[A phase I study of subcutaneous envafolimab (KN035) monotherapy in Chinese patients with advanced solid tumors]

Objective: To evaluate the safety and antitumor activity of envafolimab monotherapy in Chinese patients with advanced solid tumors. Methods: This open-label, multicenter phase I trial included dose escalation and dose expansion phases. In the dose escalation phase, patients received subcutaneous 0.1, 0.3, 1.0, 2.5, 5.0 or 10.0 mg/kg envafolimab once weekly (QW) following a modified "3+ 3" design. The dose expansion phase was performed in the 2.5 mg/kg and 5.0 mg/kg (QW) dose cohorts. Results: At November 25, 2019, a total of 287 patients received envafolimab treatment. During the dose escalation phase, no dose-limiting toxicities (DLT) was observed. In all dose cohorts, drug-related treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) for all grades occurred in 75.3% of patients, and grade 3 or 4 occurred in 20.6% of patients. The incidence of immune-related adverse reactions (irAE) was 24.0% for all grades, the most common irAEs (≥2%) included hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, immune-associated hepatitis and rash. The incidence of injection site reactions was low (3.8%), all of which were grades 1-2. Among the 216 efficacy evaluable patients, the objective response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR) were 11.6% and 43.1%, respectively. Median duration of response was 49.1 weeks (95% CI: 24.0, 49.3). Pharmacokinetic (PK) exposure to envafolimab is proportional to dose and median time to maximum plasma concentration is 72-120 hours based on the PK results from the dose escalation phase of the study. Conclusion: Subcutaneous envafolimab has a favorable safety and promising preliminary anti-tumor activity in Chinese patients with advanced solid tumors.

[Chinese multidisciplinary expert consensus on the management of adverse drug reactions associated with savolitinib]

MET gene is a proto-oncogene, which encodes MET protein with tyrosine kinase activity. After binding to its ligand, hepatocyte growth factor, MET protein can induce MET dimerization and activate downstream signaling pathways, which plays a crucial role in tumor formation and metastasis. Savolitinib, as a specific tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) targeting MET, selectively inhibits the phosphorylation of MET kinase with a significant inhibitory effect on tumors with MET abnormalities. Based on its significant efficacy shown in the registration studies, savolitinib was approved for marketing in China on June 22, 2021 for the treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer with MET 14 exon skipping mutations. In addition, many studies have shown that MET TKIs are equally effective in patients with advanced solid tumors with MET gene amplification or MET protein overexpression, and relevant registration clinical studies are ongoing. The most common adverse reactions during treatment with savolitinib include nausea, vomiting, peripheral edema, pyrexia, and hepatotoxicity. Based on two rounds of extensive nationwide investigations to guide clinicians, the consensus is compiled to use savolitinib rationally, prevent and treat various adverse reactions scientifically, and improve the clinical benefits and quality of life of patients. This consensus was prepared under the guidance of multidisciplinary experts, especially including the whole-process participation and valuable suggestions of experts in Traditional Chinese Medicine, thus reflecting the clinical treatment concept of integrated Chinese and western medicines.

[Risk factors for recurrence and survival analysis in locally advanced T4a papillary thyroid carcinoma after R0 resection]

Objective: To investigate the treatment outcomes and risk factors of postoperative recurrence in T4a papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). Methods: A total of 185 patients with locally advanced T4a PTC treated in Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University from January 2006 to December 2019 were retrospectively analyzed, including 127 females and 58 males, aged between 18 and 80 years, with 74 patients aged over 55 years. According to AJCC thyroid tumor staging, 111 cases were stage I (T4aN0M0 26 cases, T4aN1aM0 35 cases, and T4aN1bM0 50 cases) and 74 cases were stage Ⅲ (T4aN0M0 29 cases, T4aN1aM0 19 cases, and T4aN1bM0 26 cases). Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate the overall survival and the recurrence-free rate, and univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses on the clinical data were performed. Results: Recurrent laryngeal nerve invasion was observed in 150 cases, trachea invasion in 61 cases, esophagus invasion in 30 cases, and laryngeal structure invasion in 10 cases. Postoperative follow-up periods were 24-144 months, with an average of 68.29 months. Of the 185 patients, 18 (9.73%) had recurrences or metastases, including 9 cases (4.86%) died of recurrences or metastases. The 5-year and 10-year overall survival rates were respectively 95.21% and 93.10%. The 5-year and 10-year disease-free survival rates were respectively 89.65% and 86.85%. Univariate analysis showed that age of onset, tumor diameter, preoperative recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy, esophageal invasion and cervical lymph node metastasis were the risk factors for postoperative recurrence of T4a PTC(all P<0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that preoperative recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy (OR=3.27, 95%CI: 1.11-9.61, P=0.032) and lateral cervical lymph node metastasis (OR=4.71, 95%CI: 1.19-18.71, P=0.027) were independent risk factors for T4a PTC recurrence. Survival rate of patients with T4a PTC involving only the recurrent laryngeal nerve or the outer tracheal membrane was significantly better than that of patients with tracheal invasion (P<0.05). Conclusions: T4a PTC patients with R0 resection can still achieve good efficacy. Preoperative recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy and lateral cervical lymph node metastasis are independent risk factor for postoperative recurrence in the patients.

Therapeutic effect of Pleurotus eryngii cellulose on experimental fatty liver in rats

The aim of this study was to explore the therapeutic effect of Pleurotus eryngii cellulose on experimental fatty liver in rats. Rats were fed high-fat fodder to establish a rat fatty liver model, and were then fed different concentrations of Pleurotus eryngii cellulose for six weeks. Lipitor was used as a positive control. Measured levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total cholesterol (TC), and total triglyceride (TG); the activity of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), hepatic lipase (HL), and lipoprotein lipase; and liver histopathological changes. Successfully established rat fatty liver model after feeding high-fat fodder for one week. A diet of P. eryngii cellulose for six weeks significantly reduced ALT, AST, TC, and TG levels in rat serum (P < 0.01); TC and AST levels in P. eryngii cellulose high-dose group and Lipitor group were not significantly different from those of the control (P > 0.05). SOD activity increased significantly, while MDA and HL activity decreased (P < 0.05); fatty degeneration and fat accumulation both decreased in hepatic tissue. Hepatic protection of P. eryngii cellulose showed dose-related effect. P. eryngii cellulose can affect lipid metabolism, having therapeutic effects on fatty liver in rats.

Profiling polyphenols in five Brassica species microgreens by UHPLC-PDA-ESI/HRMS(n.)

Brassica vegetables are known to contain relatively high concentrations of bioactive compounds associated with human health. A comprehensive profiling of polyphenols from five Brassica species microgreens was conducted using ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography photodiode array high-resolution multistage mass spectrometry (UHPLC-PDA-ESI/HRMS(n)). A total of 164 polyphenols including 30 anthocyanins, 105 flavonol glycosides, and 29 hydroxycinnamic acid and hydroxybenzoic acid derivatives were putatively identified.The putative identifications were based on UHPLC-HRMS(n) analysis using retention times, elution orders, UV-vis and high-resolution mass spectra, and an in-house polyphenol database as well as literature comparisons. This study showed that these five Brassica species microgreens could be considered as good sources of food polyphenols.

Study of the mass spectrometric behaviors of anthocyanins in negative ionization mode and its applications for characterization of anthocyanins and non-anthocyanin polyphenols

RATIONALE

Traditionally, anthocyanin analysis in mass spectrometry is carried out in the positive ionization mode only. A study of the mass spectrometric behaviors of anthocyanins in the negative ionization mode revealed interesting characteristics that was not previously reported. It can be used to differentiate anthocyanins from other non-anthocyanin polyphenols.

METHODS

An ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography with high-resolution mass spectrometry (U-HPLC/HRMS) method was developed. The method used multiple-stage mass fragmentation in both the negative and positive ion modes. The whole cycle time of the new method is 1.8 s for two full scans and six data-dependent scans.

RESULTS

The new strategy found, in the negative ionization mode, a series of characteristic ions, e.g. [M-2H](-), [M-2H  +  H(2)O](-), formic acid adducts, and doubly charged ions were observed for the MS analysis of anthocyanins. The characteristic ions can be used for identification and differentiation of anthocyanins and non-anthocyanin phenolic compounds. Comprehensive studies were performed on the differentiation of anthocyanins and non-anthocyanin polyphenols in blueberry (Vaccinium cyanococcus), Hongcaitai (Brassica compestris L. var. purpurea Bailey), and red radish (Raphanus sativus var. longipinnatus 'Shinrimei').

CONCLUSIONS

The data generated from a single LC run enables rapid and reliable differentiation and identification of anthocyanins and non-anthocyanins in botanicals and foods. Published 2012. This article is a US Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.

Tentative identification, quantitation, and principal component analysis of green pu-erh, green, and white teas using UPLC/DAD/MS

Tea (Camellia sinensis L.), an important drink and a natural medicine for thousands of years, contains many health beneficial compounds. Growing season, geographical region, and fermentation methods create many variations in tea compositions, which contribute to each tea's uniqueness. In this study, a simple, rapid, and efficient ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) method combined with diode array detector (DAD) and mass spectroscopic (MS) detection and chemometrics analysis was used to analyse three different types of teas (green pu-erh, green tea, white tea). Using the developed method, 68 compounds were identified and 54 were quantified based on retention times, UV spectra, and MS spectra by referencing to available standards and data in the literatures. The results showed the chemical differences between the tested teas. Principal component analysis (PCA) was applied to classify and distinguish between tea samples.

[The effect of hypoxic preconditioning on myocardium energy metabolism]

AIM AND METHODS

To evaluate the protective effects of hypoxic preconditioning (HPC) on myocardial energy metabolism, Langendorff-perfused hearts, exposed to HPC, were subjected to hypoxia/reoxygenation (5/10 min). 31P NMR was used to sequentially follow the time courses of high energy phosphates (HEP) contents and intracellular pH (pHi) of the rat myocardium.

RESULTS

The Contents of Phosphocreatine (PCr), Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) and the PCr/Pi (inorganic phosphate) ratios decreased during 30 min hypoxia, but the reduction was slower for the HPC group compared with Control. Reoxygenation induced recovery of myocardial HEP in both groups, HPC enhanced t he recovery especially in initial stage o f reoxygenation. However, pHi change was not significant for HPC group in this experiment.

CONCLUSION

HPC improves the myocardial energy metabolism level during prolonged hypoxia and subsequent reoxygenation and protects myocardium against hypoxia/reoxygenation injury.

[The studies on protective effects of SM against myocardial hypoxia/reoxygenation injury]

AIM AND METHODS

To assess the myocardial effects of Salvia Miltiorrhiza (SM) injection against hypoxia-reoxygenation injury, 31P NMR was used to trace the time courses of high energy phosphates (HEP) content and intracellular pH (pHi) of the isolated perfused rat hearts under hypoxia (30 min) and subsequent reoxygenation (40 min).

RESULTS

It was discovered that SM significantly preven-ted the decrease in the myocardial HEP content during hypoxia, enhanced the recovery of myocardial phosphocreatine (PCr), adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and the PCr/Pi (inorganic phosphate) ratios during reoxygenation, and lightened the decrease of the myocardial pHi value caused by hypoxia.

CONCLUSION

SM improves the myocardial energy metabolism level during prolonged hypoxia and subsequent reoxygenation and protects myocardium against hypoxia/reoxygenation injury. SM significantly attenuates acidosis during hypoxia and prevents the appearance of very acidic areas of the myocardium after reoxygenation.

Liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization mass spectrometry study of the flavonoids of the roots of Astragalus mongholicus and A. membranaceus

High-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization mass spectrometry has been applied to analyze the flavonoids of Huangqi, the roots of Astragalus mongholicus and A. membranaceus. Eight flavonoids were identified as calycosin-7-O-beta-D-glucoside, calycosin-7-O-beta-D-glucoside-6"-O-malonate (2), ononin, (6aR,11aR)-3-hydroxy-9,10-dimethoxypterocarpan-3-O-bet a-D-glucoside, calycosin, (3R)-7,2'-dihydroxy-3',4'-dimethoxyisoflavan-7-O-beta-D-glucoside, formononetin-7-O-beta-D-glucoside-6"-O-malonate and formononetin by direct comparison with the isolated standards from Huangqi. The existence of (6aR,11aR)-3-hydroxy-9,10-dimethoxypterocarpan, (3R)-7,2'-dihydroxy-3',4'-dimethoxyisoflavan, astrapterocarpanglucoside-6'-O-malonate and astraisoflavanglucoside-6'-O-malonate was detected. This is the first report of flavonoid glycoside malonates in these two Astragalus species, and malonate 2 is a structurally completely identified new compound.

LC-ESI-MS study of the flavonoid glycoside malonates of red clover (Trifolium pratense)

High-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS) was applied to the analysis of the flavonoids and their glycoside malonates of the flowers and leaves of red clover (Trifolium pratense). Through LC-MS comparative studies on the plant extracts and their malonate-free extracts, approximately 20 flavonoid glycoside malonates were detected in the flower extract. Eight were identified as genistin 6' '-O-malonate (39), formononetin 7-O-beta-D-glucoside 6' '-O-malonate (40), biochanin A 7-O-beta-D-glucoside 6' '-O-malonate (41), trifoside 6' '-O-malonate (42), irilone 4'-O-beta-D-glucoside 6' '-O-malonate (43), pratensein 7-O-beta-D-glucoside 6' '-O-malonate (44), isoquercitrin 6' '-O-malonate (45), and 3-methylquercetin 7-O-beta-D-glucoside 6' '-O-malonate (46). About 15 other flavonoids and clovamides were proved to be present in this extract. The study also found that the flowers contained flavones as the major flavonoids, whereas the leaves had isoflavones as the major flavonoids. This is the first detection of the six malonates (39 and 42-46) in the extracts of red clover, and among them, 42, 43, and 46 are new compounds.

LC-ESI-MS study of the flavonoid glycoside malonates of red clover (Trifolium pratense)

High-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS) was applied to the analysis of the flavonoids and their glycoside malonates of the flowers and leaves of red clover (Trifolium pratense). Through LC-MS comparative studies on the plant extracts and their malonate-free extracts, approximately 20 flavonoid glycoside malonates were detected in the flower extract. Eight were identified as genistin 6' '-O-malonate (39), formononetin 7-O-beta-D-glucoside 6' '-O-malonate (40), biochanin A 7-O-beta-D-glucoside 6' '-O-malonate (41), trifoside 6' '-O-malonate (42), irilone 4'-O-beta-D-glucoside 6' '-O-malonate (43), pratensein 7-O-beta-D-glucoside 6' '-O-malonate (44), isoquercitrin 6' '-O-malonate (45), and 3-methylquercetin 7-O-beta-D-glucoside 6' '-O-malonate (46). About 15 other flavonoids and clovamides were proved to be present in this extract. The study also found that the flowers contained flavones as the major flavonoids, whereas the leaves had isoflavones as the major flavonoids. This is the first detection of the six malonates (39 and 42-46) in the extracts of red clover, and among them, 42, 43, and 46 are new compounds.

Phenolic aporphine-benzylisoquinoline alkaloids from Thalictrum faberi

From the roots of Thalictrum faberi, six new phenolic aporphine-benzylisoquinoline alkaloids, 3-hydroxy-6'-desmethyl-9-O-methylthalifaboramine (1), 3-hydroxythalifaboramine (2), 6'-desmethylthalifaboramine (3); 3,5'-dihydroxythalifaboramine (4), 5'-hydroxythalifaboramine (5) and 3-hydroxy-6'-desmethylthalifaboramine (6) were isolated. Their structures were established through the use of one- and two-dimensional NMR techniques. All of the tested alkaloids showed potent cytotoxic and antimalarial activities.

Acylated C-21 steroidal bisdesmosidic glycosides from Caraluma umbellata

From the whole plant of Caraluma umbellata, three new C-21 steroidal glycosides, named as carumbellosides III-V, were isolated and their structures elucidated by extensive spectroscopic experiments, devoid of any derivatisation, as caralumagenin 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->4)-beta-D-digitalopyranoside-20-O-be ta- D-glucopyranoside, caralumagenin 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosy(1-->4)- beta-D-digitalopyranoside-20-O-(2-O- benzoyl)-beta-D-glucopyranoside and caralumagenin 3-O-[6-O-benzoyl-beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->4)]-beta-D- digitalopyranoside-20-O-(2-O-benzoyl)-beta-D-glucopyranoside. The determination of the absolute configuration of the aglycone as (20 R), the conformations of the sugars and the unambiguous assignments of their NMR spectroscopic signals were achieved by a combination of 2D-NMR techniques. The isolates were devoid of significant cytotoxity in the UIC human cancer cell panel.

(+)-Angchibangkine, a new type of bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid, and other dimers from Pachygone dasycarpa

Analysis of the alkaloidal fraction of the stem bark extract of Pachygone dasycarpa (Menispermaceae) resulted in the isolation of 10 known bisbenzylisoquinolines, (+)-tetrandrine, (+)-penduline, (+)-fangchinoline, (+)-atherospermoline, (+)-N-methyl-7-O-demethylpeinamine, (+)-daphnoline, (4-)-isotrilobine (1), (+)-cocsuline (2), (+)-tricordatine (3), (+)-2'-norcocsuline, and the new alkaloid (+)-12-O-methyltricordatine (4). The last bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid isolated, (+)-angchibangkine (5), is the first member of this alkaloid class found to possess three diphenyl ether bridges in the 7-6',8-7', and 11-12' positions. Structure elucidation of these alkaloids and of (+)-O-methylangchibangkine (6) was achieved by analysis of spectral data. Compounds 4-6 show antiplasmodial activity against Plasmodium falciparum.

Electrospray high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry in phytochemical analysis of kava (Piper methysticum) extract

HPLC coupled with electrospray (ES) MS was used to study a chloroform extract from kava roots ( PIPER METHYSTICUM). A total of thirteen kavalactones and flavokavains were identified. Seven major kavalactones, methysticin, dihydromethysticin, kavain, 7,8-dihydrokavain, 5,6-dehydrokavain, 5,6-dehydromethysticin and yangonin, were easily recognized in the extract by their [M + H] (+) or [M + Na] (+) ions, UV spectra, and retention times, compared with those of standard compounds. Six minor constituents were isolated as our own reference compounds. These constituents were identified by their [M + H] (+) or [M + Na] (+) ions, UV spectra and NMR data as 11 -hydroxy-12-methoxydihydrokavain, 7,8-dihydro-5-hydroxy-kavain, 11,12-dimethoxydihydrokavain, and flavokavains A, B and C. HPLC-ES-MS appears to be a suitable technique for identification of kavalactones and kavachalcones in the kava extract. The method also provides direct guidance for identification of other trace constituents from kava extracts.

Aleppicatines A and B from Euphorbia aleppica

Two new pentacyclic diterpene polyesters, aleppicatine A and B, have been isolated from the acetone extract of the whole plant of Euphorbia aleppica, in addition to five known cycloartane-type triterpenes (24-methylenecycloartanol, cyclolaudenol cycloart-25-en-3 beta-ol-24-one, cycloart-22-en-3 beta,25-diol and cycloart-25-en-3 beta,24-diol), scopoletin, kaempferol and 4-hydroxybenzoic acid and its methyl ether. The structures of the new compounds and their hydrolysis products have been extensively characterized by high-field NMR spectroscopic methods, including 2D NMR techniques.

Nigranoic acid, a triterpenoid from Schisandra sphaerandra that inhibits HIV-1 reverse transcriptase

An A ring-secocycloartene triterpenoid, nigranoic acid (3,4-secocycloarta-4(28),24-(Z)-diene-3,-26-dioic acid, (1) was isolated from the stems of Schisandra sphaerandra, a Chinese traditional medicinal plant. Its structure elucidation and unambiguous NMR spectral assignment were achieved by the combination of 1D- and 2D-NMR techniques with the aid of computer modeling. Nigranoic acid showed activity in several anti-HIV reverse transcriptase and polymerase assays.

Cytotoxicity and NMR spectral assignments of ergolide and bigelovin

Two potent cytotoxic sesquiterpene lactones, ergolide (1) and bigelovin (2) were isolated from Inula hupehensis I. helianthus-aquatica and their structures and NMR data were assignment unambiguously by using a combination of one-and two-dimensional NMR techniques and computer modeling calculations.

Further polyoxypregnanes from Marsdenia tenacissima

Two new polyoxypregnanes, designated marstenacigenins A and B, along with a known compound, dresgenin, were isolated from the mild acid hydrolysate of the ethanol extract of the stems of Marsdenia tenacissima. Their structures were deduced by a combination of 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic techniques as 12 beta-cinnamoyl-dihydrosarcostin and 12 beta,20-dibenzoyldihydrosarcostin, respectively.

De-O-ethylsalvonitin and salprionin, two further diterpenoids from Salvia prionitis

From Salvia prionitis two new diterpenoids, de-O-ethylsalvonitin and salprionin, were isolated, and their structures and NMR data were assigned by spectral analysis and computer modelling calculations.

Lycorine alkaloids from Hymenocallis littoralis

From Hymenocallis littoralis, one new alkaloid, named littoraline, together with 13 known lycorine alkaloids and one lignan, were isolated. The structure and NMR assignments of this new alkaloid were determined by 1D and 2D NMR techniques. Littoraline showed inhibitory activity of HIV reverse transcriptase, and lycorine and haemanthamine showed potent in vitro cytotoxicity.

Cytotoxic ent-kaurene diterpenoids from Isodon gesneroides

From Isodon gesneroides, three new cytotoxic diterpenoids, gesneroidins A, B and C, together with one known diterpenoid, dawoensin A, were isolated, and the structure determination and unambiguous assignment of their stereochemistry and NMR spectral data were made by a combination of one-and two-dimensional NMR techniques, computer modelling calculations and X-ray analysis.

Asteryunnanosides F and G: two new triterpenoid saponins from Aster yunnanensis

Two new triterpenoid saponins, aster-yunnanosides F and G, were isolated from the roots of Aster-yunnanensis. Their structures were determined as oleanolic acid-28-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranoside and 3-O-beta-glucopyranosyloleanolic acid-28-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2) ]- beta-D-glucopyranoside by spectral data, especially 2D NMR analysis including COSY, HETCOR, HOHAHA, and ROESY techniques, and chemical transformation.

[Effect of Jinshuibao capsule on the immunological function of 36 patients with advanced cancer]

Jinshuibao Capsule (JSBC), produced by Jiangxi Jinshuibao pharmaceutical Company Limited, possesses the similar active principles and pharmacological activity with those of Cordyceps sinensis. The effect of JSBC on the immunological function of 36 patients with advanced cancer showed that it could restore cellular immunological function, improve quality of life, but had no significant effect on humoral immunological function. The results suggested that JSBC could be used as adjuvant drug in advanced cancer.

Mechanistic evaluation of new plant-derived compounds that inhibit HIV-1 reverse transcriptase

Swertifrancheside [1], a new flavonone-xanthone glucoside isolated from Swertia franchetiana, 1 beta-hydroxyaleuritolic acid 3-p-hydroxybenzoate [2], a triterpene isolated from the roots of Maprounea africana, and protolichesterinic acid [3], an aliphatic alpha-methylene-gamma-lactone isolated from the lichen Cetraria islandica, were found to be potent inhibitors of the DNA polymerase activity of human immunodeficiency virus-1 reverse transcriptase (HIV-1 RT), with 50% inhibitory doses (IC50 values) of 43, 3.7, and 24 microM, respectively. They were not cytotoxic with cultured mammalian cells. The kinetic mechanisms by which compounds 1-3 inhibited HIV-1 RT were studied as was their potential to inhibit other nucleic acid polymerases. Swertifrancheside [1] bound to DNA and was shown to be a competitive inhibitor with respect to template-primer, but a mixed-type competitive inhibitor with respect to TTP. On the other hand, 1 beta-hydroxyaleuritolic acid 3-p-hydroxybenzoate [2] and protolichesterinic acid [3] were mixed-type competitive inhibitors with respect to template-primer and noncompetitive inhibitors with respect to TTP. Therefore, the mechanism of action of 1 beta-hydroxyaleuritolic acid 3-p-hydroxybenzoate [2] and protolichesterinic acid [3] as HIV-1 RT inhibitors involves nonspecific binding to the enzyme at nonsubstrate binding sites, whereas swertifrancheside [1] inhibits enzyme activity by binding to the template-primer.

Cardenolides from Nierembergia aristata

The EtOAc extract of the whole plant of the Argentinian species Nierembergia aristata showed significant cytotoxicity against eleven different cancer cell lines. In addition to several known compounds, bioassay-guided fractionation led to the isolation of three new cardenolides, 17-epi-11 alpha-hydroxy-6, 7-dehydrostrophanthidin-3-O-beta-boivinopyranoside[1],6, 7-dehydrostrophanthidin-3-O-beta-boivinopyranoside [2], and 6,7-dehydrostrophanthidin-3-O-beta-oleandropyranoside[3], of which the latter demonstrated activity against all the cell lines tested. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the isolation of cardiac glycosides from a species in the Solanaceae.

Anacardoside from the seeds of Semecarpus anacardium

From the seeds of Semecarpus anacardium, a new phenolic glucoside, anacardoside, was isolated, and its structure and configuration were elucidated by a combination of NMR techniques as 1-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyloxy-3-hydro xy-5-methylbenzene.

Diterpenoids from Isodon eriocalyx var. laxiflora

Three new, seco-ent-kaurane diterpenoids, laxiflorins A, B and C, together with four known diterpenoids eriocalyxin B, oriodonin, and maeocrystals A and B, were isolated from the leaves of Isodon eriocalyx var. laxiflora. Their structures were assigned by a combination of one- and two-dimensional NMR techniques and computer modeling calculations. Laxiflorin C displayed weak cytotoxic activity.

Triterpene saponins from Aster yunnanensis

Four new triterpene saponins, asteryunnanosides A, B, C and D, have been isolated from Aster yunnanensis and their structures deduced as 2 alpha,3 beta,23-trihydroxyolean-12-en-28-oic acid-28-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranoside, 2 alpha,3 beta,23-trihydroxyolean-12-en-28-oic acid-28-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranoside, 2 alpha,3 beta-dihydroxyolean-12-en-28-oic acid-28-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranoside and 2 alpha,3 beta-dihydroxyolean-12-en-28-oic acid-28-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranoside, respectively, by means of spectral and chemical data.

Triterpenoid saponins from Aster batangensis

Four novel triterpenoid saponins named asterbatanoside F, G, H and I were isolated from the roots of Aster batangensis and their structures elucidated as 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-23-O-acetyl-bayogenin-28-O-beta-D-glu cop yranosyl- (1-->6)-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)]-beta-D-glucopyranoside, 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-bayogenin-28-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1- ->6)-[alpha-f1p4amnopyranosyl-(1-->2)]-beta-D-glucopyranoside, 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl- (1-->3)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-bayogenin-28-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl -(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranoside, and 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)-beta-D- glucopyranosyl-23-O-acetyl-bayogenin-28-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 -->6)-beta-D- glucopyranoside by means of spectral data, especially NMR including COSY, HETCOR, COLOC, HOHAHA, ROESY and selective INEPT techniques, and chemical evidence.

Glycosides from Aster yunnanensis

A new oleanane-type triterpene saponin named asteryunnanoside E and a new acetylene glycoside named asteryunnanoside I have been isolated from the roots of Aster yunnanensis, and their structures elucidated as 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-bayogenin-28-O-beta-D- glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranoside and 2Z,8E-decadiene-4,6-diyn-1-O-beta-D-glucopyranos yl-(1-->2)-beta-D- glucopyranoside by means of 1D and 2D NMR techniques (COSY, HETCOR, COLOC, HOHAHA and ROESY) and chemical transformations.

Cytotoxic ent-kaurene diterpenoids from three Isodon species

From Isodon loxothyrsa, one new diterpenoid, loxothyrin A, together with one known diterpenoid, adenolin B, from I.pleiophyllus, three known diterpenoids, coetsoidins A, B and G, and from I. adenoloma, one known diterpenoid, longikaurin F, were isolated. The structure determination of loxothyrin A, and the unambiguous NMR spectral assignments of the known compounds were made by a combination of 1D and 2D NMR techniques and computer modelling calculations. The isolates showed potent cytotoxic activities.

Thalifaberidine, a cytotoxic aporphine-benzylisoquinoline alkaloid from Thalictrum faberi

From Thalictrum faberi, thalifaberidine [1], a new aporphine-benzylisoquinoline alkaloid, together with four known alkaloids, thalifaramine [2], thalifaricine [3], thalifarazine [4], and thalifaronine [5], were isolated. Thalifaberidine [1] was identified as 6',8-desmethylthalifaberine, and its 1H- and 13C-nmr data were completely assigned through the use of one- and two-dimensional nmr techniques. Thalifaberidine [1], thalifaberine [6], and thalifasine [7] showed cytotoxic activity against several human cancer cell lines, as well as antimalarial activity.

Cytotoxic diterpenoids from Isodon megathyrsus

A new diterpenoid, megathyrin A, together with three known compounds, rabdocoetsins B, C, and D, were isolated from the leaves of Isodon megathyrsus, and their structures and nmr spectral data were assigned by a combination of one- and two-dimensional nmr techniques. These compounds displayed significant cytotoxic activity.

Swertifrancheside, an HIV-reverse transcriptase inhibitor and the first flavone-xanthone dimer, from Swertia franchetiana

The first flavone-xanthone C-glucoside, swertifrancheside, was isolated from Swertia franchetiana, and its structure was elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic analysis as 1,5,8-trihydroxy-3-methoxy-7-(5',7',3'',4''- tetrahydroxy-6'-C-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-4'-oxy-8'-flavyl)-xanthone . This compound was a moderately potent inhibitor of HIV reverse transcriptase.

Bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids from Cyclea barbata

Continuing studies of the alkaloidal fraction from the roots of Cyclea barbata afforded two new bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids, namely, (-)-2'-norlimacine [1] and (+)-cycleabarbatine [2]. The known (+)-tetrandrine-2'-beta-N-oxide [3], for which the configuration of the N-oxide function is now assigned, was identified, as were (+)-berbamine, (-)-repandine, (+)-cycleanorine, (+)-daphnandrine, (-)-curine, (+)-coclaurine, and (-)-N-methylcoclaurine.

3-hydroxycoumarin glycosides from Alyxia reinwardti var. Lucida

Investigation of the inner bark of Alyxia reinwardti var. lucida led to the isolation of two new coumarin glycosides, 1 and 2, whose structures were determined by interpretation of their spectroscopic data, particularly NMR spectroscopy.

Saikosaponin derivatives from Bupleurum wenchuanense

From the roots of Bupleurum wenchuanense 14 derivatives of saikosaponin were isolated and identified as 2"-O-beta-D-xylopyranosylsaikosaponin b2, 3",6"-O O-diacetylsaikosaponin b2, 2"-O-beta-D-glucopyranosylsaikosaponin b2, saikosaponin b2, 6"-O-acetylsaikosaponin b2, saikosaponin d, 2"-O-acetylsaikosaponin d, 3"-O-acetylsaikosaponin d,6"-O-acetylsaikosaponin d, 16-epichikusaikoside, prosaikogenin G, saikosaponin a,2"-O-acetylsaikosaponin a and 3"-O-acetylsaikosaponin a. The first two compounds are new derivatives of saikosaponin and this is the first isolation of prosaikogenin G from a plant. Their complete 1H and 13C NMR assignments were made by using a combination of 2D NMR techniques (DQF-COSY, HOHAHA, ROESY, HETCOR, HMQC and HMBC). Some of the compounds showed cytotoxic activity against the P-388 cell line.

Cytotoxic and antimalarial bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids from Cyclea barbata

An alkaloid extract derived from the roots of Cyclea barbata demonstrated cytotoxic and antimalarial activities, and five bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids, (+)-tetrandrine [1], (-)-limacine [2], (+)-thalrugosine [3], (+)-homoaromoline [4], and (-)-cycleapeltine [5], were isolated as the active principles. The complete and unambiguous assignments of the 1H- and 13C-nmr data of these substances were made by 1D and 2D nmr techniques (COSY, phase-sensitive ROESY, HETCOR, and FLOCK).

Expression of a partial synthetic human TNF cDNA in E. coli

A recombinant human tumour necrosis factor (rhTNF) cDNA was constructed. The TNF gene was isolated from a human genomic gene library. There are four exons in the TNF gene. The fourth exon codes for 140 amino acids of the TNF matured protein which is composed of 157 amino acids. A major portion of the fourth exon was isolated and then ligated to a synthesized DNA fragment coding for the remaining amino acids. The partial synthetic hTNF (rhTNF) cDNA thus generated was subcloned into a vector and successfully expressed in E. coli. 5-1 fermentator was used to produce rhTNF. About 20 g (wet weight) of bacterial pellet per liter medium and 10(6)-10(7) units of cytotoxicity to L929 cells per milliliter medium were obtained. rhTNF was purified by HPLC and dried with a freeze dryer. rhTNF with a purity of about 95% in the form of white powder was obtained. The sequence of ten amino acids at the amino terminus of the rhTNF was determined. The result showed that it was identical with that of the natural human TNF.