Pharmacokinetics and urine metabolite identification of dehydroevodiamine in the rat

This study investigates the oral bioavailability and characterizes urine metabolites of dehydroevodiamine (DeHE), one of the bioactive alkaloids isolated from the fruit of Evodia rutaecarpa . A freely moving rat model coupled with an automated blood sample system was used to evaluate the pharmacokinetics of DeHE. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), mass spectrometry (MS), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometry were applied to determine DeHE and its metabolites. The averaged oral bioavailability of DeHE (100 and 500 mg/kg) in the freely moving rats was approximately 15.35%. Cumulative fecal and urinary excretions of unchanged DeHE were 6 and 0.5%, respectively, after a single oral dose (500 mg/kg) of DeHE. The protein binding of DeHE in rat plasma was 65.6 ± 6.5%. Six metabolites, including five DeHE-O-glucuronides and one DeHE-sulfate, were identified after oral administration. The structures of two glucuronide conjugates, DeHE-10-O-glucuronide (M3) and DeHE-11-O-glucuronide (M4), and one sulfate conjugate, DeHE-12-sulfate (M6), were assigned. The findings indicate that the oral bioavailability of DeHE was much higher than that of evodiamine, and hydroxylation and conjugative metabolism were essential for the urinary elimination of DeHE.

5-deoxyflavones with cytotoxic activity from Mimosa diplotricha

Bioassay-guided isolation of Mimosa diplotricha led to the isolation of four new 5-deoxyflavones, diplotrins A-C (1-3) and diplotasin (4), together with 12 known flavonoids, flavonolignans, and triterpenoids. On the basis of spectroscopic evidence, compounds 1-4 were characterized as 2',5'-dihydroxy-3,7,8,4'-tetramethoxyflavone (1), 3'-hydroxy-3,7,8,4'-tetramethoxyflavone (2), 2'-hydroxy-7,4',5'-trimethoxyflavone (3), and 4-hydroxy-3,10,11-trimethoxyisochromeno-[4,3-b]-chromen-7(5H)-one (4). The cytotoxic effects of these isolated compounds were evaluated against the A549, AGS, HT-29, and PC3 human cancer cell lines. Compounds 2 and 5″-methoxyhydnocarpin-D (5) showed the most potent antiproliferative activity.

Curcumin and its nano-formulation: the kinetics of tissue distribution and blood-brain barrier penetration

Curcumin has considerable neuro-protective and anti-cancer properties but is rapidly eliminated from the body. By optimizing the HPLC method for analysis of curcumin, this study evaluates how the ability of curcumin to penetrate organs and different regions of the brain is affected by nanoparticulation to increase curcumin circulation time in the body. Curcumin-loaded PLGA nanoparticles (C-NPs) were prepared by the high-pressure emulsification-solvent evaporation method. The mean particle size and entrapment efficiency were 163nm and 46.9%, respectively. The release profile of C-NPs was an initial burst effect followed by sustained diffusion. In distribution studies, curcumin could be detected in the evaluated organs, including liver, heart, spleen, lung, kidney and brain. C-NPs were found mainly in the spleen, followed by the lung. Formulation significantly raised the curcumin concentration in these organs with increases in the AUC, t(1/2) and MRT of curcumin, though this was not apparent in the heart. Curcumin and C-NPs could cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) to enter brain tissue, where it was concentrated chiefly in the hippocampus. Nanoparticulation significantly prolonged retention time of curcumin in the cerebral cortex (increased by 96%) and hippocampus (increased by 83%). These findings provide further understanding for the possible therapeutic effects of curcumin and C-NPs in further pre-clinical and clinical research.

Catechin stimulates osteogenesis by enhancing PP2A activity in human mesenchymal stem cells

SUMMARY

Using human mesenchymal stem cells, we identified catechin from a panel of herbal ingredients and Chinese traditional compounds with the strongest osteogenic effects. Catechin increased alkaline phosphatase activity, calcium deposition, and mRNA expression of Runx2 and osteocalcin. We further clarified the signaling pathway that catechin mediated to stimulate osteogenesis.

INTRODUCTION

Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs), useful as a species specific cell culture system for studying cell lineage differentiation, were examined as a tool to identify novel herbal ingredients and Chinese traditional compounds for enhancing osteogenesis.

METHODS

Immortalized and primary hMSCs were induced in osteogenic induction medium in the presence of a variety of herbal ingredients and Chinese traditional compounds and osteogenic differentiation was evaluated by histochemical assays and quantitative RT-PCR.

RESULTS

Using immortalized hMSCs, we first identified catechin, 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid, baishao, and danggui with osteogenic properties, which enhanced calcium deposition at the dose without significant cytotoxic effects. Primary hMSCs were then applied for confirming the osteogenic effects of catechin, which increased alkaline phosphatase activity, calcium deposition, and mRNA expression of Runx2 and osteocalcin. We further found the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway was downregulated upon stimulation with catechin. Catechin increased the level and activity of protein phosphatases 2A (PP2A) that dephosphorylates ERK kinase (MEK) and ERK. Further, PP2A inhibitor, okadaic acid, abolished the effect of catechin-mediated inactivation of ERK and stimulation of osteogenesis. The blocking effect of okadaic acid on osteogenesis was further reversed by PD98059, a specific inhibitor of MEK. Co-immunoprecipitation revealed the association of PP2A to both MEK and ERK.

CONCLUSIONS

These studies propose catechin enhanced osteogenesis by increasing the PP2A level that inhibits the MEK and ERK signaling in hMSCs. These results prove the concept of using hMSCs as a convenient tool for rapid and consistent screening of the osteogenic herbal ingredients and traditional Chinese compounds.

Urine specific gravity as a predictor of early neurological deterioration in acute ischemic stroke

We previously found that a blood urea nitrogen/creatinine (BUN/Cr) ratio>15 is an independent predictor of early neurological deterioration after acute ischemic stroke, which suggests that dehydration may be a cause of early deterioration. The aim of this study was to determine whether urine specific gravity, which is another indicator of hydration status and one that is more easily obtained, is also an independent predictor of early deterioration or stroke-in-evolution (SIE). Demographic and clinical data were recorded at admission from patients with acute ischemic stroke who were prospectively enrolled from October 2007 to June 2010. We compared patients with and without stroke-in-evolution (based on an increase of 3 points or more points on the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale within 3 days). Univariate and multivariate statistical analyses were carried out. A total of 317 patients (43 SIE and 274 non-SIE) were enrolled; the first 196 patients comprised the cohort of our previous study. The only two independent predictors of early deterioration or SIE were BUN/Cr>15 and urine specific gravity>1.010. After adjusting for age and gender, patients with a urine specific gravity>1.010 were 2.78 times more likely to develop SIE (95% CI=1.11-6.96; P=0.030). Urine specific gravity may be useful as an early predictor of early deterioration in patients with acute ischemic stroke. Patients with urine specific gravity ≤ 1.010 therefore may have a reduced likelihood of early neurological deterioration.

Optimised nano-formulation on the bioavailability of hydrophobic polyphenol, curcumin, in freely-moving rats

This study has optimised the poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) nano-formulation of curcumin to prolong its retention time in the body and improve bioavailability. High-pressure emulsification-solvent-evaporation was designed to obtain curcumin-loaded PLGA nanoparticles (C-NPs) prepared with 2% of PVA containing 20% sucrose as aqueous phase and dichloromethane as oil phase. The size and entrapment efficiency of C-NPs was 158±10nm and 46.6±13.5%, respectively. The stable storage time of C-NPs was one month at 4°C. When curcumin was formulated, a significant increase of curcumin exposure in rat plasma was revealed from the intravenous study (AUC/Dose raised 55%) and the oral study (AUC/Dose increased 21-fold). The oral bioavailability of curcumin at C-NPs was 22-fold higher than conventional curcumin. Excretion results support oral study that absorption of curcumin was significantly increased by nano-formulation. These findings demonstrate that PLGA nano-formulation could potentially be applied to increase bioavailability of hydrophobic polyphenols.

Anti-proliferative effects of evodiamine on human thyroid cancer cell line ARO

The incidence of thyroid cancer increases with age, and it is twice in women as common as in men. The undifferentiated thyroid cancer (UTC) is the most aggressive of all thyroid cancers. Unfortunately, there are almost no efficacious therapeutic modalities. It is important to develop some new effective therapies. Evodiamine is a chemical extracted from a kind of Chinese herb named Wu-Chu-Yu and has been demonstrated to be effective in preventing the growth of a variety of cancer cells. In the present study, the mechanism by which evodiamine inhibited the undifferentiated thyroid cancer cell line ARO was examined. Based on 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol -2-yle)2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, cell proliferation rate was reduced dose-dependently by evodiamine, but not by rutaecarpine. According to the flow cytometric analysis, evodiamine treatment resulted in G2/M arrest and DNA fragmentation in ARO cells. The G2/M arrest was accompanied with an increase of the expression of cdc25C, cyclin B1, and cdc2-p161 protein, and it was also with a decrease of the expression of cdc2-p15. Furthermore, by using the TUNEL assay, evodiamine-induced apoptosis was observed at 48 h and extended to 72 h. Western blotting demonstrated that evodiamine treatment induced the activation of caspase-8, caspase-9, caspase-3, and the cleavage of poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP). These results suggested that evodiamine inhibited the growth of the ARO cells, arrested them at M phase, and induced apoptosis through caspases signaling.

Analysis of biliary excretion of icariin in rats

Icariin is a bioactive herbal ingredient isolated from Epimedii Herba. This study evaluates the distribution of icariin in rats by microdialysis sampling and high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection (HPLC-UV). Microdialysis probes were simultaneously placed in the jugular vein, brain striatum, and bile duct of each anesthetized rat for sampling after the administration of icariin (dose=10 or 20 mg/kg) via the femoral vein. The role of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) on icariin distribution was assessed by pretreatment with cyclosporine (CsA, dose=20 mg/kg). This study is the first report of the biliary excretion of icarin in rats, defined as the blood-to-bile distribution (k value), calculated by dividing the area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) of icariin in bile by that in blood (k=AUCbile/AUCblood). The k values were 19.0±5.9 and 18.8±3.8 at the doses of 10 and 20 mg/kg, respectively. The decreased biliary excretion of icariin due to pretreatment with CsA was evidenced by the reduced k values (18.8±3.8 vs 9.9±1.9, p=0.005). This work demonstrates that biliary excretion is the major elimination pathway for icariin disposition and that transporters, such as P-gp, might be related to icariin's biliary excretion.

Effects of a P-glycoprotein modulator on the pharmacokinetics and distribution of free levobupivacaine and bupivacaine in rats

Pharmacokinetics of free-form levobupivacaine (LB) and free-form racemic bupivacaine (BU) using microdialysis sampling technique were conducted in this study. Three microdialysis probes were implanted in the jugular vein toward the right atrium, brain striatum and bile duct of male Sprague-Dawley rats for concurrently sampling free drug. Effects of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) on the brain distribution and hepatobiliary excretion of LB and BU were examined for the first time after cyclosporine (CsA) administration. LB and BU in samples were determined by HPLC. The blood pharmacokinetics of free LB and free BU were not significantly different. For brain pharmacokinetics, the CsA pretreatment raised significantly the area under curve (AUC) of BU (24.0+/-5.9 vs. 14.6+/-4.4min microg/mL, p=0.015). Brain regions concentrations of LB and BU were significantly higher than plasma concentrations of LB (p<0.001) and BU (p<0.001), respectively. The BU concentration of cerebral cortex was significant higher than that of striatum (6.06+/-1.03 vs. 4.04+/-0.90microg/mL, p=0.005) and hippocampus (6.06+/-1.03 vs. 4.45+/-1.07microg/mL, p=0.04), suggesting that BU might display an uneven brain distribution. For bile pharmacokinetics, LB and BU went through hepatobiliary excretion, and the AUC of BU was significantly higher than that of the LB group (6.6+/-1.0 vs. 4.6+/-0.6min microg/mL, p=0.005). In addition, the pretreatment of CsA significantly reduced the hepatobiliary excretion of BU in terms of AUC (4.4+/-0.8 vs. 6.6+/-1.0minmicrog/mL, p=0.003). Furthermore, the maximum concentration (C(max)) of BU diminished significantly as a result of the CsA pretreatment (0.10+/-0.03 vs. 0.20+/-0.05microg/mL, p=0.002). To sum up, enantioselective brain distribution and hepatobiliary excretion of free LB and free BU were observed, and P-gp may relate to the drug transport.

Pharmacokinetics of adenosine and cordycepin, a bioactive constituent of Cordyceps sinensis in rat

Cordycepin is a bioactive constituent of Cordyceps sinensis that has been shown to regulate homeostatic function. As an adenosine analogue, it is possible cordycepin goes through a similar metabolic pathway to that of adenosine. To investigate this hypothesis, a sensitive liquid chromatography with photodiode-array detector (HPLC-PDA) coupled to a microdialysis sampling system was developed to monitor cordycepin and adenosine in rat blood and liver. Other endogenous nucleosides were simultaneously measured to further understand the downstream metabolic pathway. The experiments were divided into six parallel groups for drug administration: (1) normal saline vehicle, (2) adenosine, (3) cordycepin, (4) normal saline + erythro-9-(2-hydroxy-3-nonyl)adenine (EHNA; a potent adenosine deaminase inhibitor), (5) adenosine + EHNA, and (6) cordycepin + EHNA. The pharmacokinetic results suggest that the levels of both adenosine and cordycepin decreased rapidly in blood around 30 min after drug administration. When adenosine was given, the concentrations of adenosine metabolites, hypoxanthinosine and hypoxanthine, increased in rat blood. This phenomenon was inhibited by EHNA pretreatment. An unidentified peak was observed in the blood and liver samples after cordycepin administration. The decline of this unidentified peak paralleled the decreased of the concentration of cordycepin, and it was not observed in the presence of the adenosine deaminase inhibitor. It is concluded that adenosine and cordycepin had short elimination half-lives and high rates of clearance and their biotransformation was suppressed by EHNA.

The inhibitory effect of phenylpropanoid glycosides and iridoid glucosides on free radical production and β2 integrin expression in human leucocytes

Rapid production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and upregulation of β2 integrin by leucocytes are two important inflammatory responses in human leucocytes. To evaluate whether three phenylpropanoid glycosides (acteoside, crenatoside, and rossicaside B) and two iridoid glucosides (boschnaloside and 8-epideoxyloganic acid) identified from two medicinal plants with similar indications (Orobanche caerulescens and Boschniakia rossica) exhibited anti-inflammatory activity, their effects on N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP) and phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA)-activated peripheral human neutrophils (PMNs) and mononuclear cells were examined. Pretreatment with 1–50 μm phenylpropanoid glycoside concentration-dependently diminished PMA- and fMLP-induced ROS production with IC50 values of approximately 6.8–23.9 and 3.0–8.8 μm, respectively. Iridoid glucoside was less effective than phenylpropanoid glycoside with an IC50 value of approximately 8.9–28.4 μm in PMA-activated PMNs and 19.1–21.1 μm in fMLP-activated mononuclear cells. Phenylpropanoid glycosides also effectively inhibited NADPH oxidase (NOX) and displayed potent free radical-scavenging activity, but did not interfere with pan-protein kinase C (PKC) activity. Furthermore, all compounds, except rossicaside B, significantly inhibited PMA- and fMLP-induced Mac-1 (a β2 integrin) upregulation at 50 μm but not that of fMLP-induced intracellular calcium mobilization. These drugs had no significant cytotoxicity as compared with the vehicle control. Our data suggested that inhibition of ROS production, possibly through modulation of NOX activity and/or the radical scavenging effect, and β2 integrin expression in leucocytes indicated that these compounds had the potential to serve as anti-inflammatory agents during oxidative stress.

Oral bioavailability, urinary excretion and organ distribution of melamine in Sprague-Dawley rats by high-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry

High-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC/MS/MS) was used to determine melamine oral bioavailability (BA) and urinary excretion. Organ distribution after a 14-day consecutive oral melamine administration (100 mg/kg/day, once a day) was also evaluated. A noncompartmental model was utilized to obtain pharmacokinetic parameters. According to the results, the BA of melamine was estimated to be 98.1%. Approximately 63% of administered melamine was recovered in urine within 96 h after a single oral administration (100 mg/kg). The bladder had the highest melamine concentration of all the organs after a 14-day consecutive oral administration of melamine, and almost no melamine was found in the rat brain. This result indicated that the oral absorption of melamine was almost complete and urinary excretion was the major route for its elimination. Repeated exposure to high-dose melamine may result in only slight accumulation in organs.

Lanostanes from Phellinus igniarius and their iNOS inhibitory activities

Four new lanostanol-type triterpenoids, igniarens A - D ( 1- 4), were isolated from the fruit body of Phellinus igniarius together with two known triterpenoids, and two known ergostanes. These four new compounds were identified by spectroscopic analysis as 22 R-hydroxy-24-methylene-29-norlanost-7, 9(11)-dien-3-one (1), 3alpha,22 R-dihydroxy-24-methylene-29-norlanost-7, 9(11)-diene (2), 3alpha,22 R-dihydroxy-24-methylene-29-norlanost-8-ene ( 3), and 3alpha,22 R-dihydroxy-24-methylenelanost-8-ene ( 4). Their effects on NO production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated macrophages were assessed. Compounds 1- 8 inhibited NO production in activated RAW 264.7 cells to various degrees. The most potent compound 5alpha,8alpha-epidioxy-22 E-ergosta-6,22-dien-3beta-ol ( 7) significantly inhibited LPS-induced NO production in a concentration-dependent manner without affecting the cellular viability, with an IC (50) of 37.57 +/- 1.38 microM.

Herb-drug interaction of silymarin or silibinin on the pharmacokinetics of trazodone in rats

Silymarin, one of the most popular herbal medicines, has been widely used for its hepatoprotective effects. This study investigates the effects of repeated dose of silymarin and its major ingredient, silibinin, on the pharmacokinetics of the antidepressant trazodone. Treatment groups included vehicle control group, concomitant silymarin at 1.0g/kg dose, and four 7-day repeated dose induction groups of 0.5 and 1.0g/kg silymarin and 0.175 and 0.35g/kg silibinin. Microdialysis coupled with high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to simultaneously monitor blood and bile concentrations of trazodone in the rats. Results indicate that pretreatment with an extremely high dose of 1.0g/kg silymarin significantly decreases trazodone's area under concentration curve (AUC), distribution half-life (t(1/2,alpha)), elimination half-life (t(1/2,beta)), and mean residence time (MRT). In conclusion, the present study finds no marked effects of silymarin and silibinin on the pharmacokinetics of trazodone under normal daily doses and the relative safety of taking the herb with trazodone.

Effect of perceived stigmatization on the quality of life among ageing female family carers: a comparison of carers of adults with intellectual disability and carers of adults with mental illness

BACKGROUND

Little account has been taken of quality of life (QoL) among family carers of adults with an intellectual disability (ID) and family carers of adults with a mental illness (MI), particularly the female ageing carers' perceived stigma. We explore whether there are differences in the significant predictors of female ageing family carers' QoL between family carers of adults with ID and family carers of adults with MI and aim to examine the effect of these differences in stigma on carer QoL between the two groups.

METHODS

A structural survey interview was administered to 350 female family carers supporting persons with ID and 66 female carers supporting persons with MI; the carers were aged 55 years and older, and the interviews were carried between July 2006 and April 2007 at the carers' homes in a county in Taiwan. The survey package contained standardised scales to measure the carer's stigma, social support, QoL and health as well as adult and carer socio-demographic data.

RESULTS

The results highlight that in both groups the ageing female family carers' health and social support were strongly associated with the level of their QoL even though there was also a strong effect of carers' perceived stigma on their QoL. Contrary to previous findings, ageing female family carers of adults with MI had a higher level of QoL compared with the carers of adults with ID. Hierarchical regressions show a stronger effect of perceived stigma on the carer QoL among the family carers of adults with MI than among the carers of adults with ID.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that attempts to improve these female older family carers' health and social support must include their lifelong unmet needs in terms of how to cope with the perceived stigma associated with their position.

Efficacy and Safety of Valsartan/Hydrochlorothiazide Fixed-dose Combination Compared with Amlodipine Monotherapy as First-line Therapy for Mild to Moderate Hypertension

This double-blind, active- and randomized-controlled study compared the efficacy and safety of a fixed-dose combination of valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide 80 mg/12.5 mg once daily ( n = 32) with amlodipine monotherapy 5 mg once daily ( n = 33) for 8 weeks in patients with mild to moderate hypertension. Non-inferiority of valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide to amlodipine was demonstrated by comparable reductions in sitting systolic blood pressure (SBP), sitting diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and daytime, night-time and 24-h SBP and DBP on ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. Between-group comparisons of adverse events and changes in laboratory parameters did not reach statistical significance, except for uric acid which showed a significant increase in the valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide group compared with the amlodipine group, but was still below the laboratory's upper limit of normal. In conclusion, the use of the fixed-dose combination of valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide 80 mg/12.5 mg once daily as a starting regimen in patients with mild to moderate hypertension was shown to have non-inferior efficacy and comparable safety for daily practice compared with amlodipine 5 mg once daily monotherapy.

Lanostane-triterpenoids from the fungus Phellinus gilvus

Triterpenoids gilvsins A-D (1-4), with oxygenated lanostane skeletons, were isolated from the fruiting body of Phellinus gilvus, together with two known compounds, 24-methylenelanost-8-ene-3beta, 22-diol and 5alpha-ergosta-7,22-diene-3-one. The structures of 1-4 were deduced from analysis of spectroscopic data. The absolute configuration at C-22 of 1 was determined by the modified Mosher's method and the structure of 1 was confirmed by X-ray analysis. The hypoglycemic activities of the crude extract of P. gilvus and the isolated compounds were also evaluated, but were not promising for further investigation.

Phenolic glycosides and pyrrolidine alkaloids from Codonopsis tangshen

Chemical examination of the n-butanol extract of the root of Codonopsis tangshen led to the isolation of four new compounds named codonosides A (1) and B (2) and codonopyrrolidiums A (3) and B (4), with seven known compounds [(Z)-2-(beta-glucopyranosyloxy)-3-phenylpropenoic acid (5), lobetyolin (6), lobetyol (7), luteolin (8), friedelin (9), 5,6,9-trihydroxy-octadec-7-enoic acid (10), and adenosine (11)]. Based on spectroscopic evidence, the structures of codonosides A (1) and B (2) were established as phenolic glycosides, and those of codonopyrrolidiums A (3) and B (4) as pyrrolidines. The relative configuration of 3 was determined by X-ray crystallographic analysis.

Drug-drug interactions of silymarin on the perspective of pharmacokinetics

Silymarin, which is extracted from the milk thistle (Silybum marianum), has been used for centuries for treating hepatic disorders and its hepatoprotective effects have been known for hundreds of years. Silymarin is a mixture of polyphenoic flavonoids, which include silibinin (silybin A and silybin B), isosilyin A and B, silychristin A and B, silydianin and other phenol compounds. The pharmacokinetics of silibinin shows fast absorption and elimination. Silymarin undergoes phase I and phase II metabolism, especially phase II conjugation reactions, it undergoes multiple conjugation reactions, and is primarily excreted into bile and urine. Silymarin has a good safety profile, but little is known regarding its potential for drug interaction. Silymarin has limited effect on the pharmacokinetics of several drugs in vivo; despite silymarin decreasing the activity of cytochrome P-450 (CYPs) enzymes, UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) enzyme, and reducing P-glycoprotein (P-gp) transport. Health-care practitioners should caution patients against co-administration of silymarin and pharmaceutical drugs.

Seselin from Plumbago zeylanica inhibits phytohemagglutinin (PHA)-stimulated cell proliferation in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells

Effects of seselin (C(14)H(12)O(3); MW 228) identified from Plumbago zeylanica on phytohemagglutinin (PHA)-stimulated cell proliferation were studied in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). The data demonstrated that seselin inhibited PBMC proliferation-activated with PHA with an IC(50) of 53.87+/-0.74 microM. Cell viability test indicated that inhibitory effects of seselin on PBMC proliferation were not through direct cytotoxicity. The action mechanisms of seselin may involve the regulation of cell cycle progression, interleukin-2 (IL-2) and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) production in PBMC. Since cell cycle analysis indicated that seselin arrested the cell cycle progression of activated PBMC from the G(1) transition to the S phase. Seselin suppressed IL-2 and IFN-gamma production in a concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, seselin significantly decreased the IL-2 and IFN-gamma gene expression in PHA-activated PBMC. Therefore, results elucidated for the first time that seselin is likely an immunomodulatory agent for PBMC.

Food-drug interaction of (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate on the pharmacokinetics of irinotecan and the metabolite SN-38

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) on the pharmacokinetics of irinotecan (CPT-11) and its metabolite SN-38. EGCG was potentially used to modulate the ATPase activity of P-glycoprotein (P-gp). Experimental Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with EGCG (20mg/kg, i.v.) 10min before CPT-11 (10mg/kg, i.v.) administration, whereas the control group received CPT-11 (10mg/kg, i.v.) only. The biological samples were prepared by the protein precipitation and detected by HPLC-fluorescence detection which provided a good separation of CPT-11 and SN-38 within 10min. The pharmacokinetic data indicate that the area under the plasma concentration-time curves (AUC) of CPT-11 and SN-38 were increased by 57.7 and 18.3%, and AUC in bile were decreased by 15.8 and 46.8%, respectively, for the group pretreated with EGCG. The blood to bile distribution ratio (AUC(bile)/AUC(blood)) was significantly reduced after group coadministration of EGCG, it can be seen that the bile efflux transport system of CPT-11 and SN-38 may be markedly reduced by the treatment of EGCG which plays the role of P-gp inhibitor. In conclusion, EGCG was found to inhibit the transport of CPT-11 and SN-38 into the biliary elimination and their half-lives in plasma could be substantially prolonged. Based on the food-drug interaction, persons taking daily nutritional supplements should be warned of this interaction possibility.

Vasorelaxing alkaloids and flavonoids from Cassytha filiformis

Two new aporphine alkaloids, isofiliformine ( 1) and cassythic acid ( 3), along with 22 known compounds were isolated from whole herb of Cassytha filiformis. Cassythic acid ( 3), cassythine ( 4), neolitsine ( 7), and dicentrine ( 8) had potent vasorelaxing effects on precontracted rat aortic preparations with mean IC 50 values between 0.08 and 2.48 microM. Compounds 1, 1,2-methylenedioxy-3,10,11-trimethoxyaporphine ( 2), (-)- O-methylflavinatine ( 10), (-)-salutaridine ( 11), isohamnetin-3- O-beta-glucoside, and isohamnetin-3- O-rutinoside exerted moderate vessel-relaxing activities with IC 50 values from 16.50 to 32.81 microM at the test concentrations.

Hepatobiliary excretion of silibinin in normal and liver cirrhotic rats

Silibinin is the main biologically active flavonolignan extracted from the seeds and fruits of milk thistle and has potential efficacy in the treatment of liver disease. The aim of the present study was to examine the hepatobiliary excretion of silibinin and its effect on dimethylnitrosamine (DMN)-induced liver cirrhosis. The experiments were divided into five groups: 10, 30, and 50 mg/kg silibinin alone, 30 mg/kg silibinin coadministered with cyclosporin A (CsA), and 50 mg/kg silibinin with liver cirrhosis induced by DMN. The data indicated that silibinin had dose-related pharmacokinetics in the dose ranges of 10 to 50 mg/kg. All of the unconjugated or total (unconjugated + conjugated) silibinin concentrations in the bile were significantly higher than those in plasma at the sampling time points at each dose, suggesting active hepatobiliary excretion. When coadministered with CsA, the area under the concentration versus time curve (AUC) in bile was significantly decreased. This result suggested that the active silibinin efflux might be partially inhibited by P-glycoprotein. In the DMN-induced liver cirrhotic rats, the AUC of plasma unconjugated silibinin was reduced by 53%; however, total silibinin was increased by 182%. These results together suggest that the phase II conjugative reaction of silibinin was blocked by treatment with DNM.

Quality of life of adults with intellectual disabilities who live with families in Taiwan

BACKGROUND

Little research has been conducted about the quality of life (QOL) of people with intellectual disabilities (ID) in Taiwan, particularly their subjective QOL. This study examined the personal perceptions of these individuals as measured on internationally recognized core QOL domains and indicators.

METHODS

A census interview survey was conducted in Hsin-Chu City in Taiwan; 233 adults aged over 16 years with mild ID and living with their families participated in the study. Data were collected using the Cross-Cultural QOL Indicators (CCQOLI) together with socio-demographic data that included 'activities of daily living' and 'instrumental activities of daily living' (IADL). The CCQOLI were based on the three most commonly reported indicators of each of the eight QOL domains: emotional well-being, interpersonal relations, material well-being, personal development, physical well-being, self-determination, social inclusion and rights. Each indicator has two sets of questions related to the indicator's 'importance' and 'use'. These are answered by the respondent using a 4-point Likert scale.

RESULTS

The importance and use of the QOL indicators were evaluated positively by the respondents. The adults' individual characteristics, namely IADL and educational level, were significant predictors for the 'importance' while the adults' perceptions of 'use' for overall QOL were significantly affected by his/her socio-economic data, that is, residence location and father's educational level.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study addressed the issue of self-reported QOL in people with ID in Taiwanese society, becoming a possible benchmark for similar measurements carried out by disability movements there. These results contribute to current advocacy efforts towards creating a supportive environment for people with ID.

Analysis of silibinin in rat plasma and bile for hepatobiliary excretion and oral bioavailability application

Silibinin is an herbal ingredient isolated from milk thistle. The aim of this study was to develop a simple liquid chromatographic system to assay silibinin in plasma and bile for pharmacokinetic study. Silibinin was given oral and intravenously. The plasma sample (25 microL) was vortex-mixed with 50 microL of internal standard solution (naringenin 10 microg/mL in acetonitrile) to achieve protein precipitation. Silibinin in the rat plasma and bile was separated using a reversed-phase C18 column (250 mm x 4.6 mm, 5 microm) with a mobile phase of acetonitrile -10 mM monosodium phosphate (pH 5.45 adjusted with orthophosphoric acid) (50:50, v/v) and the flow-rate of 1 mL/min. The UV detection wavelength was 288 nm. The concentration-response relationship from the present method indicated linearity over a concentration range of 0.5-100 microg/mL. Intra- and inter-assay precision and accuracy of silibinin fell well within the predefined limits of acceptability (<15%). An ultrafiltration method was used in this experiment and the protein binding of silibinin was 70.3+/-4.6%. After silibinin administration in rats, the disposition of silibinin in the plasma and bile fluid was due to rapid distribution and equilibration between the blood and hepatobiliary system, and the bile levels of unconjugated silibinin and total silibinin were greater than those in the plasma. The oral bioavailability of silibinin in rats was estimated to be 0.73%.

Prenylflavonol, acylated flavonol glycosides and related compounds from Epimedium sagittatum

Chemical examination of the n-BuOH extract from the aerial parts of Epimedium sagittatum led to isolation of three prenylated flavonol glycosides sagittasine A-C, two acylated flavonol glycosides kaempferol-3-O-(2''-E-p-coumaroyl,4''-Z-p-coumaroyl)-alpha-l-rhamnopyranoside and kaempferol-3-O-(3''-Z-p-coumaroyl,4''-E-p-coumaroyl)-alpha-l-rhamnopyranoside, together with known flavonoids, flavonolignans, 2-phenoxychromones, a lignan, and aromatic acid derivatives. Flavonolignans were identified for the first time in this plant. The vasorelaxing properties of the n-BuOH extract of E. sagittatum and 13 isolated compounds were tested using pre-contracted rat aorta rings in an organ bath apparatus. The results indicated that the n-BuOH extract of E. sagittatum produced a partial endothelial nitric oxide-dependent vasorelaxation, with EC(50) of 0.16+/-0.03 mg/ml. However, the 13 compounds tested, generated only a mild or moderate relaxation, and did not possess significant vasorelaxing effect individually.

Anti-inflammatory ergostanes from the basidiomata of Antrodia salmonea

Three new anti-oxidative ergostanes, methyl antcinate L (1), antcin M (2), and methyl antcinate K (3), together with nine additional known compounds, 3-ketodehydrosulphurenic acid, sulphurenic acid, dehydrosulphurenic acid, 3beta,15alpha-dihydroxylanosta-7,9(11),24-trien-21-oic acid, zhankuic acid A, zhankuic acid B, zhankuic acid C, antcin C, and antcin K were isolated from the basidiomata of Antrodia salmonea, a newly identified species of Antrodia (Polyporaceae) in Taiwan. These three new compounds were identified as methyl 3alpha,7alpha,12alpha-trihydroxy-4alpha-methylergosta-8,24(29)-dien-11-on-26-oate (1), 3alpha,12alpha-dihydroxy-4alpha-methylergosta-8,24(29)-dien-11-on-26-oic acid (2), and methyl 3alpha,4beta,7beta-trihydroxy-4alpha-methylergosta-8,24(29)-dien-11-on-26-oate (3) by spectroscopic analysis. We studied their antioxidative potential on the production of reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide (NO) in neutrophils and microglial cells, respectively. Compounds 1-3 displayed potent antioxidative activity with IC50 values of around 2.0-8.8 microM that was partially due to inhibition (6-67%) of NADPH oxidase activity but not through direct radical-scavenging properties. Compounds 1-3 also inhibited NO production with IC50 values of around 1.7-16.5 microM and were more potent than a non-specific NOS inhibitor. We conclude that these three new compounds 1, 2, and 3 exhibit anti-inflammatory activities in activated inflammatory cells.

Liquid chromatographic method with amperometric detection to determine acteoside in rat blood and brain microdialysates and its application to pharmacokinetic study

A simple and sensitive liquid chromatography with amperometric detection was developed for the first time to monitor the protein-unbound acteoside in the rat blood and brain microdialysate by microdialysis technique. Microdialysis samples without further cleanup procedures were directly injected into the HPLC and separated using a reversed-phase C18 column (150 mmx2 mm, i.d. 5 microm) maintained at ambient temperature and a mobile phase comprised of acetonitrile-50 mM monosodium phosphate (pH 2.8) (17:83, v/v) with a flow rate of 0.2 mL/min. Based on the experimental voltamogram, the applied potential was set at +0.9 V oxidative mode. The concentration-response relationship was linear (r2>0.99) over a concentration range of 5-500 ng/mL; method precision and accuracy fell within predefined limits (less than 20%). The developed method was applied to assess the pharmacokinetics of acteoside, and the results suggested that acteoside was fitted better by the two-compartmental model following a single intravenous injection of acteoside. Acteoside was unable to be detected in the brain dialysate. The distribution and elimination half-lives of unbound acteoside in the blood were 5 and 28 min, respectively, which suggested the rapid distribution of acteoside.

Determination of acteoside in Cistanche deserticola and Boschniakia rossica and its pharmacokinetics in freely-moving rats using LC–MS/MS

A sensitive LC-MS/MS method with a simple solid-phase extraction for the determination of acteoside in rat plasma and tissue homogenates was established for the investigation of bioavailability and brain distribution in freely-moving rats. Acteoside in Cistanche deserticola and Boschniakia rossica was also determined. Acteoside and internal standard were separated on a RP-select B column (125mmx4.6mm i.d., particle size 5microm). The mobile phase consisted of 35% methanol and 65% acetic acid-water (1:100, v/v) at a flow-rate of 1mL/min. Acteoside and the internal standard were monitored using the multiple-reaction monitoring (MRM) mode at m/z transitions of 623-->161 and 609-->301, respectively. The acteoside content was 38.4+/-2.4mg/kg (n=3) for B. rossica, which is obviously lower than 21134.2+/-805.5mg/kg (n=3) of C. deserticola. The protein binding in rat plasma was 75.5+/-1.8%. The brain distribution result indicated that acteoside was evenly distributed in brain tissues (brain stem, cerebellum, the rest of the brain, cortex, hippocampus and striatum) which was about 0.45-0.68% of that in plasma (4.5+/-0.5microg/mL) after 15min of acteoside administration (10mg/kg, i.v.). After acteoside was given (3mg/kg, i.v.; 100mg/kg, p.o.), the oral bioavailability (AUC(p.o.)/dose(p.o.))/(AUC(i.v.)/dose(i.v.)) was only 0.12%.

Selective COX-2 inhibitors. Part 1: synthesis and biological evaluation of phenylazobenzenesulfonamides

A series of phenylazobenzenesulfonamide derivatives were designed and synthesized for the evaluation as selective cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors in a cellular assay using human whole blood (HWB) and an enzymatic assay using purified ovine enzymes. Extensive structure-activity relationships (SAR) were studied within this series, and several of selective COX-2 inhibitors have been identified. Among them, compound 8, 4-(4-amino-2-methylsulfanyl-phenylazo)benzenesulfonamide, showed a potent inhibitory activity to the cyclooxygenase enzymes (IC(50)'s for COX-1: 23.28 microM; COX-2: 2.04 microM), being active but less COX-2 selective than celecoxib.

Anti-inflammatory neolignans from Piper kadsura

Two new neolignans, piperkadsin A (1) and piperkadsin B (2), as well as 11 known neolignans, three known alkaloids, the highly oxygenated compound (+)-crotepoxide, and stigmasterol were isolated from the stems of Piper kadsura. The anti-inflammatory activities of these compounds were evaluated. Compounds 1, 2, futoquinol (3), piperlactam S (4), and N-p-coumaroyl tyramine (5) showed potent inhibition of PMA-induced ROS production in human polymorphonuclear neutrophils with IC(50) values 4.3 +/-1.0, 12.2 +/- 3.2, 13.1 +/- 5.3, 7.0 +/- 1.9, and 8.4 +/- 1.3 microM, respectively.

New lanostanes and naphthoquinones isolated from Antrodia salmonea and their antioxidative burst activity in human leukocytes

Four new compounds were isolated from the basidiomata of the fungus Antrodia salmonea, a newly identified species of Antrodia (Aphyllophorales) in Taiwan. These new compounds are named as lanosta-8,24-diene-3beta,15alpha,21-triol (1), 24-methylenelanost-8-ene-3beta,15alpha,21-triol (2), 2,3-dimethoxy-5-(2',5'-dimethoxy-3',4'-methylenedioxyphenyl)-7-methyl-[1,4]-naphthoquinone (3), and 2,3-dimethoxy-6-(2',5'-dimethoxy-3',4'-methylenedioxyphenyl)-7-methyl-[1,4]-naphthoquinone (4), respectively. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods. An in vitro cellular functional assay was performed to evaluate their anti-oxidative burst activity in human leukocytes. They showed inhibitory effects against phorbol 12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA), a direct protein kinase C activator, induced oxidative burst in neutrophils (PMN) and mononuclear cells (MNC) with 50 % inhibitory concentration (IC(50)) ranging from 3.5 to 25.8 microM. The potency order of these compounds in PMA-activated leukocytes was as 1 > 3 > 4 > 2. They were relatively less effective in formyl-Met-Leu-Phe (fMLP), a G-protein coupled receptor agonist, induced oxidative burst, except for compounds 3 and 4 in fMLP-activated PMN. These results indicated that three (1, 3, and 4) of these four newly identified compounds displayed anti-oxidative effect in human leukocytes with different potency and might confer anti-inflammatory activity to these drugs.

Simultaneous determination of honokiol and magnolol inMagnolia officinalis by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometric detection

An optimized high-performance liquid chromatographic method coupled with tandem mass spectrometric detection (LC-MS/MS) was developed for the simultaneous determination of honokiol and magnolol in Magnolia officinalis. Honokiol and magnolol were separated from the extracts using a reversed-phase C(18) column with a mobile phase consisted of acetonitrile and water (75:25, v/v) at a flow-rate of 0.8 mL/min. Selected reaction monitoring (SRM) mode was used for all sample quantification by the precursor-ion/product ion pair m/z 265 --> m/z 224 for honokiol and m/z 265 --> m/z 247 for magnolol. Validation data showed that this method has good linearity (r(2) > 0.995) over the concentration range of 0.0025-0.5 microg/mL for honokiol and magnolol, and both intra- and inter-day variability were acceptable within 15% at the lowest concentrations for this method. This proposed method provides excellent specificity, higher sensitivity and shorter run time than conventional methods and was applied successfully to determine the contents of honokiol and magnolol in M. officinalis.

Rossicasins A, B and Rosicaside F, Three New Phenylpropanoid Glycosides from Boschniakia rossica

Three phenylpropanoid glycosides have been isolated, together with the known phenylpropanoid glycosides rossicaside A (4), B (5), E (6), and trans-p-coumaryl alcohol 1-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->4)-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1-->3)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (7), and an acylated oligosaccharide beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->4)-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->3)-(4-O-trans-caffeoyl)-D-glucopyranose) (8), from the aqueous extract of Boschniakia rossica (CHAM. et SCHLECH.) FEDTSCH. et FLEROV. Spectroscopic evidence led to the assignments of their structures as trans-p-coumaryl-(6'-O-beta-D-xylopyranosyl)-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (1), trans-p-coumaryl-(6'-O-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl)-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (2) and 2-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-R,S-2-ethoxy-ethyl-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->4)-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1-->3)(4-O-trans-caffeoyl)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (3), designated as rossicasin A, rossicasin B, and rossicaside F, respectively. Compound 7 was identified from the degradation reaction and this is the first isolation from a natural source.

Elimination of rutaecarpine and its metabolites in rat feces and urine measured by liquid chromatography

Rutaecarpine is an alkaloid isolated from the medicinal herb Evodia rutaecarpa. This study was to evaluate the elimination pathway of rutaecarpine in rat feces and urine. Rutaecarpine and its metabolites (3-, 10-, 11- and 12-hydroxyrutaecarpine) in urine were measured after incubation with beta-glucuronidase. After the rutaecarpine was administered (25 and 100 mg/kg) orally to rats, the urine and fecal samples were collected using a metabolic cage for five consecutive days. For determining rutaecarpine, the mobile phase consisted of acetontrile-10 mM NaH(2)PO(4) (60:40, v/v, pH 4.2 adjusted with orthophosphoric acid) with a flow rate of 1 mL/min. The calibration curve was linear in concentrations of 0.05-50 microg/mL in fecal and urine sample. The results indicated that more than 42% of the rutaecarpine was excreted by feces after oral administration (25 and 100 mg/kg), but only a small amount of rutaecarpine was detected in urine at a higher dose of rutaecarpine (100 mg/kg). After incubation with beta-glucuronidase, the hydroxyrutaecarpine in urine was eluted using methanol-acetonitrile-0.04% formic acid (6:30:64, v/v) with a flow rate of 1.2 mL/min. We conclude that the metabolic pathway of rutaecarpine went through phase I hydroxylation and phase II conjugation, and the major metabolite is 10-hydroxyrutaecarpine eliminated from urine of the rat.

Herb-drug interaction of Evodia rutaecarpa extract on the pharmacokinetics of theophylline in rats

The extract of Evodia rutaecarpa fruit and its preparation were used for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders and headache. To assess the possible herb-drug interaction, the ethanol extract of Evodia rutaecarpa fruit (1 and 2 g/kg/day, p.o.) and the herbal preparation Wu-Chu-Yu-Tang (1 and 5 g/kg/day) were given to rats daily for three consecutive days and on the fourth day theophylline was administered (2 mg/kg, i.v.). Theophylline concentration in blood was measured by a microdialysis coupled to a liquid chromatographic system. Pharmacokinetic data were calculated by noncompartmental model. The results indicate that the theophylline level was significantly decreased by the pretreatment with the extract of Evodia rutaecarpa and herbal preparation Wu-Chu-Yu-Tang with dose-related manner. It is suggested that the herb-drug interaction may occur through the induction of the metabolism of theophylline.

Evodiamine inhibits in vitro angiogenesis: Implication for antitumorgenicity

Evodiamine, the major bioactive compound isolated from Chinese herbal drug named Wu-Chu-Yu, has been reported to exhibit anti-tumor growth and metastasis. However, the effect of evodiamine on angiogenesis remains to be investigated. We used the fresh medium containing evodiamine or human lung adenocarcinoma cell (CL1 cells) derived conditioned media free of evodiamine to test their capability to induce in vitro angiogenesis, i.e., human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) tube formation and invasion. We demonstrated that evodiamine could directly inhibit in vitro HUVECs tube formation and invasion. Locally administered evodiamine also inhibited the in vivo angiogenesis in the chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay. The gene expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and the p44/p42 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK, ERK) that correlated with endothelial cells angiogenesis were inhibited by evodiamine. We found that the evodiamine-treated CL1 cells derived conditioned medium showed decreased VEGF release and reduced ability of inducing in vitro tube formation. After the collection of conditioned media, the VEGF expression of remaining CL1 cells were determined by Western analyses and revealed that evodiamine decreased VEGF expression. Moreover, administration of recombinant human VEGF(165) (rhVEGF(165)) induced tube formation and ERK phosphorylation by HUVECs, and partially attenuated inhibitory effect of evodiamine. From these results, we suggested that evodiamine is a potent inhibitor of angiogenesis. The mechanism might involve at least the inhibition of VEGF expression, probably through repression of ERK phosphorylation.

Effects of Evodia rutaecarpa and rutaecarpine on the pharmacokinetics of caffeine in rats

To assess possible herb-drug interactions, rutaecarpine (an herbal ingredient of Evodia rutaecarpa; 25 mg/kg/day, p. o.), the ethanol extract of Evodia rutaecarpa (1 g/kg/day, p. o.), and an herbal preparation of Evodia rutaecarpa (Wu-Chu-Yu-Tang; 1 g/kg/day) were individually pretreated daily for three consecutive days in rats and on the fourth day caffeine was administered (2 mg/kg, i. v.). Caffeine concentrations in blood, brain and bile were concurrently measured by microdialysis coupled to a liquid chromatographic system. Pharmacokinetic data were calculated by a non-compartmental model. The results indicate that the caffeine crosses the blood-brain barrier and goes through hepatobiliary excretion. The caffeine level was significantly decreased by the pretreatment of rutaecarpine, the extract of Evodia rutaecarpa and herbal preparation Wu-Chu-Yu-Tang. This finding should be very important whenever herb-drug interactions would be possible for a herbal remedy.

Measurement of daphnoretin in plasma of freely moving rat by liquid chromatography

Daphnoretin (7-hydroxyl-6-methoxy-3,7'-dicoumaryl ether), isolated from Wikstronemia indica C.A. Mey. (Thymelaceae), has been reported to induce rabbit platelet aggregation through protein kinase C activation and anticancer activity. In this study, we developed an automated blood sampling system coupled to a simple and sensitive HPLC system to determine plasma concentration of daphnoretin in rats. This method was applied to investigate the pharmacokinetics of daphnoretin in a freely moving rat. Separation of daphnoretin in the rat plasma was achieved using a reversed-phase C18 column (250 mm x 4.6 mm, 5 microm) with a mobile phase of methanol-10 mM NaH2PO4 (adjusted to pH 3.0 with H3PO4) (55:45, v/v), and the flow rate of 1.0 ml/min. The UV detector was set at 345 nm. The automated blood sampling system (DR-II has been applied for blood sampling in a conscious and freely moving rat. The blood samples were centrifuged at 3000 x g for 10 min and the plasma samples were then deproteinized by acetonitrile containing an internal standard (khellin 1 microg/ml). After centrifugation (8000 x g for 10 min), the aliquot of supernatant was injected into the HPLC system for analysis. The concentration-response relationship from the present method indicated linearity over a concentration range of 0.05-1.00 and 1.00-100 microg/ml. Intra- and inter-assay precision and accuracy of daphnoretin fell well within the predefined limits of acceptability (< or = 15%). After daphnoretin (500 mg/kg) was given orally, the maximum concentration was 0.17 microg/ml at the time of 5 min. The oral bioavailability was about 0.15%.

Determination of (-)-epigallocatechin gallate in rat blood by microdialysis coupled with liquid chromatography

A liquid chromatographic method coupled with microdialysis was used to determine the protein-unbound (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) in rat blood. EGCG and dialysates were separated using a Merck RP-18e column maintained at ambient temperature, and a mobile phase comprised of acetonitrile-10 mM monopotassium phosphate (pH 3.82) (20:80, v/v) with a flow rate of 1.0 ml/min. The UV detector wavelength was set at 206 nm. The detection limit for EGCG was 10 ng/ml. The concentration-response relationship was linear (r2 > 0.995) over a concentration range of 0.05-10 microg/ml; intra- and inter-assay precision and accuracy of EGCG fell within predefined limits. Pharmacokinetic parameters of EGCG were assessed using compartmental models. The disposition of EGCG in the rat blood suggests that EGCG was fitted by two-compartmental model. The distribution and elimination half-lives were 6 and 72 min respectively, after the dosage of 30 mg/kg.

Isolation and immunomodulatory effect of flavonoids from Syzygium samarangense

Sixteen flavonoids were isolated from the acetone extract of the leaves of Syzygium samarangense Merr. et Perry. The isolated flavonoids were evaluated for immunopharmacological activity. Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were used as target cells, and cell proliferation was determined by 3H-thymidine uptake. Among them, (-)-strobopinin (2), myricetin 3-O-(2''-O-galloyl)-alpha-rhamnopyranoside (8), (-)-epigallocatechin 3- O-gallate (10) and myricetin 3-O-alpha-rhamnopyranoside (11) showed inhibitory potency on PBMC proliferation activated by phytohemagglutinin (PHA). The IC50 values of compounds 2, 8, 10, and 11 on activated PBMC proliferation were 36.3, 11.9, 28.9, and 75.6 microM, respectively. The inhibitory mechanisms may involve the blocking of interleukin-2 (IL-2) and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) production, since compounds 2, 8, 10 and 11 reduced IL-2 and IFN-gamma production in PBMC in a dose-dependent manner.

Evaluation of the anti-inflammatory activity of zhankuic acids isolated from the fruiting bodies of Antrodia camphorata

We have previously shown that a concentrated ethanol extract of the fruiting bodies of Antrodia camphorata exhibited immunomodulating effects in human leukocytes and fourteen compounds including zhankuic acids A, B, C, and antcin K were identified in the extract. In this study, an acute cellular model in isolated peripheral human neutrophils was established to elucidate the anti-inflammatory effects of these compounds. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and firm adhesion by neutrophils display two important responses during inflammation. To evaluate whether these compounds could prevent inflammatory responses by neutrophils, their effects on N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP) or phorbol 12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA)-activated peripheral human neutrophils were examined. Pretreatment with 1 - 25 microM of zhankuic acids A, B, C, or antcin K concentration-dependently diminished fMLP- or PMA-induced ROS production, as measured by a lucigenin-amplified chemiluminescence, with IC (50) (microM) around 5 - 20 microM. Zhankuic acids A, B, C, or antcin K also effectively inhibited the fMLP- or PMA-induced firm adhesion without interfering with the up-expression of surface Mac-1 (CD11b/CD18), a beta2 integrin mediating the firm adhesion of neutrophils to endothelium. The anti-inflammatory actions of these drugs were not due to cytotoxic effects because no significant difference in cell viability was observed compared to vehicle control. These data suggest that inhibition of both ROS production and firm adhesion by neutrophils has no significant cytotoxic effect that could give these drugs the potential to be anti-inflammatory agents for the clinical treatment.

Inhibitory effects of evodiamine on the growth of human prostate cancer cell line LNCaP

Evodiamine, isolated from a Chinese herbal drug named Wu-Chu-Yu, possesses many biological functions. Recently, it has been reported that Wu-Chu-Yu exerts an antiproliferative effect on several cancers. Prostate carcinoma initially occurs as an androgen-dependent tumor and is the second leading cause of cancer death in American males. In the present study, the effect of evodiamine on the growth of androgen-dependent prostate cancer cell line LNCaP in vitro was examined. Based on [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yle)2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide] (MTT) assay, evodiamine significantly inhibited the growth of LNCaP cells in a concentration-dependent manner. A significant and concentration-dependent inhibitory effect of evodiamine on LNCaP cell growth was observed at 24 hr and persisted for 96 hr. The examination of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay showed that the cytotoxic effects of evodiamine on LNCaP cells were concentration dependent. Furthermore, we examined the influences of evodiamine on cell death and cell cycle. The flow cytometric analysis of evodiamine-treated cells indicated a block of G2/M phase and an elevated level of DNA fragmentation. The G2/M arrest reached a maximum at 24 hr after evodiamine treatment. The G2/M arrest was accompanied by an elevated p34(cdc2) kinase activity and an increase in the protein expression of cyclin B1 and phosphorylated form of p34(cdc2) (Thr 161). Examination of TUNEL showed that evodiamine-induced apoptosis was observed at 24 hr and extended for 72 hr. Evodiamine elevated caspase-3, and caspase-9 activities and the processing of caspase-3 and caspase-9. These results suggested that evodiamine inhibits the growth of prostate cancer cell line, LNCaP, through an accumulation of cell cycle at G2/M phase and an induction of apoptosis.