Studies of anti-cataract drugs from natural sources. I. Effects of a methanolic extract and the alkaloidal components from Corydalis tuber on in vitro aldose reductase activity

The inhibitory of Corydalis tuber (Corydalis turtschaninovii Besser forma yanhusuo Y. H. Chou et C. C. Hsu) was tested on crude rat lens aldose reductase, an enzyme involved in the complications of diabetes. The methanolic extract (CM-ext) inhibited aldose reductase, while the aqueous extract (CA-ext) was ineffective. Only dehydrocorydaline, of the seven alkaloidal components isolated from CM-ext, inhibited aldose reductase. It is suggested that the inhibitory effect of CM-ext on aldose reductase may be partially attributed to dehydrocorydaline.

Renal Na(+)-phosphate cotransport in murine X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets. Molecular characterization

The X-linked Hyp mouse is characterized by a specific defect in proximal tubular phosphate (Pi) reabsorption that is associated with a decrease in Vmax of the high affinity Na(+)-Pi cotransport system in the renal brush border membrane. To understand the mechanism for Vmax reduction, we examined the effect of the Hyp mutation on renal expression of Na(+)-Pi cotransporter mRNA and protein. Northern hybridization of renal RNA with a rat, renal-specific Na(+)-Pi cotransporter cDNA probe (NaPi-2) (Magagnin et al. 1993. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA. 90:5979-5983.) demonstrated a reduction in a 2.6-kb transcript in kidneys of Hyp mice relative to normal littermates (NaPi-2/beta-actin mRNA = 57 +/- 6% of normal in Hyp mice, n = 6, P < 0.01). Na(+)-Pi cotransport, but not Na(+)-sulfate cotransport, was approximately 50% lower in Xenopus oocytes injected with renal mRNA extracted from Hyp mice when compared with that from normal mice. Hybrid depletion experiments documented that the mRNA-dependent expression of Na(+)-Pi cotransport in oocytes was related to NaPi-2. Western analysis demonstrated that NaPi-2 protein is also significantly reduced in brush border membranes of Hyp mice when compared to normals. The present data demonstrate that the specific reduction in renal Na(+)-Pi cotransport in brush border membranes of Hyp mice can be ascribed to a proportionate decrease in the abundance of Na(+)-Pi cotransporter mRNA and protein.

Anti-inflammatory activities of methanolic extract and alkaloidal components from Corydalis tuber

A methanolic extract (CM-ext) from Corydalis tuber (Corydalis turtschaninovii Besser forma yanhusuo Y. H. Chou et C. C. Hsu) has been screened for activity in experimental models of inflammation. CM-ext (200 or 500 mg/kg, p.o.) inhibited an increase in vascular permeability in mice induced by acetic acid, and reduced acute paw edema in rats induced by compound 48/80 or carrageenin. CM-ext suppressed the development of adjuvant-induced edema in arthritic rats. CM-ext and its alkaloidal components, dehydrocorydaline, d-glaucine and l-tetrahydrocoptisine inhibited compound 48/80-induced histamine release from peritoneal mast cells of rats. Since these substances from C. tuber were found to be effective in both the acute and chronic phases of inflammation, the crude drug C. tuber can be considered to exert anti-inflammatory activity.

Phalloplasty for female transsexuals with sensate free forearm flap

One of the primary goals of phalloplasty on female to male transsexuals is to void while standing. However, achieving competence of the neourethra, sensation, and rigidity of the neophallus still present a challenge. Over a 5 year period (1988-1993), 56 phalloplasties using sensate free forearm flaps were performed for 56 primary female transsexuals. The urethrocutaneous fistula rate was 38/56 and one flap totally necrosed. However, when the flap was prefabricated with a tubed graft of vaginal mucosa for the 28 cases (the later part of the series), there were less complications and a lower fistula rate within this portion of the neourethra. Although the whole procedure was time consuming, it was worthwhile and patient satisfaction was high.

[Severe acute pancreatitis and ARDS]

A survey was done in 28 cases of severe acute pancreatitis with main interest on their respiratory appearance. It was noticed that at the early stage of the disease process the patients did develop some degree respiratory disorders but they were mild in severity. Only after successful resuscitation of septic shock and its accompanying diffuse body tissue injury, then followed severe clinical respiratory failure symptom which is now known as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). ARDS in this disease usually had two phases, one immediately after the early resuscitation, which was usually 2-3 days after the disease and followed by a period of recovery of respiratory syndrome and the second ARDS phase with fulminante clinical respiratory failure usually developed 10-14 days after the disease. The reburning phase of ARDS, was clinically very serious and went together with pulmonary infections in all cases. A discussion was made in this retrospective study about all the clinical findings, the risk factors and their reasonable treatments.

Crystal structures of two cyclic pseudopentapeptides containing psi[CH2S] and psi[CH2SO] backbone surrogates

The solid state conformations of cyclo [Gly-Pro psi[CH2S] Gly-D-Phe-Pro] and cyclo [Gly-Pro psi[CH2-(S)-SO]Gly-D-Phe-Pro] have been characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis. Crystals of the sulfide trihydrate are orthorhombic, P2(1)2(1)2(1), with a = 10.156(3) A, b = 11.704(3) A, c = 21.913(4) A, and Z = 4. Crystals of the sulfoxide are monoclinic, P2(1) with a = 10.662(1) A, b = 8.552(3) A, c = 12.947(2) A, beta = 94.28(2), and Z = 2. Unlike their all-amide parent, which adopts an all-trans backbone conformation and a type II beta-turn encompassing Gly-Pro-Gly-D-Phe, both of these peptides contain a cis Gly1-Pro2 bond and form a novel turn structure, i.e., a type II' beta-turn consisting of Gly-D-Phe-Pro-Gly. The turn structure in each of these peptides is stabilized by an intramolecular H bond between the carbonyl oxygen of Gly1 and the amide proton of D-Phe4. In the cyclic sulfoxide, the sulfinyl group is not involved in H bonding despite its strong potential as a hydrogen-bond acceptor. The crystal structure made it possible to establish the absolute configuration of the sulfinyl group in this peptide. The two crystal structures also helped identify a type II' beta-turn in the DMSO-d6 solution conformers of these peptides.

Iatrogenic bilateral femoral mycotic aneurysms: a case report following burns

Haemodynamic monitoring is important in severely burned patients and repeated catheterization of the arteries of these victims seems to be inevitable. We present a 46-year-old female with 54 per cent TBSA burns who suffered from bilateral femoral mycotic aneurysms due to repeated arterial punctures.

Conformations of psi [CH2NH] pseudopeptides. Cyclo[Gly-Pro psi [CH2NH]Gly-D-Phe-Pro]-TFA and cyclo[Gly-Pro psi [CH2NH]Gly-D-Phe-Pro]

The cyclic pseudopentapeptide cyclo[Gly-Pro psi [CH2NH]Gly-D-Phe-Pro] and its TFA salt were synthesized by solution methods, and their conformations were studied by NMR spectroscopy in both DMSO-d6 and CDCl3. While intramolecular hydrogen bonding is observed with some conformers, the nature of the solvent and the presence of TFA affects the relative structural rigidities of the compounds. No evidence was found for the psi [CH2NH] or psi [CH2NH2+] units acting as H donors in this series.

[Rapid screening of the Duchenne muscular dystrophy gene deletion by two multiplex PCR]

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is one of the most common lethal X-linked disorders. Partial intragenic deletions account for up to 60% of DMD deletions, and approximately one-third of all cases arise via new mutations. In this paper, two sets of primers were used for two multiplex PCR screenings of DMD gene deletions. The first set consists of 5 pairs of primers which amplify 5 exons with higher deletion frequencies, and the second set includes other 4 pairs of primers. Fifty-one DMD samples were screened by the first set, and then those not found to have deletions were screened by the second set. In total, 25 deletions were identified in the Fifty-one DMD samples: That is, about 49% of all cases studied were found to have deletions.

Hypotensive and bradycardiac responses to reflex sympathetic inhibition produced by nitroglycerin in rats with sinoaortic deafferentation

Nitroglycerin (NTG) may cause paradoxical bradycardia and occasional life-threatening hypotension. The mechanism is unclear. In this study, we compared the cardiovascular responses of sodium nitroprusside (SNP) with that of NTG in rats with sinoaortic deafferentation (SAD). Intravenous (i.v.) injection of SNP and NTG produced dose-dependent decreases in mean arterial pressure (MAP). SNP was more effective than NTG in increasing heart rate (HR). After SAD, tachycardiac responses to i.v. SNP were abolished, but i.v. NTG caused bradycardia. SAD enhanced the hypotensive responses of both NTG or SNP after i.v. administration. The bradycardic and hypotensive effects of NTG were attenuated by either bilateral vagotomy or intracisternal (i.c.) pretreatment with 20 nmol rauwolscine, but the responses were not altered by i.v. atropine methylbromide (M-atropine), 0.6 mumol. In contrast, cardiovascular responses to i.v. SNP after SAD were not altered by these pretreatments. Tachycardiac responses to intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of NTG were reduced by SAD, but SAD did not alter bradycardic responses to i.c. injection of NTG. These results suggest that NTG induces inhibitory reflexes that may contribute to its complex cardiovascular responses in rats. The drug may stimulate peripheral sensory receptors with vagal afferents to the medulla, which then triggers an alpha 2-adrenoceptor-mediated sympathoinhibition.

Initiation of bone regeneration in adult baboons by osteogenin, a bone morphogenetic protein

Osteogenin, and related bone morphogenetic proteins, induce endochondral bone differentiation through a cascade of events which include formation of cartilage, hypertrophy and calcification of the cartilage, vascular invasion, differentiation of osteoblasts, and formation of bone. These events have been studied in a postnatal model of bone development in rodents. Information concerning the morphogenetic potential of osteogenin in primates is a prerequisite for potential clinical application in man. The efficacy of allogeneic osteogenin in primates was investigated in both extraskeletal and skeletal sites in 19-Chacma baboons (Papio ursinus). Osteogenin was isolated from demineralized baboon bone matrix and purified by chromatography on heparin-Sepharose, hydroxyapatite, and Sephacryl S-200. Protein fractions with a molecular mass range of 26-42 kDa induced cartilage and bone differentiation in the subcutaneous space of rats. Final purification to homogeneity was obtained by electroendosmotic elution from a preparative sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) polyacrylamide gel, resulting in a single band on a SDS-polyacrylamide gel with an apparent molecular mass of 30-34 kDa, with biological activity in rats. The osteoinductive potential of osteogenin in primates was tested first in intramuscular sites in baboons and found to be active. The bone regeneration potential was investigated in nonhealing calvarial defects surgically prepared in adult male baboons. Baboon osteogenin induced complete regeneration of the cranial wound. These findings in adult primates establish a primary role for osteogenin in initiation and promotion of osteogenesis, and imply a potential therapeutic application based on cell biology of extracellular matrix-cell interactions.

The critical role of geometry of porous hydroxyapatite delivery system in induction of bone by osteogenin, a bone morphogenetic protein

The collagenous extracellular matrix of bone obtained after dissociative extraction with 4 M guanidine-HCl is an optimal substratum for bone induction by osteogenin, a bone morphogenetic protein. As a proteinaceous substratum, this matrix and other collagen-based materials may be immunogenic. Thus, the search and discovery of a non-immunogenic substratum is a necessary prerequisite for the therapeutic application of the principle of bone induction to skeletal repair. Bovine osteogenin, purified greater than 50,000-fold and with an apparent molecular mass of 28-42 kilodaltons, was delivered into nonresorbable porous hydroxyapatite in granular and disc configuration. A total of 328 preparations were bioassayed for osteogenic activity by subcutaneous implantation into 164 Long-Evans rats. Specimens were harvested at day 7, 11 and 21 after implantation and subjected to alkaline phosphatase activity determination and histologic analysis. Osteogenin combined with discs of porous hydroxyapatite induced in vivo differentiation of the osteogenic phenotype in mesenchymal cells invading the three-dimensional porous space of the inorganic substratum. The geometry of the substratum had a profound influence on bone induction, since the expression of the osteogenic phenotype was solely confined in porous hydroxyapatite with disc configuration. Osteogenin did not induce bone differentiation when combined with granules of porous hydroxyapatite with identical pore dimensions. The finding that the biological activity of osteogenin can be restored and delivered by a substratum with defined geometry other than the insoluble collagenous matrix may form the basis of the potential therapeutic application of bone morphogenetic proteins.

Further studies on central actions of nitroglycerin and lack of evidence for nitroglycerin interacting on [3H]clonidine binding sites in cortex membranes

Decerebration and transection of the spinal cord totally abolished the hypotensive and tachycardiac responses to i.c.v injection of nitroglycerin (NTG) and reduced the tachycardia induced by i.v. injection of the drug. The hypotensive responses to i.v. injection of sodium nitroprusside were not altered by decerebration. Microinjection of NTG (0.1-1.0 nmol) into anterior hypothalamic medial preoptic area (AH/POA) produced dose-dependent decreases in mean arterial pressure and heart rate, but minimal responses were induced when the same doses of NTG were injected into the rostral ventrolateral medulla. Pretreatment with rauwolscine (2.5 nmol), injected into the AH/POAs, antagonized the depressor responses to NTG when it was administered into the areas or given i.v. However, rauwolscine did not alter the depressor responses induced by i.v. sodium nitroprusside. Prazosin (1.5 nmol) in the AH/POA did not alter the bradycardic effects induced by microinjection of NTG into the areas. (minus)-Epinephrine significantly interacted with alpha-2 adrenoceptor binding sites, but serotonin and NTG did not interact with [3H] clonidine binding sites in cortex membranes. Results suggest that cardiovascular responses after i.v. injection of NTG involve central and peripheral component. AH/POA is one of the central sites involved in the depressor effects of NTG. NTG-induced modulation of noradrenergic transmission appears to stimulate alpha-2 adrenoceptors in the central nervous system, but the drug does not involve direct interaction with alpha-2 adrenoceptors. Hypotensive effects of sodium nitroprusside result from its action at peripheral sites.

[The effects of nitroglycerin on refractory congestive heart failure by intravenous infusion]

Noninvasive hemodynamic and clinical studies were carried out in 24 patients with congestive heart failure refractory to digitalis, diuretics and vasodilators. Nitroglycerin was given by intravenous infusion for 5-7 days. The results showed that the symptoms, signs and hemodynamic parameters were markedly improved. The overall clinical effective rate was 96% and no serious side effect was noted.

[Pharmacological study on spleen-stomach warming and analgesic actions of Aconitum carmichaeli Debx]

This study presents an observation of the anti-inflammatory effect of Aconitum carmichaeli decoction on water-immersion stress induced gastric ulcer in mice and 0.6 mol/L HCl induced gastric ulcer in rats. The observation showed that the decoction was resistant to the castor oil induced and Cassia angustifolia leaf induced experimental diarrhea in mice, and also had marked analgesic action. It is thus suggested that Aconitum carmichaeli is useful clinically as a spleen-stomach warming and analgesic agent in traditional Chinese medicine.

A new method for clitoroplasty in male-to-female sex reassignment surgery

Sex reassignment surgery has proved to be the best resolution for primary transsexuals. In 1980, Dr. Rubin stated that preservation of the glans to reconstruct the clitoris in male-to-female sex reassignment surgery gave good cosmetic and functional results. In his series, Rubin used the corpus spongiosum as the vascular pedicle of the neoclitoris, but urine leakage is a complication. From 1988 to the present, the dorsal portion of the glans penis with the dorsal neurovascular pedicle has been used here for clitoroplasty in nine male-to-female primary transsexuals. All neoclitorides survived well, with good preservation of light touch and sexual sensation. No urine leakage has occurred. Six patients who were followed reported sexual satisfaction.

Molecular cytogenetic study of short arm aberrations in human D, G group chromosomes

Six cases of Dp+/Gp+, 10 cases of D/G translocation, 1 case of supernumerary marker chromosome, and 1 case of Yqs were studied using molecular and cytogenetic techniques. The Ag-NOR frequencies of the Dp+ and Gp+ groups were found to be higher than those of normal controls, while their satellite association frequencies were lower. Autoradiographic silver grains were not significantly distributed along the p+ part of the marker chromosome as revealed by chromosomal in situ hybridization using an rRNA probe. This result differs from our previous report. It is suggested that there might be different mechanisms for the formation of p+ on acrocentric chromosomes. D/G translocation cases were found to have lost their NOR. A study of supernumerary marker chromosomes and Yqs cases suggested that the marker chromosome and Yqs exerted no phenotypic effect. The mechanism of their formation is discussed.

Xenogeneic osteogenin, a bone morphogenetic protein, and demineralized bone matrices, including human, induce bone differentiation in athymic rats and baboons

Subcutaneous implantation of xenogeneic demineralized bone matrix does not initiate endochondral bone differentiation. Dissociative extraction in 4 M guanidine-HCl or 6 M urea has shown that the apparent species-specificity of intact bone matrix resides in its insoluble immunogenic component, since there is homology in solubilized osteogenic proteins amongst mammals. To further investigate the species-specificity and cross-species reactivity of bone matrix components, baboon and human demineralized bone matrix (DBM) and bovine osteogenin, purified greater than 50,000-fold and with an apparent molecular mass of 28-42 kilodaltons, were implanted in the subcutaneous space of athymic and euthymic rats and into the rectus abdominis of 16 baboons (Papio ursinus). Baboon DBM was also implanted in athymic and euthymic mice. Alkaline phosphatase activity and histology of implants harvested at day 11 and 30 showed that baboon and human DBM induced endochondral bone differentiation both in athymic rats and baboons. Bovine osteogenin in conjunction with baboon insoluble collagenous matrix induced extensive bone differentiation in athymic rats and baboons. Baboon and human DBM did not induce bone differentiation in euthymic rats and, in athymic mice, baboon DBM failed to induce bone differentiation, determining instead the recruitment of multinucleated giant cells. The results indicate that in rodents bone differentiation induced by intact bone matrix is species specific and that T-cell functions are not a requirement for bone induction, although immunologically competent rats block bone differentiation from xenogeneic matrix. Bone differentiation induced by human DBM in baboons suggests that intact bone matrices may not be species-specific amongst primates.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Histologic comparison of regeneration in human intrabony defects when osteogenin is combined with demineralized freeze-dried bone allograft and with purified bovine collagen

A bone-inductive protein, osteogenin, has been isolated from long bones of humans and offers promise as a grafting material. Studies, however, suggest that osteogenin must be combined with a bone-derived matrix in order to initiate bone differentiation. The purpose of this study was to determine if osteogenin combined with demineralized freeze dried bone allograft (DFDBA), a bone-derived matrix, and with a bovine tendon-derived matrix will enhanced regeneration of intrabony defects in humans. The tendon-derived matrix and DFDBA used alone served as controls. The ability of each material to form a new attachment apparatus was evaluated independently in submerged and nonsubmerged environments in 2 patient populations. Lymphocyte testing was performed to assess development of an immune reaction to osteogenin. The most apical level of calculus on the root served as the histologic reference point to measure regeneration. Biopsies were obtained at 6 months and regeneration was measured histomorphometrically by 2 blinded evaluators. Serial sections from 36 submerged defects in 8 patients and 50 nonsubmerged defects in 6 patients were submitted for statistical analysis. Mean results indicate that osteogenin combined with DFDBA significantly enhanced regeneration of a new attachment apparatus and component tissues in a submerged environment. DFDBA plus osteogenin and DFDBA alone formed significantly more new attachment apparatus and component tissues than either the tendon-derived matrix plus osteogenin or the tendon-derived matrix alone in both submerged and nonsubmerged environments. There were no significant differences between the tendon-derived matrix plus osteogenin and the tendon-derived matrix alone in either the submerged or nonsubmerged environment. Osteogenin does not impair normal lymphocyte blastogenesis at 6 months postsurgical challenge.

[Studies on warming the middle-jiao and analgesic effect of flos Caryophylli]

The effects of water extract and ether extract of Flos Caryophylli have been investigated by four experimental gastric ulcer models, choleresis in rats, two diarrhea models in mice, two pain stimulations in mice, and acute liver injury induced by CCl4 in rats. The results suggest that the action of Flos Caryophylli on dispelling the cold by warming the middle-jiao and curing abdominalgia is related to its anti-ulcer, choleresis increasing, anti-diarrhea and analgesic functions.

Developmental Regulation of the (1,3)-beta-Glucan (Callose) Synthase from Tomato : Possible Role of Endogenous Phospholipases

Activity levels of UDP-glucose: (1,3)-beta-glucan (callose) synthase in microsomal membranes of pericarp tissue from tomato fruit (Lycoperisicon esculentum Mill, cv Rutgers) were determined during development and ripening. Addition of the phospholipase inhibitors O-phosphorylcholine and glycerol-1-phosphate to homogenization buffers was necessary to preserve enzyme activity during homogenization and membrane isolation. Enzyme activity declined 90% from the immature green to the red ripe stage. The polypeptide composition of the membranes did not change significantly during ripening. The enzyme from immature fruit was inactivated by exogenously added phospholipases A(2), C, and D. These results suggest that the decline in callose synthase activity during ontogeny may be a secondary effect of endogenous lipase action.

[Clinical application of Chinese forearm flap: 5-year review]

Twenty-nine patients treated with the Chinese forearm flap from 1985 to 1989 were reviewed. This flap was used for soft tissue defect reconstruction in 19 cases, and phallus reconstruction in 10 patients. There were two cases of total flap failure and two cases of partial failure. Twenty cases used sensory flaps. Donor site complications included partial loss of the skin graft with tendon exposure in one patient (3.4%), limitation of range of movement of the wrist joint in one case (3.4%), and paresthesia over the radial site of the hand in 12 patients. On functional evaluation, 20 patients demonstrated no significant loss of strength in the donor extremity.