Synthesis and PPAR-gamma ligand-binding activity of the new series of 2'-hydroxychalcone and thiazolidinedione derivatives

Fifteen chalcones and three thiazolidinedione (TZD) chalcones were prepared to evaluate their peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-gamma) ligand-binding activities. Among the three TZDs, one compound possessed PPAR-gamma transactivation potential, while the others showed antagonistic activity against PPAR-gamma transactivation. Among the chalcones, compound 5 was the most potent, and structure-activity relationship studies indicated that a methoxyl group in position C-4 and hydroxyl group in position C-4' or 5' in chalcone plays a key role in determining the potency of PPAR-gamma activation.

Inhibitory effects of isorhamnetin-3-O-beta-D-glucoside from Salicornia herbacea on rat lens aldose reductase and sorbitol accumulation in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat tissues

The inhibitory effects of compounds from Salicornia herbacea (Chenopodiaceae) on rat lens aldose reductase (RLAR) and sorbitol accumulation in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat tissues were investigated. The various fractions from the MeOH extract of S. herbacea were tested for their effects on RLAR in vitro. Among them, the EtOAc fraction was found to exhibit a potent RLAR inhibition (IC(50)=0.75 microg/ml), from which an active principle as a potent AR inhibitor was isolated and its chemical structure was elucidated as isorhamnetin-3-O-beta-D-glucoside (1) by spectral analysis. Compound 1 exhibited a potent RLAR inhibition in vitro, its IC(50) being 1.4 microM. Compound 1, when administered orally at 25 mg/kg in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats, caused not only a significant inhibition of serum glucose concentration but also sorbitol accumulation in the lenses, red blood cells (RBC), and sciatic nerves. These results indicate that compound 1 from S. herbacea is a leading compound for further study as a new drug for the prevention and/or treatment of diabetes and its complications.

Inhibitory effects of Irigenin from the rhizomes of Belamcanda chinensis on nitric oxide and prostaglandin E(2) production in murine macrophage RAW 264.7 cells

In the present study, we investigated antiinflammatory effects of six flavonoids isolated from the rhizomes of Belamcanda chinensis (Iridaceae) in RAW 264.7 macrophages. The results indicated that irigenin concentration dependently inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin (PG) E(2) production. Furthermore, this compound inhibited the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 proteins and mRNAs without an appreciable cytotoxic effect. Treatment of the transfectant RAW 264.7 cells with irigenin reduced the level of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) activity, also effectively lowered NF-kappaB binding measured by electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA), which was associated with decreased p65 protein levels in the nucleus. On the basis of the above data, we suggest that the effect of irigenin in decreasing LPS-induced NO and PGE(2) synthesis is due to diminish the mRNA and protein expression of iNOS and COX-2, respectively, also may be due to under the suppression of NF-kappaB activation. Therefore, irigenin isolated from the rhizomes of Belamcanda chinensis could be offered as a leading compound for anti-inflammation.

Low-power hybrid wireless network for monitoring infant incubators

We have created a pilot wireless network for the convenient monitoring of temperature and humidity of infant incubators. This system combines infrared and radio frequency (RF) communication in order to minimize the power consumption of slave devices, and we therefore call it a hybrid wireless network. The slave module installed in the infant incubator receives the calling signal from the host with an infrared receiver, and sends temperature and humidity data to the host with an RF transmitter. The power consumption of the host system is not critical, and hence it uses the maximum power of infrared transmission and continuously operating RF receiver. In our test implementation, we included four slave devices. The PC calls each slave device every second and then waits for 6 s, resulting in a total scan period of 10 s. Slave devices receive the calling signals and transmit three data values (temperature, moisture, and skin temperature); their power demand is 1 mW, and can run for about 1000 h on four AA-size nickel-hydride batteries.

Constituents of the halophyte Salicornia herbacea

Four compounds were isolated from Salicornia herbacea by repeated column chromatography. Their structures were identified as beta-sitosterol (1), stigmasterol (2), uracil (3), and isorhamnetin-3-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (4) by spectral analysis and comparison with the published data.

Anti-estrogenic activity of lignans fromAcanthopanax chiisanensis root

Anti-estrogenic activity of (-)-sesamin (1), helioxanthin (2), savinin (3), taiwanin C (4), and 3-(3,4-dimethoxybenzyl)-2-(3,4-methylenedioxybenzyl)butyrolactone (5) isolated from the root of Acanthopanax chiisanensis was tested using Ishikawa cells. Among them, compound 3 exhibited anti-estrogenic activity (IC50 = 4.86 microM).

Aldose Reductase Inhibitors from the Fruiting Bodies of Ganoderma applanatum

The isolation and characterization of rat lens aldose reductase (RLAR) inhibitors from the fruiting bodies of Ganoderma applanatum were conducted. Among the extracts and fractions from G. applanatum tested, the MeOH extract and EtOAc fraction were found to exhibit potent RLAR inhibition in vitro, their IC50 being 1.7 and 0.8 microg/ml, respectively. From the active EtOAc fraction, seven compounds with diverse structural moieties were isolated and identified as D-mannitol (1), 2-methoxyfatty acids (2), cerebrosides (3), daucosterol (4), 2,5-dihydroxyacetophenone (5), 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (6), and protocatechualdehyde (7). Among them, protocatechualdehyde (7) was found to be the most potent RLAR inhibitor (IC50=0.7 microg/ml), and may be useful for the prevention and/or treatment of diabetic complications.

Lignans fromAcanthopanax chiisanensis having an inhibitory activity on prostaglandin E2 production

The chloroform and the ethyl acetate fractions from the roots of Acanthopanax chiisanensis exhibited the significant inhibition of TPA-induced prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) production in rat peritoneal macrophages. Five lignans were isolated from the chloroform fraction and their structures were elucidated as l-sesamin, helioxanthin, savinin, taiwanin C, and 3-(3,4-dimethoxybenzyl)-2-(3,4-methylenedioxybenzyl)butyrolactone. Among the lignans tested, taiwanin C showed the most potent inhibitory activity (IC(50) = 0.12 microM) on PGE(2) production with the relative order of potency, taiwanin C >> 3-(3,4-dimethoxybenzyl)-2-(3,4-methylenedioxybenzyl)butyrolactone > savinin = helioxanthin. l-Sesamin showed no inhibitory activity at 30 microM.

Inhibitory effects ofGanoderma applanatum on rat lens aldose reductase and sorbitol accumulation in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat tissues

Aldose reductase, the key enzyme of the polyol pathway, is known to play important roles in diabetic complications. Therefore, inhibitors of aldose reductase would be potential agents for the prevention of diabetic complications. To evaluate the inhibitory potential of aldose reductase from Ganoderma applanatum (Polyporaceae), methanol (MeOH) and water extracts were tested for their effects on rat lens aldose reductase (RLAR). The effects of both extracts on streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes in rats were also investigated. The MeOH extract exhibited a potent rat lens aldose reductase (RLAR) inhibition in vitro, and showed a significant inhibition, of not only serum glucose concentrations, but also of sorbitol accumulations in the lens, red blood cells (RBC) and sciatic nerves in STZ-induced diabetic rats. Associated with a reduction in serum glucose concentration in STZ-induced diabetic rats, this extract was found to cause a significant glucose tolerance effect. These results suggested that G. applanatum might possess constituents with antidiabetic and inhibitory effects on diabetic complications.

Anti-oxidant activities of Acanthopanax senticosus stems and their lignan components

The antioxidant activities of Acanthopanax senticosus stems were evaluated in CCl4-intoxicated rats. The n-butanol fraction from the water extract of the stems, when pretreated orally at 200 mg/kg/day for 7 consecutive days in rats, was demonstrated to exhibit significant increases in antioxidant enzyme activities such as hepatic cytosolic superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase by 30.31, 19.82 and 155%, respectively. The n-butanol fraction whereas showed a significant inhibition of serum GPT activity (65.79% inhibition) elevated with hepatic damage induced by CCl4-intoxication. Eleutheroside B, a lignan component, isolated from the n-butanol fraction was found to cause a moderate free radical scavenging effect on DPPH, its scavenging potency as indicated in IC50 value, being 58.5 microM. These results suggested that the stems of A. senticosus possess not only antioxidant but also hepatoprotective activities.

Anti-diabetic activities of fucosterol from Pelvetia siliquosa

Fucosterol isolated from Pelvetia siliquosa was tested for its anti-diabetic activity in vivo. Fucosterol, when administered orally at 30 mg/kg in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats, was caused a significant decrease in serum glucose concentrations, and exhibited an inhibition of sorbitol accumulations in the lenses. Fucosterol, when administered orally at 300 mg/kg in epinephrine-induced diabetic rats, was also caused an inhibition of blood glucose level and glycogen degradation. These results demonstrated that fucosterol is a main anti-diabetic principle from the marine algae P. siliquosa.

The Seoul Metropolitan Preschool Vision Screening Programme: results from South Korea

AIM

To report on a new model of preschool vision screening that was performed in metropolitan Seoul and to investigate the distribution of various ocular disorders in this metropolitan preschool population.

METHODS

Vision screening was conducted on 36 973 kindergarten children aged 3-5 years in a stepwise manner. The first step was home screening using a set of five picture cards and a questionnaire. The children who did not pass the first step (VA <0.5 in at least one eye or any abnormal responses on the questionnaire) were retested with regular vision charts at the regional public healthcare centres. After this retest, some children were referred to ophthalmologists. The referral criteria for visual acuity were <0.5 at 3 years and <0.63 at 4 or 5 years in at least one eye.

RESULTS

Of those screened, 7116 (19.2%) children did not pass the home screening tests and 2058 (28.9%) out of the 7116 were referred. The results of the ophthalmological examination in eye clinics were only available for 894 children (43.4%) of those who were referred. The rest of the children did not visit ophthalmologists because they had been checked at an eye clinic, were currently under treatment, or for personal reasons. Refractive errors were found in 608 (1.6%) children. Astigmatism was associated in 78.2% of ametropes. Amblyopia was discovered in 149 (0.4%) children and refractive error was the major aetiology with a predominant rate (82.5%). Manifest strabismus was detected in 52 children. The positive predictive value of vision screening for any ophthalmological disorder was 0.77, and 0.49 for significant disorders requiring treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

This preschool vision screening model was highly accessible to the children and their parents, easy to administer, and effective to detect a variety of ocular disorders. However, the participation rate of the referred children in the examinations by ophthalmologists was quite low. The performance and efficiency of this screening programme need to be optimised with further revision.

New lanostane-type triterpenoids from Ganoderma applanatum

Four new lanostane-type triterpenes were isolated from the MeOH extract of the fruiting bodies of Ganoderma applanatum. Their structures were established as 3beta,7beta,20,23xi-tetrahydroxy-11,15-dioxolanosta-8-en-26-oic acid (1), 7beta,20,23xi-trihydroxy-3,11,15-trioxolanosta-8-en-26-oic acid (2), 7beta,23xi-dihydroxy-3,11,15-trioxolanosta-8,20E(22)-dien-26-oic acid (3), and 7beta-hydroxy-3,11,15,23-tetraoxolanosta-8,20E(22)-dien-26-oic acid methyl ester (4), respectively, by extensive spectroscopic analyses.

Anti-tumor activities of decursinol angelate and decursin from Angelica gigas

The in vivo anti-tumor activities of decursinol angelate (1) and decursin (2) isolated from the roots of Angelica gigas were investigated. These two compounds, when administered consecutively for 9 days at 50 and 100 mg/kg i.p. in mice, caused a significant increase in the life span and a significant decrease in the tumor weight and volume of mice inoculated with Sarcoma-180 tumor cells. These results suggest that decursinol angelate (1) and decursin (2) from A. gigas have anti-tumor activities.

Anti-oxidant activities of fucosterol from the marine algae Pelvetia siliquosa

The anti-oxidant activities of fucosterol isolated from the marine algae Pelvetia siliquosa were investigated. Fucosterol exhibited a significant decrease in serum transaminase activities elevated by hepatic damage induced by CCl4-intoxication in rats. Fucosterol inhibited the sGOT and sGPT activities by 25.57 and 63.16%, respectively. Fucosterol showed the increase in the anti-oxidant enzymes such as hepatic cytosolic superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-px) activities by 33.89, 21.56 and 39.24%, respectively, in CCl4-intoxicated rats. These results suggest that fucosterol possess not only the anti-oxidant, but also the hepatoprotective activities in rats.

Antiinflammatory activity of hyperin fromAcanthopanax chiisanensis roots

The chloroform and the ethyl acetate fractions from the roots of Acanthopanax chiisanensis exhibited a significant inhibition of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production in rat peritoneal macrophages stimulated by the protein kinase C activator, 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA). Hyperin was isolated as an active principle from the ethyl acetate fraction. It suppressed not only PGE2 production but also nitric oxide (NO) production in vitro in a concentration dependent manner, their IC50, being 24.3 and 32.9 microM, respectively. Hyperin also caused a significant inhibition of increase in acetic acid-induced vascular permeability in mice in vivo.

Inhibition of lipopolysaccharide-induced expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase and tumor necrosis factor-alpha by 2'-hydroxychalcone derivatives in RAW 264.7 cells

In cultures of the murine macrophage cell line RAW 264.7, effects of four 2'-hydroxychalcone derivatives, 2'-hydroxy-4'-methoxychalcone (compound 1), 2',4-dihydroxy-4'-methoxychalcone (compound 2), 2',4-dihydroxy-6'-methoxychalcone (compound 3) and 2'-hydroxy-4,4'-dimethoxychalcone (compound 4), on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced production of nitric oxide (NO) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha were examined. Compounds 1, 2 and 3 at 3-30microM inhibited the production with almost the same potency. Compound 4 showed no inhibitory activity. Compounds 1, 2 and 3 at 3-30microM inhibited the LPS-induced expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and TNF-alpha mRNA. To clarify the mechanism involved, effects of compounds 1, 2 and 3 on the activation of nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB and activator protein-1 (AP-1) were examined. Both the LPS-induced activation of NF-kappaB and AP-1 were blocked by compounds 1, 2 and 3 at 3-30microM. Moreover, the three compounds at such concentrations inhibited the LPS-induced IkappaB degradation and the phosphorylation of c-jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and c-jun. These findings suggest that the inhibition of the LPS-induced production of NO and TNF-alpha by the 2'-hydroxychalcone derivatives is due to the inhibition of NF-kappaB and AP-1 activations.

Antioxidant activities of isoflavones from the rhizomes ofbelamcanda chinensis on carbon tetrachloride-lnduced hepatic injury in rats

The present study was carried out to clarify whether tectorigenin and tectoridin isolated from the rhizomes of Belamcanda chinensis (Iridaceae) inhibit hepatic damage induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-intoxication in rats by the experimental methods in vitro and in vivo. Tectorigenin and tectoridin exhibited a significant decrease in serum transaminase activities elevated by hepatic damage induced by CCl4-intoxication in rats, as well as in a lipid peroxidation causing a significant decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA) production by thiobarbituric acid (TBA)-reactant assay. Both compounds also showed strong increase in the antioxidant enzymes such as hepatic cytosolic superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-px) activities in CCl4-intoxicated rats. These results suggested that tectorigenin and tectoridin isolated from the rhizomes of B. chinensis possess not only the antioxidative, but also the hepatoprotective activities in CCl4-intoxicated rats.

3D conformal hepatic radiation therapy for metastatic colorectal cancer

One patient with a large metastatic liver lesion from colorectal cancer treated with 3DCHRT was reported along with review of literature. 3DCHRT is an effective palliative treatment and can achieve prolongation of life with improved quality and can control the liver pain and prevent possible liver failure.

Anti-tumour and immuno-stimulating activities of the fruiting bodies of Paecilomyces japonica, a new type of Cordyceps spp

The anti-tumor and immuno-stimulating activities of the fruiting bodies of Paecilomyces japonica (PJ), grown on silk-worm larvae and of Cordyceps sinensis (CS), a wild form of Cordyceps Fungi, were investigated. Ethanol extracts of both fungi, when administered for 9 consecutive days, at 50 and 100 mg/kg i.p., caused a significant increase in life span and a significant decrease in tumor weights and volumes, in mice inoculated with Sarcoma-180 tumor cells. Both fungal extracts were demonstrated to exhibit phagocytosis enhancing activity as measured by carbon clearance in mice. PJ extracts, when administered i.p. at 50 mg/kg/day for 3 consecutive days, exhibited a significant enhancement of phagocytosis, its potency as expressed by the regression coefficient ratio, RCtr/RCc, being 1.64 (the phagocytosis index = 2). This was approximately the same for that of zymosan (RCtr/RCc = 1.55, PI = 2), a typical phagocytosis enhancer, whereas CS extracts exhibited a moderate phagocytosis enhancing activity at the same dose level (RCtr/RCc = 1.30, PI = 1). Both fungal extracts caused a significant increase in an acid phosphatase activity, representing lysosomal enzymes, in macrophages at 20 and 100 micro g/ml in vitro, in compliance with in vivo results. These results suggest that the anti-tumor activity of both fungi might be related to an immuno-stimulating function.

Anti-angiogenic and anti-tumor activities of isoflavonoids from the rhizomes of Belamcanda chinensis

The present study was carried out to clarify whether tectorigenin and tectoridin isolated from the rhizomes of Belamcanda chinensis (Iridaceae) inhibit angiogenesis by the experimental methods in vitro and in vivo. Tectorigenin and tectoridin decreased angiogenesis of both chick embryos in the chorioallantoic membrane assay and basic fibroblast growth factor-induced vessel formation in the mouse Matrigel plug assay. Both compounds also reduced the proliferation of calf pulmonary arterial endothelial (CPAE) cells and found to possess relatively weak gelatinase/collagenase inhibitory activity in vitro. Tectorigenin exhibited a much stronger anti-proliferative activity than its glycoside, tectoridin and was almost equipotent to that of genistein, a reference drug. Tectorigenin, when administered subcutaneously at the dose of 30 mg/kg for 20 days to mice implanted with murine Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC), caused a significant inhibition of tumor volume by 30.8 %. Tectorigenin and tectoridin, when treated i. p. at the same dosage for 10 days to ICR mice bearing sarcoma 180, caused a significant suppression in tumor weight by 44.2 and 24.8 %, respectively.

Inhibitory effects of furanocoumarins isolated from the roots of Angelica dahurica on prostaglandin E2 production

We have isolated five furanocoumarins, byakangelicin, phellopterin, imperatorin, isoimperatorin, and oxypeucedanin methanolate, from the roots of Angelica dahurica (Umbelliferae) and prepared five semi-synthesized compounds by the partial reduction of each isolated furanocoumarin, and the effects of these compounds on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced prostaglandin E2 (PGE2 ) production in rat peritoneal macrophages were examined. Among these compounds, imperatorin showed the most potent inhibitory activity on the LPS-induced PGE2 production. It also inhibited the LPS-induced expressions of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and microsomal prostaglandin E synthase (mPGES). These findings suggest that the inhibitory effect of furanocoumarins on the LPS-induced PGE2 production is due to the inhibition of the expression of COX-2 and mPGES.

Suppression of tumor growth by a new glycosaminoglycan isolated from the African giant snail Achatina fulica

Acharan sulfate is a new type of glycosaminoglycan from the giant African snail, Achatina fulica. Acharan sulfate, which has a primary repeating disaccharide structure of alpha-D-N-acetylglucosaminyl-2-O-sulfo-alpha-L-iduronic acid, was studied as a potential antitumor agent in both in vivo and in vitro assays. The antiangiogenic activity of acharan sulfate was evaluated in the chorioallantoic membrane assay and by measuring its effect on the proliferation of calf pulmonary artery endothelial cells. In vivo, a matrigel plug assay showed that acharan sulfate suppressed basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF)-stimulated angiogenesis and lowered the hemoglobin (Hb) content inside the plug. Acharan sulfate was administered s.c. at two doses for 15 days to C57BL/6 mice implanted with murine Lewis lung carcinoma in the back. It was also administered i.p. to ICR mice bearing sarcoma 180 at a dose of 30 mg/kg. Subcutaneous injection of acharan sulfate at doses of 10 and 30 mg/kg decreased tumor weight and tumor volume by 40% without toxicity or resistance. Intraperitoneal injection of acharan sulfate also decreased tumor weight and volume by 40% in sarcoma 180-bearing mice. These results suggest that the antitumor activity of acharan sulfate may be related to the inhibition of angiogenesis.

Anti-oxidant activities of the extracts from the herbs of Artemisia apiacea

The anti-oxidant activities of the various fractions from the herbs of Artemisia apiacea were investigated. The n-hexane and n-butanol fractions were found to cause significant free radical scavenging effects on DPPH, their scavenging potencies as indicated in IC(50) values, being 230.1 and 183.7 microg/ml, respectively. The n-butanol fraction exhibited a significant decrease in serum transaminase activities elevated by hepatic damage induced by CCl(4)-intoxication in rats. All fractions tested exhibited a lipid peroxidation causing a significant decrease in MDA production in TBA-reactant assay. The n-butanol fraction was the strongest in the increase in the anti-oxidant enzymes such as hepatic cytosolic superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-px) activities in CCl(4)-intoxicated rats. These results suggest that the herbs of A. apiacea possess not only the anti-oxidant, but also the activities in CCl(4)-intoxicated rats. Especially, the n-butanol extract was found to cause significant increases in the rat liver cytosolic SOD, catalase, GSH-px activities as well as a significant decrease in the MDA production.