Apical canal sealing ability of calcium phosphate based cements

The apical canal sealing ability of newly developed calcium phosphate cement (TDM-C), an equimolar mixture of tetracalcium and dicalcium phosphate dihydrate kneaded with McIlvain's buffer solution containing sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, was evaluated in a relative comparison with several recognized available products. The latter included BONETRIX (alpha-tricalcium phosphate mixed with citric acid and tannic acid), ARS (alpha-tricalcium phosphate and hydroxyapatite mixed with polyacrylic acid), and zine oxide eugenol sealer (ZOE). Canals of forty extracted human maxillary central incisors were prepared to the file size #70, divided into four groups, and obturated with each of the four above materials. Setting of all sealers took place either in 30% bovine serum solution or in phosphate buffered saline solution. Teeth were then decalcified and cleared to measure linear penetration of India ink from the apex into the canal. Results were statistically analyzed by Student's t-test. Surfaces of all materials, after setting, were also observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). We found that TDM-C, BONETRIX, and ZOE all showed excellent apical sealing ability whereas ARS was less effective in this regard. SEM analysis revealed micropores on the surface of every apatitic product, but ZOE was free of such porosity. It was concluded that TDM-C and BONETRIX may prove clinically useful as root canal sealant materials.

[Clinical benefit of nutritional assessment and support in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease]

Weight loss is common in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Comprehensive nutritional assessment was conducted in two large groups of patients with COPD who were enrolled in the Respiratory Failure Research Program sponsored by the Japanese Ministry of Health and Welfare and the Kinki COPD Research Group. The incidences of mild malnutrition (%IBW < 90%) were 74% and 62%, respectively. The incidences of hypoalbuminemia were low: 10.0% and 6.5%, respectively. The incidence of imbalance in plasma amino acids, which was defined as an abnormally low BCAA/AAA ratio, was as high as 93% in patients with COPD and chronic respiratory failure. The %IBW was significantly related to the FEV1 and to the DLco/VA. The moderately-malnourished subpopulation was characterized by a greater degree of hyperinflation and hypercapnea: the measured resting energy expenditure (REE) was significantly higher than the values in age-matched healthy controls. REE/REEpred was significantly and inversely related to BCAA/AAA and to Pimax. REE was inversely related to FEV1%. REE in the subgroup with severe hyperinflation was significantly higher than REE in those with milder hyperinflation. Among patients with an FEV1% of less than 50%, mortality tended to be higher in those with lower body weight, and this relationship was stronger in patients with an FEV1% of more than 50%. When patients were given a BCAA-enriched enteral formula in addition to their usual diet for 3 months, there was a significant increase in body weight, transferrin level, and Pimax.

[Emergency percutaneous cardiopulmonary support for patients with cardiac arrest or severe cardiogenic shock]

A total of 20 patients who developed cardiac arrest or severe cardiogenic shock were resuscitated with percutaneous cardiopulmonary support system (PCPS). The etiology of shock was acute myocardial infarction (n = 8), post-infarction left ventricular (LV) free wall rupture (n = 9) and others (n = 3). After successful resuscitation with PCPS, 17 patients underwent therapeutic interventions: either closure of an LV rupture (n = 9), coronary artery bypass grafting (n = 4), percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (n = 1) and percutaneous transluminal coronary recanalization (n = 1). Of the 20 patients, 17 were weaned from PCPS or standard cardiopulmonary bypass. Nine patients survived longer than 30 days and 6 patients were discharged from the hospital. In nine patients with LV free wall rupture, one could be discharged from the hospital. Even though our experience is still small in number, it can be concluded that cardiopulmonary resuscitation using PCPS improves survival in fatally ill patients.

Bioactive constituents of Chinese natural medicines. II. Rhodiolae radix. (1). Chemical structures and antiallergic activity of rhodiocyanosides A and B from the underground part of Rhodiola quadrifida (Pall.) Fisch. et Mey. (Crassulaceae)

Two bioactive cyanoglycosides, rhodiocyanosides A and B, and two oligoglycosides, rhodioflavonoside [gossypetin 7-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->3)-alpha-L-rhamnopyranoside] and rhodiooctanoside [octyl alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl(1-->6) beta- D-glucopyranoside), were isolated from the Chinese natural medicine "Si Lie Hong Jing Tian" (Shiretsukoukeiten in Japanese), the underground part of Rhodiola quadrifida (Pall.) Fisch. et Mey., together with four known compounds: rhodioloside, n-hexyl beta-D-glucopyranoside, gossypetin 7-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranoside, and tricetin. The chemical structures of new glycosides were determined on the basis of chemical and physicochemical evidence. Rhodiocyanosides A and B exhibited inhibitory activity on the histamine release from rat peritoneal exudate cells sensitized with anti-2,4-dinitrophenyl IgE. Additionally, rhodiocyanoside A, the major constituent of this natural medicine, was also found to show antiallergic activity in a passive cutaneous anaphylaxis test in rat.

IL-10 production in mouse hepatocytes augmented by TGF-beta

The supernatant from normal liver cell (Clone 1469) culture enhanced polyclonal antibody production in mouse spleen cells but not in human peripheral blood lymphocytes. The supernatants from transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta)-treated C3H/HeN spleen cells augmented greatly polyclonal antibody responses compared with the untreated supernatants. IL-10 production and expression of mRNA for IL-10 in Clone 1469 cells was detected by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, ELISPOT assay and PCR amplification. TGF-beta led to augmentation of IL-10 secretion from Clone 1469 cells.

Brief reactive psychosis induced by sensitivity training: similarities between sensitivity training and brainwashing situations

Sensitivity training (ST), which originated in the USA during the late 1940s, has been used as part of training seminars in Japanese corporations since the late 1950s. The possibility of negative psychiatric effects of ST, and especially its role in inducing psychiatric symptoms, is yet to be clarified. A case of a 41-year-old male company worker whose brief psychosis was induced by a sensitivity training seminar held by the company he worked for is presented. In reviewing the psychopathology of the case with records from the ST seminar, we found similarities between the patient's ST seminar and brainwashing situations. Specifically, the patient experienced severe conflict (of thought process) between his Christian beliefs and being labeled a coward at the seminar. We conclude that monitoring of the ST programs is crucial in order to ensure the psychological safety of ST participants in Japan.

Bioactive saponins and glycosides. VI. Elatosides A and B, potent inhibitors of ethanol absorption, from the bark of Aralia elata SEEM. (Araliaceae): the structure-requirement in oleanolic acid glucuronide-saponins for the inhibitory activity

Potent inhibitors of ethanol absorption, elatosides A and B, were isolated from the bark of Aralia elata SEEM, through bioassay-guided separation together with elatosides C and D and four known oleanolic acid glucuronide-saponins, spinasaponin A, spinasaponin A 28-O-glucoside, and stipuleanosides R1 and R2. The structures of elatosides A, B, C, and D were determined on the basis of chemical and physicochemical evidence as oleanolic acid 3-O-¿[beta-D-xylopyranosyl (1-->2)] [beta-D-galactopyranosyl (1-->3)]¿-beta-D-glucopyranosiduronic acid, oleanolic acid 3-O-¿[beta-D-galactopyranosyl (1-->2)] [beta-D-galactopyranosyl (1-->3)]¿-beta-D-glucopyranosiduronic acid, and their 28-O-glucopyranosyl esters, respectively. The inhibitory effect of various oleanolic acid 3, 28-O-bisdesmosides, oleanolic acid 3-O-monodesmosides, and oleanolic acid on ethanol absorption was examined and it was found that the 3-O-glucuronide moiety and the 28-carboxyl group in oleanolic acid glucuronide-saponin were required to exert the inhibitory activity.

Bioactive saponins and glycosides. V. Acylated polyhydroxyolean-12-ene triterpene oligoglycosides, camelliasaponins A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, and C2, from the seeds of Camellia japonica L.: structures and inhibitory activity on alcohol absorption

Acylated polyhydroxyolean-12-ene triterpene oligoglycosides, camelliasaponins A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, and C2, were isolated from the seeds of Camellia japonica L. The structures of six camelliasaponins were elucidated on the basis of chemical and physicochemical evidence. Camelliasaponins B1, B2, C1, and C2 were found to exhibit inhibitory activity on ethanol absorption. By comparison of the inhibitory activities for camelliasaponins with those for desacyl-camelliasaponins, acyl groups such as the angeloyl or tigloyl group were found to be essential to exerting the activity.

Development of bioactive functions in Hydrangeae dulcis folium. VI. Syntheses of thunberginols A and F and their 3'-deoxy-derivatives using regiospecific lactonization of stilbene carboxylic acid: structures and inhibitory activity on histamine release of hydramacrophyllols A and B

Lactonization reaction of 2-carboxystilbene mediated by copper(II) chloride proceeded regiospecifically to give the five-membered lactone, while the bromolactonizations using N-bromosuccinimide and anodic oxidation were found to furnish the six-membered lactone. Using these regiospecific lactonization reactions as a key step, antiallergic and antimicrobial isocoumarins and the benzylidenephthalides thunberginols A and F and their 3'-deoxyanalogs were synthesized from phyllodulcin and hydrangenol. Two phthalides called hydramacrophyllols A and B were isolated from Hydrangeae Dulcis Folium and their stereostructures were determined on the basis of physicochemical and chemical evidence, which included the syntheses of hydramacrophyllols A and B from hydrangenol by the application of the lactonization method using copper(II) chloride. In addition, hydramacrophyllols A and B were found to exhibit an inhibitory effect on the histamine release from rat peritoneal exudate cells induced by antigen-antibody reaction.

Bioactive saponins and glycosides. VII. On the hypoglycemic principles from the root cortex of Aralia elata Seem.: structure related hypoglycemic activity of oleanolic acid oligoglycoside

The hypoglycemic component, elatoside E, was isolated from the root cortex of Aralia elata SEEM. (Araliaceae) together with elatoside F and eight known oleanolic acid glycosides, elatosides A and C, oleanolic acid 3-O-[alpha-L-arabinofuranosyl (1-->4)]-beta-D-glucopyranosiduronic acid, oleanolic acid 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosiduronic acid, stipuleanosides R1 and R2, and chikusetsusaponins IV and IVa. The structures of elatosides E and F were determined on the basis of chemical and physicochemical evidence as oleanolic acid 3-O-[beta-D-xylopyranosyl (1-->2)][beta-D-glucopyranosyl (1-->3)]-alpha-L-arabinopyranoside and its 28-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl ester, respectively. The hypoglycemic activity of oleanolic acid and nine oleanolic acid oligoglycosides from the root cortex of Aralia elata was determined by monitoring inhibition effect on the elevation of plasma glucose level by oral sucrose tolerance test in rats, and some structure-activity relationships of oleanolic acid glycoside were obtained.

Evaluation of prodrugs ability to induce effective ablation of cells transduced with viral thymidine kinase gene

Transduction of the herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (HSV-tk) gene into tumor cells followed by treatment with prodrugs is one of the most promising approaches for gene therapy in cancer. The choice of prodrugs is important in order to obtain maximum anticancer effects with minimum adverse reactions. We retrovirally transduced the HSV-tk gene into murine and rat hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells, and investigated their sensitivity to ganciclovir and acyclovir. Retrovirally-mediated HSV-tk transduction did not affect cell proliferation, but led to both ganciclovir- and acyclovir-dependent cytotoxicity in the HCC cells. Ganciclovir exhibited much stronger cytotoxicity on HSV-tk transduced cells than acyclovir. Importantly, HSV-tk transduced cells were completely abrogated at a ganciclovir concentration which was lower than the minimum plasma level achieved in the clinical usage of ganciclovir. Furthermore, HSV-tk transduced cells induced stronger killing of neighboring untransduced cells in the presence of ganciclovir than acyclovir. Ganciclovir may be preferable to acyclovir in the HSV-tk transduction system.

Potent immunosuppressive principles, dimeric sesquiterpene thioalkaloids, isolated from nupharis rhizoma, the rhizoma of Nuphar pumilum (nymphaeaceae): structure-requirement of nuphar-alkaloid for immunosuppressive activity

Potent immunosuppressants, the dimeric sesquiterpene thioalkaloids, 6-hydroxythiobinupharidine (2), 6,6'-dihydroxythiobinupharidine (3), 6-hydroxythionuphlutine B (5) and 6'-hydroxythionuphlutine B (6), were isolated from a natural medicine, Nupharis Rhizoma, the rhizoma of Nuphar pumilum (TIMM.) DC., through bioassay-guided separation together with five quinolizidine alkaloids (8, 9, 10, 11, 12). Dimeric sesquiterpene thioalkaloids (2, 3, 5, 6) were found to significantly inhibit anti-sheep erythrocyte plaque forming cell formation in mice spleen cells at 10(-6) M concentration. At this concentration, 2, 5 and 6 were found to exhibit no cytotoxicity to mice spleen cells, and 3 also showed only a little cytotoxicity. In addition, the inhibitory activity of several Nuphar alkaloids, dimeric sesquiterpene thioalkaloids (1, 4, 7, 8), and monomeric sesquiterpene alkaloids (9, 10, 11, 12) on anti-sheep erythrocyte plaque forming cell formation was examined and some structural requirement of Nuphar alkaloid for immunosuppressive activity was determined.

[Analysis of body composition by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry and its relation to pulmonary function in patients with pulmonary emphysema]

The purpose of this study was to investigate body composition in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and its relation to pulmonary function. Seventeen men with pulmonary emphysema who were being treated as outpatients were divided into three groups, according to ideal body weight (IBW): group A, %IBW > or = 90%; group B, 90 > %IBM > or = 80; and group C, %IBW < 80. All underwent body composition analysis by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Fat mass and bone mineral content were significantly lower in groups B and C than in control subjects. Lean mass was significantly lower in group C than in control subjects. By contrast, group A did not differ significantly from control subjects. Lean mass correlated significantly with %VC, FEV1, RV/TLC, and MVV. These data suggest that lean mass is low in moderately and severely malnourished patients, that bone mineral content and fat mass are low in mildly malnourished patients, and that abnormal body composition is associated with ventilatory impairment in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Improved management of selective cerebral perfusion in aortic arch surgery

To establish a safe and reliable method for cerebral protection in aortic arch surgery, the authors attempted antegrade selective cerebral perfusion (SCP) based on the characteristics of jugular venous oxygen saturation (SjO2). Twenty patients were divided into two groups: a control group and SCP group. In the control group, in 13 adult patients undergoing cardiac surgery using standard hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass, the relationship between SjO2 and nasopharyngeal temperature (NPT) during rewarming showed an inverse linear correlation:SjO2 = -2.3 NPT + 133 (r = 0.616). In the SCP group, seven patients with aortic arch aneurysm underwent surgery using SCP performed through direct cannulation of the innominate and left carotid arteries. While on SCP (83 +/- 24 min), the blood was warmed from 28 to 36 degrees C. Cerebral perfusion pressure of 40-60 mm Hg was necessary to maintain the SjO2 equal to the value in the control group at each NPT during SCP in all seven patients. None of the patients had any post operative complications. Our experience suggests that SCP can be safely performed at both mild hypothermia and normothermia under monitoring of perfusion pressure and SjO2 in aortic arch surgery.

Bioactive constituents of Chinese natural medicines. I. New sesquiterpene ketones with vasorelaxant effect from Chinese moxa, the processed leaves of Artemisia argyi Levl. et Vant.: moxartenone and moxartenolide

Two new sesquiterpene ketones, moxartenone and moxartenolide, and three octadecadienoic acids were isolated from Chinese moxa, the processed leaves of Artemisia argyi LEVL. et VANT., together with two sesquiterpenes, five triterpenes, two phenyl propanoids and three polyoxyflavones. The chemical structures of new sesquiterpenes, moxartenone, moxartenolide, and octadecadienoic acids were determined on the basis of chemical and physiochemical evidence. Moxartenolide was found to inhibit the contractions induced by a high concentration of K+, by norepinephrine, and by serotonin in isolated aortic strips of rat, while moxartenone showed little activity.

Bioactive saponins and glycosides. IV. Four methyl-migrated 16,17-seco-dammarane triterpene gylcosides from Chinese natural medicine, hoveniae semen seu fructus, the seeds and fruit of Hovenia dulcis THUNB.: absolute stereostructures and inhibitory activity on histamine release of hovenidulciosides A1, A2, B1, and B2

Four bioactive methyl-migrated 16,17-seco-dammarane type triterpene glycosides called hovenidulciosides A1, A2, B1, and B2 were isolated from a Chinese natural medicine, Hoveniae Semen Seu Fructus, the seeds and fruit of Hovenia dulcis THUNB. (Rhamnaceae) together with hoduloside III and (+)-gallocatechin. The absolute stereostructures of hovenidulciosides A1, A2, B1, and B2 have been elucidated by chemical and physicochemical evidence. All were found to inhibit the histamine release from rat peritoneal exudate cells induced by compound 48/80 and calcium ionophore A-23187.

Indonesian medicinal plants. XV. Chemical structures of five new resin-glycosides, merremosides a, b, c, d, and e, from the tuber of Merremia mammosa (Convolvulaceae)

Five new resin-glycosides, named merremosides a (1), b (2), c (3), d (4), and e (5), were isolated from the tuber of Merremia mammosa (LOUR.) HALLIER f. (Convolvulaceae), an Indonesian medicinal plant. The structures of 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 have been elucidated on the basis of chemical and physiochemical evidence, including syntheses of (11S)-(+)- and (11R)-(--)-jalapinolic acid (16b and 18b) and the glycosidic acid designated as merremoside i (6).

Indonesian medicinal plants. XVI. Chemical structures of four new resin-glycosides, merremosides f, g, h1, and h2, from the tuber of Merremia mammosa (Convolvulaceae)

Four new resin-glycosides named merremosides f (6), g (7), h1 (8), and h2 (9) were isolated from the tuber of Merremia mammosa (Lour.) Hallier f. (Convolvulaceae), an Indonesian medicinal plant. Their chemical structures have been elucidated on the bases of their chemical and physicochemical properties.

[Atypical mycobacteriosis (Mycobacterium xenopi) with "initial aggravation"]

A 66-year-old man was admitted to Nara Medical University Hospital because of sputum production and fevre. A chest X-ray film obtained on admission revealed many cysts and an infiltrative shadow in the right upper lung field. The patient was treated with antimycobacterial drugs (isoniazid 400 mg, streptomycin 0.75 g, and rifampicin 450 mg) because acid-fast bacilli were detected in his sputum. Although the symptoms and laboratory data improved, a new infiltrative shadow developed in the right lower lung field two months after the start of treatment. Transbronchial biopsy specimens showed intraluminal organizing exudate and alveolitis. The new lesion resolved when treated with the same antimycobacterial drugs. Mycobacterium xenopi was cultured from the sputum 80 days later. This is the third reported case of atypical mycobacteriosis (non-tuberculous mycobacteriosis) due to M. xenopi in Japan with the "initial aggravation" seen in some patients with typical pulmonary tuberculosis.

Development of bioactive functions in hydrangeae dulcis folium. V. On the antiallergic and antimicrobial principles of hydrangeae dulcis folium. (2). Thunberginols C, D, and E, thunberginol G 3'-O-glucoside, (-)-hydrangenol 4'-o-glucoside, and (+)-hydrangenol 4'-O-glucoside

Following the characterization of thunberginols A, B, and F, six bioactive principles, thunberginols C, D, and E, thunberginol G 3'-O-glucoside, (-)-hydrangenol 4'-O-glucoside, and (+)-hydrangenol 4'-O-glucoside, were isolated from Hydrangeae Dulcis Folium, the processed leaves of Hydrangea macrophylla SERINGE var. thunbergii MAKINO, together with four kaempferol and quercetin oligoglycosides. Their chemical structures have been determined on the basis of chemical and physicochemical evidence. Thunberginols C, D, E, and G and (-)-hydrangenol 4'-O-glucoside showed antiallergic activity in the in vitro bioassay using the Schultz-Dale reaction. These components also exhibited inhibitory activities on the histamine release from rat mast cells and on the histamine-induced contraction in isolated guinea pig tracheal chain. In addition, thunberginols C, D, E, and G showed antimicrobial activities against oral bacteria.

Bioactive saponins and glycosides. III. Horse chestnut. (1): The structures, inhibitory effects on ethanol absorption, and hypoglycemic activity of escins Ia, Ib, IIa, IIb, and IIIa from the seeds of Aesculus hippocastanum L

Five bioactive triterpene oligoglycosides named escins, Ia, Ib, IIa, IIb, and IIIa were isolated from the seeds of horse chestnut tree, Aesculus hippocastanum L. (Hippocastanaceae). The chemical structures of escins Ia, Ib, IIa, IIb, and IIIa were determine on the basis of chemical and physicochemical evidence, which included selective cleavage of the glucuronide linkage using photochemical reaction and lead tetraacetate decarboxylation reaction. Escins Ia, Ib, IIa, and IIb were found to exhibit an ethanol absorption-inhibitory effect and hypoglycemic activity in the oral glucose tolerance test in rats. Some structure-activity relationships are reported.

Gabaergic transmission and tyrosine hydroxylase expression in the nigral dopaminergic neurons: an in vivo study using a reversible ischemia model of rats

The authors conducted an in vivo study, using a rat striatal ischemic model, of the effect of GABAergic transmission upon the dopamine synthesizing enzyme tyrosine hydroxylase in the neurons of the substantia nigra pars compacta. Two hours transient middle cerebral artery occlusion produced massive striatal ischemic damage resulting in a marked decrease of GABAergic projection to the ipsilateral substantia nigra. Histological examinations were conducted in rats killed at three, seven, 15, 30 and 94 days after ischemia. The immunoreactivity for tyrosine hydroxylase in the ipsilateral pars compacta was unaltered up to three days after the ischemic insult, but it was markedly decreased at seven days post-ischemia. At this stage, the number of neurons positive for tyrosine hydroxylase was significantly decreased in the ipsilateral pars compacta, whereas there was no significant reduction in the number of pars compacta neurons containing Nissl substance. By 30 days post-ischemia, the tyrosine hydroxylase-positive cell number in the ipsilateral pars compacta appeared to be equivalent to that of the contralateral side. It was also noted that continuous intraventricular administration of a GABAA receptor agonist muscimol, initiated from 24 h post-ischemia, effectively prevented the transient reduction of immunoreactivity for tyrosine hydroxylase in the ipsilateral pars compacta at seven and 15 days after ischemic insult. The present study revealed that the striatal ischemic lesion induced a transient down-regulation of tyrosine hydroxylase synthesis in the pars compacta neurons, which could be prevented by administration of GABA agonist, suggesting that GABAergic transmission greatly affects dopamine metabolism in these cells.

[Interaction between nutrition and production of IL-1 beta, TNF alpha, and IL-6 by peripheral blood monocytes in patients with lung cancer]

Altered nutrient intake and metabolism are responsible for the progressive loss of body weight observed in most patients with advanced cancer, but the precise mechanism is still controversial. Under stressful conditions, some inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1 beta, TNF alpha, and IL-6 have a hypermetabolic effect and cause proteolysis and lipolysis in muscle and in fat tissues. To elucidate the mechanism of malnutrition in patients with lung cancer and normal food intake, we focused on the relationship between abnormal metabolism and these inflammatory cytokines. Patients with lung cancer were confirmed to be malnourished, and this malnutrition was found to be caused by hypermetabolism as estimated with visceral proteins, plasma levels of amino acids, and anthropometric indices. The production of IL-1 beta, TNF alpha, and IL-6 by blood monocytes was significantly higher in these patients than in healthy controls, and it correlated significantly and inversely with indices of nutrition. The present results suggest that nutritional status and these cytokines are closely related in patients with lung cancer. IL-1 beta, TNF-alpha, and IL-6 may serve as anti-cancer bioactive molecules, but "overfunctioning" of these cytokines may induce a hypermetabolic status that causes malnutrition, i.e. cancer cachexia.

Bioactive saponins and glycosides. II. Senegae Radix. (2): Chemical structures, hypoglycemic activity, and ethanol absorption-inhibitory effect of E-senegasaponin c, Z-senegasaponin c, and Z-senegins II, III, and IV

Following the characterization of E-senegasaponins a and b and Z-senegasaponins a and b, new bioactive saponins named E-senegasaponin c and Z-senegasaponin c were isolated from Senegae Radix, the root of Polygala senega L. var. latifolia TORREY et GRAY., together with Z-senegins II, III, and IV. The chemical structures of E and Z-senegasaponins c and Z-senegins II, III, and IV were elucidated on the basis of chemical and physicochemical evidence, and the geometrical isomeric structures of the 4"-methoxycinnamoyl and 3",4"-dimethoxycinnamoyl groups in these saponins were found to show tautomer-like behavior under irradiation with fluorescent lamps. E and Z-Senegasaponins c and E and Z-senegins II, III, and IV were found to exhibit hypoglycemic activity in the oral D-glucose tolerance test. (E) and (Z)-Senegins II also showed an inhibitory effect on alcohol absorption in rats.

[Investigation of soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor in patients with active tuberculosis]

It is assumed that soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor I and II (sTNF-RI, II) play important roles in the regulation of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) activity. We measured the levels of circulating sTNF-R in patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis (n = 31) and the correlation between TNF-alpha and sTNF-R in serum level was investigated. We also compared sTNF-R levels before and after the treatment in 7 cases. Significant increase of circulating sTNF-R were found in patients with tuberculosis compared with the normal controls (n = 28) (p < 0.01). Moreover, significant positive correlations were found between TNF-alpha and sTNF-R I and II (r = 0.520, r = 0.553) in serum comparing sTNF-R levels before and after the treatment for patients with tuberculosis, significant fall was found in sTNF-R I, but not in sTNF-R II. As a result, it is suggested that sTNF-R regulates TNF-alpha activity in patients with tuberculosis, and that sTNF-R I levels could be used as one of the indices to evaluate the clinical activity of tuberculosis.