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)-stimulated rat neutrophils. Compound 1 exhibited potent inhibitory effect on tumor-necrosis factor-alpha ( TNF-alpha) formation in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells while 1 and 4 showed potent inhibitory effects on TNF-alpha formation in LPS/IFN-gamma (interferon-gamma)-stimulated murine microglial cell lines N9.

Undifferentiated ovarian carcinoma associated with leukemoid reaction

Exceptionally excess leukocytosis or leukemoid reaction may develop in association with carcinomas of the lung and stomach. The authors describe a 72-year-old lady with FIGO stage III ovarian undifferentiated carcinoma who presented with fever and abdominal pain. Her serial WBC counts were up to 143,000/microl with elevated leukocyte alkaline phosphatase score. She received extended total hysterectomy, left salpingo-oophorectomy, and de-bulking of the retroperitoneal mass. Her left ovarian cancer was composed of diffuse sheets of large undifferentiated cells that were immunoreactive for cytokeratin, confirming the epithelial nature. She passed away one week after operation and five weeks after presentation without autopsy. This is the first report of ovarian cancer associated with leukemoid reaction in the English literature.

Uterine leiomyoma with massive lymphocytic infiltration simulating malignant lymphoma. A case report with immunohistochemical study showing that the infiltrating lymphocytes are cytotoxic T cells

Uterine leiomyoma with massive lymphoid infiltration is very rare and may simulate malignant lymphoma. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first description of such a lesion occurring in an Oriental, and the ninth case in the English literature. A 50-year-old Taiwanese woman had urinary frequency and nocturia because of a uterine myoma. The myomectomy specimen was identified as a well-defined tumor, 6.5-cm in diameter, the cut surface of which was pale, white and whorled. A massive lymphocytic infiltration accompanied by plasma cells and histiocytes was noted in the leiomyoma but not in the surrounding non-neoplastic myometrial fibers. Most infiltrating lymphocytes were positive for CD3 and T cell intracellular antigen-1, a cytotoxic marker. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the urinary symptoms improved within a 6-month follow-up period.

Bioactive constituents of the roots of Cynanchum atratum

A novel biphenylneolignan, 2,6,2',6'-tetramethoxy-4,4'-bis(2,3-epoxy-1-hydroxypropyl)biphenyl (1), and two new glycosides named atratoglaucosides A (2) and B (3), were isolated from the roots of Cynanchum atratum, and their structures were determined on the basis of chemical and spectroscopic evidence. The aglycons of 2 and 3 were identified as glaucogenin C and 7-desoxyneocynapanogenin A, a new disecopregnane. A known compound, glaucogenin C 3-O-beta-D-cymaropyranosyl-(1-->4)-alpha-L-diginopyranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-D-thevetopyranoside (4), isolated from the same source, showed a significant cytotoxic effect against 212 cells. This substance also gave a significant inhibitory effect on TNF-alpha (tumor necrosis factor-alpha) formation from the RAW 264.7 mouse macrophage-like cell line stimulated with LPS (lipopolysaccharide) and on the N9 microglial cell line stimulated with LPS/IFN-gamma (interferon-gamma).

Inhibitory effect of DCDC on lipopolysaccharide-induced nitric oxide synthesis in RAW 264.7 cells

In the present study we have examined the effect of DCDC (2',5'-dihydroxy-4-chloro-dihydrochalcone) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced responses in murine macrophage cell line RAW 264.7. Exposure of LPS-stimulated cells to DCDC inhibited the nitrite accumulation in culture medium. DCDC also concentration-dependently inhibited LPS-stimulated increase of iNOS expression; however, it had little effect on iNOS enzyme activity, suggesting that the inhibitory action to DCDC is mainly due to the inhibition on iNOS expression rather than iNOS enzyme activity. DCDC significantly inhibited LPS-evoked degradation of IkappaB-alpha and the nuclear translocation of NF-kappaB; it also exhibited the activity of scavenging the stable free radical 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). DCDC also inhibited cyclooxygenase-2 activity in RAW 264.7 cells with an IC50 of 3.0 microM; furthermore, it also significantly decreased LPS-induced mortality rate in mice. Taken together, we demonstrate that DCDC exhibits inhibitory effects on nitric oxide production through the inhibition of IkappaB-alpha degradation and NF-kappaB activation, and therefore the suppression of iNOS expression. DCDC also shows the antioxidant activity and COX-2 inhibitory action. Moreover, it improves survival in a murine model of endotoxaemia suggesting that DCDC may be potential in the therapy of septic shock.

Anticancer activity evaluation of the solanum glycoalkaloid solamargine. Triggering apoptosis in human hepatoma cells

Solamargine, an herbal and molluscicidal medicine derived from Solanum incanum, is a steroidal alkaloid glycoside. To characterize the anticancer mechanism of solamargine on human hepatoma cells (Hep3B), changes of cell morphology, DNA content, and gene expression of cells after solamargine treatment were studied. The appearance in solamargine-treated cells of chromatin condensation, DNA fragmentation, and a sub-G(1) peak in a DNA histogram suggests that solamargine induces cell death by apoptosis. The maximum number of dead Hep3B cells was detected within 2 hr of incubation with constant concentrations of solamargine, and no further cell death was observed after an extended incubation with solamargine, indicating that the action of solamargine was irreversible. To determine the susceptibility of cell phases to solamargine-mediated apoptosis, Hep3B cells were synchronized at defined cell cycles by cyclosporin A, colchicine, and genistein, followed by solamargine treatment. The IC(50) values of solamargine for control, G(0)/G(1)-, M-, and G(2)/M-synchronized Hep3B cells were 5.0, > 10, 3.7, and 3.1 microg/mL, implying that cells in the G(2)/M phases are relatively susceptible to solamargine-mediated apoptosis. In addition, a parallel up-regulation of tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR)-I and -II on Hep3B cells was detected after solamargine treatment, and the solamargine-mediated cytotoxicity could be neutralized with either TNFR-I or -II specific antibody. Therefore, these results reveal that the actions of TNFR-I and -II on Hep3B cells may be independent, and both are involved in the mechanism of solamargine-mediated apoptosis.

Synthesis and cytotoxic effect of 1,3-dihydroxy-9,10-anthraquinone derivatives

1,3-Dihydroxy-9,10-anthraquinone (4) was reacted with epichlorohydrin or 1,omega-dibromo-alkane to yield 1-hydroxy-3-(2,3-epoxypropoxy)-9,10-anthraquinone (5) and 1-hydroxy-3-(3-chloro-2-hydroxypropoxy)-9,10-anthraquinone (6) or 1-hydroxy-3-(omega-bromoalkoxy)-9,10-anthraquinone. Ring-opening of the epoxide (5) or 1-hydroxy-3-(omega-bromoalkoxy)-9,10-anthraquinones with appropriate amines, afforded various 1-hydroxy-3-(3-alkylamino-2-hydroxypropoxy)-9,10-anthraquinones. The synthetic compounds were tested in vitro inhibition of human T-24, Hep 3B, Hep G2, SiHa, HT-3, PLC/PRF/5 and 212 cells. Almost all compounds showed significant inhibitory activity against several different cancer cell lines. Structure-activity analysis indicated epoxidation of the hydroxyanthraquinone increased cytotoxicity against tumour cells, but ring-opening of the epoxide group with amine did not enhance the cytotoxic activity. The phosphatidylserine (PS) externalization and DNA fragmentation in SiHa cells were significantly observed after 48 h incubation with selected compound 19. The results show that 19 cause cell death by apoptosis.

New lignan glycosides with potent antiinflammatory effect, isolated from Justicia ciliata

Two new lignan glycosides, 4-O-[alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1' "-->2' ')-beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1' " '-->5' ')-beta-D-apiofuranosyl]diphyllin (1), named ciliatoside A (1), and 4-O-¿[beta-D-apiofuranosyl-(1' " "-->3' ")-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1' "-->2' ')][beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1' " '-->5' ')]-beta-D-apiofuranosyl¿diphyllin (2), named ciliatoside B (2), were isolated from the whole plant of Justicia ciliata. The structures of 1 and 2 were determined by spectral and chemical methods. Compounds 1 and 2 strongly inhibited the accumulation of NO(2)(-) in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells in a concentration-dependent manner with IC(50) values of 27.1 +/- 1.6 and 29.4 +/- 1.4 microM, respectively.

Malignant lymphoma in southern Taiwan according to the revised European-American classification of lymphoid neoplasms

BACKGROUND

The purpose of the current study was to determine the distribution and relative frequency of each subtype of malignant lymphoma in southern Taiwan according to the revised European-American classification of lymphoid neoplasms (REAL).

METHODS

The pathology files of a regional hospital in southern Taiwan for 1989-1998 were searched for malignant lymphoma, lymphoproliferative disorder, and Hodgkin disease (HD). The results of light microscopy, immunohistochemistry, and in situ hybridization for Epstein-Barr virus-encoded RNA (EBER) were correlated with clinical findings, and all cases were classified according to REAL.

RESULTS

A total of 205 cases were analyzed retrospectively. There were 197 cases (96.1%) of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) and 8 cases (3. 9%) of HD. Among the 197 NHL cases, 161 (81.7%) were of B-cell lineage and 36 (18.3%) were of T-/natural killer cell lineage. Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, extranodal marginal zone lymphoma, and follicular lymphoma were the most common B-cell subtypes and represented 47.2%, 19.3%, and 6.1%, respectively, of all NHL cases. Among the 36 cases of T-/natural killer cell lineage, unspecified peripheral T-cell lymphoma (8.6%), T-/natural killer cell lymphoma (angiocentric lymphoma) (4.1%), and anaplastic large cell lymphoma (3.6%) were the most common subtypes. Seven of eight T-/natural killer cell lymphoma cases were positive for EBER. The eight cases of HD were classified as lymphocyte-rich classic (two cases), nodular sclerosis (two cases), and mixed cellularity (four cases) subtypes. Three of these eight cases were positive for EBER.

CONCLUSIONS

To the authors' knowledge this study is the first in Taiwan using the REAL classification and it again confirms the different geographic distribution of the various subtypes of malignant lymphoma. The frequency of T-/natural killer cell lineage NHL in Taiwan is higher than that in Western countries but not as high as reported previously.

Dynamic kinetic resolution of suprofen thioester via coupled trioctylamine and lipase catalysis

A lipase-catalyzed enantioselective hydrolysis process under conditions of continuous in situ racemization of substrate with trioctylamine as the catalyst was developed for the production of (S)-suprofen from (R,S)-suprofen 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl thioester in isooctane. A detailed investigation of trioctylamine concentration on the enzyme activation and stability as well as the kinetic behaviors of the thioester in racemization and enzymatic reaction was conducted, in which good agreement between the experimental data and theoretical results was observed. A complete conversion of the racemate for the desired (S)-suprofen in 95% ee(P) was obtained. Moreover, the recovery of the acid product by extraction and reuse of the organic solution were reported.

Chronic focal encephalitis (Rasmussen's syndrome) in an adult

Chronic focal encephalitis in adults is rare. Here we report a case of chronic focal encephalitis with epilepsy in a man. A 53-year-old man was admitted to our hospital because of right-sided focal seizures and epilepticus partialis continua. Brain imaging studies demonstrated progressive, focal, left cerebral atrophy. Prominent degenerative changes including neuronal loss and astrocytic gliosis were found on brain biopsy. Although the characteristics were typical of Rasmussen's encephalitis, unlike chronic focal encephalitis in children, his seizures were easily controlled by traditional antiepileptic therapy.

New lanostanoids of Ganoderma tsugae

Three new compounds, (24R, S)-3alpha-acetoxy-24-hydroxy-5alpha-lanosta-8,25-di en-21-oic acid, named tsugaric acid C (1); 3alpha-acetoxy-5alpha-lanosta-8, 24-diene-21-O-beta-D-xyloside, named tsugarioside B (2); and 3alpha-acetoxy-(Z)-24-methyl-5alpha-lanosta-8,23,25-tr ien-21-oic acid ester beta-D-xyloside, named tsugarioside C (3), and a mixture of two known steroids were isolated from the fruit bodies of Ganoderma tsugae. The structures of 1-3 were determined by spectral and chemical methods. The cytotoxic activity of the lanostanoid constituents of this fungus was evaluated against several different cancer cell lines.

Synthesis and anti-inflammatory effect of chalcones

The process of degranulation of mast cells and neutrophils contributes to inflammatory disorders. Activation of microglial cells and macrophages is believed to be involved in inflammatory, infectious and degenerative diseases of the CNS. Combining the potent inhibition of chemical mediators released by the degranulation of mast cells or neutrophils and from the activated microglial cells or macrophages, would lead to a promising anti-inflammatory agent for the treatment of peripheral and central inflammation. A series of chalcone derivatives have been reported to have potent anti-inflammatory activity. In an effort to continually develop potent anti-inflammatory agents, novel series of chalcones, 2'-hydroxy- and 2',5'-dihydroxychalcones were synthesized and their inhibitory effects on the activation of mast cells, neutrophils, microglial cells and macrophages were evaluated in-vitro. The chalcones were prepared by Claisen-Schmidt condensation of appropriate acetophenones with an appropriate aromatic aldehyde. The alkoxychalcones were prepared with appropriate hydroxychalcones and alkyl iodide and the dihydroxychalcones were prepared by hydrogenation of an appropriate chalcone with Pd/C. Almost all of the hydroxychalcones exhibited potent inhibitory effects on the release of beta-glucuronidase and lysozyme from rat neutrophils stimulated with formyl-Met-Leu-Phe/cytochalasin B (fMLP/CB). Of the hydroxychalcones, compound 1 was the most potent inhibitor of the release of beta-glucuronidase (IC50=1.6+/-0.2 microM) and lysozyme (IC50=1.4+/-0.2 microM) from rat neutrophils stimulated with fMLP/CB. Almost all of the 2',5'-dialkoxychalcones exhibited potent inhibitory effects on nitric oxide (NO) formation from murine microglial cell lines N9 stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Of these, compound 11 showed the greatest effect (IC50=0.7+/-0.06 microM). The present results demonstrated that most of the chalcone derivatives have an anti-inflammatory effect. The inhibitory effects of dialkoxychalcones, 10-12 on inflammation are probably not due to the inhibition of mast cells and neutrophil degranulation, but are mediated through the suppression of NO formation from N9 cells.

Small cell carcinoma of the gallbladder: report of two cases

Two Taiwanese patients with gallbladder small cell carcinoma are reported. One is a 79 year-old male, the other, a 86 year-old female. They both presented with the symptom/signs of acute cholecystitis and underwent cholecystectomy. An intramural mass in the gallbladder neck region was found in the first patient, while the second patient had a transmural indurated tumor in the gallbladder body with extension to the neck region. Characteristic histological and immunohistochemical features of small cell carcinoma were present in both, and electron dense neurosecretory granules were identified in the second. To our knowledge, the second patient is the oldest ever reported. The first patient received chemotherapy directed toward the initial erroneous diagnosis of non-Hodgkin s lymphoma and developed liver metastasis in two months. The second patient did not receive chemotherapy due to her poor general condition and local recurrence occurred in six weeks. Both passed away three and five months after surgery, respectively.

Chemistry and biological activities of constituents from Morus australis

A novel constituent named australone B (1) was further isolated from the cortex of Morus australis (Moraceae). The structure of 1 has been elucidated by one- and two-dimension spectra. In human citrated platelet-rich plasma, 1 showed strong inhibition of aggregation induced by adrenaline in a concentration-dependent manner with an IC(50) value of about 33.3 microM. Compound 1 (30 microM) also showed inhibitory effects on superoxide anion formation from rat neutrophils stimulated with formyl-Met-Leu-Phe (fMLP)/cytochalasin B (CB). Morusin (2) inhibited superoxide anion formation from rat neutrophils stimulated with phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) in a concentration-dependent manner with an IC(50) value of 66.9+/-2.5 microM.

A new chalcone, xanthones, and a xanthonolignoid from Hypericum geminiflorum

A new prenyl chalcone, gemichalcone C (1), was isolated from the heartwood and root of Hypericum geminiflorum. Three new xanthones-6, 7-dihyroxy-1,3-dimethoxyxanthone (2), 4-hydroxy-1, 2-dimethoxyxanthone (3), and gemixanthone A (4)-and four known xanthones were isolated from the leaves and stems of the same plant.

Cytotoxic lignans of Justicia ciliata

Two new naturally occurring 1-aryl-2,3-naphthalide lignans, cilinaphthalide A (1) and cilinaphthalide B (2), and nine known compounds were isolated from the whole plant of Justicia ciliata. Their structures were established by spectral analysis, and their cytotoxic activity was evaluated against several different cell lines. The known compound, justicidin A, showed potent cytotoxic effects against T-24, CaSki, SiHa, HT-3, PLC/PRF/5, and 212 cells in vitro.

New triterpenoids of mallotus repandus

Three new triterpenoids-3alpha-hydroxy-13alpha-ursan-28,12beta-olide 3-benzoate (1), 3alpha-hydroxy-28beta-methoxy-13alpha-ursan-28, 12beta-epoxide 3-benzoate (2), and 3alpha-hydroxy-13alpha-ursan-28-oic acid (3)-and four known compounds were isolated from the stem and root bark of Mallotus repandus.

Stimulation of respiratory burst by cyclocommunin in rat neutrophils is associated with the increase in cellular Ca2+ and protein kinase C activity

In this study, the underlying mechanisms of stimulation by cyclocommunin, a natural pyranoflavonoid, of respiratory burst in rat neutrophils was investigated. Cyclocommunin evoked a concentration-dependent stimulation of superoxide anion (O2*-) generation with a slow onset and long lasting profile. The maximum response (16.4+/-2.3 nmol O2*-/10 min per 10(6) cells) was observed at 3-10 microM cyclocommunin. Cyclocommunin did not activate NADPH oxidase in a cell-free system. Cells pretreated with pertussis toxin or n-butanol did not affect the cyclocommunin-induced O2*- generation. However, a protein kinase inhibitor staurosporine and EGTA greatly reduced the O2*-generation caused by cyclocommunin. Treatment of neutrophils with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), but not with formylmethionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP), for 20 min significantly reduced the O2*- generation following the subsequent stimulation of cells with cyclocommunin. Cyclocommunin did not affect the cellular mass of phosphatidic acid (PA). Neither the tyrosine kinase inhibitor, genistein, nor the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitor, SB203580, affected cyclocommunin-induced O2*- generation. The enzyme activities of neutrophil cytosolic and membrane-associated protein kinase C (PKC) were both increased significantly with 100 microM cyclocommunin. The membrane-associated PKC-theta and PKC-beta were increased following the stimulation of neutrophils with 30 and 100 microM cyclocommunin, respectively. Cyclocommunin reduced the [3H]phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate ([3H]PDB) binding to cytosolic PKC in a concentration-dependent manner. Cyclocommunin (> or =3 microM) significantly evoked a slow and long lasting [Ca2+]i elevation in neutrophils, and a phospholipase C (PLC) inhibitor U73122 greatly inhibited these Ca2+ responses. Moreover, the increase in cellular inositol bis- and trisphosphate (IP2 and IP3) levels were observed in neutrophils stimulated with 30 microM cyclocommunin for 3 min. Collectively, these results indicate that the stimulation of respiratory burst by cyclocommunin is probably mediated by the synergism of PKC activation and [Ca2+]i elevation in rat neutrophils.

Cytotoxic isoprenylated flavans of Broussonetia kazinoki

Two new prenylflavans [kazinols Q (1) and R (2)] and five known compounds [kazinols D (3), K (4), and H, 7,4'-dihydroxyflavan (5), and oleanolic acid] were isolated from the root bark of Broussonetia kazinoki. The cytotoxic activity of 1-5 was evaluated against several different cell lines.

Steroidal constituents of ganoderma applanatum and ganodermaneo-japonicum

From the fruiting bodies of Ganoderma applanatum a new lanostanoid (1) and six known ergosteroids were isolated. Two known lanostanoids and five known steroids were isolated from the fruiting bodies of Ganoderma neo-japonicum. The new lanostanoid was characterized as 24zeta-methyl-5alpha-lanosta-25-one (1).

The signal transduction mechanism involved in kazinol B-stimulated superoxide anion generation in rat neutrophils

1. In this study, the underlying mechanism of stimulation of respiratory burst by kazinol B, a natural isoprenylated flavan, in rat neutrophils in vitro was investigated. 2. Kazinol B concentration-dependently stimulated the superoxide anion (O2*-) generation, with a lag but transient activation profile, in neutrophils but not in a cell-free system. The maximum response (13.2+/-1.4 nmol O2*- 10 min(-1) per 10(6) cells) was observed at 10 microM kazinol B. 3. Pretreatment of neutrophils with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) or formylmethionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP) significantly enhanced the O2*- generation following the subsequent stimulation of cells with kazinol B. 4. Cells pretreated with EGTA or a protein kinase inhibitor staurosporine effectively attenuated the kazinol B-induced O2*- generation. However, a p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitor SB203580 and a phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor wortmannin had no effect on the kazinol B-induced response. 5. Kazinol B significantly stimulated [Ca2+]i elevation in neutrophils, with a lag and slow rate of rise activation profile, and this response was attenuated by a phospholipase C (PLC) inhibitor U73122. Kazinol B also stimulated the inositol bis- and trisphosphate (IP2 and IP3) formation with a 1 min lag time. 6. The membrane-associated PKC-alpha and PKC-theta but not PKC-iota were increased following the stimulation of neutrophils with kazinol B. It was more rapid and sensitive in the activation of PKC-theta than PKC-alpha by kazinol B. Kazinol B partially inhibited the [3H]phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate ([3H]PDB) binding to the neutrophil cytosolic PKC. 7. Neither the cellular mass of phosphatidic acid (PA) and phosphatidylethanol (PEt), in the presence of ethanol, nor the protein tyrosine phosphorylation were stimulated by kazinol B. In addition, the kazinol B-induced O2*- generation remained relatively unchanged in cells pretreated with ethanol or a tyrosine kinase inhibitor genistein. 8. Collectively, these results indicate that the stimulation of the respiratory burst by kazinol B is probably mediated by the synergism of PKC activation and [Ca2+]i elevation in rat neutrophils.

A novel triterpenoid of Garcinia subelliptica

A novel lupane triterpene, 3beta-hydroxy-20,29,30-trinorlupan-19-one, garcinielliptone (1), has been isolated from the seeds of Garcinia subelliptica.

Decreased protein kinase C activation mediates inhibitory effect of norathyriol on serotonin-mediated endothelial permeability

We examined the mechanisms of norathyriol on the serotonin-induced increased permeability of rat heart endothelial cell monolayers. The present study showed that the activation of rat heart endothelial cell protein kinase C by phorbol myristate acetate led to the dose-dependent increase in endothelial permeability to albumin, an effect that was inhibited by staurosporine (a protein kinase inhibitor). Staurosporine also attenuated the serotonin-induced increase in permeability. Norathyriol abolished both serotonin- and phorbol myristate acetate-induced permeability. We investigated whether norathyriol, by inhibiting protein kinase C activation, attenuated the serotonin-induced permeability. Immunofluorescence studies demonstrated that norathyriol prevented the redistribution of protein kinase C isozymes following stimulation with serotonin. Western blot analysis showed that norathyriol significantly inhibited the serotonin-induced translocation of the alpha protein kinase C isozyme from the cytosolic to the particulate fraction. In conclusion, norathyriol attenuates the serotonin-induced permeability of rat heart endothelial cells to macromolecules in association with inhibition of protein kinase C activation. This decrease in endothelial cell permeability may be one of the mechanisms for the protective effects of norathyriol against edema formation in response to inflammatory agonists in vivo.

Scavenger and antioxidant properties of prenylflavones isolated from Artocarpus heterophyllus

The antioxidant properties of prenylflavones, isolated from Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam., was evaluated in this study. Among them, artocarpine, artocarpetin, artocarpetin A, and cycloheterophyllin diacetate and peracetate had no effect on iron-induced lipid peroxidation in rat brain homogenate. They also did not scavenge the stable free radical 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl. In contrast, cycloheterophyllin and artonins A and B inhibited iron-induced lipid peroxidation in rat brain homogenate and scavenged 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl. They also scavenged peroxyl radicals and hydroxyl radicals that were generated by 2,2'-azobis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride and the Fe3+-ascorbate-EDTA-H2O2 system, respectively. However, they did not inhibit xanthine oxidase activity or scavenge superoxide anion, hydrogen peroxide, carbon radical, or peroxyl radicals derived from 2,2'-azobis(2,4-dimethylvaleronitrile) in hexane. Moreover, cycloheterophyllin and artonins A and B inhibited copper-catalyzed oxidation of human low-density lipoprotein, as measured by fluorescence intensity, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance and conjugated-diene formations and electrophoretic mobility. It is concluded that cycloheterophyllin and artonins A and B serve as powerful antioxidants against lipid peroxidation when biomembranes are exposed to oxygen radicals.

Mediation of the cytotoxicity of lanostanoids and steroids of Ganoderma tsugae through apoptosis and cell cycle

A new lanostanoid ester glucoside, 3 alpha-acetoxy-5 alpha-lanosta-8,24-dien-21-oic acid ester beta-d-glucoside (1), and a known steroid, 2 beta,3 alpha,9 alpha-trihydroxy-5 alpha-ergosta-7,22-diene (2), were isolated from the fruit bodies of Ganoderma tsugae and their structures determined by spectroscopic methods. To study the cytotoxicity of 1 and 2, the changes of DNA content in human hepatocytes (Hep 3B) were studied. A sub-G1 cell stage was drastically increased after 24-h incubation with 1 (24 micrograms/mL). Compound 2 (100 micrograms/mL) inhibited the cell cycle progression of Hep 3B cells at the G2/M phase with an IC50 value of about 87.1 micrograms/mL. These results indicate that 1 causes cell death by apoptosis and 2 may possess the activity of cell cycle inhibition.

Stereochemistry and biological activities of constituents from Cynanchum taiwanianum

The stereochemistry of new acetophenones, cynandione B-D (2-4), isolated from Cynanchum taiwanianum, elucidated by computer modelling calculation and NOESY spectrum. It establishes the absolute configurations of cynandiones B-D (2-4) as 7R; 7"S, 7S; 7"S and 7R; 7"R, respectively. Cynandione B (2) strongly inhibited the release of beta-glucuronidase and lysozyme in formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP)-stimulated rat neutrophils in a concentration-dependent manner with IC50 values of 1.5 +/- 0.2 and 1.6 +/- 0.2 microM, respectively. 2,5-Dihydroxyacetophenone (6) strongly inhibited the aggregation of washed rabbit platelets induced by arachidonic acid in a concentration-dependent manner with an IC50 value of about 4.8 microM. In human citrated platelet-rich plasma, 2,5-dihydroxyacetophenone (6) inhibited the secondary phase, but not the primary phase, of aggregation induced by adrenaline and ADP. These results suggest that the antiplatelet effect of 2,5-dihydroxyacetophenone (6) is due to inhibition of the formation of thromboxane A2.

Isoorientin-6"-O-glucoside, a water-soluble antioxidant isolated from Gentiana arisanensis

The antioxidant activities of isoorientin-6"-O-glucoside were studied using various models. Isoorientin-6"-O-glucoside was more potent than Trolox, probucol and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) in reducing the stable free radical 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). It also scavenged superoxide anion, peroxyl and hydroxyl radicals that were generated by xanthine/xanthine oxidase, 2,2'-azobis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (AAPH) and Fe3+-ascorbate-EDTA-H2O2 system, respectively. The IC50 value, stoichiometry factor and second-order rate constant were 9.0+/-0.8 microM, 1.8+/-0.1 and 2.6 X 10(10) M(-1) s(-1) for superoxide generation, peroxyl and hydroxyl radicals. However, isoorientin-6"-O-glucoside did not inhibit xanthine oxidase activity or scavenge hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), carbon radical or 2,2'-azobis(2,4-dimethyl-valeronitrile) (AMVN)-derived peroxyl radical in hexane. Isoorientin-6"-O-glucoside inhibited Cu2+-induced oxidation of human low-density lipoprotein (LDL) as measured by fluorescence intensity, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance formation and electrophoretic mobility. Since isoorientin-6"-O-glucoside did not possess pro-oxidant activity, it may be an effective water-soluble antioxidant that can prevent LDL against oxidation.

The rhamnose moiety of solamargine plays a crucial role in triggering cell death by apoptosis

Solamargine, solasodine and khasianine steroidal alkaloids are utilized to determine the role of carbohydrate moiety in the mechanism of apoptosis. The C3 side chain of solamargine, khasianine and solasodine contains 4'Rha-Glc-Rha2', 4'Rha-Glc and H, respectively. Solamargine possessed potent cytotoxicity to human hepatoma cells, while the cytotoxicity of khasianine was greatly diminished. Nevertheless, only solamargine could induced "sub-G1" of apoptotic feature in flowcytometry. Thus, the 2'Rha moiety of solamargine may play a crucial role in triggering cell death by apoptosis. In addition, the molecular modeling of solamargine indicated that the 2'Rha moiety was adjacent to the rigid steroid structure, and drastically changed the dihedral angle of the glycosidic bond. The regulations of TNFR I and II expression by different carbohydrate moieties were also distinct. It implied that the carbohydrate moieties of steroidal alkaloids might alter the binding specificity to steroid receptors and consequently regulate the gene expression in different manners.

Synthesis and anti-inflammatory effect of chalcones and related compounds

PURPOSE

Mast cell and neutrophil degranulations are the important players in inflammatory disorders. Combined with potent inhibition of chemical mediators released from mast cells and neutrophil degranulations, it could be a promising anti-inflammatory agent. 2',5'-Dihydroxychalcone has been reported as a potent chemical mediator and cyclooxygenase inhibitor. In an effort to continually develop potent anti-inflammatory agents, a novel series of chalcone, 2'- and 3'-hydroxychalcones, 2',5'-dihydroxychalcones and flavanones were continually synthesized to evaluate their inhibitory effects on the activation of mast cells and neutrophils and the inhibitory effect on phlogist-induced hind-paw edema in mice.

METHODS

A series of chalcones and related compounds were prepared by Claisen-Schmidt condensation of appropriate acetophenones with appropriate aromatic aldehyde and the anti-inflammatory activities of these synthetic compounds were studied on inhibitory effects on the activation of mast cells and neutrophils.

RESULTS

Some chalcones showed strong inhibitory effects on the release of beta-glucuronidase and histamine from rat peritoneal mast cells stimulated with compound 48/80. Almost all chalcones and 4'-hydroxyflavanone exhibited potent inhibitory effects on the release of beta-glucuronidase and lysozyme from rat neutrophils stimulated with formyl-Met-Leu-Phe (fMLP). Some chalcones showed potent inhibitory effects on superoxide formation of rat neutrophils stimulated with fMLP/cytochalasin B (CB) or phorbol myristate acetate (PMA). 2',3-Dihydroxy-, 2',5'-dihydroxy-4-chloro-, and 2',5'-dihydroxychalcone showed remarkable inhibitory effects on hind-paw edema induced by polymyxin B in normal as well as in adrenalectomized mice.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicated that the anti-inflammatory effects of these compounds were mediated, at least partly, through the suppression of chemical mediators released from mast cells and neutrophils.