Galloylglucosides from berries of Pimenta dioica

Three new galloylglucosides, (4S)-alpha-terpineol 8-O-beta-D-(6-O-galloyl)glucopyranoside (1); (4R)-alpha-terpineol 8-O-beta-D-(6-O-galloyl)glucopyranoside (2), and 3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)propane-1,2-diol 2-O-beta-D-(6-O-galloyl)glucopyranoside (3), were isolated from the berries of Pimenta dioica together with three known compounds, gallic acid (4), pimentol (5), and eugenol 4-O-beta-D-(6-O-galloyl)glucopyranoside (6). The structures of 1-3 were elucidated on the basis of MS and NMR spectral data and enzymatic hydrolysis. These galloylglucosides (1-3, 5, and 6) showed radical-scavenging activity nearly equivalent to that of gallic acid (4) against 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical.

Isolation and structural elucidation of two new glycosides from sage (Salvia officinalis L.)

Six compounds, 1-O-(2,3, 4-trihydroxy-3-methyl)butyl-6-O-feruloyl-beta-D-glucopyranoside, ethyl beta-D-glucopyranosyl tuberonate, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, (-)-hydroxyjasmonic acid, caffeic acid, and 4-hydroxyacetophenone 4-O-[5-O-(3, 5-dimethoxy-4-hydroxybenzoyl)-beta-D-apiofrunosyl]-(1-->2)-beta-D- glu copyranoside, were isolated from the n-butanol-soluble fraction of sage leaf extracts. Their structures were determined by spectral methods (MS, NMR, and 2D-NMR), and their antioxidant activities were measured. Among them, two new glycosides were elucidated. All of these compounds showed DPPH free radical scavenging activity at the concentration of 30 mM, and caffeic acid was the most active compound.

Phenolic antioxidants from herbs and spices

Spices and herbs are recognized as sources of natural antioxidants and thus play an important role in the chemoprevention of diseases resulting from lipid peroxidation. Our studies on spices and herbs have given us over a hundred compounds, known and new, having high antioxidant activity. From the Labiatae family, Rosmarinus officinalis, Thymus vulgaris, Origanum vulgare and O. majorana gave 26 active comopounds. Over 40 antioxidative compounds from Zingiber officinale, 26 compounds from Curcuma domestica = C. longa, C. xanthorrhiza and Z. cassumunar were determined, these belonging to the family Zingiberaceae. From the family Myrtaceae, 25 compounds from the berries of Pimenta dioica were determined and 3 carbazoles were isolated from Murraya koenigii. Structure-activity relationships of some of the isolated compounds were also discussed.

Two C21-steroidal glycosides isolated from Cynanchum stauntoi

Studies on the roots of Cynanchum stauntoi led to the isolation of two C21-steroidal glycosides, formally named stauntosides A and B. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic evidence, especially that from analysis of 2D-NMR spectra. They were found to possess an unusual skeleton and were identified as stauntogenin 3-O-alpha-L-diginopyranosyl-(1-4)-beta-L-cymaropyranosyl-(1- 4)-beta-D- digitoxopyranosyl-(1-4)-beta-D-thevetopyranoside and stauntogenin 3-O-alpha-L-cymaropyranosyl-(1-4)-beta-D-digitoxopyranosyl-( 1-4)-beta-D-3- demethyl-2-deoxy-thevetopyranoside.

Novel trisaccharide fatty acid ester identified from the fruits of Morinda citrifolia (Noni)

Two known glycosides and a novel trisaccharide fatty acid ester were isolated from the n-butanol-soluble fraction of the fruits of Morinda citrifolia (noni). Structure determination was carried out by spectral techniques such as MS, IR, NMR, and 2D-NMR. The novel trisaccharide fatty acid ester was elucidated as 2, 6-di-O-(beta-D-glucopyranosyl)-1-O-octanoyl-beta-D-glucopyranose. The known compounds were identified as rutin and asperulosidic acid.

The structure of the avian fast skeletal muscle troponin T gene: seven novel tandem-arranged exons in the exon x region

To elucidate the mechanism that produces enormous molecular diversity in troponin T (TnT) of fast skeletal muscle, we determined the 5'-half genomic sequence of the chicken fast muscle TnT gene. The sequence of ca. 16 kb included seven exons (exons 1, 2, 3, 4, w, 5, and 6), which have been reported previously and presumed by sequencing TnT cDNAs. Additionally we found six 15 nt and one 18 nt sequences in the region between exons 5 and 6 (i.e. the exon x region). They were encompassed by consensus splice donor and acceptor sites and preceded by putative branch sites, and designated herein as exons xa to xg. Our result shows that the sequence derived from exons x1, x2, and x3, the exons presumed previously by cDNA sequencing, is actually encoded by the seven exons xa to xg, establishing the precise gene structure in the exon x region. Based on our data, together with that on the 3'-half genomic sequence of the quail fast muscle TnT gene, we conclude that the avian fast skeletal muscle TnT gene includes 27 exons, 16 of which are alternatively spliced.

Acetophenone glycosides from thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.)

Four acetophenone glycosides were isolated from the butanol-soluble fraction of thyme extracts. Their structures were determined by spectral methods (MS, NMR, and 2D-NMR). Among them, two new compounds, 4-hydroxyacetophenone 4-O-[5-O-(3, 5-dimethoxy-4-hydroxybenzoyl)-beta-D-apiofuranosyl]-(1-->2)-beta-D -gl ucopyranoside (1) and 4-hydroxyacetophenone 4-O-[5-O-(4-hydroxybenzoyl)-beta-D-apiofuranosyl]-(1-->2)-beta-D-+ ++gluc opyranoside (2), were determined. Compound 1 showed weak cytotoxicity, inhibiting DNA synthesis of human leukemia cells.

beta-Glucosidase activity in the rat small intestine toward quercetin monoglucosides

In order to evaluate the positional specificity for a glucoside group in the hydrolysis of flavonoid glucosides in the rat small intestine, beta-glucosidase activity was measured with the quercetin monoglucosides, quercetin-3-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (Q3G), quercetin-4'-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (Q4'G) and quercetin-7-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (Q7G), as well as with quercetin-3-O-rutinoside (rutin) and p-nitrophenyl-beta-D-glucopyranoside (NPG) by using the HPLC technique. Enzymes were prepared from rat small intestinal mucosa of the duodenum, jejunum and ileum, among which the enzyme activity of the jejunum was highest for all the glycosides tested. Q4'G was the richest substrate for a beta-glucosidase solution among these glycosides, while rutin and NPG were both poor substrates. This suggests that dietary flavonoid glucosides are primarily hydrolyzed and liberated aglycones in the jejunum.

Effects of dietary alpha-linolenic, eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids on hepatic lipogenesis and beta-oxidation in rats

The effects of dietary alpha-linolenic, eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids on the enzyme activities related to hepatic lipogenesis and beta-oxidation were compared under constant polyunsaturated/monounsaturated/saturated fatty acids and n-6/n-3 ratios of dietary fats in rats. Dietary fat containing linoleic acid as the sole polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) was also given as a control. The concentration of serum triglyceride and phospholipid in the three n-3 PUFA groups was lower than in the linoleic acid group. The hepatic triglyceride concentration was lower and the phospholipid concentration was higher in the three n-3 PUFA groups than in the linoleic acid group. Cytosolic fatty acid synthase (FAS) activity was lower in the n-3 PUFA groups than in the linoleic acid group, the reduction being more predominant in the eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid groups than in the alpha-linolenic acid group. The cytosolic activities of the NADPH-generating enzymes, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH) and the malic enzyme, were lower in the three n-3 PUFA groups. The activity of carnitine palmitoyltransferase (CPT) in mitochondria was higher only in the eicosapentaenoic acid group than in the other groups. The activity of Mg(2+)-dependent phosphatidate phosphohydrolase (PAP) in microsomes and cytosol was lower in the eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acid groups than in the linoleic acid group, while there was no effect of dietary fats on the activities of diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT) and glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase (G3PAT) in microsomes. The CTP: phosphocholine cytidylyltransferase (CT) activity in the homogenate was lower in the n-3 PUFA groups, the reduction being more prominent in the eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acid groups than in the alpha-linolenic acid group. The choline kinase (CK) activity in cytosol was lower in the eicosapentaenoic acid group than in the linoleic acid group. These results showed that dietary alpha-linolenic, eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids differently influenced hepatic lipogenesis and the partition of fatty acid into oxidation or glycerolipid synthesis.

Role of cytosolic phospholipase A2 in allergic response and parturition

Phospholipase A2 (PLA2) comprises a superfamily of enzymes that hydrolyse the ester bond of phospholipids at the sn-2 position. Among the members of this superfamily, cytosolic PLA2 has attracted attention because it preferentially hydrolyses arachidonoyl phospholipids and is activated by submicromolar concentrations of Ca2+ ions and by phosphorylation by mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAP kinases). Here we investigate the function of cytosolic PLA2 in vivo by using homologous recombination to generate mice deficient in this enzyme. These mice showed a marked decrease in their production of eicosanoids and platelet-activating factor in peritoneal macrophages. Their ovalbumin-induced anaphylactic responses were significantly reduced, as was their bronchial reactivity to methacholine. Female mutant mice failed to deliver offspring, but these could be rescued by administration of a progesterone-receptor antagonist to the mother at term. Considered together with previous findings, our results indicate that cytosolic PLA2 plays a non-redundant role in allergic responses and reproductive physiology.

Spasmolytic activity of aurapten analogs

Seven coumaric compounds analogous to aurapten were synthesized. Their spasmolytic activity against Ba2+, acetylcholine and histamine was evaluated to investigate their structure-activity relationship. The results of the bioassay demonstrated the important roles of the cis type of double bond at C-2' and the epoxide between c-6' and 7'.

[13C-acetate breath test for the measurement of gastric emptying rates]

Although acetaminophen (APAP) method is widely used to evaluate the gastric emptying rates of liquids in Japan, patients need to take a large dose of APAP. A scintigraphic technique requires the gamma camera. In this present state we try to search for an alternative method, which is easy to perform and noninvasive for the patient. 13C-acetate breath test and APAP method were performed at the same time in 59 patients after overnight fasting. The liquid test meal OKUNOS-A (200 ml, 200 kcal), contained APAP (20 mg/kg) and 13C-acetate 100 mg was orally administered to the patient. Breath sampling for 13CO2 measurements was obtained every 5 min up to 20 min and every 10 min up to 90 min. Blood sampling for plasma APAP concentration was collected 15, 30, 45, and 60 min after oral administration of the test meal. The time of 13CO2 peak excretion in 13C-acetate breath test was ranged from 50 to 70 min in 37 out of 59 patients. Plasma APAP concentration at 45 min in over 80 min group was significantly lower than in 50-70 min group. In contrast, that in under 40 min group was significantly higher. 13CO2 breath excretion at 30-40 min correlated with plasma APAP concentration at 45 min significantly. These results suggest that optimal sampling time of breath test is 20-40 min. In conclusion, 13C-acetate breath test is reliable as a qualitative analysis, easy to perform, and a noninvasive method without taking blood and radiation exposure for a measurement of gastric emptying rates.

Secoiridoid glucosides from Swertia mileensis

Five new acyl secoiridoid glucosides along with three known secoiridoid glucosides, swertiamarin, 2'-O-acetylswertiamarin, and amarogentin, were isolated from the aerial parts of Swertia mileensis. The structures of these compounds were determined to be 2'-O-acetyl-4'-O-trans-feruloylswertiamarin, 2'-O-acetyl-4'-O-cis-feruloylswertiamarin, 2'-O-acetyl-4'-O-trans-p-coumaroylswertiamarin, 2'-O-acetyl-4'-O-cis-p-coumaroylswertiamarin, and 4'-O-trans-p-coumaroylswertiamarin from spectroscopic evidence.

Tuberculous tenosynovitis in the elbow joint

A 74-year-old woman was noted to have a mass lesion near the right elbow joint during medication for pulmonary tuberculosis. After discontinuation of medication, the mass gradually became enlarged with swelling and tenderness of the joint. Radiological evaluation disclosed tenosynovitis with an encapsulated abscess. Microscopic examination and culture of an aspiration biopsy specimen from the abscess showed no microorganisms. However, DNA extracted from the specimen contained mycobacterium tuberculosis DNA, permitting a diagnosis of tuberculous tenosynovitis. Mycobacterium is not always detected in biopsy specimens of tuberculous arthritis and tenosynovitis. In such cases, genetic diagnosis may be of great use.

Antioxidative activity of quercetin and quercetin monoglucosides in solution and phospholipid bilayers

The antioxidative effect of quercetin, quercetin 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (Q3G), quercetin 4'-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (Q4'G) and quercetin 7-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (Q7G) was examined in solution and liposomal phospholipid suspension. First, their peroxyl radical-scavenging activities were investigated by measuring the inhibition of hydroperoxidation of methyl linoleate initiated by a radical initiator, 2,2'-azobis(2,4-dimethylvaleronitrile) (AMVN). Quercetin exhibited the highest peroxyl radical-scavenging activity judging from the rate of hydroperoxidation during the induction period (Rinh) and the length of induction period (tinh). Although Q7G showed an induction period, its Rinh was higher and its tinh was lower than that of quercetin. Neither Q3G nor Q4'G gave a clear induction period in the curve of hydroperoxide formation. The rate of hydroperoxidation in the presence of Q3G was higher than Rinh of quercetin and the oxidative loss of Q3G was much slower than quercetin or Q7G when exposed to AMVN in solution. Q4'G exerted little inhibition compared to Q3G or Q7G. Next, the antioxidative activity of quercetin and its monoglucosides in phospholipid bilayers was examined by measuring the inhibition of lipid peroxidation in large unilamellar vesicles composed of egg yolk phosphatidylcholine (PC) and a water-soluble radical initiator. They retarded the accumulation of PC-hydroperoxides and the induction period increased in the order of Q4'G < Q3G approximately Q7G < quercetin. It is therefore concluded that quercetin acts as an antioxidant more efficiently than its monoglucosides when phospholipid bilayers are exposed to aqueous oxygen radicals.

Inhibitory effect of ethanolamine plasmalogen on iron- and copper-dependent lipid peroxidation

The effect of ethanolamine plasmalogen (EtnPm) on lipid peroxidation was investigated in liposomal suspension of egg yolk phosphatidylcholine. EtnPm inhibited iron- and copper-dependent peroxidation in the presence of preformed hydroperoxides, although it was not effective for radical initiator mediated lipid peroxidation. EtnPm resulted in complete binding of iron to liposomal lipids, suggesting that EtnPm exerts its inhibitory effect on lipid peroxidation through inhibiting preformed peroxide decomposition by trapping transition metal ions.

Acylated anthocyanins from fruits of Sambucus canadensis

Two new acylated anthocyanin glycosides were isolated from fruits of Sambucus canadensis. The structures were determined to be cyanidin 3-O-(6-O-Z-p-coumaroyl-2-O-beta-D-xylopyranosyl)- beta-D-glucopyranoside)-5-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside and cyanidin 3-O-(6-O-E-p-coumaroyl-2-O-beta-D-xylopyranosyl)-beta-D- glucopyranoside.

[Quantitative study of serum protein loss into the alimentary tract in patients with gastric cancer]

Quantitative study of serum protein loss into the alimentary tract from the tumor of gastric cancer using 111Indium-transferrin (111In-Tf) was performed. Gamma counting of 111In-Tf excreted in feces and 111In-Tf scintigram were performed in 24 patients with gastric cancer and 10 controls. Transferrin was labelled by incubating 111MBq (3mCi) of 111In chloride with approximately 13ml of patient plasma in vitro. After intravenous injection of 111In-Tf, an aliquot was weighed and its radioactivity was measured in a gamma-counter. Feces were collected every 24hrs up to 72hrs. Then 111In in the feces was calculated as a percentage of the injection dose. 111In excreted in the feces within 72hrs in patients with gastric cancer was 3.71 +/- 3.87% (mean +/- SD), which was significantly higher than the 0.48 +/- 0.26% in 10 controls. 111In in feces correlated the area of the tumor in the stomach (p < 0.001). In 18 patients positive scan was recognized and was localized the protein loss in the cavity of the stomach within 10 minutes. Positive scan was found to move along the intestine successively. 111In-Tf can be useful in assessing of hypoproteinemia of gastric cancer.

[Clinical usefulness of 111In transferrin scintigraphy in colorectal cancer]

As assessment was made regarding the clinical value of 111In transferrin in scintigraphy on 28 lesions in 26 cases of colorectal cancer. The positive rate of colorectal cancer was high: 21 lesions out of the 28 (75%) were found to be positive. As for the location of cancer, there was a tendency for the positive rate to be high in the ascending and transverse colon. There was no obvious trend regarding Borrmann's classification, histological type, or macroscopic depth of invasion. There was a trend for cases in which the maximum diameter of the tumor was large and depth of invasion was in progress to be positive. Ten cases in which a specimen was resected were all shown to be positive by scintigraphy. Radioactivity in the tumorous regions was 4.41 +/- 2.96 times that of the non-tumorous regions. Moreover, tumorous tissue was strongly stained by the immuno-histological staining with anti-Tf.receptor antibody. From the above findings, it was considered that 111In transferrin is clinically useful in scintigraphy, since it is evident that it accumulates in the tissue of colorectal cancer.

[A case of achalasia evaluated with esophageal scintigraphy in terms of efficacy with endoscopic pneumatic dilatation]

The therapeutic effects on pneumatic dilatation were evaluated quantitatively by radionuclide transit study using 99mTc-Sn colloid in an achalasia patient. After dilatation, transit time (T3/4) with distilled water has improved from 13.5 seconds to 5.5 seconds. Radionuclide transit study using 99mTc-Sn colloid was a preferable method to evaluate the efficacy of the treatment quantitatively in an achalasia.

A pitfall in determining the globulin/albumin ratio in amaranth grains

In amaranth grains (Amaranthus hypochondriacus L. and Amaranthus cruentus L.), there were two albumin (Alb) fractions, Alb-1 and Alb-2; Alb-1 was extracted with water or 0.5 M NaCl, and Alb-2 was extracted with water after extracting Alb-1 and globulin. The amount of Alb-2 comprised about 30% of the total albumin and globulin content. Little or no measurable protein corresponding to the amaranth Alb-2 was extracted from seeds of buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench), quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa L.), or barley (Hordeum vulgare L. cv Sekitorisai-1). That the globulin/albumin ratio (G/A) in amaranth grains has been conflicting among investigators probably accounts for the consideration of Alb-2 during extraction. We here report the revised G/A ratio of 0.3-0.4.